Your kids have spent too much of their time in COVID lockdown on their gaming consoles. It’s time to get them out of the house for some fun, family game time that takes place IRL. Portland has awesome miniature golf courses just waiting to host your family for a day of play. If you are looking for some gorgeous outdoor venues where you can practice your swing, then read on to find out where we think you and your wee ones should head the next time you want to play golf!
Tualatin Island Greens You don’t have to be a serious golfer to swing your clubs with the pros. This course makes even the tiniest of athletes feel like they have a camera-ready game. With scaled-down version of 18 world famous golf holes, this location has water hazards, sand bunkers, and three acres of forested beauty to enjoy all day long. The range, mini golf is open and when you get hungry, the grill is open for a quick bite offering both indoor and outdoor seating.
Oaks Amusement Park Everybody knows that Oaks Amusement Park is the place to go for great rides and roller skating, but their Chipper’s Woods Miniature Golf Course is should not be overlooked. This newer addition to the amusement park, has 18 super-fun holes on a rolling terrain with exciting obstacles to maneuver through. Shaded by beautiful big oak trees, with a gorgeous view of the Willamette River, it is a popular destination during the warm summer months. Bonus! Golfers 5-years and younger play for free!
Where: 7805 SE Oaks Park Way Hours: Vary daily, visit calendar for up-to-date info. Note: mini golf is available during all amusement park hours Pricing: $9/person (6 & up), 5 and younger free Contact: 503-233-5777 Online:oakspark.com
Eagle Landing Golf Course If you are looking for a scenic mini-golf experience Eagle Landing is your place to go. It's 36-hole challenge winds through trees, waterfalls, fountains, and mountains keeping the game interesting and pleasing to the eye. While getting out your clubs is the perfect summer activity, this location stays open during the day all year long and then extends into the evening during the warm months. Bonus: This location also offers nine holes of Soccer Golf, the facility is designed to offer both beginning and avid golfers an experience unlike anything else in Oregon.
Twin Pines Country Club Located in the beautiful SE Montavilla neighborhood, this course is a unique "must experience" for the professional mini-golfer. Twin Pines Country Club is a homemade, free mini golf course set up by Olivier and Donna. That’s right – it’s free! They don’t even accept donations.This Portlandy duo decided to donate their time and resources to the community by building a miniature golf course in their large, grassy side yard, and leaving it open for everyone to use! It’s small and simple, with brick-lined AstroTurf to define the course, a number of eclectic statues and obstacles (including the quintessential windmill) to provide the appropriate level of fun and challenge, and of course two signature pine trees to provide shade and a requisite “nature” hole. This is truly a family-friendly course for all ages—if your little one can walk, then they can play! The family even provides clubs and balls in a locker on-site. They only ask that you keep your groups small, and respect the neighbors and residential parking restrictions.
Where: 8434 SE Clay St Hours: Daily, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Contact: 971-361-4653 Online:twinpinescountryclub.com
This gorgeous course is perfect for the whole family. It features sandtraps, sneaky breaks and undulations that will challenge even the best putters with 18 holes of fun in a relaxed and beautiful setting under towering fir trees. Open to all ages, this course is easy enough for little ones, and will keep strong players on their toes at the same time. They have putters of all sizes available, so this course will become a family favorite.
Ready to hit the trails? Thanks to our friends at AllTrails, we’ve got the scoop on the very best kid-friendly hikes in the San Jose area—they’re perfect for your budding nature lovers. Keep reading for all the details for trails from Lake Cunningham to the Baylands.
Lake Cunningham
Vivek Indrayan/AllTrails
Lake Cunningham is a 2 mile lightly trafficked loop trail located near San Jose, California and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, running, and nature trips.
Distance: 2 miles Difficulty: Easy
Eagle Rock Loop
Kristen Cederquist/AllTrails
Eagle Rock Loop is a 4.1 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near San Jose, California that features a river and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking and walking.
Distance: 4.1 miles Difficulty: Easy
Montgomery Hill
Mike Robinson/AllTrails
Montgomery Hill is a 1.6 mile lightly trafficked loop trail located near San Jose, California that offers scenic views. The trail is good for all skill levels and is primarily used for hiking, walking, and running.
Distance: 1.6 miles Difficulty: Easy
Grant and McCreery Lake via Yerba Buena Trail
Garry Carl/AllTrails
Grant and McCreery Lake via Yerba Buena Trail is a 2.7 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Mount Hamilton, California that features a lake and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and bird watching.
Distance: 2.7 miles Difficulty: Easy
Hidden Lake Foot Path
Vijay Yallapragada/AllTrails
Hidden Lake Foot Path is a 0.4 mile lightly trafficked loop trail located near Milpitas, California that features a lake. The trail is good for all skill levels and offers a number of activity options. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
Distance: 0.4 miles Difficulty: Easy
Guadalupe Oak Grove Park Loop
Thuy Tran/AllTrails
Guadalupe Oak Grove Park Loop is a 1 mile loop trail located near San Jose, California. The trail is good for all skill levels and is primarily used for hiking, walking, running, and nature trips.
Distance: 1 mile Difficulty: Easy
Baylands Bike Path Loop
Cindy Lu/AllTrails
Baylands Bike Path Loop is a 1.2 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Sunnyvale, California that offers scenic views. The trail is good for all skill levels and is primarily used for walking, running, nature trips, and bird watching.
Distance: 1.2 miles Difficulty: Easy
Spring Valley Trail
David Gleit/AllTrails
Spring Valley Trail is a 2.3 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Milpitas, California that features beautiful wild flowers and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, bird watching, and horses. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Note: This trail is currently closed until further notice due to a landslide.
Distance: 2.3 miles Difficulty: Easy
Santa Teresa Mine Loop
Judy Tan/AllTrails
Santa Teresa Mine Loop is a 1.9 mile lightly trafficked loop trail located near San Jose, California that features beautiful wild flowers and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and running.
Distance: 1.9 miles Difficulty: Easy
Penitencia Creek Trail
Joey Le/AllTrails
Penitencia Creek Trail is a 3.5 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near San Jose, California that features a lake and is good for all skill levels. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round.
AllTrails helps connect us to the outdoors and makes getting outside easier and more accessible. Home to the largest collection of hand-curated trail guides, with AllTrails you can search for and navigate trails, parks, and green spaces, or use filters to find your next favorite trail.
Looking for a socially distant vaycay? We think this “Book the Mountain” listing from Vrbo will do the trick.
The annual event is bringing a once-in-a lifetime listing to Eagle Point Resort in Beaver, Utah and you get the entire mountain to yourself! How much will it cost you? Oh, just a $100 a night.
The only catch? You need to be the one lucky family who books the listing first by visiting the Vrbo listing on Fri., Oct. 30th at 1 p.m. EST.
If you snag it, you’ll get private access to the ski-in and ski-out 2,900 square foot chalet that sleeps up to 16 people. The five-bedroom home also has full access to the Eagle Point resort, with exclusive private access to five lifts, 40 ski runs and full terrain.
The booking will be valid for Mon., Feb. 15, 2021 through Thurs., Feb. 18, 2021. Good luck!
Cooler weather is upon us and that means it’s time to dust off your denim. Whether your style is a pair of retro mom jeans, Good American jeans, women’s boot cut jeans or you just need that perfect size chart for jeans, we’ve got something for you. Keep reading to find your new best jeans; you can thank us later.
Whether you rock ankle length, crop, raw hem or light, dark or distressed washes, 7 For All Mankind has a pair of jeans for you. The premium denim maker offers versatile styles that easily transition from a busy morning with kiddos to a girl's night out. Our editors love the variety of high waisted options, torn looks and eight unique styles that make this denim the perfect option for moms who want a little style with their comfy jeans.
Coming out of quarantine we're all here to admit that soft stretchy clothes just feel better than anything tight, stiff jeans. The perfect mom-on-the-go jeans, Anatomie's Kate Stretch Denim Cargo Jeans are the perfect stylish upgrade from yoga pants: they're as soft as leggings but with just enough structure to feel like a pant. And those bonus pockets are just what any parent needs. If you're going to splurge on a pair of jeans this year, wrinkle-free travel jeans with extra pockets are the way to go.
These aren't your mom's high rise jeans! Madewell's curvy styles are fashion-forward and comfy––no pleats allowed. The stretchy pants come in varying rises (we personally love the nine-inch height) to keep things in check while allowing ample room for moving. Our editors report that they keep their shape and are great for everyday wear. The best part? When you bring in a pair of old jeans (any brand!) to a Madewell shop, you get a $20 credit towards a new pair!
The brainchild of Emma Grede and Khloe Kardashian, Good American jeans are better than good—they're great jeans for mom. Styles range from good flare to good curve, but Red Tricycle editors love the good waist and good leg style. Not sure which style is the best? Head to Good American and select the model that best matches your size to see how they look on a real woman.
With tons of styles and fits, Paige jeans are a great option for moms. You can choose from maternity and petite to skinny and boyfriend and these designer duds are equally relevant for a night out as they are for the hustle of a busy day with kids. We love all the color and print options, and we know you will too.
Our readers can't get enough of the budget-friendly High-Waisted Straight Jeans and Rockstar styles from Old Navy. Opt for the Built-In Sculpt styles, which offer extra support and shape in all the areas you need most. Old Navy styles also come in Never Quit Shape Retention, which means you'll be chasing the kids all day without sagging around the waist or rear.
Universal Thread styles come in the perfect weight denim to help smooth and sculpt, one of the reasons these stylish and affordable jeans are a fave. Target has also redesigned the waistband in many styles for a better back-rise fit, so you're not pulling them up all day. With tons of options for color, fit and size, mamas are bound to find the perfect pair of jeans for them.
Mother Jeans are perfect for laidback mamas. Inspired by California summers of the '70s, styles come in tons of frayed, cutoff and looser fits with fun embroidered details. While a more relaxed style, Mother jeans are made from the highest quality denim in Los Angeles and are easily dressed up or down with the perfect sandal or bootie.
Think that wearing mom jeans means wearing stuffy styles? Think again. Measure & Made is a company that uses a patented FITLOGIC system to ensure you get the best fit and style for your body. Take a quick (less than a minute) quiz that takes your body size and shape into account, and then helps guide you to the right size for your body. There are several styles, but we especially love the skinny ankle jean.
This mid-rise straight jean from Flying Monkey is a classic fit—you can dress these up or down, whether you're dressing for a casual Friday in the office or last-minute date night with your partner. As a plus, Flying Monkey has a whole section labeled specifically "mom jeans," and there are dozens of other styles with mid- and-hi-rise waist options,
Before you panic at the word "jegging," know that these popular high-waisted jeans from American Eagle are extremely popular, especially for post-partum moms. Made with real denim with plenty of stretch for a comfy fit, they sit over an inch above the belly button, which is ideal for moms who don't want to worry about muffin tops. Plus, there are tons of different washes, and you can choose between a high, super-high or curvy-high fit.
Yes, you read that right. Spanx has jeans. And there's no jean you're going to covet more than this totally on trend distressed jean in gray. Sturdy, with real pockets, they hold it all in without feeling like you're wearing...well...Spanx.
Just Black jeans rose to popularity in Stitch Fix boxes, but you don't have to subscribe to get these super trending button-fly jeans that are high-waisted enough to keep your "extras" cinched in. Stretchy and long lasting.
The Not Your Daughters Jeans brand is known for being among the first of the "new" wave of mom jeans: trendy styles and cuts with forgiving details like higher rises and 4-way stretch. The Barbara Bootcut will quickly become your go-to jean that can go from the office to a playdate.
If you've ever considered a Pajama Jean, you're going to think you've died and gone to heaven with Liverpool's pull-on Chloe. The fabric is as soft as your favorite weekend leggings, but they don't feel like you're wearing jeggings, either.
OshKosh B'gosh is celebrating 125 years of making adorable clothes for families, and now you can snag a pair of overalls that are just like the ones you remember as a child, complete with clover design, real metal hardware and the classic patch.
With COVID-19 cases on the rise across the much of the country, many state and local governments are requiring people to wear masks when they leave their homes.The CDC advocates wearing face coverings to help prevent the spread of the virus. Now more and more national retail chains, including Target, Walmart, Costco, Trader Joe’s and more, are requiring face masks in stores for shoppers as well as staff. Typically, these restrictions do not apply to children under two or those with a medical condition that prohibits them from wearing a mask. Looking for a face mask that will fit your kiddo? We’ve rounded up the best ones right here.
Editor’s Note: At the time of publication these are the stores requiring face coverings. We’re doing our best to keep you up to date and will update the list as more stores change their coronavirus protocols.
Here are all the major retailers requiring customers to wear face coverings in locations nationwide:
Walmart
On Jul. 15 it was announced that masks would be required at all Walmart and Sam’s Club outlets starting Jul. 20. To help ensure consistency with this new process, all stores will have a single entrance. Employees will be stationed at store entrances to remind customers of the requirement and supply disposable masks to those who arrive without one.
Amazon
The e-commerce brand instituted a mask requirement on Jul. 20 at Whole Foods supermarkets and Amazon brick-and-mortar stores. They will continue to offer free, disposable masks to customers who do not have their own.
Kroger
Effective Jul. 22, all customers will now be required to wear a mask. “We are taking this extra step now because we recognize additional precautions are needed to protect our country,” the company said in a statement released on Jul. 15.
Costco
Since May 4 the warehouse store has required all customers to wear a face covering.“This is not simply a matter of personal choice; a face covering protects not just the wearer but others, too,” said President and CEO Craig Jelinek.
Walgreens
On Jul. 16, the drugstore announced that they would be requiring all customers to wear a face covering effective Jul. 20. Kevin Ban, Walgreens chief medical officer said, “As cases continue to rise in many parts of the country, it’s critical we, as businesses and members of the community, do everything we can.”
Home Depot
All customers must wear a face mask effective Jul. 22. “Social distancing captains and store associates will be available to provide masks to those shoppers who may not have one,” the company said in an announcement on Jul 17.
CVS
The pharmacy chain will now require all customers wear face coverings effective Jul. 20. In a statement on Jul. 16, Jon Roberts, the company’s chief operating officer said, “We’re not asking our store employees to play the role of enforcer,”What we are asking is that customers help protect themselves and those around them by listening to the experts and heeding the call to wear a face covering.”
Target
The retailer updated their Coronavirus Response Page on Jul 16. Starting Aug. 1 all customers will be required to wear a face covering. Stores will provide disposable masks to shoppers who arrive without one.
Lowe’s
Effective Jul. 20, all customers will be required to wear a face mask. In a statement on Jul. 17, CEO Marvin Ellison said, “For the safety of everyone in our stores, we ask that customers wear masks, and to make this new standard less restrictive, we will make masks available to those who need them.”
Albertsons
Effective Jul. 21, all customers will be required to wear a face coveringthe parent company of Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel Osco and other grocery chains announced Jul. 16 on its corporate website.
Apple Store
As Apple begins opening its retail stores, they announced that all customers will be required to wear a face mask. “Face coverings will be required for all of our teams and customers, and we will provide them to customers who don’t bring their own,” according to their opening letter.
Best Buy
All customers are required to wear a face covering. The electronics chain will provide a mask for those who do not have one according to a statement released Jul. 14.
Publix
Beginning Jul. 21, all customers will be required to wear a face mask according to a statement posted to their coronavirus updates web page.
ALDI
Effective Jul. 27 face coverings will be required for all ALDI customers as a “an enhanced safety measure intended to help limit the spread of COVID-19.”
Trader Joe’s
On Jul. 15, Trader Joe’s announced that they are now requiring customers to wear a face covering.
All customers will be required to wear a face mask effective Jul 22. According to a statement released Jul. 17, if a customer does not have a mask, the store will provide one.
Verizon
According to a statement on the store’s web page, customers are required to wear cloth face coverings.
Kohl’s
Starting Jul. 20, all customers will be required to wear a face mask. According to a statement released Jul. 15, “Store associates have been trained on the new health and safety measures in place, and we have associate greeters at the entrance of each store to welcome shoppers and remind them to wear masks.”
Starbucks
As of Jul. 15, all customers are required to wear a face covering. According to a statement from the coffee chain, “It is our responsibility to protect our partners and comply with local public health mandates. As such, our partners have the right and responsibility to refuse service to customers who are not wearing facial coverings.”
Meijer
Effective Jul. 20, the supermarket chain is requiring face coverings for all locations throughout Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky.
Rite Aid
As of Jul. 21, customers will be required to wear face masks. According to a statement released Jul. 17, a free mask will be provided for those who come without one.
Gap
Masks will be required in all stores including Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Intermix, Athleta, and Janie and Jack, starting Aug. 1 according to a Jul. 20 update to the companies coronavirus response page.
American Eagle
Customers at American Eagle and Aerie stores are now required to wear a face covering. Face masks are available to any customer that may need one.
BJ’s Wholesale
Effective Jul. 21, all customers will be required to wear a face mask. Out of an abundance of caution, they are also temporarily stopping food sampling in their clubs.
Menards
According to the store’s COVID-19 Policy page, all customers are required to wear a mask. Face coverings are required on children unless in arms or seated in shopping carts.
PetSmart
On Jul. 17 the pet supply chain updated its coronavirus information page to require all customers to wear face coverings.
Panera Bread
Beginning Jul. 15, all customers will be required to wear a face mask except while seated and eating or drinking.
Many people are looking to get out of town to visit loved ones or simply they just want to escape for a few days. Amtrak customers can travel in the comfort of a private room at a discounted price this summer. Now, when one person purchases a Roomette, one companion can join them for free.
Roomette accommodations are offered on many routes across the country. Located in the sleeping car, a Roomette is the perfect option for customers seeking privacy and space on a short trip and added comfort and amenities when traveling overnight. All customers in private rooms receive complimentary lounge access at major stations, priority boarding and complimentary meals onboard.
Roomette accommodations are available across the national network on the following trains: California Zephyr, Capitol Limited, Cardinal, City of New Orleans, Coast Starlight, Crescent, Empire Builder, Lake Shore Limited, Silver Service, Southwest Chief, Sunset Limited and Texas Eagle.
Available on Amtrak.com or by using the Amtrak app, customers can book between Jul. 7-17, 2020 for travel from Jul. 13, 2020 through Sept. 30, 2020.
To receive this discount, use the Fare Finder from this page or enter code V306 when booking a trip on the Amtrak app. The offer is subject to availability and not available on the Auto Train. An advanced reservation of at least three days is required. Other restrictions may apply.
In an effort to simplify and safeguard the travel experience, several cleaning, contract-free and convenience measures have been implemented to every part of the customer journey. Learn more about all measures at Amtrak.com/coronavirus.
Editor’s note: We’re making every effort to provide you with the most up-to-date information. However, there may be last minute closures due to Covid-19. We highly recommend that you call ahead or check the park’s website before you pack your kids (and all those snacks, and diapers…) and haul them across town. Stay safe!
Want a quick day trip to the beach, but don’t want to fight Ocean City traffic? Try Aquia Landing Park, northern Virginia’s best kept little secret just 40 miles south of DC. You’ll not only beat the heat, but you’ll also get a little history lesson at the same time. Check it out!
This is not the place to nap. This beautiful spot on a peninsula where the Potomac River and Aquia Creek meet features a quarter mile of riverside beach where you can sunbathe and swim, fish, picnic, and kayak. You’ll enjoy regular sightings of Blue Heron and other marsh birds, and maybe evena Bald Eagle if you’re lucky. You can also watch the parade of colorful boats passing by on their way up and down the Potomac.
Steeped in history.
The park and adjacent bluff is an important heritage area to the Patawomack Native American Tribe, the famous home clan of Pocahontas. In the 1800s it was the end of the Richmond, Fredericksburg and Potomac Railroad line, a key transportation point between DC and Richmond, VA. Here, passengers took steamboats up the Potomac to Washington, D.C. It was the first place to see naval fire during the Civil War, and was an important stop on the Underground Railroad Network to Freedom. Henry “Box” Brown, Ellen and William Craft, and John Washington were among the 10,000 enslaved people who traveled through Aquia Landing on their escape route to freedom.
FYI The park has two picnic shelters for rent along with clean restrooms and free parking. While you can enjoy plenty of swimming here, there is no lifeguard on duty.
RetailMeNot has created a list of companies that have announced their reopening plans and schedules. You will need to check with your local store for updated hours and the latest information as policies might vary by location. Each retailer will be following safety procedures pursuant to local guidelines.
Abercrombie & Fitch
The retailer has started to reopen select stores based on state and local regulations, including locations in Atlanta, Boise and Dallas, and will continue to open on a rolling basis. Upon reopening, staff will follow safety and health procedures, including the use of personal protective equipment, social distancing, contactless payment options and more.
American Eagle
American Eagle has reopened 43 stores and plans to open another 600 by the end of May. As stores reopen, the retailer will implement a host of new health and safety measures, including offering masks and hand sanitizer to all customers, curbside pickup, a touchless return process, temperature screening and more. Although the retailer will still allow customers to try on items in fitting rooms, each room will be sanitized after. Any garments not purchased will be quarantined in a box for 24 hours.
Apple
Apple closed all locations outside of China during the coronavirus pandemic, but the company now has plans to reopen in certain U.S. locations after reopening in Austria, Australia and South Korea. Apple will begin by reopening with five stores in Alabama, Alaska, Idaho and South Carolina.
The tech retailer is still encouraging customers to purchase items online when possible, and will focus on providing customer service and support through the Genius Bar at open locations.
Bed Bath & Beyond
The company plans to reopen approximately 20 retail locations, including its Christmas Tree Shops brand, by May 22, subject to state and local guidelines. buybuy BABY and Harmon stores have remained open during the pandemic to provide essential goods.
Belk
As of May 1, the department store has reopened stores in South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Arkansas and Oklahoma. Stores will begin by opening with limited hours from noon to 6 p.m., limiting the number of people in store to ensure social distancing standards and offering curbside pickup.
Best Buy
Starting in early May, Best Buy began opening 200 stores on an appointment-only basis. Appointments can be made online or by phone and will include a detailed check-in process before each appointment where a sales associate walks through safety guidelines for customers.
Chico’s
Starting May 4, Chico’s began the rollout of three phases of reopening. First, the fulfillment of national orders through store inventories; second, buy-online-pick up in store (BOPIS) including contactless curbside pickup; and third, the introduction of a new shop-by-appointment service for all brands, including Chico’s, White House Black Market and Soma.
David’s Bridal
The bridal shop began reopening some stores at the end of April by appointment only and expects to have all stores open for appointments beginning in June. In addition, customers can book a virtual appointment to meet one-on-one with an expert stylist.
Dick’s Sporting Goods
The sporting retailer has reopened almost all of their 850 U.S. retail locations with nearly half open for in-store shopping and the others open for contactless pickup. The company has implemented various safety measures, including new social distancing protocols, sanitizing carts and baskets, requiring teammates to wear face coverings and more.
Dillard’s
Starting May 5, the company will reopen 55 locations in 11 states, including Utah, Texas, Arkansas, Colorado and Florida. The company will monitor government guidelines to open all stores “as soon as possible.”
Express
The clothing retailer has reopened select stores in Georgia and South Carolina with plans to open all 300 stores by Memorial Day, May 25, based on local regulations and mall guidelines. Stores will implement social distancing, provide contact-free customer service and payment options, limiting store capacity and other safety features.
GameStop
As of April 21, GameStop reopened stores in Georgia and South Carolina with the “potential to reopen” locations in other states and countries in the coming weeks.
Gap
The retailer has reopened a small number of stores in Texas and plans to reopen the rest of its 800 locations—including Old Navy, Athleta, Gap, Banana Republic, Janie and Jack and Intermix stores—in the U.S. by the end of May. Stores will have reduced hours, a limited number of customers allowed in stores, and team members will be supplied with reusable face masks to wear during their shifts.
Hobby Lobby
The crafting retailer has begun to open some stores in states where it is deemed an essential business. There is no plan yet for further reopenings.
Kohl’s
Kohl’s has reopened stores in 14 states as of May 11 and plans to continue reopening based on state and local guidelines. The company will implement new health and safety best practices, including limiting store hours, social distancing measures, a new returns process and others.
Macy’s
The department store began reopening stores in early May, including locations in Georgia, Tennessee, South Carolina, Oklahoma, Texas, Colorado and Utah, and plans to reopen all stores by mid-June. New safety practices include increased air ventilation in all stores, social distancing practices, gloves and masks required for staff and suspended services that require close contact.
Nordstrom
The retailer has opened select locations in Texas and Nordstrom Rack stores in Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas with updated safety measures.
Saks Fifth Avenue
The company has reopened a select number of stores, including locations in Atlanta and Palm Beach, and plans to offer Curbside Pickup and Returns at select locations. New cleaning and safety measures include mandatory face coverings and daily health checks for associates, reduced occupancy, and additional safety measures for dressing rooms and beauty areas.
Simon Malls
The largest mall chain in the U.S. began reopening locations in select states, including South Carolina and Georgia, at the beginning of May. The company will provide free CDC-approved masks and hand sanitizer to shoppers who ask for them and make temperature testing free and available using infrared thermometers.
Stein Mart
The company has begun to reopen stores with new safety protocols, including closing fitting rooms and allowing customers to try on at home and make returns, requesting shoppers wear face masks, social distancing measures and contactless checkout.
Ulta
As of May 11, the beauty retailer opened 180 stores in Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma and several other states. Testers will no longer be available, and the company is also implementing mandatory face coverings for all associates, hand sanitizer available for use and limited occupancy.
Urban Outfitters
As of May 12, the retailer and owner of Anthropologie, Terrain and Free People brands, has reopened select stores in 19 states, including Texas, Florida, Colorado and Rhode Island. In-store safety precautions include cashless checkout, reduced hours, mandatory masks for employees and contactless pickup at select stores.
Williams Sonoma
As states begin to reopen, Williams Sonoma is also opening select locations. The retailer will implement a host of safety measures, including encouraging customers to wear a face mask and requiring it in certain locations, limiting the number of people in store, daily wellness checks for associates and more. Call your local store to confirm hours and safety procedures.
For the time being, zoos and aquariums are closed. Many have virtually opened their doors to let your kids experience virtual field trips. Now, you can bring the animals home with you.
Using your phone, search for any animal on Google. Next to the Wikipedia description, you will see a 3D picture of the animal. You will be given the option to “View in 3D.” Click that and the animal will appear on your screen against a white background. Below the 3D animal you will see a “View in your space” option. Click on that to give Google access to your phone camera. Now, the 3D animal will be inserted in your space.
So your little drummer boy (or girl) has graduated from the mommy-and-me type music class, but isn’t quite ready to join a band? Fortunately, Los Angeles has plenty of rockstar-in-training options for the post-nursery rhyme set. Read on for the best group music classes (plus a few bonus activities) for kids ages 3 and up. Rock on!
The original rock-and-roll kids school, which has outposts throughout LA, welcomes kids as young as 3 to their Little Wing class. (And we're not too proud to admit that we had no idea Little Wings referred to a Jimi Hendrix until we Googled it.) The classes are kids only—no grown ups allowed. But the teachers, all rockers themselves, are sure to win your little one over as they learn learn about rhythm, song structure, melody, and dynamics through play. Try a first class free and then pay monthly.
Kid Row's tagline says it all: The antithesis of the boring piano lesson. Founded by a husband and wife team, Kid Row offers private and group lessons, including Little Kid Row, for students ages 3-6. The introductory group lesson teaches future rockers basic musical principles through song, instruments and movement. Each month also includes a "band rehearsal" where kids can jam with their pals. And, of course, there are no recitals here—only a full-on rock concert at the end of the session. (The winter session has already started, but stay tuned for the spring season, starting May 4.)
Kid Row East 2741 Fletcher Dr. Atwater Village
Kid Row West McCabe's Guitar Shop 3101 Pico Blvd. Santa Monica
This music academy has serious street cred—it was founded by Red Hot Chili Pepper’s bassist Flea (who is also a classically trained trumpet player). While the conservatory offers private lessons on guitar, drums and more to kids ages 5 and up, younger aspiring rockers, ages 4-6, can try out Bang! Zoom. The class gives little ones an intro to music, rhythm and melody through singing, drumming, movement and even early notation (as in reading musical notes).
Check out both Intro to Music Fundamentals (for ages 3-5) and Music Fundamentals (ages 5-7) at this popular music and dance school in Eagle Rock. In the intro class, little ones will learn about pitch, rhythm, instruments and more. Then, by the time they complete the subsequent level, they'll have the experience of composing and improvising their own music. Which makes us a little bit jealous.
With interactive exhibits, recording booths, musical instruments you can play and more, this downtown museums is a must for musicians of all ages. (Added bonus: kids 5 and under are free.) And starting Feb. 1, 2020, Sensory Friendly Saturdays returns, giving little ones with sensory sensitivities a chance to experience the museum with fewer crowds, quieter sound levels and lower lighting,
800 W. Olympic Blvd. Downtown 213-765-6800 Online: grammymuseum.org
Guitar Center
While we can't vouch for every Guitar Center location, we have staked out the Sherman Oaks outpost and the place is a haven for music-loving kids. There's a guitar room where kids can strum away (carefully and with parental supervision, of course). In the back, you'll find the percussion section, which includes electronic and acoustic drums, bongos, congas, djembes and even a gong. The final stop? A visit to the keyboards and nearby lighting section where kids can check out the color-changing displays.
