Get ready to pack this Memorial Day Weekend with family-friendly events and activities. Chill out to the tunes of The Walkaways in Bethesda on Fri. night or kick back and enjoy an Afrofuture-infused vibe on the lawn of The Strathmore on Sat. (both concerts are free). Hirshhorn’s hands-on workshops are back; this weekend features a Lego build. And if this weekend is all about relaxing, check out this yoga session.
Wiggle to The Walkaways
Kick off Memorial Day weekend with a free concert in Bethesda. The Walkaways hit the stage at 6 p.m. at The Streetery on the corner of Norfolk and St. Elmos Ave. Bring a lawn chair and let the kids shake off the week as you soak in long-weekend vibes. Fri.Event details.
Black to the Future
Another free concert takes place at The Strathmore featuring Pierce Freelon on the venue’s front lawn. Rock out with this Grammy-nominated artist who blends elements of Afrofuturism, Black history, and archival voices. This “Black to the Future” concert will be fun for the entire family. Sat.Event details.
Build with Hirshhorn Kids
Head to the Hirshhorn for maker-filled fun. There will be hands-on Lego sculpture design stations, circuitry workshops, tot building zones and more. At noon there will be a kid-friendly architecture tour (meet at the large red sculpture). Fri.Event details.
Spring Yoga Sprouts
Embrace the beautiful setting of Brookside Gardens with your young toddler, child and family members. This series of fun and garden-related yoga movement, physical exercise and mindfulness will awaken your sense, boost your energy and give you good garden vibes to start your day. Classes will be canceled in case of inclement weather. Bring your own mat or borrow one. Sat.Event details.
Movies on the Potomac
Pack your chairs, grab food to go from one of the delicious dining establishments, and meet on the Plaza’s big screen for a *FREE* evening of fun for all ages! This weekend catch the Lion King at Sun.Event details.
City by Design
If it has been a while since you’ve explored the National Building Museum, this is the weekend to do it. Special programming allows you and your littles to become a city planner for the day and design your own model city. Stay and play with the oversized blue blocks when you’re done. Sat.Event details.
If spending time with the people you love most tops your Valentine’s Day wish list, we’ve got the scoop on eleven ways families can celebrate around Seattle this year. With everything from concerts and crafts to zoo events and a fun run, these Valentine’s events and activities are all about the things we love. Read on to make your plans.
1. Veggies for Valentine's Does your kiddo love farm animals? So do the folks at Kelsey Creek Farm Park. Bring your kids to the farm to celebrate Valentine’s Day by making veggie treats for the animals and popcorn treats for guests. Your kiddo will meet the farm animals, make a Valentine card for an animal and receive one in return during this program. Pre-registration is required. Feb. 13, 1-2 p.m. $25/Bellevue resident; $30/Non-resident. Ages 4-8. Event details.
2. Family Service Event: Love Join this Camp Kindness Counts workshop to practice love. You'll join other families and make dog and cat blankets for local shelter animals waiting to be adopted. The goal is to make 50 blankets. Families are invited to stay at the end for a short reflection time. Registration is required. Feb. 13, 10:30 a.m. Free. All ages. Event details.
3. Family Sunday at the National Nordic Museum The National Nordic Museum’s monthly on-site art making program encourages children and their caregivers to get creative. And this month, the project will be all about Valentines. Drop in with your kids to get creative. All art-making supplies and materials will be provided. Feb. 13, 10 a.m.-noon. Included with admission. All ages. Event details.
Ingrid Barrentine
4. Love at the Zoo Valentine’s weekend is a great time to head south to Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium for their two-day event. Watch animals get enrichments like heart shaped ice treats, bamboo hearts and whipped cream throughout the day. Then complete a heart scavenger hunt around the park where kids can scan the QR codes to learn fun facts and see cute animal pics. Don't forget to drop a Valentine into the plaza mailbox for you favorite zoo animal friend before heading home. Feb. 12 & 13, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Included with admission. All ages. Event details.
5. Family Art Workshop Celebrate Valentine’s Day with an art workshop at Cascadia Art Museum. If you love creating art, bring the kids to this Family Art Workshop where local artist Mary Peterson will lead everyone through creating one-of-a-kind Valentine’s Day cards using stamps made with recycled Styrofoam trays. The class is free, but families will need to register online in advance. Feb. 12, 11-11:55 a.m. & 12:05-1 p.m. Free. All ages. Event details.
6. Valentine's Day Dash Marina Park is where the 3rd Annual Alexander’s Hope Valentine’s Day Dash will be held. Run or walk this out-and-back 5K along the Kirkland waterfront in an effort tos support Alexander’s Hope, a nonprofit aimed at spreading awareness about organ donation. Choose from a 5K Run/Walk, a Youth 5K or the free Kids Dash (10 a.m.) Registration is required, but day of registration will be available. Feb. 12, 9 a.m. $35/5K; $20/Youth 5K; Free, Kids Dash. All ages. Event details.
7. Valentine's Day Card Making Tell your peeps how much you love them with handmade Valentine’s Day cards. Join instructors at Farrel-McWhirter Farm in the Big Red Barn where kids will get inspiration and words of wisdom from farm animal visitors. Psst...we hear it will be “udderly” fantastic. Registration required. Feb. 12, 1:30-3 p.m.; $45/Redmond resident; $54/Non-resident. Ages 5 & up. Event details.
8.Family Day: Valentine's Viva Valentines! Join an educator at the Museum of Glass in Tacoma to make the perfect card for your Valentine. This family workshop will be held in the art room, where families will find all the materials and inspiration they need to create together. Feb. 12, 1-4 p.m. Included with admission. All ages. Event details.
9. Valentine's Day Concert Bring your little (and big) loves to Crossroads Mall for a free concert we think you'll love. Presenting a '60s style girl group show that captures the essence of many famous vocal groups like the Supremes, the Crystals, the Ronettes, Marvelettes as well as Jackie DeShannon, Doris Troy and Dusty Springfield. Grab a bite. Sit back and enjoy the show. Feb. 14, 6-8 p.m. Free. All ages. Event details.
10. Valentine's Dream Catcher Workshop During this drop-off workshop at Sit and Kit in Bellevue, kindergartners through fifth graders will make a dream catcher to give as a gift or keep for themselves. Everything your creative kiddo needs to make this 10” project will be provided. Registration is required. Feb. 12, 5-7 p.m. $35. K-5th grade. Event details.
11. Kid's Cookie Workshop This Valentine’s Day your kids can have a chance to make a batch of freshly baked cookies alongside Cam Zarcone of PCC Markets. Kids will bake along with Cam as they measure, mix and form chocolate and vanilla swirled shortbread hearts and make heart thumbprint cookies. They’ll then take their cookies up a notch and make vanilla frosting for decorating. Registration is required. Feb. 13, 11 a.m. $60. Kids, 8-12. Event details.
On Memorial Day weekend, you get a bonus day to remember those who served in the military—and also have a brilliant time with the family. Plan ahead with our list of must-dos. You can be patriotic at the downtown parade, attend a street fest, see butterflies flutter at Chicago Botanic Garden, catch fireworks at Navy Pier and more. Read on and march on for ideas on how to spend Memorial Day Weekend in Chicago.
Downtown Memorial Day Parade & Wreath Laying Ceremony
Share with your kids the importance of honoring and remembering the men and women who gave their lives while serving in the armed forces. Join friends and neighbors for the Wreath Laying Ceremony, Sat., May 28, 11 a.m. on Daley Plaza (Dearborn & Washington Streets). Then head south to State St. for the parade. More details.
Belmont-Sheffield Music Festival
Celebrate the beginning of summer in Chicago at the 37th annual Belmont-Sheffield Music Festival, May 28 & 29. This fest kicks off Chicago's iconic summer fest season with a weekend packed full of local and national talent. In addition to great music, you'll find wine and beer stations, food stalls and vendors selling products from local artisans. More details.
Rockin' in the Park in Rosemont
Rosemont’s Parkway Bank Park entertainment district will celebrate Memorial Day with a free concert in the park. Sit back and enjoy music from Hi Infidelity, grab some food and stay for a musical fireworks display to cap off the evening.More details.
Fun under the big top with Circus Vazquez
Circus Vazquez will present an awe-inspiring, death-defying, hilarious and affordable circus experience under the big top all weekend at North Riverside Mall. More details.
Catch the fireworks at Navy Pier for the first time in the summer 2022 season. The dazzling show is the perfect way to end a fun-filled day in the city. More details.
Stop by one of the many mini-golf courses to brush up on your putting skills and test your luck at getting past the amusing obstacles. There's even a special Pixar-themed pop-up at Navy Pier. Don’t let your kids beat you! More details.
Five massive outdoor sculptures created exclusively for Morton Arboretum rise above the natural landscapes in the Human + Nature exhibition. The 15- to 26-foot-tall sculptures are installed across the 1,700-acre site and lead guests to areas they may not otherwise explore. Using thought-provoking human forms paired with elements of nature, each piece will bring attention to the deep connections between humans and nature. More details.
Stop to smell the blooms
Immerse yourself in a habitat filled with hundreds of winged beautifies and pretty petals at Chicago Botanic Garden's new Butterflies and Blooms exhibit. More details.
Head back to the Ice Age
Brookfield Zoo's Ice Age Giants intros kids to giants that roamed during the Ice Age using 30 life-sized animatronic recreations. Kids can see a 15-foot-tall woolly mammoth, an oafish 20-foot-long giant ground sloth, a 12-foot-tall giant bird, a fearsome 5-foot-long saber-toothed cat and more. Adding to the lifelike effects, parts of the animals such as the head, eyes, mouth, and tail move. More details.
Museum of Science & Industry's the Art of Brick
MSI's The Art of Brick features intriguing works of art made exclusively from LEGO bricks. The collection of creative and inspiring pieces was created by renowned contemporary artist Nathan Sawaya. More details.
Six Flags is the Midwest's largest theme park featuring over 45 rides, shows and attractions. Feel the exhilaration of pulse-pounding coasters or have a chill day on gentle rides geared toward the tots. More details.
Sprinkle Christmas into your Memorial Day
Part nostalgic theme park (hello, Tilt-a-Whirl) and part petting zoo (aww, look, it’s baby deer), Santa’s Village Azoosment Park is open for the season and ready to dazzle with rides that looked ripped out of a retro movie and creatures galore. More details.
Go headfirst into the rabbit hole with Lookingglass Alice
Lookingglass Alice takes kids on a circus-infused trip down the rabbit hole. This signature Lookingglass production has toured the country enchanting audiences, painted each time with a fresh coat of magic. The awe-inspiring production has come back home to Lookingglass Theatre for a new generation to discover. More details.
Winnie the Pooh at Mercury Theatre
Winnie the Pooh: The New Musical Stage Adaptation introduces kids to Pooh, Christopher Robin, and their best friends Piglet, Eeyore, Kanga, Roo, Rabbit and Owl (and, Tigger too!). This fresh stage adaptation is told with impressive life-size puppetry, telling exciting new stories of iconic characters loved for generations. More details.
Movie under the stars with ChiTown Movies
Watch a movie old-school-style under the stars in your car at ChiTown Movies. Order popcorn, tacos, wings, pizza, kids meals and more to be delivered to your car from the ChiTown Grille. More details.
Rooftop movie date night with Rootop Cinema Club
Emily Hotel in Fulton Market has transformed into an open-air cinema for the summer. While they do play family-friendly movies, this weekend is all about the date night with movies like The Great Gatsby, Scream, 10 Things I Hate About You and Love & Basketball. More details.
Learn a bit of city and architectural history and take in a whole lotta gorgeous views cruising Lake Michigan and Chicago River. From finding the best seat for Navy Pier’s fireworks to cruises that let you bring your pup, we have a boat cruise for you. More details.
Step inside one of Chicago's iconic drawbridges
The McCormick Bridgehouse and Chicago River Museum takes you inside a Chicago drawbridge, where you’ll see firsthand all the large and small gears that so elegantly lift our iconic bridges. This five-floor museum located in a bridge tower also features educational exhibits and Chicago’s one and only fish hotel. The hotel is a floating garden that provides rest and a safe harbor for sunfish, bluegills, carp and other finned friends. More details.
Let’s live every nice-weather day to the fullest, shall we? On the top of the list, dust off those bikes, grease the chains, strap on a brain bucket and get those legs pumping on a bike path. From the shores of Lake Michigan to the furthest reaches of the suburbs, Chicago is full of spots to cycle as a family. More details.
They’re back! And the Washington State Fair is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to family-friendly fall festivals. These 18 fests feature everything from farm animals and U-pick pumpkins, to celebrations that highlight cultures, music, even LEGO bricks. Scroll down and get ready to fill your calendars!
Editor’s note:As safety measures continue to evolve due to the Delta variant, please remember to follow local and state guidelines regarding masks, social distancing and more, and double check information for last-minute changes before heading out with the kids.
Harvest Festival at Nelson Farm
courtesy Suncadia
Whether you've got a Suncadia stay planned for the fam (lucky you!) or you're just heading up for the day to enjoy the mountains, the Harvest Festival at Nelson Farm puts all things fall at your fingertips. If you haven't picked out your pumpkin yet, stroll through the Nelson Farm patch to find the perfect one. Stay to enjoy a wagon rides as a family, live music and a vendor market. Your kids will love wandering through the hay maze, climbing the hay pyramid, getting their faces painted and meeting animals at the petting zoo. Plus, everyone can take aim at the archery range. You've got two weekends to make it happen!
Families in Washington have been "doing the Puyallup” for over 100 years, and after last year's hiatus everyone is excited it's back. This year's state fair opened Labor Day weekend and will be open daily (with the exception of Tuesdays and Wed., Sep. 8) through September 26. If you want to see and do it all, you’d better plan on waking the kids up early. In addition to returning favorites that families love, like The Farm at SillyVille and Outpost 47 (the family-friendly, free concert stage), you and your crew will want to catch the Budweiser Clydesdales at the Western Rodeo Cattle Drive & Parade or in the Pierce County Arena during draft shows (Sep. 10-16) and the new Hall of Heroes exhibit that immerses visitors in the world of crime fighters, superheroes and spies. Plus enjoy the amusement park rides and games, fair food (Hello, fair scones!), 4-H animals, arts and crafts and hundreds of vendors.
Dates worth noting: Stay for fireworks on Fridays (starting at 10 p.m.); watch master pumpkin carver, Russ Leno create masterpieces at the fountain (Sat. & Sun.); enjoy Animals of the World (Sep. 9-13); and cultural days like Asia Pacific Cultural Center day (Sep. 11), Fiesta Patrias (Sep. 19) and Native American Days (Sep. 22 & 23).
Dates: Sep. 3-26, 2021 (excluding Tuesdays and Sep. 8) Times: Varies (see website) Cost: $11-$15/person; Free, kids 5 & under. Parking is $12 Mon.-Fri. and $17 Sat. & Sun.
Washington State Fair Events Center 110 9th Ave. S.E. Puyallup, WA 98371 253-841-5045
Music that's good for your soul. That's the vibe of this good-time street festival that features brass bands of all shapes and sizes, plus African and Brazilian drum and dance, too. Sixteen bands will make music throughout the day at this outdoor festival, and the whole shebang ends with a community jam at 7 p.m. Get ready to tap your feet and cheer on these phenomenal musicians. And don't forget those ear plugs for the kids!
Editor's note: The Sep. 18 festival in Gig Harbor has been canceled due to weather.
Celebrate ChuSeok, the Korean Harvest Moon Festival, in the South Sound in 2021. The Asia Pacific Cultural Center is making it easy for families to get in on the celebration by hosting two events (one in Gig Harbor and one in Tacoma the following weekend) guaranteed to double the fun. We know your kids will love watching the Mun Dance Team and UW student-led K-POP group, The Kompany. Then wander the grounds in search of your favorite Korean eats, cultural presentations, Tae Kwon Do demos and a thrilling drum performance by Thunder and Wind.
Dates & Times: Sep. 18, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. in Gig Harbor; Sep. 25, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. in Tacoma Cost: Free
Fiestas Patrias is an expression of Latino culture including music, dance, food, folklore and more. The annual two-day event will be celebrated virtually and in-person this year. Families can enjoy a livestream presentation on September 18, starting at noon, in partnership with Seattle Festál. Then on September 19, there will be an in-person health fair (including a vaccine event) at the Sea Mar Community Center in the South Park neighborhood.
Take the whole fam to Remlinger Farms for a super-fun fall outing. In addition to a hay maze, corn maze and pony rides ($5), there will be plenty of mini-carnival rides—25 to be exact—including a roller coaster and Ferris wheel, electric cars, flying pumpkins and a horse carousel. If that’s not enough excitement, head over to the barn to visit with the farm animals, pick the perfect jack-o-lantern at the U-pick pumpkin patch (included with your ticket price) and enjoy plenty of yummy food and apple treats (think pies, turnovers and caramel apples) at the farm market.
Good to know: If your little wrangler has their heart set on a pony ride, be sure to reserve your spot in advance.
Dates: Sat. & Sun., Sep. 25-Oct. 31, 2021 Times: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (admission gate closes one hour prior to closing) Cost: $24.95/person; Free for kids under 2
Remlinger Farms 32610 N.E. 32nd St. Carnation, WA 98014
Enjoy a night of fab food, live music and entertainment and more at the Chinatown-ID Night Market. Located in Seattle’s Chinatown-International District, the Night Market is where your family can feast on variety of international food items from street vendors and local restaurants, and stroll through the outdoor market to browse local handmade goods, fresh-cut flowers, Asian-inspired items and more. Psst! Don't miss the all ages dance party.
Date: Sept. 25, 2021 Time: 1-9 p.m. Cost: Free
Chinatown-International District Seattle, WA 98104 206-382-1197
Be a part of this floating festival that bring light, hope and a sense of connection to families across the country. The Water Lantern Festival will be back at Green Lake this year for another launch. Families can enjoy food, games, activities, vendors and music as they work to create and then decorate their own floating lanterns. Then as the sun begins to set, everyone gathers to launch their message of hope, peace, health and happiness along the shores as participants Light the Water. Take time to enjoy the glow!
This annual festival, produced by Northwest Folklife, is returning in its virtual format again this year! Last year's event featured a virtual smorgasbord of kid-favorite activities including music, dance, stories, educational programming and more, paired with a virtual passport. Although details are still being worked out for this year's festival, families can expect the same thoughtful programming that brings fun and a sense of community home.
Fox Hollow is bringing the fun to fall this year with two different festivals families can attend. During the day Fall Fun event, families can meander through the adventurous trail that leads them through a hay maze, along the Issaquah Creek, ending at a pumpkin patch, full of gord-geous pumpkins waiting to go home with you. The trail takes about 35-45 minutes to complete and you'll need to purchase tickets (for a two hour window) online before heading over. If you've got older kids, give the Haunted Hollow trail a try on Saturday nights. Thousands of twinkling lights, bonfires and torches will light the way along the path and there will be s'mores waiting for you at the end. Tickets are also needed for this event.
Good to know: Fall Fun runs Fridays through Sundays until Oct. 3 when it moves to Wednesdays through Sundays. Haunted Hollow is Saturdays, starting September 25.
Insider tip: Put Fox Hollow’s Halloween Carnival on your calendar for Oct. 30. It’s a chance for kids to don their costumes and treat bag and make their way around the farm gathering candy goodies.
Dates: Sep. 17-Oct. 29, 2021 Times: vary (check website) Cost: $55/car (6 people or less)
Fox Hollow Farm 12123 Issaquah Hobart Rd. S.E. Issaquah, WA 98027
Since 1988, Festa Italiana has been a labor of love from a community of Italian American volunteers providing this free event of Italian food, arts and culture at the Seattle Center. And this year, the event coordinators are thrilled to announce it's the first in-person event at Seattle Center in nearly two years. Highlights of the two-day fest include cooking demos by celebrity chefs, a bocce tournament, a grape stomping competition, kids' activities and the hugely popular group pizza toss.
Your family has been invited by the Lord of Camlann to go back in time and attend his Michelmasse Festival with demonstrations of fresh cider pressing, puppetry and music by Jacob Priestly’s Troop Man in the Moon. Plus experience long bow archery, sheep petting and fascinating demonstrations of wool dying, blacksmithing, spinning and pottery making. You and the kids will get to imagine (and experience) what cottage life would be like in 1376 in the colorful world of Chaucer’s England. Join in the fun by renting fine attire and taking in the Michelmasse Feast. Psst! Don't forget to stop by the Scribe Shop where you can purchase books, gifts and replica pottery with medieval art to take home as keepsakes.
Dates: Sept. 25 & 26, 2021 Times: noon–5 p.m. Cost: $10/Adults; $8/Youth (6-12) and Seniors (60 & older); Free for kids 5 & under. Feast & festival tickets are $50/person.
10320 Kelly Rd. N.E. Carnation, WA 98014 425-788-8624
Leavenworth's beloved annual Oktoberfest will have a significantly different vibe this year, but there's still every reason to visit this themed mountain village this fall. Families will love the "street fair" vibe and casual feel of this year's festival that focuses more on local shops and makers than it does on beer. Lining the streets of downtown Leavenworth, you'll find 100 vendors, crafters and artists showcasing their wares. But families can still expect the special Kinderplatz area with activities kids will love. The upside of the changes? There's no cost to attend the event.
Issaquah’s Salmon Days is a celebration of the return of salmon to their "birth-waters” as well as the city’s history, culture and diversity. Each year, the festival attracts hundreds of artists and crafts people and presents live music and entertainment, plus sporting events, a carnival, a huge food court. Much of this year's festival is still in the planning stages, but families can rest assured that the salmon will be welcomed in style this year too.
Celebrate fall (and everything it brings with it) at Kelsey Creek Farm again this year. That's right, one of the Eastside's best fests is back for 2021! It features a variety of old-time activities and plenty of farm fun. Look forward to animal encounters, a petting zoo, 4-H animal demonstrations, interactive children’s activities and food, plus heritage demonstrations and activities by the Eastside Heritage Center, tractor-pulled wagon rides and more!
Good to know: As there is limited parking, there is usually a shuttle that runs from Wilburton Park & Ride and Banner Park.
Who says LEGOs are just for kids? BrickCon is an annual convention put on by adult LEGO hobbyists that runs every year (except for 2020) during the first week of October. During the last two days of the convention, the public is invited to see what these creators of colorful bricks have come up with at the Seattle Center Exhibition Hall. And this is no ordinary LEGO store display. Here, you will see hundreds of builders with their models that feature tens of thousands of pieces. Some will even be on hand to share their love of brick building with you and will give out a few pointers as well. Plus, you can find cool sets, parts and minifigs at the Brick Bazaar.
Good to know: No strollers are allowed.
Dates: Oct. 2 & 3, 2021 Times: 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Cost: $25/person. Tickets are good for one 2.5 hour window and can be purchased online.
Seattle Center Exhibition Hall 301 Mercer St. Seattle, WA 98109
At this annual event, now in its 16th year, families can expect to find all things German (think: beer, brats, authentic entertainment), plus wiener dog races, fab family entertainment like the Chicken Dance and May Pole dance, a Family Fest Zone & Kinderfest with arts and crafts, a root bier garden, pumpkin decorating, dance lessons, games, face painting and much more!
Dates: Oct. 8-10, 2021 Times: Fri., noon-midnight; Sat.,11 a.m.-midnight; Sun., 11 a.m.-6 p.m. (All ages until 6 p.m. on Fri. & Sat., and all-day Sun.) Cost: $12-$17/Person (12 & under free all weekend). Half-price tickets on Sun.
Washington State Fair Events Center 110 9th Ave. S.W. Puyallup, WA 98371
Celebrate Día de los Muertos (a.k.a. the Day of the Dead), a Latin American holiday honoring relatives who have passed away, at the Phinney Neighborhood Association. This year's celebration includes a community procession and dedication of a traditional altar for offerings to the deceased (bring your offerings!). Plus, families can enjoy live music and dance, do arts and crafts, nosh on delicious food and warm up with a cup of Mexican hot chocolate.
The summer is JUST starting to heat up with block parties, festivals, concerts, art walks and movie nights. Where will your family head off to this fine summer weekend?
San Francisco
Visit Presidio’s New Marshland & Trail Visitors can enjoy an up-close experience of nature along an elevated pedestrian bridge and trail that winds through the marsh. Native salt marsh and riparian plants create an extraordinary habitat for fish, crabs, oysters and birds – bring binoculars!
Jessi St Block Party This summer, the Westfield San Francisco Centre will host a block party complete with music, arts, and dining every Friday and Saturday night. Fri.& Sat. Event details.
Stern Grove Festival The retro-soul band, St. Paul & the Broken Bones, plays at Stern Grove this Sunday. Make your reservations for this free concert the whole family will enjoy.
Island City Waterways Art Walk The Rhythmix Island City Waterways Art Walk showcases the diversity of Alameda’s West End as Webster Street honors the people and cultures, past and present, who have defined and continue to shape the character of the neighborhood. Live music and performances.
Wild Wonders Wildness awaits! Explore the wonders of the wilderness through games, activities and explorations at the Sunol Regional Preserve. Sun. Event details.
Pacific Pinball Museum With five rooms of unlimited play and over ninety classic pinball machines, your kids will not want to leave this museum! Fri.-Sat.Event details
South Bay/Peninsula
Magical Bridges Summer Concert Series The beloved Music is Magical concert series returns with delightful performances that is family-friendly and sensory-friendly for all to enjoy. Fri.. Event details
Family Field trip to Filoli A guided 1.5-mile hike through grounds only accessible to staff will be just the field trip you need out in the open while enjoying the beauty and tranquility of Filoli. Fri. Event details
Take the Kids to Raging Waters Raging Waters has a little bit of something for everyone sure to guarantee a fun, splashy day for all! Fri.-Sun.Event details
Marin
Movie Nights at the Mart Every Friday night is Movie Night at the Mart! With plenty of dining (and dessert!) options nearby, your family is sure to kick off the weekend with a bang. Fri.Event details
Jazz and Blues by the Bay The City of Sausalito Park and Recreation Department is proud to present Jazz and Blues by the Bay once more in Gabrielson Park. Buying a table for the entire season ensures you have the best seat in the house every Friday! Fri. Event details
Virtual
Empowered Kids Storytime Bay Area Discovery Museum is launching its newest program, Empowered Kids, afree monthly virtual program! Using meaningful storytelling and activities, this program will equip your family with tools to explore positive social change in your lives and community.
Mark your calendars! We’ve got your complete guide to all the best concerts, festivals, museum exhibits and more happening in and around LA, from now until the end of the year. Bookmark this page and make it your go-to source for all the can’t-miss fun in 2020.
Thar she blows! January marks the start of whale watching season along the SoCal coast.
Take a trip to the Santa Barbara Zoo. Not only are they open on New Year's Day, you can also visit on Jan. 26 when a "blizzard" dumps 80 tons of snow for sledding, snow angels and more.
On Sat., Feb. 1, take the fam to Chinatown for the annual LA Golden Dragon Parade, featuring close to two dozen floats, marching bands, entertainers and more.
The Art of the Brick arrives at the California Science Center this month. The free museum will showcase hundreds of elaborate LEGO sculptures made from more than one million LEGO bricks.
Keep meaning to make it to the The Butterfly Pavilion at the Natural History Museum? Make this the year you finally do—the seasonal exhibition opens this at the end of March.
Kids can experience their first Broadway show with Nickelodeon's The Spongebob Musical, at the Dolby Theatre from Mar. 24-Apr. 20. You might just love it as much as your little ones. After all, New York Magazine called the show "effervescent candy for the spirit."
Celebrate the art of puppetry and the magic of storytelling at the Skirball’s ninth annual Puppet Festival, featuring new and classic tales told with a variety of puppets, live music, and art making.
Have a literary moment at The LA Times Festival of Books, the largest books and storytelling event in the United States.
Also this month? The Annenberg Community Beach House's Eggstravaganza, which takes place on the Saturday before Easter.
Starting on the third Friday in May, Odd Nights returns to the Autry Museum. Pack a picnic and bring the fam for bounce houses, food trucks, live music and more!
LA Sanitation's Open House events begin in May and run through June at various locations. Kids will have the chance to climb aboard a garbage truck, learn about recycling and tour the facilities.
The Tarfest music and art festival returns to the La Brea Tar Pits in September.The free, one-day-only festival celebrates local artists, musicians and culture with DJ performances, live painting, art installations curated, kids activities and more.
There's no shortage of kid-friendly spooky fun during the month of October, but the newest offering, Night of the Jacks, is definitely worth the trip to King Gillette Ranch in Calabasas.
All aboard! Hop on the mini train for a ride through an old West town, coal mine and more at the LA Live Steamers Railroad Museum, one of our favorite attractions for train-loving kids.
If the un-official start of summer (read: Memorial Day weekend) has snuck up on you, leaving you and your family high and dry with no holiday plans, don’t worry! It’s not too late for a last minute getaway. Relax with your Bjorn straddler at a botanical garden or burn off the sugar rush at a sweet park. Read below for six amazing destinations that are all within a two hour drive of the Capital.
Vienna, Virginia
Only 15 miles away, Vienna has a historic downtown with charming small businesses, a portion of the W&OD trail to hike or bike on and a notable dining scene. But this weekend’s real draw is the family-friendly festival followed by a free concert and fireworks.
Photo: Town of Vienna
You’ll love… Starting off the day with a stroll through Meadowlark Botanical Gardens. These gardens are home to a Korean Bell Garden — the only one of its kind in the western hemisphere. Admission is $5, $2.50 for seniors and kids ages 7-17. Little ones under 6 are free.
Kids will enjoy…ViVA! Vienna! From tot-friendly attractions, like a carousel and choo choo train, to thrill-seeking rides like the Cliff Hanger and Funnel Force, kids will enjoy 24 amusement rides and games at this family-friendly festival. Rides require anything from 3-5 tickets, and it’s $1/ticket. Hours are Sat.-Sun, 10 am-10 pm; and Mon. 10 am-6 pm.
Everyone will remember… winding back down and cooling off with a scoop of gelato at local favorite Molly’s. The flavors alone–think: cinnamon pear and peanut butter cup–will have you wanting to come back well before next year’s Memorial Day.
Annapolis, Md Enjoy bayside breezes and historical architecture just forty-minutes from downtown DC.
You’ll love… the historic charm of Downtown Annapolis. Lined with art galleries, antique stores and mom-and-pop boutiques, these cobblestone streets were voted the most romantic streets in America by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Of course, that fact is more for the parents – Your tots will be more engaged with the trotting horses and sailboats to notice their moms and dads k-i-s-s-i-n-g.
Kids will enjoy… boarding the Sea Gypsy, which sets sail on the Chesapeake Bay, for a pirate-themed adventure that water babies will get a kick out of. It sets sail six times daily on Sat. and Sun. Reservations are recommended; tickets cost $22 per person and $12 for children under 2.
Everyone will remember… spending a day under the sun at Sandy Point State Park. Hailed as the closest beach to the city, a visit here is a sure fire way to relax. There are also nearby hiking paths for those with a little extra energy to burn. The entrance fee is $5; $7 for non-residents. Bluemont, Va If you’re looking to escape the incoming summer heat, head 55 miles west to Bluemont, Va where the Blue Ridge Mountains promise consistently cooler temperatures.
You’ll love… sipping on wine at the Bluemont Vineyard, a family-friendly winery with farm-themed wines like “The Cow” a sweet white and “The Donkey” a slightly dry rose. The tasting fee is $8 and the tour is $5.
Kids will enjoy… hopping over the fence to Great Country Farms, which is directly across the street from the vineyards. Strawberries are ripe for the picking at this u-pick farm. You’ll also be able to satisfy more than your sweet tooth. Other attractions include baby farm animals, wagon rides, miniature golf and more.
Everyone will remember… enjoying the panoramic view of the mountain range from Bears Den, which has an elevation of 1,350 feet. Visitor parking is $3 at the Bears Den day-use lot. For those wishing to hike, park in the Route 7 parking lot for a half-mile uphill climb. National Harbor, Md While not a beach town, per say, National Harbor offer seaside flavor just 10 miles away.
You’ll love… the holiday deals and promotions at the Tanger Outlets. For the budding fashionistas to die-hard window shoppers a trip here is a day excursion in itself. You’ll be pooped by the time you’ve finished checking out over 85 brand name stores.
Kids will enjoy… resting those legs while watching a nice movie outdoors at the Harbor’s jumbo screen. Akeelah and the Bee, a PG flick, will be screening on Sun., May 24 at 6p.m. Movies are free, just bring chairs, blankets and a picnic for a night under the stars.
Everyone will remember… strolling along the waterfront where you can dig your toes into the sand, rent pedal boats, ride a The Carousel and take in panoramic views on The Capital Wheel. Hershey, Pa Heralded as the “Sweetest Place on Earth,” this famous chocolate town is a two hour drive.
You’ll love… how even the youngest food snob will find their mouths watering at Tröegs Brewing Company, a microbrewery with a snack bar. Sample their award winning beers and, if time allows, tour the brewery (tours are $5).
Kids will enjoy… the unforgettable Hershey Park? With rides for all ages, this attraction is a good time guarantee. The newest attraction is Laff Track, the first indoor, spinning glow-coaster.
Everyone will remember… a ride on one of the last paddle-wheel riverboats, the Susquehanna. The forty-five minute sightseeing cruise departs everyday at 12 pm, 1:30 pm and 3 pm in Harrisburg, PA. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and $5 for children 3-12. Harpers Ferry, Wv Just an hour drive from the city, this town is most famous for the Battle at Harpers Ferry. Nestled along the Potomac River, this destination offers a plethora of outdoor activities, including ziplines, hiking and boating.
You’ll love… zipping along eight ziplines with views of the river at Harpers Ferry Canopy Tour. There are also ladder climbs and two suspension bridges. Children must be 5 years of age or older. Rates start at $69 for children under 12 and $79 for adults.
Kids will enjoy… the free Junior Ranger program that enhances the Harpers Ferry Park experience.
Everyone will remember…Harpers Ferry National Historic Park. This park, which runs along the Potomac River, has over 20 trails to hike. Along the trails, you’ll find living history demonstrations, including blacksmithing and cooking. The park fee is $10 per vehicle.
Got a great day destination to share? Tell us in the comments below!
We’ve officially entered the dog days of summer. If your kiddo is totally over the splash park but still wants to eek out a little more fun as the school year inches closer, check out the late summer line-up at one of these family friendly venues.
Wolf Trap’s Children’s Theatre- in- the- Woods A longtime tradition at the area’s premiere outdoor venue, Wolf Trap’s Theatre-in-the-Woods brings high caliber performers to a cool wooded setting. See now: Mil’s Trills on Aug. 6 and 7 Shaking up kids’ music like a snow globe full of snippets from childhood and world travel experiences, composer and multi-instrumentalist Amelia Robinson of Mil’s Trills is dedicated to keeping adult toes tapping, if not up and dancing along with the little ones. A recent artist in residence at New York City’s Lincoln Center and a featured performer on the First Lady’s Partnership for a Healthier America childrens’ album, Mil’s Trills makes everyone a member of the band with a personal vibe, and all-inclusiveness themes that run throughout the upcoming new album “Now that We’re Friends.” See later: Dan Zanes Song Gusto Hour on Aug. 8
Strathmore With a mansion as the backdrop off busy Rockville Pike, families relax together at free shows with a community feel. See now: Ukelele Festival on Aug. 19 Performers from Hawaii to the mainland play this annual festival headlined by locally based childrens’ and folk artists Marcy Marxer and Cathy Fink. This free concert is the last of the Strathmore summer concerts and well-attended, so fans of this little instrument are cautioned to come early and bring your uke! See later: Next summer’s Backyard Theater for Children, a weekday morning series in June and July that welcomes a range of performing artists dedicated to their young audiences.
Takoma Park Gazebo Set on a still leafy street in burgeoning Takoma Park’s downtown, the Town Gazebo is a great gathering spot for family and friends. See now: Furia Flamenco on Aug. 7 Takoma Park, Md. takes the “Main Street” concept and flips it a little on its side with an eclectic array of events derived from anywhere but the heartland, taking place at the gazebo where little ones are sure to be fascinated by performances from groups like the Spanish dance troupe Furia Flamenco. See later: Marimba Concert on Aug. 29
Kennedy Center No longer just a showcase for adults-only performances, this marble memorial on the Potomac, is now a dynamic go-to place for families offering everything from kids- only concerts by members of the National Symphony Orchestra to free shows in the lobby. See now: Finding a Line: Skateboarding, Music, and Media on Sept. 11 and 12 Skateboarding for some is like poetry in motion, and in this unique performance, live musicians join with daredevil skaters on the Kennedy Center’s outdoor plaza to shred a ramp and fuse together two art forms you never thought you and your teenager could both appreciate. See later: A full calender of Performances for Young Audiences this Fall, and a continuing calendar of free Millenium Stage performances.
National Air and Space Museum Take kiddo to the moon and back at the Smithsonian’s Air and Space Museum Summer Concert Series on three Fridays in August with musicians in uniform from the U.S. Navy, Air Force and Army.
See now: U.S. Navy Band Brass Quintet and Saxophone Quartet on Aug. 14 Introduce your budding trumpeter to the big sounds of brass horns or the saxophone with a 20 minute concert that rewards his short attention span and gives you a reason to smile on the hour from 11 am to 2 pm.
See later: Army Field Band’s Six String Soldiers on Aug. 30, 5 pm at the museum’s Udvar-Hazy Center location
Get excited New York City, spring is finally in full swing! While it would be difficult to say there’s nothing to do in NYC at any time of the year, the options expand exponentially once the temperatures rise. Looking for ideas on how to do the season right with a kid or two? Here are a few of our favorite NYC springtime activities for you and your little ones to enjoy, from free museums to storytimes to stargazing. Seriously though: all of the below are $5 or less!
Central Park Turtle Pond photo: via Mike Carey on Flickr
1. Relax in the sun and check out Central Park’s Turtle Pond, which is home to not one, not two, but five species of turtles. (It’s thought that many of the current residents began their lives as NYC pets and were brought to the park when they outgrew their indoor accommodations.) See who can spot a bird, dragonfly, and turtle first!
2. Make a weekend stop at Smorgasburg on Pier 5. Grab some of the best no-fuss gourmet street food and picnic with the family in the massive Brooklyn Bridge Park for an only-in-NYC experience.
3. Take a trip to the Bronx Zoo. Free on Wednesdays, it’s finally warm enough to walk around outside and take in the numerous animal exhibits. The Children’s Zoo offers kids the option to feed the animals as well.
4. For those rainy spring Saturdays, make your way to the Guggenheim. Expand your children’s minds by bringing them in from 5:45–7:45 p.m., when admission is pay what you wish.
Bryant Park Carousel photo: via Rhiannon on Flickr
5. Head to Le Carrousel in Bryant Park. With carousel rides at $3 and kid-friendly events on Saturdays from 1-2 p.m., this one is great option for a weekend midtown diversion.
6. Brooklyn Children’s Museum in Crown Heights is a can’t-miss. Admission is free on Thursdays from 3-5 p.m., perfect for an after school visit or playdate.
7. Breathe in spring’s freshest florals at the New York Botanical Garden. Grounds admission is free to everyone all day on Wednesdays, and from 9 -10 a.m. on Saturdays.
8. …Or swing by the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. It’s always free for children under 12, and free for everyone both all day on Tuesdays and from 10 a.m.-noon on Saturdays. Be sure to check out the Kids’ Discovery Stations once inside and catch the cherry blossoms while you can!
9. Walk the High Line. If you’re in the area as the sun sets, check out the park’s free stargazing event every Tuesday from dusk until 9 p.m. at 14th Street. High-powered telescopes from the Amateur Astronomers Association help visitors get a glimpse of the moon, stars and planets!
10. Grab a hotdog at Papaya King. This NYC institution’s cheap grub is perfect for a spring day (just not every spring day). Head to its location at 86th and Third Avenue before visiting Central Park or a nearby museum.
11. Summer reading season is about to kick into high gear — get your child a free New York Public Library Card to get started. Check out your closest library’s kids programs; Family Read Aloud is one of our favorites.
Roosevelt Island Tramway photo: via Phil Roeder on Flickr
12. Go for a ride on the Roosevelt Island Tramway. (Catch it at 60th Street and Second Avenue.) Take in the city views on a clear day with the family for the price of a subway ride. And while you’re there… take a Kids & Family yoga class for a suggested donation of $5 at Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park. Classes are held Wednesdays-Saturdays.)
14. Visit the Discovery Room at the American Museum of Natural History and inspire your kids to explore science hands-on. The entire museum is pay what you wish, and the Discovery Room exhibit is free for a 40-minute session.
Fleet Week photo: via Official U.S. Navy Page on Flickr
15. Welcome Fleet Week. From May 18-25, take your pick of free events across NYC: Ship tours, Navy Band Concerts, Parade of Ships, and a US Coast Guard Search and Rescue Demo.
16. Check out the NY Aquarium. Explore water-dwellers on Fridays from 4-6 p.m., when admission is pay-what-you-wish. Recommended donation is $5.
17. Register for New York Hall of Science (NYSCI)’s Sounds for Unusual Creatures free concert on May 17th. You’ll get free general admission to the museum for the day with your registration. We’re also big fans of their Make It: One Block Challenge series, offered on May 17th as well for $3.
19. Visit Brooklyn’s Prospect Park for the free outdoor activities of its Pop-Up Audubon series. Activities include nature hikes, bird-watching, and learning about native plants and the aquatics habitats of the park. Grab a Discovery Pack, a ready-to-go kit of nature activities for families.
20. Pipsqueak’s Children’s Shoppe in Brooklyn is always a good idea. This kid’s store offers open play time for $5, among other workshops and music series for your kids to enjoy while you shop.
Sony Wonder Lab photo: via Eden, Janine and Jim on Flickr
21. Visit the Sony Wonder Technology Lab. With free entry, the whole family can explore high tech and creative exhibits that will make you feel like you’re living in the future. The Dance Motion capture is our favorite.
22. Get down at a Celebrate Brooklyn! Dance Party, a free groovefest with live bands and DJs playing Classic Soul Funk (May 14), Electro Soul (May 21) and Latin Jazz (May 28).
25. We’re already getting excited for the Park Slope Old Stone House’s Rites of Spring event featuring a giant puppet pageant. It’s free and takes place on May 16th. Check out their site for lots of other free events for families.
26. Get crafty. Michaels offers free events (plus supply costs) like jewelry-making and paper crafting at the chain’s multiple NYC locations.
28. Never walked the Brooklyn Bridge? It’s time. Take advantage of the nice weather and enjoy this NYC landmark on a sunny afternoon with the whole family.
29. Get to Carnegie Hall by, you know, just going there already. Enjoy free interactive concerts and family activities on weekends at Carnegie Hall. The Hall also offers family concerts throughout in all five boroughs.
The beach in November, snowcations in Mammoth, and enough food from around the globe to ensure sophisticated palates by age 3—LA is a glorious place to be a parent. Not like you need any reminding (a holiday trip home to the Midwest should take care of that), but we wanted to take a moment to reflect on what makes our home the happiest place on earth for both kids and parents.
1. You don’t have to board a plane to allow your kids to immerse themselves in a new culture. Chinatown, Olvera Street, Little Tokyo and Little Ethiopia are just a freeway (or a few blocks) away.
3. We live in a city where people are free to be who they are. Individuals and families of various cultures and walks of life all call this place home and each day is an opportunity to instill kindness, compassion and tolerance in our kids. From Venice to WeHo to Ktown to Downtown, just visit any nook in our city to check out the awesome diversity.
4. Whether it’s at the Griffith Observatory, Hollywood Walk of Fame or The Grove shopping center, stars (human ones and the kind our kids wish upon) abound in this city known for star sightings.
5. We’ve got mountain tops and ocean views, sunsets and forests, gardens and the desert, cities and suburbs and just about everything in between. If it’s all about location, location, location— here in LA we’ve got it in spades.
photo credit: Chaboukie
6. Shop til you drop at hip, trendy and one-of-a-kind boutiques, second hand stores where you can score designer duds for less, and even big box stores abound where you can go bulk and stock up on all those things that always seem to disappear from the diaper bag. If you want to buy it, you can find it!
7. Even in the dead of winter families can spend the afternoon pool side. Only in LA can you find people heading to the sand for the holiday staycation. Park play-dates also happen throughout the year. Struggling in and out of snowsuits? Can’t even imagine it!
8. Here in the winter, we have sweater weather. Not parka weather, not wellington boots and thermals weather—sweater weather. Closet space is for surf boards, tennis & golf gear and sand toys, not bulky coats.
9. We don’t have to leave town to hit the theme park! Whether your kid loves the thrill of a roller-coaster at Six Flags, the chance for a dinosaur sighting at Universal Studios or they’ve got a soft spot for the mouse, you don’t have to spring for plane tix to indulge in childhood’s greatest delights.
11. After a long week, few things are more relaxing than a nap. But a great manicure and pedicure come close. Nail shops are as numerous as palm readers in our city and many cater to the 10 and under crowd. Pamper ’em young, we say!
13. Contrary to popular belief, LA peeps are not as self absorbed as some think. From donating to a local charity to dropping off food at the food bank, there are loads of ways we teach our kids to make a difference in our city—and beyond.
14. We practically invented farm to table, mostly because here the farm is never far from the table! As the fruit bowl of the nation, several farms can be found close by. On a lazy day, simply opt for a local farmers market. There’s one on every corner, every day of the week.
16. It’s a great city to show your little girl some serious girl power. Women are political leaders (both CA Senators are women!), professors, activists, studio execs, business owners and holding their own in the rink.
18. LA is leading the charge in going green. We’re all about making strides to reduce our carbon footprint and helping our kids learn how they can do the same. Recycling and upcycling may seem trendy, but here it’s also a way of life.
21. While we are a rather health conscious city, we do love our sweets. Ice cream is the new cupcake, donuts (and fonuts) rule the breakfast table and we’ve never met a macaron or salted caramel treat we wouldn’t devour.
23. To drive or not to drive, that is the question. No, really! We’ve got options. There’s actually an extensive and growing subway, trains and bus system in the city. And with more bike lanes and bike laws all the time, we’re becoming a pedal friendly place, too.
24. Not only are there tons of opportunities for kids to participate in athletics, but there are many opportunities for them to watch them. The Derby Dolls, Dodgers & Angles, Clippers & Lakers, Sparks, Kings & Ducks, the Galaxy and USC & UCLA all call this city home. Who needs football?
25. Our city is filled with a rich history, and each day every family living here gets a chance to add to LA’s story.
What’s your story? What makes you thankful to be an LA Parent?