With virtual classes still going strong around the Bay Area, it’s time to up your online game with free Zoom backgrounds that help kids show their Bay Area spirit. They can support local sports teams, feature their favorite zoo animal and even ride the iconic cable cars on the steep streets of San Francisco. Find your favorite to download and get those kids ready to Zoom!
The Redwoods
Michael Macor / The Chronicle
Step out into nature with this gorgeous Zoom background of our favorite tree, the California Coastal Redwood.
Hop on over to the Gallery of California Natural Sciences at the Oakland Museum of California where you can snag this gorgeous photo of a colorful crustacean.
Shark week is coming! Discovery, Inc. just announced its exciting list of merchandising partners for Discovery Channel’s Shark Week 2020 airing Sun. Aug. 9 through Sun. Aug. 16. This year the consumer products program includes new and returning partners including Build-A-Bear.
Build-A-Bear is back for a third year with their Shark Week collection.
Great White Shark is available now and will arrive in stores throughout July. This powerful predator is known for its huge size and sharp teeth. This Great White Shark looks extra cool thanks to the official Shark Week logo on its paw pad.
Saw Shark is the newest online exclusive from Build-A-Bear. Known for their long, saw-like snouts and barbels that look like a mustache, saw sharks often swim in coastal waters. With plush fins and shiny blue fur, this smiley shark also features the official Shark Week logo on its paw pad.
You can personalize your sharks outfits, sounds and scents.
“Every year, we look forward to enhancing our viewers’ love for Shark Week by providing them with an appealing and diverse slate of merchandise,” said Carolann Dunn, Vice President, Consumer Products Licensing, Discovery, Inc. “Our goal is to allow shark lovers to go beyond watching shark-themed programming by wearing or playing with shark-themed products, and this year’s consumer products programming provides the opportunity to do just that.”
For up to date information on Shark Week as well as photos and videos, follow #SharkWeek on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Snapchat.
It’s always a good day for a family hike in Orange County. Whether you want to glimpse some whales swimming by or you are looking for unique rock formations, this list of kid-friendly hikes in Orange County has it all. Get ready to explore!
Editor’s note: We’re making every effort to provide you with the most up-to-date information. However, sometimes closures occur at the last minute due to circumstances beyond our control, such as the spread of Covid-19. We highly recommend that you call ahead before you pack your kids (and all those snacks, and diapers…) and haul them across town. Stay safe!
Start at the Dana Point Nature Interpretive Center on Scenic Drive and head out on this three-mile loop hike with stunning ocean views. The system is a mix of natural-surface hiking trails and paved shared-use paths. Several overlooks offer an opportunity to take in the gorgeous ocean vistas and breathe in the salty air. Uniquely, the trail also connects to a funicular on Strands Beach. Free to ride, the inclined elevator transports visitors from the bluff to the beach and vice versa.
The backcountry and wilderness areas of Crystal Cove State Park offer you 18 miles of hiking trails through 2,400 acres of native wilderness mostly the endangered coastal sage scrub plant community. The Moro Trail is a three-mile out and back hike with very little elevation gain.
This Buena Park trail will take you on a 1.4-mile loop around the park. Bikes are not allowed but dogs on leash may join the fun. Make a stop at the Interpretive Center to check out their massive fossil collection.
The Turtle Rock Nature Center is located in Irvine. This five-acre nature preserve is both a home for wildlife and an outdoor classroom where visitors and program participants learn to protect the natural environment. Winding through the nature preserve is a paved trail that displays native Southern Californian habitats, including riparian, desert and woodlands. Frequent visitors to the nature preserve trail include local birds who enjoy swimming in our pond, lizards who bask in the sun on our rocks and rabbits who disappear into the desert brush.
This Laguna Beach spot has tons to offer for kids: seasonal creek crossings, a super-cool cave and event fossils! In the spring after a good rainfall you may even get to see the waterfall. Park at the Willow Staging Area parking lot and head out on Laurel Canyon Trail. This 3.5-mile hike is a little more strenuous and not great for strollers.
Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park encompasses approximately 2,500 acres of riparian and oak woodland canyons, rolling grassland hills and steep slopes of coastal sage scrub and chaparral. The park is highlighted by scenic rock formations, including the beautiful Red Rock Canyon. This trail is reserved for hikers only (no bikes).
Drive along the sandy stretch known as Mustang Island, in the Coastal Bend region of Texas, and you’ll find yourself in the quirky community of Port Aransas. Dubbed “Port A” by the locals, this charming town has all the vibes of a traditional beach town with a Texas flair you won’t find anywhere else. Discover over 18 miles of wide, sandy beach, a variety of lodging, family-friendly dining, and an array of outdoor fun for kids and their grownups.
It’s the perfect family getaway, just hours from your door.
After last week’s major recall on romaine lettuce, plenty of us have been wondering, “Is romaine lettuce safe to eat?” As it turns out, yes—but only under very limited circumstances, as noted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration.
Following an E. coli outbreak that was linked to contaminated romaine, the CDC and FDA cautioned everyone to stay away from the popular leafy green. So if the lettuce shelves at your local grocer look bare, that’s why. You may have also noticed that any restaurant—from the finest foodie establishments to fast food chains—carrying salads, sandwiches or other romaine-containing products put a hold on selling those lettuce-centric items.
Photo: Keiko Zoll
Following the Nov. 20 update, 11 more cases of romaine-related E. coli were reported. This includes 43 cases across 12 state. Without a specific source, the CDC and FDA had n choice but to tell everyone to avoid all romaine. But now their investigation has narrowed down the contamination to lettuce from northern and central California.
Even though these agencies now have a general idea as to where the romaine originated, they are yet to find a precise grower or distributor. According to the CDC’s website, “If you do not know where the romaine is from, do not eat it.”
#OUTBREAK UPDATE – Preliminary traceback info indicates E. Coli illnesses are likely linked to #romaine lettuce grown in California this fall. Total illnesses – 43, hospitalizations – 16, deaths – 0 in 12 states. For up-to-date, detailed info >> https://t.co/vyKkwprO0Dpic.twitter.com/bM9Q80SH0y
— FDA FOOD (Ctr for Food Safety & Applied Nutrition) (@FDAfood) November 27, 2018
Some romaine is currently labeled with the harvest growing region, but this doesn’t apply to all romaine or products containing romaine. If you can’t find a label, there is no label or the label indicates that the lettuce is from the Central Coastal growing region of California, do NOT eat it.
The CDC and FDA’s current announcement that some lettuce is safe to eat does not apply to all romaine. Caution is absolutely necessary until the investigation pinpoints the exact source of the E. coli contamination.
If you’ve ever wondered what the most popular Disney movie in the United States was, well you’re in luck. CableTV.com’s team of analysts looked at the Disney data and determined the country’s favoritest of the faves. So what did CableTV.com uncover? The Lion King is the number one Disney flick in America, ranking at the top of the list in a whopping 16 states.
Here are how some of the other top-ranking Disney films across the United States. Which Disney movie does your state claim as the best?
The Lion King (1994) was a clear favorite among 16 different states and not limited to one specific region of the country, either. The story of Simba's coming-of-age tale-meets-Hamlet clearly has broad appeal across the United States. Here's where The Lion King reigns supreme: Alabama, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina and Wisconsin.
Each state where Bambi was the most popular Disney film makes total sense, as each has sweeping meadows and beautiful landscapes where fawns like Bambi are a common sight. Folks in the five states of Alaska, Maryland, Montana, Oklahoma and Virginia are absolutely twitterpated for Bambi (1942).
It makes sense that a place like Florida would have The Little Mermaid (1989)as its favorite Disney flick, but even dry desert states like Arizona, Nevada and Texas have a longing for what's under the sea, too.
Kentucky, Massachusetts and Washington must really love their honey and one silly ol' bear, where The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh seems to be these states' favorite Disney flick.
There's something about Aladdin (1992) that the coastal states of California and New Jersey can't get enough of—perhaps it's the flying carpets, Robin Williams as the Genie, the allure of "Prince Ali" (a.k.a., the best Disney song ever) or maybe just dreams of "A Whole New World."
Nine states favored films that weren't the favorites of any other state, representing a wide swath of Disney classics, both new and old, including: Arkansas(Pocahontas),Delaware (Lady and the Tramp), Hawaii(Mulan),Idaho (Sleeping Beauty), Mississippi(Fantasia),NewMexico (Alice in Wonderland), NewYork(Dumbo),Vermont (One Hundred and One Dalmatians), WestVirginia (Snow White) and Wyoming(Hercules).
Utahreally likes its Disney movies—so much that there wasn't just a two- or three-way tie for the Beehive State's favorite Disney films. Utah had a 14-way tie for the following Disney favorites: Snow White, Pinocchio, Cinderella, Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan, Lady and the Tramp,Sleeping Beauty, The Jungle Book, Robin Hood, The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Hercules and Tarzan!
—Erica Loop, with additional reporting by Keiko Zoll
Nestled in the central California coast in San Luis Obispo County, the Highway 1 Discovery Route (H1DR) spans from Ragged Point to the dunes of Nipomo. This region has breathtaking natural beauty, amazing outdoor adventure and delicious restaurants. There is so much to see, taste and discover—come along and check out our favorite spots!
Stay
The Blue Dolphin Inn
The Blue Dolphin Inn in Cambria is directly on Moonstone Beach, offering spectacular ocean views and beautiful trails to explore just steps away from your room. Even though this is a relaxing environment they are also super child-friendly and accommodating. Their breakfast is included and delivered to your room in the morning. Your little ones will enjoy choosing what they want to eat for breakfast as they play by the fireplace with the decorative starfish and shells.
6470 Moonstone Beach Drive, Cambria, CA
888-927-3300 Online:cambriainns.com
Eat
Linn’s Restaurant
Linn’s began as a farm fruit stand and over time has grown into a favorite destination for locals and visitors alike. Linn’s serves perfectly-executed comfort food with really high quality and fresh ingredients. Try their beautiful home-made soups, original seafood dishes, locally-sourced meats, or their famous pot-pies. And be sure to save room after your meal as they boast one of the most extensive dessert menus in the region. You must try the olallieberry pie. It’s so good and not too sweet.
Linn’s Restaurant
2277 Main Street, Cambria, CA
805-927-0371 Online: linnsfruitbin.com
Robin’s Restaurant
For more than 25 years, this local favorite has been serving amazing food in its vine-covered patio and cozy interior. Robin’s features eclectic choices as Vietnamese spring rolls, Portobello and spinach lasagna and peach-glazed pork baby back ribs. The curries are Thai-influenced and simply delicious.
Sebastian’s and Hearst Ranch Winery
This awesome lunch spot is across the street from Hearst Castle and located in the historic Sebastian Brother’s General Store. Built in 1852 at the peak of the whaling industry, the Sebastian Brothers provided goods and services to whalers, fishermen, miners and neighboring ranches. The interior walls are covered in interesting artifacts from that area and the sunny patio offers expansive views. Try their hamburgers made from their own cattle or flaky fish and chips with homemade sauce.
Elephant Seal Rookery
The Northern Elephant Seal migrates thousands of miles twice each year, from the open oceans to a land-based rookery, where it breeds, births, molts and rests between trips. The Piedras Blancas rookery, on HWY 1, north of San Simeon is home to about 15,000 animals. The area is open for viewing every day of the year and docents are on site daily from 10 a.m. to 4 pm. Come see these magnificent marine mammals up close on one of the prettiest coastlines in California.
The Coastal Discovery Center at San Simeon Cove
The Center offers interactive exhibits and education programs which highlight the cultural and natural history of San Simeon, California State Parks and Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Bonus: Free Admission! Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m-5 p.m.
The Hearst Castle
Take the family on a tour of this impressive California castle where William Hearst entertained the rich and famous of his time. View the magnificent ground floor rooms of La Casa Grande (big house) and enjoy the amazing art Hearst acquired from all around the world.
750 Hearst Castle Road, San Simeon, CA
(800)444-4445 Online:hearstcastle.org
The Highway 1 Discovery Route
Located halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, the H1DR is made up of ten diverse artisan towns and seaside villages starting just south of Big Sur. Through the end of February, the H1DR offers special programming to celebrate the fifth annual Coastal Discovery & Stewardship Celebration. Immerse yourself in the local marine life, coastal heritage and natural attractions along the iconic CA Highway 1 Discovery Route. Watch a movie at Hearst Castle, tour the Piedras Blancas Light Station, explore Monarch Butterfly migration and more. Plan your trip south during this time to take advantage of all that is offered.
If injecting a little nature into your monthly routine is on the agenda for 2018, then put a star on the second Saturday of every month. In celebration of their 100th anniversary, the Save the Redwoods League is offering free day-use passes on the second Saturday of each month to over 40 redwoods state parks, starting on January 13. Read on for some tips, nearby favorites that are perfect for a day trip and how to print out your free pass.
Save the Redwoods
The majestic redwood trees draw visitors from worlds away and we are super lucky to have them reside in our own backyard. Redwood forests are an important ecosystem as they contain the tallest and largest trees on the planet and store more carbon from the atmosphere than any other forest ecosystem. Before 1850, there were two million acres of old-growth redwood forest. Today, only 5% of that remains. The Save the Redwoods League has been working for 100 years to protect the redwood forest and they want you to head to a nearby park to enjoy it for yourself.
A Habitat for Endangered and Imperiled Wildlife
If you’ve visited any of our local redwoods state parks recently, you’ve no doubt been given information about the Marbled Murrelet, a Pacific seabird that nests high up in tall trees in coastal forests and is seriously threatened by redwood logging. Both the Marbled Murrelet and the Northern Spotted Owl make their home in our redwoods and only by protecting those redwoods can we save these creatures from extinction.
Parks from North to South
With participating redwoods state parks from Del Norte county down to Big Sur, there’s tons of opportunities to explore a park you haven’t been to yet. Check the website for all of your options. Some nearby favorites include California’s oldest state park—Big Basin, the staggering vistas of Mount Tamalpais in Marin and Butano State Park on the coast near Pescadero. The giant sequoias of Calaveras Big Trees State Park and Mendocino’s Hendy Woods State Park are worth the drive and even an overnight nearby.
The Details
More than 16,000 free all-day passes will be given away throughout 2018. Visit the website to find an available park and print out your free pass. If there are no free passes available for the date and location you’d like, you are still welcome to visit that park and pay the day-use fee. Only one pass per vehicle is needed.
Save the Redwoods League staff will be leading free guided hikes at select parks. Sign ups for free hikes can also be done via the website.
Dates: January 13, February 10, March 10, April 14, May 12, June 9, July 14, August 11, September 8, October 14, November 10 and December 8
Located just four hours away from Atlanta is the beautiful island of Hilton Head, South Carolina. Dripping with Spanish moss and Southern charm, Hilton Head is aglow with it’s landmark lighthouse and activities for all ages. Read on for your guide to this island oasis of family fun.
Beach Basics
With over 12 miles of sparking sand beaches there is so much of it for you to enjoy. Public beach access and parking is abundant if your hotel or rental isn’t beach adjacent. Visit the Hilton Head Island website for parking and public access locations. Coligny Beach Park (12 S. Forest Beach Dr.) has earned a reputation for being one of the most fam-friendly beaches due to their fabulous fountain (perfect for cooling off), clean bathrooms and swings in the shade.
Beyond The Beach
Whether it is due to a sudden shower or a sunburn, sometimes the littles need a break from the beach. Located just off Pope Avenue on the south end of the island, the littles will love The Sandbox‘s interactive museum for children, complete with a Spanish galleon play ship and pilot flight simulator. If you are looking for the local Loggerheads, The Coastal Discovery Museum offers evening turtle walks Tuesday and Thursday nights during the summer (no children under 4) as well as other family programs. Home to 36 holes of miniature golf and the only arcade on the island, Adventure Cove Arcade and Miniature Golf and Arcade is sure to bring out everyone’s competitive side. If you would like to take your vacation off shore, Hilton Head Island Sailing offers dolphin watching and sunset sails that are sure to make you fall in love with coastal living. Commander Zodiac offers dolphin watching, kids water fun camps, sea life discovery excursions and junior sailing classes for young sea lovers.
Happenings, like HarbourFest, offer opportunities for evening entertainment beyond the beach. Don’t miss this longstanding island tradition as singer Shannon Tanner entertains multi-generation crowds with songs like “My Hair Had A Party Last Night” at the pavilion at Shelter Cove Harbour (Monday-Thursday at 6:30 and 8 p.m.).
Good Eats Parents will love their raw bar, she-crab soup, and selection of more than 250 beers from around the world at Steamer Seafood, while the wee ones will love how they “plate” the kid’s meals on a Frisbee. Hilton Head Backyard Restaurant serves up seafood as well as regional fare with outside seating nestled under a canopy of trees. Or, hit the popular Skull Creek Boathouse on the early side for amazing water views and a kid-friendly atmosphere (Jenga while you wait!). Coligny Ice Cream Cone and Deli is the perfect spot for a sweet treat or a quick bite to eat.
Where to Stay
The Sonesta Resort sits on 11 acres of beachfront property and offers casual and fine dining options, a zero entry heated swimming pool and children’s area, spa as well as the Just Us Kids Club. At this club kids as young as age three can spend their days riding bikes, swimming, feeding turtles and hiking all under the watchful eye of First Aid and CPR certified counselors.
For those looking to stay a while on the island and would like more room to spread out vacation rentals are the way to go. The ability to cook your own meals and have separate sleeping quarters can make your vacation that much more enjoyable. Sunset Rentals offers housing options from economy to elegant in varying neighborhoods across the island.
Have you been to Hilton Head? What is your favorite beach to take the babes? Tell us in the comments section below!
Days are getting warmer. Summer is on the horizon. It’s time to look for new adventures. Leave the electronics at home and get little ones in touch with the outdoors at the San Elijo Lagoon Nature Center. This North County coastal is a hidden treasure and features the perfect mix of hands-on fun and learning. It’s also a great spot to spend a couple of hours.
About San Elijo Lagoon Nature Center The San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve is one of the largest (915 acres!), and one of the few remaining, coastal wetlands in San Diego County. It’s owned and operated by San Diego County Department of Parks and Recreation. The 5600-square-foot certified ‘green’ nature center and interactive museum is a great spot to learn about the plants and wildlife in the area. It is free to explore the trails and nature center, however donations are appreciated.
What to Do The Nature Center has a mix of different activities, from hiking to indoor fun to special events. Here’s are our picks for fun things to do.
Go on a Nature Treasure Hunt: Each explorer receives a board and crayons, and is encouraged to track how many things can they can see, hear, smell and touch. These fun explorations are available anytime the center is open. The rangers keep the laminated cards behind the counter, so be sure to ask for one when you go in. Kiddos can expect to see snakes, lizards, butterflies, spiders and herons (along with other birds). Don’t forget to look for the striped mullet jumping out of the water as you walk around the lagoon trail. Be quick, though; they move fast.
Children’s Story Time: Story time for kids on the third Tuesday and Thursday each month at 11 a.m. A Nature Center volunteer spins yarns about animals and outdoors to kiddos. Since this is indoors, it’s a great way to cool off and enjoy some relaxing time after a hike.
Family Fun Days: Family Fun Days are on the first Sunday of the month, from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Unplug and learn with hands-on activities including crafts, story time and touching artifacts.
The Family Fun Days theme for summer is Kumeyaay, the Native American people who once lived in the wetland for food, shelter, clothing and medicine. Here’s a look at the upcoming programs.
Sunday, June 1 – Kumeyaay Life: Acorns on the Rocks: Kids will have a chance to grind real acorns
Sunday, July 6 – Ancient Artifacts and Skulls: Kids can uncover secrets of the past in a mock dig site
Sunday, August 3 – Living Off the Land: Find out all about what native people ate
Special Events Check the calendar for special events. We highly recommend the Not-So-Scary Estuary event at Halloween. It’s one of the best trick-or-treat trails in town. Kids come in costume and enjoy hands-on activities and treats at various stations both inside the nature center and around the trail.
Tips Don’t forget closed-toe shoes, hats, sunscreen and water. There are water fountains and bathrooms at the nature center, but not out on the trails.
A $1 donation is suggested for regular and special events.
There is limited parking available. So if you’re visiting the Nature Center for a special event, be sure to arrive early and allow for plenty of time to find a parking space.
2710 Manchester Avenue
Cardiff-by-the-Sea, Ca
Online: sanelijo.org
Hours: Open daily (except Christmas), 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Have you visited the San Elijo Lagoon Nature Center? Tell us about your visit in the comments!
