What is a summer vacation without some serious family pool time? The local swimming hole is a great place to cool off, but if you’re ready to bring your summer splash time to the next level, check out these hotels with epic pools featuring shipwrecked pirate boats, oversized candy bars, floating Lego figures, sky-high waterslides and more. Get ready to dive in to a summer vacation your family won’t forget with one of these spectacular pools within a short drive of the DMV.
Hershey Lodge - Hershey, PA (2 hours 15 minutes)
Hershey Lodge
Get a sugar rush at this 30,000 square foot pool at the sweetest place on earth. From a Twizzlers Twists water slide to a Reese's Water Walk that features, you guessed it, oversized peanut butter cups, the hotel pool at Hershey Lodge checks off every candy lover's list. Other features include a zero-entry pool, a sand castle spray zone, a lighthouse tipping bucket and more.
To Do Nearby: Book your tickets for Hersheypark. The park has something for everyone. From thrilling coasters to classic family rides to an entire water park, there are countless ways to ride the day away. Eat at The Chocolatier, the all-new, full-service restaurant, bar, and patio. The restaurantserves up family fare with a fun spin and hints of chocolate.
Explore all the levels of splashing fun in the best water fort treehouse you've ever seen—delight in the interactive water toys and kid-activated splash features. Then, escape via the Totem Tower body slides to start all over again. And listen for the bell; when it rings, the gigantic bucket on top is ready to tip. Finally, hop on the Alberta Falls water slide, which takes you right outside the building and back in again before your final drop into the plunge pool.
To Do Nearby: Colonial Williamsburg is the world's largest living history museum. The 301 acres feature iconic sites, working tradespeople, historic taverns, and two world-class art museums. Historic Jamestowne offers much to see and do too. A typical visit can last 2 to 3 hours, but those wishing to delve deeper into Jamestown's history can easily spend half a day or more exploring the island. See archaeology in action as the Jamestown Rediscovery team continues to excavate parts of the island.
Hilton Ocean City Oceanfront Suites - Ocean City, MD (2 hours 40 minutes)
Hilton Suites Ocean City Oceanfront
Admire the gorgeous Atlantic Ocean views from this oceanfront pool and hotel. Your whole crew will love the zero-entry splash pad near the shipwreck. Splash down the water slide and skip around under the fountains. Start your day at the epic pool and end it under the sunset on the beach steps away. You'll have the best of both worlds at this hotel.
To Do Nearby: Ocean City, MD, is full of family fun for everyone. At the hotel, you're only steps away from the town's boardwalk with a sky-high Ferris wheel and the best fries around. At the boardwalk's southern end, Trimper's Rides has hosted theme-park attractions for decades. In addition, the surrounding waters are active with kayaks and tour boats, some of which journey to the famous Assateague Island nearby. You might even see a wild pony on the beach.
Kalahari - Poconos Mountains, PA (4 hours 3 minutes)
Kalahari Resorts
Plan a getaway you'll never forget at America's Largest Indoor Waterparks. You can try the very first (and only) Virtual Reality Waterslide in the United States. This VR waterslide brings a totally new dimension to waterpark fun. With multiple immersive experiences, your kiddos can throw on the headset and are instantly launched into a new realm as they ride down the waterslide.
To Do Nearby: Take the opportunity to check out NASCAR at Pocono Raceway. Go mountain biking or play paintball with your whole crew. The kids will love seeing the animals at the wild animal park. For a little slower pace, sightseeing on horseback or a scenic, historic train ride may be just what you all need right now.
The Biosphere is the first structure of its kind in the U.S. to incorporate advanced German Foiltec roofing material, allowing nearly 100% light transmission year-round. The retractable roof, which produces an extraordinary outdoor effect, is a genuinely unique feature in the Northeast. In addition, the exotic freeform pools are surrounded by lush tropical foliage, specially transported to be housed in the Biosphere. You won't want to miss the underground aquarium and a 140-foot water slide.
To Do Nearby: While you're in town, visit High Point State Park for a great family hike and a photo op in front of the monument. Stop by Windy Brow Farms to pick your own locally grown produce and get a taste of sweet farm life. Finally, take your little animal lover to Space Farms Zoo & Museum, a 100-acre zoo and museum complex full of furry friends to enjoy.
Just an hour from NYC - this immersive and interactive pool is some seriously LEGO-tastic fun for everyone. Swim beside life-sized LEGO figures and splash in the LEGO-themed play areas everywhere you look. You won't want to miss the exciting resort rooms, too, with every theme from Pirates to NINJAGO. Your tiny brick builder will love living the LEGO life underwater.
To Do Nearby: Goshen, N.Y., is a quaint community steeped in rich pre-revolutionary and farming history. It's located in the heart of the beautiful Hudson Valley region, amid the foothills of the Catskills Mountains and approximately one hour from New York City. If you are ready to explore, Broadway is open again, and there are tons of family-friendly shows starting up in the heart of the city and all the attractions throughout the region.
Adventures on the Gorge - Lansing, WV (5 hours 12 minutes)
Adventures on the Gorge
Right on the rim of New River Gorge and in the heart of the newest National Park, Canyon Falls Pool is the perfect place for your next family getaway. Whether splashing in the kiddie waterpark, admiring the ornate waterfalls, or sunbathing on the deck overlooking the gorge, your whole crew will be occupied for hours. You can choose from cabins, glamping tents and rental properties on-site. You can even try your hand at tent or RV camping during your visit.
To Do Nearby: A rugged, whitewater river flowing northward through deep canyons, the New River is among the oldest rivers on the continent. The New River Gorge National Park and Preserve encompasses over 70,000 acres of land along the New River, is rich in cultural and natural history, and offers many scenic and recreational opportunities. Book tons of nature-filled activities (starting at age 6) through Adventures on the Gorge.
Reading with your child is not only snuggly bonding time for you both, it builds your baby’s brain power, helps develop language and exposes your child to the world around them. There are books out there to engage every baby, and we’ll help you in your hunt by compiling baby-tested favorites in all the big categories, including touch-and-feel books, stories about animals, funny reads and classics every baby will treasure. Read on for the next additions to your bookshelves.
19 Classic Books All Babies and Toddlers Should Have A bookshelf packed with a mix of classics and new faves is the first step to raising a reader. Here, we’ve rounded up 19 storybooks that have mesmerized little ones for years, from tales about ravenous caterpillars to mischievous bunnies. You’ll probably remember a few from your own childhood.
Best STEM Books for Babies & Toddlers STEM—an acronym for the fields of science, technology, engineering and math—is one of the biggest buzzwords in education these days. With good reason, as learning these subjects can help students become better thinkers and problem-solvers. Here are our top picks for books that introduce STEM concepts to your future Einsteins.
14 Touch-and-Feel Books to Fill Baby’s Bookshelf The classic Pat the Bunny by Dorothy Kunhardt has introduced generations of children to the world of touch-and-feel books. Now these books are more interactive and fun than ever. They mix the traditional elements of reading a picture book with touching, listening and even chewing!
11 Kids Books That Encourage Diversity & Inclusion There’s no shortage of good reading material out there, especially when it comes to promoting important values like kindness and acceptance. Fill your child’s library with books that encourage diversity and inclusion. Your baby’s first literary lesson can be that differences are okay. In fact, they’re what make us special.
10 Books All About Becoming a Big Sibling Looking to head off any early sibling rivalry? Introduce your child to the concept of a sibling with some of these books all about bringing a new baby home. They make becoming a big brother or sister seem like your family’s next big adventure.
Woof! Roar! Oink! 11 Animal-Themed Books Your Baby Will Love Your little one will love learning animal sounds while flipping through these stories packed with pictures of cute and cuddly animals. Here are 11 fantastic animal-themed books, from old favorites to soon-to-be classics, that will turn your animal lover into a bookworm.
Top Funny Books for Babies and Toddlers We’ve gathered up 16 funny tales guaranteed to make kids crack up, from stories that feature mixed-up animals to tales about the power of undies and magical poo (yes, poo). A few of these books also offer jokes to entertain parents reading the story.
Build Your Library! 25 Board Books Every Baby Needs Want to inspire your little sidekick to enjoy a lifetime of reading? Start building the library now. Discover 25 worth-reading beginner books, from gotta-have-’em classics like Goodnight Moon to newer, need-to-know titles like Hello, Bugs.
Best Holiday Books for Babies & Toddlers The build-up to the holidays is one of the best things about the season, and it feels even more exciting when you have little ones. A simple and fun way to get into the spirit with your kids is by reading holiday books with them. Whether you want to relive a classic or start a new tradition, here are some of our favorite Christmas and Hanukkah books for babies and toddlers.
‘Tis the season for sunshine, exploring and making memories! To help you get the most out of your summer, we’ve teamed up with Go RVing to give you everything you need to plan an epic family vacation. Get our guide here!
From Los Angeles
Ventura
Venture to Ventura for laid-back, small-town vibes just outside of Los Angeles. Spend the day relaxing with the sun, the surf in the sand, or board the Island Packers Ferry for a trip out to Channel Islands National Park. This awe-inspiring park is made up of five remote islands. While you enjoy your hikes and photo ops, you'll need to bring your own drinking water and plan to pack out your trash, since the park does not have the same services as more accessible parks. Once you've finished your exploring, plan a night at Ventura Beach RV Resort where you can walk to the beach or bike to the pier. Bonus: The resort includes a free pancake breakfast each Sunday.
Solvang
Check out California's Little Denmark with a stop in Solvang. Snack on authentic Danish pastries while you wander through the windmills and Scandinavian-designed buildings. As you explore downtown and learn about Danish culture, hop on the horse-pulled Solvang Trolley to get around town! If your little one is an animal lover, surprise them with a stop at OstrichLand, where you'll get up closer and personal with ostriches and emus. Flying Flags RV Resort and Campground is just outside of Solvang, and has plenty of playgrounds and an off-leash dog park to entertain everyone.
Big Sur
With a trip to Big Sur, getting to your locale is part of the fun! Spend a day driving along the Pacific Coast Highway for jaw-dropping views of the bright blue ocean over dramatic cliffs. When you're ready for a stop (and your driver wants to take in the views) plan a pit stop at Lucia Lodge for lunch and potential whale spotting. You'll love the delicious food and the kids will be excited for the postcard they get at the end of the meal. Plan to stay the night at Riverside Campground, a 34-site campground with a restaurant that will bring you a picnic so you can dine in the riverbed.
When you're ready for wifi and phone service again, make your way up to Monterey for more oceanside exploring. Spend your morning walking around Cannery Row and plan an afternoon at Monterey Bay Aquarium—home to over 20,000 marine animals including sea otters, penguins, sharks, jellyfish and so much more. After an exciting day in town, wind down at Marina Dunes RV Park located just north of Monterey. This RV park has its own glamping section and is a quick walk to the beach or trails.
You've heard of Paso Robles for being a wine-focused destination, but this so-cute spot offers loads of family-friendly entertainment as well! Spend the day exploring one of the many local wineries with kid-friendly activities like free gelato, epic zip lines and a kids grape tasting. At night, check out the Sensorio light show which was featured in The New York Times as #6 in “50 Places to Visit in 2020”. When it comes to a place to stay, plan a stay at Cava Robles RV Resort, which is equipped with pools, spas, fire pits, a wellness center, and dog parks!
From San Francisco
Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe's giant freshwater lake makes it the perfect stop on a summer road trip! Rent paddleboards or kayaks to explore the crystal-clear waters, and plan a hike to see the Balancing Rock at DL Bliss State Park—a 250,000-pound boulder balancing on a small amount of granite. Relax at Tahoe Valley RV Resort, where kids can enjoy movie nights, game nights and a pancake breakfast!
Calaveras Big Trees State Park
Did you know sequoias can grow over 250 feet tall? Learn about some of the oldest and largest sequoias on a trip to Calaveras Big Trees State Park. Explore the park on foot by hiking through the North and South Groves, along with checking out ancient volcanic formations. Once you've seen the trees up close, see more of the area via raft with a trip on the North Fork of the Stanislaus River through OARS. Golden Pines RV & Campground is close to everything you'll want to see and has 22 RV sites with electric, water and sewer.
Mountains, 200 miles of biking and hiking trails, and over 300 days of sunshine a year? Count us in. Redding has a lot you'll want to see, like the Sundial Bridge and Lassen Volcanic National Park, but be sure to scoop out some time for Shasta State Historic Park where you can learn about the gold rush and see the ruins of where a bustling city once stood. JGW RV Park has everything you'll need for a great stay: tons of wildlife and fishing along with a heated pool and strong wifi.
Make a stop at Six River National Forest, which is made up of one million acres of land, four counties and six rivers. Plan to spend your day rafting on one of those six rivers with Redwood Rides, where you can do a mellow float or kick up the adrenaline with rapids. Mad River Rapids RV Park is just outside of the national forest and is only two miles to the beach!
Humboldt Redwoods State Park is California's largest redwoods park and is home to several of the world's tallest trees. Plan to drive Avenue of the Giants, a 31-mile portion of historic Highway 101 that winds through the park. While at the park, check out Redwoods EdVentures for kid-friendly quests that let little ones earn patches for their accomplishments while exploring. Plan to stay at Giant Redwoods RV Park, which has river-view sites and an outdoor theater.
Anyone who’s ever loved an animal knows just how special the bond between person and pet can be. The long walks in the park, the endless games of fetch and the sweet, curled-up cuddles after a long day make up some of life’s best memories for both people and their pets.
If you have an animal lover in your family, you’ll be thrilled to hear about the work that Annenberg PetSpace is doing across Southern California. Annenberg PetSpace is focused on the benefits that animals and people receive from loving and caring for each other and is a unique community space that includes an education center, a leadership institute, and, best of all for people who are looking to add a new (four-legged) family member, an adoption center.
Annenberg PetSpace is open to the public and committed to fostering a love of animals in the next generation. On a visit, you’ll have the opportunity to take part in a Pet Encounter with an adoptable animal, explore the Critter Corner and enjoy a behind-the-scenes view of how pets are received and prepared for adoption. Interested in adding to your family? Annenberg PetSpace lets you schedule an appointment for a meet-and-greet with a potential pet and gives the option to take them home the same day!
If you’re interested in adding someone special to your family, check out these friendly pets who are currently living at Annenberg PetSpace as they wait for their forever home:
Heidi
Heidi is two years old and 62 lbs of bouncy, full-of-life fun. With her perky ears and soft tan and black fur, she’s a picture-perfect pup who’s looking for a family to call her own. Heidi can be shy when she meets new people for the first time but loves to play and cuddle once she’s gotten to know you!
Zorro
Zorro is the perfect mid-sized pup for an experienced pet parent who’s ready to build a loving, trusting relationship with a dog who has lots of love to give! Zorro had a leg injury, received surgery and is working hard to regain his strength in physical therapy. At just two years old, this playful guy is ready for a lifetime full of love!
Clifford
Clifford might not be quite as big or quite as red as the Big Red Dog, but he’s got a heart just as sweet and can’t wait to be a part of a family! Clifford can be a little nervous meeting new people (who isn’t?), but it doesn’t take much to get his tail wagging.
Cheesy Mac
Cheesy Mac is a laid-back kitty who likes things quiet and relaxed, but who gets playful quickly when someone brings out his favorite toys. Cheesy Mac is looking for a home where he can snuggle up and relax in calm and tranquility with a helpful human there to make sure he gets all the snuggles he needs!
Sadie
Sadie is a four-year-old pup who is ready for a loving, trusting family. She's timid and takes a little while to trust people, but once you get to know this 76-pound doggo she's sure to be a furever friend.
If your family is looking for a new pet and wants to explore options other than dogs or cats, a visit to the Annenberg PetSpace Critter Corner is a must-do! The Critter Corner, home to a variety of small animals, is designed to help potential families learn about all the pet options available to them and determine what sort of animal might be the best fit for their family!
With a playful box turtle, a California kingsnake, a cockatiel, a domestic rabbit, a guinea pig, a hamster and a leopard gecko, the Annenberg PetSpace Critter Corner has something for everyone. As you move through the Critter Corner you’ll have a chance to learn about what sort of care each animal needs, what makes them feel happy and fulfilled and what you’ll need to do if you want to bring one into their home.
This summer, whether your family is on the lookout for a new pet or not, an afternoon spent at the Annenberg PetSpace is an afternoon well spent!
Winter break is just around the corner, which means the kids will be home for a few weeks with plenty of free time to fill. This spells “opportunity”—either to spend some extra cash or, better yet—to make some.
Nurture your daughter’s inner entrepreneur by encouraging her to earn some extra coin with one of these eight money-making endeavors.
Pet Sitting
Getting paid to take care of pets without the commitment of having one? Sounds like a perfect way for an animal lover to make a few bucks during this time of year. A lot of families go out of town during winter break, either to spend the holidays with relatives, go skiing or head south for a few days of warmer weather. A simple Facebook post and maybe some flyers around the neighborhood listing your daughter’s availability and rates may be all it takes to drum up some pet-sitting business.
Wrapping Gifts
While many people are flexing their Amazon Prime memberships right now, they may find themselves needing a little support once all those gifts are delivered. If your daughter is a bit of a perfectionist and loves to make things look pretty, she could offer her gift-wrapping services for friends, family and neighbors, charging either per gift or per hour. Bonus points if she can make her own cute gift tags to sell to those who need them.
Helping Host a Party
‘Tis the season for gatherings and parties, now through early January. If your daughter is either comfortable making her way around the kitchen or making small talk with strangers, she could offer her services as a behind-the-scenes mini hostess (helping prepare food, serve beverages, clean dishes, etc.) or offer to greet guests as they arrive and take their coats. She could also keep the little ones entertained and occupied in a playroom (if kids are invited) so the adults can enjoy their time together uninterrupted. Have her advertise her hosting skills via social media, email and through word of mouth (that means you, Mom and Dad).
Making & Selling Candy (or Other DIY Gifts)
Nothing says “holiday season” better than delicious, mouthwatering sweet treats. You and your daughter can take advantage of this time of year by learning how to make some simple candies and selling them via social media. In fact, you can let your friends try them first for free and then ask them to spread the word that you’re making more and taking orders.
Teaching Other Kids
Does your daughter have a hobby she’s especially good at? Or a subject in school that she excels in? Tutoring is a great way to make some extra money as well as new friends, connections and teaching skills that may come in handy down the road. Learning doesn’t have to be confined to the walls of a classroom and during a school break, parents may be especially interested in taking advantage of the downtime by hiring a tutor.
Host a Parent’s Night Out/Babysitting
Whether they’re holiday gift shopping, attending a party or just spending time at home decorating/cooking for upcoming festivities (and wish to be uninterrupted), many parents might appreciate having a time and place they can drop their kids off without having to call a babysitter. You and your daughter can advertise a Parent’s Night Out via social media and take reservations for parents to bring their kids to your place for an evening of good old-fashioned kid-centric fun, including games, special treats and maybe a holiday classic like Elf or Frosty the Snowman. This is also a great way to drum up potential babysitting business for the years to come.
Hot Cocoa Stand
Who says lemonade is the only beverage that deserves a stand? Weather permitting, of course, help your daughter set up an outdoor hot cocoa stand with thermoses full of chocolatey goodness, to-go cups with lids and assorted toppings, like marshmallows, crushed candy canes and whipped cream. She can advertise it via social media, but if you live in a fairly high-trafficked area, she may get quite a few customers just based on the appeal and ingenuity of the idea.
Household Helper
From shoveling snow to taking down holiday decorations, from de-icing sidewalks to cleaning up after a New Year’s Eve party, your daughter can advertise an hourly rate for her services to help other families “get stuff done” during what’s typically a chaotic time of year. She could list the types of chores she’s willing to take on, the dates she’s available to help, maybe partner up with a friend or two and create a fun name for their little cleaning crew—there are all kinds of ways to make a “handy girl” service work. And busy parents may line up to pay for the much-needed extra pairs of hands.
Like these ideas? Check out these girls who’ve turned their money-making ideas into business opportunities.
I've always built businesses, from a childhood gummy bear business to adult gigs at IMAX and Coupons.com. I founded The Startup Squad to help girls reach their potential and my book series, The Startup Squad, is published by Macmillan. I live in Silicon Valley with my wife and two daughters.
Learning how to work together, the importance of friendship, perseverance and having fun despite daily challenges are all values that make a happy kid and a successful adult. It can be difficult to teach tiny humans these life lessons, since they’re not quite as tangible as the ABC’s! For this reason and so many more, we are loving Mighty Express—an exciting new Netflix original preschool series!
From Spin Master Entertainment, the creators of PAW Patrol, Mighty Express is a series of 11-minute adventures that set preschoolers in motion with action-packed, high-stakes missions, cool tools and trainloads of humor. In every episode a team of trains and their kid best friends work together to overcome obstacles in the vast, colorful and quirky world of Tracksville. The cast of diverse characters each have their own unique personalities, skill sets and jobs, reflecting the world around us with an inclusive spirit. Read on to learn more about the stars of the show, why your kids will love them and what they will learn along the way.
Max: The Leader
It’s not just his name; it’s his personality! Max is the leader of the group. His enthusiasm inspires the team to work together and have each other’s back (or engine). He assigns train cars for their missions, and while his job is to keep everything moving, he knows how to remain empathetic when any problem arises. Max takes his duties seriously but knows how to have fun!
Nico: Keeps Everyone on Track
As the resident smarty pants, he knows every inch of Tracksville. A problem solver with nerdy enthusiasm, Nico is an excellent multitasker, helping the team when they get stuck—figuratively and literally! Nico prides himself on keeping everyone happy and safe, not to mention, entertained, as the resident DJ!
Liza: The Train Whisperer
She is your go-to for everything train as the mechanical engineer. Creative and resourceful (not to mention handy), she makes sure the trains are running and feeling their best. Liza is ever-curious about the world around her and methodical in her work—she’s also a reliable friend with a big heart to match her big talent.
Meet the (Personality-Packed) Trains
With so many new friends on board, your little one is sure to find a train they can relate to! Freight Nate is the strongest and fastest train of the bunch, and always there to help friends out of sticky situations. Then there’s Build-It Brock, a shy, gentle giant that’s highly skilled at building whatever the town needs.
Mechanic Milo is dependable and enthusiastic about his array of tools that he’s always willing and able to fix anything with. Your little animal lover will fall for Farmer Faye who helps move animals and produce, always with a kind word to share.
Rescue Red is the resident firefighter who takes safety very seriously. Fire engine train Flicker is Red’s little brother, high energy and playful, and one of the younger trains in town. Friendly, cautious and polite, Peoplemover Penny gets kids where they need to go, all while singing sweetly along the way!
Ten Mighty Express episodes roll onto Netflix today including ‘Nate’s Fright Night’, a fun Halloween special where the characters dress up as superheroes, sure to get your little one into the Halloween spirit. Hop on board and follow along @MightyExpressOfficial and Mighty Express YouTube.
Family pets offer joy, companionship, stress relief and countless hours of amusement, so it makes perfect sense that there’s been a huge surge in dog adoptions and pet adoptions during the last six months of quarantine. Since we’re all clocking more hours at home, we have the opportunity to not only nurture existing relationships with our pets but to also foster new ones. We’ve rounded up 8 local rescue organizations that will get you one step closer to adopting your very own furry (or feathered!) friend. Read on to find your new best pal.
One of the most well known non-profit organizations in San Diego County, The Helen Woodward Animal Center established in 1972 has been committed to the philosophy of people helping animals and animals helping people for over 45 years. Located on 12 acres in Rancho Santa Fe, the center offers a variety of services to the community from birthday celebrations and animal camps for kids to a fully functioning equine hospital. Currently the center is open by “appointment only” to view and adopt canines and felines. Adoptions hours are Mon.-Sun. 10 a.m.–6 p.m. The Animal Center is currently offering a discount on their adoption rates for kittens, because sometimes two is better than one. Check out their available kittens here.
Labradors are the most popular breed in both the United States and the United Kingdom for good reason. Their eagerness to please, gentle temperament and intelligence make them truly a family-friendly breed. If you're interested in adding a lab or lab-mix to your family check out Labradors and Friends Dog Rescue Group. Take a moment to fill out an adoption application so the organization can learn more about you and your family and keep checking back to see what labs are currently awaiting a new home.
With campuses in Escondido, Oceanside and San Diego, The San Diego Humane Society provides animal services for 12 cities within San Diego County. The large-scale size of the organization allows them to not only care for 50,000 animals in our communities, but also share the expertise they've gained with shelters nationwide so they can achieve their mission: to create a more humane world by inspiring compassion, providing hope and advancing the welfare of animals and people. Due to COVID-19 they are not accommodating in-person meet-and-greets at this time, but have created a tutorial for more detailed information about the adoption process.
Pro tip: be sure to ask about their "Hidden Gems," pets available for adoption but not in public view. Doggie high-five to that!
Maybe you're ready to dip a toe into pet owning but concerned about the time investment of adopting a dog or even a cat. Wee Companions Small Animal Adoption is the place for you. They specialize in small furry exotics including, guinea pigs, hamsters and rabbits. Located in San Diego, this small animal adoption agency has plenty of resources and information on their website to help you make a decision on how you can find the right pet that's best for you and your family. Get off the hamster wheel and get ready to cuddle up to a new furry companion.
It's a lounge, it's a coffee shop, it's the coolest space we've seen to meet, bond with, and adopt feline friends. The concept of “Cat Cafe” can be traced back to Taiwan and Taipei in the late 90’s, and soon after expanded to Japan. Operating as restaurants and sit-down cafes, guests enjoy bonding with cats as they enjoy their meals. The husband and wife team behind Cat & Craft Cafe located in Vista fell in love with the idea of combining their skill sets (business and marketing) with their true passion (animal rescue) and creating this environment. The duo believes, "The creation of an engaging Cat and Craft coffee experience enriches interactions between humans and cats in a relaxing, no commitment environment. And when companion soul-mates meet, the cat finds a forever home and the human finds a forever friend!" Purr about this one to all your friends, it's a must-visit spot whether you and your family are looking to adopt or just need a snuggle. Click here to view modified hours and current operations due to Covid-19.
Mexican Street Dogs are commonly known as village dogs or callejeros ("street dogs") in Mexico. In 2010, Stephanie Nisan felt a dire need for action to help these homeless dogs beyond the border and founded Animal Pad. The organization's current focus is rescuing dogs from high kill shelters in Southern California and Mexico. They get them the vet care they need, find foster homes, rehabilitate them and facilitate adoptions into loving homes. If you're looking to rescue a puppy rather than an adult dog, Animal Pad often has young dogs available to foster or adopt. All pups have been vaccinated, health checked and are only put up for adoption when healthy. Sounds like a win-win to us. Check out their adoption page to get one step closer to fulfilling your family's puppy dreams.
Back in 1960, animal lover Maria K. Lloyd purchased property off a small dirt road in Encinitas. At the time she offered a home to dogs, cats, birds, goats and even sheep that needed shelter. While that dirt road looks a lot different now (yup, it's the I-5!) the shelter still operates out of the same little yellow house. More importantly, The Rancho Coastal Humane Society is still dedicated to its same personalized pet adoption process and humane education programs. RCHS is also recognized for services that strengthen the human-animal bond, including the Animal Safehouse Program, the Community Pet Food Bank, Pet-Assisted Therapy and Pet Loss Support programs, and community outreach that provides a “helping paw” to people in crisis.
Companions come in all shapes and sizes so why limit your search to four-legged animals? Free Flight Sanctuary in Del Mar offers both sponsorship and adoptions of their parrots. Parrots have a long life; some living anywhere from 30 - 80 years so inevitably a point comes where a parrot may need a new home. Free Flight is diligent about placing their exotic birds with loving homes and their success is directly related to their philosophy of requiring multiple visits to the sanctuary for bonding, re-socialization by daily interaction with staff and visitors, as well as careful evaluation and screening of the prospective adopters by each member of their trained staff. It's important to understand in advance that the average adoption can take up to three months. But, adopting one of these beautiful species could be worth the wait. And maybe you can even stop repeating yourself around the house and have a beautiful cockatoo do it for you.
Kids love learning wild and crazy trivia facts––and we’ve got a list of fun, random facts about San Diego that’ll blow their minds! Share these trivia questions for kids with your crew, because they’re sure to be amazed by all the fascinating info on San Diego. From ice cream and avocados to roller coasters, Dr. Seuss, LEGOLAND, the most haunted house in America and so much more, scroll on for the scoop.
1. San Diego surfers find some of the biggest winter waves at Black’s Beach in La Jolla, where waves reach up to 12-15 feet.
2. Legend has it, the last remaining munchkin house, where the actors from The Wizard of Oz resided during filming is on Hillside Drive in La Jolla.
3. Balboa Park is almost twice the size of New York City’s Central Park!
4. A great hike for half-pints that showcases dramatic ocean views may be found at Torrey Pines State Park on the Guy Fleming Trail (about 0.7 miles). Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is one of only two locations where the rare Torrey Pine grows. It’s also a great place to spot blue whales. Speaking of whales…
5. Blue whales of up to 82 feet long spout water up to 30 feet in the air off the San Diego coast from mid-June to September. During the summer months, 2,000-3,000 whales may be spotted feeding along the San Diego coast during whale watching tours.
6. Seaport Village was designed to be a no-car zone where you can walk everywhere. Additionally, Seaport Village’s enclosed, hand-carved carousel in Seaport Village was built in 1895. A ride around this carousel is a must-do after walking around all the nearby shops. With 54 animals and two horse-drawn carriages, there is sure to be a spot for every animal lover.
7. Mootime Creamery, a local Coronado ice cream shop, is famous for its unique dessert nachos, which are made with fresh-baked waffle cone chips topped by three scoops of ice cream and drizzled with chocolate and caramel sauce.
8. Mission Bay is the largest man-made public aquatic rec area in the world––attracting more than 15 million visitors each year.
9. The Tin Man from the 1919 film The Wizard of Oz lived in Valley Center.
10. Guac out! San Diego produces the most avocados in the United States. 60% of all California’s avocados come from San Diego, which is considered the avocado capital of the nation.
11. Shaun White a three-time Olympic gold medalist, a famous snowboarder and skateboarder, is from San Diego.
12. UC San Diego’s Geisel Library is home to the largest collection of Dr. Seuss manuscripts and other materials. “UC San Diego’s Dr. Seuss Collection contains original drawings, sketches, proofs, notebooks, manuscript drafts, books, audio- and videotapes, photographs, and memorabilia. The approximately 8,500 items in the collection document the full range of Dr. Seuss’s creative achievements, beginning in 1919 with his high school activities and ending with his death in 1991.” (Source)
13. Over 57 million LEGO® bricks were used to create more than 22,000 LEGO models at LEGOLAND®.
14. The California Burrito, stuffed with carne asada and fries, originated in San Diego.
15. The first drive-in restaurant (in the United States) was in San Diego––created by the man who later started Jack in the Box.
16. The Wizard of Oz author, Frank L. Baum, spent his summers in Coronado where he garnered inspiration for his book.
17. San Diego County has over 5,000 farms––more than any other county in the United States.
18. Rolled tacos were invented at El Indio restaurant in San Diego.
19. The Whaley House in San Diego is America’s number one most haunted house.
20. San Diego’s bioluminescent ocean waves shine neon blue at night from the red tide algae blooms and phytoplankton.
21. In the spring and summer months of San Diego, you can see thousands of Grunion fish at night for several hours on San Diego beaches. Join a Grunion run to witness this marvel.
22. The hottest day in San Diego was 111 degrees Fahrenheit on September 26, 1963.
23. The coldest day in San Diego was 25 degrees Fahrenheit on January 13, 1913.
24. Balboa Park has over 15,000 trees, 14 gardens, 17 museums and cultural institutions, and is home to the San Diego Zoo and Old Globe Theatre. Balboa Park has over 20 million visitors each year.
25. Natural History Museum paleontologist Brad Riney discovered the first dinosaur fossil in San Diego. It was a hadrosaur fossil from the sea cliffs in La Jolla. He was only a junior high school student at the time.
26. The Giant Dipper, a wooden roller coaster at Belmont Park in Mission Beach, is the only roller coaster in the United States to be on the National Register of Historic Places.
27. “The Spirit of St. Louis, flown by Charles Lindbergh in the world’s first nonstop solo transatlantic flight in 1927, was built in San Diego by Ryan Airlines. See a flyable replica built by some of the original builders at the San Diego Air & Space Museum.” (source)
28. The first baby panda in the Western Hemisphere was born in San Diego.
29. The Hotel Del Coronado on Coronado Island is San Diego’s largest structure made of wood. This legendary hotel opened its doors in 1888.
31. The USS Midway is the largest aircraft carrier in the world that you can tour. This massive floating museum in San Diego features a flight deck and a hangar filled with more than 30 restored helicopters and aircraft.
32. Home of the Padres, Petco Park has an area outside the ballpark behind the centerfield known as the “Park at the Park.” Fans can watch games from this area for just five dollars.
33. Coronado Island isn’t really an island. It’s a tied island that’s connected to the mainland by a strip of land called the Silver Strand.
On a recent trip to the Happiest Place on Earth, Red Tricycle came across some exciting new finds. Most notably, an entire line of Disney leggings!
A few years back, the magic guru partnered with then-popular Lularoe and developed an entire line dedicated to Disney. It looks like in the years since, they’ve embarked on their own lineup with tons of whimsical patterns that Disney enthusiasts will love.
The buttery-soft leggings have a little bit of a smaller waistband then their predecessors, but all the same comfort and style. The cozy pants are everything a park-goer wants on a busy day riding attractions. Who wants to let a bothersome waistband get in between you and that Mickey pretzel?
There were so many patterns, we had a hard time choosing our faves. Some of the most fun included sweet Winnie the Pooh, Mickey Ears and famous sidekicks like Hei Hei, Sleeping Beauty pals and those adorable Mary Poppins penguins.
Would you just look at these fun leggings? All the most amazing Disney attractions, including Big Thunder, the Haunted Mansion and the Jungle Cruise come together on these one-of-a-kind pants.
We also fell in love with these super fun Toy Story leggings, as well as the classic titles leggings which is super reminiscent of your proud display of Disney VHS tapes.
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We can’t forget our fave cats and dogs! No matter which you prefer, there’s something for every kind of animal lover.
Perhaps our fave are these spooky Haunted Mansion leggings. The wallpaper-themed pants are a nice neutral color that can be worn year-round, as they should be!
You can find tons of options when you visit a Disney park or by heading to Shop Disney. Sizes range from XS to Plus 3x and range from $24 (sale) to $40 each.
School’s out—but you may not be. So if you’re looking for a fun place to drop your kids off while you’re at work (or if you just want to give your little ones something to do besides loads of marathon screen-time sessions), there are plenty of spring break camps still enrolling. Whether your tot wants to try the trapeze or learn to horseback ride, here are some of our picks:
Two locations (Short Avenue Elementary School - 12814 Maxella Avenue; and Hancock Park Elementary School, 408 S. Fairfax Ave.) Los Angeles
If your child can't choose whether to do sports or art, how about a little of both? Got Game camp lets kids customize each day based on their interests. Choose from competitive sports like basketball, soccer, hockey, flag football and baseball — or arts including dance, theatre, and arts & crafts. There is also robotics, chess, water play and more.
Dates: April 6-10, 2020 Hours: 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Cost: $295 for the week. Extended care options available
Kids will enjoy climbing the walls (of the rock and play structure) at AdventurePlex’s Spring Adventure Camp—as well as playing ball court games in the indoor gym. Little guys (4 & 5 year-olds) have specially structured activities just for them.
Ages: 4-12
Dates: April 18-22 Hours: 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. Cost: $60 per day, $225 per week
This well-established sports program is holding their spring camp at two different locations (Westside LA and Silverlake). You may be familiar with them as an after-school care provider at your own local school, so you know these guys really know how to entertain kids. Kids develop sporty skills and enjoy friendly competition. Hot lunches can be purchased each day. Same-day registrations accepted. Yes!
Ages: 4-14
Dates: April 10-14 Hours: 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Cost: $60-70 per day. Rates vary by location and activities.
Verdugo Recreation Center - 3201 W Verdugo Ave. Burbank
Sharpen your A-game at this Clippers-sponsored youth basketball camp designed to help dribblers hone their skills on the court. Kids will build fundamentals and improve ball handling and game skills with the help of special "celebrity" guests and trained coaches.
Ages: 6-14
Dates: March 23-27. Hours: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cost: $395 for full session
Iverbe offers a full day camp with an old-fashioned schedule of group sports, arts and crafts and games at state-of-the-art facilities at Willows School, near downtown Culver City. The price includes a hot lunch and snack, too.
Ages: 4-13
Dates: Mar. 30 - April 3; April 6-9 (no camp on Good Friday). Hours: 9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Cost: $375 per week
This recreational gymnastics facility near the Marina boasts Olympics-themed camp fun for little Gumbies. Broadway also hosts a program for special-ed kids aged 5 and older. School-aged campers have the option of weekly field trips, which include STAR Eco Station, Underwood Family Farms and whale watching in Newport Beach. You can check out daily themes and field trip schedule online.
Ages: Kinder camp: 3.5-5 years old; otherwise 5-12
Dates: April 1-19 Hours: Kinder camp:9am-12:30pm; otherwise 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Cost: Kinder camp: $75/day or $317 per week for tots, $95 per day or $399 per week for school-age kids
Water worshipers will love the opportunity to catch a wave at this specialty beach camp. Safe surfing instruction is emphasized, with foam surfboards, body boards and wetsuits included (as well as snacks and drinks) in the daily rate. When they're not surfing or playing, kids can hang 10 under canopies set up to prevent sunburns.
Ages: 6-16
Dates: March 23 through April 17. Hours: Full-day (9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.) or half-day (9:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., or 12:45 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.). Free extended care including drop-off as early as 8 a.m. Cost: $65 per half day; $85 per day (based on booking 2-9 days).
This recreational gymnastics facility near the Marina boasts Olympics-themed camp fun for little Gumbies. Broadway also hosts a program for special-ed kids aged 5 and older. School-aged campers have the option of weekly field trips, which include STAR Eco Station, Underwood Family Farms and whale watching in Newport Beach. You can check out daily themes and field trip schedule online.
Ages: Kinder camp: 3.5-5 years old; otherwise 5-12
Dates: March 30 - April 17 Hours: Kinder camp:9am-12:30pm; otherwise 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Cost: Kinder camp: $75/day or $317 per week for tots, $95 per day or $399 per week for school-age kids
One of the most flexible choices in town, JAG camp lets you customize your experience. Ages 3 & up are welcome and grouped by age and ability. Drop-in is A-OK, provided space availability. Campers take part in structured activities and games but also get plenty of free time to pounce on the professional equipment as well as jump in a giant bounce house and build crafty creations.
Ages: 3 & Up
Dates: March 23– April 10 Hours: 8:30 a.m.–noon or 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. or all day 8:30-5:00 p.m. Cost: $119-$199 per day
Flip, jump, tumble and play this spring break away. No experience required, so it’s perfect for even your bigger kids who have never really taken a gymnastics class. In addition to gymnastics instruction at all levels, kids take part in arts and crafts, games and other fun.
Ages: 4-14
Dates: March 18-22 Hours: 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Cost: $395 per week
If you've got restless little ones who need a place to tumble and roll, Mygym is the perfect place to safely get out those wiggles. Perfect for kids under 7 (as young as 3!), these camps let kids run, jump and play as well as play organized games and crafts. Your kids will be exhausted and ready for a good night sleep at the end of the day.
Ages: 3-8
Dates: April 13-17 Hours: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. or 1-4 p.m. (varies by location) Cost: members, $35 per day; nonmembers, $40 per day (may vary by location)
The perfect camp for kids who keep begging for a pet, this critter-centric camp is ideal for aspiring veterinarians and little animal lovers alike. Kids learn about the human-animal bond, pet adoption, veterinary care, animal behavior and more. Campers will spend time with trainers, groomers and, of course, cute critters.
Ages: 9-12
Dates: Two, one week sessions: Mar. 23-27, April 6-10 Hours: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Cost: $400
Designed for every level of rider (including “never been on a horse”), TES kids’ horse camp will feed their love of animals while learning proper techniques through games and activities with trained instructors. Regular hours are 9 a.m.–4 p.m., with an extra hour before or after camp at an additional cost. No previous riding experience is necessary but proper attire is required, including boots.
Ages: 6-12
Dates: One-week sessions from Mar. 23 through April 24 Hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Cost: $125 per day, $495 per week
Take a walk on the wild side and get up close and personal with the world’s most unusual creatures. Kids join the fight to save the planet at this internationally recognized environmental science museum and exotic wildlife rescue center. Party with parrots, live it up with alligators and get down and dirty with the dragons (that’s right, dragons!), all while discovering new and exciting ways to protect our planet’s delicate ecosystem. (Note: because of the close contact with animals and their foods, this camp is not recommended for kids with severe animal or nut allergies.)
Ages: 5-12
Dates: April 6-10 Hours: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. (extended care available 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.) Cost: $450 for the week
The Spring Break Camp at the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium lets little scientists become "Marine Crime Scene Investigators," complete with badges and science investigation kits. Campers will get to see and interact with hundreds of local marine species while engaging in various science experiments, playing games, digging for sand crabs, and doing arts and crafts.
Ages: Grades K-5
Dates: Apr. 5-10 Hours: 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Cost: $75 per day, $350 per week
L.A. ZooCamp allows animal lovers a chance to go behind the scenes and explore life cycles of animals up close—with daily lessons on various facets of animal care and behavior.
Ages: Kindergarten through fourth grade
Dates: April 6-10 Hours: 9 a.m-4 p.m. (extended care available 8 a.m. through 5 p.m.) Cost: $75 per day/ $325 per week
11220 Hindry Ave. Los Angeles The kids no longer have to climb the walls at home, they can do it here, all day long! Kids will learn basic climbing techniques, terminology, and safety. If the kids are there for more than three days, they’ll officially complete Climbing Academy and be able to join one of the recreational teams. On the last day of camp, kids get to try their skills inside Sender City, a veritable climbing playground that lets kids climb up various challenges including rope webs, ascending towers, and vertical tire walls.
Ages: 6-14
Dates: 5-day camp sessions run Mar. 23 – Apr.17 Hours: morning session: 8:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m., afternoon session: 12:30-4:30 p.m. Cost: $92 per day, $355 per week for a four-hour session
Send your little clown to the circus! Kids ages 7-14 will learn things like aerial arts, acrobatics, juggling, flying trapeze, and more. Each day runs from 1:30pm - 6pm, with Friday afternoon reserved for a show where kids can show off everything they learned. Get read for some serious camera-worthy moments.
Dates: 5-day camp sessions run Mar. 16 – Apr.10 Hours: 1:30 p.m. - 6 p.m.; Friday afternoon at 5:30 p.m. the campers will put on a show for friends and family Cost: $365 (or $325 if you sign up before March 1)
If your off-the-wall kids are always setting up obstacle courses all over your home, it might be time to sign them up for Ninja Warrior camp, where they can learn to scale walls, vault over obstacles and swing from high bars, all while having a blast with their friends. Vault PK's daily camp activities include a mix of parkour, trampoline skills, Ninja warrior-inspired obstacles (warped wall, quintuple step), rope climbing, and tumbling skills.
Ages: 4-14
Dates: April 6-10 Hours: AM half-day, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. for kids ages 4-14; PM half-day, 12-3 p.m. for ages 5-14. Cost of the a.m. program for a single day is $45; or $200 per week. Cost of the p.m. program for a single day is $30 or $125 per week.
Kids can explore art and science through topics ranging from bird watching and bug hunts to learning about plant parts and different types of animals. Physics-based activities and chemistry experiments like making slime are some of the camper’s favorites while art classes are nature-themed and are as simple as going into the Arboretum to draw with pencils, crayons, or pastels or more complex like sculpting or papier-mâché.
Ages: 5-10
Dates: Mar. 30-April 3; April 3-10 Hours: 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. Cost: Members, $360 per week; non-members $400 per week
This year's Kidspace camp is themed around astronauts and space travel: Kids will learn what space shuttles need to launch and what astronauts go through in order to go into space. Activities are developed in collaboration with NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
Ages: 5-9
Dates: April 6-10 (Week 1, which runs March 30-April 3, is already sold out) Hours: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. (aftercare is available until 5:45 p.m.) Cost: $450 per week (members, $405)
Sponsored and developed by the Natural History Museum, this camp is celebrating the achievements of women in paleontology by hosting a special “girls in science” version of Adventures in Nature camp called, “How Girls Museum.” This two-day camp is for girls in grades 3–6 and is held at La Brea Tar Pits and taught by the Natural History Museum's stellar female scientists.
For girls in grades 3-6:
Dates: April 8-10 Hours: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.(with extended care until 5 p.m.) Cost: $180
Fairy tales and pop stars take over spring break at this dance studio. It’s a whole week of not only dancing fun but also great crafts, play and tumbling time. This year's theme is "Pop Stars," which means kids will be learning dance routines to songs by some of their favorite artists. For kids, the highlight is the performance on Fri. For you, it might be that healthy, kid-friendly lunches, water, and snacks are all provided so you can drop them off without anything (except ballet and tap shoes, which they have for sale at the store).
Ages: 4-8
Dates: April 6-10 Hours: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Cost: $325
Kids will spend a week making a real film—and they'll be invited to walk the red carpet and screen their film at the studio's student film festival later in the year! Taught by working industry professionals, the camp will teach aspiring actors, producers and directors the basics of making—and acting in—a movie. Upon completion of the camp, each student will be provided with a copy of the film for their own personal use and receive IMDB credit.
Ages: 5-16
Dates: March 30 - April 3; April 6 - April 10 Rates: Not listed (e-mail info@graystudiosla.com for information)
There’s one rule at comedy camp: laugh and have fun. Building self-confidence, developing social skills and getting a constant brain workout are just some of the side benefits. Kids play high-energy improv warm-up exercises, learn to build improv scenes with an audience suggestion, play short-form improv games, create sketches and learn how to improvise music, too. The week ends in a performance on Fri. Bravo!
Age: 6-11
Dates: April 15-19 Hours: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Cost: $300 per week
Spring Break Theatre Camp at the Santa Monica Playhouse
1211 4th St. Santa Monica
Kids will work with a director and playwright-in residence to help create and perform an original play with music. Young thesbians will learn about acting, dance, voice, original costumes, make-up, lighting, sound, props, set and more—as well as learning about teamwork, communication and friendship.
Age: 6-14
Dates: April 6-10; April 13-17 Hours: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. (performance Fridays at 4 p.m.) Cost: $395 plus $35 supplies
reDiscover Center, 12958 W Washington Blvd. Los Angeles
Let your kids go wild with repurposed materials! Tinkering School LA teaches kids to build whatever they dream up with wood, plastic, and metal. With a 4:1 camper to facilitator ratio, the center provides a safe and supportive environment—even with power tools.
Ages: 5-12 Dates: March 30th – April 17th, 2020 Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cost: $525
It’s the Spring Break you wish you had time to do with your kids, with visits to bowling alleys, laser tag arenas and museums on a variety of field trips. Destinations include Pacific Park in Santa Monica, the Petersen Automotive Museum, the Aquarium of the Pacific, and Scooter's Jungle. Each jam-packed day also incorporates active games to build sportsmanship and encourage new friendships.
Ages: Kindergarten through 6th grade
Dates: Mar. 30 - April 10 Hours: 8 a.m . -6 p.m. Cost: $87.50 per day
