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.
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!
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
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!
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!
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!
Looking to register for low-cost and free summer camps in NYC—and even snag some early-bird rates? We’ve rounded up some of the more affordable summer camps in NYC, including favorite camps in the Bronx, Brooklyn and Queens, as well as the city’s Summer Rising program from the DOE and STEM summer program in all boroughs. Some camps are free, others offer a sliding scale, and still more have prices not as sky-high as so many other camps around NYC. Save more cash with our favorite free and fun things to do this month in NYC, NYC museums that are always free, and NYC’s best playgrounds, which never cost a cent!
Register for NYC's Free Summer Rising Program
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It is not too late to register for Summer Rising, the New York Department of Education's free summer academic and enrichment programming for all students in grades K–12! The Summer Rising Enrollment Portal opens on April 25, 2022. The program provides academic support and enrichment activities, giving students daily opportunities to play, create, explore and develop new interests. (Translation: some learning, lots of fun.) Programs run from July 5 to August 12, with options for all students, including English language learners and those with special education needs. All current K-8 NYC students are eligible to enroll in Summer Rising.
The New York City Department of Education is offering free summer enrichment programs for kids entering grades 1-12. Priority is given to children who attend Title 1 Schools. Camps run from July 5 to August 19.
Kids can get their hands dirty in the garden, encounter amazing animals, or design an art or engineering project. Students will meet and work with field experts in programs that feature real-world learning experiences. Choose from a wide range of programs offered at sites throughout the city! Click here to view the programs.
Programs are offered at cultural institutions such as the Department of Ed's Environmental Study Center; Audubon New York; Bronx Zoo; MakerSpace NYC; New York Aquarium; New-York Historical Society; Prospect Park Zoo; Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden; Staten Island Museum; Staten Island Zoo; The Battery Conservancy; The Green-Wood Cemetery; and UrbanGlass. Click here to see the locations.
Greenwich House is offering in-person STEAM Summer Camp in July an August for kids ages 6 to 14. Activities include arts and crafts, engaging science and technology activities, recreation and outdoor summer fun. Cost is $2,500 for July, and $2,600 for August, plus $80 supply fee. Need-based financial aid and scholarships are available. Registration is open now.
Campers at the Henry Street Settlement can enjoy art, music, drama, sports and swimming, as well as field trips to cultural institutions like New York Hall of Science, Queens County Farm, and art museums. The program is open for kids ages five to 10 and deadline is June 7, with aid offered on first-come, first-served basis.
Camp is in two sessions, July 5-July 21, and July 25-August 8, with days running from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. with an after-care option. Rates are $1,305 for the first session, $1,425 for the second, with a discounted rate of $2,600 for both. (There is also a $50 registration fee.)
Income-based tuition assistance is available to households whose annual income is less than $50,000 annually. Those who qualify and apply in time will receive a 50% discount for tuition.
Discounts are also offered for returning campers, campers' siblings, and those who refer a friend. Henry Street has a commitment to working with anyone to make camp an affordable experience. Find a helpful FAQ on the camp here.
Unfortunately, like the name indicates, it's for boys only (ages seven and up). In the past, the BCNY hosted a six-week long summer program in the city, encompassing swimming, athletics, music, arts and field trips. (The cost was nominal: $25 for one member, $35 for a family of several sons, with breakfast and lunch included.)
The Boys' Club will also be offering camp programs in the city, BCNY’s Summer Cycle at Abbe Clubhouse or Gerry Clubhouse for campers entering 4th to 12th grade. You must become a member to register. To join BCNY, select your child’s age group on this page and register. (If you’re already a member, your local clubhouse will be in touch about BCNY’s Summer Cycle.) For membership or program inquiries, contact Meredith Gray, director of program development.
Brooklyn's NIA Community Services Network operates two free K-5 camps at P.S. 247 in Bensonhurst and P.S. 179 in Kensington. Typically elementary summer camps run Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and includes free breakfast and lunch. NIA also offers several free middle school camps, as well as a fee-based camp at P.S. 30 in Bay Ridge.
Exact details for summer 2022 are still being determined, and programming and dates are contingent on city funding. Sign up here (scroll to the bottom of the page) to get notification of camp and registration info when it becomes available. You can read about 2019 offerings here.
Located at various community centers and public schools in the Bronx and Brooklyn, once school is out for the summer, Good Shepherd becomes a free, all-day camp with arts & crafts, dance, sports and more. Contact each, individual center for hours and programming details.
Chances are, there's a YMCA Camp near you. The non-profit organization has more than 70 summer camps throughout the five boroughs, including camps for little ones (four and five-year-olds), overnight camps, and specialty camps dedicated to all kids of activities, including dance, STEAM, and sports. General camp activities include swimming, sports, themed days, games, and more, along with special field trips to area attractions, and the Y also runs inclusion camps.
Rates vary depending on the type of camp and location, but standard day camp is $750 per two-week session. Sessions begin July 5 and end August 26. There's a 10 percent sibling discount, and if you register before April 30, you also get a 10 Early Bird percent discount. Finally, financial assistance is also available. You can download an application for aid here. The Y is holding information sessions for camp over the next few weeks.
Held on the 37-acre, tree-lined campus of Lehman College in the Bronx, this summer camp operates two, three-week sessions for kids ages six to 12. Activities are designed the goal of developing children’s academic, social and athletic skills and include everything from water safety, self-defense and arts and crafts, to sports, math games and dance. In the past, full-day and half-day sessions in July and August have been offered, with early bird discounts and payment plan options. Previous rates were $1528 per session for full-day, and $764 per session for half-day. Free breakfast and lunch are provided for all campers.
Summer 2022 camp is pending, dependent on the state of the COVID pandemic and the full opening of Lehman College.
A classic summer day camp in the city, Oasis prides itself on its affordability. Oasis operates camps in Central Park, East Village, Bayside, Queens, Long Island and Westchester. Kids ages three to 15 enjoy sports, games, crafts, drama, and more for the bulk of the day outside (although there are indoor facilities as well).
Ages: 3-15 Locations: Central Park, East Village, Bayside, Long Island University, Dobbs Ferry Camp dates: 6/27-8/19 Fees (starting at): Varies by location. Central Park: $1470 (entering nursery - K); $1420 (entering grades 1-6) Online:oasischildren.com
Trail Blazers
Now in its 135th year (!), Trail Blazers' tag line is "Building Values for Life." Both a day camp, held in Brooklyn's Prospect Park, Brooklyn Bridge Park, Riverside Park and Morningside Park, and an overnight camp (in Montague, New Jersey) Trail Blazers is all about unplugging, learning and playing. (You can read about some of the camp's core beliefs here.) Each week has an environmentally-focused theme with related skill instruction (orienteering, knot-tying, plant identification) and kids spend the entire day in the park, only heading inside if the weather gets really unforgiving. Trail Blazers also holds a Farmstead overnight camp at which kids live and work on the Stony Creek Farmstead in the Catskills. Base rate for day camp is $700, but families pay on a self-reporting, sliding scale according to income. Scholarships are also available.
The Cathedral at St. John the Divine runs several programs for kids ages 3.9 to 15, including summer day camp and specialty week-long camps. Day camp, in July, featuring classic activities like arts and crafts, games and day trips, requires a five week commitment. Single-week specialty camps for campers eight years old and up are dedicated to activities such as soccer, floor hockey, performance, wearable art, DIY and mosaic and sculpting. Day camp is $3,000 for five weeks; specialty camps are $650/week. Camp hours are 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. with early drop off and late pickup options. There is a sibling discount of 10 percent, and a $100 discount if you register for the whole summer. Financial aid may be available. Register and pay in full by May 2. Download registration form here.
ACT at Cathedral at St. John the Divine 1047 Amsterdam Ave. Morningside Heights 212-316-7530 Online: stjohndivine.org
Each year, we take a moment to pause and give our appreciation to the women of the world who have made waves in life as we know it. Women all across the globe have risen to face challenges, opened their mouths to speak about equality and change, and emblazoned their nature of being an inspiring force. Portland has had numerous of its own citizens create lasting impressions on our society and culture, so this Women’s History Month, teach your children about the women who helped shape our city into the modern day wonder it is today. Take some time and spread a little knowledge amongst your family with the following female pioneers.
Remember Ramona Quimby? I sure do. The genius story-teller behind this widely successful series grew up in Portland, Oregon and has scattered her books with pieces of the city. Whether or not you’ve walked down Klickitat or Tillamook street, live in the Grant Park neighborhood, or even attended Beverly Cleary School, it is well worth your while to spend an afternoon exploring! Grab a copy of Ramona Quimby and herd the kids to Grant Park for an afternoon spent living in the imagined reality of Ramona by Beverly herself. Don't forget to visit the statue of Ramona Quimby while in Grant Park.
Lucille Beck
Lucille (Lou) Beck was born in Portland, Oregon in 1925 and lived out the extent of her life in this wonderful city. After graduating from Stanford in 1947, she moved back to Portland and established a life with a husband and four children. On top of her duties as a parent and an active member of PTA, Lou fell into an interest in community service and the stars aligned. With help from her partner-in-crime, Jean Siddall, they lobbied the public and political support to induct Tryon Creek Nature Preserve as Oregon’s first urban state park! They established a board of people to be involved in park programming, known then and today as Friends of Tryon Creek, and Lou remained involved in oversight of the park for 35 years. Subsequently, she was asked to join the State Parks Commission and will go down in history as the first woman to serve in such a role. Honoring Lou this month is best done by honoring Portland’s parks, so take your children out to Tryon Creek and spend the afternoon appreciating her dedication to preserving such a beautiful space.
Born in Missouri, Hattie Redmond and her family moved to Oregon in 1886 on a sponsorship from a white family. She and her siblings attended Portland Colored School in southwest Portland, and as she got older, she began accompanying her father, Reuben, to meetings for the Portland Colored Immigration Society where he was secretary. This fueled Hattie’s inclination to advocate for black women’s right to vote. Beginning in the early 1900s, Hattie held suffrage meetings in her southwest neighborhood and eventually became president of the Colored Women’s Equal Suffrage Association, a pivotal piece of the Black Civil Rights movement. Did you vote this year? You can thank Hattie: she and her counterparts were instrumental in the passing of Oregon Measure 1, the Women’s Suffrage Amendment, in 1912. You may visit her grave at the Lone Fir Cemetery in SE Portland.
Tawna Sanchez is nothing short of a pioneer: her position in the Oregon legislature is preceded by only one other Native American, and Tawna is the first to represent the city of Portland. Her work as a member of the Oregon House of Representatives centers on human rights issues, targeting child welfare and foster care systems. She founded Healing Circles, a nationally recognized program whose mission stands to prevent and disrupt domestic violence situations. Tawna is a force doing great work on behalf of Portland’s children. And she walks the talk, too – Tawna Sanchez has raised eighteen foster children!
Mercedes Deiz grew up poor, the eldest of 10 children. While working during the day, she attended law school in the evenings, becoming the first Black woman admitted to the Oregon Bar, as well as the first Black woman to serve as a district court judge, and the first to be elected as a county circuit court judge. Mrs. Deiz served 22 years as a Multnomah County judge and was well known in the Albina Neighborhood for her civic action in the Urban League of Portland and the NAACP Portland.
Leah Hing was the first Chinese American woman to earn her pilot's license, later becoming an instrument mechanic during World War II at the Portland Air Base.
Ms. Hing was a lifelong resident of the Ladd's Addition neighborhood. Ms. Hing served as president of the Portland Chinese Girls' Club and founded the Portland Chinese Girls' Orchestra, as well as serving as the general manager of the Chung Wah Hoopers, Portland’s female basketball team. She also played the saxophone and performed internationally as part of The Honorable Wu's Vaudeville Troupe.
Ms. Hing is shown in a mural of female Oregon aviators at the Portland International Airport, and her first plane is on display in the Pearson Air Museum.
Being involved in the community is second nature for this history-paving woman. Gretchen served in the Oregon House of Representatives from 1977-1982, the Multnomah County Commission from 1985-1991, and on the Portland City Council from 1991-1998. She was always knee-deep in the going-ons of the city she called home. Further, Kafoury helped found the Oregon division of the National Organization for Women in 1970, as well as the Oregon Women’s Political Caucus in 1971. She spent her entire professional career advocating for the rights of women in the state of Oregon, and in 1999 joined Portland State University’s (PSU) faculty teaching courses regarding community development and houselessness. Accomplished enough? Not for Gretchen – she received her Masters in Public Administration from PSU in 2008.
Gretchen Kafoury Commons, a nine-story apartment community, is located downtown near Portland State University. Gretchen Kafoury is also part of the Women Making History mural, located on the exterior of the building at 2335 North Clark Avenue.
Beatrice Morrow Cannady was the co-founder and vice president of the Portland chapter of the NAACP. Mrs. Cannady was also editor and owner of The Advocate, a Portland-based newspaper that reported on issues relating to racial minorities in the 1920s and 30s. Mrs. Cannady worked to remove racist, exclusionary language from Oregon's constitution and advocated for the passage of civil rights bills. Mrs. Cannady attended Northwestern College of Law and became the first Black woman to graduate from law school in Oregon and the first Black woman to practice law in Oregon.
The Beatrice Morrow apartment building, named after Beatrice Morrow Cannady can be found on NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd in the Eliot neighborhood.
Does your child want to be a police officer? So did Aurora (Lola) Baldwin. She pushed back on convention and challenged gender norms by becoming America’s first female police officer on April 1st, 1908. She commanded space within the Portland Vice Commission, Portland’s Domestic Relations Court, and was named a Special Agent of the state. Her entire career was motivated by her ambition to provide equal treatment for women, in the force or behind bars. When she retired from her law enforcement duties in 1922, she continued to participate on the Oregon Board of Parole and the National Board of Prisons and Prison Labor. Want to be a police officer? Follow Lola’s lead and do whatever it takes!
Mary Gysin Leonard immigrated alone from Switzerland to Portland in her twenties. She studied law and passed the bar exam, however, the Oregon Supreme Court denied her application to the Oregon Bar because she was a woman. Mrs. Leonard persevered, and, after 10+ years of petitioning and legislative action, was finally admitted to the Oregon Bar in 1886. She was a successful attorney in Portland for decades, offering free legal advice women to help them be successful, too.
Kim "Rocket Mean" Stegeman is the founder and Executive Director of the Rose City Rollers, a women's flat track roller derby league and 501(c)3 non-profit. The Rose City Rollers has trained thousands of skaters from around the world and hosted hundreds of skating competitions. Rose City Rollers has over 400 members participating in recreational programs, and adult and junior skating programs with skaters ranging in age from 7 to 60 years old. Rose City's all-star travel team has won the Women's Flat Track Derby Association Championships four times. Rose City Rollers continues to train athletes, host events, and offer pop-up roller skating activities throughout Portland.
Vera Katz
Does power always have to be masculine? Vera Katz thought not, as one of her go-to slogans was “feminization of power”. And boy, did she mean it! As dominating force of the feminist movement in Oregon, she excelled through the ranks of the state legislature, elected first in 1972 and serving as mayor of Portland from 1993-2005. She was one of two women in the nation to hold the position of speaker for the Oregon House of Representatives, but was the first female to be elected presiding officer in the state of Oregon. Vera used her massive intellect and zeal for connecting with the community to push agendas for gun control and rights of minority groups. She advocated for women and gay rights, and urged progressive urban planning in the city of Oregon. Vera was instrumental in Oregon’s history; she is survived by her son Jesse Katz.
Tinybeans is an anti-racist company against systemic racism toward Black people and all people of color. We stand for justice, equality and humanity, and we support our Black families, co-workers, partners and community. One of the ways to do that directly is by supporting Black-owned businesses, many of which have suffered greatly in recent years. Here are just a few of the many wonderful businesses that offer products for kids and families.
Tisa Jackson is a DIY crafter and organization expert. This mom creates fun, modern paper products. If you’re looking for one-of-a-kind, shiny, blinged-out creations—she’s got you covered there too. On top of that, she also hosts crafting workshops to share her skills with the masses.
Lydia Diaz is a mother and wife on a mission. She created Clever Girl Crafts to share her creations and advice to encourage women of color to take their crafting to the next level. She created a place to learn tips on popular crafting tools and mediums through her tutorials. She creates with resin, Glowforge, Circuit, Silhouette and more.
Jonah Larson is a crocheter, author and philanthropist. He is also a teenager and crochet expert who began honing his craft at just five years old. His company, Johah’s Hands, puts his talent on full display and won him national attention (hello, Drew Barrymore show). Aside from creating everything from scarves to sweaters and toys, he’s also authored two books! On his site, Jonah shares tutorials to help others learn to crochet.
Are you looking for a truly unique florist? Brooklyn Blooms is inspired by nature, fashion and art, and it shows! LaParis Phillip owns Brooklyn Blooms, and her creations play with color and texture to create signature looks. She runs the brick-and-mortar shop in Brooklyn, NYC where she does beautifully custom floral arrangements.
You’ve heard of fast fashion, right? It’s trendy clothes that you can get quickly and at cheap prices. It sounds good, but it’s made of cheap materials that don’t last and end up harming the environment. Well, Ashlee Elle is a believer in the opposite—slow fashion. She owns Dream Crochet Shoppe, where she sells handmade crochet clothing. Her designs are inspired and incredibly creative. She features her works for sale through videos on her Instagram and YouTube pages.
Becoming a mom makes you see things with a new set of eyes. which was the case for Lauren Hayes. A mom of two, she noticed that even though kids often gravitate toward clothes that feature superheroes they love, those superheroes don't always reflect diversity. So she started Royal Nation, a kids' streetwear brand with a focus on representation. Her unique business aims to bridge the gap of representation in childrenswear.
There’s just something about Southern food and desserts! Enter Chef Liz. Dedicated to making innovative Southern comfort food, she’s opened hot spot restaurants, and her latest creation is making history. She’s the owner of the only Black-owned national ice cream brand, Creamalicisous. It’s a two-in-one dessert that pairs freshly baked pastries with homemade ice cream. She crafts flavors that give a not-so-subtle nod to the southern desserts you love. There’s Porch Light Peach Cobbler and Right as Rain Red Velvet Cheesecake, just to name a couple! The flavors are unique, and the names are a celebration of her roots and community.
Good ideas come when you’re seeking to fill a need. That is the case with Rebecca Allen. After searching for sophisticated forward in the perfect nude shade and coming up empty, Rebecca decided to create her own. Now her company, Rebecca Allen Inc., creates luxury footwear for women with Black and brown skin tones at the forefront. Her label is the newest Black-owned brand to have launched in Nordstrom. The collection includes timeless styles like skimmers, pumps and two-strap heels. The company not only focuses on Black and Brown communities but the environment as well. Their shoes are created in small batches to create less waste.
Calling all curlies! While having a head full of popping curls is celebrated today, it wasn’t always that way. That’s what drove Mona El-Gharby to start CURLē Beauty. She set out to change the way curls are perceived. This Black and women-owned start-up creates a customized hair care line for natural, curly hair. CURLē is about the empowerment of natural hair. The company strives to empower you to take charge of your natural hair by offering you solutions to your curly hair problems.
Sometimes finding a balance between tasty and healthy can feel impossible. Even more so when it comes to feeding kids. Dad, chef and business owner Sharif Rasheed found a solution: Almost by accident, he created a granola bar that his teething son would enjoy. Made with dates, oats, sea salt and other healthy ingredients, they are an easy snacking solution and are available in a variety of flavors. Even better, the company is doing its part to combat food insecurity. Through partnerships with schools in various communities, their snacks are offered as a healthy option. A percentage of their sales also goes to help teachers.
Black and Brown children live in a world where they rarely see images that look like them, now a mom has launched a line of wall decals to change that. Inspired by her young daughter, Pastor, mom, and founder of Tiny Tots and Tikes, Cynthia Jackson created a line of decals that reflect positive and creative Black images so that little Black girls and boys will be inspired through their walls. With categories like sports, princesses and inspirational, there's something for every child's interest in this collection.
International travel can be difficult for families during a normal year and the COVID-19 pandemic has only heightened parents' ability to introduce their kids to the different cultures and tastes of the world.
Ome Enebeli, a single mom, and her daughter, Daniella, both share a passion for travel and food. As the days staying home added up, they conceived an idea to fulfill their dream of finding a way to continue bonding over the international culinary wonders the world has to offer without traveling.
It wasn’t long beforeSnack Voyage was born. Designed to provide a tasty, travel experience from the comfort of your home, customers can choose from two subscriptions:
The country box: ships once a month and contains a minimum of 12 snacks selected from one country with the country changing every month
The assorted box: provides customers with a world tour every month and boasts a minimum of 12 snacks from a variety of countries to keep their taste buds guessing
With each snack box, subscribers receive a country flag, a boarding pass to mark which snacks they like the most and a tourist guide to help them track their tasty travels around the world and learn more about each country’s culture. Additionally, subscribers have access to trivia games to test their knowledge of the world.
Do you know what happens when you crack a BIG bottle of champagne alone? You end up either regretting it the next day or wasting half a bottle. The Sip, a Black-woman-owned business, solves this issue and brings a delightful sparkle to any mom's glass. The Sip offers high-end sparkling wines in either gift boxes (like this one, which comes complete with a "Sip shooter; the classy way to down a glass of bubbly") or a bi-monthly subscription box that allows you to taste high-end sparkling wines without breaking the bank.
This Black-owned business offers an array of comfortable, festive clothes for kids in brightly colored prints all handmade by Nigerian artisans, so not only are you supporting a great business, you are helping to offer skills, job training and resources to an impoverished region of the world. They also feature super-stylish "mommy and me" styles. Made with beautiful, functional and incredibly durable fabrics, kids can be party-ready even if they're staying home. The collections include dresses as well as shorts and shirts.
Legendary Rootz celebrates Black culture, one tee at a time. Raven Gibson, creator and owner says the brand’s purpose is to "give Black Women a platform to be authentically themselves through powerful, statement-driven apparel and Afrocentric home decor." The collection is available for women, men and children.
Founded by two African women who met in Paris while attending graduate school, Nokware is a natural beauty care line that sources herbs and oils like shea butter and calabashes from women-led co-operatives in different regions of Africa. The line offers iconic items like African black soaps and Shea butter, but there are also lip balms, facial cleansers and oils. You can shop by skin type or problem, which allows you to cater the products to your needs. You can buy gift boxes for friends and if you aren't sure what you need, there are even samples available for purchase.
Little Likes Kids was founded by Kemi Tignor after she discovered a lack of toy options that represented her son and his experiences. Featuring recognizable and happy scenes, Little Likes Kids makes it easy for parents and caregivers to buy toys that celebrate their kids' world.
CurlyKids and their sister brand CurlyChic are Black-owned, family-operated and women-led. The products are available at Target, Walmart, Sally Beauty, Kroger and independent beauty supply stores globally.
Black Girl Sunscreen for Kids is an everyday SPF 50 moisturizing sunscreen lotion for face and body. Especially created for people of color using natural ingredients including carrot seed oil, jojoba oil, almond oil, avocado and shea butter. Oxybenzone and Paraben free, it leaves no white residue.
It's no secret that moms love coffee and this black-founded coffee company gets that. Koia Coffee drinks are so much more than just a cold coffee, though. Think of it as the one-stop-shop for moms: not only does it have more caffeine than two cups of coffee, it doubles as breakfast with 9g of plant-based protein and C8 MCT oil. It's organic and fair trade, as well as being sugar and dairy free.
Every month, subscribers receive a themed Just Like Me! Box full of books and selected top-quality items delivered right to their front door. As your child gets older, the book selections will increase in difficulty.
Little Muffin Cakes Baby Boutique is a character-based brand established to present high-quality merchandise in the Marketplace that reflects the diversity of beauty in children. They provide a wide assortment of products from baby blankets and bibs to birthday party invitations, all featuring relatable images.
HarperIman Dolls and accessories were created by mother/daughter duo, Cynthia Watkins and Kathryn Burnett. These handmade dolls come in different sizes and skin tones, and they feature a variety of hair types from braided up-dos to tight curls. There is also a wide assortment of clothing and accessories available as well.
Pretty Please Teethers mission is to create stylish natural-made items for little ones. All of the products are made from 100% food-grade silicone and natural beechwood beads/rings.
Lifestyle brand Izzy & Liv has everything from house decor to apparel and even a subscription box for tweens and teens. Check out their online shop for beauty products, jewelry, hats, totes and even gear for dads!
From toys and books to clothes and more, Teni and Tayo Creations take pride in sharing a piece of African culture in every product and workshop they create, like this adorable backpack.
MOODEAUX is a recently launched clean luxury fragrance line connecting smelling good with feeling good. Founded by Brianna Arps, all MOODEAUX products are free of alcohol, dye, water and chemicals, and smell divine.
Support These 14 Family Friendly, Black-Owned Portland Businesses & Nonprofits
Flouriche/Paula Rogers
Portland-area Black-owned businesses and nonprofits need and deserve our support, all part of a long-term, sustainable commitment to helping dismantle white supremacy in our community. Here are a few of the family focused places we love.
46 Black-Owned Businesses & Non-Profits in Los Angeles
From skateboards that double as works of art, vegan cookies that seem too good to be true, and the best barbershop for a fade, here are amazing Black-owned businesses we know and love.
15 Chicago Black-Owned Business to Support Now & Always
Little Diners Crew
The much-talked-about beauty of Chicago is not just a credit to its architecture, green spaces, the abundance of art—both commissioned and gifted by nature—and striking lake and river views, but in the diversity of the businesses and their owners that stand side-by-side in service to their neighborhoods. We’ve assembled a short list of Black-owned businesses in acknowledgment of the importance of these lives to the success of the city of Chicago and in condemnation of racism in any form.
From Cereal Killerz to WeGo Gamez to a number of soul food restaurants, these Black-owned businesses in Las Vegas need your support today and every day.
14 Black-Owned Austin Businesses to Support
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From doula services to bookstores and even party supplies, Austin is home to many diverse and impressive Black-owned businesses. Here are 14 of our faves.
18 Black-Owned Dallas-Fort Worth Businesses to Support Now
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We rounded up a few of our favorite black-owned Dallas businesses for you to check out. From incredible cheesecake to virtual tutoring services, click here to see them all.
Phoenix is home to many impressive Black-owned businesses, including specialty bakeries you can't live without, toy stores that encourage diversity and carefully curated gifts. Here are 15 of our top faves.
North county folks, the day has arrived—The Shake Shack, located in The Beacon La Costa, is now open for business. Rumors about the modern-day “roadside” burger stand, known for its 100% all-natural Angus beef burgers, chicken sandwiches, and flat-top Vienna beef dogs opening its fifth San Diego location in Carlsbad, surfaced last year. Burger connoisseurs, young and old, have been anxiously waiting for its grand opening ever since.“We’re thrilled to finally open our doors at The Beacon,” said Andrew McCaughan, Chief Development Officer at Shake Shack. “Our newest Carlsbad Shack is beautifully designed and we’re so excited to finally welcome in the community to dine with us.”
Shake Shack
The La Costa location offers a walk-up window, which gives guests the ability to pre-order via the Shack app and pick up their food from the exterior of the shack. Whether you choose to take out or dine in, we recommend trying the Shroom Burger—the delicious option proves that a "veggie" burger can be the star of the show! The mushroom is breaded, fried, and full of cheese, and can easily be a family favorite.
Shake Shack
Expect to see all the classics on the menu, including the ShackBurger®, Chick'n Shack, crinkle-cut fries and hand-spun shakes. In addition, The Carlsbad Shack will serve up a SoCal regional burger, the Roadside Double featuring a double Swiss cheeseburger with Dijon mustard and onions simmered in beer. Shack-canned Wine, Shackmeister Ale, and local beers are also available Seasonal burgers and drinks will hit the menu in the coming weeks.
Shake Shack is committed to being part of a larger mission to Stand for Something Good® and donated a dollar for every burger sold on opening day to Kids for Peace. Kids for Peace is a California-based global nonprofit that provides a platform for youth to actively engage in socially conscious leadership, community service, arts, environmental stewardship and global friendships.
The Beacon will ultimately offer a collection of restaurants, shops, and lifestyle concepts curated to celebrate the North County Coastal community. Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams is soon to open, joining other local favorites like Lofty Coffe Co. and La Costa Wine Co.
Few neighborhoods in Los Angeles have seen as much change as DTLA has. A decade ago, it was a ghost town after sunset—office workers would clear out at 5 p.m., leaving the streets empty. Through revitalization efforts, it’s become the more than just a place of commerce, it’s become the hub of culture for our city, museums, boutiques and the hottest new restaurants and bars all call DTLA home. When it comes to kid-friendly activities, one might think Downtown is a virtual desert but having raised my own little Mowgli in the concrete jungle for the past five years, I can attest there are adventures aplenty. In fact, some of the most uniquely LA experiences are sandwiched between the 110, 101 and 10 freeways. Here are 10 of our favorite kid-friendly things to do in Downtown LA.
Best Things to Do in DTLA: Vista Hermosa Natural Park
Carter Jung
This hidden gem of a park tucked on the other side of the 110 freeway, known as the western gateway to Downtown Los Angeles, offers some of the best views of the city. And one bench in particular is easily the most picturesque in the city. In addition to stunning vistas, the 10.5-acre well-sculpted park is home to small manmade stream, picnic benches, and hidden nooks and crannies. A play area consisting of giant, crawl-able turtle and snake sculptures is a hit with kids and a circular dirt path is perfect for running with a jogging stroller.
Best Things to Do in DTLA: Walt Disney Concert Hall
Sydney has their Opera House, Paris has the Eiffel Tower, and we in Los Angeles, have the Walt Disney Concert Hall. Designed by the legendary Frank Gehry, the sweeping stainless-steel structure with dramatic curves inspired by the sails of a clipper ship is an architectural icon. For kids ages 5 to 11, the Toyota Symphonies for Youth concert series hosts music-themed workshops followed by a session with the LA Phil orchestra (canceled this season due to COVID). Currently available are free self-guided audio tours of the concert hall. When telling your kids about this destination, uttering the first two words are going to take some managing of expectations. As impressive as the facilities are, an amusement park this is not (we learned this the hard way).
Having opened in 2015, The Broad is a great addition to the modern art scene in Los Angeles. Inside the honeycombed exterior structure is a collection of contemporary art from the biggest names, including Jean-Michel Basquiat, Barbara Kruger, Andy Warhol, Damien Hirst, Takashi Murakami, and Keith Haring. For little ones, exhibit highlights include Under the Table by Robert Therrien, a comically oversized dining set that will have parents empathetic of their kid’s height, Jeff Koons’ Tulips, giant polished stainless-steel flowers coated in highlighter hues, and Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirrors, mind-bending rooms that are life-sized kaleidoscopes. Best of all, The Broad is completely free. Head to their website to reserve a spot before showing up.
The Grammy Museum celebrates music and the artists who have won the prestigious award from the Recording Academy. The whole family will enjoy the interactive installations that walk through the process of creating music and the multimedia displays telling the stories of famous singers past and present, including artifacts from early sound recordings. If you appreciate fashion, the museum has a collection of some of the most recognizable outfits worn on the red carpet, from Taylor Swift to Lionel Richie.
There are bookstores and then there is The Last Bookstore. Located in a former bank building in the heart of DTLA, The Last Bookstore is touted as the largest new and used bookstore in California, measuring 22,000 square feet. But more than just a vendor of the printed word, it’s a two-store world where books are thoughtfully staged in installations worthy of a gallery. There is a tunnel of novels, books arranged by color of their cover, and crime and mystery novels housed in the bank’s former vault. For your junior reader, there is a kid’s section offering new and used books at a discounted price. For discerning parents, there’s a room with first edition, rare books and collectibles.
Located at the foot of City Hall, Grand Park spans three city blocks, adding a welcomed bit of greenery to DTLA. The park features a custom playground area filled with colorful berms and a 12-foot tube slide that looks like it was plucked from a Dr. Seuss book. A water fountain at the other end of the park features a splash pad your kiddos can wade into. In addition to the fixtures, the park offers a variety of must-go programming throughout the year, ranging from holiday lights, live music and dance lessons.
Best Things to Do in DTLA: Los Angeles Central Library
Carter Jung
The Central Library isn’t your average library. The art deco architecture, gardens, water fountains, sculptures, and murals built in 1926 is a walk down memory lane of early LA with a museum feel. The third largest public library in the US, it’s massive, the children’s book section on the second floor alone is the size of most neighborhood libraries. Beyond loaning books, the Central Library hosts tours, regular events, classes and community services. It’s the perfect place to sign up your child for a library card, stoking a thirst for knowledge and a lifelong love for books.
In the same area as The Grammy Museum, is LA Live—home of the Staples Center, Microsoft Theater and The Novo, the biggest entertainment venues in LA. It’s also home to solid restaurants, Lucky Strike bowling alley, and one of our family’s faves, the Regal theater. The multiplex has one of the nation’s few 4DX theaters boasting motion seats and wind, fog, mist, and scent special effects, all synced to the biggest blockbusters, creating an immersive experience (think Star Tours at Disneyland). During the holiday months, LA Live sets up an ice skating rink with a brightly lit Christmas tree at its center.
800 W Olympic Blvd. Los Angeles Online: lalive.com
The birthplace of Los Angeles, Olvera Street is home to the city’s earliest standing architecture—the Avila Adobe house dates back to 1818 and the main square is from the 1820s—when the area was still part of Mexico. That heritage continues in the bustling Mexican marketplace lined with stalls offering sombreros, ponchos, string puppets, candies and pottery. Tiene hambre? Cielito Lindo at 23 Olvera St. has been frying up crispy taquitos since 1934, and come slathered in their signature green avocado sauce. Afterwards, take the familia to Mr Churro for one of their fried treats. Perfecto.
One of my favorite quotes about service is from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. In one of his final speeches, given two months before his death, he said, “Everybody can be great because anybody can serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.” While most parents with school-aged children know that the third Monday in January has been designated as a holiday honoring Dr. King’s birthday—and providing a day off from school—not many people are aware of the history of this commemoration, and the way it has been transformed into a day of service over the last 25 years.
The campaign for a federal holiday honoring the slain civil rights activist began soon after his assassination in 1968. President Ronald Reagan signed the bill creating Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in 1983, and it was first observed in 1986. However, in 1994, two veterans of the Civil Rights Movement who had worked with Dr. King, Representative John Lewis of Georgia and Senator Harris Wolford of Pennsylvania, co-authored legislation to create The National Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, a nation-wide effort to transform the federal holiday honoring Dr. King into a day of community service to help solve social problems. It was their hope that a national day of service, inspired by Dr. King’s ideals, would galvanize volunteers to create meaningful change and uplift local communities. They wanted to honor Dr. King’s legacy by making the observance of his birthday a “day on” rather than simply a “day off.”
While some may only recognize the long weekend in the middle of January as an opportunity to take a road trip or go skiing, the movement behind the MLK Day of Service has grown in recent years, and acts of service are now carried out in all 50 states. AmeriCorps (a federally supported volunteer program) and the Atlanta-based King Center for Nonviolent Social Change lead the MLK Day of Service in partnership with numerous national nonprofit organizations, faith-based and community groups, state service commissions, and other government agencies. Thousands of volunteers across the county deliver meals, refurbish schools and community centers, collect clothing and food, build homes, and provide services for veterans and military families, among many other acts of service and kindness.
Many schools, houses of worship, and community organizations encourage volunteerism on the MLK Day of Service by providing opportunities and events, sometimes extending these throughout the weekend and pairing them with workshops, discussions, or speakers. If you haven’t had a chance to experience one of these events in the past, this may be the best time to get involved. After the difficult year we’ve all experienced, we are reminded of the countless acts of kindness and sacrifice that helped to get us through and will continue to inspire us in the months ahead. A day of service in the first month of this new year feels especially powerful and motivating. If you and your family want to kick start your kindness practice from home, or you want to learn how to give back in your local community, the MLK Day of Service is the perfect opportunity. There are so many small, actionable ways that you can turn an ordinary day off from school or work into a meaningful day ON in service of others and the greater good.
If you are looking for ways to help in your local community, check out these resources:
Explore the official website for the MLK Day of Service for information and to search for opportunities in your local area
Color printable sheets for veterans, hospitalized children, nursing home residents, or anyone in need of a smile through Color a Smile
Create blankets and donate them to children in need of comfort through Project Linus
Write letters of gratitude and support for our active-duty military and send them to Operation Gratitude
Back cookies or make cards for your local first responders, to show them how much your family appreciates all they’ve done for us this past year
However your family is inspired to get involved, take the MLK Day of Service (this year celebrated on Monday, January 18th) as the perfect opportunity to start a conversation with your children about service, empathy, and civic duty. Create a new family service tradition around the holiday, and start this new year with a positive intention and a sense of purpose which might just move us all closer to Dr. King’s vision of a “beloved community.”
Natalie Silverstein, MPH, is the NYC coordinator of Doing Good Together. She is a writer, speaker and consultant on the topic of family service. Her first book Simple Acts: The Busy Family's Guide to Giving Back was published in 2019 and her second book for teens will be published in 2022.
In our house, you will find that we are a blend of solutions in discovering what works best for our kids. You will see things you are used to seeing like medications, equipment, that sort of stuff. Alongside that, you will also see some non-traditional things as well like essential oils, my giant textbooks of herbal medicines, and maybe some familiar equipment used in different ways.
You see, I’ve had to stretch and grow to figure out what works for my kids. We don’t all come out of the same cereal box and things that work for others don’t always work for us. Things aren’t always black and white. They are often various shades of grey. Recently my son was accepted into a unique study. A worldwide research project was being conducted to see if a unique treatment can be beneficial for kids like Marvin. It could help with some of his dietary woes and we were excited to try it. The practitioner had recently relocated and gave me her new address. When we arrived this is what we saw.
As I drove around the building, I began to wonder if it was a joke. There wasn’t a handicapped-accessible spot anywhere. So I called the provider and let her know we were here and the building had no access! She came down and her first words were, “I wasn’t thinking about your daughter.”
Their last location was accessible and we were able to get my daughter, Cary Lynn, up and down. Despite the fact that we had seen this person in her previous location numerous times and my daughter was with me every time, for some reason, it escaped this person’s attention that my child was in a wheelchair.
The next words weren’t much better, that this was, “A pro bono treatment.” And that “Maybe I could find someone who needed community service hours to help with one kid.” I was rather steamed and wanted to offer a shovel while they were burying themselves.
Instead, I said, “Look, I feel like we need to have a conversation here. You may not think about my daughter or the 2.2 million people in wheelchairs or the 6.5 million people who use walkers, canes, or crutches to get around but maybe you should. I’m not saying that every home needs to rush out and become accessible but I would like you to think about how it feels not to be included. How hard it is on our family and others like us because our kids can’t go places. You may not be able to fix your home but how about finding a place that everyone can go to. If you are practicing medicine or holistic treatments think of the large population you are limiting. The people who would probably benefit the most from your treatments have no access to you. Clients that would pay you for your services if they could reach you will take their dollars and go someplace else. Bottom line, it’s not OK and no amount of apologizing is going to fix that piece of my heart that just got a little more battered. It’s not OK to justify the lack of accessibility by saying that this is a pro-bono service. Free does not mean that you can get away with whatever you want. That would be the equivalent of me saying I could rob your home and take your valuables because I am giving you free babysitting. It’s a ludicrous argument.”
We drove for a while in silence. Marvin piped up, “Mama are you upset?” I told him I was, but I would try to think about our options. “Well, I don’t really need to do this. I’d rather go someplace that is nice to my sister. Maybe we can find something more fun to do, like legos!”
The study would have been awesome, but you know what? My kid already is awesome. Both of them are. If people can’t see that then they are the ones with the real handicap.
I'm a momvocate with a dash of sass and a huge helping of grace. When I'm not blogging I'm solving life's great mysteries, like do missing socks come back as Tupperwear lids?
As the coronavirus pandemic continues to limit options for activities, families across the country are looking to the outdoors to keep kids entertained and engaged. If you’re like me, you probably know several people who have even embarked on lengthy road trips in rented or hastily purchased RVs. There are plenty of articles extolling the benefits of outdoor time for kids, but what about the parents? As we look to meet the needs of our children and partners with minimal help from a “village,” could venturing outdoors provide a boost to our own health?
My experience indicates a resounding “yes” to this question, and here’s why:
1. Dedicated Family Time. I have a confession to make—I hate pretend play, and I don’t think I’m the only one. When I’m at home, there are only so many rounds of “Restaurant” I can play before the mounds of laundry seem more appealing. When we’re on a hike or at the beach, however, connection feels easier and more organic. I, too, wonder whether that heron will catch the fish she’s hunting, or whether our stick will reappear on the other side of the bridge as we lob it into the creek. Seeing the glee on their faces when the stick floats off brings a lift to my heart. All of us come away from (most of) our outdoor adventures feeling connected and loved.
2. Practicing Mindfulness. As adults, finding that elusive five minutes of peace often feels impossible, especially with co-workers, children, and partners constantly checking in. The practice of “Forest Bathing,” or experiencing the forest with our senses, can help to reset some of the stress that accumulates throughout the day. If your kids are like mine and can’t stop chattering long enough for you to just breathe, ask them to help you by doing things like listening for birds chirping, noticing different shades of green in the trees, sniffing the moss on rocks or dipping hands in a creek.
3. Gym-Free Exercise. Gyms are not my happy place even in the best of times, but during the pandemic, they’ve become more difficult to safely access. To add insult to injury, my kids foiled my attempts to complete a 10-minute workout video by climbing all over my non-existent abs. A banana slug might beat us to the end of the trail, but walking with my kids (usually while carrying or pushing them in a stroller) gives me an opportunity to exercise for which I wouldn’t otherwise make time. I also tend to eat more nutritious snacks on a hike and pick up some Vitamin D through our cloudy Pacific Northwest skies and ample layers of sunscreen, providing bonus health points.
4. Continuous Learning. Don’t hate me, but I’m about to tell you that the constant chorus of “why” from our kids isn’t always bad. As I look at the events of 2020—a global pandemic, a racial justice uprising, a record hurricane, and wildfire season—I’m reminded of how exclusion has impacted our outdoor experience. Indigenous people’s expertise about the stewardship of their ancestral lands is not heeded. Black people do not have equal access to green spaces for exercise or heat relief. Scientific research about the spread of disease and climate change is ignored. I often stumble trying to explain these things to my four-year-old, especially when she asks why they are true. When we hike together, I end up researching which tribe’s ancestral land we’re on, or why some fires help regenerate growth and others destroy entire forests. I will never be perfect, but my clumsy attempts at distilling those hard concepts for her end up helping me learn, too.
5. Community Service Opportunities. Studies have shown that volunteering decreases the risk of depression, provides a sense of purpose, and reduces stress levels. Unfortunately, many volunteering opportunities exclude children for safety reasons or take place indoors, making them hard to participate in during a pandemic. Luckily, volunteering and getting outside can be family-friendly! A trash-spotting scavenger hunt for kids on your next hike or neighborhood walk (don’t forget gloves and a trash bag to pack it out!) can be a great way to help your community. If picking up trash is too gross for you or your young kids might “help” too much, consider spending some outside time gardening together and donating produce (or homemade goodies using the produce) to neighbors.
Leaving the house regularly for some time outdoors will get harder as we move towards winter, but the benefits are real for both parents and kids.
I'm a Seattle transplant originally from California via stints in Massachusetts and France. My husband and I love showing our two young children the Pacific Northwest's natural beauty and toting them around the world for the occasional escape.
Whether you are just moving to the area or a brand-new mom, moms groups are a great way to meet people who share your same stage of life. These Akron, Ohio groups for moms offer moral support for these days at home and the promise of playdates at the park and moms nights out on the town once things return back to “normal.” Your crew is here for you!
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Akron Area Moms (and Dads) This Facebook group has over 2,000 members in the Akron, OH area. They plan playdates, schedule adult-only meetups and share local events for kids. Join here.
Fairlawn Moms & Tots This group is designed for moms with young children. While the group was founded in Fairlawn, they have grown to include moms and tots throughout the greater Akron area. They are a diverse group of moms and tots and welcome everyone who wishes to be part of the group. When able, they schedule a variety of play dates throughout the Akron area and have a monthly Mom's Night Out. Join here.
West Akron Moms Club This group is for parents living in West Akron who enjoy the support and social activity of other adults and their children. The network is here to offer support and understanding to each other through the joys and tasks of parenthood. The club offers a wonderful opportunity to create lifelong friendships for moms, dads and children alike. Prospective members are welcome to attend a club activity before committing the join. Join here.
The Nest This donation-based business spun off two busy Facebook groups—the Becoming "Mom" group and Tots & Up group. Find babysitter recommendations, local meet-ups, toy swaps and more on the Tots group and information about becoming a mom through infancy in the Becoming "Mom" group.
MOMS Club® of Cuyahoga Falls, OH This group is for moms within the 44221, 44222, or 44223 zip codes. They keep a full calendar of activities for moms and kids of all ages. From Couples' Nights Out to playdates at local parks, this group has it all. They support members with helping hands meals and provide community service opportunities throughout the community. Join here.
MOMS Club® of Copley/Fairlawn This MOMS Club serves stay-at-home and working mothers in Copley, Fairlawn, Bath and surrounding areas. Most club activities occur during weekdays and kids are always welcome. Activities include coffee meetups, craft days, playgroups, book clubs and more. They also host meal prep days where members get together to make meals for the week. Join here.
MOMS Club® of Hudson, Streetsboro, Peninsula and Richfield This chapter serves residents of Streetsboro, Hudson, Peninsula and Richfield, Ohio. Meetings are on the first Tuesday of the month and are currently happening via Zoom. You are welcome to attend a meeting before joining the group. Join here.
There are additional MOMS Club groups in Medina and Stow. Find your local chapter here.
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Northeast Ohio Mothers of Multiples This group's mission is to offer support, information, education and social interaction for mothers (or guardians) of multiple births in Northeast Ohio. They typically meet on the second Tuesday of the month. The group participates in the Kids Stuff Sale each September as part of the Great Garage Sale at the Lake County Fairgrounds. Join here.
Barberton/Norton/Akron Moms Helping Moms This Facebook group helps local moms share tips, promote their businesses and receive support from other moms. Join here.
Eastside Cleveland Playgroup If you're willing to travel a bit or live closer to Cleveland, this is a great group to check out. Activities range from play-dates at local parks to all kinds of field trips. Kids range from newborn to elementary school (0-10 years), and they enjoy trips to the zoo, museums, fairs, libraries and special local events. Most events occur on the east side, but they do venture south and west on occasion. They are currently offering Zoom Mom's chats, Zoom playdates and hikes. Join here.
