ML Interest Tag: crowd

This Dad’s Homemade Ball Pit Is Awesome & Totally Doable

by Melissa Heckscher

photo: imgur

Kids love ball pits. There’s just something about submerging in a sea of colorful plastic spheres that makes children want to spend all afternoon swimming in the stuff. But what’s a parent to do, besides spend every day at a (germ-ridden!) crowded indoor playground?

One handy dad decided to bring the balls home. He built his daughter her very own Playplace-worthy ball pit, complete with 2,500 little plastic balls (purchased on eBay for about $220) for her sphere-swimming enjoyment. Then, he posted the project online so now you, too, can make your living room a kid’s dream come true. All you need is PVC pipe connectors (available at Home Depot), black mesh netting, four pool noodles and about 100 zip ties. Want to be the coolest mom or dad on the block? Click below for the step-by-step instructions.

4′ x 4′ Ball Pit Build

FYI: Apparently, a lot of parents want to bring the balls home. His project has already been viewed nearly 600,000 times in the three days since it was posted.

Would you build this ball pit for your kids? Tell us why or why not in the comments below. 

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Cindy Lou, Merry Minions and Hot Butterbeer: How the Grinch Didn’t Steal Christmas

by Meghan Rose

Here’s a holiday treat that will appeal to everyone in the family: a trip to Universal Studios Hollywood.  Cindy-Lou and all the Whos will have you story telling, signing, dancing, ornament making, and Grinch and Max meeting. Young mischief makers will thrill to the merry Minion festivities over at Super Silly Fun Land and witches and wizards can feel the magic of the season on Hogswart grounds and wandering through Hogsmeade, keeping warm with some new hot butter beer. The holiday spirit permeates every corner of Universal Studios Hollywood now through Dec. 30, and we’ve got the scoop on where to go and what to do!

Head Straight To Whoville

Don't pass "Go," don't collect $200. When you get to Universal Studios, beeline for Universal Plaza in the center of the park, as that's where the Grinch will be hanging out with Cindy-Lou and all the other Whovillians. The park tends to get more crowded as the day progresses, so you want to get here first thing to have Max-imum time to meet the Grinch, Max, Cindy-Lou and all the other Whos who are walking around. You can also take part in the activities before lines get crazy.

Dates: “Grinchmas” runs weekends on Dec. 1, 2, 8-9 and then continues daily from Dec. 14-30, 2018
Hours: The park opens at 9 a.m. and closes at various times
Cost: Tickets start at $109

Universal Studios
100 Universal City Plaza
Universal City
Online: universalstudioshollywood.com

Merry Grinchmas! Have you been to see the Grinch at Universal Studios Hollywood?  We’d love to hear your favorite seasonal activity.

—Meghan Rose

All photos by Meghan Rose. A special thanks to Universal Studios Hollywood for hosting our visit.

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10 Questions My Kid Has Asked Me That I Was Totally Unprepared to Answer

by Leah R. Singer

We’ve all heard the expression that kids say the darnedest things. Well they ask some pretty crazy questions too. Here are ten questions my daughter has asked me at one time or another that I was not quite prepared to answer.

1. What’s an abortion? (Thank you, NPR)

2. What if we had no heads? (I don’t know, but sometimes I feel like I’m missing my brain.)

3. Why can’t I see God from the airplane? (I’ve got nothing.)

4. Why didn’t Santa Claus come to our house last year? Is it because we’re Jewish? (Oh look, a shiny object!)

5. What’s inside that box labeled Romeo (the deceased family dog) in the keepsake cabinet? (His spirit?)

6. Why won’t Siri answer my question? (Don’t get me started on Siri!)

7. How did the baby get inside that lady’s tummy (shouted from inside a crowded pizza restaurant)? (Have some dessert!)

8. Why can’t I pee standing up like boys? (I don’t know, but some boys shouldn’t be standing up either.)

9. Why is poop brown? (Google it!)

10. Why can’t I hang out with grandma by myself? (Because she has … “issues”)

What questions have your kids asked that you weren’t prepared to answer? What should we add to this list?

— Leah R. Singer

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Your Guide to Mickey’s Halloween Party at Disneyland

by Leah R. Singer

If you think celebrating Halloween at Disneyland is reserved for giant pumpkins and costume characters, guess again! The special, after-hours Mickey’s Halloween Party will leave even the biggest Disney fans spell-bound. For a separate ticket, kids and adults can dress up in costume, trick-or-treat around the park, and enjoy special entertainment and events only available to party guests. From the least crowded trick-or-treat spots to where to see the Disney villains, we’ve got your insider’s guide to celebrating Mickey’s Halloween Party at the Happiest Place on Earth.

New This Year: “Frightfully Fun Parade” and the Headless Horseman
Mickey’s Halloween Party features a brand new parade that will leave you awe-struck. The “Frightfully Fun Parade” makes its debut this year, featuring a spectacle of spooky spirits from the deepest bayous of New Orleans to Halloweentown and beyond. From “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas,” Jack Skellington the Pumpkin King brings greetings from Halloweentown, as residents arrive to celebrate their favorite time of year. Grinning ghosts come out to socialize when guests of the Haunted Mansion join the parade as swirling ballroom dancers, ominous gravediggers and a trio of hitchhiking ghosts.

Inspired by Disney’s “The Princess and the Frog,” Dr. Facilier calls on mystical powers, summoning his Shadow Men from the bayou to loom large over his strange and twisted Voodoo parlor, and the mischievous Disney Villains appear out of the darkness, ready to stir up some trouble. A dark and dungeon-like lair takes over the parade route, bringing with it a wicked gathering of villainy from Hades and the Evil Queen to Jafar, Cruella and more!

And for the very first time, the Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow rides into Disneyland on his ghostly black stallion. He will usher in all the fun during the parade while carrying a flickering jack-o-lantern in his hand.

More Spooky Entertainment
Party guests won’t want to miss the the “Halloween Screams” fireworks spectacular that takes place each night of Mickey’s Halloween Party and is hosted by “Master of Scare-omonies” Jack Skellington. Keep in mind that if you attend Halloween at Disneyland on a night that is NOT Mickey’s Halloween Party, you will be treated to the “Fantasy in the Sky” fireworks, not the Halloween version.

Party guests will rock out at Tomorrowland Terrace in a family-friendly dance party. Kids will love getting their groove on with their favorite characters. And save time to see the Dapper Dans transform into the Cadaver Dans ghoul quartet. They’ll be performing Halloween-themed tunes aboard a drifting graveyard-themed raft on the fog-filled Rivers of America in New Orleans Square and Frontierland.

Who to See: Your Guide to Halloween Villains and Characters
Of course, no trip to Disneyland is complete without seeing your favorite characters. Mickey’s Halloween Party not only brings out the favorite characters, but it’s the only time of year where the Disney villains are out in droves. The Main Street Town Square is transformed into Villains Square, a meet-and-great bonanza of Disney bad guys and gals. Throughout the evening, the Disney villains arrive riding a black horse-drawn carriage accompanied by thunder, fog and special lighting effects. Get your photo taken with Cruella De Vil, the Queen of Hearts, and Lady Tremaine from Cinderella are just a few you will meet. You can also see Jack and Sally in New Orleans Square.

Insider’s Tip: Don’t worry if villains are not the reason you come to Disneyland (even during Halloween). You’ll have the chance to visit with your favorite characters throughout the park. See Mickey, Minnie and the classic crew at Toon Town, and Winnie the Pooh and Friends in Critter Country.

What to Do: Rides and Spooky Fun
One of the best things about attending Mickey’s Halloween Party is the wait time for rides is much less compared to a typical day at the park. The Halloween highlights are the spooked-out Haunted Mansion and Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy. Some of the cool features to check out in Haunted Mansion include the holiday gingerbread house that that features a new theme each year. This year’s theme has been stitched together from pieces of other gingerbread houses and treats. In fact, the ghoulish architect has stitched himself inside the house, and one green arm still may be spotted, sewing the walls together around him. Be sure to pay attention to the yummy gingerbread smell.

You’ll also want to stop by Frontierland where you can check out a traditional Mexican “Dia de los Muertos” celebration with a skeleton display near Rancho del Zocalo restaurant. And pay close attention to the Halloween-themed displays throughout the park. You may even see a scarecrow come to life!

Insider’s Tip: If the little goblins aren’t quite ready for the spooky rides, nearly all the attractions are open during the party hours. So kids can have fun on the less-scary Fantasyland rides, It’s a Small World cruise, and don’t forget the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh in Critter Country.

photo: Leah Singer

What to Eat: Sweet Eats and Trick or Treats
A Halloween event wouldn’t be complete without trick-or-treating! Mickey’s Halloween Party includes access to dozens of trick-or-treating stations throughout the park. Each party attendee (includes parents) receives a special bag to fill to the brim with candy and snacks. And don’t worry about too much sugar; Disneyland offers lots of healthy treats too, including bags of apple chips, sliced apples, carrots and pirate crackers.

Insider’s Tip: The trick-or-treat stations can get crowded. When you first enter the park on Main Street, the line for treats will look quite long. But every station features similar loot. So don’t spend too much time at the Main Street station when you can get snacks in Tomorrowland and toward the back of Fantasyland where it’s less crowded.

Another Hot Tip: The treat stations in Critter Country and at the entrance to Toon Town have virtually no lines.

photo: Leah Singer

Don’t Forget Your Costume
Mickey’s Halloween Party is the only time of year when guests are encouraged to dress up at the park. Whether you dress like a pirate, transform into Peter Pan, or be the next Rey from Star Wars, you’ll have a blast dressing up as your favorite character. Families are also encouraged to come in theme costumes. Popular group costumes have been the “Inside Out” emotions and “Alice and Wonderland” characters. The only caveat to remember is costumes must be family-friendly and masks should not cover the entire face.

Good to Know: If dressing up isn’t your thing, don’t stress about trying to find a costume. There’s no costume requirement at Mickey’s Halloween Party, and kiddos can still trick or treat to their heart’s content!

Dates: Mickey’s Halloween Party: Sept. 23, 26, 28, 30; Oct. 3, 5, 7, 10, 12, 14, 17, 19, 21, 24, 26, 29 and 31
Cost: $79 – $99/person (this year’s admission price does not include parking)

Disneyland
313 Disneyland Dr.
Anaheim, Ca 92802
Online: Disneyland.com/Halloween

Have you been to Mickey’s Halloween Party? What’s your favorite part of celebrating Halloween at Disneyland?

– Leah R. Singer

Photos courtesy of Disneyland (unless otherwise noted)

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Swim, Fish & Play at Woodinville’s Cottage Lake Park

by Jennifer B Davis

With 200 King County parks (consisting of 28,000 acres of open space), Seattle families can find a green place to play every day of the week. And topping that list of places is Woodinville’s Cottage Lake Park. This beautiful, sprawling park is chock-full of amenities, yet still feels quaint and oh-so-out-of-the-way. If you’re ready to discover this hidden gem, grab your sand toys, pool floats and fishing poles and read on for the inside scoop.

photo: Jennifer Davis

A Lake for Everyone
Only 63 acres in size and 25 feet deep (compared to Lake Washington at over 22,000 acres and over 200 feet deep), Cottage Lake is warm and inviting, clear and clean and contains limited “growies” at the beach section. Crowded with those-who-love-to-fish in the early mornings, and teeming with swimmers and parkgoers on warm summer weekends, Cottage Lake Park is the perfect hideaway on a sunny mid-week day. If the weekend is the only time your family can visit, you’ll be happy to know there’s more than enough space to spread out. Plus, it’s safely contained and away from busy streets, so you can let the tykes run free.

photo: Jennifer Davis

Bring Your Pool Noodles! 
Did you know Cottage Lake Park boasts one of the few public outdoor pools in the Seattle area? And guess what? It was recently renovated and is open to the public Mon.-Sat. (with Sunday’s available for private party rentals). The pool is only $7/person (or $5 with a YMCA membership) and offers complete aquatic fun with a water slide and 84-degree water temps. What’s even better, the kids can go from pool to lake in a matter of minutes. Psst… if you can’t make it to the pool before the season ends on September 4, put it on next summer’s must-do list.

photo: Joanne McDonald

Places to Monkey Around
While the expansive green space and, of course, the pool and actual lake are the major draws, the park also offers rugrats a newly built play structure with multiple options for climbing, swinging, bouncing and running (on safe, rubbery flooring). The play structures are located between the pool and lake and most suitable for tykes ages four and up. But there is also a small-scale climbing apparatus as well as bucket swings for tiny tots. A variety of unique rope climbing features will delight the littlest monkeys in your crew (and an actual ropes course, though not publicly accessible, is on-site for adult team-building and events). Follow the covered walkway and you’ll find a separate green space available for picnicking or running wild. Psst… this space is often used by YMCA camps during the summer months, but come fall it will be wide open for families to use.

photo: Jennifer Davis

Cottage Lake Park
N.E. Woodinville-Duval Rd. & 188th N.E.
Woodinville, Wa 98072
Online: kingcounty.gov/services/environment/water-and-land/lakes/lakes-of-king-county/cottage-lake.aspx
Open: 8 a.m.-dusk

Insider Tip: The main parking lot on the north side of the lake, accessed via Woodinville-Duval Rd., can get crowded, but there’s a smaller spillover lot just a minute east down the road.

Have you visited Cottage Lake Park this summer? What’s your family’s favorite part? Tell us in the Comments below.

— Jennifer B. Davis

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Rediscover the City: 5 Tourist Things You Should Do Now

by rttriciamirchandani

Don’t get us wrong. There are things to love about tourist season. Hosting friends passing through on summer trips is always a treat. And watching large crowds flood through some of our favorite spots reminds us why we love it here. But now, as Fall pulls people back to their hometowns and the streets are a bit emptier, is the perfect time to return to our local favorites. Here are 5 post-tourist season activities for you and your little D.C. locals.

Photo: Elizabeth Murphy via flickr

See some fountains
Sprayground season may be over but fountains all across the city are still going strong. Now that The National Mall is a bit less crowded, stop by the fountain outside the National Gallery of Art for a breakfast picnic (fountain open until November). Or wander around the WWII Memorial and challenge your kids to look for your state (you’ll see just how far back the summer slide slid!).

National Gallery of Art + Fountain: between 3rd and 9th streets NW along Constitution Ave NW

WWII Memorial: 1750 Independence Ave SW    

Photo: CitySights DC via flickr       

Do the touristy things
. If your kids have been begging to hop on (and off) that big, red CitySights bus, now is the time. Check out the Lincoln Memorial and get a good clear photo straight down the reflecting pool to the Washington Monument. You can even stop at the National Archives now and see the Declaration of Independence without standing in line!

City Sights DC: http://www.citysightsdc.com/

Photo: Rockwell group

Examine some architecture
We know you’ve been in the National Building Museum rather recently (who could resist the allure of The Beach?) but now that the line to get in the door is gone, head back and really explore their exhibits. Or, for a different perspective on architecture, head to the National Cathedral and enchant your kids with their gargoy le tour.

National Building Museum 401 F St. NW

National Cathedral 3101 Wisconsin Ave

Photo: Big Wheel Bikes via Facebook

Explore the corners of the city
The secret is out–there is so much more to our city than The National Mall. So it makes sense that the summer crowds expand into some of our favorite hot spots. Georgetown streets get crowded and Chinatown becomes difficult to navigate. But now is the time to head back to the Georgetown Waterfront or take in the sights and sounds around Penn Quarter. Pizza at Matchbox, anyone?

Georgetown Waterfront: Water St. NW

Matchbox: 713 H St NW

Photo: Georgetown Cupcake

Try a new (or visit an old) food fav
Ben’s Chili Bowl, here we come! Hi Carmines, we’ve missed you. Founding Farmers, what’s on the menu these days? Oh Georgetown Cupcakes, your lines are (a little bit) shorter! If you and your little foodie enjoy some of the city’s most well known places to eat, it’s time to get back out there.

Ben’s Chili Bowl: 1213 U St. NW

Carmine’s: 425 7th St NW

Founding Farmers: 1924 Pennsylvania Ave. NW

Georgetown Cupcakes: 3301 M St. NW

What D.C. spot are you excited to rediscover? Tell us in the comments section. 

—Tricia Mirchandani

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Inside Scoop: Our Writers Share Their Picks for Fall Fun

by writerredtri

Summer may technically be coming to end, but don’t fret. No one knows better than our plugged-in team of writers how many cool things there are to get out and do during the fall months. We asked them to give us a sneak peak of what’s on their autumn must-do lists. Click through the slideshow to meet them and to hear their picks, and then start planning your own fall adventures!

Mae Respicio

In the fall, we love Sonoma for easy day-tripping. One of our favorite outings starts with Train Town (feels way less crowded once summer's over), followed by lunch (or dinner, if you got a late start!) and good people watching just a few minutes down the road at Historic Sonoma Plaza, the town's central square. Our latest go-tos for yummy stuff: Burgers and Vine and homemade scoops next door. The finale: playtime right on the square. With 2 playgrounds, you could bring a bottle (or box) of wine (because this!) for a bit of grown up time while the kids get their energy out.

 

What is on your fall bucket list? Tell us in the comments below! 

—Erin Feher

 

 

 

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Best Playgrounds in Lincoln Park & Lakeview

by Kelly Aiglon

Lincoln Park and Lakeview are always hopping. And swinging. And sliding. And climbing. You get the idea — they have great playgrounds! If you live in the area or are looking for a great place to park-crawl for the day, these are the ones you really want to check out. Click through for the 411 on splash pads, spraygrounds, playlots and more.

South Lakeview Playground Park

Or, as locals call it, "Blue Park." Have a blast on three play structures, swings and basketball court. In summer, the water sprayer is a great place to romp and doesn't get nearly as crowded as its popular neighbor, Adams Playground Park. Speaking of ... click to the next slide.

1300 W. Wolfram St. (312-742-7785 or chicagoparkdistrict.com)

What is YOUR favorite playground in Lincoln Park or Lakeview? Let us know in the Comments!

— Kelly Aiglon, with additional reporting by Mistie Lucht & Selena Kohng

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A 1,000-Foot-Long Slip ‘n’ Slide is Coming to Town

by Allison Sutcliffe

Swelteringly hot days like Seattle’s seen this summer call for new and creative ways to cool off. Sure, wading pools and spray parks do the trick for the everyday. But when it comes to adventurous alternatives wouldn’t you rather slide through the city on an oversized slip ‘n’ slide? Grab your floaties, inner tubes and sunscreen and read on for the scoop on Slide the City.

Editor’s note: As of August 5, 2015, Slide the City Seattle has been postponed until next summer. Despite months of hard work and coordination between event organizers and city officials, the State and King County Health Departments reported that they could not accommodate the event this year due to increased permit requests. We’ll keep you posted on next year’s event. 

photo: Slide the City

Party On! 
The premise of Slide the City is a simple one that seems to have come straight out of your childhood imagination. Shut down a major city thoroughfare for one day and replace it with a 1,000-foot long slip-n-slide. Then, invite about 6,000 of your closest friends over for one giant party. See? Simple and dreamy. Add on some food and vendor and entertainment booths to this awesome day and it might just eclipse Bumbershoot as your sidekick’s coolest event of the summer.

photo: Slide the City 

Ride On!
There are three different ways to slide through the city with your crew: single, triple and unlimited rides. The single ride ticket ($16-$30) includes one twisty-turvey slide down the track during a two-hour, pre-assigned window, along with some simple swag (a bag and a mouth guard). A triple slide ticket ($31-$45) gets you three down-and-backs during the two-hour window and a bit more swag (add a tube to this package). And for those who want to do nothing else all day other than ride this slippery slope, the unlimited ticket ($48-$65) is the way to go. There’s lots more swag with this pass. Plus, you can ride all day long, including two hour-long windows before and after the event, which means less crowded slide times for you. Since each rider rides solo, your minis will need their own tickets. And as of this writing, registration for the Seattle event hasn’t opened yet. Since it’s one that sells out quickly, notifications are a must for families who are ready to rock the slip ‘n’ slide this summer.

 photo: Slide the City

What to Bring
Think “day at the beach” when gearing up for this adventure. Swimming suits, sunscreen and a towel to dry off are on the can’t-forget list. Floppy hats, goggles, squirt guns and other water-themed adds-ons are up to you and your mini crew. Don’t forget that each rider has to have his or her own inflatable to cruise the strip. So, plan to bring some from home or purchase them when you get there.

photo: Slide the City

Slide the City
Mercer St. (between Warren Ave. N. & Fourth Ave. N.)
Seattle, Wa
Online: slidethecity.com
Tickets: slidethecity.com/events/seattle

When: August 16, 2015 from 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Cost: $16-$65
Ages: 5 & up (and at least 46” tall)

Do you plan on attending Slide the City? What is your family’s favorite water slide? Tell us in the Comments below.

— Allison Sutcliffe

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Eat’em Up! 8 Sweet Donut Shops in NYC

by Michelle McIvor Cohen

When we were young, grabbing a donut usually meant a trip to the nearest Krispy Kreme at a local strip mall. Fortunately for our kids, today’s donut runs hold a lot more appeal: artisanal bakeries in NYC have taken fried dough to a whole new level. Some focus on candy-covered and brunch-food inspired varieties. others insist on using entirely local ingredients. Prepare to drool as you click through our favorite NYC fry factories.

Dun-Well Doughnuts

The donuts at this East Williamsburg shop are so fluffy, light and wonderfully moist you’d never guess that they’re (gasp!) vegan. Owners Christopher Hollowell and Dan Dunbar have designed a menu with over 200 flavors. Traditional glazed, cinnamon sugar and coconut are just some of the staples that are regularly available. There are also more funky options like lavender lemon curd, cadbury cream egg and margarita as well. It’s best to stop by in the mornings if you’re planning on taking the kids. The shop can get crowded and often sells out of popular flavors. We recommend treating the little ones and their pals to a House Mix Dozen and sampling 12 irresistible flavors.

Dun-Well Doughnuts
222 Montrose Ave.
East Williamsburg
347-294-0871
Online: dunwelldoughnuts.com

photo: Yi-Ching L. via Yelp

–Michelle McIvor Cohen

What’s your favorite New York doughnut spot? Tell us in the comments below! 

— Michelle Cohen

 

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