ML Interest Tag: go-kart

4 Mini-Amusement Parks to Visit Now

by Natasha Davis

It’s safe to say you’ve conquered summer. From playing hard at the coolest playgrounds to checking out Chicago’s newest eateries, you’ve given summer all you’ve got. But, before the school bell rings give your kids one more adventure at a local amusement park. From a pirate-themed destination to an amusement park that’ll get you amped for Halloween, here’s where to go to end your summer with a bang.

photo: Haunted Trails

 

Haunted Trails Family Amusement Park
Fall is coming, but the monsters are already here. Get ready for a ghoulish good time at Haunted Trails Family Amusement Park where your kids can choose from two mini-golf courses, scream for joy on rides like the Dragon Coaster, Monster Hop or Bone Shaker or get their thrills on three go-kart tracks (there’s even a track specifically for kids as young as four years old). End your adventure by fueling up on homemade pizzas, specialty sandwiches wraps and fresh salads. 

Open: June-Aug. from Sun.-Thurs., 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri. & Sat., 10 a.m.-11 p.m.

Cost: There is no admission fee, all attractions are pay as you play and cost $2-$6.50, with additional costs for tokens in the game rooms and batting cage rentals, see website for more details. 

1423 N. Broadway St. (Rt. 53)
Joliet, IL
815-722-7800
Online: hauntedtrailsjoliet.com

photo: Kid Pirates by Michael Coghlan via flickr

Pirates’ Cove
Ahoy mateys! Pop on a pirate hat and sail on over to Pirates’ Cove for a pint sized magical journey. It’s all about staying active in this park and with the Barnacle Bay Paddle Boats, PJ’s Perch Climbing Area and the Pirate Plunge Fun Slide, it’s a pirate’s (active) life for your little ones. If you’re looking for a breather, take a relaxing ride on the Capitan’s Carousel and the Safari Express Train. As a special treat, Pirate’s Cove Movie Night is taking place at dusk (around 6:15 p.m.) on Friday, September 11, 2015 with a screening of the Disney classic, A Goofy Movie. 

Open: May 30-Aug. 16; Mon., Wed., Fri. & Sat., 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Tues. & Thurs., 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Sun., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Additionally they are open Sat. & Sun., Aug. 22-Sept. 13 & Mon., Sept. 7; noon-4 p.m.

Cost: Tickets starting at $11/non-resident child; $9/resident child; free for adults; check website for additional price information.

901 Leicester Rd
Elk Grove Village, Il
847-437-9494
Online: elkgroveparks.org/Pirates_Cove

photo: Donley’s Wild West Town by jacksonpe via flickr

Donley’s Wild West Town
Introduce your little city slickers to a little slice of the frontier. Pan for your own treasures at The Sweet Phylis Mine, practice some nice shootin’ at the pop gun gallery, take a whirl at the art of Tomahawk throwing and learn how to rope a steer like the pros. Of course, there will be plenty of time for pony rides and train rides. 

Open: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. everyday.

Cost: Tickets starting $17/person; free for children 2 & under; discount tickets available at select Walgreens.

8512 South Union Rd.
Union, Il
1-800-290-2090
Online: wildwesttown.com

photo: Santa’s Village AZoosment Park by Martin Lewison via flickr

Santa’s Village and aZoosment Park
Come for the rides, stay for the animals. With 19 rides, this park is a kiddie dreamland. Your fam can take a swing on the pendulum of fun that is the Viking Sea Dragon, take a trip on two sweet coasters, have a whippin’ good time on a classic tilt-a-whirl, and visit the ferris wheel and space adventure built specially for the kiddos. If fuzzy creatures are more your pace, meet new animal friends on Tortoise Island, pet the bunnies hopping through the park, strike a pose with slinky snakes and take a relaxing pony ride. Don’t forget to visit the Alaskan Railway, which goes through the Caribou Crossing animal exhibit to get your little ones up-close and personal with the reindeer, bobcats and foxes. 

Open: Aug. 10-14 & 17-21, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Aug.-Oct., Sat. & Sun, Sept. 7 & Oct. 12, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Cost: Tickets starting at $22.75/person, plus tax; $16.75/senior (65 & up) & veterans, plus tax; $18.75/person, plus tax for Late Day admission, 3 hours before the park closes.

601 Dundee Ave.
East Dundee, Il
847-426-6751
Online: santasvillagedundee.com

Do you have any tips on visiting these mini-amusement parks with your kids? Which one is your favorite? Leave us a comment below!

— Natasha Davis

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High Octane Adventures For Extreme Families

by Shari Wargo Stamps

If a stroll through the park isn’t action-packed enough for your adventurous brood, it may be time to try out some extreme family fun. From jumping out of a perfectly good airplane to climbing to great new heights, you’ll find a fix for your crew of adrenaline junkies right here.


Photo Credit: iFly SF Bay

Families With a Need For Speed

From sock races to laps in the pool, some families just like to do things a little faster than others. The Bay Area offers some fun ways to race with friends and family to satisfy your need for speed without compromising safety.


Photo Credit: GoKart Race

GoKart Racer
For the family who loves racing but wants just a bit more, GoKart Racer is the place to visit. Here, you can enjoy snacks from the cafe, pool tables, a lazer maze, arcade games, and choose from one of three racing tracks and sessions for kart racing! Ages 8 and up will have a blast playing the day away at either of the two GoKart Racer locations.

1541 Adrian Rd.
Burlingame, Ca
650-692-7223
Online: gokartracer.com

1430 Enterprise Blvd.
West Sacramento, Ca
916-604-7223
Online: gokartracer.com

K1 Speed Racing
With three fabulously centered locations in the greater Bay Area, K1 Speed Racing is the European style, zero-emission go-kart racing center of your dreams. Go up to 45 mph on tight turns co-designed by pro race car driver Boris Said to fit the standard of real racing. Whether it’s parent’s night out, a birthday party for your little adrenaline junkie or a family outing, K1 Speed Racing has you covered. Choose from a party package or buy races as you go.

2925 Mead Ave.
Santa Clara, Ca
Online: k1speed.com/santa-clara-location.html

S. San Francisco
160 Beacon St.
South San Francisco, Ca
Online: k1speed.com/san-francisco-location.html

K1 Speed Sacramento
3130 Bradshaw Rd.
Sacramento, Ca
Online: k1speed.com/sacramento-location.html

Families Who Can’t Keep Their Feet On the Ground

If “I Believe I can Fly” is your family motto and own personal jam, then some off-the-ground adventures may be more your family’s taste. Try a high-powered freefall with grandma, or watch your 16-year-old fly solo in his own plane!


Photo Credit: iFly SF Bay

iFly SF Bay
Ages 3 to 103 enjoy the exhilaration of free fall flight within the safety of a 1000 horse power vertical wind tunnel with experienced instructors at iFly SF Bay. Each flight is just 2 minutes, but equal to the free fall of two jumps out of the airplane, so even the pros visit iFly to practice their technique. Families can fly alone or get a group package with pictures and video clips, and schools have the option of teaching science class in-flight!

31310 Alvarado-Niles Rd.
Union City, Ca
510-489-4359
Online: sfbay.iflyworld.com

Oakland Flyers Club
It’s never too early to earn your wings, but you do have to be 16 to go out on your own solo flight. Get the family together for some up close and dazzling flying lessons.

8135 Earhart Rd.
Oakland, Ca
510-568-3317
Online: oaklandflyers.com

California Airways
Whether your family wants to learn how to fly, or just have a pretty cool airplane birthday party, this local hot spot is ready to help you soar.

22693 Hesperian Blvd., Ste. 220
Hayward, Ca
510-887-7686
Online: california-airways.com

Bay Area Glider Rides
Do you know what it feels like to soar through the air using the momentum created from an airplane? Try gliding. Taking a trip to Hollister for an afternoon of gliding (they offer rides and lessons) is a can’t-miss trip (and they have a Groupon right now).

90 Skylane Dr., suite 101
Hollister, Ca
888-467-6276
Online: bayareagliderrides.com

East Bay Hang Gliding
Have you ever wanted to fly like a bird? Now you can. Hang gliding is said to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience that hooks you in and makes you feel like a kid again. East Bay Hang Gliding prides itself in teaching educated gliders who use proper technique their entire careers. Choose from a single flight or entire lesson package. Family members ages 5 and up can fly together or alone throughout the East Bay!

Milpitas, Ca
707-373-0964
Online: eastbayhanggliding.com

Families Who Like to Get Their Feet Wet

If hearing the calming sound of water, or feeling the cool rush that comes from brushing with rapids is your idea of adventure, a white water rafting trip or kayak tour may be the right activity for you. San Francisco has several options available for novice and expert water faring families alike.


Photo Credit: Flickr user Pete Bellis

Action Whitewater Adventures
Whether you prefer constant rapids, or the excitement of calm waters with class three rapids, the whole family is guaranteed to have a blast traveling the American River followed by a tasty barbecue with Action Whitewater Adventures.

Lotus, Ca
530-621-1315
Online: actionwhitewater.com

City Kayak
Taking a ride in a kayak is fun on a lake, but it’s even better with magnificent views! Ages 8 and up can Kayak under the Golden Gate Bridge, tour the city from the water, enjoy a twilight trip, or paddle over to Alcatraz and Treasure Island. Want to try out paddle boarding? City Kayak rents the gear and teaches classes for stand up paddle boarding too!

Pier 40
San Francisco, Ca
415-294-1050
Online: citykayak.com

San Francisco Kayak
Join the fun on a small group adventure with a sit-in kayak as you observe the beautiful sea life of San Francisco. If you’re a fan of hiking San Francisco Kayak leads hiking adventures, too — walk among the giant redwoods of Muir Woods or follow a cliff-side trail to Alamere Falls!

350 Townsend
San Francisco, Ca
415-787-2628
Online: sfkayak.com

Adventurous Sports Studio
Ever wondered how you could perfect your surfing technique out of the water? Adventurous Sports Studio has just the set up for you and yours to learn all the techniques you need to know before you head out on open waters. Let the skilled team at Adventurous Sports Studio asses your technique, give you guidance, and then direct you in the real thing! Check out the studio’s snowboard and ski prep center, and kids’ spy camp, too!

650 Florida St., Ste. L
San Francisco, Ca
415-397-7678
Online: adventurous.com

Families Who Reach For the Top

Whether you prefer climbing an indoor wall or the side of Mother Nature, your family can always make time for a good climb with the Bay Area’s selection of climbing structures.

Photo Credit: Mission Cliffs

Bridges Rock Gym
Similar to Planet Granite, Bridges Rock Gym offers both rock climbing and several other fitness options, camps and after school activities. Birthday parties are a blast here, and climbing without a rope on low walls is a specialty. Ages 5 and up will enjoy learning all about slacking, safety tips, climbing knots, and anchors. It’s a great place for events and family outings, or to spend some time alone and hone in on your skills in a private lesson.

5635 San Diego St.
El Cerrito, Ca
510-525-5635
Online: bridgesrockgym.com/Kids

Touchstone Climbing
Since 1995 Touchstone climbing has been amazing Bay Area residents with their 50-foot high lead wall with 23,000 square feet of climbing area and 2,000 square feet of bouldering (low wall climbing). While Touchstone offers climbing clubs for kids with the opportunity for competitive climbing, they also offer events, birthday parties, yoga classes, top-notch safety, and climbing classes.

Mission Cliffs
2295 Harrison St.
San Francisco, Ca
415-550-0515
Online: touchstoneclimbing.com/mission-cliffs

Dogpatch Boulders
2573 3rd St.
San Francisco, Ca
415-800-8121
Online: touchstoneclimbing.com/dogpatch-boulders

Berkely Ironworks
800 Potter St.
Berkeley, Ca
510-981-9900
Online: touchstoneclimbing.com/ironworks

Great Western Power Co.
520 20th St.
Oakland, Ca
510-452-2022
Online: touchstoneclimbing.com/gwpower-co

Diablo Rock Gym
1220 Diamond Way, Ste. 140
Concord, Ca
925-602-1000
Online: touchstoneclimbing.com/diablorock

Studio Climbing
396 S. First St.
San Jose, Ca
408-998-4000
Online: touchstoneclimbing.com/the-studio

Planet Granite
Ages 8 and up will adore the after school activities, Summer camps and birthday parties available at Planet Granite. If family time is your goal, then Friday Night Climb N’ Dine is a must-try. Have a family member who isn’t quite as into climbing as the rest? Planet Granite is also home to Crossfit and yoga classes.

924 (Old) Mason Street in The Presidio
San Francisco, Ca
415-692-3434
Online: planetgranite.com

100 El Camino Real
Belmont, Ca
650-591-3030
Online: planetgranite.com

815 Stewart Dr.
Sunnyvale, Ca
408-991-9090
Online: planetgranite.com

Families Who Like to Get Dirty

Some kids just love to play in the dirt . . . even after bath time. Make local races benefiting real causes a family affair and your kids will have a blast getting dirty while you have fun acting like a kid again. These events are one of few places where it would be weird if you left without mud or paint covering your clothes. Dive in and have fun!

Photo Credit: Flickr user Chill Will

Muckfest
Muckfest is a family friendly event with post-event reception that benefits the National MS Society. Make it through hilarious (and muddy!) courses while supporting a great cause with the family.

Oct. 10, 2015
Solano County Fairgrounds
900 Fairgrounds Dr.
Vallejo, Ca
Online: main.nationalmssociety.org

Color Vibe 5K
Start the race with plain clothes, run through color clouds then come out covered in vibrant colors! This is a fun 5K for all ages benefiting a different local charity at each stop.

Online: thecolorvibe.com

Mud Factor Kidz
A seriously fun muddy obstacle run just for kids. Parents can have a blast at the main event or just walk alongside their kiddo as they attempt the same obstacles during the kid run! Kiddos get the same swag as adults for their big accomplishment, too.

Granite Regional Park
8181 Cucamonga Ave.
Sacramento, Ca
Online: mudfactor.com/mf-kidz/

Are you part of a high-adventure family? Where do you go to get your family fix of adrenaline? Tell us in the comments below! 

—Shari Stamps

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New in NYC!: The Summer Camp You Need to Know About

by Mimi O'Connor

Living in NYC, we’re surrounded by choices, and when it comes to picking a summer camp for the kid, things are no different. It can be tough: Sports? Overnight? STEM? Theater? What if you (or more to the point, the camper in the family) didn’t have to choose? What if they could do it all, or just one, just the way they wanted? That’s essentially the promise of Steve & Kate’s Camp, a West Coast-bred day camp chain debuting in the East Village this summer. Read on to get the scoop on the outfit that’s disrupting the summer camp space.

photo: Steve & Kate’s Camp

What Is It?

Launched in the Bay Area 34 years ago (and now counting cities such as Chicago, L.A. and Portland home as well)  the cornerstone of Steve & Kate’s Camp is the philosophy of self-directed play. That is, kids are presented with a wide range of activities each day, and can choose which ones to engage in, and how much — which, of course, can change from one day to the next. Counselors are on hand to guide, facilitate and support kids’ activities, but not direct or judge them. (Underlying all that freedom is the idea that when a child is truly engaged in and enjoying an activity, they are also in the optimal state to be creative and learn.)

photo: Steve & Kate’s Camp

Wait. So My Kid Could Play Kickball One Day and Spend the Next Working on a Short Film? And Then Sew and Code? 

Actually, yes. Steve & Kate’s Camp offers kids six “creative studios” to explore according to a child’s preference each day: animation, coding, music, knitting and style, dance and breadmaking. In addition to these studios (which are stocked with supplies and top-notch equipment), the camp provides space to both run around and play (in the East Village facility’s gymnasium or on the roof deck) or chill out in a lounge space with a graphic novel, strategy game or some other more subdued activity.

photo: Steve & Kate’s Camp

Interesting. What Else?

Beyond the perennially available creative play spaces, the camp also features a new off-the-hook element each week, such as a hurricane water slide, go-kart racing, inflatable hamster wheels or water balloon launchers. (“Expect the unexpected,” they say.)

The camp also brings in “Show Specials” at least once a week, which often feature other young people doing potentially inspiring things. Examples include a stage combat workshop led by child actors, a performance by a young dance troupe, a violin prodigy, or a reptile show. The NYC Steve & Kate’s plans on tapping the rich creative community of the city and surrounding area and making the most of it, for both performers and the camp’s staff.

Other features: a filmmaker-in-residence, who collaborates with kids to write, shoot and edit movies to be shown at a Camper Showcase at all 39 Steve & Kate’s Camps nationwide; a daily opportunity to share one’s work (a drawing, a video game, a fashion design) and a barcode which tracks every camper’s projects and is used to send digital projects home (welcome to camp in the 21st century).

photo: Steve & Kate’s Camp

How About Lunch?

Steve & Kate’s choose-your-own-adventure ethos extends to mealtime, too, and campers can sample a variety of daily dishes or just eat one. (Both breakfast and lunch are available.) A menu designed by Google’s former Executive Chef Nate Keller features both popular kids’ fare like mac ‘n’ cheese and quesadillas as well as more adventurous options such as coq au vin and eggplant parm. Whenever possible, Steve & Kate’s uses local and organic ingredients, and campers can expect to sample dishes inspired by Italian, Mexican, Japanese and French cuisines, with vegetarian and gluten-free options as well.

photo: Steve & Kate’s Camp

The 411

Steve & Kate’s Camp is open to kids ages four to 12, and will touch down on the Lower East Side at the World Class Learning Academy at 44 E. 2nd Street this year; the camp plans to open a second location near Columbus Circle in 2016. The camp is open from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Both “Day Pass” and summer “Membership” rates are available, with day rates starting at $95/day (buy in multiples and you get a discount), and the summer costing $2,625. Parents will probably be pleased to know that the camp’s philosophy of flexibility extends to them, too: if you overbuy and don’t use all your day passes (or if you don’t use at least 35 days of a membership plan) the camp will refund the cost of the unused days.

Steve & Kate’s Camp runs from June 29-August 28, and registration is now open. You can learn even more about Steve & Kate’s Camp here.

Steve & Kate’s Camp
44 E. 2nd St.
East Village
347-756-4481
Online: steveandkatescamp.com

Do you know someone who’s tried Steve & Kate’s? Tell us about it in the comments below!

— Mimi O’Connor

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Original Ways to Celebrate a First Father’s Day

by Christal Y.

He kisses boo-boos magically. He wrestles playfully. He changes diapers … reluctantly. Joking aside, whatever Dad does, he does it like a champ. And now is time to celebrate him. For a first Father’s Day, go beyond the expected and do something with meaning. From photo traditions to Go-Kart adventures, we have ideas for making the celebration memorable.

Make Daddy’s First Scrapbook
Collage photos to commemorate Dad’s first hug, kiss and words with baby. He’ll love reliving each and every moment, from the first time holding your little bundle to playing peek-a-boo. It’s a keeper that will bring everyone down memory lane for years to come.

Photo credit: Mama’s Sew Nifty Sewing World

Create “Day Off” Coupons
Dads need time off too! Any papa is going to love receiving coupons for time off from changing baby’s diaper. Make your own, or buy this delightful token tin from Eighteen25 that even looks great sitting on the shelf.

Photo courtesy of Eighteen25

Decorate the House with Quotes
Nothing sets the mood better than a house full of uplifting and motivational quotes about fathers and fatherhood. Put them up after Dad has gone to bed so that he can wake up to a morning of joy. Check out these awesome quotes from Huffington Post for inspiration.

Do Room Service
Make your husband king for the weekend with a pre-planned, stress-free day. We spotted an amazing dad breakfast in bed on the blog Simply My Kitchen. He got gifts to share with his tot and then a breezy, relaxing picnic outdoors. We especially loved the breakfast menu that turned the day into a fancy experience.

 Photo credit: Simply My Kitchen

Start a Picture Tradition
Grab some letters (or make your own) and start what can become a lifelong tradition. Create a photo series of your little babe holding up the words D-A-D and re-create the scene each year.

Photo credit: GPG Photography

Play Dress-Up
Every kid wants to be just like daddy, even if they can’t vocalize it just yet. Make a photo card of your baby dressed up in papa’s clothes for laughs and giggles. Watch as dad’s chest swells with pride at the sight of their own kid already looking like him. Psst … this trend is also known as #babysuiting.

Photo credit: @BERRY198 via Instagram

Send Him on a Thrill Ride
Do going down steep hills and highways excite Dad when he’s taking the SUV for a ride? Maybe he’s just itching with a need for speed. Treat him to a day on the race course! Whether it’s Go-karts or motor bike lessons, the main man could definitely use some fan support from you and his baby on the side. Dress the little one in a cute onesie or matching helmets with dad.

Photo credit: John Nuttall via Flickr creative commons

Translate a Message to Dad
Your babbler sure has a lot to say about how much they love Dad. Film your little chatterbox and then upload your video into iMovie or Windows Movie Maker. Add captions “translating” all that baby talk to make dad smile. Check out an example where Ellen Degeneres translated a pair of twins talking about April Fool’s Day here.

Photo credit: Mark Evans via Flickr creative commons

Make an Envelope Surprise
Oh Happy Day put together an awesome calendar using bright envelopes that promise surprises and treats. If you’ve got to stay in because of the baby or because dad prefers it, this is a great way to keep everyone entertained. Let Dad open one at the hour, and inspire him with words or make him laugh with a joke. Set him up for a sweet treat of lemonade in the afternoon, and of course, save the best for the last envelope.

Re-Enact Dad’s Childhood Photos
For creative and photo-happy dads, take a trip down memory lane. This dad re-created his childhood pictures and his father’s childhood picture with stellar, heart-racing results. These photos will also make great greeting cards to Gramps.

Box the Memories
Create a shadow box that Pops can admire at work. You can use an old drawer or a tiny dresser from a thrift store, or a picture frame to capture the highlights of the journey of being a dad. Pull out important tickets, pamphlets, newspaper clippings, photos and more. This amazing shadow box by Minna KS is for one lucky dad of the year.

Throw a Super-Dad Party
Do all your friends have tots and dads around the same age? Invite them over to kick back on the couch with a beer in hand as they watch the game and the kids entertain themselves. We love this Super Dad luncheon by Workman Family. Dads will love working the grill while sipping kid-friendly (root) beer.

Got any great ideas to share? Let us know what great first Father’s Day surprise you are planning — we won’t tell! 

— Christal Yuen

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