The Cactus Plant Flea Market Meal Box is coming in October
If you’ve been feasting on the greatness that is the McDonald’s Happy Meal since you were a kid, there’s no reason to stop now. The fast food joint has announced that adult Happy Meals are coming!
Say hello to the Cactus Plant Flea Market Meal Box, arriving on Oct. 3. McDonald’s describes the menu item as “a meal with a side of art” and we definitely agree.
If you aren’t familiar, Cactus Plant Flea Market (CPFM) is a fashion label dishing out streetwear with signature dye treatments and lettering. The company’s limited-edition box boasts their unique style and includes one of four collectibles––one of which is Cactus Buddy! The other collectible include throwback toys, Birdie, Grimace, and Hamburglar with a fun CPFM twist.
Snagging a CPFM box requires you to order within the McDonald’s app anytime between Oct. 3 and Oct. 30. You’ll be able to select from either a Big Mac and 10-piece Chicken McNuggets, with a side of medium fries and a drink.
When you purchase with the app, you’ll automatically be entered for that day to win limited-edition CPFM x McD’s merch. So what can you win? Prizes range from a CPFM T-Shirt and Hoodie, to a CPFM Grimace Chair and an Acrylic Sign from McD’s Set.
You can enter the sweepstakes as many days as you like, with hundreds of prizes being awarded each week. Each giveaway will change weekly, giving you lots of options when it comes to take home unique merch.
October is looking to be a big month for McDonald’s. In addition to the CPFM partnership, there’s still rumors flying about the potential return of the brand’s iconic Halloween buckets. Fingers crossed the rumors are true!
We’ve been seeing these 2022 home decor everywhere
Last year we saw everyone decorating their spaces to maximize comfort, and this year, home interiors have been taken to the next level—think soft edges, more plants, mindful touches of luxury, and upgrading our outdoor space. Trust us, these home decor trends are perfect for families and it’s easier than you think to incorporate them into your home.
Home Decor Trends for 2022: DIY & Upcycling Is Bigger than Ever
In the pursuit of making your home your own (and not looking like everyone else's on the 'gram), DIY projects along with upcycling is making a comeback. Maybe it has to do with the copious amounts of how-tos on TikTok but we aren't mad about it. Excuse us while we head to Goodwill, buy a collection of glass vases for $5, and create our #trashtoterracotta collection as a weekend family project.
You've probably already seen the curved sofas and side tables popping up on your Pinterest feed, but the look is just getting started. Soft, rounded furniture adds a nice contrast to those hard, square edges of living rooms of yore—and will make the room you're hanging in even more appealing and cozy. Bonus: this sofa is covered in this year's must-have fabric of the moment, soft and luxurious velvet, and it's available in an orangey-brown velvet too if the white version seems too scary with kids.
If there's anything we've learned through the pandemic, it's that our enjoying our outdoors—whether via a balcony, patio, or a full-blown backyard—is clutch to surviving at home, so we might as well make it as nice as possible, right? Fire tables, heated lamps (to keep that outdoor living going strong through the cooler months), outdoor rugs, and accessories like pizza ovens will continue to be popular through 2022.
Decorist designer Mikayla Keating recommends the following to maximize your outdoor space. "Keep the walkways clear for easy movement (at least four feet of space which also allows the kids to run around the area without running into things) and choose furniture that offers flexibility and versatility like side tables and benches that also double as storage." Another way to make your outdoor space feel extra special? "Don't skip out on lighting. Exterior lighting is just as important as interior lighting. String lighting or installed hardwired lights can really elevate your space."
Home Decor Trend for 2022: Plants, Plants & More Plants
In 2019 we predicted Biophilic design would be huge, and while we were right, it also shows no sign of slowing down. After you add an olive tree to your living room (replacing the Fiddle Leaf Fig as this year's must-have statement plant), pick up other plant babies to sprinkle around the other rooms of the house. Of course, if keeping more than one plant alive is too much to ask for (we all have a lot on our plate), these faux plants will fool anyone into thinking they are real.
And if you fall into the camp of more (real) plants, the better it may be time to start growing a hydroponic garden (another rising home trend for 2022) on your countertop that yields herbs, fruits, and veggies.
We've all seen smart TVs, but now you can have a smarter sofa. Designs like built-in USB ports, lighting, and even built-in AC outlets are becoming more and more standard, but if you want to take your movie and tv show watching to the next level, check out Lovesac's newest sofa called STEALTHTECH. This modular sofa comes built-in with immersive surround sound (the speakers are embedded in the sofa), a subwoofer, and wireless charging. You'll not only hear the audio, but you'll also feel it too.
Home Decor Trends for 2022: Make (More) Room for Pets
Pandemic pets are a thing, and now, pampering those pets via home design is the (obvious) next step. From luxury dog rooms and dog beds to 'catified' homes, our pets are getting the home makeover treatment. We especially love this closet-turned-cat room by @newbuild_newlyweds.
Home Decor Trends for 2022: Unexpected Touches of Luxury
iStock
We're all guilty of buying things in the moment cause they fit the need (we're looking at you IKEA) but now that we're spending so much time at home, we're seeing that adding a few touches of luxury, especially in unexpected places, are bringing small moments of joy—something Marie Kondo can get behind. So whether it's adding a touch of luxury to your bedside table through a Jo Malone candle or going bigger with a luxury kid's room, gaming room, fancified garage, or laundry room, the point is, these intentional choices to treat yourself at home are well worth the cost.
Natural materials are gaining loads of attention and for good reason. They add texture and dimension to a room and warm up a space quickly. They are also easy to take care of and clean. And some, like wool, are naturally stain-resistant.
Thankfully, you can find plenty of options at your local thrift store or flea market (hitting upon that sustainability trend). Current favorites sustainable pieces feature rattan—but use this trendy home item sparingly—otherwise, you'll find yourself outdated in no time.
On the tails of "cottagecore" and "farmhouse style," Sherwin-Williams' color of the year, Evergreen Fog, is nostalgic, neutral, and warm—blurring the harsh line that was previously dominated by all shades of gray. This color translates well to any project—whether you are looking to update your kitchen cabinets, add an accent color behind your shelves, or cover your walls from floor to ceiling, Evergreen Fog strikes the perfect balance of adding a splash of color without overwhelming the room (not to mention works conveniently well as a backdrop to natural furniture like cane and bamboo).
Drive-in movie theaters made a huge comeback over the past couple of years and it looks like they are here to stay for a while. Lots of outdoor movies are kid-friendly, and at some, you don’t even need to have a car! Pack up some popcorn, bundle up in blankets and get ready for a night under the stars!
Queens Drive-In From Rooftop Films at MoMI & NYSCI
NYSCI
Rooftop Films, in cooperation with the New York City Economic Development Corporation, The Museum of the Moving Image and the New York Hall of Science, will again host a drive-in in Flushing Meadows Corona Park. In addition to movies, the park will host non-drive-in events for the community. The lineup is a mix of family fare, foreign films and cutting-edge flicks, sometimes with Q & As with creators. (Sign up for the series' newsletter to get the latest info on upcoming screenings and events.) Order food from Dilena's Dolcini and CBao on site.
New York Hall of Science 47-01 111th St. Flushing Meadows Corona Park Corona Online: rooftopfilms.com
Rooftop Films in Brooklyn
Lou Aguilar/Rooftop Films
Rooftop Films is also producing a drive-in on the pier of The Brooklyn Army Terminal in Sunset Park, as well as other outdoor movies in Downtown Brooklyn, in Fort Greene Park and even Greenwood Cemetery. The films skew indie and more mature here, so your six-year-old may not be so into it, but if you've got a baby who sleeps, this could be an evening out.
80 58th St. The Brooklyn Army Terminal Sunset Park Online: rooftopfilms.com
The Skyline Drive-in in Greenpoint allows patrons to catch a movie and take in stunning views of Manhattan and the East River. In addition to space for cars, the Brooklyn drive-in will have pedestrian seating, and you can even bring your own food and drink. The Skyline Drive-in is open Friday and Saturday nights.
You don't even need a car for this one! Movie Nights are coming to the Queens Botanical Garden, and everyone's favorite Zootopia is on deck. Visitors are invited to experience big screen magic with seasonal, movie-themed food and refreshments and a hands-on craft activity or a live performance (varies based on the evening's film). You are encouraged to bring your own blankets and chairs, but no outside food or drink is permitted.
Each ticket comes with after-hours admission to the Garden, a $5 food voucher, and a complimentary craft or performance. $10 parking rate in effect.
The Hi-Way Drive-In in the Catskills near Hudson, NY, offers a whopping four screens, which it uses to show a good time mix of action, thriller, comedy and family movies. The ticket booth opens 90 minutes before showtime and it is recommended you get there early to ensure a spot, as capacity is limited.
Be forewarned: One look at Four Brother’s Drive-In in Amenia, New York, and you’ll want to hop in the car and go there. Right about now, it’s hard to imagine a more idyllic scene. Four Brothers has been doing this drive-in thing for a while, so they are ready for you.
In addition to movies, Four Brothers has live music, mini golf, shopping at the Grand Bazaar—you can even camp there or stay in an Airstream Trailer! Not only is the atmosphere enchanting at Four Brothers, the food options are great, too. Choose from an extensive menu of burgers, sandwiches, pizza and sides, as well as hard and soft ice cream with tons of toppings, shakes and lemonade and sweet desserts and coffees. They even have a treat for canine friends.
This northern Catskills drive-in was founded in 1959 and updated by new owners in 2015. This Catskills drive-in offers "cinema with a twist." Expect a feel-good mix of fun adult-skewed classics like Stripes and Ghostbusters, with edgier fare. Food and drink from local vendors is for sale, and you can even have a homemade chocolate chip cookie delivered to your car mid-way through the show. There's also a biergarten on-site.
10700 New York 32 Greenville, NY Online: drivein32.com
Warwick Drive-in Theater
This family-friendly drive-in theater in the Hudson Valley shows movies on three big screens. Open nightly, it’s about a hour-and-a-half from NYC and features a park-like, grassy setting on 11 acres of farmland. Movies screening this summer include Peter Rabbit 2, Cruella, In the Heights and A Quiet Place Part II.
There are a limited number of tickets sold online in advance, with online ticketing opening Wednesdays at Noon; tickets are available at the box office, which opens at 7 p.m. (Arrive early for best parking.)
The Warwick Drive-in has introduced an app to make ordering food even easier. Concessions are extra classic here: hamburgers, hot dogs, nachos, fries, candy, popcorn, ice cream etc. The ads before the movies are old-school as well!
This Poughkeepsie-area drive-in has been family-owned since 1955 and is known for having the biggest outdoor screen in the tri-state area. (It’s six stories high!) The drive-in is currently playing films like Paws of Fury and Jurrasic Park. The drive-in was converted to digital a few years ago and is dog-friendly. There's a full-service concession stand on site.
The Delsea Drive-in is the only game in town (i.e., the state) in New Jersey, and it's got two screens showing movies. All tickets must be purchased in advance, and you can buy tickets online here. This drive-in wins the prize for most extensive and accommodating menu, with healthy options, gluten-free and Atkins-friendly- items, as well as kid-friendly choices like PB & J, baby carrots and much more; order food online here.
The Mansfield Drive-in in Mansfield Center, Connecticut has been screening since 1954. It also happens to host the largest flea market in the eastern part of the state. Ticketing is exclusively online, and you'll find the latest blockbusters and releases here. The snack bar is basic, but solid, and dogs are allowed at the drive-in but not the flea market.
Your Paris visit doesn’t have to include a trip to the Louvre. Make it your own!
If you’re looking for the best things to do in Paris with kids, you’ve come to the right spot! We spent five days exploring France’s capital city with two teens and a tween, and have recommendations for the best places to go in Paris and insider information to make this trip one they won’t soon forget.
Our jam-packed itinerary has some tips for saving money in Paris (spoiler alert: it’s the Go City Paris Pass) but you won’t find many of the traditional spots like the Louvre on our list (GASP!). For kids, we really feel that mixing things up with unique spots like the catacombs and a pretty rad flea market is the way to go to keep them interested and energized with all that walking. Bonus: There’s a low-cost airline that flies direct from SFO (as well as LA, NYC, and soon Miami) to Paris that will get you there without the exorbitant airfare prices we are seeing these days.
Paris Travel Tip 1: Snag the Go City Paris Pass to see all the best attractions.
Kate Loweth
For our five days in Paris, we grab a two-day Go City All-Inclusive Pass and were able to use it to visit so many attractions. Get your pass in advance because a few of the activities on the list require pre-booking like the Eiffel Tower climb and the Fragonard perfume workshop.
You can visit as many included attractions as you wish using this pass so it’s a great way for first-time visitors to check out loads of museums, monuments and special activities. The pass includes the Paris Museum Pass as well, so you’ll get access to spots like the rooftop of the Arc de Triomphe and Sainte-Chapelle. You can also use the hop-on, hop-off Big Bus to make your way around the city with an awesome view!
NOTE: As we go through our top Paris picks below, we’ll mark the attractions with *Go City* if they are included in the Go City pass.
Paris Travel Tip 2: Take a tour with a local.
Kate Loweth
There’s really no better way to get to know a city than by booking a tour with someone in the know. We took a private tour of Chateau de Vincennes through ToursByLocals and it was definitely a trip highlight. This massive castle was easy to access via the Metro and didn’t have any of the crowds you can expect at Versailles. Our guide, Ellen, told us all about the history of the buildings and pointed out unique features like the ancient “graffiti” on the walls that was carved when the castle was used as a prison. Ellen really brought the Middle Ages to life and pointed out things we would not have seen on a self-guided tour of the castle.
Paris Travel Tip 3: Explore the city on a food tour.
Kate Loweth
On our final night in Paris, we took the Paris Montmartre Food Tour with Secret Food Tours and it was a culinary delight! We walked through this gorgeous area of the city and got to sample some of the city’s best treats: crêpes, macarons and baguettes. We also visited a fromagerie and meat shop to snag some charcuterie to enjoy at the end of the tour with a glass of wine. This was a great way to explore the city, learn some of its history, and enjoy some traditional foods.
1. Climb the Eiffel Tower. *Go City* If you have kids in your crew and everyone is moderately fit, it’s lots of fun to ascend the Eiffel Tower via the stairs. There are three viewing platforms on the tower and the stairs can get you to the second level. If you want to go to the tippy top, it’s elevator-only. We suggest you book your Eiffel Tower tickets in advance if you visit in the busy summer months, especially if you want to go all the way to the top. Tickets for the final portion often sell out.
2. Visit the Saint Ouen Flea Market.
Kate Loweth
This was the perfect spot to visit on our first full day in the city. It’s just outside the city limits but is an easy walk from a number of Metro stops. Open on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays, the flea market has everything from knock-off Nikes to vintage toys from your childhood. The teens really enjoyed snagging some retro posters to bring home. Make sure you find your way to the inner covered section of the market and look for the UFO!
3. Go underground the city in the catacombs.
Kate Loweth
This was a top pick for the kids in our group and it was a terrific option for a hot day. Now offering pre-booked tickets, you won’t have to wait in a long line before you can make your way under the city to see this macabre labyrinth that has been open to the public since the early 1800s.
4. Cruise the River Seine. *Go City*
Kate Loweth
This activity is perfect for when you need a little downtime, like after you’ve walked up and down the stairs at the Eiffel Tower. At the foot of the Eiffel Tower, you’ll find a number of companies that offer a one-hour cruise of the River Seine accompanied by an audio tour describing the history of the area.
5. Make your own perfume at Fragonard.*Go City*
Kate Loweth
The teens really enjoyed this activity that included a hands-on portion where you learned about one of the Fragonard scents and then made your own version to take home with you. Afterward you get a tour of the Fragonard Perfume Museum to learn more about how perfume is made.
6. Climb the stairs to the rooftop of the Arc de Triomphe.*Go City* For an epic view of the Avenue des Champs-Élysées, you’ll definitely want to put this climb on your list. For families with strollers and those with mobility issues, there are elevators that will get you to the top level but for views of the city, you’ll need to take the stairs.
7. Try out the trampolines at Tuileries Garden.
Kate Loweth
Everyone knows about the mini boats you can rent in Tuileries Garden but did you know there are also trampolines there? Kids 12 and under will love this spot where you can pay a small fee to jump on trampolines in a gorgeous setting. Parents will love that there’s plenty of seating in the shade to relax while the little ones jump, jump, jump!
8. Take in the beauty of Sainte-Chapelle.*Go City*
While Notre Dame may still be under repair (estimated to be completed in time for the 2024 Olympics), you can visit Sainte-Chapelle to get your stained glass window fix. Timed tickets were required when we visited.
9. Go thrifting.
If you are traveling with teens who love thrifting, Paris has some amazing spots to visit like Free’p’Star and Kilo Shop. Just make sure you have enough room in your carry-on for all of the treasures you purchase!
10. Visit famous people at the Grevin Wax Museum.*Go City*
Kate Loweth
Yes, this might not be on everyone’s “Best of Paris” list but it was definitely a hit with our young travelers. You get to “meet” some famous French politicians and television stars before you hit some more familiar personas like Lady Gaga, Nostradamus and Pope Francis.
11. Walk up the stairs (or take the funicular) to check out Sacre Coeur.
Kate Loweth
Undeniably one of the best views of Paris can be found at the top of the stairs in Montmartre. Here you can see the Eiffel Tower and the city surrounding it and you can also visit Sacre Coeur (for free). The lines can be long to take the funicular instead of the stairs but it just might be worth it if you have tired travel companions (plus it’s a pretty fun ride).
12. Download the FlashInvaders app and see how many you can “catch.”
Kate Loweth
Part street art, part video game, this was a particularly fun activity for the teens/tweens. Starting in 1998, an artist known as “Invader” (Frank Slama) began erecting small mosaic art installations on the buildings around Paris, many of them looking like characters from Space Invaders. You can now download the FlashInvaders app to take pictures of these mosaics and get points (it’s now available in 78 cities)!
Where to Stay in Paris with Kids
Kate Loweth
For our Paris visit during the very busy month of June, we chose to stay at the Meininger Hotel Paris Porte de Vincennes. It offered a family room that could sleep up to six people (two sets of bunk beds and a double bed) and the price was right. The room’s layout worked well because both the shower and the toilet were in their own rooms so multiple people could be using the facilities at the same time.
The hotel has a hostel feel with a communal kitchen and washer/dryers available. Breakfast is offered every morning for an additional fee and we definitely suggest you take advantage of it because you’ll get chocolate croissants, crêpes, fruit, cheese, meat and so much more (did we mention how good the coffee is?). Kids will love the arcade games in the lobby and the fact that ice cream can be purchased at any time of the day. There’s also a bar just off the lobby for when you want to grab a glass of wine after your long day exploring the city.
The hotel’s location was outside the city center but we found that was not an issue because of its proximity to two different Metro lines and bus lines as well. Within walking distance, there’s an awesome pizza place, a boulangerie, and a number of traditional bistros and grocery stores. Bonus: the hotel is just two stops from the Chateau de Vincennes so you’ll definitely have to go there!
How to Travel to Paris with Kids: The French bee Experience
Kate Loweth
If France has been on your must-visit list but the price is just too much to make it a consideration, look at French bee. This low-cost airline flies direct from SFO, LAX, and Newark (with Miami coming in December) to Paris Orly and we found the service to be friendly and the in-flight entertainment to meet the needs of kids and parents alike (important when you are spending 10+ hours in the same seat). We especially loved being able to watch the plane’s external cameras during takeoff and landing.
French bee makes things a bit cheaper for your family by keeping fees like checked baggage and meals separate so if you don’t need them, you don’t pay for them. Select the Smart fare when booking your ticket and you’ll get both checked baggage and a meal included. If there’s availability in rows 11-15 on your flight, we found that it was worth it to pay a little extra to sit here as it is a smaller section with easier access to flight attendants (if needed).
Editor’s note: This trip was hosted by French bee, City Pass, Secret Food Tours, and ToursByLocals and partially hosted by Meininger Hotels but all opinions belong to the writer.
From thrill seekers to gamers, movie buffs to history buffs, fishers to swimmers and everything in-between, we rounded up the best experience gifts and products for every type of Dad this Father’s Day. Spend nothing but time while fishing in Anacostia or invest in tickets to Dad’s favorite attractions, like nearby HersheyPark or prime seats at a Nats game. Whether you want a special experience you don’t have to wrap or something special to open on Father’s Day morning, here are our picks for best gifts from DC-area establishments.
May the Force Be With Dad
Rule the galaxy as father and son (or daughter) with Star Wars tickets. Your favorite Star Wars fan will appreciate the July 29th musical presentation of the The Empire Strike’s Back’s famous score at Wolf Trap where Storm Troopers make a personal appearance. The film will play while the National Symphony Orchestra plays the film’s soundtrack life (a screen will be both on the stage and on the grass so those with lawn seats can see). Tickets start at $42/person.
photo: Hershey Park
Give Free Kisses
Hershey Kisses, that is! Make this Father’s Day a sweet one with a daytrip to Hershey Park. Just two hours north of DC, this amusement park boasts over 70 rides and attractions, including roller coasters, the largest water-play structure in the world, live entertainment, games, food, shops, and even a simulated tropical rainforest where visitors learn how cocoa beans grow and are harvested. Ticket purchases include admission to ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park, an 11-acre walk-through zoo that includes more than 200 animals from five regions of North America.it! While you’re in town, check out Hershey Gardens. It’s free for Dad on Father’s Day.
Show Don’t Tell
How do you tell the world you’re a family man without telling the world? Father-and-kiddo matching outfits! Pools are open, so dive in with the gift of coordination because nothing says “we’re all together” like showing up to the pool in matching family swim suits. Tea Collections offers select patterns in sizes to fit the whole family, so everyone can get in on the fun (including Mom!). Tea is sold at Mom-and-Pop shops Wee Chic in Fairfax VA and Kinder Haus Toys in Alexandria, VA carry the line.
The Gift of Pockets The Dad Hoodie is the Swiss Army knife of garments. The inside of this hoodie is lined with pockets that last Dad ditch the diaper bag. That’s probably why they weight a ton. Lighten her load this Mother’s Day with a hoodie that does it all. This unisex hoodie ($98) has room for all of the essentials (and more) for those long walk around the ‘hood. With six inside pockets and two outside, this hoodie has room for diapers, wipes, bottles, snacks and possibly even the kitchen sink.
photo: Hello, Wonderful
Share His Story
The best presents are often the ones that are handmade at home. This creative fill-it-out yourself booklet designed by Hello, Wonderful are what memories are made of. Your guy will forever cherish the innocently hilarious answers his kiddos give to creative questions like, “the most fun thing I’ve done with my dad is…” and “my dad smells like…”. For more DIY Father’s Day card projects, go here.
photo: Monster Jam
Get Revved Up!
Celebrate Father’s Day a week early at Monster Jam, the ultimate display of monster trucks. Spend a day watching high-octane action as these supersized beast-like vehicles compete at FedEx Field on June 11. Tickets start at $33 and include 2.5 hours of flips, tricks and daredevil racing.
Enjoy Father’s Day at this annual antique car show where over 400 cars are on display. Spend the day listening to live music, doing hands-on activities in the kids’ tent, shopping the flea market and possibly buying Dad a new car (some of these beauties are for sale!). While you’re there, tour the Sully Historic House.The Antique Car Show Admission fee is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, and $8 per child. Historic Sully House fee is included in admission at no additional cost.
Go Nats! Whether you give him a night off to hang with friends at Nationals Park or get the whole family into the game, what could be better than an afternoon or evening at a Nats game! The weekend after Father’s Day the Nats take on the Philadelphia Phillies (June 19 at 12:05 p.m.). Family Fun package tickets, which include a hot dog, chips and soda start at $23/per person. Children under 10 attend free.
photo: iStock
Make Memories for Free
You don’t have to spend a dime to give Dad a special holiday. The first Friday Night Fishing kicks off along the Anacostia River on June 17. Bait, tackle and rods are provided, but come early. This weekly event is first come, first served (when the dock is full, fishing is capped to one hour so those on the waitlist can have a turn). Make it a summer tradition and go every Friday, June 17-Aug. 26 from 5-8 p.m.
Cave Men Rule
If you haven’t yet journeyed out to the Luray Caverns in Northern Virginia, this is a fun family day trip that is sure to please even the hardest to satisfy caveman as well as the kiddos. Pack plenty of snacks and a lunch for your adventure. Note: this trip is not for the weary—the tour is about an hour and you’ll cover 1.25 miles. Strollers are OK but bring the smaller one you have due to some of the stairs and steep inclines on parts of the tour ($32/adults; $16/kids 6-12; free/5 and under). Admission gets you access and the Luray Caverns tour, a self-guided tour of the Car and Carriage Caravan, and the Luray Valley Museum.
Taking the kids abroad on a family vacation may not be as difficult as you think. We’ve found 10 international cities that are kid-friendly—from European vacations to exotic tropical destinations to bustling cities that will light up every one of your senses. You’ll create enduring family memories (and probably eat a lot of sundry foods) and your brood will learn a little something along the way. Keep reading to see them all.
Panama City, Panama
Gabby Cullen
A visit to Panama offers not only exposure to culture, parks and serene villages, but also the destination that rewards travelers with two coasts, beautiful islands, mountains and lush tropical rainforests.
What to do: Visit the district of Casco Viejo, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to learn about how the city of Panama was founded in 1519 by Spanish conqueror Pedro Arias de Avila. Here you’ll find stunning Spanish architecture, boutique shopping and lots of restaurants. Two of our picks are Diablicos for authentic Panamanian dishes and dancing or Savaje (if you have older kids), an incredible Asian Fusion restaurant with a popular rooftop bar.
Pop into BioMuseum, Panama City’s most popular museum for kids (the building itself was designed by Frank Gehry!) to check out the new galleries: Oceans Divided, The Living Web and Panama is the Museum. Rent bikes and cross the Amador Causeway, connecting Panama City to the Amador islands. Go on a whale watching and snorkel tour, or hang out at the playground, admire one of the best skylines in Central America and grab a bite to eat. Visit the Metropolitan Natural Park to see a jungle in the city.
Of course, no trip to Panama is complete without seeing the Panama Canal, a manmade wonder of the world that brings the Atlantic and Pacific oceans together. When you visit the Miraflores Visitor Center, you'll find an IMAX 3D movie about the history of the canal, a three-floor museum with interactive exhibits and a restaurant that gives guests a great view of the boats as they move through the lock system.
Where to stay: The Santa Maria Hotel & Golf Resort is ideally located 10 minutes from the Panama City airport, has a variety of room options, including singles and suites and three restaurants, one of which is a pool-side spot that does a paella night on occasion. The 40-meter long pool is stunning, and there's a one-foot deep pool just for kids.
The island of Tahiti receives about as many visitors in a year as the Hawaiian islands receive in one weekend. So you can expect far fewer crowds and in general, a much less developed or touristy experience when you visit. This is especially evident when you head to the pool at your Tahitian hotel to find that you don't have to stake out a lounge chair before breakfast or jockey for a table at lunch.
What to do: Taste the local flavors from a food truck. There are many areas that have nightly food truck gatherings where you can try local favorites like poison cru (fresh fish with coconut milk), crepes and chow mein.
Where to stay: We love the Manava Suite Resort Hotel for its proximity to the airport and bi-level rooms that include a kitchen. If you want to stay a little farther away from the action, the Tahiti Pearl Beach Resort has black sand for miles as well as a massive pool.
Getting there: Budget-friendly French bee offers direct flights from SFO and other US cities to Papeete.
This capital city of the province of Ontario is incredibly diverse (half of the residents were born outside of Canada), and because of that, visitors are afforded many wonderful dining options, exciting urban happenings and neighborhoods to explore.
What to do: Check out this post with some super fun things to do when you visit Toronto. Highlights for families include Casa Loma (yes, there’s a real castle in Toronto!), Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto Botanical Garden, the Hockey Hall of Fame and Ontario Science Center. Thrill-seekers will love getting strapped into a harness to walk around the top of the CN Tower on the outside, 116 stories high.
What to eat: Scarf down authentic global cuisine in Little Italy, Little Portugal, Greek Town, China Town, Korea Town or Little India.
Where to stay: The Chelsea Hotel is great for families. They have a special kid check-in area where littles can receive a prize. There are also fantastic year-round kids’ programs and activities (including visiting the resident bunnies!) and an indoor pool with a water slide. Dining options are plentiful too, whether you need grab-and-go items or a nice alfresco meal in the courtyard.
Imagine a bustling urban metropolis, the largest and most diverse—Māori, European, Pacific Island and Asian cultures—in New Zealand, with a strong link to nearby nature, and you’ve got Auckland.
What to do: Top family-friendly activities include The Maritime Museum, the Bug Lab at Auckland Zoo, Brick Bay Sculpture Trail, Butterfly Creek, Auckland Art Gallery, Sky Tower, Auckland Harbour Bridge, Auckland Botanic Gardens and Stardome Observatory. Catch the downtown Auckland Ferry, cruise across Waitemata Harbour for 25 minutes, and dock at Rangitoto Island, where you can summit Auckland’s youngest volcano.
Go slightly north, and you’ll find beach-y Takapuna, the seaside village of Devonport, snorkeling at Goat Island Marine Reserve and Shakespeare Regional Park.
What to eat: Dine at the carnival-themed Circus Circus or The Library Café, complete with chalkboards, a kids’ corner, and a bouncy castle.
Helsinki has made our list of great cities to visit with kids not only because of its smallish, manageable size—about 628,000, which is very accessible on foot or bike—but also because the city has a nice balance between nature (one-third of Helsinki is covered in greenery) and urban fun.
What to do: Take a ferry over to Suomenlinna, the sprawling 18th-century island fortress, and enjoy walking around the gardens, climbing on old cannons, dipping your toes in the Baltic Sea, and chasing each other through the underground bunkers and tunnels of the upside-down castles. Visit the Natural History Museum, the tropical gardens of Gardenia, a glow-in-the-dark cave at Helsinki Playground and one of the many flea markets sprinkled all over the city. Finland is also well-known for their saunas (as well as Nokia and Angry Birds)—stop by one and relax before heading out for more sightseeing.
What to eat: Stop at one of the many indoor markets and eateries for Finnish favorites like gelato, cloudberries, chocolate, smoked fish and really strong coffee.
Amsterdam is not all “coffee” shops and red light districts, it’s actually an incredibly charming, kid-friendly destination with more bicycles than people (and not too far from multi-hued tulips as far as the eye can see).
What to do: This circular full-of-canals city is home to beautiful parks (like Vondelpark, with its lakes, ponds and cafes), electric trams (they even have spaces for strollers), and nearly 75 museums. The Van Gogh Museum offers audio tours for children and the Anne Frank House, while difficult to walk through and fathom, provides great opportunities for practicing empathy and acceptance. Woonboot Museum, or houseboat museum, is super cool and kids will dig the activity corner. There’s a science center, Nemo, that is worth checking out for their interactive exhibits, and TunFun is an underground play space for kids that will spark their imagination. A number of petting zoos and farms, oddly enough, are sprinkled around the city as well.
Where to stay: Check out Airbnb for reasonably priced accommodations that will give you a local aesthetic.
On the very southern tip of the Baja California peninsula sits two very different cities, that together make Los Cabos.
What to do: On one end, you’ll find the vibrant Cabo San Lucas, where you’ll stroll by plenty of merchants calling out and selling their wares, boats docked along the marina with music flooding the walkway (look out for sea lions trying to hop on the back of boats for fish scraps), and pirate-themed restaurants with live steel drum music in front. Sandwiched between beaches Playa del Amor and Playa del Divorcio sits El Arco, large chunky rock formations that were carved out by rough winds and waves over millions of years. You can see the arc by land, but it’s best to take a boat over, snorkel and enjoy a picnic.
On the other end of the Los Cabos corridor sits San José del Cabo, an authentic and colorful Mexican town that features art galleries, small festivals and a much slower pace than Cabo San Lucas. You’ll see lovely churches, a large plaza with surrounding shops and plenty of great guacamole-heavy Mexican cuisine. Make sure you keep your peepers out for humpback and gray whales—every year, hundreds of whales can be spotted in Los Cabos during their migration from the Arctic.
Where to stay:If you want to stay somewhere in between the two cities, Hacienda Encantada is a great family-friendly, peaceful option. Here you’ll find multiple swimming pools, dining options, a short hiking trail to a vista point, beautifully landscaped desert gardens, and hammocks to swing in while reading a book. If you’re looking for something closer to the marina and the bustling Cabo San Lucas, check out Marina Fiesta, a nautical-themed resort that is walking distance to everything you’ll need in the way of food, boating activities and shopping.
Lush avocado-colored fields, vast rocky landscapes, peat bogs and sprawling farms dot Ireland, the Emerald Isle. Dublin is the capital of this island nation, located at the westernmost edge of Europe.
What to do: Kids will love Phoenix Park Visitor Centre, Ark Children’s Cultural Centre, land and water tours, National Aquatic Centre, and Imagionocity children’s museum. Parents will enjoy stepping inside some of the oldest and most stunning cathedrals in Ireland. Dublinia is a great way to learn about Ireland’s medieval past through exploration of medieval sites, cathedrals, and even a stop at an underground crypt. Everyone will salivate at the Chocolate Warehouse while learning about the history and methods of chocolate making in a workshop. And, of course, you should visit the National Leprechaun Museum because, you know, you’re in Ireland.
What to eat: You’re sure to work up an appetite, in which case, you should dine on Irish favorites like stew, soda bread, farmstead cheese, and colcannon. If you purchase a Dublin Pass, you can get discounts at over 30 popular attractions, restaurants, and tours around the city.
Paris isn’t just for couples—families will find a plethora of belly-filling restaurants, museums and interesting happenings in the City of Light.
What to do: Our favorite must-see stop is Shakespeare and Company bookstore, located in Paris’ left bank. The first bookshop opened in 1919 and was a favorite haunt of Ernest Hemingway and the Lost Generation of the twenties until German occupation closed the store in 1941. The second bookstore, with the same name, opened in 1951 and has been open ever since. The amazing thing about this bookstore is that they host traveling writers—the shop has several beds, often with cats sitting on them, tucked away within the books.
One of the most historic and beautiful neighborhoods is Montmartre, and it is here that you can have your portrait sketched or painted, drink copious amounts of coffee and hot chocolate, walk through Basilica Sacre-Coeur and explore the winding flower-studded cobblestoned streets of Paris.
Of course, there are the popular must-do activities, especially for first-timers, like: Disneyland Paris, Jardin d’Acclimatation, Parc Zoologique, The Grévin wax museum (which predates Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum), The Louvre, Notre-Dame, Musee d’Orsay, Luxembourg Gardens, Arc de Triomphe, Paris Catacombs, shopping along Champs-Élysées and a trip to the top of the Eiffel Tower.
Getting there: Check out budget-friendly French bee for cheap flights and excellent service when flying to Paris.
Bustling and full of rich history, London is the hub of England and a quick flight from neighboring countries. Between a vast array of museums (both free and paid), sprawling parks and cultural neighborhoods, London is easily a family-friendly city.
What to do: Kids will love the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground, the Natural History Museum and Tower of London (there are torture chambers!). As a family, there are also tons of museums to soak up Europe's history, like the Tate Modern, British Museum and the London Film Museum with a fun Harry Potter display. Don't skip out on tours of Westminster Abbey and a visit to Buckingham Palace! Be sure to also take a walk through Covent Garden and make a quick trip to Harrod's, too. London is also the perfect central location if you want to take a day trip to the Warner Brother's Studio, Windsor Castle and Stonehenge. If you purchase a London Pass, you can get discounts at over 80 popular attractions, museums and tours around the city.
What to eat: London is a very walkable city with a robust subway system (aka the Tube) that is super affordable, so food options are always at your fingertips. Unlike America, families are welcome at pubs (just don't sit the kiddos at the bar) where comfort food abounds. Feast on fish and chips, cottage pie, meatloaf and other tummy-filling meals. Don't forget to get at least one iconic British breakfast and schedule an afternoon tea while you're there. London is also home to tons of international cuisines, in particular Indian food. Make sure to snag a reservation at Dishoom in Covent Garden and scarf down Chicken Ruby and A Bowl of Greens.
Instead of paying full price for clothes your kids will (probably) outgrow overnight, check out these resale shops! In a fashion forward town like LA, we have lots of stores that specialize in gently used, designer, vintage and good old-fashioned “play” clothes at a fraction of the price. Scroll down to suss our top shopping spots in the city for school and beyond.
Noodles Kid's Resale Shop: In business for over 20 years, this resale shop is loaded with gently used clothing and baby gear. Expect reasonable pricing (PS: Check out their coupons on their website) and one of the best costume selections we've seen.
Spoiled! If you'd rather dress your little one in Gucci rather than Gap but don't want to pay those high-end prices, head to Spoiled!—a resale and consignment boutique that focuses on luxury clothing brands, mostly from Europe, for children ages 0 to 16 years. We love the filter option on their website where you can choose your brand or size preference.
Children's Orchard: This is a sure spot for Manhattan Beach mamas. The store is filled with gently used clothing, toys, books and even baby gear (strollers and the like) for kids 0-12. While they are not accepting clothing in exchange for store credit, they are accepting equipment, toys and shoes. Tip: you'll get more bang for your buck if you go with store credit. Be sure to check their Facebook and Instagram pages for updates on their frequent (and beloved) dollar tag sales (yep, where hundreds of items on sale for just $1).
Grow Kid Grow: This resale boutique is filled to the brim with gently used clothing for from newborn to big kid (they're expanding their sizes every year, and include maternity and some mom-wear, too). The racks are nicely organized by size and it doesn't take much to uncover some amazing finds for a fraction of their original price. Peruse while your kdis play at the train table. Be sure to check the sale rack out front for the biggest deals and there is always a sample sale rack inside the store the highlights local designers. There are also incredible vintage pieces throughout the store that will make you swoon. One of the greatest perks is friendliness of the folks in the store. If you're looking for something specific, give them a call and they'll be happy to take a look and let you know if they have what you're looking for. You can sell your old clothes, books or toys by appointment to make the deal especially sweet. And if you're in need of a birthday gift there are plenty of gently used toys, books and new handmade items that you won't be able to pass up. One stop shopping at its finest.
The Green Bean: This Eagle Rock spot is more than just a boutique. Sure, there are gently used (and adorable) clothing, but there's also an array of new and used shoes, toys, books, gear and locally handcrafted goods. They offer 40% of resale in store credit or 30% in cash for items you bring in, in sizes 18 months to youth size 8. Baby gear is also accepted on consignment.
Wear It Once Wear It Twice: This boutique is full of like-new clothing and shoes from top brands. The store is well organized so you can find exactly what you're looking for (and perhaps a few surprises along the way). Bring in your tots gently used clothing by appointment and receive cash or store credit. Hint: you'll get 50% return if you take the store credit. While you're there, be sure to check out their selection of toys, books, furniture and baby gear. There a little bit of everything here.
Rowan & Co. Kids Shop: Find tons of options for kids from clothing, toys, and books for kids (newborns to pre-teens) plus expecting parents (baby gear and more). Expect to find contemporary styles from in-demand brands like Zara Kids, Mini Boden, Hanna Andersson, and Natives. Keep an eye out for their 100% organic cotton options to their racks as well as one-of-a-kind vintage pieces. Their enviable stash comes from local parents, who trade in their items and earn 40% of the resale value in trade credit that can be used in store on purchases so you know you're getting cool, curated clothes.
18 W Sierra Madre Blvd. Sierra Madre Online: rowanandco_kids
Urban Kids Consignment
Urban Kids Consignment
Urban Kids organizes a massive four-day kids consignment event, four times a year. What started as a hobby, grew into such such a hit that it draws thousands of families looking for gently-used kids clothing, shoes, toys, baby gear and so much more. Not only can you sell (most who participate make between $200-$300 per sale, in addition to cleaning out their closets), buy (and save 50%-90% off retail), Urban Kids also donates truck loads of gently used children’s items after each event to families that need them the most. It's a win-win-win situation.
Find details for all the upcoming sales online by visiting the website below.
COVID UPDATE: The sales have moved online! Pick up purchased items curbside.
L.A. Kids is the largest of the local consignment sales in LA and has multiple sale locations. You will find and huge selection and here you can buy and sell gently used clothing, toys and gear for newborn babes to your pre-teens. Prices are 50-70% off retail prices. And if you want to make a real investment you can purchase VIP passes online to avoid the crowds and get first pick. Also, volunteers get into the private pre-sales early. LA Kids Consignment hold 6-7 sales per year.
Find details for all the upcoming sales via the link below.
LA has a fantastic list of flea markets that sell vintage and used clothing. Hit a couple of these before school starts and you and your little fashionistas will be set.
Looking for ways to show your Valentine/s some love? Whether you’re shopping for the perfect gift, looking for something to do together or need an idea for a special activity, we can help! Read on for gifts from local shops and makers, as well cooking and craft projects you can do together (or make as a surprise gift)! And if you’re looking to do some major candy purchases, we can help with our list of the best candy stores in NYC.
But First: Free Chocolate
GODIVA
Valentine’s Day is obviously a big deal at GODIVA. In celebration of the holiday the chocolatier will have two larger-than-life installations of its Gold Ballotin and Goldmark Heart boxes pop up in NYC on February 8 in Herald Square and February 9 in Flatiron Plaza. And yes, they will be giving away chocolate!
(We're guessing they'll be hard to miss but you can keep an eye on GODIVA’s official Instagram for the exact location.)
See "Bloom" in Times Square
iStock
Wander among fluctuating heart-shaped shadows cast by "Bloom", the winner of the 14th annual Love in Times Square Design Competition. From afar, Bloom resembles a pavilion — a circular roof supported by a series of interlocked red and white PVC pipes, but its appearance changes with your perspective, above, below, etc. Designed by architecture and urban design practice Habitat Workshop, "Bloom" is presented in partnership with The Museum of Arts and Design and will be on view in Duffy Square from February 9 to March 9.
Make an adorable Valentine's Love Shack with Taste Buds Kitchen, either in your home or at its culinary studio in Chelsea. The in-person workshop, recommended for kids ages 3 to 8 is on Feb. 13. Prices start at $79 for one child and caregiver. Click here to register. Another option: order up a Love Shack ($75) to pick up or be delivered for a $20 fee. Click here to buy.
Taste Buds is also offering an in-person class for kids and caregivers making Valentine's Day Pop-Tarts on Feb. 12. (Starting at $50)
Freshmade NYC
Angela Pham via Unsplash
Freshmade NYC is offering several Valentine's Day cooking projects to take part in live, via Zoom on Feb. 12 & 13. Make sweet or savory palmiers, heart-shaped bagels with berry cream cheese, or make an enjoy fondue together. Classes are $25.
If the ones you love are red velvet fans, get thee to a Milk Bar, stat! The American-style bakery from chef Christina Tosi with bakery locations all over NYC is serving up some very serious RV treats for Valentine's Day. Choose from red velvet cake, red velvet truffles and even red velvet soft serve!
Get a cake for $59, a dozen truffles for $29, or a combo pack for $84.
This 20th Anniversary Limited Edition Tackle Box ($28) is a chic collection that includes sour gummy triple hearts, cherry taffy, Valentine marshmallows, milk chocolate hearts and more. Pick it up at Dylan's Candy Bar in Hudson Yards, or order it online.
20 Hudson Yards. 4th fl. 34th St. between 10th and 11th Avenues Hudson Yards Online: dylanscandybar.com
Make a special something for mom or dad at The Painted Pot, where you can paint-your-own pottery or acrylic piece. (Pottery needs to be fired and picked up later, acrylic can be taken with you the day you craft.)
Cost for pieces and studio time is usually about $20-$30. Space is limited due to Covid-19 protocols, and you must book time in advance.
Still another option is The Painted Pot's art projects to go.
229 Smith St. Cobble Hill 718-222-0334 Online: paintedpot.com
200 7th Ave. Park Slope 718-768-8379
Family Art Project at Wave Hill: Love for Woodland Friends
Joshua Bright
Head to Wave Hill in the Bronx for crafting or birding. Family Art Project: Love for Woodland Friends
The art project celebrates the ways we care for each other by creating woodland-creature sock puppets. Kids can give a puppet as a heartwarming gift, or keep it to remind them of our local woodland friends.
For families with older kids, go on a guided birding excursion. Explore Wave Hill’s tranquil gardens and woodland with naturalist Gabriel Willow to observe birds in their winter habitat. Birders of all levels are welcome. Please (Bring your own binoculars. Ages 10 and older welcome with an adult.)
Art Project: Sat. Feb. 12 & Sun., Feb. 13, 10 a.m. - Noon Free with admission to the grounds Wave Hill House 675 West 252nd St. Bronx Online:wavehill.org
Birding: Sun. Feb. 13, 9:30–11 a.m. $15, including admission to the grounds. Meet at Perkins Visitor Center
Get Moving
Zoom With Laurie Berkner
Laurie Berkner
Laurie Berkner is performing two special "Valentine's Day" LIVE Virtual Family Concerts on Sunday, February 13 at Noon and 5 p.m. Eastern Time. The shows will feature songs about love such as "A Hug From My Mama," "I Love You Daddy" and "My Family," along with some of her greatest hits, including "We Are The Dinosaurs," "Victor Vito," "Pig On Her Head" and "Rocketship Run." A family ticket grants admission to one or both livestreams.
Sometimes you need to make a statement and have it live on your living room furniture every single day. Just ask Alexandra Ferguson, who is all about the love (we’re partial to her ‘Love Lives Here’ pillow for sure), and has been designing recycled felt pillows featuring fun and sassy phrases using die-cut letters sewn in her Brooklyn warehouse for the last 12 year. To order, visit her website or her Etsy shop. Prices start at $64.
Anyone can grab roses from a corner bodega and arrive home with a smile and a stunning dozen, but Arranging Box curates fresh blooms and help you expertly style them. Make an arrangement for your beloved, or gift them the kit if that's up their alley. All kits come with fresh flowers, a flower recipe box and step-by-step designing tutorials created by the company’s founder, a savvy floral designer who pivoted to create this company during the pandemic. $59 and up.
Glitter Heart Slides From Annie's Blue Ribbon General Store
Annie's Blue Ribbon General Store
Maybe these are for your little valentine, maybe they are for you. Either way, they're fab. Pick some up ($14) at Annie's Blue Ribbon General Store in Brooklyn or online.
Nothing says forever like...forever. Catbird will zap (i.e., weld) a dainty bracelet on a wrist to be a constant reminder of love. (Of course, you can take them off if you really need to.) Get one for someone special, get a matching pair, etc. Prices start at $98. Minimum age is 10. Weldings are by appointment only a the Soho location.
253 Centre St. Soho 718-599-34576 Online: catbirdnyc.com
Can you love a cockroach? The Bronx Zoo says "yes!" and this Valentine’s Day you can name one of the Zoo’s Madagascar hissing cockroaches. The full package comes with roach beanie, a pair of roach socks, a printed certificate with your roach’s name and a very crawly Virtual Encounter with one—and a surprise animal guest too. From $15.
If Andie seems familiar, that’s because she was the former LA Editor before she moved to Amsterdam. Two years later, she’s back and thrilled to be covering the LA market again, as well as national and personal stories for the site. When she’s not checking out new travel destinations, events, museums and restaurants to keep her and her kids entertained, she can be found wandering around flea markets and thrift stores looking for cool vintage finds—not a hard thing to do in and around Los Angeles. Follow along with her adventures on Instagram!
Favorite place to play outdoors: Malibu Tide Pools at Surfrider Beach. Whether it’s cool or warm, there are always a ton of surfers to watch out on the ocean, you can often see dolphins, and of course, climb around the tide pools to discover local sea life.
Favorite thing to do on a rainy day: LACMA, Natural History Museum or the California Science Center.
Favorite street for an afternoon of fun: Grand Street Park. It has a massive splash pad where you can either get just your toes wet or do a full-body splash, not to mention, it has convenient bathrooms. There’s usually some sort of festival taking place in the park too so you can always wander around for great music and great food. It’s always a favorite destination, any time of the day, any day of the year.
Do you have a go-to restaurant you like to take the kids?: Dinah’s Restaurant in Culver City—a total 1950s throwback with half-circle booths and a long counter with swivel chairs. Order anything from pancakes to their famous fried chicken, you can’t go wrong. It’s definitely our favorite, local weekend spot and one of the first places we ate at when we landed back in LA.
Can’t-live-without mom product: Sunblock, sunblock, sunblock. And not just for me, that goes for the whole family.
Favorite thing about raising kids in LA: I love the laid back pace coupled with big city benefits. We can hang out in our neighborhood and chill with our friends and neighbors at a block party or we can go see a first-class art and entertainment, all within a few minutes of our home. I also love how easy it is to hike around the beautiful mountains and have been introducing various hikes to the kids.
Most unique (or daring) thing you’ve ever done with your kids locally: Taking my son for a horseback ride through Will Rogers State Park. His horse was bigger than mine and watching him navigate and try and control such a large animal was both terrifying and inspiring at the same time.
The days are getting shorter; you’re dreaming about the chilly temps of fall, and best of all, it’s nearly time to celebrate the best that autumn brings. We’ve brushed off our list of the best fall festivals in the country, and this year you’ll find everything from the Leavenworth Oktoberfest to the Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Festival—basically, the ultimate list of festivals you should visit at least once with the kids.
**Editor’s note: COVID safety precautions vary from event to event. Please check the websites for updated information.
Balloon pilots from all over the county fly in to be a part of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. As the largest ballooning event in the world, it features over 500 hot air balloons. Adding to the fun will be special balloon glows, a special shape rodeo, laser light shows, chainsaw carvings, fireworks, a car show and plenty of musical entertainment.
The Maryland Renaissance Festival - Crownsville, MD
Maryland Renaissance Festival
Revel Grove is your “passport to merriment” say the folks at the Maryland Renaissance Festival. Here you’ll experience events and shows that you won’t see anywhere else: jousting competitions, jugglers, artisans performing works of Shakesphere in just 20 minutes, mimes, dancers and more. Feast on such delights as Macaroni and Cheese on a Stick, Beef Fingers with White Peppered Gravy and Steak on a Stake. If you want to get in on the act, costume rentals are available.
Dates: Aug. 28 - Oct. 24th, 2021 (weekends and Labor Day Monday)
Come to Stone Mountain Park at night to experience special not-so-spooky glow-in-the-dark fun. “Play by Day” enjoying the regular attractions and special fall entertainment. Stick around after dark to “Glow by Night” by taking a journey through classic storybook tales that come to life in 10 themed areas featuring 40 scenes with glowing lights, massive carved pumpkins, bubbles, fog and more. New in 2021 is the party parade!
The famous Pumpkin Village (featuring 90,000 pumpkins, squash and gourds) is in a new location this year, just beyond the Johnsson color garden! You'll find larger-than-life insect topiaries, bugged-out pumpkin houses and a maze that'll thrill the youngest of visitors.
Willkommen! You won't want to miss one of the largest Oktoberfests in the country and this year, it celebrates 42 years of fun. Held at River West Festival Park, this event brings together international German bands, Bavarian delicacies, authentic arts and crafts as well as games and competitions for the entire family. Don't miss the Dachshund Dash and the Costume Parade!
The Salmon Days Festival is 52 years in the making, and this year's theme is "Keep on Swimming." This annual event is a celebration of the return of salmon to their “birth-waters” as well as Issaquah’s history, culture and diversity. Each year the festival attracts over 200 artists and craftsmen, live music and entertainment, sporting events and even a section of virtual events.
Since 1903, the Circleville Pumpkin Show has seen people come from miles around to see the largest pumpkins on display (In 2014, a 1,964-pound pumpkin was here. It's tough to beat that one!). You'll also find the largest pumpkin pie, various parades featuring over 40 floats and over 50 bands, live entertainment, the chance to partake in the pumpkin toss and enjoy many pumpkin spice-flavored treats.
The Annual North Carolina Pecan Harvest Festival features the Pecan Run, the Columbus Cooks pecan cooking competition (with a focus on young cooks), the festival parade, live entertainment, the Tri Beach Cruisers car show, a lot of craft vendors, an art show, an antique tractor show, of course, pecans galore!
If you’ve never seen anyone sit inside a giant pumpkin and then race it across a lake dressed in costume, then you obviously haven’t been to the West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta. This free, one-day festival is jam-packed with fun, including the weigh-off of the giant pumpkins and other monster-sized vegetables; performances by magicians, clowns and musical acts; a costume contest; a pumpkin pie eating contest; pumpkin bowling and pumpkin golf; food trucks and the giant pumpkin race.
The 27th annual Appleupmpkin Festival is held in conjunction with Kapnick Orchards Apple Festival, so you get two festivals in one! Not only will you find midway rides, carnival games, bounce houses and craft stations, you’ll also be treated to a tractor show, a straw maze, helicopter and monster truck rides, an entire scarecrow-making tent and more. There’s also an antique street fair and flea market, and an arts and crafts show if you want to get a little shopping in.
Olvera Street is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Los Angeles and for good reason. From the legendary Mexican marketplace to the historic buildings, it's a wonderful place to immerse yourself in another culture. Every year they have a Dios de los Muertos celebration that starts with a traditional procession that includes Aztec dancers and a parade of "Living Muertos," where people dress up like skeletons and don colorful costumes. There's also a chance to have your face painted up to look like a Calavera!
The festivities at this famous fall event will look a little different in 2021, but there is still fun to be had. The traditional Oktoberfest celebration won't happen, but there will be a huge focus on local businesses and artisans, creating more of a Harvest Fest vibe. There will be over 100 vendors over the three weekends, you'll still be able to eat all your favorite Oktoberfest foods and of course, the Kinderplatz kiddie area will still be open!
Following a flock of sheep may sound like something out of a nursery rhyme, but did you know it’s also one of the most beloved fall festivals in the United States? Celebrate the history of sheep ranchers in Idaho at this five-day event filled with non-stop fun: multicultural performers, storytelling, cooking classes, sheepdog trials, folklife fair, weaving demos and over 50 local artisans selling crafts and art. The spotlight event (of course) is the Big Sheep Parade, where you and your family will view the spectacle of over 1,500 sheep wandering down Main Street in Ketchum.
Good to know: The Parade Picnic at Irving’s Hill is a great spot to enjoy local fare and watch the sheep make their annual trek.
Stillwater Harvest Festival and Pumpkin Weigh-Off - Stillwater, MN
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This bucolic little town on the shore of the St. Croix River not only gets a ton of gorgeous fall color this time of year, but it also hosts one of the best fall festivals around. Kids can come in costume and join in the Costume Parade which takes the children trick-or-treating to all the local downtown businesses. There's a chili cook-off and microbrew tasting, craft and food vendors and a ton of pumpkin-themed activities. Cheer on local businesses as they compete in the Pumpkin Pull (imagine being hooked up like an ox to haul giant pumpkins) and the Pumpkin Regatta—a race up the St. Croix in giant hollowed-out pumpkins for boats.
Good to know: Locals know to stick around 'til the end of the fest for the giant pumpkin drop: prize-winning pumpkins are hoisted on a crane and dropped to the sidewalk below. You can scramble in and get your share of giant pumpkin seeds for your own garden!
It's one of the state’s most popular festivals for a good reason: the Angry Orchard 5K, tons of amusement rides, a pie bake-off and pie-eating contest, a petting zoo, road races, a beer garden and pony rides. Literally, something for everyone.
This three-day smorgasbord of food and entertainment will feature over 50 local restaurants and musical acts performing on six stages. It’s kind of a big deal. Here you can sample wines, learn about local beers and watch some great chefs showing off their skills. Admission is free, and you can get a sheet of 10 “taste tickets” for just $5. Be sure to take the kids to the T-Mobile Kids’ Area too to try out the Wacky Slide, swings and to visit Toddler Town.
Over 100 hand-crafted scarecrows show up at the Scarecrow Festival in downtown St. Charles every year, and while some are designed to spook, most are charming for all ages. Visitors have a hand in the awards (vote-as-you-view in five categories), and after voting, there's enough family-friendly entertainment to last an entire weekend. Now in its 36th year, there's more than just scarecrows to admire. There's a family zone, the scarecrow stroll, live music, a professional pumpkin carver and of course, the popular scarecrow in a box.
Pioneer Farms will glow with Jack-o’-lantern grins for a whole month! At Pumpkin Nights, you will venture along a half-mile walking path, where you’ll discover the Forbidden Pumpkin City, a pirate’s cove, and more fantastical lands built using over 3,000 hand-carved real and artificial pumpkins. The celebration continues with entertainment and games in Pumpkin Central, the festival area. There’s also food, beverages, screenings of A Nightmare Before Christmas and other activities for the whole family.
Apples are a fave fall, and southern Pennsylvania has been celebrating since 1962. At this two-weekend event, you’ll find apples cooked up in more ways than you’ll have thought possible: apple cider, applesauce, pies, jellies, pancakes, syrup, candied apples and much more. Work up an appetite at the Kid Country Barn where your tiniest festival fans will enjoy face painting, harvest magic shows, and apple pie-eating contests. There are hayrides, pony rides, Native American dance expos, puppet shows, an antique auto show, over 300 arts and crafts vendors and a ton of family-friendly live music performances.
Good to know: Your money goes to a good cause. All proceeds (after expenses) go back into the community and to other local, state and national charitable organizations.
There are 14,000 acres of commercial pear, apple, cherry and peach orchards in Hood River County, so it’s no surprise the biggest fall festival in the Columbia River Gorge happens here. For three days in October, attendees enjoy a giant pumpkin carving contest, live music, a fruit pie-eating contest, family activities, seasonal produce, food, wine, cider, beer and local arts & crafts from nearly 120 vendors on the scenic Hood River waterfront. Kids will love the activity area, complete with bouncy houses, face painting and other activities.
Looking for the world’s largest cranberry festival? You’ll find it in Warrens, WI—over 120,000 people show up each year. Wander through 850 arts & craft booths and enjoy contests like Guess the Weight of the Largest Pumpkin, Best Scarecrow, Biggest Berry, Marsh Medallion Hunt and more. Tasty eats are everywhere and include unusual offerings like cranberry cream puffs and deep-fried cranberries on a stick. One of the coolest things to do at the festival is to take a tour of the cranberry marshes. You’ll visit two local marshes, walk into a cranberry bed, and learn all about the growing process. Local eats including fresh cranberries, wine and other products can be bought at the end of the tour!
The 48th Annual Harvest Festival in Santa Fe is held at El Rancho de las Golondrinas—a living museum similar to Williamsburg, VA—and there are 200 acres to explore. Wander through over 30 buildings, see ponds and waterways, spot animals, and check out agricultural fields that produce traditional crops like corn, squash and peppers. During the Harvest Festival, visitors encounter “villagers” going about their daily routine: crushing grapes, stringing chilies, making tortillas, weaving cloth. Traditional Southwestern music and dance is also a festival highlight, as well as an artist market with New Mexican crafts, mule-drawn wagon rides, and more. Rated one of the best harvest festivals in the country, families will learn about the rich culture of the Southwest.
The Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival - Half Moon Bay, CA
The self-proclaimed World Pumpkin Capital gives other harvest festivals a run for their money with the combination of a small seaside community and pumpkins, pumpkins everywhere! This year it's going to be a mini-fest, on one day and scaled-down festivities. You'll still find top crafters and artists from around the country, the 43rd Annual Pumpkin Run, the famous pumpkin weigh-off, a costume contest, a pumpkin carving, a pie-eating contest, and plenty of good food. Be sure to bring cash so you can get a picture with the winning pumpkin!
Everything’s bigger in Texas, and when it comes to festival royalty, Queen Tunaep and King Reboog (yup, peanut and goober spelled backward) are no exception—since the late '30s the festival court has donned be-jeweled and be-ribboned gowns and capes that make Queen Elizabeth look like an amateur. But the glamorous get-up of the Bohemian Blooms Court is not the only fun for families in Floresville during the festival. There’s the Goober Games, which is filled with kid faves like sack races, peanut toss, and musical peanut; the parades are worth a watch too.
Fall wouldn’t be the same without the changing of the leaves. The tree-covered hills in southern Ohio are the perfect spot to capture the view, and since 1968, thousands of folks have gathered for three days of fun. There are four skyline drives to take in the beauty of the leaves: Buckskin Loop, Paint Vista Loop, Pike Lake Loop and Redbush Loop. Kids will love both the live pet show and the stuffed animal pet show (with categories such as largest, smallest, most unusual, most lovable), and the kiddy tractor pull. Adults will love the flea market, tribute bands, 5K run and more.
This year marks the 11th annual event taking place under the Oktoberfest Bigtop at Smith Fields. If you’re a kid age 12 and under you get in for free; anyone over the age of 12 needs to chip in $7. You’ll be entertained with great German music and a few crazy contests including log sawing, keg throwing, stein holding, and for the kids, a chicken dance-off. Lots of beer, bratwurst, sandwiches and soups too. The kids will especially enjoy the hot dog with mac & cheese plate.
Celebrating the rich agricultural history of pecans (the harvest goes all the way back to pre-colonial times) the Louisiana Pecan Festival has grown from a Frontier Days theme in the early ‘70s to a three-day festival filled with fun for the whole family. The weekend kicks off with Children's Day. There are arts and crafts booths, a cooking contest, carnival rides, great food, musical entertainment, the Grand Parade and a fireworks show on Saturday night is followed by the Street Dance. Be sure to hit up The Country Store, where you can pick up homemade pecan pies, pralines, jams, jellies, local honey and of course, pecans.
