So your little drummer boy (or girl) has graduated from the mommy-and-me type music class, but isn’t quite ready to join a band? Fortunately, Los Angeles has plenty of rockstar-in-training options for the post-nursery rhyme set. Read on for the best group music classes (plus a few bonus activities) for kids ages 3 and up. Rock on!
The original rock-and-roll kids school, which has outposts throughout LA, welcomes kids as young as 3 to their Little Wing class. (And we're not too proud to admit that we had no idea Little Wings referred to a Jimi Hendrix until we Googled it.) The classes are kids only—no grown ups allowed. But the teachers, all rockers themselves, are sure to win your little one over as they learn learn about rhythm, song structure, melody, and dynamics through play. Try a first class free and then pay monthly.
Kid Row's tagline says it all: The antithesis of the boring piano lesson. Founded by a husband and wife team, Kid Row offers private and group lessons, including Little Kid Row, for students ages 3-6. The introductory group lesson teaches future rockers basic musical principles through song, instruments and movement. Each month also includes a "band rehearsal" where kids can jam with their pals. And, of course, there are no recitals here—only a full-on rock concert at the end of the session. (The winter session has already started, but stay tuned for the spring season, starting May 4.)
Kid Row East 2741 Fletcher Dr. Atwater Village
Kid Row West McCabe's Guitar Shop 3101 Pico Blvd. Santa Monica
This music academy has serious street cred—it was founded by Red Hot Chili Pepper’s bassist Flea (who is also a classically trained trumpet player). While the conservatory offers private lessons on guitar, drums and more to kids ages 5 and up, younger aspiring rockers, ages 4-6, can try out Bang! Zoom. The class gives little ones an intro to music, rhythm and melody through singing, drumming, movement and even early notation (as in reading musical notes).
Check out both Intro to Music Fundamentals (for ages 3-5) and Music Fundamentals (ages 5-7) at this popular music and dance school in Eagle Rock. In the intro class, little ones will learn about pitch, rhythm, instruments and more. Then, by the time they complete the subsequent level, they'll have the experience of composing and improvising their own music. Which makes us a little bit jealous.
With interactive exhibits, recording booths, musical instruments you can play and more, this downtown museums is a must for musicians of all ages. (Added bonus: kids 5 and under are free.) And starting Feb. 1, 2020, Sensory Friendly Saturdays returns, giving little ones with sensory sensitivities a chance to experience the museum with fewer crowds, quieter sound levels and lower lighting,
800 W. Olympic Blvd. Downtown 213-765-6800 Online: grammymuseum.org
Guitar Center
While we can't vouch for every Guitar Center location, we have staked out the Sherman Oaks outpost and the place is a haven for music-loving kids. There's a guitar room where kids can strum away (carefully and with parental supervision, of course). In the back, you'll find the percussion section, which includes electronic and acoustic drums, bongos, congas, djembes and even a gong. The final stop? A visit to the keyboards and nearby lighting section where kids can check out the color-changing displays.
Turn a boring stuck-at-home day into an anything-goes jam session. Just pop by one of the many sing-a-longs happening around town and your antsy kiddo will be singing a happy tune. We found drop-ins for nearly every day of the week and, for most, no registration or pre-planning is required. Flip through our album to find out where to go and which awesome kids’ musician will entertain you.
Mr. Dave
Mr. Dave
Mr. Dave long made his rounds around the Chicago kindie music scene, and now (lucky us!) he has his very own studio. Classes are offered on a drop-in and online reservation basis throughout the week and even feature guests like Little Miss Ann and Tunes with Tim.
Too many classes to list! Check their schedule online Cost: $22 per child drop-in; class packs also available online Mr. Dave's Music, 1935 W. Division, Wicker Park Online: mrdavemusic.com
Rocking Brunches at Beat Kitchen
The Boogers
Beat Kitchen and their Concerts for Kids series is the place to be for rockin’ families on Sunday mornings. Their musical matinees give everyone a chance to rock and roll to one of the best kindie lineups in the U.S. while indulging in a finger-licking, full brunch menu featuring pub fare faves. A dance floor means kids can really get their groove on, with prime table spots so mom and dad can watch the fun and perhaps sip a Bloody Mary or two.
Sundays; doors open at 11 a.m. for brunch, show starts at noon (check the calendar for Fall/Winter series to begin) Cost: $12 2100 W. Belmont Ave., Roscoe Village Online: beatkitchen.com
Tunes with Tim at Monica + Andy
Monica Andy
Local moms rave about sessions with the talented Tim Bredrup, who charms all ages with everything from classic nursery rhymes to classic rock. With a goal of inspiring the next generation of budding musicians, Tim teaches the basics of rhythm, melody, and harmony, all while having fun! If you live closer to the Oak Brook or North Bridge Guideshops, check out the calendar for fun musical events all week long, as well.
Wednesdays, Thursdays & Fridays at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., noon & 4:15 p.m. Cost: $15 per child, per class Monica + Andy, 2038 N. Halsted St., Lincoln Park Online: monicaandandy.com
Miss Jamie from the Farm at Mariano's
Miss Jamie from the Farm
Moo. Baa. La-la-la. Farm fun meets addictive folk-pop when Miss Jamie is in the room. The singer and guitarist makes the rounds at local Mariano's every month and has a dedicated following. Before you comb the aisles, check out her show, which combines puppetry, call-and-response and get-on-your-feet live music. Your kids will not only dance, but they'll also learn a thing or two about healthy eating and local farming, both central to her fun-loving persona.
Visit Miss Jamie’s website and follow her Facebook page for monthly Mariano’s performance schedules. (As of press time, her FB Events page was more up-to-date than her website.) Cost: Free
You have to get groceries anyway, so why not make it a musical event? The massive Whole Foods Lincoln Park hosts music teachers from Bubbles Academy twice a week, turning the area near the main entrance into a huge song-and-dance party.
Every Thursday, 3:30 p.m.-4 p.m. Cost: Free Whole Foods, 1550 N. Kingsbury St., Lincoln Park Online: bubblesacademy.com
Juicebox at Chicago Cultural Center & Garfield Park Conservatory
The City of Chicago's live music series is a great way to introduce the performing arts, from music to dance to theater. The shows take place in a kid-friendly setting (read: sitting on the floor, wandering around and noshing on Goldfish crackers are all permitted). Various performing groups from across the city offer their time to introduce children to their talent, and each week is a fresh experience.
First & Third Fridays at 11 a.m. Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St., Downtown
First & Third Saturdays at 11 a.m. Garfield Park Conservatory, 300 N. Central Park Ave., Garfield Park
Sway along to a joyful jamboree featuring animal songs and dances for wee ones. Every show features a kids’ choice and a grown-ups' choice giving you the opportunity to request your favorite sing-a-long song.
Wednesday and Fridays at 9:15 a.m. & 10 a.m. Cost: Free Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N. Clark St., Lincoln Park Online: lpzoo.org
Living in Pittsburgh with kids means your kids probably said “Carnegie” before they said Elmo. From science to music to natural history, there’s a museum for that. This list of our favorite family spots in Pittsburgh is enough to keep you busy for weeks. Bonus: we also loaded up our Pittsburgh events calendar with kid activities so get out there and explore!
Pittsburgh Zoo
This zoo sits on 77 acres of park land where it exhibits more than 4,000 animals representing 475 species, including 20 threatened or endangered species. Visit the clouded leopard cubs and then head over to the polar bear enclosure.
Bicycle Heaven
Bicycle Heaven is the world’s largest bicycle museum and bike shop. Visit and check out all the historical gear they have on display.
1800 Preble & Columbus Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA Online: bicycleheaven.org
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
A green oasis in the middle of Pittsburgh’s vibrant Oakland neighborhood, Phipps has provided a world-class garden experience to its visitors since 1893. Visit to discover breathtaking seasonal flower shows and special exhibits, a nationally-recognized orchid collection, butterflies, botanical gardens, fun family activities and much more.
Carnegie Museum of Natural History
Carnegie Museum of Natural History is the place for kids to discover science and the wonders of the natural world. Dig for bones in Bonehunters Quarry, get hands-on with real and replica specimens in Discovery Basecamp, grind corn in a Hopi home and more. Dinosaurs are just the beginning! Free family-activities, touchables, and Bonehunters Quarry available each weekend and weekdays during the summer.
USS Requin
Come aboard to learn how 80 men used their expertise, humor and sheer ingenuity to carve out a rough and adventurous life during USS Requin’s (SS 481) lengthy defense and scientific missions, some of which are still classified to this day! State-of-the-art and battle ready when she set out just days before the end of World War II, Requin holds the distinction of being the Navy’s first Radar Picket submarine.
Point State Park
Serving as a key strategic spot during the French and Indian War, this National Historic Landmark and park offers stunning views of the city and a variety of outdoor recreation.
601 Commonwealth Pl, Bldg A
Pittsburgh, PA Online: dcnr.state.pa.us
Schenley Park
Situated in the heart of Oakland, Schenley Park has come to be Pittsburgh’s civic park. Created in 1889 with land donated by heiress Mary Schenley, the park now contains 456 acres of trails, woods and attractions.
Carnegie Museum of Art
CMOA collects, preserves and presents artworks from around the world to inspire, sustain and provoke discussion, and to engage and reflect multiple audiences.
Carnegie Science Center
Whether you’re seeking a science adventure, or just looking for things to do in Pittsburgh, Carnegie Science Center is a fun-filled destination guaranteed to ignite the “Wow!” in everyone. Visit Pittsburgh’s most-visited museum, with four floors of interactive exhibits.
Randyland
Randyland is the home of artist, Randy Gilson. Located in the Mexican War Streets district of Pittsburgh’s Northside, the Randyland courtyard welcomes visitors to come and explore the public art displays in and around the property. Using paints, plants, plastic animals, yard sale finds and discarded construction materials, creator Randy Gilson has transformed his home and surrounding buildings into a colorful Pittsburgh landmark. This vibrant set of buildings is a centerpiece that continues to attract both tourists and locals.
Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh
There’s lots of creative, fun and educational exhibits to explore throughout the Children’s Museum. Tackle illusions, perception and phenomena in the Attic. Roll up your sleeves and explore many things that drive, fly and roll in the Garage.
The Best Upcoming Events for Kids in Pittsburgh
If you’re looking for events and activities, don’t miss our local Pittsburgh events calendar, which has everything from story times to seasonal activities like apple picking, pumpkin patches and Christmas tree farms.
Indy parents know that their city is a hidden gem, full of Instagram-worthy museums and play spots kids love. The top-rated Children’s Museum of Indianapolis only the beginning: there’s a whole slew of family-friendly museums, attractions, outdoor parks and other things to do with kids that go way beyond the typical tourist destinations.
From the Motor Speedway (home to the Indy 500) to Conner Prairie, Indianapolis offers a ton of unique spots for families and kids of all ages — but that doesn’t mean it’s all worth visiting. We’ve gathered our editors picks for the very best things for families to do in Indianapolis that are 100% worth your time.
Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
Kids will flip for this incredible museum, which is the largest kids’ museum in the world at 472,900 square-feet on an expansive 29 acres. The museum truly appeals to kids of all ages and is rated as one of our favorite children’s museums in the country. Plan to spend an entire day exploring the seemingly never-ending exhibits, from dinosaurs to trains to space.
3000 N Meridian St
Indianapolis, IN 46208-4716
317-334-4000
Home to hundreds of different plants from the world’s tropics, this 10,000 square foot conservatory is a gorgeous place to warm up on a cold day or explore a local treasure in the middle of Summer. With a huge variety of children’s programming, there’s no shortage of possibilities for a fun day out.
2505 Conservatory Dr
Indianapolis, IN 46203-4279
317-327-7183
garfieldgardensconservatory.org
Eagle Creek Park
Eagle Creek Park is one of the largest city parks in the country, featuring 1400 acres of water and 3900 acres of forest Eagle Creek Located minutes from downtown Indianapolis, the park features a ton of family programming, including the fishing derby, which is a local favorite. There are miles and miles of hiking, biking, zip lining, swimming, boating, kayaking, and picnicking opportunities in addition to the Ornithological Center, where kids can see all sorts of birds.
Home of the world-famous Indianapolis 500 and the Brickyard 400, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is an epic day out for your mini speed demons. Take a tram around the track for an up-close experience and explore the museum.
4790 W 16th St
Indianapolis, IN 46222
317-492-8500
The Central Canal is a one-of-a-kind way to explore Indianapolis, via pedal boats! Rent them west of the Indiana State Museum, or take the Canal Walk alongside the water; Kids will love the pedal cars you can rent.
337 W 11th St
Indianapolis, IN 46202-3001
317-955-2389
If your family is a bit more daring, head to the Go Ape Treetop adventure, which is a 2-3-hour journey through the forest canopy. More than just ziplines, you’ll take on suspended obstacles, and Tarzan swings. As you might have guessed, this attraction is best for older kids; their minimum age is 10 and 55 inches.
5855 Delong Rd
Indianapolis, IN 46254-9797
800-971-8271
Located outside of Indianapolis in Speedway, this state-of-the-art indoor karting facility includes two separate tracks. There are four different types of karts, making this an exciting activity even four year-olds can enjoy.
If you’re looking for events and activities, don’t miss our local Indianapolis family events calendar, which has everything from story times to seasonal activities like apple picking, pumpkin patches, and Christmas tree farms.
A visit to the Motor City with kids will most certainly involve checking out a car or two (try the Detroit Historical Museum), but Detroit has a lesser known reputation for its zoo, science center, theater, and other things to do with kids that go way beyond the typical tourist destinations. Here are our picks for an Aretha-approved visit to the birthplace of Motown records.
You’ll be happy to know that Detroit is also a relatively easy city to navigate with kids, especially if you take public transportation. Kids can ride the Qline free with an adult. From the Qline you can access the Michigan Science Center and the Detroit Public Library.
To highlight everything that Detroit has to offer, we’ve scoured the streets to find the best activities for parents and children of all ages. Whether you’re a local or a first-time visitor, here are our ideas and suggestions for the 8 best places in Detroit for families and kids.
Detroit Zoo
The Detroit Zoo is 125 acres of natural habitats for more than 2,000 animals. Kids will love the opportunity to feed the giraffe at the Giraffe Encounter, take a ride on the carousel, and get from place to place on the gorgeous vintage train. Train lovers will also love the Thomas the Train 4D show. No matter what their interest, the Zoo offers spectacular events for kids of all ages.
8450 W 10 Mile Rd Royal Oak, MI 48067 (248) 541-5717
Detroit’s rich history is chronicled at the Detroit Historical Museum, where visitors can learn about cobblestone streets,19th century stores, the auto assembly line, toy trains, fur trading from the 18th century, and more. Bonus: this museum is free!
5401 Woodward Ave Detroit, MI 48202 (313) 833-1805
Your kids will never tire of the MiSci’s seemingly endless exhibits. With live stage shows, a planetarium, 250+ exhibits, and lab activities, there’s more than a week’s worth of entertainment and education.
The Fox Theatre has hosted some of the biggest names in show business, and it’s no wonder — this gorgeous spot is considered Detroit’s crown jewel. Kids will be awestruck by its majesty while attending one of many special Children’s Theater events.
2211 Woodward Ave Detroit, MI 48201 (313) 471-3200
One part bowling, one part football, “fowling” involves throwing a football at bowling pins. There are special family hours on the weekends; kids are allowed noon – 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
3901 Christopher St Detroit, MI 48211 (313) 264-1288
DNR Outdoor Adventure Center is a uniquely Detroit experience that’s fantastic for kids (and adults!) of any age. There are trees to climb, interesting displays, and interactive pretend adventures like kayaking, snowmobiling, four wheeling, fishing and more.
This Conservatory is the oldest continually-running conservatory in the United States and occupies 13 acres. Kids will love the feeling of discovering secret gardens around every corner, with a wide variety of plants from all over the world. Bonus: the museum is technically free, but a donation is requested.
900 Inselruhe Ave Detroit, MI 48207 (313) 821-5428
The Belle Isle Aquarium is the oldest aquarium in the country — and it’s free. The aquarium educates about fish all over the world, and specifically the Great Lakes.
900 Inselruhe Ave Detroit, MI 48207 (313) 402-0466
One of the top six museums in the United States, The DIA has a global collection that spans from Egyptian and European works to contemporary art. Their kids program is the “Detroit Institute of Awesome” which features special events and activities geared toward kids.
5200 Woodward Ave Detroit, MI 48202 (313) 833-7900
If you’re looking for events and activities, don’t miss our local Detroit family-friendly events calendar, which has everything from story times to seasonal activities like apple picking, pumpkin patches, and Christmas tree farms.
Whether you’re looking for a winter break activity, a fun spot to take the grandparents, or a boffo outing for your transit-entranced kid, NYC offers some excellent options during the holidays (and beyond). Bronx, Midtown, Upper West Side: all host world-class displays you won’t see outside the city. Get out of the cold and climb aboard these hot NYC holiday train shows before they whiz by.
photo: MTA New York City Transit Museum
16th Annual Holiday Train Show at Grand Central Roll on over to the Transit Museum Store at Grand Central Terminal and let your little rail fans go nuts over this year’s holiday train show, which. The impressive — and free! — exhibit features replica Metro-North, New York Central, and subway trains departing from a miniature Grand Central Terminal on a 34 foot-long, two-level platform. The 2017 display features a bright and dense cityscape backdrop designed by Brooklyn-based artist Josh Cochran.
This year’s exhibition showcases the Transit Museum’s Lionel Metro-North, Polar Express, and vintage subway train sets, which will make their way to the North Pole. A selection from the Museum’s collection of trolley and elevated train models created by Dr. George T.F. Rahilly will also be on display to the delight of viewers.
You’ll also find an array of unique subway and train gifts for purchase in the Museum Store such as subway backpacks, train sets, watches, socks, and even lip balm colored to match your favorite subway line.
photo: MTA New York City Transit Museum
When you’re done admiring the models, take a stroll through Grand Central to admire the real life trains coming and going from the terminal. Show your kids the cool constellations on the ceiling and take a selfie in front of the historic globe clock in the center of the lobby.
Then take care of some holiday shopping in the 24th annual Grand Central Holiday Fair in Vanderbilt Hall featuring 40 vendors offering a variety of unique items including American-made and handmade products with locally-sourced materials. From artwork and accessories to clothing, toys and home goods, you’ll find the perfect gift for everyone on your list (tip: be sure to take advantage of Grand Central’s complimentary gift wrapping services). Have lunch at Shake Shack and sample the other yummy vendors downstairs.
New York Transit Museum Gallery Annex & Store at Grand Central Terminal (off the main concourse in the Shuttle Passage)
87 E 42nd St.
Midtown
212-878-0106
Online: grandcentralterminal.com
photo: The New York Botanical Garden
The New York Botanical Garden Train Show
Zip over to The New York Botanical Garden and enter a magical world as you view their holiday train show featuring a display of 150 New York landmarks re-created with nuts, bark, leaves, and other plant parts by artist Paul Busse. This year’s show spotlights Midtown Manhattans iconic skyscrapers, with new replicas of the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, the General Electric Building and St. Bartholomew’s Church.
Humming along between familiar sites such as the Statue of Liberty, Rockefeller Center, Macy’s and the original Penn Station, large-scale model trains cover almost a half-mile of track across rustic bridges and trestles, through tunnels and past cascading waterfalls.
The exhibit now includes a finale of iconic Coney Island landmarks, and a recently-expanded exhibition space. Take your train fanatic cuties on a guided tour to learn more about the behind-the-scenes action involved in creating the display, as well as an up-close experience with the plant parts used for making the buildings.
photo: The New York Botanical Garden
Catch the Evergreen Express
While you’re there, be sure to experience the Evergreen Express at the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden, a playful space for kids to explore the beauty of nature and science with interactive activities happening at “station stops” throughout the space that will yield memorable take home goodies.
Hop aboard a play train and pretend to ride the rails. Hike winter trails and find evergreen trees and shrubs. Warm up inside the cozy Discovery Center while learning more about amazing evergreen plants. Then make a festive evergreen swag bundle to take home.
Through January 21
Tickets: free with garden admission
Guided activities weekdays, 1:30-5:30; Sat. & Sun., 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
photo: Meredith Levine
For More Train Fun at NYBG
Attend a special event “All Aboard with Thomas & Friends” at the New York Botanical Garden December 30-January 7; January 13-15, and January 20 & 21. This year’s show is “Thomas’ Budding Adventure” and guests can stay after the performance and grab a photo of your family with Thomas and the cast to capture the special day. Attendees of the show get access to the train exhibit following the performance.
Take note: Advance reservations are strongly recommended as tickets do sell out. Strollers cannot be taken into the Conservatory, so plan accordingly. Stroller parking is available.
Price: Weekdays: $20/adults;$18/student/senior; $8/kids two–12; free for children under two. Weekends: Monday holidays and peak days: $28/adults; $22/students/seniors; $10/kids ages two–12, free for children under two
Enid A. Haupt Conservatory
The New York Botanical Garden
2900 Southern Blvd.
Bronx
718-817-8700
Online: nybg.org
photo: New York Historical Society Holiday Express: Toys and Trains from the Jerni Collection at the New York Historical Society Come one, come all, step right up to New York Historical Society’s West 77th Street entrance and be swept away as trains appear to roar through the Museum (with the help of four large-scale multimedia screens). This 2017 exhibit is an immersive display of antique toy trains, toys and scenic elements with theatrical lighting, an ambient audio “soundscape,” and other visual effects.
The display includes artifacts grouped into 10 scenes on a 360-degree mountainous landscape. Plus, 11 classic trains from manufacturer Lionel chug along more than 400 feet of tracks on elevated tracks overhead visitors. Challenge your kids to a game of I Spy and pick up the “I Spy” Holiday Express trains and toys hunt, where kids can match pictures and rhyming facts with objects they see throughout the impressive display.
Aside from being fun for the kids, the Jerni Collection, which includes hand-crafted and hand-painted pieces dating from approximately 1850 to 1940, is considered one of the finest collection of antique trains and toys in the world.
photo: New York Historical Society
Train-tastic events For true mini train fanatics, “Historical Train Weekend” is December 9 & 10, from 1 – 4 p.m. Recommended for kids ages 3-6, it includes a special visit from “Conductor Abe”, a train scavenger hunt, making a train car, playing at a train table, and more. It’s free with museum admission.
For early risers, check out “Rise and Ride”, a free event for kids five and under and their caregivers that takes place on Fridays from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. through February. Enjoy train tales, breakfast treats and coffee for sale from the cafe, and space for kids to roam.
The museum will also be dedicating its weekend storytimes to train-related tales. Check the museum’s calendar for the latest updates on selected titles and weekends.
Price: $20/adults; $15/seniors/educators/active military; $12/students; $6/children ages five–13; free for children four and under; pay what you wish Fridays, 6-8 p.m.
170 Central Park West at 77th St. Upper West Side 212-873-3400 Online: nyhistory.org
What’s your favorite place to see trains in NYC? Tell us in the comments below!
Get eye to eye with a butterfly at the popular exhibit Butterflies & Bloomson view now at the Conservatory of Flowers! See pupae emerging from their chrysalis stage, and walk among a wide variety of brightly colored blossoms while hundreds of free-flying butterflies flit from flower to flower, providing a fascinating demonstration of plant pollination in action. Learn more here.
After all the egg nog has been drunk, the carols have been sung and the presents unwrapped you want to keep the festive spirit going, but what to do? Never fear, we have compiled a list of things to do in the District on Christmas day after Santa Claus has already come to town…and eaten all of your cookies.
Photo: Francisco Antunes via Flickr
Memorials & Monuments Taking the wee ones downtown to see the Washington and Lincoln Memorial can be a bit of a trek. Avoid the crowds this year and head over to them on Christmas day! There’s a plethora of parking close by and all of the daily hubbub of tourists and civil servants will be missing. Enjoy the stillness as you and the tykes take in unobstructed views of the Washington skyline and all the glory of our monuments and memorials, including Mr. Lincoln himself!
Monuments & Memorials
Various locations throughout the city
Open: Dawn-Dusk
Cost: Free
Online: nps.gov/nama
Photo: ktylerconk via Flickr
All Aboard The U.S. Botanic Gardens might not be the first thing to come to mind but the always-free conservatory with its seasonal plant exhibits and displays pairs nicely with the Garden Railway model train exhibit aptly named ‘Pollination Station’. Blow their minds when you head to the West Gallery to show them the largest indoor decorated tree in the city.
Skate Away Scoop up the kids and skate the day away at the Washington Harbour ice rink in Georgetown. This rink is even bigger than Rockefeller Center and boasts over 11,000 square feet of icy, skate-tastic fun for the whole family. Little ones can push penguins along to help them stay upright and in skating position while you take in the city’s sights of Roosevelt Island, the Kennedy Center and the Potomac River. The perfect cure for everyone’s cabin fever!
Washington Harbour Ice Rink
3050 K St., NW
Open: Christmas Day 12PM-10PM
Cost: $10/adults; $9/kids; $5/skate rental
Online: washingtonharbour.com
Photo: Mt. Vernon Estate
Presidential Affairs Get into the olde tyme Christmas spirit at Mt. Vernon for an early-American Christmas. Tiny tykes with their eyes all aglow will enjoy the many themed Christmas trees, chocolate making demonstrations and holiday treats throughout the estate. A special holiday season bonus is the often-closed third floor where Martha Washington lived out her days. It is open this time of year for viewing. Get in while you can! Just be sure to purchase tickets for your visit online before you go as it does tend to sell out.
Mt. Vernon Estate
3200 Mount Vernon Hwy. (Mt. Vernon, Va)
Cost: $17/adults; $8/kids ages 6-11; free/kids under 5
Online: mountvernon.org
Photo: Richard Pyrker via flickr
Seeing Stars You dashed through the crowds all Christmas season and now you can stop and enjoy the holiday moment and avoid the crowds. Today is the perfect day to take in a movie! Visit the multiplex and see the flick that you and the kiddos have been dying to view but just couldn’t squeeze into the frenzied holiday schedule. Nosh some popcorn with The Good Dinosaur or see the newest battle of the light sabers with Star Wars – The Force Awakens at a theatre near you.
Times and Locations vary per theater.
Do you have any cool plans for Christmas day? Tell us all about them in the comments section below.
You may have heard by now that it’s the 100th anniversary of the Panama Pacific International Expo, a.k.a. the 1915 World’s Fair. The PPIE marked the completion of the Panama Canal and SF was host to one of the most elaborate displays in history. 635 acres known as Jewel City teemed with palatial gardens, monuments and marvels representing countries around the world. Today there are just a handful of gems from Jewel City hidden around the Bay Area. We’ve rounded up 10 that you and your little locals can spot for yourself.
Courtesy Saratoga Historical Society
1. Japanese Pavilion, Golden Gate Park: The Japanese Tea Garden itself was actually planted in 1894 as part of a Midwinter Exposition. The Japanese Pavilion inside is one of the more well-known pieces salvaged from the 1915 World’s Fair. This one is pretty easy to spot (it’s big, bright and is marked by a plaque) but can you also find the two gates that were part of the fair? Hint: One is wicker.
2. Conservatory of Flowers, Golden Gate Park: Although the Conservatory itself was already standing long before the fair, today’s Victorian glasshouse holds two remnants from the World’s Fair: an urn and a marble bench. Can you find them?
3. The Pioneer Mother, Golden Gate Park: Next time you want to go boating on Stow Lake, take a moment to check out this statue of a mother with children tugging at her skirts (sound familiar?) before heading up the path to the lake. You’ll see her just off JFK drive.
3. Legion of Honor: The Legion is actually a full-scale replica of the French Pavilion from the Expo; its patron Alma Spreckels fell in love with the design when she saw it at the fair and received permission from the French to recreate it with the Legion of Honor. She also donated the famous Rodin’s Thinker, a statue which once greeted fair goers.
Photo: Amber Guetebier
5. Star Maiden at 1 Sansome: For the grand expo more than 90 Star Maidens were cast (by Sterling Calder, Alexander Calder’s dad) and used in the Court of the Universe. Today you can see one in the lobby of the Citicorp Building at 1 Sansome St. in the Financial District. Other maidens are hidden around the Bay: SFO, the Oakland Museum and even Santa Cruz. Currently you can get a good close look at a Star Maiden at the California Historical Society’s City Rising exhibition which features an awesome display of artifacts from the Pan Pacific Expo as well as kid-friendly ways to learn more.
Photo of Football Players by rmnichholas via Flickr Creative Commons
6. The Football Players at UC Berkeley: Southwest of the Life Sciences building you’ll spot this iconic Berkeley sculpture that was actually loaned to the Expo and returned shortly after the close of the fair.
7. Chabot Space Center Telescope: The fair’s 20-inch Warner and Swasey Refracting Telescope has found a permanent home at the Chabot Space & Science Center in the Oakland Hills, where it is fondly known as Rachel.
8. The Elephants at the Plaza Vina del Mar in Sausalito: Hop a ferry over to the Bay’s sweetest little port town, and check out the two elephants flanking the plaza. The fountain is from the World’s Fair too!
9. Lunette Painting at the MVPL: If you haven’t spent an afternoon at the Mill Valley Public Library, here’s your excuse. Along with floor to ceiling windows and amazing children’s section, the library is home to the Lunette Painting, which once hung at the Marin County Exhibit at the fair.
Photo courtesy Billy Jones Wildcat Railway
10. Oak Meadow Park, Los Gatos: An extra fun one to explore with the kiddos, the Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad that runs through the park includes passenger cars from the 1915 fair. The beautiful W.E. W.E. “Bill” Mason Carousel is also from the PPIE!! See, history is fun!
See lots more PPIE artifacts including a replica model of the fair at California Historical Society, 678 Mission St., San Francisco. Open Tues, 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Wed.-Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. $5/adults; children and members are free. More info: californiahistoricalsociety.org
Kids can also visit the Palace of Fine Arts (the largest remaining building from the PPIE) where the City Rising exhibit continues there and shares space with the Innovation Hangar which offers tons of hands-on history and experiments. Palace of Fine Arts, 3301 Lyon St., San Francisco. Open Wed.-Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is free. More info: ppie100.org
Bye-bye, plastic playgrounds. We’ve found a slew of natural oases to cut loose in. Made from wood, stones and good old-fashioned dirt, they’re Earth’s way of saying “Have a blast!” Click through our album to discover eight playgrounds made from natural materials. Who needs bells and whistles when you have fun like this?
Garfield Park Conservatory’s Play & Grow Garden
Let’s face it: Toddlerhood is no cakewalk. There are play dates, tantrums, intense coloring sessions. Show your over-hyped youngster how to get in touch with nature at this oasis of chill. After wandering around the labyrinth, kids can unleash their musical side by playing the wooden xylophone, or deploy their inner daredevil by tightrope walking on a fallen log. From pebbles to mud pies, this natural haven offers a great hands-on experience for even the most 9-to-5 of preschoolers.
