It’s time to get egg-cited because Easter is on the horizon! Gather your little peeps and hop to it at these Easter events in San Diego––where they may even spy Mr. Bunny himself. There’s no need to hunt for activities because we’re telling you where to jump on the trail to enjoy a Parisian-style tea, an Easter brunch cruise, endless flower blooms, train rides and more! Read on to find an Easter eggstravaganza near you.
Westfield North County and Westfield Plaza Bonita have launched their signature Easter photo experience at the Easter Bunny Enchanted Spring Gardens. Having partnered with Cherry Hill Programs, Westfield North County and Westfield Plaza Bonita are thrilled to keep the tradition alive, all while ensuring safety by taking precautions that maintain social distancing requirements. The Easter Bunny will be at both locations until Friday, April 15 and packages start at $34.99. Reservations are recommended and can be made here for North County and here for Plaza Bonita.
At Westfield UTC, the Golden Egg Hunt will take place the week leading up to Easter Sunday, from Sun. April 10 through Saturday, April 16. Each day, a golden egg will be placed in a different location across the center and the first 25 shoppers to post a picture on their Instagram Story, tag @WestfieldUTC, and head to concierge Cabana near Express for a daily clue to show your photo and will be gifted a special surprise — totaling 175 lucky winners.
Hop on over to the beautiful and idyllic Children's Nature Retreat for an Easter egg hunt among the animals from April 11- April 17. There will be one hunt per day starting at noon. The Retreat's beloved bunny, Easter, will be hiding 900 eggs a day!
Please do not bring your own basket. Cost is $12 per basket plus regular admission fee.
Spend the days leading up to Easter or Easter weekend enjoying and marveling in the blooming of 50-acres of ranunculus flowers at The Flower Fields in Carlsbad. Melt your cares away under the glowing, warm SoCal sun. New this season: advanced reservation tickets, available online only, mask requirements for staff and visitors, social distancing as per state guidelines and protocols in all areas, exciting, new 2-Acre U-Pick Blueberry Patch that can be experienced in two ways… as part of your Flower Fields visit or if you just want to come pick blueberries you can access the Blueberry Patch from the brand-new parking area off Cannon Road.
Let someone else do the cooking Easter Sunday and take the family to enjoy an Easter Brunch at La Costa Resort complete with a decadent spread of culinary delights, carving stations, a chilled seafood bar and bottomless mimosas along with family-friendly entertainment. Kiddos can participate in the city's largest egg hunt of 15,000 eggs, capped off with a egg-stra special appearance by the Easter Bunny.
Indulge in this splendid Westgate tradition. Celebrate spring in elegance with their sumptuous signature Parisian-style afternoon tea. Delicious proof of their generations-long love of afternoon tea, this Easter tea is served with a delicious selection of house-made sweet delicacies, yummy kid-friendly petit-fours, savory tea sandwiches and pastries. All accompanied with a choice of freshly brewed fine teas and a special hop-in appearance from a fluffy guest. Each child receives a keepsake Easter basket.
Enjoy an Easter brunch with San Diego's best views of the waterfront. Join this elegant holiday cruise aboard a luxurious Flagship yacht on San Diego Bay. Take in the scenic sights as you sip complimentary champagne mimosas. Everyone in your family will delight in sweet and savory selections from our gourmet brunch menu, with choice of entrees including Carnitas Chilaquiles, light and fluffy Three-Egg Omelets, Bananas Foster French Toast, and so much more. Enjoy comfortable outdoor dining aboard your choice of two convenient departure times on Easter Sunday, April 4, 2021. Make your reservations online today!
Hop to this free Easter Eggstravaganza which takes place at Boomers Vista every Saturday and Sunday thru April 17th. You'll enjoy pictures with the Easter Bunny, crafts, prizes, and a special QR Code Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt! You're welcome to stay and play after the event too.
Spending Easter at home this year? There are plenty of ways to host a celebration that your little bunnies will remember forever. From Easter brunch ideas, party games, crafts and treats to cool and unique hunts, you can find everything you need to celebrate without ever leaving your home.
Irvine Park Railroad always knows how to celebrate holidays any time of year. This spring, they’re hosting their Easter Eggstravaganza event from Mar. 26 – Apr. 16. Featuring more fun than you can shake a carrot at, families will enjoy Easter egg hunts, train rides, painting, carnival-style games, picture stands, and photo ops with the Easter Bunny. Activity tickets may be purchased at the train station upon arrival depending on what you’d like to do during your visit. If you’re crowd averse, we highly recommend planning your adventure for earlier in the season or going in the mornings.
Pro Tip: Check the website for when the Easter Bunny will be around for photo ops and if you are dye-ing to get in on the Easter egg hunt action, plan to arrive early to exchange your wristband for a specific hunt time. This is not the event to fly by the seat of your bunny pants.
When: Mar. 26 – Apr. 16; weekdays from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., weekends from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Cost: Entrance fee is $3 on weekdays; $5 on weekends. Activity tickets are $6 each or books of 15 are $80. Photos with the Easter Bunny are $15.
Family biking . . . limitless fun, but extremely overwhelming at the start, especially for city dwellers. This is why we’re introducing you to Four Star Family Cyclery bike rentals. Whether you want to purchase or borrow an insanely fun cargo bike, they’re here to show you the simplicity of life by bike in a way that removes the intimidation factor. Read on and confidently hit the streets with Four Star Family Cyclery.
Four Star Cyclery’s Mission
This local mom-owned business, launched by Elsbeth Cool, rolled into Logan Square with a mission of providing innovative and functional urban transportation for families. Four Star Cyclery knows those first rides for city parents can be a bit unnerving. As a result, they want to help parents imagine and experience what life with a family bicycle can be by offering flexible rentals of the best cycling products on the market. For those who are already comfortable with the idea, or renters who fall in love, you also have the option to purchase.
Four Star Cyclery’s Offerings
Liveside Media via Four Star Family Cyclery
Four Star operates on a concierge service model. This means they offer consultations to assist parents in selecting which bike setup and accompanying accessories best meet their unique needs and budget. Also included is one-on-one coaching sessions to acclimate riders to large cargo bikes and navigating urban streets with young riders. Since they know this is a financial commitment, they allow a test ride before investing. They also have a team of trained mechanics who can make house calls for basic service needs . . . selling point numero uno for anyone who's had to stuff a large bike in the back of an SUV for service.
The Rentals
Liveside Media via Four Star Family Cyclery
Cargo bikes are no small change, so you're encouraged to give them a go before dropping the dough. Check out their website to scope out the rental options. All bikes come equipped with locks, lights and there are helmets available for the whole family.
Photo: Kidical Mass
Become a Part of the Biking Community
Elsbeth also co-founded a very active grassroots community group called Chicago Family Biking, which organizes family-focused events, like Kidical Mass rides, advocates for safer streets and offers educational resources for families interested in biking. The Educational section of their website includes information on choosing a bike helmet, Chicago bike maps, riding with children and more. To get involved now, follow their Facebook page to stay on top of scheduled events.
It’s almost Spring Break, and mama needs a getaway! (Okay…I guess I’ll bring the rest of my family, ha!) Seriously though, I feel like we have all been running in different directions and would love to go somewhere as a family to relax and reconnect. When I heard about Port Aransas in Texas, I was immediately sold! “Port A” is known for its small-town island vibe, and it sounds like paradise. We have two kids, ages 2 and 5, so finding a spot that works for all is no easy task—but Port A is it! Between miles of (driveable!) beaches, loads of restaurant options and activities for all, it’s really a no-brainer that this is our dream destination. Need inspo? Here’s what we’ve planned for our four-day getaway to Port A:
Day 1
My crew likes to take it easy when we roll up somewhere new. First thing on our list? EAT FOOD. We chose BlueWater Cowboy for lunch. It has beautiful views of the gulf so that we can soak in our new surroundings, plus enjoy drool-worthy crab cakes and a full kids menu.
Next, we'll hit Bron's Beach Carts & Backyard and grab some famous fruity slushies for the kids to cool off and a frosty beer or two for us, while we listen to live music and play games, like Giant Jenga—and it's so close to the beach!
A beach day is a must in Port A! We hit the beach to snag our spot—but there's actually plenty of room—with 18 of beaches. First things first: We need to travel like a local and rent a beach cart to cruise around in.
On the top of our must-do list is a sandcastle-building lesson with a local celebrity, "Port Aransas Sandcastle Guy."This sounds like a perfect activity for our young kids to try their hands at—and think of the photo ops!
This adventure-filled day will require some carbo-loading, so we made a reservation at Dylan's Coal Oven Pizzeria. I am a pizza connoisseur, and this place is the real deal with the only coal-burning oven in town—who doesn't love pizza?!
Day 2
This morning, we are gonna fuel up with biscuits and gravy at the Island Cafe—they also have plenty of other offerings for our picky eaters.
Next up: Hit the pool! We are heading to Port A's relaxing Community Pool, which has not one but two pools to enjoy. There are places for us to change, lockers for our gear and it's an excellent way to get some water fun in before dinner. Bonus: There's plenty for our two year old to explore, like a splash pad and shallow waters to play in.
My kids are all about a souvenir or two (or three), so we'll spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the local shops, galleries and boutiques. Odds are we'll forget something when packing, but luckily the shops have island-inspired fashions and all of the necessities covered!
I know we'll be craving seafood after a jam-packed day, so we're heading to Castaways Seafood and Grill for some tasty crustaceans for dinner. They also have a kids menu with chicken fingers, fries and stuff I know my kids will enjoy—winner, winner, seafood dinner!
First up? Breakfast. We'll swing by The Donut Palace for some sweet doughy treats, savory egg sandwiches and hot coffee for the adults.
I've heard great things about the Joan and Scott Holt Paradise Pond, an extensive habitat for birds, butterflies and more. Our kids love animals, so this is sure to be a hit and a beautiful, relaxed stroll through nature.
Next up, we will get our hands dirty and paint some pottery as a family! Fire It! Ceramics is the perfect place for a fun activity that we can all take part in and go home with some cool souvenirs.
Okay, I know my kids will love this one… but we are pretty psyched about it, too: Red Dragon Pirate Cruise! There's exciting cannon fire, dolphin watching, sword fighting and treasure hunting, all on this cool pirate ship on the water.
Since it's our last night here, we plan on an extra-special meal at Black Marlin Bar & Grill. I have to try their award-winning shrimp and grits, and they have mouth-watering steaks and, of course, a kids menu with all their faves.
Day 4
One last beach adventure before we go back to reality. The water in Port A is known for being warm, with soft sand to squish your toes in, and we can't leave without one more dip.
Before we head out, we'll enjoy a leisurely brunch at an outdoor table at Tortuga's Saltwater Grill, enjoying some French toast topped with caramel and crispy bacon (and probably plan our next trip to Port A!).
If you’re in the market for a family car, you’re probably thinking more along the lines of “Is it safe?” or “Can it fit a stroller?” rather than “Is it fast?” or “Does it look good?” Luckily, car manufacturers want to make sure you have it all: Safety, practicality, looks… and maybe a not-your-mom’s-minivan sort of speed. So whether you need a seven-seater or a sedan, here’s a list of the best family cars of 2022 (according to experts).
Best Minivans for Families
2022 Honda Odyssey
Honda
There's a reason the Honda Odyssey won Kelley Blue Books "Minivan Best Buy" award three years in a row: It's got everything a parent needs to haul around a small tribe of children—and was one of only two minivans in 2021 to earn a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (the other was the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica). Even though the much-loved interior vacuum cleaner is noticeably absent in this year's model (the company supplying the vacuum went out of business due to Coronavirus troubles!), there are still a lot of great reasons to check it out.
Best Family Friendly Features:
Seats up to eight, with LATCH accommodations for up to five car seats (it's also the only minivan to earn an IIHS top rating for ease of use of its LATCH child seat attachment hardware)
The interior camera helps parents keep an eye on the back seats, even in the dark
Folding 10-inch screen for back seat passengers can stream movies and games
"Cabin Watch" camera lets you keep an eye on your back seat passengers, even in the dark, while "Cabin Talk" lets you talk to rear passengers through the speakers and the DVD headphones
Split-folding third row offers room for strollers (even unfolded ones) and offers hefty storage space when seats aren't folded into the floor
Remote start abilities let you warm up or cool down the car before you step inside
An 8-inch display touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Apple CarPlay/ Android Auto
The optional cellular plan that'll allow you to stream videos directly to your car
In-car WiFi
Wireless charging pad in the front seat as well as front and rear USB ports
Sunshades for second and third-row passengers
Tri-zone climate control
A hands-free power tailgate lets you open the trunk by kicking your foot under the rear bumper
Safety Features:
Eight standard airbags, including knee airbags for the front seats and side-impact curtain protection for all three rows
All trims include Honda Sensing (which features Collision Mitigation Braking System with Pedestrian Detection; Forward Collision Warning; Road Departure Mitigation, incorporating Lane Departure Warning; Lane Keeping Assist System; traffic sign recognition; and Active cruise control with a forward-collision warning system)
Automatic emergency braking applies the brakes when the car detects that a frontal collision is unavoidable
Lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist and Road Departure Mitigation all help keep you from veering off the road
Blind spot information system will alert you if vehicles are detected in your blind spots when you're changing lanes
The multi-angle rearview camera gives you extra eyes when you're backing up
Snow Mode recalibrates the car's traction system to give you more control in winter weather
Rear seat occupant reminder notifies you to check the back seats before you get out
Want minivan conveniences without minivan looks? This redesigned family mobile—which replaces Kia's Sedona minivan—has a distinctly SUV-inspired design and high-end features, both of which helped it beat out its eight-passenger rivals in Cars.com's annual minivan list. It's got a roomy interior (Kelley Blue Book says it has "room for six-footers in every row"), fun family features (like a rear seat camera for watching the kids), and gobs of safety features. Here's what else the Carnival's got going for it:
Best Family Friendly Features:
(Optional) In-cabin camera system with a zoom function and night vision allows front-row occupants to keep an eye on back seat passengers
8-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Seating for up to eight
Passenger talk intercom system and rear passenger-view camera
"Class-leading" interior and cargo space (according to Kelley Blue Book)
Dual screen rear entertainment system (in SX models)
"VIP-lounge" second-row seats (in SX model) make driving around the in-laws (or nursing in the back seat) easy
80-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration
Tri-zone automatic climate control for keeping everyone in the car the right amount of comfortable
The third row can fold flat into the floor
hands-free sliding doors
Slide-flex seating (comes with the 8-seater arrangement) lets parents use multiple seating configurations, including a sliding center 2nd-row seat that can also turn into a table
Safety Features:
Reverse emergency braking
360-degree camera system
12.3-inch LCD driver information cluster w/blind-spot view monitor (in Prestige model)
290 horsepower V6 engine gives a peppy pick-up
Forward-collision avoidance
Blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
Lane-keeping assistance
Automatic high beams
Driver attention monitoring
Rear parking sensors
Rear occupant alert
Safe exit assist keeps a virtual eye out for vehicles that may be a hazard to anyone exiting the car
Got four kids, two dogs, three bikes, a stroller and tons of gear to tow? The Expedition may be a perfect choice (if you can afford the hefty price tag). With its stylish looks, cavernous cabin, and impressive safety features, it's easy to see why Edmunds rated it as its favorite large SUV for 2022.
Best Family Friendly Features:
Huge interior cargo space, especially in the MAX version (which is a foot longer than the standard model)
Seating for up to eight
Optional second-row captain seats with a walk-through console so your kids can easily get to the third row
Power-fold second and third row for when you've got to carry gear, luggage, or the dog in the back
A hands-free liftgate for easy access into the trunk
Second-row USB ports, plus optional wireless device charging in the front seat
15.5-inch high-def touch display is the biggest in its class
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Rear seat entertainment systems with Amazon Fire TV lets kids stream videos, play games, listen to music, get information, and watch downloaded shows and movies
The remote start system lets the car warm up before you get in
Optional massaging front seats available in Platinum trim
4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot
Power-folding running boards act as a step-stool for kids (and rickety grandparents) to get into the seats
It's built more like the Ford F-150 truck than the Ford Escape, which makes it great at towing heavy loads (if you're going on, say, an all-summer road trip)
Safety Features:
Forward collision warning
Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection (warns if a front impact is imminent and will brake for you if you don't respond in time)
Reverse Brake Assist: Backing senses oncoming pedestrians and vehicles while you are backing up; alerts the driver and brakes if the vehicle is at risk of a collision
The lane-keeping system makes small steering corrections to keep the vehicle centered in its lane
Road Edge Detection engages the steering system to help you maintain your position in the lane on roads with a visible line or a clear edge
Available Intersection Assist uses the front camera and radar sensors to detect oncoming traffic while you are attempting to turn left. If there’s a risk of a potential collision with an oncoming vehicle, the car will alert you and apply the brakes
A blind spot monitor with cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing)
Available all-wheel drive
Cross-traffic alert
360-degree camera
Adaptive cruise control with speed sign recognition and lane-centering technology is available on upper trims
Ford BlueCruisehands-free highway Driver-Assist Technology allows drivers to operate their vehicle hands-free on the highway while being monitored by a driver-facing camera to ensure they keep their eyes on the road (available in Platinum trim)
Scoring the top spot in Consumer Reports ranking of the best midsize three-row SUVs—and named one of the 10 Best Cars & Trucks for 2022 by Car & Driver magazine—the eight-passenger Kia Telluride has the tech finesse to satisfy the kids and the safety and reliability parents want. And, its luxurious cabin and trims also earn rave reviews, with Car & Driver saying, "With a rugged exterior and a rich-looking interior, the Telluride wouldn't appear out of place in a Land Rover showroom."
Best Family Friendly Features:
Seating for up to eight (with room in the third row to comfortably fit an adult)
Available heated and ventilated front and second-row seats
In-car intercom to talk to rear passengers
Available reclining dual captain's chairs that slide forward with the push of a button for easy access to the third row
Dual rear sunroofs
"Quiet mode" will shut off all rear speakers (so as not to wake little nappers) and play audio up front at a low level
USB ports for all passengers plus available wireless charging
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to easily connect your music and apps
Remote climate feature that lets you use your phone to warm up or cool down your car before you get inside
Find My Car system helps you locate your car in a crowded parking lot
One-touch sliding and folding second and third-row seats
10.25-inch infotainment display with a split-screen function
Safety Features:
Blind spot view monitor shows a live feed of your right rear blind spots and stops you if you try to change lanes while an object is detected in the blind spot
The rear occupant alert system can tell if you left your car with someone in the back seat—and alerts you accordingly
Standard Safe Exit Assist helps you get off the freeway without worry
The Head Up display gives you important driving information (speed and road turns) on the front dash so you don't have to look down at your console while driving
Smart cruise control keeps your car a safe distance from the car in front of you and stops your car if needed
Emergency braking and warning system will warn you if you're approaching a stopped object and will apply brakes if needed
Lane-keeping technology keeps you from straying out of your lane
Eight inches of ground clearance keeps the bottom of your car safe from bumps and off-road obstacles
This three-row family-hauler won second place in the Consumer Reports list of mid-size, three-row SUVs (behind the Telluride). Consumer Reports calls it "a smart choice for families looking for a do-it-all vehicle." It's also an economical choice, with Car & Driver magazine saying that if you opt for one of the higher trims, you'll "enjoy a more luxurious environment that just about matches the offerings of a Lexus-branded SUV." Here are a few other things to consider:
Best Family Friendly Features:
Seating for up to eight depending on the model
Available hybrid option teaches kids about environmental stewardship (and saves you money on gas!)
The infotainment system offers Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and Alexa integration
The seat belt reminder system will alert you and show you exactly which passenger (via a map on the dashboard) has unbuckled during a drive
The 8-inch infotainment system comes standard, but a 12.3-inch touchscreen display is available on higher trims
Wireless charging ports in the front row
Available heated front and second-row seats
Panoramic moonroof
Wifi connectivity with 5 USB ports throughout the car
Safety Features:
V6 engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission helps the car easily climb hills and accelerate on the highway (Consumer Reports called its drive "smooth and punchy.")
Standard forward-collision warning with emergency braking
Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection
Lane departure warning
Lane-keeping assistance
Front and rear parking assist
Adaptive cruise control
Blind spot warning (standard on the Hybrid)
Standard LED headlights with standard auto high beams
Available all-wheel drive
Multi-Terrain Select (available on all-wheel-drive models) lets you choose between four modes (Mud & Sand, Rock & Dirt, Snow and Normal) for enhanced traction
Toyota’s Safety and Remote Connect service (free for one year) offers remote engine starting, location tracking, and locking/unlocking
Free 3-year subscription to Toyota’s Safety Connect, which enables the emergency crash notification and calls for help when the airbags are deployed
Digital rearview mirror (for when the stroller and other things are blocking your rearview)
Road Sign Assist is designed to detect speed limit signs, stop signs, Do Not Enter signs and yield signs, and display them on the Multi-Information Display
Named Kelley Blue Book's Best Compact SUVs for 2021 and historically one of the top-selling cars in the US, the new Rav4 (which goes on sale mid-December) is already receiving praise. This year's most notable update is the introduction of the new hybrid model plus a few tech and interior updates to keep the car both sporty and safe.
Best Family Friendly Features:
Roomy seating for five (Kelley Bluebook says "it's hard to believe the 2022 RAV4 is a compact crossover when sitting in the cabin")
Panoramic glass roof
Heated front and rear seats (with ventilated front seats), heated steering wheel
Ambient lighting
Hands-free power liftgate
5 USB charging ports and wireless phone charging in the front seat
8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Amazon Alexa integration
In-Car WiFi
Hybrid model easier on the environment (and your commute costs)
Safety Features:
Retuned suspension and eight inches of ground clearance for off-road capability
Multi-Terrain Select (available on all-wheel-drive models) lets you choose between four modes (Mud & Sand, Rock & Dirt, Snow and Normal) for enhanced traction
Digital rearview mirror for when your actual rear view is blocked
Connected Services lets you remotely unlock/lock the car, get directions from a live agent, call for help in case of an accident, or turn your Rav4 into a hotspot
Toyota Remote Connect lets you remotely start your vehicle (to warm it up in the winter, for instance), lock or unlock the doors, or locate your vehicle
Blind spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert
Front and rear parking assist
Available all-wheel drive
Forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection
Lane departure alert with steering assistance
Road sign recognition
Radar-based adaptive cruise control that works at a full range of speeds
rain-sensing wipers and wiper de-icer.
Starting price: The 2021 was $26,350 ($28,900 for hybrid); it is estimated the 2022 model when it is released, will be slightly above this.
Consumer Reports rated the 2022 Forester the top compact SUV of the year, describing it as "a smart, well-executed small SUV that boasts a roomy interior, great fuel economy, and plenty of standard safety equipment." Here's why it's a great pick for families:
Best Family Friendly Features:
Roomy seating for five
Compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
Power liftgate
Heated front (and rear, in higher trims) seats; ventilated front seats
Optional moonroof
11.6-inch vertical touch screen in the center console
Two USB ports in front; two optional in the rear.
Built-in WiFi hotspot connectivity
Remote engine start lets you warm up or cool down your car from your smartphone
Safety Features:
"Top Safety Pick Plus" by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
Forward collision warning
Automatic pre-collision braking
Lane departure warning will notify you if you stray out of your lane
Blind spot detection system notifies you if it detects vehicles in your blind spots
Rear cross-traffic warning alerts you to oncoming cars while you're backing up (super-helpful when backing out of your driveway or a parking spot)
Reverse automatic braking will first give a visual and audible warning—then apply the brakes and stop the car—if there is an object in the rear bumper zone that the vehicle may hit
Automatic emergency steering (optional)
Standard all-wheel drive
Subaru Starlink will alert an operator if your car is involved in a crash and get you roadside help at the push of a button
EyeSight with advanced safety keeps you a safe distance from the car in front of you; it also detects objects in front of you that you're likely to hit and reduces power to the engine to help minimize the force and impact of a collision
Front and rear camera views keep you from missing anything on the road in front or behind you
Up to 9.2-inches of ground clearance makes off-road (or on-road) bumps no problem
Standard rear seatbelt reminder will tell you which seat is unbuckled
My Subaru app lets you set speed limits and boundaries to alert you if your (teenage) driver is speeding or going somewhere they're not supposed to go
Called "posh and powerful by US News & World Report, the Navigator tops the magazine's list of luxury SUVs for its roomy interior and polished features. With three spacious rows, It can easily fit a large family, with room in the back for all the gear (especially if you opt fo the extended L model. Some other family-friendly features include:
Best Family Friendly Features:
Seating for up to seven
Available heated and ventilated front and second-row seats and tri-zone climate control for all
In-car intercom to talk to rear passengers
Two 10-inch screens equipped with Fire TV available for second-row passengers
13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system
Available 30-way-adjustable massaging front seats (available in the second row, too!) with customizable positions
Elegant chimes recorded by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra used for interior alerts (new for 2022)
USB ports for all passengers plus a wireless charging pad in the front seat
Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and built-in Alexa come standard
Wifi-enabled
New Revel Ultima 3D audio system uses 28 speakers to deliver crisp surround sound and custom listening modes
Available panoramic vista roof
Quiet cabin, thanks to sound-dampening technology and acoustic laminate glass
Safety Features:
Lincoln Co-Pilot 360 comes with adaptive cruise control and stop-and-go pedestrian detection
Intersection Assist can alert a driver attempting to turn left by applying the brakes when the camera and radar technology detects oncoming traffic
Active Park Assist 2.0 has side-sensing capability so drivers can confidently navigate out of a spot when someone is parked too close
Self-parking feature for parallel and perpendicular spaces (which helps, given this car's humongous size)
The adaptive suspension system uses the car's front camera to monitor the road ahead of you; if a bump in the road is suspected, the system will prepare the suspension to lessen the impact on the vehicle and keep riders comfortable
Forward collision warning and post-collision braking
Adaptive LED headlamps turn the high beams on and off when needed
Built-in navigation
Available all-wheel drive
The 360-degree camera comes standard
New ActiveGlide technology allows drivers to operate the car hands-free (compatible on prequalified sections of divided highways, called Hands-Free Blue Zones, across the US)
Emergency braking and warning system will warn you if you're approaching a stopped object and will apply brakes if needed
Lane-keeping technology keeps you from straying out of your lane
Jeep's recent revival of its favorite family-hauler has gotten rave reviews, with US News & World Report ranking it number two (behind the Navigator) on its list of best luxury SUVs, and Car & Driver praising its "gorgeous and gigantic interior," and its "dazzling array of upscale features and tech."
Best Family Friendly Features:
Seating for up to eight, with award-winning second and third-row legroom
Available heated and ventilated front seats plus a four-zone climate control
24-way power front seats with massage and power-adjustable head restraints
USB ports for all passengers plus wireless charging in front
Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Alexa-enabled so you can easily connect your music and apps
Premium audio system featuring 23 speakers, including a 12-inch subwoofer with 3D Surround System,
Most cargo volume in its class behind the third row
Power-folding seats in both back rows
Up to 75 inches of total screen display, including a 10 and 12-inch center stack touchscreen and two 10-inch touchscreens (with built-in Amazon Fire) available for second-row passengers
Large panoramic sunroof that opens over the front and second-row seats; fixed window panel over the third-row seats also available
A rear-seat monitoring system that displays a video feed onto the central touchscreen
Safety Features:
Standard all-wheel drive and suspension is built for rugged terrain
Selec-Terrain Traction Management System has various settings for different terrain and weather, including Rock, Sand/Mud, Snow, and Sport—all of which help the car handle all weather conditions
Available digital rearview mirror (for when car seats or gear in the back is blocking your rear window view)
Forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking will warn—and then stop the car—to avoid a frontal collision
Blind spot warning
Adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping assistance
Rear cross-traffic warning, as well as rear park assist sensors that will stop the vehicle if needed
Available 360-degree Surround View and night vision with pedestrian, cyclist and animal detection camera
Hands-Free Active Driving Assist allows for hands-free driving on an approved road
Intersection assist will warn drivers in intersections if a car is approaching from the right or left and apply brakes if needed
Available Drowsy Driver Detection will detect driver fatigue and monitor steering wheel behavior; if it detects an issue, it will warn you with an alert
An automatic parking system can park the car for you
Starting price: $87,845 (for Grand Wagoneer); $69,440 (for the standard Jeep Wagoneer)
Sure, sedans represent only a quarter of all new car sales—with many families opting for SUVs or minivans to haul their broods—but there's no denying that smaller vehicles such as the Honda Accord can offer a better driving experience and better fuel economy, with a significantly lower price point. In 2021, U.S. News & World Reports named the accord one of the"Best Cars for Families"—and there haven't been any significant changes in this year's model. It's still got a roomy interior, good tech options and a ton of safety features.
Best family-friendly features:
U.S. News calls the interior "cavernous," with comfortable seating for five and room for three car seats/boosters in the back row
16.7 cubic feet of trunk space makes for one of the biggest in its class, says Edmunds.
Passenger seats have tons of pockets and bins for all your kids' books and small items
Available heated and ventilated seats
Dual-zone climate control keeps everyone happy and warm (or cool)
Drawer inside the trunk for storing smaller items that may roll around while you're driving
Cargo hook for hanging grocery bags in the trunk
Wireless phone charger
Apple Car Play and Android Auto for connecting your phone's apps and music to the car
WiFi hotspot connectivity
Impressive fuel efficiency at 30 city/38 highway mpg for the standard model; 48/47 mpg for the hybrid model
Safety features:
Collision mitigation braking system will automatically apply brakes when the car detects a collision is unavoidable
Road departure mitigation system detects if you're straying from your lane and will help correct you or apply brakes if needed
Available Head Up display shows important driving information—speed, directions and incoming calls—in the driver's line of sight.
Remotely lock your car or see fuel status from your phone
Blind spot information system
A multi-angle rearview camera with available cross-traffic monitor
Smart Entry with Walk Away Auto-lock lets you lock and unlock your car without taking out your keys
Rear occupant seat reminder makes sure you don't forget anyone in the back when you exit the car
Sure, you may only be driving to a kid's soccer game, but who says you need a Mom Car just because you're a parent? The Lexus ES has all the safety and tech to keep the kids protected and entertained plus the looks and luxury of a high-end vehicle. It won the top spot on Kelley Blue Book's list of the "Best Safety-Rated Sedans of 2022," with KBB calling it "a winner on many levels" and "undeniably luxurious." Some other things to note:
Best family-friendly features:
Available heated and ventilated seats, plus a heated steering wheel.
Dual-zone climate control keeps everyone happy, and "Lexus Climate Concierge" automatically adjusts the temperature and seat heater settings based on the outside and cabin temperature
Quiet cabin, with Kelley Bluebook calling it an "oasis of calm"
Available wireless phone charging
Standard 8-inch (or optional 12.3-inch) touchscreen infotainment center comes with a navigation system
Apple Car Play and Android Auto for connecting your phone's apps and music to the car—plus built-in Alexa integration
4G WiFi connectivity
Six USB ports (four in front; two in back) so everyone stays charged on the road
Hybrid model easier on the environment (and your wallet), running about 42 miles per gallon
The trunk can open and close with a kick under the rear bumper
Available all-wheel-drive
Lower LATCH anchors are easy to access with pop-off covers, though the car won't likely fit three car seats
Safety features:
Blind spot warning
Panoramic View Monitor uses four high-resolution cameras mounted on the front, sides and rear of the vehicle to give drivers a bird's-eye view of the immediate area
Rear cross-traffic warning will alert you if someone is approaching as you are backing out
Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection will automatically apply brakes when the car detects a collision is unavoidable
"Sway warning" will give an audible alert if the vehicle is straying from its lane
Adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist
Intersection Turning Assist warns drivers of any oncoming vehicles when turning left across an intersection; it also looks for pedestrians on left and right turns
Automatic high beams
Optional front and rear parking sensors
Siri Eyes Free and Google Assistant are supported with a paired phone.
3.5-liter V6 engine gets you from 0-60 mph in 6.9 seconds (great for easily merging into highway traffic)
Rear seat belt reminder will alert you—and get increasingly louder—if someone unbuckles while you're driving
This Fri., Nov. 12 subscribers can finally snag access to new premieres from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, and other brands for international markets. What are we most excited about? Finally being able to stream Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings!
Other premieres include:
Jungle Cruise will be available to all subscribers
New Disney+ Original movie Home Sweet Home Alone
All-new original series of shorts, Olaf Presents
Streaming debut of shorts including Frozen Fever, Feast , Paperman and Get A Horse!
Animated short film Ciao Alberto
A new short from The Simpsons
Five episodes from season 2 of The World According to Jeff Goldblum
A special on the origins and legacy Boba Fett
Marvel Cinematic Universe special
First, from today until Sun. Nov. 14, new and eligible returning subscribers can grab one month of Disney+ for $1.99 (then $7.99/mo.) so one needs to miss out on all the fun.
photo: Courtesy of Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution
Disney+ subscribers with a valid ticket or pass and theme park reservation on Nov. 12 will have access to special benefits across Disney theme parks, like entering the parks at the Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort 30 minutes before the parks open and complimentary Disney PhotoPass photo downloads taken at select locations.
As if all of that wasn’t enough, shopDisney is offering free shipping in the U.S. and Europe from Nov. 12 to Nov. 14 to subscribers of Disney+, in addition to new customizable products from Disney, Pixar, Star Wars. Finally, Disney Publishing Worldwide is offering select $0.99 eBooks today through Nov. 17.
Set your calendar for Nov. 12 to catch all the new streaming content!
It’s a no-brainer that kids want to do everything that you do, including those cycling classes they see you so pumped about. The Little Tikes Pelican Explore & Fit Cycle nails it: It’s the kid-sized version of that super popular cycle…we’ll just say it rhymes with “Sweataton.”
This bike is like a cycling or spin class for kids, personality-pumped trainer included! One of our editors, Jamie Aderski, and her son, Watson (5), tested out the new Pelican Explore & Fit Cycle. Read on to learn more about the hot new bike that is sure to be on every kid’s (and parent’s) wish list!
The Review
I am a huge spin class fan (but only at home where people can’t see what a mess I am!) and I love my at-home cycling setup. When the Pelican arrived, I have to admit, I was a little jealous… of my five year old—This. Is. COOL! It’s a mini-version of my favorite ride to nowhere plus a full sensory experience—nothing “stationary” about it. Here’s what blew us away about the Pelican:
1. Motivating & Fun Trainers + Adventures
Much like that other bike, Pelican's trainers are full of energy and excitement! I love the ease of access to the vids: Just head to YouTube and hit play. Not only are their trainers top-notch, but the visuals of the videos take kids on adventures! You can experience the thrills of mountain biking or snowboarding (no real skills required) and even a roller coaster. Watson said it best: “It’s like going to another world!". Pelican, take me away...
The bike itself has adjustable seating and handlebars—perfect for kids of all sizes and if you have more than one rider, it can be easily adapted to their height. What we thought was really cool is that there's a lever that adjusts the pedal intensity, with three different levels. Hey, sometimes you wanna ride pedal-to-the-metal and sometimes you just wanna coast—Pelican gets it!
3. More Than Just Pedaling
Hot (and unexpected!) feature alert: The Pelican tilts back and forth to add to the thrills, minus the spills! Not only that, kids can "steer" the front wheel which makes for a good time. My two year old is too little to pedal the bike, but loved that she could just sit on it and go for a "ride". Watson said: "I love how bouncy it is!"—agreed! The Pelican is stationary, but not sedentary and it's pretty darn awesome!
This feature feels grown-up and cool. Watson is a big music fan and now can play his favorite jams while riding along to the beat. Favorite songs of the moment? Anything by BTS, Imagine Dragons or that Parry Grip guy—the forecast is always calling for tacos, y'all.
5. No Tablet, No Problem
That’s right. You don’t even need to part with your smartphone for this ride. The Pelican comes with built-in audio adventures to cruise along with. You get excitement right out of the box with or without a screen!
6. Surprise—You’re Exercising!
Gotcha, kiddo. Pelican made it so simple for our son to get active and have fun!
When it comes to Disney magic, we can never have enough. And thanks to a brand new series, uber fans can finally get a glimpse at how their favorite park attractions came to be.
Produced by Dwayne Johnson, Dany Garcia and Brian Volk-Weiss, Being the Attraction takes viewers on a 10-episode journey through the creation of some of Disney’s most iconic rides. Want to see how the Haunted Mansion was filled with ghosts? Or how the castles became central to Disney parks? The new show tackles it all.
The 10 episodes will cover The Jungle Cruise, Haunted Mansion, Star Tours, Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Space Mountain, the Castles, the Disneyland Hotel, “it’s a small world,” Trains, Trams, Monorails and The Hall of Presidents.
Behind the Attraction debuts only on Disney+ on Jul. 21.
––Karly Wood
Feature photo: Courtesy of Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution
With the world slowly returning to normal, Disney Cruise line is in full prep mode for its 2021 and 2022 sailing season. That’s right, festive holiday cruises await!
Get ready for Halloween on the High Seas and Very Merrytime Cruises, including on the all-new Disney Wish in 2022. With five ships in the fleet ready to set sail, there are plenty of options for guests from around the world.
Cruises will depart from Florida, New York, Texas and California, with options for both the ’21 and ’22 season.
Halloween on the High Seas is available for this season in October of this year and returns in mid-September through October 2022. Travelers will be able to catch their fave Disney characters decked out in Halloween costumes, ghostly decor, a magical Pumpkin tree, Mickey’s Mouse-querade Party, thematic food, beverages and crafts and be able to dress up.
Set sail on a Very Merrytime Cruise in November and December for both the 2021 and 2022 season. This festive cruise is packed with everyone decked out in holiday garb, plenty of music, food, decor and of course, Santa Claus.
Bookings for the 2022 cruise season opens to the public Jun. 24, 2021 at disneycruise.com.
It’s been a big year for Friends fans. With the reunion special finally airing, it’s time to start looking for ways to get your next fix, and we’ve got the answer!
Travel agency Fana World Travel has just announced the Cruise with Friends vaycay. Setting sail May 15 to 21, 2022 on the Celebrity Equinox, the getaway offers the perfect atmosphere for uber fans to mingle with each other as they travel to Key West, Grand Cayman and Cozumel, Mexico.
Cruise with Friends will be limited to 500 Friends fans and will be a complete experiential trip. You’ll get to compete in a themed costume contest, trivia game and more!
Prices start at $1648 per person for an inside stateroom, with a double occupancy requirement (or double your rate if you’re flying solo). You’ll also get unlimited surf Wi-Fi, $150 shore excursion credit and a premium beverage package included with your fees.
Make sure you’re ready to cruise, as all fees are non-refundable. One last tidbit: despite being a Friends-themed cruise, the OG actors will not be aboard this summer getaway.
Whether or not you’re making a trek to a Disney park this summer, you can still make it a Disney summer. That’s thanks to the reveal of the Disney+ programming over the next few months, including hit movies, original series and documentaries. It’s quite the list watch for, so read on for more!
The Summer of Disney+ kicked off over the weekend with the release of Raya and the Last Dragon, free to all subscribers on the platform. On Wednesday, you can start watching a new series, Marvel Studios’ Loki and keep up with the God of Mischief. And on Friday, the second season of Zenimation premieres, giving you a mindful soundscape experience with clips from eight decades of Disney films.
You’ll want to tune in to Luca starting June 18, a new original animated movie about a boy having an unforgettable summer in Italy. Monsters at Work premiers July 2 and brings back your favorites from the Academy Award-winning movie, Monsters Inc. On July 30 another big drop, Jungle Cruise, stars Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt in an adventure down the Amazon. And all summer beloved classics will pop up on the platform, like The Sandlot, Ice Age: The Meltdown and Ms. Doubtfire.
Which one will your family be most excited to see? Grab the popcorn (or have an outdoor movie night), pull up Disney+ and get ready for hours of entertainment this summer!
—Sarah Shebek
Featured image courtesy of August de Richelieu from Pexels
Photo: Kidical Mass
