Sure, your kids know Dasher, Dancer, Prancer and Vixen. But after a trip to the Leavenworth Reindeer Farm, where they’ll have reindeer eating right out of their hands, they’ll be all about Elsa, Sugar Plum and Forrest. Add in a photo opp with Santa and you’ve got a truly magical holiday experience. Read on to make your plan!
Gather ‘Round the Campfire
The reindeer farm experience starts like all good ones do, around a cozy campfire. Relax at a picnic table or pull up a comfy chair, because this part of the day is all about cool reindeer facts, fun trivia and some silly puns that’ll make your kids chuckle. It’s also a chance for families to touch antlers, feel real antler velvet and ask the owners questions about their farm. And don’t worry, there’s plenty of hand sanitizer and ways to socially distance while you and the kids learn fascinating facts.
Make a New Friend
After the campfire, it’s time to meet the stars of the show. Before entering the reindeer enclosure, there’s a brief safety orientation, and then it’s go time. Although visitors only interact with the animals for about 15 minutes, it’s plenty of time for your kiddos to feed, pet and gaze in awe (or aww, take your pick) at these amazing creatures. They definitely know the routine and aren’t shy about approaching anyone with a cup of food, so if you have cautious kiddos, be sure to let them know. This is also the perfect time to take all the pictures. Staff is available to take them for you if you want to join the kids, standing alongside experienced reindeer models like Elsa and Sven. Smile!
Delight in Farm Activities
While visiting the farm, be sure to take advantage of all the bells and whistles that are part of the experience. Families can find bowls of food near the barn to feed the chickens, who will eagerly eat whatever you offer. There’s a sweet swingset that will keep your kiddos busy for quite a while on a sunny winter day, and the vintage tractor with the barn and oversized wreath in the background make for festive photos. Don’t forget to introduce your kids to Tom the turkey who likes to show off for visitors.
Sit Down with Santa
While the reindeer will get your kids in the door, we know that meeting the Big Guy is the moment they’ve been waiting for. This year, Santa will be wearing a face shield and families can choose their comfort level when interacting with him. Stand to one side, give an elbow bump or simply a wave, he’ll still be taking orders for special toys and posing for your annual Christmas photos. When you book your experience, keep in mind that the Winter Farm Tours plus Santa Claus Meet kick off on Nov. 14 and run through Dec. 29 (with the exception of Nov. 16, 20 & 27; Santa has other plans). Photos are included with pricing. Be sure you’ve got room on your phone!
Explore Leavenworth
An added bonus of this excursion is that it’s just a few minutes from the holiday hustle and bustle of downtown Leavenworth. When hunger strikes warm up with a bowl of hot bone broth soup and spectacular mountain views at Yodelin. All seating is outdoors and tented to keep you safe during COVID, and the metal plates, cups and paper-free menu is par for the course at this restaurant committed to sustainability. After a meal, take time to dash in and out of shops on Front Street—the Nutcracker Museum and Gingerbread Factory are timely faves your kids will love. The street is closed to traffic so you can wander with plenty of space and enjoy the holiday lights too. Waterfront Park is another great spot to find space and fresh air, even on cooler days. Its flat, stroller-friendly walking trails, hidden ponds and bridges are naturally intriguing spots to for kids to explore. And if you still have time left in your day, many of Leavenworth’s sleigh ride providers are booking reservations for the season. After a busy day your kids will crash on the way home. And to all a good night!
Good to know: 1. Starting Nov. 14, families can check in at the cozy kiosk in the parking lot where they can also grab a cup of hot cocoa and a cookie before heading down to the farm. This will help with social distancing too.
2. Make sure to arrive at least 10 minutes before your ticketed time slot. Earlier is better, as families can use this time to play on the farm playground and maybe even meet the horses.
3. The tour lasts about one hour from start to finish, and new tour groups start every 30 minutes, so things move quickly.
4. Closed-toed shoes or boots will keep feet warm, dry and safe in the muddy corral, and dressing for the weather will keep your kids happy. Psst…they have umbrellas out to use in case in rains, but bringing your own is easy too.
5. When it comes to COVID, masks are required, and families will find hand sanitizer in a few key spots around the farm (although packing a pocket stash never hurts). Temp checks before entry are planned to start Nov. 14.
Cost: $20/person; free for kids 3 & under Ages: All
With school in full swing and the days getting busier, it’s the perfect time to outsource your grocery delivery to one of these Bay Area grocery delivery companies. We checked out all the options from CSA farms bringing you the freshest fruits and veggies, to grocery delivery companies that can deliver that and a bag of chips. Read on for the full scoop!
Farm to Flat
Founded by three local friends as a project for the community, Farm to Flat is a new collaboration with the California Farmers’ Market Association at the Fort Mason Center Market. Farm to Flat is firstly about choice and secondly about bringing local community and farms together in a fun way. Different from many CSA box programs, customers can choose exactly what they want through the Farm to Flat website. The collaboration works with over 20 local farms and businesses at Fort Mason and is continuously adding new products, and makes the market available to customers for pickup or local delivery in northern San Francisco.
The origin of the effort was sparked by trying to integrate community, especially given the current Covid crisis. By bringing together stakeholders which have all been impacted by the health and economic situation—local farms, the local neighborhood, and great staff members—the goal is to create a positive energy service everyone feels good about!
If you are missing your usual visits to the Ferry Plaza Farmer's Market, this box is for you! You can order pick-up or delivery of CUESA’s new Farmers Market Produce Box ($55), Pantry Box ($55) and Fruit & Snack Box ($35), offering a curated selection of the best and freshest seasonal items from farms throughout Northern California. What's unique about the box is that they're sourcing from a variety of farms to bring families a selection of what's fresh and in season at the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market--Brokaw Ranch avocados, Yerena Farms strawberries, Heirloom Organics purple carrots, Iacopi Farms fresh shelling peas, and so on. Most of these farms don't have individual box programs in place, so it's a great way to support those farms—and get their delicious products—during this time of sheltering in place.
Orders will be available for contactless curbside pickup at the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market on Saturday from 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Veggie Valet tent, just south of the clock tower on northbound Embarcadero.
Chef and Founder Kristen Thibeault of high-performance food service company Nybll has expanded her offerings beyond delivery and catering with the launch of Nybll Grocery. A Stage 3 cancer survivor and Stanford nutritional science graduate, Kristen is committed to delivering safe, healthy and clean food to not only her clients but also communities in need. Her new pre-order grocery offerings are delivered every Tuesday, and options include:
Produce Box ($42) – carrots, cherry tomatoes, Tuscan Kale, mixed greens, bagged spinach, English cucumber, head of broccoli, onion, lemons, avocados, garlic
Fruit & Vegetable Box ($49) – apples, oranges, bananas, romaine lettuce, mixed greens, red onion, roma tomatoes, English cucumber, baby potatoes, celery, red pepper, zucchini, bunch of kale, carrots, lemons
Love Box ($30) - Pay it forward to a family in need. Each box is given to a family living in SF, West Oakland, or LA that is suffering and at-risk due to the coronavirus. Send a special message of hope and share the love. The box includes three healthy chilled family meals, apples, oranges, milk, bread, butter, pasta, rice, beans, carrots, onion, greens, and your special message of love.
Mike and his two sons Nick and Sam first got the idea for Spade & Plow after working several years in big corporate ag managing large thousand plus acres farms, large sales teams and gigantic distribution coolers. Spade & Plow Organics got it's start in 2015, after finding 10 acres to lease in San Martin, CA. They worked the land, watered, weeded, and planted their first seed without a clear idea where our first harvest would go. But with an intention of sustainability, the Thorp family decided to create fresh, clean, certified organic fruits and vegetables accessible and affordable to Santa Clara County residents. To date, they've added on another 27 acre property also in San Martin, that has allowed them to increase our production, preserving more agricultural lands in Santa Clara County.
Choose from weekly or bi-weekly box of fresh, organic produce delivered to your door.
Cost: shares cost $20-40 with the ability to add on coffee, eggs and bread
Chef-made, nutritionist-designed meal delivery service Territory Foods recently started offering Territory Grocery. Options: Produce Box ($60) featuring a 15+ lb. mix of garden veggies, root veggies, fruit, leafy greens and herbs; or Produce & Pantry Box ($70) including all of the above plus 2-3 lbs. of grains and legumes.
Michelle Lieberman and Gal Mariansky didn’t grow up farming, but after many years of home gardening, volunteering on farms, and helping with urban gardening programs, the farm dream had firmly taken root. In 2009, they bought an acre of land on the outskirts of Morgan Hill, CA, and began converting it into a farm. The vision was to create a diversified vegetable farm delivering sustainably grown produce to the local community.
If avocados are your jam, we've got the delivery service for you. Ace Ranch will deliver a dozen organic California avocados right to your door so you can get avo toast action on pronto. Add on some nuts and dried fruits like the chili pistachios and you'll have a snack that everyone loves. We love this idea to share the California avocado love with far away family!
Cost: a dozen avocados will cost you $35.99 with free shipping
Follow the Buddha's belly for this direct connection to an organic farm program complete with an online Crop Timeline so you and your gang will always know what's fresh and in season. Co-owner Judith Redmond lovingly educates families so you know exactly how a farm works. In that spirit, there's busy sheep rotating the crops and eating up the extra "waste." So when they get too hot in the summer months? There's—completely cruelty-free—asheep's yarn from their haircuts in this box, too, if you and your gang want to learn to knit. Suggestions abound for your kiddos: peaches can be whipped up into tasty, nutritious smoothies. How about what to do with beets?? Great recipes are provided and range from the simple soup to an adventurous pickling process for some kitchen physics good on a rainy day.
Cost: Monthly: $76 (4 boxes per month), Quarterly: $210 or Annual: $792 plus additional charge for delivery through Good Eggs. Boxes can be generously donated anytime to the Charlotte Maxwell Integrative Complimentary Clinic in Oakland for low income women dealing with cancer, just let Full Belly know in advance.
In 2009, these Petaluma farmers set off on a mission to create a source of food produced with great soil and good integrity, that brought the community together and that allowed their consumers full access to their farm. From this mission sprang education to the public with regular free farm tours every Saturday and Sunday at noon so folks can learn where their food comes from and how we all can be accountable in the process. Through this farm's production, and their network of family farms throughout Sonoma and Marin counties, your fam can also get their inner carnivore on with plenty of pasture-raised beef, pork, chicken, lamb, and turkey right alongside their organic fruit, eggs, cheese and vegetables.
Cost: Prices range from $55 up for meat shares. Organic vegetable shares run $25 for a regular size box and organic fruit shares are $10 per box.
Choose from a variety of Bay Area sites to pick up your weekly fix of Eatwell's divine fruits and vegetables. Fragrant basil and pungent garlic give us an immediate idea for a dinner pesto to pour over bowtie pasta for the gang. What's dubbed a Stir Fry mix of micro mixed greens beckons, and just in case you're short on ideas of what to do with all that beautiful fruit there's some easy suggestions for Summer Galettes. This farm, based just outside Dixon grows 85% or more of every single thing in their boxes. Since they grow hundreds of varieties of fruits and veggies, sometimes you might find a little something in the box you maybe haven't seen before. So it's a nice touch that Eatwell always provides information on identifying items, how to store them and what to cook first based on perishability.
Go back to the farm with Grass Roots Farmers' Cooperative. This farm-to-fork company delivers high-quality meat straight to your door including grass-fed, grass-finished beef, forested pork and pastured poultry. All meats are free from GMOs, antibiotics and growth hormones and arrive to your home frozen. You can feel good about what you are feeding your family and you are supporting small farmers at the same time.
You've seen these distinctive boxes all over town on front porches, isn't it time to see what all the buzz is about? These gold standard of CSA boxes are dependable and consistent. It comes mostly from Capay Organic Farms, a second-generation family farm, but they also partner with other farms to source produce, and the whole shebang is blissfully certified organic. So everything here is pesticide-free and sustainably-grown, and there is every imaginable sort of customization available with this rockin' box. Every Thursday, at noon, Capay posts the box contents for the following week’s deliveries so you can plan ahead. Want it at the office too? No sweat, they got that. There's a Traditional CSA box, a mixed fruit and veggie box and the kid-favorite organic snack pack. Plus to simplify: there's even the easy No Cooking box if you're a super busy family on the go, go, go. Grab some celery, avocado, radishes and a quick bell pepper, and now your park playdate just turned into a sweet spot for a crudite plate on the benches.
Established as a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farm in 1995, Live Earth Farm bring organic produce straight from Farmer Tom to you. On Friday you'll get an email with everything that he's picked out for that week's box (with a value of $25). You can add items, swap items and even put your share on hold if you'll be out of town. When the season's bounty hits, you can even add on bulk produce like flats of tomatoes or bushels of apples. Pick-ups occur around the Bay Area on a designated day and time, choose on that's convenient for you. You can even bring the kids to check out the farm and pick your own produce on select days in the summer.
Want to add some sustainably-caught seafood to your diet? Sea Forager's CSF (community-supported fishery) is an excellent option for Bay Area residents. With pickup locations from North Bay to San Jose and home delivery in San Francisco, pick your delivery spot and you'll be on your way to getting fresh-caught deliciousness on your table this week. Not sure what to do with that octopus or herring? Don't worry as each delivery comes with cooking instructions and recipes.
As an online, membership-based marketplace, Thrive Market delivers the highest quality, healthy and sustainable products at member-only prices, while matching every paid membership with a free one for someone in need. Thrive Market carries over 5,000 organic and non-GMO products, and offers 70+ filters and values, allowing you to shop by diet and lifestyle. Read all about the service here.
Cost: Try free for 30 days and then pay $59.95 for a yearly membership. Shipping is free on orders over $49.
Perfection is out and “ugly” is in, at least when it comes to food. Imperfect Foods takes fruits and veggies that might not have made the cut for mainstream grocery stories and gets them to consumers. Start by choosing a weekly or biweekly delivery schedule with both regular and organic boxes available. There are additional add-ons available like a meat and fish pack, snack pack, dairy pack and grains pack. Everything is fully customizable from skipping your delivery entirely to swapping out items you know your family won't want.
Amazon Prime members, this one's for you. You can have thousands of items including produce, meat, seafood, snacks and household essentials delivered right to your door. This includes fresh, heat-and-eat options from Whole Foods like the family meatloaf meal and the spaghetti and meatballs option. Select a two-hour delivery window with same-day delivery often available.
Cost: There's no minimum to order but you'll pay a delivery fee if your order is under $35.
Shop for everything you need from Walmart and never leave home—that's the beauty of Walmart Grocery. You can purchase anything that Walmart sells including groceries, clothing, electronics, diapers and more and have it delivered to your home.
Cost: Delivery fees range from $7.95-9.95, or sign up for Delivery Unlimited at $98/year
Farmbox offers various size boxes packed with seasonal, farm-fresh fresh fruits and vegetables to your door. You select the shipment size and customize your box, and check your doorstep for easy monthly deliveries.
As you settle into a new decade, consider going on an adventure to usurp all others. Create new memories, solidify bonds, and take your brood around the world to experience the aurora borealis, cowboy culture, urban escapes, voluntourism, wildlife encounters, or romps in wide-open spaces. Read on to discover 23 incredible vacations that are perfect for traveling with kids in tow.
Catch the Northern Lights
Aurora Wilderness Camp
The Wilderness Camp in Kilpisjärvi, Finland is made up of three mobile sleeping huts, which are placed in the best possible locations to view the Northern Lights each winter season. Each hut has a gas stove, super-wide bed, table, heater, dry toilet and includes the use of snowshoes and kicksleds. Their most amazing feature is the glass roof that allows guests to lie back and gaze out at the stars (and hopefully the aurora), making for a truly unforgettable experience. You will be transported by snowmobile to your hut in the evening and left to enjoy the wilderness and the aurora alone. Local snacks and hot drinks are included as well as an Arctic grill for dinner and breakfast the following morning. Children are welcome to join this adventure and share the extra-large bed with their parents (each hut only has one bed).
Explore our national parks by traveling in a recreational vehicle. Not only will you have a hotel on wheels, with elevated views out of large windows, but you’ll also have access to the parks at later hours because you won’t have to get back to your accommodations. One of the best resources for booking an RV is Outdoorsy. You can choose from a variety of types and sizes, depending on what your family needs.
Another way to experience the great outdoors is to book your very own Conestoga wagon. Yosemite Pines RV Park offers these fully-heated and air-conditioned wagons that sleep up to six people. Available year round, your wagon comes equipped with modern comforts like a mini fridge, microwave and coffee pot. In the warmer months, you can swim in the resort's pool, enjoy activities planned by the staff and take the YARTS shuttle right into Yosemite.
Snowmass Colorado is a year-round destination perfect for outdoor-loving, intrepid families. In the summer, whitewater rafting is a bucket list adventure for most families, and you’ll find lots of opportunities to splash in rivers here. Blazing Adventures is our top pick for family-friendly rafting excursions. You’ll fly down the rapids of the Roaring Fork River, the Colorado River or the Arkansas River. Depending on the ages of your kids, you can pick different classes of rapids, varying in difficulty: Kids as young as five, for example, can float down the Lower Roaring Fork and older kids and adults that are ages 16 and up can paddle over Slaughterhouse Falls, which has a six-foot waterfall drop. Adventure awaits in Snowmass!
There’s no reason to reinvent the wheel, especially when it comes to international travel. Utilizing an expert travel planning resource, like Abercrombie & Kent, will take all of the guesswork out of getting from point A to point B so that you can focus on making memories with your family. With the use of an on-the-ground guide, leading the way for your custom-built family-forward itinerary, your kids can experience travel in a whole new way. The Luxury Family Journeys include itineraries to exciting destinations like Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Egypt, Japan or Africa.
Imagine how cool it would be for your kids to spend the night in an old schoolhouse. The Society Hotel Bingen in Washington state has a history that dates back 80 years. Now operating with a hotel, hostel and cabin concept, since 2019, families can shoot hoops in the original school gym, swim in the pool, steep in the hot tub, practice yoga in the Sanctuary, and enjoy a hearty breakfast in the Café & Lounge. Book a private cabin, which features a sitting room area, stocked kitchenette, outdoor hammock, and bunk beds for the kids. The best part: your family will be close to all of the hiking, cycling, and rafting fun in and around the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.
If your crew has always wanted to live like kings and queens, book your vacation in this 12th Century majestic Irish castle. Only an hour's drive from Dublin, the castle sits on 180 acres of lush green land that includes its own golf course and gardens. Reserve all 11 bedrooms in the castle for your epic family reunion and you can go back in time with daily activities like archery and falconry. View the property from the back of a horse or travel down the River Barrow on a boat. Want to try a different castle? We've got more to choose from here.
Sheltered behind the world-famous Belize Barrier Reef, Coral Caye is a completely private island that can be yours alone for a once-in-a-lifetime family getaway. Once used as a commercial fishing camp, Coral Caye has been enhanced to offer sleeping quarters for up to 10 travelers, full bathrooms and cooking facilities. Your caretakers will prepare all your meals for you including Creole-style BBQ with fresh-caught seafood. Swing in a hammock in the shade of a mangrove tree or swim among seahorses.
Looking to expose your kids to new cultures and give back to communities in need? A volunteer vacation is right up your alley. Discover Corps offers small group trips where you can choose a Nature & Wildlife Adventure where you join conservationists to protect endangered species or a Cultural Exploration where you can teach English to local children among other activities. Trips like these really open children's eyes to the world outside their own home and teach them an appreciation for the greater planet.
If you've ever wanted to spend your night suspended in the trees, look no further than Vertical Horizons in Southern Oregon. Here you can rent out one of four treehouse cottages and truly immerse yourself in nature. Wake up to the sound of birds and an awesome breakfast provided on site and then spend your days climbing trees, fishing or playing disc golf. Kids are welcome, and the cottages can sleep your whole crew. All of the treehouses come with a half bath—showers and BBQs are located near the main house.
Istanbul, which straddles both Europe and Asia, will awaken a whole new world of wonder for your family. From the first the call to prayer echoed from the minarets around the city to the Grand Bazaar and Spice Market, it'll be an eye-opening experience. Spend your day shopping, and then view the city from a boat on a Bosphorus tour. Check out all our recs of what to do and where to eat when you are in Istanbul (bonus: you may even be able to snag a free hotel room if you take advantage of the Turkish Airlines stopover service). The kids will come home with a new appreciation for the world outside the U.S.
If your dream is to get close to the majestic polar bear, this tour is for you. Families can traverse the frozen tundra via Polar Rover in search of northern wildlife such as Arctic fox, Arctic hare, snowy owl and ptarmigan. Take a dog's-eye tour while gliding through the boreal forest on a traditional dog sled driven by an expert team of sled dogs. Then, soar over the tundra on a helicopter flight that offers a chance to spot polar bears heading out toward the pack ice forming on Hudson Bay. All of these activities are offered by Natural Habitat Adventures who partners with the WWF to ensure environmentally-friendly travel.
Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort gives adventure-seekers young and old the chance to experience scuba diving, snorkeling, deep-sea fishing, traditional spearfishing, paddle-boarding, sailing, local pearl farm tours and rainforest and mangrove excursions—to name just a few activities that are offered at this eco-luxury resort in Fiji. The socially-conscious resort offers travelers immersive and authentic cultural experiences including visits to the local village, for which guests are taught about the culture and customs by a village elder before being given permission to enter the village and meet the Chief. Kids can participate in the Ambassadors of the Environment program where they can learn from resident marine biologists on how to preserve and protect our oceans for the future.
Live out your Frozen dreams when you stay the night at this Canadian hotel made entirely out of ice. From January through March, guests can bundle up in igloo-like suites that can sleep up to six. Warm up in the hot tub or sauna before you settle in for the night in your sleeping bag designed for sub-zero temps. They even have kid-sized sleeping bags so the whole family can get in on the fun.
Experience the Wildlife Wonderland of the Galapagos Islands
Royal Palm Hotel Galapagos
For a vacation that combines luxury comforts and amazing wildlife experiences, Royal Palm Hotel Galapagos is the ideal destination. Set on a 480-acre private estate in Ecuador, the Royal Palm offers guided tours to spot local creatures like the Galapagos penguins and Darwin Short Beak Finches and yacht cruises to swim with playful sea lions. Stay in one of the resort's 21 casitas and villas and enjoy luxury services like a chocolate oil massage that the Preferred Hotels & Resorts Lifestyle Collection is well known for.
Looking to teach the kids a little bit about how we can reduce our carbon footprint? Plan your next spring break adventure to the town of Taos, New Mexico. Here you will find the community of Earthship Biotecture, where the houses are made out of natural and recycled materials (think wine bottles and tires), and are designed to produce electricity, food, and water. You can take a tour of this unique community and some are even available to rent via Airbnb. Extend your Taos trip by taking the kids to see the Taos Pueblo and the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge.
Tired of spending your vacation packed in the minivan with the kids, the suitcases and the snacks all over the floor? Head out to Mackinac Island in Michigan where cars are totally forbidden. Ditch your vehicle and hop aboard one of the ferries that will take you to the island. There, transportation is limited to bicycles and horse-drawn carriages. Rent one of the 1,500 bikes from single-speed to tandems, fat-tires to kids bikes. Set out to explore Fort Mackinac and Fort Holmes, which were captured by British forces in the War of 1812. Reward all your exercise with a stop at one of the island's many fudge shops.
Stay at Mission Point Resort, where your family, including Fido-the-dog, can fly kites or play bocce ball on the great lawn. You'll have easy access to Lake Shore Boulevard, which is a looped path that circumnavigates the island for 8.2 miles—perfect for two wheels.
Learn how to be an authentic cowboy or cowgirl by rounding up cattle and herding them to greener pastures at The Resort at Paws Up. Your family will work with an expert Montana wrangler, learning the skills of the trade, and then set out on horseback to the countryside. After the job is done your kids can frolic around the Kids Corps of Discovery, an out-of-doors adventure camp, or test their skills on The Grizzlyman Fitness Trail. Adventures for families abound on this 37,000-acre dude ranch. The resort’s concierge services can set up a custom itinerary for your family to make sure everyone, regardless of age or ability, has the best time possible while vacationing in big sky country.
Looking to add some "om" to your spring break? Head to the Florida Keys or Key West where you can enjoy a family-focused wellness retreat. Choose from activities like family AcroYoga, paddleboard yoga or kids meditation. Sprinkle in sightseeing to Dry Tortugas National Park or the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory. They even offer "conscious childcare" where the babysitter comes with drums, astrology, and art to entertain the wee ones. End your voyage with a family drumming session to move the spirit and wake the soul.
A wine tour for Spring Break? With kids? Why not?! Nowadays, there are plenty of wineries that offer major perks for kids so Mom and Dad can relax and enjoy a sample or two. If you don't plan on taking a trip to Napa, Fredericksburg or another well-known wine region, a day or overnight trip will still do the trick. Wondering where to start? We've got the best family-friendly wineries right here.
Kids who love the Wild West will be gunnin' to explore the IRL towns that inspired their imaginary heroes. From Tombstone to Dodge City, there are plenty of places to explore and things to do: you can ride horses, mine for gold, watch an epic (fake) gun fight and explore historical battlegrounds. Discover the best Wild West towns for visiting with kids by clicking here.
Looking for a vacation that combines glamour and culture with a side of adventure? Head to Dubai—the largest and most populous city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Known around the world for its jaw-dropping architecture, epic shopping malls, extravagant theme parks and resorts and pristine beaches, this city and emirate on the southeast coast of the Persian Gulf is like no other. Where else can you spend the morning at the beach, the afternoon skiing and the evening riding a camel in the desert? Check out our recommendations of what to see and do with kids while you are in Dubai and take advantage of Emirates’ abundance of family offerings.
Think a day at a winery is an adults-only affair? Think again. These days, more and more vintners understand that it’s not always easy for mom and dad to get a weekend away from the kids to enjoy a little wine appreciation. With bocce ball courts, special kids rooms and alpacas for petting, these vineyards have all the perks you need to keep the kids entertained while you enjoy some Chardonnay or Pinot Noir. Keep reading to see our top spots.
Pennyroyal Farm—Booneville, CA
Kate Loweth
This goat farm and vineyard is the perfect spot to stop on your way to the Mendocino coast. The kids will get a kick out of meeting the goats and sheep and learning that each one has a name! Book a farm tour to meet the animals. All tours end with a cheese tasting for all, wine tasting for parents and sparkling grape juice for the little ones. They even have bunnies and small playground equipment to keep everyone busy.
Sure, Mom and Dad will go to taste the signature chardonnay, riesling and pinot noir wines made at this 21-year-old estate located just off the bay of Lake Michigan on the Traverse Wine Coast, but kids will be more into the stuff outside the walls. The vineyard's 160-acre grounds are home to a variety of easy to moderate hiking trails, an outdoor garden, a petting zoo, a café with family-friendly dining and a gorgeous equestrian center. Kids also enjoy the outdoor fun with paella night that they can watch come together. This occurs on the patio of the café, complete with kids' menu.
Hint: Come May to October when the vineyard's Hearth and Vine Cafe offers wood-fired pizzas, pasta, farm fresh appetizers and special dining events.
Minnesota may seem like an unlikely spot for grapes to grow, but “making wines in the world’s most difficult climate” has become Alexis Bailly vineyards’ triumph. And since it’s only open April through October, owners of the 45-year-old vineyard want families to enjoy their time in the sun: visitors are encouraged to picnic in the fields or bring bicycles to explore surrounding bike trails. Those who want to stick close to where the wines are can play bocce ball in the courtyard or explore the outdoor sculpture garden.
Insider Tip: Got little movers? Kiddos can groove to live jazz on Sundays in July and August.
If seeing stone-faced American presidents has your mouth watering for good, sweet wine, head to Prairie Berry Winery. Known for its fruit and berry wines, including the aptly named, "Red Ass Rhubarb," Prairie Berry is located about 10 miles from Mount Rushmore. With an on-site restaurant, visitors can enjoy a free tasting then have a meal on the porch with a view of Black Elk Peak. The restaurant caters to sophisticated—and four-year-old—palates, featuring everything from beer-braised pork to PB&J. Now, back to those presidents: Which four were carved onto that mountain again?
Hint: If beer is more your speed of beverage, the Miner Brewing Co. is right next door, and offers lawn games and munchies for the kidlets and a plethora of specialty and seasonal beers on tap for thirsty parents.
The owners of this Piedmont countryside winery believe that wine-tasting trips shouldn't be reserved just for people without kids. Consequently, kids are handed juice boxes and scavenger hunt maps upon entrance to this award-winning vineyard. Littles can play with outdoor toys and games, and families are encouraged to pack a picnic and spend the day.
Bonus: This spot is also a farm-crafted brewery for those who prefer beer to wine.
Get the scoop on more wineries in the D.C. area here.
Stoller Family Estate—Dayton, OR
Stoller Family Estate
It sounds like “Stroller” so it must be kid-friendly, right? You decide—the Stoller Family Estate has all the ingredients for a perfect day out with the kids: there’s a disc golf course, a tire swing hanging in a scenic spot (hello, Instagram!), picnic tables set on a hilltop and, of course, award-winning pinot for the parents.
Hint: Want to spend more than the day? Weekenders can stay at one of three houses on the property.
Unleash your knights-in-training on this replica 13th century Tuscan castle. Little ones can race across the drawbridge over a real moat to explore eight levels of fairy tale ambiance (four above and four below ground), including 95 rooms devoted to winemaking. The 121,000-square foot castle features secret passageways, towers, torture chambers and more. While you’re there, keep an eye out for wandering emus and peacocks and be sure to visit the dungeon tasting room where grown-ups can sip signature Italian-style wines while kids sip grape juice and go to work on coloring pages that are provided.
Good to know: Strollers are not allowed in the castle.
Check out this post for more NorCal wineries where kids are welcome.
Dierberg and Star Lane Vineyard Tasting Room—Rita Hills, CA
Kate Loweth
This winery in the Santa Ynez Valley offers an expansive lawn that's perfect for bocce ball while the parents do some wine tasting. A flight of five wines will cost your $20, and it showcases the diversity of three estate vineyards. The unique climates of each of the three vineyards allow for the production of Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and Syrah. Send the kids out to the garden to look for lizards while you enjoy all that the region has to offer.
The 200 acres of Martha Clara Vineyards is considered one of the most family-friendly wineries in Long Island. Little animal lovers can get up close and personal with the critters at the petting zoo, enjoy horse and carriage rides and have a picturesque lunch or snack in the outdoor picnic area. For parents worried about muddling the winery's peaceful vibe, there are private tasting rooms (for an extra cost) where you and your clan can buckle down and taste away.
This winery doesn't look like much from the outside, but it's worth a stop if you're mountain-bound with your brood (Estes Park is known as a base for the Rocky Mountain National Park). Need a break before the big hike? Your kids will be happy to hang in the "No Wine-ing Zone," a small playroom stocked to the brim with toys, books, crafts and games (and located just next to the tasting room!).
Hint: If you're looking for something fun to do besides marvel at the exquisite wilderness (moose, elk and bears are all nearby residents), this awesome outdoor adventure park, featuring bungee trampolines, miniature golf, giant slides and go-karts, is just around the corner.
Pindar's cut-your-own sunflower fields are so picturesque that you might want to haul your small rays of sunshine here just to snap a pic. While there's no dedicated child space at this 35-year-old family-run vineyard, kids are welcome to tag along in the tasting room, and wiggle worms will love the wide open space adjacent to the vines.
Hint: Come on select Saturdays and Sundays (see the events calendar) to enjoy live outdoor music from 1-5 p.m.
The Larson Family Winery goes all-out to make families feel welcome. The family rents out a farmhouse in the grounds of their Sonoma estate, set among rows of chardonnay vines. There are farm animals on site as well as friendly dogs for petting. There's a bocce ball court and there's a huge lawn for games like tag and corn hole. When the winery has tastings during the day there are coloring sheets for the kids while parents test their wine palettes.
Head to The Lake House Inn if you are looking for a weekend getaway to go with your wine tasting. Families will especially love the three beachside cottages for setting up their home away from home. Paddling and pebble collecting on the shore are popular with little ones, and families are encouraged to check out nearby Geneva State Park with its lakeside swim beach, volleyball courts and trails. You won't get views of vines from the inn (the grapes are grown elsewhere in the Grand River Valley), but you will get top-notch small batch wines including dry rosés and darker reds, plus a sweet apple cider wine and a peach wine produced from local fruits. Tastings take place daily at the Inn's on-site family-friendly restaurant.
Kids can sip sparkling grape juice and play arcade-style video games while parents wine-taste at this funky, western-style winery that was once an old stagecoach stop. Tots (accompanied by parents) will enjoy the large lawn on the property.
Got a pup? This place loves pooches and well-mannered doggies are welcome to join in the fun (they're allowed almost everywhere except the tasting room).
Nestled in the Texas Hill Country outside the charming town of Fredericksburg, Chisholm Trail Winery has the casual feel of an Old West saloon. Grown-ups can sip on “Bad Ass Blush” (it’s a sweet, pink wine) while kids chow down on fresh, wood-fired pizzas. Outside, relax on the porch, challenge your little ones to a game of horseshoes, or give a pat to one of the winery’s friendly pet donkeys.
Be sure to check the calendar for special events including live music, grape stomping and jazz brunches.
San Diego’s oldest operating vineyard isn't just a winery, it's more like an old-world village. You can wander through artists shops to catch a glimpse of everything from mosaics and oil paintings to botanical soaps. After soaking in the village, grab a cheese plate and a glass of wine. If you want to take advantage of the wine tasting with chocolate pairings (who doesn’t?), grab a table on the patio and kick back as you listen to live music and your kids get their groove on. Stop by on Friday mornings for the Farmers Market where you’ll find local produce and lots of other families.
Insider’s Tip: It’s okay to bring light snacks for young kiddos, but the winery does not allow outside food or drinks for adults.
The Biltmore Village Hotel is a family-friendly starting point to explore the impressive 8,000-acre estate in North Carolina which was the home of the Vanderbilts for generations. There are castle tours, landscaped gardens, bike rentals and trails, hiking, horseback riding and farm animals to keep the family busy as well as diverse dining options (all of which have kids menus) and of course, wine tasting. Complimentary tastings are included with Biltmore admission, and kids aren't forgotten—they get free grape juice! There are additional wine experiences on offer like behind the scenes tours of the production facility, a visit to the vineyard or curated wine and chocolate pairings.
This place is equal parts farm and vineyard. Grown-ups will probably want to get right to sipping the vineyard's signature (award-winning) steel-fermented chardonnay; kids will want to head for the Barnyard Adventure, a farmhouse-style play zone featuring hay rides, pig races, a petting zoo and tractor trikes. Kids will especially love the “Jumbo Jumpers”, large inflatable bouncing pillows, a sports zone with football and baseball tossing games, and a “Li'l Farmers Play Land” that’s geared for tiny tots.
Hint: Try to visit in the fall, when there’s a pumpkin patch and a huge corn maze. And, don't leave without trying the homemade apple cider donuts.
Kids can watch DVDs and play games in the winery’s “Lil’ Buds Room” (located right next to the tasting bar!) at this scenic estate 45 minutes south of D.C. Hungry? There’s a full-service bistro with a kids menu serving lunch and dinner. Try to visit in the fall, when the kids can stomp some grapes of their own at the annual Harvest Festival, which also features face painting, bounce houses and carnival games. Oh, and don't forget about Fido—dogs are welcome here, too!
Good to know: The third Thursday of the month during the school year brings the Moms & Merlot lunch—just what you need!
Kiddos can rub noses with the horses, play on the jungle gym and check out the alpacas and goats at this Temecula winery. Up for a late night? The vineyard hosts bonfires on Saturday nights from April to October, featuring face painting, mechanical bull-riding and a bonfire.
Little ones can color at the kids' table while grown-ups taste award-winning reds at this vineyard just minutes from Portland. Pack a picnic, pop open a bottle of pinot and enjoy the outdoor tables and bocce courts. Rainy outside? Plop the kids in front of the large window overlooking the winemaking and bottling facility.
Make 2019 a year you won’t soon forget by putting an epic family vacation on the books. There are loads of brand-new hotels and all-inclusive resorts waiting to cater to families, and we’ve got the full scoop on them all. Spend some time stateside or take your adventures to the tropics or Europe. Scroll down to see all of our recs, and book your adventure today!
You won't be able to wait until mid-2019 for the brand-new Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Riviera Maya to open its doors. It will offer 276 oceanfront swim-up pad suites and flat suites, plus four sprawling Nickelodeon-themed signature penthouses (including your favorite Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and SpongeBob SquarePants) perched on the top floor of two modern six-story buildings. All-inclusive luxury means you'll spend lots of time at the 500,000-square food Aqua Nick, which includes a lazy river, water slides, a splash park, an interactive water playground for toddlers and mini relaxation pools.
Slated to open in March 2019, the 20-acre property in the swanky town of Paradise Valley will feature views of Camelback Mountain, 205 luxury casitas and a spa inspired by the surrounding desert. The resort will focus on local provisions, as the restaurants will source from the citrus orchard and garden. Families will especially enjoy the 400-foot-long pool and the Ritz Kids program.
Rising 37 stories high into the New York City skyline, the micro-room, macro-amenity Moxy Chelsea features 349 rooms adorned with floor to ceiling windows. Family-friendly accommodations include bunk beds in the quad guest rooms for the ultimate metropolitan experience. Topping off the hotel is a glass-enclosed rooftop bar featuring views of the Empire State Building; at the touch of a button, retractable windows transform the lounge into an alfresco sky veranda.
Set to open in early 2019 in one of London’s most iconic locations, on the corner of Oxford Street and Park Lane, Hard Rock Hotel London is steps away from the very best the city has to offer. The hotel will boast around 1,000 stylish rooms and suites, a variety of dining options, including two vibrant bars and a lively Hard Rock Cafe®. Hard Rock Hotel London is set to be the ultimate urban hang-out where visitors can experience a true taste of London while paying tribute to legends of the area.
Disney Riviera Resort, the 15th Disney Vacation Club property, is expected to open fall 2019 complete with a rooftop restaurant with views of both Epcot’s and Disney’s Hollywood Studios’ nighttime spectaculars. The resort will be part of the new Disney Skyliner gondola line, connecting the hotel and three others to Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Apartment-like accommodations offer families flexibility with kitchens and laundry facilities in the room.
Kids at Panama Jack Resorts Playa del Carmen have it made with Camp Jack’s daily activity schedule plus #Hashtag Teen Zone that touts the latest video games and activities to keep the older kids occupied. And while the kids play, parents can indulge in a spa day or camp out in a cabana. The resort is known for roving food carts and unexpected pleasures such as pop-up BBQ’s and in-water kayaks offering guests an array of fruit while they’re lounging by the pool. Panama Jack Playa del Carmen’s accommodations are tailored to large families and include family suites which house bunk beds for kids in addition to either two queen beds or one king size bed and a pull-out couch. The dining options include à la carte restaurants, brimming buffets, beachside grills, funky bars and 24-hour lounges that offer boundless options for foodies and kiddies alike.
The Florida Keys will welcome Isla Bell Beach Resort in early 2019, and you'll want to add it to your must-visit list. The hotel boasts nearly one mile of private beach, five swimming pools, on-site water sports, fishing pier, marina and stunning Atlantic Ocean views from all 199 rooms and suites among its many amenities. Make it a multi-generational trip and bring the grandparents along to share one of the massive suites that sleep up to 14 (some include kitchens for the utmost convenience).
Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, Casino & Spa - St. Maarten
Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, Casino & Spa
Officially reopening on February 1, 2019, the Sonesta will be welcoming back guests with a refreshed design and newly-updated amenities including a new Teen Zone, a decked-out Kids Club and a new set of loft-style rooms that allow for parents to get a bit more privacy when vacationing with the whole family. The resort is also conveniently located in the Maho Bay area where families have easy access to Maho's strip of shops and restaurants, or can easily zip over to Maho Beach to check out the jaw-dropping airplane landings and takeoffs it's famous for. Animal encounters at Parotte Ville and ziplining at Rainforest Adventures are nearby family favorites.
Opening in early 2019, the Four Season Astir Palace Hotel brings luxury retreat to the Athens Riviera. The hotel offers the best of both worlds: just 30 minutes to the city center to discover the wonders of ancient civilization at the Acropolis and a seaside escape for supreme relaxation. Book one of the hotel's suites and your family will be able to spread out. Then take advantage of the property's babysitting service so that you can enjoy a dinner on your own.
Surfside Inn and Suites at Universal Orlando Resort - Orlando, FL
Surfside Inn and Suites
Surfside Inn and Suites at Universal Orlando Resort will open in summer 2019, the first of two new value hotels that will make up Universal’s Endless Summer Resort. The hotels, with rates starting at $100 per night, offer guests a more affordable on-site experience while keeping the perks of Early Park Admission and resort-wide transportation. Beach-themed two-bedroom suites that sleep six are perfect for families looking for the ultimate getaway without breaking the bank.
Nashville Margaritaville Vacation Club by Wyndham - Nashville, TN
Nashville Margaritaville Vacation Club
Nashville's vibrant downtown scene will be home to the new Nashville Margaritaville Vacation Club by Wyndham, scheduled to open in late 2019. The hotel will include 52 Margaritaville condo suites, designed with escapism in mind. A rooftop relaxation zone features spectacular city views, a pool, sun deck, fire pits and, of course, live entertainment. Families will enjoy resort amenities without sacrificing the need for spacious accommodations like separate bedrooms, living and dining areas and washer and dryers (because kids are messy, even on vacation).
Scheduled to open in February 2019, the Santarena Hotel, a member of the Preferred Hotels & Resorts Lifestyle Collection, is nestled in the peaceful, car-free community of Las Catalinas on the northwest end of Costa Rica. The 45 rooms offer sweeping ocean views and the hotel has numerous dining options to cater to every taste. With hiking and mountain biking trails nearby, the family can get out an explore. A rooftop lounge and pool will make you never want to leave.
Just a 10-minute walk to Disney California Adventure® Park and Disneyland®, this new Hampton Inn will have 178 rooms available in late January. Fuel up for a day with Mickey at the hotel's free hot breakfast (or grab an On-the-Go Bag to take with you) and then enjoy your afternoon in the outdoor pool. Amenities like on-site laundry will make traveling with the kids that much easier.
Formerly the Waikiki Parc Hotel, the Halepuna Waikiki is undergoing extensive renovations and will reopen in late 2019 with 288 guest rooms and suites, a three–meal restaurant, dramatic eighth-floor pool deck and bar, fitness center and a hospitality lounge. Situated on a serene side street along one of the world’s most popular beaches, Halepuna Waikiki will appeal to visitors who are looking to be in the heart of it all.
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort will unveil a completely reimagined property in summer 2019, featuring hundreds of new guestrooms and a plethora of new amenities. The highlight will be a 15-story tower offering a two-level entrance lobby, 545 guest rooms and a rooftop restaurant and lounge with panoramic views of the nighttime fireworks from nearby Disney theme parks. Cool off at the massive pool with waterslide that surrounds the 50-foot replica of a Mayan pyramid.
Located on a private archipelago of 14 volcanic islands in the Pacific Ocean, just 20 miles from the coast of Panama, IslasSecas Reserve & Lodge is an exclusive outpost for adventurous families. Accommodating a maximum of 18 guests across nine stylishly-designed casitas, the intimate hideaway provides guests with endless opportunities for island adventures and marine safaris. Families can spend the day fishing or snorkeling offshore, or enjoying activities including boating, scuba diving, whale watching, birding, nature trekking and more.
Hyatt Place Sandestin at Grand Boulevard - Miramar Beach, FL
Hyatt
Hyatt Place Sandestin at Grand Boulevard will be conveniently located outside the Grand Boulevard Town Center, putting guests steps from first-class shopping, dining, entertainment and the sugar-white beaches of Florida’s Emerald Coast. Additionally, the hotel will pay homage to South Walton’s thriving arts community and culture with a living gallery featuring local artists’ original works, including painters, photographers, sculptors and more. Families will love that each room or suite comes with a sleeper sofa—plenty of room for the whole family.
Watch the sunset over the Catalan capital at this new hotel coming in the second half of 2019. Located in the city’s Gothic Quarter, Kimpton Barcelona will feature 156 rooms, as well as an all-day dining restaurant and a rooftop swimming pool with unparalleled views of the city. The neighborhood, full of trendy boutiques and restaurants, is a favorite of visitors and locals alike and provides the perfect base from which to explore.
Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana - Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Hyatt
All ages resort Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana will be part of the greater Hyatt Ziva and Hyatt Zilara complex. Located on Juanillo Beach in the private community of Cap Cana, the scheduled completion date is November 2019. In addition to multiple pools on property, there is also a water park that is being built with both kids and adults in mind (large slides, lazy rivers and a splash pad for the little ones). Food and beverage offerings will span fast food, Italian and Asian/Mongolian among others along with an old-school diner offering everything from a robust selection of coffee to ice cream sundaes for kids.
Planning a visit to our nation's capital? As of March 31, 2019, you can book your stay at the brand new Hilton Washington DC National Mall. Walk to the White House, monuments, museums and the Southwest Waterfront, or take the elevator down to L’Enfant Metro Station to connect easily with greater DC, Maryland and Virginia. With 367 rooms to choose from, you can grab a suite to sleep the whole family, and you'll also get access to the Executive Lounge, which offers concierge services as well as complimentary continental breakfast and evening hors d’oeuvres each day.
Located 90 miles northwest of Los Angeles in Montecito’s idyllic seaside community, Rosewood Miramar Beach will offer 124 guest rooms and 37 suites on one of the most beautiful and exclusive beaches in Southern California. Amenities will include two swimming pools, a spa, a state-of-the-art fitness center and beach club. The resort will feature six restaurants and bars including Caruso’s oceanfront restaurant, an al fresco beach bar, a sophisticated cocktail lounge and a casual poolside burger and ice cream shack. Even Fido can join in the fun—daily dog walking, afternoon pet’s trek, customized pet menu and exclusive pet products and amenities are available.
About an hour from the Punta Cana International Airport, the Club Med Michès Playa Esmeralda will open a 93-acre resort in late 2019. Situated along the Dominican Republic’s pristine north shore in an area with limited tourist development, this strikingly beautiful property balances nature preservation efforts with exclusive experiences. It’s a stunning, eco-chic resort featuring four boutique villages with one especially designed for families. Play with your kids all day or let them meet new friends at the nearby children’s clubs. Finish the night with other families at a movie under the stars.
After undergoing extensive renovations in the guest rooms and pool, the Phoenix Airport Marriott is ready for spring training visitors to descend. Many of the 357 guest rooms with balconies will overlook the serenity of Camelback Mountain and the South Mountain Range. The Concierge Lounge offers all-day dining and evening cocktails for concierge-level rooms and suites. A refuge from the desert heat, the redesigned pool has new cabanas as well as food and beverage service to keep the whole family happy.
Expected to open in the first half of 2019, WorldMark Portland - Waterfront Park is expected to feature 75 condominium-style suites including studio, one- and two-bedroom suites that are perfect for families. Located just across the street from the Willamette River, the resort is ideally situated at the intersection of the downtown and Old Town Chinatown neighborhoods. The original downtown area is a bustling entertainment district, home to the famous Portland Saturday Market, Voodoo Doughnut, Lan Su Chinese Garden and the Oregon Maritime Museum.
Paradisus Playa Mujeres - Mexico
Paradisus Playa Mujeres
Designed in the shape of a crescent, this luxury resort is located off the coast of Playa Mujeres, just minutes from Cancun International Airport, and will feature a pristine private beach for guests to enjoy. The 498-guest room, oceanfront property will debut with Paradisus by Meliá’s newest offering ‘Nature Included,’ which transports guests into a paradise that reflects the natural beauty of the destination, as well as being environmentally conscious and encouraging guests to immerse themselves in local experiences. The property will feature Family Concierge Suites, arcade room, covered theater, an outdoor plaza for shows, coffee bar, juice bar, kids club and luxurious changing room facilities.
The Reef Bahamas Luxury Resort - Atlantis, Paradise Island
The Reef Atlantis
Head to Paradise Island in the Bahamas where you can stay at The Reef's luxurious, apartment-style residences starting in March. Spend your day at the zero-entry Cascades Pool or on the white sand beaches nearby. Even the youngest guests will be amazed by their visit to Atlantis with animal encounters, complimentary movies and special programming for all ages.
Camp Long Creek at Big Cedar Lodge - Ridgedale, MO
Camp Long Creek at Big Cedar Lodge
Big Cedar Lodge will offer the opportunity for guests to get their “glamp on” in the American heartland with the all-new Camp Long Creek, a luxury glampsite that will open in May 2019 along the 43,000-acre Table Rock Lake. Camp Long Creek will feature 42 rustic-elegant shepherd’s huts; luxury glamping tents with canopy beds and a chandelier plus a private outdoor space with an outdoor shower, luxury soaking tub and fire pit; and cottages for couples and families. Amenities will include an outdoor pool, lake “beach” access, boat rentals at Long Creek Marina, fishing and hiking, and special touches including s’mores kits upon arrival. The resort is dog friendly and offers pack n’ play cribs for families traveling with young children.
If a family safari is on your travel bucket list then The Farm House at The Farmstead of Royal Malewane is the spot for you. Located in South Africa's Greater Kruger National Park, the Royal Malewane surrounds a watering hole popular with the abundant wildlife. Guests at The Farm House will enjoy five-star service and delicious cuisine while experiencing the ultimate Big 5 safari with the most qualified guiding team in Africa. The Farm House will be available for guests of all ages in June 2019. It sleeps up to 14 people and is perfect for a multi-family adventure.
In May 2019, Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa will re-open following a $150 million transformation. When the property re-opens, guests will be welcomed to a 493-room Hill Country retreat that features a brand new spa, conference center, seven new restaurant concepts, an expanded poolscape, a new golf clubhouse and much more. Kids will be welcomed with the Omni Kids Crew backpack which includes games and binoculars, as well as cookies and milk delivered to their room on the first night.
Opening in summer 2019, this beachfront resort offers relaxation and watersports galore. With a prime location near the Mayan Riviera, you can explore this beautiful area off-property if you wish. On-site amenities include an Explorer’s Club for kids, Core Zone Teens Club, a surf pool, an adults-only Sun Club rooftop pool and spa. Bonus: at this all-inclusive resort up to two kids stay, play and eat for free!
After undergoing extensive renovations, Meliá Coco Beach will reopen to guests in March 2019. Travelers can appreciate new programming for guests of all ages, including and extensive kids program offering uniquely-curated children’s experiences. Guests can experience the YHI Spa for a bevy of relaxing spa treatments, three pools including a kids’ pool and THE LEVEL guest pool and access to nearby championship golf course.
Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas - Mexico
Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas
Spend some time relaxing on more than two miles of private beach on the Sea of Cortez when you visit the Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palma. All of the 135 rooms come with gorgeous sea views. Guests can enjoy a game of golf or tennis and basketball in the sports and activities center, or even horseback riding and ATVs in the desert hills. Families traveling with teens can take advantage of the property’s teen center, and children can take part in Kids for all Seasons activities.
Set within a protected forest in the central Andes, Cannúa is a one-of-a-kind ecolodge in the heart of the Andean countryside. This 27-acre mountain-side property will provide guests with the opportunity to explore one of the most biologically diverse and climatic destinations in the world—through natural encounters and excursions into surrounding communities. Families can go on farm tours and day trips to local villages. Located 90 minutes from the innovative metropolis of Medellín, this property is slated to open in April 2019.
Situated just blocks from the celebrated Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, Hotel Serra will open its doors in mid 2019 in downtown San Luis Obispo. Large suites, a rooftop pool and on-site restaurant serving kid-friendly Mediterranean cuisine make this the ideal spot for families vacationing in Central California. Parents can indulge in in luxurious treatments at the on-site spa and then enjoy the scenic vistas with the family on the pool deck.
Lelewatu Resort, a member of the Preferred Hotels & Resorts L.V.X. Collection, will launch in April 2019 with 27 sophisticated Sumbanese-style villas spread over 10 acres of pristine, beautiful landscape. Families will enjoy a secluded stay with plenty of privacy due to the expansive grounds and space between each villa, which come equipped with a private balcony and pool, outdoor shower and magnificent views .The secluded resort also boasts plenty of activities for all ages on-site, including a luxurious Maraga Spa for parents, a horse-riding track, full game room and elegant boutique shopping experience. Families can also participate in afternoon tea, cooking with a chef, a traditional Indonesian archipelago dinner and hike around the elevated land surrounding the property. From traditional villages with ancient architectural digs and rugged, lush landscape to sacred lakes, picturesque waterfalls, and white-sand beaches—there’s no shortage of magic to uncover on Sumba Island!
This modern-meets-historic, hostel-meets-boutique hotel is slated to open in mid 2019 and we know that families will love it! Located in Bingen, WA, just across the Columbia River from Hood River, OR, the new hotel offers adventurous travelers a unique range of affordable lodgings—from European-style hotel rooms to bunkhouses to standalone cabins—plus spa services and community gathering spaces. This renovated schoolhouse property includes a community building with a soaking pool, sauna, hot tub, cold plunge, massage rooms, as well as a juice bar. Bonus: take the shuttle into Portland for some downtown time.
With the kids back in school, a week-long family vacay will have to wait. But why not plan the next best thing—a fun-filled fall staycation just minutes away from the city? Located smack dab in the middle of Bellevue, the Hyatt Regency Bellevue offers upscale rooms with sweeping views of the city, kid-friendly amenities and a huge shopping and dining district right outside its doors. The best part? The hotel is in close proximity to an abundance of indoor and outdoor family attractions. Keep reading to find out more.
The Rooms
Located just a hop, skip and a jump over the bridge, the Hyatt Regency Bellevue is centrally located in downtown Bellevue directly across from The Bellevue Collection on the corner of Bellevue Way and 8th St. Whether you’re looking for a cozy room with a view of Bellevue’s skyline, a room with fabulous views of Lake Washington or a huge suite with separate living and dining areas, the Hyatt Regency Bellevue offers a variety of accommodations for all sizes of families. Upgrade to a Regency Club room and enjoy hotel extras like plush robes, turndown service and exclusive access to the Regency Club lounge on the 23rd floor. This rooftop hot spot is where you and your kids can hang on the outdoor deck and take in the amazing views, nosh on delicious evening hors d’oeuvres and desserts and even enjoy continental breakfast each morning of your stay.
The Amenities
In addition to 732 rooms (including 39 deluxe suites), the hotel boasts amazing customer service, free underground parking, a kids’ concierge (to help make the littlest of guests feel welcome) and two 55-inch interactive touchscreen coffee tables in the lobby with games to entertain both kids and adults alike. The four-star hotel also offers an updated indoor pool complete with pool noodles, balls and kickboards and an expansive gym that overlooks Bellevue Way in case you want to work up a sweat during your staycation.
Premier Shopping & Entertainment Just Steps Away
Located just an elevator and skybridge walk away from the Hyatt Regency Bellevue is where you will find The Bellevue Collection made up of Bellevue Square, Lincoln Square and Bellevue Place. From kids’ apparel and home furnishings to handmade gifts and jewelry, this convenient and super kid-friendly shopping plaza is where you will find more than 250 retailers, including dozens of new ones just recently added. After you shop ‘til you drop, take advantage of the entertainment options the Bellevue Collection has to offer. See a movie at the Cinemark Lincoln Square Cinema, throw a few strikes and play more than 70 different arcade games at Lucky Strike or take the kiddies to Kid’s Cove inside Bellevue Square to run around the maritime-themed play area.
Kid-friendly Eats
Within Bellevue’s Hyatt Regency you will find several kid-friendly dining options to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. Eques, a modern décor breakfast restaurant, is open from 6:30 a.m.-10 a.m. on weekdays (open until noon on Saturdays and 1:30 p.m on Sundays) and serves a delicious buffet with all your fave breakfast foods (think: made-to-order omelets, homemade pastries, bagels and locks and fresh fruits) along with specialty dishes like Ice Cream Cone Waffles complete with a chocolate and vanilla drizzle and cherry on top and Cherry Pie Waffles piled high with cherries and a pie crumble.
For lunch and dinner options, the variety is stunning. Inside the hotel you have an old-school classic, 13 Coins. With huge dark booths, 13 Coins is open 24 hours and has a great kid’s menu. (Psst…you can also order room service from 13 Coins). If you’re feeling fancy, Daniel’s Broiler is located on the 21st floor and is known for its scrumptious steaks and Northwest-inspired dishes. Din Tai Fung (just a quick walk over the skybridge) is where you can introduce your kid crew to some of the best dim sum in town. Psst…arrive early in the day and avoid the huge dinnertime crowds; this is a popular spot!
For quick and easy grab-and-go options, Fonte’s Coffee Roaster and Needs Deli are both within the hotel compound. Beyond the hotel’s walls, there’s a plethora of kid-friendly faves, including Red Robin and Maggiano’s Little Italy along with other family hot spots like Palomino , Cactus Southwest Kitchen & Bar, Tavern Hall and the Nordstrom Marketplace Café (inside the mall). Wild Ginger (located three blocks south of the Hyatt on Bellevue Way) and McCormick & Schmick’s are also great options. Or go big, by heading to The Sugar Factory (located at The Shops at The Bravern) or VIVO 53 to indulge in extreme milkshakes and sundaes slathered with candy, brownies, cookies, whipped cream, chocolate and more. If all else fails and you simply can’t decide where to dine, head to the new Lincoln South Food Hall where you’ll find seven fast-casual eateries (all under one roof) offering everything from poké and street tacos, to ramen and burgers.
Outdoor Activities
Parks & Playgrounds
With more than 100 urban playgrounds, the city of Bellevue is often referred to as The City of Parks which means you’ll have no problem finding a place to swing, slide and climb during your staycation. To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite Eastside parks and playgrounds here. One of the city’s more well-known parks (just down the street from the Hyatt Regency Bellevue) should definitely be on your family’s to-do list. The Bellevue Downtown Park features two different play areas (one for munchkins ages 2-5 and another for older kids ages 5-12) along with a climbing wall and climbing vine, swings, a rockin’ music area and much more.
Kelsey Creek Farm Park
If you’ve got a crew of animal lovers, you’ll definitely want to put Kelsey Creek Farm Park on your Bellevue staycation agenda. In operation since the 1930s, Kelsey Creek Farm Park is free to visit and open year-round from 9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Stroll past the farm’s iconic barns to meet the ponies, sheep, goats, chickens, pigs, rabbits and waterfowl who call Kelsey Creek home. The Farm Park also offers a fantastic playground that is always a hit with the minis as well as picnic tables and a picnic shelter that are free to use and open every day from dawn ’til dusk. Make your visit extra special by scheduling a farm tour with Farmer Jayne (gather your neighbors, PEPS group or friends to make the adventure even more fun) or join a farm class designed for ages 2-10.
Lake to Lake Greenway Trail Bellevue’s Lake to Lake Greenway Trail goes right along Kelsey Creek Farm Park, so if your family is feeling a bit adventurous or is in need of some energy burnin’ fun, hop on your bike and hit the trail. The Lake to Lake Greenway Trail connects Lake Sammamish to Lake Washington and routes by the Bellevue Botanical Garden and the Mercer Slough Nature Park, two additional fun stops for outdoor adventure.
Indoor Activities
KidsQuest Children’s Museum
If you’re looking for indoor fun, the KidsQuest Children’s Museum should definitely be at the top of your must-do staycation list. This awesome hands-on, interactive children’s museum is where kids ages birth to 10 can explore and experience over a dozen exhibits. The best part? KidsQuest encourages creativity, problem solving and learning through play with an emphasis on science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM). Visit exciting exhibits like the Art Studio, Recycle Rebuild, Bellevue Mercantile, Atrium Climber and everyone’s favorite: Water! Visit their online calendar for monthly programs and special events.
Bellevue Arts Museum
Want to expose your kids to art and culture during your staycation? Take your crew to the Bellevue Arts Museum (BAM). BAM is one of the few museums nationwide that focuses on art, craft and design, working with artists and audiences to build and enhance community. Regardless of the current exhibit on display, BAM hosts Imagination Stations strategically located throughout the facility. These all-ages activity stations are open daily and free with admission. Psst…if you’re planning a Saturday visit, don’t miss Get Crafty Saturdays where your budding artist can channel his or her creative energy into a fun project.
photo: Jennifer B. Davis
Funtastic Playtorium
Good ol’ fashioned play does the body, mind and spirit good – a lot of good! At Funtastic Playtorium, kids ages one to 10 are encouraged to run amok and push the boundaries of their imagination by running, jumping, climbing, swinging, laughing and smiling. If you kids need active play time during your staycation, Funtastic Playtorium is a fun, safe environment for wild ones to exercise and interact with peers.
Whatever you decide to do during your staycation, the city of Bellevue has got you covered. Psst…book a hotel and/or dinner reservation at the Hyatt Regency Bellevue during the holiday season and enjoy Bellevue’s Snowflake Lane, a nightly holiday parade and show that takes place along Bellevue Way. Complete with “snow showers,” music and lights and even Santa Claus, it’s another fantastic reason to return to the Hyatt Regency Bellevue for a holiday staycation.
If your little bunny wants to walk with the animals and talk with the animals… or even touch, pet, feed and hug them too, we’ve got just the ticket for a hands-on safari. From ponies, pigs and talking parrots to goats, camels, alpacas and so many more amazing creatures, your little tyke will go wild for these petting zoos. Read on for the details.
Reach out and touch a chicken, goat, pig or a llama. To start, it's free if you just want to take a look... or pay a nominal fee to pet and feed the animals. Also, there's no age requirement at this zoo, except little tykes four and under need to have a grown-up with them. Even more, if you love this local ranch they offer birthday parties, pony rides, summer programs and more. Let your little one pet the animals and check out the ranch!
Insider's Tip: Wear long pants and closed toed shoes.
It's a family affair! Invite the grandparents too. Further, be ready for a bunny snuggling, chicken feeding, pony-riding adventure. For one fee, everyone's (siblings too!) invited to this local farm in Encinitas for a full-hour of barnyard fun. Even more, splurge and have your little farmhand (three and older) take a pony ride. There will be plenty of great photo-ops on this private farm tour. Insider's Tip: Wear long pants and closed toed shoes.
Hours: By appointment only. Cost: $80/family; $40/person for a half hour horse ride
Sugar Sweet Farm Encinitas, Ca 92024 760-815-6616 Online: sugarsweetfarm.com
Children's Nature Retreat
Beth Shea
It's day trip time! This gorgeous, serene retreat is about a 40-minute ride (from downtown San Diego) and it's well worth the drive. You'll see and touch an amazing array of animals. Even more, each entrance fee includes a big bucket of grass for feeding the animals. You and your fam will interact with horses, llamas, pigs, chickens, cows, zebras, camels, tortoises (yes!) and more. Prepare to be in awe of nature.
Giddy up to South San Diego and pet a pig, hug a cow or ride a pony. You'll find a plethora of animals at this working farm that your little one can pet and snuggle. After the animal encounters, kiddos can play in Dodge City or the Western-themed play area. Also, half-pints ages 2-8 can take a pony ride (three laps around the corral) hand-held with an experienced guide.
Insider's Tip: You can go during the week if you make an appointment.
Cost: $10/person for petting zoo; free for kids under two; $5/pony ride Hours: Sat. & Sun., 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Pony Land 2606 Hollister St. San Diego, Ca 619-947-3952 Online: ponylandsandiego.com
Birds of a feather flock together! Say hello to the parrots and they say hello or sing to you too! Even more, feed your feathery friends and gently pet them on the back. The docents provide information and help. Also, little ones love to check out the giant koi fish as an extra treat. This small non-profit bird sanctuary makes a fun and unique day outing for the crew.
Good to know: Free Flight is small, but a visit makes for a great afternoon.
2132 Jimmy Durante Blvd. Del Mar, Ca 858-481-3148 Online: freeflightbirds.org
Petting Paddock
Leah Singer
This is a first-rate place for future veterinarians to interact with the animals and it’s educational too. Go into the petting paddock (it’s in the Children’s Zoo) and your little animal-lover may let out a tiny “whee” of excitement while petting and brushing the soft sheep. These baa-u-tiful creatures love small-hands giving their back a soft sweet stroke. You can ask your wee ones to compare the feel of a wooly sheep’s coat to a pygmy goat’s hair. You’ll also appreciate the cool playground and other learning experiences outside the petting paddock.
Hours: Open daily, hours vary by day Cost: $54/adult; $44/child (includes zoo admission)
San Diego Zoo 2920 Zoo Dr. San Diego, Ca Online: sandiegozoo.org
Bunnies and guinea pigs? Sound like smiles are close at hand. Your little bunnies will love to meet theirs (bunnies, that is). Not only is there a huge walk-in corral fabulously-filled with bunnies and guinea pigs, your little peeps will get a kick out of feeding the goats, sheep, llamas and donkeys too. This hands-on place has plenty of options for small-critter fun. Just be prepared for activity fees. We’re giving you a good ol’ heads-up so you can manage your little farmers’ expectations.
Insider’s Tip: Take a potty-break before you get there (the restrooms are outhouses).
Zoomars 31791 Los Rios St. San Juan Capistrano, Ca Online: zoomars.com
Petting Kraal
Leah Singer
Not only will the kiddies get a little giddy, they might also let out a small “baa-baa” when they get a gander of the Zoo Safari Park’s petting kraal. The perfect-place for timid toddlers to reach out and gently feel a goat’s hair or a sheep’s wooly-softness, little farm-hands will also delight in brushing the animals too. Enter a large fenced-in area with plenty of space and introduce your little one to first-hand farm-fun. An extra bonus is watching the newborn animals (located right before you enter the petting kraal).
Hours: Daily, 9 a.m-5 p.m.; longer hours in the summer Cost: $54/adult; $44/child (includes park admission to the park)
Zoo Safari Park 15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd. Escondido, CA 92027 Online: sdzsafaripark.org
Bates Nut Farm
Leah Singer
Head north up the 15 freeway to Valley Center and you’ll find Bates Nut Farm is a sweet stop for some rustic romping. Not only can little farm-helpers shout a hee-haw to mini donkeys and hand-feed the goats and sheep, they also get a look-see at the llamas, pigs, emus, chickens, peacocks, ducks and geese and a tortoise. The animals will eat from your hand and bags of animal feed can be purchased for 50 cents. Wrap up the morning with a byo-picnic (bring your own) under the big shade trees. Let the littles run, blow bubbles, bounce balls and they’ll be ready for that afternoon nap. Head on home with the happy tank—full.
Good to know: The farm zoo has lots of farm animals, but you don’t actually get in the pen with them.
Sure, we’ve all heard of Wine Country, but did you know there is a magical place less than two hours away that instead of Pinots, Chards and Merlots, invites you to taste Camemberts, Triple-Creams and Fontinas? Cheese Country is a slice of paradise between Point Reyes Station, Valley Ford and Petaluma. There are nearly 30 cheese producers in the area, almost 20 of which will let you behind the scenes, from watching the cheese making process to hanging out with the goats and cows that make it all possible. We’ve rounded up the best options for families and a few fun detours along the way. Say cheese!
From San Francisco, take Highway 101 north. Exit at Lucas Valley Road, just before reaching San Rafael. Follow the direction of Nicasio. Very quickly you’ll be surrounded by green hills, rivers and cows. On the road, packs of bikers may outnumber the cars. Once you reached the charming little town of Nicasio, you might want to do a first cheese stop at Nicasio valley cheese company. They don’t have organized tours but you are always welcome to come in the little shop displaying 8 different kinds of 100% farmstead cow’s milk cheese, and talk with the producer. Back on the road, keep going north on Nicasio Valley Road and take a right on Point Reyes Petaluma Road, which will take you to Point Reyes Station. This will be your official point of entry to California Cheese Country. Valley Ford and Petaluma will be the two other main towns of your itinerary. To get an overview of where are the farms are located, check out this California Cheese Trail Map.
Explore
Toluma Farms This is one of the best-organized tours of the cheese country. Every first Sunday of each month, between 1p.m. and 3 p.m., Toluma Farms opens its doors to the public.You will get to see and pet baby goats, and walk among the herd on the hills of the property.Then comes the best part: the open buffet cheese sampling. It takes place in a country chic farm house on the property, which is also rented as an Airbnb.
5488 Middle Rd.
Tomales, Ca
707-878-2041
Tours: First sunday of the month, 1p.m.-3 p.m.. Adult $20, Children $10
Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company
Known for its Blue Cheese, Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company specialized in cow’s milk cheeses. On the tour you’ll get to see the cows who produce the precious milk and learn about the cheese making process. You’ll also have a chance to meet the family running the farm and creamery. Farm tours take place every friday at 1:30 p.m. Private tours, Saturday brunch, farm dinners and plenty other events are also available. Check their website to see upcoming classes and events.
14700 Shoreline Hwy.]
Point Reyes Station, Ca
415-663-8880
Online: pointreyescheese.com
Tours: Every Friday at 1:30 p.m.
Two Rock Valley Goat Cheese At this kid-friendly farm your littles ones are encouraged to explore. Bonnie, the owner of the farm and caretaker of the animals, loves kiddos. She will explain how she raises the goats in simple words and let you touch them as much as you want. Unlike most of the creameries, tours are available pretty much any time any day and are free (just give them a call and make a reservation in advance). If you are interested in the cheese making process, mention it. Bonnie knows animals better than cheese, and she will make sure her husband is around to talk cheese to you.
Insider tip: Finding Two Rock Valley Goat Cheese farm can be tricky: From the road look for the sign for De Bernardi Dairy—that’s the family’s last name and this is the spot.
7955 Valley Ford Rd.
Petaluma, Ca
707-762-6182
Online: tworockgoatcheese.com
Tours: Free, tips welcomed.Think about bringing some cash with you.
Cowgirl Creamery Cowgirl Creamery is the destination for all the cheese lovers out there. They offer 60-minute guided tours at their original Pt. Reyes creamery every Friday at 11 a.m. You and your little one will not only see firsthand their curd-making techniques, but indulge in samples of all of Cowgirl Creamery’s fine cheeses. Pick up wine, sandwiches, salads, and of course, cheese, from the Cowgirl Cantina and enjoy it outside on the shaded picnic area.
Good to Know: Tour cost $5 per person, and maximum tour group is 15 spots. Reserve your spot online as they can sell out quickly.
Downtown Petaluma Petaluma is a perfect last stop before heading home. The charming historic downtown isa lovely place for a stroll. The little square is full of antique shops, victorian buildings and the Putnam Plaza Park. Across from the patch of green tucked between Petaluma Blvd and American Alley is Lala’s Creamery, an old fashion ice cream parlor offering wonderful frozen treats and sodas. And if you need to do a little bit more cheese shopping, head to the Petaluma Market. On the left side of the entrance, you’ll find a huge cheese aisle featuring all locally made cheeses.
Highway 101 north, between San Rafael and Santa Rosa.
Online: petalumadowtown.com
Stay
Valley Ford Hotel A very charming hotel, the Valley Ford is ideally located in the heart of California Cheese Country. On the first floor you’ll find a reading/relaxation room where kiddos are welcome to play. You can even order food and drinks from Oyster Rockerfellers, the restaurant across the hallway, and they’ll bring it to you. The food is really delicious and there is live music on Sunday nights.
14415 Shoreline Hwy.
Valley Ford, CA
707-876-1983
Online: vfordhotel.com
The Continental Inn Take trip back in time at the Continental Inn, which was built as a replica of the original turn-of-the century of the hotel that stood in the same place. It is a perfect place to explore the historic town of Tomales, and is five-minute drive from Toluma Farm. There is no restaurant in the hotel, but you will find a bakery, a deli and a restaurant ijust a short walk away.
26985 Highway One at Dillon Beach
Tomales,Ca
800-491-6126
Online: thecontinentalinn.com
Eat
The Bovine Bakery This bakery is a very popular stop for families in Point Reyes Station. Good for breakfast, lunch or a snack, everything here is handmade and super fresh. You will find pretty much every pastry, cake or cookie you can think of, from french croissants to the most inventive kind of breads. Our vote goes for the oat bran date almond muffin and the orange chocolate chip scone. For lunch, pizzas and quiches are perfect for families on the go.
Insider Tip: For early risers, this bakery opens at 6.30 a.m. (and closes at 5 p.m.)
Rocker Oysterfellers One of our favorite dining option in Cheese Country, Rocker Oysterfellers combines fresh, local dishes with great ambiance. The menu has a cajun flavor, with dishes such as Poboy, Gumbo (a sausage and seafood stew), grits and the most delicious bite-size beignet on the dessert menu. Drop by on Thursday night for $1 oyster night and or swing by for live music on Sunday nights. The restaurant is located in the Valley Ford Hotel, and is open Thursday through Sunday from 5 p.m. until 8.30 p.m., Saturday from 3 p.m. and Sunday for brunch form 10 a.m. to 2 p.m..
The Marshall Store
Food is on everyone’s minds up here, from sublime dairy to organic produce—and of course, the area’s famed bivalves. At the Marshall Store, they’ll serve you your oysters any way you want em: raw, barbecued or with their garlic butter and House Sauce. Sit out on the deck overlooking the water while you snack on seafood stew, fish tacos and dugeness crabs. And for tikes who still get squirmy at the idea of eating fish, their turkey or veggie panini and a few strips of the heavenly house-made beefy jerky are sure to please. To get to Marshall Store, from Point Reyes Station take Rd 1 north towards Valley Ford. The restaurant will be on your left, overlooking Tomales Bay. Look for a smoker and some picnic tables next to a parking lot.
The Water Street Bistro
Ideally located by the bank of the Petaluma River, this cafe is a good casual lunch option. They serve generous salads, sandwiches, soups and also warm dishes. You can also just stop here for a coffee and pastry. There is an indoor sitting area, as well as a little terrace from where you will be able to check on kiddos playing on the bridge over the river. It is a super safe, all pedestrian area.
Great Petaluma Mill Shopping Center
100 Petaluma Blvd N # 106
Petaluma, Ca
707-763-9563
Online:waterstreetbistro.net
Have you explored California Cheese Country? Do you have a favorite stop?
Kids often have to live in a “Do Not Touch!” world, whether it’s breakables at a store, paintings at LACMA, or other people’s food. Thankfully, autumn brings some awesome opportunities to let those tiny hands grab with gusto. We’re talking about picking your own produce, of course. So round up your little rascals and let them touch, pick, and taste to their heart’s content. You’ll all be thrilled with the delicious results.
An Apple a Day
Create lasting memories with your kiddos and take them to an apple orchard, where you can indulge in some fresh outdoor fun. Your wee ones can scout for the crunchiest apples, and even sample all the varieties, from sweet to sour to spicy. A vitamin C boosting adventure, directly from leaf to lips…heeding the doctor’s orders never tasted so good. There are two superb spots to pick your own apples in So Cal:
Oak Glen
Our favorite spot in this desert town is Riley’s Farm, which offers way more than just apples (there’s berries, u-pick flowers, tons of kid-friendly activities, the list goes on). But there are about a dozen orchards in this mile high town, so plan a day-trip (or weekend adventure) here and tucker your little ones out on crisp air and even crispier fruit.
Julian
For another great apple picking option, there are more orchards in Julian, a quaint mountain town about 60 miles northeast of San Diego. It’s worth the drive. After all, it could lead to fresh-baked apple pie!
Fruit & Veggie-tastic
Having trouble getting the tiny tots to try the green stuff? Take them right to the source, where they can hand-pick their own farm-fresh veggies. You may find those greens taste a lot sweeter when they’re the treasures of a hand-selected harvest. Or if you’re only feeling fruity, these places offer loads of juicy options too.
Tanaka Farms
One of the only family-run farms in Orange County, Tanaka Farms is definitely worth a visit. Your kiddos will love the tractor pulled farm tours, where they’ll get to see different fruits and vegetables and even get to sample some fresh from the field. There’s a pumpkin patch from September 27th through October 31st, so you can get your Halloween goodies and organic produce all at once. On weekends in October, your brood can take part in the Fall Harvest Festival activities while you daydream about that pumpkin bread recipe you’ve been dying to try.
Underwood Farms
Get ready for the 17th annual Fall Harvest Festival at Underwood Farms from September 27th – October 31st, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Each weekend has something new and interesting for kids, from fire trucks and K-9 demonstrations to cowboys and a flea circus. Added bonus: anyone in a costume will receive free entry on Halloween. Beyond the festival fun, you can also pick all kinds of veggies, fruits and pumpkins. Don’t worry about bringing lunch – every festival weekend features food vendors selling tasty treats like roasted corn on the cob, fresh pie, kettle corn, hamburgers, hotdogs and Mexican food. The Festival is also a fantastic place to host a birthday party, since you can reserve your own spot in the Party Area and enjoy the surrounding activities, too. They’re also open every day of the week, so if your little one is itching to try something new before the weekend, this would be an exciting day out (and it’s far less crowded on the weekdays).
photo credit: Cathie Ericson
Brian Ranch Airport U-Pick Brian Ranch, by Palmdale, is the place to go if your kid is obsessed with all things aircraft. A private airport specializing in light sport aircraft, your kiddos will get to gaze at some cool looking planes before heading out to the orchard to pick delicious fruit. And if you’re feeling brave, you could even schedule a 15-minute introductory flight ($40, for adults only) while the kiddos pick. Plums are in season now, and they have a pumpkin patch in October. They have a hay wagon for tots to enjoy, and a picnic area where you can savor the fruits of your labor. Also, they sell unusual fruit butters made on site, like apricot, Asian pear, nectarine, peach and pear. (Note: the farm closes in mid-October.)
photo credit: Adam Dachis
Murray Family Farms
Located in Bakersfield, Murray Family Farms is a bit of a drive (but most of these are – that’s the downside to living in the big city!). But it’s worth it to check out October Fest (from October 1st to October 31st), where your little ones can explore corn mazes, go on hay rides, get their faces painted, jump in bouncy houses and more. Oh, and of course you can pick your own fruits and veggies, with many varieties available most of the year. Check the calendar to see what’s in season…from pluots and corn to apples and pumpkins. With so many yummy selections, your kiddos will be happily munching in the car all the way home.
M&M Peach Ranch
Do you and your little ones have a sweet tooth? Skip the chocolate and go for nature’s candy instead. Freshly plucked peaches at M&M Peach Ranch are a super sweet treat you can all feel good about, and you don’t have to go to Georgia for these peaches, you only have to head a little farther than Valencia. You’ll enjoy a carefree afternoon wandering through the trees and filling your bucket with the best and brightest of the season. Peaches are only available through October, so make sure you don’t miss out. All fruit here is certified organic, so you can rest assured that the natural sugar your kiddos are getting is pesticide-free.
Jack-O-Lanterns A-Plenty
It wouldn’t be October without a little pumpkin carving. There are too many to list here, so check out our comprehensive list of awesome pumpkin patches where your mini monster can hand-select the most terrifying pumpkin of all. Gather some mini pumpkins too, since they make gorgeous table decorations to complete the festive mood.
Now get picking and enjoy the yummiest harvest of the season. Let us know where you end up visiting, or if there are any great U-Pick farms we missed.
Summertime approaches (hooray!) and with it comes some decision-making. Camps, vacations, new gear and much-anticipated adventures are likely getting muddled over in su casa. Good luck with the planning and may we gently suggest one local farmadise to add to your must-do summer list? Sauvie Island is every Portlander’s very own local getaway, whether for an afternoon of u-pick berries, some legit riverside beach-going, or maybe a concert under the sun. And oh how we love to go there and feel transported, in true summer-style. One of our favorite highlights of this family-friendly destination is Bella Organic Farm. Between their fresh and delicious food offerings, their kid-approved carnival rides and games, and their fantastic summer concert series, Bella Organic is a definite must-visit this summer. Read on to find out the scoop on what to see, eat, and do while you’re there!
Go Hog Wild
So while you may have heard of this farm gem, you may not know how much it offers, especially this summer. They are likely on your radar for pumpkins, corn mazes and haunted delights. They may even make your short-list rotation for strawberry and blueberry picking glee, but did you know they rock a free and open-every-day bouncy house? Or how about the goats and pigs outback that love to be visited by little farmers and berry pickers? Lastly, did you know they host Farm Dinners and a coupla weekend family-friendly concerts like Blueberries & Blues mid-summer or the annual Labor Day Weekend Blackberries & Bluegrass multi-day jamfest? Sweet!
But, saving the BEST for last, this year you and the kidlets can head over on Saturdays for their very own summer concert lineup. What? Yes! An every Saturday night live tune bonanza with tasty food, beer and wine for sale, hay bales for sitting, tractor rides, and a big ol’ field for kiddo roaming. Makes for reminiscing already and summer has yet to begin!
How Their Garden Grows
So where do we go? Point your family truckster towards Bella Organic Farm. Bella Organic has been around for seven years, is family run and is the first organic farmstand selling direct to the customer in the whole state! Bella grows all types of organic deliciousness like strawberries, blueberries, marionberries, and delish blackberries. They also have crops of tomatoes, beans, corn, onions, summer and winter squash, plums, and garlic…to name a few more healthy gems. Their CSA program is user friendly with a pay-as-you-go option or a pay for them all up front. All of their amazing fresh fruit and veggies are grown right onsite, planted with love, and shared with care. Awwwww. Heart them.
Spectacularly Portland Farm Dinners (beginning July 12th) are every Friday night in July and August and are prepared by chefs with produce picked that morning. It does NOT get better than that. Add in tours, farmer face time, and an amazing backdrop (oh and some Bella vino) and these spectacular evenings sell out fast. Appetizers and wine begin at 5:00 pm, the farm tour rolls at 5:20 pm and dinner is at 6:00 pm. Book a sitter and go!
An Autumn Festivus For The Rest of Us
In October Bella Organic Farm rocks a month long pumpkin fest, selling both pre-picked and u-pick pumpkins, hay rides, a spooky corn maze and one friendlier for the wee ones, plus cow trains and face painting, Their corn maze theme changes each year and is always a shout-out to Oregon, like last year’s University of Oregon Duck. If you and yer kids (as in baby goats) haven’t been yet, put it in the activity hopper for Fall 2013.
Champing at the Bit: Hot Summer Night Delights
Now about those Saturday night Harvest Concerts. Here’s the deats: it’s $10 a carload after 6:00 pm and free if you arrive beforehand. Go early and check out the animals, play in the hay maze, bounce away, score a tractor ride, or just admire the bounty in the farm store. You will not go home empty handed. They have food and sustenance a-plenty for sale, plus beer and wine, so leave your munitions at home (or in the car). Tickets are on sale now via their web site and the lineup of bands should be announced soon.
Get Your Goat (On) Bella Organic Farm is open for the season starting June 1st so get ready for a summer of wonderful. It’s a working farm so plan footwear accordingly, pack hats and slather on sunscreen as needed. Prepare to visit the farm that loves supporting your family’s healthy eating and while there, find your way to some moments of zen. Salut!
Bella Organic Farm is open June 1st through November 15th: Sunday through Thursday 9:00 am to 6:00 pm; last call into U-Pick field 5:30 pm. Friday & Saturday: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm; last call into U-Pick field is 5:30 pm. For Harvest Concert Evenings they will stay open until 10:00 pm.
After you cross the Sauvie Island bridge take the first left onto Gillihan Rd and continue for 1.5 miles. They will be on your left. Follow the scarecrows!
When was the last time you visited Sauvie Island?
–Liz Overson
Photos courtesy of bellaorganic.com and Liz Overson
