The Best Places to Find Fall Foliage Near Los Angeles

by Jenifer ScottOctober 11, 2022

From nearby parks and botanical gardens to mountain towns a short drive away, here’s where to find fall foliage near LA

Calling all LA leaf peepers! Outside temps might still be somewhat toasty, but there are plenty of places to find fall in southern California near Los Angeles. This week and next are predicted to be near peak and peak fall foliage for southern California (including the Los Angeles Forest, San Bernardino Mountains, and Mt. San Jacinto) so if you want to get your fall fix of reds, oranges and yellows, use our list of where to go to find fall foliage. Of course a couple of these spots go hand-in-hand with that autumn in California vibe—check out nearby pumpkin picking, apple orchards that are fun for the whole family and the best Halloween events around LA. So grab a pumpkin spice latte, a seasonal scarf, your camera and get ready to hit the road for a family-friendly adventure that proves that leaves do change color in southern California.

Where to Find the Best Fall Foliage Near Los Angeles

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Los Angeles County Arboretum (@laarboretum)

1. Los Angeles Arboretum and Botanical Gardens

Located at the base of the San Gabriel mountains, the LA Arboretum is a great place to experience a quintessential fall scenery like a New England-style fall without ever getting on a plane. Boasting 127 acres of trees and plants from all over the world, the Arboretum produces a brilliant display of colors. Little ones can collect fallen red leaves from all of the Freeman’s maple trees or snag a few beautiful yellow ones fallen from the Shagbark hickories.

Know Before You Go: Peek leaf-peeping is typically from late Oct. through early Nov. The best and brightest fall foliage can be found in the Arboretum’s Celebration or Meadowbrook Gardens. If you really want to immerse your lil'pumpkins in the full fall experience, sign them up for the Arboretum's fee-based Autumn Nature Camp where kids will take part in nature-themed science and art activities in a safe and controlled environment.

301 North Baldwin Ave.
Arcadia
Online: arboretum.org

2. Lacy Park

Beautiful and historic Lacy Park is home to several varieties of deciduous trees, spanning over 30 acres of lush beauty. An afternoon stroll around its mile-long walking path is sure to foster that fall feeling in the whole family so make sure to have a thermos of hot cocoa on stand-by for an after-walk treat. One of the best bike paths for kids in LA, bring bikes, trikes, scooters and roller-skates—the path is perfect for all things with wheels (and fur—take your four-legged friends for a leashed romp around the very dog-friendly grounds). Your tiny foliage followers will love the freedom to roam and you will love the cute fall pictures thanks to an array of color splashed across the trees come late Oct. and early Nov.

Know Before You Go: While this park is free for all during the week, on weekends those who don’t live in San Marino must pay a $5 entrance fee.

1485 Virginia Rd.
San Marino
Online: ci.san-marino.ca.us/277/Lacy-Park

3. Whittier Narrows Recreation Area

Boasting almost 1500 acres, Whittier Narrows Park in the City of South El Monte and is one of Los Angeles County’s largest recreation areas. Nearly every ecosystem is represented here from swamps to forest to desert, making for lots of interesting plant and animal life to check out. Have your leaf lovers take their scooters for a ride while you stroll around the 3-mile walking trail soaking in all of the different sorts of colors this nature reserve has to offer.

750 S. Santa Anita Ave.
South El Monte
Online: parks.lacounty.gov

4. South Coast Botanic Garden

Palos Verdes is a pretty amazing place to visit but when you add cool coastal breezes into the mix, you get a whole lot of fall color options at South Coast Botanic Garden. With 87 acres of well-maintained flora and fauna, this is truly PV's best kept horticultural secret and a must-visit in the autumn months. You won't find New England oak trees here but (even prettier?) pink leaves from the Silk Fox Trees and the vibrant orange blooms from the Dwarf Trumpet Trees will be bursting with colors before they fall onto the ground (along with lots more tree leaf varietals). The littles will love the Children's Garden developed around nursery rhymes and also featuring an enchanted dollhouse and bridge, a secret tunnel, worm bin, alphabet garden, butterfly garden, and whimsical characters.

Know Before You Go: The best time to wander through this colorful expanse is the end of Oct. through mid-Nov. when the temps cool down.

26300 Crenshaw Blvd.
Palos Verdes Peninsula
Online: southcoastbotanicgarden.org

5. Malibu Creek State Park

The Santa Monica Mountains provide some of the best opportunities for local leaf-peeping, and at Malibu Creek Park (or what the locals call the "Yosemite of Southern California") you’ll discover some lovely old-growth trees that turn all shades of fall as cooler air comes to town (keep your eyes peeled for the beautiful yellow-leaf Sycamore varieties). One of the best spots for beginner hikers, Malibu Creek lives up to its name with a gurgling stream and low elevation trails. Want to make a day of it? Check out our what to do in Malibu guide.

1925 Las Virgenes Rd.
Agoura Hills
Online: malibucreekstatepark.org

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Huntington (@thehuntingtonlibrary)

6. The Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens

Let's be honest—there is never really a bad time of the year to visit The Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens. And while the gardens in autumn might not pass for the backwoods of Vermont, it's still a wonderful spot to see trees you might not associate with all things autumn (but certainly come alive throughout the season). Check out the colorful leaves on trees like the American Sweetgum, Koelreuteria Henryi, and Lion’s Ear before feasting your leaf-peeping peepers on the bloom of fall fruits, including the berry-like variety that grows on Washington Hawthorns.

Know Before You Go: Peak fall foliage at the Huntington is typically found during the month of Nov. so plan accordingly.

1151 Oxford Rd.
San Marino
Online: huntington.org/gardens

7. West Valley

If a quick drive down a tree-lined street is more your speed, pack up your little botanists and head to West Valley (making up the western portion of Santa Clara County, the West Valley includes the West San Jose neighborhood of the city of San Jose, along with the cities of Campbell, Cupertino, Los Gatos, Monte Sereno, and Saratoga).

There are several stretches of streets planted with non-native deciduous trees that really put on a show. There are Sweet Gums on Lindley Ave. from Reseda to Northridge that turn a vibrant red.

Yellow Modesto Ash can be found on Winnetka Ave. from Oxnard St. to Victory Blvd. Also, the poplars at nearby Warner Center Park turn a beautiful yellow. Strap in your carseat travelers, drive through a coffee shop for something warm, and pretend you're driving through a tiny New England town.

Worth the Drive: Where to Find the Best Fall Foliage Near Los Angeles

best fall foliage near LA Mammoth Lakes — Patrick Griley/Mammoth Lakes Tourism

8. Mammoth Lakes

Now's the time to head to Mammoth Lakes—Rock Creek Canyon, Lakes Basin and the Town of Mammoth Lakes along with Mammoth Rock Trail is currently putting on a show and is near its peak fall foliage! And while this trip isn't do-able in a day (it's about a 5-hour drive from LA), spending the weekend in the Eastern Sierras is always a good time. For recommendations on where to stay, check out our story about the best things to do in Mammoth (even though the article is about the winter, it's 100% applicable for the fall).

San Francisco Photographer Dan Kurtzman’s recent fall foliage drive through the Eastern Sierras

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Dan Kurtzman • San Francisco (@dankurtzmanphotography)

9. Big Bear

People tend to think of Big Bear for snow in the winter or maybe the lake in the summer but a Big Bear fall is also a spectacular time to visit this forested getaway. You can leave the city behind and be welcomed by crisp blue skies, the smell of pine, and trees turning beautiful fall colors. For Big Bear fall foliage, take your leaf peepers on a quaint drive around the lake where many of the mountainside trees turn a fairy tale shade of golden yellow or grab a coffee in town where the streets are adorned with red maples. With so much for families to do in Big Bear—you and your loved ones won't want to leave this idyllic mountain retreat.

Note-Worthy Must-Dos: Don't miss the 52nd Annual Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest: Running for nine consecutive weekends through Nov. 5, every Fri., Sat. and Sun. and for the first time since 2019, a band directly from Germany will be preforming, in addition to some of the best German-American bands to help celebrate Big Bear’s beloved Oktoberfest tradition.

To maximize your time (and those Instagram-worthy leaf photos), check out Big Bear Hiking Adventures—a new, guided hiking experience all around Big Bear. From moderate hikes along Big Bear’s famed Pedal Path to longer excursions along Cougar Crest that showcases spectacular views, you'll be connected with expert guides that will lead you through the beauty of the San Bernardino National Forest.

Online: bigbear.com

10. Lake Arrowhead

Lake Arrowhead's fall colors put on an awesome visual show, not to mention, it's also a cozy, and quaint mountain resort and have rounded up the best things to do with kids to Lake Arrowhead. Like Big Bear, it’s often thought of as a winter or summer retreat, but the fall months are when the fall foliage is part of the stunning scenery—making this town a must-visit. Black oak, cottonwood, and maple trees create a painters palette of rose, orange, and gold colors that will delight the most seasoned leaf peepers. Don't forget your camera! This is one of the best fall photoshoot locations for families and one of the best places for fall pictures.

Don't Miss Events: Pumpkins in the Pines takes place at SkyPark at Santa's Village and is a great way to celebrate those crisp, cool days and the changing colors of Fall as well as Lake Arrowhead Village's Oktoberfest both are happening now through the end of Oct.

Know Before You Go: Located 80 miles East of greater Los Angeles, Lake Arrowhead is about an hour and a half-hour drive (depending on traffic). Be prepared for some car sickness—the last 15 minutes of the drive is steep and full of switchbacks.

Online: lakearrowhead.com

11. Oak Glen

Oak Glen fall foliage is next level thanks to the mile-high climate that allows brightly colored black walnut and oak trees to shine during autumn months. Snuggled in the heart of apple country, Oak Glen is worth the 1.5 hour drive from Los Angeles to get a taste of fall and not just for the leaves. See why Oak Glen is the best for apple picking and fresh-pressed cider, and other quintessential fall favorites.

Know Before You Go: If your little leaf peepers are excited to combine fall color sightseeing with apple picking, make sure to head out of Los Angeles early in the morning. Our recommend? Try to arrive before 10 a.m. especially if you're heading here on a weekend.

Oak Glen Rd.
Oak Glen
Online: oakglen.net

12. Idyllwild Nature Center

If you're looking for that quaint mountain town feel that's less crowded than some of the other well-known options, Idyllwild is the place to go. Nestled in the heart of the San Jacinto mountains, this cozy spot is surrounded by pine trees, cottonwoods, and cedar trees that come alive mid-to-end Oct. with vibrant shades of golds, yellows, and orange. Because the town is full of locally-owned restaurants and shops, Idyllwild has tons of small-town atmosphere which lends itself nicely to peaceful leaf-peeping.

Know Before You Go: The Nature Center is open Wed.-Sun. and has a small, per person, entrance fee.

25225 Highway 243
Idyllwild
Online: rivcoparks.org/idyllwild-nature-center

I Quit Drinking and Now Date Night Looks Different

By Jenny Jurica

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

July 19, 2022

Before I quit drinking alcohol back in 2010, a typical date night for my husband and I meant dinner (plus drinks) and drinks. Oh, and then drinks after dinner. Then, if we still had anything left in us after the date, more drinks at home after the kids were in bed.

Especially after we had our first baby, when we got a rare date night, we didn’t want to waste our time doing anything but drinking our new-parent frustrations away and trying to find the “old” us that was hidden under layer upon layer of sleep deprivation and Elmo-induced brain atrophy. In fact, back in those days, a date night activity that didn’t involve alcohol felt like punishment. Why even bother?

Then, I quit drinking, and I remember feeling very lost when we got our first, long-overdue date night. What on earth were we supposed to do on a date night now if I couldn’t drink? I’d be lying if I said that I remember what we did on those first few sober date nights, but now that I’ve been doing sober date nights for a while, I feel like I have a better-stocked arsenal of date night ideas that don’t involve drinking.

So, in case you’re a teetotaler (like me), maybe you’re pregnant and miss being able to drink on date night or maybe you’re just looking for ways to have fun without the hooch every now and then, here are 8 date night ideas that don’t completely revolve around alcohol.

1: Go to the movies: Of course, there’s a new wave of movie theater “experience” that incorporates drinking into enjoying a movie. We have Alamo Drafthouse where we live and fancier versions in the larger cities nearby, but I enjoy a good movie on a date night. I think it’s a real treat to go and watch a movie that I choose, that doesn’t involve a Pixar character, nor an animated version of Justin Timberlake singing top-40 hits. Plus, I’m all about getting candy or another sweet treat that I don’t have to share.

2: Play mini-golf: Going to play mini-golf WITHOUT your kids might seem cruel, but nobody said that you have to tell your kids where you went on date night, right? I think that mini-golf is all kinds of fun. Do you want to know what makes it even more fun? When you can get fiercely competitive with your partner and play your heart out without having to give up a shot for your kid or wait as your 1st grader takes 52 shots on a par 4.

3: Costco run: Lame, right? But, imagine this: Costco After Dark. Way less crowded than your usual Saturday, at 11 am Costco run. Plus, you and your partner can carefully critique the differences between the latest and greatest televisions that Costco has to offer. You can wander around, gathering samples without having to bite your Kirkland-brand peanut butter cup into four equal portions so that your toddler and 4-year-old don’t lose their minds in the middle of the store. Better yet? Pick up the toilet paper and kitty litter that you’ve been putting off purchasing and have your spouse load it in the back of your minivan for you. Now, that’s what I call foreplay. Meeeeow!

4: Go to the museum: Many museums offer an after-hours happy hour every month or so. Yes, booze is usually the primary focus of these events but you can take the opportunity to see the museum without the large crowds who are typically there during normal business hours. A museum membership is sometimes required to attend these events, but museum memberships are awesome for families to take advantage of anyway. They always pay for themselves in just a couple of visits and they afford you the luxury of going to the museum on a rainy day to see the one thing that your kid cares about seeing and then leaving directly after. No need to try and get your money’s worth out of a single-day ticket.

5: Linger at a coffee shop: Since I quit drinking, coffee shops have become a favorite place of mine. I never cared to have coffee after the hours of about 10 am before, but now, an after-dinner coffee is a special treat (and sometimes necessary to stay awake past 9 pm). Coffee shops are also good places to go and have a nice, uninterrupted conversation with your spouse. I love to people watch there also. All good things.

6: Take in some community theater: Most communities—no matter how small or large—have community theater. Some of the productions are really, really good and some of them…aren’t. But, on date night, it doesn’t matter. You’re out of the house, sans kids. There’s often beer and wine available in the lobby of these productions, but it’s not pushed on you like it is in, say, comedy clubs. Go check out a production and remark on how talented (or not!) your neighbors are.

7: Church activities: Most churches have opportunities to be social with other couples every now and then (if not more often). I’ve heard great things about “small groups,” that give you the opportunity to meet other people from the church outside of services. Our church has classes and seminars as well that would be good to do on a date night.

8: Shopping: There’s something rather appealing about going shopping with your spouse without the kids in tow. To leisurely browse on your own time and look at what YOU want to look at, without having to divide your time with your spouse, watching the kids play in the indoor mall playscape while the other runs quickly into Sears to grab a refrigerator filter and a new shirt. Use date night shopping as an opportunity to pick out new dress clothes or new granny panties—whatever makes you feel good. Or, shop at a furniture store for your (perhaps fictitious) dream house. No purchase necessary.

I used to see date night as more of a “treat yo self” night—a night that I could escape my day job and drink to alleviate the stress of parenthood. Every time though, I’d end up feeling like a worse parent—especially when I was hungover the next morning and unable to properly perform even the simplest of parenting duties for my kids. Now that I’m sober, date night is truly a recharging night for me. I get to enjoy my husband’s company and then wake up refreshed the next morning, ready to do this crazy job called “parenting” to the best of my abilities.

Jenny Jurica

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

I'm Jenny, a married mother to two kids and a whole gaggle of pets. I quit drinking in 2010 when I realized that alcohol was calling too many of the shots in my life and turning me into a person that I wasn't proud of. I haven't looked back.

Our Favorite Secret Lakes & Ponds in San Diego

by Bonnie TaylorJuly 8, 2022

San Diego is known for its vacation-worthy beaches, but you don’t always have to go to the ocean to play in the water (or be forced to deal with all that sand). If you go inland and look between our hills and canyons you’ll find tons of freshwater lakes and ponds that are splash-worthy for a fun-filled day. Scroll down for our favorite in-the-know watering holes (until now that is) that tend to be less crowded and more secluded—you might even be the only ones there! Plus we’ve paired each waterway with a food hot spot nearby to grab some coffee, sandwiches or grab a box of doughnuts from one of our favorite shops for your lakeside adventures.

Evan’s Pond

This one is at the top because it’s one of the least-known ponds on this list (until now that is). It’s right across the street from its more famous “Big Brother” Lake Miramar and it’s tucked behind the Scripps Miramar Ranch Library next to its parking lot. It’s a small pond with a cute flat trail that will take littles about 20 minutes to walk around—longer if they stop to feed the ducks or throw rocks into the water.

Insider Tip: The library sells duck food from its gift shop inside, cash only.

Food Hot Spots: Stop by Gong Cha for teas and boba, or Somisomi (one of our favorite ice cream shops in San Diego) for soft serve or Paris Baguette for pastries and coffee.

Evan’s Pond
10301 Scripps Lake Dr.
Scripps Ranch
Online: sandiego.gov

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Veronica Mosti (@theverofam)

Discovery Lake

Plan to spend several hours here because your kids won’t want to leave (making hitting up that food hot spot below even more clutch). After you walk or stroll on the lower flat paved loop trail for about 40 minutes (or you can take the upper hiking trail), you can choose to visit the small fishing dock, the new forest-themed playground or run around in the splash pad.

Food Hot Spots: You’ll discover a new favorite at the Old California Coffee House & Eatery, which has vegan and gluten-free options and even fire pits outside.

Discovery Lake
650 Foxhall Dr.
San Marcos

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Phillip Lee Mangham (@magnum_adventures)

Lower Otay Lake

Get inspired at this Olympic-approved lake which serves as the training lake for rowing sports from the U.S. Olympic Training Center across the street. Even if you don’t have Olympic aspirations, you can rent a boat and feel like one for the day. You can also rent fishing gear and buy live bait from the Rocky Mountain Recreation Company on-site to fish from the dock. They also sell ice cream, drinks, snacks and picnic supplies. Bring your bikes or go for a long walk on the quiet out-and-back trail that hugs the lake.

Insider Tip: The lake is only open on Wed, Sat & Sun and it's closed the 2nd Wed. of each month.

Food Hot Spots: Starbucks, IHOP and Islands Burgers are all nearby.

Lower Otay Lake
1500 Wueste Rd.
Chula Vista
Online: sandiego.gov

Model Yacht Pond

Bring your remote-controlled water toys to zip around on this hidden pond on Mission Bay. It’s primarily used for sailing small model yachts, so while it seems inviting, there is no swimming allowed here. However, a model yacht club meets regularly, and if you’re lucky enough to be here when they are, it’s a really nice group, and some will even let your kids sail their boats for a few minutes! When the kids are done watching, there are trees to climb, sandy beaches nearby with shaded picnic tables, bathrooms and fire pits for bonfires.

Food Hot Spot: Walk next door to Paradise Point Resort to grab a coffee from their Island Grinds Coffee shop or order pizza from their Barefoot Bar & Grill on the water. This is also a fun spot to walk around, find their native bird habitat lagoons, buy duck food from their gift shop and climb to the top of the lookout tower.

Model Yacht Pond
2800 Ingraham St.
Mission Bay
Online: sandiego.gov

Heritage Park Pond

Spend the entire day here with over nine options for fun! Choose from the playground, skate park and walking trails to run out some energy. For more action, bring a ball for the basketball courts or soccer field or a frisbee for the large open spaces. Grab a picnic table for lunch and use the barbecue grills and bathrooms. Check the schedule for concerts at the amphitheater or recreation classes at the community center. To keep it simple, kids will love just running around the hills and walking around the duck pond. When you need a break from all the activity, walk across the street for lots of food options.

Food Hot Spots: Walk across the street to DK Che Fruit for smoothies, raspados and tortas.

Heritage Park Pond
1339 E Palomar St.
Chula Vista
Online: chulavistaca.gov

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Cuc Tran (@ct.diaries)

Lindo Lake

Play at the only natural lake in San Diego County with loads of activities to choose from. Start at the playground near the library or hit the skate park, walk or bike around the loop trail that circles the lake, and then go find the butterfly garden. If you’re feeling sporty, bring your rackets for the tennis courts, play catch at the softball fields or throw some horseshoes in the pits. You’ll also find 17 fitness stations for a free workout on the southwestern part of the lake. Kids will enjoy doing the TRACK Trails program, where you complete an educational scavenger hunt and log them online for prizes. Check the park ranger schedule online to go for a guided hike.

Food Hot Spot: Mary’s Donuts & Coffee is a nearby locals favorite and their lunch and breakfast sandwiches are also a big hit.

Lindo Lake
12660 Lindo Ln.
Lakeside
Online: sdparks.org

Webb Lake

Tucked behind some office buildings and next to the Courtyard by Marriott hotel, you’ll find this quaint little lake that’s more of a pond. It’ll take kids about 10 minutes to run around it, but they’ll probably go around a few times. Bring little trikes and scooters for them to practice on the flat paved loop around. Stop to find the koi fish, turtles and ducks swimming around. There’s also a small waterfall that’s fun for kids to watch and a little bridge to run over next to the Veteran’s Memorial. Trees keep this area shaded and it’s a great picnic spot, so stop at a nearby restaurant or BYO lunch (no bathrooms here so plan ahead).

Food Hot Spot: Starbucks and Peet’s Coffee are nearby and lots of restaurant options down the street.

Webb Lake
11666 Avena Pl.
Rancho Bernardo

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Lakehouse Resort (@lakehousehotel)

Lake San Marcos

Rent a boat on this small private lake for a relaxing morning or early evening family time. You can rent electric Duffy boats or pontoons for cruising or fishing. If you want more of a workout, you can rent SUPs, kayaks or pedal boats. The water is calm because there are no wakes, so it’s ideal for little kids and beginners to enjoy. If you want someone to row you around, hire a guided gondola tour from Black Swan Gondola Company, they might even sing to you!

Pro Tip: Turn this into a relaxing stay-cation and get a room at the modern Lakehouse Hotel.

Food Hot Spots: Eat dockside at the Amalfi Marina Bar for out-of-this-world pizza or walk across the street to D’liteful Chocolat for crepes, breakfast and of course chocolate.

Lake San Marcos
1025 La Bonita Dr.
San Marcos
Online: lsmmarina.com

The Hands-Down Best Bakeries in Chicago for Birthday Cakes

by Sara YanigaJune 27, 2022

For a kid, there’s nothing more exciting than a birthday party. And having a great birthday cake—one that tastes good and looks cool—is an important part of their special day. No matter what your child’s superhero, video game or character obsession du jour may be, you will find a Chicago bakery to create a canvas for those candles. Here are our favorites. Make a wish!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Alliance Bakery (@alliancebakery)

Alliance Bakery

Break the cake mold and dream beyond the traditional sheet cake with one-dimension designs. Having served as Executive Pastry Chef at downtown hotels and winning or placing in several design competitions, Chef Peter Rios’ Alliance Bakery is ready to show you that if you can think it, he can bake it. Besides his 3-dimensional edible works of art, Chef shows off skills he picked up training in Paris with his European-inspired pastries and desserts.

1736 W. Division St., Wicker Park; Online: alliance-bakery.com

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Bartleby’s Homemade Ice Cream (@bartlebysicecream)

Bartleby’s Ice Cream Cakes

Some people prefer an ice cream cake to a traditional cake with frosting, but still want it to be as special and unique as the guest of honor. That is exactly where Bartleby’s comes to the rescue! Using the finest ingredients, the cakes are made fresh to order, including the ice cream, and can be customized in any combination of flavors your heart desires. You can also find vegan and gluten-free options, too.

Check site for rotation of pick-up locations around Chicago; Online: bartlebyscakes.com

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Bennison's Bakery (@bennisonsbakery)

Bennison's Bakery

Let’s face it: Some of us are a little more last-minute with party planning than others. If you find yourself cakeless the day of, you could either pull through the nearest Portillo’s drive-thru and enjoy the reaction when you order an entire chocolate cake with a side of cheese fries or you could find a bakery with amazing pre-made cakes. Bennison’s, a North Shore institution since 1938, is one of those gems that stocks delicious 7” and 9” chocolate and yellow cakes with either fudge or buttercream icing. Ask them to fancy it up with the birthday celebrant's name and you’re good to go.

1000 Davis St., Evanston; Online: bennisoncakes.com

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Defloured Bakery (@deflouredbakery)

Defloured

Gluten-impervious baker Johanna is only sensitive to wheat in the way she feels that every person should have the ability to enjoy worry-free heavenly desserts. She took on and conquered the challenge of making desserts that were indecipherable from their glutenized counterparts. For kids who might be gluten-sensitive or for anyone just looking for a delicious cake to celebrate their special day, call or send Johanna an email to place an order. Keep your eyes peeled while you’re out and about, you might find samples of these gluten-free goodies at your nearest Whole Foods or coffee shop in addition to their Andersonville storefront.

1477 W. Balmoral, Andersonville; Online: deflouredbakery.com

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Elisa's Cake by the #Pound LLC (@cakebythepoundllc)

Elisa’s Cake by the #Pound

Paralegal by day and baker by night, owner Elisa baked her first birthday cake in 2014 for her daughter’s 4th birthday. After six years of keeping her love of baking a “hobby”, she relocated to Chicago and turned her hobby into a thriving business. And, we are oh so glad she did! Reach out today and see for yourself just why Elisa’s Cake by the #Pound was named one of the “50 Best Black-Owned Bakeries in the US” by Travel Noire.

Online: elisascakebythepound.com

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Emeche Cakery & Cafe (@emechecakery)

Eméche Cakery & Cafe

Eméché means “tipsy” in french, and owner Janell got her start making alcohol-infused cupcakes for her friends and neighbors while living in Brooklyn. Soon the orders became so frequent that Eméché was born and materialized as a brick & mortar store back in her hometown of Chicago. While the menu offers a full variety of pastries, drinks, cheesecakes and treats, the birthday cakes are amazing. The buttercream alone has amassed quite a fan club. As a bonus, online ordering makes ordering a cake a breeze.

3453 S. Prairie Ave., Bronzeville; Online: emechecakeryandcafe.com

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by @roesersbakery

Roeser’s Bakery

It doesn’t get any more old school than Chicago’s oldest family-owned bakery, which has been servicing Humboldt Park sweet tooths since 1911. As a specialty, Roeser’s offers low-glycemic options for birthday boys and girls who could benefit from reduced sugar, carbs and calories. Follow the bakery’s iconic neon sign to find cakes baked using recipes perfected over 4 generations with culinary skills to decorate to any theme you could possibly imagine, including a wide variety of licensed character cakes. Pop into Roeser’s Party Palace next door to tick decorations off your birthday planning checklist.

3216 W. North Ave., Humboldt Park; Online: roeserscakes.com

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by SweetMandyBs (@sweetmandybs)

Sweet Mandy B’s

When you hit up Sweet Mandy B’s you can’t fight the urge to slow the pace and plant yourself to savor whatever treasure you find in the glass encasement and soak up the old-school nostalgia. One taste of their icing will have you wishing you had a vat full and a giant spoon. Call the bakery or stop in to place your special cake order and enjoy the warmth the pastel colors and old-fashioned decor evokes.

1208 W. Webster Ave., Lincoln Park & 254 E. Ontario, Streeterville; Online: sweetmandybs.com

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sweet Ali's Gluten Free Bakery (@sweetalisgfbakery)

Sweet Ali’s

Inspired by her son’s, and subsequently her own, celiac diagnosis and lack of quality baked goods available in 2007, Ali Graeme set out to blaze gluten-free trails. After playing in her kitchen with different blends of flour and receiving encouragement from family, she opened Sweet Ali’s two years later with recipes perfected that all would enjoy, gluten-free or otherwise. Beyond the cakes, you’ll find pre-packed pasta, bread and baked goods to enjoy later.

13 W. 1st St., Hinsdale & 1107 Waukegan Rd., Glenview; Online: sweetalis.com

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sweet Natalie's GF bakery (@sweet_natalies)

Sweet Natalie’s/Baby Doll Bakery

Sweet Natalie's is a bake shop that sells products from a select group of talented and local specialty bakers. They are a group of small businesses working together to bring customers a unique experience and a variety of baked goods. While Sweet Natalie’s is not a certified gluten-free facility, all bakers at Sweet Natalie's utilize dedicated, gluten-free facilities for production. For those looking for vegan options, they also provide many vegan baked goods as well. If you're not a planner, they have celebration cakes and cupcakes available. For something specific, contact them to create a custom celebration cake. (Note: Sweet Natalie’s will soon be Baby Doll Bakery.)

207 S. Hale St., Wheaton; Online: sweetnataliesbakery.com

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by West Town Bakery | Chicago Coffee & Dessert Shop (@westtownbakery)

West Town Bakery & Diner

Whether you’re seeking a traditional cake or need to spin the wheel of dietary restrictions — vegan, nut-free, sugar-free, soy-free and gluten-free — this organic bakery with a funky, retro vibe can knock your cake request out of the ballpark. They strive to use as many local, natural ingredients for everything from the flour down to the eggs and their products come in environmentally friendly packaging. West Town Bakery also makes some of the city’s best smash cakes for baby’s first birthday!

1916 W. Chicago Ave., West Town; Online: westtownbakery.com

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Urban Icing (@urbanicing)

Urban Icing

If your birthday star doesn’t mind sharing the spotlight with a 3D T-rex cake, or maybe a unicorn with an edible golden horn, then Urban Icing is the place for you. In addition to being a boutique bakery, Urban Icing is an event space that will take care of all the details of your child’s party. You can choose from a Lego Party, Mermaid Party, Ice Cream Social and more. There's something fun—and delicious—for everyone.

1944 N. Damen Ave., Bucktown; Online: urbanicing.com

Your Must-Save List for the Best Ice Cream Shops in the DMV

by Meghan Yudes MeyersJune 12, 2022

I scream, you scream, we all scream over DC’s latest food trend… ice cream! Since the pandemic, a number of new stores, trucks and sidewalk carts have opened up in the District and we can’t wait to sample all of them this summer. From newcomers like Dupont Circle’s Happy Ice Cream and Everyday Sundae in Petworth to old-time favorites like The Yard Park’s Ice Cream Jubilee and Spring Valley’s Millie’s, we rounded up our favorite places to grab a cone on a hot day. To get the scoop on where to go, scroll down.

In the City

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Happy Ice Cream (@happyicecreamdc)

Happy Ice Cream
Nothing makes us happier than a delicious scoop of ice cream on a hot day, so we’re digging this aptly named sidewalk cart that recently opened in front of Happy Gyro in Dupont Circle. Former Komi pastry chef Ben Brunner whips up foodie-inspired flavors like strawberry-buttermilk with polenta crumble and oatmeal cookie with chocolate shavings. Ice cream is sold by the pint or in hand-rolled sour dough cones. To find out daily selections, follow Happy Ice Cream on Instagram.

1509 17th St NW
Dupont Circle
Online: happyicecreamdc.com

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Everyday Sundae (@everydaysundaedc)

Everyday Sundae
You don’t have to wait for the weekend to enjoy life. Everyday Sundae celebrates weekend vibes all week long (get it? Everyday Sunday!). When career chef Charles Foreman lost his job during the pandemic, he made the ultimate pandemic pivot and went into business for himself. Today he serves Hershey Creamery ice cream in handmade cones at this Petworth outpost. Foreman often hosts community events, like free outdoor movies in a neighboring parking lot (be sure to subscribe to the newsletter for the latest offerings and events). When you stop by, be sure to bring in your child’s artwork. Foreman likes to use his walls as a gallery for local kid’s art.

713 Kennedy St. NW
Petworth
Online: everydaysundaedc.com

https://www.instagram.com/p/CYKOwptpIPV/?hl=en

Niko’s Spiked Gelato
Niko’s is another sweet pandemic pivot story (pun intended). During the early days of COVID, Studio52 nightclub owners found a creative way for locals to bring the party home: spiked ice cream! Naturally, these adult treats were an overnight success. Today, Niko’s serves alcohol-infused pints along with non alcoholic flavors so the whole family can enjoy this summertime treat. Popular boozy infusions include Caribbean Rum Punch Sorbet and Salted Caramel Whisky Gelato while non-alcoholic options include Raspberry Sunshine Sorbet and Cookies and Cream.

1508 Okie St. NE
Ivy City
Online: nikosgelato.com

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sugar Fox (@sugarfoxdc)

Sugar Fox
From the owners of the Little Red Fox coffee shop, Sugar Fox sells ice cream, sheet cake and cupcakes on the popular Connecticut Ave strip that includes Politics and Prose bookstore and the Comet Ping Pong pizzeria in Chevy Chase. The ice cream is made out of products from South Mountain Creamery in Middletown, Maryland and the baked goods mixed into the ice cream come from Little Red Fox. It’s a winning combination.

5027 Connecticut Ave NW
Chevy Chase
Online: sugarfoxdc.com

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Mount Desert Island Ice Cream (@mdiicecream)

Mount Desert Island Ice Cream
Head here for the best cookies and cream varieties in town. This shop imports their super creamy Mt. Desert ice cream from their home base of Maine. For those with allergies, Mount Desert Island keeps nut-free scoops, gluten-free scoops and dairy-free scoops that don’t mingle with regular scoops in the dip well.

3110 Mt Pleasant St NW 1st Floor
Mt. Pleasant
Online: mdiic.com

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Abdullah Rafiq (@theabdullahrafiq)

Ice Cream Jubilee
Owner Victoria Lai started Ice Cream Jubilee as home tasting parties for friends. Today, Ice Cream Jubilee uses all natural cream and milk from a local creamery at all of its stores. Victoria conceives flavors inspired by her international travels, delicious libations and Texan upbringing. Unique offerings include Asian Heritage inspired flavors, like Miso Caramel & Peanut Butter Cookies and Dan Tat Brûlée. Her eclectic flavors have earned her coverage in sites like Eater and Thrillist.

301 Water St. SE
The Yard Park

1407 T St. NW
Cardozo

4238 Wilson Blvd, #143
Arlington, VA
Online: icecreamjubilee.com

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Thomas Sweet Ice Cream (@thomassweeticecream)

Thomas Sweet Ice Cream
A long-standing Georgetown favorite on the corner of Wisconsin Ave. and P St. N.W., this traditional parlor makes ice cream on-location, offers a wide variety of delicious flavors, and also specializes in “mix-ins” that let guests blend a variety of toppings into several scoops. Thomas Sweets also offers locally-made candy and treats, including hand-dipped chocolates, as well as sandwiches and espresso drinks.

3214 P St. NW
Georgetown
Online: thomassweet.com

photo: Lullabelle’s Sweet Shop

Lullabelle’s Sweet Shop
Part-old fashioned candy store, part ice cream parlor with a sprinkle of sundries and gifts, this this Petworth shop scoops up 10 artisanal flavors, like the popular Honey Graham ice cream (it takes just like the cereal!) and Peanut Butter Cup. There is limited seating indoors, but you can enjoy your creamy dessert outside where brightly color chairs line the sidewalk. This sweet shop also serves savory sandwiches. Breakfast and lunch sandwiches are all served on waffle and cooked on the iron.

Insider’s tip: This now ships candy and baked goods nationwide!

847 Upshur St NW
Petworth
Online: sweetlulabelle.com

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Altani Gelato by Khins (@altanigelato)

Altani Gelato

This Canal Park gelato shop is the brainchild of the Wiseguy Pizza owners (yes! DC’s best crust pizza is just steps away) and is conveniently located near the Navy Yard metro stop. Altani’s carries some exceptionally unique flavors, like Sweet Potato (which is a kid-enticing color of Barney-purple). This shop also offers dairy free options.

Inside tip: Kids will love the splash pad located directly in front of Altani’s.

202 M St SE (at S 2nd Pl)
Capitol Riverfront
Online: facebook.com/altaniGelato/

Millie’s Spring Valley

Millie’s restaurant pays homage to the stress-free, beachy Nantucket vibe, and their menu is fresh California Baja-style. Kids will LOVE going to the old-fashioned ice cream window outside. The walk-up ice cream stand is filled with classic Gifford flavors and fun toppings.

4866 Massachusetts Ave. NW
202-733-5789
Online: milliesdc.com

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams (@jenisicecreams)

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams
Jeni’s was founded 16 years ago by Jeni Britton Bauer, a James Beard Award-winning author of two cookbooks. Mouthwatering flavors include Sweet Cream Biscuits & Peach, Brown Butter Almond Brittle, Pistachio & Honey and Wildberry Lavender. Want to churn out your own ice cream this summer? You can snag a Jeni’s ice cream desserts cookbook for homemade goodies!

1925 14th St. NW
202-621-8625
Online: jenis.com/14th-street

Maryland

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Moorenko's Ice Cream (@moorenkos)

Moorenko’s
These folks are serious about local ingredients, which they use to create a wide selection of delicious ice cream flavors. Offerings run the gamut, from Cotton Candy Gummy Bear to Strawberry White Chocolate. The in-demand treat can also found on the dessert menus of several top DC restaurants and in local grocery stores. While we love ice cream on a hot day, Moorenko’s checks off our box for rainy days, too. With tons of board games to choose from, this will quickly become a go-to place for family game night!

8030-B Georgia Ave.
Silver Spring, MD
Online: moorenkos.com

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sarah’s Handmade Ice Cream (@sarahshandmadeicecream)

Sarah’s Handmade Ice Cream
Sarah’s Handmade Ice Cream—a Korean-American family business—is a Bethesda neighborhood hotspot. Sarah sells not only the expected vanillas and chocolates but also unconventional Asian flavors like Matcha, Thai tea and Korean pear. They also serve up bubble tea!

5241 River Rd.
Bethesda, MD
Online: sarahshandmadeicecream.com

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Baked Bear (@thebakedbear)

Baked Bear
Mix and match freshly baked brownies, doughnuts, and cookies…YES…ALL THREE CHOICES…. for the top and bottom of this epic ice cream sandwich. You stuff this delectable “sandwich” with yummy ice cream flavors like rocky road, salted caramel, and ‘bear batter.’ But wait, it gets better! Your delicacy is “pressed” in a magical machine that warms the top and bottom but keeping the ice cream cold in the center before they are rolled in toppings. Topping options include brownie bits, Fruity Pebbles, mini chocolate chips, and whipped cream, among others.

929 Rose Ave.
North Bethesda, MD
301-348-5070
Online: thebakedbear.com

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Scottish Highland Creamery (@scottishhighlandcreamery)

Scottish Highland Creamery
Started by an Edinburgh native, the Scottish Highland Creamery is a must visit if you’re in lovely Oxford! Their splendid ice cream is made with fresh, local ingredients and some of their flavorings are even imported from Italy.

Insider tip: Make sure to order the Italian lemon cookie—it’ll transport you right to the Amalfi coast.

314 Tilghman St.
Oxford MD
Online: scottishhighlandcreamery.com

Virginia

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Nicecream (@nicecreamdc)

Nicecream Factory
You and your kids will feel like you’ve entered a cool chemistry lab at Nicecream! They use liquid nitrogen to freeze their ice cream right in front of your eyes and IT IS AMAZING. The process also allows for them to include fresh ingredients with a thicker and creamier finish. Flavors rotate weekly and include honey lavender, key lime pie and mint chocolate chunk.

2831 Clarendon Blvd.
Arlington, VA
Online: nicecream.com

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Donna Lacuesta Pascua (@thedonnapascua)

Toby’s Homemade Ice Cream

Get a taste of the Philippines with the globally inspired ice creams at Toby’s. In addition to standards like chocolate chip cookie dough, find ube (purple yam), avocado, and macapuno (Filipino coconut).

5849 Washington Blvd.
Arlington, VA
702-536-7000
Online: tobysicecream.com

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Dairy Godmother (@thedairygodmom)

The Dairy Godmother

This little shop is tucked into the Del Ray area of Alexandria and offers some great icy treats including frozen custard, sorbet and homemade marshmallows.

2310 Mt Vernon Ave.
Alexandria, VA
703-683-7767
Online: thedairygodmother.com

—Meghan Meyers with Guiomar Ochoa & Kristina Messner

13 Rainbow Recipes That Are (Mostly) Healthy

10 Unicorn Foods the Kids Will Flip Over

Not Being a Stay-at-Home Mom Was the Best Decision I Ever Made

By Emma Bennett

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

May 24, 2022

Being a stay-at-home mom sounds a bit like a dream, right? After all the years of working, earning and saving, finally, the day comes when you’re off on maternity leave. Maybe a nice baby shower with lots of cake and cute clothes and teddy bears. Then, finally, you get to sit and put your feet up and wait for this little person to take over your life.

And then he or she arrives. No sleep, lots of crying, constant hunger… and that’s just you! Babies are so demanding at first, and our whole life is about trying to seek out a little bit of undisturbed sleep where we aren’t worrying about whether the baby has stopped breathing in bed or our boobs aren’t painful, swollen rocks leaking little puddles onto the sheets.

But one day, everything settles down into a bit of a routine. You find that you get back some sleep and you start to feel human again. Now’s the fun bit, right? You get to just hang out with this little person, go to the park, long walks in the pram, coffee with other moms and just kicking back while the rest of the world keeps working.

The baby doesn’t need you 24/7 anymore and, in fact, you can start leaving them with other people for short periods. Your brain is starting to work again, slowly. You can even start to hold a decent conversation without either yawning or crying.

Now, I don’t know about other moms out there, but this was about the time I started to get bored. And this was, as a result, where the guilt really started!

I struggled to get up in the morning and focus for the day. Some days, I really found it hard to get motivated to leave the house at all. I felt like I was really cheating the system and just sitting around contributing nothing. I knew all the rhetoric—stay-at-home moms work harder than anyone in the workplace, enjoy the time to yourself and with your baby, they are little for such a short time, blah blah blah.

But I just couldn’t get into it.

I would try and get into being a really present and tuned-in mom. I would sit down and do some kind of really fun and engaging game with him that I had seen on Play School –yeah, this is awesome… look how much fun he’s having… I’m such a good mom, I would think. Then I’d look at the clock. Ten minutes had passed!! I still had the whole rest of the day to fill.

I realized why so many moms join mother’s groups and coffee mornings. It’s just to fill in time and get out of the house so the day goes faster! I’m not really much of a “joiner,” though, so I struggled to turn up for those kinds of things, and as a result, I spent a lot of time on my own slowly going crazy.

The guilt was enormous.

Why wasn’t I enjoying this more? What’s wrong with me that I am not relishing not having to go to work and have boring conversations with people all day about stuff that doesn’t really matter? I mean, after all, isn’t this the most important work you can do?

Well, I didn’t feel important; in fact, I felt like a fraud. Everyone else was out there earning a living and contributing to society, and I was here at home with this beautiful little human I made, bored out of my mind reading board books and playing with teddies all day.

Then one day, someone emailed me asking me to do some part-time work from home.

I resisted at first, feeling a different type of guilt. It was the guilt of admitting to myself that I didn’t really like staying at home. This is much harder guilt to overcome when there is absolutely nothing in life stopping you from enjoying staying at home with your baby.

While you feel like people will judge you if you go back to work and leave bub with someone, you feel equally judged being at home and not really having your head fully into being a mom. I know everyone says that just being with you is all the baby needs, but I really felt like I was completely robbing this kid of having someone around who could actually do fun things that would help his development.

So I hired a nanny and took this job.

The first day I left him, there were tears all around. I was crying at leaving him, he was crying that mommy had ditched him with some complete stranger and the guilt was so intense I could almost taste it.

But then I got in the car, I turned up the music (and my resolve) and I headed into the city. I spent a few hours in meetings where I was briefed about my role, I got to meet a few people, I had a nice lunch and then I sat for a moment in a coffee shop. For the first time in months, I felt pretty happy.

I headed home and walked in to be greeted with the most amazing sight. My little boy was sitting with our nanny, on her lap, playing with a little toy, and she was singing and playing the xylophone. They were having a lovely time.

You could tell just taking one look at this woman that hanging out with kids is her favorite thing to do in life. They had obviously been having a ball. She’d done some foot painting with him, they’d been out for a walk and bought some books at the second-hand shop. She was just glowing with happiness and excitement at having spent a few hours with my son.

And I actually felt a great sense of relief and contentment. From that day on, I was a much happier person and, I think, a much better mom. On the days I wasn’t working, I really loved every second of being with my boy, and on the days I was working, I really loved every second of being on my own. It was as though it took being away from him to make me realize how special it was to actually be with him.

It took me this time to realize that I’m not the sort of person who can stay at home all day with a baby, and that is actually OK. The thing about parenting is that you have to do it the way that works for you.

There’s no right or wrong way to organize your family or to live your life. And there’s absolutely nothing wrong with admitting that you just don’t like not staying at home full-time.

Everyone needs balance, and I actually think it’s really healthy to have your kids get used to being looked after by other people and to understand early on that they really can live without you. And if, at the end of the day, you are a happier, more peaceful person, then that can only make you a better mom as well.

So don’t allow yourself to feel guilt, regardless of what you end up doing. As long as you love your kids and you set up your life so that you are the best person you can be when you are with them, then you are being a good parent. Go out and live life the best way you can and always remember, you are a person in your own right, as well as a mom who loves your kids. There’s no room for any guilt in that sentence!

Originally published Sept. 2016.

Emma Bennett

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

I'm a Dubai expat mum and I love to tell the funny side of life here and about travelling the world with a young family.Because let’s face it – no matter how well planned your travel journey, its those those funny, quirky moments that appear out of nowhere that create the real memories.

Money-Saving Tips You Can Use All Year Long

by Natasha DavisMay 16, 2022

Whether it’s trying to stash cash for the future or add to the family travel fund, figuring out how to save money is a move in every parent’s playbook. From simple hacks like keeping a change jar to money-saving apps, we’ve got some awesome tips just for you. Keep reading to see them all.

Budgeting

Keep a Change Jar: This has to be one of the easiest money-saving tips! Drop your spare change in at the end of each day and watch your savings grow.

Always Use Cash: Avoid using your card whenever possible. Fact: Using cash allows you to see how much you’re spending and keeps you accountable.

Time Big Purchases: Save all of your big purchases for the end of the month to get the best deals. If a salesperson is trying to make month-end goals, she might be willing to work with you on the price.

Shopping for Supplies

School Supplies: When it comes to school supplies, the earlier you shop the better. You’ll find more options and more savings.

Buy Themed Supplies After the Fact: Always purchase plates, cups and napkins on sale after holidays like Halloween, Fourth of July and Easter are over. You can stow away to use the following next year.

Money-Saving Apps

Groupon: This is definitely one of our favorite money-saving apps! Discover great deals for all types of events and products for your family.

SnipSnap: Ever wanted a money-saving app to keep you organized? This is the ultimate place to store all of your printed coupons right on your phone.

Honey: Install Honey on your browser and it'll automatically search the internet for all the coupons being offered for the website you're shopping on. It applies the savings at checkout.

Coupons: Do you miss clipping all those paper coupons? Check out Coupons, where you can sift through tons of digital coupons. You might have to print out some, but many can be used via your smartphone.

Checkout 51: This cash-back app saves you money at grocery stores, gas stations, drugstores and more. Checkout 51 adds new items every week, too.

Eco-Friendly Options

Cloth Diapers: Babies go through diapers like crazy, and if you're searching for money-saving tips that will help you save the planet, cloth diapers are the way to go. Here are our favorites.

Wool Balls in Your Dryer: Forget that chemical fabric softener, and throw a wool ball in your dryer instead—they can be used over and over with ease.

Create a Non-Toxic Cleaner: If you want to stop using harsh chemical cleaners, you can actually keep your family healthy and save cash by making your own cleaner in a snap.

Shopping Smart

Shop Unique Sales: No need to obsess over department store sales. Look out for sample, garage and consignment sales for everything from clothes to toys.

Do Specific Searches: No more aimless scrolling! Avoid impulsive purchases by searching for the specific products you’re looking for when you shop online.

DIY Fun

Grow & Plant Your Food: It takes a bit of extra work, but growing your veggies and planting your own trees can be a fun activity that will save you quite a bit of money in the long run.

Skip the Coffee Shop: Brew your own coffee at home and save $5-$7 every day!

Baby Food: Making your own baby food is actually surprisingly easy. Follow simple recipes to make yummy and healthy options for your little one.

Tech Money Making & Savings

Check Your Bills: Take an in-depth look at your cell phone and cable bills to make sure you’re not paying for features you don’t use.

Retail Me Not: Ever wanted to find out how to save money when you're shopping? Get paid to shop at your favorite stores by signing up with Retail Me Not.

Neighbor: Make money by renting out a spare room, garage or closet as storage space for others by downloading and registering for Neighbor.

Grocery Savings

Shred Your Own Veggies: Don’t waste money on pre-cut or shredded fruits and veggies. Making your own is easy and so much cheaper.

Buy Generic: Forget about name brands and buy generic or store brand products whenever possible.

Go Meatless: Consider adding a Meatless Monday to your recipe rotation. A study published in the Journal of Hunger & Environmental Nutrition found that vegetarians save up to $750 a year by going meatless.

See the rest of our tips on saving on groceries here.

Save on Travel

GasBuddy: On the road and need gas ASAP? Use this money-saving app to find the cheapest gas closest to you.

Hotel Tonight: Have an unexpected stop on your vacay? Find low price hotels your family will love (You can also use this app to get great deals in advance!).

BestParking: Going on a cool adventure to a new city? This money-saving app will help you find parking that won’t break the bank.

Open a Travel Credit Card: Many credit cards (especially airline cards) offer extra points and incentives if you spend a certain amount of money within the first few months of opening an account. Some even offer double points for travel-related expenses, so take advantage of this perk and charge away.

Buy Themed Gear Ahead of Time: Your kid will want to represent her favorite character anyway, so why not buy it and bring it along for the trip? You'll save tons by avoiding marked-up resort prices.

See other money-saving travel tips from the web's savviest travel bloggers here.

10 Money-Saving Tips from the Web’s Savviest Travel Bloggers

Traveling This Summer? Here Are 8 Easy Travel Hacks to Save You Money

The Ultimate Guide to Indoor Fun in DC

by Angelica KajiwaraMay 16, 2022

When the weather isn’t cooperating, head one of these fun-filled indoor playspaces for an afternoon of adventure. From an epic indoor playspace where you can climb, splash and explore to an innovative museum that teaches you how to be a spy, these indoor activities will entertain, engage and educate your kiddos in a cozy, climate-controlled environment. Read on for the details on the best indoor activities near Washington, DC.

Play Work Build at The National Building Museum

Oversized blue building blocks at the National Building Museum — National Building Museum

This hands-on exhibit represents the correlation between play (and experimentation) with creative ideas and design. Children (and adults) can create massive structures using oversized blue blocks to plan, design and execute builds that are structurally sound. If half the fun is tearing down what you've built, be sure to check out the virtual build section where you can fill a wall with digital blocks and then knock them down. Kaboom!

Editor's Note: Play Work Build is currently operating with a limited number of guests: total occupancy is allowed is 20. Timed entry passes are included with admission to the museum. Guests 2 & up are required to wear a mask indoors, regardless of their vaccination status.

401 F Street NW
Gallery Place/Chinatown
Online: nbm.org/play-work-build/

International Spy Museum

Do you have a future Secret Agent in your home? Then you need to head to this interactive mix of historical and virtual fun full of spycraft. Get ready for challenge after challenge where young and old alike will learn about spy materials and intelligence gathering. Pre-readers might need a little help navigating some of these hands-on exhibits. Plan to spend a few hours in this huge museum and don't rush through the gift shop ; you'll be sure to find super unique items ready for spy practice at home.

Insider Tip: Check out the educational resources, and your kids can design their own spy gadget and mix up some invisible ink.

700 L'Enfant Plaza SW
Washington, DC
Online: spymuseum.org

Super, Awesome & Amazing

The name says it all, and that's what you can expect inside 30,000 square feet of fun. First, pack all the water gear because the indoor water park offers year-round summer vacation vibes. Then, get ready to climb to new heights in the climbing and obstacles area. Your kids' confidence will grow, and their strategic thinking skills will skyrocket as they solve each climbing challenge. Step into another world with the Virtual Reality gaming bays. Slip into one of the Head-Mounted Displays to enter an intergalactic, ancient, or futuristic realm. There's a lot to see and do. If you need help, just ask one of the super friendly staff members, and they'll be more than happy to take care of your crew.

Insider Tip: Everyone must wear closed-toed shoes when in the Active Entertainment Center, and no outside food or drink is allowed.

6805 Industrial Rd
Springfield, VA
Online: superawesomeandamazing.com

Get Air Trampoline Park

Get ready to bounce off the walls in this trampoline-filled play space. And you don't have to worry about your little ones getting run over because there's an area just for them. So, strike up a family-friendly game of trampoline dodgeball or run and jump headfirst into a giant foam pit. If you're all fans of ninja courses, you'll love the course at this place. The exciting obstacles build kids' agility, strength and balance. And, they can race against time and see how fast they can complete the course.

Insider Tip: The park offers a dedicated time just for jumpers with special needs on the first Saturday of every month from 8-10 a.m.

The Trade Center Shopping Village
340 S Pickett St, Alexandria, VA
Online: getairsports.com

DC Kids Makerspace

In this innovative and creative class-based space, your kids will love the STEAM fun and learning waiting for them. Build a LAVA lamp, mix up some slime or create a custom face mask. Any project is full of endless possibilities. Many classes start with mindful practice and reflection, and the staff leaves tons of space for open creativity.

205 Upshur St NW
Washington, DC
Online: dckidsmakerspace.com

Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center

If rockets and airplanes are your kids' things, then the Air and Space Museum in Dulles, VA, is the next stop on your winter bucket list. First, visit the vast plane hangar where the Space Shuttle Discovery and a Concorde are on display. Then, ride in a flight simulator and sit inside the cockpit of a vintage aircraft. Head upstairs to the top level, and your crew can learn about air traffic control and watch planes fly in and out of the local airport.

Insider Tip: You don't need to worry about leaving to grab lunch, there's a McDonald's on-site.

14390 Air and Space Museum Parkway
Chantilly, Virginia
Online: airandspace.si.edu

Wilson Aquatic Center

It hardly matters the season; kids just want to swim. Lucky for us, Woodrow Wilson Aquatic Center in Tenleytown offers an Olympic size indoor lap pool and kiddie pool that is open year round, seven days a week. Kids love the two basketball hoops and large buckets that dump water into the baby pool. The Aquatic Center is free to D.C. residents, but charges non-residents $7 for adults and $4 for kids. The Aquatic Center does not accept cash; payment must be made by credit card. For more fun in the water, check out this guide on indoor water parks in DC.

4551 Fort Drive NW
Tenleytown
202-730-0583
Online: dpr.dc.gov

Smithsonian Museum of the American Indian

The nation’s capitol has countless museums, but a favorite for the kiddos is the Smithsonian Museum of the American Indian. Head straight to the imagiNATIONS Activity Center on the third level for an interactive space where kids can weave a giant basket, explore snowshoes, sit inside a full-sized tipi, play in an Amazonian stilt house and learn about pueblo adobe houses. Upon entering, kids pick up a “passport book,” and get stamps from different tribal nations at each station. There’s a reading room and a craft room, with super cool rotating art projects (think: a Lakota Star Quilt). When the gang gets hungry, head down to the Mitsitum Café, which the New York Times has called “the best food on the mall.” There, you’ll find fry bread, wild duck, salmon, and buffalo burgers.

Editor's note: The Smithsonian Museum of the American Indian and Mitsitum Café are open, but imagiNATIONS is currently closed.

Fourth Street and Independence Ave. SW
National Mall
202-633-6644
Online: americanindian.si.edu

National Museum of America History

A museum that says it is OK to touch? Yes, please! With interactive exhibitions like America on the Move and hands-on carts full of historical activities, your visit may feel more like a day at an educational playground. When the adults and big kids are ready to explore everything the museum offers, younger kiddos will love the on-site interactive kids' areas. You can explore this museum from the comfort of your home, too. Listen to the museum's Prototype Online: Inventive Voices podcast that features interviews and lectures of renowned inventors and innovators. This series also has a podcast activity guide.

Wegman's Wonderplace – Take your tiny ones (6 & under) to the magical play area just inside the entrance. The 1700-square-foot interactive wonderland gets curiosity flowing. With a gated entrance and attentive staff, you can freely allow your kiddos to explore the dream kitchen, blocks of all shapes and sizes, walls full of gadgets and gizmos and an indoor farm complete with an adorable chicken coop. Editor's note: Wonderplace is currently closed due to COVID.

Spark!Lab – Bring out that little inventor in this innovative space built for tinkering. The cool factor is high when everything you see invites your kids to create, collaborate, explore, test, experiment and invent. Perfect for ages 6 – 12.

1300 Constitution Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20560
Online: americanhistory.si.edu

U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing

Sadly, you won't get to take home a sample of the newly printed money, but you will get to learn all about how it happens. And, you can peep what ten million dollars looks like in real life. Before you go, it helps to discuss the definition of the word currency. You'll hear that word more than money throughout the day. Free tour tickets are required from March through November, and the 40-minute tour runs from 9 a.m – 2 p.m. You'll start by watching a short film about U.S. currency, then take a tour featuring actual money printing while you're there.

Insider Tip: If you visit during peak season (March 23 - September 4), they distribute tour tickets in the morning, and they go fast

Editor's Note: Tours are currently suspended due to COVID.

14th and C Streets, SW
Washington, DC
Online: moneyfactory.gov

—Angelica Kajwara and Ayren Jackson-Cannady

How to Support Local Asian American-Owned Businesses & Non Profits

by Hannah JudgeMay 2, 2022

Portland, Oregon: a place where families and communities blend together and show support for one another. Asian American and Pacific Islander [AAPI] communities have been a huge component of the diversity that makes Portland so unique! And when we band together to support local AAPI businesses that serve local families, we are not only broadening our kids’ knowledge and understanding of culture, we are strengthening community bonds and developing relationships that make Portland the city it is. From awesome small businesses and restaurants to arts and culture opportunities for your crew, we’ve rounded up AAPI-owned businesses and non-profits you can patronize and donate to and make a difference. Read on to find out more.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by PortlandTaiko (@portlandtaiko)

Hanoi Kitchen

This Vietnamese-owned spot has been a staple in the northeast neighborhood of Portland. Built on family-traded recipes, Hanoi Kitchen has been supplying Portland with delicious cuisine for years! Switch up a weekday meal or have a fun family dinner with their steamed rice crepes, their southern-style noodle soup, or treat you and the kiddos to a tasty vermicelli bowl!

Where: 7925 NE Glisan St., Portland OR
Phone: (503) 252 – 1300
Online: hanoikitchenpdx.com

Highlight Auto Body and Repair

Take the pressure off finding a decent place to get your car fixed with Highlight Auto Body and Repair! They are incredibly efficient and budget-friendly because they know how important having a working car is to getting around. Their effective customer communication, family-oriented candor, and passion for automobiles make Highlight the best way to get your car up to snuff and support a local AAPI business in the process!

Where: 11109 SE Division St., Portland OR
Online: highlight-auto-body-and-repair-portland

Portland Taiko

Ever wanted to learn the drums? How about Japanese taiko drumming? If you’re not sure what that is, now is a perfect time to find out! Built by Ann Ishimaru and Zachary Semke, this taiko performance group offers a range of learning options from company workshops to individual lessons. Plus, you know you’re getting grade-A instruction, as they routinely perform all over the Pacific Northwest! Head online today to check out their upcoming classes or schedule a community event with them.
Where: 3728 SE 34th Ave., Portland OR
Phone: (503) 288-2456
Online: portlandtaiko.org

Coco’s Donuts

Ever had one? They’re addicting. Treat you and the kiddos to a sweet snack after school or on a weekend afternoon with Coco’s Mochi Oreo or Mochi Matcha flavored donuts, or keep it simple with their glazed raised or chocolate frosted with sprinkles! No matter your preference, Coco’s has a treat for you. They’ve been serving up these warm, tasty treats to the Portland community for years, so don’t wait! Head to one of their multiple locations today to see what all the fuss is about!

Where: 5 Locations: Downtown Portland, Broadway, Williams, Brooklyn, Sunnywise, Portland State University
Online: cocodonuts.com

Lan Su Chinese Garden

Spend a weekend afternoon appreciating the beauty of the Lan Su Chinese Garden. Placed aptly in Portland’s China town, this green space is rich with native Chinese plants, flowers, and trees, as well as a Koi pond! Amble along the paths through their lush gardens for a meditative, calming experience and then cap the day with a cup of tea from their teahouse!
Where: 239 NW Everett St., Portland OR
Cost: Adults (Ages 14-61) $14, Seniors & Students $13, Youth (6-18) $11, Children 5 & under Free
Phone: (503) 228-8131
Online: lansugarden.org

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Lan Su Chinese Garden (@lansuchinesegarden)

Portland China Town Museum

This museum is nearly brand new to the city of Portland – opening its doors in December of 2018, the Portland Chinatown Museum [PCM] seeks to honor Portland’s rich Asian history. The museum constantly rotates exhibitions and has a permanent gallery feature titled Beyond the Gate: A Tale of Portland’s HIstoric Chinatowns. Pack the family up and head to PCM today to really understand the importance of Portland’s AAPI community today!

Where: 127 NW Third Ave., Portland OR
Cost: Adults: $8, Seniors: $6, Students: $5, Children 12& Under: Free
Phone: (503) 224-0008
Online: portlandchinatownmuseum.org

Japanese American Museum of Oregon

Located in the northwest Portland neighorhood, the Japanese American Museum of Oregon [JAMO] strives to educate the public about Japanese emigrants and their descendants, also known as the Nikkei. The idea for JAMO was built from the Issei Appreciation project, to preserve the stories of the Oregon Japanese immigrants, and the first iteration of the museum was established in 1990 at Tom McCall Waterfront Park. Now, they’ve just opened their northwest location [May of 2021] for all to explore, learn, and appreciate!

Where: 411 NW Flanders St., Portland OR
Phone: (503) 224-1458
Online: jamo.org

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Lan Su Chinese Garden (@lansuchinesegarden)

Donation Opportunities

While going out to eat and exploring gardens and museums is a great way to engage with Portland’s AAPI community, it isn’t the only way to have a supportive impact. There are several organizations that take donations that would go directly to the preservation of community history and the advancement of community business and activism. Below are some of the organizations you can donate to today as you do your part to support Portland’s great Asian American and Pacific Islander community!

Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon [APANO]
Founded in 1996, APANO dedicates itself to community development through cultural work, leadership development and support, political advocacy, and community organization!

Asian Pacific American Chamber of Commerce of Oregon & Southwest Washing [APACC]
APACC gathers representatives of all lines of Asian-owned businesses to ensure economic development, growth, and success among the Portland AAPI community.

The Japanese American Citizen League [JACL]
Founded in 1929, JACL has worked for nearly a hundred years to support Portland’s Japanese American community through civil rights activism to build infrastructure that supports our AAPI neighbors.

The Korean American Coalition [KAC]
KAC has several areas of impact for Portland’s AAPI community: they are engaged in civic and legislative advocacy, community service, cultural education through Korean artforms, and youth leadership!

Northwest Chinese Alliance [NCA]
Built on the practice of preserving cultural art forms, the NCA strives to showcase Chinese American history through the performing arts. They seek to build community and engage individuals through dance performances and events like the Rose Festival Grand Floral Parade!

Oregon Chinese Coalition [OCC]
The OCC is a tight-knit organization that seeks to strengthen the Portland Chinese community through civil, political, religious, and cultural preservation.

Oregon Korea Fund [OKF]
Founded in 1995, the OKF seeks to provide support for Korean heritage, communities, businesses, and families through the support of donations and grant work!

—Hannah Judge

Keep Portland (Baby Names) Weird with These Local-Inspired Names

How I Explain Racism to My White Friends (So They Can Explain It to Their Kids)

Portland Pizzerias Offering Curbside or Delivery

Shop These 19 Asian American-Owned Businesses Today

by Allison SutcliffeApril 28, 2022

We know Seattle parents are always looking for ways to shop local and spend with intention. So we figured Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month was the right time to highlight some of Seattle’s best Asian American-owned businesses we think should be on your radar. Whether you’re looking for sustainable gift ideas; a new place to grab dinner or a hot cup of coffee; or even kids Bollywood dance lessons, you’ll find them on our list of Asian American-owned businesses. Read on for some great local shops that have Seattle families in mind.

Asian Restaurants

https://www.instagram.com/p/Ca-_AA5JTOG/?hidecaption=true

Bunsoy
One of two hot new restaurants in Ballard, Chef Rhabbie Coquia is cooking up inventive and traditional Filipino dishes for Seattleites to enjoy at Bunsoy. Everything about the restaurant is about creating a warm and cozy vibe from the wall art to the food to the creative cocktails that will make you feel like you're on vacation. You'll need a reservation to get in for dinner, so make your plans to visit this new spot ahead of time.

WeRo
Ballard's other new Asian American-owned restaurant is WeRo. Chef and owner Wes Yoo is passionate about filling a void in local Korean cuisine, and comfort is his focus (it's the first meaning of WeRo in Korean). Here folks will find modernized food that explores the authentic flavors Yoo grew up enjoying in Seoul. Another dinner-only spot, reserve your patio spot (there's also 21+ seating) before heading over.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Musang (@musangseattle)

Musang
This Beacon Hill restaurant got its start as a series of pop-ups hosted by Chef Melissa Miranda back in 2016. Now, the restaurant (named after Chef Melissa’s father) is known for its cozy environs and creative Filipinx cuisine. Beyond their killer brunch, our other favorite dimension to Musang is the Little Wildcats program for kids. It's a chance for them to cook traditional Filipinx food alongside skilled cooks.

Relay Restaurant Group
We’re all about parents here at Tinybeans, and Rachel Yang and Seif Chirchi, Chef/Owners of Joule, Revel, Trove and Revelry are two of our favorites. At each of their four restaurants (three local, one in Portland) families will find inventive food and a casual atmosphere that bumps them into the family-friendly category. As Yang says, her restaurants are more than places to feed people, they “help them create everlasting memories of good times.” Plus, as of now, the two are James Beard award finalists for 2022.

Cafes, Coffee Shops & More

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Chuck’s Hop Shop Seward Park (@chuckshopshopseward)

Chuck’s Hop Shop
If babies and beer is how you roll, it doesn’t get easier than Chuck’s Hop Shop, an Asian American-owned business with three Seattle locations. Not only is it the “land of 1,000 beers” but each location offers outdoor seating and Full Tilt ice cream to satisfy your kiddo’s sweet tooth. Best part? It’s pooch-friendly too. We couldn’t think of a better spot to spend a sunny afternoon with your crew.

Firehouse Coffee
Families have long been flocking to Firehouse Coffee in Ballard. This neighborhood hot spot is a refuge for families; the separate play area allows parents and kids to play without constant wrangling. And their treats from local faves, Alki Bakery and Flying Apron, don’t hurt either. Even if you don’t have time to stop and play, you can drive-thru for coffee on busier days.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Bellden Cafe (@belldencafe)

Bellden Café
A café with a heart in Old Bellevue, Bellden was a Reader’s Digest 2020 Finalist for Nicest Place in America. If you’re wondering how a coffee shop that serves tasty breakfast and lunch items, coffees, pastries and cocoa earned this distinction, it’s because they partner with local non-profits, creating signature drinks, and then donate a portion of the profits from the sales. This Eastside addition has been functioning as a community hub that works to support neighbors in need.

Fresh Flours
Sweet and savory breakfast pastries and flavorful cookies are the name of the game at this local bakery. Now with four locations, Fresh Flours hit the Seattle scene in 2006 and hasn’t slowed down. It’s an easy stop for families on their way to rock the weekend. Grabbing coffee a fresh breakfast before they head out to play.

Sandhu Cake Co.
When it comes to kids these days, we’ve got four you need to meet. The sibling bakers, decorators and taste-testers of Sandhu Cake Co. These kids have been baking up treats in their kitchen for a while now. If you need a specialty cake for an upcoming birthday bash or baby shower, they’ve got a gallery of impressive creations to choose from. Just remember to get your order in early; these amazing bakers book up fast.

One-stop shops

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Uwajimaya Inc (@uwajimaya)

Uwajimaya
Iconic grocery store. Fantastic food hall. Purveyor of amazing Asian gifts. However you categorize it, Uwajimaya is Seattle’s original go-to spot for all things Asian. In addition to hard-to-find specialty food items, you can find all your grocery needs in the aisles here. Plus awesome local goodies like mochi donuts, Hood Famous Bakery ube cheesecake and tasty treats from Cakes of Paradise. Stop by the food hall for an easy to-go meal and if your kids (or you!) need a Hello Kitty fix, you know you can find it here. There are three locations in Seattle, Renton and Bellevue.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BhDFKFIHq8P/?hidecaption=true

Daiso
Other than Archie McPhee we can't think of a better place to let your kiddo loose with five dollars than Daiso. Trust us, they'll be in little trinket heaven, and you'll go home feeling like a rockstar parent. Besides cute finds with total kid-appeal, parents will find all kinds of household goods to simplify and organize your life. With multiple Seattle locations and a store at Crossroads in Bellevue, it's the place local families go for all things Japanese.

Gifts & More

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Boma Jewelry (@bomajewelry)

Boma Jewelry
There’s lots to love about this mom- and Asian-owned jewelry brand that’s committed to sustainability as much as it is ethical practices. It was started in 1981 by owner Suzanne Zetillart’s parents and now has placements in over 1,000 retail partners across the country. The company’s socially minded programs (they launched a BIPOC grant program in 2020) are varied, and they have plans to be carbon neutral by 2025. But our favorite part has got to be the kids jewelry that’s simply cute.

a new eco-friendly gifting product from tokki, an asian owned businesses in seattle — courtesy Tokki

Tokki
Tokki is another phenomenal mom- and Asian-owned business that’s focused on sustainability. Started by Seattle mom, Jane Park, Tokki products are all about joy through gifting with beautiful, re-usable designs (hint: their thoughtfully made gift tags and bags can be used time and time again). They're bringing gifting to the digital age with their soon-to-launch Tokki Eco Gifting Bag (it'll be out in June). Simply scan a QR code to upload your photo and videos directly to your gift bag to create a seriously memorable present. Plus, you can feel good about saving those wrapping paper discards and one-use tags from the landfill.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ayako & Family (@ayakoandfamily)

Ayako & Family
Next time you’re at the Ballard or U District Farmers Markets, look for Ayako & Family jam and shokupan. While their specialty plum jams (made from fruit grown on Mari Farm-Taki in Yakamia) taste good on just about anything you spread them on, they pair especially well with the thick-sliced shokupan also sold at the market. Curb your craving year-round when you stop by.

Rangeela Dance Company
Rangeela Dance Company brings Bollywood to Seattle with fun fusion classes parents and kids will love. Founded by Priyanka Vora, each class blends India’s Bollywood dance moves with cardio, funk and urban themes that energize your typical workout. Admittedly, we’re crushing on the kids Bollywood dance classes for tots as young as three.

Local CSAs to Support

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Friendly Hmong Farms | Flower Farm (@friendlyhmongfarms)

Friendly Hmong Farms
This Eastside CSA is the product of a grassroots effort to support Hmong farmers who were hit especially hard during the pandemic in 2020. When your family subscribes for a flower share, they are supporting over 20 Hmong families whose Eastside farms span from Snohomish down to Kent. Subscribe for the season or a la carte, selecting a pick-up location and date for a one-time purchase. The collective also has a fabulous farm intern program for teens (ages 15-17) who identify as BlPOC, LGBTQA, and/or are neurodivergent.

Kamayan Farm
Kamayan Farm is a veggie, flower and education farm located on Snoqualmie people’s land in Carnation. Farmer Ari de Leña started working the land in 2016, growing veggies and medicinal herbs for the CSA. Offering spring, summer and fall CSA boxes, families can support this farm by eating local. Although the CSA is sold out for the 2022 season, you can cross your fingers and join the waitlist. Not to worry, you can still support Kamayan Farm when you buy flowers individually or through a subscription.

Culture & History Museums

Be/Longing at the Seattle Asian American Art Museum — Adam Hunter/LMN Architects

Seattle Asian Art Museum
The Seattle Asian Art Museum in Volunteer Park is a great spot to spy Asian art and learn a little something too. When you visit, explore fascinating exhibits including Embodied Change: South Asian Art Across Time and Be/Longing: Contemporary Asian Art, where you can marvel at Do Ho Suh's jaw-dropping Some/One. We're big fans of the Museum's Family Fun Workshops that allow kids and caregivers to explore cultures and artistic traditions together. Although you no longer need tickets in advance for these arty opportunities, you save money (and guarantee your spot) when you get them ahead of time. Currently, the Museum is open Fridays through Sundays, and kids 14 and under are always free.

Wing Luke Museum
Explore the history of the Asian Pacific American experience when you bring the kids to the Wing Luke Museum. The Museum is open to the public Wednesdays through Sundays from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wandering the museum gives families the chance to explore exhibits where kids can learn about important Asian Americans (like Wing Luke himself) and reflect on the immigrant and refugee experience in Washington. The "Letter Cloud" installation is particularly powerful, and you'll find plenty of Bruce Lee love here as well. Also of note? The history and food walking tours that are open to all ages. The Rice Stuff runs through May as do the Redlining Heritage Trail tours.

From nearby parks and botanical gardens to mountain towns a short drive away, here’s where to find fall foliage near LA

Where to Find the Best Fall Foliage Near Los Angeles

1. Los Angeles Arboretum and Botanical Gardens

2. Lacy Park

3. Whittier Narrows Recreation Area

4. South Coast Botanic Garden

5. Malibu Creek State Park

6. The Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens

7. West Valley

Worth the Drive: Where to Find the Best Fall Foliage Near Los Angeles

8. Mammoth Lakes

San Francisco Photographer Dan Kurtzman’s recent fall foliage drive through the Eastern Sierras

9. Big Bear

10. Lake Arrowhead

11. Oak Glen

12. Idyllwild Nature Center

Related reads

Jenny Jurica

Related reads

Evan’s Pond

Discovery Lake

Lower Otay Lake

Model Yacht Pond

Heritage Park Pond

Lindo Lake

Webb Lake

Lake San Marcos

Related reads

Alliance Bakery

Bartleby’s Ice Cream Cakes

Bennison's Bakery

Defloured

Elisa’s Cake by the #Pound

Eméche Cakery & Cafe

Roeser’s Bakery

Sweet Mandy B’s

Sweet Ali’s

Sweet Natalie’s/Baby Doll Bakery

West Town Bakery & Diner

Urban Icing

Related reads

In the City

Millie’s Spring Valley

Maryland

Virginia

The Dairy Godmother

Related reads

Emma Bennett

Related reads

Budgeting

Shopping for Supplies

Money-Saving Apps

Eco-Friendly Options

Shopping Smart

DIY Fun

Tech Money Making & Savings

Grocery Savings

Save on Travel

Related reads

Play Work Build at The National Building Museum

International Spy Museum

Super, Awesome & Amazing

Get Air Trampoline Park

DC Kids Makerspace

Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center

Wilson Aquatic Center

Smithsonian Museum of the American Indian

National Museum of America History

U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing

Related reads

Hanoi Kitchen

Highlight Auto Body and Repair

Portland Taiko

Coco’s Donuts

Lan Su Chinese Garden

Portland China Town Museum

Japanese American Museum of Oregon

Donation Opportunities

Related reads

Asian Restaurants