ML Interest Tag: free-samples

Why Nuts.com Is a Treasure Trove of Pantry Goodness

by Tinybeans Team
Partner Content

Keep your clan happy and healthy. It’s easy with Nuts.com, your one-stop online shop for everything you need to stock your pantry. From nuts to dried fruit to flours, snacks and sauces, discover how they’re helping parents fill their pantries with healthy delicious food in a convenient way. Special offer: Get four free samples with your first purchase of $25 or more. To redeem visit: nuts.com/redtricycle. Offer expires Sept. 31, 2016.

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A Family Guide to Hermosa Beach

by rtelenawf

With the beach, playgrounds, kid shops, restaurants, and outdoor activities all within 1.4 square miles (doable with a stroller and/or little legs), Hermosa Beach is perfect for the whole family. Ideal as a day destination from anywhere in LA, the fresh ocean air of one of California’s most beautiful beach communities is waiting for you. Here are our tips for finding all the pint-sized fun in Hermosa Beach.

photo: Mimi L. via Yelp

Playing

The Beach, The Pier & The Strand
In Hermosa Beach life centers around the beach (duh), and that’s a great place to start exploring. If you park near the Pier, you are perfectly situated to relax at the beach, stroll down the pier or bike (scooter, rollerblade or use any other wheels your family prefers) on the Strand.  In the summer, the beach beckons for lazy days of splashing and castle building, while in the winter sand berms stretch out from both sides of the Hermosa Pier providing plenty of ocean-front real estate for your little sand bunnies to try some SoCal beach sledding.  Wherever you wander from here (and we’ve got loads of suggestions below) be sure to come back to catch a breathtaking sunset over the ocean from the end of the pier, which is blissfully free of anything to do but gaze at the views.

The closest places to park are the two public metered lots on Hermosa Avenue at 11th and 13th Street. Public restrooms are available on the pier.

Where: 1 Pier Ave.

photo: South Park Playground by Melissa Heckscher

South Park Playground
This newly renovated, environmentally sensitive, natural and universally accessible playground is one of our favorites in town. And while you appreciate all those buzzwords, kids adore the giant cement slide, several climbing structures and grass tee-pees. There’s also a massive lawn to run around on, or play an impromptu game of soccer. Basically, it’s kid paradise.

Where: Valley Dr. & 4th St
Learn More: tinybeans.go-vip.net/los-angeles/south-park-playground-hermosa-beach/

Valley Park
This park has a little something for everyone: a playground for the littles, picnic tables, a soccer field and basketball court. It’s also immaculately maintained, with restrooms on site and 6-hour free parking. Valley Park also hosts special summer events like “Movie in the Park” and “Shakespeare By the Sea,” so check the schedules to see if you can cap your day by the beach with a little culture.

Where: Valley Dr. & Gould
Online: hermosabch.org/index.aspx?page=256

photo: Play Hive via Facebook

Play Hive
If you’ve exhausted the great outdoors and are looking for some indoor fun, check out Play Hive. It’s a clean, super fun indoor play space that entertains babies and toddlers alike. Open weekdays 10 a.m.-6 p.m., it’s $10 per kid, siblings $8. They also offer special weekend activities for kids, like “Super Hero Training.”

Where: 307 Pacific Coast Hwy
Online: playhivela.com

photo: Art Zone via Facebook

Art Zone
The Art Zone is a great way to spend quality time with your little ones. Check out the drop-in Studio Art class, for kids aged 18 months and up ($15 per ticket). Paint, finger paint, clay-play, printmaking, drawing materials and an exciting variety of collage and assemblage materials are available for kids to explore. Your tyke will be guided by an instructor who provides support and several project choices. Little ones will love expressing their creativity not only via art, but through imaginative play in the mud kitchen and water wonder room.

But the real reason it’s on our list is the Parents Night Out every Friday.  After a day at the beach catering to kids, parents can drop off the kiddos and enjoy a night out in Hermosa Beach as grownups, knowing the kids are having just as much fun as you. Each Friday night is centered around an art theme & activity, and pizza and pasta are also provided. $29 for the first child, $20 per additional sibling.

Where: 1102 Aviation Blvd.
Online: artzone4kids.com

photo: Hermosa Beach Cyclery

Hermosa Cyclery
The Hermosa Beach Strand is the perfect place for a bike ride, with a smooth cement path that connects the beach cities for miles; you can even bike to Santa Monica if you have the pedal power.  But if you don’t live nearby and you don’t want to load a zillion bikes onto the car, renting for a few hours is a great option. Rent tandem bikes (kids love to feel grown up on the back of an “adult” bike), or individual ones (training wheels available), strap on those helmets and get pedaling. In about a mile you can arrive at the Manhattan Beach Aquarium, or you can simply enjoy the wind in your hair and ride around until your quads get tired.  Then you’ve really worked up an appetite for something tasty…

Where: 20 13th St.
Online: hermosacyclery.com

photo: La Playita’s Facebook page

Eating

La Playita
Offering the very best view in town (and great margaritas), you may never want to leave. It’s super casual, hasn’t changed in at least 25 years and offers both indoor and outdoor patio seating. There’s a public park between the restaurant and The Strand, so it’s an ideal spot to let your kids run off energy pre-or post meal. La Playita is right next to The Beach House Hotel (a gorgeous place to stay if you decide not to rush back home).

Where: 37 14th St.
Online: laplayitacafe.com

The Green Store
Beach provision packing: this is the spot to stop at if on the way to the beach you realize you didn’t pack food and you don’t want to drag wet and sandy bottoms to a restaurant.  22nd Street boasts a swing set and public bathrooms where kids can stretch legs and use facilities while you stock up on sammys and snacks at this great little deli.

Where: 2151 Hermosa Ave.
Online: greenstorehb.com

Martha’s 22nd Street Grill
This breakfast will fuel your whole day. Sip your espresso at one of the groovy outdoor tables and enjoy the palm trees and beach view (only a half a block away). Kids adore their buttermilk pancakes, and you’ll dig into of the fresh California-style omelettes. If you can wait until you’ve soaked up your sun and need a treat for the ride home, swing by for one of their Oreo shakes.  They’re beloved for a reason.

Where: 25 22nd St.

photo: American Junkie via Facebook

American Junkie
With extended happy hour on Fridays, and drink specials on weekends too, American Junkie is a great place to grab an outdoor booth, hang out and enjoy the fresh sea air. The $6 kid’s meals (including a drink), not to mention grown-up happy hour food specials, make it a wallet friendly option. Generous portions, freshly made, good prices and an atmosphere that welcomes kids: it might be your new neighborhood joint, whether or not this is your neighborhood.

Where: 68 Pier Ave.
Online: americanjunkiehb.com

Good Stuff
Good Stuff boasts one of the best kid’s menus on the Strand (or frankly, anywhere in town), so it’s a perfect choice when you’re in the middle of a beach day.  Or at the beginning (Mickey pancakes!).  Or end (mac & cheese, steak bowls and more for the kids, beer and tacos for you!).  You get the picture.

Where: 1286 The Strand
Online: eatgoodstuff.com

Hot’s Kitchen
Loud and crazy means kids don’t have to sit quietly at this dinner place. With a delicious selection of 50 tacos, ranging from the most traditional “Mom’s Taco” to the exotic “Duck Confit Taco,” Hot’s serves up a casual-cool menu that ignites the taste buds and surprises the senses. The kid’s menu includes chicken fingers and hamburgers (in addition to kid-sized tacos). It’s a great spot to hang out and not worry about the noise your little ones create—it’s all a part of the “surfer meets sophisticate” buzz.

Where: 844 Hermosa Ave.
Online: hotskitchen.com

photo: The Source Café via Facebook

Sweets & Treats

The Source
Eating at the beach doesn’t have to mean burgers and tacos. Sometimes being in your bathing suit makes you yearn for something extra healthy. The Source specializes in handcrafted salads, smoothies, juices and other delicious health conscious fare. With a wide selection of gluten-free, paleo, and vegan baked goods (that actually taste amazing!), your kids will be delighted, and not even know they’re eating what’s good for them.

Where: 509 Pier Ave.
Online: thesourcecafehb.com

Paradise Bowls
So how about a sweet treat you can feel good about? Check out Paradise Bowls and order up a sinfully delicious (yet incredibly healthy) acai bowl. Kids will love the fun names like “Chocolate Tide” and “Electric Pink”, and will happily go for the mini sizes. With fresh ingredients like goji berries, bee pollen, cacao nibs and hemp seeds, your sweet tooth will be filled with good-for-you energy.

Where: 1246 Hermosa Ave.
Online: paradisebowls.com

Paradis
Or maybe you just want ice cream, because a day by the sea demands it.  Our favorite local scoop shop is the mini-chain (there are 7 SoCal locations) Paradis, which serves Danish style ice cream. Many, many tasting scoops later, we’re not really sure what makes it Danish (other than the 43 shops in Denmark) but it sure is delicious.  Kids particularly like the Rocky Road and Stracciatella (chocolate chip), while parents flip for the fresh sorbets that change with the season.  The sorbets are vegan and light, so you don’t have to feel guilty indulging alongside the kids.

Where: 1246 Hermosa Ave.
Online: paradis-icecream.com

photo: Lori Ford

Shopping

Gum Tree Kids
This shop feels like you wandered into the Hamptons with adorable, unique clothing and darling gift options for kids. Everything in the store is pretty to look at, whether it’s hand-made knitted dollies or humorous kitsch. (Where else can you buy a tub of beautifully sparkly “Unicorn Snot”?) Lots of charming retro items in cool packaging, like Cat’s Cradle and natural beeswax crayons. If you’re looking for a darling memento for your little darling, you’ve come to the right place—let your little one choose something charming to take home.  You can also eat (deliciously) at the next door Gum Tree Cafe with open air seating, healthy, largely organic fare with an Australian twist (yep, you can get Vegemite here) and friendly staff.

Where: 323 Pier Ave.
Online: gumtreela.com

Curious
Interested in some odd-ball shopping? Curious (and the next door shop, Still Curious) offers one-of-a-kind finds. A home décor and novelty store, older kids will have fun browsing through the unusual items. Curiouser and curiouser.

Where: 128 Pier Ave.
Online: curiousworkshop.com

photo: Hermosa Beach Farmers Market

 

Hermosa Beach Farmers Market
You just can’t beat a farmers market with a stunning view of the beach. Stroll through the market and check out the nearby shops too while you pick up your grocery list of fresh fruits and veggies. With train rides for the kiddos, balloon art and free samples, this is a must-do if you happen to be in town on Wednesdays between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Where: Hermosa Beach Pier Plaza
Online: farmermark.com/hermosabeach

Stars Antique Market
Do a little antique shopping and buy a unique vintage item from Stars Antique Market, which has over 7,000 square feet packed to the brim with gorgeous items from various antique sellers. While you browse with an eye on making your home Pintrest worthy, kids will  the unique nick-knacks and huge range of new-to-them stuff to discover.

Where: 526 Pier Ave.
Online: starsantiquemarket.com

photo: Parker Knight via Flickr

Have a blast exploring Hermosa Beach, and be sure to let us know what activities are favorites for your family in the comment section!

—Elena Wurlitzer Fenegan

additional image by Foodie K. via Yelp

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Historical Adventures Await In Utah’s Hidden Gems

by Gabby Cullen

Adventure. History. Jaw dropping scenery. If this sums up your vacation checklist, take a trip to Uintah and Wasatch Counties in Utah where you can check off every box on your getaway list. From a world-famous fossil quarry to historic train rides and amazing food along the way, Northeastern Utah is filled with hidden gems. Read on to find out why this makes an ideal family vacation destination.

Vernal, Ut

Three hours east of Salt Lake City, the seat of Unitah county is a hot bed for active travelers who enjoy biking, hiking, boating, camping and rafting. It’s also known as DinosaurLand, and is home to the world-renowned Carnegie Quarry and the dino trackways of Red Fleet Park. A charming mountain town, be on the lookout for city mascot Dina the Dinosaur as you and your outdoor enthusiasts embark on a journey that began 150 million years ago. Be sure to register for a Dinosaur Hunting Permit while in town, too!

What to Do

Carnegie Quarry at Dinosaur National Monument
It’s only a tiny section of the National Park but the Quarry Exhibit Hall is where dino-crazed kids of all ages will beg to start the sight-seeing. Gaze upon 1500 preserved bones in their natural state, touch a real fossil and be on the lookout for interactive touch screens with fun and educational info on each of the 10 species found in the rock. Chat with a baby Stegosaurus and see a nearly complete Allosaurous. Hike up or down to visit the quarry via the Fossil Discovery Trail, take a tram during the summer months, or drive yourself in the off-season. Be sure to stop by the welcome center for a daily movie about the history of park, alongside exhibits and gift shop.

Travel Tip: Consider also taking the Tour of the Tilted Rocks. You’ll discover Native American rock art, historic ranches and get snap-worthy shots of the Green River and Split Mountain. The Desert Voices Nature Trail has clear signage,  making it a perfect trail for kids.

Visitor Center
11625 E 1500 S
Jensen, Ut 84035
435-781-7700
Online: nps.gov/dino/index.htm

Red Fleet Lake
Head out to Red Fleet not only for the dinosaur trackways, petrified sand dunes and shale rock, but also for the teepees, 31 campsites, sandy beaches and boat rentals that keeps this reservoir a local favorite. Not as well known or as big as Flaming Gorge, this body of water is breathtaking, and worth the drive along the Dinosaur Diamond Scenic byway.

Travel Tip: The 2.5 mile hike to the dino trackway is in a separate location than the main park entrance. Be sure to check your map before heading out.

8750 N. Highway 191
Vernal, UT 84078
Online: stateparks.utah.gov/parks/red-fleet/

Utah Field House of Natural History State Park Museum
It’s Utah’s “Land of Yesterday” museum, but it’s also home to a working Paleontology lab. Visitors can start their tour with a short introduction film before moving into the fossil journey. The re-enactment of the dig site at the Morrison Formation (Carnegie Quarry) is very hands-on and little diggers get a chance to search for their very own fossils.

With step-by-step instructions, identification stations, fossil puzzles and even a kids lab where parents can relax, kids from ages 3 and up can enjoy learning about the local dinosaur neighbors, check out fantastic samples of geological history and even take a walk through time, ending up at the beginning of the Earth! The temporary exhibit rotates every six months, but it’s the rare fossils, ID games and wall of shale rock from the Green River Formation that will capture mini imaginations.

Travel Tip: Kids will be able to spot several of the life-size dinosaur replicas from windows inside the museum as well as take a peek inside the lab from outside the windows in the main hall.

496 East Main Street
Vernal, UT 8407
Online: utah.com/stateparks/field_house.htm

Where to Eat

Betty’s Cafe
Stop off at this local diner, home to huge cinnamon rolls and homemade jelly for quick service, friendly staff and awesome prices.

416 W Main St.
Vernal, Ut 84078
435-781-2728
Online: kvelads.com/bettys-cafe

Vernal Brewing Company
This modern, industrial-style space opened in 2013.  The pub serves up tasty local brews, fantastic appetizers (the brussel sprouts are a must) and local fave fry sauce. Be sure to ask for the kid kit. Littles will be busing coloring and bending twisty ties while you sample IPAs, porters and lagers.

55 South 550 East
Vernal, Ut 84078
435-781-2337
Online: vernalbrewingco.com

Antica Forma
Don’t let the fact this restaurant is attached to a Best Western fool you. Dishing out incredibly tasty Neapolitan-style pizza, everything is made in house or imported from Italy. The Lazzaroni is a local favorite and on Mondays kids can make Nutella dessert pizza. There’s a screen to watch your pie be created and upon request, pizza dough will be brought out to entertain tiny twiddling thumbs. After a day discovering dinosaurs, this is a great stop for families.

251 E Main St.
Vernal, Ut 84078
435-374-4138
Online: facebook.com/anticaforma

Little Sweet Pea
While not technically a restaurant, this sweets shop is filled to the brim with mouth watering treats. The dino gummies are a hit with tiny travelers and the peanut butter chocolate cookies are so good, you won’t be able to eat just one.

92 S 700 W
Vernal, Ut 84078
435-789-0688
Online: facebook.com/thelittlesweetpea

Where to Stay

Springhill Suites by Marriott
A modern hotel with plenty of amenities suited for visiting groups. A family-friendly room layout includes a small living space, workstation and mini-fridge/microwave combo. The downtown location makes for easy access to the Field Museum, Heritage Museum and shopping.

1205 West Hwy. 40
Vernal, Ut 84078
435-781-9000
Online: marriott.com/springhill-suites/vernal

photo: courtesy Heber Valley Office of Tourism

Heber Valley, Ut

Head 45 minutes into the hills out of Salt Lake City and you’ll find yourself in the lush Heber Valley. The vast span of mountains above this small town reminded the original Swiss settlers of their beloved Alps. Simply take a stroll through Midway to check out the cultural mark left on local architecture. A next door neighbor to swanky Park City, easy access to hiking, fly-fishing, skiing, hot springs and the only historical train ride in Utah make Heber Valley a year-round playground.

Heber Valley Historic Railroad
Take a ride through the valley on Utah’s only historical railroad. Nicknamed the “Heber Creeper,” the old locomotive will pick you up at the station, chug along the Provo River and around the shores of Deer Creek Reservoir. There’s a snack car with hot chocolate, candy and popcorn. Riders best keep their eyes and ears open, as the Creeper is often robbed by Black Jack Raven and Crazy Ani at the beginning of Rocky Mountain Outfitter Country!

Travel Tip: Seasonal events such as Dinosaur Days, Wizard’s Train and the North Pole Express are all popular events for little engineers.

450 South 60 West
Heber City, Ut 84032
435-654-5601
Online: hebervalleyrr.org

photo: courtesy Heber Valley Office of Toursim

The Crater at Homestead Resort
Ever gone swimming in a volcano? It’ll feel similar while taking a dip in unique geothermal spring. Water stays at a cozy 94 degrees, it’s 65 five feet deep and it’s the only warm water scuba diving destinations in the U.S.. You’ll need to make a reservation, life-jackets are required and you’ll think life doesn’t get much better when floating on your back looking up at the opening above.

Travel Tip: Even if you decide not to take a dip, a self-guided tour includes a look from the top as well as the geological and archeological history.

700 North Homestead Dr.
Midway, Ut 84049
435-654-1102
Online: homestead.com/utah-resort/homesteadcrater

photo: Philms via flickr

Cascade Springs
A perfect hike for little legs, the short and sweet walk through Cascade Springs in Wasatch Mountain State Park is only half a mile long and offers up spectacular scenery. Look for native trout in the clear waters, chase excited explorers down wooden bridges and paved paths and spot otters, beavers and moose.

Uinta National Forest, UT
801-785-3563
Online: gohebervalley.com/cascadesprings

Where to Eat

Dairy Keen
Home to The Train, the trainburger and famous shakes (over 60 flavors!) this quickie serve hamburger joint is a legendary nosh spot for folks with hungry babes in tow. The model train running above diners heads, LEGO and train tables and mini Hogwarts Express train keeps everyone entertained until the tasty food arrives, which makes this award-winning stop worth the crowds and kid-craziness.

Travel Tip: They offer gluten-free options and on sunny days the outside “train” tables are an extra fun factor.

199 S. Main St.
Heber City, Ut 84032
435-654-5336
Online: dairykeen.com

Heber Valley Artisan Cheese
In 2005, the family owned dairy farm started crafting their own cheese and it went off like gangbusters. Now selling various versions in grocery stores throughout the state, guests can head for the farm and factory to pick up their favorite, including the popular Wasatch Back Jack, garlic cheese spread and white cheddar curd. There’s also sandwiches, raw milk and the famous Aggie ice cream, made in Logan, Ut. It’s got a higher fat content than most ice creams and the Aggie Blue Mint is a rich treat for tiny tastebuds. Yum!

Travel Tip: Factory tours are available.

920 North River Rd.
Midway, Ut 84049
435-654-0291
Online: hebervalleyartisancheese.com

photo: courtesy Heber Valley Office of Tourism

Where to Stay

Homestead Resort
This charming resort in Mideway is nestled at the base of the of Utah’s “Alps” and is home to The Crater. Founded by a Swiss immigrant, part of the original hotel is still in operation. Choose between restored cottages, condos or suites, all of which are sprinkled around the resort grounds. Take a walk and look for ducks, enjoy guided hikes, campfires and fly-fishing during the summer; take a ski shuttle to Park City in the winter.

Travel Tip: Don’t leave without asking for a free sample of the Homestead homemade fudge.

700 North Homestead Dr.
Midway, Ut. 84049
435-654-1102
Online: homesteadresort.com

Which place would you visit first? Share with us in a Comment!

— Gabby Cullen

All photos by Gabby Cullen unless otherwise noted.

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Summer Streets Are Coming (With a Giant Water Slide!)

by Mimi O'Connor

August is perhaps New York City’s most quiet month (thanks to many people escaping the heat and humidity with last hurrah vacations), and the streets actually seem less-crowded here when it rolls around. The city takes advantage of this relative seasonal hush with Summer Streets, an entirely free program that opens a seven-mile stretch of streets to pedestrians and bikes, with lots of chances to play, eat, dance and learn about healthy recreation and sustainable transportation along the way. And yes, this year there will be a mega water slide, too.

photo: Slide the City

Taking it to the Streets

A program of the Department of Transportation, Summer Streets makes the seven-mile stretch of Park Avenue at 72nd Street to Lafayette Street at Brooklyn Bridge vehicle-free for three consecutive Saturdays in August (the 1st, the 8th and the 15th) from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cyclists, runners, walkers, rollerbladers, etc. are encouraged to come out and enjoy as little or as much of the route as they like.

But it’s much more than just open streets with no cars to dodge. Five rest stops are along the way, each offering different free activities and entertainment. The list of things to do and see is extensive, including everything from parkour demonstrations and dance performances to free bike repair and a 165-foot long, 30-feet high zipline, but each one is anchored by a big attraction or entertainment option.

photo: Marcia P. via Yelp

The Rest Stop Rundown

The Uptown Rest Stop (at 52nd Street and Park Avenue) will host dance, music, and comedy performances on a stage, while also offering free face-painting, art projects, bike rentals and the chance to climb in a big rig for a “Truck’s Eye View” of the road.

The Midtown Rest Stop (at 25th Street and Park Avenue) is home to the Whole Foods Market City Picnic, where you’ll be able to pick up lots of free samples and see demonstrations of juggling and tai chi and dance performances. Plus, this stop features free bike and rollerblade rentals as well as free helmets and helmet fittings by the Department of Transportation. Also: free bike repair!

The main attraction at Astor Place Rest Stop (at Astor Place and Lafayette Street) will be the American Kennel Club Dog Park, equipped with a grassy knoll, pools to splash in, a space to play and an agility course. Owners can also get a photo with their pooch at the Wooftale Photo Booth. Other attractions include arts and crafts, the chance to try a hand-cycle and walking tours.

photo: Larry L. via Yelp

The SoHo Rest Stop (at Spring Street and Lafayette Street) is all about the hardbodies, thanks to classes from Crunch Gym. Classes include yoga, pilates, Retro-robics, Street Jazz and Boot Camp. You’ll also find free bike rental and Honest Tea samples here.

The Foley Square Rest Stop (at Duane Street and Centre Street) is where the intense action is happening. The big attraction is the Vita Coco Beach featuring Slide the City, the giant water slide (more on that later). You’ll also find the zipline, misting stations, lots of free Coco Vita Coconut water and a “virtual technology” beach experience.

Soccer will also be big at Foley Square, thanks to the NewYork-Presbyterian Lower Manhattan Hospital Soccer Zone, where freestyle soccer players will do demonstrations and play, with regular folks joining in. And be on the lookout for Ben Franklin wandering around: an historical reenactor will be at Foley Square, ready to engage in a bit of living history.

photo: Slide the City

So, About that Waterslide

This humongous slide has been popping up all over the country this summer, thanks to a company known as Slide the City.  It will be located at Foley Square, at the intersection of Centre Street & Lafayette Street, and while it is free to ride (one time per person) online pre-registration is required to ride the slide. You must be five years old and 46 inches or taller to ride; all kids under 18 must get sign-off from parents. (Be sure to read all the specifics and rules on riding the slide on the Summer Streets web site.)

Registration for the slide on the first Summer Street Saturday on August 1 opened on July 23; registration for August 8 opens on August 3 and registration for August 15 opens on August 10. To register and for further information visit the Slide the City website.

Will you be headed to Summer Streets this year? Have you done Slide the City? Tell us in the comments below!

—Mimi O’Connor

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10 Signs You’re a Lincoln Square Parent

by Kelly Aiglon

Life in “The Square” definitely has its benefits. The homey indie businesses! The summer concerts in the plaza! The adorable German vibe! If you live there — or are considering it — you already know how awesome Lincoln Square is for families. Read on for 10 signs you’re a parent in this blooming ‘hood. Do you relate to them?

1. You proudly walk to your Wiggleworms classes.

photo: Old Town School of Folk Music / Kevin Viol

2. Summer Thursdays look like this: play time at Welles Park, dinner at Costello’s, gelato at Paciugo and family music at the fountain. Yes, every Thursday.

photo: Lincoln Square / Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce

3. Davis Theatre is close to your heart. Your kiddos see all the new movies there — and don’t miss the mega cineplex one bit.

photo: Davis Theatre

4. Typical order-in night is Korean food.

photo: San Soo Gab San

5. You’ve brought your kiddo to a “session” at The Grafton Pub. And hosted at least one birthday party there.

photo: The Grafton Pub

6. Convenience is key. Especially considering that your kids can get their hair cut AND cut loose in the same building. (Give it up for Pickle’s Playroom!)

photo: Pickle’s Playroom / Tunes With Tim

7. You live in a three-story walkup. And even though climbing all those stairs is exercise enough, you’re a proud member of Lincoln Square Athletic Club.

photo: Lincoln Square Athletic Club

8. Your kids know the word charcuterie (and love it!) thanks to Gene’s Sausage Shop & Delicatessen. Rooftop season, here you come.

photo: Gene’s Sausage Shop via Richie D. on Yelp

9. A good time filler is walking the kids over to Mariano’s and going nuts over all the free samples.

photo: Mariano’s

10. Date night means not having to leave the ‘hood. After all, that’s what Huettenbar and Bistro Campagne are for!

photo: Bistro Campagne

What do YOU think is a sign of being a parent in Lincoln Square? Share it in the Comments below!

—Story by the fun folks at NPN (Neighborhood Parents Network)

Neighborhood Parents Network (NPN) has been connecting a diverse community of families with the resources they need to navigate parenting in the city for 35 years! NPN is essential for all expecting, new and seasoned parents.

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Get Your Scoop On at San Diego’s Newest Ice Cream Parlor

by Lenya McGrath

“You scream, I scream, We all scream for ice cream!” You and your kiddos will be screaming this after a visit to the newly-opened Sloan’s Ice Cream Parlor in Westfield UTC mall. This is not your typical ice cream or fro-yo shop. Instead it’s a luxury ice cream eatery where the frozen treats are just tip of the ice berg at this amazing palace of sweet.

 Photo Credit: Design:Retail via Sloan’s Ice Cream 

The Sloan’s Scene
The best way to describe the Sloan’s experience is like Alice in Wonderland meets Willy Wonka. As you step inside the store, be prepared to be hit with the intoxicating smell of waffle cones and chocolate fudge. Once inside, your littilies will be captivated by a sugary treasure-trove. One side of the shop is completely dedicated to ice cream, sundaes and baked goods. Across the way is a cabinet filled entirely of chocolate. Then feast your eyes on a candy heaven – rows of containers filled with gummies, jellybeans and other goodies. And if the sweets aren’t enough, thrown in for good measure around the store are some clever toys and gifts.

Photo Credit: Sloan’s Facebook page 

What to Eat
Sloan’s has more than 50 delicious ice cream flavors and ten sundaes. For the traditionalist, you’ll find yummy treats like Cookie Monster, the best-selling vanilla with chunks of Oreo cookies and homemade chocolate chips. If your sidekicks are feeling adventurous, check out fun flavors like Minnie and Indy’s Wonderland, a crazy concoction of pink buttercream ice cream with tons of cereal marshmallows, mini M&M’s, and rice krispie treats.

We love that all the ingredients are the real deal. So expect that if you buy a cone of Mom’s Apple Pie, you’ll find real apple pie in there! And better yet, all their ice cream is rBST free, so there’s no added hormones to worry about.

Sloan’s ice cream can be purchased in a cone or a kid-friendly cup. You can add toppings like hot fudge if that takes your fancy! Prices start at $4.99 for a small serving and go up to $10.99 for a quart. While the prices may seem a bit high, the serving sizes are pretty generous. Even a small size will get you two delicious flavors.

If ice cream doesn’t take your fancy or if you have kiddos on a dairy-free diet, there are plenty of other options to enjoy including an amazing mango sorbet. We also recommend checking out the sweet treats like homemade cookies, brownies, candy apples, homemade fudge, and amazing speciality chocolates.

Photo Credit: Sloan’s Facebook 

The Inside Scoop

  • With so much ice cream loving going on, Sloan’s tends to get pretty busy, especially on weekends. So be prepared to wait.
  • If your little ones are indecisive on their ice team treat, Sloan’s offers free samples so you can be sure you have the perfect dessert combination.
  • There is limited seating. So if you can’t find a table, get your treat to go and take advantage of the many Westfield UTC sitting areas.
  • Once you’re done indulging, let the kids burn off the sugar energy at the playground located between Sloan’s and Macy’s.
  • Be sure to check out the bathroom. You’ll be glad you did.

Sloan’s Ice Cream
Westfield UTC
4485 La Jolla Dr. F-13
San Diego, Ca 92122
858-224-8000
Online: sloansicecream.com

Have you tried Sloan’s Ice Cream?  Tell us what you think!

— Lenya McGrath

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8 Awesome (Yes, Awesome!) Things About Toddlers

by Huffington Post Parents

 This story by Jennifer Benjamin originally appeared on Momtastic.com. 

Between the tantrums and the defiance and the out-of-nowhere OCD, toddlers can definitely be challenging. Despite all of the meltdowns, though — both theirs and ours — kids this age are also particularly adorable. It’s probably what keeps us from leaving them with Grandma… permanently. If you haven’t noticed, time flies, and I have a feeling that in a few years, I’m going to miss these giggly, squealing, snuggly days. While it’s easy to gripe about the annoyances, I think it’s also important to embrace the sweetness of this stage. So, with that in mind, here are all of the things I actually love about toddlers:

1. The adorable way they butcher the English language. I mean, is there anything cuter than a toddler mispronouncing words? Some day, someone is going to correct them, but right now, they can still get away with saying, “Look, a hiccup truck!” and “It’s so cold, I’m brrr-ing, I’m brr-ing,” and “My want a cookie with sprinklers.”

2. The joy they get from the smallest things. Maybe it’s the wide-eyed way that we parents talk up the most mundane tasks, but you can get a toddler psyched about pretty much anything. “Want to help Mommy Swiffer the kitchen?” you ask. “Yes, yes, hooray!” they shout with joy. They’re thrilled to get stickers at Trader Joe’s. They think juice at a restaurant is a super special treat. And going to Costco, with its free samples and double-wide carts and giant frozen yogurt cups? It’s like they won the Mega Millions.

3. They’re perfectly cuddly. Kids in their 2s and 3s have lots of big emotions, which also include full-bodied, wholehearted love and affection. They will wrap their arms around your neck and squeeze tight, nestle their head on your shoulder, and throw their body around your legs with enough force to knock you off of your feet. Their faces light up when they haven’t seen you in a couple of hours, with big smiles and gleaming eyes that make you wonder what you possibly did to deserve this kind of greeting. And in those chill moments when they snuggle in close to read books or watch a show or just to rest, they fit so perfectly against your body, you think this must be exactly what this age was meant for.

4. The drama, oh, the drama. While little ones this age might not hold a grudge, they certainly know how to milk it. When they’re truly upset, sure, that can be rough, but when it’s simply whining, with fake cries and crocodile tears, it’s hilarious. If I dare refuse to give my son some cake for breakfast, he furrows his brow, wraps his arms around himself and gives an audible “harumph.” If he’s going for a full-on, Oscar-worthy performance, he might even fall back onto the couch, a forearm over his eyes for “Oh, the humanity” effect.

5. They still take naps. Sure, there are days when they fight it or spend a good hour making a slide out of the couch cushion in their room. For the most part, though, toddlers take a nap almost every day. They give their parents an hour or two of peaceful silence to read a book or watch Bravo or take a snooze themselves. Naps, sweet naps. Please, never ever ever end.

6. They have no filter. At this age, they have pretty vivid imaginations, and maybe even make stuff up sometimes. Still, they have no understanding of what’s polite, they’re not always clear on what may or may not be rude, and they aren’t really capable of lying. That’s why he might tell daddy that he has hair in his nose. Or she’ll loudly, and proudly, tell a stranger, “That’s my brother. He has a penis.” The best, though, is that they are blatant tattletales, and will confess to anything, which is especially helpful when you have twins. If one boy is crying, and I run in to see what happened, the other will usually tell me, “He took my lovey so my hit him in his face with my hand.” See? Mystery solved.

7. Their style is unique. Many toddlers insist on dressing themselves, and unless you’re going to, say, a wedding, it’s usually not worth fighting them on it. I’ve got to say that as much as I’m embarrassed by the ensembles my boys put together, they’re also good for a laugh. The other day, they both insisted on wearing brightly-colored, tie-dyed socks, which nicely complemented one’s florescent green sleeveless tee, and the other’s orange and green plaid button-down. I like to joke that they’re auditioning for clown college, but hey, as long as they’re wearing pants, I’m happy.

8. They still need us. Every now and then, one of my boys will have a nightmare, or just a rough sleep. When they were newborns, I dreaded those middle-of-the-night cries, but now, I actually don’t mind so much. I stumble in to their room to see one boy sitting up in bed, reaching for me. I silently scoop him up and sit in a chair, with his teary face against my chest, his little hand on my arm. I stroke his soft curls and wet cheek, listening for the steady breath of calm as he falls backs to sleep. My little babies are growing up so fast, but for right now, they still need their mommy, and I love that. I think I probably need it too. And I know that this toddler stage, this moment in time, won’t last forever.

This story by Jennifer Benjamin originally appeared on Momtastic.com. 

To read more, visit Huffington Post Parents by clicking here.

What it really feels like to raise kids today — from pregnancy to high school graduation and beyond. Read personal stories written by moms and dads, celebrate hilarious moments in parenting, get advice from experts and join our conversations.

 photo credit: Heather Katsoulis via Flickr

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Show and Tell: Take a Day Trip to Shenandoah Valley

by pat tanumihardja

Just because kiddo’s school year is in full swing, doesn’t mean you have to reign in your road trip wanderlust! You can still hit the road on the weekends and Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley is the perfect destination. The Valley stretches a couple of hundred miles from Winchester in the north down to Roanoke in the south, but the northern end is within an easy hour-or-so drive from D.C. Hiking trails, limestone caverns, and a potato chip factory (yes, a potato chip factory!) make for a show-and-tell worthy day trip.

Explore the Caverns
Caverns grow like weeds in the valley, but Shenandoah Caverns is our top pick because you get more bang for your buck. You pay just one admission ($23 for adults, $10 for kids 6-14, and free for kids under 5) and get to enjoy four separate attractions! Tour the underground caverns first. Ooh and ahh at fascinating limestone formations with giggle-inducing names like “Breakfast Bacon.” Then head over to see the window displays of Main Street of Yesteryear, the antique farm equipment in The Yellow Barn, and the amazing floats at American Celebrations on Parade.

261 Caverns Rd.(Quicksburg, Va)
888-422-8376
Online: shenandoahcaverns.com

Play With the Animals
The Luray Zoo is the only true rescue zoo in Virginia and is home to 250 animals—including venomous snakes, a Bengal tiger, and pigtailed macaques—that have been abandoned or abused, as well as retired zoo animals.

1087 U.S. Hwy 211 West (Luray, Va)
540-743-4113
Online: lurayzoo.com

Snack Time!
Route 11 Potato Chips is famous for their unique flavors (Dill Pickle or Chesapeake Crab anyone?) and quality ingredients like unrefined sea salt and organic sweet potatoes from Virginia’s very own Quail Cove Farm. Fans can stop by the factory to see what really goes into making small-batch potato chips. The plant is open to the public Mon–Sat, 9:00 am-5:00 pm, but call in advance to make sure they’re cooking on your visit day. And did we mention the free samples?

11 Edwards Way (Mt. Jackson, Va)
540-477-9664
Online: rt11.com

Get Goofy
Okay, so a few dozen life-sized dinosaur replicas (not to mention the token King Kong) scattered throughout a park may sound a little cheesy. But your kids will love this roadside attraction! And Dinosaur Land‘s giftshop is a treasure trove of dinosaur paraphernalia to stock up on gifts for your dino-loving offspring.

3848 Stonewall Jackson Hwy. (White Post, Va)
540-869-2222
Online: dinosaurland.com

Take a Hike
The absolute must-visit jewel of the valley, Shenandoah National Park stretches 105 miles from Front Royal to Waynesboro-Charlottesville, straddling the Blue Ridge mountains. It’s pure awesomeness for nature-lovers! Stop by the visitor’s center for tips on the best hikes for little ones. And ask about our favorites:

1. Big Meadows (mile 52)- Get ready for plenty of miles of hiking trails and almost-guaranteed sightings of neat animals such as white-tailed deer, or chipmunks.
2. The Limberlost Trail (mile 43)- A wheelchair accessible trail that loops around 1.3 miles, this makes for an easy hike with plenty of critters to keep wee ones enthralled.
3. Dark Hollow Falls (mile 50.7)- The trek’s a little bit of a workout—1.4 miles out and back with elevation gain and loss—but you’ll be rewarded with an up close and personal encounter with a waterfall.

Online: nps.gov/shen.com

Have you been to Shenendoah Valley? Tell us about your trip in the Comments section below. 

—Pat Tanumihardja

Photos courtesy of Route 11 Potato Chips, chanchan222 via Flickr, davidmurr via Flickr, Aguilas2011 via Flickr, Viennamarie1977 via Flickr

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