Make a slinky skeleton with the kids this Halloween season
Add a little spooky fun into the afternoon by making a simple (and not too scary) skeleton craft for kids. Keep it classic, or add color and sparkle for Día de los Muertos. Kids of all ages will enjoy creating this friendly bag o’ bones, especially because it adds fun Halloween decor to any home! For more inspiration, check out our favorite Halloween crafts, Halloween treats, and family costume ideas!
Supplies for Your Skeleton Craft
This craft activity is fun, and you probably have almost everything you need at home. Gather the following items: Cardstock quality paper, brass fasteners, pipe cleaners, hole punch, glitter glue, googly eyes, gemstones, markers, ink pens or just about anything else to get a skeleton ready for the holidays.
Skeleton Craft Printable
There are a lot of great (and free) downloadable skeleton templates floating around, so take the time to look for one the kids love. Our pick for an easy download is this happy little guy. His smile and big bones make for easy coloring and decorating; he most definitely won over the artist at our writer's home.
Lay Out the Bones to Decorate
After you've cut out the pieces, lay them out for easy decorating. This is also a great opportunity to squeeze in a little science lesson about bones and the body.
Ears and Eyes and Mouth and Nose
We decided to start with eyes so the skeleton could see "what was going on," but feel free to start decorating anywhere. At this point, kids can go wild with markers, jewels or whatever else they have on hand.
Glitter glue works great for kids who want to create a sugar skull for Día de los Muertos. Add black swirls and lots of color to make it pop.
Punching Time
After everything has dried, grab a hole punch; if there isn't one in the craft box a skewer works well, and make the holes at the designated points on the template.
Get It Together
Using the fasteners (also called brads), attach all the slinky pieces to one another. If the fasteners are too long, fold them up on the backside of the skeleton to conceal them.
Silly Dancing Bones
Finally, this slinky skeleton is ready for action. Create a wall hook with a fun colored pipe cleaner; attach it with glue or punch a hole at the top of the skull and loop through. This craft will be a perfect decoration to pull out year after year, and you can even have the kids create a new one each year!
Need a good laugh to get through the spooky season? These Halloween jokes will do the trick
You’ve got your doorway tricked out with decorations, Halloween-themed books on the shelf, and Halloween candy in order. Now it’s time for some good old-fashioned fun that isn’t too frightening. Halloween doesn’t have to be all about the scare: it’s a great time to yuk it up with silly jokes for kids. We’ve rounded up a list of sweet and funny Halloween jokes for kids that are sure to bring on jack-o’-lantern grins. Get ready to start laughing (and groaning) and feel free to head over to this post for some printable Halloween jokes. In the mood for some more giggles? Check out some special toddler jokes and extra squeaky-clean ones.
Keep this list of the best photo booths in New York and Brooklyn where you can strike a pose with the kids, the old-fashioned way
There’s just something about an old-fashioned photo booth. Despite it feeling a little archaic in the age of the cell phone, it’s hard to pass on the opportunity to step behind the velvet curtain to snap a few fun-filled photos. Nowadays, believe it or not, there are still some traditional photo booths in New York—and a select few still use film. (What?!) For an alternative to the formal family portrait, cram into one of these little photo booth “studios” and let the magic happen! Want more nostalgic fun around New York? Head to NYC’s family-friendly arcades! Or for some old-school New York fun, try these “vanishing New York” spots!
Where to Find Classic Photo Booths in NYC
1. The Ace Hotel
The Ace Hotel is an NYC gem any time of the day. Grab a meal, a quick coffee (they serve Stumptown afterall), or enjoy its free lobby WIFI to get some work done, all while your kids enjoy the legendary photo booth. Located in the Flatiron District, this spot is also fun to go grab drinks and dinner without the kids as well!
850 Broadway
Flatiron District Online:acehotel.com
2. DeKalb Market Hall at City Point
There are many reasons to visit the downtown Brooklyn mall of City Point (the Alamo Drafthouse movie theater, Trader Joe’s, McNally Jackson bookstore, etc.). Yet another is DeKalb Market Hall, a food hall featuring vendors selling bites and beverages of all kinds. There is also a photo booth here, found right at the foot of the escalators. It’s $5 for a strip, and you can share to your social accounts right from the booth if you want.
The folks at Kiehl’s want you to capture how radiant their products make your skin look right in store. Head to the brand’s Meatpacking District location to capture your picture-perfect complexions.
400 W. 14th St.
Meatpacking District Online:kiehls.com
4. UNIQLO Fifth Ave.
Shopping and taking pictures sounds like a match made in heaven, especially when you have the kids with you. (It’s a good way to keep them from getting bored.) We guess that’s what UNIQLO had in mind when it installed a photo booth inside its massive 89,000-square-foot flagship store on Fifth Ave. Take note!: It’s free for a strip of four pictures. (You will no doubt “pay” for the snaps with the purchase of some of the brand’s duds.) Also good to know: there’s a Starbucks inside the store and cell phone charging stations, so you could stay a while…
This spot goes by three names: “The Horseshoe Bar”, “Vazac’s”, and “7B”. On the outside it looks like a classic Lower East Side dive bar, because, well, it is. But it’s got more than that going for it on the inside. With a bar that’s actually shaped like a horseshoe, major LES cred and grittiness, this place has also made cameos in major films like the TheGodfather II, Crocodile Dundee, and The Verdict. Its latest star turn? In the incredible, dimension-bending Netflix series, Russian Doll.
Getting your kids ready to enjoy brunch at The Smith is as easy as “1, 2, cheese!” the restaurant’s Midtown, East Village, Lincoln Square, and NoMad locations all have photo booths for you to enjoy, with some located in the basement by the restrooms, and some, like in NoMad, actually in the restroom.
Is your face photo-ready thanks to kale and beet smoothies? If so, stop by Joe & The Juice to grab some healthy grub and snap a few photos in its photo booth (near the back of the shop). This is one of the more spacious juice/café spots in NYC, so feel free to bring the kids and stay a while.
67 Spring St. (btwn Crosby & Lafayette St.)
Soho Online:joejuice.com
8. M&M World New York Store
The M&M store is the ideal spot for kids to explore the magical world of chocolate and document it all with a photo booth keepsake. The three floors of M&M themed candy and gifts is sure to keep both adults and children occupied, but after you’ve got your chocolate fix be sure to head to the photo booth on the 2nd floor and take home some snaps to remember the outing!
Breakfast, lunch, dinner and pies! Oh my! More than two decades ago Bubby’s started off by baking pies, and now it’s a full-fledged restaurant with a couple of locations around the city. (Note: they serve some of the best pancakes in the city.) But head to the one on Hudson Street for a little bit of top model action to take some pics.
Give your kids the independence they want with these meal ideas they can make without assistance
Summer mealtime can be a drag for parents as kids waffle between “I’m bored!” and “I’m hungry!” Adding meal preparation to an already busy schedule is something we’d all like to avoid. We’ve rounded up simple recipes for kids that include everything from quesadillas to pinwheels to breakfast tacos. From preschoolers to teens, kids can feel good about preparing their own meals this summer and you’ll have one less thing on your to-do list.
Kids of any age can whip up fruit kabobs for an easy and healthy snack. For preschoolers, keep a bowl of cut-up fruit in the fridge (or just buy a pre-chopped bowl like we do) and skewers on hand. When the hangries arrive, let your littles have fun making their own fruit skewers. Extra points for dips like yogurt or whipped cream!
Little hands will be able to put together an easy snack like this. Just use any kind of bread (we like pita because it’s a little more sturdy), smear with peanut butter or Nutella, then top with sliced bananas. This is a great option for preschoolers because both the spread and bananas can be prepared using a non-sharp knife.
It can’t get much easier than combining yogurt, fruit, and maybe even granola (we prefer Nilla Wafers) into the easy snack that is a parfait. The great part is there’s no chopping required if you use small berries and each kid can customize their own.
If your kids can use the microwave, they can whip up a quesadilla! Just layer cheese between two tortillas and microwave until the cheese is melted. This is a great option if you have multiple kids in the house who might prefer their own toppings since everyone can take a turn customizing their own ‘dilla.
Whether it’s a pack of instant oatmeal or you trust your elementary-age kids on the stove, oatmeal is a great breakfast, snack, or lunch option they can make on their own. Add a dollop of peanut butter, sliced fruit, or chocolate chips to give it a whole new taste.
At the bare minimum, your kids can whip up a plate of nachos with just two ingredients (cheese & chips). If they want to get fancy, feel free to have them pile on the olives, pico, and anything else they want after a quick spin in the microwave.
Ramen is a great meal kids can make on themselves because you can either do a Cup Noodle, and avoid the stove by heating water in a kettle, or use the brick Ramen option that cooks in just a few minutes. Either way, make sure your older kids are mature enough to handle using hot water in the kitchen.
A picky eater’s dream, macaroni and cheese is a good meal option a kid can have in their arsenal. You can go the super easy route by buying Easy Mac, which can be made in the microwave, or teach your older kids how to safely navigate a stovetop recipe. Better yet, try out an Instant Pot version!
If there’s one meal most kids will never turn down, it’s pizza. This recipe for Texas Toast Garlic Bread Pizza lets them avoid making a mess by trying to flip and spin the dough. Just grab some of the thick bread and top with sauce, cheese, and toppings before going in the toaster oven or airfryer.
The last thing any kid wants during the summer is a sandwich thanks to a school year long’s worth of lunches. Skip the bread with these turkey and cheese pinwheels which just require some layering of ingredients, a quick roll up, and some slicing to give that fun shape. Not a turkey fan? Your kids can make it with ham, roast beef, hummus, veggies, or even just PB&J.
Can you kids toast their own bagel and add cream cheese? Sure. But can they make an Old Man Bagel that’s even more fulfilling? YES! All you need to do is top a toasted bagel with cream cheese, avocado, and some lemon pepper seasoning to give your breakfast, lunch, or snack (because really, we could eat a bagel any time of the day) a step up.
Breakfast, snack, or lunch—a smoothie is always a good option an older kiddo can whip up. So long as you keep the ingredients on hand like spinach, banana, and other frozen fruits and you teens know how to safely operate a blender, this is a great option they can do on their own. Check out our post on some great recipes here.
All the benefits of painter’s tape, the ultimate formula hack, and how to get away with overpacking
Traveling as a family is hard enough, but add a baby into the mix and your trip can go from fantastic to frightful in a heartbeat. Thankfully, parents from all over the world have gone before us and figured out everything from the best way to baby-proof a hotel room and how to get through TSA without breaking a sweat, to securing the coveted bassinet on a long-haul flight. These baby travel hacks from TikTok are bound to make your upcoming trip an actual vacation.
Once you’ve had a baby, reality sets in: babies have so.much.stuff. It’s one thing to keep a well-stocked home but traveling is another story. Travel light by getting creative with must-have baby necessities like this inflatable tub. When not in use, it can be folded down to easily fit in a suitcase, then simply blown up when it’s bath time.
You Can Bring Lots of Bottles and Snacks Through TSA
Getting through security can be intimidating enough, but toting a baby, bottles, and all the other infant sundries can make the process near nightmarish. The good news is that baby bottles and snacks are not subject to the 3 oz. liquid rule the rest of the population must abide by. So stock up that carry-on with all the supplies you need, and per TikToker Jai Lynn, you are able to request that no agent tampers with anything your little one might touch with their mouth.
I never pack for a trip traveling with children without packing painter’s tape! And I have never been on a trip where I packed the painter’s tape where I haven’t used the painter’s tape! It’s a miracle item that helps us sleep better, play better, and live safer while we’re on the go! What is your must-have family travel item?? . side note, if you’re wondering why you’ve seen this video before with someone else, it’s because she stole my content off of my Instagram and reposted it before I could get it posted on here. I promise this is the original video 😢 . . . . . #kelsewhatelse#familytravel#travelwithtoddler#painterstape#familytravelhack#travelhack#momhack#momtips
You’re done packing: did you pack the painter’s tape? This household product is there to help baby-proof, provide entertainment and basically be there for all your needs in a pinch. Grab a roll the next time you’re placing an Amazon order!
Over-packers unite! You don’t have to pare down to the bare minimum on your next trip with your baby. This genius hack from Kaleigh Gawn uses vacuum seal bags and a handheld sealer to shrink down bulky items like diapers and extra blankets so you can reclaim all that suitcase space.
Vacation is supposed to be a time when you leave your cares behind, but not when it comes to cleaning baby bottles! That’s why we think this collapsible bottle drying rack is so genius. Everything you need fits in a compact case and come with everything you need to both wash and hang dry both pump and bottle parts.
Baby gear takes up a ton of space on a good day, but even more so on a road trip when you have to share trunk space with luggage. This hack from @where.is.briggs involves leaving bulky items at home and using a rental service like rents4baby that provides everything from cribs and strollers to beach supplies like tents and wagons. Just place your order and the service will drop off your items at your destination.
The rumors are true: bassinets on flights do exist! While this option doesn’t exist for every airline, many long-haul flights offer free bassinets for bulk-head seats. Most of the time they are first come, first serve so be sure to ask the ticket counter when you arrive if there are any available for your trip. Weight limits do apply.
When it comes to baby travel hacks from TikTok, this one takes the cake. Cruises are known for their plentiful array of cuisines, and baby doesn’t have to miss out. Nowadays, many cruise lines offer options to request baby food alongside your meal in the dining room (with advance notice) or to have the chef puree just about anything for your tot. Make sure you check out your cruise line before embarking to your destination.
There’s barely enough room to stow your carry-on in the seat in front of you on an airplane, so having to constantly dig around for a lost toy is a no-go. This hack from @mothercould involves grabbing a couple of suction cup toys that easily stick to the window so everyone stays happy.
As adults, we can forget that planes are LOUD. Protect baby’s ears with a pair of ear muffs that not only block out the potentially scary sounds of taking flight but also provide a quieter atmosphere for a nap or two.
While this baby travel hack from TikTok is only currently confirmed to work in the UK, it’s worth its weight in formula gold. TikTok parents @thetravelinggays share how to take a vacation’s worth of baby formula with you by ordering a supply at the airport Boots store. We can only hope the idea catches on in the States!
Many parents feel the most comfortable bringing their car seat for air travel, but here are some hacks you might not know. You can skip booking a ticket for your baby and take a gamble by asking if there’s an open seat you can snag for free. If there isn’t one, you’ll be able to check your car seat for free at the gate or when you arrive (we highly recommend a seat cover for protection). If you’d rather not lug a giant seat around the airport, there are always options to rent a seat at your destination.
Sure, your baby loves to sit at the table with the family, but who wants to cart around a booster all vaycay? Make staying with grandparents or friends a cinch and pickup up this compact and foldable harness seat for your next trip.
If you’re not already baby-wearing, traveling is the perfect time to start. Not only do you have to get your own luggage to your destination, but all your wee one’s accessories too (with the same two hands you’ve always had). Using a baby carrier or wrap is the perfect way to navigate checking luggage, getting through security, and getting seated on your plane. Plus, who doesn’t want some extra baby snuggles?
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A mindfulness coach and motivational speaker shared the seven things adults need—and deserve—to hear from their parents
Raising kids is no easy feat—and there’s no instruction book for doing it the “right” way. Even parents of grown-up kids can struggle to figure out the right things to do and say, but that’s where this ingenious TikTok video comes in. In it, best-selling author, motivational speaker, mindset coach, and mindfulness teacher Barb Schmidt shares seven phrases that adult children want (and deserve) to hear from their parents, and it’s truly everything.
“What’s something you wish a parental figure would say to you now that you’re an adult?” Schmidt wrote in the caption of the video, where she dives right into the list.
“I’m sorry for any parenting choices I made that hurt you. I’m here to listen if you want to tell me about it.”
“You are incredibly precious to me.”
“I will always love you no matter what.”
“My life changed for the better because you are in it.”
“Your worth is not determined by your productivity, job title, or your relationship status.”
“Tell me about your hopes and dreams for your life. I want to know more about what matters to you.”
Is it just me, or did some hearts just start healing? Because the comments are just filled with people who say they wish their parents could say some of these things—and mean them.
“My mother COULD NEVER,” one commenter wrote. Another said, “All of those things. I haven’t heard any of these 😢”
So you know what, friends? Feel free to just send this to your parents if they could use the help.
For most first graders, heroes are sports stars, actors, singers, maybe even a parent. But 7-year-old Max Alexander is not your average first grader. He calmly (and confidently) told People magazine that he was Gucci in a past life, and once you see his absolutely incredible dressmaking and fashion design work, you’ll see why we kind of think it’s true.
According to People, Max started designing clothes when he was just four years old, and no one even knows where he got the idea.
“We were at dinner during the lockdown, and he just literally announced, ‘I need a mannequin,'” his mom, Sherri Madison, recalled. “He was very serious. No laughing. I was like, ‘Okay, I’ve never seen you interested in fashion. What are you talking about?’ He said, ‘That’s because I don’t have a mannequin. If you get me a mannequin, I’ll show you. I’m a dressmaker.'”
We all know toddlers. Sometimes they just say weird things like that and you never figure out where they came from. But, uh, Max may have actually been channeling the ghost of the fashion house founder, because his mom made him his first mannequin out of cardboard, and sure enough, he was a dressmaker. Like, instantly.
The word “prodigy” shouldn’t be thrown around lightly, but this kid is clearly it. His mom said she started teaching him how to sew, but he surpassed her skills before he was in kindergarten. It’s like he was just born with a brain already full of fashion genius.
Also, he’s so cute it should be illegal. Every one of his videos will make your jaw drop because this tiny little boy could win Project Runway tomorrow—but it’ll also make your heart burst because he’s just so full of joy for what he’s doing. He’s living his truest, best life and it’s so wonderful to see. Oh, and did we mention he’s already had a design commissioned by a celebrity? Yeah. A 7-year-old.
To say this kid is going places would be the wildest of understatements. Now please feel free to spend the rest of the day watching his Instagram videos like I (and the rest of the Tinybeans office) will be.
Living a couple of thousand miles from my immediate family means that I fly every year—with kids—on tiring flights. On multiple occasions, I’ve flown solo with kids. This summer, I flew alone with four kids aged 2, 4, 6, and 8. Last summer, I did it alone with each of those kids being a year younger. I’ve flown with sleeping newborns, squirmy nine-month-olds, and impossible eighteen-month-olds. On some flights, my kids have been surprisingly angelic. On others, I’ve fought with a loud, kicking toddler for four exhausting hours. Believe me, it’s not fun.
I’ve experienced the anxious, dreading sideline glances of passengers when they see young kids approaching their seats. I’ve witnessed the “huffing, puffing and mumbling.” Honestly, some people seem to be annoyed by the mere presence of kids, even when their behavior is just fine. Unfortunately, only on a small handful of occasions in the last decade of plane travel with kids has someone offered to help, and it’s usually been a kind-hearted passenger.
I know it’s annoying to listen to a young child whine or cry. I know it’s annoying when they talk loudly or get excited and yell (or in my two-year-old’s case, sing their heart out). I know there are a lot of business travelers on flights these days who expect to read, work or sleep the entire flight. But, fellow passengers, try to understand.
The planes my family travel on are public transportation just like buses or ferries or trains. I’m allowed to board them with my kids, and these flights are not designated silent zones. They are not even “adult-only” zones. I promise to do my best to get my kids to behave well during the flight. But I can’t promise you a silent flight, and you are not entitled to one.
If I see one of my kids kick your seat, I’ll get them to stop, but they might sneak one in anyway. My toddler sometimes gets excited and (like a normal child with exceptionally healthy lungs) screams out of joy, fear, excitement, whatever. If that happens, I’ll promptly remind her to use her “inside voice,” but she’s likely to forget at some point during the flight.
If my four-year-old drops a crayon or fruit snack and it somehow finds its way under your seat, let’s not treat it like a criminal offense, ok? If—heaven forbid—my toddler has ear pain because of the changes in air pressure, there might be some loud crying. They are kids, after all, and as hard as I’ve tried, I haven’t been able to get our two-year-old to act 21.
The human family we are all a part of consists of people of all ages. We need to bear with one another a little more. Children seem to have been largely pushed out of many public places, but they have every right to be there. Please don’t treat my kids like they don’t belong on your flight. I know you have important places to go. So do we. My kids need to see their grandparents.
So dear fellow passenger: as long as you’re not hiring private jets and we find ourselves on the same flight, let’s make a deal. I’ll do my very best—I promise—to have my kids behave well on our shared flight. I’m prepared. I have snacks, activities, iPads, patience, and stamina. But my best efforts can’t 100 percent ensure total serenity.
You do your very best to welcome them on the flight and overlook minor outbursts in their otherwise-good behavior. Oh, and if you see me struggling under the weight of a toddler, diaper bag, purse, carry-on case, and stroller, feel free to be an everyday hero and offer to help with a smile. See you on our next flight.
I'm a wife and mom (to six) who's also a freelance writer in between the craziness of family life. I love the outdoors, reading, cooking and snuggling with the littles. I write to share my thoughts about the things that capture my attention - family, faith, education, health and life.
We don’t know about you, but we’re still adjusting to back-to-school and the changes in our schedules. And although we’re all adjusting differently, we think trying to figure out dinner is one thing that we just don’t have time to worry about between drop-offs, pick-ups, practices, games…we just can’t right now. Luckily, meal kit subscriptions exist and we couldn’t be more grateful for one less thing to stress over.
There are so many meal kit subscriptions to choose from, and if you don’t have time to plan dinner, you don’t have time to research dinner. That’s where we come in! Parents, we’ve got you covered.
Dinnerly prides itself on being one of the more affordable meal kit subscription options out there. They've created a kit with fewer ingredients per dish compared to many others, digital recipe cards instead of paper, and simple packaging, without sacrificing quality. Starting at $4.99 per serving, and, just as important, flexible enough to let you skip weeks and set your frequency, Dinnerly is ahead of the game when it comes to quality economic eats! Check out the Mexican Beef Tostadas and thank us later!
Blue Apron is one of the original meal kit subscription services, so it's safe to say they've perfected the system. Their flexible delivery options are super convenient (feel free to adjust servings or skip weeks), and their commitment to sourcing ingredients from suppliers practicing sustainable farming mean you can feel good each time you open a box. Even if you have specific food needs, Blue Apron is on it: you can select from menu options featuring meat, poultry, fish, seafood, Beyond Meat, WW Approved, diabetes-friendly, and more, so everyone is excited to come to the table!
Yumble is the first meal kit subscription that caters exclusively to kiddos! They know what kids love (chicken meatball casserole, vegetarian bean burritos, and their Mac and Mozz Burger Bowl), and offer a huge selection of menu items that are sure to be hits! They even offer breakfasts, lunchbox-ready meals, meals for bigger kids, and their famous Picky Eaters Box! Starting at $4.99 per meal, each dish is either ready to eat or ready to heat in 1-2 minutes, so if "fast and easy" is your goal, Yumble's the way to go!
Once Upon a Farm is a baby, toddler, and little kid subscription box that takes organic food seriously! Every single product they offer is organic, certified non-GMO, contains no added sugar, preservatives, or additives. Not only are they fully committed to keeping your little ones' eating clean, all the meals can be prepared in minutes and all the pouches they offer can be served on-the-go! Build either a meal subscription, featuring plant-rich goodies, or opt into their pouch subscription, with baby-specific treats, dairy-free smoothies, and overnight oats!
Tiny Organics is a meal kit subscription service that was created for babies and toddlers with a focus on "firsts". They're passionate about shaping the tiniest palates to love fruits and veggies, creating tot-sized meals with mild, easy-to-digest spices to elevate flavors, different global cuisine inspiration, never processed or concentrated ingredients, and zero prep for you! They're baby-led-weaning-friendly and recommended for littles 6 months and older or those who show "readiness cues" (consult your child's healthcare provider for further guidance), since these meals are textured finger foods, not purees. Tiny Organics allows you to personalize your subscription, so you'll get exactly what your baby needs!
If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.
With the price of flights at an all-time high, it seems like taking a road trip is much better bet—budget-wise (at least slightly right?!). Thankfully SoCal has plenty of epic vacation destinations that are just a drive away and while you might be familiar with these popular destinations, have you heard about the must-see quirky stops to take along the way? From downright wacky to pretty darn cool, these roadside attractions turn a pit-stop into a wild good time.
If you're heading out on the I-15 from SoCal towards the Las Vegas area, then a stop at EddieWorld is well worth it. Touted as California's largest gas station, you can fuel up and recharge with the lowest gas prices and 18 Tesla supercharging stations. There are also three fast-casual restaurants serving up fare ranging from gourmet burgers and unique fries to salads and sushi. Also don't miss, homemade ice cream and Peet's coffee for the parents and bags of candy for purchase.
Insider Tip: There are plenty of fresh, tasty vegan options available—and their bathrooms are notoriously clean!
Have a roaring good time when you stop to see the Cabazon dinosaurs before spending the weekend in Palm Springs or Joshua Tree. View over 50 dinosaurs, stroll through a cool museum and even climb inside the T. Rex. It's dino-tastic! Even more, for a sweet treat check-out the Wafflesaurus Truck open Fri.-Sun. from 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m. You’ll get to stretch your legs and the kids will love this adventure!
Museum Hours: Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-7:00 p.m.; Sat. & Sun., 9 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Cost: $15/adult; $13/child; free for children under 3
Located just 22 miles north of San Diego, here you can enter a bootlegger's tunnel through the historic Cave Store and follow it down through the sandstone cliffs and into a sea cave. The story goes that the creator of The Wizard of Oz inspired the cave's names when he noticed that the opening looks like the Sunny Jim cartoon character. Tours are self-guided and take about 15 minutes to complete.
Cost: $10/adult; $6/youth (ages 3-17)
Cave Store 1325 Coast Blvd. La Jolla, CA Online: cavestore.com
While Randy's plans worldwide doughnut domination, nothing beats stopping at the orginal. So the next time you're road-tripping through Los Angeles plan a pitstop off the 405 for a box of the now-iconic sweets.
Good to Know: The famed big donut that graces their roof is a California icon featured in plenty of TV shows and movies, like Arrested Development, Californication, and Iron Man 2. Their flagship location in Inglewood has been there for nearly 60 years and is home to the original giant 32-foot donut.
If you find yourself driving to the California Redwoods for vacation, this is a must-do road trip adventure! There are three opportunities in the area where driving through a tree is actually encouraged! The drive-thru trees are giant redwoods with holes big enough for motorists to drive through. Shrine Tree in Myers Flat, Chandelier Tree in Leggett, and Klamath Tree in Klamath all offer the opportunity to take your car where it’s never been before (just remember to fold in your side-view mirrors).
It's true—this roadside attraction is in fact, an alley, about 70 feet long and 15 feet high, covered in thousands (maybe millions) of wads of chewed gum. The alley's history is debated, but it's been around since at least the early '70s and is usually full of people taking selfies or contributing their own piece of gum. The bubblegum graffiti is located in the heart of downtown San Luis Obispo and can be described as one of the city's most popular, unofficial landmarks. So, feel free to extend your stop and pop into one of the many local shops or restaurants. There's even a classic sweet shop, SLO sweets, that sells, you guessed it, gumballs!
733 Higuera St. San Luis Obispo, CA Online: slocity.org/
Pirate House, Newport Beach
When you’re driving down Marcus St. in Newport Beach, you really can’t miss this quirky gem on the corner of 35th and Marcus. Pirates of the Caribbean figures, a giant rooster and the Statue of Liberty are just a few of the things you’ll see. This is someone’s private residence, so you can’t go inside, but the owners are well aware that the home draws a lot of spectators.
35th St. & Marcus Ave. Newport Beach, CA
Roy's Motel and Cafe
Get your kicks on Route 66! Roy’s Motel & Cafe is an institution of The Mother Road and one of the most photographed sites. Yоu mау rесоgnіzе іt from the numеrоuѕ mоvіеѕ, commercials, music videos and рhоtо shoots thаt hаvе featured thе iconic Route 66 lаndmаrk.
87520 National Trails Hwy. Amboy, CA Online: visitamboy.com
Go out on a limb and visit Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch located along Route 66. It's literally a forest of bottle trees in the California desert. Even more, the best part is the musical sound the bottles make on a windy day.
Located in the town of Buellton, you’ll find Ostrichland a unique roadside stop that will engage everyone. Here you can visit with 100+ amazing ostriches and emus. Then, head on to downtown Solvang where this quirky Danish town has bakeries, restaurants and shops with many folks dressed in Danish costumes.