Your child’s doctor visits used to be pretty straightforward: Set up a schedule for appointments with your provider and show up. With the COVID-19 pandemic, we all have so many questions right now as to what is safe, especially when it comes to our kids.
Dr. Mona Patel, MD, Attending Physician in the Division of General Pediatrics at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, shares her advice on how parents can navigate their children’s doctor appointments during this time.
How Do I Know It’s Safe?
The first thing Dr. Patel suggests: “Ask your doctor what measures the office has in place to protect you and your child during an in-person visit.”
Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles has taken significant steps to keep children and families safe, and Dr. Patel says they have not seen the virus spread on the CHLA campus. Safety measures include increased cleaning of surfaces, daily health screenings for all staff and visitors, requiring face masks, creating more space for visitors and testing each patient admitted to CHLA for COVID-19.
Vaccine Appointments
With young children, particularly kids under two, Dr. Patel suggests keeping your in-person appointments for vaccinations. Vaccines are on a specific schedule for babies and little ones, and changing that schedule puts kids at risk of getting other diseases.
“Vaccine-preventable illnesses pose a much higher risk to a child’s health than the novel coronavirus,” says Dr. Patel.
Care Plans for Children with Chronic Illnesses
Most of us are hesitant to take our kids anywhere right now, particularly parents of children with chronic health issues. If you have a child with an ongoing health issue, it’s essential to continue your care plan with your doctor.
“It’s critical that parents continue to follow their child’s care plan–getting any imaging or scans, blood tests, treatments and exams so the doctor can monitor their child’s condition,” says Dr. Patel.
Well-Visits for Younger Kids
At a well-visit, your doctor may, check your child’s growth and development milestones, give scheduled vaccines and talk to you about your child’s nutrition, behavior issues, sleeping patterns and general health and well-being. Consistent well-child visits help your child’s doctor identify your family’s needs and get your child the help they need early on.
“Especially in these times, when many people are under financial stress, and children are away from their normal routines of school and friends, these visits are a good way to check in on how our families are doing and see if we can refer them to any needed resources,” says Dr. Patel. Many doctors are also offering virtual visits, allowing you to discuss your child’s health with their physician from the comfort of your couch. Dr. Patel suggests checking with your child’s doctor to see if this is an option for your family.
Well-Visits for Older Kids and Teens
With older kids, Dr. Patel’s primary concern for appointments is not just physical wellness, but also adolescent patients’ mental health. “We watch for upticks in anxiety and depression, which we see with this crisis,” says Dr. Patel. At a well-visit for an older child, your child’s doctor can check in on how they’re handling their current situation, and can provide them with the resources your family may need. Your doctor may also be offering virtual visits for these types of appointments.
Dr. Patel’s main takeaway: “Do not put off health care for your child during this crisis.” Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles is prepared to keep families and children healthy and safe, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
—Jamie Aderski
Images provided by Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles
It’s finally time to hit the ejector button and say goodbye to those same four walls you’ve been staring at while contemplating what Netflix series to re-watch. As Washington resorts reopen under Phases 2 and 3, families can finally plan that much-needed vacation. So grab the kids and dogs, it’s time to trade the house pajamas for a proper bathing suit when you book a package at one of these nearby resorts that will restore and rejuvenate the entire family.
Alderbrook Resort & Spa
Natalie Compagno
Nothing says summertime joy like unpacking your bags while watching happy, little feet run down to the Hood Canal waterfront at Alderbrook Resort & Spa. If your family is ready for some quality bonding time this is the place. The property is quintessential PNW, picture-perfect, and the warm, personable staff take pride in creating a unique vacation experience. Forest and water envelop the resort. We recommend booking a cottage to make Alderbrook your home-away-from-home. The kitchen is helpful for little ones' meal time schedules, the gas fireplace lights with the push of a button and TVs in every room provide endless movie night options. Staying in the lodge is an excellent choice too, well-decorated and lively.
Dining at Alderbrook is an exquisite experience. The Restaurant at Alderbrook specializes in locally harvested seafood from Puget Sound and Hood Canal. Ask about the Woodland to Waterfront menu to taste fresh ingredients sourced from the area. The restaurant follows all Safe Start Washington guidelines but to avoid the crowds try Hook & Fork Dinner Boxes. Guests staying in the cottages enjoy the cook-it-yourself version. Fresh salmon arrives on a cedar plank, crab tacos delight, and meatloaf with cornbread and honey butter make for lots of finger-licking. Save dessert to enjoy next to one of the many fire pits and watch the sunset.
Pick your package: Alderbrook's new packages are inspired. Get the Band Back Togetheris wonderful for extended family reunions... or just because. It includes a picnic lunch waiting for you in your room with an Alderbrook logo picnic blanket becomes your souvenir to take home. You'll also get s'mores kits and a photo treasure hunt, plus ten percent off rooms. Happy (Little-Bit-Late) Celebration keeps the party going with balloons and custom desserts to celebrate those occasions you may have missed while in quarantine. While Vitamin Sea is for the water-lovers in the family--seal stuffie included. There are plenty of a la carte activities as well. Walk down the floating dock to the Waterfront Center to rent a hydro-bike, paddle boat, yacht, kayak, and more. Getting out on the waters of Hood Canal is what it's all about. On certain days, take a yoga class at the Waterfront Checkerboard, or Kayak 101 lessons, or sign up for the Hook & Fork Brunch. Really cool quests for kids include Geocaching and the Nautical Flag Treasure Hunt. We won't spoil the prize for you but it's yummy.
Safety first: Alderbrook is committed to families and therefore your safety is their first priority. The staff undergo daily health screenings upon arrival, including temperature checks and symptom screening, and are required to wear face coverings too. The resort has increased sanitizing protocols and put social distancing measures in place including plexiglass barriers and limited occupancy.
For families who want to get away for awhile, and truly feel the world is theirs alone, ROAM Beyond’s Haven Experience is their refuge in nature. These extended-stay experiences are for groups of families and good friends looking for “seclusion, serenity, and safety in a remote, natural living setting.” With the four-night minimum, families get to really unwind and decompress together, getting back to simple times. ROAM Beyond houses artisan-crafted, mobile dwellings that turn the concept of camping into glamping, while still harnessing that feel-good, roughin’ it vibe. The two locations–Kalaloch in the Olympic National Park and Yakima Canyon–encourage guests to unplug and connect with their destination. Be ready to ooh and aah with your little (and big) ones when gazing at the magnificent landscapes and wildlife that surround you. Imagine old-school camping, replete with community and secluded spaces, but with elevated comfort. Evening guitarist or bard not included.
ROAM Beyond camp cooking is also one step above with healthy, locally-sourced catering options that allow guests to arrive on-site with a full kitchen already set-up or have meals catered. Grocery delivery service, virtual chef cooking classes or on-site fireside culinary experiences with a chef are available as well, all under the guidance of chef Joshua Henderson. Request exploration itineraries through ROAM Beyond's local partner Explorer X for locally-guided tours to surf, hike, kayak, river float or fly fish. After a refreshingly, exhausting day, don’t worry. No tent pitching required. All “homes” have hot water, showers, cooking, refrigeration and power. Toilets too.
Safety first: Between each stay, ROAM Beyond’s professional team deep-cleans inside each mobile dwelling and any shared surfaces with sustainable cleaning products provided by Seventh Generation along with sanitizing all laundry. Locally-sourced hand sanitizer is set up around the campsite, and trailers are positioned at 100 yards apart to ensure maximum distancing.
Shhh... don't tell anyone, Tacoma is a fabulous secret family getaway. A quick drive from Seattle avoids the "are we there yet?" chorus from the backseat, and the city is filled with family-friendly activities and an artsy vibe. Check into the Silver Cloud Tacoma, one of the few hotels built over the water, with impressive views and a separate outdoor walkway for bird and seal spotting. There are plenty of room options depending on group size, and in-room microwaves make snacking convenient. Request a deluxe Jacuzzi room and bring the bubbles and bath toys! The enormous tub is the piece-de-resistance, elevated in the main room by the windows for water and sunset views. Kiddos will splash around for hours while adults relax by the electric fireplace.
The Silver Cloud Tacoma has no on-site dining but just take a quick leap next door to the RAM Restaurant & Brewery. Enjoy limited seating indoors or outdoor patio seating with a fire pit and of course, panoramic water views. Be sure to sip a few of their flagship beers which pair well with the perfect basket of fries. Point Ruston is a win-win family night out, just two miles up the bike path, with much to do and see. Make everyone happy and go to Farrelli's Pizza followed by a cone (or two) at Ice Cream Social. Download the art map and take your Littles on an outdoor art walk in search of bronzes, glass sculptures and murals that adorn the complex. For something active, rent bikes or carts at Wheel Fun Rentals or just watch the skateboarders show off their tricks with Mt. Rainier in the distance.
Nearby Northwest Trek Wildlife is a gem and home to over 40 Northwest native animals. The must-do Wild Drive allows groups to see bison, elk and mountain goats from their own car, while the Wild Walk is a safe, one-way path for grizzly, cougar, otter and wolf watching. See the tiny faces light up in awe--this is a highly recommended experience.
Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium is now open, with timed entry tickets and one way walking paths. Magic happens when the kids see the tiger peek out from the tall grass or penguins roll and play in their natural pool. Don't forget to support the zoo by making a purchase at the outdoor gift shop.
Safety First: Silver Cloud Tacoma has shields protecting guests upon check-in and restricted elevator occupancy. The parking lot accesses the side entrance and the stairs are a good option for minimal contact. To see what else is open and what will open up soon, check out the latest at Travel Tacoma.
2317 Ruston Way Tacoma, WA 98402 253-272-1300 Online: silvercloud.com
Eritage Resort
Eritage Resort
Eritage is a heavenly sanctuary deep in the heart of wine country and close to Walla Walla, with its cool, college-town vibe. This is the place to take your family when the daily grind becomes too much. Eritage's impressive architecture gives that wow factor, transporting your family into some foreign film version of Tuscany just a few hours from the city. The resort's effortless hospitality yields instant relaxation and encourages groups to enjoy the property as their own escape from it all.
Lodging options range from bungalows with private entrances to mountain view suites. Choose what fits best for your group. Rooms with tubs are only available in the main lodge, so put older kids in a cottage while you treat yourself to a pampering soak. Eritage soothes with its rolling farmland, vineyard views and pristine lake. Grab the kids and some paddleboards and get wet. Purchase a picnic basket for a rustic, yet chic, group lunch. Afterwards there is croquet, cornhole and lawn games to play, or head out on a beach cruiser through the vines. Don't forget floatie toys for an afternoon swim in the pool (opening soon), or your favorite board games to play by the fireplace. Executive Chef Brian Price will delight at dinner. The kids will devour the Walla Walla onion rings with barbecue sauce and the buttermilk-brined crispy fried chicken, so steal that bite quickly.
Nearby Walla Walla makes for an easy day trip. The Whitman College outdoor campus sculpture walk is a must, impressive art abounds. Waterbrook Winery's festive atmosphere and outdoor space make it a perfect place to taste wine with your whole family, reservations encouraged. They have a kids menu with grilled cheese and PB&J, plus a milk tasting flight-chocolate, strawberry and regular so kids can taste along with the adult bevvies. Plus, the pond is filled with frogs, a wonderful diversion for antsy tots. Bright's Candies is a nostalgic reward for your little sweet tooths, and after strolling the town dinner at Walla Walla Steak Co. is recommended. Kids will love the old train car in the back, as well as the kid's menu created by a youngster. Kids know what kids like!
Safety First: Eritage maintains strict guidelines to ensure your family's comfort and safety. The entire property is thoroughly sanitized throughout the day. Remote check-in procedures are in place. The swimming pool and patio furniture are cleaned regularly and contact-free room service breakfast is provided each morning. Read the full safety overview here.
Privacy please...Drifting away. The sign hanging on the Semiahmoo hotel room door perfectly encapsulates the calm feeling you and your family will have after checking into the resort. Semiahmoo's expansive views of Boundary Bay, with Canada in the distance, provides the back drop for a mesmerizing avian show: great blue herons soar, swallows dart and dive and cormorants glide throughout the day. Children love playing in the driftwood fort by the beach, or you can reserve over-sized lawn games like chess or cornhole for a family tournament. The Semiahmoo golf course--designed by Arnold Palmer--is open for play, or for just $11 a Semiahmoo souvenir kite can be yours to fly. Bicycle rental, beach strolling and s'mores bonfire treats add to the menu of fun.
Speaking of food, Semiahmoo has created easy and yummy ways to feed the family while staying safe. Bring your own meals and use the community microwave near the lobby. Or visit the Seaview Cafe & General Store which offers socially-distanced to-go options like coffee drinks, sandwiches, sides and On The Rocks pre-made cocktails for sunset happy hour. The Great Blue Heron Grill has dine-in options at 50% capacity, no more than five per table, or will deliver meals from the clubhouse dining room to the resort. Order the Neka salmon for a delicious treat.
Safety First: Semiahmoo employees all wear mandatory face masks and social distancing is clearly marked for check-in and cafe purchases. Phase 3 is expected mid-July. This will allow dining at 75% capacity; water sports rentals to resume, like kayaks and paddleboards; the swimming pool to open at 50% capacity; tennis and pickleball courts to open; and the Discovery Theater will open at 50% capacity. Check the website for current status.
9565 Semiahmoo Parkway Blaine, WA 98230 855-917-3767 Online: semiahmoo.com
Sleeping Lady Mountain Resort
Sleeping Lady Mountain Resort
A perennial Seattle favorite for its winter festivities, Leavenworth--the Bavarian-themed village nestled in the Cascades--is open for summer road trip enchantment. Sleeping Lady Mountain Resort, set across 44 acres in the foothills, perfects the rustic-chic combo when you're ready to rough it in style. Sleep in cozy cabins, while still enjoying gourmet dining and plush amenities. Sleeping Lady is loaded with interactive fun for kids. Discover the property by taking a self-guided art walk, grab a map at check-in and then play spot the Chihuly. Bird walks, garden tours and scavenger hunts provide more ops for tots to earn cool patches. Inquire for all of the above at guest services. If that doesn't tire out the tykes, go swimming in the Alpine-esque swimming pool, bike or scooter around the property with your own wheels from home or rent them at the Mercantile. Hike, golf, fish and horseback ride at partner properties, even skate and bike at the Leavenworth Pump Track. For mellower moves, families can check out board games or ping pong paddles for fun in the summer sun. Ready for some pampering? Aspen Leaf Day Spa reopens with its signature spa services July 12.
Leavenworth lies just three miles away, so you can still enjoy the treats of town, if you want. The city has joined other forward-thinking urban planners, closing off streets to traffic and turning Leavenworth’s downtown into a walking village, just like in the real Bavaria.
Safety First: Sleeping Lady is ideally suited for social distancing, with no elevators or hallways, just wide-open footpaths, private guest room entrances and unlimited fresh air. They’ve also redefined their safety and sanitation standards. For example, they replaced the buffet service at Kingfisher Restaurant by instituting family-style and table service for dinner.
7375 Icicle Rd. Leavenworth, WA 98826 800-574-2123 Online: sleepinglady.com
Suncadia Resort
Suncadia Resort
Suncadia is a beloved getaway from the Seattle gloom--that burst of sunshine that breaks through after traveling over Snoqualmie Pass. The epic swimming pool and fitness center have just reopened so grab those water wings and book it! The resort is best known for its natural beauty--the parks and paths are always open for exploring. With its forested mountain landscape, Suncadia’s wealth of activities make for a perfect Pacific Northwest escape. Over 40 miles of hiking and biking trails, three championship golf courses and scrumptious wining and dining, will create memories to last a lifetime.
Portals restaurant has panoramic views of the lush Cascades, and offers guests artisan meals crafted with "local inspiration and seasonal ingredients." Other options entice, such as Hoist House at Swiftwater Cellars for fine wine sipping. Suncadia's signature mobile eats, the TOTC Food Truck and Bar, is conveniently located next to the pool. Lodging options range from boutique-style to resort fabulous, stay at the lodge or rent a house--the entire family is spoiled for choice.
Pick your package: The mountain atmosphere immediately helps city-slickers unwind. With 6,000 perfectly manicured acres to explore, guests soon realize that there is little reason to leave. Grab the Escape and Play package for golf with your group or Reconnect with the Mountains package that offers a $200 resort credit.
Safety First: As a Hyatt property, Suncadia is committed to Hyatt’s Global Care & Cleanliness Commitment program and employs rigorous safety and cleanliness protocols. The trained Hygiene & Wellbeing Leader is responsible for the resort adhering to operational protocols as part of the new Covid-19 normal. Hotel guests are strongly suggested to wear face masks in all hotel public areas.
Let summertime fun begin with the much-anticipated reopening of Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad, located only four miles from the south gate of Yosemite National Park. Starting Jun 12, visitors can once again ride the open-air “logger” on a one-hour excursion through the Sierra Nevada. The Thornberry Museum, onsite gold panning, and Kids Depot Toy Store make it the perfect destination for your family.
This year significant aspects of the operation have been updated to ensure safety for everyone. The guidelines from the CDC, State of California, and Madera County are followed strictly at this world-class attraction.
“We have reduced the number of touchpoints,” explains Scott McGhee, General Manager of Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad. “Whether it’s your first time visiting us, or you make it a regular outing, we have the staff and the safety procedures in place to help people feel confident to venture out. We’re excited to welcome everyone back as Yosemite reopens!”
The following safety protocols will be in effect at Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad:
Reservations are now required to limit the number of guests and assure safe social distancing. Trains depart daily at 9:30 A.M. and 11:00 A.M., and you can book online.
There will be health screening questions for all visitors.
Capacity is limited to 50%.
Recommending all guests wear masks.
Inside of buildings, people will be limited for safe social distancing space.
Box lunches are available to purchase online in advance.
Outdoor picnic tables allow space for social distancing or take your lunch to go.
Access to touchless hand sanitizing stations located throughout the property.
Boarding groups will receive wristbands, rather than paper tickets.
Safety barriers installed at transaction points.
Gold panning water will be treated and gold pans sanitized after each use.
There are extra cleaning and sanitization crews on-hand to ensure safety for everyone.
An air purifier will sanitize the museum displays, nightly.
Daily employee health and temperature checks.
All employees will wear masks.
—Jennifer Swartvagher
Featured photo: Yosemite National Park & Yosemite Sugar Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad
