Get little warriors moving (and tire them out) with these 10 clever obstacle courses for kids. Participants will break a sweat and the best part? Each one of these DIY obstacle courses can be easily set up inside or in the backyard. From an all-star athlete adventure to easy sidewalk chalk, it’ll be hard to pick just one. On your mark, get set, go!
Easy as A-B-C! From teaching the alphabet to math problems, kids can learn on the move with this studious obstacle course designed for kids from Hands on as We Grow.
2. All-Star Obstacle Course
Whether your little sports star loves to dribble the ball or take free throw shots, this DIY obstacle course deserves a trophy. Find a big bucket and beach balls (easy on furniture!), and you're good to go. Get the details for this sporty idea over at My Big Happy Life.
Get ready for the big top! This one is good for a backyard obstacle course; with plenty of room, you can have a circus-themed DIY obstacle course. From jumping through hula hoops to feats on the balance beam, we’ve found plenty of ideas over at Be a Fun Mum.
4. Hot Lava Obstacle Course
Look out for the lava! Whether it’s walking over cushions, a balance beam, or traversing a bench, your little explorers need to avoid the hot lava that’s oozing down from the giant volcano. Cruise over to Crumb Bums for directions on making this indoor obstacle course perfect for your adventurous crew.
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5. Bike Obstacle Course
You'll need sports cones and sidewalk chalk to set up this simple tricycle obstacle course for your tiny tike. Create turnarounds and crazy eight loops and then draw chalk arrows (and other helpful suggestions) to keep your tot on track. Once you’ve mapped out the basics, it’s time to get creative. Put in ramps, a cardboard box tunnel or two, and maybe even a sprinkler. Run it as a relay between siblings if you’ve got multiple kids to entertain. Here are even more tricycle race ideas.
6. Sidewalk Chalk Obstacle Course
Grab a piece of colorful sidewalk chalk and give directions to jump, count, turn around, or do whatever your kid loves to do. Then simply draw a start and finish line and you're ready to go! This is perfect for the sidewalk out front or on a patio in the backyard.
You'll need to dig out those winter holiday decorations because they’re the centerpiece of this inventive obstacle course dreamed up by the creative minds at Childhood 101. As they make their way over, under, and around your tricky design, your normally noisy kiddos can’t make any sound here.
8. Tape Obstacle Course
We’re crushing on this simple obstacle course for your crew, and not just because you can set it up as easily inside as you can outside. All you need is a roll of blue painter’s tape—create balance beams, squares to be jumped in or over, squiggly rivers that need crossing… the list is endless. Then it’s up to the competitors to travel safely around, over, between, and through all the imaginatively large obstacles you’ve laid out for them.
If you buy glow sticks in bulk, you're in luck. Once the sun has set, lay out your sticks, creating glowing patches that require jumping, paths that need careful crossing, and even sticks that need to be collected. Then send your crew off and running. A few porch lights or flashlights can help them navigate things safely.
10. Boot Camp Course
You don’t need to dig out fatigues for your kids to complete this army-inspired obstacle course. But you do need to think like a drill sergeant when you set it up. We’re talking tire ladders (or hula hoops) made for running, string suspended a couple of feet off the ground for crawling under, and boards made for balancing. Add in a few push-ups, jumping jacks, and “sir, yes, sir” along the way and you’ve got a challenging course for your sidekick to soldier through.
Disney magic lasts all year, but they’ve added a little more sparkle to the holiday season with the Disney Friends & Family Savings event!
This is not a drill. Text your friends. Email your coworkers. Cancel your plans. The Disney Friends & Family Savings Event is happening now with 20% off your purchase using code DISNEYPAL! They’re also offering free shipping sitewide. Run, don’t walk. This is the weekend, Disney Pals!
shopDisney is our holiday gift destination for literally everyone on our list and with 20% off, we can score even more. These are just a few things we’ve added to our carts, but we’re still scrolling. There’s so much to choose from, and there’s even a few select items already on sale that can be combined with the 20% off from the Disney Friends & Family Event!
From Hanukkah tableware to sweet-smelling Minnie plushes, the festivities are just beginning in true Disney style. But hurry; even though the holiday cheer will be here all season, the Disney Friends & Family Event only runs through Sunday, November 6!
This incredible set of 12 classic Disney dolls is an absolute dream come true for your favorite lucky little one (or grown-up princess fans, like us!).
An all-star pin collection featuring holiday scenes, these blind bags hold two pins from a possibility of eight designs! From Lilo & Stitch, Chip & Dale, and more, these blind bags are a super fun surprise! Makes a great stocking stuffer. (Please note specific pins can't be requested.)
Bake up a bunch of fun with this set of Mickey & Minnie cookie cutters! Includes classic holiday shapes along with Mickey, Minnie, and a Mickey gingerbread man!
They'll feel just like Spidey with these Web-Shooters! With button-activated sounds and web missiles that shoot up to 10ft, they can do whatever a spider can.
Bring all the Sox vibes from Lightyear into your life with this walking, talking Sox robot! He includes touch-activated sensors, and even has a matching utility belt with six data chips that can plug into Sox's tail for a full day of missions, fun, and games!
If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.
Universal Pictures just dropped the trailer for Violent Night, starring David Harbour as a disillusioned Santa who finds himself in the middle of a heist on Christmas Eve. Not one to let criminals steal the joy from his beloved holiday, he’s ready to dish out some “seasons beatings.”
The overarching theme of Violent Night? Don’t mess with Santa. It’s Christmas Eve and a wealthy family finds themselves as hostages when a team of mercenaries breaks into their home, looking for cash in the home vault. Unbeknownst to them, Santa Claus has just dropped down the chimney to make his delivery. While no one believes he’s the actual Santa, they definitely aren’t prepared for the hammer St. Nick is about to bring down.
While the story has comedic moments, given the violence, it’s definitely not a little kids’ movie. Instead, put Violent Night on your list for a Mom’s Night Out or a date night (if that’s your kind of thing) instead.
Violent Night boasts an all-star cast that includes David Harbour, Emmy winner John Leguizamo, Cam Gigandet, Alex Hassell, Alexis Louder, Edi Patterson, and Beverly D’Angelo of National Lampoons fame. The film is led by Norwegian director Tommy Wirkola and produced by Kelly McCormick, David Leitch, and Guy Danella.
The start of the school year may be just around the corner, but wouldn’t you rather spend your time celebrating the end of summer instead of getting ready for fall? That’s why we’ve pulled together 18 fantastic Labor Day events and family activities taking place over the long weekend. Here’s where to eke out a few more summer memories with your kids.
Exciting Labor Day Weekend Activities in Seattle for Families
Joan Marcus
See Hamilton
You know you want to be in the room where this happens. There's still time to catch the phenomenal traveling production of everyone's favorite Broadway musical, Hamilton, before it leaves on September 11. It tells the story of America from a different perspective, using hip-hop, rap and traditional musical elements to create a truly engaging production with total kid-appeal. This production makes history accessible to kids, young and old, and seeing the show live is well worth it (no matter how many times your little fans have seen it on Disney+). The pacing of the show is exciting enough to keep even the antsiest kids glued to their seats and fighting the urge to sing along to their favorite numbers. Kids will love seeing King George saunter onto the stage and play to the audience as only an English King can. And who can resist Hercules Mulligan's charm or the Marquis de Lafayette's snark and wit? Hint: no one. While Hamilton is definitely the star of this show, kids will be drawn to the Schuyler sisters, bold women who are way ahead of their time.
Insider Tip: Don't forget to grab a cushion for your kids when you get there. That little boost helps to ensure they see the whole show, no matter who's sitting in front of them.
Paramount Theatre 911 Pine St. Seattle Event details
Washington State Fair
Party Big at the Fair
The Washington State Fair is back for another season of rides, games, and all the fair food your tummy can handle over Labor Day weekend. This year, we know the kids won't want to miss the exciting (and totally new) Expedition: Dinosaurs exhibit. Ten animatronic dinosaurs are the stars of this show, that also features interactive displays and a chance for kids to dig for fossils. Also new this year is the a look back at the Fair's 120-year history, and the Biggest Little Show—miniature animals we're sure your minis will fall for. Don't forget to take a spin on the expanded SillyVille train before taking in all the sights and sounds of SillyVille with your tots.
As for amazing Fair food, you'll want to sink your teeth into some quirky new finds at the Extreme Carnival Eats booth. It's the place to be if you've ever wondered what a donut burger or Korean mozzarella sticks taste like. You'll also be able to enjoy Glow Tea and Raspados Del Sur as part of this year's food lineup.
Insider Tip: Labor Day weekend is a great time to visit the Fair because kids are free (Sep. 3-5) thanks to BECU.
Washington State Fairgrounds 110 9th Ave. S.W. Puyallup, WA Event details
The Ballard Locks is where this you'll find this educational program hosted by the Seattle Aquarium. It's a chance for your curious kids to learn about the spawning salmon making their way back upstream with the help of an aquarium volunteer naturalist.
Ballard Locks 3015 N.W. 54th St. Seattle Event details
This family activity is all about plankton and fish prints. Kids will work alongside Seattle Aquarium experts to gather water from the Sound and then see what they can find when they put the droplets under a microscope (hint: we'll bet there's some plankton in there). Learn lots and make art too. We couldn't think of a better way to kick off the long Labor Day weekend.
Chill out at this Labor Day weekend event that's all about making sure the animals at the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium enjoy icy treats and summery enrichments. In addition to special meals, families can learn during Keeper Chats, take in a show at the Wild Wonders Outdoor Theater, explore the new nature play garden, and if the kids aren't tired yet, splash at the lily pad before calling it a day.
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium 5400 N. Pearl St. Tacoma, WA Event details
We've got two words for you: feeding frenzy. You won't want to miss this action-packed Labor Day weekend event at Northwest Trek Wildlife Park where badgers, cougars, porcupines, black bears, and wolves devour their favorite foods while you watch. Finish off the meal...err...the experience with playtime at Kids' Trek, one of the best nature playgrounds this side of the Cascades.
Northwest Trek 11610 Trek Dr. E. Eatonville, WA Event details
This year The Show Must Go On at the Evergreen State Fair. And if you haven't been to check out this family favorite yet, Labor Day weekend is your last chance to ride all the rides and eat all the food. But you and the kids can also check out the All-Star Dog Stunt Show, play farmer for a day, have fun at the Goat's Playground, watch the Aztec Indian Dancers, and even see what it really takes to be a lumberjack.
Evergreen State Fairgrounds 14405 179th Ave. S.E. Monroe, WA Event details
St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series Washington is back over Labor Day Weekend, and it's a great race for families even if you're not quite up to the half-marathon distance. Starting and ending at the Bellevue Downtown Park, runners and walkers alike will take on an action-packed course filled with music, stunning skyline views, and the spirit of the Pacific Northwest. We're big fans of the Kids Rock Race for little athletes.
Downtown Bellevue Park 10201 N.E. 4th St. Bellevue, WA Event details
Take the fast ferry to Bremerton to enjoy the city's annual Bremerton Blackberry Festival. It's back for 2022 and will feature the same blackberry treats it always does, plus outdoor music, art demos, and fun activities that will really make it feel like summer's never gonna end. Don't forget to check out the super cool splash pad (on the other side of the ferry) where submarine sculptures erupt with water every few minutes. It's pretty much the coolest splash pad in town.
Bremerton Boardwalk Marina Bremerton, WA Event details
courtesy Slidewaters
Watch an International Surf Competition
Surf's up at Lakeside Surf in Lake Chelan. Hit the road over your Labor Day weekend and enjoy the last weekend of summer at this hot spot that overlooks the lake and the mountains. Lakeside, home to the world's largest stationary wave, is hosting the Continental Surf Cup. It's a chance for you and the kids to see Team USA take on Team Europe as they battle it out on the water. Thirty-two surfers will compete over two days (Sep. 3 & 4) in both individual and group surfs to see who will take home the big prize (and serious bragging rights) and claim victory for their country.
More Ways to Play Over Labor Day Weekend in Seattle
Allison Sutcliffe
Take one last trip to Jetty Island before the ferry closes for the season. It's the easy beach getaway everyone needs, and we'll take the quick, two-minute ferry ride over boarding a plane any day.
Dust off your bikes, blades, trailers, and training wheels and enjoy a car-free ride along Lake Washington Boulevard, between Seward Park and Mount Baker Beach. This popular program comes to a close September 19, so ride while you can.
Labor Day is the final day to see the masterworks of Ansel Adams on display at MOHAI. Once you've taken in the beauty of his photography, stop by the Kid-struction zone for a little playtime with the tots.
Nothing says three day weekend quite like a last-minute, late summer road trip. We've got ideas. You've got the time. What's not to love?
Labor Day weekend is all about finding adventures around the city. Why not seek out the Eastside's coolest water feature—the natural waterslides at Denny Creek?
Hop aboard an antique train when you ride through the Upper Snoqualmie Valley. This special weekend train ride pays tribute to America's workers, the perfect Labor Day event.
Go to the movies on National Cinema Day (September 3) for just $3 per ticket. Major chains like AMC and Regal Cinemas, along with college campus theaters and some smaller independent theaters, are set to participate. Check the website to find a participating theater near you.
“Art and surprises on my birthday. What a special day,” captioned Sarah Michelle Gellar last night on her Instagram post, alongside a stack of pictures that showed Gellar with her Cruel Intentions (1999) co-stars, Ryan Phillippe and Selma Blair, along with friends and family. The star slayed her 45th birthday celebration at an art exhibit of Sam McKinniss‘ work that’s inspired by the teen film at Jeffrey Deitch Gallery in Los Angeles, and the commentary by fellow 90’s celebrities has made us want to tight-roll our jeans.
In Cruel Intentions, Gellar played the role of a rich Upper East Side teenager set out to use her stepbrother—Ryan Phillippe—to get back at her ex-boyfriend by seducing his new girlfriend. However, Phillippe’s set his sights on wooing the virgin daughter of their school’s headmaster, played by Reese Witherspoon. (Spoiler alert: Witherspoon and Phillippe later married IRL, had two kids, then divorced but are now apparently winning at the coparenting game.) Gellar and Phillippe’s characters settle on a bet that involves a Jaguar XK140 and Gellar’s virtue, but we won’t spoil the ending for anyone who happened to miss (or forgot what happened in) the movie. It’s been a while, after all.
The movie wasn’t exactly critically acclaimed—few teen dramas are—but over the years it’s turned into something of a cult classic. One of the reasons, perhaps, is the scene starring Ryan Phillippe’s very toned derrier. The cast is an all-star lineup of 1990’s celebrities, and let’s be honest, anything to do with the late 90’s makes us warm and fuzzy (like being wrapped up in a flannel shirt… listening to Destiny’s Child… in a friend’s Altima with the windows down and the prospect of a Zima with a Jolly Rancher in our future).
As evidenced by the well-wishes of celebrities and civilians who commented on Geller’s post, we aren’t the only ones hyped to see the gang back together. Shannen Doherty, Emma Caulfield, Amanda Kloots and Kristin Chenoweth all sent her birthday greetings, and Linday Price—Geller’s longtime bestie and co-star in All My Children and I Know What You Did Last Summer—summed it up with “You are the same loyal, brilliant, curious, ride or die compassionate heart of gold girl. But so so much more. Happy Birthday Sar. Love you more than ever. Also, gimme that velvet choker plz.” Stand in line, Price.
Perhaps the best commentary came from Geller’s husband of 20 years, Freddie Prinze, Jr. Apparently, Geller didn’t only get birthday wishes on her Instagram feed. They came in the form of flower deliveries, as well. “Ladies, ” Prinze wrote “we’ve got to talk about y’all needing flowers on your birthday,” he said as he panned across the arrangements on their counter. “Look at this. And it’s not like y’all are ever around to collect them. It’s us that has to get it again and again.
And just like her character from Cruel Intentions would reply, Geller wrote back “But I NEED them.” We have the florist on the phone now, Sarah. We’ve got you.
Each year, we take a moment to pause and give our appreciation to the women of the world who have made waves in life as we know it. Women all across the globe have risen to face challenges, opened their mouths to speak about equality and change, and emblazoned their nature of being an inspiring force. Portland has had numerous of its own citizens create lasting impressions on our society and culture, so this Women’s History Month, teach your children about the women who helped shape our city into the modern day wonder it is today. Take some time and spread a little knowledge amongst your family with the following female pioneers.
Remember Ramona Quimby? I sure do. The genius story-teller behind this widely successful series grew up in Portland, Oregon and has scattered her books with pieces of the city. Whether or not you’ve walked down Klickitat or Tillamook street, live in the Grant Park neighborhood, or even attended Beverly Cleary School, it is well worth your while to spend an afternoon exploring! Grab a copy of Ramona Quimby and herd the kids to Grant Park for an afternoon spent living in the imagined reality of Ramona by Beverly herself. Don't forget to visit the statue of Ramona Quimby while in Grant Park.
Lucille Beck
Lucille (Lou) Beck was born in Portland, Oregon in 1925 and lived out the extent of her life in this wonderful city. After graduating from Stanford in 1947, she moved back to Portland and established a life with a husband and four children. On top of her duties as a parent and an active member of PTA, Lou fell into an interest in community service and the stars aligned. With help from her partner-in-crime, Jean Siddall, they lobbied the public and political support to induct Tryon Creek Nature Preserve as Oregon’s first urban state park! They established a board of people to be involved in park programming, known then and today as Friends of Tryon Creek, and Lou remained involved in oversight of the park for 35 years. Subsequently, she was asked to join the State Parks Commission and will go down in history as the first woman to serve in such a role. Honoring Lou this month is best done by honoring Portland’s parks, so take your children out to Tryon Creek and spend the afternoon appreciating her dedication to preserving such a beautiful space.
Born in Missouri, Hattie Redmond and her family moved to Oregon in 1886 on a sponsorship from a white family. She and her siblings attended Portland Colored School in southwest Portland, and as she got older, she began accompanying her father, Reuben, to meetings for the Portland Colored Immigration Society where he was secretary. This fueled Hattie’s inclination to advocate for black women’s right to vote. Beginning in the early 1900s, Hattie held suffrage meetings in her southwest neighborhood and eventually became president of the Colored Women’s Equal Suffrage Association, a pivotal piece of the Black Civil Rights movement. Did you vote this year? You can thank Hattie: she and her counterparts were instrumental in the passing of Oregon Measure 1, the Women’s Suffrage Amendment, in 1912. You may visit her grave at the Lone Fir Cemetery in SE Portland.
Tawna Sanchez is nothing short of a pioneer: her position in the Oregon legislature is preceded by only one other Native American, and Tawna is the first to represent the city of Portland. Her work as a member of the Oregon House of Representatives centers on human rights issues, targeting child welfare and foster care systems. She founded Healing Circles, a nationally recognized program whose mission stands to prevent and disrupt domestic violence situations. Tawna is a force doing great work on behalf of Portland’s children. And she walks the talk, too – Tawna Sanchez has raised eighteen foster children!
Mercedes Deiz grew up poor, the eldest of 10 children. While working during the day, she attended law school in the evenings, becoming the first Black woman admitted to the Oregon Bar, as well as the first Black woman to serve as a district court judge, and the first to be elected as a county circuit court judge. Mrs. Deiz served 22 years as a Multnomah County judge and was well known in the Albina Neighborhood for her civic action in the Urban League of Portland and the NAACP Portland.
Leah Hing was the first Chinese American woman to earn her pilot's license, later becoming an instrument mechanic during World War II at the Portland Air Base.
Ms. Hing was a lifelong resident of the Ladd's Addition neighborhood. Ms. Hing served as president of the Portland Chinese Girls' Club and founded the Portland Chinese Girls' Orchestra, as well as serving as the general manager of the Chung Wah Hoopers, Portland’s female basketball team. She also played the saxophone and performed internationally as part of The Honorable Wu's Vaudeville Troupe.
Ms. Hing is shown in a mural of female Oregon aviators at the Portland International Airport, and her first plane is on display in the Pearson Air Museum.
Being involved in the community is second nature for this history-paving woman. Gretchen served in the Oregon House of Representatives from 1977-1982, the Multnomah County Commission from 1985-1991, and on the Portland City Council from 1991-1998. She was always knee-deep in the going-ons of the city she called home. Further, Kafoury helped found the Oregon division of the National Organization for Women in 1970, as well as the Oregon Women’s Political Caucus in 1971. She spent her entire professional career advocating for the rights of women in the state of Oregon, and in 1999 joined Portland State University’s (PSU) faculty teaching courses regarding community development and houselessness. Accomplished enough? Not for Gretchen – she received her Masters in Public Administration from PSU in 2008.
Gretchen Kafoury Commons, a nine-story apartment community, is located downtown near Portland State University. Gretchen Kafoury is also part of the Women Making History mural, located on the exterior of the building at 2335 North Clark Avenue.
Beatrice Morrow Cannady was the co-founder and vice president of the Portland chapter of the NAACP. Mrs. Cannady was also editor and owner of The Advocate, a Portland-based newspaper that reported on issues relating to racial minorities in the 1920s and 30s. Mrs. Cannady worked to remove racist, exclusionary language from Oregon's constitution and advocated for the passage of civil rights bills. Mrs. Cannady attended Northwestern College of Law and became the first Black woman to graduate from law school in Oregon and the first Black woman to practice law in Oregon.
The Beatrice Morrow apartment building, named after Beatrice Morrow Cannady can be found on NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd in the Eliot neighborhood.
Does your child want to be a police officer? So did Aurora (Lola) Baldwin. She pushed back on convention and challenged gender norms by becoming America’s first female police officer on April 1st, 1908. She commanded space within the Portland Vice Commission, Portland’s Domestic Relations Court, and was named a Special Agent of the state. Her entire career was motivated by her ambition to provide equal treatment for women, in the force or behind bars. When she retired from her law enforcement duties in 1922, she continued to participate on the Oregon Board of Parole and the National Board of Prisons and Prison Labor. Want to be a police officer? Follow Lola’s lead and do whatever it takes!
Mary Gysin Leonard immigrated alone from Switzerland to Portland in her twenties. She studied law and passed the bar exam, however, the Oregon Supreme Court denied her application to the Oregon Bar because she was a woman. Mrs. Leonard persevered, and, after 10+ years of petitioning and legislative action, was finally admitted to the Oregon Bar in 1886. She was a successful attorney in Portland for decades, offering free legal advice women to help them be successful, too.
Kim "Rocket Mean" Stegeman is the founder and Executive Director of the Rose City Rollers, a women's flat track roller derby league and 501(c)3 non-profit. The Rose City Rollers has trained thousands of skaters from around the world and hosted hundreds of skating competitions. Rose City Rollers has over 400 members participating in recreational programs, and adult and junior skating programs with skaters ranging in age from 7 to 60 years old. Rose City's all-star travel team has won the Women's Flat Track Derby Association Championships four times. Rose City Rollers continues to train athletes, host events, and offer pop-up roller skating activities throughout Portland.
Vera Katz
Does power always have to be masculine? Vera Katz thought not, as one of her go-to slogans was “feminization of power”. And boy, did she mean it! As dominating force of the feminist movement in Oregon, she excelled through the ranks of the state legislature, elected first in 1972 and serving as mayor of Portland from 1993-2005. She was one of two women in the nation to hold the position of speaker for the Oregon House of Representatives, but was the first female to be elected presiding officer in the state of Oregon. Vera used her massive intellect and zeal for connecting with the community to push agendas for gun control and rights of minority groups. She advocated for women and gay rights, and urged progressive urban planning in the city of Oregon. Vera was instrumental in Oregon’s history; she is survived by her son Jesse Katz.
When it comes to baseball there are a few names that ring out louder than the sound of the ball hitting the bat. Arguably one of the most famous is Babe Ruth. Read on for some interesting history about the Sultan of Swat.
Wikimedia Commons
1. Babe Ruth was born on February 6, 1895, as George Herman Ruth.
2. But for decades he thought his actual birthday was February 7th, 1894. He only discovered his real birthday after applying for a passport for a trip to Japan in 1934.
3. Ruth was sent to a Catholic Boys Reformatory school at the age of 7. Each child was trained with an industrial career. Ruth was trained to be a shirt maker.
4. Young George Ruth played baseball at the school, thanks to encouragement by the monks.
5. For a time, young Ruth lived above what is now Camden Yards in Baltimore, above one of his father's saloons.
Wikimedia Commons
6. He was signed to the major leagues at the age of 19.
7. He is the only baseball player in history to have the last name Ruth.
8. He was the first baseball player to hit a home run in the All-Star game, at Chicago’s Comiskey Park in 1933.
9. Why Babe? Some say it’s because Ruth was so young when signed to MLB he required legal guardianship and was “adopted” by one of the monks. Others say it was just because he was still merely a babe.
10. His other nicknames included Bambino, the Home Run King and The Sultan of Swat.
11. He began his career as a pitcher: Ruth was both a left-handed pitcher and a left-handed batter.
12. He was the first highest plaid player when in 1930, his salary hit the $80,000 mark.
13. Ruth played for the Boston Red Sox (1914-1919), the New York Yankees (1920-1934) and briefly the Boston Braves (1935).
14. In six seasons with Ruth, the Red Sox won three World Series titles. In 107 seasons without him they have won four.
15. Babe Ruth had what many consider to be his finest season in 1921. He hit .378/.512/.846 with 59 home runs, 171 RBIs and 177 runs scored. The home run and RBI totals were single-season records.
17. At an exhibition game (a “for fun” or charity game) on April 2, 1931, a 17-year-old female pitcher named Jackie Mitchell struck Ruth out (Mitchell then went on to strike out Lou Gehrig.)
18. Babe Ruth was knocked unconscious during a game at Griffith Stadium in Washington D.C. He hit a concrete wall trying to catch a foul ball.
19. Although many believed him past his prime, on May 25, 1935, Babe Ruth played one of his final games in the major leagues hitting 3 home runs in a single game. He retired the next week.
20. In 1914, he married Helen Woodford, a coffee-shop waitress he met on his first day in Boston.
21. Babe Ruth only had one child in his lifetime. He had a daughter named Dorothy Ruth with Juanita Jennings.
22. Babe Ruth retired in 1935 and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1936. He was one of the first five players to be inducted. The Yankees retired his famous number 3.
23. Upon his retirement, he was the career record holder in home runs, RBIs, total bases, walks and strikeouts.
24. The Sultan of Swat played 2503 games in his Major League career. During that time he had 2174 runs and stole 123 bases. Of his runs, 714 were home runs. In 1927 alone he scored 60 home runs. (This was the world record until Hank Aaron hit 755 in 1974 and Barry Bonds reached 762 in 2007 for the all-time record.)
25. In 1922, you could get chocolate-covered ice cream balls called Babe Ruth Home Runs. They cost 10 cents.
26. The candy bar, Baby Ruth, is most likely named for Babe Ruth. The bar was formerly called Kandy Kake but the name was changed right around Ruth’s rise to popularity. Because “official” permission was not requested, the company (then the Curtiss Candy Co.) denied that Babe Ruth was the namesake. However, in 1995, the Babe Ruth estate licensed his name and likeness for use in a Baby Ruth marketing campaign with Nestle.
27. Babe Ruth appeared as himself in four different movies. In one, he lost 40 pounds in order to play a younger version of himself.
29. Yankee Stadium opened on April 18, 1923. Ruth hit the first home run there, earning it the name “The House that Ruth Built.” In 1947, Happy Chandler declared April 27 officially Babe Ruth Day, and Ruth addressed the crowds at Yankee Stadium. At the time, Ruth had already been diagnosed with throat cancer.
29. Babe Ruth died at the age of 53 in 1948. For two days, his coffin was laid in state (open casket) at Yankee Stadium for fans to pay their final respects. More than 100,000 people attended.
And you thought it was just about baseball. Whether your sluggers are obsessed with the Braves or your family is just looking for a fun way to spend a summer afternoon, a trip to Truist Park delivers. From a cutting-edge kids’ area in the stadium to a splash pad on your way out of it (not to mention the baby changing tables in every restroom), you’ll be singing Take Me Out to the Ball Game all summer long. Keep reading for our favorite things you won’t want to miss about a trip to Truist Park.
Hope & Will's Sandlot, presented by Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, is a state-of-the-art kids' zone with a rock-climbing wall, zipline, carnival games, and more. You'll find it in sections 152-155. Games and attractions require a token to play, which can be purchased in the Sandlot for $1 each.
Home Run: Kids 14 and under can enjoy interactive games and experiences in Hope & Will's Sandlot at no charge, every Sunday.
Kids ages 3-14 can gear up like the pros and get exclusive offers for Braves games and events all year long by joining the Kids Club. The All-Star Membership is $34 and includes Ozzie AlbiesT-Shirt Jersey, headband, arm sleeve, socks, drawstring bag, and more. Or, opt for the free Braves Rookie Membership and get invitations to exclusive Kids Club access-only events. Memberships can be purchased online or at Truist Park during a game day.
Home Run: After every Sunday home game, kids ages 4-14 are invited onto the field after the game to run the bases just like a professional baseball player. No reservations are necessary—just line them up at the 3rd base ramp (section 131) at the bottom of the 7thinning. If you join the All-Star Kids Club, you can gain VIP Access to Kids Run the Bases, but you don't have to be a member to participate on Sunday's base runs.
First things first: outside food and sealed plastic bottles of water are allowed inside Truist Park as long as it fits inside a clear, gallon-sized plastic bag. One bag of food and one bottle of water per ticket will be permitted, which can save families headed to see the Braves play a considerable amount of money. Or, choose among some of Atlanta's best restaurants just outside the park, in The Battery.
Home Run: If you spring for buying food from the vendors at Truist Park, we love the H+F Burger in the outfield and behind home plate. And for dessert, don't miss an opportunity to have a High Road Craft tomahawk bar, which is dipped in chocolate and topped with mouth-watering toppings.
Finally! Somebody gets it! There are diaper changing stations In. Every. Bathroom. At. Truist. Park. If this doesn't make you a Braves fan, I'm not sure what will. Luckily, it's not the only reason to get behind Atlanta's hometown team. Family restrooms are found in sections 120, 143, 140, 148, 152, 313, 323, 329 and 346.
Home Run: Truist Park offers a lounge that is a fully dedicated space for nursing mothers that's staffed by a Guest Services ambassador. Located on the lower level near the left-field gate at section 141, the air-conditioned nursing lounge is equipped with comfortable rocking chairs, a diaper changing station, and a play area for toddlers.
If you forget to bring your glove for trying to catch a foul ball (or home run), you can rent a Mizuno glove at two locations in the ballpark. Glove rentals are free but a $1 charge is added to your card until the glove is returned. The glove must be returned by end of the game or you will be charged the entire cost of the glove.
Home Run: For your best bet to catch a ball, the Home Run Porch seats can be found just beyond the outfield wall running between the left-field foul pole and the start of the Chophouse seats in right-center. Not only are these seats some of the most affordable in the park, but they're also a favorite of ball hawks looking to snag a souvenir during pre-game batting practice. Just be sure to wear sunscreen, because this part of the park gets very little shade.
Learn about the history of the Atlanta Braves at Monument Garden, featuring artifacts, memorabilia, statues, and sculptures. Children will especially love the interactive displays and audio features. Find it on the Lower Level, Section 125, and don't miss the Hank Aaron tribute of hundreds of bats that spell out 755 (for his 755 home runs).
Home Run: Head to this spot when you need a little cooling off. The giant fans and shade in this area are good at their jobs.
KIDZ BOP is the number one music brand for kids and its about to turn 20! In celebration of two decades of kid-centric cover songs, the brand is dropping a brand new album.
“KIDZ BOP All-Time Greatest Hits” is a collection of its most popular hits from the past 20 years, with a few new re-recorded versions of classic tracks. Did we mention its available today?
photo: Kidz Bop
So what tracks can your kiddos tune in to? The top 20 includes:
All Star
Get The Party Started
Sk8er Boi
Hey Ya!
Since U Been Gone
Beverly Hills
Umbrella
Party Like A Rockstar
I Gotta Feeling
Party In The USA
Firework
Call Me Maybe
Thrift Shop
Happy
Shake It Off
Uptown Funk
Can’t Stop The Feeling
Havana
Sucker
Old Town Road
Head to Kidz Bop to find all the places to stream, purchase and watch the newest album!
Nostalgia alert! The Rugrats are coming to Paramount+ and the new series features some very familiar voices.
Your fave toddlers from the ’90s and early 2000s are back. Paramount+ and Nickelodeon recently announced the upcoming release of a brand-new series—and it stars the OG voices plus a cast of famous faves.
photo: Courtesy of Nickelodeon
The new series’ cast includes Ashley Rae Spillers (Vice Principals) and Tommy Dewey (The Mindy Project) as Tommy’s parents; Tony Hale (Arrested Development) as Chuckie’s father; Natalie Morales (Dead to Me) as Phil and Lil’s mother; Anna Chlumsky (Veep) and Timothy Simons (Veep), as Angelica’s parents; Nicole Byer (Nailed It!) and Omar Miller (Ballers) as Susie’s parents and Michael McKean (Better Call Saul) as Grandpa Lou Pickles.
Liz Paulson, Senior Vice President, Talent and Casting, Nickelodeon, said in a press release, “This incredibly talented group of actors provides a fresh and very funny take on these iconic roles, combining humor with heart to bring the characters to life in a whole new way.”
Ramsey Naito, President, Nickelodeon Animation, added, “The all-new Rugrats is packed with comedy, music and adventures that only babies can embark upon, and the role of the grown-ups is an essential piece of the series.”
Along with new cast members, original voice actors featured in the new Rugrats series include E.G. Daily (Tommy), Nancy Cartwright (Chuckie), Cheryl Chase (Angelica), Cree Summer (Susie) and Kath Soucie (Phil and Lil).
Look for the new Rugrats series in Paramount+ this spring!
