ML Interest Tag: county-fair

15 Fantastic Festivals & Fairs to Put on Your Fall Calendar

by Angelica Kajiwara

Autumn in Georgia is all about the big three: exciting corn mazes, picture-perfect pumpkin patches and hitting (at least) one of the many fall fairs and festivals going on around the state. We’re talking funnel cakes, Ferris wheels, family entertainment and cuddly farm animals. When it comes to our top picks for fall fairs and festivals, we know what Atlanta families are looking for—drool-worthy carnival food, funky attractions (bring on the Banana Derby) and info on where to ride the most epic tilt-a-whirl in the state of Georgia.

Visit These Fall Festivals & Fairs in Late August

Georgia Mountain Fair

The 71st annual Georgia Mountain Fair, held at the historic Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds, should be at the top of everyone's list. You know this staple of the state's fall fairs and festivals will attract thousands of visitors from across the region, a testament to the excitement and nostalgia only the Fair can deliver to families. Beyond carnival rides (psst...those are an additional cost), families can stroll through the Pioneer Village and catch the "Old Ways" demonstrations, watch monkeys race at the Banana Derby and even meet Rollo—the "biggest little kid in the world." With first-class musical performances headlining each night and a glimpse into North Georgia's rich history and culture, the Fair provides something for every family member.

Cost: $12 for a 1-day pass; $33 for a 3-day pass; Free, kids 12 & under

Dates: Aug. 19-27, 2022
Event details

Pigs & Peaches BBQ Festival

The City of Kennesaw's Pigs & Peaches BBQ Festival is back for its 21st year of good music, great food and tons of fun. The festival's roots can be traced back to the historic train depot in downtown Kennesaw where in 2000, it all started with a blues concert and local BBQ cook-off. Twenty-one years later, the festival features two days of non-stop music, excellent barbeque and tons of fun for everyone. Better wear your elastic pants to this one.

Cost: Free

Dates: Aug. 19-20, 2022
Event details

Related: Hit the Hay! 5 Places to Hitch a Hayride Around Atlanta

September Festivals in Georgia

a family enjoys cotton candy as they wander a fall fairs and festivals events

photo: iStock

Pioneer Days Festival

The Pioneer Days Festival is a small but fun carnival for kids and adults. Locals claim this festival offers the best funnel cakes around. It's an annual event people visit over and over again. For a celebration, the grounds are spotless and well kept. The ride prices are high, but it is a charitable event, so all the proceeds go to a good cause. 

Cost: $5/person; Free, kids 10 & under

Dates: Sep. 2-5, 2022
Event details

Chattahoochee Mountain Fair

Do you have a budding artist? A crafter? A future engineer? Maybe your kids love to bake or take photos. Whatever the passion, get ready to show it off at the Chattahoochee Mountain Fair and win fantastic prizes. This Fair has been a tradition in Northeast Georgia since 1975. Your family can spend a memorable week back in the good old days of homemade treats, handmade crafts, a farm animal petting zoo and carnival rides galore.

Cost: Sun.-Thu., $5/adult; $3/kid (5-12); Fri. & Sat., $10/adult; $5/kid (5-12); Free, kids 4 & under

Dates: Sep. 9-17, 2022
Event details

Related: Where to See Fantastic Fall Foliage in Georgia

Gwinnett County Fair

Get there when the Gwinnett County Fair gates open, and you'll get to ride without a wait. Stroll around the fairgrounds to find your favorite carnival food, and stop by all the best rides throughout the day and night. The staff is friendly, and the unique entertainment will keep everyone in your crew smiling.

Good to know: It's free to park at this fair and only clear bags will be allowed onto the grounds.

Cost: $10/person; $5 for seniors (65 & up) and kids (6-11); Free, kids 5 & under (with paid adult) and for active and retired military, law enforcement officers and fire department personnel (with ID).

Dates: Sep. 15-25, 2022
Event details

Kiwanis Coweta County Fair

Go for the rides at the Kiwanis Coweta County Fair, and stay for the magic show, mini circus, touch a fire truck, face painting and small farm exhibit. If you love taking home a giant stuffed animal, this is the fall fairs and festivals top pick for you. There may be more games than rides. In addition, this fair supports local organizations.

Cost: $5/person; Free, kids 5 & under

Dates: Sep. 15-25, 2022
Event details

Pumpkin Festival: Play by Day, Glow by Night

Head to Stone Mountain Park and take a journey through classic storybook tales that come to life with glowing lights, massive carved pumpkins, bubbles, fog, and plenty of not-so-spooky adventures happening day and night. Families can Play by Day with mini golf, pumpkin carving stations and displays and a ride on a cool locomotive. Then the lights go down for Glow by Night shenanigans that will have everyone talking. Walk through a tale of buccaneers and buried gold at Treasure Island, follow Dorothy as she is swept from Kansas to Oz and help Alice make it through the Queen of Heart's maze to catch the White Rabbit. From the new laser light show to the nighttime party parade, there's so much to do after the sun goes down that's guaranteed to tire out your little pumpkins.

Cost: starting at $35

Dates: Sep. 17-Oct. 30, 2022
Event details

Related: All Aboard! A Local Guide to Locomotives for Little Engineers

North Georgia State Fair

Get ready for the 90th annual North Georgia State Fair, where the lights are bright and "The Human Cannonball" is ready to fly. This year, the entertainment lineup includes big names such as Josh Turner, The Afters, Michael Ray and many more. Also, don't forget to check out the American Bull Riders on the last night of the Fair. It's one of the most exciting shows in town this fall. Hint: We know your tots will love the new-this-year Puppy Pals comedy stunt show.

Good to know: A new fair policy only allows for clear bags this year, so keep that in mind when you're packing up your kid extras.

Cost: $10/person; Free, kids 10 & under

Dates: Sep. 22-Oct. 2, 2022
Event details

Mark Your Calendars for These October Fall Festivals & Fairs in Georgia

Georgia State Fair

The grounds of Atlanta Motor Speedway fill with the sights and sounds of one of the state's largest fairs each year. If you have a dinosaur lover in your house, don't miss the Jurassic Kingdom at the Georgia State Fair, where little ones can touch a "real" dinosaur. Many rides at this fair are great for little kids, and the family magic show will surely delight young and old alike.

Cost: $10/adults; $5/kids (5-12) and seniors (65 & up); Free, kids 4 & under

Dates: Sep. 30-Oct. 9, 2022
Event details

The Georgia National Fair

Celebrate fall with free concerts on all 11 days of The Georgia National Fair. And this year, you get to be the judge at the First Annual Georgia National Fair Food Fight. Vendors submit a new food creation they have never offered at the Georgia National Fair, and you'll get to help pick the winner. Oh, and the best part? Fireworks each night. Boom!

Good to know: Check out the Special Admission and Discount Days to save some green.

Cost: $15/adult; Free, kids 10 & under (with paying adult)

Dates: Oct. 6-16, 2022
Event details

Related: 50 Fall Activities to Jumpstart Your Favorite Season

Cumming Country Fair & Festival

Just 40 minutes north of Atlanta, the Cumming Country Fair & Festival combines rides with the American Bullriders Tour, the Miss Cumming Pageant, concerts, and festival fare for ten fun days.

Cost: $10/person; Free, kids 10 & under

Dates: Oct. 6-16, 2022
Event details

Georgia Apple Festival

The Georgia Apple Festival brings two exciting weekends to Ellijay, Georgia every year, with hundreds of vendors offering food, art, crafts, and more and visitors from all over. 2022 marks the 51st year of the event, and there will be loads of handmade, hand-crafted items, many on-site demonstrations of how selected types of crafts are made, and a parade and antique car show.

Cost: $10/person; Free, kids 12 & under

Dates: Oct. 8, 9, 15 & 16, 2022
Event details

Elberton 12-County Fair

Voted "One of the 10 Great Places for Blue Ribbon County Fairs" by USA Today, the Elberton 12-County Fair features a carnival midway, nightly prize drawings, handmade goods competitions, and enough rides to fill your day and night with fun. Don't forget to cheer on your favorite primate jockey in the highly anticipated Banana Derby. 

Cost: $5/person; Free, babies under 1

Dates: Oct. 13-23, 2022
Event details

Georgia-Carolina State Fair

For the 2022 Georgia-Carolina State Fair, expect more rides than before in addition to livestock competitions, arts and crafts, the Miss Georgia-Carolina State Fair competition, and fun fair food. And you can join the cheering and jeering for the Bad Boyz of Wrestling as they entertain the crowds with a professional wrestling exhibition.

Cost: $5/person (advance); $8/person (at the gate)

Dates: Oct. 14-23, 2022
Event details

North Georgia Agricultural Fair

The North Georgia Fair has been a Northwest Georgia cultural tradition since 1949. Today, the Fair offers a valuable community service for Northwest Georgia through its recognition of those seeking to improve agricultural standards, its promotion of education, and its stimulation of youthful participation. But it's not just about the farm. The Fair has partnered with Drew Expositions to bring you the rides, thrills, and fanfare of what you expect.

Dates: Oct. 20-30, 2022
Event details 

—Angelica Kajiwara & Shelley Massey

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

There’s Still Time! Late Summer Escapes to Take with the Kids

by Mimi O'Connor

Summer may seem like it’s winding down, but if you—or your kids—are itching for an adventure, it’s not too late to get away! (Reminder: The public school year starts on Sep. 8, so you’ve got a little extra time, despite what your social media feeds are telling you with all those cute first-day photo opps. Hooray?) We’ve rounded up some of the best family weekend getaways from NYC, all within three hours of the city limits. Consider these options ideal for an overnight, or a few. What’s even better: most of them offer late-season savings! Whether you’re desperate to cool down with a water park or get a step-up on back-to-school season with a history lesson, there are weekend trip options fit for any family (LEGO fans and Elmo lovers included!). Pack the kids into a car and hit the road for some last-gasp summer fun.

Bear Mountain State Park

It's never a bad time of year to visit Bear Mountain, but it's a particularly lovely place to spend a weekend in the summer. One of its most popular features is its free Trailside Zoo, which houses local wild animals in the process of rehabilitation, including—you guessed it—some bears along a winding path punctuated by informative plaques. Hiking is a popular activity here, with many visitors choosing to climb to Perkins Memorial Tower for a hilltop view, but the peak is also accessible by car. 

Take a dip in the community pool (don't forget a lock and a couple dollars for the admission fee), and then float a boat out on peaceful Hessian Lake—where you can also fish if you have a license. (Bring your own gear.) Picnicking lakeside is common here (there are even a few grills), and don't leave without taking a spin on the carousel. 

For lodging, the slightly rustic Overlook Lodge is a good choice for small families, and the Stone Cottages are single-story houses good for larger groups. For a bit more polish, the Bear Mountain Inn is the deluxe choice.

Distance from NYC: 1 hour 15 minutes 

Route 9W N.
Bear Mountain, NY
Online: parks.ny.gov

Related: The 2022 NYC Summer Bucket List: What You Must Do with the Kids

Morey’s Piers and Beachfront Water Parks

Escape to the Jersey Shore for some solid summer vibes on the boardwalk. Morey's Piers in Wildwood, NJ, has been welcoming vacationing families for more than 50 years and will keep the kids busy with more than 100 rides and attractions and two beachfront water parks. Plus: you'll find a lovely, free beach here, which is not so easy elsewhere in the state of New Jersey. 

Dog families should keep their eyes peeled for two annual special events that traditionally close out the water park season: the Doggie Dash, a pair of dog-and-human runs with a beach party afterward, and Doggie Splash, when canines have free rein to paddle along the river adventure, splash in the fountain pool or fetch tennis balls in the activity pool of Raging Waters “Water Bark." You don't even have to have a dog to attend!  (A portion of the Doggie Splash proceeds will benefit local dog and cat rescue Beacon Animal Rescue.) 

To make things easy, The Blue Palms Resort, located close by, offers lodging packages, often with complimentary amusement pier wristbands.  

Read our full review of Morey's Piers here.

Distance from NYC: 3 hours 

3501 Boardwalk
Wildwood, NJ
Online: moreyspiers.com

LEGOLAND New York Resort & Hotel

At 150 acres, LEGOLAND New York Resort and Hotel is the brand's largest park, featuring seven LEGO-themed lands to explore. Attractions include theme park rides for both little and bigger kids, but Lego lovers also get the chance to create with master builders and attend a "ninja training camp," tinker in the robotic LEGO center and visit Miniland, which is a massive LEGOscape featuring the landmarks of 10 cities nationwide. At Disney, they trade pins, but here it's minifigures—bring some along, or buy them at the park! 

You can go for the day or rest your head at the on-site LEGOLAND Hotel for the ultimate brick vacation. You'll find LEGO-themed suites with a separate room for the kids (notably themed with pirates, kingdoms, Ninjago, or LEGO Friends, for starters) as well as nightly all-ages entertainment, interactive LEGO features, a pool and more. 

Although it's a less-than-two-hour drive, you can't just show up: You must reserve your tickets in advance.

Distance from NYC: 90 minutes 

1 LEGOLAND Blvd. 
Goshen, NY 
Online: legoland.com

Lake Compounce Family Theme Park

For some good old Americana away from the mega parks, check out Lake Compounce, the country's oldest amusement park. Celebrating more than 175 years, this park is home to a full water park (including the new "Venus Vortex", thrill rides, kiddie rides, and Boulder Dash, considered by many to be the best wooden rollercoaster in the world. You can also take in the show Daniel Tiger's Grr-ific Day! and meet Daniel and Katerina afterwards. 

Lodging options include camping on-site in a cabin, "Cub Hut", tent or RV, with campfire, wifi and transportation to the park included. 

Distance from NYC: 2 hours 15 minutes

185 Enterprise Dr.
Bristol, CT 
Online: lakecompounce.com

Related: Things To Do With Kids in the Hamptons, Summer 2022 Edition

Hyde Park

For history buffs or families with older kids, head to Dutchess County's Hyde Park, where you can tour the homes of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt, the FDR Presidential Library (the nation's first collection of its kind) and more than a thousand acres of gardens and trails. (For a guide to the trails on the grounds, click here.) 

In addition to the home, where FDR lived as both a child and as an adult with Eleanor, the museum features special interactive experiences, immersive audio‐visual theaters and rarely seen artifacts that convey the dramatic story of the Roosevelt era. 

Eleanor Roosevelt's home Val-Kill—the only National Historic Site dedicated to a first lady—is nearby and worth a visit to view the exhibit detailing how she was a fierce champion champion of women's rights, civil rights and diplomacy. For more history, visit the Vanderbilt Mansion, an example of Beaux-Arts architecture from renowned firm McKim, Mead & White, where you can take a self-led tour with a phone or tablet. (You must register for the tour prior to your visit.)  

Other spots to check out in the area include the Hyde Park Drive-in, or Four Brother's Drive-in (a bit of a drive but worth it), the Dutchess County Fair (Aug. 23-28 this year) and roller rink Roller Magic. 

Distance from NYC: 2 hours 15 minutes 

Online: nps.gov

Sesame Place

A theme park tailor made for the tiniest of vacationers, Sesame Place offers fun rides, a waterpark and, of course, Cookie Monster and Big Bird walking around, ready for hugs and pictures. 

When you visit, be sure to look out for a Neighborhood Street Party Parade and take advantage of the opportunity to dine with Elmo & Friends (for an extra fee). Plus: fireworks every Saturday and Sunday through Sep. 4. Good to know: Sesame Place is the first theme park to be designated a Certified Autism Center, where staff receives autism-awareness training and guests can access sensory-friendly services and resources throughout the park. 

Sesame Place is having a "Last Splash Sale" promotion with tickets as low as $40—a savings of 60 percent. The park also often has partnerships with several hotels in the area, where you can book a package that includes tickets to the park along with lodging. Bonus: you don’t need a car to get there. Take NJ Transit to Trenton and then hop on a bus or grab a cab. 

Read our full review of Sesame Place here.

Distance from NYC: 1 hour 45 minutes

100 Sesame Rd.
Langhorne, PA
Online: sesameplace.com/langhorne

The Kartrite Resort and Indoor Waterpark

Located in The Catskills' Monticello, Kartrite Resort and Indoor Waterpark is now the state's largest, measuring 80,000 square feet. In addition to 11 water attractions, from mild (lazy river) to thrill-inducing, it's topped by a transparent roof, includes a living plant wall and is kept a pleasant 84 degrees year-round.

The resort runs activities for kids and families throughout the week, with activities including scavenger hunts, trivia game nights and movies under the stars. For food, you'll find eight dining options, from grab-and-go to sit-down, with many serving food made with ingredients from local suppliers. For grown-ups, Resorts World Casino is next door, and there's a spa on-site, which also offers kid's treatments. 

Just 10 minutes away is Holiday Mountain, which has skiing and tubing in the winter and go-karts and mini-golf in the summer. Also nearby is Bethel Woods, home to Woodstock Music Fest in 1969 and concert series and events today. FYI: the LEGOLAND New York Resort is about a 30-minute drive from here. 

Distance from NYC: 2 hours 

555 Resort World Dr.
Monticello, NY
Online: thekartrite.com

Related: Cool Kids: Where to Chill on NYC’s Hottest Days

Bonus: Finger Lakes Region

The Finger Lakes are a bit of a longer drive, but well worth it for the kid-friendly attractions coupled with natural beauty. For a trip to the 19th century, visit the Genessee Country Village and Museum in Mumford, New York State's largest living history museum. We also recommend a tour of Lazy Acre Alpacas in Bloomfield, where you can learn about and feed the friendly animals. 

Rochester is home to one of the best children's museums in the country, the Strong National Museum of Play, where you'll also find the Toy Hall of Fame and the World Video Game Hall of Fame. Amusement Park Seabreeze outside of Rochester is good for lakeside summer fun, with a water park, big and little kid rides, and the Jack Rabbit, the oldest continuously operating rollercoaster in the country.

The area is known for its hiking and biking trails and a thriving craft beer, wine and spirits industry, but the beautiful lakes—namely Canandaigua and Keuka—are the real crowd pleasers. And don't forget the "Grand Canyon of the East," Letchworth State Park, which is in the western part of the Finger Lakes. 

Distance from NYC: 5 hours 

Auburn, NY
Online: fingerlakes.org

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

15 Creative and Easy Lunch Ideas for Kids (That Aren’t Sandwiches)

by Abigail Matsumoto

Make your kid the star of the lunchroom with these school lunch ideas

Ready to branch out from PB&J? It’s easy to shake up your lunch ideas for kids with these recipes! From homemade chicken nuggets to cobb salad, there are tons of ways to give sandwiches a break. Lunchtime is about to get way more interesting!

Lunch Box Art

Check out this adorable lunchbox idea! Use these eyeball spears to hold the food down and make cute creatures, if you’re so inclined.

Meatballs and Veggies

lunch ideas for kids
One Lovely Life

This protein-packed lunch doesn't take too much time to pull together in the morning. Simply warm up meatballs (store-bought or homemade both work) and add their favorite veggies to the other spots in the bento box. See more great lunch ideas from One Lovely Life.

Deep Dish Mini Pizzas

One Little Project

Pizza lovers, rejoice! With this idea from One Little Project, you can have itty bitty deep dish pizzas that are the perfect size for lunchboxes. Customize with your fave toppings for a truly magical lunch.

Peanut Butter and Banana Roll Ups

lunch ideas for kids
Damn Delicious

You can’t get more colorful (or yummy!) than this lunchbox idea from Damn Delicious! It’s packed with strawberries, pretzels, tangerines, and celery sticks, along with quick wraps that are—you guessed it—super quick to make.

Baked Chicken Nuggets

Load up their lunch boxes with a healthy and homemade version of a fast food staple! These lunch ideas for kids will go over like gangbusters with kids who crave nuggets 24/7—and you’ll be surprised how easy they are to make. Snag the recipe here.

Homemade Lunchables

Snap. Eat. Run.

Step away from the store-bought Lunchables! You can totally whip up your own version of this lunchbox classic—and even add some healthy additions (hello, fruit!) while you’re at it. Get inspired to make your own over at Snap. Eat. Run.

Skip the juice and pair it with Creative Roots! This plant-powered coconut water beverage has a taste kids love. With one gram of sugar, it’s a happy hydration solution for all.

Turkey Spinach Pinwheels Lunch Box

lunch ideas for kids
Damn Delicious

More pinwheels, please! These super healthy bites—along with a hefty dose of fruits and veggies—are customizable, easy to make, and utterly delicious. Plus, you can make them ahead of time and have lunch for the whole week. Get the recipe from Damn Delicious.

Taco Salad Lunch Bowl

Kristine's Kitchen

Turn your lunch into a fiesta with this creative idea from Kristine’s Kitchen! Filled with taco beef, lettuce, cheese, black beans, corn and salsa, these lunch bowls are bursting with flavor and are healthy to boot.

Pepperoni Pizza Bites

A Taste of Madness

Got thirty minutes? That’s how long it takes to make these four-ingredient bites from A Taste of Madness! Sporting some pepperoni and your fave cheese, they’ve got all the flavors of pizza and will fit just right in a lunchbox.

Mini Bagels with Cream Cheese

Chelsea's Messy Apron

Bagels with cream cheese are a classic at any time! Let your kids pick their favorite flavor and fill a small container with cream cheese. They'll have fun slathering their bagels, and you can throw in cheese and fruit or veggies to round out their lunch. See the details and get other lunch ideas for kids over at Chelseas' Messy Apron. 

Fruit and Cream Cheese Wraps

lunch ideas for kids
Healthy Seasonal Recipes

For a sweet but still healthy lunch idea for kids, you’ve got to try these wraps from Healthy Seasonal Recipes. Pair them with fresh veggies for a light and delicious meal.

Kiddie Cobb Salad

this kiddie cobb salad is a great cold dinner idea
Mom's Kitchen Handbook

Turn veggie-averse kids into salad eaters with this genius take on cobb salad from Mom’s Kitchen Handbook. You can customize it with toppings your littles will like, but we figure avocados, turkey and hard-boiled eggs are a delicious place to start.

Homemade Kraft Easy Mac

lunch ideas for kids
Food Fanatic

Mac and cheese is a surefire win for our kids, which is why we love this take on easy mac from Food Fanatic. The best part? It’s made entirely in the microwave and comes together in a flash.

Sweetie Pie Quesadilla

Jennifer Martine

Sneak veggies into your kid’s diet with these delish quesadillas by Katie Sullivan. In addition to being tot-approved, they’re also easy to make ahead and quickly reheat.

Pizza Pasta Salad

lunch ideas for kids
Veggie Quest

Pasta salad is always a great lunch idea for kids, and this pizza-inspired version from Veggie Quest is bound to be a hit with the little ones. With good-for-you ingredients like beans and veggies, it’s a win for health, too.

Don't forget the Creative Roots to make this meal even more fun! This plant-powered coconut water beverage has a taste kids love. With one gram of sugar, you can feel good about it, too.

 —with additional reporting by Taylor Clifton and Susie Foresman

 

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

Best Themed Restaurants Worth the Splurge

by Kate Loweth

If you are looking for that extra-special spot to celebrate a birthday or an impressive report card, look no further: These kid-friendly restaurants bring more to the table than your average burger and fries joint. Picture mini golf courses, rain showers, cat company and more—the kids will be entertained and you’ll get a fun family date night out without having to resort to digital bribery. Win-win!

Golf & Food Trucks: Stagecoach Greens

Nella DuBon-Koch

This kid on the mini-golf block was destined to be a major fave for families in the SF area. After it opened several years ago in Mission Bay, everyone fell in love with the amazingly-detailed putt-putt holes from the Chinatown dragon to the 1906 Victorian complete with earthquake. Located right across the street from the food truck mecca SPARK Social SF, it even has a number of food trucks of its own. Al Pastor Papi and Hookt Donuts will be mainstays while other trucks rotate through. Rent a cabana and make it a family night!

1379 4th St.
San Francisco
Online: stagecoachgreens.com

RELATED: Our Full Review of Stagecoach Greens Mini-Golf and Food Trucks When It First Opened

A Night on the Island: Tonga Room

themed restaurants to try in SF
Dhyana Levey

Skip the Rainforest Cafe and go to the real deal instead. Opened in 1945 within the Fairmont Hotel, this campy and yes, touristy lounge showers visitors in old-school Tropicana. The Polynesian-esque ambiance includes the Tonga Room’s epic rain showers every 30 minutes and a lagoon where a live band plays on a thatch-covered barge. Happy hour (Wed.–Fri., 5–7 p.m.) offers a sweet deal on food and drinks for the whole family, and bartenders are happy to whip up a colorful, fruity, booze-free concoction in a coconut for the kids. All ages are welcome until after 10 p.m. when it goes 21+.

The Fairmont Hotel
950 Mason St.
San Francisco
Online: tongaroom.com

Table Tennis & Graffiti Art: SPIN

Kate Loweth

This spot near SFMOMA and Yerba Buena Gardens is the place to go when you want to up your table tennis game in style. SPIN is definitely not your mom's garage—it is a funky industrial space with custom graffiti-style artwork on the walls and old-school jams playing. Open from noon until late, kids are welcome at SPIN until 9 p.m. when it goes 21+. You reserve table time in one-hour increments and there's a menu full of shareable plates and cocktails to go along with your game.

Choose one of the two tables in their patio area and you'll have your own space to lounge, eat and play. Kids will love the SPIN Burger or the always-dependable pepperoni pizza. Check their calendar for upcoming family-friendly events. 

690 Folsom St.
San Francisco
Online: wearespin.com

Chocolate Lover's Paradise: Ghiradelli Chocolate Experience Store

While this sweet spot near Fisherman's Wharf has been dishing up chocolate treats for decades, it just recently underwent renovations meant to engage locals and tourists alike. The new, improved Ghirardelli Chocolate Experience Store now includes a behind-the-scenes look of the making of its famous hot fudge sundaes in an open kitchen, more than 20 flavors of Ghirardelli chocolate squares in a huge Pick & Mix selection and a live chocolate bar creation. While the line at the main ice cream shop is usually long any time of the day, it has a fun old-school ambiance that kids love. 

900 N. Point St.
San Francisco
Online: ghirardelli.com

Tea Time in Japan: Japanese Tea Garden

Not only is The Japanese Tea Garden the oldest public Japanese garden in the United States but the tea house is reportedly the first place to serve fortune cookies in the US at the turn of the century. The gorgeously landscaped gardens with an arched drum bridge, pagodas, stepping stone paths koi ponds and a Zen garden are both lovely and fun to explore, and the tea house serves treats like green tea cheese cake, sweet rice cakes and cookies, and Udon noodles and miso soup for the chilly Golden Gate park weather.

75 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr.
Golden Gate Park
San Francisco
Online: japaneseteagardensf.com

Cat Heaven: KitTea Cafe

Get your cat fix at this cafe that is also home to 16-22 adorable rescue kittens just waiting for love. There are two options here: choose the cafe side and watch the kitties through the window or select the cat lounge where you get to meet the cats in person. Sandwiches and salads are available for purchase and you get your choice of green tea. They also offer hot chocolate for the kiddies. To access the cat lounge side, kids need to be at least 9 years old (ages 5-9, give them a call and they might be able to get you in). Bonus: many of the cats here are available to adopt! 

1266 Valencia St. 
San Francisco
Online: kitteasf.com

RELATED: All the Places to Encounter New Animals around SF

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

Last-Minute Road Trips to Keep the Summer Vibes Going

by Allison Sutcliffe

It’s hard to believe but August is on its way in! Don’t let the summer days fade away without one last family road trip. A road trip is a perfect way to explore a new spot without too much-advanced planning needed. Reserve an Airbnb for your family, buy all the snacks, and you are ready to head out. Whether you have only a day to explore or a long weekend, our road trip ideas are here to get you started making memories that will last a lifetime!

Visit a National Park

Kate Loweth

Take the play outside at one of our nation’s great parks. Learn about the natural world, do car camping and hike the day away. Take your pick from our list of 26 faves or set your sights on an under-the-radar national park near you. We picked one in every state (even D.C.)! Got a 4th grader in your crew? Bring them along, and you'll get free admission with the Every Kid Outdoors program!

Make Your Way to the Museum

Exploratorium

A brand-new museum is a perfect excuse to set out on a road trip. The country is full of totally epic kids' museums (that even adults will love) and over-the-top science centers that will get you staring into space. When the weather gets hot, it's a great idea to head to a totally indoor museum to keep your cool (in more ways than one). Got a museum membership of your own? Check to see if it offers any reciprocal discounts with other museums and save a bunch!

Hit a Theme Park

Kimberly Stahl

Ride all the rides at a theme park! The costumed characters. The thrilling rides. You can say you go for the kids, but we’re pretty sure you love it just as much as they do. Check out the best amusement parks for families and even some that won't break the bank. Want to have fun from home? Here are some virtual amusement park rides you can check out in your jammies! 

Explore a Wacky Roadside Attraction

@abc7community

Pack up the kids and the snacks and hit the road! There are all sorts of wacky and unique roadside attractions all over the U.S. Pick one out to make it your destination or drive until you see that giant rooster and hit the brakes. Your kids and your Instagram feed will thank you. 

Pitch Your Tent

Camping can be a cheap way to see a new area of the country and a fun way for families to bond without the distraction of devices and deadlines. These totally unique campsites will take the fun to another level with beaches and water parks as the backdrop. Sleeping on the ground not your thing? Rent an RV or a rad camper van for some upgraded relaxation. Before you go, check out our tips on how to ease yourself into camping to make the most of your time in nature. 

Go Digging for Dinos

From sculptures to skeletons, you can find places across the country that pint-sized paleontologists will go crazy for. You can excavate in a national park, roam around forests with life-like statues or explore the halls of a museum for a history lesson that will take the kids waaay back. While there are hundreds of sites to choose from, we’ll get you started with 20+ of our favorites. 

Find a Home on the Range

Maybe your little cowpokes are aching for a prairie ride this summer, or perhaps they just want to visit a western-themed amusement park. Get inspiration for your next great excursion from one of these 11 cowboy destinations and then book an overnight at a dude ranch for an even more immersive experience. 

Feed Your Inner Foodie

iStock

Sometimes the promise of a killer pulled pork sandwich is all the inspiration you need to hit the road. Plan your road trip to include one of the country's best BBQ spots, a new pizza joint or one of these themed restaurants that really take dining to another level. A food hall is a great option for families because they offer tons of eating options for every taste. Or satisfy your sweet tooth with a stop at your state's best donut spot or most epic ice cream joint. 

Play Tourist in Your Own City

Kate Loweth

As a local, you’ve got the inside scoop on all the neighborhood hot spots. But when was the last time you and the kidlets played tourist? This summer, see all the sights, do all the tours and yep, even buy the t-shirt in your home city. We’ve got the tips you need to do it right. Go for the day or splurge on a room downtown, complete with that spectacular skyline view you can’t quite see from your place. Oh, what a sight!

Make it a Beach Day

Whether your nearby water is the Atlantic, the Pacific or a local lake, the best road trip can be as easy as picking a new spot to spread out your beach towel and wade in the waves. For some beachy inspo, check out one of these off-the-radar beach towns or the country's 10 best beaches for families. Surf's up!

All’s Fair at the Faires

Ventura County Fair

Maker. Bluegrass. Shakespeare. Renaissance. Whatever flavor fits your fam, engage everyone’s imagination at a nearby festival. You can always expect plenty of food, face painting, music and more to keep the minis entertained, as you wander from booth to booth or tent to tent to get your fill of whatever tickles your fancy.  

Hike a New Trail

A hike is a great way to get the kids out in the fresh air and explore a new spot. Check off one of these 35 hikes that every kid should do once or a hike that gets you to a waterfall. Bring some bribes and Band-Aids and hit the trail for some outdoor adventure!

 

Swim in a Grotto

Soak up summer’s last moments at a natural swimming hole that will absolutely blow your mind. We’re not talking about epic water resorts, we’re talking about cerulean pools inside caves; natural wells that spring forth sparkling waters and waterfalls you can splash in. Here’s our list of the 26 places not to miss.

Make it a Mystery!

Kate Loweth

Bump your road trip up to the next level by making your destination a total mystery to the kids. This mom explains how her family has planned mystery trips for years. Whether you give hints along the way or keep the kids totally in the dark until you get there, the excitement of the journey will make your road trip all the more fun for everyone. 

—Kate Loweth, Amber Guetebier & Allison Sutcliffe

 

RELATED STORIES:
Mystery Road Trips Are Perfect for All Kinds of Families—Even Yours
No-Mess Kids Snacks for Long Road Trips
10 Tips for Rocking Family Road Trips—from a Mom of 4
6 Things Every Parent Should Do Before Heading Out on a Family Road Trip

 

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

What to Do with Kids in LA before the Summer Is Over

by Andie Huber

It’s hard to believe it, but summer is almost over (insert crying emoji). But before your calendar and to-do-list fills back up with back-to-school orientations and shopping trips, you deserve to get maximum fun out of the remaining weeks. Read on for our ultimate end-of-summer bucket list for LA families.

LA’s Last Summer Carnivals & Fairs

The OC Fair: Whether you want to eat ridiculous amounts of fried food, see baby farm animals, or ride the carnival rides, the OC Fair is your spot. Along with the fair’s iconic 164-foot-tall Ferris wheel, there are more than 50 rides to choose from—with bonafide thrills for older kids and kiddie rides for the littles. As for food, this year’s calorie-whopping winners include Pink’s deep fried hot dog bites, a chocolate chip Nutella ice cream sandwich, and (you ready?) a “Hot Cheeto-n-Cheese Burger,” which is described as “a burger sandwiched between a buttery bun dipped in melted cheddar cheese, rolled in ground-up hot Cheetos then topped with melted cheese and whole crunchy hot Cheetos.”

Good to Know: To mitigate crowds, the fair is operating at a voluntary reduced capacity and will only sell a limited number of tickets every day. Tickets must be purchased in advance.

When: Now through Aug. 14
Cost: Admission varies by day and starts at $12 for ages 13+; $7 for children and seniors; free for kids 5 and under (Note: Rides and food not included). Parking is $10.

88 Fair Dr.
Costa Mesa
Online: ocfair.com/thefair

Summer Fair of LA: Ferris Wheel? Check! Carnival games? Check! Pig races and dog shows? Those, too! The Summer Fair of LA at the Santa Anita Racetrack has more than 50 rides (unlimited ride wristbands are available), live tribute bands, pig races, a dog “stunt show,” and tons of food—including giant turkey legs, deep fried Oreos, and fried butter (because apparently that’s a thing!).

When: Jul. 21 through Aug. 20
Rate: $10-12 adults; $7 kids ages 6-12; free for kids under 6

285 West Huntington Dr.
Arcadia
Online: santaanita.com

That Last of the Summer Nights that Light Up

Paso Robles
Online: sensoriopaso.com

RELATED: 9 Other Good Reasons to Visit Paso Robles

Participate in the Glow Ride. Ride by the beach… at night…decked out in glow gear! Decorate your wheels (scooters, bikes and wagons) and yourselves for a colorful ride from the Hermosa Beach Pier to the Manhattan Beach Pier while supporting Claire’s Place Foundation—an organization that supports children and families with Cystic Fibrosis. All registered riders will receive a Glow Ride t-shirt.

Date/Time: Aug. 27 (meet at 5:30 p.m., the ride begins at 7:30 p.m.)
Cost: $45 per person

1 Pier Ave.
Hermosa Beach
Online: glow2022.funraise.org

Rent a Swan Boat on Echo Park Lake after 7:24 p.m. (how’s that for specific?) and your ride will be illuminated. The paddleboats can fit up to five and they’re also dog-friendly. Reservations required.

Online: wheelfunrentals.com

At Disneyland and California Adventure, the Nighttime Spectaculars are back and dazzling, including the Main St. Electrical Parade, the World of Color show and the fireworks.

Catch the Last Summer Concerts

Free Sunset Concerts at The Skirball: Sing and dance to a world-class lineup of local musicians whose work amplifies the Skirball’s values to pursue justice, build community, show kindness, and honor memory. On the schedule: Rocky Dawuni (July 28), Nefesh Mountain (Aug. 4), Booker T. Jones (Aug. 11), ADG7 (Aug. 18), and Son Rompe Pera (Aug. 25) at 8 p.m.

Good to Know: Parking is $20 upon arrival, $15 with advance purchase ($5 for members with advance purchase)

2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd.
Los Angeles
Online: skirball.org/sunset-concerts

Join in KCRW Summer Nights: Free, all-ages, outdoor concerts being held across the city during the month of Aug. at various locations like Chinatown, One Colorado and Descanso Gardens.

When: July 28, 30, Aug. 13, 20, 28, Sept. 3, 10, 11, 22 and 29
Cost: Free
Online: kcrw.com/summer-nights

Head to the Hollywood Bowl: The roster of events features plenty of fun for the kids, including showings of Back to the Future with a live score performance by the LA Phil, a Sing-Along Sound of Music and a Tchaikovsky spectacular with post-show fireworks to make you feel like it’s the Fourth of July all over again.

When: Aug. 5 & 6: Back to the Future with the LA Phil; Aug. 12 & 13: Tchaikovsky Spectacular with Fireworks; Sept. 17: Sing-Along Sound of Music.
Cost:  $14-85

2301 N Highland Ave.
Los Angeles
Online: hollywoodbowl.com

Enjoy Global Music at Levitt Pavilion LA: Throughout the summer months, MacArthur Park transforms into a sonically charged urban oasis with free concerts from established and emerging artists. The electrifying lineup features international greats as well as LA’s own superstar talents who perform a wide variety of genres including cumbia, rock, soul, ska, mariachi, electronic dance music, folkloric music from Mexico & Central America, Tejano, reggae and many more.

When: Fri.-Sun., through Sept. 4.
Cost: Free

2230 W. 6th St.
Los Angeles
Online: levittlosangeles.org

Watch Movies under the Stars

Take advantage of not having to wake up early for school (yet), BYOP (that’s Bring Your Own Popcorn) and watch an outdoor movie at these fun LA spots:

Boat Cinema: Reserve a mini electric boat and sit on Santa Clarita’s Castaic Lake to watch flicks like Grease, The Sandlot and Mamma Mia.

Online: boatcinema.com

Hollywood Forever Cemetery: Upcoming kid-friendly favorites include A League of Their Own and Raiders of the Lost Ark

Online: hollywoodforever.com

Street Food Cinema: At locations all around LA, sample tasty street food and popular films after the sun goes down. This summer’s kid-friendly picks include: Encanto, Guardians of the Galaxy, The Princess Bride, High School Musical and The Goonies

Online: streetfoodcinema.com

Or check out one of these night-based activities with the kids.

Last Chance to See these Exhibits

Deep dive into the vibrant works of artist Frida Kahlo in the interactive exhibit Immersive Frida Kahlo—slated to close Aug. 13.

The Butterfly Pavilion at the NHM will be wrapping up its seasonal exhibit—slated to close Sept. 5.

Create a Memory Sphere, punch buttons on the Control Panel and explore all your big feelings in Emotions at Play with Pixar’s Inside Out, a hands-on exhibit at the Discovery Cube based on the beloved Pixar film—slated to close Sept. 11.

At the magical Bob Baker Marionette Theater, watch the puppets in ¡Fiesta!, a love letter to Latin America—slated to close Sept. 18.

 

Take One Last Quick Getaway

Escape to Big Bear. It’s like summer camp without the week-long commitment. Ride the chair lift, glow golf, go tubing, mountain biking and more at Big Bear Mountain Resort. Coast down the mountain on a bobsled track or water slide at the Alpine Slide. Or take to the lake for paddle boarding, kayaking, fishing and boating. Hungry? Check out Wrap It Up, Stick Em Up for summer classics like deep-fried twinkies and funnel cake, or hitCafé Crepe, a convenient stop on the way out of town.

Check out our full list of what to do in Big Bear with kids including where to stay and eat.

Explore the Summer Gardens before They Turn to Fall

Visit Descanso Gardens in La Canada Flintridge. Here kids can play hide and seek in the majestic Oak Forest with trees hundreds of years old, or relax by the serene Japanese-style garden with its shaded paths and koi-filled stream. Adam Schwerner’s immersive art experience, Your (Un)Natural Garden, is happening now through the end of the year.

Good to Know: Non-members must purchase an advance ticket to Descanso. Members can visit anytime.

Explore The Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden in Arcadia. If you haven’t been yet this summer, this should definitely be on your summer bucket list. With 127 acres of flowers, trees and plants to explore (plus peacocks roaming about and a waterfall!), it’s a true oasis. Enjoy live concerts during Arboretum Summer Nights, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. July 29, Aug. 5 & 19. 

Good to Know: Tickets must be bought in advance online.

Explore LA’s Beaches & Tide Pools

Leo Carrillo State Park: Discover snails, sea anemones, starfish and more at the tide pools.

El Matador Beach: Another Malibu must. Explore the sea caves and tunnels off-the-beaten path. This beach is also a beautiful spot to watch the sunset.

See the Grunion Run. August is the last month you can catch the Grunion run.

Last Days of Summer at the Farm

Pick your produce: Skip the middleman and head straight to the source! Go pick your own delicious summer fruits at these amazing LA area farms.

Animals & More: If you’d rather see farm animals than produce, here are our favorite animal encounters near LA.

Dive into LA’s Best Donuts, Ice Cream & Instagrammable Desserts

It’s just not summer without ice cream. Here the scoop on where to find the best ice cream in LA.

LA is a donut town. Check out our favorite donut shops around LA.

Do it for the ‘gram. Impress all your friends back east with our only-in-LA desserts that are meant to be shared…socially.

Shop & Play in Los Angeles

Cheer on the Angel City Football Club. In Jul. 2020, the ACFC was announced as an LA-based member of the National Women’s Soccer League and in April of this year, the team took to the field. ACFC is co-owned by actor and activist Natalie Portman and supported by an impressive lineup of investors including Serena Williams, Jennifer Garner, Eva Longoria, Glennon Doyle and Billie Jean King to name a very few. Tickets start at $17.

Play ball with The Dodgers who are in the heart of their season. On Fri. nights, fans can come down onto the field after the game to watch fireworks.

Shop Unique Markets: A long-standing tradition in LA and a must-do with the family. Discover the best emerging brands and help small businesses survive by attending the 2-day outdoor marketplace featuring over 100 curated sellers, meticulously hand-picked to ensure an inspiring experience. Kids 14 and under free.

—Holly Hays

RELATED STORIES
Beat the Heat with These Indoor Play Spaces
Best Water Play & Splashpads to Cool Down
Splash Down in 10 These SoCal Airbnbs with Epic Pools

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

10 Father’s Day Activities That Show Pop He’s Tops

by Bonnie Taylor

Show dad how much you appreciate all he does this year by spending the day doing what he loves most. Whether he’s into sports, cars, museums, or hikes, San Diego is full of family fun that is sure to make it the best Father’s Day ever. Read on for our top picks of San Diego Father’s Day activities to celebrate your rad dad!

Sports Fans

For a sports-loving dad, head to The Loma Club for a fun round of mini golf and maybe a hole-in-one! Walk around nearby Liberty Station, where you’ll find playgrounds and walking paths down by the waterfront and lots of eateries and restaurants to choose from.

The Loma Club
2960 Truxton Rd., Point Loma
619-222-4653
Online: thelomaclub.com

Liberty Station
2820 Historic Decatur Rd., Point Loma
619-487-9346
Online: libertypublicmarketsd.com

Car Shows

Get your pop’s motor running and take him out to a fun car show for the day. Here are some local spots that have car shows happening on Father’s Day this year.

Belmont Park Father’s Day FREE Car Show
June 19, 2022 from 10am-4pm
3146 Mission Blvd., Mission Beach
858-488-1549
Online: belmontpark.com

San Diego Automotive Museum Cars & Coffee
June 19, 2022 from 7:30am-9:30am
2080 Pan American Plaza, Balboa Park
Online: sdautomuseum.org

The Key Club San Diego Cars & Coffee
College Grove Center
Contact for more info: 619-988-6530

Belmont Park

Show Dad a good time on some roller coasters, go-karts and rides that spin around and go upside down at Belmont Park. They’re also having a Father’s Day Cruise this year with a fun and free car show, food and music.

Belmont Park Father’s Day
3146 Mission Blvd., Mission Beach
858-488-1549
Online: belmontpark.com

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cd9b97QsRC7/?hidecaption=true

Museum Hop

Balboa Park is always a good time and with plenty of options for museum hopping together. Whether Dad likes planes, trains or automobiles, there’s a museum for him to explore. Grab some lunch or dinner on the outside patio at Panama 66, next to the San Diego Museum of Art.

Tip: Dads get free admission to the San Diego Automotive Museum on Father’s Day this year (with a paid adult admission)

Balboa Park
1549 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
619-239-0512
Online: balboapark.org

Coastal Hike

Get back into nature with a good coastal hike at Annie’s Slot Canyon in Solana Beach. He’ll love hiking through the slots and climbing up the ladders for unforgettable ocean views at the top. Head to nearby family-friendly CUCINA enoteca Del Mar to fill up on Italian food after a day of hiking.

Annie’s Canyon
498 Solana Hills Dr., Solana Beach
760-436-3944
Online: thenaturecollective.org

CUCINA enoteca Del Mar
2730 Via De La Valle, Del Mar
858-704-4500
Online: urbankitchengroup.com

Walk Through History

Walk through the footsteps of San Diego’s founding fathers in Old Town and see how families lived when the pioneers settled here. Check out the old working storefronts, the courthouse, the one-room school house, the old jail cell, La Casa de Estudillo and other homesteads to get a glimpse back in time. For lunch or dinner head to Barra Barra Saloon for their outside dining, where kids 10 and under eat free everyday!

Old Town
4000 Mason St., San Diego, CA 92110
619-220-5422
Online: oldtownsandiego.org

Relax In Style

Chill out poolside at a luxury hotel resort for the day by booking a Resort Pass. You’ll find some with waterslides, zero entry for littles, poolside splash pads, cabanas and even poolside food & drink service.

Online: ResortPass.com

Here are some fun Resort Pass Hotels that kids would love:

Town & Country has 1 waterslide and pool service
500 Hotel Circle N, Mission Valley
619-291-7131
Online: towncountry.com

Hyatt Regency Mission Bay has 3 waterslides
1441 Quivira Rd., Mission Bay
619-224-1234
Online: hyatt.com

Omni La Costa Resort & Spa has waterslides and a splash pad
2100 Costa Del Mar Rd., Carlsbad
760-438-9111
Online: omnihotels.com

 

Scenic Train Ride

Hop on board a scenic train ride through the Campo countryside for an out-an-back adventure. The Pacific Southwest Railroad Museum offers several weekend-only train rides and even a sunset ride. Before or after your train ride, head to nearby Campo Creek Vineyards for a family-friendly mellow wine tasting. It’s only 10 minutes away and kids will love running around petting all the cats or playing bocce ball, while parents can order a charcuterie board to go along with your tastings.

Pacific Southwest Railway Museum
750 Depot St., Campo
619-478-9937
Online: psmr.org

Campo Creek Vineyards
29556 CA-94, Campo
619-933-1706
Online: campocreekvineyards.com

Bring Out The Bikes

Load up the bikes for a bayside cruise along the scenic Bayshore Bikeway. This is a closed biking trail, meaning it’s not alongside a road so it’s safer for kids to ride on without the worry of cars zooming by. You’ll have views of the South Bay and can ride it up through the Silver Strand. Either ride over or pack up the bikes and drive over to the Imperial Beach Pier for dinner. You’ll find plenty of restaurants and ice cream shops to fill up after your ride, but the Tin Fish at the end of the IB Pier makes for a unique dining experience over the ocean.

Bayshore Bikeway
There are many starting points, but this is a good spot to get on:
13st St. + Cypress Ave. near Trident Coffee, Imperial Beach

Play Tourist

It’s always fun to play tourist and the SEALS Boat Tour would be something you’ll never forget. Take this open-aired amphibious vehicle for a tour around the city and then be amazed as it drives right into the water for a tour around the bay. It boards at Seaport Village; which makes for a perfect place to grab a casual or sit-down dinner.

San Diego SEALS Tour
500 Kettner Blvd., San Diego 92101
619-298-8687
Online: sealtours.com

 

RELATED STORIES:

Cheers to These Kid-Friendly Craft Breweries
12 Super Family Date Spots in San Diego
16 Stunning Resort Pools That Offer Day Passes for Families

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

Get the Dirt on Veggie & Berry Picking in Chicago

by Maria Chambers

Make summer a little sweeter by picking your way through Chicago’s best spots for homegrown berries and other fruits and veggies. The U-pick berry season kicks off with strawberries in June and continues through early August, with veggies cropping up now through fall. Be sure to research your farm’s produce availability through their Facebook page and website before dusting off the wagons. Scroll down for u-picks that will help make this a summer to remember!

Tom's Farm Market

What was once a small farmstand over 40 years ago is now an expansive farm 50 miles northwest of Chicago, which includes 13 greenhouses where you can find anything from plant seedlings to hanging baskets and a bakery that features freshly baked seasonal fruit pies and cakes, cookies, scones and homemade breads. During strawberry picking season, pickers are treated to four acres with four different varieties and can recharge with made-to-order shakes and sundaes. Pickers will only find strawberries in the U-Pick fields, but the fresh market offers a selection of homegrown produce, including corn, summer squash, zucchini, cucumbers, tomatoes and peppers. Baskets are supplied for U-Pick and pickers pay by the pound.

In the neighborhood: Nearby Union is home to the Illinois Railway Museum, which houses over 375 pieces of equipment, including electric and steam locomotives and street, passenger and baggage cars. If you catch berry fever in July, coordinate a play date with Thomas and Percy at the Day Out with Thomas event planned for Jul. 9, 10, 16 & 17.

10214 Algonquin Rd., Huntley; Online: tomsfarmmarket.com

Heider's Berry Farm

Five generations of family have been running this farm that had a typical Midwestern start of raising hogs, sheep and chicken and producing dairy, oats and hay. Today their focus is on quality fruit, good customer service and offering families memorable, wholesome fun. Red raspberries and strawberries make up the bulk of their U-Pick business, but they also have rhubarbs, black raspberries, cherries, gold raspberries and homemade jams. There is no admission and parking is free.

In the neighborhood: Woodstock, was the location for many of the outdoor scenes shot for the Groundhog Day movie starring Bill Murray, so superfans can still take a peek at the most memorable shoot locations on a walking tour. If you’re in the area May-October on a Tuesday or Saturday morning, stop by the Farmers Market in downtown Woodstock’s historic square with vendors selling produce, knitted items, soaps, honey products, baked goods, cheese and more.

1106 N. Queen Anne Rd., Woodstock; Online: heidersberryfarm.com or get picking updates on their Facebook page

Olive Berry Acres

The growing season begins in May with traditional green and exotic purple asparagus at this seven-acre farm 70 miles southwest of Chicago. Fresh, sweet strawberries make up their U-Pick business, and they will hopefully be reintroducing their raspberries in the future. There is no entrance fee for picking and supplies are provided.

In the neighborhood: Grab a pastry to compliment your berries at Morris Bakery, browse the quaint shops in downtown Morris or hit up 3 French Hens Market held the second Saturday, May through October at Grundy County Fair Grounds. If you find yourself in the area for lunch, Letty Mae's Tea Room offers a made-from-scratch menu with decor reminiscent of an English Tearoom. Enjoy your meal on vintage mismatched china surrounded by kitschy decor or have it wrapped up for a picnic on the farm.

2575 W. Mine Rd., Mazon; Online: For picking updates on their Facebook page

 

Stade's Farm Market

Stade’s is famous for its popular Fall Festival, a fall blitz featuring live music, hayrides, a petting zoo and more. Leading up to the festival, you can visit this countryside paradise for U-Pick strawberries beginning in mid-June, raspberries in July, tomatoes and a variety of summer veggies in starting in July and pumpkins in September and October. Also available at the onsite market is homegrown asparagus, rhubarb, spinach, radishes and lettuce, as well as their privately harvested local honey. 

In the neighborhood: McHenry, Illinois is known for having a bustle of activity along the Fox River, so check out Stratton Lock & Dam and Fort McHenry Playground for picturesque outdoor fun. Authentic steam engines from the golden age of railroad are on display at the Illinois Railway Museum (if you go picking in July, double the fun with a Day Out with Thomas).

3709 W. Miller Rd., McHenry; Online: stadesfarmandmarket.com

Susie's Garden Patch

Asparagus launches the six-month u-pick season and pumpkins and fall squash close it down, with deliciously sweet strawberries, onions, spinach, rhubarb, lettuce, kale, radishes, garlic, peas and green beans available at different times in between. Have your own box or bag for picking weighed at the farm stand before you get started because you pay for produce by the pound.

In the neighborhood: Take in the collection of pre-World War II planes and automobiles and early 20th-century airplane hangars and automobile garages that have been salvaged and relocated to the Poplar Grove Vintage Wings and Wheels Museum.

10258 US Highway 20, Garden Prairie; Online: facebook.com/SusiesGardenPatch

— Maria Chambers

RELATED STORIES:
Picked for You! 12 Blackberry Recipes to Try This Summer
The Ultimate Summer Bucket List for Chicago Parents
Everything You Need to Know About “Day Out with Thomas”

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

Celebrate Pride with Kids in the Bay Area

by Nicole Findlay

Celebrate LOVE this Pride month! From Pride parades to baseball games and drag queen story time, there are plenty of colorful and creative ways to have some family fun, all while supporting the rights, protections and acceptance of our LGBTQ+ friends and family! Keep reading for a few of our favorite fabulous options.

Filoli Pride

The historic house and garden will burst into rainbow color as Ribbons of Remembrance flutter outside and rainbow floral arrangements adorn the inside. At 11:00 am on both Saturday and Sunday, gather around and listen to Filoli’s resident drag queen read fun family-friendly stories. Other weekend activities include the Rainbow Walk Estate Trail (one mile hike to learn about the symbolism of colors in the Pride flag), the Little Green Cyclo Food Truck and the Bluebird Bar (where you can enjoy a Pride-themed cocktail and relax in the shade of olive trees). June 4 & 5, 2022

Oakland A’s v. Kansas City Royals

Celebrate Pride Night at the ballpark! Five dollars from every ticket sold through this special event link will benefit the Oakland LGBTQ Center. June 17, 2022
Location: Oakland Coliseum, 7000 Coliseum Way, Oakland

San Francisco LGBTQ + Pride

Back for it’s 52nd year, San Francisco Pride is returning to the Civic Center. It's fun, free and open to all! June 26, 2022
Where: Start: Market/Beale Street; End: Market/8th Street

A girl with a drag queen at drag queen story time
Park Church Co-op

Drag Queen Storytime with Per Sia

Come ready to be entertained! Drag Queen extraordinaire, Per Sia, is a Latinx non-binary storyteller and youth educator. They'll be reading at a number of Bay Area locations. You and your little ones will not want to miss it!

  • May 31, 2022: Diamond Branch / Oakland Public Library, 3565 Fruitvale Ave Oakland
  • June 14, 2022: Rockridge Branch | Oakland Public Library, 5366 College Avenue Oakland
  • June 14, 2022: West Oakland Branch | Oakland Public Library, 1801 Adeline St, Oakland
  • June 15, 2022: Piedmont Ave. Branch | Oakland Public Library, 80 Echo Ave, Oakland
  • June 25, 2022: Main Library | Oakland Public Library, 125 14th St, Oakland

First Friday at Chabot Space & Science Center: Rainbows

The rainbow is both a natural phenomenon and a symbol for LGBTQ+ Pride. Come to the Chabot Space & Science Center and learn about the science and cultural significance of rainbows! For example, how are they formed? What do the colors in the rainbow flag stand for? Activities and demonstration will make this a super fun learning experience. Tip: The Café will be open for dinner and beer and wine is available for visitors 21+. June 3, 2022, 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm

San Mateo County Fair Family Pride Day 2022

San Mateo County Fair will be celebrating Pride with the San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band. More event details TBD, check website for more details. June 5, 2022

A child paints a rainbow on the window for Pride celebration
iStock

Pink Triangle Ceremony

Head to Twin Peaks for the annual Pink Triangle unveiling and watch SF Mayor London Breed push the pink button. The lit Pink Triangle can be seen from miles away and it's stood proud every Pride Week since 1996. It commemorates gay victims persecuted and killed in Nazi Germany through the end of WWII. June 1, 2022

SF Pride Kids Fun Run

This annual Pride Run features a 5K, 10K, and Kids’ Dash. A distance for everyone! Get your family's legs moving in an exciting way while also helping raise money for LYRIC: Center for LGBTQQ+ Youth! Saturday, June 25

Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose

The Children's Discovery Museum's 8th annual Proud of My Family event is a true family affair. Offering activities like rainbow streamer crafts, a visitors parade, a live performance and more, the opportunity to learn about family diversity will be plenty and fun! June 4, 2022

girl holding rainbow pride flag in parade
istock

Queer Trans Asian Pride – A Community Gathering

Celebrate Asian Pride with fun, food, films and performances by Asian Queer Trans artists. This community gathering honors Queer, Transgender, Gender Non-Binary, Intersex, and Asian Pacific Islanders during API Heritage Month. Be a part of the community! June 4, 2022
 
 
This FREE event includes a full day of activities throughout the museum, a scavenger hunt and slime making in the Secret Garden. You won't want to miss it! June 5, 2022

 

RELATED STORIES:
Target’s Pride Collection Takes Gender-Affirming Clothes Mainstream
Be an LGBTQ+ Ally: 10 Phrases to Stop Using Today
20 Kids Books with Positive LGBTQ+ Characters

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

Memorial Day Weekend Family Activities

by Hannah Judge

Make this Memorial Day Weekend one to remember with tons of family fun! Celebrate the start of summer by getting outside, being creative, and spending time with your loved ones. If you can’t figure out where to start, or need a bit of inspiration for this year’s long weekend, we’ve got you covered! Read on for 10 ways to spend your Memorial Day Weekend in Portland!

Farmers Market: Portland State University

Perhaps your family is no stranger to the farmer’s market at PSU – regardless of your familiarity, make sure to hit up the vibrant stands selling a wide range of goods on Saturday, May 28th! This farmer’s market runs yearlong, but summer is surely the sweet time to get in on the action. Incorporate a visit to the PSU market into your plans this memorial day weekend! 

Where: 1831 SW Pedestrian Trail, Portland OR
When: May 28: 8:30 a.m. – 2p.m.
Online:  here

OMSI 

Head to the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry this Memorial Day Weekend to explore the museum’s headliner exhibit: The World of Leonardo da Vinci ! You can spend time in their invention room, where you can build masts on boats to see what designs work best or head upstairs to learn about the anatomy of the human body! Check out their gift shop for fun toys and gadgets that will keep your little scientists wanting more!

Where: 1945 SE Water Ave., Portland OR
Hours: Tue.- Sun. 9:30a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Online: here

The Arboretum 

Take a stroll in nature, not too far from the city center! The Hoyt Arboretum, founded in 1928, has served as the perfect weekend getaway for nearly a hundred years. Whether you and the family are taking the beloved dog for a stroll, or planning a picnic, or simply out to enjoy nice weather, the Hoyt Arboretum is the right play to go. Relax with nature this Memorial Day Weekend when you and the family spend some time at Hoyt!

Where: 4000 SW Fairview Blvd., Portland OR
Hours: 5a.m.- 10 p.m.
Details online at: hoytarboretum.org

The Rose Garden Children’s Playground

Are the kids bursting with energy? Let them tucker themselves out while you lounge on a bench of the Rose Garden Children’s Playground! This multi-level, imagination-abundant play space is exactly how your kids want to spend their Memorial Day Weekend. So let them go sliding down the various slides, swing on every swingset, and wipe themselves out with games of tag – just remember to bring a book for yourself!

Where: 1700 SW Sherwood Blvd., Portland, OR 97205
When:
Daily: 5AM – 10PM
Details online at: https://explorewashingtonpark.org/

The Oregon Zoo

The Oregon Zoo is a great way to spend a day of this Memorial Day Weekend! Supporting our local zoo means everything to the animals and the community that supports them. So grab the kids and head up to the zoo to meet the penguins, wave at the elephants, and see if you can catch a glimpse of the sea otters as they tumble about in their pool! Reserve your tickets online in advance, as timed entry is required.
Where: 4001 SW Canyon Rd., Portland OR 
Hours: 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 a.m. 
Online: oregonzoo.org

Pittock Mansion

Built in 1914, Pittock Mansion overlooks tremendous views of Portland that your family will want as the background of this memorial weekend photo op! Take the kids up to the hill on which the mansion sits to look over our beautiful city, and pack a lunch if the weather is nice! Afterward, take a stroll along some of the ground’s beautiful walkways or head into Washington Park’s network of trails for an afternoon stroll. 

Where: 3229 NW Pittock Dr., Portland, OR
Hours: Wed. – Mon.:10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Tue. 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Online: pittockmansion.org

The Vietnam Veterans of Oregon Memorial

Spend an afternoon reflecting on the great sacrifices made by past neighbors, parents, and children alike. The Vietnam Veterans of Oregon Memorial was built in 1987 to honor those who have given themselves to protect us and the country we all call home. This semi-circle memorial offers space for reflection, appreciation, and understanding, and is a beautiful space to do such work this memorial day. 

Where: 4000 SW Canyon Rd., Portland OR 
Hours: Daily: 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Online: .portland.gov

Saturday Market

Get the family up-and-at-em on Memorial Weekend Saturday by heading down to the Saturday Market to support Portland’s local artists! Filled with stands selling delicious foods, wellness goods, home decor goods, clothing – you name it! – the Saturday market is a great way to inspire creativity or just spend some time outside. Plus, you can learn a few things from the friendly artists about how they make what they’re selling and how they got started!

Where: 2 SW Naito Pkwy., Portland, OR 
Hours: Every Sun. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Online:  Here

Forest Park

Need a bit of escape from the city? Take a drive to one of the many trailheads at Forest Park! Portland’s Forest Park is one of the biggest urban parks in America and has over 90 miles of trails. Fun fact, you could run a marathon on the Wildwood Trail! Start your trek at the beginning of the Wildwood, or stop in by McClay Park in northwest Portland. Either way, bring the right pair of shoes, a water bottle, and get ready for an awesome walk in Portland’s urban nature scene.
Hours: Daily: 5 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Online: forestparkconservancy.org

McMenamin’s Kennedy School

We have to include an activity for the adults, too! Luckily, McMenamin’s Kennedy School, located in northeast Portland, has things to do for the whole family. Grab a bite to eat, and a beer, at one of their breweries on campus, or explore the seemingly endless halls of the converted elementary school! Depending on the schedule, the Kennedy School routinely hosts live shows, and has a soaking pool so you can relax if the weather outside isn’t to your liking! Head online to check out what they have going on and plan your trip today!
Where: 5736 NE 33rd Ave., Portland, OR 
Online: mcmenamins.com

 

RELATED STORIES
100 Must-Try Summer Adventures in Portland
Portland’s Best Summer Camps
Top Kid-Friendly Miniature Golf Courses 

 

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement