Seattle has an amazing Instagram community of uplifting, inspiring and awesome accounts. Here are some of our local favorites
Are you looking for Instagram inspiration? We tirelessly scrolled through our Instagram feed to bring you a round up Pacific Northwest influencers. These Seattle-area handles will be your go-to guides for things to do, where to play, where to eat in Seattle with kids, and where to book your next travel adventure. Get ready to meet your next Insta-bestie!
The Best Seattle-Based Instagram Accounts You Should Follow
This PNW mama of two is an amazing resource for the best playgrounds, hikes and kid-friendly adventures Washington has to offer. She posts amazing photos of all the places her family explores and writes honest reviews. We love her positivity, inclusivity and feed full of incredibly bookmark-able material. Your next outing is a follow away!
Emma is a Seattle content creator with a feed full of fashion, lifestyle and beautiful photography—and she’s expecting! Who doesn’t love adorable baby bump pics? Whether you’re looking for outfit ideas or a place to frolic in a field of towering sunflowers, Emma has you covered. Her account is, in a word, gorgeous!
Honestly, you need Andrea’s tips for tasty eats in your daily feed! Her reels are so good you can practically taste and smell the food. Be warned though, this account comes with serious cravings. Find the best, most unique (and delicious) hidden gems here!
This awesome Pacific Northwest mama has great recommendations for things to do around Seattle with little ones. We love her tips and if you sneak on over to her curated account, @nicks_plate21, the feed is full of the cutest kids’ plates. If you’re like us and your child is a picky eater—this is the account for you. You’ll be making heart shaped waffles and bento boxes in no time.
Krista is a mama of 3, and her account is all about navigating the friendly skies with kids—she loves adventures near and far. We love her travel tips and travel hacks. Book your next adventure with @mamabearintheair!
Are you always on the look out for a good book? We have the perfect Instagram account for you to follow next. Sara has the best recommendations for picture books. Make room in your library (and feed) for colorful, wonderful, page-turning books.
Janet Kim is a TV reporter turned PR pro, and we love her feed. She juggles it all—kids, career and adventures. She makes planning outings a breeze with great tips, detailed itineraries and fun ideas for kids (and adults). We also love how kind she is—you’ll regularly see shoutouts on her stories to other amazing PNW mamas.
Do you like easy recipes, shopping, travel, family fun and savings? We thought so. Because we do too! Follow along with these two thrifty moms. They have the best local guides insider tips.
Whitney is one of the most inspiring mamas we know. Her feed is filled with Malachi (her awesome and adorable son). She gives a glimpse into being a wife, caregiver and “medical mom.” And she’s an advocate for more equitable and inclusive communities for children with disabilities. From lifestyle content to travel and self-care, her feed is so good!
Have you every scrolled through someone’s Instagram feed and had serious photo envy? Yep! Emilia is your photography role model. Her content is breathtaking. Her photos give a beautiful lens into motherhood, and we are here for it.
Editor’s Note: We can’t help but add our very own writer, Katheryn Mueller to this list—she brings so much fun and joy to Instagram while keeping it real. We love how she totally embraces the PNW lifestyle and we can’t get enough of her insider intel when it comes to hikes, wine content, and snow play with kids.
PS: Don’t forget to follow @tinybeanskids for more content crafted perfectly for you!
Of all the new experiences I expected to have as a first-time mom, I never thought I’d need to adjust to the most obvious one: I suddenly wasn’t pregnant anymore.
It shouldn’t be a big deal, right? I was not pregnant for most of my life; in fact, I’d had quite a run as a non-pregnant woman. I was 37 when I had my first child. You’d think it would be just business as usual once the baby came out, but it wasn’t, because during those last six months, once I started showing, my identity shifted.
I was the pregnant woman at work, the pregnant woman on the subway, the pregnant woman at the grocery store. It’s not that people did things for me, but it was the way many of them dealt with me. The smiles, the nods of familiarity, the spontaneous stories that came out from someone next to me in line or on the subway platform, even the guy at the deli I went to for lunch every day laughing when I asked him to make me a peanut butter & jelly sandwich, who drew a smiley face in the jelly for me.
When I first got pregnant, after we’d passed that first hurdle and felt like things were moving along nicely, I longed—yearned—for the fellowship of other pregnant women. I thought we’d be acknowledging each other all the time with an instant, fleeting connection that bonded us even if our interaction was momentary. That didn’t happen until my belly finally got that curve that comes from a growing fetus and not all those late-night pints of Ben & Jerry’s.
And then, I’d arrived. Not only did I get the “we’re in this together” look from pregnant strangers, I also became, if not a conversation piece, a catalyst for conversation, and (as my teenagers will attest to with dismay), I love chatting with strangers. People would tell me about their kids or their families or their own pregnancies, they’d ask me questions, and we’d talk about food or the baby mafia that tried to sell us all products we’d never need. I was the person who got noticed.
I confess—I loved it. I was basking in the miraculous feat of growing a baby inside my body, so it was awesome to find no shortage of friends, coworkers, and strangers who wanted to talk about it. I remember being in line at a gourmet chocolate shop and chatting with the woman in front of me, who was pregnant with twins… you could hear our laughter for miles.
And then, I had the baby. We brought him home, and I took him out for walks. But then, for the very first time since he was born, I went out alone. And it was the oddest sensation.
It was a simple walk to the grocery store down the street, but it was enough to discover that I had once again become invisible. In that moment, I realized just how much I’d enjoyed the extra attention. It had nothing to do with being fussed over or given a seat… that wasn’t what I missed. (Even pregnant, I was happy to give up my seat to anyone who looked like they needed it more.) Without my big belly or a newborn in my arms, I was just another schmo.
I had started my walk to the store that day feeling newly unencumbered and oddly free, and on that short journey, those feelings transitioned into something else: loneliness. Nobody looked at me twice. Parents with kids didn’t meet my eyes with an unspoken connection. No one laughed when I accidentally got in their way, and no sweet smiles were sent in my direction. I was the same old person I’d been before I had a belly that preceded the arrival of the rest of me, and that person, at passing glance, was just not that interesting.
I have friends who were relieved post-pregnancy when strangers finally stopped paying so much attention to them, and it took me by surprise that I didn’t feel the same way. I long ago learned to relish the times when I get to be just me; I even go on a yearly trip with friends, without family. I’m thrilled to go, and I’m just as happy to come back and be reunited with everyone. Being a mom is about constantly adjusting to the new status quo, which never stops shifting. When you’re in one of the good stages, try to remember to enjoy it.
These creative shared bedroom ideas are perfect for families, whether it’s for big kids, babies, or a combination of the two.
Anyone who lives in a home with more bodies than they have space for knows all too well that shared rooms are just part of the deal (and sometimes all that clutter). But it turns out, that designing a space that makes everyone feel cozy and comfortable (and is good-looking to boot) is possible, no matter who’s sharing the bedroom. Here are six tips for tackling shared bedrooms and how you can replicate the look in your own home.
Shared Room Tip #1: Stack up the Beds
Amazon
This triple bunk takes advantage of high ceilings (its height is almost 6.5′ high so this would work best in a room with 9′ ceilings or higher) and is the ultimate space saver when it comes to shared bedroom ideas for those with more than two kids (or for those with one kid who has loads of cousins and sleepover friends). Best part? Costing less than $500—it won’t break the bank. For more bunk bed inspo, check out our round-up of bunk beds that will have everyone fighting for the top bunk.
Shared Room Tip #2: Divide the Room
courtesy Kim Cornelison
Private yet together. This bedroom cleverly splits the bedroom with a privacy wall, complete with handy sconces and built-in storage. The wrap-around wallpaper helps unify the space.
Shared Room Tip #3: Get Creative with Double-Duty Furniture
If an entire wall build-out is out of the question, make double use of a headboard from both sides like this solution by Jennifer Wundrow Int. Design. It offers privacy much like the wall but is executed much less expensively. Bonus: Built-ins at the end of the bed provide extra storage space for books, a glass of water, and other bedtime must-needs.
Insider Tip: If you don’t have a headboard, you can add a bookcase and use it as the divider/headboard.
The graphic nature of these IKEA beds (yes! IKEA) helps make this bedroom look modern and roomy thanks to the tight color palette and minimal bedding. A battenboard wall adds a nice bespoke touch to the room without overwhelming the space.
Shared Room Tip #5: Take Advantage of High Ceilings
Photo by Barnes Vanze Architects, Inc.
Whether you have 9′ high ceilings and can fit a triple bunk bed in a room or have a loft-like space where a niche would work just right—utilizing otherwise wasted space, use high ceilings to your advantage when it comes to shared spaces.
If you are decorating a shared space, make sure to personalize each space for each kid. So whether you have a big kid and a baby sharing a room, a brother and sister, or any combination you choose, make sure that each kid’s bed space reflects them—it could be a favorite color bedspread or even their initials over the bed. Whatever you do, it’ll make the room feel cozier and possibly, make them love sharing a room even more.
If there’s snow on the ground, you’ll want to be at one of these highly-rated sledding hills in and around Chicago
Make the climb and then down, down, down you go. Where will you stop? At the bottom of one of Chicago’s awesome sledding hills—with a humongous smile on your cheeks. When Mother Nature buries us in the white stuff, you’ll want to know exactly where to go to enjoy . . . and you won’t have to travel far. Illinois has a reputation for being rather flat, so even we can’t believe how many quality sled hills we found (more than 20 so far!) within the city limits and surrounding suburbs. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered from Soldier Field to Vernon Hills to a handful of hidden gems you can enjoy all winter long.
The famous toboggan slides from this Northwest-side hill are gone, but this is still a great place to whiz down a snowdrift. It’s easy for small kids to manage, is lit at night, has ample parking and indoor bathrooms. You may want to try some cross-country skiing while you are there. Go around lunch or dinner to enjoy Superdawg just around the corner. Call 847-647-2240 for sledding hill status.
W Devon Ave & N Nagle Ave Forest Glen Online:fpdcc.com
Dan Ryan Woods
Located in the Beverly neighborhood, this slope is a well-kept South Side secret. It's rarely crowded, has hills for both sleds and snowboards and is great for all ages—especially little ones thanks to the easy “up” paths. Sledding hills have lighting and are staffed Sun.-Thurs., 10 a.m.-7:30 p.m.; Fri. & Sat., 10 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Fun fact to share with the kiddos: Surrounded by a pretty forest, the hill is the remaining basin of a glacier. Call 773-233-3766 for sledding hill status.
W. 87th St. & S. Western Ave. Beverly Online:fpdcc.com
Gompers Park
A wetland destination in the summertime, Gompers Park slicks up in winter, covering nearly 39 acres in the North Park neighborhood. With its smaller hills, it's perfect for newbies looking for a minor thrill. Fieldhouse hours, Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sat., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
An Irving Park neighborhood gem, Horner Park is mostly known for its seasonal events and summer sports. However, in between holiday festivities the park’s hills are filled with sled-toting families lined up for snowy thrill-seeking in one of the North Side’s biggest parks. Fieldhouse hours, Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sat. & Sun., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Another hidden gem can be found at Humboldt Park, one of the few hills located on the west side. If the kids aren't worn out from sledding, enjoy free ice skating in the park. Bathrooms available during Fieldhouse hours, Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-8:30 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Shhhh . . . the harbor's Cricket Hill isn't officially designated for sledding, but come winter it's one of the favorite downhill fun spots for city dwellers. Locals tend to create some bumped-out runs so you can lift off and catch some air if you are daring. Total bonus: this hill has beautiful lake shore views, and the boat harbor is just as stunning in winter as it is in summer.
It may not be the biggest sledding hill to be found, but its convenient location keeps Lincoln Park families—particularly ones with toddlers and young children—flocking there. When the kiddos retire their sleds for the day, take a stroll through the park to check out the Wizard of Oz statues: Tin Man, Scarecrow, Cowardly Lion, and Dorothy with Toto. Street parking and bathrooms available during Fieldhouse hours, Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
The kids will think it’s neat they're sledding on a former garbage dump—minus the stink—turned sledding hill. Enjoy the magnificent southern view of Chicago's skyline and the park's pond and wetlands, and warm up with coffee from Jackalope Coffee or Bridgeport Coffeehouse, located just down the street.
The magnificence of Soldier Field is overshadowed in the eyes of children in the winter by the nearby sledding hill. The Chicago Park District creates its own faux snow to supplement the real stuff, so the hill is kept white and fluffy. With a 33-foot vertical drop, this one is great for the thrill-seekers in your family. There’s a little staircase built-in to help with the climb back up. Plastic sleds only. Be sure to call 312-235-7000 before you head south for the winter, as sledding is not always available.
Here you get the perk of a big parking lot that’s rarely full, plus plenty of street parking. Situated in the heart of Rogers Park, the hill is a decent size and known for being a popular destination for toboggan users. It’s also great for little ones since the hill has stairs on either side, starting gates at the top of the hill and a nearby warming house. If you tire of sledding, this park also has one of the city’s best outdoor ice rinks.
For a downhill experience with a little more intensity, head to Villa Olivia. Participants must be at least 6 years old and 42 inches tall to ride alone. Ages 4 and 5 may ride share with a paying adult age 18 and over. For safety reasons, no one under the age of 4 may go snow tubing. Fee includes two hours of snow tubing, use of the conveyor lift (aka magic carpet) and snow tube. Snow tubing is not guaranteed without an online reservation. For daily updates on availability and conditions call the snow phone at 630-540-4199. Thurs.-Fri., 5:00 p.m.-9:30 p.m.; Sat., Sun., & Holidays, 9 a.m.-10 p.m.
BYO sled, tube or saucer, and let it rip at this spacious, lighted sledding hill. Lights turn on around 4 p.m. and the sled hill will close at 11 p.m. daily. Status of each of the sled hills will be communicated during the winter via the Rainout Hotline. If practicing figure 8s is more your speed, head to the park’s lagoon for skating (allowed when ice is eight inches thick).
Some people know this park by its former life as a landfill. In fact, its biggest hill is lovingly called "Mount Trashmore" by locals. Pay that no mind—the sledding here is an absolute joy, even if the most massive mound is off-limits (the four adjacent slopes, of small and medium steepness, are open for sledding only). All activities at James Park are at the user's own risk. The City of Evanston is not responsible for any damages or injuries to any persons or property arising out of sledding. Dodge Ave. & Mulford St. Evanston Online:cityofevanston.org
Glenview - Flick Park
This lighted sledding hill has a roughly 30-degree slope that cascades into an open field. Hill is lit until 10 p.m. Visit the Weather Cancellations page to learn the activity status or call the Rainout Line at 847-724-3337 and enter ext. 24 for automated updates. Bonus: convenient adjacent parking.
Johns Park is similar to the sledding at Flick Park and is also lit until 10 p.m. If you call the Rainout Line (847-724-3337) for automated updates, enter ext. 25.
In addition to a sizable hill, Caboose Park has one of the few toboggan chutes in the area. It’s also one of the few hills lit for late-night sled goers. The lights are on daily, 5:30 p.m.-10 p.m.
Right on the Naperville Riverwalk, this sledding hill allows for easy pre- or post-sledding fun with a nearby ice rink and lots of dining options in downtown Naperville. Le Chocolat has the most amazing selection of hot chocolate, for those looking for a liquid warm-up. Hill is lighted and closes at 10:00 p.m. daily.
With a 28-foot hill, Techny Prairie Park and Fields may seem overwhelming for smaller sledders. However, the hill has stairs making it a ball for kids of all ages. It is well lit at night and has a warming house for kids (or parents) who need a burst of heat.
Climb the stairs to the tippy-top of this gentle slope that’s oh-so-popular on snowy Saturdays. The hill was redesigned for better flow but still can get icy which means the big kids will love going fast and little ones may need a grown-up to ride with them.
Very family friendly, especially for little ones because it’s one of the few hills with steps for the climb back up. There is no sledding allowed if a red flag is posted; a yellow flag means use caution. In the evenings, the hill is lit up.
We love this one because of its awesome warming shelter (open weekends only) and nearby restrooms. Sledding is permitted when snow is considered by the Park District to be deep enough; a sign posted near the hill will tell you if sledding is permitted on any given day. Century Park has an ice rink with skate rentals, as well as candy and hot drinks available for purchase.
Beautiful oak trees surround the 800-foot Mount Hoy sledding hill where $10 rents you a tube for the day. Mount Hoy is only open on the weekends and school holidays (and closes at 4 p.m.) and only for tubing. Never fear sledders, the park does have smaller sledding hills. Nearby you’ll find an ice rink, sleigh rides (check website for updates, as availability has not yet been announced) and snowshoe rental. Sign up to get text alerts when the tubing hill will be open by texting TUBING to 866-743-7332.
Butterfield Rd. west of Winfield Rd. Warrenville Online:dupageforest.org
For those moments when your sitter cancels or you’ve got a last-minute meeting try flexible, drop-in childcare near Portland
Life is busier than ever with more parents working from home. While it’s nice to have the kids in the house, sometimes you need a little peace and quiet so you can get work done, whatever that may be. Luckily there are plenty of places offering drop-in childcare near Portland that’s both flexible and affordable. Childcare that works around your schedule and is available when you’re in a pinch? We couldn’t think of a more useful tool for busy Portland parents.
WeVillage
This popular flexible childcare spot takes in kids in the morning, for an afternoon or an evening. It accepts kids ages 6 weeks to 12 years old. Parents with infants will love the beautifully and specially designed rooms that provide safe and stimulating programs for your little one. The play-based preschool curriculum is a win with local families looking to get their kiddos ready for Kindergarten. There's an über convenient online reservation form on their website, making their service even more simple to use.
If you need flexible, part-time childcare on the east side or in North Portland, this favorite childcare spot has three centers to choose from. The staff is heavy on teaching language skills, including baby sign language and Spanish language programming for bigger kids. They also offer interest centers for children including math, science, imaginative play, and reading.
Students, staff and faculty at PSU can leave little ones at this weekday drop-in center that's right on campus. They offer walk-in, reserved or occasional care for up to 5 hours a day, 20 hours per week. Ask about their activity kits for parents to check out to keep their little ones busy during meetings or study sessions.
Located in Lake Oswego, this awesome flexible daycare option offers a variety of licensed, academic early childhood programs for children ages 1 to 12 years-old. The options are flexible and quality educational experiences while being taught by trained professionals in an enriching environment. Parents can choose from school readiness programs, no-school day camps, and drop and go care.
Serving the west side, near Washington Square Mall, this drop-in center offers late night options for parents and construction toys, dress up duds and sometimes field trips for munchkins. Parents like the individual care given to each child, and the array of activities available for all ages and the flexible hours. Reservations are not required, but they are strongly recommended.
These local costume shops are perfect for outfitting your little ones this Halloween—and beyond
It’s time for your family to begin pondering one of life’s big questions: what should we be for Halloween?! And, these days, it’s not enough to come up with a one-night-only disguise for Halloween trick-or-treating. All October, dozens of family-friendly Halloween events promise to get kids into the spooky spirit, with costumes highly encouraged. Thankfully, we have you covered with some of our favorite local storefronts and pop-up places to shop for costumes, accessories, and festive décor. Whatever your family needs to complete their costumes, keep the Halloween spirit alive with the help of these shops—many of which are open year-round and can help you with many a theme-party looks!—in both the city and the ‘burbs.
For a Vintage Vibe: Lost Eras
The cool speakeasy of costume shops, Lost Eras is a hidden gem with a throwback twist. It houses a showroom full of vintage and antique collectibles, and is known for renting props and costumes to theater and movie sets (Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, The Untouchables, and Public Enemies—yep, Robert De Niro wore their clothes!). At Halloween, they add to their stock and go gangbusters. If you’re looking for funky décor—Halloween or otherwise—Lost Eras has a lot to choose from.
1511 W. Howard St.
Rogers Park Online:losteras.com
For Treasure Hunting: Chicago Costume Company Don't let its small facade deceive you: Chicago Costume is crammed to the rafters with costumes, makeup, accessories and anything else you need to transform your look. Kiddies will go bananas for the selection of Disney, Star Wars, superhero, and comic book-themed costumes. This is one of just a handful of year-round costume shops so don’t panic when your little superhero needs a new costume in January. Too busy to shop in the store? Purchase online and have your costume shipped to you or pick it up for free at one of their two Chicago locations.
For a Spooky Setting: Halloween Hallway Known for its robust selection of adult costumes since it was founded in 2007, Halloween Hallway also caters to kids with four Chicago locations (River North, Wicker Park, Downtown, Lincoln Park) that are open during Halloween season only. We love the overabundance of accessories. They take decorating seriously and some of the décor (zombies, vampires and other things that go bump in the night) might be a little scary for little ones—yet super-duper cool for big kids!
For the Procrastinator or Late-Night Shopper: Fantasy Costumes This year-round costume headquarters is a Chicago classic and known for helpful service. So helpful, in fact, that for the last few days before Halloween, they stay open 24 hours a day to satisfy all those last-minute, eleventh-hour switcheroos that parents love so much. Kids will love the Fortnite costume selection—and with so many adult costumes, your whole family can dress up together! Fantasy Costumes goes above and beyond in the accessories department, so expect to find an enormous selection of makeup, wigs, masquerade masks, and other do-dads to complete the transformation.
For Kids, Pumpkins & Pets: Spirit Halloween North, south, east, west—no matter where you turn, Spirit is like your friendly-ghost neighbor. With costumes for everyone (including pets!), a dedicated pumpkin carving area, and a "glow" section of accessories that will last well beyond Halloween, you'll find everything you need here. Because many locations are seasonal brick-and-mortar stores, open only during the holiday time, check their site for up-to-date locations.
Longer nights are almost here. There’s no better time to go stargazing in Atlanta with the kids
When it comes to places to take the kids stargazing, Atlanta might not be the first city that comes to mind. But it actually has some great locations to see the stars. Like any major city, the city lights compete with the night sky, but if you know where to look, you and the kids can see the bright starry sky without going too far. From family-friendly parks in town to mountain views just an hour away, you won’t be disappointed with our favorite Atlanta stargazing spots.
Stargazing in Candler Park
By day, this neighborhood park is dotted with family-friendly restaurants and cafes. But when the sun goes down, the wide-open green space offers the perfect place to go stargazing. So whether you snuggle up on a blanket, park on one of the playground swings or walk the trails, you’ll have a cozy viewing area between the trees.
Stargazing at Jim Cherry Memorial Planetarium at Fernbank Science Center
When the weather doesn’t cooperate, head inside to the Planetarium, about 20 minutes outside downtown Atlanta. Described as a celestial theater in the round, the Planetarium is an immersive experience that takes you on a journey through the starry galaxies. The 70-ft diameter theater is one of the biggest in the U.S. And, don’t forget, free public observations are offered in the observatory every Thursday and Friday evening from 9:00 – 10:00 pm (weather permitting).
Tourists flock to this popular attraction located 30 minutes away (without traffic) from downtown Atlanta. During the day, you’ll love the family-friendly attractions and activities. And thankfully, the park is open until midnight and is an excellent place for late-night stargazing. Anywhere along the shores of Stone Mountain Lake or the Boating Dock are perfect spots to set up for a few hours of star watching.
Take the family to the Georgia Tech campus for some seriously fun stargazing. One Thursday a month, the staff moves the telescopes from the observatory to the grounds around the Howey Physics Building. Watch the weather forecast before you head out because you won’t be able to get a great view of the moon and stars without clear skies.
Head to the town of Roswell, about 45 minutes north of Atlanta, to find just over 100 acres right on the Chattahoochee River. The night sky over the river makes for an epic starry view. When you arrive, park in the onsite parking lot and walk back toward the pond for the best nighttime views.
About an hour outside Atlanta, you can stop at Lake Brantley for some incredible stargazing. The park is just far enough away from the city lights to allow the night sky to shine bright. The park stays open until 10 pm, and you’re welcome to reserve a camping spot and stay all night long. Set up your chairs in the small open field near the lake; it has the best views.
Drive just 20 miles from Atlanta, and you’ll find Arabia Mountain. This National Heritage Area is home to historic sites and trails you can explore by all day before you set up for some stargazing at night. During the day, the park offers hiking, biking, fishing and geocaching. At night, you can sign up for an Astronomy Hike or one of the other cool events, including Moonlight Mountain Hikes or Cosmic Archery.
Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard are sharing rare family photos of their recent summer vacation with their kids with one big caveat—they continue to respect their privacy by not showing their faces.
The Frozen star, who shares two daughters with Shepard, Lincoln, nine, and Delta, seven, posted a reel to social media showing all the fun they had as a family on their trip. The girls, whose faces were covered with heart emojis, looked to be having all sorts of fun in Swan Valley, Idaho with mom and dad.
“Thank you @mmcnearney and @jimmykimmel – you’re the best hosts in the biz,” Bell captioned the post, referring to late-night host Jimmy Kimmel and his wife, Molly McNearney.
“And happy birthday to our Queen @nfscott 🎉,” she added, referring to Parks and Rec actor Adam Scott’s wife, Naomi.
The gorgeous pics showed the family exploring the Snake River, horseback riding, hiking in waterfalls, and whitewater rafting, all with importance placed on keeping the girls images private.
Shepard also posted a handful of photos from their summer fun, captioning the post, “Humidity. Sunsets. Olfactory bliss. Kind hosts. #BigBrown in a meadow, complete with a 50 amp outlet. Pontoon jungle cruise. Dearest Summer, please never end. #deadpresidents.” In the first photo, he and Bell shared a sweet kiss with a gorgeous sunset in the background.
The Armchair Expert podcast host also shared Instagram photos from their family vacation in Idaho, writing, “Heaven isn’t a place on Earth, but rather many many places on Earth best seen from behind the wheel of #BigBrown,” he wrote in the caption, referring to their two-week “annual summer motorhome trip.”
“We’re going to go to Idaho and visit some friends, and our girls love camping and love being in the motorhome,’ Bell shared of their plans with PEOPLE. “Shockingly, our family does really well in close quarters so I’m hoping that that will be a good summer ender before we go back to school.”
Bell has been open in the past about why she chooses to block out her girls faces on social media. “My feeling is that I chose a career in the public eye. I chose to be quoted, I chose to have my picture taken,” Bell explained in a Romper cover story. “I don’t know them yet. I don’t know if they will want that. So I really don’t have the right to choose for them.”
The crash of pins is one of many familiar bowling alley sights and sounds that brings back those special childhood family outings to the bowling alley. Whether you are escaping Portland’s summer heat, rainy fall days or simply celebrating a birthday party, the bowling alley is still an entertainment staple for families. If you are wondering which Portland-area lanes are worth their rental shoes, read on to find family-friendly bowling alleys that offer affordable pricing and additional entertainment options that will engage the non-bowlers in the family as well. Ready, set, roll!
Grand Central Bowl Considered a boutique bowling alley, Grand Central is a family-friendly stop for the family who loves great food and comfortable digs. The bowling alley offers 12 lanes with four large screen projectors and great lounge seating. There is also an arcade area for the non-bowlers in the group. During business hours, lane reservation are made by phone only or make them on the website after hours. They are highly recommended in order to get a bowling lane when you come in.
Insider tip: Come hungry! The Grand Central menu is more like a restaurant menu than a bowling alley menu. Get everything from sushi to artisan pizza. And the kid's menu has all the favorites your kids will want after rolling a few games.
Punch Bowl Social You and the kids can get rollin' at Portland's newest, and possibly most entertaining bowling alley, Punch Bowl Social. Located on the third floor of the Pioneer Place mall, it's got eight bowling lanes to play on. Beyond the lanes, they've got great grub and tabletop games to play so you can stay and relax a while. But we know your kids will love the coin operated arcade games that are so old school. Don't forget to clean out your change purse before heading over.
Good to know: This spot is 21 and up after 11 p.m.; long after your little Lebowskis have turned in for the night.
KingPins Families will love this state-of-the-art entertainment complex with locations in Beaverton and Portland. Beyond bowing, your kids will love playing laser tag, arcade games and even trying their hand at virtual reality at KingPins. Bring your appetites and grab a bite from the onsite TapHouse Bar & Grill. Your young gamers will enjoy racking up points in the arcade. Exclusive to their Beaverton location is a laser tag arena, featuring 3,800 square feet of glow-in-the-dark action. Make a day of it. Your family won't want to leave once the fun has begun.
SuperPlay Need to get some energy out on a rainy Portland day? SuperPlay in Beaverton is just the spot to strike some pins and run around in the laser tag arena. The 24 bowling lanes at SuperPlay feature scoring systems including 55" monitors and a virtual waiter that will allow bowlers to order food and beverages right from the lanes. The space also features a 3,200 square foot laser tag arena and a video arcade featuring more than forty games along with five Virtual Reality stations.
Insider tip: Visit the SuperPlay website to see their specials. They often feature deals such as all you can bowl, daily pricing and laser tag packages.
9300 S.W. Beaverton-Hillsdale Hwy. Beaverton, OR Online:superplayor.com
Big Al's The Beaverton location of Big Al's features 42 bowling lanes and 12 VIP lanes in addition to an arcade, bar and full food menu. With special deals for the family as well as bowling bumpers, lighter weight balls and ramps, Big Al's makes for a fun outing for older and younger bowlers. Big Al's recommends up to six bowlers per lane. Walk-ins and reservations are both welcome. Bring friends and snag a couple of lanes together.
Insider tip: During the summer, kids bowl free at Big Al's through September 2. This is a great way for the family to enjoy Big Al's together without breaking the bank.
Mt. Hood Lanes East of Portland and wanting a fun bowling day without the trek to the city or Beaverton? Mt. Hood Lanes brings a traditional bowling feel with great prices as well as a game room for kids and lounge area for adults. Cosmic Bowling on the weekends dims the lights, pumps the music and adds lighting effects to the normal bowling routine.
Insider tip: Sign up for their mailing list for a free $10 Open Bowling Certificate plus news, events and additional discounts delivered to your inbox.
Park Lanes Family Entertainment Center The Park Lanes Family Entertainment Center is not just a bowling alley. It's a place where families can play all day. Start at the lanes and roll strikes and spares. Then head to the arcade and sit down for a little video game competition with your crew. With over 55 games to choose from and a prize counter that will make your kiddos swoon, this is a spot you've got to hit before heading home. If the kids still have energy, make a break for the jungle gym play area or the batting cages. Consider this an all-day destination on a rainy day.
6360 S.E. Alexander St. Hillsboro, OR Online:parklanes.net
Bowl for Free in Portland
Many of the bowling alleys in this article are participating in the Kids Bowl Free summer program, which is just as good as it sounds. Bowlers 15 years and younger can register to participate at their favorite bowling alley for 2 free games of bowling every single day from now through September. Shoe rentals are not included, but some alleys have a special discount or package for shoe rentals that will make them a great deal as well. Family Passes are another option through this program, starting at $37 for up to 4 adults to be included for the entire summer. You can sign up online or by visiting your favorite bowling alley’s website and looking for details there.
We think the best way to celebrate National Ice Cream month is with a scoop of your favorite ice cream or gelato from one of Boston’s best ice cream shops. It’s like summer in a cup! So the next time your crew is chanting (you know the one) for their favorite summer treat, head to one of these spots families love.
Families love this small batch ice creamery in Cambridge, and it’s not just because they have inventive flavors like Horchata, Honey Lavender and Port Cherry Vanilla. We think it’s their sweet take on Taco Tuesday that makes this shop a must-visit on a sunny day. Grab street tacos from your favorite spot for dinner, followed by Honeycomb Creamery’s taco-shaped waffle cone filled with your favorite ice cream and dipped in chocolate for dessert.
When it comes to finding a great scoop of ice cream in the city, you can’t go wrong with Toscanini’s. Started in 1981, this fantastic spot is known for their creamy and flavorful cups of ice cream and their frequently rotating menu of choices. On the can’t-miss list is Toscanini’s Vienna Finger and Tiramisu.
The rock ‘n’ roll story behind Emack & Bolio’s is almost as legendary as their ice cream. And although the shop’s hours have changed over the years—from après show, late night hours to something more standard—their ice cream still rocks. Whatever flavor you choose, we suggest tricking out your treat with a covered cone (it’s kind of their thing). Get yours with Oreos, Rice Krispies or Fruity Pebbles to earn extra enthusiastic thanks from the kiddos.
When it comes to interesting ice cream flavors you can’t find anywhere else, Tipping Cow is the place. Their ice cream is made in-house and families with food sensitivities can always count on it being peanut, tree-nut and sesame-free (psst... they have non-dairy options too). We’re crushing on their original flavors like Goat Cheese and Fig, Strawberry Basil and Sweet Corn.
Named for the irresistible fish-shaped waffle cone it’s served in, Taiyaki NYC serves up Japanese-style ice cream your kids will scream for (in the “I scream, you scream” sense of the word). Fish-shaped cone? Check. Unicorn sprinkle topping? They’ve got it. What more could a kid ask for on a swelteringly hot summer day?
119 Seaport Blvd., Suite B Boston Online: taiyakinyc.com
Whether you track down one of the trucks, or visit a bakeshop location, you and the kids will be hard pressed to find a tastier ice cream sandwich anywhere else. And if you ask us, it’s the DIY aspect of the treat that makes it so good. After all, if there’s one thing we know kids always want (besides ice cream, of course), it’s to be in charge. Let them choose their favorite cookie and ice cream flavor combo to create the sweet sandwich of their dreams.
Locations in Danvers, Swampscott, Burlington and Needham. Plus food trucks (find out where they’ll be popping up next). Online: thecookiemonstah.com
If plant-based is your jam, FoMu is where you’ll find creamy vegan ice cream to enjoy. All their creative flavors are made in-house and from scratch, and the coconut milk base gives their ice creams a smooth, gelato feel. Although you might be tempted to try the avocado ice cream, don’t neglect the more traditional flavors like chocolate cookie dough, vanilla bean and cold brew ice cream when you go. They’re just as good as FoMu’s more creative flavors.
Locations in Allston, Jamaica Plain, South End and Fenway. Online: fomuicecream.com
With flavors like Ol’ Dirty Custard, Peanut the Kidnapper and Joe Bananas you might wonder what exactly is in this ice cream. Count on enticing combos that keep you and your little ice cream lovers coming back for more. Beyond these everyday flavors families can take advantage of OddFellow’s summer collection. These ice creams featuring light and fruity flavors are available for pick-up now.
Go old school with a trip to the Forge Ice Cream Bar. Whatever your hankering for, they’ve got it on their menu. Traditional scoop on a cone? Check. Shakes, ice cream sodas or a root beer float? Your kids can order it here. And if they really want to go bananas, try a Curious George (or an ice cream flight) to share.
