Your Ultimate Guide to Riding the Seattle Great Wheel

by Jeff ToteyMarch 14, 2019

It’s hard to believe that one of Seattle’s most iconic attractions is also one of its youngest. Since it opened in June of 2012, thousands of Seattle families and tourists have flocked to the Seattle waterfront to ride the ginormous Ferris wheel perched high above Pier 57. But believe it or not, there are many families who have never taken a ride. The next time you’re looking for things to do in Seattle, head to The Seattle Great Wheel to get a bird’s-eye view of the city like no other. Scroll down to learn more.

It’s All About the Wheel

The 175-foot tall Seattle Great Wheel dwarfs your regular run-of-the-mill Ferris wheel by over 100 feet. Located at the end of Pier 57, the Seattle Great Wheel offers spectacular views of the Seattle Aquarium, Elliot Bay, Century Link Field, Mt. Rainer, T-Mobile Park, Space Needle and Pike Place Market. The Wheel features 42 fully enclosed gondolas, so the ride is perfect whatever the weather. (Note: if winds reach sustained speeds of 55 mph or higher or if there are lightning strikes within one mile, it will stop operating.) Other than that, you’re good to go!

What to Expect on the Ride

Each gondola holds up to eight adults which when you do the math, can hold over 300 riders at a time, so the line moves pretty quickly even on the busiest of days. Because ride times vary based on how large the crowd is at any given time of the day, you can expect your tour to last anywhere from 10-20 minutes in length, but that will include at least three full revolutions.

If you only have a few people in your party, it’s likely that you’ll have to share the space with another smaller party of riders. The gondolas are not huge inside–there is just enough room to sit and enjoy the ride. However, if you arrive early or visit on a day that isn’t very busy, they might be able to accommodate you with your own cabin.

At first, the ride is slow, as all 42 gondolas are loaded with new riders, giving you a chance to really take in the view. Once everyone is on board, you will go on three slow-ish rotations around the wheel depending on how long the boarding process takes. Although this doesn’t sound like long, we promise you that it’s the perfect length of time to be in a gondola with your children. Little ones will be pretty antsy by the end of those 20 minutes and you’ll be ready to bust free as well…no matter how amazing that view is.

Feeling nervous about being up so high? We won’t lie and tell you that it’s no big deal–at a whopping 175 feet tall (that’s over 17 stories!) your heart is likely to skip a beat or two on your first trip around. The littlest ones won’t even notice the height, but older children may get the heebie jeebies. Luckily, the ride is super smooth and you’ll easily be able to distract them with all of the cool sights.

Who Can Ride?

Just about anyone can experience the Seattle Great Wheel. It is wheelchair accessible (however the door width is 30”), the ride is slow and smooth making it appropriate for both pregnant women and babies and given that each gondola can hold up to 1300 pounds, nobody is too big to ride.

The Price of Tickets & Where to Get Them

The Seattle Great Wheel tickets are $14 for adults (age 12 & up); $12 for seniors (65+); $9 for kids (ages 3-9); and anyone age 2 or younger rides for free. While you can always wait in line to purchase your tickets, we recommend you buy them online. However, tickets for children 0-2 and seniors are only available at the ticket booth. There is no service fee to purchase tickets online, but be sure to print them out at home and have them in hand when you arrive. If you only have the confirmation code, you will still have to wait in the regular line to have the tickets printed, which will likely test your patience and your crew’s patience. Tickets are general admission and valid for any date or time that the wheel is open (excluding the by reservation only New Year’s Eve Midnight Ride) and do not expire until used.

What to Bring

The bad news? There isn’t a ton of room in the gondolas, so you’re going to want to pack light. The good news? You can bring a stroller and park it at the bottom of the stairs where you get on the wheel and leave some of your not-so-valuable items in there while you ride. Speaking of strollers, leave your SUV-sized double jogger at home and opt for a smaller umbrella stroller instead. It will be great for little ones who get antsy standing in line. Otherwise, bring clothes for the weather–you will be waiting in line outside in the Seattle elements sunglasses for the ride in the wheel to make sure you can see all the sights and, of course, your camera. Food and drinks are not allowed in the gondolas, so leave the snacks and juice boxes in your stroller.

photo: Kristina Moy

The Great Wheel VIP Experience

If you really want to splurge or plan a very special date night, go for the VIP Experience. The Great Wheel features one special luxury gondola with four leather bucket seats, a stereo system and a glass floor. VIP tickets are $50 each and includes a champagne toast at Fisherman’s Restaurant, a souvenir t-shirt, photo booth photos and priority boarding. Note: the VIP gondola is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

LED Light Shows

The Seattle Great Wheel is covered in over 500,000 LED lights and on weekends (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays) you can watch the colorful light show displays. Mid week, the Wheel typically illuminates just the ring beam. Psst…keep an eye out on holidays and game days for special themed light shows—they are especially fun to watch! But guess what? You can also “order” your own custom light show. If you are getting married, having a special event or want to do a baby gender reveal, they can program an array of patterns, letters, colors and designs just for you. Email The Seattle Great Wheel at LightShow@pier57seattle.com for more information.

photo: Kristina Moy

What Else Can You Do at Pier 57?

You can actually plan to spend up to a few hours at Pier 57 (aka Miner’s Landing). In addition to the Great Wheel, the Pier is home to a lesser-known but just as iconic Wings Over Washington flying theater. Expect an experience similar to one you’d find at a Disney theme park. You can read all about the ride here. You’ll also find a historic indoor carousel, the Waterfront Arcade, a variety of places to eat and shops and oddities to check out.

Seattle Great Wheel
1301 Alaskan Way – Pier 57
Seattle, WA 98101
206-623-8607
Online: seattlegreatwheel.com

Hours:
Sep.–June: Mon.-Thurs., 11 a.m.–10 p.m.; Fri. 11 a.m.–midnight; Sat., 10 a.m.–midnight; Sun., 10 a.m.–10 p.m.

June–Sep.: Sun.-Thurs., 10 a.m.–11 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 10 a.m.–midnight

Editor’s Note: Operating hours may change during special times of the year. Visit the website for current hours before you head out. Last ride loads 10 minutes before closing time.

—Jeffrey Totey & Katie Kavulla

Viral Photo Proves Flying with Kids Is Tough Enough & Parents Don’t Need More Pressure

by Shahrzad WarkentinMarch 8, 2019

Boarding an airplane with kids and babies in tow can be a nerve-racking experience for many parents. One mom on a long international flight earned praise when she gave out earplugs to the entire plane—but was that really necessary?

A mom traveling with her four-month-old baby from Seoul, South Korea to San Francisco passed out 200 tiny care packages filled with ear plugs, candy and note that read, “Today, I am going to the U.S. with my mom and grandma to see my aunt,” the note read, as if it were from the baby. “I’m a little bit nervous and scary (sic) because it’s my first flight in my life, which means that I may cry or make too much noise. I will try to go quietly, though I can’t make any promises… Please excuse me.”

Facebook user Dave Corona, a fellow passenger on the flight, shared pictures of the package in a post which quickly went viral. The gesture was incredibly kind and thoughtful, gaining plenty of praise by commenters on the post. But at the same time, as many commenters also pointed out, the mom’s gesture was entirely unnecessary.

One Facebook user commented, “That was a nice gesture, but I think people need to be more understanding on flights and not make parents and their children feel so ‘unwelcome’ on flights. We were all babies at one point in life.”

It’s one thing to be aware of others, but babies and kids have to travel just like adults. Parents shouldn’t have to fear flying just because they have kids in tow—nor should they feel like they have to go above and beyond to make accommodations for other passengers.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Featured photo: Suhyeon Choi via Unsplash

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5 Simple Ways to Maximize Family Time During the Weekdays

By Joan Lowell

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

October 11, 2017

Editor’s Note: this post originally was published in pre-COVID times (remember those days?), but we still think the ideas are valuable.

I just found out I am going to be a grandma come spring! My how they do grow up quickly! I have always valued family time. Even as family time with all six of my own kids has varied over the years, they will all tell you I have always prioritized love of family and our time together. With one married and expecting, two high-schoolers away at boarding school, one in middle school and two still in elementary school, you can imagine life is a little busy at my house! Here are some simple ways we maximize family time amidst the chaos of work and life:

Get up together – We only have two bathrooms, so we don’t get up at the same second, but you get the idea. My husband and I get up around 6am and wake up the kids by 7am so they can see Daddy before he leaves for work around 7:15am. I hear you saying, really? 15 minutes? Just a short time is enough to give the kids the reassurance of seeing their father before we all go our different ways for the day. There is nothing worse than one of the kids bawling their eyes out because they didn’t get to kiss Daddy goodbye or remind him to stop at the corner store before coming home. I think it helps my husband to see that they are up and moving too.

Turn off devices after school, when the weather is nice or after short time limits – I am constantly telling them to turn in the devices or turn them off, but especially before responsibilities are complete. Before and after school, devices remain off until chores are done, like making beds, packing snacks, eating and dressing in the morning and unpacking bags, doing homework and feeding pets after school. My husband and I often remind ourselves how, when we were kids, our parents were in charge of the television and we hardly ever got to watch what we wanted. We certainly never had electronic or digital devices. We tell the kids to come outside (where we usually are) and involve them in what we are doing, even when they hate it!

Prepare dinner together – On a good day, I might have supper prepared and in the oven before the kids get off the bus. This is not most days. Most days, I am whipping up something when I get home from picking up or dropping off somebody, so an extra hand or eight is helpful. Kids can’t do really hard or dangerous stuff, but they are great at grabbing bowls and utensils, throwing stuff away, mixing or spreading stuff, and older kids can cut if you show them. Crazy idea here, but preparing food sometimes involves small amounts of reading and math measurements. Not only is this a great way to bond with your kids, but they practice academic skills and learn a few real-life ones too! Bonus!

Eat meals together – Yeah, you’ve heard this before. Me too. I admit this is hard if one parent works second shift, but there is one meal you could probably squeeze in, depending on your family’s crazy schedule. Maybe it is breakfast most days, but make an effort to sit at your table, television and radio off, and just eat. You will discover conversation happens and you will learn about each other’s day in new and different ways. You might even share your own experiences or impart some wisdom on your kids.

Tuck the kids into bed – Even teenagers want to be tucked into bed. Yes, they will probably stay awake longer than you if you let them, but spending just a few more minutes together at the end of a day is a great way to maximize family time. My kids love their bedtime routine and request certain songs. We used to do a round-robin highlights and lowlights of our day, which sometimes took forever. Whatever you do, tuck in your kids and then reward yourself with some adult time with your spouse. You have earned it!

My family really does do these five things and we really do spend lots of time together. Hey, nobody ever promised family time was going to be a dream! Just like the rest of life, family time can’t always be a party (life lesson). It does take hard work to run a household and kids need to realize that and be engaged in it too. There is never enough time in the day to do it all, anyway. That’s why I am glad there is tomorrow, to finish all the tasks I didn’t today.

Featured Photo Courtesy: shutterstock

Joan Lowell

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Go Au Pair representative, cultural childcare advocate, Mom to six great kids, I earned my BS at RI College and MEd at Providence College. My hats: educator, tutor and writer of local blog for Go Au Pair families and Au Pairs. Baking, gardening, reading and relaxing on the porch are hobbies.

10 Enchanting Facts About the Moon

by Erin FeherJuly 20, 2017

From fairytales and storybooks to lunar modules and space exploration, our fascination with the moon begins as kids and continues well into adulthood. For National Moon Day, we’ve rounded up some scientific fun facts you can share with the kids and maybe your co-workers too! Scroll down to learn more.

Photo: Bruno Sanchez-Andrade via Flickr

1. The distance from the moon to Earth is 238,857 miles. If you drove from the moon to Earth at 65 mph it would take you 3,674 hours to get there, or 153 days if you never stopped for bathroom or snack breaks!

2. The moon was formed when a huge object hit Earth and blasted out rocks that all came together and started orbiting round Earth. They all melted together like in a big heated pot, cooled down and became the moon.

3. The moon goes round Earth every 27.3 days.

4. Our moon is the fifth largest moon in the Solar System.

Photo: jasbond007 via Flickr

5. Neil Armstrong was the very first person to walk on the moon. He stepped out of his spacecraft, the Eagle, on 21 July 1969 and said, “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” Weird Fact: There are NO pictures of Neil Armstrong on the moon (they are all of his partner, Buzz Aldrin) except this one above, where you can just make him out in the reflection in Buzz Aldrin’s helmet.

6. Mons Huygens is the tallest mountain on the moon, it is 15,420 feet tall, just over half the height of Mt Everest (29,029 feet). But because the moon’s gravitational pull is about 83% less than on Earth, you could pretty much just float to the top. Easy!

7. The moon is very hot during the day but very cold at night. The average surface temperature is 224 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and NEGATIVE 243 degrees at night. Brrr!

8. The phases of the moon are: New Moon, Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Full Moon, Waning Gibbous, Last Quarter, Crescent…then it’s back to New Moon.

9. A lunar eclipse occurs when Earth is between the sun and the moon.

10. Earth’s tides are largely caused by the gravitational pull of the moon. You can thank the moon for boogie boarding!

Do you have any out-of-this world facts about the Moon that you can share? Tell us in the comments below!

—Erin Feher

Wings for Autism: A Travel Program for Kids with Special Needs

by April HorningApril 20, 2017

Summer is almost here which means many Seattle families will be hitting the skies. And for some kids, this means flying for the first time which can be a challenge. Add a child with autism to the mix and there can be even more added stressors of sensory issues, anxiety and a basic level of fear. But now, there’s a way to prepare kids before take off and make flying a positive and safe experience for young travelers on the autism spectrum. Read on to learn more about the special training events for kids who want to practice and rehearse these new experiences ahead of time.

Practice Flight
The Wings for Autism/Wings for All program allows families to bring their young travelers to the airport for a dry run of the security and boarding process. Locally, Alaska Airlines offers the program at both Portland International Airport and Sea-Tac International Airport. The single afternoon program through Alaska Airlines, called The Sky’s The Limit, is sponsored by The Arc and is part of a national initiative that is funded by the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism.

The program gives young travelers the chance to experience a trip through a security checkpoint and the boarding process without ever leaving the airport. And the practice not only helps the whole family to be prepared for their first flight, but also gives all members of the airport team real world training. Airport staff, including TSA agents, gate staff and flight crews, get first-hand experience working with young travelers with special needs and travelers with autism spectrum disorders and intellectual/developmental disabilities. It’s a win-win for everyone!

photo: Rick Ostraat

How to Sign Up
To attend the next event with The Arc, they ask that families email them for information. The Arc schedules events as interest grows, so encourage other parents you know with kids on the spectrum to also sign up. Alaska Airlines also offers a broad range of helpful articles for families who travel with children on the Autism Spectrum.

Wings for Autism
For more information: wingsforautism@thearc.org
Waitlist for the next event: mauger@thearc.org
Online: thearc.org/wingsforautism

Tips for Flying with a Child on the Autism Spectrum:
When flying with a child on the spectrum, the following tips and tricks can help make your trip (and theirs) easier:

1. Think Through Your Child’s Particular Challenges. Kids on the spectrum may have a sensitivity to sound, light or touch. Try to anticipate unique challenges that your young adventurer may have and work to find solutions before there is a crisis.

2. Planning and Packing. Try to pack comfort items for your most inexperienced travelers. This may include a DVD player or an iPad loaded with his or her favorite games. You may also find things like gum, earplugs and sunglasses useful during your travels. Psst… something to chew on during take off and landing can help avoid ear pressure.

3. Bring a Blanket. For travelers who tend to get overwhelmed by being surrounded by too much activity, pack a lightweight blanket they can “hide” under during the busiest of times. Having a child buckled into his or her seat, with an iPad under a blanket may sound extreme, but it can be soothing for boarding.

4. Talk About Travel Early and Often. Children on the spectrum often take time to warm up to new ideas. Start talking about planes, travel and airports well in advance of your first flight. As your little traveler becomes more curious, talk about how things work at the airport.

photo: Rick Ostraat

5. Practice as Much of the Travel Process As You Can. Sign-up for the chance to take a practice run through security. Include your little traveler in picking up a family member from the airport, so they get an opportunity to see the airport beforehand. Also, visit the airport several times, so the whole family can get a feel for the lay of the land.

6. Be Vocal. Most families traveling with a little one on the spectrum can benefit from a little bit of help. Speak up when you or your loved one needs help. And use the resources available to make the travel experience safe and enjoyable.

Insider Travel Tips
1. As a traveler with a disability, your child can qualify for pre-boarding the aircraft. You can ask at the gate for a pass that allows you and your family to board the plane first and get settled before the rush of travelers board. Take this chance to get your little one buckled in, comfy and if he or she wants to hide—wrapped up in their special blanket. This will allow everyone in your crew to be settled before the plane fills.

2. Even if you do not pre-board, be sure to inform the flight crew, when you board, that you are flying with a special needs child. Flight crews are often very accommodating and can offer support as needed.

3. To work with the challenge of TSA, consider using the TSA Cares program. By calling 72 hours in advance of your flight, you can arrange special assistance for security. During the phone call with the TSA agent, be sure to tell him or her about any sensory issues or delays your child may have. TSA agents can accommodate your entire party through a fast track version of security to avoid sensory overload.

TSA Cares Hotline
855-787-2227
Hours: Weekdays, 8 a.m.-11 p.m. (ET); Weekends/Holidays, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. (ET)
Online: tsa.gov/travel/passenger-support

Note: The TSA Cares program works best if you call at least 72 hours before your flight, but they can often accommodate with less lead time.

Do you have a great travel tip? Share it with others in the Comments below.

— April Horning

11 Destinations That’ll Send Your Little Aviators Sky High

by Gabby CullenApril 5, 2016

Planes haven’t been on your radar since Maverick and Top Gun, but your little captain loves flying the friendly skies. Take her up, up and away at 11 awesome aviation centers perfect for petite pilots. From interactive exhibits to real-life aircrafts, you’re now boarding for the next family adventure.

Museum of Flight – Seattle, Wa

Between the new Alaska Airlines Aerospace Education Center, the Kid’s Flight Zone, the family workshops every weekend, free first Thursdays, live theater programs and the new Connections programs (school age kids and one parent are granted access to the museum for free until age 18), this first-class institution gives petite pilots plenty of chances to get a lesson in aviation. Don’t miss the Flight Tower at Boeing Field exhibit, with its panoramic views of King County International Airport (KCIA)/Boeing Field, or Air Force One, the first presidential jet plane

Good to know: The Kid’s Flight Zone will be closed from Apr. 4 - May 6 for renovations.

Online: museumofflight.org

photo: Museum of Flight

Which one of these high-flying places would your little maverick enjoy? Share with us in a comment below.

—Gabby Cullen

We Hauled Freight to Thomas Land! Here’s Our Useful Review

by rtcaitlindowlingOctober 21, 2015

Warning: If you live with a small, train-obsessed person you may want to obscure the view of the screen you’re looking at, because for a certain crowd, this story contains some explosive imagery. That’s right, the wait is over: Thomas Land is here! We made the trek to the faux Sodor in eastern Massachusetts, and have the scoop on the new theme park. Read on for our review, other attractions nearby and where to eat and stay on your train-tastic pilgrimage.

photo: Thomas Land

The Depot Deets
Located about a four-hour drive from NYC in Carver, Massachusetts, Thomas Land opened in August and is the only Thomas-themed park in the United States. It’s actually an amusement park inside another amusement park, occupying 11.5 acres inside the existing kid-friendly park Edaville — which just means double the rides and fun.

Visitors are transported to the island of Sodor the minute they walk through the entrance; the Thomas theme song (“They’re two, they’re four, they’re six, they’re eight…”) plays from loudspeakers, and a life-sized fountain of Sir Topham Hatt greets the crowds.

Beyond the main gates, the park is a replica of Thomas’ home base, the Island of Sodor, with familiar destinations like Tidmouth Sheds, Knapford Station, and Brendam Docks where your little engineers can play and pose for photos. But you’re really going to want to have the camera at the ready for the moment when your little engineer sees the real, full-size Thomas chug down the tracks blowing his whistle. As the saying goes: priceless. (Thomas circles the park on a track, and of course, visitors can hop on for a ride.)

The park is currently home to 10 different rides featuring Thomas’ friends, with a few more to open soon. Additionally, Sir Topham Hatt holds meet and greets throughout the day and there are also shows at Tidmouth Shed, so be sure to check the daily schedule when you first enter Thomas Land. Outside of Thomas Land, in the Edaville section of the park, you can find about twenty additional carnival rides, like the tilt-a-whirl, carousel and bumper cars.

photo: Thomas Land

The Rides
This park knows its audience, and even your tiniest thrill seekers can take a spin on just about every ride, as long as they are accompanied by an adult. But this isn’t to say that these rides don’t pack a punch; you can swing back and forth and whirl in circles on the Rockin’ Bulstrode or bump and spin high above the park on Toby’s Tilting Tracks, to name a few.

More hesitant riders or first timers can take a ride on the Diesel Derby or fly a helicopter on Herold’s Liftoff. Their park even features a few rides just to keep the “older” kids excited too, such as the Runaway Coaster and Cranky’s Crane Drop. (The height requirement is taller on these rides, so the littlest riders won’t be able to hop on with or without an adult.)

photo: Caitlin Dowling

Full Steam Ahead
As if an entire park filled with Thomas and his friends wasn’t enough, your little conductors can then hop on board a narrow-gauge train helmed by a life-sized Thomas the Tank Engine and take a 20 minute scenic ride around the park. Trains typically leave on the hour, but check for the daily schedule at the boarding area. If you happen to visit Thomas Land between Nov. 20th and Dec. 20th, consider going for an evening ride; every Saturday during the holiday season, Edaville decorates Thomas’ path with thousands of lights for an even more magical ride. (FYI, the train is the only place in the park where strollers are not permitted; they can be parked in the boarding area.)

photo: Thomas Land

A Very Thomas Holiday
And as we mentioned earlier, Edaville is known for its holiday celebrations, so if you want to make this a twofer, you can cross Santa and Thomas off your to do list all in one visit. Edaville is transformed into a winter wonderland during the holiday season, complete with Santa’s Village, Polar Express train rides and the newly constructed Dickens Village.

If you get there before the winter season, Santa may not have set up shop yet, but Dinoland is still up and running until the colder months when the giants go into hibernation. (Yep, you heard us right: this park has it all, including 23 life-size animatronics dinosaurs.)

photo: Dinoland

Dining Caboose
There are plenty of places to grab a quick tasty bite inside the park, from pizza to sandwiches to BBQ. There’s also a sweet shop if you want to give your little ones an extra treat that day. Feel like more of a sit down meal outside of the park but want to stay in town? Swing by Mama Mia’s, a family friendly italian restaurant or Little Red Smokehouse, for some southern BBQ. If the weather is nice, head over to Cabby Shack in Plymouth for waterfront views, live music and delicious seafood. Or, top off the weekend by enjoying a hearty breakfast before hitting the road at Roo Bar in Plymouth. (We suggest the peanut butter and jelly waffles.)

At a Station Near You
If you feel like extending your stay and checking out the area, there’s plenty more to see and do. Thomas Land is less than a half hour drive to the bridge that takes you over the bay to one of Massachusetts’ best vacation spots, Cape Cod. In the warmer months, hop on a whale watch or soak up the sun at the beach. When the weather is cooler, the seafood is still delicious, so grab a bite, hit one of the cute town centers for some shopping and take a walk on the beach.

Plimoth Plantation, a living history museum and home to Plymouth Rock is about 30 minutes away. Go back in time take visiting with pilgrims and climbing aboard a replica of the Mayflower II.

photo: John Carver Inn & Spa

Where to Stay
There are plenty of options for lodging in the area, and many offer package deals for Edaville. If you’re looking for biggest convenience, The Marriott Townhouse Suites is the closest hotel, about 7 miles away, and has an indoor pool and complimentary continental breakfast. If you’re a family of history buffs, consider the John Carver Inn & Spa, located on the site of the original Pilgrim settlement. The hotel boasts an indoor pilgrim theme pool with a 80-foot water slide and waterfalls, and is within walking distance to shops and restaurants. And while this isn’t an option in the colder seasons, if you’re planning your trip for a warmer month, consider adding a little adventure and setting up camp at Pinewood Lodge or Myles Standish State Forest. You can check out the full list of hotels offering Edaville packages here.

Have you visited Thomas Land? Tell us about your visit in the comments below!

—Caitlin Dowling

Grinding a Road to Fun! A Red Tricyle Day of Skating

by Abby BiernatAugust 24, 2014

The Red Tricycle community recently ollied over to the skatepark for a cruisin’ afternoon with PLAE and Proof Lab, a surf and skate shop in Mill Valley. Fast-moving kiddos had the chance to try on PLAE shoes and spend the day learning some awesome boarding skills. They also got to decorate Red Tricycle tees for a chance to win a Bixbee backpack to soar into the school year in style!

Fancy Footwear

The kicks are set up and ready for kids to try on.

Images courtesy of Connor McCubbin

Fly Right: A Parent’s Guide to Reagan National Airport

by writerredriFebruary 28, 2014

With three international airports in the DMV-area, there are plenty of hubs for families to choose from for spring break travel. But, Reagan National (DCA) leads the pack (by a long shot!) in kid-conveniences. For starters, the Metro stops smack dab in the middle of the airport’s B/C Terminal, allowing you to go from stroller to checkpoint to gate without batting an eye. Here are four more reasons to love DCA.

#1 The views are stunning

It’s the windows that DCA is most proud of. Kids love posting in front of them to watch the planes and the ground crews in action. Look closely—from some of the windows you can even see the monuments and the top of the White House! Stroll from one end of the airport to the other to check out the views and burn off some of Junior’s energy before boarding.

#2 There are places to picnic
Don’t worry about shelling out for airport food. Historic Terminal A has an old lobby that houses a cute museum exhibit about the glamorous days of travel. This huge, empty space is a perfect spot to let the kids run wild, in between noshing on a packed picnic.

#3 Two words: family restrooms

A whopping 17 family restrooms are conveniently located with the other bathroom facilities. All are stocked with changing tables and extra square footage for all the little ones and their bags. The ability to lock the family in and not have to deal with the rest of the traveling world lets everyone focus on the task at hand.

#4 There is a cool park nearby

Flight delayed and kids are restless? Don’t stress! Gravelly Point Park is just outside the airport at the foot of the runway. The main draw is the vantage you have to watch airplanes take off and land (every few minutes). But, there are also trails to walk or jog on, a boat pier to wander around, and plenty of patches of grass to kick a ball around.

Reagan National Airport
2401 Smith Blvd. (Arlington, Va)
Online: metwashingtonairports.com/reagan

Where is your family going for spring break? Tell us in the comments section below.

—Sonya Gavankar

Photos courtesy of ears737 via Flickr, Heather W. via Yelp, be good and carry a stick via Flickr, bberg73 via Flickr,

ML Interest Tag: boarding

Your Ultimate Guide to Riding the Seattle Great Wheel

It’s All About the Wheel

What to Expect on the Ride

Who Can Ride?

The Price of Tickets & Where to Get Them

What to Bring

The Great Wheel VIP Experience

LED Light Shows

What Else Can You Do at Pier 57?

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