From exploring tide pools to taking bird walks along the river, park ranger programs abound in SoCal
San Diego has many different kinds of park terrains, and you don’t have to be in the mountains to catch a park ranger activity. Head down to the coast at Cabrillo for park ranger walks at the lighthouse, drive up the coast to Carlsbad’s wildlife viewing with the junior rangers, move inland for a wildlife tracking hike or nature story time at Mission Trails, or go south for a guided bird walk at the Tijuana River Estuary. Each of these experiences is so different that if you did them all you’d learn something unique from each one. Oh and bonus—all except one of these are completely free.
One of San Diego’s park gems offers in-person ranger activities, talks, and walks. Guided nature walks will lead you by majestic coast live oaks and the Riverside Grinding Rocks. If you have children ages 2-5, then Trail Tykes is for you—it's the second and fourth Sun. and Mon. of the month and includes a story, craft, and a short walk with staff and volunteers. There are also Birding Basics classes on select Saturdays, or you can visit at nighttime for their star parties with the San Diego Astronomy Association.
Mission Trails Regional Park 1 Father Junipero Serra Trail San Carlos Online:mtrp.org
2. Cabrillo National Monument
These scenic seaside park tours have the best views in all of San Diego. Gaze out across the ocean and look for migrating whales, and then turn around to watch sailboats and military ships enter the bay. Take the one-hour guided walking tour and learn what life was like living at the lighthouse. Then head over to the Visitor’s Center and ask for the Junior Ranger Badge program; this is a great way for kids to learn about the importance of this monument. Try to go during their snake encounter days or when you can climb down into the old military bunkers. On a low tide, walk down to the tide pools by the ocean and you’ll usually see a park ranger walking around giving educational insights about the sea creatures. Try a night hike experience on a full moon (by reservation only) with the ranger-led hike by moonlight.
Dates: Guided Walking Tours Sat. at 11 a.m. & 1 p.m.; Snake Meet 'N Greet Thu. at 1 p.m. Cost: Free
Cabrillo National Monument 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr. Point Loma Online:nps.gov/cabr
3. San Dieguito River Park
Rangers lead hikes throughout the year around the lagoon, but if you want to go on your own there are many self-guided interpretive trails to learn from. The San Dieguito Lagoon Interpretive Walk is a flat four-mile out-and-back trail, so only go out so far as little feet will walk back (this is part of the eventual 55-mile long Coast-to-Crest Trail that leads out to Julian). You’ll find 20 discovery points along the way to learn about the importance of the San Dieguito River plants, animals, and Kumeyaay people who lived there. Scan the QR codes on the posts, pick up an illustrated booklet or download them ahead of time. Check their calendar online for upcoming ranger hikes and bird walks around the lagoon. Park in a legal space at the Del Mar Public Works Yard, cross over the bridge to the north side of the river, cross the street and you’ll find the park entry monument.
Dates: Bird Walks on Dec. 17, Jan. 21, Feb. 18, March 18 & April 15; 8:30 a.m. Cost: Free
San Dieguito River Park 18372 Sycamore Creek Rd. Escondido Online:sdrp.org
4. South Carlsbad State Beach & San Elijo State Beach
Soak up the views and fresh ocean air while the kids join the junior ranger classes. Bring some binoculars for wildlife viewing because who knows what your kids will see that day, maybe a pelican or even a migrating whale off the coast. Junior ranger classes are through the state, so kids will get a logbook to earn a stamp with rewards as they progress through different activities each week. Children will learn 12 different activity topics like geology, ecology, and safety as they play games, hike trails, observe wildlife, and make new friends. Classes are 45 minutes long and appropriate for kids ages 6 and up.
Dates: TBD, check calendars for updates Cost: Free
South Carlsbad State Beach 7201 Carlsbad Blvd. Carlsbad
San Elijo State Beach 2050 S Coast Hwy 101 Cardiff
Take a leisurely stroll down the McCoy Trail on a guided bird walk at the Tijuana River Estuary. You’ll discover why this habitat is so unique for these 370 species of migratory and endangered birds that stop here on their journey. Guided Nature Walks are every second and fourth Saturday of the month; meet at 5th Street and Iris Avenue. Guided Bird Walks are every first, second, third, and fifth Sunday; meet at the Visitor Center. No reservations are needed for either one. Bring binoculars and just show up to these free guided ranger walks.
See the sea from a new perspective—explore the coastal tide pools with a Birch Aquarium naturalist and learn all about the sea creatures that make this their home. The San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park spans 6,000 acres of ocean bottom and tidelands, and was established back in 1929 as an academic research area. Kids will learn how important our tide pool habitats are to our local coastlines and what can be done to protect them. Birch tide pooling adventures are for guests ages 3 and older, and children ages 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
Birch Aquarium 2300 Expedition Way La Jolla Online:aquarium.ucsd.edu
7. Rancho Peñasquitos Adobe Preserve
Help rangers take care of the goats at Rancho Peñasquitos Adobe. Depending on what the goats need when you’re there, rangers will let kids help with feeding or grooming. Go check out the chicken coop next door, walk around the historic homestead, or use this as a starting point for your hike into the popular canyon. There is a waterfall at the end of this hike, but it’s a ways out and back so it's best for older kids and teens to make that trek. The playground is right at the entrance to this preserve with bathrooms and a sports park too. The adobe homestead was built in 1823 and is recorded as the second oldest homestead in San Diego. Tours inside are based on availability.
Dates: Volunteers usually care for goats daily between 1-2 p.m., but times can vary Cost: Free
Rancho Peñasquitos Adobe Preserve 12122 Canyonside Park Dr. San Diego Online:sdparks.org
San Diego is home to a diverse array of awesome families––and a growing list of local businesses are offering more all-inclusive accommodations for kids of all backgrounds and abilities. If your child has special needs, they can try out gymnastics, bounce around at local trampoline parks, connect with nature, explore museums or just catch a movie with the sound down and the lights up. Here are some fun places where they’ll feel welcomed and have a blast.
The lights and sounds of usual movie theaters can be too much for those with heightened senses; that’s why these theaters offer a sensory-friendly experience. They turn the volume down and keep the lights up for a more pleasant movie experience. Oh, and it’s okay for kids to make loud noises and get up to dance or walk around. Be sure to check your local theaters to confirm sensory-friendly showtimes.
AMC Theaters When: 2nd & 4th Sat. (family-friendly) and Wed. evenings (mature audiences) Where: various Online: amctheatres.com
UltraStar Cinemas When: every Wed. at 10 am and 7 pm (temporarily paused, keep checking back) What: Technically, it’s called “Bring your infant to the movies,” but they provide the same sensory adjustments and these shows are open to anyone, not just families with babies. Where: 7510 Hazard Center Rd., Mission Valley Online: ultrastarmovies.com
Jump around at this trampoline park that offers dedicated times for jumpers with special needs. Music is played at a lower volume, the atmosphere is calmer and everyone is aware of giving extra space and making sure jumpers are having fun.
Get Air Trampoline Park What: “A Special Time For You” is for special needs jumpers. One adult can support the jumper for free and siblings are welcome. When: First Sat. each month, 8-10 am
2755 Dos Aarons Way, Vista; 760-478-5867 12160 Community Rd., Poway; 858-848-1247 26201 Ynez Rd., Temecula; 951-268-3850
Being in nature is inherently calming and slow-paced, which is perfect for anyone who gets overstimulated easily. Check out our go-to list for parks, hiking, camping and playing.
National Parks The Access Passes are free to U.S. residents with disabilities, so head out to Cabrillo National Monument or a little further out to Joshua Tree National Park for some sensory exploration.
Hiking The Jas Arnold trail is a “Trail For All People” in Rancho Penasquitos. The 1,100 flat loop trail is fully ADA and wheelchair accessible with four shade structures and lots of benches for frequent breaks.
Camps The Autism Society and the YMCA have partnered up to offer some special needs camps. They offer a day camp called "Camp I Can" in Carlsbad and Clairemont; and an overnight camp experience in the mountains in a safe and supportive environment.
Playgrounds These inclusive playgrounds have sensory and adaptive features that will excite all the senses.
Briercrest Park (pictured above) It’s won several awards and is a sensory park featuring outdoor chime instruments, an herb garden, mosaic pathways, a labyrinth, swings, rock climbing, sandbox, footbridges and gently rolling green grassy hills. Where: 9001 Wakarusa St., La Mesa
Eucalyptus Park It was built by the American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons and KaBOOM! It includes adaptive swings, a spiral climber, V-bounce for kids and more. Where: Fourth and C St., Chula Vista
San Dieguito County Park: Miracle Field Playground This accessible playground features six key play elements: balancing, spinning, brachiating, sliding, climbing, and spinning. Specialty equipment was mixed in with features like ramps and rubberized surface flooring. Where: 1785 Highland Dr., Del Mar
You’ll have these entire children’s museums to yourselves during their special morning hours that are just for sensory-needs children. You’ll find play-based exhibits, quieter environments, sensory activities, noise-canceling headphones, calming zones and more.
San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum When: every Sun. from 8:30-9:30 am and daily quiet times after 2 pm 320 N Broadway, Escondido 760-233-7755 Online: sdcdm.org
The New Children’s Museum When: quarterly during the year (temporarily paused so check back later) 200 W Island Ave., downtown 619-233-8792 Online: thinkplaycreate.org
Public Libraries All over the city and county, public libraries have event calendars full of fun kids activities like yoga, sign and storytimes, songs & dancing, crafting and more. Many of these programs are accommodating and welcoming for all children, but some of them also have designated events just for special needs kids. These programs are paused, but definitely check back later because these free events are really well done and always very welcoming.
Therapeutic Recreation Services This City of San Diego Park & Recreation Department provides sports, recreation, leisure and outreach services to people with physical, mental and emotional disabilities. These are available to children and adults ages 3 and up, with any type of disability. You’ll find fun activities like cooking, dance parties, board games, arts & crafts, workout classes, magic & talent shows, movie nights and more. Most of these are currently virtual, but they’re waiting for approval to open up in-person activities soon.
Future scientists and historians will feel at ease when these museums open their doors one hour early for families with special needs kids to tinker and discover. Museums are wonderful places that are full of sensory stimulation activities and visuals for everyone to enjoy. These two beloved museums at Balboa Park offer a morning just for those with special needs to engage with their activities. It’s a quieter museum experience and each of these has large-screen theaters with beautiful educational films where they turn the volume down and keep the lights up for easier processing.
Bonus: Both museums offer a free general admission ticket for an adult companion
Reuben H. Fleet Science Center When: 3rd Sat. each month from 9-10 am 1875 El Prado, Balboa Park 619-238-1233 Online: rhfleet.org
The Natural History Museum When: 2nd Sun. each month from 9-10 am (temporarily paused, but check back later) 1788 El Prado, Balboa Park 619-232-3821 Online: sdnat.org
Theme parks have a lot of stimulation with sounds and sights and while they don’t have special hours just for those with special needs, they do offer other services that might be helpful. For example, both have ride access programs, where those with special needs don’t have to wait in line. They also have quiet areas of the parks where you can go for less stimulation and to wind down. Check with each park’s guest services for all the details.
SeaWorld San Diego What: Ride Accessibility Program (RAP) lets you book a specific time for rides and attractions, accompanied by up to five people in their party. Or you can sign up for the “virtual queue,” which holds your place in line while you go off to explore other parts of the park until your turn comes up.
500 Sea World Dr., Mission Bay 619-222-4732 Online: seaworld.com
Legoland What: Assisted Access Pass allows you to board your first-choice ride without waiting in line. Choose the next ride and you’ll receive a boarding time to return and continue that process throughout the day.
One Legoland Dr., Carlsbad 877-376-5346 Online: legoland.com
Spring and summer in the city are the best times to hit the streets and enjoy some outdoor entertainment. This year, the draw of the great outdoors is even stronger than before, as families look for ways to have fun while remaining safe. NYC is delivering! There are plenty of awesome concerts, festivals, and other exciting events happening in NYC in the summer months of 2021. Head out to these often free events for kids in NYC and have some fun in the sun!
If we can't have a few large performances, the logical solution is to have many smaller performances! At least, that's the thinking behind the NY PopsUp movement, a festival that's meant to bring some life back into the city streets and joy back into the NYC people.
Since the idea behind these programs is to draw a very small crowd of people, the lineup isn't advertised in advance — instead, you're meant to just stumble into performances as you go about your daily lives for a fun pick-me-up. You can get a sneak preview at what's happening by following the program on Twitter or Instagram, @nypopsup.
Price: Free! Date: Through August 11 Location: Various locations Online: nypopsup.com
Restart Stages at Lincoln Center
Sachyn Mital/Lincoln Center
Lincoln Center's massive initiative aimed at at helping kickstart the performing arts sector and contribute to the revival of New York City, is making 10 outdoor performance and rehearsal spaces and civic venues available to artists and arts organizations across its campus and the five boroughs. The iconic campus has been transformed into "The GREEN", where the public is welcome to gather. (Don't miss the Outdoor Reading Room here, created by the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts.)
All programming is free, with tickets to events made available through the TodayTix Lottery, the Official Ticketing Partner of Restart Stages. The TodayTix Lottery will open for entries two weeks before the performance and close three days prior to the performance at 12:59 p.m. EDT. Attendees who secure tickets will be required to follow safety protocols. For more information visit TodayTix.com or download the TodayTix app.
Announced programming includes:
TheJuilliard NOW performance series featuring a new generation of artists in music, dance, and drama A Pride celebration with new stage works from National Queer Theater’s Criminal Queerness Festival, performances by Taylor Mac, Staceyann Chin, Migguel Anggelo, and Treya Lam Chamber Music Society’s Summer Evenings Outdoors with evenings of Beethoven and Saint-Saëns, and Brahms High school seniors from The Maxine Green High School for Imaginative Inquiry making their Lincoln Center debut, reciting from Howard Zinn’s Voices of a People’s History A special Concerts for Kids in honor of Juneteenth with Coming Together, a celebration of Black culture through music, dance, and poetry A performance art installation by Andrea Miller. From July 14-31, the installation will transform two Lincoln Center plazas into places of sound, sculpture, and live performance, through art that comes alive — literally. The installation will begin with a look at a diverse cast of New Yorkers through sound and sculptures. In the second half of the art piece, the sound will be transformed into actual live performances at Hearst Plaza. On the installation's last day, there will be a celebration with all the performers live in the plaza.
Additional surprise Pop-Up performances of music, dance, art, and weekend family workshops, children’s recitals, public school graduations, polling for the NYC election, Blood Drive with New York Blood Center, NYC’s Mobile Vaccine Bus, and more to take place on The GREEN and across Campus.
Price: Free, via lottery through Todaytix.com or app. Date: Throughout the summer Location: Lincoln Center Online: lincolncenter.org
The Public Theater's free Shakespeare in the Park returns to Central Park's Delacorte Theater this summer, staging a single show for the 2021 season. Merry Wives, and adaptation of the Bard's The Merry Wives of Windsor will run from July 6 to August 28. Set in South Harlem amidst a vibrant and eclectic community of West African immigrants, the show will be a celebration of Black joy, laughter, and vitality. Information on ticketing and policies have yet to be announced.
Picnic Performances & Outdoor Programming at Bryant Park
Ryan Muir
Bring your picnic basket and blanket, and enjoy live performances in Bryant Park with a full season of 25 concerts. Concerts will feature music, dance, and theater performances. The season kicks off with a show by the New York Philharmonic orchestra and ends with a 100th-anniversary celebration of The Town Hall.
Stop by for relaxed performances by the NYC Opera, the Classical Theatre of Harlem, the New York Chinese Cultural Center, Lincoln Center jazz, and many more in this varied lineup. Plus, nearly all the performances will be available to livestream from anywhere.
In addition to this concert series, the park is bringing back its usual outdoor activity offerings like ping-ping, birding tours, the art cart, chess, the reading room, and more. Plus, stop by on Saturdays and Sundays June 26 through August 22 (except on July 4th for children's programming like music, magic and puppet shows, science experiments, and arts and crafts. This event will be held 12-2:30 p.m.
Price: Free! Date: June 20-Sept. 20 Location: Bryant Park Online:bryantpark.org
Daily Dose of DUMBO
DUMBO BID
DUMBO is ready to rock this summer, with some kind of programming happening every single day! Activities will center around the famous DUMBO archway and its pop-up bar, DUMBO Station, where you can grab a beer and a bite and play giant Jenga or corn hole, or try some Drink and Draw. But there are tons of activities for kids, too.
The Adams Street Branch of the Brooklyn Public Library, will offer activities specifically for kids on Thursdays at 5 p.m., from June 10 to August 26, including a Junteenth celebration (June 10), high-energy dance classes (June 17, July 15, August 19), stories and crafts, paper-making activities, and more to be announced. Following the activities for kids, a DJ will spin in the Archway until 8pm, starting with Dumbo’s own DJ Kai Song.
Fridays from June 11 to August 27 will bring live music under arch from 5-7 p.m., and a new Six Foot Platform Experimental Residency Program will take place on Saturdays through August 29 on Washington Street, Dumbo’s most iconic block, from 12pm to 9pm. Presented in partnership with the Brooklyn Arts Council, this project will feature eleven Brooklyn-based artists in full day residencies on Saturdays throughout the summer.
Additional events include The Mobile Drag Performance Unit (June 12, June 19), Carnegie Hall's Citywide concert series (Hazmat Modine at 6pm on June 21 and Slavic Soul Party at 7pm on June 26), Brasil Summerfest (dates TBD).
And yes, The Brooklyn Flea continues its takeover of the Dumbo Archway from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every Sunday through October.
Price: Free! Date: June 7 - Aug. 29 Location: 155 Water St. DUMBO Archway DUMBO Online:dumbo.is
SummerStage in Central Park and Marcus Garvey Park
Summerstage
The sounds of summer are back as SummerStage returns to fill Central Park and Harlem's Marcus Garvey Park with music.
Many genres will be represented, featuring performances with an NYC twist in hip-hop, Latin, indie rock, contemporary dance, and more. The annual Charlie Parker Jazz Festival is also returning in August for a special focus on jazz.
All performances will be held in accordance with current city restrictions and regulations. Attendees will require a free ticket, proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test, and/or a health screening questionnaire. Can't make it out, after all? Many performances will be streamed online on SummerStageAnywhere.org.
Check back on the website for tickets and more information!
Price: Free! Date: All summer Location: Rumsey Playfield in Central Park and Marcus Garvey Park/Richard Rodgers Amphitheater Online:cityparksfoundation.org
Summer on the Hudson
Summer on the Hudson
This riverside celebration of art and culture is back. The summer 2021 schedule is still taking shape, but kid-friendly events locked in include The Locomotive Lawn Live read-alongs, which present musical reading experiences in front of a big locomotive to kids ages 5 and under; astronomy workshops, and presentations from the Billion Oyster project on restoring New York harbor. A full list of all the programming and their dates can be seen here.
Every program in this lineup is free to the public and works on a first-come, first-served basis. Events may be canceled in case of heavy rain so check the program listings on the NYC parks website two hours before the event is scheduled.
Price: Free! Date: All summer Location: From 59th street to 153rd along the Hudson River Online:riversideparknyc.org
Outdoor Concerts by the Brooklyn Symphony Orchestra
iStock
The Brooklyn Symphony Orchestra has announced its season of outdoor concerts. Held once a month, the program features a whimsical mix of well-known tunes by classical composers like Mozart and Vivaldi and more modern selections like music from "Star Wars," Adele, and Disney.
Each concert features a one-hour program, which will be played twice. No tickets are required — just show up!
Attendees will be distanced, and children over 2 are required to wear a mask.
Price: Free! Date: June 20, July 18, Aug. 15, and Sep. 19, 2-4 p.m. Location: Outside of the Brooklyn Museum, 200 Eastern Pkwy Online:brooklynsymphonyorchestra.org
If you enjoy your music with a healthy dose of history, this concert series is the obvious choice. GatherNYC presents outdoor performances held on the lawn of the Morris-Jumel Mansion, the oldest house in Manhattan that's still standing today.
The full performance list is still to be announced, but the first concert will give you a taste of what's to come: It features Laufey, the cellist and singer/songwriter who was named the "Best New Artist" by the Icelandic Music Awards.
Reservations and masks (for everyone 2 and older) are required for this event, and attendees will be required to fill out a health screening to gain admittance.
Price: Free! Date: Sundays May 23-June 20, 4:30 p.m. Location: Outside the Morris-Jumel Mansion, 65 Jumel Terrace Online:gathernyc.org
You don't need to go to the movie theaters to make it a movie night. Head outdoors, instead, and enjoy movie screenings around the city.
Drive-ins have made a comeback this year thanks to their convenience and safety, so enjoy a movie from the comfort of your car (or an outdoor picnic) at drive-in locations like Rooftop Films in Queens and Skyline Drive-in in Brooklyn.
You can also catch screenings in NYC parks and more this summer, like Summer on the Hudson's Pier I Picture Show and Snug Harbor's Taking It to the Streets free Friday movie series.
You can also check to see if any local parks are showing movies outdoors at the NYC Parks website.
From open streets to entire open boulevards, the city's outdoor spaces are leveling up again. The amped up open streets project will transform entire blocks of the city into communal spaces featuring outdoor dining, seating spaces, performances and events, markets, and — at their core — space for pedestrians to slow down. Open boulevards are coming to 33 neighborhoods around the city for all New Yorkers (and visitors) to enjoy.
Price: Free! Location: Various locations Online: nyc.gov
Scandinavian Music Festival at Fort Tryon Park
Fort Tryon Park Trust
Bring a blanket and enjoy a picnic to the sounds of Scandinavian music. Cone enjoy three outdoor concerts, performed by the New York Scandia Symphony as well as various guest artists. The festival will feature both new and classic music from Scandinavian countries, and will provide a great opportunity for visitors to learn a bit about the culture and music of Scandinavia. As the concert progresses, performers will address the audience and share a bit of information about the music, cultures, and traditions of their countries.
Price: Free! Date: May 30, June 6, and June 13, 2-3:30 p.m. Location: Billings Lawn in Fort Tryon Park Online: nycgovparks.org
Roll-A-Rama at the TWA Hotel
TWA Hotel
Strap on your skates and hit the floor rolling at the TWA Hotel's outdoor roller-skating rink. Skate on the tarmac around the hotel's famous 1958 Lockheed Constellation airplane, affectionately named "Connie," to retro and disco tunes.
Each skating session includes skates (which are disinfected after each use) and a 50-minute spin on the skate floor. Socks are required, so be sure to bring your own (though if you do forget, there are socks for sale at the TWA Store and the cabin), and helmets are encouraged and available in limited numbers. Masks are required.
Please note since you can't buy tickets in advance, entry will be provided on a first-come, first-serve basis, and capacity is limited.
Price: $20 per adult and $16 per child under 12 (price includes skate rentals) for a 50 minute session, credit card only Date: Fridays 4-8 p.m., Saturdays & Sundays 12-8 p.m. Location: The TWA Hotel, One Idlewild Drive at the JFK Airport Online: twahotel.com
NYC's newest island is complete and open to the public as of May 21! This man-made floating island will serve as a way to get away from the crowds right in the middle of the city. The island features several levels to explore, with lush meadows and green spaces, performance areas, calm spots perfect for rest and relaxation, and more. Little Island has its own roster Artists-in-Residence, which includes tap dancer and choreographer Ayodele Casel, playwright and director Tina Landau, actor, singer and music director Michael McElroy and musicians and storytellers the PigPen Theatre Co. The groups will help curate events, festivals and ongoing programs, while selecting acts for the the Perform in the Park program.
Price: Free! Date: May 21 Location: Pier 55, Hudson River Park West 13th Street Online: littleisland.org
When it comes to gaming, your kids can’t wait to compete. Whether they’re looking to break out board games that take hours to play, want to drop some quarters on retro arcade games (and pinball) or can’t wait to be transported into a virtual reality, we’ve scoped Seattle’s best spots for families. Find yours from our picks below.
Editor’s note: Due to COVID-19 safety measures, some of these gaming spots or programs are closed. Please visit individual store websites for updated hours and safety policies. Stay healthy and game on!
Board Games
Mox Boarding House
courtesy Mox Boarding House
With a café serving a full menu, tournament game rooms and rental rooms for parties big and small, Mox Boarding House is a hole-up-and-game kind of place. A place where rainy afternoons pass quickly because families are focused on good food (they serve salads) and great games in this cozy store. Mox’s gaming library is first come first serve, and families can check out up to two games at a time. If you’re having trouble deciding on a game, reach out to the talented staff who take pride in matching games to people. (Psst… they can help decipher game rules, too). And while you can nosh at the gaming tables, feel free to move your game into the café for a change of scenery. We’re especially impressed that the family game section comes complete with a small table and pint-sized chairs just right for the littlest gamers in town.
Good to know: Keep an eye on Mox’s events calendar, as they often have (free) events for families.
Taking a trip to Seattle's newest board game spot is like hanging out at your friends house to play board games. It has a comfortable atmosphere where families can play games, grab food and spend as much time as they like in head-to-head competition. Stop by any time (they're open daily from 8 a.m.-10 p.m.) to check out games for casual play or reserve time in a game room for more directed play time. When hunger strikes you can take advantage of locally-sourced pastries, sandwiches and hand-crafted coffees and teas to keep you warm on a drizzly day. Although the game closet is closed under current conditions, it normally boasts over 200 games families can choose from (although not all are kid-friendly), and events are on hold too.
Since its opening in 2014, Meeples Games has become a favorite for Seattle gamers. In part because of its casual welcoming vibe that makes everyone, from the most experienced gamers all the way through to the game-curious, feel included. The store is stocked with popular and obscure board games so there’s always something new to find. And the onsite café means families can shop, eat and play all in one spot. Get the full game scoop to make the most of your playing time.
Good to know: Family Game Day takes place weekly on Sat. from 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Come try a new game with the kids or bring your favorite from home to play in the Thunderdome.
3727 California Ave. S.W., Suite 2B Seattle, WA 206-535-7896 Online: meeplesgames.com
If you’ve got your heart set on a family game time, but your own game closet lacks luster, head to Blue Highway Games on Queen Anne. Over half of their game closet is dedicated to games for kids and families so there’s a good chance you’ll find something that piques your interest. Although there isn’t a specific play time set aside for families, that just means you can play whenever the store is open, with the exception of Saturday mornings, from 10 a.m.-noon and Friday nights, from 7 p.m. on, as both are reserved gaming times. If hunger strikes during game time, you can grab some snacks as well as sodas and waters to fuel your competition.
Good to know: Blue Highway buys and sells used board games. So whether you’re looking to offload games your kids have outgrown, or looking for a good price on a new-to-you game, this is the place to make it happen.
Editor's note: Uncle's is offering curbside pick-up.
On the east side, Uncle’s has two locations families can choose from. The Bellevue store, located in Crossroads, has an extensive game library that features some family faves, like Azul, Tiny Towns and Sushi Go. Here, families can play anytime the store is open (hint: Saturday afternoons are a great time to easily find a spot), and there’s a dedicated game lane in front of the store that also has plenty of seating. The Redmond location offers the same gaming play options (great games and snacks), plus they have a dedicated open game time Friday nights, from 5 p.m.-midnight. When you’re there, check out some kid-friendly faves, like Planet and Forbidden Island.
Good to know: If you’ve got a Pokémon curious kiddo, bring them to the Bellevue location on Mondays. There they’ll find a Pokémon professor to help them learn the ropes so they can play along with others. And the Redmond location is dog friendly so bring your fur baby along to play, too.
Crossroads Mall 15600 N.E. 8th St., Suite K10 Bellevue, WA 425-746-1539
Redmond Town Center 7325 166th Ave. N.E., Suite F150 Redmond, WA 425-497-9180
Editor's note: Although the zoo is open, this experience is currently unavailable.
The newest VR experience to hit the kid scene, this educational underwater dive has four different experiences to choose from. Maybe swimming alongside humpback whales as they migrate from Antarctica is up your alley. How about diving off a mythical beach in the Bahamas where you can hand-feed large sharks (watch out behind you!)? Or maybe Drift is more your kid’s speed. This animated rescue experience lets kids help a sea turtle and explore an ocean cave all from the comfort of the VR chair. Whatever option you choose, plan to spend between 6-8 minutes immersed and learning when you visit. The experience is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on weekends and holidays. $8/member; $6/non-member.
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium 5400 N. Pearl St. Tacoma, WA 253-404-3800 Online: pdza.org
4th Dimension VR
Pacific Science Center
Editor's note: PacSci is currently closed.
Whether you’re looking for a fully immersive VR experience or you simply want your kids to test the VR waters, Pacific Science Center has got what you need. They’re on a mission to demystify virtual and augmented realities, and make both easy and accessible for kids and their caregivers. Letting patrons play is the first step. Engaging them in convos about where these futuristic tools will take us is the next level. Experience VR in one of two ways:
Intro to VR: Visit this permanent location next to Titan that allows kids 6 & up to explore different themes like art, ocean and nature, virtually. You’ll find a different VR menu each day, and reserving a spot is as easy as putting your name in at a restaurant. They’ll call you when it’s your turn; you and the kids explore the science center while you’re waiting. Included with admission or membership.
Expedition Titan: Sign up to Beta test this location-based VR that’s a total blast. It’s a free-roam experience for kids ages 10 & up that gives them the chance to travel to Saturn and explore its largest moon, Titan. Along the way they’ll run into an asteroid field, stop at an outer space visitor’s center and descend into a cryovolcano. This 4D experience augments reality with rumbles, wind and scents that make it a more-than-memorable flight. Edutainment at its scientific best! $15/non-member; $12/member.
Pacific Science Center 200 Second Ave. N. Seattle, WA 206-443-2001 Online: pacificsciencecenter.org
Portal
Hsiao-Ching Chou
Seattle’s original VR lounge, Portal boasts all the bells and whistles. Not only do they host an extensive game library, with more than 30 family-friendly options, but they rock booth play for the full VR experience, too. With 10 booths at their Seattle location and 12 in Bellevue, players can either walk-in to play for 15 or 30 minutes, or book online for longer 60- and 90-minute sessions. While you’re waiting, you can watch others play through booth windows or on the oversized HD TV’s scattered throughout the lounge. Remember to read up on the important deets to make the most of this VR experience. Ages 8 & up.
Good to know: There are two special attractions that serve as a great gateway to VR gaming. Plank Experience is a quick 2-3 minute game that costs just $4.99. Or try Glide Simulator for $4.99/5 mins., or $9.99/10 mins.
2601 N.W. Market St. Seattle, WA 206-494-0102 Online: portalvr.us
Arena Sports
courtesy Arena Sportz, Mill Creek
When you need a solid play window so you and the kids can really dig in to arcade and VR games, Arena Sports in Mill Creek is the place to go. Purchase any of their two upper tier play packages ($29.95-$39.95/person) and families can get unlimited gaming in the arcade for up to 3 hours, plus two VR experiences that last about 5 minutes each. The Hologate dishes up family-friendly gaming and kids as young as 5 are welcome to participate, as long as they can wear the gear. In the arcade you’ll find all your faves, likes Pac Man, Mario Kart and Big Bass Wheel (a definite kid favorite!).
Good to know: Summer play packages are dropping soon; keep an eye on the website for details.
13500 Bothell Everett Hwy. Mill Creek, WA 425-341-7050 Online: arenasports.net
Arcade & Pinball
Another Castle—Arcade Edition
Chole Crumbliss
Editor's note: This location is currently closed.
Pack plenty of quarters before making your way to Edmonds only all ages, all the time gaming spot. This old-school shop that shares space with a classic video game store (make sure to take a peek there, too) is a great way for parents to turn back the clock while kids play on any number of the more than 20 pinball and myriad arcade machines. Introduce your kids to classics like Tetris, Donkey Kong and Frogger (just .50 a pop!). In turn, they’ll school you on Mario Kart and Jurassic Park, but that’s probably fair. As for eats, they serve up bottles and cans of beer for parents and have plenty of snacks and sodas available for purchase.
Good to know: Sundays from 3-4 p.m. Another Castle Arcade hosts a Kid’s Pinball Tourney (ages 13 & under) with a $5 buy in and a cash prize for the winner. Psst..it pairs nicely with the $1 off beer Happy Hour deal that runs all day. Be sure to call ahead if you’re thinking about checking out the tournament, as they’re in the process of changing it up a bit.
Editor's note: Although these locations are open, the arcade games are unavailable.
There are few things that pair as well as pinball and ice cream, and that’s why Full Tilt has long been a favorite of Seattle families. Whether you hit up the original location in White Center or try out their latest flavors in Ballard, the clink of quarters and ringing bells of the pinball machines can be heard. So grab a cone and relax… the kids are honing their pinball skills right where you can see them. You can join in once you’ve finished your sweet treat.
Good to know: You won’t find many games at the U-District location. If you’re looking for beer to go with your cone and games, White Center and Ballard have it on tap, while Columbia City serves it bottled.
White Center 9629 16th Ave. S.W. Seattle, WA 206-76704811
Columbia City 5041 Rainier Ave. S. Seattle, WA 206-226-2740
U-District 4759 Brooklyn Ave. N.E. Seattle, WA 206-524-4406
Ballard 5453 Leary Ave. N.W. Seattle, WA 206-29700
Editor's note: Although this location is open, the arcade games are not.
If you’re looking to game in Frelard, make like Dorothy and follow the green AstroTurf. You won’t find cowardly lions or heartless tin men, but you will find vintage arcade games and pinball machines that will delight kids of all ages. The laid back vibe and the air hockey table make it a great spot to spend an hour or two with the kids in tow. It’s all ages until 9 p.m.
This laid-back, throwback is a favorite of south end families. Maybe they love the pizza box artwork on the walls. Or the face that arcade games only cost a quarter and pinball costs two. It’s truly an all-ages destination where everyone can get in on the fun. Bring your quarter roll to spend time playing Pac-Man, Donkey Kong and Galaga with the kids. Five bucks goes pretty far to keep the kids busy. The best part? 8-Bit’s size makes it an easy spot for parents to keep an eye on their little players while they sit back, relax and reminisce.
Good to know: Parking is tricky so give yourself plenty of time to navigate the one-ways and find street parking.
If pinball is what you crave, the Seattle Pinball Museum won’t do you wrong. The museum has over 50 pinball machines and a few old-school video arcades, with titles ranging from long-ago generic games to contemporary sports, movie and rock ’n’ roll themed machines that are totally recognizable. Visitors play a flat fee for either one entrance (stay and play) or multiple (come and go as you please on the same day), to free play many of the machines. The best part? You and the kids can learn about pinball history while you’re there. Look for posted placards that explain the lineage and development of each pinball game throughout the museum, or scan QR codes with your smart phone for awesome in-depth descriptions to totally geek out. Ages 7 & up.
Good to know: If you’re looking for quieter play times at this popular spot, try Sundays (especially when the Seahawks play) and Mondays.
Marry your family’s love of arcade games with board games at the Raygun Lounge. This Capitol Hill gamer’s paradise is always family (and dog!) friendly. So bring the kids and sit down to a carefully curated collection of pinball and arcade machines, lined up nicely waiting to be played. Board games and plenty of seating are available if you need some time away from all the bells and whistles.
Good to know: If board games are on your radar, plan to buy at least a drink or a cookie to borrow them without a charge.
501 E. Pine St. Seattle, WA 206-812-2521 Online: raygunlounge.com
Editor’s note: We’re making every effort to provide you with the most up-to-date information. However, sometimes closures occur at the last minute due to circumstances beyond our control, such as the spread of COVID-19. We highly recommend that you call ahead before you pack your kids pack your kids (and all those snacks, and diapers…) and haul them across town. Stay safe!
This month is full of free and cheap things to do with your family in the Bay Area including pumpkin patches that you can visit with your family and loads of farms with baby animals that are great for visitors. Scroll through and pick some of your favorites for your October calendar!
CuriOdyssey's Autumn Nights Festival
CuriOdysse
Celebrate the spirit of Halloween every Friday and Saturday night in October at CuriOdyssey’s Autumn Nights, a glowing harvest festival for families! Dance to spooky music and celebrate with a cash bar. Explore a land of creepy and fun jack-o-lanterns. Meet animals up-close and see them enjoy Halloween-themed wildlife enrichment. Event details.
This October, take the Bay Day Trail Challenge and pledge to walk, run, bike, wheel or paddle 25-miles along the Bay Trail or choose five adventures to connect and engage with the Bay, your way. There are more than 350 miles of open space and trails to explore and there’s an adventure for everyone. Complete the challenge and you’ll be entered to win the grand prize. Event details.
Zoppe Italian Family Circus Drive-In
Zoppe Family Circus
The Zoppé Italian Family Circus welcomes guests into a classic drive-in style event for their 2020 performance. For 2020, Zoppé brings a show timely referred to as “The Show Must Go On”. This one-ring circus honors the best history of their 178 year old Old-World Italian tradition and stars Nino the Clown, along with many other thrilling acts. Uniquely intertwining historic footage and live performances, this is a show only a pandemic could create. Event details.
SFMOMA Reopens with Free Admission
SFMOMA
The museum is open to the public (at 25% capacity) with two weeks of Free Community Days and free parking at the museum. Come back and enjoy the tranquil galleries, airy terraces, kid-friendly spaces, and world-class artwork you love, or visit for the first time and discover something new. Oct. 4-18. Event details.
Safely enjoy seasonal menus, craft cocktails and Beetlejuice under the stars. Purchase your drive-in movie ticket and order a to-go meal to enjoy with the show. Oct. 17. Event details.
Take Your Kids on a Bay Area Scavenger Hunt
WolfmanSF via Wikimedia Commons
Ready for a little home town adventure? This scavenger hunt idea will have you exploring the San Francisco Bay Area with the kids in a totally COVID-19 safe way. Hop in the car or head out on your bikes to find these Bay Area landmarks and Insta-perfect locations. You can download this scavenger hunt for kids here.
Visit the SF Botanical Garden
Kathryn Rummel
See what's in bloom at this massive garden in Golden Gate Park. Advance purchase of tickets is suggested. SF residents get in free every day. Admission is free to everyone daily from 7:30-9 a.m. and all day on the second Tuesday of the month. Event details.
Hike + Read at the Presidio's Storywalk
Allison Farrel
Read The Hike by Alison Farrell while exploring the Presidio. Join three friends on a hiking adventure while learning about nature in your national park. Event details.
Check out these roadside oddities
Garrick Ramirez
If you need to get out of the house and hit the road, these roadside oddities are the perfect destination. Can you check them all off?
While we can't visit the California Academy of Science at the moment, you can still see how the penguins are doing via three cameras in their enclosure. Then, head over the live Philippine Coral Reef camera to see all the unique creatures that make up that exhibit. You can also check out all the Academy's fascinating specimens here (see Research Specimens on the right-hand side).
This webcam will give you a live look at the PIER 39 sea lions and Alcatraz Island. Learn all about these amazing creatures and why they came to live at PIER 39 after the 1989 earthquake here.
A quintessential activity for Bay Area residents is walking across the Golden Gate Bridge. You can do that from the Marin side at the water level by parking at Fort Baker (near the Bay Area Discovery Museum) and walking the steep climb a mile uphill to get to the bridge. Another alternative is to park at the North Tower Golden Gate Parking lot (or nearby along Conzelman Road if the lot is full). Don't miss a walk to the Ridge Battery for some of the best views. See more of our Marin Headlands faves here.
Whether your idea of fun is enjoying a cascading waterfall or spending some time walking trough a Japanese tea garden, Golden Gate park is the place to be. It has over 1,000 acres to explore. Find a full list of all the free fun in Golden Gate Park here.
With gorgeous weather pretty much year round, it's always a good time to head out and explore a new trail. In the spring you can check out all of the local waterfall hikes. Even the youngest walkers will enjoy these hikes that are perfect for them. Or, strap the kids in the stroller and set out on one of these paths that are perfect for stroller hikes.
See the sea life at a nearby tide pool
Kate Loweth
Check the tide schedule and pick a time when the tide is super low before heading out to one of your local tide pools. Kids will love searching for the colorful sea stars, quick-as-lightning minnows and clunky sea snails. The James Fitzgerald Marine Reserve in Half Moon Bay is an ideal spot for tide pool novices as they often have docents there on the weekends to point out all the critters to the kids.
Editor’s note: We’re making every effort to provide you with the most up-to-date information. However, sometimes closures occur at the last minute due to circumstances beyond our control, such as the spread of COVID-19. We highly recommend that you call ahead before you pack your kids pack your kids (and all those snacks, and diapers…) and haul them across town. Stay safe!
If you are looking for something to do in Boston this weekend with your family, we’ve got the list for you! October has lots of free and cheap things to do with your family around Boston, MA like some interactive virtual events and museums that have just opened to visitors. Get your calendar out and block off your days for these awesome events for kids and families.
It's the most wonderful time of the year! The pumpkin patches are in full effect and we've got all the scoop right here.
StoryWalk on the Trails at Chestnut Hill Farm
StoryWalk is an innovative and delightful way for children—and adults!—to enjoy reading and the outdoors at the same time. At Chestnut Hill Farm, they change our StoryWalk story each month so you can enjoy it again and again. Event details.
Visit the "Go Out Doors" Exhibit
A project of The Umbrella Arts Center program, Go Out Doors features fourteen doors painted by nine regional artists installed on the West Concord section of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail between Route 2 and Powder Mill Road. Event details.
Take the Kids Apple Picking
Jennifer Young
Apple picking is great for kids as the fruit is within kid reach and there are no thorns to deal with. Bring home a bushel and make yourself a pie and everyone’s favorite homemade applesauce (snag yourself this handy peeler, you’ll thank us later). Find all our favorite Boston-area apple picking spots here.
At the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, you can be a part of the famous event that forever changed the course of American history through a multi-sensory experience that includes live actors, interactive exhibits, and full-scale replica 18th-century sailing vessels! Event details.
Appleton Farms Guided Tour
Kadres via Pixabay
Enjoy a guided tour to explore some of this very special place and experience its beauty and history firsthand. Event details.
Pizza Picnics at Appleton Farms
Pizza Photo Guy
Pizza Picnics at Appleton Farms features pizza baked in our wood fire oven, made fresh by hand when you order! Non-alcoholic beverages and assorted sweet treats will also be available to purchase on site, as well as beer or wine from one of our local featured vendors. Pick a spot anywhere on the grass for a picnic-style meal – picnic blankets are strongly encouraged! Event details.
The Museum of Science invites you to explore everything from the latest high-tech developments to dinosaurs, space travel and the natural world. To ensure you have a safe & T-rex-cellent experience, the Museum will admit a reduced number of visitors each day. All visitors need to purchase a timed ticket before visiting. Event details.
Hay Ride at Appleton Farms
Suzi Walker via flickr
Explore Appleton Farms on a hay ride tour! Undoubtedly the best way to experience our 350+ year old farm and all of its spectacular grounds and animals. Rides will take place every twenty minutes during our Friday evening Pizza Picnics. Event details.
Boston Lights: A Lantern Experience
Tianyu Arts and Culture
Walk (socially distanced, of course) through a luminous 66-foot-long shark tunnel, dramatic entrance arches, radiant flower gardens and traditional Asian lantern scenes. Glimmering butterflies, whimsical ocean scenes and a majestic 197-foot-long dragon will light up the night sky. Little entertainers can even make their own music on a giant step-and-play piano! Through Nov. 1. Event details.
At Home with Boston Children's Museum
Boston Children's Museum
The Boston Children's Museum has your back in all things homeschooling and keeping the kids entertained. Follow their social media accounts for fun at home activities, homeschooling info, their list of our list of #100WaysToPlay and so much more! Daily. Event details.
The Museum of Science, Boston, one of the world’s largest science centers, has launched a digital Museum experience for audiences, MOS at Home. With multiple live presentations throughout the day, creative engineering projects, podcasts, kid-friendly activities, and more, the Museum is inviting the community to visit remotely for new content every day. Daily. Event details.
Franklin Park and Stone Zoo present #ZooToYou: a daily dose of animal cuteness, chats with our care staff, crafts and activities to do at home, and more! Daily. Event details.
Virtual Visit to the New England Aquarium
New England Aquarium
Dive into the lives of fascinating aquatic creatures with the New England Aquarium's #VirtualVisits! Each day the Aquarium's educators will be posting live videos on their social media accounts allowing everyone to learn more about the aquarium and it's animals. Daily. Event details.
This online tour of the Salem witchcraft trials sites allows you to view locations around Essex and Middlesex counties and a few key sites in and around Boston that are related to the events of the year 1692. You may select a town or city below to view pictures (where available) and read about the sites in these locations.This section contains descriptions of the sites from the witchcraft trials which can still be seen today, including original houses, foundations, grave sites, and sites marked by historic markers. Daily. Event details.
You can bring history into your home with a range of online programs and resources for families and individuals—from new History @ Home™ live virtual visits with Plimoth educators to coloring pages for children to Interwoven podcast series.
For more virtual fun every day of the week, head to our virtual events calendar. You'll find dance classes, scavenger hunts, animal encounters, drawing classes and MORE!
It’s like October totally gets us, with pumpkin patch visits, corn maze adventures, and a reason to finally wear cozy sweaters. When you add in plenty of free things to do in Seattle with kids, we think it just might be the best month evah. So get out your family calendar and fill it with our favorite ways to spend time with your little pumpkins on the cheap.
Sensebellum
Experience pop-up art Bring the kids to this one-of-a-kind, interactive artistic experience that blends art and technology in fresh ways to safely bring people together and stir the mind. Tuesdays-Sundays through Oct. 17. Event details.
Mark Grantor
Enjoy car-free biking along the lake Bring your bikes, scooters and running shoes because it's time to enjoy fresh air and exercise on Lake Washington Boulevard. The street closure has been extended and this is your last chance to get in on the fun. Daily through Oct. 5. Event details.
Read in a park Take the kids to the Kenmore Library to read Bea’s Bees as part of PopUp StoryWalk’s outdoor installation. Daily through Oct. 9. Event details.
Turn up the volume Seattle Children’s Theatre is bringing beloved children’s literature to life through a crescendo of whimsical melodies and narrated plots that brighten your morning. Saturdays. Event details.
Read with Rover Sign up for a spot then have your emerging reader sit down (virtually) to read to a furry friend. Saturdays. Event details.
LEGOLAND Florida, Merlin Entertainments Group, Brian Blanco
If you build it… Seattle’s beloved BrickCon is going virtual this year. Tune in to see thousands of models built by LEGO enthusiasts and find everything your LEGO lover needs at the Brick Bazaar. Oct. 3 & 4. Event details.
photo library
Attend Seattle Féstal There are three ways to celebrate culture in the city this month. Tune in to CroatiaFest on Oct. 4. Event details.
TurkFest is a full weekend event that falls in the middle of the month. Oct. 10 & 11. Event details.
Finish up the cultural trifecta with Diwali Lights of India on Oct. 17. Event details.
Delve into history Jade Love Kids Foundation is offering a free, eight-week long after school program that seeks to introduce kids to the concept of historical issues in African American history. Starts Oct. 5. Event details.
Find adventure Grab your phone and head out in your hood because the Great Seattle Art Adventure is on. You can win prizes and engage with art around the Emerald City. Daily, Oct. 5-25. Event details.
photo library
Go spooky stargazing Join the Pierce College Science Dome staff as they search the skies for spookier things in space, if you dare. Thursdays. Event details.
Eat your veggies If you’ve ever wondered what edible plants grow in your garden, it’s time to find out. Plan to make a lovely salad (with dressing), sing songs and have fun at this virtual class. Oct. 6. Event details.
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Craft afternoon fun Miss Bekka turns her artistic skills to prepping for Halloween this year. Decorate mini pumpkins alongside your crew on Oct. 6. Event details.
Then make paper plate masks to complete your costume on Oct. 20. Event details.
Mix science and art Kids ages four to six are invited to learn about patterns and geometry, as they create a unique design of colorful mathematical art. Oct. 9. Event details.
Allison Sutcliffe
Play in a State Park It’s the last free park day of the year, and families are invited to explore the forest, fields and shores of our state’s fabulous parks. Oct. 10. Event details.
Light it up Get your lighted costumes, art and lanterns ready because this year's Luminata is going online. With a focus on sustainability, families can create with light. Oct. 10. Event details.
Paint pumpkins Julie from Clown Buggie Entertainment joins KU Kids at Home to host a craft-a-long painting pumpkins and answering questions along the way. Oct. 10. Event details.
August de Richelieu from Pexels
Bring on the boats During this virtual tour families will discover the incredible story of a group of American boys who went up against Hitler's best rowers in the 1936 Olympics. Oct. 15. Event details.
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Be a show off Is your brain full of forest facts? Do you love trivia? Play this pub-style trivia game with forest flare, hosted by a Tillamook Forest Center Interpretive Naturalist. Oct. 20. Event details.
Attend a fall concert Join local fave Eric Ode and KidsQuest Children's Museum for a fall virtual concert that will have the whole fam signing, wiggling and dancing the night away. Oct. 23. Event details.
International Children's Friendship Festival
Celebrate kids! Attend The Seattle Children’s Festival from your living room. Kids can sing, dance, play and discover from home at this favorite annual fest. Oct. 24 & 25. Event details.
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Make weekends experimental Jump into science concepts with the Maple Valley librarians. We’ll play around with stretchy goop, pool noodle nuttiness, chemistry, physics and much more. Saturdays. Event details.
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Listen to an author talk Sit down with this brother/sister writing team as they share the story of Shiny, a whale child that becomes a boy to help humans understand the harm facing the world’s oceans. Oct. 27. Event details.
Hear spooky stories Costumes, kid-friendly books and traditional rhymes make this pet or stuffie dress up event perfect for all ages. Oct. 29. Event details.
Enjoy some chills and thrills at this spooky story program that will have kids ages 7 and up on the edge of their seats. Costumes encouraged. Oct. 29. Event details.
Editor’s note: We’re making every effort to provide you with the most up-to-date information. However, sometimes closures occur at the last minute due to circumstances beyond our control, such as the spread of COVID-19. We highly recommend that you call ahead before you pack your kids pack your kids (and all those snacks, and diapers…) and haul them across town. Stay safe!
Fill your October with tons of free and cheap things to do with your family all around Phoenix. We have virtual museum activities, drive-through zoo days and swimming days galore. Get your calendar filled with these great activities and events for families and kids in and around Phoenix, Arizona!
Cool Off at the Hudson Park Splash Pad
istock
The splash pad is open and ready to welcome you! Be sure to follow social distancing guidelines. Event details.
Food Trucks Friday West OPEN for Grab & Go
Come on Friday for multiple food trucks and get the family something tasty to take home. Oct. 2. Event details.
Fall Festival & Corn Maze at Vertuccio Farms
Markie Battaglia
Celebrate the season at Vertuccio Farms with this family-friendly festival. A seven-acre corn maze, pumpkin patch, barrel train rides, farm animals and lots more are part of the festivities. Pick up a perfect pumpkin for your Halloween jack-o-lantern while you’re there. Event details.
Visit the Arizona Railway Museum
Self-guided walk around the yard to view the equipment. Placards are located near each piece describing the historical significance. The yard is open-air (uncovered) and surfaced in crushed rock. Comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended. Event details.
Visit Schnepf Farms
brittney-dowell-via-unsplash
Throughout October, Schnepf Farms offers fun fall activities like hay rides, a 4-acre corn maze, a pumpkin patch, pig races and, of course, chili. Grab party food like a burger, chili dinner or succotash, and take a spin on exciting rides or the farm’s train. Fireworks light up the sky Friday and Saturday nights. Event details.
Head to the Drive-In Movie
Self-described as an atmosphere of “relaxed family fun with a mix of old-school drive-in vibe combined with the latest technology,” West Wind offers first-run movies (most of which double features) nightly across nine digital projectors — and it's the only permanent drive-in theater in Greater Phoenix. Event details.
Kick off your fall season memories at Tolmachoff Farms and experience the ultimate holiday outing where there is something for the whole family, including a great, big pumpkin patch, a 6-acre family corn maze, a mini corn maze, and a haunted corn maze. Event details.
Head on over to this pumpkin patch and more. Visit the animals in the Petting Zoo! Pet miniature ponies, pigs, goats, sheep, and lots of other fun and gentle critters. Event details.
Go Under the Sea (From Home)
Kate Loweth
While OdySea Aquarium is only open at limited capacity right now, you can get your fill of the wonders of aquatic life from home. The aquarium be sharing all kinds of educational content for kids (and adults!) who are at home learning. Find out what the animals are up to with live cams and explore! Daily. Event details.
i.d.e.a. Museum at Home
iStock
Create art projects, join in fun activities and keep the kids busy at home with the i.d.e.a. Museum. With Music Monday, Tasty Tuesday, Work Together Wednesday and more, you'll have plenty of things for the kids to do while they are home. Daily. Event details.
Visit the Virtual Arizona Science Center
iStock
Check out the virtual science center from the Arizona Science Center. Want to watch videos? Or make a volcano or even a rocket? They’ve got you covered. Explore DIY activities, virtual demonstrations, hands-on tutorials and more. Daily. Event details.
Virtual Story Time with Barnes & Noble
Head to the Barnes & Noble YouTube page for story times read by children's book authors. Follow #BNStorytime for more stories from your favorite authors, special guests, and more! Daily. Event details.
Check Out Our MASSIVE Virtual Events Calendar
istock
For more virtual fun every day of the week, head to our virtual events calendar. You'll find dance classes, scavenger hunts, animal encounters, drawing classes and MORE!
If you are looking to keep the kids busy this month, we’ve got the list for you! December is full of free and cheap things to do with your family around Orlando, Florida like food truck gatherings, Christmas light displays and even more. Get your calendar out and block off your days for the best family events and kids activities this month!
Winter Wonderland Spectacular at Celebration Town Center
Now Snowing, Central Florida’s original and premier “Snowing” event, offers one of the area’s only synthetic ice rinks, special community performances by some of the area’s top young talent, and special concert events throughout the season. Daily through Dec. 31. Event details.
Friday Farming on South Street
Maggie Zhao via Pexels
Every Friday morning, you are invited to this 1/4-acre urban farm plot in West Orlando to learn about how our food is grown and to help with the endeavor. Event details.
Museums on Us Weekend
iStock
Bank of America cardholders can get free admission to many museums the first full weekend of the month, including the Orlando Museum of Art. Dec. 7-8. Event details.
Build a Christmas Countdown Calendar at Home Depot
Home Depot
Create your own countdown to the holidays, and have a blast with your child while doing it. Kids develop hands-on skills with sanding, nailing and applying stickers. With help from parents and store associates, your child will make a merry memory this holiday season. Dec. 7. Event details.
Insect Safari at the Oakland Nature Preserve
Lindsay Wildlife Experience
Led by entomologist Christy LeDuc, this is a fun program where attendees will learn about different native insects of Florida. The Program will start with a brief classroom presentation, following by a guided hike on the Preserve, where attendees have the opportunity to see bugs up close and personal! Dec. 7. Event details.
Little Artisans on Sundays
iStock
Drop by the Hamlin Artisan Market every Sunday and enjoy a free, new "LITTLE ARTISANS" craft project perfect for the whole family. Event details.
Museum of Osteology celebrates vertebrate life by providing guests with an engaging adventure full of discovery, with the hopes that through education, we will help cultivate an appreciation of the natural world and ultimately lead to conservation for the future. Event details.
Mother Goose y Amigos Bilingual Story Time
iStock
Bienvenido to Mother Goose y Amigos! Journey with us as we explore the Spanish language in this unique bi-lingual Mother Goose Storytime. Event details.
Free Family Funday at Mennello Museum of American Art
Every second Sunday of the month is Free Family Funday! Join us at the museum for free admission, a free miniature fine art project and free docent touring. Dec. 8. Event details.
Art & Music in the Park, Plus Food Trucks
While listening to the music, guests will be able to stroll through the park and shop at more than 15 local businesses and artisan booths selling jewelry, photography, paintings and an assortment of other unique gifts and services. Also, there will be 12 gourmet food trucks from The Food Truck Bazaar, offering delicious culinary delights that range from savory to sweet to spicy and everything in between. Dec. 13. Event details.
Santa’s Wonderland returns to Bass Pro Shops and families are invited to enjoy this magical Christmas village offering free photos with Santa and free family holiday activities including fun crafts and games. Features include rustic Christmas cabins, holiday characters and live elves set amongst a dazzling backdrop of snow-covered hills and illuminated Christmas trees. The Santa’s Wonderland Christmas village offers remote control trucks, laser/foam toy arcade, Lincoln Logs building area and much more. Kids can also spend time at one of the activity tables where they can write a letter to Santa, color and do fun crafts, all for free. Event details.
See Elf at Popcorn Flicks in the Park
This Popcorn Flicks in the Park series features classic films for the whole family. These films are usually held on the second Thursday of each month in Winter Park’s beautiful Central Park and they are FREE and open to the public. Dec. 6. Event details.
Ride the Polar Express
This magical experience takes you and your children to the North Pole on board an actual train ride that recreates THE POLAR EXPRESS™ movie. You will have your golden ticket punched by the conductor, experience the dancing chefs who will serve cocoa and a tasty treat, interact with the hobo and other characters from the movie, along with enjoying a reading of the classic children’s book THE POLAR EXPRESS™ by Chris Van Allsburg. Upon arrival at the North Pole, Santa Claus and his elves will climb aboard and visit each family. Each child will receive a silver bell from Santa’s sleigh as the first gift of Christmas. After a rousing series of Christmas caroling, you will return to Tavares and reality with a renewed sense of Christmas joy. Event details.
Every fourth Friday the Town of Windermere Downtown Business Committee hosts Family Food Truck Night. The event is held on brick main street in front of Town Hall located in the heart of Downtown Windermere. Dec. 27. Event details.
Kids See The Wizard of Oz for Free
The Wizard of Oz
Our Peanut Butter Matinee Family Film Series usually occurs on the fourth Sunday of the month. It is always family friendly and FREE for kids 12 & under. A special Kid’s Menu is also offered! Dec. 22. Event details.
Get ready to fill up the calendar with loads of free and cheap things to do with your family this December! We’ve got tons of family-friendly events around Miami, Florida like Christmas light displays, free museum days and loads more. Scroll through to discover the best things to do with your kids this month in Miami.
Visit Bayfront Holiday Village
Bayfront Holiday Village will transform Bayfront Park into a shopping and entertainment destination for locals and tourists alike. The Village will become one of Miami’s most iconic offerings during the holiday season. Event details.
Free First Saturday at the Gold Coast Railroad Museum
The Gold Coast Railroad Museum is dedicated to preserving, exhibiting, and operating historic equipment. It houses over 40 historic rail cars including Presidential Rail Car 'Ferdinand Magellan,' and Florida East Coast Steam Locomotive #153. Visit on the first Saturday of the month for free days. Dec. 7. Event details.
Christmas is in the air in Santa's Enchanted Forest, Miami's holiday theme park. This venue has been a South Florida holiday tradition for more than 30 years. The whole family will enjoy the holiday light show, Christmas karaoke, holiday displays, Mistletoe Lane, and the tallest Christmas tree in South Florida. There are also magic shows, a freestyle motocross event, an aerial performance, a circus, thrill rides for big and little kids, animal shows, and a carnival. Event details.
Enjoy having hundreds of butterflies from all over the tropical world fluttering around you. Want to learn everything there is about these winged wonders? Then come to the Wings of the Tropics exhibit at the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden for an exciting and interactive learning experience that will make your kids beg you to bring them back. Event details.
Museums on Us Weekend
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Bank of America cardholders can get free admission to many museums the first full weekend of the month, including the Miami Children's Museum. Event details.
Ride the North Pole Limited
Come to the Gold Coast Railroad Museum to kick off the holiday season in a very special way. See Santa's Magical Toy Workshop come to live and then mingle with the Kringles before you board the train to the North Pole. Event etails.
Free Art Making at PAMM
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Every first Thursday, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., visit the Perez Art Museum Miami for this free monthly program featuring art-making sessions in the galleries, inspired by works on view. Dec. 5. Event details.
North Pole Pajama Party at the Museum of Discovery and Science
Start a family tradition and wear your pajamas or elf costumes for this festive event! Enjoy all Museum exhibits and a holiday science show, sip hot chocolate, concoct elf slime and decorate holiday ornaments. Your Pajama Party ticket also includes an invitation to journey to the North Pole in our IMAX theater. Dec. 1, 7-8, 14-15, 21-22. Event details.
Pinecrest Gardens transforms into a winter wonderland dotted by thousands of twinkling holiday lights that go up, through and around the whimsical botanical landscape. Dec. 13-Jan. 1. Event details.
Santa’s Wonderland returns to Bass Pro Shops and families are invited to enjoy this magical Christmas village offering free photos with Santa and free family holiday activities including fun crafts and games. Features include rustic Christmas cabins, holiday characters and live elves set amongst a dazzling backdrop of snow-covered hills and illuminated Christmas trees. The Santa’s Wonderland Christmas village offers remote control trucks, laser/foam toy arcade, Lincoln Logs building area and much more. Kids can also spend time at one of the activity tables where they can write a letter to Santa, color and do fun crafts, all for free. Event details.
Night Hike & Campfire at the Deering Estate
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Explore the woods and it’s wildlife as it comes to life at night! After the guided hike, gather around a campfire and enjoy complementary s’mores. Ages 4+. Dec. 11. Event details.
Little Lizards Program at Pinecrest Gardens
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This drop-in, informal program will feature new activities every Wednesday relating to a monthly theme. Lizards will read, explore, create and imagine while learning about the wonders of nature. No prior registration necessary. Weather permitting. Ages 3-10. Event details.
The NightGarden 2019 will feature more lights, new fun and interactive surprises, an expanded footprint that is 3X larger than last year, expanded parking, and an all-new, free AR augmented reality Fairy Quest challenge. Plus, The NightGarden is bringing back last year’s crowd favorites, including Archimedes, the Talking Tree, the flying fairies, the New Year's Eve fireworks spectacular, Miami’s finest food and beverage, and a new and more challenging lost fairy puzzle. Event details.
Check out what's new at this awesome kids' museum for FREE on the third Friday of the month. Due to large crowds, it is suggested that strollers be left at home. Dec. 20. Event details.
Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, passengers will relive the magic of the classic story as they are whisked away on THE POLAR EXPRESS™ for a magical one-hour trip to meet Santa. Once on board, your hosts will work their way through the car and punch your golden ticket before hot chocolate and a delicious cookie are served by dancing chefs. Passengers then read along with the classic children’s book, The Polar Express, by Chris Van Allsburg. Event details.
Build a Christmas Countdown Calendar at Home Depot
Home Depot
Create your own countdown to the holidays, and have a blast with your child while doing it. Kids develop hands-on skills with sanding, nailing and applying stickers. With help from parents and store associates, your child will make a merry memory this holiday season. Dec. 7. Event details.
