They’ll be begging for more of this easy dinner recipe!
While the quintessential American festival and fair food has to be the corn dog, there’s nothing healthy about this food on a stick. We decided to make a healthier version of the corn dog with a kid-friendly twist. Deep frying is replaced by baking, and instead of an unwieldy eat we made these into baked corn dog muffins perfect for little hands. Be sure to check out our other healthy swaps that are picky eater approved!
Ingredients for Corn Dog Muffins:
1 cup of unbleached all-purpose flour
1 cup yellow cornmeal
1/3 cup of sugar
2 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 cup milk
2 large eggs
1/4 vegetable oil
3 hot dogs cut into 1/2 inch pieces (veggie, chicken apple sausage, beef, or any type you like)
Mini muffin tin
Method:
1. Preheat oven to 425 and grease mini muffin tins.
2. Mix the first four dry ingredients in one bowl; mix the wet ingredients in a second bowl. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.
3. Sautee your 1/2-inch hot dog bites for a few minutes over medium heat.
4. Pour batter into prepared muffin tins until each is 3/4 full. Put one hot dog slice into each batter-filled muffin cup so it’s submerged in the batter.
Laughter is the best medicine for what ails you—kids
Parenting memes are the antidote for a tough day (or even an average one), and we’re betting there are a few out there you can really relate to. From “Yes! This happened to me five minutes ago!” to out-and-out guffaws because it happens every night, give yourself five minutes (lock yourself in the bathroom if necessary) and give yourself a good laugh over these hysterical mom memes.
Great for family barbecues (or picky pasta eaters) this quick pasta dish takes minutes to throw together and only requires four ingredients—all of which we’re willing to bet you have in your pantry. Rebekah of PDXfoodlove is a big fan of the simple combination of high-quality mayonnaise and freshly ground black pepper. This rich combination really makes the recipe pop. Originally created as a side dish, this Hawaiian Pasta Salad is a must-have recipe for summer. This recipe yields two small servings. You might want to double or triple it if you’re feeding some especially hungry kiddos.
Ingredients for Hawaiian Pasta Salad:
1 c (dry) small pasta, such as shells or elbow macaroni
3 tbsp excellent quality mayonnaise
1 tbsp milk
Lots of freshly ground black pepper
Method:
1. Cook the pasta according to the package directions, and allow it to cool down a bit so as not to curdle your milk. In the meantime, mix the mayo and milk together with a fork to create a mixture a little thicker than say, ranch dressing. You can add milk or mayo to your preference.
2. Stir the two together, and then season with a very very large amount of freshly ground black pepper.
recipe and photo courtesy of Rebekah at PDX Food Love
Few people can say they boast a passion for food like Rebekah at PDXfoodlove. Whether it’s reading about food, thinking about food, or reading about food, Rebekah can never satiate her hunger for all things food. A graphic designer and outdoor enthusiast by day, once in the kitchen, Rebekah dons her apron and whips up seasonal dishes that boast some serious homey comfort. Check out her food blog, PDXfoodlove, for more of her recipes (and her awesome photography!).
We love finger painting ideas for kids like this one that’s non-toxic and safe for babies
Make your own non-toxic paint and you’ll be less worried about your kids putting it in their mouth. This easy recipe comes together with three ingredients you probably already have at home. Follow these simple step-by-step instructions for making edible finger paint for babies and older kids, and you’ll be making art in no time.
stock
Warning: While this recipe isn't made with toxic ingredients, it does contain raw flour, which the U.S. Food & Drug Administration warns against eating. Keep a watchful eye on your child and a wet washcloth handy to clean off hands as you paint.
Use warm water to help the mixture come together more easily. We used a whisk to get all of the lumps out. If you have older kids, this is a good step for them to help with.
Pour the mixture into four bowls, cups or containers of your choice.
3. Add food coloring to each container.
We stuck with the basics, making our paints red, blue, green and yellow. That way we could talk about color mixing as we played, showing how red + yellow = orange and blue + red = purple.
Pro tip: We used only three drops of food coloring for each small bowl and still ended up with bright colors. If you go overboard with the food coloring, you may end up staining your fingers. But we promise it will wash off eventually!
Our little tester isn't sitting up on his own yet, so we made this a tummy-time activity. You can use any type of paper, but we like finger-painting paper (like this one from Melissa & Doug). It's glossy and non-absorbent, which helps the paint spread easily across it.
Pro tip: Let your baby paint in the high chair (as long as it's easy to clean), lay down a waterproof splat mat, or make this an outdoor activity to keep mess and cleanup to a minimum.
Post-painting clean-up: Set out your artwork to dry, and be prepared to give your baby a bath after your art session. The flour-water mixture should wash out of clothes and off of floors, splat mats, etc., but it's easiest to clean up with warm water right away. Happy finger painting!
Saying “you don’t have to eat it” actually works in your favor
Have a picky eater in the house? You know, the kid who only eats food in three shades of white or the kid who physically gags at the sight of anything new on their plate? There is hope—and no, it doesn’t consist of waiting for them to go to college and outgrow their food aversions. We asked doctors, nutritionists, and the like for tips on how to get kids to eat healthy(ier). See not only how you can use their techniques to get your kids to eat something other than boxed mac ‘n cheese, but which positive words will help you get there.
This article is sponsored by Sun-Maid, one of the most iconic, timeless and trusted snacks in America. With delicious yet versatile products, busy parents can make wholesome recipes that are ready to eat anytime, anywhere. Learn more about Sun-Maid here!
Things You Can Do to Get Kids to Eat Healthily
Play Grocery Store Games
iStock
Bonnie Taub-Dix, RDN, and author of Read It Before You Eat It—Taking You from Label to Table sees the supermarket as a giant classroom. "For example, grocery store 'field trips' allowed me to show and tell my kids that all foods can fit into a healthy diet as long as you know how to balance your plate. For older kids, ask them to compare the labels of certain products to show them how vastly different even similar-looking foods are from a nutritional standpoint."
If your kids are too young to read labels or you are just beginning your healthy-eating journey, Taub-Dix recommends playing games in the grocery store. "Play 'I Spy' in the produce aisle by asking them to pick out colorful foods that are red, green, or yellow, for example. Or have them find foods that are circular, oval, or some other shape. Spotting red foods or round foods, for example, may help kids see the food as something that's fun instead of something they'd prefer to avoid. This game can be expanded on when you go home—just unpack and use the similarly shaped or colored purchases to create simple recipes your kids can help prepare."
Catherine McCord, founder of Weelicious and One Potato—an organic meal-delivery kit made with families in mind—knows a thing or two about how to get kids to eat healthy foods. Her secret weapon? Making meals approachable yet fun like these monogrammed sandwiches.
Always on the lookout for the next idea to help parents in the daily meal struggle, McCord also launched the Smoothie Project Cookbook, inspired by her son when she was looking for a way to boost his nutrition. And truth be told, what kid can resist a smoothie? The best part is when McCord dropped this expert tip: "Adding frozen cauliflower makes smoothies creamy, and you don’t taste it." Your kid gets a great-tasting smoothie, and you get to sneak in some vegetables—all without your picky eater being the wiser.
There's nothing wrong with appealing to a toddler's taste says Taub-Dix. "Think outside the pan and add something sweet to complement the taste of certain veggies. For example, saute dried cranberries, chopped dried apricots, or raisins along with broccoli rabe to cut its bitter taste. Or drizzle some honey on Brussels sprouts before roasting them. Adding a touch of sweetness for young palates can make vegetables way more desirable. I'm not suggesting that you spoon on sugar or add sweet ingredients in large quantities, but my whole family enjoys these additions to vegetable dishes and yours may too."
Stop the Custom Meals
iStock
Kai Nunziato-Cruz, a 14-year-old nutrition expert and author of Digest This Now for Kids!, (son of Dr. Liz Cruz, a Board Certified Gastroenterologist, and Tina Nunziato, a Certified Holistic Nutritionist) recommends parents stop making kids separate meals. "If the parents are eating a healthy meal, the kids need to eat the same meal. Don’t give the kids whatever they want. They will always choose chicken fingers and mac 'n' cheese over salmon and broccoli. If you don’t give them the option they might not eat dinner a few times but they will start to eat the healthier foods eventually."
And if you really are committed to eating healthier (the whole family included) then it's time to cut the junk says Nunziato-Cruz who suggests parents stop buying junk food and having it around the house. "Only buy fresh fruits and vegetables for kids to snack on. They will snack on whatever is nearby. But if junk food is there too, they will always choose that instead. Don’t make it available."
Registered dietitian nutritionist and founder of Kids Eat in Color, Jennifer Anderson, empowers her clients by saying, "You don't have to eat it." She says, "Instead of forcing kids to eat vegetables, I recommend telling kids, 'You don't have to eat it.' It's easy to think that forcing kids to eat food will get them to like it. What often happens instead, is that they end up disliking the food they were forced to eat. This doesn't mean 'anything goes' at dinnertime, however. It means that parents serve a balanced meal, including at least one food they know their child likes, and the child decides what to eat from what is available."
In addition to her website, Anderson's Instagram page is full of advice on getting kids to choose healthy foods, including how to incorporate dessert into meals in a healthy way and create balance.
"Let's eat together."
iStock
"Family meals are very successful at improving kids' eating habits," says LeeAnn Smith Weintraub, MPH, RD, and founder of HalfaCup.com, where she offers nutritional advice and counseling. "Family meals provide the opportunity for adults to model healthy eating habits and good table manners to children. Family meals are associated with better nutrition including greater consumption of fruit and vegetables as well as other academic and mental health benefits."
Of course, family meals don't have to mean just dinner. Between work and after-school activities, there isn't a lot of time left during the week for a good old-fashioned family meal at night. If that's the case, try committing to a family meal at breakfast and model the same good, healthy choices in the morning as you would at night.
"Check your belly."
iStock
We've all been there—a little voice from behind tells you they are hungry a few minutes after all the food has been put away. "Parents often struggle with getting young children to eat well at mealtime," says Weintraub. "It's challenging for some kids to sit through meals and eat what's offered to them. Then once the kitchen is cleaned up and food is put away, kids tell their parents they are hungry. Of course, this can be super frustrating for parents and caregivers."
Weintraub says parents can encourage children to eat healthy foods at meals by asking them to check their bellies before they're excused from the table. Asking how much space is left in their stomachs for food will help them learn to assess their own fullness and hunger. She says, "It's best to avoid telling kids to 'eat more' or 'finish what's on their plate,' which teaches kids to eat based on external, not internal, cues."
"It's okay to play with your food."
iStock
Anderson, from Kids Eat in Color, loves to encourage small children to play with their food. "Small children often go through a phase of neophobia, the fear of new things. They become afraid of new foods too, and picky eating is often the result. Food that was out of season over the winter is suddenly 'new' to them! One way that we can help kids learn that foods are okay is by having them play with the food. Take the example of summer squash. Sauteed squash rounds may have been okay last summer, but this summer a toddler may be scared of it. You can ask them at dinner, 'Can you stack your squash?' Many toddlers are happy to try to stack their food. They may not eat it right away, but this is the first step to learning it is safe so that they can try it in the future."
"What food can we grow?"
istock
"Getting kids involved in gardening can help increase veggie consumption. If you don't have room for a full-on vegetable garden, even encouraging your child to water herbs growing in pots on a windowsill can help your plants and child flourish while teaching a lesson about responsibility. Also, a salad or any other dish may look a lot more attractive to your child if it includes the fresh basil or parsley that they helped to nurture," says Taub-Dix.
For those without a green thumb—here are 12 easy gardening projects to get you started on your healthy-eating journey.
Are you looking for a way to make a positive impact and give back this season? Spread some holiday cheer to the kids and families of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® by participating in their third annual St. Jude Joy Drive.
Since it opened on Feb. 4, 1962, St. Jude has helped countless families. So much so, that treatments invented at St. Jude have helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20% when they first opened their doors to more than 80% today.
To further its lifesaving mission, St. Jude shares the breakthroughs it makes freely, and every child saved at St. Jude means doctors and scientists worldwide can use that knowledge to save thousands more children. With assistance from generous donors, families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food.
While St. Jude has made great strides, there is still more to be done to find a cure for childhood cancer and other catastrophic diseases—and that’s where you come in! Read on to learn more about how to spread holiday cheer for a good cause (and have fun while doing it)!
Spread some holiday cheer to the kids and families of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital by participating in their third annual St. Jude Joy Drive. Visit their site to learn more and participate.
St. Jude patient Connor, who is diagnosed with medulloblastoma, pictured with his mother Brooke and father Christopher.
Throughout December, St. Jude is hosting the St. Jude Joy Drive—a social media-driven campaign that highlights St. Jude supporters through heartwarming and inspirational storytelling of why they continue to give to St. Jude.
To join them, share what brings you joy over the holidays on your social media account. To participate, simply post a video about what makes you light up during the festive season and why you donate and support St. Jude. Be sure to tag @stjudela, who will share it on their social media during the month of December. You can include your favorite traditions, activities, things to eat and drink, or a favorite memory.
Invite your friends, family and followers to share what they love about the holidays, and to give a suggested donation of $10, or whatever they can donate to St. Jude.
Spreading joy is an easy way to bring some holiday magic to families and children who are spending their holidays at the hospital. Help share the joy of the holidays from your heart with the kids of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital by participating in the St. Jude Joy Drive and make a lasting difference!
Looking for fun Christmas trivia for kids? These reindeer facts are just what you need
You know Dasher and Dancer and Comet and Vixen, but do you know that reindeer grow beards in the wintertime? We’ve rounded up some of the most fascinating, fun reindeer facts, just in time for Christmas. Looking for more trivia for kids? Check out our list here!
1. Rangifer tarandus is the scientific name for the animal we most commonly call reindeer. They are in the same family as deer, and there are more than a dozen subspecies.
2. In the wild, some reindeer travel more than 3000 miles in a single year.
3. In North America, reindeer are also known as caribou, although the current "taxonomic jury" is out on that all species of reindeer are caribou. Most people use the terms interchangeably.
4. Reindeer like it cold! They are native to Arctic and subarctic regions as well as tundra and boreal (read: snow, snow, snow!) to northern Europe, Siberia, and North America.
5. The indigenous people of Finland, the Saami, have more than 400 words for the food, tools, and other products taken from reindeer. Their word for reindeer, raingo, may be where the common name is derived.
6. Reindeer beards? In the winter time reindeer grow their facial hair long enough to cover their mouths, which protects their muzzles when grazing in the snow.
7. Male reindeer have louder calls than females. Males use a small pouch under the skin of their throats which they inflate to blast out a loud bellow.
9. For almost all kinds of reindeer, both male and female reindeer have antlers. Females shed their antlers when they give birth in the spring.
10. The Finnish Forest Reindeer, arguably the reindeer of Santa Claus fame, is the largest reindeer species. They are over 7 ½ feet long.
11. Finnish Forest Reindeer’s hooves have a special scoop that helps them forage through the snow for lichen and moss.
12. In warmer months, reindeer feast on grasses, mushrooms, and plants. In the winter they feast mainly on moss and lichen. Reindeer have a strong sense of smell, which helps them sniff out food underneath layers of snow.
13. In many cultures, Reindeer are used to pull sleds and sleighs. There's evidence of this dating back 7,000 years ago in Siberia!
14. Reindeer are covered in hair from their nose to the bottom of their hooves, which gives them a good grip in icy, snowy, and muddy terrain.
15. Reindeer travel in packs of 10 to several hundred. They generally follow food sources up to 1,000 miles, especially when it's tougher to find in winter.
Whether they’re eating or cooking or both, these gifts for foodies in your life are yummy
They’re always posting amazing plates of food on Instagram. They’re known to fall asleep with a cooking channel on in the background. They bring incredible dishes to work potlucks. Food is their love language, and we love their language. They’re our favorite foodies and we’re getting ready to spoil them this holiday season like they spoil us all year round! That means we’re scrolling for gifts for foodies to make sure we hit the nail on the head.
Our guide to gifts for foodies is the recipe for seasonal gifting success. Whether they’re cooks, bakers, bartenders, or the best of all three, these gifts for foodies deliver big flavor! The best part? You don’t have to know a lot about cooking to gift some amazing goodies. We’ve searched some of our favorite stores and have put together your ultimate guide to satisfying the food lover in your life. You’ll leave them wondering, “how did they know I wanted this?”!
Electric Salt & Peper Mill Set
Freshly-ground salt and pepper at the touch of a button—what foodie wouldn't love that? This electric mill set even lets you select your level of coarseness and see exactly what you're doing thanks to the illuminating LED lights.
True foodies are sous vide snobs (or at least like to pretend they are. It's okay. We don't judge. We're pretending to be sous vide snobs right now.), so treat them to the tool they need to create unbelievable sous vide dishes at home. (Want to really impress them? Let them know that you're totally aware that sous vide cooking involves placing ingredients in a vacuum-sealed bag and cooking them in a temperature-controlled water bath.)
360 Cookware's iconic stainless steel is used to bring this oven to table pan to life. It's a casserole dish. It's a pan. It's a serving dish. Fantastic on its own, but when placed on the separate Slo-Cooker Base, your dip, casserole, or side dish stays effortlessly warm!
We've waxed poetic about GIR more than once, and this Best Sellers Set is so epic. You don't think anything about your spatulas, until you try a GIR. Trust us.
Charcuterie boards are here. to. stay., and it's really no wonder. They offer all our favorite foods (cured meats, cheese, and crackers?? We're there.), but they can also be completely customized. Not to mention, the display is half the fun, and for any foodie in your life, that's where the Viking Acacia & Slate Cheese Board comes in! This must-have set includes a wooden board with a slate tray, two cheese knives, and three pinch bowls. For holiday entertaining and beyond, this'll get a ton of use.
Printed on a 100 year old dictionary page, each print is unique and just extremely cute, in our humble opinion. This'll be great in a kitchen or dining room! Just pick a frame that matches their personality for a customized gift.
Glass cutting boards are fantastic since they're nonporous and resistant to stains, scratches, and bacteria. Choose from 5 classic kitchen colors and personalize it for your favorite kitchen master!
We've talked about Mixbook before and we're gonna do it again now. Why? Because with Mixbook, you can create just about anything, which includes a wide array of food and cooking templates for you to design your own cookbook, celebrate family recipes, showcase your creations, or capture photo memories of family time spent together in the kitchen!
What's better than cooking? Not having to shop for ingredients! With Hello Fresh, everything you need to create incredible meals is right in the box, including easy-to-follow instructions and from-the-farm ingredients. Home cooks will love still getting to spend a little bit of time creating their own meals, but without the long grocery run!
We know that meal delivery services can be associated with premium pricing, and that's what makes EveryPlate different. Each meal costs less than $5, but without sacrificing quality! They've made minor tweaks and changes to make EveryPlate a little bit different, and those tiny changes allow for them to pass along major savings. Any foodie knows you don't have to pay an arm and a leg for fantastic food! Simple, delicious, easy meals. That's a real gift!
Factor is perfect for the loved ones in your life who are focused on healthy living and makes eating well so easy! Factor's team of dietitians developed an immense menu of smoothies, juices, and ready-made meals. From keto to high-protein to low-carb to vegan and vegetarian options, they'll be able to find the perfect menu for their lifestyle.
Green Chef is all about fresh, sustainable ingredients, right down to their eco-friendly packaging! Many of the ingredients, from chopped veggies to homemade sauces, have been prepped for you, so you can save time while still getting the flavor of freshly-made dishes. Each recipe card and kit bag are color-coded so you can easily find what you need fast. All of their packaging is made from recycled, reusable, and/or compostable materials!
If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.
This list of classic table manners is great for formal holiday gatherings
If you remember your parents raging against elbows on the table when you were a kid, you’re not alone. While these memories may now seem old-fashioned, having good manners will never go out of style. Use the holiday season as an opportunity to help your kids to practice proper etiquette (if they’re old enough to understand the concept). From putting a napkin in their lap to clearing their plate off the table and everything in between, here are the table manners that’ll encourage the best behavior when dealing with a more formal dining situation
iStock
1. Come to the table with a clean face and hands.
Bite-sized etiquette: Especially given the fact that kids will be sharing serving utensils with others, a quick wash really won't hurt.
2. Place your napkin in your lap before eating.
Bite-sized etiquette: Little kids can fold their napkins in half to make them smaller and keep them in place. Having something in the kids' lap is a great reminder not to lick food off their fingers!
3. Unless told otherwise, wait until everyone is seated and served to begin eating.
Bite-sized etiquette: This rule varies based on how formal or casual the meal is, whether it's buffet-style or if the kids are actually old enough to wait. Some hosts will also insist you start eating immediately if the food is hot (so it doesn't go cold while you wait). If they aren't sure, teach kids to show consideration by asking if they can start their meal once served or whether they should wait.
4. Try to hold your cutlery properly and (for older kids) cut your food with a fork and knife.
Bite-sized etiquette: Once your kids are old enough (toddlers get a hall pass!), teach them how to cut their food using a fork and knife and show them how to bring food up to their mouth instead of leaning over to eat. Here's a guide to fork and knife etiquette.
5. Don't talk while there's food in your mouth.
Bite-sized etiquette: This seems simple enough, but even adults sometimes have trouble waiting to say something until they've swallowed their food. Remind kids to chew with their mouths closed and not to burp with abandon.
6. But do talk to everyone at the table.
Bite-sized etiquette: It's fun to have a one-on-one with someone, but not always when there are two, three, or more people at the table. Encourage kids to engage with everyone sitting down to dine, whether it's just mom or dad or includes others like grandparents, family, or friends.
Bite-sized etiquette: With so many hand-held foods in the mix on a regular dinner night (think tacos, fries, nuggets, pizza, hard-boiled eggs, etc.), kids may find it tempting to play with their meals. Let young diners know they should stick to eating their food instead of making it double as a toy (you can make exceptions for littler ones and picky eaters who are learning to eat new foods).
8. Double-dipping is a no-no.
Bite-sized etiquette: To avoid sharing germs and to practice common courtesy, don't double-dip! Instead, if you spot salsa, ranch, guacamole, or hummus, serve yourself the amount you want onto your own plate and then dip as much as you want into that individual portion. Think it's no big deal to plunge that bitten chip into the guac a second time? Read this to see why even science says you shouldn't do it!
Bite-sized etiquette: Avoid leaning over the table to access an out-of-reach item. Say "Please pass the peas" and wait for the person closest to the dish to send them your way.
10. Don't complain about the food.
Bite-sized etiquette: This is a huge one! Every parent has cooked a meal only to be met with moans and groans once served. Appreciation and respect for what's prepared starts at the home table. Kids may be a guest at grandma's or a friend's house, and they need to learn to be grateful and have good manners for what is on the table (Note: this advice is in the absence of food allergies or diet restrictions—in this situation, kids should always voice what they can and can't eat).
Bite-sized etiquette: We all do it, but when screens at the table aren't appropriate, practice what you preach and don't allow smartphones, electronic devices, or toys anywhere near the dinner table. Also, refrain from answering phone calls, emails, or texts until the meal is over. Recent studies show that almost half of parents share fewer meals with their families today than they did as kids, and "57% of parents agree that even when they eat together as a family, some of their family members are distracted by technology."
12. Stay at the dinner table until everyone finishes eating or ask to be excused (then clear your plate).
Bite-sized etiquette: Family dinners should include everyone enjoying each other's company until the last person has finished eating. If the kiddo needs to leave the table before then, they should ask for permission to be excused. At the meal's end, have kids clear their plates and offer to clear others if necessary, then end the meal by saying thank you.
Kids may think potty humor is hilarious, and you might even be forced to swallow a giggle sometimes, but the dinner table isn't the optimal place to hear jokes about flatulence.
14. Say thank you for the meal.
Bite-sized etiquette: Someone, whether it was you or a family member or friend, put a lot of effort into cooking the food, and kids should recognize and give props to the chef.
WildLanterns at Woodland Park Zoo is always worth the trip. Make your plans to see this whimsical winter light display now
Winter nights are settling in and that can only mean one thing—light displays are popping up all over Seattle. We know families are excited that Woodland Park Zoo’s WildLanterns will be returning for its 2022 season. We’re excited too. This year’s larger-than-life display will feature new lanterns, plus some that you’ll recognize from year’s past. But one thing is guaranteed—it will knock your kiddo’s socks off.
Get a sneak peek of Tinybeans’ writer, Kathryn Mueller’s experience at WildLanterns at Woodland Park Zoo. Then read on to find out more and make your family’s plans.
Everyone new favorite light experience—WildLanterns—is returning to Woodland Park Zoo for the 2022 season. If you made the trek last year or the year before (or both!) and loved it, put a return visit on your calendar because you'll see new lanterns alongside your favorite from past years when you visit. Families will be welcomed through four themed zones where they'll encounter lighted animals and plants lining the zoo’s walking paths, at kiddo eye height and towering overhead.
Along the way you'll encounter All About Bugs, where you'll feel smaller than ever among gorgeous and oversized dragonflies, bunnies, and plants before making your way through the glowing Garden Delights. Up next are the big animals. You'll find these fascinating creatures as you take a Walk Among African Animals or go on an Asian Safari. It's where you'll find wow-worthy animals like tigers and orangutans, plus coo-worthy red pandas (a favorite with kids these days). Make Oceania Animal Odyssey your final lantern destination. It's full of Southern Hemisphere faves like cuddly koalas, kangaroos, and colorful parrots.
We suggest families plan about 90 minutes to walk the whole loop with your little adventurers.
This year WildLanterns has added three sensory friendly evenings in an effort to make WildLanterns more accessible. Low-sensory experiences, activities, and other resources help to make everyone who heads to the display feel comfortable. On these nights, Zoomazium will transform into Zoomazium NightLights where families can find low lighting, soft nature sounds playing, and sensory toys, like a giant Light Bright, set out to use.
Plan to attend one of these special evenings on November 16, December 13, or January 12.
During your visit, make sure to stop by the carousel for an always-fun spin. Riding the carousel at night is a whole new experience as far as your Littles are concerned. Plus, like past years, there will be interactive zones providing delight to lantern enthusiasts of all ages. Head to the middle of the zoo to find these features that are just as engaging as they mechanical lanterns that captivate everyone's attention as you make your way around the zoo.
Kathryn Mueller
What to Bring
Plan your WildLanterns visit like you do other zoo trips and you’ll have everything you need to keep your wee ones happy. The zoo’s wide paths were made for strollers, so be sure to have yours on hand for just-walkers or sleepy toddlers who need a rest. Outside, rain or shine, is the name of this game, so dress for the weather, with plenty of layers (hats and gloves), rain gear and snuggly stroller blankets to keep kids warm and dry. Don’t forget to throw your trusty umbrella into the mix too. Snacks are allowed and face masks are a must. Last but not least, make sure you’ve got room on your phone for all the cute pics.
Kathryn Mueller
Where to eat
If all this lantern gazing has your crew’s tummies rumbling, families can find plenty of food options at the zoo. 1889 Pizza and the Wild Cup will be open and a couple of pop-up kiosks will have food items for sale too. Plus, like other zoo events, families are welcome to bring their own food and drink to enjoy on-site.
Good to Know: 1. Timed tickets are required for the event, and they sell out fast, so grab yours while you still can!
2. If early works best for your kids, you’re in luck. Even if you get the earliest ticket time spot, it’s dark enough to enjoy this experience. Plus, by the time you head out, the lanterns will be at their magical best, and you’ll still have the kids home by bedtime.
3. Families will be welcomed at the West Entrance only, where the experience begins.
Dates: Nov. 11, 2022-Jan. 1, 2023; closed Mondays (except for Dec.19 & 26) and Nov. 25, Dec. 24 & 25 Hours: 4-9 p.m. (last entry at 8:30 p.m.)
Woodland Park Zoo
5500 Phinney Ave. N.
Seattle Event details
