Viewer beware—you’re in for a scare when a new Goosebumps series comes to Disney+ and Hulu this fall
Spooky season is officially upon us, and if you’re looking for some spine-tingling fun, this new Goosebumps series from A24 should be right your alley. Based on the classic book series by R.L. Stine, the show appears to be full of references to some of our favorite old stories—but with plenty of new characters and terrors to keep things interesting.
The official synopsis for the show, which is set to premiere Oct. 13 on Disney+ and Hulu, reveals that it will follow “a group of five high schoolers [who] unleash supernatural forces upon their town … [and] must work together in order to save it.”
From the trailer, we know that Justin Long stars as the town’s new English teacher, who moves into a creepy old house where someone was murdered decades before—and despite not seeming to believe in anything creepy or crawly, Long’s character promptly gets possessed by something ghostly that appears in his home’s hallowed hallways. Then, it’s up to the teens to figure out how to (maybe) save him. They’re played by Rachael Harris, Tyson Dornn, Ben Cockell, Isa Briones, Rob Huebel, Miles McKenna, Zack Morris, Ana Yi Puig, and Will Price.
That’s about all we know about the plot so far, but dedicated Goosebumps lovers will note that there are plenty of Easter eggs—both in the trailer and the official poster for the new series. The poster features Slappy, the ventriloquist’s dummy who comes to life in several of the scariest Goosebumps books. The trailer heavily features the camera from “Say Cheese and Die!,” and there’s an early jump scare thanks to a familiar face from “The Haunted Mask.” Even the creepy bird from “The Cuckoo Clock of Doom” makes an appearance.
In other words, strap in, because this is going to be one hell of a ride. Get ready to stream (and scream) on Oct. 13.
Looking for science experiments for kids? Thanks to common household ingredients, some ingenuity, and our guide, these at-home science experiments for kids make any day exciting. To help you prepare, we’ve rated each experiment from one to five sponges so you know the messiness factor ahead of time. If you’re looking for seasonal projects, check out these water-themed science experiments. Or how about a few science projects for kids that are perfect for the backyard?
TIP: Did you know there are a ton of awesome science kits and subscription boxes that will further develop your child’s love of science? KiwiCrate is one of our favorite ed-tech companies, as they offer seriously fun & enriching science & art projects, for kids 0 months up to 13+.
When these nails and copper wires collide, heat is generated (psst ... heat is a result of expended energy, so you can explain to your little runner why he feels warmer after a race around the house). But with some potato magic, the properties of the nail and copper stay separated, allowing the heat to become the electric energy needed to power up your devices. Build your own potato battery with this tutorial from Wiki How .
Messiness factor: One sponge
Make a Baking Soda & Vinegar "Steam" Powered Boat
Melissa Heckscher
A lesson in: Chemical reactions
Sure, anyone can do the old baking soda and vinegar volcano, but what about creating a boat that is propelled by this classic chemical reaction? Keep your little Einsteins busy this afternoon with this cool science project for kids that doesn't require a lot of prep.
Can you make water float? We bet you can. No, you don’t need to be a wizard or a witch. You don’t need to cast a spell. There’s nothing magic about it at all, in fact. You can make water float using science. The “trick” to this experiment is air pressure. Get everything you need and the how-to, right here, thanks to Mike Adamick and his book, Dad's Book of Awesome Science Experiments.
This germ-growing science project for kids will help them understand how even the cleanest-looking surfaces (and hands) can be filled with germs, is one of the easiest science experiments for kids we've found. Get the fun and yucky instructions at Kids Activity Blog.
This futuristic science experiment will leave your kids wanting to know more about chemistry. Quench her thirst for knowledge when you create an edible membrane around teaspoons of water to make these handy water “bottles.” The tutorial is in video form over at Inhabitat. Trust us, it’s as cool as it looks!
This grow-your-own experiment lets you grow crystals inside an eggshell. Be sure to get alum powder that contains potassium, or else you won’t get any crystal growth. Adding drops of food dye to the growing solution yields some super cool crystals. A perfectly formed geode takes about 12-15 hours to grow, making this a great weekend project. Get the tutorial for this science experiment for kids at Art and Soul.
You’ve probably seen the label that says “fortified with iron” on your cereal box, but how much iron is actually in your cereal? Is there enough to cause a magnetic reaction? This super easy experiment doesn’t require too many fancy ingredients (cereal + magnet) which means you and the kiddos can try it right away. The results may surprise you! Get the how-to at Rookie Parenting and get started!
Messiness Factor: Two sponges.
Learn About Shooting Stars
Kate Loweth
A lesson in: Astronomy
With this fun video from They Might Be Giants, kids can learn that shooting stars are not stars, they're meteorites. Then, take it out back for a fun backyard stargazing session. We love this science experiment you can do at home!
Using only marshmallows and dry spaghetti noodles, kids can experiment with structure, stability, and weight distribution. Get the instructions from Kesler Science by clicking here.
Messiness factor: 1 sponge
Paper Airplane Science
Melissa Heckscher
A lesson in: Aerodynamics
By making various paper airplanes, your scientists can test the drag of each plane, which will have an effect on how far they fly. Get more info on this science project for kids here.
Messiness factor: 1 sponge
Walk on Eggs
Shelley Massey
A lesson in: Weight distribution
How can you walk on eggs without breaking them? Steve Spengler shows us how and teaches an awesome lesson on how an egg’s unique shape gives it tremendous strength, despite its seeming fragility. Check out this easy science experiment for kids to get started.
Messiness factor: 1-3 sponges, depending on the state of the eggs in the end!
Fill a shallow dish with milk, drop food coloring, and make sure the drops don't touch. Then, dip a cotton swab in dish soap and place it in the middle of the dish. The colors will begin to swirl and seem as though they are moving on their own! Explain to your kids that the soap reduces surface tension and makes the fat molecules in the milk move. Click here for more science experiments that use food coloring.
Messiness Factor: 2 sponges
Professor Egghead's Lesson about Light
A Lesson in: Light
Learn all about the sun and what it gives humans (think energy and warmth!) You'll also do an experiment to learn about different kinds of light, even ultraviolet rays. Get the video from Professor Egghead here.
Messiness factor: 1 sponge
Cup Amplifier
Storey Publishing
A lesson in: Sound
Slide a mobile phone into this low-tech amplifier and the result will be music to your ears. The audio is deeper, richer, and louder, thanks to the science of sound waves and the natural amplification created by the cone-shaped cups. If the two cups look a bit like the attentive ears of a cat or fox, that’s no coincidence. Animal ears use the same science, but in reverse: they help creatures hear by gathering sound waves and directing them into the ear. For engineers, that’s a design worth copying.
Customize your amplifier to fit any size phone!
Tabs cut all around the hold make it easy to glue the cardboard tube in place.
Cut a slot with a flap to support your phone.
What’s Going On The Cup Amplifier focuses and projects sound waves, in the same way that a cheerleader’s megaphone (or even just your cupped hands) amplifies your voice. Once sound waves are created, they want to spread out in all directions. The amplifier directs them from your phone’s speakers into the cardboard cups, where, instead of scattering, they are gathered and channeled in one direction—out the openings.
A great way to get rid of extra candy, this easy science experiment for kids uses Skittles and whatever liquids you want to use. The idea is, the candy is made of ingredients that dissolve, so kids get a chance to guess which liquid will make the Skittles dissolve the fastest. Get more info over at Little Bins for Little Hands.
An easy science experiment to do at home is one that helps kids find out what affects the surface tension of water! You'll need basic materials like a penny and a water dropper, and be sure to make a hypothesis before you start. You might be surprised! Get the tutorial from Rookie Parenting.
This simple experiment requires a trip to the hardware store, but putting it all together is a cinch. Once you've completed the system, have your kids pick up different-sized rocks and make a note about how difficult it is. Then, try with the pulley. Is it easier or is it harder? To find out how to make your pulley, and for other questions to ask your kids, head over to Little Bins for Little Hands.
Messiness Factor: One sponge
Make a Volcano Explode
iStock
A Lesson in: Chemical reactions
There's a reason why this science experiment is so popular. When the solid baking soda (sodium bicarbonate—a base) mixes with the liquid vinegar (acetic acid—a weak acid), it creates a gas—carbon dioxide! Besides the chemical reaction, kids enjoy making the actual volcano, whether it's out of clay, mud, or foam sheets. Get a great step-by-step tutorial from The Dad’s Book of Awesome Science Experimentsby clicking here.
Messiness Factor: Four sponges
Bake Hygroscopic Cookies
Allison Sutcliffe
A Lesson in: Hygroscopy.
This simple science experiment is best when you check in on it the next morning. Bake up a batch of cookies, then place them in an airtight container with a piece of fresh bread. Watch as the cookies stay straight-from-the-oven soft thanks to the moisture of the bread (The sugar in the cookies is hygroscopic, which means it absorbs water molecules out of the bread). The best part? Getting to eat the cookies!
Messiness Factor: Two sponges.
The Juice-Tasting Challenge
iStock
A lesson in: Taste buds and olfactory senses.
Tummy’s rumbling–it’s time to eat! Did you know that you “eat” with your nose and eyes as well as your mouth? It’s true. Put your family’s sense of smell and sight to the test with this juice-guessing game.
How to: 1. Stack a piece of tape on the bottom of each glass and number them one to four, making sure your partner can’t see the numbers. Pour one type of juice into each glass.
2. Send your partner out of the room. Drip a different food coloring into each juice and stir so your partner can’t recognize the juice by its color alone. Record the number, juice type, and color in each glass on a piece of paper.
3. Call your partner back. Tell her to hold her nose, sip from each glass, and guess the juice If she’s like most people, she’ll be kind of confused–her eyes and tongue give her two conflicting flavor messages.
4. Ask her to unplug her nose, close her eyes, and sniff the juice before drinking it. Her guesses should be on target now. All hail the mighty schnoz!
Dyes are fiber reactive, so there's a chemical reaction between the dye and the fabric. You can do this experiment with everything from paper to t-shirts. We've got a great list of tie-dye projects here.
Unravel the mysteries of time. Or at least figure out the basics by setting up a sundial outside. Take time each hour to check the sun’s positioning and make note of it so your sidekick can see the bigger picture.
Dry ice is already cool enough on its own, but it takes science to turn them into bubbles. When you add water, it changes the temperature of the dry ice, causing the ice to go from solid to gas. That’s where the fog and bubbles come from! Head to Simply Modern Mom to get the full tutorial. But be careful: Dry ice can cause serious skin burns, so make sure your kids are well-supervised and know not to touch the ice.
Messiness factor: Three sponges.
Invisible Licorice
From Candy Experiments 2 by Loralee Leavitt/Andrews McMeel Publishing, LLC.
A lesson in: Light and perspective.
Did the candy melt or disappear? Your sweetums might think it’s magic, but it’s really all about how oil redirects light, causing half the candy to disappear! Click here for the instructions on how to recreate this mind-warping experiment.
Your whistler has the basics of air pressure down just by using their mouth to blow. And now you can amaze them with this science experiment for kids. There is a little fire play involved (dropping a lit paper into the bottle), but that’s what causes the unbalanced air pressure, which pushes the egg into the bottle. Want to test it out? Head over to Steve Spangler Science for the tutorial.
If your snacker has noticed how their apples have turned brown after being left out for too long, then they’ve seen oxidization in action (loss of electrons and nutrients when in contact with oxygen). Fortunately, lemon juice only oxidizes when in contact with heat. This method works with baking soda and milk too. Click here to find out how to write secret messages with your little spy.
Messiness factor: One sponge.
Kid-Safe Lava Lamps
iStock
A lesson in: Density and intermolecular polarity.
These sound like big words for our little ones, but there’s an easier way to break it down. Water and oil won’t mix because they’re not the same “weight” or substance (just like clay and LEGOs won’t become one). Now add a drop of food coloring (which is heavier than oil) and a fizzy tablet and watch the air bubbles take coloring with them to the top. Head on over to S. L. Smith’s blog to see how it’s done.
Be careful: The water only has the power to make the sugar crystals “invisible” when it’s piping hot. After the water cools down and evaporates, the sugar turns back into a solid. And with a little help of your sugar-soaked string, the crystals will find a home to grow upon and become rock candy. Learn how to make your smart sweets with these instructions from the Exploratorium.
Harness the power of the sun to make your favorite campfire treat! With just a few common household items you can create an eco-friendly oven just for melting marshmallows and chocolate, plus you can teach kids about the power of the sun. Click here to learn how.
Messiness Factor: Two sponges.
Homemade Slime
Melissa Heckscher
A lesson in: Polymers.
Is it a liquid or solid? The answer is both! This DIY slime—made from glue, borax, and water—is also known as a polymer (molecules that can stick close together to be a solid or spread apart and take liquid form). And it’s all thanks to borax, which acts as a binder to prevent the glue from going completely liquid. Check out Explorable’s recipe for mixing the ingredients. Prolong the life of your goo by keeping it in an airtight container in the fridge. And, if you need help with cleanup, check out our guide for how to get slime out of clothes, couches, and hair.
Plain old fresh-squeezed lemonade is so last year. Boost the fun quotient and learn a simple science concept simultaneously when you recreate this edible Fizzy Lemonade drink from Learn With Play at Home. It’s super easy to mix and little sippers report it’s pretty tickly too. A great alternative to the baking soda-vinegar volcano, it shows kids what happens when an acid and base are mixed together.
Messiness factor: One sponge.
Whirlpool in a Bottle
iStock
A lesson in: physics, weather science.
This easy little experiment doesn't take much: just two empty and clear 2-liter bottles, a metal washer, water and duct tape. Food coloring is optional. Fill one bottle with about two-thirds water. Place the washer on the bottle and line up the empty bottle on top of the water-filled one. Wrap the duct tape around the middle securing the two bottles together. Then, turn the bottles upside down. Does the water go straight down or do you see a mini whirlpool (Swirl the top or bottom a bit for a better effect.)? The spinning water is called a vortex, and all tornadoes, hurricanes and typhoons are examples of air vortexes. Since you’re using water, this is an example of a whirlpool. As the water spins faster, it pushes to the outside of the bottle creating a hole in the middle. The air from the bottom of the bottle comes up the middle and the water from the top flows back down through the hole.
You’ve probably tried a salt crystal growing kit at some point in your life (5th grade Science Fair perhaps?) but Schooling a Monkey takes the idea to a new level with these Salt Crystal Feathers. This awe-inspiring project is deceptively simple and inexpensive to achieve, and requires just a wee bit of patience to see the results—kids will love checking in on the progress.
A lesson in: Chemistry, pressure, and release of pressure
This experiment is one you'll definitely want to do outside. Step it up with this Mentos + soda experiment: head to Steve Spangler for all the need-to-know details on this engaging experiment.
Messiness factor: Three (very epic) sponges
Melting Rates
Shelly Massey
A lesson in: Solar science and absorption
Different colors have different heat-absorbing capacities. Black has the greatest heat-absorbing capacity, which results in ice melting quicker than white, which reflects the most light. Learn how to observe and report on which colors affect ice’s melting rates here on Curiodyssey. Get more sidewalk science ideas here.
A lesson in: Chemistry and the exothermic process <<<impress your kids!
If you’ve ever wondered how elephants keep their tusks clean, we’ve got the answer. They use elephant toothpaste! Find out how to mix your own and figure out the science behind this dynamic exothermic (heat-releasing) reaction from Fun at Home With Kids. Our favorite part? That you get to throw in some sensory playtime after the action’s over.
Messiness factor: Three sponges. Maybe four.
Bending Water with a Comb
Amber Guetebier
A lesson in: Electrical currents and static electricity
This static electricity science experiment couldn't be any easier. In fact, other than a balloon or going down the slide, it might be the easiest way to teach kids about electrical currents. And, you can impress them with your wizarding skills once before you reveal the science behind it. Click here to get the step-by-step.
Insert a little plant science into the mix by re-growing food from scraps. Think onions, potatoes, and lettuce for this one (psst… green onions are a super easy, fast option). Get the low down on all that recycled goodness at Mrs. Happy Homemaker. Since plants need water and sunlight to grow, exposing scrap roots to that winning combo helps them recharge.
It happens to the Statue of Liberty and it happens to the change in your pocket! Create your own home lab with just a few household ingredients (this experiment will literally cost you just pennies). It’s also a chemical reaction with very non-toxic ingredients, so it’s safe and fascinating even for young kids. Click over to Buggy and Buddy to get the simple how-to.
Like the popular baking soda and vinegar experiments, this film canister rocket literally takes it to the next level by using that creation of gas and energy to jet off into the sky. If your explorer has seen videos of mountain tops getting blown off during a volcanic eruption, this science project is pretty much any space lover’s version. Get the building instructions over at The Science Kiddo.
Can you and the kiddos solve the mysterious case of the disappearing eggshell? Following the simple how-to at Go Science Kids, you’ll learn the step-by-step and talking points about the process along the way. Warning! Although it’s totally non-toxic, toddler-aged kids will be tempted to squeeze the egg at the end so make sure it’s a supervised experiment. Visit Go Science Kids to get cracking!
Children living in snow-covered cities might witness their neighbors salting the driveway. Well, while that is definitely not for fun, this experiment is. Salt lowers the freezing point of ice so it melts, but it won’t be able to freeze unless it’s cold enough. See how The Science Kiddo made a clever game with this knowledge.
Let your imagineers pretend shaving cream is a cloud that holds colorful raindrops. As they squeeze more and more food coloring, their “cloud” will soon release the excess below—just like how real clouds get too heavy and let the rain loose on a gloomy day. Learn how to re-create this weather experiment here.
Messiness factor: One sponge.
Dyed Plants
Mike Adamick for Dad’s Book of Awesome Science Experiments
A lesson in: Capillary action.
Find out how plants “drink” water with some food coloring. Use carnations, roses, or stalks of celery submerged in the colored water and watch the liquid slowly seep through the plant’s “veins” and towards the leaves. Keep an eye out -- you could have a very colorful bouquet just after the first day. Get the rundown by Dad’s Book of Awesome Science Experiments over here.
Messiness factor: One sponge.
Dancing Oobleck
iStock
A lesson in: Sound waves.
The word “oobleck” comes from a Dr. Seuss story where a young boy must rescue his kingdom from a sticky substance. But the neat part of this experiment is how oobleck reacts to vibrations. Put the oobleck over a subwoofer (on top of a cookie sheet!) and watch it dance to different frequencies. Your dancer will see how sound isn’t just about volume! Check out more of this awesome experiment from Tammy of Housing a Forest.
A lesson in: Static electricity. (Or weather science.)
Lightning is essentially electrons moving uber fast between the sky and the earth—and with a few simple materials, you can use homemade static electricity (the reason behind your hair sticking up when you rub a balloon or go through a tunnel slide super fast) for DIY lightning. Figure out how to recreate a family-friendly version of this spark by visiting the activity blog Learn Play Imagine.
Messiness factor: One sponge.
Make a Bug Vacuum
Excerpted from Mason Jar Science (c) by Jonathan Adolph, photography (c) by Carl Tremblay, used with permission from Storey Publishing.
A Lesson in: Entomology
Scientists capture bugs for study using a mouth-powered vacuum, called an aspirator or a pooter. Kids can make their own version from a mason jar, then use it to gather ants (or other small insects) and observe them in action.
How to: 1. Open the milk carton along the seams and flatten it out. Use the inner lid of the mason jar as a template to trace a circle on the carton. Cut out the circle and punch two holes in the center about an inch apart.
2. Carefully slide the short ends of the bendy straws into the holes. Tape a piece of gauze pad around the end of one straw to prevent any bugs from getting sucked up.
3 Set the lid on the jar and fasten it in place with the ring.
4. To use your pooter, place the tip of the straw without the gauze near a bug. Put your mouth on the straw with the gauze, and gently suck in. The bug should travel up the straw and land unharmed at the bottom of the jar.
Take It Further Capture some ants in your bug vacuum, then use a magnifying glass to observe these remarkable insects up close. Open the jar and feed them a few drops of sugary water or corn syrup, or try giving them some birdseed. Ants live in colonies headed by a queen ant, and they can’t last long on their own. When you are done observing them, release your ants where you found them. (Note: Some ants bite, so be careful handling them.)
Tell Me More Ants were the Earth’s first farmers. For millions of years, certain species have been creating underground gardens where they grow their favorite fungus for food. They tend to their crops, bringing them water and even weeding out other fungi they don’t want.
Teach kids the importance of smell with this activity that asks them to use only their noses to identify objects. Can they sniff out the fish oil over the garlic cloves? The lemon juice over the orange oil? Homeschooling blogger Ana has the instructions at Babble Dabble Do.
Teaching children chemistry can become a fun, at-home activity as a weekend afternoon project or as part of their remote learning curriculum. One of the best experiments you can do is the mixing activity. With this exercise, children will learn the difference between soluble and insoluble substances. Do not worry! You can do it with ingredients you already have in your kitchen!
Ingredients
Water
Oil (cooking oil, vegetable oil, olive oil, etc.)
Food Coloring
Table Salt
Sand
Transparent containers with a lid or transparent cups with a spoon to mix
Experiment
Before you begin the activity, ask the children what each ingredient is—whether it is a solid, liquid, or gas—and what they think will happen when you begin mixing them. This guarantees a hands-on experiment that will allow the children to feel they are in control.
Mix the water and the sand. Children will notice there is a separation between both ingredients and that layers have formed, so it is an insoluble reaction.
Mix the water and the food coloring. Children will see them combine—the water turning into that color—and know it is a soluble reaction.
Mix the water and the table salt. The salt will disappear in the water, making it another soluble reaction.
Mix the water and the oil. This time, a clear layer will be formed, showing another insoluble reaction.
After these mixing activities, you can further this experiment by letting the children find other ingredients to mix with water and have them determine if that substance is soluble or insoluble. The main goal is to show them different reactions and layers.
For a clear example of this experiment, check out this video.
Messiness factor: 2 sponges
Experiment courtesy of Dr. Stephanie Ryan. See more fun about science over at letslearnaboutscience.com
These fun Halloween party games will have guests howling with laughter
When it comes to entertaining little ghosts, goblins, and ghouls, there’s nothing like a few classic fun Halloween games for kids. (Halloween jokes, magic potions you can DIY, and easy Halloween treats don’t hurt, either!) From pumpkin games to free Halloween printable bingo, we’ve rounded up 20 spooktacular Halloween party games to play at your bash that will keep everyone busy and happy, even after the candy runs out. And don’t forget the fan-favorite Halloween minute-to-win-it games! If you’re looking for more general gaming fun, check out these backyard games.
This adorable Halloween party game from Housing a Forest includes rolling the dice to build your very own creation. We especially love that even the tiniest kiddo can play this game with ease.
A classic Halloween party game, fill your boxes with everything from grapes to candy to spaghetti, and let the sensory fun begin! Kids take turns sticking their hands into each box and trying to guess what those eyeballs really are.
We love this Stack the Spider game because you can play with just one kid, and you can get all the items from the dollar store. Have them stack a certain number of spiders to work on math and fine motor skills. Or grab a die and play with two players to see who can get their spiders to the top first.
We love this fun idea from Kid Friendly Things to Do that will have your Halloween kids digging for candy corn in a plate of whipped cream. Get the adults involved in this one for even more hilarity!
Snag yourself some eyeball ping pong balls from the Dollar Tree and set up your eyeball pong table. This game teaches hand-eye coordination and is fun for all ages. Get the full scoop from Productive Pete.
Witches, warlocks, and everyone in between will love this easy-to-play game. The trickiest part is not eating ALL of the candy corn while waiting for your turn. Fly your broomstick over to Chica and Joe and follow their tutorial on how to make your own witch pitch.
Strike! This fun pumpkin bowling game is a cinch to put together and will have the kiddos rolling with laughter. For all the details on this boo-tastic game visit A Girl and A Glue Gun.
Everyone, young and old, enjoys a good scavenger hunt; this game is perfect for a mixed-age Halloween party. One of the best parts is that you can find plastic skeletons at The Dollar Tree. Spreading the bones all over the house and yard is the easy part. Finding them and putting them back together is up to the kiddos. Happy Go Lucky has the details.
Want epic chuckles rather than startled screams? Try this spider web walking game that helps little bodies sharpen their motor skills in between fits of giggles. All you'll need to get started is painter's tape, plastic spiders, and a prize for the lucky winner. Get the tutorial at No Time For Flash Cards.
Even skeletons need to get dressed up sometimes. This "spine-chilling" game is perfect for a classroom or a house party. The Crafting Chicks have a template ready for you, all you need to do is get it printed (tip: upload it to Staples and order their engineering print for a life-size skeleton!). Voila—now you can work on tying that bow tie.
A great game to play at the Halloween party or give as a parting gift (packaged perfectly with a bat-like bow!). Check out all the details and download your own version at Childhood 101.
Say goodbye to the donkey. Thanks to the creativity of Lil’ Luna, you can wow party-goers with a Pin the Eyes on the Monster Halloween party game. The same rules apply, and we think your little monsters will get a kick out of this friendly giant.
She's melting! Take a cue from Following In My Shoes and set up your own Melt the Witch activity. Paint a picture of a witch using washable paints and then let the kids melt her using water balloons or water guns.
Think of this cute party game as the Halloween version of an Easter egg hunt. Just hide pumpkin cutouts around the house or yard and let the kids loose (For an extra-organized hunt, you can even number your pumpkins and look for them in order!). Don't forget to include a prize at the end! Get the tutorial at Little Family Fun.
We love this Halloween version of charades—especially that you can get the free printable from the always-amazing Buggy and Buddy. It’s a great interactive activity for a party, and you can even customize your game sheet.
With a few free printables, it’s easy to hunt up a little fun at your Halloween party. The kids will love figuring out the clues, and you can even include an awesome treat at the finish line (Caramel apples, anyone?). Find out more at Play. Party. Plan.
Grab toilet paper or white crepe streamers and take a cue from mummy dearest. Get the kids to wrap each other's legs mummy-style, then hold a hopping race and see who can keep their wrappings intact. Oh, and get ready for lots of laughter! Learn more at Delia Creates.
These silly spring jokes are sure to put a smile on your face
Did you know spring showers bring more than just flowers? They also bring laughs! Besides the rainbows and tulips, these spring jokes for kids will make you more joyful about this season. If you’re looking for more springtime laughs, we’ve got Dad jokes, animal jokes, and the all-time best jokes for kids.
Spring Jokes to Grow Your Garden
1. What did the big flower say to the little one?
You’re really growing, bud!
2. What’s a baby chick’s favorite plant?
EGG-plants!
3. What did the tree say to spring?
What a re-leaf.
4. What are the most popular kinds of pickles to grow in spring?
Daffo-dills!
5. What do you get when two plants kiss?
Tulips.
6. Who is an herb’s favorite singer?
Elvis Parsley!
7. When is it impossible to plant spring flowers?
When you haven’t botany.
8. How do you know flowers are friendly?
They always have new buds.
9. What is the best flower for a boy to give his mom?
A son-flower!
10. Why is the letter A like a flower?
Because a B comes after it.
11. What did the bean say to the sprout?
“Grow up!”
Jordan Whitt via Unsplash
Jokes About the Weather
12. Name a bow that can’t be tied.
A rainbow.
13. When do monkeys fall from the sky?
During APE-ril showers.
14. What goes up when the rain comes down?
Umbrellas!
15. What did the dirt say to the rain?
If this keeps up, my name will be mud.
16. Can bees fly in the rain?
Not without their yellow jackets.
17. What do you call a bear caught in a spring shower?
A drizzly bear.
18. How can you tell the weather’s getting warmer?
People have a spring in their step.
19. Did you see that all the snow and ice are melting?
Yes, I thaw!
20. When it starts raining ducks and chickens, that’s some fowl weather!
21. How does the sun listen to its favorite music?
On the ray-dio
Christian Bowen via Unsplash
Spring Jokes That Are Just Plain Silly
22. What season is it best to go on a trampoline?
Spring time!
23. What do you call a well-dressed lion?
A dandy lion!
24. What is a spring chick after it is five months old?
Six months old.
25. What do you get when you push a bunch of Easter eggs down a hill?
Spring rolls.
26. What is Spring’s favorite appetizer?
A bloomin’ onion!
27. Why couldn’t the flower ride a bike on the first day of spring?
A mom’s absence note for her daughter for the day after a Taylor Swift concert is going viral, and Swifties will immediately understand why
Going to a Taylor Swift concert is a big deal—especially in 2023 slash the age of the Eras tour. Swift puts on one heck of a show—a three-hour, nonstop celebration of her entire career to date, featuring 44 songs that span every one of her albums, or Eras, as Swifties will know. For younger fans, experiencing all that excitement (plus being out way past bedtime) means there’s only one option if the concert falls on a school night: call out of class the next day.
That’s exactly what Karen Vladeck did for her first-grade daughter after the pair was lucky enough to snag some Swift tickets for a Sunday night show in Houston. But Vladeck didn’t just write her daughter an absence note for school. She kicked things up a notch and wrote the note with a ton of hidden references to Swift’s songs—just like the Easter eggs Swift herself is known to hide for fans.
“Dear Reader [Ms. Parks], I’m writing to let you know that Maddie won’t be in school on 4/24 because she is going to the Taylor Swift concert in Houston,” Vladeck wrote. “I hope missing school doesn’t ruin her otherwise stellar Reputation, but she begged me to go and maybe I Should Have Said No but I didn’t want to be Mean. So It Goes…Anyway, I hope this doesn’t leave any Bad Blood between you and Maddie and that things for the rest of the year are not Treacherous.”
Vladeck ended her note with this message: “I know I Did Something Bad and I promise this will be The Last Time she has an unexcused absence before the Cruel Summer starts. Forever & Always, -Karen Vladeck.”
She then shared a screenshot of the email to Twitter because let’s be honest—it’s way too good not to share with the world.
No shade to the classics, but new Easter candy is here
We admit it. One of our absolute favorite parts of Easter is the candy. Sure, we love seeing family, egg hunts, bunny petting, and pastel fashion. But other than Valentine’s Day, when does candy get any better than during Easter? When it comes to Easter treats, it’s hard not to think of the tried and true classics that make their appearance year after year. From marshmallow Peeps to classic chocolate bunnies, these treats have been around for generations and show no signs of slowing down. But this is the time of year when some of the best treats come out. We’re talking new Easter candy.
With each passing year, new and exciting confectioneries make their way into the market, making it harder to choose which ones to try. That’s why we’re here! This guide is your one-stop-(candy)-shop to discovering the latest trends in Easter candy. We’ve got new spins on those classics we already love, plus some brand new goodies that are sure to become classics in their own right. Get ready to drool; our sweet tooth is already tingling! This is some of the best new Easter candy for 2023!
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Egg hunts, photos with the Easter Bunny, craft stations, and even a few drag queens might make their appearance
It’s that time of year again to grab your baskets and crew and head on out for some fabulous family Easter fun. From Brunch cruises and parades, to egg hunts for days, you’ll find plenty to do in our roundup of family-friendly Easter activities all around the Bay Area. So grab your bunnies and hop on over to one of these jumping local events.
San Francisco Easter Events
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St. Mark's Lutheran Annual Easter Egg Hunt Bring a basket and have your little bunnies hop on over and join St. Mark's annual Easter Egg Hunt! Apr. 1 Event details
Breakfast with the Easter Bunny Meet the Easter bunny at Neiman Marcus and enjoy breakfast, photos, balloon art, and other surprises. Apr. 2 Event details
Castro Eggstravaganza Block Party The first annual Castro Easter Eggstravaganza Block Party will feature photos with the Easter bunny, a petting zoo, drag queen story time, music, and entertainment. Apr. 8 Event details
Hornblower Easter Champagne Brunch Cruise Hop on board a relaxing two-hour Easter brunch buffet. Enjoy entertainment, free-flowing champagne and mimosas, scenic SF Bay views, coloring sheets for the bunnies, a keepsake photo, and a meet-and-greet with the Easter Bunny! Apr. 9 Event details
East Bay Easter Events
Orange Empire Railway Museum
Spring-Styled Pontoon Boat Ride with Snacks - Castro Valley Lake Chabot is a lovely spot for family-friendly boat trips and your two-hour rental includes a kid's Easter basket and a snack basket to enjoy as your family floats idyllically on the lake. Apr.1 - Apr. 30 Event details
Piedmont Bunny Blast Egg Hunt Bounce into Spring with the Piedmont Rec. Department, as they host their annual egg hunt for children 2-7 years old. Hunt for treasures and enjoy a morning full of festivities in the park. Apr. 1 Event details
Ride the Easter Egg Express - Sacramento Celebrate Easter on an unforgettable train ride and visit the private river-side park and boarding station. Kids will decorate their own Easter Egg bag, play games, enjoy an Easter Egg hunt and other surprises! Relax with your family and friends at one of our picnic tables and enjoy the scenery. There's so much fun that your little bunny will be hopping with excitement. Sat. & Sun.startingApril 1 Event details
Easter Celebration at Jack London Square This family-friendly event invites families to enjoy storytime, kid's crafts and contests. Apr. 1 Event details
Easter Celebration at Alameda Landing Face painting, balloon art and photos with the Easter Bunny are all at the Landing for your family to take part in. Apr. 1 Event details
Family Day at the Park Newark Community Center Park invites your family to join in on the Easter festivities with an egg hunt, face painting, egg dyeing, arts and crafts, games and more. Apr. 1 Event details
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10th Annual Community Easter Egg Hunt Rudgear Park in Walnut Creek hosts an egg-citing egg hunt, face painting, and other arts and crafts. Apr. 8 Event details
Muffins with the Easter Bunny Muffins, snacks, games, crafts, and of course the Easter bunny will all be at the Robert Livermore Community Center. Pre-purchase tickets; no tickets will be sold at the door. Apr. 8 Event details
Bunny Weekend Bunny Weekend brings family-friendly games and activities, arts and crafts, ‘hopscotch’ activities, and live performances all to Fairyland. Apr. 8 & 9 Event details
Easter Sunday on the Farm Stop by Ardenwood Farm to delve into the magic of springtime! Pet the hens and bunnies, and look for the giant egg. Apr. 9 Event details
29th Annual Eggster Egghunt and Learning Festival Start off at the start booth and pick up your egg hunt tickets (two per child). Enjoy age-appropriate, designated hunt areas, family-friendly learning activities, music, live performances, raffles, and more. Apr. 15 Event details
Best Easter Events on the Peninsula
Kim Stoegbauer
Breakfast with the Easter Bunny Start the day with a continental breakfast and pictures with the Easter Bunny before playing your heart out at Dave & Buster's. Two packages are available and kids 2 and under are free. Apr. 1Event details
Gamble Garden's Easter Egg Hunt Join this festive tradition as Gamble Garden becomes a treasure of hidden Easter eggs. Children will enjoy a supervised petting zoo, arts and crafts, treats, light refreshments, Easter Bunny photos, and an Easter Egg Hunt in the garden. Three scheduled hunts start at 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m., and 12:30 p.m. Apr. 2 Event details
Half Moon Bay Easter Egg Hunt Bring your bunnies out for a morning of treats, fun, and a visit with the Easter bunny at Lemos Farm. There will be four hunt sections, for ages 1-10. The fun kicks off at 10:45 a.m., bring your own basket. Saturday & Sunday,Apr. 8 & 9 Event details
Egg Hunt Adventure Hunt Bring a basket to Belmont and help the Easter bunny find all 13,000 eggs! Apr. 8 Event details
Easter Bunny by Helicopter Did you know that the Easter bunny can fly? At Hiller Aviation Museum, kids can see a flying bunny, run an obstacle course, and jump in a bouncy house. Apr. 8 Event details
Bunny Bound Spring Event Hop on over to our Bunny Stop at the Los Altos Community Center for carnival games, an egg hunt for kids ages 1-10, and a performance by the popular Andy Z. Apr. 8 Event details
45th Annual City of San Mateo Eggstravaganza Start your day with a pancake breakfast (9-11 a.m.), then get going on your egg hunt. Kids ages 1-3 can visit Peter Rabbit’s Playground, an area set up just for them while the 4- to 9-year-old group can go for the Big Egg Hunt. There are multiple hunts throughout the day, plus a parade at 10:30 a.m., photos with the Easter Bunny, and live entertainment including a magician. Apr. 8 Event details
Easter Events in the South Bay
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Easter at Venture Church Families are invited to join for inflatable fun, a petting zoo, food, a toddler zone, and an egg hunt for kids. Tickets are free, but reservations are required. Apr. 1 Event details
Big Bunny Scramble Milpitas Community Center hosts an egg hunt, crafts, coloring contest, egg decorating and more in their Spring celebration. Apr. 1 Event details
Easter On The Farm & Egg Hunt When Easter is celebrated on a farm, in addition to egg hunts, enjoy food trucks, arts and crafts, games, and more! Don't miss this Easter on the Farm in Watsonville event! Apr. 8 Event details
Helicopter Easter Egg Drop Just when you thought an Easter event couldn't possibly be more fun, VIVE Morgan Hill drops one (or many) on you. Have the kids bring a basket and enjoy the thrill of rushing for eggs falling from the sky! Apr. 8 Event details
Egg Hunt & Spring Flowers Let kids burn off some steam with an egg hunt (included in admission) and then check out the Fantastical Flowers Spring Celebration. Apr. 9 Event details
All Aboard the Easter Eggspress The Easter Bunny makes a stop at Roaring Camp. After riding either the Redwood Forest Steam Train or the Santa Cruz Beach Train, your kids will have a blast participating in Easter activities in Town. April 8 & 9 Event details
Easter Egg Hunt & Concert Enjoy a performance by the Silicon Valley Conservatory of Music followed by an Easter egg hunt with snacks, festivities, and more! Apr. 9 Event details
Best Easter Events in Marin & Beyond
istock
Annual Sausalito Easter Parade and Egg Hunt The parade is led by none other than the Easter Bunny, starting at Johnsons Street Fire Station, on the corner of Johnson and Caledonia. Hop on down to Dunphy Park for an Easter Egg Hunt, enjoy live music and the sights of many bright, crazy bonnets–or don your own and enter the Easter Bonnet Contest. Apr. 8 Event details
San Anselmo Spring Egg Hunt and Flashlight Hunt Come be a part of this annual tradition, where children 7 and younger can run loose at Memorial Park in search of treats, eggs, and the coveted golden eggs. The 8 and older bunch can test their night vision at the exciting flashlight hunt, the Friday before Easter. Wear good running shoes, and bring your own basket and flashlight. Apr. 8 Event details
Easter at the Mart Come for an egg hunt, decorate an Easter basket, take a picture with the Easter Bunny, and meet some real chicks and bunnies. Festivities start at 9 a.m. Apr 8 Event details
Egg Hunt at Marinwood The annual Las Gallinas Lions Club Egg Hunt will feature a free egg hunt for the kiddos and food for purchase. Apr. 8 Event details
Additional reporting by Christine Lai, Nella DuBon-Koch & Kate Loweth
Chick out—uh, check out these time-saving pre-filled Easter eggs!
Sometimes the Easter Bunny gets so busy with creating cool Easter baskets, pre-filled Easter eggs can really be a lifesaver. Gone are the days when stuffing all of the same colorful Easter eggs every year with candy was considered the norm. It’s 2023 and we refuse to spend a ton of time filling eggs with the perfect candy-to-tiny-toy ratio. We will not break nails on hard-to-pop-open plastic orbs in the name of Easter. The hunt will go on if we make things easier with only the very best pre-filled Easter eggs!
There’s something for everyone here. Whether you’re into jewelry-filled, toy-stuffed, or anything in between, we’ve found some great goodies that are sure to make this Easter memorable. From squishies to plushes to mini figures and more, there’s so much to choose from! We suggest mixing and matching so the kiddos get a fun variety. No matter how you do it, you’ll be saving time and stress this Easter. So hop to it and check out our list of the best pre-filled Easter eggs!
Mochi Squishy Toy Filled Easter Eggs
TOY Life/Amazon
The squishy toy craze isn't going anywhere soon, so you can't go wrong with these smooshy friend eggs!
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We’re hopping down the bunny trail and straight to boys Easter outfits
Easter dresses are undeniably darling, but for all the boy moms out there, truth be told, it can be easier to find the golden egg than to find appropriate duds for your dapper little dudes. Of course, we all know that there’s not really any such thing as boys clothes and girls clothes. But if your kiddo isn’t a dress-wearer, it really can be tricky to find Easter-ready looks. Dresses do take center stage this time of year, and while we absolutely love them, we want to make sure the No Dresses Crew gets to look and feel just as great. There’s really no shortage of boys Easter outfits if you know where to look. Lucky for you, you’re looking here, and we’ve got you covered!
Whether you and your family is dressing to the nines on Easter Sunday or keeping it casual for the egg hunt and brunch, there’s something for every kiddo in our list. Some of our favorite retailers are rocking this whole boys Easter outfit thing this year, so we put them all right here in one place for easy shopping! It’s never too early to get hoppin’ when it comes to holiday outfit hunting. So put down those jelly beans (just for a minute, we promise) and check out our (non-dress) Easter outfit picks!
Authentic Blazer
Boden
Even at this age, throwing a blazer on over a cute shorts outfit is the easiest way to amp up their look! This adorable one from Boden is machine-washable (we think that's icing on the cake).
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With so many road trips from Seattle to choose from, it’s hard to know where to start—until now
With spring break just around the corner, we know you’ve got getting out of town on the brain. If you aren’t planning an escape to a sunny destination, we think a PNW road trip should be on your list. That’s why we mapped out seven weekend trips from Seattle that are bursting with things to do this spring. You’ll find festivals, sandy beaches, clam digging and more at these nearby destinations. All you need to do is pack up a few things and head out of town.
Our Favorite Road Trips from Seattle
1. Walla Walla
Allison Sutcliffe
Come for the wine, stay for the relaxed vibes of this eastern Washington town. Spring kicks off Walla Walla's wine season, without the summer crowds. Families can still enjoy plenty of outside time, wine tastings, and activities when the flowers are in bloom.
Foodie Fun: Second in the list of things its known for is Walla Walla's restaurant scene. It goes without saying that you can't build a wine town and not include amazing eateries too. But one of the reasons Walla Walla works for families is that simple family-friendly fare is just as plentiful as high end dining. Grab your morning pastry and coffee at the Walla Walla Bread Co. and you won't be disappointed. Their lunch fare is equally as tasty, and no one will think twice if you take a few loaves of fresh-baked bread home with you at the end of your trip. Locals will always recommend the Maple Counter Cafe for a home-cooked, sit down breakfast or lunch for good reason. Sweet or savory, their fare is always fresh and hits the spot. Plus, they've got a waffle truck that sits right outside (it opens in April for the season), if you want something quick. Grab dinner at Sweet Basil Pizzeria if NY style slices please your crew, or head to Wingman Birdz + Brewz for your pub food favorites served with a side of sass. Your kids will love the YouTube-esque TV offerings they've got playing on repeat that help the food wait move pretty quickly.
Kid-Friendly Wineries: Most of the wineries in town welcome kids. But there are a few stand-outs that are worth a mention. Start your tasting odyssey at Time & Direction. While you sip, kids can admire the Star Wars and '80s gaming paraphernalia that line the walls and keep things interesting. The tabletop video game works, and no, you don't need quarters to play it. Be sure to ask the bartender to walk you through the wines. They include all kinds of easter eggs—from the hidden logo on each bottle to the tasting notes on back (one is a Mad Lib of sorts). Kontos is another that gets the parent nod of approval, and not just because the wines are good. Head upstairs to find swings where the kids can lounge, and plenty of space to sit and color for a bit too. You can sit by a fireplace and enjoy food at Henry Earl.
Just for Kids: The wineries are for you, parents, so the kids should have some fun too, right? You can't go wrong with a handmade chocolate from Bright's Candies and a trip to Island Octopus next door will keep the kids entertained for as long as you let it. We suggest hitting these two spots before you hit the road back to the city.
Cozy Time: Settle in for your trip at The Finch. Located on East Main Street, it makes a perfect base camp for your time downtown, whether you're wine tasting, shopping, or just want to ditch the car to walk to meals. This boutique hotel welcomes families from the minute you walk through the door—sometimes with wine (they have tastings in the lobby once a week), always with a scavenger hunt for the kids. While you get checked in, they can complete the lobby chandelier seek and find for a prize (it's a good one, trust us). In the evenings, the cozy outdoor fireplace, just off the lobby, is the perfect spot to snuggle up with the kids and roast s'mores before bedtime (they have kits for sale in the lobby).
The Finch's retro chic rooms hit all the right notes. Kids will love the aqua mini fridge and wall stencils that highlight the region. While parents will love things like MALIN+GOETZ bath products and a bathroom layout that's all about privacy and function. The 375-square-foot double queen has all that families of three to four need to stay comfortably. Families of five, or those looking for a little more space, should book one of the three suites that also include a living area. The Mill Creek Suite includes a dining area, so you can finish up those leftovers for lunch the next day. Free on-site, covered parking is also included with your stay.
Drive Time: Just over 4 hours from Seattle.
2. Seabrook
courtesy Seabrook
If you’re ready to trade the bustling city for a peaceful escape, Seabrook is an unbelievably easy spring break destination for families. And their SpringFest activities (now through April 16) are sure to keep everyone in your family entertained during your stay. Plan your stay around Magic Mondays, Tag Tuesdays, Field Day Fridays, and more.
Parks and Rec: No matter where you stay in Seabrook, you're only about five minutes from the glorious sandy beaches of the Pacific. And all you need to enjoy it is pack your wagon full of beach chairs, kites, all the sand toys you can carry, and a picnic basket full of goodies and head out the door. Stay all day or add on an afternoon bike ride to your day's itinerary. Beyond the beach and biking everywhere, kids can shoot hoops, visit farm animals, explore the community garden, and play at the playground. And if you really want to make a day of it, check out the family adventures offered at Buck's Northwest. Surf lessons, river tours, and a clam digging expedition for first-timers are all part of the fun.
Foodie Fun: While Seabrook is a small town, it's no stranger to great eats. Breakfast at Vista Bakeshop rivals any you'll find in the city, but if pastries and coffee isn't what your morning is all about, you can find healthy bowls and smoothies at Blue. Lunch and dinner are just as easy. It's hard to go wrong with a pizza from Frontager's or an inventive modern Latin dish from Koko's Restaurant. And no trip to Seabrook is complete with out at least one scoop of small-batch ice cream from the Sweet Life. Spring is also an ideal time to take advantage of the community fireplaces you'll find scattered around the town. Bring fixings for s'mores and call it a night.
Learning Moments: Although clamming seems like a summer activity, it's actually something families can do year-round in the PNW. And if you head to Seabrook in spring, you and the kids can get in on razor clam season. March dates have been approved, and there are many listed in April pending approval. Bring your gear and plan to cook your haul that night.
Just for Kids: Usually families can only enjoy the popular Float Find in winter, but this year, the find has been extended through spring. Find clues at Guest Services on Front Street and then get hunting.
Cozy Time: The whole town of Seabrook was made for vacations. Most of the houses, bungalows, and manses are available to rent. Browse the cottage rentals to find just what you need—from sweet cottages with ocean views to pet-friendly cottages and cottages that sleep up to twenty-plus people. Each one comes with different perks like hot tubs, gas grills, fire pits, toy closets, and even baby gear (think high chairs or pack-n-plays) that make renting an easy option for families.
The dramatic, windswept location, perfectly preserved Victorian architecture, and carefully curated shops and restaurants set the stage. You’ve arrived in Port Townsend, and there’s nowhere else in the state quite like it.
Parks and Rec: Fort Worden is a 434-acre park that will amaze and surprise at every turn. Once a military fort and barracks, it is now an unofficial scavenger hunt, filled with surprises and amusement in every nook and cranny. The restored houses, formerly military housing, provide unique holiday rental opportunities. Be sure to point out Alexander’s Castle to your Disney-obsessed kids. There are e-bikes, cornhole, badminton, yoga, plus jazz concerts for adults and budding musicians, in this cultural haven. Don’t forget to tell your group a ghostly tale before climbing the ruined barracks by the sea. Camping, swimming, museums, even a Pulitzer-prize winning poetry publisher can all be found on the property. It’s impossible to see it all in one day. Thank goodness summer vacation is three months long.
Foodie Fun: Port Townsend is packed with options for hungry little eaters. Doc’s Marina Grill has all the yummy fish, chips and chowder one would expect from the aquatic surroundings. Water Street has a plethora of choices, including must-lick local institution Elevated Ice Cream Company. Further afield, Finnriver Cidery, in nearby Chimacum, makes for a unique experience, nourishing the mind and spirit as well as the body. The menu is simple but satisfying: salads, bratwurst and sandwiches. The cider is what you'd expect from a cidery that thinks in terms of appellations instead of mass appeal, and their mission is inspiring. They engage with the community and reconnect with the land, with the sense of place imbued by Washington state apples.
Learning Moments: The čičməhán Trail is a wonderful way to learn about the S’Klallam people who lived in this area for hundreds of years, while also enjoying a walking tour throughout the town. There are 18 sites throughout the city, sectioned into three-, six- and eight-mile loops, each telling a part of the tribe’s history. Print out the map in advance and then check off the signs as you find them. Whether you do some or all, every plaque is moving and educational.
Just For Kids: Port Townsend is the epicenter of the maritime environment that makes our state so special. So bring your little mariners down to the water next to the Northwest Maritime Center. There's a pirate ship where young sailors can raise the mizzenmast and jib the topsails. There are also maritime youth programs for ages 5-17. Eye patch and parrot not required, but highly recommended.
Cozy Time: The Port Ludlow Inn is a picturesque hideaway where groups can bond and connect, with watercolor views and casual activities. Check in and make a reservation at The Fireside. Be sure to ask about their dining events, as they are a farm-to-fork regional destination. Inquire at the front desk about farm tours and wine tastings, or sign up for hiking, biking, kayaking, giant lawn games, beach strolling or bird watching. On the flipside, grab a board game from the front desk, sip some tea and breathe in the sea air while winning at Trivial Pursuit.
Drive Time: Two hours from Seattle.
4. Bellingham
Kate Loweth
Parks and Rec: The protected seashore of Bellingham and Whatcom County is perfect for exploring tide pools, taking scenic hikes and watching seabirds swoop in for their catch. If you want to see all the beauty this area offers, head down Chuckanut Drive and stop at Larabee State Park for hiking trails and water access. It’s $10 to enter the state park and you’ll have loads of options for a day by the shore.
Foodie Fun: Drive by Zane Burgers in the Fairhaven neighborhood and you’ll feel like you’ve gone back in time to the days of carhops. We found the burgers to be delicious and inexpensive, just what you want when feeding a family. Topping our list of favorite restaurants in downtown Bellingham is AB Crepes where sweet and savory crepes are the focus (our favorites: the Nutella and banana crepe and the crepizza) and the POG mimosa really hits the spot.
Keep Bellingham’s many breweries in mind when you visit as they not only have unique beers for the adult members of your crew but their energetic vibe drowns out all sorts of cranky toddler moods. Boundary Bay Brewery & Bistro was serving up a blackberry wheat on our visit and offered Etch-a-Sketches to the kids while they waited for food (BRILLIANT).
Learning Moments: The quirky and eclectic (or electric?) SPARK Museum should definitely be on your must-visit list. Kids will love learning about static electricity through hair-raising hands-on demonstrations. Find out how things like telephones worked before smartphones were invented (i.e. “the olden days”). Upstairs in the museum is an area just for the littlest visitors.
Just for Kids: If the temps dip and the rain falls during your Bellingham visit, there are still tons of options for keeping the kids active. We particularly loved our visit to VITAL Climbing Gym where the drop-in rate of $19/person can’t be beat. Kids can rent shoes here and your pass is good for the whole day so you can take a break for lunch (crepes! See below!) and return for more bouldering action.
The Hood Canal is a winding waterway set between views of the Olympic National Park, oyster beds and forest trails. Families have been spending their free time along these shores for centuries, and this year is no exception. It’s hard to pin down what makes this region so special, but perhaps it starts with a perfect gathering place, Alderbrook Resort & Spa.
Parks and Rec: Potlatch State Park is located right on the Hood Canal with 57 acres available for camping, fishing, picnics, beachcombing and shellfish harvesting. Alderbrook Resort & Spa has five miles of private trails and a water sport center where families can rent wild rides like hydrobikes, paddle kayaks, peddle boats and seacycles.
Foodie Fun: The newly renovated Restaurant at Alderbrook Resort & Spa serves up scrumptious fare and their menu for little eaters is extensive. Hamma Hamma Oyster Saloon is a tradition. Grab chowder, oysters and more and sit in their outdoor wooden A-frame huts for fresh air and views. A true culinary highlight is Hook & Fork at Union City Market. The outdoor setting pairs perfectly with the flavorful offerings—such as salmon salad, trout dip, charbroiled oysters and the you-can’t-stop-slurping clam chowder.
Learning Moments: Sign up for Alderbrook Resort & Spa’s guided nature walks to learn about wildflowers, fungus, and plant life depending on the season. Discover Shinrin Yoku–Forest Meditation-by grabbing a booklet from the concierge and heading into the trees.
Just For Kids: The glass enclosed pool and hot tub area is where the kiddos will splash all day. Be sure to take them on the Nautical Flag Hunt which zigs and zags all over the property. Afterwards pick up a wooden frog music maker from the gift shop so your group can sing along with the amphibian night symphony.
Cozy Time: Order a s’mores kit (or two) for an evening treat by the bonfires.
How about a vacation that starts at once? That’s the magic of Bainbridge Island. Your adventure begins on a ferry ride across the Sound with nature’s tableau escorting the way. Bainbridge Island has foodie haunts, parks and water sports, shopping, culture, and quiet moments for bonding and laughter. And with so many new additions—if you think you know Bainbridge, think again.
Parks and Rec: The Bainbridge Island Museum of Art (BIMA) is celebrating its tenth anniversary with a Treasure Trek this spring. You and the kids can try your luck at spotting one of 100 glass floats that'll be hidden around the Kitsap Peninsula, including five parks on Bainbridge Island, including Strwaberry Hill and Manzanita. The first drop happened April 1, and five more are planned throughout the season. Tiny tots and big kids alike will have 90 acres of play space to frolic and play at Battle Point Park. The all-abilities kid’s play structure provides hours of amusement, and if you plan it right, you can get in on the Earth Day Expo scheduled for April 22. Another worthwhile outdoor option? Explore with Islandwood when you sign up for their community programming (hint: the next one celebrates mothers on May 14).
Foodie Fun: With so many choices, it’s hard to choose where to nosh. If you ask us, Via Roso 11 is an absolute must. The atmosphere is convivial and boisterous; you will feel at home at once thanks to the authentic Italian, just-like-Mama-cooked menu. Savor their homemade gnocchi, secret pesto sauce, bruschetta with Genovese basil, pasta and pizza. No need to get hangry, kids get Italian crackers immediately and all pasta dishes can be ordered in a kid’s portion. There's also Proper Fish with their British fish and chips and East Coast lobster rolls that do not disappoint. Streamliner Diner serves up famous brunch, while Pleasant Beach Donuts satisfies that sweet tooth. Get dolled up and dine at Joe’s Restaurant or Ba Sa. Don't forget the Bainbridge Island Farmers Market. Find fresh eats plus amazing local products on Saturdays, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Town Square.
Learning Moments: Bloedel Reserve is not just for kids, but the vast property is filled with the wonders of nature and many activities for budding naturalists and everything is coming back to life in spring. Plus, they've got amazing Earth Month programming planned throughout April. We're looking forward to the KiDiMu Garden Tour for Kids on April 26.
Just for Kids: KiDiMu is a hands-on museum for children with lots of interactivity and STEM activities. Make sure to get a copy of the Second Edition of Explore Bainbridge Activity Book when you play.
Cozy Time: After all that excitement, it’s time for bed. We recommend The Inn at Pleasant Beach for a luxury, boutique hotel in a prime location with a pool. It’s above The Marketplace (with gourmet sandwiches, coffee and adult bevvies) and Island Cool frozen yogurt. Plus it's across the street from the movie theatre. Win, win!
Ferry Ride: 35 minutes from Seattle.
7. Vancouver, BC
Greg Freitas
Oh, Canada! Travel to Canada is especially sweet in spring. Vancouver is a cosmopolitan city tucked into a delicious, bite-sized morsel next to the Pacific. Food, nature and shopping—plus that exchange rate—make this a great family escape.
Parks and Rec: Pack your shovels and sand toys because Kitsilano Beach has golden sand that's perfect for little diggers with views of the city and mountains. Vancouver’s newest urban playground is called “park of the future” and was designed with sustainability as a priority. Six thousand shrubs, perennials, climbers, and mature trees embrace the space.
Foodie Fun: Sign up for Rocky Mountain Flatbread Co.'s Sunday night pizza-making fun from 5-7 p.m. Sal Y Limon serves authentic Mexican street food fare, and has a kids play area complete with play kitchen and toys. For more games head to Bells & Whistles where they serve up a chill atmosphere and arcade games for all ages amusement.
Just For Kids: Psst parents, this one’s for you too! The Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is serenely beautiful and awe-inspiring. Adults will love the views and nature. Kids will be exhilarated by the swaying of the bridge. Check out Science World and the Kids Market at Granville Island for more kid-approved fun.
Learning Moments: Art inspires. Grab the group and take a self-guided art tour around Vancouver and discover BC’s diverse art scene. The tour takes folks through Stanley Park, around totem poles, the Vancouver Art Gallery, public art and more.
Cozy Time: Stay at the coveted Fairmont Waterfront, a luxury hotel with children-specific perks like kids’ robes, babysitting services (advanced notice is required) plus 5-year-olds and younger eat for free off the kids menu. Granville Island Hotel is conveniently located on Granville Island surrounded by parks, and the colorful Aquabus provides fun transfers to downtown, Stanley Park and Science World.
Flight Time: One hour from Seattle. Drive Time: Just over two hours, depending on the border crossing wait times.
