We’ve all become experts at enjoying outside activities this past year. And Big Bear Lake has no shortage of incredible family adventures to be had in the great outdoors. From camping to hiking, biking to kayaking, families can easily find their niche in this beautiful Southern California mountain lake escape. Located in the San Bernardino National Forest, this four-season recreation hub is a must-visit spot for SoCal families (or anyone who is looking for a rejuvenating getaway out west!). Here’s why:
1. It’s a Quick Trip from LA, But Feels Worlds Away
Peace out, traffic. Buh-bye, schedules. Big Bear Lake’s breathtaking mountains are a much-needed escape from the hustle and bustle of city and suburban life. In just 2-3 hours, you’ll be far from the LA metropolis. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a longer stay, there’s nothing better than packing up the car in the morning and officially being on vacation by lunchtime. Parents and kids will feel connected to nature and totally disconnected from the daily grind.
2. There’s Snow in the Winter
Southern California residents love an occasional snow experience. At Big Bear, winter brings all the things you definitely don’t see every day—snowfall, skiing, snowboarding, tubing, and plenty more cold-weather fun. Get your lift tickets and hit the slopes all day. Explore the valley’s stunning landscape via a snowshoe tour with Action Tours or the Big Bear Discovery Center. Check out Big Bear Snow Play for fun family tubing (day or night!). And as Anna always asks, “Do you want to build a snowman?” Of course, your beach baby does!
3. You Can Truly Experience Lake Life with Watersports
Days spent on the lake are a must in summertime. Big Bear has six full-service marinas—perfect spots to head out on a pontoon boat, kayak, jet ski or stand-up paddleboard. Thrill-seekers will love the adrenaline rush of wakeboarding or tubing around the lake. And for fishing adventures, book a charter to reel in a variety of local fish. Stop at Big Bear Sporting Goods for everything you need to set out on the lake. And for a different viewpoint, discover the scene from ziplines or segways.
4. There’s One of the Only Alpine Zoos in the U.S.
The Big Bear Alpine Zoo is an incredible place to meet some of the area’s “wild” residents. This rehab facility brings injured, imprinted and orphaned animals into a safe haven to heal or stay permanently if they aren’t able to survive in their natural habitat. (FYI: 90% of the animals brought to the Zoo are successfully released!) Book a guided tour and be sure to catch an "Animal of the Day" or Behavioral Enrichment presentation. Kids and grownups alike will be fascinated by watching the zoo’s animal keepers encourage these resilient animals to thrive.
5. It’s a Hiker’s Happy Place
From paved turf to rocky terrain—and everything in between—there are tons of hiking trails throughout the area. Get the lay of the land from the staff at the Big Bear Visitors Center. They’ll provide a map and great recommendations on choosing a trail. Take in all the surrounding beauty—rocks, towering trees, wildlife, and of course, the majestic mountain views. Hiking with littles? This is a great blog post on must-see spots from a local mom. For those who enjoy camping, there are awesome spots to pitch a tent and make s’mores, too. (And who can pass up a toasty marshmallow under the stars?)
Atlanta is surrounded by some of the country’s finest whitewater, and we’ve rounded up the most family-friendly runs around. And while all of the rivers listed below are serviced by river outfitters who can take care of every detail of your trip, it’s always a good idea to review some river safety guidelines before you go. Keep reading for some of the state’s most family-friendly rafting options, below.
Odds are, your parents had a wild time shooting the ‘Hooch sometime in the late 70s or early 80s, and some of their memories may not have involved an actual boat. And while the Hooch is still the closest, easiest, and coldest water around, the wild weekends of yesteryear have been tamed considerably. It’s good, clean(ish), family fun for rafters ages 5 and older.
Keep in Mind: The Chattahoochee is regulated by the release of water from Buford Dam, and can quickly change from relatively low water levels to fast-flowing rapids. You can call ahead to find out the water release schedule (770-945-1466), and be sure to check out average float times here.
Make It Easy: Let Chattahoochee Outfitters set you up with the appropriate watercraft for your group, drive you to the put-in location, and feed you (nothing beats concession food after a long day on the water) when you float back to the headquarters at Azalea Park in Roswell.
Chattahoochee Outfitters 203 Azalea Dr. Roswell 770-650-1008 Online:shootthehooch.com
Alpine Helen is home to some of the coolest and most popular tubing adventures in the state. Surround yourself with refreshing forest scenery on a lively tubing trip down the Chattahoochee River. You'll float right through the middle of Helen and have optional waterslides along the way.
Keep in Mind: Helen is Georgia's weird and wonderful Alpine village, which is quite a destination on the weekends. If you'd rather keep to the privacy of the forest animals, this rafting adventure may not be for you.
Make It Easy: Take a one or two-hour-long trip with Cool River Tubing and also enjoy their aerial park, open seven days a week from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Cool River Tubing 590 Edelweiss Strasse Helen, GA 30545 800-896-4595 Online:coolrivertubing.com
If you're looking for a shorter option, check out the Chestatee river trip in beautiful Dahlonega. You can book kayak or tube trips, and while tubing trips only last around 30 minutes, you can walk 10 minutes back to the launch and ride the river as many times as you'd like for only $5.
Keep in Mind: The minimum age of tubers is 4. Keep in mind the tube has to be carried back up the trail.
Make It Easy: Dahlonega outfitters Chestatee River Adventures offers trips from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend.
Chestatee River Adventures 2718 South Chestatee St. Dahlonega, GA 30533 770-540-9950 Online:chestateeriveradventures.com
Don’t let the fact that the Olympic rafting competition was held just upstream on the Ocoee deter you from getting your feet wet in these hallowed waters. You can elect to mosey down the river on a gentle half-day float on the Toccoa with the littles ages 5 and older.
Keep in Mind: This river runs through Tennessee and Georgia but has two names depending on the state. In Tennessee, the rapids are referred to as the Ocoee, while in Georgia, the name changes into the Toccoa River (and generally has calmer waters).
Make it Easy: Call the Rolling Thunder River Company to take care of all your needs, from selecting the right craft to hiring a guide to steer you through the more daunting waters.
Ocoee River/Toccoa River Centers 20 Hughes Street McCaysville, GA 30555 706-492-5720 Online: rollingthunderriverco.com
While it's not as dramatic as the depiction in Deliverance, the Chattooga isn’t a lazy river float. In fact, children under 8 aren’t allowed in the boat, and you’ll find that the adventure on the Chattooga is less about dueling banjos and more about keeping yourself in the boat.
Keep in Mind: The Chattooga was federally protected in 1974 so if your goal is to see some breathtakingly undeveloped scenery, this is the river for you. However, undeveloped means undeveloped. Don’t plan on stopping off to grab some ice for your cooler along the way.
Make it Easy: Contact the Nantahala Outdoor Center to set up your guided trip, and ease any lingering post-Deliverance jitters you may have.
It’s been a roller coaster ride of emotions for Bode Miller, Morgan Miller and family over the last few years. The ride is headed on a high note, as the Millers announced they’ll be having a baby girl this morning!
She’s due in November and will join twin siblings Asher and Aksel, 18 months, plus brothers Easton, Nash and half siblings Nate and Dace. The Miller family experienced tragedy in 2018 with the drowning death of 19-month-old daughter Emeline. Before the reveal, Morgan Miller wrote on Instagram “Deep in my heart, I know I am hoping for a baby girl but as long as the baby is healthy, I know our hearts will be filled with so much love and joy.”
The Millers gathered with family on Sunday for a fiesta-themed gender reveal party and pink confetti filled the air. Bode Miller posted his own sweet photo to Instagram this morning, noting, “It’s a GIRL 🎀 We cannot wait to welcome another baby girl to our family in November.”
Considered the most successful male American Alpine skier of all time, Bode Miller won an Olympic gold medal and World Championship gold before retiring in 2017. He married professional volleyball player Morgan Beck in 2012 and the family is currently based in Big Sky Montana.
––Sarah Shebek
Featured image courtesy of Joe Seer / Shutterstock.com
If cheese tops your holiday wish list, then you are in luck. Sam’s Club just dropped two amazing products that any cheese lover would want for their upcoming festive celebrations. The warehouse club is offering an advent calendar and a cheese flight which will make your season’s bright.
The Cheese Advent Calendar features 24 days of cheese.The selection includes Jarlsberg, Ilchester, and Applewood varieties. With this countdown to Christmas you get much more than cheese. Each day has a cheesy joke included too.
Grab this fun gift in the refrigerated cheese section of the club for just $16.98.
While you are in the refrigerated cheese section you can also check out this exclusive cheese flight. Included are three cheeses – Copper Kettle Parmesan, Altu Alpine and Tuscan Rubbed Fontal for only $7.48. This selection is perfect for easy charcuterie boards or to enjoy all on your own.
If summer weather has to end, at least we can look forward to some fun in the snow. FUNBOY changed the game when it comes to pool inflatables, now they are taking winter sports to the next level. A retro-inspired, après chic collection of essential snow accessories recently launched.
The winter collection was created to inspire families to safely get outdoors this holiday season and make memories to last a lifetime. These products were created for the perfect snow day experience. These lightweight and portable snow sleds come in a variety of retro prints and classic shapes to elicit memories of nostalgic snow play.
The FUNBOY Winter Bloom Snow Toboggan Sled ($59) features rapid inflate and deflate valve, dual handles for easy downhill grip, hand pull rope included.
The FUNBOY Retro Plaid Snow Tube ($49) has a reinforced rubber base with directional grooves helps keep the sled going straight downhill for endless fun.
Get ready for a summer filled with…cheese! Costco is selling a nearly two-pound “Cheese Flight” and this plentiful pick is perfect for your next summer party.
Even though we could all probably manage to down the entire two-pound package ourselves, this bulk buy is really something to share. With five different types of cheese in one convenient package, this is a true foodie find you can’t resist.
So what do you get in Costco’s Cheese Flight? Instagrammer @costcodeals first shared a pic of the cheesy goodness. The photo shows the package’s selections—including Monteau Alpine, Cabot Clothbound Cheddar, Red Wine Soaked Goat, 12-Month-Aged Manchego and Duon Herb Hand-Rubbed Fontina.
The 1.8 pound packs sell in select Costco stores for $19.99. And just in case you’re not exactly a cheese-to-wine pairing pro, the Cheese Flight’s packaging includes deets on the perfect vino to match with these little dairy delights.
If the Cheese Flight just isn’t enough for you, Costco also has a 72-pound whole wheel of Parmigiano Reggiano for $899!
Just because you have kids doesn’t mean your concerts have to be limited to “Old MacDonald” sing-alongs. Exhibit A: WinterWonderGrass Tahoe at Squaw Valley | Alpine Meadows, happening this year March 29-31. Read on to find out what makes this festival totally kid-friendly and tips for attending.
1. For kids ages 12 and under, admission to WinterWonderGrass Tahoe is totally FREE. As of publication, single-day adult tickets were still available starting at $79. Click here for all ticketing options. Good to know: traveling with grandparents? Attendees 75 years old and older are also free!
2. Unlike Outside Lands or larger music festivals this venue is intimate. The festival is set up in the Squaw Valley parking lot behind PlumpJack. We think the most kid-friendly times to visit (and least crowded) is during the day right when the doors open and the music starts. Head in early before bedtime to easily hop between the stages. Expect one main stage with tents scattered throughout the festival, each housing smaller stages (3 heated stages in total). It’s a highly approachable and doable music festival with kids, which you’ll notice right off the bat given how many littles are running around with their music-loving parents.
3. Need a breather? Head to the festival’s designated Kid Zone, which is located a short distance from the main stage in a heated area next to VIP. Bonus: the kids tent has some of the best views of the stage! The Kid Zone is a creative and safe space where you’ll find, crafts like beading, coloring and LEGO building, hula hoops, face painting, a coffee bar with hot cocoa and food vendors with lots of kid-approved eats.
4. Unlike some music festivals this one has a flex in-and-out policy so if you need to skidaddle for a little bit or need a breather, feel free to go and come as you please.
5. The bathroom situation isn’t ideal for those potty-training because the facility only has port-a-pottys and you might have to wait during peak hours. We suggest bringing your own hand sanitizer. The good news is that you’ll find 50+ handicap accessible stations so you likely won’t have to squeeze your clan into the normal sized ones.
6. Strollers are welcome but the folks welcoming concertgoers will check your backpack for security. Feel free to bring in snacks and water/juice, but full picnic-style meals are not recommended. If you have a little one, we suggest bringing a carrier. We’ve also seen families bring in wagons, which make transport of blankets, backpacks, kiddo, etc. easy.
7. Let’s talk music! The three-day fest will showcase a variety of bluegrass and acoustic roots performances from around 2-10:30 p.m. Head there when the sets begin to catch music before bedtime. Expect For a full line-up click here but really, you can’t go wrong with any set time.
8. For the parents into brews, the Festival will feature samples from over craft breweries and a few local cider houses scattered throughout three heated beer halls. Sampling happens between 2-5 p.m. every day.
9. There will be free water so bring an empty water bottle to stay hydrated or use your Klean Kanteen festival mug, which comes with every ticket. The festival will not have plastic water bottles on site.
10. The majority of the Festival is outdoors so bring layers! Hats, gloves and a winter coat are all necessary, as are ear protection for your littles.
Ticket info.: Ticket prices begin at $79 for a single day ticket and $199 for a three day pass. Kids 12 and under get in free to this family-friendly event.
Squaw Valley
1960 Squaw Valley Road
Olympic Valley, CA
800-403-0206
Online: squawalpine.com
—Erin Lem
photos: WinterWonderGrass Squaw Valley | Alpine Meadows
The cooler weather goes well with built-in fur coats, allowing many breeds and mixes to walk, run and play for long periods of time without heating up and tiring out.
As temperatures plummet, though, pet parents need to keep in mind how frigid weather—particularly for long periods of time—can be too much for even the hardiest of breeds.
How do I know if my dog is too cold?
A simple rule of thumb about whether your dog is cold is whether you feel cold. If you do, your dog likely does, too. Once thermometers drop and ice and snow become part of the daily forecast, be careful and consider these tips:
Paws in the snow and ice and can get cold very fast. Even though there are some thick-coated alpine dogs out there who love the snow, as household pets, they’re probably not conditioned for the cold weather.
Small dogs should wear coats or sweaters outside to keep them warm. Not only are the clothes adorable, but they’re also beneficial, especially for small, short coated dogs.
Booties are a good idea if you are going to be walking your pets on the sidewalks or where there’s ice or snow.
Use only pet-safe ice melters for defrosting your sidewalks and patios. Many common de-icers contain many different kinds of salts that are harmful to your pet if licked off their feet or coats. If you are walking your pet on public streets, you should consider putting protective booties on them.
If your pet does not wear booties when walked, be sure to clean off their feet and dry them well after walks to prevent ingestion of toxins.
Be sure to clean ice, snow, salt and sand from your dog’s feet and legs. Also, dry your dog’s belly if it gets covered in snow.
How long in the cold is too long for my dog?
Even if your dog seems to enjoy the cold weather and snow play, there’s such a thing as too much of a good thing. How much is too much? That depends. Different pets have different thresholds. Ultimately, it’s a judgment call—yours.
The best way to know how long in the cold is enough for your dog is for you also to be outside. When it gets too cold for you to tolerate, the same will likely be for them. When the temperature drops below freezing, limit your dog’s time outside to less than 15 minutes at a time.
It’s important to remember, too, that much like vehicles can heat up to extreme temperatures in the summer, they can also get extremely cold in the winter. Be careful when taking your dog on errands. You don’t want to leave them in the car for extended periods of time. Once the vehicle is turned off, the icy temperatures outside can quickly cool off the car’s interior, making it uncomfortable and even unsafe for your dog.
Common Winter Weather Issues that Affect Dogs
Just like humans, dogs can slip and fall on ice and snow. As a result, veterinarians see many torn ligaments in the winter. The knees are commonly affected and often the treatment requires surgery. It’s best to keep your pet on a leash outside and avoid buildups of ice where they — and you! — can slip.
If your dog is arthritic, keep in mind that it may be more difficult for him to move around in the winter. Be sure to make it easy for him to walk outside. Having to jump through the snow or walk on slippery, icy surfaces can lead to unnecessary pain and possible injury. If your dog is having a hard time, speak to your veterinarian about pain medications.
It can be a winter wonderland for your dog—if you’re careful.
Whether you live in or travel to a cold-weather spot this winter, there’s no doubt outdoor playtime can be a joyful time for you and your dog. Just keep in mind the risks involved when you expose your four-legged family member to ice, snow and cold. Even though they come with fur coats as standard equipment, that doesn’t mean they’re fully protected from all that Old Man Winter can deliver. Have fun—and stay warm!
Diane Levitan, VMD, is a world renouned veterinarian and founder of the Center for Specialized Veterinary Care and The Compassionate Care Center. Her expertise spans all aspects of veterinary internal medicine and she has been featured nationally and internationally on FOX, NBC Nightly News,The TODAY Show and more.
If your idea of an idyllic summer day involves lounging on a giant floatie with no waves in sight, then the lake life is definitely for you. With everyone and their brother heading to Lake Tahoe these days, now is the perfect time to check out some of the other local lakes nearby. The water is calm and warm, perfect for setting up a picnic, casting out your fishing line and splashing around with the littles. Check out our list below and plan your next road trip!
Lake Chabot
This lake in the East Bay city of Castro Valley is less than an hour away from all of the Bay Area and the perfect spot for a day on the water. While swimming is not allowed in Lake Chabot, boating and fishing are the perfect activities. The boathouse opens at 6 a.m. in the summer for rentals of kayaks, pontoon boats, pedal boats and motor boats. No advanced reservations are taken so plan to arrive early on the weekends to get your ride. Save a few bucks and come on Wednesdays when you can get half off your boat rental. Military receive half off boat rentals all week long (bring your ID).
Those looking to get a tour of the lake can book a spot on the Lake Chabot Queen ($6/hour for ages 13 and up, $3.50/hour for under 13). They are currently revamping their kayak tour service so check back later for an update.
The marina cafe offers a wide variety of sandwiches, salads, cookies and more, perfect to bring along on your pontoon boat. Call ahead with your order and they’ll have it ready for you when you arrive. They also offer fishing licenses (only required for age 16 and up) and any tackle/bait that you need. Parking is $5/car and does fill up on the weekends.
Coyote Lake
Nearby Gilroy is home to this lake that offers both fishing and boating. Both motorized and non-motorized vessels are allowed on the lake but there is no swimming permitted. The campground is great spot to set up your tent for the weekend and explore the 33 miles of hiking trails on the property. The park rangers run some great free programs for kids on the weekends. On the opposite side of the lake from the campground is the Coyote Dam with some massive rocks for climbing.
Lake Del Valle
This East Bay lake is a hot spot for those looking to cool off in the summer. Swing by the visitors center to learn the history of the area and find out about campfire programs offered throughout the summer months. Swimming is allowed in the lake and there are two swimming beaches staffed by lifeguards during posted periods. Fishing is allowed and campsites are available for those looking to stay the night.
Lake Almanor
Just east of Redding and Chico, Lake Almanor sits just outside of Lassen Volcanic National Park. With a maximum depth of 90 feet (compared to Lake Tahoe’s 1,600+ feet) the water is warm and swimable , especially the later you get into the summer months. Rent a kayak, paddleboard or boat from one of the many businesses around the lake. There are a number of marinas that offer sheltered areas for kids to swim and float around in their giant unicorn inflatables.
Pinecrest Lake
You will feel like you have gone back in time to the simpler days when you spend the weekend at Pinecrest Lake in the Stanislaus National Forest. Located near Dodge Ridge Ski resort, this lake offers fishing, boating, kayaking and all sorts of other outdoor activities that are guaranteed to tire the kids out. Sunbathe at the sandy beach on the southern edge of the lake. Hike around the lake or book a horse or pack mule ride at Aspen Meadows. You can stay right on the lake at the Pinecrest Lake Resort or book one of the many cabins like those at the Rivers Resort in the nearby town of Strawberry.
Lake Alpine
Located in the Sierra foothills near Bear Valley, Lake Alpine has tons to offer families who are looking for some low-key fun. Rent a boat to take out on the lake and enjoy some of the best rainbow trout fishing in the area. Swimming is allowed but the water doesn’t tend to warm up until August. Hike the 4-mile trail around the lake and take a side trip to Inspiration Point for some amazing views. Bring your tent to camp at one of the three campgrounds that surround the lake ($25/night, no reservations taken) or try out one of the cabins and tent cabins available at Lake Alpine Resort.
Shasta Lake
The state’s largest reservoir is a draw for water lovers of all ages, especially those looking to spend their weekend on a houseboat. About a four hour drive north of San Francisco, now is a great time to head to Shasta as the winter rains made it full to the brim. Day temperatures reach the upper 90s and the water is a balmy 78 degrees in the summer months. Make sure you plan time to take a tour of Shasta Dam, the second-largest concrete dam in the country. Another point of interested is the Lake Shasta Caverns. These underground wonders are only accessible by boat as part of a guided tour.
We’re giddily counting down (and hope you are too!) to the Winter Olympics in PyeongChang on Feb. 9th. Growing up, we’ve all probably imagined ourselves standing proudly atop the Olympic podium, gold medal gleaming around our neck, holding back the ugly cry as the national anthem plays. Way before the gold though, comes hours, days and years of hard work and training to become one of the most elite athletes in the world. Every Olympian has to start somewhere and we’ve got the scoop on how to do it here at home.
Hollywood Curling An Olympic sport that continues to grow in popularity now that more and more Americans are learning what the heck it even is, curling involves two teams of four players each sliding stones on a sheet of ice towards a target area that is segmented into four concentric circles. Think shuffleboard on ice. One might be surprised to find love for such an unusual sport in sunny southern California, but Hollywood Curling is working hard to change all that. A member of the United States Curling Association, Hollywood Curling is fostering a deep passion for the sport by offering curling lessons and leagues that compete on a local, national and international level. “Learn to Curl” lessons are available for kids aged 8 and up throughout the year at ice rinks in Pasadena and Valencia and are a swell opportunity to learn the basics of the sport without any pressure. Most classes are filled with first-timers, so no need to worry about going for gold right out of the gate.
Tip: Check out Hollywood Curling’s website for the most up-to-date schedule of classes. Come to class in sneakers, a sweatshirt and loose fitting pants that allow you to lunge and move freely.
The upcoming Olympics are going to be more exciting than ever as PyeongChang is the first time competing figure skaters will be allowed to use vocal music in their Olympic routines. Think triple axles and sit spins to jams from Prince, Hamilton and maybe Foo Fighters as they fight for medal glory. But the real excitement comes from the tireless training these athletes have put in on the ice day after day in rinks just like the ones we’ve rounded up below.
Toyota Sports Center Starting as young as 3 years old, Toyota Sports Center offers skating lessons for your aspiring Bradie Tennells and Nathan Chens. Group classes and private coaching are available, as well as specialty classes focusing on spins and jumps. The primary goal of every class is for each student to correctly learn all the skills presented before moving on to the next level.
Pickwick Ice Pickwick Ice in Burbank has hosted its fair share of national skating champions over the years, so your tots will no doubt be in good hands in their figure skating program. Kiddos can start at age 3 and work their way up the ladder learning spins, jumps, transitions and everything they need to know to become the strongest skaters possible.
Pasadena Ice Skating Center For those of you living closer to Pasadena, the Pasadena Ice Skating Center may be your best bet. Figure skating classes are offered year-round at all levels with each covering basic ISI (Ice Skating Institute) test level requirements. Private lessons are also available by appointment and occasionally on a walk-in basis.
Pasadena Ice Skating Center
Pasadena
626-578-0800
Online: skatepasadena.com
photo: Blue Angel Snow Youth Ski and Snowboard Camp via Facebook
SKIING & SNOWBOARDING
Blue Angel Snow Youth Ski and Snowboard Camp One thing all Olympic skiers and snowboarders have in common is their dedication to training on a consistent basis. With easy access to Mountain High Ski Resort, LA kiddos can now learn to master the slopes with more structure and regularity through the Blue Angel Snow Youth Ski and Snowboard Camp. This totally unique camp for young athletes offers five Saturday day ski and snowboard trips to Mountain High with round-trip luxury bus transportation, lift tickets, full days of instruction and mentoring from expert teachers, as well as lunch and snacks. The camp is open for youngsters of all skill levels ages 7-to-16. Snow coaching groups are age and ability matched with ten kids per instructor. For many families whose little ones truly want to learn the sport and improve their skills, this camp becomes a yearly tradition.
Tip: If your schedule doesn’t allow for the Blue Angel Snow Camp this year, be sure to check out the plethora of fantastic ski and snowboarding lessons offered daily at any number of resorts in and around LA from Big Bear Mountain Resorts and Snow Valley to Mt. Baldy and of course, Mountain High.
Blue Angel Snow Youth Ski and Snowboard Camp
Mountain High Resort
858-509-8926
Online: blueangelsnow.com
photo: Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain via Facebook
BOBSLEDDING
Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain What kid didn’t dream of becoming an Olympic bobsledder after watching the movie Cool Runnings growing up? Ya man! Now, every pint-sized Angeleno can realize their dreams with Southern California’s only authentic bobsled experience, the Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain in Big Bear. Open year-round, the Alpine Slide offers riders (young and old) the chance to steer their own sled down one of two long cement tracks filled with hair-raising high-banked turns and heart-pumping straightaways. Rides cost $6 a pop, but kiddos aged 2-to-6 ride free with an adult.
Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain
Big Bear Mountain
909-866-2646
Online: alpineslidebigbear.com
photo: Santa Clarita Speed Skating Club via Facebook
SPEEDSKATING
Santa Clarita Speedskating Club
For LA tykes who feel the need — the need for speed skating that is — check out the Santa Clarita Speed Skating Club. Group lessons in short track speed skating are offered to skaters as young as 5 years old at the Ice Station Valencia. Students are separated by age, ability, and size during lessons to make the most of their time on the ice. The Santa Clarita Speed Skating Club season runs September through April, so you still have time this year to give it a whirl!
Santa Clarita Speedskating Club
Valencia
661-373-3221
Online: scssc.net
If the enormous crowds at every LA Kings game are any indication, Angelenos have some serious goo-goo eyes for ice hockey. Luckily, we have some great rinks around town that offer lessons to aspiring young players who may have Olympic dreams of their own someday.
Toyota Sports Center The Toyota Sports Center in El Segundo is the official training center for the LA Kings and offers a fabulous (and free) Kids First program that introduces kids to the sport. The Toyota Center also features ongoing classes, camps, and leagues.
Pickwick Ice & Iceland Ice Skating Center For families who live in the valley, check out classes at Pickwick Ice in Burbank and their California Golden Bears youth hockey club. In nearby Van Nuys, Iceland Ice Skating Center offers kids’ hockey clinics on Wednesday evenings.
Pasadena Ice Skating Center Not to be outdone in Pasadena, the Pasadena Ice Skating Center offers a variety of lessons for all ages and skills levels, as well as an in-house youth hockey league program.
