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.
The dog days of summer are setting in, which means you’ll be heading back to school before you know it. Squeeze in as much quality family couch time as you can with these new Disney+ shows and movies. Check out all of the exciting new additions coming to Disney+ in August.
Howard
This inspiring documentary goes behind the scenes of one of Disney's most legendary lyricists, Howard Ashman. Fans can learn more about the prolific talent behind some of the most memorable Disney songs from Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast and The Little Mermaid. You'll get a glimpse of never-before-seen archival footage, personal films and photographs, as well as interviews with Howard’s friends and family.
Ages: 10 & up Release Date: Aug. 7
Muppets Now
Muppets Now follows the famous, colorful crew as they prepare a new unscripted show. This month Fozzie has some big ideas, Miss Piggie works out with Taye Diggs and the Swedish Chef collaborates with Chef Roy Choi.
Ages: 7 & up Release Dates: Episode 102 - “Fever Pitch” - Aug. 7 Episode 103 - “Getting Testy” - Aug. 14 Episode 104 - “Sleep Mode” - Aug. 21 Episode 105 - “The I.T. Factor” - Aug. 28
One Day At Disney
The behind-the-scenes show that delves into all the incredible jobs that help create Disney magic continues. This month you'll meet Ryan Meinerding, Marvel Studios Creative Director, Pavan“Billy” Komkai who explains the unique world of live sports broadcasting for ESPN+, Heather Bartleson who oversees the creation of the Holiday-themed environments that add extra magic to a Disney experience and Imagineer Eric Baker who takes you behind the scenes at Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge.
Ages: 5 & up Release Dates: Episode 136 - “Ryan Meinerding: Marvel Studios Creative Director” - Aug. 7 Episode 137 - “Pavan Komkai: Broadcast Engineer” - Aug. 14 Episode 138 - “Heather Bartleson: Holiday Services” - Aug. 21 Episode 139 - “Eric Baker: Imagineering Creative Director” - Aug. 28
Disney Family Sundays
This fun-filled crafting show draws to a close with a series finale all about getting organized with Goofy.
Ages: 4 & up Release Date: Series Finale Episode 140 - “Goofy: Pencil Cup” - Aug. 7
Pixar In Real Life
Get ready to shop till you drop when the famous Buy N Large from Wall-E opens a pop-up store in New York City.
Ages: 4 & up Release Date: Episode 110 - “WALL·E: BnL Pop-up Shop” - Aug. 7
The One and Only Ivan
This highly anticipated adaptation of the Newberry winning book will melt your hearts. The story follows Ivan, a circus gorilla with extraordinary talent and a wish to be free.
Ages: 8 & up Release Date: Aug. 14
Weird But True!
The third season of the hit National Geographic series explores the weird and wonderful world we live in. Kids and parents alike will be intrigued by the strange, but true, facts and the real-life explorations of our natural world.
Ages: 4 & up Release Dates: Episode 301- “Dinosaurs” - Aug. 14 Episode 302 - “National Parks” - Aug. 21 Episode 303 - “Farming” - Aug. 28
Phineas and Ferb the Movie: Candace Against the Universe
Stepbrothers Phineas and Ferb, their big sister Candace and the whole Danville gang are back for a new feature film. Phineas and Ferb set out across the galaxy to rescue Candace after she is abducted by aliens, but she might not come back willingly when she discovers how great life can be without little brothers around.
LEGO is expanding its lineup of LEGO City and LEGO Friends kits thanks to a collaboration with National Geographic. Builders will be able to assemble ships and undersea vessels in a series of ocean exploration sets as well as jungle animal rescue kits. This new line was developed to create awareness about exploration and the protection of endangered species in the world’s jungles and oceans.
A new campaign has been created to encourage children to explore the world and maybe even develop their own creative ideas on solving the real-life challenges our world is facing. Kids along with their parents will be invited to visit the heights and depths of the earth, and to learn about exploring our world and protecting wildlife in our oceans and jungles. This includes educational content about pandas, sharks, elephants, deep sea creatures and much more. To inspire kids to pursue creativity as a way to one day help protect the world’s wildlife, the campaign will portray stories from six different National Geographic Explorers who are working in creative, unexpected and surprising ways to help address real-life problems that our planet is facing.
“We know that creativity is an incredible skill, and the 21st century needs all the creative problem-solving it can get.” Says Ellen Catherine Lucy Bowley, LEGO Friends Designer, the LEGO Group. “Caring for our planet is becoming ever more relevant to kids around the world. They are more committed to seeing positive environmental change than any previous generation, and their creativity will play a key role in finding solutions that will help better protect our wildlife. We hope this initiative will inform children of the current challenges explorers are facing and reassure them that even the most simple or unusual idea can make a big difference in the real world. The most important thing is to have a YES YOU CAN attitude. Therefore, this initiative is dedicated to kids with this exact attitude, children who are curious to learn and make a difference for our wildlife.”
Paul Rose, a National Geographic Ocean Explorer who began his journey as a creative child and today explores the ocean in unexpected ways is also featured on the campaign site. He says “As a kid I loved swimming and building things – I lived for making soap-box carts and being in the sea! Even on the coldest, roughest days, I would spend hours in the water imagining myself as a diver exploring the ocean. Amazingly, that dream has come true and, as a National Geographic Ocean Explorer, I now lead marine science expeditions to help protect our threatened ocean. It’s so cool to be able to share my story with kids all over the world and who knows, by following their own dreams, a lot of them could end up stepping into my fins to help explore and protect our ocean one day!”
The LEGO Group and National Geographic have a well-established relationship, previously having collaborated on wildlife awareness sets such as LEGO Friends Sea Life Rescue and LEGO City Jungle sets. However, this is the first time the two brands are partnering on a campaign that seeks to inspire kids to think creatively and may result in a creative solution that can one day help explore and protect our planet.
The site is now live in English and will launch Jul. 1 in additional languages. The LEGO Group is also announcing a contribution towards the National Geographic Society to fund grants in ocean exploration and species conservation.
Let’s face it—these days we need our furry friends more than ever. So if you and your family are looking to bring a little more love into your hearts, now is a great time to adopt a family dog. Actual shelter facilities may be closed to the public at present, but many are still putting safe and socially distant measures into place that make it possible (and fairly simple) to rescue a pup. We’ve compiled a list of animal shelters and local rescue organizations currently allowing adoptions that’s sure to have everyone’s tails wagging!
While this Playa Vista based interactive animal adoption & education center is currently closed to the public, they are now offering virtual adoptions by appointment only on a first-come, first-served basis. Head to their website and check out the adoptable animals available (and boy are there some cuties!) and then schedule a phone consultation with one of their adoption specialists. During this 20 minute call, you can ask about your favorite canine candidates and share what you are looking for in a pet so they can help you find the right fit for your family. After the consult, the adoption specialist will schedule either an in-person or virtual meet-and-greet via video chat. If by this point, you have all fallen in love with the perfect pooch for you, the last steps are adoption paperwork, an in-person meeting (if needed), and a limited contact pick-up for your new arrival!
If you're looking to adopt a dog quickly, this place may not be the best fit as SoCal Animal Rescue Squad takes animal placement very seriously (which we love!). The people at SCARS call their adoptive pets "heroes" and know each one personally. This means they also know where every four-legged friend will best thrive and will only contact applicants that closely match the dog's prerequisite needs. If this sounds like just your speed, they advise first checking out either adoptapet.com or petfinder.com to narrow down the search as they have great filters and can help zero in on pups that are good family fits. Or you can check out their website and/or social media pages to see some listed there as well. Either way, they accept all submissions online but only contact those applications that meet the criteria established as must-haves for the dog in question. Be prepared to wait for a while, however, as they currently have a high volume of adoption requests and are quite careful with where their heroes land!
This organization dedicated to the prevention of cruelty to animals is still taking in lots of pups in need and thus has plenty of shelter dogs that would love to shelter in place with your family! This is more of a blind adoption process, however, with strict Covid 19 mandates in place and the only in-person contact with the dog you choose will be when you pick it up to go home. Check out the available animals up for adoption on their website and, if any of the furry friends strike your fancy, fill out an adoption questionnaire linked to each dog on their information page. After the folks at spcaLA receive your form through the website, a team member will review it and be in touch by phone or email to continue/complete the adoption process. Note - there will not be any virtual meet-and-greets with your preferred pooch but if you need additional information as to it's personality, they will be happy to provide as much background as possible to make sure it's a match made in heaven!
This West LA located rescue center saves family friendly dogs from high-kill shelters and places them in loving homes. Their adoption center may be temporarily closed but they still have a great variety of canine companions up for adoption (and currently placed in foster homes waiting for their forever family)! Take a peek at the available dogs on their website and click on the "apply to adopt" tab when you've found the one you love. Complete an online application and a Wags & Walks team member will reach out to you within 24 hours to discuss the next steps.
Like most of the places mentioned here, No Kill Los Angeles's adoption center is closed indefinitely. Unlike many of the others on this list, however, the first step in adopting a pup online does not start with looking at their available options and instead first begins with completing their "matchmaking" survey. Here you will provide NKLA with information on your lifestyle and what you and your family are looking for in a dog. From there, a member of the staff will be in touch with you via phone or email to go over the next steps.
One of the few places where you can see a pooch in person (by appointment only), LA Animal Services has a slightly different adoption paw-cess in place. First, you should visit their website and research all of the available pets listed. When you see one you'd love to adopt, call them at 1-888-452-7381 with the Animal ID number (always begins with an 'A') and they will share all of the pertinent info on that pup. If you still want to move forward with adoption, the team member will get all of the necessary paperwork info over the phone and schedule a meet/pick-up appointment at one of their six LA Animal Services Centers during specific daytime hours. During this appointment, staff will be able to show you your chosen fuzzy friend (with no more than 10 people assembled at a time including staff). You are under no obligation to take the dog home (but chances are it will be love at first sight).
For a detailed list of adoptable animals in Los Angeles, visit either of the following websites where you can tailor your pooch preferences right down to fur color. With a variety of filter options to use in your search, you can be sure that you'll be getting more than a ruff idea of dogs out there waiting for you to find them!
Spring break vacations were grounded in the name of social distancing, but that doesn’t have to stop you from experiencing the world! Head out on the virtual highway, see what’s happening outside your 4 walls and gather ideas for planning your next family vacay when we’re free to roam. From squeal-worthy kittens to town squares in ancient cities, we promise we have a cam for you!
First Step: Make the Family (Virgin) Piña Coladas
Caribe Hilton
Channel tropical island vibes with 1950s inspo from Caribe Hilton — an iconic resort in San Juan, Puerto Rico that coined the original Piña Colada recipe. Caribe bartender Ramón “Monchito” Marrero created the drink in 1954 while mixing tropical fruits to come up with a refreshing welcome drink for hotel guests. The first Piña Coladas were non-alcoholic and made in a shaker (blenders didn’t yet exist). It wasn’t until years later that Monchito added local rum to his concoction and created what’s known as the world’s most popular vacation cocktail.
After serving the Piña Colada for 35 years, Monchito’s signature beverage was declared the official drink of Puerto Rico. Using the recipe below, families can recreate the original Piña Colada (hold the rum!) for the ultimate ‘mocktail’ that’ll have everyone in your house day-dreaming of sunshine, sand, and palm trees.
Caribe Hilton’s Original Piña Colada (Virgin!)
1 oz. coconut cream
1 oz. heavy cream
6 oz. pineapple juice
½ cup crushed ice
Directions
Mix cream of coconut, heavy cream and pineapple juice in a blender. Add ice and mix for 15 seconds. Serve in a 12 oz. glass and garnish with fresh pineapple and a cherry. Parents can add 2 oz. of rum to create the signature libation.
MLB is on a hiatus for now, but check in on the iconic Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs, via the webcam with views of the famous sign. Wave to the runners you'll see periodically move across the screen and dream of warm summer days getting a sunburn in the bleacher seats, heckling anyone putting ketchup on their hot dog.
Watch the adorable wild California sea lions bask in the sun at Pier 39 via a live webcam and learn the fascinating history of how they came to call this urban locale, with views of Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge, home.
For other ideas on how to see San Fran from home, read our story here.
Birch Aquarium's two-story, 70,000-gallon Giant Kelp Tank houses Leopard Sharks, Moray Eels, an endangered Giant Black Sea Bass and much more! You can take in the peaceful views of these magnificent underwater creatures 24/7 via their Live Kelp Cam. Just be advised the tank is naturally lit by sunlight during the day, so it goes dark at night.
San Diego Zoo Safari Park: San Diego, CA
Ken Bohn, San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Slip into your favorite khakis and pretend you're on an African safari. San Diego Zoo Safari Park offers a giraffe cam to see giraffes and rhinos roaming the African Plains habitat, a tiger cam that shows majestic tigers sleeping and prowling and a view of gentle tusked giants on the elephant cam. San Diego Zoo also has a brand new baboon cam where you can watch primates foraging, grooming, exploring, relaxing and just being outright adorable!
For other ideas on exploring San Diego from a safe distance, read our story here.
Brooklyn Cat Cafe was one of the first cat cafes in the US and the only one in New York City run by a non-profit animal rescue organization, Brooklyn Bridge Animal Welfare Coalition (BBAWC). The cafe's mission is to save the city's cats while offering a hip and inviting destination where cat lovers of all ages can interact with adoptable animals. Their live kitten cam offers views of their kitten terrarium which houses a rotating cast of kitten families not yet ready to interact with people or other cats.
Fun fact: members of the SNL set design crew helped in the design and creation of the space.
The sound of waves crashing, the smell of salt in the air, and the sea breeze tangling your toddler's hair into a bird's-nest-like style may not be in your future, but Hotel del Coronado's live beach cam offers a glimpse at the calming ocean waves.
The Western Wall: Jerusalem, Israel
Maria Chambers
Traditional Easter plans may be going out to pasture, but how about a visit to Jerusalem's Western Wall? Some believe this wall is a direct line to the big guy and visitors come to pray and write prayers on bits of paper they place in cracks of the wall. Twice a year, these written prayers are collected and buried in the cemetery at Mount of Olives, a mountain ridge adjacent to the Old City that's been used as a Jewish cemetery for over 3,000 years. You can view the site via the Western Wall live cam. Interesting fact: You'll see a dividing line down the middle. The left side is for men and the right women. They cannot pray together.
Be introduced via live webcam one of the most popular attractions in Rome, the Piazza di Spagna with views of the Spanish Steps and Bernini’s Fountain of the Ugly Boat. You can even hear the soothing sounds of the fountain flowing with the square emptied. At the right-hand corner of the Spanish Steps is the home of British Poet John Keats, who gave us the quote, "Do you not see how necessary a world of pains and troubles is to school an intelligence and make it a soul?" Seems fitting for these times.
With over 2,000 years of history, the Roman Colosseum has over 6 million visitors per year. After it's completion in the year 80, it allowed more than 50,000 people to view exotic animals, executions of prisoners, recreations of battles and gladiator fights. You won't see any of that now, but via the Colosseum live webcam you can visit this wonder of the world and the ruins of the gladiator gymnasium.
Take in views of Verrazzano Bridge, Freedom Tower and the Statue of Liberty from a live webcam at The Liberty Warehouse, the only spot in NY where Lady Liberty's face is front as she looks to France, who gifted us this symbol of hope as a symbol of friendship.
For other webcam views of the Statue of Liberty, click here.
Sit hand-in-hand and take a virtual stroll along the beach to enjoy California coastal views via The Cliff Restaurant's live webcam. The beaches are emptied and quiet with everyone socially distancing, but you can see the seagulls diving for their snacks.
You'll want your Piña Colada poured and on the ready for this one. Paradise Island is best known as the home of the sprawling Atlantis with its 141-acre water park filled with 20 million gallons of water. The stunning blues of the Caribbean are within your reach via the Paradise Island webcam. You can even turn on the music feature to add a little local ambiance.
Scratch that cabin fever itch with the Space Needle Webcam. The 360-degree views show the ocean, ferries coming in from Bainbridge, Seattle's museums and the mountain.
For other ideas on exploring Seattle virtually, read our story here.
Old Faithful and the Upper Geyser Basin: Yellowstone National Park, WY
And there she blows! A family visit to Yellowstone National Park, the country's numero uno national park, tops many travel bucket lists. Mostly due to the legendary Old Faithful geyser. It erupts every 35 to 120 minutes for 1 1/2 to 5 minutes at a time and reaches max height ranges from 90 to 184 feet. While your road trip will have to wait, get excited watching its show via the live webcam.
Check in on the symbol of our nation, the bald eagle. The Raptor Resource Project team constructed a nest near a trout hatchery in Decorah, Iowa, in the hopes that two recently evicted eagles would take it over and build upon it. Their dreams were realized and now you can watch as the eagles come back each year to raise another brood via the webcam.
Channel Islands Kelp Forest: Channel Islands, CA
National Park Service
Enjoy the calming effects of Channel Islands Kelp Forest, which sits in the landing cove of Anacapa Island, one of five islands in Channel Islands National Park off the coast of Southern California. The kelp's movements in the water are almost hypnotic, which will be useful for toddlers in need of a 'lil catnap. It's home to one thousand marine species, so keep your eyes peeled for one of them to visit your screen.
Do NOT be fooled. Giant flying foxes are NOT actually foxes. They are bats. The giant flying fox cam lets you observe the largest species of bat in the world, the Malayan flying fox, which can have a wingspan of 6'. Not 6". 6'. Like the size of a human male.
Space fans will love checking on the International Space Station live cam that includes internal views when the crew is on-duty and Earth views when they're having downtime. The video feed includes audio of conversations between the crew and Mission Control. With the Space Station orbiting Earth every 90 minutes, you'll see a sunrise or sunset about every 45 minutes. Even when the external camera appears black you can sometimes catch a lightning show or city lights from below.
The webcam at Churchill Northern Studies Center is located directly underneath the aurora oval, making it one of the best places in the world to watch the aurora borealis, a.ka. the Northern Lights. Best views of the show are during the months of February and March.
If you get sucked into watching these live feeds and want to fall down a rabbit hole of webcams, check out an impressively diverse collection on Explore.com.
— Maria Chambers, co-written with 12yo co-working daughter, Tate Barnes
Volunteering has to be fun for kids as well as meaningful, so we have a few simple ideas to inspire your mini philanthropists in San Diego
Kids of all ages know how great it feels to help others and volunteering fosters a charitable attitude and awareness of the world beyond them. We’ve rounded up gestures both big and small that you can do as a family to benefit rescue animals, sick children, the homeless, the hungry, the environment, and more.
It's worm-wrangling time! Every third Saturday of each month volunteers can head to the Solana Center to help care for earthworms. A vital part of the composting process, the worms need feeding and new worm beds. All experience levels are welcome. So dig in and get a little dirty.
Solana Center for Environmental Innovation 137 N. El Camino Real Encinitas Online:solanacenter.org
Kids can create their own fundraiser (at home!) to support the Helen Woodward Animal Shelter. Whether it's a dog wash, lemonade stand, or bake sale, little helpers can use their imagination. Everyone wins. Little fundraisers gain experience and it helps the animals too. Young entrepreneurs can also organize a food or blanket drive to donate much-needed items to the shelter or they can start a neighborhood dog walking service and donate some of the proceeds.
Dig in and help a real working farm in San Diego. From animal feedings and composting to digging and pulling, your crew is sure to get dirty and have fun. If little ones aren't yet up to being farm hands, they are welcome to walk around (supervised) and observe farm happenings and meet the animals. When done volunteering, take a nature walk on the nearby trail and have a picnic!
Sign up for a countywide or community clean-up to help beautify America’s Finest City. I Love a Clean San Diego’s mission is to make the city zero waste and litter free and to develop and inspire an environmentally engaged region. Volunteers clear half a million pounds of debris from San Diego’s neighborhoods, creeks, canyons, and coastlines every year.
Want to help out furry friends? Any day is a great day to give to the San Diego Humane Society. Their wish list provides an easy opportunity to give from the comfort of home. Or get out into the community with a creative project to benefit animals in need of a ‘fur’ever home. You can also instill awareness and compassion in your kids via the Pet Pals program. Once a month, kids ages 6-11 can head to the San Diego Humane Society to interact with and learn more about animals.
Create joy for a child in the hospital anytime throughout the year. Donate a new toy, book, or video that will cheer up a child who isn’t able to go out and play. Top choices include matchbox cars and new-release movies. Stuffed animals and used toys are not accepted. Having your kiddo choose the donation allows them to take ownership of the project and feel good about helping too.
According to Feeding San Diego, 1 in 8 San Diegans face hunger and food insecurity. A meaningful, memorable way to show you care is to volunteer with Feeding San Diego. Each Saturday, volunteers ages 6 and older get hands-on with food that is distributed to needy families throughout the county. You’ll spend 2 hours sorting produce or dry goods. The hard work creates a great talking point about not taking simple things for granted and being aware that people all around us are in need.
This service project is great for families and groups like Girl Scouts. Meals on Wheels serves meals to thousands of local home-bound seniors. But, did you know you can create a care package for these older neighbors and teach kids to honor their elders at the same time? Meals on Wheels loves donations that can be delivered alongside meals as a holiday or birthday present. Drop off care packages in gift bags or clear plastic Tupperware containers so they can be properly distributed by staff. Add joy by creating a special loving message for a senior. Donations can be dropped off at any of the four regional Meals on Wheels offices.
There are plenty of ways to lend a hand with San Diego River clean-up and habitat restoration. You can connect with nature and give back to the community by gardening, beautifying the environment, and clearing it of trash. Check their event calendar for a plethora of volunteer opportunities from garden work parties to clean and green events.
If you love to spend time together in nature, help keep our parks clean by volunteering your time at The Tecolote Nature Center. Their ongoing conservation efforts give families a great opportunity to help pull weeds, dispose of trash and gather recyclables. Many volunteer opportunities are available––so get in touch and find out how your clan can lend a hand.
From the Oceanside Pier to Sunset Cliffs, our beaches are sacred places to many of us––places to play, watch a beautiful sunset and ride the waves. Help preserve the beauty of local beaches and teach kids to do their part to keep the ocean healthy by participating in a weekend beach cleanup. The Surfrider Foundation of San Diego County hosts beach cleanups most Saturdays along many local shores. Bring gloves, hats, and sunscreen. Trash grabbers and bags will be provided.
San Diego has the fourth largest homeless population in the nation. Father Joe’s Villages is the largest rehabilitation program for our city’s homeless. Kids age 10 and older can volunteer to serve meals and help at events. Read their list of volunteer FAQs for more information and to sign up to volunteer.
Kids ages 11 and older can volunteer at the San Diego Food Bank doing a variety of projects throughout a three-hour shift: cleaning and packaging produce, sorting, boxing and labeling food donations, and assembling food packages for various programs. The San Diego Food Bank serves an astounding 370,000 people per month in San Diego County.
Spring is almost here! And besides enjoying everything there is to love about the season, now’s also the perfect time to clean out your drawers and get the grime off your tiles and tubs. Need some simple organizing tips and spring cleaning hacks to help you get there and—even better—keep you there for months afterward? Keep reading!
Clean Out Your Dryer Vent
Karly Wood
Does it take more than one cycle to get your clothes dried? If so, your dryer vent may need a good cleaning. This vent is not the same as the lint trap, and is the path your dryer lint and fuzz usually takes to get outside. If it's clogged, it can result in long dry times and even pose a fire hazard! Head to Frugally Blonde for easy tips on purging your dryer vent.
Wipe Out Window Tracks
Karly Wood
Long winters mean dust and grime can build up in your window tracks, preventing them from properly closing and looking downright disgusting! Spend 10 minutes using the tips from The Intentional Mom and you're on your way to sparkling windows!
Dust Heating & Air Vents
Karly Wood
After a hot summer and long, cold winter, your heating and air vents have probably taken a beating. Use a duster, toothbrush, or a butter knife wrapped in an old towel to get in between all the vents for a thoroughly cleaning. The next time you turn on the heating or AC, you won't be sending excess dust flying around!
This simple act can become a habit and can help a whole room look better in just a few minutes. If you want to go one beyond, try this awesome bedding from Beddy's: your bed and your kids' beds can be made in seconds. The bedding essentially is like a comforter + sheet set that fits any size mattress (there's even a toddler size). You simply zip it up along the sides to make a seamless look. Unzip to give yourself breathing room in the night, or keep it zipped up for coziness. Added bonus? Your partner can't kick the sheet down in the bed. Find out more at beddys.com.
Disinfect Your Dishwasher
Karly Wood
If your dishwasher isn't doing it's job, smells funny or is leaving white residue on your dishes then it's probably time for a clean. It's a good idea to run a cup of white vinegar through your dishwasher to remove build up and odors. Simply pour it in the bottom of your dishwasher (with or without dishes––it won't harm them or leave a smell) and run a regular cycle.
Melt Away Microwave Grime
Karly Wood
Cleaning out your microwave doesn't have to be a hassle. All you need to do is fill a bowl with one cup of vinegar and one cup of water, then microwave for roughly five minutes. When the time's up, carefully remove the bowl (it will be HOT!) then easily wipe down the mess inside that has been loosened from the vinegar and steam. No scrubbing required!
Now that flu season is waning (mostly), it's time to deep clean that humidifier that has been saving your kids' noses all winter long. Anna Mosely from Ask Anna suggests half-filling your humidifier with vinegar and running it outside (so your house doesn't smell like vinegar) for at least 45 minutes. Then, wipe it out with a sponge, fill it up with water and run it for 45 more minutes. Then, let that baby dry out, and put it away until next season.
Are tank tops taking over your closet? Organize them with this genius DIY tank top hack from According to Noelle. Or, roll up your tops and slip them into a shoe organizer. Bam! Your available closet space just quadrupled!
Ah, the fridge—the place we spend so much time in front of, all year long. It's time to get it back to the clean, cool space your food and drinks once knew. To do this, you'll need to remove everything (and unplug the fridge if you don't want to waste tons of electricity), and then take out the shelves and drawers and wash them thoroughly with mild dishwashing soap. Dry everything thoroughly before sliding back into place.
Use Box Lids or Inserts to Organize Inside Drawers
Do all of your drawers look like a free-for-all of junk? Put box lids or plastic drawer inserts into your drawers and decluttering accordingly. For more tips on organizing your drawers, head to this article from Real Simple.
If you've got wires snaking every which way behind your computer, try this easy hack from Lifehacker that uses binder clips to keep wires attached and organized.
Give Old Bedding and Towels to People or Animals in Need
With spring cleaning in full force, don't just toss old towels and bedding! Give them to an animal rescue organization or a homeless shelter to be re-used by someone in need. To donate to furry friends, call your local animal shelter or go here to find out how to donate to the Humane Society. To donate to people in need, call your local Salvation Army or Goodwill to see if they have any local shelters or shops in need of bedding.
When kids toys start taking over the house, you know it's time for a clean-out. But don't toss all those old treasures in the trash—donate them to children in need! To find worthy places or organizations to take your toys (because some organizations, including hospitals, usually only take new toys), check out this great article from Money Crashers.
Putting all your stuff into bins is the quickest and easiest way to go from total mess to super neat! So head to Dollar Tree and get as many plastic bins as you can fit in your laundry room and use them to organize all your supplies. Get a step-by-step on how to organize a small laundry room (plus a free stain removal printable) from Hey Tonya.
Got a zillion Barbie dolls strewn around your house? A few too many Hot Wheels? Hook a shoe organizer onto your kid's door and start popping toys in the slots. It's an easy way to organize and keep track of your little collector's stash. The organizer shown here is even customized to fit the height of each doll! Get the simple instructions at Girl and a Glue Gun.
Is your tub looking more Bates Motel than Beverly Wilshire? Use a spray bottle filled half-and-half with cleaning vinegar and Dawn dishwashing liquid to scrub stains away (Hint: Some people say you should warm the vinegar in the microwave if you've got really tough stains). Your tub will be ready for a proper bath in no time.
Psst: This cleaning solution works on toilet bowls and sinks, too!
Use Microfiber Towels and Tongs to Clean Blinds
Melissa Heckscher
It's tough to get at the dust that inevitably collects on the length of your window blinds. To reach these hard to get slats, just wrap two microfiber towels around a set of tongs and use rubber bands to tie them in place (you can cut the towels in half if they're too big). Then, wipe away! If the dust has really settled in, spray the cloth with cleaning spray before wiping. Get pictures and details at One Crazy House.
Use Rubbing Alcohol To Clean Microfiber Sofas
Melissa Heckscher
According to this article on Herbs and Oils Remedies, rubbing alcohol is the magic potion that will tackle tough stains on your microfiber furniture. Just put it in a spray bottle and spritz the stains until they're saturated. Then scrub with a sponge until the stain disappears. When the area is dry, scrub it with a bristle brush to fluff up the fibers.
Use Your Washing Machine to Clean Plastic Toys
Gabby Cullen
Let your washing machine do double-duty: Toss all your grimy plastic toys into a mesh bag and throw it all into the wash with some towels or blankets (to prevent the toys from banging into the washer wall). Your toy supply will be squeaky clean!
Don't go buy a new shower head when your water pressure starts to wane, or you notice a few clogged holes. Instead, head over to The Melrose Family to get the simple step-by-step instructions for how to use vinegar and lemon essential oil to get the gunk out.
Deep Clean Your Oven
Melissa Heckscher
You don't really see the mess that's being made inside the oven when your casseroles are bubbling, or your baked yams are dripping, but the walls and floor of your oven certainly know what's happening. If you're like most sheet pan dinner-loving mamas, we can bet your cooker needs a good deep clean. Try this cleaning hack from Thekitchn.com, which involves coating the whole inside of the oven with a baking soda/water paste then letting it sit overnight before spraying it all down with vinegar.
Pssst: Your kids will love the way the vinegar and baking soda mixture fizz, so be sure your kids help out with this cleaning project.
Dust, Clean & Organize Your Bookshelves
Melissa Heckscher
Books are notorious dust-hoarders, so now's a good time to give your bookshelves more than a simple wipe-down. You'll need to remove all of the books and wipe the tops and spines with a magnetic cloth (or a Swiffer sheet!); then wipe the shelves down with a damp microfiber cloth. While you're at it, organize your collection: Get rid of any books you don't think are worthy. Secondhand stores or local and literacy charities (like Books for Soldiers and Books for Africa) are usually happy to take your hand-me-downs.
Clean the Front of Kitchen Cabinets
Melissa Heckscher
The knobs and doors of your kitchen cabinets are touched so frequently that they're probably covered in grime by the end of a week, let alone a year. Time to scrub the deep-rooted dirt away! Better Homes & Gardenshas a great how-to video on getting the ins and outs of your cabinets squeaky clean, including using a paste of baking soda and water to scrub stains away.
Dive into family fun with a visit to one of our favorite aquariums in the U.S. From coast to coast, there are lots of amazing institutions that offer up-close animal encounters and conservation education. A few of our favorites are the Georgia Aquarium, the Shedd Aquarium, the Monterey Bay Aquarium and the National Aquarium in Baltimore, but you’ll have to keep reading to find out which other spots should be on your must-visit list.
This Texas hot spot is well worth a visit, focusing mainly on plants and animals that live in the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. It’s home to more than 13,000 animals, from macaws to stingrays to bats.
Star Attraction: Check out the Caribbean Journey, where you can walk through an underwater tunnel and watch sharks swim overhead, see schools of fish in a coral reef and watch 4D movies in a state-of-the-art theater.
Located in scenic La Jolla, the Birch Aquarium at Scripps is a must-visit the next time you’re in Southern California. It’s filled with hands-on and interactive experiences and encounters, like shark feedings and starfish petting. Step into the Infinity Cube, where you’ll see cool bioluminescent creatures that shine in the dark. Click here to see our insider’s guide to making the most of your visit.
Star Attraction: Be sure to catch the Kelp Forest Dive show, during which you’ll get to watch divers feed the animals and answer kids’ questions. Head to the show early to snag a good spot.
Home to over 11,000 animals, there’s no shortage of things to do at the Aquarium of the Pacific. Ooh and ahh at the two-story tank right at the aquarium’s entrance, head over to the smaller touch pools to get hands-on with aquatic life and participate in parent-and-me classes that teach littles all about a certain animal.
Star Attraction: You can purchase access to Animal Encounters experiences ($109 per person), where you’ll get a behind-the-scenes tour of the aquarium and some of its most in-demand inhabitants, including the penguins, sea lions and even sharks for a feeding.
With seabirds, marine mammals, fish and other animals native to the Oregon coast, this gem overlooking Yaquina Bay is the perfect spot for an educational day trip. Interact with critters like sea stars, anemones and crabs in tide pools, ooh and ahh at moon jellies and check out a submerged shipwreck where lots of different species hang out.
Star Attraction: Take a stroll through the shark tunnel, which will make you feel like you’re walking beneath the sea as you get 360-degree views of the creatures.
2820 SE Ferry Slip Rd. Newport, OR Online: aquarium.org
North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores – Pine Knoll Shores, NC
Over a day at the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores, you can follow the journey of loggerhead sea turtles, watch divers swim with the fishes and sharks and say hello to friendly sea otters, and that’s just scratching the surface. Be sure to check out their special events too, from summer camps to scavenger hunts.
Star Attraction: If you need a break from the exhibits, head outside to the nature play area, where kiddos can explore two slides, a climbing net, a treehouse platform and a swinging bridge.
Located in Sarasota, Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium is home to world-class marine scientists committed researching and educating the public on conservation and sustainable use of our oceans. Say hello to manatees, sea turtles, river otters and other critters, and learn how the scientists take care of them.
Star Attraction: Mote is home to the only Center for Shark Research recognized by the U.S. Congress, where, believe it or not, they’re doing cancer research. Check out their 135,000-gallon Shark Habitat and learn all about the ocean’s top predators.
1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy Sarasota, FL Online: mote.org
While primarily dedicated to marine research and education, the Alaska Sealife Center is also the only permanent marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation facility in the state. During your visit, you’ll have the chance to get up close and personal with puffins, octopus, harbor seals, sea lions and other marine life.
Star Attraction: Cozy up to the touch tanks to learn about sea anemones, shrimp, urchins and sea stars. Be sure to chat with staff members to find out more about each of the creatures you’re feeling.
It’s easy to fill up a day at Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters—go on a guided tour with a marine biologist, watch sharks, grouper and eels in the coral reef tank and touch various shallow water marine species in a tide pool.
Star Attraction: For an extra fee, you can participate in a cool animal encounter, where you’ll get to pet stingrays, snorkel with fish or feed and interact with sharks.
Hop over to the Newport Aquarium for a day of nonstop fun. Kids will get to touch sea stars and other creatures in the Touch Pool, see frogs as they climb through tunnels and tubes in the Frog Bog jungle gym and even get up close and personal with stingrays.
Star Attraction: Don’t miss the new exhibit Ring of Fire: World of the Octopus, where you’ll get to see and learn about the giant Pacific octopus, moon jellyfish and Japanese spider crab.
This small but mighty aquarium is totally worth a visit the next time you’re on Oahu. Geared toward the unique aquatic life of Hawaii and the tropical Pacific, you’ll have the chance to see everything from jellyfish to giant clams.
Star Attraction: Check out the vibrant Coral Farm, home to lots of colorful fish. The water here is ideal for coral growth, so scientists grow colonies here that are then carefully transferred and shipped to other aquariums and researchers around the world.
The New England Aquarium is home to thousands of animals, from northern fur seals to giant Pacific octopus to African penguins. Learn how sharks have evolved over the years, check out the birds and crabs that live in the Gulf of Maine and get up close and personal with sharks and rays in a touch tank.
Star Attraction: The four-story Giant Ocean Tank is the centerpiece of the aquarium, and you’ll see lots of creatures inside, like Myrtle the green sea turtle, moray eels and hundreds of colorful reef fishes.
At the South Carolina Aquarium, you’ll get to venture through the state’s different regions and see each one’s animal inhabitants: bald eagles and river otters in the mountain forest, alligators and rattlesnakes in the coastal plain and sea turtles and fish off the coast.
Star Attraction: Be sure to visit the Zucker Family Sea Turtle Recovery, which is both a hospital and a guest experience. You’ll get to watch, as sick and injured turtles are nursed back to health and eventually released.
Located along the banks of the Mississippi River in the historic French Quarter, the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas is home to 10,000 animals of 400 species, including rare and endangered species. Walk through a 30-foot tunnel surrounded by lionfish, yellowtail snapper and moray eels, and see rescued southern sea otters in a specially designed exhibit.
Star Attraction: Check out the aquarium’s behind-the-scenes encounters, giving you a chance to pet penguins, snorkel with fish and more.
You might not expect to find an aquarium right in the Mall of America, but you’d be surprised! At Sea Life, you’ll see stingrays, sea turtles, sharks, jellyfish and lots more sea creatures—not a bad way to take a break from shopping.
Star Attraction: Pay a visit to the Ray Lagoon. For a fee, you can feed the rays yourself and watch as they gobble up their treats.
Home to both delighted marine animals and a waterfront view, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is a tranquil space for water lovers to stroll through 200 exhibits—from the stingray petting tank to the plexiglass splash cove—and learn about ocean conservation. This aquarium does amazing work for local water-loving creatures by helping out sea otters, bluefin tunas, albatrosses and more with their rescue and release program. Click here to see our insider's guide to making the most of your visit.
Star Attraction: Who can resist feeding times? Younger visitors will love watching penguins gobble down their meal and exploring the kelp forest as divers hand-feed sharks, fishes and other animals. Take a peek into the aquarium now by watching the live webcams here.
A frontrunner for "Largest Aquarium in the World," the Georgia Aquarium is a stunning facility that boasts a huge deep water tank, an award-winning dolphin exhibit and a 4-D theater for a truly unique underwater experience. And when it comes to ocean life, this aquarium is all about rescue, research, rehabilitation and responsibility. Their conservation program extends around the world to help marine mammals all the way in Mexico, Africa, the Amazon and more. Get all our insider tips and tricks by clicking here.
Star Attraction: Their absolutely mind-boggling 6.3 million gallon Ocean Voyager tank is home to four (yes, four) Whale Sharks. And since the Georgia Aquarium is the only place outside of Asia that has successfully been able to house Whale Sharks, it’s definitely a must-see exhibit.
As Chattanooga’s top attraction, the Tennessee Aquarium is a gem. Their River Journey highlights freshwater species around the country, and the more recent Ocean Journey exhibit includes a large variety of hands-on encounters with rays, macaws, and even has its own butterfly garden. There are even 3D IMAX movies with features like “Flight of the Butterflies” or “Great White Shark” for jaw-dropping entertainment.
Star Attraction: The River Journey exhibit, which earned the title of "largest freshwater aquarium in the world," and showcases their collection of river otters, turtles, alligators and giant catfish.
Mystic Aquarium is way more than a huge fish tank. It's also an oceanography institute that studies the Earth's waters beyond its living things. There's even a theatre where audience members can talk to crew members under the sea directly! And of course, there are plenty of marine animals, from Beluga whales to penguins, for little eyes to enjoy.
Star Attraction: As the Mystic Aquarium has an animal rescue program, it's best to visit one of their rescued friends! Ziggy Star is the Northern fur seal who was found starving and barely alive. After her rehabilitation period in California, she then became a permanent resident of the Mystic Aquarium.
A popular destination for native Chicagoans and tourists alike, Shedd Aquarium homes over 1500 species of fish, marine mammals, birds, snakes, amphibians and insects. Pint-sized patrons can get their hands wet at the touch pool filled with starfish or, through their informative exhibits, become a know-it-all in aquatic ecosystems and the Great Lakes. Click here to see our guide to making the most of your day at the aquarium.
Star Attraction: Meet the belugas, the only all-white whales in the world. Their tank has viewing options both above and below the water for different vantage points. And if you’re willing to part with $250/person to meet them, then Shedd Aquarium is the place to do it.
With over 2,200,000 gallons of water, 17,000 specimens and over five floors of themed displays, the National Aquarium is one great way to experience the sea. Each exhibit teaches viewers about different aquatic animals, their survival tactics and environment. The National Aquarium also regularly rescues, rehabilitates and releases marine mammals so the flipper friend you saw last time may not be there the next! Get all our insider's tips and tricks by clicking here.
Star Attraction: Calypso, a 500-pound sea green turtle, is a rescued friend from Long Island when her front left flipper had to be amputated to save her life. She now lives in the Blacktip Reef exhibit.
Be on the lookout for this amazing aquarium in the upcoming years. It's currently expanding (with a goal of doubling in size!) to wow visitors and become Seattle's centerpiece to the waterfront. There are six major exhibits that cover not only underwater life, but also birds that depend on the shores, which includes an impressive 120,000-gallon viewing tank. Check out our insider's guide by clicking here.
Star Attraction: The dive show at Seattle Aquarium is pretty interactive. The divers wear special masks that let them talk to the crowd and even answer their questions—all while underwater!
Dive into some family fun with a visit to one of our favorite aquariums in the US. From coast to coast, there are lots of amazing institutions that offer up-close animal encounters and conservation education. A few of our favorites are the Georgia Aquarium, the Shedd Aquarium, the Monterey Bay Aquarium and the National Aquarium in Baltimore, but you’ll have to keep reading to find out which other spots should be on your must-visit list.
This Texas hot spot is well worth a visit, focusing mainly on plants and animals that live in the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. It’s home to more than 13,000 animals, from macaws to stingrays to bats.
Star Attraction: Check out the Caribbean Journey, where you can walk through an underwater tunnel and watch sharks swim overhead, see schools of fish in a coral reef and watch 4D movies in a state-of-the-art theater.
Located in scenic La Jolla, the Birch Aquarium at Scripps is a must-visit the next time you’re in Southern California. It’s filled with hands-on and interactive experiences and encounters, like shark feedings and starfish petting. Step into the Infinity Cube, where you’ll see cool bioluminescent creatures that shine in the dark. Click here to see our insider’s guide to making the most of your visit.
Star Attraction: Be sure to catch the Kelp Forest Dive show, during which you’ll get to watch divers feed the animals and answer kids’ questions. Head to the show early to snag a good spot.
Home to over 11,000 animals, there’s no shortage of things to do at the Aquarium of the Pacific. Ooh and ahh at the two-story tank right at the aquarium’s entrance, head over to the smaller touch pools to get hands-on with aquatic life and participate in parent-and-me classes that teach littles all about a certain animal.
Star Attraction: You can purchase access to Animal Encounters experiences ($109 per person), where you’ll get a behind-the-scenes tour of the aquarium and some of its most in-demand inhabitants, including the penguins, sea lions and even sharks for a feeding.
With seabirds, marine mammals, fish and other animals native to the Oregon coast, this gem overlooking Yaquina Bay is the perfect spot for an educational day trip. Interact with critters like sea stars, anemones and crabs in tide pools, ooh and ahh at moon jellies and check out a submerged shipwreck where lots of different species hang out.
Star Attraction: Take a stroll through the shark tunnel, which will make you feel like you’re walking beneath the sea as you get 360-degree views of the creatures.
2820 SE Ferry Slip Rd. Newport, OR Online: aquarium.org
North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores – Pine Knoll Shores, North Carolina
Over a day at the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores, you can follow the journey of loggerhead sea turtles, watch divers swim with the fishes and sharks and say hello to friendly sea otters, and that’s just scratching the surface. Be sure to check out their special events too, from summer camps to scavenger hunts.
Star Attraction: If you need a break from the exhibits, head outside to the nature play area, where kiddos can explore two slides, a climbing net, a treehouse platform and a swinging bridge.
Located in Sarasota, Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium is home to world-class marine scientists committed researching and educating the public on conservation and sustainable use of our oceans. Say hello to manatees, sea turtles, river otters and other critters, and learn how the scientists take care of them.
Star Attraction: Mote is home to the only Center for Shark Research recognized by the U.S. Congress, where, believe it or not, they’re doing cancer research. Check out their 135,000-gallon Shark Habitat and learn all about the ocean’s top predators.
1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy Sarasota, FL Online: mote.org
While primarily dedicated to marine research and education, the Alaska Sealife Center is also the only permanent marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation facility in the state. During your visit, you’ll have the chance to get up close and personal with puffins, octopus, harbor seals, sea lions and other marine life.
Star Attraction: Cozy up to the touch tanks to learn about sea anemones, shrimp, urchins and sea stars. Be sure to chat with staff members to find out more about each of the creatures you’re feeling.
It’s easy to fill up a day at Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters—go on a guided tour with a marine biologist, watch sharks, grouper, and eels in the coral reef tank and touch various shallow water marine species in a tide pool.
Star Attraction: For an extra fee, you can participate in a cool animal encounter, where you’ll get to pet stingrays, snorkel with fish or feed and interact with sharks.
Hop over to the Newport Aquarium for a day of nonstop fun. Kids will get to touch sea stars and other creatures in the Touch Pool, see frogs as they climb through tunnels and tubes in the Frog Bog jungle gym and even get up close and personal with stingrays.
Star Attraction: Don’t miss the new exhibit Ring of Fire: World of the Octopus, where you’ll get to see and learn about the giant Pacific octopus, moon jellyfish and Japanese spider crab.
This small but mighty aquarium is totally worth a visit the next time you’re on Oahu. Geared toward the unique aquatic life of Hawaii and the tropical Pacific, you’ll have the chance to see everything from jellyfish to giant clams.
Star Attraction: Check out the vibrant Coral Farm, home to lots of colorful fish. The water here is ideal for coral growth, so scientists grow colonies here that are then carefully transferred and shipped to other aquariums and researchers around the world.
The New England Aquarium is home to thousands of animals, from northern fur seals to giant Pacific octopus to African penguins. Learn how sharks have evolved over the years, check out the birds and crabs that live in the Gulf of Maine and get up close and personal with sharks and rays in a touch tank.
Star Attraction: The four-story Giant Ocean Tank is the centerpiece of the aquarium, and you’ll see lots of creatures inside, like Myrtle the green sea turtle, moray eels and hundreds of colorful reef fishes.
South Carolina Aquarium – Charleston, South Carolina
South Carolina Aquarium
At the South Carolina Aquarium, you’ll get to venture through the state’s different regions and see each one’s animal inhabitants: bald eagles and river otters in the mountain forest, alligators and rattlesnakes in the coastal plain and sea turtles and fish off the coast.
Star Attraction: Be sure to visit the Zucker Family Sea Turtle Recovery, which is both a hospital and a guest experience. You’ll get to watch as sick and injured turtles are nursed back to health and eventually released.
Located along the banks of the Mississippi River in the historic French Quarter, the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas is home to 10,000 animals of 400 species, including rare and endangered species. Walk through a 30-foot tunnel surrounded by lion fish, yellowtail snapper and moray eels, and see rescued southern sea otters in a specially designed exhibit.
Star Attraction: Check out the aquarium’s behind-the-scenes encounters, giving you a chance to pet penguins, snorkel with fish and more.
You might not expect to find an aquarium right in the Mall of America, but you’d be surprised! At Sea Life, you’ll see stingrays, sea turtles, sharks, jellyfish and lots more sea creatures—not a bad way to take a break from shopping.
Star Attraction: Pay a visit to the Ray Lagoon. For a fee, you can feed the rays yourself and watch as they gobble up their treats.
Home to both delighted marine animals and a waterfront view, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is a tranquil space for water lovers to stroll through 200 exhibits—from their stingray petting tank to their plexiglass splash cove—and learn about ocean conservation. This aquarium does amazing work for local water-loving creatures by helping out sea otters, bluefin tunas, albatrosses and more with their rescue and release program. Click here to see our insider's guide to making the most of your visit.
Star Attraction: Who can resist feeding times? Younger visitors will love watching penguins gobble down their meal and exploring the kelp forest as divers hand-feed sharks, fishes and other animals. Take a peek into the aquarium now by watching the live web cams here.
Frontrunner for "Largest Aquarium in the World," the Georgia Aquarium is a stunning facility that boasts a huge deep water tank, an award-winning dolphin exhibit and a 4-D theater for a truly unique underwater experience. And when it comes to ocean life, this aquarium is all about rescue, research, rehabilitation and responsibility. Their conservation program extends around the world to help marine mammals all the way in Mexico, Africa, the Amazon and more. Get all our insider tips and tricks by clicking here.
Star Attraction: Their absolutely mind-boggling 6.3 million gallon Ocean Voyager tank is home to four (yes, four) Whale Sharks. And since the Georgia Aquarium is the only place outside of Asia that has successfully been able to house Whale Sharks, it’s definitely a must-see exhibit.
As Chattanooga’s top attraction, the Tennessee Aquarium is a gem. Their River Journey highlights freshwater species around the country, and the more recent Ocean Journey exhibit includes a large variety of hands-on encounters with rays, macaws, and even has its own butterfly garden. There's even a 3D IMAX movies with features like “Flight of the Butterflies” or “Great White Shark” for some jaw-dropping entertainment.
Star Attraction: The River Journey exhibit, which earned the title of largest freshwater aquarium in the world, and showcases their collection of river otters, turtles, alligators, and giant catfish.
Mystic Aquarium is way more than a huge fish tank. It's also an oceanography institute that studies the Earth's waters beyond its living things. There's even a theatre where audience members can talk to crew members under the sea directly! And of course, there are plenty of marine animals, from Beluga whales to penguins, for little eyes to enjoy.
Star Attraction: As the Mystic Aquarium has an animal rescue program, it's best to visit one of their rescued friends! Ziggy Star is the Northern fur seal who was found starving and barely alive. After her rehabilitation period in California, she then became a permanent resident of the Mystic Aquarium.
A popular destination for native Chicagoans and tourists alike, Shedd Aquarium homes over 1500 species of fish, marine mammals, birds, snakes, amphibians and insects. Pint-sized patrons can get their hands wet at the touch pool filled with starfish or, through their informative exhibits, become a know-it-all in aquatic ecosystems and the Great Lakes. Click here to see our guide to making the most of your day at the aquarium.
Star Attraction: Meet the belugas, the only all white whales in the world. Their tank has viewing options both above and below the water for different vantage points. And if you’re willing to part with $250/person to meet them, then Shedd Aquarium is the place to do it.
With over 2,200,000 gallons of water, 17,000 specimens and over five floors of themed displays, the National Aquarium is one great way to experience the sea. Each exhibit teaches viewers about different aquatic animals, their survival tactics and environment. The National Aquarium also regularly rescues, rehabilitates and releases marine mammals, so the flipper friend you saw last time may not be there the next! Get all our insider's tips and tricks by clicking here.
Star Attraction: Calypso, a 500-pound sea green turtle, is a rescued friend from Long Island when her front left flipper had to be amputated to save her life. She now lives in the Blacktip Reef exhibit.
Be on the look out for this amazing aquarium in the upcoming years. It's currently expanding (with a goal of doubling in size!) to wow visitors and become Seattle's centerpiece to the waterfront. There are six major exhibits that cover not only underwater life, but also birds that depend on the shores, which includes an impressive 120,000 gallon viewing tank.
Star Attraction: The dive show at Seattle Aquarium is pretty interactive. The divers wear special masks that let them talk to the crowd and even answer their questions—all while underwater!
This time of year, there’s no shortage of reminders to give as much as you receive. Whether it’s toy drives, sponsoring a family in need or bringing canned food donations to pretty much any and every holiday event, charity is top of mind right now. But people need help all year long, and there’s no better gift than teaching youngsters to give of themselves. Here are 10 ways to get involved in the community—now and later.
Neighborhood libraries in the District
Library helpers can volunteer up to five hours a week at any of D.C.’s 26 public libraries. In exchange for restacking books and other tasks, they earn community service credit.
Ages: 14 and up
901 G St., NW Online: dclibrary.org/volunteer#third
Food & Friends
This organization delivers meals to more than 5,300 square miles in the D.C., Maryland and Virginia region. Although kids can’t do the driving, they can help with food prep and packaging.
Miriam’s Kitchen Although volunteers must be at least 18 in the kitchen and 21 in the dining room, youngsters can still help. One way is by organizing a donation drive to collect clothing, food and toiletries.
Ages: All
2401 Virginia Ave., NW Online: miriamskitchen.org
Arlington Food Assistance Center
The second Monday of each month, this nonprofit serving about 2,200 families holds Family Bagging Nights open to kids ages 5 to 11. The job? Putting food in bags for distribution. Other ways of contributing include making flyers for food drives or organizing an event yourself.
Ages: All
2708 S. Nelson St. (Arlington, Va) Online: afac.org/volunteer
Washington Animal Rescue League
This group has a junior volunteer program that requires a parent or guardian to be present and responsible for handling the dogs and cats available for adoption. Last year, the organization found homes for more than 1,500 pets.
Baltimore County Adopt-A-Road Program
Clean up the streets (literally) through this program in which groups or individuals pick up litter on county roads. The goal is to reduce the amount of debris that pollutes the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. Kids 16 and under must have adult supervision.
Ages: 12 and up
400 Washington Ave. (Towson, Md) Online: baltimorecountymd.gov/Agencies/publicworks/highways/adoptaroad.html
Hebrew Home of Greater Washington
Adopt a grandparent at this home for the aged that has provided long-term and other care since 1910. Activities include reading to residents, playing games with them or helping with special events, such as Shabbat services and Bingo games.
Ages: 13 and up, younger with a guardian
6121 Montrose Rd. (Rockville, Md)
Online: hebrew-home.org
Our Daily Bread’s Food4Thought Program Give new meaning to packing a lunch with this program, which pairs social workers and parents at select Fairfax County Public Schools to prepare food to be sent home for the weekends in the backpacks of students who get food assistance at school during the week. Schools often recruit students to help pack these lunches.
Ages: All
4080 Chain Bridge Rd. (Fairfax, Va) Online: odbfairfax.org/F4TVolunteerProject
Inova Fairfax Medical Campus
Teens have five opportunities to volunteer here. One is through patient support services such as delivering flowers and taking them to procedures. Others include organizing activities or disinfecting toys in the pediatric department and providing companionship though the Hospital Elder Life Program. Hopeful helpers should apply for the twice-yearly lotteries.
Girl Scouts’ Be a Friend First
The BFF program of this empowerment-focused organization aims to stop bullying, and kids can bring it to their middle schools or communities by contacting their local Girl Scout council.
Ages: Middle schoolers Online: girlscouts.org
Are there any other awesome family-friendly volunteer opportunities we should know about? Tell us in the Comments section below.
