ML Interest Tag: canoe

The Updates to Richard Scarry’s Books You Probably Missed

by rtfrankiekatafias

When we become parents, we often can’t wait to share our favorite childhood books and cartoons with our kids. But how many times have you pulled out an old book, blown the dust off it, and discovered that it’s a little . . . outdated? A lot has changed in the past 30 years: Pluto is no longer a planet, the Brontosaurus is actually an Apatosaurus, and cartoons featuring stereotypes of different races or cultures are not okay.

Many of us remember Richard Scarry’s work from our childhoods; his work is classic. Kids have loved Lowly Worm, Huckle Cat, and the other residents of Busytown for decades.

But when Scarry’s books were first published, political correctness and tolerance for others wasn’t exactly common. In 1991, Scarry realized times had changed, and so had his readers. As a result, he made it a priority to update the oh-so famous Best Word Book Ever — updates you probably didn’t even know existed unless you happened to have purchased a new copy.

The once dated book can now be shared for generations to come with timeless references. Check out some of Scarry’s before and after pictures below.

 

Before, a Native American Mouse was paddling the canoe. Now, just a regular mouse is paddling because canoes are not limited to just Native Americans.

Before, Christmas appeared to be the only winter holiday. Now, Chanukah is also recognized.

In the original book, the cat crying for help was referred to as a “beautiful screaming lady”. In the re-edit it is simply a “cat in danger”.

In the 1960’s “women’s work” was limited to the kitchen. In the updated version both Mother and Father are seen in the kitchen cooking.

All Photos Courtesy of Flickr user alan taylor

Did you notice the updates to Richard Scarry’s books?

—Francesca Katafias

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Gently Down the Stream: 5 Canoe Adventures for Beginners

by rttyadams

A canoe or kayaking adventure might sound like an adventure too big, but with all the waterways around us, it’s easier than you think. Blow little minds with undulating water fun at these five Portland spots. They offer a variety of options, from rentals, lessons, events and even multi-day canoe trips. Go forth and find the perfect stream for an unforgettable day.

photo: Dark Dwarf via Flickr

Alder Creek Kayak and Canoe
Alder Creek, located along the Port of Portland harbor at the east tip of Tomahawk Island, offers a variety of options at its Hayden Island location, from two-hour to weekly rentals to private lessons to youth programs for kids 10-14 years old. While you’re there you can row out along the challenging Columbia River, or opt for the more placid waters of the Tualatin River at Alder Creek’s boathouse at Brown’s Ferry Park in Tualatin. Alder Creek also rents canoes at its Southeast Portland boathouse, on SE Water Street, near OMSI and just steps from the Willamette River.

Optimal times for canoeing this summer are in the mornings when the weather is cool and there’s not a lot of canoe and kayak “traffic.” Before heading there, pack a lunch, a camera and a hat. What’s good about canoes — especially for parents — is you can toss your camping gear, two kids and dog inside and not be cramped like you would be in a kayak.  A two-hour canoe rental costs $30 or an all-day rental $60. Call to reserve a canoe before you get there, especially on hot, sunny days.

If you’d rather discover canoeing with an experienced guide, the Learn to Canoe classes are a 2-for-1 value at $59: You can explore Tomahawk Island (at the tip of Hayden Island) and pick up basic canoe rowing skills. Alder Creek also donates and loans canoes/kayaks for special events for the Tualatin Riverkeepers and Portland Audubon Society.

200 NE Tomahawk Island Dr.
503-285-0464
Online: aldercreek.com

photo: Kathy and Sam via Flickr

Portland Kayak Company
Don’t be fooled by their company name. Portland Kayak Co. is about canoes, too! The Willamette River access is just behind its shop on Macadam Avenue, but you’ll need a roof rack to transport your family canoe. Here you can find classes and multi-day kids and teen camps on the Willamette River for kids as young as 10. They also offer private lessons with canoes as well as rentals and tours. Rentals are $20 per hour for two; all-day rental is $85 if you want to load up the canoe and take the family to Bybee Lake, Vancouver Lake or a lake on Mt. Hood.
The store offers guided trips to Ross Island.

6600 SW Macadam Ave.
503-459-4050
Online: portlandkayak.com

photo: Tualatin Riverkeepers

Tualatin Riverkeepers
Families floating down the Tualatin River — one of the most family friendly waters in the state — can spot osprey, hawks and herons. Tualatin Riverkeepers offers canoe classes, tours, rentals and adventures at the Cook Park boat launch on the Tualatin River in Tigard.  From July 3 through September, canoes and kayaks are available for four-hour rentals for $30. To make it more affordable for repeat customers, the Riverkeepers have offered a membership deal. TRK members receive one free rental and $10 off each additional rental. Memberships start at $35.

Tualatin Riverkeepers hosts a Family Day Paddle on Aug. 16 at 1 p.m. Check out their website for Autumn River Paddle Trip and free rental River Cleanup Days too. The group also offers private Spanish-speaking guided canoe trips.

11675 SW Hazelbrook Rd.
Tualatin
503-218-2580
Online: tualatinriverkeepers.org

photo: Jason McHuff via Flickr

Willamette Riverkeeper
Connecting families to the true Willamette River is the goal of Portland-based Willamette Riverkeeper’s River Discovery Program. The nonprofit group has its own fleet of canoes and offers camps where families can learn about the river habitats and water environment. From May to October, WRK hosts monthly River Discovery paddling adventures up and down the mainstem Willamette River, its tributaries and sloughs. The trips are offered free of charge but donations are gratefully accepted.

WRK’s signature trip, Paddle Oregon celebrates its 15th year with an Aug. 17-21 trip. Cost of the journey is $749 for adults; $699 for youth 17 or younger. Registration includes food, baggage shuttle, safety paddlers, camping accommodations, showers, T-shirts and more. In the fall, keep an eye out for Willamette Riverkeeper’s Our Great Willamette Cleanup on Sun., Oct. 4.

1515 SE Water St. # 102
503-223-6418
Online: willamette-riverkeeper.org

photo: Columbia Slough by Katrinket via flickr

Columbia Slough Watershed Council
7040 NE 47th Ave.
503-281-1132
Online: columbiaslough.org

While they don’t offer regular canoe rentals, the Columbia Slough Watershed Council does host an annual group paddle Regatta, this year on Aug. 2nd from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Multnomah County Drainage District at 1880 NE Elrod Drive. The suggested donation is $8 and boats are provided, although participants can bring their own. No one will be turned away.

The CSWC also hosts regular, nature-based events at local parks and provides local schools with free field programs and classes.

Where do you take your kids when you want to float under the clouds in a canoe? Tell us in the Comments!

—Ty Adams

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Did You See That? 3 Legendary Sea Serpents

by Amber Guetebier

You’ve likely heard of ol’ Nessie, the famous serpent of Loch Ness, Scotland. But what about those creepy cryptids of more local lore? Read on for the story of 3 serpents that may be lurking in a large body of water somewhere near you.
photo: Don Shall via flickr

Champ of Lake Champlain, Vermont/New York
Known affectionately as Champ or Champie by the locals, sightings of “record” date back to pre-contact Iroquois. In 1609 Samual de Champlain (after whom the lake is named) mentioned the creature in an early chronicle of the area. Towns around Lake Champlain sport Champ on their businesses, playgrounds and one town, Port Henry, New York, even celebrates Champ Day every August.

Mishipashoo of Lake Superior
Sometimes Mishipishu or Mishipizheu among other spellings the Ojibway word for Great Water Lynx or Great Water Cat” which is depicted as a beast with a spiked tail. Mishipishu is often blamed for water-related accidents from shipwrecks to canoe tipping. Near Presque Isle locals lay claim to Pressie, the sea serpent that lives nearby.

Willatuk of Lake Washington, Seattle
Seattle’s own version of a sea monster is said to live deep in the waters of Lake Washington and is the subject of several books and even a 2012 feature films. The Wonkatilla, native to the region, worshipped the giant aquatic beast claiming it saved lives. They dubbed it Willatuk. Sightings continue today.

Do you have a local legend or sea monster where you live? Tell us about it in the comments!

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7 Things to Get Excited for in 2015

by Ayren Jackson-Cannady

When it comes to awesome places to explore with kids in and around D.C., 2014 didn’t disappoint. You need only to stop by Navy Yards Park to see that. Play areas opened, restaurants expanded, and we even got a shiny, new metro line (shout out to the Silver Line). Here’s the even better news: 2015 is on track to be just as exciting. Here are some of the kid-friendly happenings to look forward to in the New Year.

Photo: National Childrens Museum via Facebook

#1 The National Children’s Museum returns to D.C.
In an effort to get as many kiddos through its doors as humanly possible, the National Children’s Museum (which is currently located on the lovely, but metro-less National Harbor) announced that 2015 will be the year that it gathers all of its tot-friendly exhibits and returns to D.C.-proper. No specific date or location has been announced yet.

#2 Union Market’s Angelika Movie Theater opens. 
Start planning those family date nights and girls nights out now! The sprawling multi-screen cinema, which often features off the radar flicks for the whole family, will offer luxe seating, immersive sound systems, and artisan movie noshes. Until then, stop by the Angelika Pop-Up at Union Market.

#3 Kid-friendly restaurant Founding Farmers sets up shop in Tyson’s Corner.
Founding Farmers, a popular farm-to-table restaurant (with locations in D.C. and Montgomery County), will make its NoVa debut in early February. Expect the same little foodie delicacies—baby cheeseburgers, skillet corn bread, and kettle corn—plus working phone booths and an in-house juice cleanse.

Photo: National Children’s Museum via Facebook

#4 Cherry blossoms!
The annual National Cherry Blossom Festival returns with all the pink flowers you can handle. New in 2015 is the Anacostia River Festival, an off-shoot celebration that merges the arts, health, environment and recreation with family activities like canoeing, bike riding and nature walks. Mark the calendar ASAP.

#5 The American History Museum gets Spark!Lab.
Calling all wannabe inventors! The American History Museum‘s new and ongoing exhibit tells the story behind inventors’ work through hands-on activities. You’ll learn all about the process of invention, because you never know if you have the next Einstein on your hands.

Photo: Momofuku Milk Bar

#6 Yummmm…Momofuku is slated to open at CityCenterDC. 
By next summer, it will be a cinch to snag a “compost cookie.” The D.C. Momofuku (whose specialty is pork buns…yummm) will house a Momofuku Milk Bar that hawks all of the treats and desserts the eatery is known for. Your little one will literally want to eat here every day.

#7 The kiddie theater scene is going to be hot!
If you have a musical or theater buff on your hands, they are going to be one happy camper in 2015. Some of the much anticipated 2015 performances include “The Jungle Book” and “The Little Prince” at Creative Cauldron, “Big: The Musical” at Peter’s Alley Theatre, “Aladdin” and “Jack and the Beanstalk” at The Puppet Co., and “Cinderella” at the Washington National Opera. That’s a line up that deserves a standing ovation.

What other exciting 2015 news should we put on our radar? Tell us in the Comments section below. 

—Ayren Jackson-Cannady

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13 Best Albums of 2013

by jeff bogle

As we put a bow on yet another brilliant year for independent kid’s (“kindie”) music, we offer you the thirteen best albums of 2013. Our picks range from bombastic to hilarious to old-fashion to orchestral to bizarre, and just about everything in between. The lucky 13 CDs below are best suited for children ages 3-10, with some skewing a bit younger and others even reaching out to tweens and teens — in short: full family listening. Click through to take a peek.

Dean Jones When The World Was New

Having already bagged a 2013 Grammy for his production work on the Okee Dokee Brothers Can You Canoe?, kindie music's most in-demand man behind the glass quietly delivered another wonderful solo album filled with curious, thought-provoking songs that sneak big messages into tiny moments of absurdity.

Buy Dean Jones When The World Was New.

For more Best Of lists like this one, click here!

What are your favorites kindie CDs from 2013? Share your picks in the comments section below!

— Jeff Bogle

*For the purposes of this list, only albums released between 11/1/2012 and 10/31/2013 were considered.

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Take Flight: 9 Seattle Parks with Kid-Approved Zip Lines

by Kristina Moy

What is it about zip lining that gets kids (and parents) so excited? Maybe it’s the adrenaline rush you get when you push off the platform or the thrill of soaring through the air before coming to an abrupt stop. Whatever it is, zip lines are the hot item at the playground right now and they are popping up all over Seattle. We’ve rounded up nine Seattle parks that feature fun zip lines that are both easy and safe for big and little kids. So, put on your superhero cape and hit the park. It’s time to fly through the air!

Discovery Park
Neighborhood: Magnolia

Zip line style: Discovery Park has a large, swing-style seat that zips down from a ramp – kids may need help getting off at the end if their legs are too short to touch the ground. This zip line is best for kids who can go on the big kid swings and can easily zip alone. Littler ones can ride on mom or dad’s lap safely.

Find it: Park at the corner of West Emerson Street and 39th Avenue West (street parking only), then take the trail head that opens on West Emerson. Stay left on the trail and it will lead you to the playground and zip line.

3801 Discovery Park Boulevard
Seattle, Wa 98199
Online: seattle.gov/parks/environment/discovery.htm

Lincoln Park
Neighborhood: West Seattle/Fauntleroy

Zip line style: Lincoln Park has a swing-style seat that zips from a platform. Little ones will need you to hold the swing while they climb on and we recommend running alongside, if possible – this one can have a bit of a kick at the end! This zip line is best for kids who are old enough to hold on tight. For little zip liners, try keeping a hand on it yourself to control the way it “zips” until they get the hang of it.

Find it: Park in the lot closest to the Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal and follow the paved walking trail northwest toward the playground.

8011 Fauntleroy Way SW
Seattle, Wa 98136
Online: seattle.gov/parks/park_detail.asp?ID=460

Madison Park Playground
Neighborhood: Madison Park

Zip line style: Kids at Madison Park Playground sit on a round disk-shaped seat and hang on to a rope to zip down this short line. This is a great first time zip line – they’ll need help negotiating getting on the seat at first, but it’s perfect for little ones.

Find it: On the corner between East Madison Street and East Howe Street. Take East Madison Street all the way to the end, where it intersects with Lake Washington. You won’t be able to miss this colorful playground!

East Madison Street & East Howe Street
Seattle, Wa 98112
Online: seattle.gov/parks/park_detail.asp?ID=369

Mt. Baker Park
Neighborhood: Mt. Baker

Zip line style: Mt. Baker Park offers zip liners a swing-style seat – little ones may need some help getting on at the beginning, mostly so that it doesn’t zip away without them! Any age zip liner will love this line (yes, it is sturdy enough for you to ride with your tot). And what makes this long zip line pretty awesome is the fact that it’s tame and easy for kiddos to jump off of themselves.

Find it: Follow the bike path toward the swings and you can’t miss it.

2521 Lake Park Drive South
Seattle, Wa 98144
Online: seattle.gov/parks/park_detail.asp?ID=419

Cowen Park
Neighborhood: Ravenna/University District

Zip line style: Cowen Park has a swing-style seat that is low to the ground which makes this one easy for climbing on and off without help. This zip line is best for kids who are comfortable going on the big kid swings and are used to hanging on. Be sure to tell them to wait until the swing stops before climbing off – this thrilling one comes back quite a bit on the line before stopping.

Find it: Cowen Park is connected to Ravenna Park, just across the ravine.

5849 15th Avenue NE
Seattle, Wa 98105
Online: seattle.gov/parks/park_detail.asp?ID=483

Salmon Bay Park
Neighborhood: Ballard

Zip line style: Salmon Bay Park has a swing-style seat with platform access so your kiddos may need you to hold the seat while they climb on. There is typically a line to zip at this popular park, so make sure your kids stand clear while other children are using it and make sure everyone visits the restroom before they get in line!

Find it: Near the playground.

2001 NW Canoe Place
Seattle, Wa 98117
Online: seattle.gov/parks/park_detail.asp?ID=249

Wilburton Hill Park
Neighborhood: Bellevue

Zip line style: At Wilburton Hill Park, you will find a swing-style seat that is easy for kids to get on and off themselves. This zip line is super versatile – for older kids you can really get it going with a nice push at the start. Or you can let little ones zip gently down on their own.

Find it: At the intersection of Main Street and 124th Avenue NE

12400 Main Street
Bellevue, Wa 98005
Online: parkstrails.myparksandrecreation.com/Details.aspx?pid=135

Seward Park
Neighborhood: Seward Park

Zip line style: This zip line comes in the form of a round disk suspended from the zip line. While this zip line run may be short, that just means your kids will want to ride it over and over…and over again! And since it’s a gradual slope, you don’t need to worry about the little ones picking up too much speed.

Find it: At the playground; next to the Seward Park Environmental & Audubon Center.

5902 Lake Washington Boulevard South
Seattle, Wa 98118
Online: seattle.gov/parks/environment/seward.htm

Jefferson Park
Neighborhood: Beacon Hill

Zip line style: Jefferson Park has a round disk-style seat suspended from the zip line. The zip line has a bit of a drop to it, so littler kids might find it easier to glide along from the elevated platform by the play structure. There’s also a bed of woodchips so if your little one decides to let go, they will have something forgiving to land on.

Find it: At the playground

4165 16th Avenue South
Seattle, Wa 98108
Online: seattle.gov/parks/park_detail.asp?id=114

Where do you take your kids for a quick run on the zip line? Know of any other good spots? Share them with us in a comment below and we’ll add them to our list.

–Kristina Moy & Katie Kavulla

Photo credit: Allison Sutcliffe, Erin Cranston and Silleemee

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Take a Day Trip to the Russian River

by Erin Lem

In the heat of the summer, there is nothing like a canoeing day trip on the Russian River. Leave early and drive up to Guerneville, a small town along the river in Sonoma County. Visions of swimming and frolicking in the river, picnicking on a sandbar and most of all, enjoying a family day doing something fun, new and active will keep you motivated during the drive from the city.

When to go: In the summer or spring, when you want to escape the fog, the city, or both.

Approximate travel time: Guerneville is located 75 miles north of San Francisco, about an hour and a half drive.

What to see/do: One company named Burke’s Canoe Trips does half-day adventures. This outfit is a great idea if you have bigger kids, who are ready to paddle, but not with the wee ones. Johnson’s Beach is an option that accommodates smaller children. It’s a quaint spot where you can rent canoes by the hour, perfect for short attention spans. If you are not sure how your child will react to the vessel or activity, better not to invest too much energy or spend too much money.

Johnson’s Beach is a sweet little beach, reminiscent of spots in New England in the 70’s, a little lost in time, but that is part of the appeal. The locale and pace is slow, relatively easy to negotiate and an antidote to the foggy San Francisco summer. It is really low tech, really friendly and family run. It’s not fancy, but that too is what makes it special. You can rent an umbrella and someone will even come over and pound it into the sand for you. The snack bar serves soft serve for a dollar and you can rent inner tubes to float along if you don’t want to paddle. A popular area is the roped off kiddies pool and many folks just hang on the beach with a cooler and a good book.

In a canoe, an hour is a bit short, but enough for a paddle around. If you want to go down the river, away from the crowds, pack a picnic and plan on a three-hour tour. Once you get into a canoeing rhythm you can stop often to swim and hang on the shore, passing many other folks out for a paddle. If you head further down the river, you’ll be surrounded by calming peace and quiet!

Check out all the homes with docks and tables and setups along the banks. It is a leisurely way to introduce canoeing to little ones, who like to act as coxman, if they are not into paddling. The return trip takes slightly longer so make sure to plan out your journey.

Possible lunch spots: Once you have returned your canoe, head over to Flavors Unlimited for a simply divine and well deserved cone or shake. For a truly classic day, stop at In and Out for a burger and fries in Petaluma or Mill Valley, and then head home.

How to dress: Summer gear! Don’t forget the swimsuits, towels, hats and sunscreen and a change of clothes for the way back.

Cost: For the price of a ½ tank of gas and about $50, you can have a full day adventure! The beach offers canoes, kayaks and paddle-boats for rent ($30 day or $10 hour), as well as umbrellas ($6 day), low beach chairs ($5 day), and inner tubes ($5 day).

Need to know: This year because of the snowmelt, the river is higher than usual and the current stronger. Everyone needs to wear life preservers and safety first, always. Ask for a little refresher, children will listen to the experts about not standing up in a canoe.

– Darya Mead

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Explore: Washington Park Arboretum

by writerredtri

Seattleites, it’s almost your day (or season) in the sun. The Washington Park Arboretum offers many activities for families to enjoy the great outdoors. Start at the Graham Visitors’ Center where you can pick up a trail map and plan your attack.

Heading south from the visitors’ center, Azalea Way offers easy walking, wandering by two ponds where kids can spy on turtles and count dragonflies. Explore the many trails that branch up the hill and look for a gazebo or exotic maple trees with peeling paper bark. Or, cross the Wilcox Footbridge (pictured) to find a small tot-lot for the kids to climb on.

A delightful Japanese Garden is located at the south end of the park. An entrance fee is required ($5 for adults, kids under 5 are free), but for an extra dollar, you can get a baggie of kibble to drop in the water for the colorful koi to fight over. Lots of turtles and ducks (and amazing plants) here too!

Head north from the visitors’ center to walk by the aptly-named Duck Bay and cross a bridge to Foster Island. Look for the beach logs that have been chewed by beavers, and listen for frogs as you walk along these quiet trails. Then brace yourself for the thrilling—if noisy—walk under the 520 bridge. The trail continues along Marsh Island as a series of boardwalks and floating bridges with canoes paddling under them.  If you can manage to walk quietly, you might spot a heron.

Keep walking and you will reach the Museum of  History and Industry, located beyond the north end of the arboretum. Walk through Seattle history; there is something at MOHI to interest visitors of every age.

For a different adventure, explore this area by canoe or rowboat. Rentals are available at the UW Waterfront Activities Center, where they also provide lifejackets and advice on how to safely cross the boat traffic at Montlake Cut.

Hungry? On the Montlake side of the arboretum, grab sandwich, a snack or a cup of coffee at Fuel, or if you’re ready for dinner, stop at the Montlake Ale House for beer, burgers and a kid-friendly play pit. On the Madison Valley side of the park, walk up to The Essential Baking Company for a fresh and yummy lunch, or treat yourself to ice cream at Scoop du Jour in Madison Park.

—Karen McHegg

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