ML Interest Tag: carousel-rides

10 Places to Take Your Toddler When the Big Kids Go Back to School

by Rachael Brandon

Whether sending your older kids back-to-school brings you tears of joy or a bit of sadness, the minis in your crew might not know what to do once their built-in playmates have headed back to class. Before plunking them down to watch another episode of Sesame Street while you ponder how to keep them busy, scroll through our top ten list of toddler outings that are sure to entertain the wee ones left behind this school year.

photo: Chris Schmich via Flickr

1. Flock to a Farm. Corral your tots to the farm and help them make friends with animals. Kelsey Creek Farm in Bellevue has ponies, sheep, goats, chickens and pigs to occupy your kidlets with, plus there’s plenty of run-around room and a playground that’s perfect for burning off some of their extra energy. In Redmond, Farrel-McWhirter Farm Park is a great place for little ones to explore. There are farm critters, grassy fields, kid-friendly trails, picnic benches and two small play areas for them to run around on. If your wee ones would like carnival rides to go with their animal fun, try Toddler Weekdays at Remlinger Farms this September and enjoy carousel rides, the Tiny Tot Train, hay jumping and more. (Psst… the rides are all covered, so you don’t have to miss out on the fun when the rain returns.)

photo: Kellie Fell

2. Discover a Sweet Escape. Being the kiddo still at home can seem like a bum deal, but as Nana and Papa always say “it’s nothing a sweet treat can’t fix.” After sending your school kids off to the bus stop, why not sugarcoat your minis day with a trip to one of our favorite donut shops? If confections before nap time are a no-go, then grab something delish at one of these cupcake spots, candy shops or ice cream, gelato or froyo parlors.

photo: Barb Watson via Flickr

3. Flick their Switch. Bond with your bitty ones by taking them on a special kid-date to the movies. Score tickets to a matinée at an AMC theater and you’ll pay under $8 a person on admission before noon – a sweet deal if you’re hangin’ little movie-goers with short attention spans. Century Federal Way, Century Point Ruston, Century Olympia and Bellevue’s Lincoln Square Cinemas offer discount tickets on Tuesdays, as well as early bird prices before 1 p.m. If you’re looking to catch a flick with a baby in tow, check out the special Thursday morning Mommy and Me movies at Lincoln Square Cinemas at 10 a.m., or score a seat in one of the soundproof cry rooms the Varsity Theatre in the U-District. 

photo: Rachael Brandon

4. Wing It. We bet your little ducklings will go quakers visiting web-footed friends while their older siblings are gone for the day. Take your tots to explore Washington Park Arboretum’s 200 acres of trails amidst breathtaking gardens and fall foliage leading to lily padded ponds and plenty of their little bird buddies. Bellevue’s Mercer Slough is Lake Washington’s largest wetland and a perfect place to find feathered friends along the 7-plus miles of trails and boardwalks. For your tykes who need time to play, bring fowl and fun together by hunting for ducks around Green Lake’s stroller-friendly path followed with a trip to the playground afterwards, or try fido-friendly Medina Park with its two duck ponds, trails and kiddie play area.

photo: yancy9 via Flickr

5. Book Excitement. Comfort your kiddos loneliness with the kind of adventure and fun that can only be found in a good book. Head over to one of the Seattle Public Library or King County Library locations and cozy up together in the children’s book section, or check out any of their storytimes geared for babies, toddlers and preschoolers. Like your reading time with a little adventure? Get on board with The Center for Wooden Boats and hear stories read aloud on a real tugboat, or try Seward Park Audubon Center’s weekly Tales and Trails event where tots hear stories then head out on a hike afterwards. For your creative kiddo, you can try the Small Frye Story Time at the Frye Art Museum. They’ll hear books read by storytellers from the Seattle’s Children’s Theatre followed with an artist-led craft project.

photo: Rachael Brandonn

6. Tour a Museum. Take your tyke on his or her very own field trip to one (or all) of Seattle’s kid-friendly museums. Pint-sized paleontologists can discover cool dinosaur collections and artifacts dug up from our state’s ancient past at the Burke Museum. Admission is always free for kids ages 0-4, and for everyone the first Thursday of the month. Take time with your mini music lover at EMP’s Sound Lab and have a jam session together on The Big Drum, keyboards or with electric guitars. Swim with your little fishes over to the Seattle Aquarium and meet local sea life and stop by the marine mammal exhibit to experience live feedings twice daily. Fly away with your wingmen to the Museum of Flight and discover cockpits, spacecraft and the new KidsPort play area inside Aviation Pavilion. Little ones always love to explore and discover at museums made just for them. Seattle’s Children’s Museum and KidsQuest Museum on the Eastside both offer plenty of activities that encourage little ones to get hands on, plus daily story times, music, science and art classes you can join in for no additional fees.

photo: Rachael Brandon

7. Park It. Little ones love to run around and play as much as their older siblings do, so getting out to a park is bound to keep their back-to-school blues away. If your local tot lot has been played out this summer, why not explore a new playground outside your ‘hood? Try Crossroads Park in Bellevue or Mercer Island’s Luther Burbank Beach Park – both have toddler play structure, slides and big toys geared for little ones. Head north and try castle-themed Saint Edwards State Park in Kenmore. (Psst… just be sure to remember your Discover Pass to avoid paying the $10 parking fee), or drive south to Lake Meridian Park in Kent for a lakeside playground with swings, climbing structures and a pirate ship. Want to stick closer to home? You can’t go wrong with Jefferson Park on Beacon Hill where you can enjoy panoramic views, dodecahedron climbing structures and a toddler play area or check out the new playground just for tykes at Bellevue’s new and improved Downtown Park. Need other ideas? Click here. 

photo: Tutta Bella

8. Fill Their Plate. When in doubt, stepping out for a bite to eat is an easy way to fuel your kiddos contentment. Ballard’s Firehouse Coffee is a cozy spot to grab a sandwich, snack or a cup of Joe plus you can take your goodies back to the enclosed playroom filled with toys for your crew. Serendipity Café in Magnolia offers a kid’s menu with corn dogs, grilled cheese sandwiches and chicken tenders, plus a sweet little play nook with toys, books and puzzles. Vios Café in Capitol Hill has Greek fare and kid faves including mac ‘n’ cheese and spaghetti, plus a kid area to play in. Tutta Bella is another family-friendly spot that offers authentic Neapolitan pizza and an awesome kids’ menu in five unique locations around town. Here, kids will love sitting down for on their favorite meals and getting served Wikki Stix or even their own dough to play with while they wait for their food.

photo: Jennifer B. Davis

9. Take a Hike. There’s no better way to cure the back-to-school blues than a refreshing fall hike, and lucky for us there’s miles of wooded trails and beach walks practically just outside our front doors. Stroller-friendly Seward Park offers a 2.5 mile looping trail that follows along Lake Washington with a playground and picnic stops if your tyke needs a break. Carkeek Park has miles of paths with meadows, wetlands, forest and beaches to explore. (Psst…be sure to stop along Piper’s Creek and cheer on the salmon making their way up-stream). Snoqualmie Falls has a short but steep trail that’ll have you and your tiny sidekick breathless as you trek through old growth forest from the top of the falls to the river’s edge. Kids also love Discovery Park, where they can stroll the scenic Loop Trail, hike down to a lighthouse, or take a walk on the beach

photo: WiggleWorks Kids

10. Go Play Indoors. When the weather switches back to fall, take play indoors. PlayDate SEA in the south Lake Union area has three stories of indoor climbing, slides, tubes and obstacles, plus a little play area just for the three and under set. Lil’ Diggers Playtime at Sandbox Sports is a great way to keep sand in their toes as we slip away from summer with their giant indoor sandbox play space filled with shovels, pails, balls, trucks and slides. (Hint: be sure go for the second session and avoid the crowds). OmCulture tot gym has playtime for the under 5 crew with swings, balance beams, gymnastics rings and trampolines. On the Eastside and South Sound, WiggleWorks Kids is filled with soft moveable climbing structures, slides and ball room geared for Littles under four-feet tall or go for an adventure and give these three Eastside play spaces a try or check out the new We Rock the Spectrum Kid’s Gym.  

Do you have a favorite place to take your tots when the big kids are in school? Tell us in the comments below!

— Rachael Brandon

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Not in Kansas: A Wizard of Oz-Themed Playground at Watkins Regional Park

by rtjamybond

At Watkins Regional Park in Prince Georges County, you can follow the yellow brick road (literally) to a Wizard of Oz-themed playground that’s guaranteed to have your kids singing, “We’re off to see the Wizard, the wonderful Wizard of Oz!” But don’t take our word for it. This is one fun spot you’ll have to see to believe. Read on to discover this hidden gem.

Photo: Caity T. via Yelp

Somewhere over the rainbow…
As the latest addition to this popular family-fun filled park that features picnicking, trailblazing, camping, mini-golf, mini-train rides, old-fashioned carousel rides, and an animal farm, this super cute playground leaves nothing untouched when it comes to its Wizard of Oz theme. From the yellow brick road that begins at the park’s gates, you’ll walk under a rainbow of colors and pass by wood carvings of the Scarecrow and the Wicked Witch of the West, then make your way to two giant ruby red slipper slides that will have your little ones squealing with delight.

Photo: Kelly B. via Yelp

Lions, and tigers, and bears…oh my!
You can park yourself on a bench near the slippers and watch the kids dart from one colorful piece of equipment to the next. There’s the Emerald City, an enormous green structure with a climbing wall, slides, tunnels and bridges. The kids can explore Uncle Henry and Auntie Em’s barn and wonder through a poppy flower field. They can crawl into colorful Munchkin houses and check out Auntie Emm’s farm house. They can even spend some time in Toto’s dog house. The entire playground is encircled by a rainbow track where kids can run themselves ragged. A swing set is strategically placed to let them swing over the rainbow and back again. It’s a fabulous and fun time for everyone.

Photo: F Delventhal via Flickr

Insider tips
Take a picnic or snacks because there’s no food for purchase, and choose a day other than Monday to go if you want to combine the playground with a carousel ride or a game of mini-golf, because these activities are closed every Monday.

301 Watkins Park Dr. (Upper Marlboro, Md)
Cost: Parking and playground are free; $2-$2:50 for carousel and train rides; $5-$6.50 for mini-golf.
Online: mncppc.org

Have you visited this park yet? Tell us about it in the comments below.

–Jamy Bond

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10 Things You HAVE To Do in December

by Maria Chambers

We’re saying goodbye to a November to remember — unseasonably warm weather, our first snow fall and a month packed full of family fun — and saying a happy hello to an equally fabulous December. This month, take in the final presentation of Robert Joffrey’s Nutcracker, hit up Christkindlmarket or take to the skies for an unforgettable lights tour. Check out our Editor’s picks for wintry family fun in the Windy City.

photo: Museum of Science’s Small World of Christmas Magic

(1) It’s a Small World of Christmas Magic
It’s an international winter wonderland at Christmas Around the World. Your family will be enchanted by the trees and displays that are decorated to represent the rich multicultural heritage of Chicago. Of course, the crown jewel will be the The Grand Tree with 30,000 twinkling lights, sparkly ornaments and all of the trimmings. The kiddos can get into the holiday spirit while they sing along to holiday classics and play in flurries of snow that fall every half hour.

When: Through Jan. 3
Hours: 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: Museum of Science, 5700 S. Lake Shore Dr., Hyde Park
Cost: free with admission (non-residents: $18/adults, $11/children 3-11; residents: $15/adults, $10/children 3-11)
Online: msichicago.org

(2) Up, Up, Up! Get a Birds-Eye View of Holiday Lights
Buckle up and take your holiday lights enjoyment to all new heights with a birds-eye view from 1,200 feet above the crowd. New this year, Chicago Helicopter Experience, a helicopter touring company with a heliport in Bridgeport, is offering guests sky-high views of Chicago’s magnificent light displays. The pilot gives a guided-tour of the lights at Lincoln Park Zoo, Navy Pier, Millennium Park and the Chicago skyline, which is breathtaking no matter the time of year but exponentially so during the holidays.

When: Through Jan. 3
Hours: 5:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.
Where: Chicago Helicopter Experience Heliport, 2420 S. Halsted, Bridgeport
Cost: $178/person
Online: chetours.com or tinybeans.go-vip.net

(3) Chriskindlmarket
Bundle up for this outdoor market that brings the cherished German and European tradition of the Christkindesmarkt in Germany to Chicago and adds a heap of local charm. Head to Daley Plaza, where you’ll see the market’s signature wooden cabins topped with festive red-and-white-striped canopies, each packed with handmade gifts, food and drinks from around the world and many are run by native German speakers. Shop, eat, enjoy free entertainment, repeat – and be sure to say “guten tag” to Santa Claus.

When: Through Dec. 24
Hours: Sun.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Fri. & Sat., 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Where: On Daley Plaza, Between Dearborn, Washington & Clark St., The Loop
Cost: Free
Online: christkindlmarket.com

(4) Mrs. Claus! A Holiday Musical
Chicago Kids Company – Theater for Children (CKC) presents Mrs. Claus! A Holiday Musical. This holiday classic and audience favorite returns for its 17th consecutive year. CKC’s biggest and most colorful show will put children and adults alike in the holiday spirit. Join Mrs. Claus as she teams up with the new Elf Class of 2015 to find Santa’s missing list in time for Christmas. Can Mrs. Claus and the elves save the holidays?

When: Dec. 3-Dec. 23
Hours: 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Where: Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St., Beverly
Cost: $12
Online: chicagokidscompany.com

(5) Let the Joffrey Ballet Take Your Breath Away
The question isn’t if you are going to see the 28th annual, and final, presentation of Robert Joffrey’s The Nutcracker. It’s when. This epic smash replaces the traditional European setting with a 19th-century American home. It features the acclaimed Joffrey Ballet dancers, elegant costumes, an extravagant set by Oliver Smith, local children’s choruses, 118 young dancers and a giant Mother Ginger puppet by Kermit Love. They all weave together in a story of Clara and the mysterious Dr. Drosselmeyer, who embark on an incredible adventure.

When: Dec. 4-Dec. 27
Hours:  Varies (see website for times)
Where: The Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, 50 E. Congress Pkwy., The Loop
Cost: $32-$136
Online: joffrey.org

(6) A Dazzling Holiday Trolley Ride
The coolest way to watch the winking and blinking of holiday lights is by trolley. Hook up with Chicago Trolley Co. for its annual Holiday Lights Tour. The lightly narrated two-and-a-half-hour adventure shows the best of Chicago’s holiday lights and stops at Lincoln Park Zoo’s Zoolights show. Sights on the tour include The Magnificent Mile, Macy’s holiday windows, Christkindlmarket, the John Hancock and Daley Plaza trees, Millennium Park and more.

When: Through Jan. 3
Hours: Varies
Where: Tour departs from the John Hancock Observatory, 875 N. Michigan Ave., Magnificent Mile
Cost: Adults, $29; children, $19
Online: coachusa.com

(7) Watch Zoolights Illuminate the Night Sky
One of the nation’s only free-admission zoos flips the holiday switch with ZooLights. With the light displays throughout the grounds your fam can stroll through for holiday crafts, take photos with Santa, enjoy food and drinks, watch ice carving demos, partake in carousel rides and go-’rounds on the new Lionel Train Adventure, all while admiring the explosion of multi-colored lights.

When: Dec. 4-6, Dec. 11-23, Dec. 26-Dec. 31
Hours: 4:30 p.m.-9 p.m.
Where: Lincoln Park Zoo, Fullerton Pkwy. & Cannon Dr., Lincoln Park
Cost: Free
Online: lpzoo.org

(8) A Winter Thrill Fill at Navy Pier
Get your thrill fill at Navy Pier’s Winter WonderFest, which has rides for all ages. New attractions this year include the Polar Extreme, a double-sided inflatable slide and obstacle course, interactive Arctic Peaks Climbing Walls and an expanded, more challenging Winter Rules mini golf course sure to offer an additional layer of friendly competition and frozen holiday fun.

When: Dec. 5-Jan. 10
Hours: Varies
Where: 600 E. Grand Ave. Navy Pier
Cost: General admission is $9 online & $10 walk-up. Activity ticket $23 online & $25 walk-up
Online: navypier.com

(9) Enjoy Lights, Ice Carving and Magic at Holiday Magic
Celebrate Holiday Magic at Chicagoland’s largest lights festival featuring one million twinkling LED lights illuminating Brookfield Zoo’s walkways. This year’s festival will feature nearly 550 trees decorated by local community organizations and corporations, singing to the animals, professional ice carving demonstrations, Zoo Chats, photo opps with animals, live entertainment, a model railroad display, a 41-foot talking tree and more! New this year: Polar Lights, an interactive light extravaganza with accompanying music which allows zoogoers to activate and control the color and shape of 30 moving lights.

When: Sat. & Sun. in December & Dec. 28-31
Hours: Zoo is open 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; festivities start at 4 p.m.
Where: Brookfield Zoo, 8400 W. 31st St., Brookfield
Cost: free with admission ($16.95/adults; $11.95/children 3-11 & seniors 65 & over; free for ages 2 & under)
Online: czs.org

(10) Jingle Bell Jamboree
Enter a world of holiday magic at the Jingle Bell Jamboree! Bring the whole family and be charmed with live holiday music by the Chicago Sinfonetta, enjoy the sugar and spice of decorating cookies in Mrs. Claus’s Bakery and prepare to summon Santa’s reindeer with a magical treat and tradition. Don’t forget to leave a letter for Santa Claus, too! Registrations recommended.

When:  Dec. 19
Hours: 3 p.m.-9 p.m.
Where: Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville
Cost: $7/adult (ages 13+), $5/youth, Settlement-6 members and above
Online: napersettlement.org

Big plans for December? Tell us all about it in the Comments below!

—Maria Chambers

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30 Things to Do in NYC for $5 or Less Right Now

by Ilyssa Smith

Get excited New York City, spring is finally in full swing! While it would be difficult to say there’s nothing to do in NYC at any time of the year, the options expand exponentially once the temperatures rise. Looking for ideas on how to do the season right with a kid or two? Here are a few of our favorite NYC springtime activities for you and your little ones to enjoy, from free museums to storytimes to stargazing. Seriously though: all of the below are $5 or less!

Central Park Turtle Pond photo: via Mike Carey on Flickr

1. Relax in the sun and check out Central Park’s Turtle Pond, which is home to not one, not two, but five species of turtles. (It’s thought that many of the current residents began their lives as NYC pets and were brought to the park when they outgrew their indoor accommodations.) See who can spot a bird, dragonfly, and turtle first!

2. Make a weekend stop at Smorgasburg on Pier 5. Grab some of the best no-fuss gourmet street food and picnic with the family in the massive Brooklyn Bridge Park for an only-in-NYC experience.

3. Take a trip to the Bronx Zoo. Free on Wednesdays, it’s finally warm enough to walk around outside and take in the numerous animal exhibits. The Children’s Zoo offers kids the option to feed the animals as well.

4. For those rainy spring Saturdays, make your way to the Guggenheim. Expand your children’s minds by bringing them in from 5:45–7:45 p.m., when admission is pay what you wish.

Bryant Park Carousel photo: via Rhiannon on Flickr

5. Head to Le Carrousel in Bryant Park. With carousel rides at $3 and kid-friendly events on Saturdays from 1-2 p.m., this one is great option for a weekend midtown diversion.

6. Brooklyn Children’s Museum in Crown Heights is a can’t-miss. Admission is free on Thursdays from 3-5 p.m., perfect for an after school visit or playdate.

7. Breathe in spring’s freshest florals at the New York Botanical Garden. Grounds admission is free to everyone all day on Wednesdays, and from 9 -10 a.m. on Saturdays.

8. …Or swing by the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. It’s always free for children under 12, and free for everyone both all day on Tuesdays and from 10 a.m.-noon on Saturdays. Be sure to check out the Kids’ Discovery Stations once inside and catch the cherry blossoms while you can!

Highline photo: via Ashu Mathura on Flickr

9. Walk the High Line. If you’re in the area as the sun sets, check out the park’s free stargazing event every Tuesday from dusk until 9 p.m. at 14th Street. High-powered telescopes from the Amateur Astronomers Association help visitors get a glimpse of the moon, stars and planets!

10. Grab a hotdog at Papaya King. This NYC institution’s cheap grub is perfect for a spring day (just not every spring day). Head to its location at 86th and Third Avenue before visiting Central Park or a nearby museum.

11. Summer reading season is about to kick into high gear — get your child a free New York Public Library Card to get started. Check out your closest library’s kids programs; Family Read Aloud is one of our favorites.

Roosevelt Island Tramway photo: via Phil Roeder on Flickr

12. Go for a ride on the Roosevelt Island Tramway. (Catch it at 60th Street and Second Avenue.) Take in the city views on a clear day with the family for the price of a subway ride. And while you’re there… take a Kids & Family yoga class for a suggested donation of $5 at Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park. Classes are held Wednesdays-Saturdays.)

13. If you’ve got a Mastercard and your kids like baseball, be sure to take advantage of the New York Yankees $5 Mastercard game on June 17th. Yankee Stadium, 1 East 161st street, Bronx

14. Visit the Discovery Room at the American Museum of Natural History and inspire your kids to explore science hands-on. The entire museum is pay what you wish, and the Discovery Room exhibit is free for a 40-minute session.

Fleet Week photo: via Official U.S. Navy Page on Flickr

15. Welcome Fleet Week. From May 18-25, take your pick of free events across NYC: Ship tours, Navy Band Concerts, Parade of Ships, and a US Coast Guard Search and Rescue Demo.

16. Check out the NY Aquarium. Explore water-dwellers on Fridays from 4-6 p.m., when admission is pay-what-you-wish. Recommended donation is $5.

17. Register for New York Hall of Science (NYSCI)’s Sounds for Unusual Creatures free concert on May 17th. You’ll get free general admission to the museum for the day with your registration. We’re also big fans of their Make It: One Block Challenge series, offered on May 17th as well for $3.

park photo: NYC Parks

18. Head to one of Manhattan’s top playgrounds. We recommend these!

19. Visit Brooklyn’s Prospect Park for the free outdoor activities of its Pop-Up Audubon series. Activities include nature hikes, bird-watching, and learning about native plants and the aquatics habitats of the park. Grab a Discovery Pack, a ready-to-go kit of nature activities for families.

20. Pipsqueak’s Children’s Shoppe in Brooklyn is always a good idea. This kid’s store offers open play time for $5, among other workshops and music series for your kids to enjoy while you shop.

Sony Wonder Lab photo: via Eden, Janine and Jim on Flickr

21. Visit the Sony Wonder Technology Lab. With free entry, the whole family can explore high tech and creative exhibits that will make you feel like you’re living in the future. The Dance Motion capture is our favorite.

22. Get down at a Celebrate Brooklyn! Dance Party, a free groovefest with live bands and DJs playing Classic Soul Funk (May 14), Electro Soul (May 21) and Latin Jazz (May 28).

23. Take a boat ride on The Staten Island Ferry on a warm, sunny day. It’s free and a great way to see the Statue of Liberty up close.

photo: Public Art Fund

24. Visit one of the many public art installations on view throughout the city, or hit a bunch and make a day of it!

25. We’re already getting excited for the Park Slope Old Stone House’s Rites of Spring event featuring a giant puppet pageant. It’s free and takes place on May 16th. Check out their site for lots of other free events for families.

26. Get crafty. Michaels offers free events (plus supply costs) like jewelry-making and paper crafting at the chain’s multiple NYC locations.

storytime photo: Brooklyn Public Library

27. Head to one of the many free drop-in story times around the city.

28. Never walked the Brooklyn Bridge? It’s time. Take advantage of the nice weather and enjoy this NYC landmark on a sunny afternoon with the whole family.

29. Get to Carnegie Hall by, you know, just going there already. Enjoy free interactive concerts and family activities on weekends at Carnegie Hall. The Hall also offers family concerts throughout in all five boroughs.

30. Sneak away to the Elevated Acre, the New York Earth Room or another one of our favorite secret spots in the city!

What’s on your must-do list this season? Tell us in the comments below!

—Ilyssa Smith

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21 Things Parents in D.C. Absolutely Love

by Ayren Jackson-Cannady

Picture your perfect day with the kids in D.C. What does it entail? A stroll down the National Mall? An exhibit at the Smithsonian? Paddle boats at the Tidal Basin? While the District has its fair share of headaches (traffic, anyone?) there are so many more things to dig-to-pieces about this family-friendly city. Here are just a handful of those things.

Photo courtesy of Discovery Theater via Facebook

#1 Discovery Theater
A theater completely devoted to kids and their imaginations. What’s not to love?

#2 Museums are free
It’s easy to take this for granted, but don’t. With some of the best museums in the country right here in the heart of the city, the fact that they are free should make us all full-time tourists.

#3 Lazy afternoons on the National Mall
Soccer, kites, hotdogs, and carousel rides—need we say more? This wide-open green space is a free-for-all of fun.

#4 Mini-golf at East Potomac Golf Course
The mini-golf course here is actually on the National Register of Historic Places, and features terrific views of the city and Hains Point. Combine this with a tour of the cherry blossoms for a fabulous family outing.

Photo courtesy of THX0477 via Creative Commons

#5 Hanging out with the butterflies
Flutter by, butterflies! Yes, hundreds of them. This awe-inspiring experience is part of the Smithsonian National Museum and kids absolutely love it. Bonus: It’s free to be with the butterflies on Tuesdays.

#6 There are Cherry Blossoms…and lots of them
When the cherry blossoms are in bloom, Hains Point Park is arguably one of the most beautiful places on earth. Take a paddle boat out into the Tidal Basin for an even better view.

#7 Rock Creek Park
Fresh air, majestic trees, wild animals, the ebb and flow of Rock Creek, and it’s all smack dab in the middle of the city.

#8 Rock Creek Park’s planetarium
As if Rock Creek Park wasn’t awesome enough. The park’s planetarium is the real star of the show!

Photo courtesy of Messay Shoakena

#9 Watching airplanes at Gravelly Point Park
Located just off of George Washington Parkway, it’s not the quietest place to be, but nowhere else can you get this up-close-and-personal with a flying airplane unless you’re on it.

#10 Comet Ping Pong
Finally! A place where you can have a beer whilst rocking your kid to sleep. Comet Ping Pong is tasty pizzeria/ping pong spot draws an eclectic crowd—from urban hipsters and Capitol Hill politicians to families-of-four and tourists. The best part: everyone (even your raucous 2-year-old) is welcomed with open arms.

#11 The National Air and Space Museum
Speaking of airplanes…. Our very own National Air and Space Museum holds the largest collection of historic aircraft and spacecraft in the world. Did we mention the cost to get in? Yep, free.

#12 Seeing how money is made at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing
There’s something about money… You can watch millions of dollars being printed at this money museum as you walk along a gallery overlooking the production floor. It’s mesmerizing for grown-ups and minis alike.

#13 Great Falls Park
Just minutes from concrete-laden downtown and you’re in the center of nature, with beautiful views of the Potomac spilling over a series of steep, jagged rocks. For Great Falls Park, you’ll want to bring your camera.

#14 Flying kites at the Washington Monument
A windy day means a heavenly sky swarming with colorful kites. Insider secret: Bring a blanket and let your babe do tummy time at the Washington Monument—she just might do her first rollover while trying to sneak a peek at the kites above.

 

Photo courtesy of Georgetown Cupcake via Facebook

#15 CUPCAKES!
Kids love cupcakes, but D.C. kids (and their parents) looooooooove cupcakes. And we’ve got dozens of different bakeries (plus a food truck) that specialize in the sweet treat to prove it. With all of these options, birthday parties are, well, a piece of cake.

#16 That there are panda bears in our backyard
Pandas are only one of the many cool creatures you can scope at the National Zoo, and, like the museums, it’s free.

#17 Fireworks on the National Mall
Full of patriotism and awe, this spectacular show lights up the sky above the Washington Monument.

Photo courtesy of Harsh1.0 via Creative Commons

#18 The monuments at night
Taking an evening stroll around the landmarks—especially the D.C. War Memorial—is super-pretty and super-chill (the heavy tourist crowds have moved on by 5 pm). Let the kids bring their flashlights and they’ll think they’re on a scavenger hunt.

#19 Crystal City Shops on a rainy day
There isn’t anything super special about the stores and restaurants in this underground shopping center, but there is a long corridor for kids to frolic back and forth through. Crystal City Shops are also great for impromptu walking/stroller workouts. Trust us—you won’t be the only parent there.

#20 Glen Echo Park
Dancing, puppetry, drama, and all forms of art, Glen Echo Park is a mecca for D.C.’s liveliest visual and performing arts.

What do you absolutely love about D.C.? Tel us in the comments section below. 

—Jamy Bond

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Explore: Los Gatos

by writerredtri

The South Bay town of Los Gatos packs a ton of family-friendliness into its tiny streets. You’re sure to fall for the charms of this great little town, and will be raving about it to friends and family – so pack for a day-trip and hit the road!

When to go: Anytime, but avoid the peak of summer as it can get super hot there.

Travel time: Los Gatos is located 45 miles south of San Francisco.

What to see/do: Stroll through the quaint downtown area with its upscale boutiques, fine restaurants, and pretty, well-kept stores and houses, and be sure to take the kids to Oak Meadow/Vasona Lake County Park for a ride on the miniature steam train and the carousel. They’ll love the playground there too – it has a real jet plane and an old fire engine to play on. TIP: Go during the week, as weekends can get busy.

Where to have lunch: The downtown Los Gatos Café is the place to go, or enjoy a home-made picnic at the park.

How to dress: No need to bundle up – just remember the sunscreen and hats.

Bonus: Treat yourselves to ice cream at the snack bar for only $1.

Cost of trip: Inexpensive, despite the $5 parking fee. Train and carousel rides are $2 and under 2s are FREE.

Online: www.town.los-gatos.ca.us

—Annie Sheldon

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