Introduce your kids to fish with this easy recipe that only requires five ingredients
Getting kids interested in eating fish can be tricky, but mild white fish covered in a crunchy parmesan crust is one dish anyone can get excited about. Created by !Hola! Jalapeño, this is a perfect starter recipe if you are just introducing your little ones to fish. With just a few simple ingredients you can serve a healthy, tasty dinner… and watch it disappear. After you’ve tried this one, check out our other easy dinner recipes.
Ingredients for Parmesan-Crusted Fish
4 (6oz) fresh white fish fillets, such as tilapia, halibut, or cod
1 lemon or lime, cut in half
salt
1/2 c whole wheat panko
1/4 c grated Parmesan
2 tbsp butter
Preparation Method
1. Squeeze the lemon or lime over both sides of the fish fillets and season the fish with salt.
2. Combine the panko and Parmesan in a small bowl and sprinkle over both sides of the fish, generously coating the fish all over. Press the Parmesan mixture into the fish so it sticks.
3. Heat butter over medium heat in a non-stick frying pan. Once melted and foaming, add fish in a single layer (you may have to do this in batches depending on the size of your pan). Cook for 2-3 minutes per side or until the crust is golden brown and the fish is firm to the touch.
Kate from !Hola! Jalapeño is a chef, cookbook editor, and food writer who strives every day to make meals her whole family will eat—with a couple of picky eaters in the house that is no easy feat. You can follow her cooking triumphs at holajalapeno.com.
We love finger painting ideas for kids like this one that’s non-toxic and safe for babies
Make your own non-toxic paint and you’ll be less worried about your kids putting it in their mouth. This easy recipe comes together with three ingredients you probably already have at home. Follow these simple step-by-step instructions for making edible finger paint for babies and older kids, and you’ll be making art in no time.
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Warning: While this recipe isn't made with toxic ingredients, it does contain raw flour, which the U.S. Food & Drug Administration warns against eating. Keep a watchful eye on your child and a wet washcloth handy to clean off hands as you paint.
Use warm water to help the mixture come together more easily. We used a whisk to get all of the lumps out. If you have older kids, this is a good step for them to help with.
Pour the mixture into four bowls, cups or containers of your choice.
3. Add food coloring to each container.
We stuck with the basics, making our paints red, blue, green and yellow. That way we could talk about color mixing as we played, showing how red + yellow = orange and blue + red = purple.
Pro tip: We used only three drops of food coloring for each small bowl and still ended up with bright colors. If you go overboard with the food coloring, you may end up staining your fingers. But we promise it will wash off eventually!
Our little tester isn't sitting up on his own yet, so we made this a tummy-time activity. You can use any type of paper, but we like finger-painting paper (like this one from Melissa & Doug). It's glossy and non-absorbent, which helps the paint spread easily across it.
Pro tip: Let your baby paint in the high chair (as long as it's easy to clean), lay down a waterproof splat mat, or make this an outdoor activity to keep mess and cleanup to a minimum.
Post-painting clean-up: Set out your artwork to dry, and be prepared to give your baby a bath after your art session. The flour-water mixture should wash out of clothes and off of floors, splat mats, etc., but it's easiest to clean up with warm water right away. Happy finger painting!
Vintage is the name of the game at these old-school Atlanta bowling alleys
Don’t get us wrong, winter in Atlanta is tons of fun. Who doesn’t love snow tubing and sledding when the snow flies. Or heading out for a day of skiing? There’s lots of love about the cooler months. But sometimes it doesn’t hurt to duck inside when the temperatures are still chilly. So we found all the indoor bowling fun you need to get out and have family fun together. There’s nothing quite like watching your child bowl their first strike at a bowling alley near Atlanta. So, pack up your family and head to these Atlanta bowling alleys to turn back the clock on entertainment. Each spot is family-friendly and goes beyond bowling with everything from laser tag to epic arcade games. Consider this the perfect rainy day line-up of family-friendly bowling alleys in the city.
An Atlanta tradition since 1960, get your game on with 32 lanes at this classic Atlanta bowling alley. Stepping inside, you’re welcomed by the charm of a 1970’s colorful, retro-chic bowling alley with lane tables that sit up to six and a jukebox. Jukebox lessons with your kids are always fun since they’ve probably never tried one.
Beyond Bowling: This vintage bowling alley focuses on the main event, but the food is an excellent distraction. For kids, they’ve got everything from fish sticks to corn dogs, and big kids will love the signature burgers. Check out the vegan and vegetarian menus, too.
Insider Tip: Midtown Bowl is a cash-free business.
Get ready for an immersive bowling experience with the latest tech for the whole family to enjoy. Whether you need a kid-friendly lane with bumpers or a professional lane to show your stuff, Main Event Atlanta offers that and more. In addition, bowling birthday packages start at just $15.99 per person and give you your party space and an enthusiastic host to guide you through the best day of the year.
Beyond Bowling: When everyone is ready for more, play adrenaline-pumping Virtual Reality or sign up for a multi-level area Laser Tag game. Then, grab your crew for a friendly game of pool, air hockey or one of the immersive Story Rooms.
3101 Cobb Parkway S.E., Suite 104 Atlanta Online: mainevent.com
Be sure to visit this Atlanta bowling alley that offers upscale bowling before 5 p.m. when kids are allowed. It is nothing short of amazing. Thankfully, each duckpin bowling alley and seating area is sparkling clean, and the tableside service makes bowling with kids much more manageable. You’ll get three rolls per turn with duckpins, and the smaller balls are great for little hands.
Beyond Bowling: The Painted Duck has many fun games besides bowling, and the menu offers excellent food and cocktails far from typical bowling alley fare. The Duck Phat Fries and Duck Nuggets are the perfect options to start. Then, go all in and order the Whole Peking Duck. After dinner, take a walk around and pick one of the vintage games to play, like Horseshoes or Toad Hole.
Insider Tip: You are limited to two lanes and two hours of bowling. Valet parking ($3 plus gratuity) is available onsite.
Head over to Cumberland Mall for bowling starting at $5 per person at Round1 Bowling & Amusement. You can bowl your new personal best and watch your crew jump up and down with excitement as they knock down pin after pin.
Beyond Bowling: This bowling alley offers much more for the whole family. Try out your singing voice with karaoke, put on some VR goggles or watch your little ones climb to the ceiling in the Spo-Cha area, an indoor sports complex. There’s an arcade game around every corner and family-friendly food for your crew.
Insider Tip: Check their website before you arrive, as they often run special promotions and giveaways.
2860 Cumberland Mall Ste 1500 Atlanta Online: round1usa.com
You’ll want to plan an entire day here with bowling, laser tag, arcade games, a full menu, and more. And if your whole family is looking for a Friday evening activity, Stars and Strikes offers unlimited play for only $18.99 from 5 PM-close and half-price arcade play all day on Monday. Your kids will love it so much that you may end up planning your next birthday soiree here. They have premium bowling with advanced scoring for older kids and bumpers and ramps for younger party goers.
Beyond Bowling: Everyone in your crew will find something to do at Round1 because they offer arcade games, ax throwing, laser tag, escapology and bumper cars. And remember to come hungry. The food is delicious, and the portions are enormous.
Locations in Cumming, Dacula, Dallas, Stone Mountain & Sandy Springs. Online: starsandstrikes.com
These lanes are some of the coolest and most stunning in the game, featuring black lights, soft lounge seats, and HD video walls that play everything from live sports and music videos to classic family films. And that’s just the bowling alleys at Bowlero Atlantic Station.
Beyond Bowling: When you want to try something different, head to the bright arcade area for some old and new school games. Load up the prepaid card and get ready to play. The menu offers a little of everything from mile high burgers to overflowing street tacos.
Insider Tip: It’s best to visit this bowling alley before 3 PM.
261 19th St. N.W., Suite 1150
Atlanta Online: bowlero.com
Your kids will love catching air at these awesome spots to go sledding in Boston
Winter is almost here and along with it comes the first snowfall of the season. When it finally arrives, take advantage of the fresh flakes by taking the kids to go sledding in Boston at one of our favorite city spots. We’ve got easy slopes for the tots, big sledding hills that only the brave can conquer, and a few spots to go snow tubing near Boston, if you want to venture out beyond the city. So, bust out your favorite sled and bundle up the kids, it’s time for some serious snow play.
Spend the first snowy day of the season sledding in Boston
The go-to spot for all things winter, grab the sleds and bring the kids to Flagstaff Hill at the Boston Common for an easy, nearby spot. There's plenty of room to spread out on this large expanse, so even when the hill is busy, you won't feel crowded. Then when you're done, head to the Frog Pond to skate a few laps around the rink. Our tip, plan a late afternoon trip so you can enjoy the holiday lights once the sun sets.
There's a reason this park is popular with families once the snow flies. Not only do you get a sweeping view of the city skyline on a clear day, but you'll also find small slopes for newbie sledders and bigger hills for bigger kids, too. Plus, Larz Anderson Park is another twofer spot—come for sledding, and stay for the ice skating.
Check out this 100-acre urban park in West Roxbury where, not only can you do some amazing sledding, but you can catch a gorgeous sunset too. This park that used to be a landfill has some top-notch hills and doesn't get too crowded.
If a nearby park that's sled-ready for your tot is what you're after, look no further than Titus Sparrow Park. In the winter, little kids can bring their sleds to slide down, walk up and slide down again as many times as their little legs will carry them. Fair warning, a thermos of hot cocoa may be in order.
75 W. Rutland Square Boston
5. President's Lawn at Tufts University, Medford
Rumor has it that back in the day, students used trays from the dining hall to sled down this hill. But we suggest you bring your best tube or saucer sled to glide down the slopes on this tree-lined snowy spot. The gentle slope is the right mix of thrill without too much spill (we hope!) so that everyone can enjoy it. And the haul-up factor is mild enough that most kids can do it without much help.
419 Boston Ave. Medford
6. George Wright Golf Course, Hyde Park
Catch some air on this awesome hill at this beautiful golf course owned by the city of Boston. You'll find that this golf course has lots of great space for cross country skiing as well. It's an ideal area for all winter activities, just don't forget to pack some hot chocolate to warm up when you're done.
Long and steep is the name of the game at this park in Brookline. Plan to bring bigger kids here (or daring tots who love thrills) on a snowy winter day. Watch out for trees at the bottom of the hill, and plan to stop at the nearby playground if the kiddos still have any energy left before hitting the road to head home.
Summit Ave. Brookline
8. Danehy Park, Cambridge
What was once a landfill is now a hot sledding spot for Boston area families. After a fresh snowfall, it's the in place to be for those looking for just-right hills your kids can handle. Be sure to check out the awesome universal playground when you're there.
You'll love this unique hill that's perfect for younger kids. It's inverted so the goal is to get as much momentum to get up the other side and back down again. The slopes are gentle and you don't have to worry about kids getting near the street or plowing into a tree.
350 Jamaicaway Boston
10. Seven Bump Hill, Fellsmere Park
Whether or not mountainboarding was invented here, this sledding hill in Malden is sure to captivate your kids. See if they can find the seven bumps the hill is named for as they bump down the gentle grade. There's plenty of room to throw snowballs and enjoy the fluffy white stuff when you need a break from sledding too.
11. Weld Hill, Arnold Arboretum at Harvard University
The Arnold Arboretum has two sledding hills to choose from and one is known as the steepest and longest in the area. This is also a great spot to go snowshoeing after a fresh snowfall.
125 Arborway Boston
12. Fallon Field, Roslindale
This park is known for its super-fun slide but in the winter the double sledding hill is the star. There's plenty of space to spread out away from other families and the kids can really get going if they start at the top.
910 South St. Roslindale
13. Walsh Playground, Dorchester
There's a long hill along Clancy Road where you can stake out a spot for your little sledders or head closer to the baseball diamond for a less intense sledding experience.
1005 Washington St. Dorchester
Here’s where to take the kids snow tubing near Boston
Less than an hour from the city you'll find the Nashoba Valley Ski Area and Tubing Park. When the lanes open for the season, this is the spot everyone heads to for tubing fun. They have up to 18 lanes open, depending on the snow pack, and tickets for a two-hour tubing slot sell out quickly. Reserve yours in advance the week before you want to get out of town.
Good to Know: Kids must be at least 6-years-old or 42" tall to ride at this park.
Tubing Park 179 Great Rd. Littleton, MA Online: skinashoba.com
15. Ski Ward Ski Area
The TubaSlide at the Ski Ward Ski Area is another option that's not too far from the city. Bring the kids to enjoy a one- or two-hour tubing window on the weekday or weekends. They've got over 200 tubes for you to use, and 12 lanes to get you from the top of the hill to the bottom in super-fast time.
Good to Know: Kids must be at least 6-years-old or 42" tall to ride here.
Our guide to kid-friendly things to do in Seattle is here to help when you need a last-minute plan
Are you in search of activities to keep your kids entertained when they’re not in school ? We’ve rounded up the best places around Seattle to get their wiggles out. Pull out these kid-friendly things to do in Seattle whether you need playdates for little tikes or destinations for those school in-service days that pop up on the calendar when you least expect them. Whatever the reason, you’ll want to bookmark this list. Here are 15 kid-friendly places guaranteed to delight your little one and (hopefully) help bounce, climb, jump, run, paint, or skate away your kiddo’s boundless energy.
The Museum of Flight
Kathryn Muelller
Are you ready for takeoff? The Museum of Flight will have your aviation enthusiast taking to the skies with joy. There are more than 175 aircraft and spacecraft to explore. Did you know The Museum of Flight is the largest independent, non-profit air and space museum in the world? With interactive experiences and educational galleries, kids will learn about the history of flight while also getting up close to planes of all shapes and sizes. Test out your piloting skills in a cockpit or walk through a 737–there’s no boarding pass required to step foot on these planes. After you’ve toured the expansive museum, stop at the café to refuel.
KidsQuest Children’s Museum offers an abundance of STEAM-based, hands-on learning opportunities. Geared toward kids ages birth to 10 years old, the museum is full of activities that will keep kids engaged at every twist and turn. Each exhibit gives children the opportunity to work on new skills, from gross motor to problem solving, engineering and more–opportunities are limitless. Climb a two-story work of art, explore machines, including a blue big rig, play make-believe at the mercantile, or get wet in an exhibit all about water. There is so much to explore!
Tucked away in the quaint downtown corridor of Edmonds, is a cute pottery shop with shelves of figurines waiting to be painted. Glazed and Amazed provides the perfect space for your little ones to unleash their artistic talents. The family-friendly studio has hundreds of pottery options available–from unicorns to dragons, mugs to jewelry boxes–choosing a canvas is half the fun. They offer paints of all hues and arrays as well, even glittered and speckled paints, to help bring your creation to life. The process is easy. Choose your pottery, pick your paints, create your art, and leave it with them. Glazed and Amazed does all the hard work. They clean up when you're done, and fire the pottery in their kiln. In five days, your masterpiece will be ready for pickup. All you have to do is decide where in your house you’ll display your work of art.
Insider Tip: Would you rather paint at home? They also have paint-to-go kits to add some creativity and fun to your day.
Lions and tigers and bears–oh, my! Find your favorite animals at the Woodland Park Zoo–rain or shine. The expansive 92-acre zoo features different natural habitats ranging from the African Savanna to the Northern Trail. Discover all the Zoo has to offer by exploring the many meandering trails around the spacious enclosures. Don’t miss out on Zoomazium, an indoor facility geared toward kiddos 8 years old and younger, that features fun, interactive, nature-themed areas devoted to play and learning. Inside, you’ll find a gigantic 20-foot climbing tree (with a slide), caves, and a rope bridge. Zoomazium is a wonderful place to let your imagination run wild.
Good to Know: The Historic Carousel will be closed for annual maintenance Oct. 17-28, and the Butterfly Garden exhibit is closed for the season.
Flatstick Pub located in South Lake Union is a hole in one. The family-friendly mini golf course and restaurant is a fun, colorful environment to cultivate a child’s love of golf. The 9-hole course centers around a giant sasquatch who takes center stage. Each hole has various obstacles and elevation changes, so be prepared for a challenge. After you’ve worked up an appetite shooting for par, head over to the restaurant to enjoy a delicious meal. There is an abundance of children’s games to pick from while you wait for food. Our favorite is Candy Land. At Flatstick, fun and food await.
Insider Tip: Flatstick is 21 and over after 7 p.m.
The newly expanded Imagine Children’s Museum in Everett is full of engaging, interactive exhibits that will have tots so enthralled they won’t want to leave–literally. (Please don't blame us if they want to play all day.) Kids can climb and explore a towering, sprawling tree house, hop aboard a transit bus, milk a cow, pretend to be a train conductor, or dig for dinosaurs. The outdoor rooftop space is truly unique, featuring 9,149-square-feet of adventure. Kiddos will love climbing, crawling, running, and jumping on the massive play structure.
Insider Tip: If you plan to spend less than 90 minutes at the museum (which honestly might be hard with so much fun to discover inside the museum), you can opt for free parking on the street.
Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium lets animal adventurers explore the wonders of wildlife. Exhibits include the Arctic Tundra, Red Wolf Woods, Rocky Shores, Asian Forest Sanctuary and more. You can meet zookeepers, have animal encounters, gently touch sea creatures at the Tidal Touch Zone, feed goats, or you could spend the day playing on one of the many playgrounds. There’s so much to do, see, climb, and discover. One of our favorite new additions is the Little Explorers Nature Play Garden. The immersive play garden is designed to cultivate a sense of excitement and appreciation for nature.
Want to learn to ski or snowboard? You don’t need snow at Mini Mountain. If you’re looking for an out of the box activity, check out this indoor mountain. Mini Mountain Indoor Ski Center has been teaching generations of families to ski since opening in 1983. Learn to carve some turns from the comfort of an indoor facility, and gain confidence before hitting the slopes. Kiddos as young as 18 months can earn some turns.
1900 132nd Ave. N.E., Suite A3 Bellevue, WA Online:minimountain.com
Flip, turn, roll, bounce, and climb around a gym designated for little ones for a whole hour. Seattle Gymnastics Academy gives kids 5 and under a place to play in a space just for them. With three different locations in Seattle (and another coming soon to Burien), you can find a gym near you. Gymnasts can use equipment like a Tumbl Trak, foam pits, trampolines, and balance beams. The indoor playground helps kids get energy out while also honing their gross motor skills.
Insider Tip: Indoor playground times vary by location, so check the website to see what's offered (and when) at the location near you.
The Seattle Aquarium brings a beautiful teeming world under the sea to your fingertips. From wading tide pools where little ones can gently touch sea stars to the deep, dark depths of the ocean, the aquarium helps little ones uncover their inner marine biologist and allows you to "sea" it all. Don’t miss the playful sea otters or the harbor seals. You can also immerse yourself in the Puget Sound without getting wet—through a short tunnel you’ll enter a one-of-a-kind undersea dome with a 360-degree view into a 400,000-gallon habitat. It’s an exciting and unique way to view the waters of the Puget Sound.
Insider Tip: Purchase tickets online in advance to save.
Flying Squirrel Trampoline Park has activities and attractions for all ages. Jump on trampolines, explore tunnels suspended in air, bounce on inflatables, scale tall climbing walls or play a round of high-tech mini golf. Also available at the activity center is a café to recharge once your little jumper has bounced their energy out. Toddler Time is now available during all operating hours for children 6 and under for only $14 for one hour of jump time.
Insider Tip: Packages for toddlers and family punch cards are available so you can save cash.
Located in the heart of Seattle, the Pacific Science Center will ignite your child’s curiosity. The mission of the Pacific Science Center is to fuel a passion for discovery, experimentation and critical thinking, and each exhibit does just that. Surround yourself with hundreds of beautiful butterflies in a tropical habitat, explore the outer most reaches of the universe, walk with dinosaurs or step into the Laser Dome, and experience a brilliant, immersive laser show.
Insider Tip: Looking to extend your playdate? Check out the playground at Seattle Center. Located in the plaza between the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) and Seattle Center Armory, the Artists at Play playground is a wonderful, imaginative place to place for kids of all ages.
Bounce your way into the inflatable FunZone! At Arena Sports, kids can run, jump, bounce and slide to their heart’s content. Each location offers a variety of kid-friendly activities for kids ages 18 months old to 12 years old. Kiddos love the Magnuson location because of the giant inflatables, but all the locations provide epic playtimes your little ones won’t forget.
Locations in Issaquah, Magnuson, Mill Creek, Redmond and SODO Online:arenasports.net
Kraken Community Iceplex
Skate where the Seattle Kraken skate! Public skates are available throughout the week. You don’t have to be an NHL hopeful to glide around the rink–public skating is open to all ages and abilities. Hop on the ice during lunch, or plan an afternoon skate date with friends. Looking for the best time to take your skating tike? Every Friday (from 10:30-11:30 a.m.), little skaters can hit the ice and enjoy open play at the Kraken Community Iceplex. Rent skates and aid seals (or join the fun in sneakers and boots) and spend an hour on the ice. Balls and piles of snow are provided. Helmets are recommended and parent supervision is required. After you skate, head up to the Starbucks on the second floor for a hot chocolate or grab lunch at 32 Bar and Grill. The 5,000-square-foot pub and grill gives lunch goers expansive views of Starbucks Rink where the Kraken practice and the Smartsheet Rink.
It’s fun to be a tourist in Seattle. Especially when you and the kids head to Pike Place Market during the weekday. Beat the crowds and snap some truly Insta-worthy pictures. The bustling streets, beautiful bouquets of flowers, decadent donuts, and fresh produce break up the monotony of the typical go-to parks and neighborhood destinations. Making a trek downtown makes for a fun day of sightseeing. Our suggestion? Stop at Daily Dozen (one of our favorite donut shops) and then pick up the biggest, brightest bundle of flowers you can carry. Strolling through the iconic market and exploring all its hidden artisan treasures is an exciting way to spend a day.
Looking for a festive treat to welcome the spooky season? This Halloween bark recipe uses just five store-bought ingredients, requires no oven and whips up faster than you can say “boo!” Nut-free and perfectly customizable, it also makes for a great teacher gift. It’s also a great afternoon activity that you can do with the kids that results in one tasty dessert.
-One pound of chocolate (Look for bars, not chocolate chips)
-Pretzels
-White chocolate chips
-OREO cookies with festive-colored creme
–M&M's in a fun color
Other supplies:
-Cookie sheet
-Parchment paper
-Microwave Safe Bowl
-Spatula
Step One
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, then start snapping pretzels into small pieces. Try not to pulverize them! Then take 8-10 OREO cookies and cut into quarters. Don't worry if they don't cut cleanly, it's ok if they crumble! Just be sure to evenly scatter both the pretzels and the cookies on the baking sheet.
Step Two
Break chocolate into smallish pieces and place in microwave-safe bowl.
Step Three
Microwave for 45 seconds, then remove and stir. Continue microwaving in 30 second intervals, and stirring until the chocolate is completely smooth.
Place your baking sheet in the refrigerator for about an hour, or until the chocolate has cooled and hardened.
Step Seven
Once your bark is completely solidified, carefully cut into smaller pieces with a sharp knife. Keep portioned bark in the fridge until you're read to enjoy!
Trader Joe’s is to you what the LEGO store is to your kids. A land of possibility that both delights and overwhelms. That’s why we’ve found eight simple dinner recipes to help you navigate Trader Joe’s landscape. From a five-minute meal even your Insta-pot can’t recreate to a fortified version of everyone’s favorite Mandarin Orange Chicken, these dishes will keep you warm and sane when the snow flies.
Tortellini Soup with Kale & Sausage
Gabby Cullen
Wondering how to use up all that kale sitting in your bin? This simple stew-like recipe is perfect for cold winter nights, and the kids love it! Simply saute white onion and the sliced up sausage in a bit of olive oil until the onion is soft and the sausage has browned. Add the chicken stock or broth and bring to a boil. Then, add the tortellini and reduce heat to a simmer for about four minutes. Finally, toss in the chopped kale, let it wilt and then top with parmesan cheese.
Warm Winter Salad
This easily assembled winter salad takes advantage of the fruits (and veggies!) of the season. It’s hearty enough to serve as a main dish but can double as a side just as easily. The trick? The warm vinaigrette dressing you whip up ahead of time and pour over a package of Trader Joe’s Cruciferous Crunch bagged salad mix to soften it up. Top the now slightly wilted salad with sliced yellow beets, edamame and pomegranate seeds that all come prepped and ready to go. Then throw on your favorite winter citrus (we’re partial to grapefruit) before serving. This dish hits all the healthy notes!
Chicken Alfredo with Linguine and Broccoli
Gabby Cullen
Give your go-to alfredo sauce a seasonal boost with this new harvest version that's made with lots of cheese, cream and plenty of fall flavors. Simply warm up the sauce on low with ready-made chicken strips, toss it with a bag of linguine and add some steamed broccoli on the side. Dinner is done!
Classic Fondue
Trader Joe’s is on a mission to bring fondue back. We’re loving it because busy parents can throw this cheesy meal together faster than your Insta-pot can say “ready, set, go!” Simply heat a container of Trader Jacques’ La Fondue (made with three savory kinds of cheese) in the microwave for about five minutes. Let it sit for one or two more, and then bring it straight to the table (psst … no dishes or special cookware are part of this easy-peasy meal’s appeal), where you can have fresh fruit, veggie, and French bread pieces waiting. The only thing that would make this meal better is a matching container of chocolate fondue for dessert!
Butternut Squash Soup
Bring your best winter soup game with this lighting-quick meal that’ll warm your mini crew up from the inside. It starts with a box of Trader Joe’s butternut squash soup heated through on the stove. It finishes with all kinds of scrumptious, seasonal toppings your little chefs will love to toss into this healthy soup base (We’re digging dried cranberries, sour cream, and pumpkin seeds, but green onions, almonds, and goat cheese might be just as good!). Cater your topping choices so everyone in the fam gets to ladle up a bowl of their favorite flavors. Pair it with a box of Raisin Rosemary Crisps, and you’ve got the easiest, tastiest soup you’ve ever made.
Fortified Mandarin Orange Chicken
You know your little foodie will gobble this one up no matter what the season. So why not turn it into a filling dish that meets your kiddo’s daily veggie requirement too? It’s easy to beef it up with winter greens like broccoli, peas and green peppers. Follow SOP for stovetop prep when you’re cooking the chicken and sauce. Throw in chunky green peppers and broccoli florets for the last few minutes, and cover your saucepan so they steam a bit, and then swirl in a handful frozen green peas just before you serve. Your little chef won’t know what hit her!
Individual Pizza Pies
Pizza is always a hit in your house, but deciding on toppings is where you hit a snag. Overcome the great pizza debate by making simple individual pies for your half-pint and better half this winter. Use Trader Joe’s frozen naan bread, covered with your favorite pizza sauce to start. Then let everyone pile their must-have toppings onto pre-shredded mozzarella. Mushrooms, olives, pineapple, pepperoni. It’s all fair game here. It takes about 5-7 minutes in a preheated 400-degree oven to turn the cheese nice and bubbly. That’s when you know they’re ready to bring to the table!
Winter Rice Bowl
You’ve been looking for an excuse to try Trader Joe’s new Everything But the Bagel seasoning, so we came up with one for you. Make it the primary flavor of this simple winter rice bowl that combines seasonal squash and broccoli with Trader Joe’s precooked, frozen chicken. Cook the chicken, squash zig zags and broccoli on their own (psst ... it’s easy to throw a personal spin on this bowl by subbing your seasonal faves in lieu of ours). Then zap the three-minute miracle bag of TJ's Organic Brown Rice in the microwave before tossing it into a bowl. Top the rice with fixings and then get down to seasoning it to your liking. Serve it mixed together or leave the separate parts atop the rice.
Thanks to Ambs Loves Food, your cravings for a Korean beef bowl can be sated in just 20 mins. This simple ingredient list of pantry staples will pack your dish with so much flavor your little foodies will be asking for seconds. Pst – cooking the rice will take longer than the beef, so if you plan ahead and have pre-cooked rice to reheat, making this dish could take less than 20 mins!
Ingredients: 1/3 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon crushed ginger
1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 pound ground beef
1 tablespoon veggie oil
1 tablespoon chives
roasted/steamed broccoli
cooked brown rice
Method: 1. Start with a large skillet and heat oil until hot. First add garlic and cook for a minute until you can smell it fragrantly. Add in ground beef.
2. While beef is cooking mix brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, and lastly ginger in a small bowl. Set aside.
3. Once beef is cooked and all crumbled, drain the fat. Pour in sauce mixture with chives, let simmer until hot.
4. Serve over brown rice with roasted broccoli.
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Textile designer by day, food blogger by night, Amber Knight is the author and photographer of Ambs Loves Food, a blog full of easy, delicious recipes. Her recipe index is filled with classical dishes that kids will love, like banana oat chocolate chip muffins to comfort mac and cheese. She even gets her craft on with fun DIY projects! Visit Ambs Loves Food by clicking here.
Skateboarding is undeniably cool. Kids know this. You know this. If your adventurer is chomping at the bit to grind on some rails, visit one of these kid-friendly skate parks—all with something a little different to offer. Some have an area set aside for beginners so your soon-to-be shredders can learn and roll at their own pace. (P.S. We’re also sharing the best spots to take lessons.) If boarding isn’t their thing, some also allow bikes and rollerblades. Grab your helmet and protective gear and set out for a day of fun.
Logan Boulevard Skate Park, located under the Kennedy expressway in Logan Square, is somewhat sheltered for weather and every bit as cool and gritty as it sounds. All wheels are allowed, including BMX bikes, at this well-lit skater’s haven. The cool aspect of this park is the City of Chicago and the Chicago Park District commissioned original art to decorate the skate park—sculptures and art made from recycled materials and chrome. Also, Haas Park is nearby, which features a playground, fitness center and spray pool.
Grant Skate Park
Don't let the huge size ofGrant Skate Parkand scope intimidate you. This three-acre park located at the southern end of Grand Park includes more than a dozen rails, ramps and stairs as well as straight stretches of concrete. BMX bikes and skates are also welcome. Parents can hang out in one of the viewing areas to keep an eye on their kids and enjoy the skyline views.
Indian Boundary Skate Parkis part of a larger 76-acre sports facility in Bolingbrook. This outdoor concrete skate park features half and quarter pipes, pyramids and lots of rails for grinding. The best part: beginner skateboarders can learn the ropes in a designated practice area with a small box, complete with rails and training platforms.
Central Park Skate Plaza
Bolingbrook's 2nd skate Park, Central Park Skate Plaza is significantly larger and includes ramps, ledges, banks, rails, staircases, steps, skate benches, a platform and skate boxes. It was designed to mimic an urban plaza and offers spectacular views of the popular Central Park. Bikes, boarders and bladers are all welcome.
Glenview has two fun outdoor skate parks designed for skateboarders and inline skaters only. While both Community Park West and Swenson Park are good for all levels, Swenson park is ideal for beginners. At 7,000 sq. ft., it’s smaller and a bit easier for little kids to navigate and practice tricks. Swenson also has an in-line hockey rink. Parents can visit the nearby playground for younger siblings. Also, a big upside is the park is designed with a skatelite surface—a durable paper-composite material—instead of concrete, which makes falls a little less painful.
Frontier & Centennial Park
The Naperville Park District has 2 skate parks located at Frontier Sports Complex and Centennial Park. Frontier was renovated in 2021 and both contain several skating elements including half-pipes, quarter-pipes, boxes, rails and more. Centennial is located along the DuPage River, next to the outdoor community pool and a large park. Non-motorized skateboards, in-line skates and scooters are welcome.
Elk Grove Village offers both an indoor and outdoor skate option at Audobon Skatepark. It's a great place for all levels to practice tricks, ride ramps and rails and grind ledges. Be warned, the indoor park is not heated so they close if the temps drop below 10 degrees (or at staff discretion).
Wilson Skate Park
Near Montrose Beach, Wilson Skate Park is well lit and fairly small, giving your skater a chance to get their bearings without a crowd or ton of distractions. This oasis is known for its smooth transitions, large pools, ramps and grind boxes. Plus, parking is free. You’ll see a bunch of families and kids here on weekends along with some of Chicago’s famed female quad skaters.
Skate Park at Olympic Park
Schaumburg Park District's Skate Park at Olympic Park was designed to mimic elements of parking lots, street curbs and other skater-enticing areas you'd find in a cityscape. Skaters will also find staircases, benches, walls of various heights and a large concrete bowl.
Ryann Buss Zone Skate Park
Located at Knox Park in McKenry, Ryan Buss Zone Skate Park offers a variety of ramps and rails that will challenge even the most experienced skater. Helmets are required at this skate park.
If it’s raining outside or you just want a different experience, check out the indoor Asylum Skate Park and skate shop in Lake Bluff. BMX, inline, skateboards and scooters are welcome here. If your kids are completely new to skateboarding and need to learn the basics, Asylum offers camps and lessons that will teach them how to start, stop, drop-in, olly, ride ramps, balance and do basic tricks.
Certified Personal Trainer and lifelong skateboarder Ben Karbin created SK8 Chicago to provide lessons to the next generation of boarders. Over the last 20 years mentoring young skaters, he's honed his ability to make aspiring skaters feel comfortable and confident to learn new tricks and techniques. SK8 offers skate lessons, clinics and camps for all levels and also builds custom ramps. They have equipment available to rent if you don't have your own and can offer advice if you'd like to make a purchase.
Little Ripper Skateboarding
Looking for a way to keep kids active during the pandemic shutdowns, Logan Square dad Enrico Hufana started Little Rippers Skateboarding. Hufana and other experienced instructors give kids ages 3-14 an introduction to boarding so they have the confidence to safely navigate all skate parks.
For more information on Chicago Park District skate parks, check out their website.
You don’t need an extreme home makeover, or even the help of a design pro to give your home an easy upgrade. From fresh flowers to perfectly placed candles to an expert stack of books, we bring you six ideas that you can execute today, probably with things you already have in your home.
This is a classic, for a good reason. A vase full of flowers is sure to brighten up any space, and the dining room table is always a winner. But not all arrangements are created equal. For a dining table where people will want to look at one another, low and wide arrangements work best. A safe rule is to cut down bouquets from their original length. It will keep your blooms fresher, plus low arrangements are more modern than the "long-stemmed roses" of days past.
Rearrange the Furniture & Decor
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If your space is feeling a little stale, consider rearranging your furniture, swapping area rugs or moving some of the home decor you already own. You'll be amazing at what a difference it makes.
Dirty tub? Grime disappears in the dark! Whether it's bath time or you are expecting dinner guests any moment, flip off the lights and fill the bathroom with enough candles that no one will ever need to reach for the switch. The combo of candles, glossy tile and mirrors will turn this humble room into a glittering little getaway in no time. Bonus: scented candles will fill the small space with sweet smells.
Even the most well-designed house can suffer from a cluttered coffee table. But a quick and easy clean up can make your living room party ready in minutes. First, get rid of all of the "real life" stuff like remotes, tattered magazines and drinking glasses. Once you have a clean slate, handpick three to five of your prettiest hardcover books (take a peek under the dust jackets to see if anything special is hidden underneath), and make a stack. Add a pretty bowl filled with olives, a selection of your best coasters, and you are guest-ready.
Show Off Your Produce in the Kitchen
Jen Siska
The most eye-popping colors and design comes from nature, and we are betting your fridge or pantry is filled to the brim with pretty stuff. Same as the coffee table makeover, clean the counters of all clutter, then set out a few pretty bowls. Lemons, eggplants, apples, pears, avocados—all make for the perfect decoration when displayed thoughtfully. But remember, these styling props are for eating, so never deny a hungry visitor to spare your lovely setup!
Duvets are pricey, and picking one to commit to can lead most to a mellow neutral. But to easily spice things up in the bedroom, collect a few tapestries or oversized patterned blankets. Hang them over sofa arms, on the backs of chairs or spread them out over the bed for a quick and dramatic change. If you're feeling crafty, hang on from the ceiling above the bed or on the wall for a temporary headboard.
Use a Patterned Wicker Basket Instead of a Plastic Laundry Basket
Swapping out a typical plastic laundry basket for an eye-catching patterned wicker basket is an easy way to give your laundry room (and wherever else you fold the clothes) a quick upgrade.
