Kids are natural artists! Their imagination flows effortlessly, and their passion for artistic expression seems endless. So, the news that two long-established local museums, The Lux Art Institute in Encinitas and the San Diego Art Institute in Balboa Park, are merging is music to the ears of budding artists and their families. The Institute of Contemporary Art, San Diego, newly formed, hopes to be at the leading edge of experimentation, inclusivity, and cultural conversation. Read on to learn how you can experience all it has to offer with your pint-sized Picassos.
The vision of The Contemporary Art Institute, San Diego, is to be a platform and a living laboratory of art and ideas. Similar to kiddos, the ICA aspires to surprise, excite, and challenge every assumption. That's why their six-week sessions for kids (ages 5-11) and teens (ages 12-17) are so fun and engaging. Choose from any of the following:
Art for Kids Instructors will lead students to learn diverse techniques, ranging from painting to drawing to 3D art and experience different modes of expression. Each week, students will be exposed to various artists and art historical trends while experimenting with their own innovative and playful ways to use watercolor, acrylic paint, and screen printing in both 2-D and 3-D designs.
Painting for Kids An opportunity to bring a masterpiece to life! This course is designed for young artists who have a strong desire to create. In this session, students learn the fundamentals of painting, including how to manipulate color and various techniques. Students can learn to paint using a variety of media while incorporating aspects of composition and color theory.
Youth Ceramics Parents, need a new set of dinnerware? Have your little painter design and create them for you! Sign ‘em up for Lux Art’s second youth ceramic painting course in the Education Pavilion. A range of glazing techniques will help your minion create bold and vibrant designs and colors. Students will learn the basics of clay, both with hand-building and wheel throwing. Hands-on instruction is provided. Students will be introduced to different methods and techniques and encouraged to develop methods of their own to produce tableware and sculptures.
Family Days All community members are invited to tour current exhibits, enjoy art activities for kids, face painting, and more when the museum hosts Family Days. These events often coincide with the end of summer camp so that families can check out their student's work which is on display in the Education Pavilion and Garden area. Fun for all ages, entertainment, and food trucks are often included. Check the website for all upcoming events.
Artists in Residency Exhibits & Regional Artists The Institute of Contemporary Art, San Diego is dedicated to presenting experimental art and learning with a mission to question everything. The month-long residency program invites artists to live and work at the institute while they develop new projects. Regional artists both exhibit in the Linda Formo Brandes Gallery in the Education Pavilion and teach a variety of classes ranging from painting to bookmaking, to jewelry design. Course offerings change throughout the year, as different artists bring their expertise to the community.
Community Tours
Take advantage of the unique opportunity to explore art through an open dialogue with a trained instructor. Liaisons are on hand to the general public during open hours or available for reserved guided tours. Also, kids: pre-K through 8th-grade can request a tour that includes a docent‐led tour through the artist’s studio, exhibition areas, sculptural installations, and native landscape of the Lux grounds. Following the tour, students participate in a hands‐on art project related to the current exhibition(s). Groups are welcome during open gallery hours (Thursday & Friday, 1:00 pm–5:00 pm | Saturday, 11:00 am – 5:00 pm). Tour bookings must be made at least a week in advance. Find more details here.
Youth Camps
Youth and teen camps run all summer and allow kids to explore, make, and exhibit art in a museum setting. Each of the unique six weeks of camp focuses on different contemporary artists and themes. Campers create various projects using media of their choosing, including drawing, painting, sculpture, mixed media, printmaking, collage, and photography. The summer camp session culminates with a professionally installed art show in the Artist Pavilion and Education Pavilion. Students invite family, friends, and teachers to view work created during the camp.
The summertime season always holds so much promise and potential. Whether you’re a parent or a child, almost everyone has been looking forward to a couple of months of rest, relaxation and FUN. We want our children to have a memorable summer, too. However, without fail, most of us hit that summertime lull of boredom where we’ve exhausted almost every activity, playdate and local attraction.
National Anti-Boredom Month, which is conveniently celebrated annually throughout the month of July, is all about fighting that lull of activities and preventing boredom. It also sparks an opportunity to try some new activities with children that can help ease them into a learning mindset and boost confidence for the upcoming start of the school year. At Kiddie Academy, we pay close attention to the passions of children. It’s all about child directed play, encouraging them to take advantage of the curiosities and activities that catch their attention.
This can help get children out of the mindset that learning only occurs during the months of August to May and helps create a safe and open environment for children to ask questions and build on curiosity. So, here is a list of five easy activities that fuse together learning and fun to help celebrate National Anti-Boredom month and kick that summertime lull to the curb:
1. Practice Simple Yoga Poses This is a great way to encourage low-key activities while being physically active. This can help children develop independent play skills while practicing mindfulness and body awareness. You can even have a short yoga session outdoors!
2. Host a Photo Scavenger Hunt Introduce your child to the world of technology and curiosity. Give your child a digital camera, smartphone or tablet, along with a list of items, and challenge them to find and take a picture of each item on the list. Don’t forget to hide each item around the house and align the challenge of the hiding spot with your child’s ability to find things.
3. Create a Scrapbook of “Firsts” Together Create a scrapbook with your child documenting his or her “firsts” or special accomplishments. Share the pictures and tell stories about how proud you felt seeing him or her do the things in the pictures. Boost your child’s confidence and self-esteem while exercising their creative muscles.
4. Build an Index Card Tower For a fun STEM activity, challenge your child to build a tower using only index cards and tape. Encourage them to think of ways they can change the shape of the cards to provide strength to the tower! Who will build the tallest tower?
5. Cook a Family Meal Together Invite your child to help with family activities like helping plan and cook a family meal. Children want to feel like a valuable part of the family! Allowing them to have a role in making dinner a success, they can develop teamwork skills and confidence in their ability to complete a task. What a great way to boost executive function skills!
Of course another way to combat boredom is checking out your local Kiddie Academy for free community events throughout the month of July. To locate and register at participating Academies nationwide, visit these sites: Storytime LIVE!, STEM Adventures and Music & More where we help build relationships and get young minds moving.
Joy has over 20 years of experience in early childhood education. As Vice President of Education at Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care, she oversees all things curriculum, assessment, training and more. Joy earned a B.S. in Education from Salisbury University.
Editor’s note: We’re making every effort to provide you with the most up-to-date information. However, the situation with COVID-19 is fluid and ever-changing. Please be sure to check with these Airbnb listings directly for any pandemic-specific safety protocols, rules and procedures before booking a visit. Stay safe!
Looking to plan family travel? Ditch the headache of airport travel and opt for the ease of a staycation instead. From a rustic cabin to a converted church and cozy dwellings to spacious party-worthy spaces, we’ve scoured Airbnb listings for the unique and special primed for memory-making. Read on and plan on.
The specs: 3 guests; 2 beds, 1 private RV-type bath (not in the treehouse) The neighborhood: Schaumburg Parking situation: on-premises Laundry access: no Online:airbnb.com
What kid wouldn't love to spend the night in a treehouse? It's straight out of dreamland for most kids. Glamp the night away in this cedar treehouse set 15-feet above a waterfall, koi pond and fire table outfitted with a fireplace, air conditioning, private deck, kitchenette, Wi-Fi, hi-def cable TV with premium channels and a new Wi-Fi TV for Netflix, fireman's pole, private outdoor RV-type toilet and private outdoor shower. They even offer full-color gift certificates if you want to gift this experience to your favorite tree lover.
You could easily just spend a weekend in the treehouse, unplugged from the world or add LEGOLAND Discovery Center to the adventure. Sounds like a journal-worthy birthday weekend for some special little one!
The specs: Sleeps 12; 3 bedrooms, 3 beds, 2 couches and 4 air mattresses, 2 baths The neighborhood: Logan Square Parking situation: garage Laundry access: on-premises Online: airbnb.com
While this spot teeming with history is a bit of a splurge, it can accommodate a larger group looking to split the tab. Construction on this former church began in 1888 and it functioned in a religious capacity until private owners began the conversion in 1990. Since then, it's been featured in Chicago Tribune Home Design Magazine, on the first season of HGTV's Extreme Homes and is regularly tapped for not-for-profit house tours, including the Art Institute, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Lyric Opera Guild and more.
Logan Square is home to the only weekly, year-round farmers market in Chicago, held indoors during winter months and outdoors in the summer. It's a low-key spot to grab an inexpensive breakfast or lunch or stock up on fresh ingredients for a meal prepared back at your home-away-from-home. If you want a break from cooking, Revolution Brewery is just down the way and is great for grub and a cold beer. Be sure to try their parmesan bacon popcorn! A fun resource nearby is Four Star Family Cyclery, which rents swoon-worthy cargo bikes you'll want to take home.
The specs: Sleeps 8; 4 bedrooms, 3 beds, 1 crib, 1 floor mattress, 1 air mattress, 3.5 baths The neighborhood: Wrigleyville Parking situation: on-premises Laundry access: on-premises Online: airbnb.com
When the baseball is back to allowing fans, this two-story coach house should do the trick to watch the Cubbies fly the "W". In the meantime, be nearby to cheer them on in spirit and keep busy on nearby lakepaths and Lincoln Park Zoo. It's home to 4 kids and it's telling with the abundance of toys, art supplies, large library of children's books, kid-proof dinnerware, retractable safety gates and indoor infant swing . . . just to name a few. There's even a playroom accessible by ladder for kids ages 4 and up.
A family favorite for dining in Lakeview is Crosby's Kitchen on Southport. There's always a slew of strollers, a good sign that it's kid-approved, and outdoor seating in the warmer weather months is an added bonus. Try their skillet chocolate chip cookie or save some room for their neighbor, Jeni's Ice Cream, a Columbus, OH import offering some of the best ice cream you'll ever taste using only the finest, natural ingredients.
The specs: 6 guests; 3 bedrooms, 3 beds, 3 baths The neighborhood: Plano Parking situation: on-premises Laundry access: no Online:airbnb.com
Oh, the stories this Pullman Train car, the Constitution, could tell. Built in 1905, it was basically Air Force One for Presidents Harding and Wilson and when the president of the Illinois Railway Museum visited, he said it was the most well-preserved Pullman train car in the U.S. A large living room with fireplaces, a master bedroom and bathroom have been added to the original car, which consisted of 4 staterooms, an observation deck, a dining room and a galley. This is all set atop a bluff overlooking Big Rock Creek and a floodplain full of 200-year old oak trees where you might see an Eagle or two. During the summer months, there's even a pool onsite to enjoy.
We recommend bringing along a few groceries to utilize the kitchen facilities and make this a true staycation, where you unplug and fully immerse yourself in a getaway with a country feel.
The specs: 10 guests; 1 bedroom, 5 beds, 2 baths The neighborhood: Oregon, IL Parking situation: on premises Laundry access: no Online: airbnb.com
If you're looking for a rustic getaway, we've got you covered. You'll find this early-1900-era cabin less than 2 hours west of Chicago on Rock River, where you can spend a weekend hiking, boating, BBQing and porch-sitting where Sauk and Fox Indians used to call home. Venture within a few miles from the cabin and you may just spot wild bison grazing.
If you're looking to get out on the water, nearby White Pelican, Inc. offers canoes and kayaks, as well as shuttle service, and Lowden-Miller State Park is the perfect spot for families looking to take a hike.
The specs: 16 guests, 6 bedrooms, 6 beds, 5.5 beds The neighborhood: Wrigleyville Parking situation: on-premises and street parking Laundry access: on-premises Online: airbnb.com
Take your family . . . and maybe a couple of other families for that matter . . . to this mansion with a heated outdoor pool (a rarity in the city confines). You'll enjoy country club-style living right smack dab in the middle of the city with 2,000-square-feet of decks and patio and an outdoor music system and TV to go along with a cool-down in the pool during summer months. When you're not soaking up the sun, you'll find the fun continues on the inside in the game room with a bar, ping pong, foosball, arcade games, darts, a blackjack table and more.
While you're in the neighborhood, check out Gallagher Way. When restrictions are lifted it's a great destination for farmer's markets, community events, festivals, dining and a fantastic spot to be in the middle of the action during Chicago Cubs game days, even if you don't have tickets.
The specs: 7 guests; 3 bedrooms, 4 beds, 3 baths, pack 'n play travel crib available upon request The neighborhood: Streeterville Parking situation: paid parking on and off-premises Laundry access: on-premises Online: airbnb.com
You'd be hard-pressed to find a better location in the city for a family staycation. You're within a stone's throw of Navy Pier, Museum Campus with Shedd, The Field and Adler, Millennium Park, beaches and Mag Mile. During the summer months, you can enjoy the Wednesday and Saturday evening fireworks displays, courtesy of Navy Pier. When you're not out and about enjoying the city, hang at the rooftop lounge with cabanas, grills and a fire pit or take a dip in the indoor and outdoor pools.
Post-COVID-19 suggestion: If you're looking for a unique family dining experience, check out SafeHouse Chicago, a spy-themed restaurant that requires a password, or a willingness to complete silly tasks, to gain entrance. They have a great kids menu and more activities to keep the interest of little diners than they can even handle in one visit.
Family-friendly food halls are a parent’s dream come true. No more arguing over where to go out to eat as a family because San Diego food halls offer an eclectic mix of wide-ranging culinary delights, from tacos and Thai food, to pizza and BBQ to please everyone’s tastebuds…all under one roof. Read on for where to dig in now and for the scoop on several new food halls that are opening soon.
One of the most anticipated food hall openings is scheduled to open this spring and as of publication they’re almost ready! Located at an already fun family location at Del Mar Highlands, this will only add to the experience. You’ll soon find ten different dining options (Ambrogio15, Urbana Mexican Gastronomy, Le Parfait Paris, J at Sky Deck, Craft House, Kiin Extraordinary Thai, Marufuku Ramen, Zizikis Street Food, Glass Box, “The Brewers Deck” and Understory Cocktails) each with their own dining area that all surround a central cocktail bar. Not part of this food hall, but just downstairs are Batch & Box fresh baked cookies and Handel’s Ice Cream for a sweet treat.
Insider tip: Walk over to the kids splash pad and built-in trampoline with amphitheater seating so you can sit and eat while the kids play!
Just four blocks away from the pier, Pacific Beach will soon be getting their own food hall by SocialEats in late Spring 2021. This Los Angeles favorite has quickly grown into several spin-offs, each offering free local 2-mile delivery and third-party deliveries for those further away. They make it easy for you to combine items from several restaurants into just one order. Check out these fantastic food offerings: Pop!s Burgers & Shakes, Azule Taqueria, Supertoro, Street Noods, Hollywood Crab Shack.
Good to know: Take out, delivery, inside and outside public seating are available.
Little Italy Food Hall was featured in USA Today‘s top 10 new food halls in the nation! Situated next to the bustling neighborhood’s Piazza della Famiglia, Little Italy Food Hall was designed as a place of community to gather with friends, family and neighbors. The water fountain is the central feature that lights up at night, but you’ll also find community events and celebrations throughout the year on this pedestrian-only street. Sink your teeth into these fantastic food options too: Ambrogio15, Bobboi Natural Gelato, Mein St. Asian Kitchen, Wicked Maine Lobster, Not Not Tacos, Samburgers, Graze by Sam.
Windmill Food Hall opened recently in 2019 and has taken the food hall experience to the next level. Families can lounge and play in a communal indoor/outdoor space complete with custom vintage '30s and '40s-era inspired furniture. Enjoy a room called The Library which features a central fireplace you can relax alongside with a craft cocktail, and family-friendly games, including an interactive green screen, ping pong, skee ball, PAC Man, cornhole, foosball, shuffleboard and Jenga. Families will find 13 different restaurants here including Thai Style, Secret Sauce Wok & Grill, Cross Street Chicken, Notorious BBQ and more.
Good to know: Take out, delivery, inside and outside public seating are available.
Inside this Korean grocery store you’ll find a hidden Asian food hall serving it up since 1979. It’s like a little mini-mall where you’ll also find insurance and travel agents, a hair dresser, jewelry store and other small vendors selling things like blankets and kids toys from Japan, Korea and China. As for food, there are nine different food stalls with options like sushi, poke, hot pot, sashimi salads, bento boxes, tofu, chicken katsu, ramen, boba tea and red bean donuts. Check out a few fabu options: CDD Tofu & Grill, Hong Kong Banjum 0410, Wok Bar Spicy Hot Pot, Poke U, Boba Bar & Frozen Desserts and Paris Baguette Bakery.
Poway families will soon be able to enjoy an expansive new development that will include a 2100 square-foot urban food hall with 15 local artisan food vendors. Construction was halted in 2020, but they are now back on track to open up later this year, with nearby housing and on-site retail to follow. Established faves are slated to be from The Barrel Room, Urge Gastropub, Brothers Provisions, Mason Ale Works and Mason Coffee Works. We can't wait!
Wheaties announced today that LeBron James will be the next athlete to adorn the cover of the iconic orange box. James takes over the cover from Serena Williams, both of whom were named Associated Press Athletes of the Decade earlier this year. James will continue Wheaties’ 85 year-run of featuring sports champions on the collectible boxes.
The box looks a little different this time. Alongside James is a collage of kids and families from the LeBron James Family Foundation’s transformational I PROMISE program in Akron, Ohio. The wraparound image includes students and staff from the I PROMISE School, the groundbreaking Akron Public School opened by James and the Foundation in 2018 that serves the district’s most at-risk students and their entire families. The school and the Foundation’s comprehensive programming have redefined the community of Akron and is a testament that James has never forgotten where he came from. No matter how much on court success he has had, his legacy is much bigger than basketball.
“We all know LeBron James for his record-breaking basketball career, but his achievements off the court truly set him apart,” said Taylor Gessell, brand experience manager for Wheaties. “From starting the LeBron James Family Foundation, to boldly speaking out on racial injustice, to launching the I PROMISE School – LeBron is a champion of change who is using his sports platform to better the world. We couldn’t be prouder to feature such a positive force of inspiration for the next generation of champions on Wheaties’ historic box.”
James grew up in Akron, Ohio, where he leaned on his family, friends and community to lift him up when times were tough. He was a standout high school player for St. Vincent-St. Mary before being drafted as the #1 overall pick. James has gone on to win three Championships, four league MVPs. He currently stands as the 3rd all-time points leader and he can now add Wheaties Champion to the list.
“Growing up where we come from, to see my I PROMISE kids and families from Akron, Ohio, represented on the iconic Wheaties box means everything,” said James. “The movement we’ve started in Akron is about doing our part to uplift our community by first listening and then responding with the resources they need. We will continue to do everything we can to create a better future for our kids and our community, and it starts with the students, teachers, and everyday champions you see on this box.”
In 2004, James, who proudly refers to himself as “just a kid from Akron,” started the LeBron James Family Foundation to give back to the same community that changed his life. LJFF started by organizing community events and in 2011, refocused its efforts on education. In 2018, LJFF opened the I PROMISE School, dedicated to giving Akron’s most challenged kids the resources and support they need to excel in school and beyond. With its Family Resource Center, the Foundation eliminates barriers families face with access to job support, legal aid, healthcare, GED classes, financial literacy programs, and an onsite food pantry. For those experiencing homelessness, the Foundation opened the I PROMISE Village to provide transitional housing. LJFF has also guaranteed tuition to The University of Akron or Kent State University for every eligible I PROMISE graduate. James and his Foundation have started a movement that is transforming the future for thousands of Akron families.
“Having our students, families and educators on the Wheaties box alongside LeBron is pretty powerful, and it illustrates that deep and meaningful work cannot be done alone,” said Michele Campbell, Executive Director of the LeBron James Family Foundation. “It takes an entire community to truly rally around those that need it most, and it takes a lot of passion and hard work. But it can be done, and we’re humbled to continue pushing the envelope on what’s possible for these families and all communities across the country.”
The limited-edition LeBron James and I PROMISE Wheaties box will be sold on www.Shop.Wheaties.com now and will roll out on store shelves in the U.S. in the next several weeks.
From solving the city’s hunger crisis to leading a peace movement for kids, we’ve found some of San Diego’s biggest helpers at spreading kindness and providing much needed essentials and services to the community––and they all happen to be parents. Read on to learn about San Diego moms and dads who are making a difference––and see how you can join their movement.
Julie Rais Ellis is the mother of two and the founder of Rais Case, which started as a bags and accessories collection and has since expanded and grown into a movement. She's passionate about designing the highest quality products that cultivate community and culture around locally handmade goods. The Rais Case team pivoted when Covid-19 struck and they began to utilize their local manufacturing resources to create high quality face masks and bandanas. Shifting production to high quality face masks felt like the perfect way to help out a community that was struggling to find them. Ellis explains, We quickly realized we couldn’t keep up with the demand our wonderful Rais Case community requested. As a solution, we reached out to our handbag production partners to see if they could make our face masks. Because we are an USA made brand with local manufacturers, we could train our handbag cut & sew team in person, get them materials and get into production immediately. We had online orders and direct orders from many San Diego based corporations wanting to equip their frontline employees with face masks. We also wanted to help the front line workers in need of masks and implemented a donation campaign. Our goal was to donate masks to medical workers including doctors, nurses, and staff. We have donated masks to emergency rooms, diagnostic pathology labs, pediatricians, infectious disease departments to name a few. Customer purchases directly supported our ongoing efforts to donate masks to those on front lines. We are proud to have sent thousands of masks to hospitals and medical clinics locally and across the nation.
Ellis offers, Our relationship with our community is where magic happens. Our co-op shop doors are open 7 days a week. This is where you can find a curated collection of local handmade goods as well as our Do It Yourself table. The DIY table is designed for customers to create personalized leather goods from our scrap leather (appointments now required).
Our mission is simple but focused. It is to make quality goods that create community & support well-being.
Passion 4 K.I.D.S. (Kids In Desperate Situations) is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit charity dealing with handicapped, neglected, abandoned, abused and underprivileged children of any race, color and creed as well as children in acute, life-threatening, emergency situations in the United States.
Founders, Charles and Linda Van Kessler, have a passion for kids – their kids, other people’s kids, kids that are hurting, kids that are “special” – any kid! That’s why they created Passion 4 K.I.D.S.
With economic hardship, families unraveling, serious childhood illnesses in epidemic proportions, etc., Passion 4 K.I.D.S.’ mission is to focus on children in the United States that need help. These precious little ones have been given very heavy burdens to bear, through no fault of their own – some with life-threatening illnesses, some with abusive homes, some with life-altering accidents caused by others’ irresponsible actions. Each one deserves our best efforts because each one counts.
Charles and Linda reflect, “We hope we can be an example of two very ordinary people – no prior experience in setting up a non-profit, middle class with few resources, helping with situations we previously knew nothing about – who stepped out of our comfort zone to let God interrupt our life with a purpose and mission we are passionate about, yet totally inadequate in our own strength to accomplish. We have learned over and over when God gives the vision, He gives the provision.”
Connect: Passion 4 K.I.D.S invites you to join them on their God-given journey of trying to make a difference – one child at a time! Donate here. There are no salaries taken out of any of your donations. 100% of all donations go directly to the children’s needs
Dana Williams & All the SuperParents Behind Feeding San Diego
Dana Williams is the Director of Marketing & Communications for Feeding San Diego and the mom of two young girls, Charley (10) and London (7). Dana was inspired to join Feeding San Diego because she didn’t feel that it was right that one in eight people in San Diego County face hunger, including one in six children, when more than 40% of all food produced in the country is wasted.
Feeding San Diego is a hunger-relief organization on a mission to connect every person facing hunger with nutritious meals by maximizing food rescue. The organization provides more than 26 million meals to the community every year and 97% of that food is rescued. By diverting more than 25 million pounds of high-quality food from going into the landfill, Feeding San Diego is helping to avert more than 23,000 metric tons of CO2 equivalent from going into the atmosphere each year (comparable to taking 5000 cars off the road).
Since the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Feeding San Diego has seen a 50% increase in need for food assistance and many people are accessing their services for the first time. From March 14 to July 31, Feeding San Diego provided more than 12.8 million meals to the community, an increase of 43% compared to the same period the year prior. The downturn caused by the pandemic has exasperated the hunger crisis in San Diego, requiring Feeding San Diego to step in to provide emergency services to assist those affected, in addition to the hundreds of regular food distributions they already host across the county.
While it has been a challenge working full-time for a hunger-relief organization during a pandemic with two young children at home, Dana knows the work she is doing is making a difference in the lives of those facing hunger while also helping the planet.
Feeding San Diego is fueled by the hard work and dedication of so many parents. Also on the organization's media team, Allison Glader has two young sons. Additionally, the Director of Programs, Dana Henderson recently had a baby, the Director of Development Ali Colbran has a one year-old and the Facilities Manager, Clint Dooley has young children too, just to name a few staff members. Further, Feeding San Diego has more than 14,000 volunteers who support their efforts each year, and many of them are parents who bring in their children to help sort produce, etc.
Connect: To learn more about Feeding San Diego, to find food, or to discover ways you can help address the hunger crisis in San Diego County, go to feedingsandiego.org.
Serving the San Diego community has taken on a new meaning for local business owners and parents of two young boys, Marie and Jaime Brawn, operators of local catering company Root Cellar Catering and cafe/market Homestead Solana Beach. In the midst of keeping their own concepts afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Brawns and their partners The Burt Family Foundation created +BOX, a collaborative initiative providing essential nutrition to K-12 families in their local school districts, free of charge.
+Box provides weekly boxes of healthy meal kits with groceries and essential items to create a meal for a family of four. Since early April 2020, more than 1,800 +BOX kits have been distributed, side by side with the existing school lunch meal programs. +Box began a partnership with the Encinitas School District bringing the meal kit boxes to their pick up locations for families on the reduced lunch program. As the school year ended and the need for access to healthy meals grew +Box added both the Carlsbad and Solana Beach school districts to their distribution.
The + Box model is also zero waste, with unsold produce from Homestead’s market and provisions placed in the boxes. With the hope to grow +Box into a 1:1 charity, such as the Tom’s model, where for every box purchased a family will receive a box, the Brawns along with the Burt Family Foundation are seeking to grow +Box to more districts and help more families in need.
More than just a dance studio, Lovely Leaps is a movement of its own. Studio founders Lisa and Ricky McCabe started Lovely Leaps when their daughter was just five months old. Lisa's goal as a dance instructor is to offer a whole child approach to help grow kids' (ages 10 months-10 years) confidence and comfort in their own bodies. She believes dance should focus on fun instead of perfection and she stresses inclusion. The love of dance is what will take your child to the next level, not perfection or the way they look.
Lovely Leaps Dance Studio is keeping the rhythm alive through free virtual classes and the dream that one day these classes might connect kids across the country and all over the world. Lisa McCabe offers, "We have been so blessed during this season, we have virtually taught over 1000 students and had a socially distant in-person dance camp! The future of Lovely Leaps is our fun themed virtual classes, and when it’s safe we can’t wait to open our studio doors back up."
You can find Lovely Leaps' virtual studio on their website along with their free virtual classes on Thursdays. They hope to open the doors of their San Marcos and Solana Beach studio locations as soon as possible, allowing only 5 kids in a class at a time.
Steven James was passionate about art, anime, comic books, and video games growing up. Now, he creates special licensed graphics on skateboards, accessories, and apparel. His company Finesse encourages youth to follow their dreams and supports talented skaters from coast-to-coast. Finesse offers special skateboard collections featuring licensed and non-licensed graphics from anime, video game and comic book properties. Art is directed, designed and illustrated by Steven James. The Collection can be found online and at fine retailers worldwide. Pressed out of San Diego, California, Finesse Skateboards are built to last and great for all skill levels.
James tells Red Tricycle, "We have monthly skate sessions at skateparks around San Diego County. We encourage local skaters at these parks to follow their dreams and passions in life. God has a plan for us all, on and off the skateboard. We give out free skateboards, skateboard equipment, fruit, snacks, water and Tech Decks to youth in need at Skateparks and Schools."
Connect: Support Finesse Decks so they can continue to make a difference in the lives of San Diego youth. See the Finesse deck collection here.
Cat Kom started Studio SWEAT onDemand’s Youth Channel to help get kids excited about health and fitness. But once COVID-19 hit, and most of us found ourselves stuck at home, Cat realized just how necessary it was to have workouts designed for kids, teens and even some parents can do with their toddlers! These classes were filmed before the pandemic hit, and many were filmed with local kids at Y’s right here in San Diego.
Cat tells Red Tricycle,
"Keeping our kids active is so important these days. With all of the rules and mandates constantly changing, children need a consistent and constructive way to release their energy and stay positive, while things like team sports and after-school activities are put on hold. We are thrilled to be able to support our community, and kids around the nation in this way. And as for the parents’ sanity, our brick-and-mortar studio is still teaching outdoor classes, to give those moms and dads a much needed break while staying fit, getting out of the house, and engaging in their local community.
And, for those looking to work out from home, Studio SWEAT onDemand’s library of streaming workouts is the perfect way for anyone to stay fit in the comfort and safety of their living rooms. Members can sign up for an All Access Pass, which gives them full access to our huge onDemand workouts, from rejuvenating Bedtime Yoga to calorie-crushing High Intensity Bootcamps.
We’ve also partnered with local YMCAs to help them offer our streaming fitness service free of charge to their members––to lift their spirits, keep them healthy, and deliver the experience of real group fitness classes they know and love."
Kristen Lucas founded The Well Community for Women with a mission we can all appreciate: to serve families in San Diego with affordable workspace and to host events for women with childcare always included. The Well's community events for all include business workshops, paint nights, health and wellness seminars, fitness classes, and after-school classes for kids (hope to resume one day soon)! This fall The Well will have a small distance learning class for school-aged kids available Mon.-Fri. so moms can come for a few hours and get work done or meet a friend and have help with the new virtual learning.
Paying it Forward: The Well has businesses that are community partners as well as private donors who help underwrite all of this to keep prices low and so they can offer scholarships to women/kids in need and to eight other nonprofits they partner with. Lucas says, "Ultimately, our goal is to encourage and serve women in our community in their businesses and lives!"
Connect: Learn how you can partner with The Well to provide their resources including workspace, support groups, kid’s programs and special events to women in need for free.
Carol Areas/Word Rocks Project
Carol Areas/Word Rocks Project
Carol Areas, creator of the Word Rocks Project tells Red Tricycle, "Almost ten years ago, my only son had the idea to paint rocks with positive words and, in his own words, "spread them all over the city to make people happy. That’s how The Word Rocks Project was born."
Areas adds, "He is now 19 years old, being challenged by his first college years as a young man diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome. We have continued to spread joy this way for the past nine years. With all the recent changes in the world, I see my Craft with a Purpose Workshop for kids taking a long-term leave.
To keep things rolling, I created my Art+Kindness box. In a world that can always use more art and kindness, my brand new box exists to spread some magic around. In fact, it’s a mission that I've been doing for the past ten years and that now is available for you to do as well! With 10 items, from rocks to clay rainbows, from postcards to felt birds, my Art + Kindness box has the goal to help you spread kindness & magic through art abandonment.
Send a box to a kid to help them start to understand the idea of compassion and kindness through art being abandoned to bring joy––or to have something special in hand to give it to a teacher or a friend. Buy a box to spread the love in your community and make it a special place for your neighbors. Planning a trip? Make it extra special by leaving bits of joy wherever you go.
My goal is simple: connect many, inspire & empower others to join us in creating a kinder world.
By ordering a box, besides supporting my kindness projects, above all, you are making this world a better place through art + kindness."
Connect: Email Carol to order a box at: wordrocks.me@gmail.com. The Art + Kindness box is $29.99 + $8.30 (flat rate for small box).
Jill McManigal is the mother of two and co-founder of Kids for Peace, an organization that aims to uplift the world through love and action. Their mission is to "empower kids to create peace through hands-on service, global friendships and thoughtful acts of kindness. Our vision is a safe and peaceful world where all people respect and care for each other and our planet. Kids for Peace serves as a model and inspiration for creating this reality with children leading the way, not only for today, but for generations to come."
Connect: Your kids (grades 2-8) can join Club Kids for Peace, a weekly virtual after school program. Here they'll connect with peers and learn how to open their minds and hearts for the greater good.
Connecting with other parents online has become more important than ever. Working from home, social distancing and homeschooling can be isolating and overwhelming, so we’ve found over a dozen Facebook groups you can join to reach out and connect with other parents in the Bay Area. Read on to find that support, shared knowledge and camaraderie are just a few clicks away in a local online group for parents.
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Bay Area Mommy Group This robust group is for local mothers to mingle and meet, share events, plan fun activities and places to visit with little ones in the beautiful Bay Area.
Main Street Mamas: San Francisco Over 14k moms are members of this group. The goal for the group is to create and promote a supportive parenting community, on screen and in real life. Members must be residents of San Francisco.
Main Street Mamas: Peninsula & Silicon Valley Main Street Mamas is the social and community arm of Sensible Sitters. This arm of the group is for mothers living in San Mateo or Santa Clara counties. There is also a Marin branch of MSM.
Kate Loweth
Outdoor Families of San Francisco Bay Area This is a community of Northern California families who enjoy being connected to the outdoors as well as other like-minded families. If you enjoy the outdoors (hiking, backpacking, climbing, biking, kayaking, SUP, beach activities, camping, glamping or anything outdoors) and are interested in actively participating in discussions to learn and share, please join.
{510} Families Group for East Bay Parents This group is for parents in the {510} area code: Oakland, Berkeley, Alameda, Piedmont, El Cerrito, Albany, Fremont, Hayward and Richmond. It is focused on fun activities and local resources.
San Francisco Parents of Multiples The San Francisco Parents of Multiples Club is a non-profit organization formed to offer support to parents and expectant parents of multiples.
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SF Dads Group Meet other San Francisco Bay Area dads! Stay-at-home dads, working dads, part-time at home dads, work from home dads, freelance dads, and involved fathers in and around the SF Bay Area are invited to socialize and interact with other guys who enjoy spending quality time with their kids.
PAMP Parents Group PAMP is the super active Palo Alto Menlo Park Parents Group and this Facebook group is for members only. Here you can discuss group meet-ups, community events and more.
Mommies of Marin (M.O.M) This group of over 1k members supports mothers who live in Marin County.
Bay Area Dads Head to this group if you are a dad in the Bay Area looking to network with and meet other dads.
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Bay Area Special Needs Parents Group This group is for parents in the Bay Area who have special need kids. They share local resources, tips, product recommendations and support.
Autism Families Bay Area The purpose of this site is to keep families in the San Francisco Bay Area informed about fun, engaging artistic or recreational events that cater to individuals with special needs, especially those whose disability or behaviors may otherwise make "typical" events difficult or impossible to attend.
Hike it Baby San Jose Hike it Baby is a non-profit organization dedicated to connecting families to nature with birth to school age children. This group meets up for hikes near San Jose.
Drive along the sandy stretch known as Mustang Island, in the Coastal Bend region of Texas, and soon you’ll find yourself in the quirky community of Port Aransas. Dubbed “Port A” by the longtime local residents, this charming town has all the vibes of a traditional beach town but also stands out with a Texas flair you won’t find anywhere else. It’s just one of the reasons that people love to come back to Port A, and make it a Texas family tradition. Perfect for a longer family vacation (hint: we love this destination for a fun and laid-back summer vacation), we’ve got 10 reasons why Port Aransas should be at the top of your vacation destination list. Keep reading to see them all.
Gabby Cullen
1. It’s a classic beach town. Everything you love about beach towns is alive and well in Port Aransas. Walking-distance lodging, sandcastle competitions, driving golf carts around town, fresh seafood, fishing, surfing, local dive restaurants, and of course, the ability to wear flip-flops for the duration of your stay.
2. There’s always something going on. From the largest family fishing tournament on the Texas Gulf Coast to the year-round Port Aransas Art Center’s First Friday events, the community events calendar has plenty to offer.
Gabby Cullen
3. It’s easy to get there. Yes, Port A is located on an island, but it’s within a four-hour drive of three major Texas cities: San Antonio, Austin and Houston, and it’s a seven-hour drive from Dallas. If you’d rather fly in, the Corpus Christi Airport (CRP) is only 20 minutes away.
4. There are a ton of places to stay, whatever your lodging preference. From campgrounds to family-friendly beachfront resorts with pools and golf, there’s a lodging option for every family. You can even camp on the beach with the proper permits!
courtesy Port Aransas
5. You can go fishing and have your catch cooked at a local restaurant. Something both fishing fans and foodies will love is Port Aransas’ catch-and-cook program! After you go fishing, whether it’s off the pier or if you charter a deep-sea trip, there are 10 different restaurants, including the 40-year-old iconic Seafood & Spaghetti Works, that will prepare your catch just for you on the very same day.
6. Or you can enjoy both award-winning food and family-friendly dining. Whether it's food crafted by award-winning chefs you crave or a laid-back spot perfect for families, there are plenty of spots to choose from in Port Aransas. For foodies, Black Marlin's shrimp and grits and crawfish and shrimp maque choux etouffee, from Food Network vet Gail Huseman, are a must. Our top picks for family-friendly dining include FINS (you'll have a perfect view of the Red Dragon pirate ship) and Stingray's, where you'll find lawn games and a real Corvette inside the restaurant.
8. There are 18 miles of sandy beaches. The Texas Open Beaches Act allows for camping on the beach, and prime space is divvied out on a first-come, first-serve basis, but with 18 miles of sandy beaches on Mustang Island, there’s plenty of sand to go around, plus some resorts offer a beach set up service. During your beach day, toddlers will enjoy the mellow waves and clean sand (perfect for sandcastles) while older kids will get a kick out of renting a boogie board or beach fishing.
7. You can visit a private island and pose inside a huge shark on the same day. Hop a ferry boat to San Jose Island at Fisherman’s Wharf for a day on an uninhabited island (bring a picnic!), and be back in time to explore Alister St., home to Destination Beach & Surf and Bo Jon's, both with Insta-worthy shark-mouth entrances.
Gabby Cullen
9. There’s way more to do than just make sandcastles. Yes, Port A is perfect for improving your sandcastle-making skills, but there are plenty of other options for families with kids of all ages. You can play golf at Pamilla Beach—the only true links-style golf course in Texas—older kids can go paddleboarding, you can fly kites from Fly it! Port A, rent a golf cart for cruising at Bron’s Beach Carts, spend time at Roberts Point Park (there's a playground for toddlers and live music from April - October), and so much more.
10. You’ll feel like you’ve stumbled onto a hidden gem. From the local art scene to the locally-owned businesses, Port Aransas will check all your quintessential beach vacation boxes and still offer little surprises around every corner to make you feel like you’ve stumbled onto something truly special.
There’s no crying in baseball. . . until the season start is postponed, that is! The Chicago White Sox realizes that baseball taking a temporary hiatus has left some sad fans, so they’re easing the pain for their littlest loyalists with virtual activities and a chance to sign-up for a program that helps prevent that dreaded summer slide. Read on to see how to stay connected until you can take the family out to a ballgame again.
Jackie Robinson Video Contest
Have kids put their extra time at home to good use by entering the 5th annual Jackie Robinson video contest. Kids from Chicagoland and Indiana in grades 6-12 can let their creativity shine by submitting a video which highlights and inspiring man or woman who helped pave the way for African Americans in baseball.
Videos that include 1-3 people can be created with a cell phone, still images, hand puppets, drawings, animations or simply by speaking into the camera about a particular hero. The deadline for submission is 11:59 p.m. CST on Apr. 27. Check the websitefor detailed contest information and rules.
Southpaw Coloring Pages
Since June 13, 2004, the fuzzy, green creature of unidentifiable species that goes by the name Southpaw has been the White Sox mascot. He's 6'4", bats and throws as a lefty and weighs as much as 621 baseballs. He loves attending community events, even an occasional birthday party, so send any invites to 312-674-5312. You never know where he'll show (after we're finished sheltering, of course)! In the meantime, print off Southpaw's coloring pages and color the day away!
White Sox Crossword Puzzle
This one may be a bit tricky for younger kids, but the White Sox crossword puzzle makes for a fun family project! Sharpen those pencils and impress the kiddos with your Sox knowledge. Find and print the puzzle here.
Southpaw Paper Bag Puppet
Let Southpaw be the star of your family arts and crafts time! A paper bag, markers, pipe cleaners, tape, scissors and a silly imagination is all you need to bring the exuberant spirit of Southpaw to your crib. Find the puppet instructions here.
How cool is this! You can find your favorite player and listen to which song they've chosen as their walk-up music. From Kanye West to Dierks Bentley, they cover the spectrum of genres. Take the fun even further and have your kids pick their own walk-up music!
Sign Up for Summer Sluggers
The Chicago White Sox has created the Summer Slugger program, a free online educational platform for kids ages 8-11 which uses baseball to help maintain math and literacy concepts. Each week, kids will complete a series of fun, baseball-themed math and literacy games which earn them rewards and help to reinforce physical fitness and community involvement.
— Maria Chambers
photo: Courtesy of Chicago White Sox, unless otherwise noted
Whether you are new to the area or looking for a little support during these crazy times, a moms’ group can be a great way get out there and make some friends. Many offer online Facebook groups, meet ups, parenting classes and moms-only nights out so that you can change out of the yoga pants and get some adult conversation on the regular. Some are even dedicated to dads! Scroll through to find a moms group near you.
San Francisco
Golden Gate Mothers Group The Golden Gate Mothers Group is a San Francisco-based mothers group that focuses on moms and all things motherhood. With over 4,000 member, this group offers playgroups, helping hand resources and lots of other options to moms living in SF.
San Francisco Parents of Multiples The San Francisco Parents of Multiples Club is a non-profit organization formed to offer support to parents and expectant parents of multiples.
Black Moms of San Francisco This group provides a fun and relaxed space for black mothers of infants and toddlers to get to know each other. Working or stay at home moms and expecting moms welcome. Get togethers include picnics in the park, brunch at kid friendly restaurants, playdates, mommy and me yoga, baby music class and more are offered throughout the year.
Main Street Mamas San Francisco This group, which originated as the marketing and community arm of Sensible Sitters, now has a meet up space at Stonestown Mall and a robust community of over 13,000 San Francisco moms. The Facebook group is active—ask questions and receive support related to raising kids in SF. MSM has branched out to other areas of the Bay, including MSM Marin and MSM East Bay.
East Bay
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Castro Valley Mothers Club The Castro Valley Mothers Club (CVMC) provides a supportive community to mothers with children of all ages, as well as expectant mothers. The Club offers playgroups, family activities, as well as monthly meetings and a newsletter.
First Time Moms—East Bay A group for meeting other first time moms. The group meets 2 to 3 times a week to chat, swap stories, get tips, and get out of the house. Activities include walks, park play-dates, lunches, happy hours, coffee, fitness for mommy and baby, as well as beauty and spa appointments.
F.U.N. Mothers Club The FUN Mothers Club is a volunteer-run non-profit open to parents and kids in Fremont, Union City & Newark. The club provides the opportunity to gain support, share knowledge, experience friendships and promote a sense of community for the members and their families.
Iron Horse Mothers Club The Iron Horse Mothers Club (IHMC) was formed to serve as a resource to mothers with young children in the San Ramon, Danville, Dublin and Alamo communities. The IHMC is a support network for its members with playgroups and great activities throughout the year for kids, moms and the whole family.
Mount Diablo Mother's Club The Mt. Diablo Mothers Club club is based out of Walnut Creek and serves Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill, Martinez, Clayton and Concord. It is a social and support group for mothers and expectant mothers that seeks to form and strengthen friendships for you and your family.
Mocha Moms of West Contra Costa Chapter Mocha Moms, Inc. is a support group for mothers of color who have chosen not to work full-time outside of the home in order to devote more time to their families and communities. Mocha Moms serves as an advocate for those mothers and encourages the spirit of community activism within its membership.
Parents, Resources and More (PRAM) PRAM offers many playgroups, classes, activities, outings and opportunities for Richmond-area parents to connect to each other and create valuable social and support networks.
Sol Mamas Sol Mamas are women from all backgrounds, of all shapes, sizes and fitness levels who share a love for travel, nature, sustainable living, community, natural health/wellness, and life. This group hosts mom and baby activities, travel excursions and retreats for women and events for friends and family.
Tri-City Mothers of Multiples Established in 1979, the Tri-City Mothers of Multiples is a group for women who have, or are expecting, twins, triplets or higher order multiples. The club offers emotional, educational, and social support to women in the Fremont, Newark, and Union City area, and beyond. Includes playgroups, a "Big Sister" program, lending library and more.
Alameda Family Collective The Alameda Family Collective connects Alameda families by providing resources and opportunities to learn, serve and be together. With a quarterly education series, ongoing special events, a platform for hosting playdates and family-friendly volunteer opportunities, there is something for every family.
Peninsula/South Bay
Gali Dotan
San Bruno Parents Club This supportive community is for all local families who want to make authentic connections, share resources, and have fun. Here, you will find yourself among fellow parents who truly get it; we are here to validate and encourage you during challenging seasons of parenting, and to celebrate your joy during the good times.
South San Francisco Mothers Club The South San Francisco Mothers Club seeks to nurture an engaging and supportive community for parents and expectant parents living in or around South San Francisco. They offer a private Facebook group, a swap, moms only events, playgroups, book club, volunteering opportunities and fun events for families.
Silicon Valley Twins & Triplets Established in 1971 as a non-profit, Silicon Valley Twins & Triplets (formerly Gemini Crickets) club supports families in the unique experience of parenting multiples (twins, triplets and beyond).
Parents' Club of Palo Alto and Menlo Park PAMP is the largest parent organization on the Peninsula and it offers member parents an on-line website for networking and sharing information, monthly newsletters, speaker events, playgroups, preschool fairs and family activities.
Burlingame Mothers' Group The Burlingame Mothers’ Club (BMC) provides mothers of children from birth through age five with support, information, friendship and community.
Coastside Mothers' Group The Coastside Mothers' Club (CMC) provides support to and a social network for families along the San Mateo Coast (from Montara to Pescadero). Members are both working and non-working moms, but fathers and all caregivers are also encouraged to participate in events and outings.
The Mid-Peninsula Parents of Multiples Club (MPPOM) The Mid-Peninsula Parents of Multiples Club (MPPOM) provides community, education and peer support to parents on the Bay Area Peninsula (Millbrae to Silicon Valley) sharing the joys and challenges of raising multiples.
The Pacifica Mothers Club The Pacifica Mothers Club provides friendship and support for mothers and primary caregivers of children from pre-birth through age five. Offerings include playgroups, Moms Night Out events, book clubs, home-cooked meals after a baby's birth and more.
The San Carlos Belmont Parents Club The San Carlos Belmont Parents Club mission is "Parents Helping Parents". The SCBPC offers age-based playgroups, speakers series, mom and dads nights out, family events (like picnics and museum days), children's outings, a babysitting co-op, in-a-pinch program when you need help most and so much more.
San Mateo Parents Club The San Mateo Parents Club (SMPC) is a community of parents with kids from birth to kindergarten age (or currently expecting) in San Mateo and surrounding areas who encourage friendship, support, and advice.
New North MOPS/MOMSnext These groups are a safe place for mothers to be authentic with their successes and their struggles, to be better equipped in the vital roles they play and to find their identity by journeying alongside one another. They provide educational/ resourceful videos, live speakers, arts and craft time for mommies and Mom Night Outs. They also offer amazing breakfast and childcare is provided for ages 5 and under. Sister locations: Foster City, San Francisco/Dolores Park and Alameda
Marin Mommies A group for Marin moms looking for playdates, friends to meet for outdoor activities, rainy day creative activities, mom's night out, shared support and information.
Corte Madera Larkspur Mothers Club The CMLMC aims to build a supportive community of mothers with young children in Corte Madera, Larkspur and surrounding areas by fostering friendships, encouraging learning and offering community events, mom or dad-only events and special interest groups.
Marin Dads Marin Dads has an online forum and monthly events including monthly dinner (no kids) and monthly weekend playgroup. It's a great way to get advice, meet other dads and be an active participant in your child's life.
Marin Parents of Multiples MPOMC is part of a national organization offering guidance to parents of multiples. Its mission is to provide educational, social and emotional support to parents before their children are born, as well as during the critical months and years that follow.
Novato Mothers Club The Novato Mother’s Club provides mothers with a supportive, nurturing environment, friendship and activities. Enjoy an online forum, playgroups, children’s outings, family events, mom’s night outs, a monthly newsletter and activities geared toward families of children from pregnancy and beyond.
The Petaluma Mothers' Club The Petaluma Mothers' Club is made up of caregivers with children through age five. They offer playgroups, monthly meetings and special family events for support, education and socializing.
Santa Rosa Mothers' Club The mission of the Santa Rosa Mothers’ Club (SRMC) is to provide an environment where mothers and young children can develop friendships and community, exchange information and have valued opportunities for social interaction with other mothers, children, and families.
Sonoma County Mothers of Multiples The Sonoma County Mothers of Multiples Club is a group of parents of twins and triplets who have come together for support, education, ideas-and, yes-fun! You may also join the group while pregnant and begin to receive the many benefits of membership before you deliver.
Southern Marin Mothers' Club The Southern Marin Mothers Club strives to provide a supportive, nurturing community for families to share meaningful experiences, fun and fellowship that strengthen family bonds.
