Bring on the Christmas cheer by visiting these festive tree farms near Dallas, where you can find u-cut and pre-cut trees along with warm drinks, cozy service and maybe even a visit from Santa
Whether you are looking to cut your own tree or pick up a pre-cut, a live tree in your home will fill it with the scent of the season and brighten your evenings. There are so many Dallas Christmas tree farms (or farms just outside Dallas) that offer opportunities for both, as well as Santa visits, hot apple cider, and family activities. Fortunately for you, we have all the details. So, put on a coat, fill up your thermos with a hot beverage, and head out to the fields for holiday fun.
Come out for a full day of fun at this Christmas tree farm near Dallas. Choose and cut your own or pick out pre-cut varieties like Fraser Fir, White Pine, Black Hills, and Spruce. Don't miss their Christmas Carnival that starts at noon on Nov. 25-27 to get you in the holiday spirit with rides, light decorations, a corn maze, and photo opportunities. Plan your visit accordingly so that you can visit with Santa, ride the amusement park rides, and stop at Animal Town.
If you are looking for a cut-your-own tree experience, this is the spot for you. The farm has Virginia Pines available for u-cut starting the weekend after Thanksgiving. They also offer pre-cut Fraser Fir trees and will be open every weekend in December until the trees sell out. This location has a cute country store full of holiday decor for your home. Opening Day: Fri., Nov. 25
There are a ton of Christmas activities to be enjoyed at this tree farm about 25 miles south of Fort Worth including visits with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, hayrides, a tubin' hill, farm animals, mazes, and much more. And they also have live Blue Ice Christmas trees in the field for you to cut, as well as a saw you can use. Plan your visit on weekends after Thanksgiving through Dec. 17.
Reserve a time to choose and cut the perfect Christmas tree at this farm near Dallas where the kids will love to visit year after year. They only accept cash or checks, so come prepared, and check their Facebook page for updates. This is also a great spot for photos among the trees, but remember to reach out and make an appointment.
Here you can cut your own tree or choose from pre-cut Noble Firs. You may even find the perfect painted Christmas tree for a holiday of a different color. In the past, they've been open the Friday after Thanksgiving until they sell out, but check the website for updates.
Unfortunately, the fields for sawing down your own Christmas tree at this farm near Dallas are closed because of this year's drought, but you can still find pre-cut northern Fraser Firs and their signature colorful flocked firs. Santa will visit from 2 to 4 p.m. Nov. 26 to 27 and Dec. 3 to 4.
Opening Day: Fri., Nov. 25 10405 Shannon Valley Dr. Crowley, TX Online: hayniesgreenacres.com
You may have visited this spot to pick your pumpkin but it transforms into your "Christmas in the Country" tree spot for the holiday. They offer thousands of pre-cut Christmas trees of seven different varieties, both natural and flocked, for you and your family to choose from. Pick from Douglas Fir, Fraser Fir, Grand Fir, Noble Fir, and Nordmann Fir. They even have the hard-to-find 16 foot trees for sale. Check their Facebook page for 2022 updates.
This fun Dallas-area tree farm allows you to choose and cut your own Virginia Pines up to 12 feet. It also has a variety of pre-cut Christmas trees available along with an animal farm for kids, train and hay rides, a play area, and free hot cider. Explore their Walking Trail of Lights for $8 admission.
This pre-cut tree lot has a great location since it's right down the street from the Dallas Arboretum. Choose from Noble Fir, Norman Fir, Douglas Fir, Grand Fir, and Fraser Fir trees from 2 to 18 feet tall. They're open daily and also offer flocked trees as well as fresh wreaths and garlands.
Just 30 minutes west of Fort Worth, this tree farm offers several native varieties for you to cut down including Arizona Cypress, Leyland Cypress, and Fraser Fir. They'll supply everything you need, from the saw to the tie down string, and will even cut the tree for you, if you like. Pre-cut Christmas trees are also available. When you're done, or while you're waiting, hop on the back of the tractor for a holiday hayride, shop the artisan holiday market or sit back and relax while sipping hot cocoa and eating delicious homemade holiday cookies.
Opening Day: Sat., Nov. 26
3900 Upper Denton R. Weatherford, TX Online: 4dfarm.com
One of these amazing Dallas pumpkin patches has just what you need for the fall season
The best part of fall is heading to the local pumpkin patch to pick a pumpkin with your kids. These Dallas pumpkin patches are just a short drive from the city center, but you’ll feel far away in farmland with corn mazes, hayrides and apple cider donuts. Get your fill of fall and Halloween at one of the best pumpkin patches for kids near Dallas.
The Flower Mound Pumpkin Patch This spot at the Double Oak Ranch offers hundreds of pumpkins, corn stalks, hay bales and tasty autumnal refreshments for visitors. You pay for parking here ($5 weekdays, $10 weekends) and then all of the on-site activities are free. The kids will especially love the merry-go-round and the hay bale maze.
St. James Pumpkin Patch This pumpkin patch tops our list for convenience. Opening Oct. 1, this no-frills spot offers hundreds of pumpkin for sale and the proceeds support the church's youth group.
Pumpkins on the Prairie Come enjoy a vibrant pumpkin patch busy with face painting, shaved ice, and more! On Oct. 15, look out for the Fall Craft Night and the Oct. 23 Fall Festival event. There is no entry fee to the pumpkin patch, but some items and activities do have costs.
Blase Family Farm With a petting zoo, a hay maze, a hay ride, and more, there are lots of fun things to do at the Blase Family Farm Pumpkin Patch! Monday-Friday admission includes the petting zoo, hayride, and a small pumpkin. Saturday and Sunday admission includes the petting zoo, hayride, and a hot dog. Reservations are required.
Team Family Farm Pumpkin Patch Come make amazing fall memories at the Team Family Farms Pumpkin Patch Festival! You'll find activities like barrel train rides, hay mazes, games, music and animal feeding. Don't forget to find your perfect pumpkin in the pumpkin patch. You'll have the opportunity to come back during the holidays for Christmas on the farm!
5G Farm Pumpkin Patch This is the place to choose your favorite pumpkin! Here you'll find everything from snow cones, kettle corn, baked goods, handmade crafts, candles, soaps, canned goods and honey. The kids will love the corn maze, bounce house, animal feeding, tetherball and food stations. Admission and parking are free and dog are welcome.
Autumn in the Arboretum For the 15th year, Autumn at the Arboretum highlights the nationally-acclaimed Pumpkin Village featuring pumpkin houses and creative displays utilizing more than 90,000 pumpkins, gourds and squash. More of a pumpkin display than a traditional pumpkin patch, you can visit the Children's Adventure Garden and enjoy the live performances on the weekends. Wednesdays are BOGO day and Oct. 31-Nov. 1 is Family Fun Weekend.
Mainstay Farm Park You can head to Mainstay Farm Park in Cleburne to jump on the inflatable pillow, race your buddies in the pedal cars and pose for pics in front of the pumpkin house. You can even take a free ride down the Texas Tubin' Hill Slide. There are loads of pumpkins here and you can even come back at the end of the season to watch them smash those remaining at their annual Pumpkin Smash!
YesterLand Farm Pumpkin Patch If you want a full-day farm experience, this is the spot for you. In addition to a large pumpkin patch, YesterLand Farm has a kiddie roller coaster, pumpkin houses, a candy cannon and three-acre corn maze. Come on Friday or Saturday night in October and you'll have to stay for the fireworks!
The Big Orange Pumpkin Farm at Preston Trail Farms Through November 23, this farm will offer visitors a chance to experience blossoming small green pumpkins right on the vine in the pumpkin patch, hayrides, a six-foot hay maze and a petting farm for a taste of the country life. Set along the historic Shawnee Trail, this year-round destination farm offers access to local, seasonal produce and an escape to a simpler and more sustainable lifestyle.
Hall's Pumpkin Farm Located in historic Grapevine, this farm is nestled between Dallas and Ft. Worth, just west of DFW airport. Come out to pick one of their hundreds of pumpkins and then get lost in the massive corn maze. When the little legs get tired, take a hay ride around the property, pulled by a farm tractor. Cash only.
Maybe you picked some cherries this summer, or any number of berries recently, but have you ever ventured into acres of flowers of all kinds and snipped a few stems right from the field? From wildflowers to sunflowers, zinnias, peonies and more, here are our favorite farms near NYC for flower picking.
Head to Brittany Hollow Farm in the Hudson Valley for one of the best selections of pick-your-own flowers near NYC. Flower varieties include zinnias, cosmos, black-eyed susans, strawflowers, snapdragons, celosia, sunflowers, butterfly weed, statice, and more, and the farm is open July through early October. Flowers are $20 per bucket, and you take the bucket home with you—bring it back for $15 buckets all season long. The fields are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week.
For "Gazillions" of Flowers, Veggies & A Winery: Terhune Orchards
A major player in the "you pick" scene, Terhune Orchards offers the chance to pick something throughout the growing season. They offer a great selection of flowers here, available from late June to October. Planters and culinary herbs are also available on site, as are numerous other fruits and veggies—both in the fields for picking and the farm store for purchase. Terhune also operates its own winery. FYI: Leave your pets with a friend—they aren’t allowed on the farm.
For Gorgeous Blooms for the First Time: Spring Wind Farm
The stunning blooms are grown sustainably, and flowers for picking include sunflowers, zinnias, cosmos, celosia, gomphrena and more. Pick for a mason jar or a three-gallon bucket; prices start at $16.
For Super Sunflowers & Farm Fun: Johnson's Corner Farm
Johnson's Corner Farm loves its sunflowers. (The farm even holds Sunflower Celebrations.) In addition to lots of barnyard fun and picking produce, you can pick sunflowers for $1 a stem here, and zinnias for 25 cents each. Entrance to the field is $5/person on weekdays, and $6/person on weekends; buy tickets online to guarantee admission.
To be fair, you can't pick the lavender at Lavender By the Bay, but it's a must for fans of this soothing herb, and peak bloom for French lavender is happening now, and more to come late summer! Plus: you can load up on sachets and sprigs in the gift shop. This farm has two locations on Long Island, growing more than 80,000 plants in hues of purple, lilac, white and beyond. (FYI: The Calverton spot is across the street from water park Splish Splash.) It's $12 to enter the field and stroll in the fragrant fields. Tickets must be purchased beforehand.
You can pick apples and peaches at Melick’s, but from July through September its stunning gardens are open for picking as well. You'll find flowers such as zinnias, sunflowers and snapdragons here, and no appointment is necessary, but they do ask that you bring your own clippers. (They advise calling ahead to find out what is blooming before you head over.) The farm charges per stem and also has pre-picked bouquets and arrangements if you need to grab a bouquet on the go. Melick's Town Farm is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 6.pm., and on a nice day, butterflies flock to the gardens, making for nice Instagram fodder.
For Flowers, Berries & a Side of Fresh Ice Cream: Patty’s Berries and Bunches
If you’re looking to ditch the scissors, but pick up some berries, this is the place to go. Patty's "bunches" are flowers, which are sold pre-picked and include blossoms such as sunflowers, dahlias, peonies, and zinnias. You can also pay $8 to walk through the flower fields for the perfect photo op! The farm features an "Ice Cream Patch,” where visitors can buy scoops of seasonal flavors which are made with fresh ingredients grown on-site. This 40-acre Long Island farm is one of our favorites for U-pick berries. Open daily, 9:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
For Evergreen & Sunflower Mazes & Lots of Produce to Pick: Alstede Farms
Alstede is a popular place for picking many, many things. Not only can you pick your own flowers at Alstede Farms, they've also added a cute evergreen maze, which is included with admission. Picking season runs mid-July through September, and flowers go for $1 a stem. The farm is packed with beautiful sunflowers ready for picking, and the farm’s annual sunflower maze is also open for navigation. This farm is also one of our favorites for “U-pick” fruits & veggies as well. Sweet Corn, vegetables (peppers, eggplant, tomatoes), peaches, cantaloupe, nectarines, honeydew and canary melon are all in season during the “cut your own flower” season, so you can pick up some "Jersey Fresh" produce while you're at it. Check this page to see if flowers are open for picking.
If we had our way, we’d declare Mother’s Day a weeklong holiday and put laundry, cooking, grocery shopping, and the general work-life juggling act on lockdown. But since we’re not in charge (and since our plan would result in total chaos), we’ve pulled together our favorite ideas for celebrating Mother’s Day in an epic way. Keep reading to find out what to do and where, below.
For the Outdoorsy Mom
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Take advantage of Atlanta's proximity to incredible hikes, bike paths, parks and playgrounds, and state parks to celebrate your mom who loves the great outdoors. If you're looking for a dramatic view (perhaps to match the drama the kiddos add to her life), check out Sawnee Mountain Indian Seats in Cumming, a roughly 4-mile trail that climbs over and around the sheer face of Sawnee Mountain, where you'll see breathtaking views of the distant Blue Ridge Mountains.
Gear Up: If you're thinking about making a weekend camping trip out of it, be sure to check out this camping gear before you go. It does basically everything except pitch the tent.
For the Foodie Mom
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Pull together some of these awesome picnic recipes or pick up food to go from one of these local restaurants that offer family meal deals and head to one of Atlanta's best picnic spots. Be sure and bring books, a frisbee, and sunscreen, because you'll want to stay here all day long. For in-restaurant dining, head to Park Tavern, Lazy Betty, Le Bilboquet, and South City Kitchen, who are all offering a special brunch.
Gear Up: For a more sophisticated basket, check out these awesome Mother's Day baskets that include everything from pretty paper goods and gourmet spreads to flower bouquets and bubbly—offered by Lucy's Market in Buckhead.
If you're planning a day for the mom who really appreciates a cleaned-up act with manners on display, you'll rejoice to know that the Ritz-Carlton Atlanta is offering cuisines from around the world featuring recipes from the chef's own mothers during brunch (Reservations required, limited seating available. Priced at $110 per guest, $48 per children ages 3 to 12; complimentary for children two and under; exclusive of tax and gratuity. Complimentary valet included.), you can snag afternoon tea at the Waldorf-Astoria Atlanta-Buckhead, or you can make reservations at the swanky Swan Coach House for indoor or outdoor dining.
Ritz-Carlton Atlanta 181 Peachtree St. NE 404-659-0400 Online:ritzcarlton.com
Waldorf-Astoria Atlanta Buckhead 3376 Peachtree Rd. NE 404-995-7500 Online:hilton.com
Swan Coach House 3130 Slaton Dr. NW 404-261-0636 Online:swancoachhouse.com
Gear Up: Your kids will make your mother proud if they look over these 14 table manners for kids of all ages before hitting any of these fancier spots on Mother's Day.
For the Artsy Mom
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With the Atlanta's world-class museums and galleries, you can spend a day checking out the Shaheen Collection of French Art at The High, perusing the newly opened Full Circle: Design without End exhibit at MODA, or simply strolling Castleberry Hill's Art District the Friday of Mother's Day weekend to see what's happening.
Castleberry Hill Art Stroll Start at 51 Elliott St. Online:castleberryhill.org
Gear Up: If you'd rather stay at home, set the backyard up for a mega outdoor art session and create some memories and Mother's Day keepsakes.
For Every Mom
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Whether you're treating her to lunch, an art stroll, or a day outside, every mom will feel special with a beautiful bouquet. And if there's no place your mom of honor would rather be than at the ball field, then don't deny her that pleasure. Just be sure to honor her with some flowers by Atlanta moms at the helm of Farmhouse Orchids, Meredith McClure Floral Design, or from Atlanta Flower Bar, where you can even gift her a special floral arranging class (with or without kiddos in tow).
Gear Up: Staying closer to home? Call some neighbors over and set up some mom olympics with these awesome back yard games that you don't have to do any prep for!
Moms wipe our noses and tie our shoes. Once a year, we like to thank them with a grand gesture (or maybe a series of small acts of love). If you’re looking for a bouquet of flowers, we have a Mom-owned local shop on this list along with other traditional treats, like spa products and beautifully scented candles. We also have fun picks, like Mommy & me matching swimsuits and therapeutic socks because, let’s face it, we’re always keeping Mom on her toes! Get ready to shop for Mom while supporting some of our favorite DC businesses (bonus: they’re mostly Mom-owned, too).
Treat mom to a proper manicure (or pedicure) with polishes from Black-owned nail polish company Janet & Jo. Named as one of the top nail lacquers on the market by beauty magazines like Allure, Nylon and Cosmopolitan, this DC-based business boasts bright, vivid colors perfect for the pool or beach. You can purchase Janet & Jo at The Wharf’s Shop Made in DC shop or online.
Mother’s Day is for moms-to-be, too! Toast to her first Mother’s Day with a tasty mocktail from DC-based Mocktail Club. Bonus: kids can upgrade from juice for a celebratory toast! Mocktail Club is sold at local Whole Foods and served in some restaurants so look for it in the wild.
If mom has a couple of mini mes running around, celebrate by twinning up. You can suit up for summer fun in mommy & me matching swimwear from Tea Collection. Tea’s Family Swim collection offers something for everyone in the family, from baby rash guards to trunks to one-piece swim suits featuring bold, vibrant patterns and 40+ UPF fabrics. Mom-and-Pop shops Wee Chic in Fairfax VA and Kinder Haus Toys in Alexandria, VA carry the line.
There’s a reason a flower bouquet is a traditional Mother’s Day gift: they’re beautiful, smell amazing, and have the unique ability to make the receiver feel pretty special. J. Morris is a Leesburg, VA mom-owned flower shop with insta-worthy arrangements. For $59, get a European-styled market bouquet (an exceptional value). J Morris offers local delivery in Loudoun County.
Trey + Glo Apothocary is an artisan candle company offering delicious, unique fragrances like the “Manoja” scent which smells like a five star hotel or a fancy spa—two things not kosher with social distancing. These soy candles come in different sizes and also wax melts; ranging from $12-25, they offer a high-end experience while being inexpensive enough to pamper your favorite mom with several. Trey + Glo was founded by Arlington mom and former beauty editor, Ayren Jackson-Cannady.
Moms deserve a long, luxurious soak in the bubbliest bubble bath ever, but most don’t have time for it. A shower can still be a quick pick-me-up. Entrepreneurial mom Anusha Moodly has whipped up the perfect shower steamers for her Falls Church company, Thulisa Naturals. Anusha offers four rich fragrances for a relaxing, energizing, or refreshing shower. For $15, Shower Steamers are the perfect way to make any mom feel like she’s indulging in a spa day while standing in a tub full of kiddie toys.
Like Mary Poppins’ mythical carpet bag, a mom purse (or diaper bag) is an endless source of anything anyone could ever want. 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.
The Aviary Girls have a ton of cool crafts your favorite mom can do with or without the kids. Our pick: this adorable DIY flower caddy that is both practical and playful. Order your kit online and let them know if you want to pick it up in Stone Ridge, VA or have it dropped off at your front door for a $5 delivery fee. They also ship (shipping fees vary). If you need a little hand-holding when completing your craft, there is a library of online tutorials. Or sign up for a live class on Facebook.
They sound like something out of a fairy tale, right? We’re living in socks these days, so why not wear a pair that’s therapeutic? Silver Spun socks are made with yarn that contains pure silver. These socks have natural antibacterial properties, are super warm and soft, and conduct energy to keep your feet nice and toasty no matter the temperatures. Silver Spun socks was founded by DC resident and mom of two, Laurie Gonyea, who sources all of the cotton and silver in the United States. Made entirely in America, socks come in three different styles – boot, crew, and footie – so you can find a sock to meet your needs perfectly.
Created and curated by two Ashburn, VA moms, Brooke King and Julie Powers, the Mom Things subscription box offers all the creature comforts a mom could ever want. From the practical to fun, you can build your own box to make moms feel pampered, special, and appreciated. Or take the guess work out of this gift by choosing an already curated box, like the One Time Reset Box because, honestly, what mom couldn’t use a reset?!
Moms. They are the absolute glue of a family, they raise you, look after you, and love you all while balancing the rest of their life. This can oftentimes be thankless work, so it’s our job to make sure they feel the gratitude they deserve, at least once a year! This Mother’s Day, take care of mom like she’s taken care of you. Need a little inspiration? We’ve got you: below are just a handful of some of the wonderful gift ideas to surprise her with this May!
Loyly Sauna has two Portland locations to choose from. The larger Northeast facility features two cedar saunas, a cold shower cooling room, and therapeutic massage and holistic skincare services. The Southeast location is slightly smaller and features a cedar sauna, steam room, showers, locker rooms, along with their signature therapeutic massages and holistic skincare services. Purchase your special mama a gift card for a massage and sauna experience and we guarantee she’ll be feeling like a million bucks! The whole family will be feeling her afterglow.
This northeast Portland flower shop is exactly where you want to go for your Mother’s Day bouquet. With flexible pricing options, same-day delivery, and an endless amount of customization options, these master florists are guaranteed to piece together something thoughtful and beautiful. Beaumont Florist targets a certain temperament with each of its bouquets and offers additional gift items like chocolates or balloons to pair with your arrangement! Truly a one-stop-shop. Check out their sister shop in the Laurelhurst neighborhood of Portland, too!
4201 NE Fremont St., Portland, OR 97213 (503) 281-5501 Online: beaumontflorist.net
Sammy's Flowers Personalized Arrangments
Open seven days a week, this adorable, Parisian gem builds beautiful arrangements that are sure to leave you satisfied and your mother’s dining room table looking great. Want to depart from a standard bouquet and give her something that she can cherish for longer? Sammy’s Flowers sell beautiful orchids in several dazzling shades, as well as cards and chocolates for the ultimate flower-gifting experience! Want to build mom an arrangement made especially by you? At Sammy’s Flowers, that’s no problem! Just pick out some of their individually priced flowers and they’ll arrange and wrap them for you. Make sure to jump online or give them a ring soon, Sammy’s gets especially busy during the Mother’s Day week.
1710 W Burnside St., Portland OR 97209 (503) 222-9759 Online: sammysflowers.com
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Moonstruck Chocolates & Cacoao Sweets
Mom's love is oh so sweet, so why not get her some luxury sweets for her special day? Grab a box of the classic truffle collection at Moonstruck Chocolates. If she likes bars, there's a delectable variety to choose from. And don't forget to scope out the bundles that let you mix and match her treats.
Need a few things to help mom feel like she’s pampered? Good news: Tender Loving Empire has everything under the sun for helping mom feel adored and appreciated! From incredible-smelling candles and adorably-designed tote bags to jewelry and spa-night kits, they’ve got you covered! Come with a plan or come without! You’ll be sure to leave with something special for that extra-special woman who you call mom.
If you frequent NW 23rd, it is more than likely that you’ve found yourself in Lush Cosmetics dazzled by their soap collection. This Mother’s Day, Lush is pulling out all the stops so you can be in awe even more. From scents like earth and herbal to citrusy and floral, and need-levels like soothing or deeply cleansing, Lush has the gifts that mom needs to let those shoulders down and enjoy a bit of an at-home spa night. Whether it’s a bath-bomb, a shower scrub, a face mask or a vegan body wash, Lush will help you help mom take a load off and enjoy herself. Head online to see their full list of options, or head in to the store today!
Gifting a living plant is a long lasting present that will forever remind your loved one of your thoughtful gesture. Pop by one of Portland Nursery’s two locations and find the perfect house plant. Pick from aloes or bonsai to cacti and succulents.
Love our city? So does With Love From PDX! Maybe mom doesn’t live here in town (but she should!) and you want to treat her to a little bit of the place you call home. That’s where With Love From PDX comes in. They’ve got curated gift boxes that will fit exactly what you need, whether that’s the ultimate charcuterie set or a gardening box for the green-thumbed lady in your life. Have a friend with a newborn? Send her With Love From PDX’s “Mama + Baby” gift set, so they’ll both feel a bit of your love. Can’t find all the right things in one box? No worries, you can create your own custom box, so both gifter and gift-ee can rest satisfied! All the goods in each of these bundles of love are filled with locally-made goods from Portland, so you can give gifts and support small businesses! Head online to check things out today!
Share your love of the great outdoors with your baby through a name inspired by nature. From flower and tree names to seasons and stunning landscape features, this list covers the most beautiful and unique baby names inspired by natural elements. Nature lovers, this one’s for you. Also, be sure to check out or names inspired by travel, outer space and books.
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Alder Listen up, rockers. Wood from the alder tree is used to make electric guitars, so this Old English name is perfect for music fans.
Ash A Hebrew name meaning happy, Ash is the name of a flowering tree. It's also a more modern form of the names Ashley and Ashby.
Aspen Another tree, this gender-neutral name reminds people of both this beautiful tree and the popular ski area in Colorado.
Autumn This Latin word means "of woods" and is typically used as a girl's name. Call her Auty for short.
Bay This unisex name means berry in Latin and joins Lake, Brooke and Ocean as popular water names.
Briar Disney fans will know that Briar Rose is another name for Princess Aurora, aka Sleeping Beauty. It also means rose bush.
Briony From Latin, meaning to sprout, this beautiful girls name is also a climbing plant.
Brooke This popular girls name means a small stream. For a more gender-neutral name, go with Brooklyn. Or Brooks for a boy.
Cassia Cassia has Greek origins and means cinnamon. The bark from a cassia tree makes a spice similar to cinnamon.
Cedar Cedar is a durable, aromatic wood that's gaining in popularity as a unisex baby name, along with Ash and Oak.
Clay The name means of the earth and works as both a boy or girl name.
Cliff This boy's name works on its own or as a nickname for Clifford or Clifton.
Clover Meaning meadow flower, this sweet name is especially great for someone with Irish heritage.
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Coral A popular girls name since Victorian times, Coral joins other jewels like Opal, Ruby and Ruby as retro-cool names.
Cove Meaning small bay, Cove is a unisex name gaining in popularity.
Cypress Another tree name, Cypress is of Greek origin and means strong and adaptable.
Dale Meaning valley in Old English, Dale is a popular nature name for both boys and girls.
Dawn Popular as a girls name since the 1920s, Dawn means first sunlight, as does Aurora, Zora and Roxana.
Elm A popular name for girls and boys, this tree name works on its own or could be a nickname for Elwood or Elmer.
Ember This name means spark and conjures memories of warm and cozy fires.
Everest A gender-neutral name and the name of earth's highest mountain, it's perfect for hikers.
Fawn French origin, meaning young deer. Super popular in the 1960s and 70s, it now has a retro charm.
Fleur French for flower, Fleur is a popular baby name, along with Daisy, Rose and Lily.
Flora Like Fleur, Flora also means flower and is the name of the Roman goddess of springtime.
Flint This Old English name means stream and is also a form of the mineral quartz. It's used to start fires and make tools.
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Forest (or Forrest) It peaked in popularity in the late 1800s and early 1900s and is now gaining in popularity again.
Glen (or Glenn) Another name that means valley, Glen is declining in popularity, making it a more unique name for your child.
Hyacinth This spring flower has beautiful blooms in blue, purple, pink, red or white. Other spring flower names include Tulip and Daffodil.
Isla Meaning island, this name has become trendy in recent years. For a more unique baby name, consider Islay, Ila or Islah.
Ivy The Romans made ivy wreaths to symbolize fidelity and marriage, as well as prosperity and charity.
Jade A popular gemstone name, like Ruby and Amber, Jade is a green stone that has Spanish origins as a name.
Juniper This small evergreen shrub is typically used for girls. Other girl tree names include Laurel, Willow, Magnolia and Hazel.
Lake Used for both boys and girls, Lake joins Brooke, Ocean and River as popular water-based baby names.
Laurel This Latin name refers to the laurel tree. Ancient Romans used a wreath made from laurel to represent success and peace.
Linden Linden flowers are used in health remedies, and this unisex name is more unique than other tree names.
Maple Growing in popularity along with other tree names like Juniper and Pine, Maple has a sweetness thanks to its association with syrup.
Meadow A serene name meaning grassy field, Meadow gained popularity in the 1960s, along with other nature names like Sky.
Oak Oak trees symbolize strength and solidarity, making it a mighty name for your babe.
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Ocean A water name used for both boys and girls, Ocean comes from the Ancient Greek name Oceanus.
Reed An English name that used to be used primarily on redheads, a reed is a slender grass growing near wet areas.
Ridge Like Cliff, the name Ridge is a strong male name and is currently rising in popularity.
River Like Ocean and Bay, River is a water name gaining traction in the US as a baby name.
Rock Whether you're a music lover or a fan of Rock Hudson or The Rock, this name joins Stone as a boy name.
Sage A unisex name meaning wise in Latin, Sage is also the name of a perennial mint used to cleans rooms of negativity and promote healing.
Savannah Meaning treeless plain in Spanish, this romantic name also represents Savannah, Georgia.
Sky (or Skye) A gender-neutral name beloved by hippie parents, Sky is mostly used for girls.
Summer Like Autumn and Winter, Summer is a season name growing in popularity for girls.
Terra (or Tierra) Terra means earth in Latin and the name of the Roman earth goddess.
Willow This tree is associated with grace and joins Juniper, Aspen and Acacia as popular wood names.
Wren Bird lovers might choose Wren for a unisex baby name. Other options include Robin and Lark.
It’s time to get egg-cited because Easter is on the horizon! Gather your little peeps and hop to it at these Easter events in San Diego––where they may even spy Mr. Bunny himself. There’s no need to hunt for activities because we’re telling you where to jump on the trail to enjoy a Parisian-style tea, an Easter brunch cruise, endless flower blooms, train rides and more! Read on to find an Easter eggstravaganza near you.
Westfield North County and Westfield Plaza Bonita have launched their signature Easter photo experience at the Easter Bunny Enchanted Spring Gardens. Having partnered with Cherry Hill Programs, Westfield North County and Westfield Plaza Bonita are thrilled to keep the tradition alive, all while ensuring safety by taking precautions that maintain social distancing requirements. The Easter Bunny will be at both locations until Friday, April 15 and packages start at $34.99. Reservations are recommended and can be made here for North County and here for Plaza Bonita.
At Westfield UTC, the Golden Egg Hunt will take place the week leading up to Easter Sunday, from Sun. April 10 through Saturday, April 16. Each day, a golden egg will be placed in a different location across the center and the first 25 shoppers to post a picture on their Instagram Story, tag @WestfieldUTC, and head to concierge Cabana near Express for a daily clue to show your photo and will be gifted a special surprise — totaling 175 lucky winners.
Hop on over to the beautiful and idyllic Children's Nature Retreat for an Easter egg hunt among the animals from April 11- April 17. There will be one hunt per day starting at noon. The Retreat's beloved bunny, Easter, will be hiding 900 eggs a day!
Please do not bring your own basket. Cost is $12 per basket plus regular admission fee.
Spend the days leading up to Easter or Easter weekend enjoying and marveling in the blooming of 50-acres of ranunculus flowers at The Flower Fields in Carlsbad. Melt your cares away under the glowing, warm SoCal sun. New this season: advanced reservation tickets, available online only, mask requirements for staff and visitors, social distancing as per state guidelines and protocols in all areas, exciting, new 2-Acre U-Pick Blueberry Patch that can be experienced in two ways… as part of your Flower Fields visit or if you just want to come pick blueberries you can access the Blueberry Patch from the brand-new parking area off Cannon Road.
Let someone else do the cooking Easter Sunday and take the family to enjoy an Easter Brunch at La Costa Resort complete with a decadent spread of culinary delights, carving stations, a chilled seafood bar and bottomless mimosas along with family-friendly entertainment. Kiddos can participate in the city's largest egg hunt of 15,000 eggs, capped off with a egg-stra special appearance by the Easter Bunny.
Indulge in this splendid Westgate tradition. Celebrate spring in elegance with their sumptuous signature Parisian-style afternoon tea. Delicious proof of their generations-long love of afternoon tea, this Easter tea is served with a delicious selection of house-made sweet delicacies, yummy kid-friendly petit-fours, savory tea sandwiches and pastries. All accompanied with a choice of freshly brewed fine teas and a special hop-in appearance from a fluffy guest. Each child receives a keepsake Easter basket.
Enjoy an Easter brunch with San Diego's best views of the waterfront. Join this elegant holiday cruise aboard a luxurious Flagship yacht on San Diego Bay. Take in the scenic sights as you sip complimentary champagne mimosas. Everyone in your family will delight in sweet and savory selections from our gourmet brunch menu, with choice of entrees including Carnitas Chilaquiles, light and fluffy Three-Egg Omelets, Bananas Foster French Toast, and so much more. Enjoy comfortable outdoor dining aboard your choice of two convenient departure times on Easter Sunday, April 4, 2021. Make your reservations online today!
Hop to this free Easter Eggstravaganza which takes place at Boomers Vista every Saturday and Sunday thru April 17th. You'll enjoy pictures with the Easter Bunny, crafts, prizes, and a special QR Code Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt! You're welcome to stay and play after the event too.
Spending Easter at home this year? There are plenty of ways to host a celebration that your little bunnies will remember forever. From Easter brunch ideas, party games, crafts and treats to cool and unique hunts, you can find everything you need to celebrate without ever leaving your home.
Irvine Park Railroad always knows how to celebrate holidays any time of year. This spring, they’re hosting their Easter Eggstravaganza event from Mar. 26 – Apr. 16. Featuring more fun than you can shake a carrot at, families will enjoy Easter egg hunts, train rides, painting, carnival-style games, picture stands, and photo ops with the Easter Bunny. Activity tickets may be purchased at the train station upon arrival depending on what you’d like to do during your visit. If you’re crowd averse, we highly recommend planning your adventure for earlier in the season or going in the mornings.
Pro Tip: Check the website for when the Easter Bunny will be around for photo ops and if you are dye-ing to get in on the Easter egg hunt action, plan to arrive early to exchange your wristband for a specific hunt time. This is not the event to fly by the seat of your bunny pants.
When: Mar. 26 – Apr. 16; weekdays from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., weekends from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Cost: Entrance fee is $3 on weekdays; $5 on weekends. Activity tickets are $6 each or books of 15 are $80. Photos with the Easter Bunny are $15.
Spring has sprung in NYC, and that means the city is soon going to be full of flowers. From cherry trees in Central Park and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, to displays of daffodils, tulips and more at parks in every borough, Mother Nature is giving us lots of reasons to get out of the house with kids and soak up some sun. Read on to find out where, and when to catch the best spring flowers in bloom in NYC.
Manhattan
Central Park
Samuel Stone Pixabay
Central Park's massive size and diverse topography provides a wide variety of places to see flowers in bloom.
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir Bridle Path: In early and mid-April you'll find a stunning display of cherry trees in bloom along the reservoir. Enter at 90th and Fifth at the Engineers' Gate and walk north.
Pilgrim Hill: Popular with sledders in winter, this spot at E. 72nd and Fifth is also a prime place to see Yoshino cherry trees in bloom in mid-April.
Swedish Cottage (Marionette Theater): This famous venue is charming any time of year, but in April and May, when the surrounding landscape is dotted tulips, daffodils and other spring bulbs, it looks straight out of a fairy tale. Find it on the Park's west side near 79th Street.
Cherry Hill: A gentle slope named for the trees that bloom delicate white and pink flowers Cherry Hill overlooks the park's lake. It's mid-park at 72nd Street.
If you're looking for something specific, check out the Central Park Conservancy's Bloom & Tree Guide, which you can search by plant, type, month and more.
Riverside Park
Janet Lombardo
This large park along the west side of Manhattan runs from 72nd Street up to 158th Street, and you can find lots of fabulous displays at various points. Check out:
Sakura Park at 122nd St: Named for the cherry trees you'll find in bloom here, usually in mid-April
83rd Street: near Mt. Tom and Warsaw Ghetto Memorial
91st Street, at the Promenade: The Garden People’s Garden is a community garden that has been maintained by volunteers for decades And if you keep walking north, you’ll come up to Crabapple Grove, which has gorgeous blossoms in the spring)
Hudson River Park
Max Guliani for Hudson River Park
Spanning 550 acres along the west side of Manhattan (from the northern end of Battery Park City to W. 59th Street in Hell's Kitchen), Hudson River Park offers four miles of waterside recreation.
Find out what's in bloom at any given time in the park with the Hudson River Park Conservancy's Bloom Guide, which you can find here.
March typically brings Star Magnolias and Saucer Magnolias, and cherry trees should be blooming in early April, along with tulips. (You can see 2021's bloom timetable here.)
Another spot to catch some cherry trees in bloom is Randall's Island. The island's display is so impressive there is a Cherry Blossom Festival here, as well. (No plans for a 2021 fest though.) The cherry trees of different species start blooming in early April and continue through the month and into May. You can see a guide to the Island's cherry tree bloom here.
Sprawling over 600 acres, this Olmsted & Vaux urban green space includes open spaces, woodsy enclaves and waterside spots. (Not to mention lots of places to play.)
You can see what's in bloom in Prospect Park thanks to the Prospect Park Alliance's spring bloom guide.
Highlights include:
Grand Army Plaza: Early spring brings early-blooming cherry trees, tulips and daffodils; later you'll see Eastern redbuds, and pink, late-blooming cherry trees.
LeFrak Center at Lakeside: Find an early spring display of bright yellow and orange Witch Hazel here. With warmer temps in April comes a profusion of white blossoms from Serviceberry, Chokeberry, Witch Alder, and Foxglove Beardtongue. Late spring brings a final act of flowering dogwoods and dewberries.
Litchfield Villa: In front of this stately pre-Civil War era mansion on Prospect Park West, you'll find Carmen’s Garden, which features an impressive tulip display in April. May brings pink and white blossoms of crabapple and hawthorn trees, with an assist from colorful annuals. In back of the building you'll find Korean dogwood trees with cream-colored flowers.
Long Meadow: A popular spot for lounging, sunbathing and picnicking, the Long Meadow is also home to several kids of fragrant flowering trees. At the north end, peach and white magnolia and dogwood trees bloom in early spring, and later lilacs bloom along with hanging yellowwood blooms.
Not too far from Prospect Park is the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, home to one of the biggest cherry blossom festivals in the city, which takes place in mid-April. No word on if that is happening in 2022, but hours are extended from April 15-May 15 to allow extra time to enjoy the cherry blossoms. (Want to know when the trees will bloom? It's not an exact science, but this may help. Many continue into May. For the latest on what trees have bloomed check out this bloom tracker which is updated daily.)
Early spring brings lots of other gorgeous blooms though: the garden's display of magnolia trees is gorgeous and luxurious, and you can see many, many spring bulbs here, such as daffodils, crocuses, snowdrops and tiny dutch irises. Also in April, the tulip display around the garden's central pool is striking.
Lilacs start in April and go through June, depending on the variety.
990 Washington Ave. Crown Heights 718-623-7200 Online: bbg.org
Green-wood Cemetery
Amy Nieporent
Founded in 1838 and now a National Historic Landmark, Green-wood Cemetery welcomes the public seven days a week. Its 478 acres are filled with natural beauty in the form of towering trees, flowering shrubs, blooming perennials and returning bulbs. It is another place you'll find gorgeous cherry trees in bloom in April and May; look for them in the areas of Valley Water and Battle Hill. To make navigating the cemetery easier, download the Green-wood app, which includes maps and lots of info and media (video, audio) on the history, nature and art of the Landmark.
500 25th St. 718-210-3080 Windsor Terrace Online: green-wood.com
As one would expect, the New York Botanical Garden is a spectacular place to see spring (and summer!) blooms. (The Garden's annual Orchid Show, featuring Jeff Leatham's Kaleidoscope, is also on display until May 1.)
The Garden's impressive collection of daffodils numbers is literally the hundreds of thousands, and you can find the yellow flowers in several places here. and don’t miss In April, Daffodil Hill is covered with them, and you'll find many antique cultivars that were planted in the early 20th century. The Rock Garden is home to tiny species of daffodils no more than three inches high, still more varieties can be found on the Daylily/Daffodil Walk, and Daffodil Valley is where the Murray Liasson Narcissus Collection is located. See how far along the daffodil bloom is with the Garden's Daffodil Tracker.
You'll find all kinds of spring-flowering trees here, including crabapple, magnolia and cherry trees, and Mother's Day is about when the NYBG Azalea Garden puts on an amazing display. (You can follow the azalea bloom with this tracker.)
The lilac collection, which blooms in early and late spring thanks to a wide variety of plants, dates to 1896 and has been a popular draw for more than a hundred years. It was expanded in 2016.
This public garden and cultural center in the Bronx has extended its hours for spring from 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday. It's a pleasure to visit any season, but spring highlights are tulips, magnolias, trillium and glory-of-the-snow.
Wav Hill hosts many programs for kids and families including weekly family art projects, bird-watching, and more.
Note that you must reserve tickets in advance to visit Wave Hill.
Spring at The Queens Botanical Garden brings blooming cherry trees on Cherry Circle, magnolias on Magnolia Path, vibrant displays of daffodils and tulips, viburnum, dogwood, eastern redbud and more. To see what's blooming when, click here.
Not too far from the Queens Botanical Garden is Flushing Meadows Corona Park, the former site of the 1939 and 1964 World's Fair. The park's impressive Unisphere is surrounded by scores of flowering trees throughout April, and there's lots more to explore once you've taken in the display. Check out the New York Hall of Science, the Queens Museum, the Queens Zoo,
This 83-acre campus on Staten Island is home to numerous cultural institutions and gardens, including The New York Chinese Scholar’s Garden (NYCSG), one of two authentic classical outdoor Chinese gardens built in the United States. Built entirely with architectural elements created in Suzhou, China, the NYCSG puts on a beautiful show in spring with flowering magnolias, cherries, mahonia, jasmine, and redbud. Much of Snug Harbor is free to explore, but admission to NYCSG is $5 per person, with kids under five admitted for free. (Staten Island residents are free the first Saturday of every month.)
Another must with kids is the Connie Gretz Secret Garden, an enclosed space with a shrub maze and three towers that resemble castle turrets. It is inspired by the book The Secret Garden and admission is $3 for kids and free for adults accompanied by a child. (It recently has only been open on Sundays.)
Need more to explore? Check out the Staten Island Museum, the Staten Island Children’s Museum and the Noble Maritime Collection, all of which are also at Snug Harbor.
1000 Richmond Terr. 718-425-3504 Staten Island Online: snug-harbor.org
It seems like I’ve been gardening all my life. And teaching children the skills and love for gardening are what brings me joy in the gardening world. If you can see their huge smiles and excitement as they watch their plants grow, then you know you have instilled a love for nature. I still remember as a young child, my parents would bring me out to their backyard to help plant pumpkin seeds. I then graduated to planting tree saplings to learning how to transplant, divide plants, and propagate.
While not every child desires to learn about plants, most of them do however enjoy being outdoors and digging their fingers in the soil. There are health benefits to growing your own garden or planting your own food. You get to be outside in fresh air, you decide on what you want to grow, you can see pollinators visit your garden, and you can enjoy the bounty of your fresh fruits and vegetables! And there are many easy-to-grow plants for children no matter their skill level. And with spring just around the corner, now is the best time to prepare for your spring planting. If you like to start with seeds, get them ready as most seeds take about 7-10 days to sprout and then 2-3 months for the plants to be fully grown. If you can’t wait for the seeds to sprout and transplant, then seedlings or small established plants might be a better choice.
Below are 10 ways of getting your child interested in growing their own garden. These are fairly easy steps and you can start small with just a few plants.
1. Start off with easy to grow plants. Beans, beets, carrots, peas, radishes, and tomatoes are all easy beginner plants. Buy organic seeds or seedlings whenever possible as these are edible plants. Peas, tomatoes, and carrots can be easily grown in planters too.
2. Enlist them in the garden design. Decide on whether you want to grow in a planter or directly in the ground. Planters are great for beginners or if you have a small space. Pick planters that have good drainage holes.
3. Make it personal by planting a favorite flower. Check out planting seasons and plant their favorite flower or birth flower.
4. Study the full life cycle of a seed. Most seeds take about 7-10 days to sprout. Seedlings are usually about 2-3 inches tall and can be planted directly into the ground or in a planter that can accommodate the size of a fully grown plant. Growing from seeds is particularly fun because your child can track the growth of the seed as it germinates into a seedling!
5. Take your child to a garden center. Walk around the garden center to see what’s in season and get inspiration. Talk to a horticulturist while there to get some insider tips on growing a bountiful garden! And while you’re there, pick up some plants to take home.
6. Purchase basic garden tools. Buy thick gloves, garden spade, garden hand trowel, a small rake, garden shears, and a watering can. Get either child-size tools or smaller adult sizes so they’ll grow with your child.
7. Go on a nature walk at a local park or arboretum. This will inspire both you and your child to appreciate and discover various plants. Oftentimes arboretums will sell native plants so they’re great for your little ones to choose for themselves.
8. Create a plant journal. Depending on the age of your child, you can have them start a plant journal where they can draw or cut out pictures of what they’re planting. Then record the start date of planting and the growth period. This also helps develop good recording skills for future planting and gardening techniques.
9. Grow specific plants for pollinators. Great plants to grow for butterflies and bees are native flowers or all-inclusive plants such as herbs, sunflowers, and daisies. Pollinators help increase the growth of your own plants as well as help them pollinate other plants. I love growing Milkweed for our Monarch butterflies during springtime. These unique and beautiful pollinators are instantly attracted to this specific plant and you’ll get to watch the cute little caterpillars too!
10. Plant a hummingbird habitat garden. Once in a while, I will grow plants that hummingbirds love right in front of my front door. It’s so delightful to hear their little wings flap as they drink the nectar from my plants. Hummingbird plants include Butterfly Bush, Trumpet Vine, and Honeysuckles. Just think of anything in a tubular flower shape where their long beaks can fit into the flowers. Instill the love of gardening and being in nature when your child is young. Teach them basic gardening skills and they’ll soon want to grow a garden for you! Happy gardening!
I am a mom first and foremost. I might not be a supermom, but I am constantly learning and growing.Topics I stand with are parenting, the environment, and living a healthy and happy lifestyle. I work at an elementary school and I have 30 years experience in the health industry.