ML Interest Tag: lagoon

7 Guided Nature Trail Walks & Hikes for Families

by Nikki Walsh

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 (and all those snacks, and diapers…) and haul them across town. Stay safe! 

The wild is calling your family for an adventure hike… but you’d like a little guidance while heading into the unknown. We’ve found 7 guided nature walks and hikes along San Diego’s most beautiful hiking trails and nature trails. Follow along as rangers and docents lead the way and discuss wildlife, plants and more exciting details like the starry sky and the sounds of coyotes. Put on your sturdy shoes and read on for where to join the fun and head into the great outdoors on both day hikes and night hikes!

Batiquitos Lagoon Group Walk

Marlo J. via Yelp

Join a docent-led guided nature walk courtesy of the Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation. Walks take place throughout the year. The walks focus on a particular aspect of the lagoon wildlife and environment, and cover a wide range of topics. To join a scheduled walk, no reservations are required. If you have a larger group let them know so they can accommodate you.

Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation Nature Center
7380 Gabbiano Ln
Carlsbad, CA 92011
760-931-0800
Online: batiquitosfoundation.org

Canyoneer Hikes with the Nat

Jennifer C. via Yelp

With over 75 different hikes scheduled, there are plenty of terrains to choose from. The best part is the hikes are led by a Naturalist from the San Diego Natural History Museum. From a 3 mile, 500 elevation hike down Santa Margarita River (spotting raptors in the trees) to a 3 mile 200 elevation easier hike at Cool Canyon in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, most of these hikes are probably better for older kids. Check them all out, here!

Note: Due to COVID-19 all Canyoneer hikes/walks are cancelled through Apr. 30, 2020.

Online: sdnhm.org/canyoneer-hikes

Hike With a County Parks Ranger

Erica A. via Yelp

What’s better than hiking with a ranger? Head out to Otay Lakes County Park and meet up with a ranger who will lead a 1.5 to 2 mile easy-to-moderate hike of Lower Otay Reservoir and Otay Valley. Learn about the park’s history, animals and plants. Bring water, comfortable hiking shoes and a hat. Meet at the park office.

Dates: Sundays; April 5 & May 3
Time: 9:30 a.m.-11 a.m.
Cost: Free

Otay Lakes County Park
2270 Wueste Rd, Chula Vista, CA 91915
619-482-7361
Online: allparksguide

Mission Trails Family Discovery Walks

rtcheriegough

Hike it out with a Park Trail Leader on a family nature walk to discover the many changes that occur in the park throughout the year. These walks provide an opportunity for families to enjoy some quality time together in nature! Bring hats, sunscreen, sturdy shoes and a smile.

Dates: 4th Sunday of every month, from 3-4:30 p.m.
Cost: Free

Mission Trails Regional Park
Visitor and Interpretive Center
One Father Junipero Serra Trail
San Diego, CA 92119
Online: mtrp.org

Solar Walk & Stargazing

Ryan Jacobson via Unsplash

If you feel adventurous and would like to take a docent-led night hike, then head over to the Blue Sky Ecological Reserve. Join them on a journey into outer space, and viewing of our nighttime skies. They’ll take you on a trip through the solar system on the 1.5 mile hike into the Reserve before meeting up with Curiosity Peak astronomers from Julian with their powerful telescopes trained on a distant constellation or planet. Bundle up and go!

Date: Ongoing, next event, Sat., April 18

Blue Sky Ecological Reserve

16275 Espola Road
Poway, CA 92064
858-668-4781
Online: poway.org

Evening Hike at Goodan Ranch

Charles J. via Yelp

All ages welcome to hit the trail at sundown for a ranger-led evening hike! Meet with park staff at the Goodan Ranch staging area for an informative 3-mile trek through open meadows and old oak groves, including a stop at the Goodan Ranch visitors center. Experience the sights and sounds of the preserve at night, while learning about its diverse habitat. Remember to come prepared with warm clothing, a flashlight or headlamp, and enough water for a 3-mile journey. Details, here.

Date: April 4, 6:30 p.m.; May 23, 7:00 p.m.
Cost: Free

Goodan Ranch
16281 Sycamore Canyon Rd.
Poway, CA 92064
858-513-4737

They Only Come Out at Night Hike!

Mina H. via Yelp

Follow a ranger for a cool night hike along the trails of Flinn Springs. While walking, be sure to look for coyotes, owls, bats, and bobcats. Don't worry, it's not too scary... but don't forget to bring a flashlight! Sorry, no dogs allowed. Details, here.

Date: April 19, 6:30 p.m.
Cost: Free; parking $3

Flinn Springs County Park
14787 Olde Hwy. 80
El Cajon, CA 92021
619-561-0180

––Nikki Walsh

featured image: Andie Huber

RELATED STORIES:

Take a Hike! Nearby Nature Trails Perfect for Families

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6 Things You Didn’t Know You Could Do with Kids in San Diego

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Here’s Where You Can Get the New Mickey & Friends Ray-Ban Sunglasses

by Erica Loop

Sunglass Hut and Disney recently announced a completely cute collab—co-branded Ray-Ban Wayfarers featuring Mickey and friends Minnie, Donald, Goofy and Pluto!

The sunglasses, which are available in adult and junior (kids) sizes, will launch in select Disney Parks retail locations starting Nov. 1. If you’re not traveling to Florida or California anytime soon, you can pick up a pair at Sunglass Hut locations following the Disneyland and Walt Disney World debut.

Disney Parks guests can buy their Mickey-themed Wayfarers at the Sunglass Icon kiosk in Disney California Adventure Park, the Sunglass Icon and kiosk in the Disneyland Downtown Disney District, the Sunglass Icon (West Side) in Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs, Island Supply and Adventureland in the Magic Kingdom Park and Singapore Sal’s in Typhoon Lagoon.

Each pair of glasses comes with an exclusive authenticity card. Adult frames with polarized lenses will retail for $243 and the junior version (non-polarized frames only) sell for $103.

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Sunglass Icon via Instagram 

 

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These Magical “Frozen 2” Treats Just Hit Disney Parks

by Shahrzad Warkentin

For all the foodies visiting the Magic Kingdom get ready for a Frozen fractal treat with all the new Frozen 2 sweets and desserts at Walt Disney World.

Frozen 2 doesn’t hit theaters until Nov. 22, but fans can start getting a taste of film–inspired treats now. Disney Parks is rolling out a variety of tasty desserts across the Florida resort including baked sweets, ice cream, milkshakes, hot chocolate, slushies and so much more.

At the Magic Kingdom Park (starting Nov. 8) guests will delight in Olaf’s Frozen Hot Chocolate Cake from the Main Street Bakery and Sven’s Carrot Cake at Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Café as part of the Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.

At Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park you can cool down with Elsa’s Frozen Wave, a cotton candy vanilla milkshake topped with whipped cream, sprinkles and a white chocolate coin. Meanwhile at Disney Springs (Starting Nov. 15) you’ll be able to choose from a whole host of petit cakes, ganaches and the Olaf Dole Whip Slushy, a vanilla soft-serve on top of blue raspberry slush with Olaf chocolate piece and chocolate chip buttons.

 

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Featured photo: Amy Zimmerman via Instagram

 

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Cool Comforts: The Best Outdoor Pools to Beat the Heat

by rtguiomar

Mercury is on the rise, and it’s showing no signs of slowing down. Luckily, the DMV has lots of affordable, public pools to dip into when the heat wave leads to hot and bothered bambinos (and grown-ups). Grab your swimsuits and floaties and check out one of these five watering holes. 

Photo: Willow Grove Day Camp via Flickr

Martin Luther King, Jr. Outdoor Pool
Located in Silver Spring, Maryland, the MLK Jr. Pool is great if you have kids of different ages. The Main Pool offers a diving area with two boards perfect for advanced swimmers. An entertaining Leisure Pool has a shallow water lagoon, slides, water play features, and even a circular “Lazy River” for riding inner tubes! If you’ve got real little ones, you can spend some time in the Tot Pool that comes covered in shade. This place has it all!

1201 Jackson Rd. (Silver Spring, Md)

Bethesda Outdoor Pool
Located at the entrance of Bethesda, the Bethesda Outdoor Pool or BOP is jam packed all summer with the “on the cusp suburban” fams! The Z-shaped main pool has six-lanes and even has a “drop” slide. They have two options for 0the younger crowd….a Tot Pool and a shallow water Teach Pool. Bonus for when you forget lunch or need an ice cream–there’s a snack bar as well as a lawn area with shade structures.

Little Falls Pkwy. and Hillandale Rd. (Bethesda, Md)

Upshur Pool
The Upshur Pool is located in D.C.’s, Mt. Pleasant/Petworth/16th St. zone. This public pool is one of the most charming and quaint pools in the DMV. Despite being in the middle of the city, the pool is located in a quiet neighborhood, with tall trees surrounding it. There’s a tot pool for the little kiddies and they even celebrate doggie swim day for your four legged family members.

4300 Arkansas Ave., NW (Mt. Pleasant)

Rosedale Pool
The Rosedale Pool located in NE D.C. is often referred to as “the one with the slide” because well, it has a slide! It’s one of the newest D.C. pools and quite a hit with young and old alike. Rosedale is relaxing and perfect to bring little kids as well as to lay out and get some Vitamin D.

1701 Gales St., NE (Rosedale)

Ocean Dunes Waterpark
Located within Upton Hill Regional Park in Arlington, Ocean Dunes is super fun for adults and kids. Like the above mentioned locations, Ocean Dunes has a main pool for swimming but that’s the last thing your kids will want to do when they enter this blissful space. The park includes water slides, waterfalls and squirters! There’s a 230 foot open slide and an exhilarating 170 foot closed slide which you descend in pitch black darkness! Ocean Dunes also offers a play feature with tube slides, open slides, fountains, and even a 500-gallon dumping bucket! 

6060 Wilson Blvd. (Arlington, Va)
Online: novaparks.com/waterparks/ocean-dunes-waterpark

Do you have a favorite outdoor pool? Tell us about it in the comments below. 

–Guiomar Ochoa

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Bike, Boat & Bask in the Sunshine at Redondo Beach

by Beth Shea

It’s no wonder Baywatch and scenes from Pirates of the Caribbean were filmed in Redondo Beach. The quintessential beach town and picturesque locale boasts a laid-back vibe where you and the fam can soak up the seaside fun and plenty of adventures from taking a dip in a lagoon or whale watching to cruising the town and the shore on bikes–– with the added perk that everything in the heart of Redondo is accessible via a short bicycle ride! Read on for our guide to the best place to stay and where to play and dine in Redondo Beach for your next family vacay.

STAY

photo: Shade Hotel Redondo Beach

Shade Hotel Redondo Beach
Unpack your bags at the well-appointed, brand new and beautiful Shade, a boutique luxury hotel with the perfect location in the heart of Redondo Beach. Kids get cake pops and adults get champagne upon entering their room––a sweet touch to kick-off any vacation for any age. The guest rooms are sleek, hip and modern, while also being cozy and kid- and dog-friendly. The complimentary “Beach Breakfast” each morning includes delicious gourmet breads, muffins and pastries, fruits and parfaits and of course coffee and OJ served at the hotel’s Sea Level restaurant that has plenty of outdoor seating with ocean views –– not a bad way to start the day!

photo: Shade Hotel Redondo Beach

Additional free amenities are the use of a rooftop pool with sweeping views of the Pacific (perfect for watching the sunset), free yoga classes on the aquadeck, Strand cruiser bicycles and free WiFi. The environmentally conscious Shade Hotel also plants a tree in your honor for every day you pass on housekeeping, with the philosophy that “trees give shade, Shade gives trees.”

The balcony from a marina front room at Shade grants a glorious vista of the boats and the ocean––and sunsets can be enjoyed right from your room. Another lovely touch: rooms facing the marina have a private balcony soaking tub, so you can relax in the bath while absorbing the sea breeze. Yes, please.

Shade Hotel
655 N. Harbor Dr.
Redondo Beach, Ca 90277
Online: rb.shadehotel.com

PLAY


Park Your Car & Bike Everywhere… Seriously.
One of the very best aspects of a family trip to Redondo Beach is that you can literally ride your bike everywhere… even with little ones. When you stay at Shade, you’re only about a five to ten minute bike ride away from Redondo Beach Pier, whale watching and water sport rentals, Seaside Lagoon, the beach… it’s all just a few short pedals of the bike up the road!

Redondo Beach is equipped with bike paths that have their own traffic signals for cyclists. You’ll feel safer that you and your kids aren’t riding on the same street as cars.

Go to Marina Bike Rentals (a three minute walk around the corner from Shade) to rent all types of bikes for your crew. They have kids bikes, cruisers, multi-speed bikes, tandem bikes, kid’s trailers, and Kazoo Tag-alongs that attach to the back of an adult bike for a kid to ride behind (shown above).

From Marina you can ride in either direction on a bike path: twenty miles north along The Strand as far as the Santa Monica Pier or south 2.25 miles through Redondo Beach.

Cycling around Redondo Beach is an added vacation perk that’s so much fun for kids and adults alike. No need to pile in and out of the car and look for/pay for parking.

Insider’s Tip: Be sure to ask the folks at Marina Bike Rentals to give you a basket to attach to your bike (for purchases you may make en route) and locks for when you arrive at your destination–– both are included with the rental fee.

Marina Bike Rentals
505 N. Harbor Dr.
Redondo Beach, Ca 90277
Online: marinabikerentals.com

Redondo Beach Pier
The Pier has old-fashioned appeal as it was originally built in 1889, and reconstructed in 1995. There are dozens of souvenir shops and food vendors and locals dub it a west coast “Coney Island” filled with novelties including funnel cakes, churros, popcorn and the freshest seafood in town.

Insider’s Tip: Enjoy free concerts on the Pier July-September and free movies on the boardwalk in June.

Visit the quirky, 70’s-era, Redondo Fun Factory on the Pier before it closes. Kids will love playing the vintage quarter arcade games (beat them at Pac-Man!), Skee-Ball and riding the Tilt-a-Whirl.

Redondo Beach Pier
100 W. Torrance Blvd.
Redondo Beach, Ca 90277
online: redondopier.com

photo: Visit Redondo

Seaside Lagoon
The Seaside Lagoon is an appealing haven for kids and families. This large saltwater lagoon boasts play equipment, lifeguard supervision, a snack bar with food from Ruby’s Restaurant, volleyball courts and both sand and grassy areas to set up shop. Every Friday in July this summer, there will be a summer movie shown at the Lagoon. Seaside Lagoon opens May 27, 2017-September 4, 2017.

Insider’s Tip: This is a great locale to watch fireworks on the 4th of July.

Seaside Lagoon
200 Portofino Way
Redondo Beach, Ca 90277
online: visitredondo.com

photo: Visit Redondo

Whale Watching
Take the fam on a peaceful whale watching excursion on “The Indian,”a 65-foot, 42 passenger vessel at Redondo Beach Sportfishing. The friendly crew make the journey fun with their narration of the tour to spot Gray whales during their migration. You’ll probably catch sight of many dolphins and sea lions on the excursion too. An added bonus: along for the ride on each whale watch adventure is a trained Naturalist of the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium/American Cetacean Society, who walks around the boat educating passengers about the marine life.

Insider’s Tip: Make sure everyone uses the restroom before boarding the boat. Excursions are three hours, minimum. Pack snacks and water to stay hydrated.

Redondo Beach Sportfishing
233 N. Harbor Dr.
Redondo Beach, Ca 90277
online: redondobeachsportfishing.com


Hit the Beach
Put the “beach” in Redondo Beach by taking your sea lovers to build castles in the sand and dive in the waves just south of the Pier. Avenue C Beach typically has less crowds and it’s equipped with volleyball nets for a sporty time in the sand.

Redondo State Beach
Pearl St. and Esplanade
Redondo Beach, Ca 90277
online: californiabeaches.com


Feed the Turtles & Climb Trees at Hopkins Wilderness Park
This 11-acre park is perfect for kids who love to climb trees. The site has four ecological habitats: forest, meadows, streams and a pond filled with turtles you can feed. Pack a picnic and soak up the serenity.

Insider’s Tip: Bring change to buy turtle food from the dispenser near the park entrance, so kids can feed the turtles.

Hopkins Wilderness Park
1102 Camino Real
Redondo Beach, Ca 90277
online: redondo.org

Monkey Around at Veterans Park
Stop by this scenic park before or after your beachgoing adventures to let the kiddos play on the playground while you take in the ocean view. On Thursdays from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. there’s a farmers market here in the Park where you can buy fruits and vegetables, baked goods, plants and more.

Veterans Park
309 Esplanade at the corner of South Catalina Ave. & Torrance Blvd.
Redondo Beach, Ca 90277
online: redondo.org

EAT


Turquoise Restaurant
Dine on authentic and delicious Mediterranean and Middle Eastern food right in Redondo Beach’s Riviera Village at Turquoise. The menu is bursting with healthy, organic dishes you can enjoy family-style. Kids can share the sandwiches, which are big enough for two. Order the littles the organic peanut butter panini which comes topped with grape molasses and grilled green apple slices. Don’t miss the homemade yogurt and hummus at this bright and cheery spot with friendly service, where you can also pose for a pic in front of the huge photograph of Greece on the restaurant’s back wall.

Turquoise
1735 S. Catalina Ave.
Redondo Beach, Ca 90277
online: turquoise-restaurant.com

IShabu Shabu
Japanese hot pot is one of the latest trends in dining out. Order up your ingredients at Ishabu Shabu: locally sourced beef, seafood and veggies, then cook them in the broth of your choice in a hot pot in front of you. Be sure to indulge with the strawberry mojito and the decadent, oversized Brick macaron ice cream sandwiches for dessert.

IShabu Shabu
1212 S. Pacific Coast Hwy. #200
Redondo Beach, Ca 90277
online: ishabushabu.com

photo: Joan S. via Yelp

The Green Temple
Vegetarians unite at The Green Temple where the zen vibe is as refreshing as the veggie cuisine. This restaurant has been a cherished part of the community for over 15 years and they pride themselves on sourcing their ingredients from local farms. Kids can opt for the “junior portion” of many dishes and they’ll devour any variety of the quesadillas while you gobble up the vegetarian edition of The Blue Plate: a flavorful homemade veggie burger topped with mushrooms, onions and gravy and served with mashed potatoes and broccoli. Hydrate with an array of fresh squeezed juices or rejuvenate with a Dragon Shot––an herbal extract prepared to result in a variety of outcomes from opening your heart to strengthening your immunity.

The Green Temple
1700 S. Catalina Ave. #103
Redondo Beach, Ca 90277
online: greentemple.net

photo: Captain Kidd’s

Captain Kidd’s Fish Market
Renown for serving Redondo Beach’s freshest seafood since 1976, Captain Kidd’s affords visitors the opportunity to custom design their meal by choosing their cut of fish including swordfish, halibut and Arctic cod or seafood selection of crabs, lobsters, clams and mussels from the fish case, choosing how they’d like it prepared and adding on side dishes from garlic french fries to macaroni salad. Kids can order from the “mini pirates” menu from offerings including fish and shrimp and kid-faves: corndog, grilled cheese and more. Captain Kidd’s has three patios for dining with a view and they’re dog-friendly.

Captain Kidd’s Fish Market
209 N. Harbor Dr.
Redondo Beach, Ca 90277
online: captainkidds.com

For more information on all Redondo Beach has to offer, go to visitredondo.com.

Where’s your favorite place to go in Redondo Beach? Tell us in the comments.

–– Beth Shea

All Photos by the author unless otherwise noted.

This trip was paid for by Redondo Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visitor’s Bureau, but all opinions expressed here belong to the writer.

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McMenamins Anderson School: Old Jr. High Turned Hip Family Haven

by Allison Sutcliffe

Finding out about new kids’ play spaces ranks pretty high on the parent need-to-know list. Finding out about a new play space where kids and parents can play? That’s an automatic list-topper. And that’s what we love about the new McMenamins Anderson School property that just opened in Bothell. Its pool, movie theater, restaurants and bars spell fun for the whole fam. Whether you stay for the day or for the weekend, you won’t want to miss this one!

photo: McMenamins/Kathleen Nyberg

Play

The great thing about this eclectic, cozy compound is the casual room for the kidlets to roam. Each building seamlessly spills out in the courtyard, which easily connects to another restaurant, bar or the movie theater, so you can follow the lead of your Little without missing a beat. The Anderson School is a go-as-you-flow kind of place that equals relaxed playtime for parents and their always-curious counterparts.

Take your little fish for a dip in the The North Shore Lagoon, McMenamin’s on-site pool that’s open to the public every day from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Swim sessions are broken up into six, two-hour long time slots where families can splish and splash around the tiki-themed pool before changing into street gear to grab some delish eats at the restaurant upstairs. We love that the pool has plenty of shallow play areas where even the most timid toddlers can test the waters with ease. And the deepest point is only 4’6”, which means you won’t be treading water as you make the Marco-Polo rounds with your big kid sidekick.

photo: Allison Sutcliffe

Upstairs, former home to the pool bleacher seats, families will find the North Shore Lagoon restaurant, where parents can nosh on some South Seas-inspired eats, like coconut shrimp and the Kapu Hut Baguette, while kiddos nom-nom a more traditional menu of burgers, chicken fingers and sliders. Add in a tropical drink for yourself (hello, afternoon pina colada!), made with one of their 80-plus rums, and you’ve got the 30-minute vacation you need to make it through the week. All that plus a bird’s eye view of the pool below? Yes, please!

photo: McMenamins/Kathleen Nyberg

Need a little down time? Head to the on-site movie theater that plays first run flicks, four times a day, two matinees and two shows at night. The cozy 121-seat theater is luxed out with cushy chairs and cup holders for maximum veg time your mini crew. Order some brew food, simple snacks or a frothy beverage before the show, and they’ll bring it straight to your seat so you can enjoy dinner and a movie without much fuss. We suggest grabbing seats in one of the two rows with bar table seating to make things easier for the kiddos. Food and drink isn’t quite as spillable here, as it is without a place to land. The best part? Like the other amenities at the Anderson School, the movie theater is open to the public, so you don’t have to be a guest to enjoy this big screen (the only one in town!). Tickets for kids are always $7. Parents pay $7 for matinees and $9 for showings after 5 p.m. Be sure to check the schedule online to see what’s playing and when.

photo: McMenamins/Kathleen Nyberg

Beyond these two daily activities, the Anderson School hosts a slew of musical guests and seasonal events, most of which are all ages. To see what’s coming up between now and the new year, check the online calendar for details and tickets. It’s the kid-friendly nightcap you’ve been waiting for!

Eat

Food and drink is a McMenamin mainstay and the Anderson School is no exception. When hunger strikes there are lots of options to choose from. If the North Shore Lagoon restaurant, or the casual fare of the movie theater, doesn’t quite fit the bill, head over to the former cafeteria, now the Tavern on the Square, where they’ve traded tater tots on plastic trays for farm-to-table breakfasts, lunches and dinners focused on Northwest cuisine. Seating is first come, first serve for now. But we love that you can wander in the courtyard with the kids or chill out by a fire pit on a cool autumn night while you’re waiting for a table.

photo: McMenamins/Kathleen Nyberg

Right next door is the converted Woodshop (we’ll give you three guesses what it used to be). You won’t find any bandsaws or drill presses here, though. Just plenty of pub seating, pool tables, pinball machines and some old school shuffleboards, queued up for family fun time. It’s easy to kill a few hours with the minis over lunch with some hand-crafted brews and games here.

photo: Allison Sutcliffe

There are two sweet, tiny bars tucked into the property too. The Shed that sits in the middle of the courtyard looks like the tiny house you’ve been dreaming of on the outside, and the whisky bar of your dreams on the inside. A small bar, cozy wood-burning fireplace and just enough seating for dinner with your ten besties, this is one great spot to hole up for a drink. On the third floor of the hotel building is the Principal’s Office. It feels like a library turned bar, and it’s a great place to stop in for a bacon Bloody Mary on a crisp fall day. Kids are OK at both of these spots, just don’t let them belly up to the bar when you’re not there!

photo: Allison Sutcliffe

Stay

Make a weekend out of your adventure by booking a room for you and your munchkins in the remodeled Anderson School building. Walking through the 72-room, three-story renovation it’s hard to imagine this was once a school, halls filled with students bustling between classes. Short of the names you’ll spot on the many doors and the pictures of former staff that line the wall, the old school has been respectfully usurped by the new hotel. In true McMenamin’s style, each room is intriguingly different, with hand-painted headboards, decorative windows and even surprise double rooms that work (really) well for families.

photo: McMenamins/Kathleen Nyberg

The overhead lighting is a mix-and-match collection of chandeliers that are worth more than a few gawks. And all of the paintings in the hallways and stairwells, depicting life in Bothell and the history of the school, are painted by local Pacific Northwest artists. Even if you just wander through for a quick peek, it’s worth your time. Room rates range from $150-$300 per night, depending on the season and the day. And your furry kids are welcome too, for $15 per day, per pet. Check room availability and make a reservation online for an unexpected, easy fall getaway with the kids.

 photo: McMenamins/Kathleen Nyberg

After School Activities

The Anderson School’s central, downtown location makes it an easy option for families who want to extend playtime beyond school bonds. It’s within walking distance of Bothell Landing, the city’s centerpiece park that runs along the Sammamish River and hooks up with the Burke Gilman. Here your wiggle worms can expend some extra energy on the playground or take a walk along a trail before heading out on the next adventure. Just as exciting are the city’s plans to put an amphitheater in the Anderson School’s backyard. The ground has been broken on this new project, which should bring even more music and entertainment to this little corner of the town. Still want more? Check out some of our favorite spots around Bothell.

photo: Allison Sutcliffe

McMenamins Anderson School
18603 N.E. Bothell Way
Bothell, Wa 98011
425-398-0122
Online: mcmenamins.com/AndersonSchool

Do you plan on visiting McMenamins Anderson School with your kids? Have you already been? Tell us about your experience in the Comments below.

— Allison Sutcliffe

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Dial it Down: 5 Stress-Relief Ideas for Kids

by Nikki Walsh

Between sports practice, camps and music lessons, our busy little bees can sometimes feel themselves flying in circles from all the activities. And let’s face it: so do the parents! Take a break from calendar overwhelm and let the kiddos get out of their head and into their hearts. Here are five easy ways to relieve some stress with a San Diego twist.

Photo credit: San Elijo Conservancy Facebook page

Nature Is Nurture
Simply walking in nature can bring some quiet and calm. San Diego lagoons are a good start for the smaller set. Leucadia’s San Elijo Lagoon is easy to get to and has a short half-mile hike, an easy little loop (in case kids tire). If you’re not quite up for a nature walk, simply set your visit for the first Sunday of the month. Learn about nature through a hands-on art projects, try a short hike, or picnic at the tables on the Observation Deck with a great view of the lagoon. With free parking and free activities, you will leave with the quiet calm of nature in your mind.

Hours: Monday – Sunday, 9 – 5 p.m.

2710 Manchester Ave.
Cardiff-by-the-Sea, Ca
760-634-3026

Online: sanelijo.org/naturecenter.html

Photo credit: Monique Walsh

Head and Heart
Too much to do can leave a little one’s head spinning. Teaching kids how to get out of their head and into their heart can bring a gentle calm to whirling thoughts. The Kelee is a map to your heart that helps kiddos understand the difference between too much thinking in their head and the calmness of their heart. Kelee meditation is used at the UC San Diego Medical School. So if it works for medical students, it’s sure to help even the youngest of kids too.

Online: thekelee.org

Photo credit: Chris Palmer via Flickr Creative Commons

Go Fly a Kite
Flying a kite with your pint-size is a great way for everyone to relax in the fresh air. Even if you don’t want to stress of flying the kite yourself, San Diego has some great kite-watching spots including Mission Bay Park on a windy day (which is often). Bring a picnic and set up a spot on the grassy green, and fly or watch the kites. There’s also a great play area and plenty of bathrooms, free parking and trees with shade. Simple, low-key fun that will relax anyone.

Online: sandiego.gov/park-and-recreation

Photo credit: Monique Walsh

Almost Camping
Almost camping takes the family outside without too much fuss. Rent a beachside campsite at Carlsbad State Beach, pitch a little tent (yes, it can be the one you got for the living room), and have a fire pit completely to yourself. Grill hot dogs, hamburgers, veggie kabobs and s’mores for dessert. There’s a small store onsite in case you forget something; they even sell the firewood. Stay as late as you want, then pack it up for the comforts of home. You can reserve South Carlsbad State Beach campsites online for as low as $35.

7201 Carlsbad Blvd.
Carlsbad, Ca
760-438-3143
Online: parks.ca.gov

Photo credit: Monique Walsh

Allow for Alone Playtime
A little alone time can be a great way for littles to decompress. Playing by themselves (even if it starts with a few minutes) helps our little bees begin to quiet themselves. You can start with a short time then lengthen as kiddos adjust. We like dollhouses and bat caves to help the little ones get creative and have less stressed.

How do you help your kids unwind in San Diego? What ideas do you have?

— Monique Walsh

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Explore the 5 Senses at the San Diego Zoo

by Cherie Gough

The San Diego Zoo is one of the city’s best spots to visit. But if you find yourself a bit bored by constantly visiting the lions, tigers and bears (oh my!), explore the Zoo in a new way. Plan your next trip as a way to teach your kiddos about connecting with their five senses and observing nature. We’ve got your insider’s guide on what to see, hear, eat, touch and smell at the Zoo.

Photo Credit: Jayme J via TripAdvisor

Do You See What I See?
The Reptile House is the perfect place to slow down and look carefully to spot that snake or lizard that looks just like a log. Watching the flamingos over the seasons offers a great learning experience. In spring, see the males run and wildly flap wings, while females begin to sit on nests. See if you can spot the fuzzy gray chicks, and on your next visit, notice how those chicks begin to change color as they develop.

Does your kiddo need a break from the stroller? Do your feet need a rest? Stop and sit right next to the glass at an enclosure. Taking a wait-and-see approach for just a few minutes can lead to a exciting close encounter with an animal.  Talk about the color and texture of the animal’s skin, feathers or fur.

Photo credit: Ashley via TripAdvisor

Listen Carefully!
What can you hear by listening to the beautiful waterfalls abound in many areas of the Zoo? You can find them in Gorilla Tropics, Terrace Lagoon, Scripps Aviary, and the tapir exhibit. Listening to the rushing water is thrill enough for many kids even if the animals aren’t active. At various times each day, “rain” falls around the perimeter of Scripps Aviary. (Don’t worry – you won’t get wet!) Birds and kiddos will love experiencing this awesome rainforest experience.

Encourage kiddos the listen carefully as you can often hear the bells ringing at The Museum of Man’s Bell Tower throughout your visit to the Zoo. If it’s the top of the hour, count the bells together.

Image Credit: Cherie Gough

What’s that Smell?
Whew! Those camels sure are stinky. Challenge your kids to use their noses to find other smelly creatures on your next Zoo visit. If animal smells just aren’t your thing, then check out the abundant herb garden just across the street from the camels. You will enjoy the tasty smells of thyme, rosemary and other herbs and flowers planted along the wall.

Image Credit: Cherie Gough

Hands On!
What kid doesn’t love putting their hands on everything they see? The petting zoo is must-visit for those who only want to touch the animals. After petting the baby goats, ask your little one how an animal’s fur feels and compare it to pets at home. Stop by the bronze gorillas in Gorilla Tropics for a fun experience. Kids can compare their hand to a life-sized gorilla’s paw.For added fun, count the gorilla’s digits and your little one’s too. Be sure to snap a photo of your rugrat climbing on the gorilla.

Image Credit: Cassie N. via Yelp

Let’s Eat!
If you visit the Zoo in the morning, you may find orangutans and gorillas romping and leaping toward their snack. Ask your kids if they can find animals eating foods that are similar to their own snacks. For a real “taste” of how the animals eat, kids can feed a giraffe on the weekends from 12 – 1 p.m. for $10. Little ones will love watching these amazing creatures with long necks and tongues reach so close to them for a snack. The giraffe-feeding can get quite crowded, so be prepared to wait in a long line. But it’s worth it!

San Diego Zoo
2920 Zoo Dr.
San Diego, Ca
619-231-1515
Online: sandiegozoo.org

– Cherie Gough

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The Insider’s Guide to the San Elijo Lagoon Nature Center

by Tonya Staab

Days are getting warmer. Summer is on the horizon. It’s time to look for new adventures. Leave the electronics at home and get little ones in touch with the outdoors at the San Elijo Lagoon Nature Center. This North County coastal is a hidden treasure and features the perfect mix of hands-on fun and learning. It’s also a great spot to spend a couple of hours.

About San Elijo Lagoon Nature Center
The San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve is one of the largest (915 acres!), and one of the few remaining, coastal wetlands in San Diego County. It’s owned and operated by San Diego County Department of Parks and Recreation. The 5600-square-foot certified ‘green’ nature center and interactive museum is a great spot to learn about the plants and wildlife in the area. It is free to explore the trails and nature center, however donations are appreciated.

What to Do
The Nature Center has a mix of different activities, from hiking to indoor fun to special events. Here’s are our picks for fun things to do.

Go on a Nature Treasure Hunt: Each explorer receives a board and crayons, and is encouraged to track how many things can they can see, hear, smell and touch. These fun explorations are available anytime the center is open. The rangers keep the laminated cards behind the counter, so be  sure to ask for one when you go in. Kiddos can expect to see snakes, lizards, butterflies, spiders and herons (along with other birds). Don’t forget to look for the striped mullet jumping out of the water as you walk around the lagoon trail. Be quick, though; they move fast.

Children’s Story Time: Story time for kids on the third Tuesday and Thursday each month at 11 a.m. A Nature Center volunteer spins yarns about animals and outdoors to kiddos. Since this is indoors, it’s a great way to cool off and enjoy some relaxing time after a hike.

Family Fun Days: Family Fun Days are on the first Sunday of the month, from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Unplug and learn with hands-on activities including crafts, story time and touching artifacts.

The Family Fun Days theme for summer is Kumeyaay, the Native American people who once lived in the wetland for food, shelter, clothing and medicine. Here’s a look at the upcoming programs.

  • Sunday, June 1 – Kumeyaay Life: Acorns on the Rocks: Kids will have a chance to grind real acorns
  • Sunday, July 6 – Ancient Artifacts and Skulls:  Kids can uncover secrets of the past in a mock dig site
  • Sunday, August 3 – Living Off the Land: Find out all about what native people ate

Special Events
Check the calendar for special events. We highly recommend the Not-So-Scary Estuary event at Halloween. It’s one of the best trick-or-treat trails in town. Kids come in costume and enjoy hands-on activities and treats at various stations both inside the nature center and around the trail.

Tips
Don’t forget closed-toe shoes, hats, sunscreen and water. There are water fountains and bathrooms at the nature center, but not out on the trails.

A $1 donation is suggested for regular and special events.

There is limited parking available. So if you’re visiting the Nature Center for a special event, be sure to arrive early and allow for plenty of time to find a parking space.

2710 Manchester Avenue
Cardiff-by-the-Sea, Ca
Online: sanelijo.org

Hours: Open daily (except Christmas), 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Have you visited the San Elijo Lagoon Nature Center? Tell us about your visit in the comments!

—Written and photographed by Tonya Staab

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Tide Pool Adventures in Malibu

by Beth Shea

Parents often go out of their way to plan grandiose family trips with all the bells and whistles; but sometimes it’s the simplest, impromptu outings that create the fondest memories. Such is the case with a low-key trip to Malibu Lagoon State Beach, which promises to be a relaxing retreat into nature that the whole family will enjoy. This majestic backdrop offers the opportunity to ditch the lines and the admission fees at the local aquarium, and to observe and appreciate sea life in its natural habitat. In the tide pool, kids can discover plenty of crabs as they scamper by right next to their toes, or ooh and ahh over the bright orange hue of a real live sea star. Plus, there’s 22 acres of wetlands where you can spot an abundance of bird species who call the lagoon home.

Getting There & Parking: Malibu Lagoon State Beach is located at 23200 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265. Look for the entrance for parking and the nature area at Cross Creek Road off the Pacific Coast Highway. This is directly across from the famed Malibu Country Mart, where you can pick up a picnic to go (see below). The state beach parking lot is located on the west side of the Malibu Creek Bridge. Parking costs $12. Be sure to pay the fee, as the area is heavily patrolled!

Picnic to Go: En route to the beach, stop and pick up food at John’s Garden at the Malibu Country Mart. They offer an extensive sandwich and salad menu, as well as smoothies, milk shakes and snacks that are all easy to tote on the go. While you wait for your food to be prepared, the kiddos can blow off some steam from the drive at the fun playground located just outside the order pick-up window.


Parking 411:After you park, you’ll have a beautifully scenic, yet somewhat lengthy stroll along a wildflower lined dirt path to the beach — so be mindful of how much you need to lug with you to set up shop.

Fun in the tide pool: A tide pool offers an adventurous departure from a smooth sandy shore. Swap out the lounging and building of sand castles for the fun of exploring! At Malibu Lagoon State Beach, you’ll find a rocky, shallow pool of water that’s teeming with ocean life peeking out from the crevices and creeping among the rocks. Expect to see black crabs scurrying by and perhaps a starfish or two basking in its natural habitat. Bring your camera because there will be many photo-worthy moments of your kids’ delight in this amazing backdrop.

Tide Pool Exploration Tip: Outfit your kiddos in water shoes because they’ll be climbing around in rocky terrain, and you’ll want to protect their fragile tootsies from sharp edges and maybe even a crab’s claw or two.

Surf’s Up: This setting is also a great place to watch surfers hang ten, as it is home to Surfrider Beach, a world-famous locale that’s a popular destination for catching waves, and one of the birthplaces of SoCal surfing culture.

Bird’s Eye View: Malibu Lagoon is an amazing place to go bird watching. Here you’ll find a large assortment of birds to behold. For a glimpse at some of the beautiful feathered creatures, you may be lucky enough to spy, visit this page of the Santa Monica Bay Audobon Society’s website. Don’t forget to pack binoculars for your little bird watchers in training!

Online: parks.ca.gov/malibulagoon

—Beth Shea

 

All photos courtesy of Beth Shea

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