With so much to look forward to, a new year is the perfect time for a Bay Area family adventure. From art and science museums to playgrounds, waterparks and live theater, 2022 looks very promising! We hope you are as excited as we are—scroll down for all the details then mark your calendars and get ready for the best year yet!
The Magic of Disney (on ice!) is coming to the Bay Area. Sail away with Moana, follow Miguel to the Land of the Dead, watch Ana and Elsa skate to stop an eternal winter and laugh along with Aladdin and his Genie. Event details.
Dates: February 3-6, 2022
Stockton Arena 248 W. Fremont St. Stockton, CA 95203
Dates: February 9-13, 2022
SAP Center 525 W. Santa Clara St. San Jose, CA 95113
Dates: February 23-27, 2022
Oakland Arena 7000 Coliseum Way Oakland, CA 94621
Do Napa
Napa Lighted Art Festival After a two year hiatus, this popular lighted art festival is finally back! From January 15-March 13, take the kids to downtown Napa after dark for a series of lighted art sculptures all within four easily walkable locations. Check out the Angels of Freedom, the 10 foot rhombicosidodecahedron (say that five times as fast as you can) and the electric dandelions—all guaranteed to dazzle! Event details.
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Into the Deep: Exploring Our Undiscovered Ocean Monterey Aquarium is introducing a new exhibit set to open in Spring 2022 that brings strange and fascinating animals from the deep sea up to surface. Using robotic submarines that navigate through complete darkness, this groundbreaking exhibit collects and brings animals to the surface and then utilizes technology to mimic deep-sea conditions. Come face to face with the rarely seen bloody-belly comb jellies and other unique animals! Sign us up!!
More Magical Bridge Playgrounds Are in the Works All Over the Bay Area
Christine Lai
With openings in Redwood City and Palo Alto already, 2022 will bring us Magical Bridge Playground openings in Morgan Hill and Sunnyvale and local families are thrilled! Designed to address the needs of all children, these all-abilities playgrounds were the first of its kind in the Bay Area. More info.
Did your child inherit your devotion for Roald Dahl? You're in luck! Broadway San Jose is bringing his amazing tale, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, to the big stage—complete with songs from the original film: “Pure Imagination,” “The Candy Man” and “I’ve Got a Golden Ticket.” Tap your toes along with Charlie Bucket, Willy Wonka and the Oompa-Loompas as Charlie uses his golden ticket to experience the wonders of the marvelous chocolate factory. Event details.
Dates: January 18-23, 2022
135 W San Carlos St. San Jose, CA 9511
James Corner Field Operations
Presidio Tunnel Tops The highly anticipated Presidio Tunnel Tops is set to open in May 2022. Built on top of the Presidio Tunnels, this new national park land and scenic overlook will boast stunning views of the city, Golden Gate Bridge and more. Families will be able to picnic, enjoy a campfire circle and play at the “Outpost” natural playground. We are really excited for this one!
Jaw-dropping entertainment is heading your way! Watch these amazing athletes spin the ball, defy gravity and perform trick after trick like you’ve never seen before. This event will be a slam dunk for the entire family! Get your tickets here.
Dates: January 13-16, 2022 Location: various locations throughout the Bay Area
The Children’s Discovery Museum in San Jose offers two fun events in early 2022:
Three Kings Day program Saturday, January 8 Join us at the museum to celebrate The Three Kings story. Decorate a festive crown to wear proudly, watch Mariachi youth performers, collect gifts from the kings (chocolate coins) and watch a short video in the theater to learn more about this widely celebrated story.Event details.
Lunar New Year Party Saturday, February 12 Celebrate the Year of the Ox at the Children’s Discovery Museum’s annual Lunar New Year party. Event details.
180 Woz Way San Jose, CA 95110
Harry Potter & the Cursed Child at The Curran Theater
With 24 major awards in the U.K., this show is sure to be a hit in San Francisco! Bring the entire family and watch Harry Potter—now an adult with three children of his own—in this award-winning show. Best for kids 10 and older. Performances begin Jan. 2022. Event details.
Mark your calendars! This in-person, all-day event includes art activities, in-gallery conversations and entertainment. Free for all Bay Area families! Event details.
Date: March 5, 2022
de Young Museum 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive San Francisco, CA 94118
It's back! The five-day Bay Area Science Festival will be in-person this spring! Bring the entire family and experience the wonder of science through hands-on activities, interviews with scientists and STEM story times. Stay tuned here for the full schedule and details about how to participate! Bonus: most Bay Area Science Festival events are FREE!
Lots of families discovered hiking this year, and well, we’re thinking the trend will continue into the winter months. After all: hiking is basically free, it’s an outdoor activity you can do with kids and you can even socially distance as you walk. And so, we rounded up the best winter hikes in and around NYC. Some are in the city, some are mellow and stroller-friendly; others are upstate and beyond or a bit more challenging. So put on that long underwear and hit the trails!
MANHATTAN
Central Park
Wikimedia CC
The sheer size of Central Park means that there are many options to choose from when it comes to family winter walks. Plus, the variety of options means you can cater the walk to your family — whether you decide to go off the beaten path or follow a paved and stroller-friendly walkway.
You could walk around the pond in the south, where the trees and bridge make a magical sight after snowfall. Climb to the top of Belvedere Castle for a winter wonderland view or wander around the Ramble for a chance to spot some wildlife like squirrels and birds. In the north, the North Woods are a great place to get a taste of winter hiking without ever needing to leave the city.
Hop on the tram or take the F train to Roosevelt Island for a nice walk alongside the city without actually being in it. You can take your time walking along the East River and see sights of both Manhattan and Queens on either side of the island. Benches along the way and a fully paved promenade make this a very easy walk to take with the opportunity for plenty of stops along the way.
Pay a visit to Lighthouse Park at the northern tip of the island for a photo-up next to the titular lighthouse. After your walk, visit the island's quaint shops along Main Street for a grab to eat!
Prospect Park is an excellent choice for a winter amble. Enjoy a beautiful winter view of the lake as you wind around the park's paths. Follow the official perimeter loop for a 3.68-mile walk around the entirety of the park, or stick to the inner loops for shorter walks. Some views are only visible in the winter — like the excellent view from Lookout Hill, which is mostly obscured by trees in other seasons — and the Prospect Park Alliance even has a suggested path you can take for a winter walk.
When you're ready to end the walk, there are plenty of winter activities to do in Prospect Park, including ice skating and sledding.
For a bit of wilderness right in your backyard, take a walk around the Forest Park Loop. This oak forest path is heavily wooded and it's easy to forget that you're in the middle of the city when you're immersed in the area. It's a great place to see wildlife as well, like songbirds and small mammals, and if you're really lucky, you might even spot a wild pheasant!
There are several trails to choose from, although some aren't as clearly marked as others and it can be easy to get turned around, so keep a map handy — you can get one from a park Ranger at the visitor's center.
Take your walk to the trees with Alley Pond's adventure course, which features rope courses accessible for all ages. If you'd rather stick to the ground, there are plenty of sights to see, including a few ponds, one of the city's oldest trees in an oak-hickory forest, official hiking trails and more. Along your walk, stop by the Environmental Center to pay a visit to Alley Pond's 80+ animal ambassadors (visits are free but a $5 donation is encouraged).
Although Alley Pond is technically in NYC, don't be fooled — the trails are considered moderate difficulty, with some areas providing a bit of a challenge for visitors. In the winter, be sure to stay on the trails as some areas can get muddy and slippery due to the area's marshy nature.
Little Neck Bay to Springfield Blvd, Union Tpke Online: nycgovparks.org
Grab a map at the Nature Center and embark on a walk that'll take you through various types of scenery in the city's third-largest park. The park provides fairly easy and tranquil walks and you may even spot a few horses, due to the nearby stable and much of the path being open to equestrians.
You can stay on a flat, paved track for most of your walk, or choose to veer off into the John Muir trail for a slightly more off-road experience.
For the John Muir loop, enter at Broadway & Mosholu Avenue or Van Cortlandt Park East & Oneida Avenue
Although it's a relatively small park and is much more of a city park than a wild spot in the middle of the city. If that's the kind of walk you're looking for, then this park is one of the best winter spots to visit.
St. Nicholas is a hotspot when it snows, as many people come to sled down its sizable hill. It's a nice place to visit for a brief and pleasant walk, whether you plan to partake in the snowy fun or just watch people having a good time.
Intersection of St. Nicholas Avenue, 127th Street, and St. Nicholas Terrace and 141st Street Online: nycgovparks.org
The Staten Island Greenbelt is the closest you'll come to visiting a forest without leaving the city. The large park (the city's second-largest) boasts many forested areas and natural-feeling trails and paths. While many of the other parks mentioned previously constantly remind visitors that they're in a city park because of noise from cars along nearby roads and highways, the Greenbelt is a truly peaceful, scenic oasis, and it becomes truly quiet as you head deeper into the trails. You might even get to see a deer (or a few — the animals frequent the park and are a fairly common sight there). See more info on the many trails here.
There are some hillier and more difficult areas, but nothing too difficult for most kids to handle. The winter months are the best times to see the abandoned Farm Colony in the center of the park, when the vines that cover the structures are stripped of their leaves by the weather. (Just maybe don't share the lurid details of the place's past with your kids!)
We now leave NYC and find ourselves just over an hour away from Penn Station, at the Cornish Estate Trail in Cold Springs. This trail might be outside of the city, but it's still a super easy walk and a great first step toward hiking outside of NYC.
Most of one trail is stroller-friendly and paved, although there are challenges to try as well if your family is up to it. If you're a fan of ruins, the Cornish Estate ruins are a great spot to check out (though they aren't accessible along the main, paved path). This trail is the perfect choice for families who want to try something similar to but much easier than a hike.
This trail is definitely a ramp up in challenge from your leisurely walks. For families who want a bit more of an adventure, the Delaware Water Gap is a fun hike that's still easy enough for kids to tackle. The payoff is worth it: There are spectacular views at the end of the Council Rock and Lookout Rock trail, especially when the land is blanketed in snow.
It's a fairly well-populated trail, so you're unlikely to be entirely alone here. Be sure to stay on the markers and don't follow worn paths away from the main trails, as it can get slippery in the winter.
Delaware Water Gap
Lake Rd. Delaware Water Gap, PA (just off Route 611)
This spot is a great beginner's hike for families, and it's gorgeous in the winter. The trails feature a variety of terrain and scenery, including fairly flat paths, more challenging rocky sections, and, as the name implies, lakes and an old rail trail.
Though there are a few scrambles to tackle here, this is a favorite among parents of young kids. Despite this, it typically doesn't get much traffic, so you can really get out there and enjoy some family time without seeing too many other hikers.
Wallkill Valley Rail Trail: New Paltz to Rosendale
Wikimedia Creative Commons
Located in New Paltz/Rosendale, NY, 1h 30m from NYC
If you want to make your walk a whole day adventure, the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail is a great choice. This bike trail is wide, spacious and mostly flat, so it's a great walk for families with young children and even strollers (in most places).
The entire trail is probably too long to tackle in one go, so we recommend completing the Rosendale portion of the hike. That on its own is an impressive 11-mile path, so only undertake this one if you have some experience and the kids have enough endurance. If you can manage the length, though, be sure to visit the Rosendale trestle bridge, which spans 940 feet and rises 150 miles over a creek — at one time, this was the largest bridge in the states — and features spectacular views in the winter (and all year round!).
At the end of your hike, stop by the hamlet of Rosendale to explore and grab a bite to eat.
Wallkill Valley Rail Trail Sojourner Truth Park 55 Plains Rd. New Paltz, NY Online: wallkillvalleylt.org
ALBANY COUNTY
Five Rivers Environmental Education Center Game Farm Road
NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
Located in Delmar, NY, 2h 28m from NYC
A favorite among hikers with children, this trail is a must-visit in the winter. It's a fairly flat walk throughout, and has opportunities to snowboard and cross-country ski if you're looking for a bit more excitement than just a walk. If you're just walking, make sure to wear grippy shoes as the path does get icy in places in the winter.
This is a top spot to visit if you're hoping to catch a glimpse of some wildlife, like birds, deer, bunnies and much more. Pavilions and rest areas are scattered throughout the trail for a chance to catch your breath. Stop by Beaver Tree trail for a burst of nature — though it's best in the spring and summer, you may still get to see a variety of critters in the winter.
If you haven’t already ditched your gym membership, this list of the best at-home workouts might have you doing just that! With kids at home, finding the time to work out can be a challenge. That’s why working out from the convenience of your own home is the way to go! From Pilates to P90X and everything in between, these (often) free online workout programs will save you the drive to the gym and get you moving towards your fitness goals.
The Sculpt Society's mission to empower women through movement and love their bodies is just one reason to jump into their online program. And when we say "jump," we mean dance! A hallmark offering is their 30-minute Dance Cardio class, but they also offer Yoga and other low-impact classes. You can choose from over 400 live and on-demand classes or choose from a curated collection complete with a flexible guided calendar to keep you on track.
Good to know: An annual membership is $180 after a free 7-day trial. Monthly payment options are also available.
Best for: Anyone who wants to get feel good and get fit while having fun!
From live, instructor-led classes to on-demand workouts, Openfit allows you to stream directly to your phone, laptop, tablet or desktop with structured, daily workouts to fit any lifestyle and fitness level. In-app features also include meal planning and tracking making it a one-stop-shop for achieving fitness goals. Watch for upcoming monthly challenges geared toward busy moms.
Good to know: If you want to check out Openfit before committing to a subscription, you can sign up for a free 14-day trial here!
Recommended by health professionals and moms, Studio Bloom and the Bloom Method is ideal for pregnant women and their post-natal recovery period. Safe and heart-thumping workouts are plentiful, including classes like Cardioprep, prenatal stretching, birth prep, CardioHIIT, CoreHab, CoreFIX and many more––all from the comfort of your own home. And we especially love that they have a dedicated, private Facebook group where you can connect with other moms and get your questions answered by coaches!
Best for: Moms of any stage in life who want to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Stealth is a clever product that targets 29 muscle groups in three minutes while playing video games! The free app comes with two free games (Glider, a flying game and Galaxy Adventure, a target-blasting space game), and you can upgrade to premium to get more games. We found the two free ones to suffice since you're only doing it for three minutes at a time, and any gravity-controlled game works. Once you've got your games on your device, place the phone in the recessed opening, put yourself in the plank pose and hit play. Now use the Stealth to move up, down and side to side. Games last three minutes, can you?
Good to know: Right now, Stealth is on sale for $99.
Best for: Anyone who wants to work out their core in just three minutes a day!
This online community brings programs from your local YMCA straight to your favorite device. There are live stream and on-demand classes for the entire family, including sports and yoga for the kids! Find out if your branch is participating by entering your zip code here.
With approximately 5000 on-demand workout videos ranging from mat Pilates to reformer and even Barre fusion, there's a class for anyone, anytime! And their custom filters help you find the right workout in just a couple of minutes.
Good to Know: There's a 15-day free trial, then access to the app and website costs $18 per month.
Best for: People looking to strengthen and tone with low-impact workouts.
What's cool about Obé is that they have both live and replay classes (over 4,000!) that are just 28 minutes long and are structured across three pillars: Define, Sweat and Flow. There's also the option to take a 10-minute Express class, which is especially great if you're short on time. In the Sweat category, you'll find dance classes, HIIT, cardio boxing and more. Define classes include Pilates and Barre, and their Flow classes are all about Yoga and stretch. There are three different levels of classes, depending on your fitness level, with tailored programs for all your exercise needs.
Good to know: Obé has two deals at the moment: 2 months for $2 or sign up for a free 7-day trial and then $19 per month after it ends.
Glo is an online yoga, meditation, Pilates and fitness platform that features thousands of professionally-filmed, on-demand classes taught by world-class teachers as well as an interactive community for conversations about health and self-care. Each workout is filmed in an actual studio, and the vibe filters right into to your workout. Each time you log on you’ll be quizzed about your state of mind and what you want out of the workout (Feeling calm? Feeling energized?). Workouts range from five to 120 minutes, and with more than 3,800 videos, your choices are endless. There are options for everyone—beginners, runners and travelers are just a few (There are plenty of classes for expectant mothers and families, too.).
Good to know: You can start working out with Glo today when you sign up for a 7-day free trial. Memberships are as low as $13.50 a month when you pay annually.
Lift for Life's 36-week program is perfect for both pre and post-natal moms. The three times a week, 30-minute workouts are designed to for busy parenting schedules and cover lower, upper and full-body options. The instant download offers over 200 pages of content and a full glossary of exercise, giving you the confidence that usually only comes with a personal trainer at your side.
Good to know: $69.99 for the entire program
Best for: Moms at any stage, even pre-and post-natal!
Serious about your health and fitness goals? Trainiac offers online personal training from start to finish. Complete your intake, pick a trainer, then get your own personal workout program designed by certified trainers. The online platform offers flexibility to meet your busy schedule, with the personal touch of a trainer who has your goals in mind.
Best for: People who are serious about getting fit and want one-on-one accountability and training.
Peloton has long been known for its impressive stationary bike with accompanying on-demand videos that guarantee a great workout. Now the exercise company brings you outdoor, yoga, meditation, strength training, cycling, running and toning options via the Peloton app. Get the full, live studio experience without leaving your home when you use the app on your television, phone or tablet.
Good to know: Snag a free 30-day trial membership here. And no, you don't have to own the bike to participate!
Best For: People who love the feeling of a group workout but can't get to the gym.
Get the workout you want, when you want it with Studio SWEAT onDemand. Access workouts on your computer, smart device, smart TV, Amazon FireTV, Apple TV, Google Chromecast, Google TV, Playstation, 4Roku, Xbox One (basically any device!) and through the Studio Sweat onDemand app.
Good to know: A year-long all-access pass is $188 per month after a 7-day free trial.
When you join Mindful Movement with Maggie, you get much more than a workout. The platform's at-home 30-minute workouts require no equipment (besides a yoga mat) and focus on low-impact and body-positive exercises for the whole family. Subscribers get weekly tutorials and newsletters, a playlist and access to a private Facebook group to connect with other users. And we absolutely love their motto: All ages. All sizes. All abilities. All bodies.
Good to know: After your 14-day free trial, unlimited access is only $21 per month. We think that's pretty good for the whole family!
V Shred's online fitness programs and customized diet plans are perfect for busy parents who don't know exactly where to start. Users can purchase individual video plans that include workouts for fat loss, toning and six-packs, in addition to a recipe guide and custom training and diet programs. If you join V Shred University, you'll also get a new diet and workout plan every month and access to nutrition and supplement tutorials.
Best for: Busy parents who want a holistic approach to fitness.
Naturally Sassy's Ballet Blast, Monthly Workout and Stretching Programs are just what former (or aspiring!) dancers crave. Joining the online platform provides access to their app, diet guidelines, skill videos, new workouts each week and fresh monthly workouts.
Good to know: Annual memberships are about $9 per month when you pay annually. And, yes, there is a free trial of 14 days!
Best for: People who love dance and desire the lean lines of ballet dancers
Every Mother offers easy-to-follow workout routines ideal for all stages of motherhood: pregnancy, postpartum and beyond. Whether you are trying to keep active during pregnancy, strengthen your core after childbirth or it's been years since you've exercised, this gentle program is as advertised: for every mother! You start with a simple self-diagnosis technique to determine which program is best for you and then proceed to do short sequences each day (typically 7 or 8 minutes) along with a 20-minute workout. The program has also been scientifically proven to resolve diastasis recti, something difficult to find in the world of postpartum workouts.
Best for: Any mother, no matter the stage of motherhood.
If you like the camaraderie (and accountability) of group workouts but time or money make it tricky, FitOn is the app for you. While the app offers a ton of awesome on-demand workouts from world-class trainers, there's also a unique feature that allows you to "join" a class at a specific time. There's even a social component that allows you to interact with friends inside and outside class. But what we like the most is Maddy Curley's FitMama program which helps you get fit post-baby. You won't need any special equipment, and since it's an app, you can download it right to your phone.
Best for: People who like group fitness but can't get to the gym; moms looking to workout post-baby or even with the kids. Anyone!!!
If you’d like to try yoga without the mediational music, Bulldog Yoga is ideal! There’s a wide variety of classes, from hour-long to 20-minute “bulldog bites” that you can fit into any schedule or budget. How is it different from a traditional online yoga program? Each video features yogis from all walks of life at all different skill levels, and each one is accompanied by an energetic, heart-pumping playlist. Some of the online classes start as low as 40 cents a day!
Good to know: Bulldog Yoga has an awesome 30-day trial. After that, the cost is $12.99 when paid monthly.
Best for: People who want an energetic yoga workout.
A team of experts designed Barre3's signature moves to give students a strong and balanced body. Anyone can do Barre3—a mix of yoga, Pilates, cardio and weight training—and instructors encourage their students to adapt the moves to their own needs in order to develop body awareness. You can choose from over 300 different videos (new ones are added every week) that vary from 10- to 60-minutes, get real-time support from instructors, connect with wellness experts, and utilize their new goal planner—schedule workouts, set weekly goals and even set text reminders!
Good to know: Monthly memberships are $29 per month after your 14-day trial ends.
Best dor: People who want to increase strength and balance.
Physique 57 uses a method called Interval Overload—a combo of body resistance moves that target the abs, glutes, thighs and arms. Each workout focuses on strength training, cardio and restorative workouts; there’s minimal equipment needed for the 40+ online videos, and the intensity of the workouts means quick results. There are 10, 15 and 30-minute (and longer) videos available so you can design your workout playlist to fit your needs and daily schedule. There are also two, four, eight and 12-week programs and different themed programs like Best Beach Body, Two Weeks to Hard Core, Lost 10 in 10 and more.
Good to know: After your 7-day free trial, memberships are $25 when paid monthly.
Grokker is a wellness social network. It’s designed for companies who want to encourage wellness among employees and individuals who want to e-meet other like-minded folks on the same journey. There are over 4,000 videos and 70 programs. Choose from popular fitness options like HIIT and Pilates, and access over 130 trainers who guide users in healthy exercise, mindfulness, nutrition, and even sleeping habits. You can find family-friendly recipes, compete against other users and get support—like you’ve got your own virtual trainer!
Good to know: Want to give Grokker a try? You can start with a free 14-day trial!
Best for: Anyone who wants to make healthy living the norm.
When you sign up for Daily Burn, you’ll be joining a supportive online community with an impressive collection of workouts designed and taught by seven top-notch fitness gurus. Every morning you can catch a new workout via live stream (available for 24-hours after), or you can opt to try one of the numerous archived videos. There are 20-plus programs, including dance, high-intensity cardio, strength training and more. The service also offers personalized workout plans. Daily Burn is compatible with a range of devices and streaming services, including Apple TV, Roku, Android and iPad, which makes it easy to work out anytime, anywhere.
Good to know: Daily Burn offers a generous 30-day trial for those looking to give it a try!
Best for: People who need a little extra motivation.
Ballet Beautiful was created by professional ballerina and celebrity trainer Mary Helen Bowers. Opt to tone your bottom half, tighten up your abs and arms or power your way through a full-body workout. You have the option of streaming individual videos (nutcracker workout bundle, supermodel, Ballet Beautiful stretch bundle) or choosing the custom workout plan (unlimited access, two new videos a month, personalized workouts), which has a monthly fee. There’s even a pre-natal option for expectant mamas.
Good to know:Videos range from $9.99 to $49.99 for a bundle or $39.99 per month for a subscription.
BodyLove Pilates was created by a pre-and post-natal pilates guru as she was going through her pregnancy. The workouts are tailored to various stages of pregnancy, and the services have specialized workouts for different needs: what muscles you want to target, any pain you may be feeling, how much time you have, and more. For $25 a month, members get access to a rapidly growing library of 200+ workouts, a step-by-step catalog of Pilates mat exercises (over 100!), detailed anatomical info on what happens in the pre-and post-natal stages, the Postnatal After Birth Training Program and a blog filled with handy tips to get you through each trimester.
There are so many offerings from Booya Fitness that the chances you’ll get bored are slim. There are over 100 boutique classes, different workout plans (clean eating challenge, busy mom workout plan, post-baby bounce back and more), and a blog with tons of healthy living tips. You’ll even get reminder emails to keep you motivated and on the right track.
Good to know: You can opt for a monthly subscription or unlock over 50 workout plans for as low as $2.99.
iBodyFit is ideal for people who need a little structure in their workout. Designed by fitness guru Franklin Antoian, there are three basic options: Fat Burner Plan, Bundle Plan, and Premium Plan. Each one is designed by Franklin, has different fitness goals, and requires just basic equipment. A new addition to the personal trainer programs means that members can now Skype with trainers, nutritionists and even set up a Q&A with a personal trainer.
Best for: People who want an organized workout plan.
Beachbody workouts are available every day, all day! From PiYo to P90X, these on-demand programs offer something for everyone, even those looking for the most challenging workouts like Insanity on-demand. You'll have streaming access to over 600 different videos in addition to healthy-eating plans offered with your membership. Simply download the app and get the whole family moving!
Best for: People who are interested in meal planning as well as workouts. Family-friendly options are available.
Brush up on your DC trivia with this list of fun facts about the Nation’s capital. Want to know why so much of the city is built in white granite? Look up fact #5. Ever wonder how many windows and doors the White House has? Check fact #59. Curious what was originally planned for the Lincoln Memorial? Scroll down for fact #7. Whether you’re a tourist or live in town, there is something new to learn below.
7. Both the site of the Lincoln Memorial and the design were controversial. Other proposals included a Mayan temple and an Egyptian pyramid.
8. Sculptor Daniel Chester French used actual molds of Lincoln's hands when creating the memorial.
9. Rumor has it that Lincoln is signing his initials in American Sign Language. This was the intention of French, but it sure looks like he's loosely flashing an "A" and an "L".
10. The statue of Lincoln was originally supposed to only be 10 feet. As plans for the monument expanded so did the statue, which wound up being 19 feet.
11. There is a typo in the Gettysburg Address on the north wall. Instead of “future” the word was inscribed “euture.” Though the typo has been corrected, the original spelling is still visible.
12. The same team that designed the Lincoln Memorial also designed another DC landmark: Dupont Circle. The fountain in the middle of the circle was state-of-the-art in 1921 when it boasted an electric water pump.
13. The Patterson House at 15 Dupont Circle served as a temporary residence for then-sitting President Calvin Coolidge while The White House was being restored.
14. The United States Supreme Court is a relative "newcomer" to the city. It was completed in 1935. Before then, the Court used the Old Senate Chamber, as well as spaces in the basement of the Capitol and even Philadelphia’s Old City Hall.
15. While becoming a Supreme Court Justice is the dream of many lawyers, you don’t need to have a law degree to be on the court. In fact, a majority – 57 percent - didn’t have law degrees.
16. Talk about a resume! William Howard Taft is the only person who has served as both President and Chief Justice.
17. There’s a gym with a basketball court on the top floor – meaning that there’s a high court inside the Highest Court in the Land.
18. A fruit or a vegetable? Everyone knows that tomatoes are actually fruits – not vegetables – but that didn’t stop the Court from arguing the point in an 1893 case. The Court ultimately decided that tomatoes are vegetables because they are served during the salad or main course and not during dessert.
19. Across the street from the Supreme Court is the US Capitol, which is topped by a statue officially called the Statue of Freedom. She weighs in at 15,000 pounds.
20. Plans to bury George Washington in a crypt in the basement were scrapped. Visitors, however, can still see where the tomb was going to go and browse the gift shop.
21. While GW isn’t under the Capitol, its own subway system is.
22. The Capitol is literally strewn all over the Capital – original stone blocks litter Rock Creek Park and the original columns stand in the National Arboretum.
23. If you head west from the Capitol you will arrive at the National Mall. Before this National Park was dotted with Smithsonian museums a train ran down the strip of ground.
24. Trees have always been part of the Mall. Today there are over 9,000 of them.
25. The Mall continues to grow and change – with the Martin Luther King Jr. and World War II memorials being the most recent additions. A World War I, Disabled Veterans, and Eisenhower Memorials are all scheduled to open on the Mall in the near future.
26. While sometimes used synonymously, the Smithsonian and the Mall are two different things. The Smithsonian is a group of 19 museums only some of which are on the Mall.
27. Today's most visited museums almost didn't exist. The Smithsonian’s founder and namesake, James Smithson, never set foot in the United States and because of this Congress was skeptical of accepting Mr. Smithson’s gift.
28. The Smithsonian’s collection is HUGE! Remember those 19 museums? Together they display only about 1 percent of their Institute’s collection at any given time.
29. There are nearly 30 million visitors a year to the Smithsonian.
30. One of the most popular Smithsonian museums is the Museum of Natural History. Not only does the museum host roughly 8 million visitors a year, but it also employs close to 200 natural history scientists – the largest such group in the world. Even better, you can watch some of these scientists at work during a visit.
31. Aside from some of the most famous items in its collection – like the Hope diamond – the museum has unknown artifacts waiting to be discovered. One of these is a 20 million year old dolphin fossil that scientists only identified in 2016 because it looked “cute.”
32. Across the street from the Natural History Museum is another Smithsonian blockbuster: The Air and Space Museum. It is the most visited museum in the world!
33. While the glass façade looks solid, the East wing of the Air and Space Museum acts like a giant garage door opener that allows the museum’s artifacts to be brought in and out.
34. The museum has the largest collection of aviation artifacts in the world – ranging from the Wright Brothers’ flyer to a rock that was brought back from the moon (they also have the capsules that went to the moon).
35. The Air and Space Museum's artifacts are housed in not one, but two museums. The second campus, known as the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, is located in Dulles, VA.
36. While all Smithsonian museums are free, Udvar-Hazy charges for parking. You can score a free space after 4 p.m.
37. Though not on the Mall, the National Zoo is also part of the Smithsonian and is home to over 2,700 animals.
38. The zoo has been home to giant pandas since 1972, though they are officially “on loan” to the United States from China.
39. The zoo’s original location was behind the Smithsonian Castle on the National Mall.
40. Pandas aren’t the only famous bear residents. Smokey Bear – yes, THAT Smokey Bear – was a resident from the time he was saved from a forest fire in New Mexico.
41. Like The Air and Space Museum, the National Zoo also has two campuses. The Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute is a 3,200 acre is located in Front Royal, VA. It is not open to the public.
42. The original plan for the Washington Monument called for it to have a flat roof. The pyramid on top wasn’t added until 1879.
43. Three future presidents – including Abraham Lincoln – were at the ceremonies at the start of construction of the Washington Monument in 1848.
44. When the Washington Monument opened on October 9, 1888, it was the tallest man made structure in the world. It only held the title for about five months until the Eiffel Tower opened the following March.
45. It is still the largest obelisk in the world.
46. If you look about a third of the way up the Washington Monument, there is a slight difference in color. That’s because construction was halted during the Civil War and had to get stone from a different quarry when construction started back up.
47. The Washington Monument might be made out of stone, but Washington’s home on the Potomac River, Mount Vernon is not. It is made out of wood that has been made to look like stone.
48. The home is approximately 10 times larger than the average home during the same period.
49. A weathervane with a bird of peace was commissioned by Washington for the mansion while he was presiding over the Constitutional Convention.
50. Despite what some movies say, there are no secret entrances out of Mount Vernon’s cellar.
51. The kitchen garden has been continuously growing herbs and vegetables since the 1760s.
52. George Washington never lived in the White House. The first to do so was John Adams, though it was still called the Executive Mansion then.
53.. The name wasn’t changed to The White House until President Theodore Roosevelt changed it in 1901.
54. The Oval Office wasn’t added until 1909.
55. The White House was burned by the British during the War of 1812. The White House almost collapsed a second time – in 1948 – when it was found that the wooden, load-bearing columns were rotted through.
56. The White House has been home to some unusual pets. Two presidents kept alligators at the people's house (Adams and Hoover).
57. Some other unique pets include a hyena (Roosevelt), bears (Roosevelt, Coolidge and Jefferson) and a zebra (Roosevelt).
58. Over 100 dogs have lived in the White House. President Joe Biden's dog, Major, was the first shelter rescue.
59. The White House has 412 doors, 147 windows, 132 rooms and 35 bathrooms.
60. None of The White House bathrooms are public. If you take a 45 minute tour, go before you go!
61. Washington is known for its cherry blossoms, but these trees aren’t a native species – they come from Japan and were first given as a sign of friendship between the two countries in 1912.
62. How seriously do Washingtonians take their 4,000 cherry trees? Very. It is considered vandalism of federal property to pick the flowers, so look but do not touch!
63. Originally, 3,020 trees were gifted. Most of the originals have died, but you can still visit the few remaining trees still stand near the John Paul Jones statues near 17th street.
64. While the average cherry blossom tree lives for 30 years, these gifted trees are now over 100 years old!
One of the loveliest elements of the holiday season, the Christmas tree, can lose its luster pretty quickly once the new year arrives. Good news! The city’s Mulchfest program makes it easy for you to recycle your Christmas tree and do some good for the city’s parks and young trees. Here’s how to get rid of your Christmas tree and do a little green good this year. (Plus: the last day for sanitation tree pickup and recycling!)
Treecycle it: MulchFest2021
NYC Department of Parks & Recreation
MulchFest is back! NYC’s own “TREECYCLE” tradition is taking place from December 26, 2021 to January 9, 2022. Last year the city mulched more than 29,000 trees, and it's pumped to set a new record for 2022!
Bring your tree (free of all decorations, netting and wrapping) and it will be recycled into wood chips to nourish trees and plants on NYC streets and gardens. Drop it off at one of the many Mulchfest locations around the city (there are many in every borough), or bring it on "Chipping Weekend", January 8 and 9, to see your tree reduced to bits live.
Bonus: If your own backyard needs some sprucing up, you can get a free bag of mulch to take home with you after your tree is chipped. (Locations marked with an asterisk have mulch for the taking.)
Spread the Love — and the Mulch! Feel like spreading some of that green love around? You and the kids can volunteer to add that awesome mulch to city trees. (The mulch helps protect young trees, shrubs and garden beds from the winter cold, helps plants retain moisture and provides a nice decorative touch.) Sound like the green, civic activity your family's been seeking? Events are happening in all boroughs on weekends in January. Click here to see locations, dates, and times and to register! (And remember, dress warmly, wear closed-toe shoes and a mask!)
Kick it To the Curb — and Still Recycle It!
Dates for Department of Sanitation Pick-Up Bring your tree down for curbside pick-up by the Department of Sanitation from January 6-15. Trees will be recycled into compost for NYC’s public spaces (parks, gardens, etc.). Be sure to remove all decorations from the tree and do not place the tree in a plastic bag.
Note: trees left curbside with holiday decorations of any kind remaining on them will be collected as garbage. If your metal or plastic imitation tree has worked its last holiday season, dispose of it with your normal recycling and it's off your hands.
Have Someone Else Do the Heavy Lifting — and Still Recycle It!: Removal Services
If you’re unable to physically take your tree down to the curbside or to a MulchFest chipping location or drop-off site, don’t worry. Services like NYC Trees can come to your home, remove the tree, and take it directly to a recycling location for you. Starting at $80 for a four-to-five-foot tree, NYC Trees makes the tree removal process (and clean up!) about as easy as it gets. (If you want them to take off your lights, ornaments, etc. expect to pay more.)
Every year as the holidays wrap up, we start to focus on good habits and goal-setting for the new year ahead. Maybe you want to work out more, go to bed earlier, clean out your closet or even try to spend less time on your phone. Your children may be curious about the routine changes they see their parents implementing and may even want to participate—something that should be encouraged.
Just like adults, children thrive on healthy routines with little goals to strive toward. Setting daily habits allows kids to experience continued growth socially and emotionally by helping them develop self-regulation skills, gain responsibility and build confidence.
How do we help our children set these reasonable, consistent routines?
A great rule of thumb is to choose a small number—just one or two goals to start for younger children and no more than four for older children. You can certainly add more as your kids achieve success with the original habit(s). But keeping a small number allows them to understand clearly and concisely the priorities they will be working toward and will enable them to stay focused.
Keep in mind that children should choose which new routines they select. Providing the opportunity for choice allows your little ones to have some autonomy with selection, which will make them more inspired to practice the habits they have chosen.
Here’s what to do when establishing healthy routines with your kids:
1. Together, make a list of potential goals using pictures for visual cues and allowing your children to pick. Some ideas include trying new foods, eating healthier snacks, enjoying more nature/outside activities, engaging in more mindfulness activities and participating in community events. You can include tasks to help out around the house, too.
2. Keep the list and photos in a visible location to serve as a reminder.
3. Consider making a chart of the habits with pictures, and don’t forget to include a completed side. Allow your children to physically move the photos into the completed section once the goal has been achieved, which will allow them to feel a sense of pride.
4. Review progress and give praise as they succeed. Offer words of encouragement when progress is delayed to help your child continue to strive for success at their chosen routine.
You and your children can start the year out in a healthy way by setting small, achievable and beneficial practices for 2022. If you’re looking for resources to help you and your children explore developmentally appropriate ways to practice good character in the year ahead, head over to Kiddie Academy’s website to download the Character Essentials Activity Book.
Joy has over 20 years of experience in early childhood education. As Vice President of Education at Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care, she oversees all things curriculum, assessment, training and more. Joy earned a B.S. in Education from Salisbury University.
If your parents took you on tons of trips growing up, you likely love to travel now says a new study.
Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Little Passports, the study surveyed 2,000 respondents and their thoughts on excitement about travel, learning about the world and the importance of travel as it relates to empathy.
photo: Courtesy of SWNS
So what exactly did the survey reveal?
23% of respondents remember feeling excited about traveling as kids
55% said expanding their horizons as a child serves as a motivator to travel now
76% said they enjoyed learning about the world as a child
73% believe traveling with kids is one the best ways to learn about the world
80% think it’s important for children to be exposed to different cultures at a young age
81% agree that it’s important than ever to teach young children empathy towards others
Whether you’re a family full of wanderlusters or more of a homebody, the value of travel extends to everyone. With that in mind, where’s your next vacation taking you?
Pet-proofing isn’t all that different from babyproofing. Everything in arms—err, paws reach can be dangerous. Your new dog or cat is small, curious and prone to sniff out excitement (and potentially trouble!) as they explore their new world. Read on for simple ways to prep your home and create a safe environment for your pet.
Take Inventory of Your Home
Go from room to room and look around for small objects that could easily be swallowed and find new places to store them. Make sure items like cleaning and laundry supplies, medicine, vitamins, cosmetics, tiny kids’ toys and game pieces, tools and office supplies are safely put away in high shelves, cabinets, bins and closets. Some people opt to install childproof latches for extra peace of mind. Strings, wires and cords are especially tempting and especially hazardous, so tuck them out of reach. Indoor plants need to be moved off the floor, too. And any cute home décor knick-knacks you love? Move them out for now. Don’t forget to do a yard scan, as some plants, flowers and lawn chemicals are toxic. In case of an emergency at your home, there are window stickers that alert firefighters that you have a pet.
Start With Some Crates & Safety Gates
Before allowing the free rein of the house, block off rooms with baby gates to keep your pet safely contained to a smaller area. This also makes it easier for you to keep a watchful eye when you’re multitasking. Playpens are great for creating a pets-only hangout zone away from anything that’s off-limits. But keep in mind, some puppies and kittens are so tiny they may be able to squeeze through the bars of a playpen. Ensure the sizing is right for your little pal. If you have a fireplace, put up a protective screen in front. When you have to leave the house, pets should go in their cozy crates with some favorite toys.
Know What’s Cooking In the Kitchen
Certain foods can be poisonous to animals, such as chocolate, grapes, onions and coffee. Keep all food properly stored. Be on the lookout for rogue twisty ties, plastic bags and any sharp objects or kitchen tools. Garbage bins (everywhere in the house!) should be inside a cabinet or covered with a latch that a pet can’t maneuver. Aside from hazardous foods, wrappers and packaging can also be serious threats.
Be Aware Of Potential Hiding Spots
From tiny nooks to holes behind cabinets, look for small spaces in your home that a pet could get into and seal them appropriately. Keep appliance doors firmly closed and always take a peek inside the washer and dryer to make sure it’s not a new nap spot! Cats are especially curious and may even curl up in a drawer.
Protect Your Furniture
Pets don’t know that your couch was a splurge or that the pretty dish on the coffee table is a memento from a trip. Protect your prized possessions by moving them out of areas they could be damaged. Waterproof blankets are a lifesaver for keeping couches, rugs and other nice furniture safe from accidents and nibbles. They’re easy to travel with as well.
Being a pet parent takes a lot of work (especially at the beginning!), but all the cuddles, snuggles and kisses certainly make it worth the effort.
Atlanta lacks little when it comes to entertaining the family, but if it’s the frosty fun you’re craving you might feel left out in the cold. The good news is that snowy spots are only a short drive from the heart of Hotlanta. Read on to find out where to plan your family’s next brr-illiant afternoon of fun.
Snow Island at Margaritaville at Lanier Islands
iStock
Take the crew for snow tubing, but stay for the ice rink, carnival rides, snow play area, and wintry treats at Snow Island. Parrot Mountain is one of North America's longest snow rides, as a 575-foot-long, eight-story snow slide. Snowball Alley is perfect for the little ones, who really just want to build a snowman (thanks, Elsa).
7000 Lake Lanier Islands Parkway Buford, Ga 770-800-3917 Online: lanierislands.com
Scaly Mountain
iStock
For snow tubing and ice skating, head to Scaly Mountain just across the Georgia border in between Dillard and Highlands, North Carolina. It’s only a two hour drive, so you can easily do it as a day trip. However, if you want to make a weekend of it, there are plenty of family-friendly accommodations nearby. Scaly offers three snow lines for individual tubers (must be 4 years old and 42”tall) and a kiddie slope for kids under four. You can also try out some ice skating in their outdoor rink and trout fishing in stocked ponds (if they aren't frozen over).
Located about 2 ½ hours from Atlanta, Sapphire Valley offers the closest ski lodge experience. Its ski courses consist of a 1600 foot main run with a vertical drop of 200 feet and a beginner slope with modest vertical drop of 50 feet and a moving carpet lift - and did somebody say "ski school?" Yep. They did, and Sapphire Valley has it.
127 Cherokee Trail Sapphire Valley, Nc 828-743-7663 Online: sapphirevalley.com
Ober Gatlinburg
iStock
Snow Cubbies is the perfect place for small children to play in the snow and discover winter excitement, but it's open weekends and Holidays only—so be sure to check before you trek. You can also bump, spin, and zoom around the Ice Rink in Ice Bumper Cars (or ice skate, of course), and for the more adventurous, there's skiing, snowboarding, and a terrain park.
1001 Parkway Suite 2 Gatlinburg, TN 865-436-5423 Online: obergatlinburg.com
Sayonara 2021! You were better than 2020 but still filled with challenges. Here is what we are looking forward to in 2022!
Road Trips
Kingsmill Resort
Pandemic restrictions are all but gone. Families who have been cooped up for far too long are ready to spread their wings. Still, heading into 2022 travel restrictions are still a possibility. Families must be willing to go with the flow. That makes road trips the way to go. We are lucky to have so many fabulous destinations within a few hours of the DMV. Williamsburg, VA is an easy drive. Visit Busch Gardens, the historic settlements of Jamestown and Yorktown and more. Make the most of your stay by booking a resort to access tons of additional activities for kids. Kingsmill Resort offers spacious rooms, pools, on-site playground, included events like movies and magic shows and more. Baltimore is another nearby destination that has a lot to offer families. Check out the Port Discovery Children’s Museum, The Maryland Science Center and of course the National Aquarium all conveniently located within walking distance of each other in the Inner Harbor.
Staycations
Over the last two years many families enjoyed Airbnbs that kept them away from others. 2022 is time to dive back into having fun with people. Staycations are a great way to get away from your day-to-day without spending a lot of time and money getting to your destination. A great option close to home is a night or two at Gaylord National at National Harbor. Gaylord National hosts seasonal events in the summer and winter that make for full and fun days for families. Plus, you can access all that National Harbor has to offer from a mini beach great for playing in the sand, the iconic Capital Wheel for sweeping views of the city, a carousel, and fantastic restaurants. Or, head to one of DC’s iconic hotels like The Watergate Hotel, one of the few in the city with a pool. Kimpton Hotels are fun, quirky boutique hotels with three locations in DC and additional locations in Old Town Alexandria and Baltimore. The Kimpton’s Hotel George has partnered with 4Moms to provide everything you need to travel comfortably with a baby.
Take it Inside!
The Lane Social Club DC
Play never stopped but a lot of us headed outdoors over the last two years. In 2022, most indoor play spaces have reopened, and we are here for it. We are looking forward to a return to the Playseum when they move to downtown Annapolis. The the Lane Social Club, Busy Bees and The Wiggle Room have all fully reopened and are ready for playtime! We are especially looking forward to revisiting these indoor play spaces in the early months of 2022 and know that we will enjoy them just as much during the hot DC summer.
Let's Go to the Theatre!
Living in an area so rich with family-friendly live theatre it was easy to take access to live performances for granted. That changed when theatres closed in 2020 and stayed closed through much of 2021. Now that the curtain has once again gone up, we are excited to head back to the theatre. Imagination Stage and Adventure Theatre are some of the best children’s theatres anywhere. We are also looking forward to new puppet shows at the Puppet Co. Theatre. In 2022 we are looking forward to shows like the hip-hop P. Nokio and How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. We are also keeping an eye on the Broadway-quality family friendly shows now back on stage at theaters across the region including Olney Theatre, The National Theatre and the Kennedy Center. Family favorites like Disney on Ice are coming back in 2022 as well!
Culture Galore
Aretchouse
We are so lucky to live in an area where it is so easy to expose our children to the world-class museums. From the immersive displays at Artechouse blending art and technology to the Smithsonian Museums. There was a long stretch when these museums were closed and we are looking forward to exploring more in 2022. The Smithsonian’s Arts and Industries Building, also known as the Smithsonian Castle, finally reopened after being close for twenty years making it a must-see in 2022. We are also looking forward to checking out some old favorites we missed during the pandemic like The Spy Museum and the National Building Museum. The National Children’s Museum is also back after being open for just a couple of months before the pandemic hit.
Show Off Our City
After more than a year without visits from friends and family we are looking forward to showing off our city! It’s always fun to show off our city when guests come to town. We are looking forward to sharing the beauty of the monuments by night, exploring everything the Smithsonian has to offer from a T. Rex to Dorothy’s ruby red shoes and even a space shuttle.
