No plans for a vacation in 2022 yet? Now you have some!
Crystal Lagoons Island Resort has announced that the first Mattel Adventure Park is planning to open late 2022 in Glendale, Arizona. Kiddos will be able to get up close and personal with a Hot Wheels roller coaster, go-karting, a Thomas & Friends indoor theme park with a Thomas the Tank Engine electric-battery powered passenger train, tons of retail and special dining experiences.
Julie Freeland, Senior Director, Global Location Based Entertainment, Mattel shares “By partnering with Crystal Lagoons Island Resort, we will be offering new and immersive ways for families to experience classic brands like Hot Wheels, Thomas & Friends, and more.”
More information will be forthcoming in the next few weeks about Mattel Adventure Park and the associated hotels, restaurants and other brands that will come together to make it a world class destination.
Target Deal Days are almost here! In addition to an extra day of sale extravaganza, the bullseye retailer is getting shoppers excited with an extra special deal that starts TODAY.
From Wed. Jun. 16 through Sat. Jun. 19 you can save 5% off Target digital gift cards! The offer is valid for a one-time only purchase, up to $500.
To access the deal, head to Target.com and save the offer to your account. You can use the code to get multiple gift cards, but just make sure they are all in one transaction!
Choose from delivery via email, text or mail and remember that the deal is only good on Target gift cards. Dining, entertainment and credit card based gift cards are not included. Shop on!
Family-friendly food halls are a parent’s dream come true. No more arguing over where to go out to eat as a family because San Diego food halls offer an eclectic mix of wide-ranging culinary delights, from tacos and Thai food, to pizza and BBQ to please everyone’s tastebuds…all under one roof. Read on for where to dig in now and for the scoop on several new food halls that are opening soon.
One of the most anticipated food hall openings is scheduled to open this spring and as of publication they’re almost ready! Located at an already fun family location at Del Mar Highlands, this will only add to the experience. You’ll soon find ten different dining options (Ambrogio15, Urbana Mexican Gastronomy, Le Parfait Paris, J at Sky Deck, Craft House, Kiin Extraordinary Thai, Marufuku Ramen, Zizikis Street Food, Glass Box, “The Brewers Deck” and Understory Cocktails) each with their own dining area that all surround a central cocktail bar. Not part of this food hall, but just downstairs are Batch & Box fresh baked cookies and Handel’s Ice Cream for a sweet treat.
Insider tip: Walk over to the kids splash pad and built-in trampoline with amphitheater seating so you can sit and eat while the kids play!
Just four blocks away from the pier, Pacific Beach will soon be getting their own food hall by SocialEats in late Spring 2021. This Los Angeles favorite has quickly grown into several spin-offs, each offering free local 2-mile delivery and third-party deliveries for those further away. They make it easy for you to combine items from several restaurants into just one order. Check out these fantastic food offerings: Pop!s Burgers & Shakes, Azule Taqueria, Supertoro, Street Noods, Hollywood Crab Shack.
Good to know: Take out, delivery, inside and outside public seating are available.
Little Italy Food Hall was featured in USA Today‘s top 10 new food halls in the nation! Situated next to the bustling neighborhood’s Piazza della Famiglia, Little Italy Food Hall was designed as a place of community to gather with friends, family and neighbors. The water fountain is the central feature that lights up at night, but you’ll also find community events and celebrations throughout the year on this pedestrian-only street. Sink your teeth into these fantastic food options too: Ambrogio15, Bobboi Natural Gelato, Mein St. Asian Kitchen, Wicked Maine Lobster, Not Not Tacos, Samburgers, Graze by Sam.
Windmill Food Hall opened recently in 2019 and has taken the food hall experience to the next level. Families can lounge and play in a communal indoor/outdoor space complete with custom vintage '30s and '40s-era inspired furniture. Enjoy a room called The Library which features a central fireplace you can relax alongside with a craft cocktail, and family-friendly games, including an interactive green screen, ping pong, skee ball, PAC Man, cornhole, foosball, shuffleboard and Jenga. Families will find 13 different restaurants here including Thai Style, Secret Sauce Wok & Grill, Cross Street Chicken, Notorious BBQ and more.
Good to know: Take out, delivery, inside and outside public seating are available.
Inside this Korean grocery store you’ll find a hidden Asian food hall serving it up since 1979. It’s like a little mini-mall where you’ll also find insurance and travel agents, a hair dresser, jewelry store and other small vendors selling things like blankets and kids toys from Japan, Korea and China. As for food, there are nine different food stalls with options like sushi, poke, hot pot, sashimi salads, bento boxes, tofu, chicken katsu, ramen, boba tea and red bean donuts. Check out a few fabu options: CDD Tofu & Grill, Hong Kong Banjum 0410, Wok Bar Spicy Hot Pot, Poke U, Boba Bar & Frozen Desserts and Paris Baguette Bakery.
Poway families will soon be able to enjoy an expansive new development that will include a 2100 square-foot urban food hall with 15 local artisan food vendors. Construction was halted in 2020, but they are now back on track to open up later this year, with nearby housing and on-site retail to follow. Established faves are slated to be from The Barrel Room, Urge Gastropub, Brothers Provisions, Mason Ale Works and Mason Coffee Works. We can't wait!
Dining with princesses is so last year. Now it’s time to get in tune with your darker side and feast off of Disney’s newest dinnerware.
The Disney Villain 16-piece Dinnerware Set has the worst of the worst: Maleficent, the Evil Queen from Snow White, Jafar and Ursula. With bright colors and gold trim, this surprisingly fancy set is a must for your dinnerware collection.
The set is themed after each villain’s signature film. Ursula’s set is blue with an enchanted necklace, Maleficent’s is purple with horns, Jafar’s is yellow with the Cave of Wonders and the Evil Queen’s is red with the Magic Mirror.
Each set includes four 11-inch dinner plates, four 8-inch salad plates, four 7-inch bowls, and four 11-ounce mugs. You can find it at Walmart for $119.99.
Are you ready to sail the high seas again? As restrictions continue to lift all over the world, Disney is prepping for a summer of magical cruising in a big way––a new cruise ship!
The Disney Wish is designed around the concept of enchantment, and will boast plenty of new elements never been seen on a cruise ship. Want to see what the magic is all about? Keep reading!
Wonderful Water Attractions
The Wonderful World of Mickey Mouse animated shorts are brought alive in the AquaMouse, a splashtastic water ride that is made up of 760 feet of winding tubes suspended high above the upper decks! In addition to this one-of-a-kind attraction, families will have more pools, more deck space and more dining than ever, including six pools!
The Disney Wish will also have a Toy Story-themed district for toddlers and littles that includes a splash zone, wading pool, family waterslide and smoothie bar.
Need a break from all the fun? There's also a Quiet Cove, an adults only zone with an infinity pool, poolside bar and cafe.
Delectable Dining
Get ready for three amazing dinner experiences that include:
Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure: “Frozen”-themed theatrical dining experience with immersive live entertainment, Elsa, Anna, Kristoff and Olaf and Nordic-inspired cuisine.
Worlds of Marvel: First-ever Marvel cinematic dining adventure. Guests will play an interactive role in an Avengers mission that unfolds around them, and enjoy a Marvel Cinematic Universe-themed menu.
1923: An elegant experience that honors the golden age of animation, bringing California's unique heritage to life with a variety of cultural dishes.
Cruisers will also have tons of casual dining, gourmet cafes, premium dining for adults and 24-hour room service options.
Plenty of Fun for Parents
Kids don't get all the fun! Adults will have plenty of options to relax and experience high quality entertainment. With spaces like Star Wars: Hyperspace Lounge, a high-end bar, Palo Steakhouse, Enchanté, The Rose and Senses Spa, parents won't feel guilty at all when they drop their kiddos off to have their own fun.
The Disney Wish’s maiden voyage will take place on Jun. 9, 2022 on a five-night cruise to Nassau, Bahamas, and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. After that, guests can hop aboard one of the three or four night cruises leaving from Port Canaveral, Florida when bookings open on May 27, 2021.
You can see all the offerings the luxurious cruise liner has to offer here.
Get ready for a whole new awesome experience this summer! LEGO Movie World is opening in the LEGOLAND California Resort on May 27—and it’s packed with brand-new rides, attractions, dining options, and so much more.
Fans of the film franchises can take a trip through a brick-filled world on a Triple Decker Flying Couch on Emmet’s Flying Adventure Riding. If that isn’t enough awesomeness for your mini builder, check out Unikitty’s Disco Drop and Queen Watevra’s Carousel.
photo courtesy of Chip Litherland for LEGOLAND Florida Resort
Along with the three new rides, park guests can visit the LEGO Movie-themed attractions: Emmet’s Super Suite, Benny’s Playship and Build Watevra You Wa’Na Build.
There’s no doubt your brick-building kiddos will work up an appetite walking around the awesome adventure-filled park. When the fam is ready to take a break from the rides and other attractions, check out the land’s premiere dining experience Everything is Ramen, savor the sweetness of Cloud Cuckoo Crepes or hydrate yourself at Benny’s Blaster Slushies.
Of course your littles can’t leave this LEGOLAND park without hitting the gift store. The Awesome Shop is packed with souvenirs galore, including plenty of The LEGO Movie T-shirts, mugs and other merch.
Visit the LEGOLAND California Resort website here for info on Annual Passes and online ticket purchase options.
Are you a major “major league” fan? Now you can show off your baseball fan flare with the new Le Creuset Dutch Oven from Williams Sonoma!
Le Creuset’s recent collab with Major League Baseball brings your fave team’s colors and logo to the dining table. The partnership is the perfect pairing for your next game-day feast.
Fans of the Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, NY Yankees and LA Dodgers can find their team’s official MLB logo embossed on the top of these stylish 7 1/4-quart dutch ovens.
Find the Le Creuset Limited-Edition MLB Signature Series Dutch Ovens online at William Sonoma here. Each dutch oven is made from enameled cast iron, dishwasher safe and heat-safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. All four team styles retail for $450.
What’s better for wiggly kids than an outdoor dining experience where you can choose your own adventure? Food carts are a perfect bet for families, where movement is encouraged at all of the local pods, diners can hop between choices and never have to sit in a booth waiting for a server to take an order. Portland is known for its large variety of cuisines and food cart pods – some with added features like fire pits, movie screenings and games. And food carts offer COVID-safe dining and options for the vulnerable like, a streamlined ordering experience either online, by phone, or even delivery. Read on to check out our favorite food carts to visit with kids!
Take a waffle, add practically anything and you've got a winner of a meal for any kid. Smaaken (the Dutch word for "tasty") creates delicious sandwiches out of thin, crispy waffles that can veer either savory or sweet, breakfast or lunch. Try the bacon maple, or grilled cheese, or even the pb&j version!
Hawthorne Asylum 1080 SE Madison St.
The Lot at Scout Beer 5029 SE Division St. (503) 688-8214
BG’s Food Cartel 4250 SW Rose Biggi Ave. Beaverton, OR (971) 235-6578 Online: smaaken.com
Fluffy steamed buns are a carbo-licious treat any kid will love. The ones at Bao Bao are handmade and stuffed with things like pork, chicken, red bean paste, or mushrooms. Try the lotus paste one for a sweet treat! They also have noodles and even frozen bao so you can take them home.
This cart serves up super cozy, homey food from family recipes inspired by Vietnam. The "Vietnamese soul food" includes fried chicken and rice, stir-fried beef, and "mom's omelet" as menu toppers, and any tiny sweet tooth is sure to be pleased by the pandan donut. Matta's been working hard all spring and summer to serve up as many free meals as they can to restaurants workers and kids, and any in need.
1533 NE Alberta St. Portland, OR 971-258-2849 Online: mattapdx.com
For the kiddie carnivore in your life, head to the very popular Matt’s BBQ cart at the Prost food carts on Mississippi Ave. Here you’ll find every type of smoked meat one could wish for, plus fun sides like the queso mac and cheese. Order online to help them reduce contact-- you can even order a day ahead so dinner's already taken care of!
One of the original food carts in Portland (it opened in 2008!) Potato Champion serves up all manner of fry-related goods. Poutine is their specialty, that Canadian dish of French fries and cheese curds covered in gravy. They've expanded to a range of housemade sauces like peanut curry or pesto mayo. Kids will enjoy the buttermilk ranch, or bravely try the pb&j poutine!
The catchy names of their menu offerings will make parents smile, and kiddos will love the fresh OJ and sandwiches. Try the Built To Spill, for obvious reasons, which features a fried egg and cheddar on toasted sourdough. Then stroll among the bricks in Pioneer Courthouse Square to see what interesting names you can find.
To cut down on facetime, you can order online before you arrive at your nearest food cart.-- they’ll have it ready to pick up.
Hawthorne 3549 SE Hawthorne Blvd. 503-610-EGGS 971-808-5727
Slung out of a super-cute retro-looking trailer with wood paneling, The Whole Bowl has the beans and rice bowl scene covered. Check out the Bambino Bowl for only $6, which includes brown rice, black and red beans, avocado, cilantro, black olives, Tillamook cheddar, sour cream, salsa and sauce. Delicious, and healthy!
Check out the tasty homemade fish and chips from Arlo’s! Each bite is battered and fried to perfection and served with a side of french fries. A kid and crowd-favorite! Grab a scoop of ice cream at the neighboring Beau Berry cart afterwards. They're open until they sell out each day! To make ordering faster, you can call it in ahead of time, or order when you arrive.
With California slowly beginning to reopen, theme parks are getting in on the action. LEGOLAND is ready to play!
The brick-themed park has announced its opening date, and Apr. 1 is kicking off the fun. You’ll be able to cash in on Park Preview Days that will include select rides, dining, retail, live entertainment and building activities.
photo: LEGOLAND
So what rides can you expect to hop aboard? From Apr. 1, you can enjoy Coastersaurus, LEGO® TECHNIC™ Coaster, Driving School, Jr. Driving School, Skipper School, Royal Joust, Fairy Tale Brook, LEGOLAND Express Train, Lost Kingdom Adventure and Cargo Ace. You’ll also get to have fun with all the outdoor playgrounds and Miniland U.S.A.
Beginning, Apr. 15, the full reopening will commence. The remaining rides will open in addition to LEGO® CHIMA™ Water Park, SEA LIFE® Aquarium and select dining, retail, and indoor attractions available with advanced reservation.
LEGOLAND is offering priority access during April for LEGOLAND Hotel Guests, active Pass Holders (Play Pass, Annual Pass and Monthly Pay Memberships) and existing Day Ticket Holders for expired and unused during closures.
Set the dinner table with a little help from Anna and Elsa! Disney’s Frozen 2 Collectible Ceramic Dinnerware set is here—and it may just make your kiddo eat whatever you put on their plate.
The 16-piece set includes four complete settings. You’ll get four 10.75-inch dinner plates, four seven-inch dessert plates, four 16-ounce bowls, and four 12-ounce mugs.
Each perfectly crafted piece features sweet silhouette designs from the Frozen film franchise. Whether your child is a fan of Anna, Elsa, or both, they’ll find the now-iconic characters on this fancy (but family-friendly) dinnerware set. Along with the character silhouettes, the dishes, bowls, and mugs also include awesomely ornate snowflake designs.
Find this Robe Factory Disney Frozen 2 Anna and Elsa Themed Dinnerware Dining Set on Amazon for $119.99. As if the Frozen 2 dinnerware set isn’t enough princess-y goodness, you can also nab another 16-piece set, featuring Princesses Tiana, Rapunzel, Aurora, and Mulan (also $119.99 on Amazon). Add the Disney Princess 4-Piece Dinner Placemat Set ($42.99 from Amazon) to complete your Disney dinner table look!
