With spring starting to bloom and more sun in our skies, now’s the time for Seattle families to enjoy local outdoor tours. More than an opportunity to get kids outside, these guided (and a few self-guided) nature and farm tours let kids learn about everything from native plants and wildlife to what life is like on a farm. Who knows, they may even spot a bald eagle or whale, too. Check our these awesome eco-tours for families, and don’t forget to bring your binoculars.
Calling all future farmers or budding gardeners! This family friendly tour helps visitors understand sustainable farm practices. As you wander the fields you'll learn best practices for healthy soil, air and water. Families will also learn how to produce vegetables, herbs and other food, great skills to bring to your home garden. We love that there are taste tests along the way, and that kids will have the chance to meet some farm animals up close. Plan to spend about an hour on the outing ad dress for it too.
Good to know: The tour can accommodate up to 12 people per group. Parents are not included in the fee. For a group of 12 kids, two to three adults is recommended to attend.
Dates & Time: Wed., Sat. & Sun., 1 p.m., starting Apr. 14 Cost: $100 (for up to 8 people); $13/person, up to 4 additional Ages: All
Get to know Juanita Bay Park and the amazing wildlife that call this 110-acre oasis home. On the first Sunday of the month, families can join Park Rangers from the Eastside Audubon Society to see how many critters you can you spot in their natural habitat around the park. Psst...binoculars are the most fashionable accessory for this trip. Wondering what you'll see along this tour? Keep your eyes peeled for amphibians, turtles, raptors and beavers as you walk the peaceful trails and listen to the rangers. If the timing doesn't work for you, you can always bring your wild bunch to tour the park on your own. You'll find helpful interpretive signs along the trail so you can learn as you go.
Insider tip: Looking for more? There are Juanita Bay Bird Walks hosted at 8 a.m. every third Tuesday of the month as well.
Dates & Times: First Sundays, 1 p.m. Cost: Free Age: 6 & up
Juanita Bay Park 2201 Market St. Kirkland, WA 98033 Online: kirklandwa.gov
Bring Binoculars to Go Birding
iStock
Bird enthusiasts will want to breakout their binoculars and register early for this seasonal spring bird watching tour at Discovery Park. You'll need to register in advance for these guided walks where families hope to see birds returning to the Pacific Northwest where they make their summer home. Better than spotting them in your backyard, it's a chance for kids to learn about birds that live in our area year-round. If self-guided is more your thing, check out the Salmon Bay Walking Tour that runs from the Environmental Learning Center through the Locks and eventually ends at Golden Gardens. It's another chance to enjoy the rich eco-system of the Salmon Bay area.
Good to know: Discovery Park is also a salmon spying hot spot during the spawning season, from March through October.
Insider tip: A special celebration is scheduled on May 14 for International Migratory Bird Day.
Dates & Times: Sat., 8-10 a.m. Cost: $3 Ages: All
Discovery Park 3801 Discovery Park Blvd. Seattle, WA 98199 Online: parkways.seattle.gov
For families looking to keep their own pace on a nature hike that includes a history lesson, head to Seward Park. The Seward Park self-guided tour will loop families around the shoreline of the park and through trails to learn about the full history of the area—from family ownership, to city land, with stops that show bed rock, special trees and plants, as well as what remains of an old hatchery from 1935. This means flexibility to go the full loop or end early at a park bench for snack time.
Insider tip: Sign up for a morning guided tour offered by the Seward Park Audubon Society if you're looking for a change of pace.
Cost: Free Ages: All
Seward Park 5898 Lake Washington Blvd. S. Seattle, WA 98101 Online: seattleolmsted.org
Explore with a Naturalist
Rachael Brandon
Take a trip south to visit the Tacoma Nature Center and learn about native plants and animals that live along Snake Lake. These tours are led by a naturalist, and usually last just under an hour, the perfect time from for the littlest explorers. Along the waterfront you'll see frogs, turtles, birds and maybe even snakes. Add in learning about the native plants and you'll feel like a true brainiac by the time the tour is over. Bonus: Each group receives a laminated guide to use on future hikes, which will make the kids experts by the year's end. To secure your favorite date, be sure to book two weeks in advance. Don't forget to stop at the nature playground before you head home.
Insider tip: Add in the Turtle Time program, designed for kids ages 3 and up, for a full afternoon of fun!
Dates & Times: Mon.-Fri. & some Sat.; hours vary Cost: $30/Members; $35/Non-members Ages: All
As Seattle’s largest urban farm, Rainier Beach Urban Farm & Wetlands' community site gives families an opportunity to learn about farming and the natural wetlands of the area. It is co-operated by Friends of Rainier Beach Park and Tilth Alliance. Families can take a self-guided tour by playing Wetland Bingo and casually visit the site to tour the crops around the farm. You'll find u-pick plots and a family of four bald eagles nesting in a tree nearby, among other animals that frequent the area. The farm's Facebook page is where you'll find more educational opportunities and updated information on community programs.
Cost: Free Ages: All
Rainier Beach Urban Farm & Wetlands 5513 S. Cloverdale St. Seattle, WA 98118 Online: tilthalliance.org
If you’re looking for a full day of adventure with kids, check out Clipper Vacations’ half-day Whale Watching Tour that starts at Pier 69 in downtown Seattle. The boat tour is guided by an onboard Naturalist who will teach families about the ecosystem within the Salish Sea. You’ll find PNW beauty on the tour while also catching glimpses of orca whales, humpback whales and other sea and wild life (fingers crossed!). Pack your food, or order on board. And if you're not lucky enough to spot one of our city's most elusive marine creatures, not to worry, Clipper will provide each family with a complimentary tour.
Dates: Tue.-Thu., May 17-Sep. 1, 2022 Cost: $129/Adult; $79/Child (1-11) Ages: All
LA may be one of America’s most visited cities, but for locals and those in-the-know who have already done the main attractions around LA, there are some pretty special, hidden gems sprinkled all over this city. These are just the sort of places and experiences that confirms why we love living here (and for rainy day suggestions, check out our LA guide to must-visit quirky museums). Certify your street cred. and see if you’ve ever been to these hidden gems in LA.
Victoria Beach Pirate Tower: Located in Laguna Beach, this ominous-looking 60-foot tower (originally used as an enclosed staircase for the homeowners to access the beach) was built in 1926. Just to the south of the tower is another long-forgotten structure—a circular pool. And while the pool, over time, has partially filled up with sand, water still collects inside when the tide is high enough for waves to crash in on it.
To Access the Victoria Beach Pirate Tower: Only accessible during low tide, walk to the north end of Victoria Beach (public beach access is next to: 2713 Victoria Dr. where there is a long stairway that eventually takes you to the north end of the beach). Go past the rock outcropping at the base of the cliff, continue walking around the bluff, over the rocks and past another sandy beach section. You will reach the pool first (which sits in front of a modern staircase) and then you'll see the tower that stands north of the pool.
This museum hosts a great collection of airline artifacts, including a display of over 600 airline uniforms from 68 airlines around the world, and walks you through the history of LAX. Tours of the resident corporate DC-3, a 1940s airplane that was deregistered in 1951, are sometimes available. This is the only aviation museum situated at a major airport—with the added bonus is being able to watch the planes taxi, take-off and land at adjacent LAX. Free parking is available.
Insider Tip: If your crew gets hungry but still wants to continue watching planes land at LAX, head over to The Proud Bird—just 6 minutes away by car.
Hours: Open Sat., noon-4 p.m. Cost: $5 for adults, $3 for kids
St. Vincent's Court: Originally serving as a delivery area for now-defunct department store, this little alleyway has been transformed over time into LA's very own little Europe—complete with picturesque cobblestone streets, colorful storefronts and must-dine Mediterranean and Middle-Eastern restaurants.
To Access St. Vincent's Court: Located between Broadway and Hill St. in DTLA, this alley is accessible off of the north side of 7th St.
Ballona Discovery Park
Described as a “Museum without walls,” Ballona Discovery Park encourages visitors to learn about the natural and cultural history of the Ballona Wetlands. This secret gem encourages kids to romp and explore the two-acre native garden and wildlife habitat replete with native plant demonstration gardens, including a pollinator and medicinal garden. There’s also an interpretive Watershed Walk that follows the movement of water through every habitat from the mountains to the ocean.
Cost: Free. Hours: Open every day from dawn until dusk.
San Vicente Mountain Park Nike Missile Site: Located west of the Skirball Cultural Center, this historical spot, according to MRCA, "Was one of sixteen Los Angeles area Nike-Ajax supersonic anti-aircraft missile launch sites. During the Cold War, Nike sites were located in defensive rings surrounding key urban and industrial areas throughout the United States. The original radar tower now provides visitors with spectacular views of the Santa Monica Mountains, the Encino Reservoir and San Fernando Valley, and the Los Angeles Basin. It is one of the region’s premiere locations to watch a Western sunset." The area is now home to mountain biking, trails, equestrian trails and picnic areas.
To Access the Nike Missile Site Lookout Tower: Located at 17500 Mulholland Dr., Encino, head west along Mulholland Dr. The road curves north to merge into Encino Hills Dr., and eventually, you'll see a sign for Encino Hills Dr. pointing to the right—this is where you want to take a left, and Mulholland Drive turns into an unmarked dirt road. In a couple hundred feet, a yellow gate welcomes you to the base of the park. You can keep driving to the tower if the next gate is open otherwise, you can hike the well-marked path—it's under 1-mile to the lookout tower.
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir: This free-to-visit Mandir (a Hindu place of worship) is the fifth traditional Hindu Mandir located in North America. Located an hour outside DTLA, this SoCal architectural gem's exterior is made from pink sandstone imported from India while the interior is covered in marble from Italy.
The lower floor of the Mandir is home to an interactive exhibition on the history, culture and wisdom of Hinduism. Visitors can learn about the origin, beliefs, and values of Hinduism, and how this ancient religion is thriving today throughout the world. Inside the Mandir, you'll see intricate carvings across the walls, ceiling, columns and displays of murtis. There's open space for people to pray and worship on the floor. The gift shop has a variety of food (make sure to get the samosas!), snack, teas, incense and souvenirs.
Good to Know: As this is a place a worship, please follow and respect signs and fellow guests. Be prepared to take off your shoes as you enter the Mandir, and please cover your shoulders and knees per the website's guidelines.
Japanese Garden at the Donald C. Tillman Water Reclamation Plant
Currently free to visit, "Suiho En" (the garden of water and fragrance) is a quiet and peaceful 6 1/2 acre garden featuring three gardens in one: a dry Zen meditation garden, a “wet-strolling” garden, and a tea garden all of which are irrigated entirely by wastewater.
Good to Know: While the garden alone is worth the visit, once life returns to normal, come back and make reservations for tea service at the Shoin Building—an authentic 4 1/2 tatami-mat teahouse adjacent to the tea garden.
Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 10 a.m-3:30 p.m. Advanced reservations required and can be booked up to 10 days in advance. Cost: Free
It’s almost Halloween and while you and your kiddos could dress up as any goblin or ghoul, why not trick-or-treat with some hometown pride? Let your little one fly to the moon in a UFO costume or roar through the streets as DC’s original inhabitants, the dinosaurs. We’ve got some locally inspired costume ideas that only district natives can truly pull off. Happy Halloween!
Conspiracy Costumes
Courtesy of Kiwi Crate
UFOs have recently gone from taboo to hot topic in the DMV. Get in on the unidentified fun by dressing your swirling ball of energy as an out-of-space aircraft. Make it a family affair by walking the streets while wearing tin foil.
Honor Inductees
Meghan Yudes Meyers
Blast off back in time with a Marty-inspired costume. While McFly might never have stepped foot in DC, his car recently did! THE DeLorean featured in the 1985 hit, Back to the Future, graced the mall as part of the Cars on the Capitol exhibit celebrating this year's newest inductees in the Library of Congress's National Historic Vehicle Register.
Choose to Dissent
Katy Walter
Possibly the easiest costume to pull off (all you need is, you guessed it, a lace collar). If you want simple yet profound Halloween look, top any black outfit with one of these lace collars.
During the peak of the pandemic, Mo Willems hopped online to bring Pigeon-inspired art lessons to kids at home and, for that, he will always be our hero! This year, the pigeon along with some other Mo favorites popped up on the Kennedy Center opera truck for a traveling sloper-istic show. Honor the myth, the legend, the bird with these easy DIY instructions to create your own feathered friend
DC is home to over 175 embassies and ambassador residencies. From a national costume to a colorful representation of a flag, you can pay tribute to your family's cultural heritage while also making a nod toward Embassy Row this Halloween.
There is no shortage of inspiration when it comes to the Executive Departments that call the District home base. Farmers, teachers and pilots are all fair game on Oct. 31. Independent agencies, like NASA and the CIA, also make stellar Halloween-inspiration. You can really "blast off" with some of these ideas!
What's better than wearing a superhero costume on Halloween? Going full cosplay with an authentic backdrop on all Hallow's Eve. If your little one loves Captain America, Iron Man or the Transformers, then suit up for the ultimate trick-or-treat experience. Relive the magic of the movies in your favorite DC hood.
Before DC was politics-central it was home to the dinosaur (and other prehistoric animals). Celebrate all things dino with a roar-some costume. You can go big with a blow-up or keep it simple.
DC's architecture gets all the press, but it's the parks, gardens and green spaces that make for family memories. If you and your brood spend most of your days outdoors, spend trick-or-treat night dressed as your favorite native fauna or furry friend. Or celebrate the DMV's many butterfly gardens with your own little monarch butterfly
.
Iconic DC
iStock
DC is known for its iconic images. So, bring them to life! Tape a white stripe on a blue rectangle. Attached that to your shirt and suddenly, you’re the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. Adorn you and your crew with flowers and walk the streets as the Cherry Blossoms. Or, go one step further and add a kite costume to bring the entire Cherry Blossom Festival to life. From a group of tourists to a collection of Food Trucks, the sky is the limit when it comes to personifying DC’s classic images with your family.
There’s the obvious—Half Smoke, Mambo Sauce, or anything from Ben’s Chili Bowl. But what about avocado toast? Cupcakes? Bao Buns? As a melting pot of some of the best food in the world, pretty much anything goes when you want to resemble something edible.
We’re lucky to live so close to so many amazing museums You'll find obvious inspiration here, like a nod to Air and Space with an Amelia Earhart costume or dress your crew as Dorothy and friends (we're looking at you, National Museum of American History).
Get Presidential
Katie Brown
If you want to be truly presidential for Halloween, you have quite a few options to choose from (46, to be exact). Go historic with a Washington, Lincoln, or Adams. Or go obscure and teach your little one about Harrison (either of them), Tyler (got Congress to pass the annexation of Texas), or Hayes (the first president to use a telephone).
If you're a fan of DC sports, chances are you already have some of the necessary pieces in your kiddo's closet to make this out fit work. Batter up to a Nationals costume, get goal-oriented with a Washington Capitals costume or root for Washington Football!
Seattle’s sunny summer days may be in the rearview, but that doesn’t mean hiking season is over. In fact fall is the perfect time to take your little web footers hiking—not only will you find all of autumn’s brilliant colors on display, but the cooler temps mean happier campers too. So lace up those boots, and hit the trail with one of our favorite kid-friendly fall hikes in Seattle.
When it comes to urban hikes, Seattle has plenty. But we’re big fans of this hidden gem on the north end of the city that boasts about 4 miles of trails and connects two city playgrounds. The Ravenna Park trail system gives families the chance to explore the Ravenna ravine, traveling over foot bridges and finding lots of little streams along the way. In the fall, you’ll find muddy paths and lots of fallen leaves too, so be sure to wear your boots (muddy buddy if it’s recently rained—those puddles are appealing). Hit one of the two main trails (North or South) with your little hikers when you go.
Trail trip: Put a playground stop on your play day list, once you’ve wandered through the ravine. The Ravenna playground and Cowen Park bookend the trails and have all the playground features your kids crave, with even more room to roam. If it’s sunny, pack a picnic and stay for a while.
With more than 11 miles of trails, Discovery Park offers a bit of everything for families who are looking for a great hike close to home. The 534-acre park (the largest in Seattle) sits atop the city’s Magnolia neighborhood overlooking Puget Sound and offering views of both the Cascades and the Olympics. Whether it’s gathering freshly fallen Maple leaves as big as their head, searching for "monsters” in the swampy wetlands or building drift wood hideouts on the beach, little explorers will find plenty to pique their interest.
Trail Tip: For those with toddlers in tow, try the half-mile Wolf Tree Nature Trail accessible via the north parking lot. Then, when you’re ready for more of a challenge, hit the Discovery Park Loop Trail. Hike the 2.8 miles around to check out the best of what the park has to offer. Past the sandy part of the trail, take a half-mile detour down the South Beach Trail to the beach near the lighthouse. If you crew still needs to burn off some more energy, check out this great playground. It's located behind the Discovery Park Environmental Learning Center.
Franklin Falls is a family favorite for a reason. And its usually crowded trails are a bit less so once the leaves start to fall. The two-mile round-trip trek won’t tire out even the littlest legs, and other than grabbing your hiking essentials, it’s one you can try even without a major plan in place. The trail is well maintained with very little elevation gain—perfect for tots—and the 70-foot waterfall at the end will elicit all the “oohs” and “ahhs” from the kids. Remember your Northwest Forest Pass to hike here.
Trail tip: There’s a viewpoint right before the falls that makes a great photo spot or stopping point if making your way down the narrow path to the falls isn’t in the cards for your little trekkers. It’s still a great view! And remember to watch kids carefully on slippery rocks and fallen logs near the falls.
Make your way to the Eastside to enjoy the trails at Evans Creek Preserve. This hike has a little something for everyone—wetlands, meadows, creeks and footbridges—and its level terrain and many loop trails let you the set just the right distance for the youngest hikers (psst… many of the trails here are stroller friendly too). With 213 acres and a few different viewpoints, you’ll find lots of variety on this urban hike. Don’t forget the wildlife! Bring your binoculars to spot all kinds of birds and maybe a deer or two too.
Trail tip: There are two parking lots for this park. We suggest parking in the lower lot (4001 224th Ave. N.E.) and starting out from there. It’s the easiest way to access the meadow and wetland trails that are the most family-friendly of the bunch.
4001 224th Ave. N.E. Redmond, WA Online: sammamish.us
Schmitz Preserve Park
Jennifer Pinto
If you blink, you might miss it. But you (and your little ones) will be sorry you did. Schmitz Preserve Park may only cover 53 acres, but the small park tucked away in West Seattle packs a powerful punch. Watch for woodland creatures and listen for woodpeckers as you wander along footpaths lined with lush vegetation, towering trees, nurse logs and a trickling stream.
Trail Tip: Don’t count on trail signs in the park. Why? Because there aren’t any. But with a modest 1.7 miles of hiking paths to follow, it’s a fine plan to just wing it. Stragglers, er we mean hikers, of all ages and abilities should be able to traverse the entire park in a couple of hours.
Lucky for locals, Wilburton Hill traded in its past life as a logging town for much greener pastures. Now, urbanites of all ages can plan a quick and satisfying escape into nature—following the trails through densely packed trees, crossing a narrow suspension bridge over a 150-foot ravine and wandering through the Bellevue Botanical Garden. Also lucky for locals? The PopUp StoryWalk, Drawn Together, that's currently on display. Catch it before it's taken down on September 23.
Trail Tip: On the east side of the park, kids will love (let’s face it, more like tolerate) the 1.5-mile loop through the woods up and around the baseball diamonds. If they don’t, you can bribe them with the playground at the end. And if riding the zip line has them clamoring for more adventure, head over to adjacent Bellevue Botanical Garden. From the Visitor Center, take the Tateuchi Loop Trail and follow the markers toward the Lost Meadow Loop Trail. Signs for The Ravine Experience take hikers on a short .3-mile detour across the suspension bridge and back again. Continue on the Lost Meadow Trail to meet back up with the Tateuchi. All this in less than one mile. Score!
Lake Forest Park’s Grace Cole Nature Park is another hidden gem that’s big on adventure, but easy on little feet (as well as parents’ supply of patience). Amidst a kaleidoscope of fall colors, kids will enjoy exploring the hillside path as it meanders past big ol’ pine trees, ponds and wetlands.
Trail Tip: This hike is a short one, even for inexperienced trekkers. Plan to hit it up after school or head there to break up a busy Saturday with a dose of serenity. Before you head back to the car, take a short walk north past the top of the parking lot to find a boardwalk. Follow it to find the secret ponds that feed Brookside Creek.
The Homestead Valley Trailhead features an ever winding path along Snoqualimie River’s south fork with sneak previews of the Upper Falls along the way to the bridge that then descends down to the Lower Falls view point. It’s an easy hike that is really great to explore any time of the year. A Discover Pass is required and can be purchased at the trail head.
Trail Tip: This trail was also featured in our Best Waterfall Hikes guide where you’ll find other great trails, too.
If fresh air and an endless supply of snacks aren’t enough to entice the hiking–adverse members of your crew, the remnants of an abandoned bus and a little potty humor courtesy of Poo Poo Point just might do the trick. From there, croaking frogs, lush forest, caves, lakes and moss-drenched corridors are just icing on the cake. A handful of trails, ranging from easy-peasy to strenuous, fan out from Tiger Mountain’s High Point Way Trailhead. Grab a map at the parking lot (or download one here before you go), and choose your adventure. A visit to Tiger Mountain requires a Discover Pass.
Trail Tip: For a satisfying 3.5–mile loop with little ones, from the High Point Trailhead, take West Tiger Trail #3 to Talus Rocks Trail. Talus Rocks runs into Section Line Trail, then take the Bus Trail to complete the loop.
High Point Trailhead 26415 S.E. 79th St. Issaquah, WA Online: issaquahwa.gov
Built on the old Burlington-Northern railroad line, the Centennial trail is much more urban than most of our fall trail choices. Stretching from Arlington to Snohomish, the 31 paved miles of a stroller-friendly trail is a great alternative for families who would rather avoid getting the family’s shoes all mucky and still plenty of fall foliage to appreciate.
Trail Tip: The best part of the trail spans from Snohomish (5801 S. Machias Rd.) to Machias (1624 Virginia St.) and back again.
With 74 acres and four miles of shoreline along Lake Washington, the Union Bay Natural Area is a public wildlife area just a stone’s throw away from the shopping mecca of University Village. Gorgeous grasslands and wetlands combined with the backdrops of Husky Stadium, Lake Washington and Mount Rainier add to the diverse fall scenery. A popular bird watching destination, bring the binoculars and either a heavy-duty jogging stroller or a backpack for the wee ones, as the gravel trails tend to get muddy during the fall season.
Nothing says fall like Leavenworth’s technicolor foliage display. So if you're heading east to view the show, there are a few easy hikes you can take with kids. Hidden Lake's easy 1.5-mile hike offers gorgeous fall colors and the trail’s signature photo opp: craggy hideouts carved by lightning in the base of a couple old cedar trees. Before you head home, pop up to Glacier View Campground just up the road from the Hidden Lake trailhead for a spectacular view of Glacier Peak, one of Washington’s five active volcanoes.
Heather Lake (pictured) is another one of our faves for families who are ready to take it to the next level and don’t mind a bit of a climb. The Heather Lake Trail is about 4.6 miles round trip and some of it is rather steep. But the challenge (and muddy shoes) are worth it. Take advantage of the 6 a.m. wake up call delivered to you bedside courtesy of your bright-eyed little ones; and bring along a thermos of strong coffee and hit the trail early to avoid the crowds.
Good to know: A visit to either of these trailheads requires a Northwest Forest Pass.
—Allison Sutcliffe, Jeffrey Totey & Jennifer Pinto
There’s no denying that travel can broaden a kid’s horizons and enrich their lives with new experiences and points of view. But you don’t have to travel to exotic locations to find kids trips that can change their lives—we’ve found 18 spots right here in the USA that will offer kids a chance to learn about history, science, culture and more. Keep reading to get inspired.
Important Lessons in Nashville, TN
Amber Guetebier
You probably think of music when you think of Nashville—and rightfully so. This haven for musical artists of all genres is dubbed Music City for a reason. But what you might not realize is that Nashville offers families a ton of unique educational opportunities, too. Gawk at a 42-ft. replica of Athena at the Parthenon while you learn all about Greek mythology and the history of early 20th century Nashville. The Nashville Zoo’s recently opened, state-of-the-art animal hospital includes a public viewing area so kids can learn all about veterinary procedures (sometimes right before their very eyes. Visit the historically black Fisk University to learn about the award-winning Jubilee singers. Venture to the Belle Meade Plantation to learn about the race in America along with the history of horse-breeding, as well as the historic battlefield at Franklin. This powerful site which includes the Carter House and surrounding buildings, including one that is still riddled with bullet holes. This battle was a turning point in the Civil War and allows families the opportunity to discuss slavery, race relations and the Civil War. The bookshop alone is worth a visit.
Discovery History and Culture in Chickasaw Country, OK
In central Oklahoma, you'll find 7,648 square miles that comprise the Chickasaw Nation. This diverse landscape is the perfect destination for a family looking for an educational and interesting vacation. Visit the Chickasaw Cultural Center to learn and connect with First American history. Watch the story of the Chickasaw people unfold before your eyes through powerful performances, reenactments, demonstrations, collections and exhibits at one of the largest and most extensive tribal cultural centers in the United States. The quaint town of Tishomingo is a beautiful, historic gem rich in old western character, history, natural beauty and southern hospitality. The town, named in honor of the heroic Chickasaw Chief, Tishomingo, preserves and cherishes its native roots. Here you can visit the Chickasaw National Capitol and other historic sites.
Jackson, Mississippi, is famously known for the renowned Civil Rights Museum, But Jackson is also home to many lesser-known Civil Rights sites you can visit and more than one iconic walking trail, making it a great place to experience Black History any time of the year. You'll find the Mississippi Freedom Trail with ten important sites as well as the Mississippi Blues Trail which highlights the history and significance of the Blues in Jackson. There's also a Civil Rights Driving Tour.
D.C. is an awesome place to teach children about history and government. Take time to visit The National Museum of the American Indian on the National Mall in Washington to give your family a new perspective on early American history. Part of the Smithsonian Institution, it opened its doors in 2004 as a place to advance the understanding of Native cultures from the past, present and future. Current exhibitions include Native Americans in the Armed Forces, the Inka Road, the history of Treaties and more. The building itself was designed by Métis and Blackfoot Indian architect Douglas Cardinal and is unlike most contemporary structures. Even the gardens offer the Native perspective: the plants of great importance to different North American cultures are not labeled, allowing visitors to experience them in a more natural way.
Nobody thought much of Mount St. Helens until she blew her top in 1980. It’s been a few years, but she’s still a big deal and a must-see for curious kids. The Mount. St. Helens Forest Learning Center is not only the star of the show because admission is free, but also because it features an eruption chamber, a helicopter to climb in, a great playground and a killer gift shop. Other places to check out include the Johnston Ridge Observatory (which features an awesome view of the mountain), the Mount St. Helens Visitor Center at Sequest and the Castle Rock Exhibit Hall which isn’t as spectacular as the others, but displays a collection of home pictures from some of the survivors of the blast.
While it’s not as impressive as the fictional Jurassic Park, the 1,587-acre Dinosaur Valley State Park is still pretty dyno-o-mite. Many years ago, the dinos left their mark in the form of footprints in the soft mud that once covered central Texas and they are still there today. Guests are greeted by 70-foot-tall Apatosaurus and the and 45-foot-tall Tyrannosaurus rex which were models used during the 1964-1965 New York World’s Fair. In the riverbed, you can find several footprints left from Sauropods and three-toed Theropods. In addition to visiting the interpretive center, the park is also a great place to hike, mountain bike, fish, horseback riding, etc.
Follow in our country’s forefathers footsteps by exploring the 7.6 mile-long Freedom Trail. Beginning at Boston Common, the trail leads through Downtown, the Government Center, the North End and finishes at Charlestown. The National Park Service offers a free 90-minute tour, but for the biggest impact, consider taking the Lessons on Liberty Tour—a 90-minute tour guided by classically trained historians dressed in authentic clothing. Check out the USS Constitution Museum and Ship as well but plan to come early as it is operated on a first come, first-serve basis.
Whether you have a space lover or you just want to explore American history and science, there are few places where you can get the real deal like Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida. Give yourself at least a full day to tour the complex. Learn about heroes and legends of space travel, get a behind-the-scenes peek at historic launch sites and working spaceflight areas, strap in for a Shuttle Launch Experience and check out the history of 30 years of NASA’s Space Shuttle Program (plus see an actual shuttle).
Auburn is a charming town in the Finger Lakes region of New York State and has an incredibly rich history. Teach your children what it really means to stand up to tyranny by immersing them in the world of Harriet Tubman. The national park that bears her name is the perfect place to learn all about this incredible woman who emancipated herself from slavery at the age of just 27 and went on to help dozens of slaves find freedom. Before you go, the kids can become an Underground Railroad Junior Ranger to learn about the system of secret houses and waystations that helped slaves find freedom. Harriet Tubman National Historical Park includes her home, a visitor’s center, the Harriet Tubman Home for the Aged, and the church she raised funds to build. Her burial site is also nearby. A new visitor center is planned for 2018. The town of Auburn also boasts several other history museums and collections, a memorable public theater and year-round events and festivals.
Do you know the way to San Jose? Silicon Valley is known for being a hotbed of invention and innovation, especially in the tech world, and there is no better way to connect that to your kids than a visit to the hands-on Tech Museum. If you think it’s going to be all binary code on the wall and screen time, think again: you’ll find robots, earthquakes, space and so much more in a 132,000-foot building in the heart of downtown San Jose. Kids will learn about sound, shadows, movement, coding and more. Why yes, honey, you can design your own roller coaster. And then ride it. Click here to discover even more about this amazing place.
In what is now Iowa the Mound Builders created one of the most incredible sites on Earth—the Effigy Mounds National Monument near Harpers Ferry. The mounds, many of which are in the shape of animals like bear, deer, lynx and turtle, were formed between 1400 and 750 B.P. Although once a much larger area (it is thought close to 15,000 mounds have been destroyed due to farming, road expansion and similar) the National Park in Iowa preserves about 200. This is a sacred site—currently, the Monument has 20 culturally associated American Indian tribes—and a testimony to the early Mississippian and Mound Builder culture.
While many of the mounds are associated as effigy or burial sites, others remain a mystery. A visit here will change your view of what you think you know about early American history and can help give children perspective on first peoples, indigenous rights and how to move forward with respect to those rights. The park itself is teeming with year-round natural beauty and wildlife and natural beauty.
If you’re interested in “everyday encounters with science” in an environment that makes the ordinary extraordinary, then add the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry to your bucket list. Want to know what a Black Hole really is? Or maybe you’d like to tour a real submarine? From physics to chemistry to space and beyond, your kids will learn new concepts and discover phenomena without even trying (there’s a 7,000-square-foot Science Playground!). Plus, it’s location along the Willamette River in Portland ain’t too shabby either.
In the charming mid-sized city of Springfield, Illinois, you’ll find more sites dedicated to the 16th President, Abraham Lincoln, than anywhere else in the world. Explore the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum and Library as well as the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, the Lincoln Depot and the Lincoln Tomb, his final resting place. You can also check out Lincoln’s New Salem, a reconstruction of the village where Lincoln lived as a young man. Experience life from two centuries ago and imagine you work alongside Lincoln at the post office, chopping wood and more. Discover the early influences of Lincoln’s life that helped form his principals, including the belief in the abolishment of slavery. Also home to the University of Illinois at Springfield, the college campus is well worth a romp around.
The Lowell Observatory has been a private, non-profit research institution since 1894, founded by Percival Lowell. One of the oldest in the U.S., they are credited with the discovery of Pluto in 1930, co-discovering the rings of Uranus in 1977, accurate orbits of Pluto’s two new moons, variation in brightness of Halley’s Comet, among many other exciting and important astronomical discoveries. They offer daily guided tours, a junior astronomer program and even summertime Lowell Observatory Camps for Kids, for ages pre K to middle school.
The National Inventors Hall of Fame in Alexandria, Virginia makes a perfect destination for curious kids and grown-ups alike. You’ll learn about the inventors of everything from internet technology to the Hubble telescope, plus how things are invented, patented and more. Little creators will love Camp Invention in the summer months, but the museum offers year-round invention programs for pre K to adult. Click here to read more about the museum.
There’s no shortage of fossil beds throughout the United States, but Fossil Butte takes it to another level. Known as “America’s aquarium in stone” some of the fossils here are so well preserved you almost don't need to imagine what these plants and animals once looked like. Fossils here are from the Cenozoic Period—between 2.6 and 65 million years ago. Kids can get hands-on with a rubbing table to make their own impression of a fossil, along with ranger-led programs and hikes.
The new Mount Rushmore Self-Guided Tour has changed the way visitors see the legendary monument. For $8, visitors can rent a special device that presents a multi-media experience incorporating narration, music, interviews, sound effects, photos, videos and historic recording all along the way through 29 tour stops. You can pick and choose the places you want to see and learn more about and skip the ones that you don’t. Also included is the Junior Ranger Quest game that allows kids to participate in up to 16 challenges at different tour stops around the park. Once they complete challenges, they receive a Junior Ranger badge from a ranger desk. Read our insider's guide here.
Learn About the Man Behind the Mouse in Marceline, MO
Sure, your kids know all about the animation that Walt Disney created in Hollywood, but they might be interested to learn that he was once a kid himself. In Marcelin, the Walt Disney Hometown Museum features a number of interpretive exhibits telling about Disney’s early life: You'll find movie footage, personal letters, photographs, Mickey Mouse memorabilia, an actual Midget Autopia car from Disneyland and more. See the Disney family farm, visit Walt’s “dreaming tree,” the Disney Farm Arboretum, the Walt Disney U.S. Post Office (the only federal building named after the artist), the Walt Disney Elementary School (where Walt had his studio produce a unique mural for the school interior) and the Walt Disney Complex at Santa Fe Lake.
From spelunking, canyoneering and canoeing to stargazing, fossil hunting and fly-fishing, America’s national parks offer up a ton of exhilarating activities for your tiny explorers. Whether it’s a program led by park rangers or by national parks-approved concessionaires, each one is a spine-tingling good time. Bonus: Find out how to help them become Junior Civil War Historians! See our favorite national parks for families here!
Hooray! Governors Island has reopened for the season, and it’s going to be a good one! Plenty of outdoor space to distance and play safely make the island the perfect getaway from the city this summer, and it’s just a quick ferry ride away. Discover everything the car-free oasis has to offer, and the best ways to enjoy Governors Island with kids this summer!
Governors Island opened for the 2021 season on May 1 and will remain open until October 31. The island has resumed its regular operations and, though it still has some safety restrictions in place, most of its attractions are open to the public.
How to Get There:
Timothy Schenck
The island is available to visit every day of the week.
Battery Maritime Building, 10 South Street. Ferries run every day from 10 to 4:40. On weekdays the last ferry back departs at 6:15, while on weekends it leaves at 7.
Pier 6, Brooklyn Bridge Park. Ferries run on weekends from 10:15 to 5:15. The last ferry back from the island leaves at 7.
Red Hook / Atlantic Basin, Ferris St. and Clinton Wharf. Ferries run on weekends from 9:45 to 4:45, with the last ferry back departing at 6:30.
Round-trip tickets for the Governors Island Ferry cost $3 for adults.
Ferries are free for visitors age 12 and under; seniors age 65 and over; IDNYC holders; current and former military service members; all New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) residents, and Governors Island Members.
Morning ferries before noon on Saturdays and Sundays are free for all. There is no surcharge for bicycles at any time.
Tickets must be purchased online before you arrive at the ferry.
Note: Although you have to select a return time when you buy your ticket, tickets generally aren't checked on the way back. Instead, a staff member uses a counter to regulate the ferry's capacity, and once a certain number of people has boarded, whoever's still left on the line will need to wait for the next ferry.
We recommend that you get to the ferry about 20 minutes early if you're leaving from Manhattan. Do not be alarmed at the length of the line for the ferry — when we visited on a Saturday morning, we stood very far back in the line but still managed to get a spot on our scheduled ferry.
NYC Ferry is also offering a shuttle service to Governors Island on weekends every half an hour from 10:04 until 6:34. Tickets are $2.75 or by free transfer from any NYC Ferry route. You can catch the NYC Ferry at Pier 11, Gouverneur Lane at South Street, F.D.R. Drive.
The island's COVID-19 safety protocols from 2020 are mostly still in place, with a few updates. You can read the full rules on the website, but here are the key things to remember:
Social distancing should be observed whenever possible on the island.
Masks are required while waiting for, boarding, or riding on the ferries.
Masks are also required in indoor spaces and any time social distancing isn't possible.
Indoor events are limited in capacity.
Additionally, the island has installed a number of easily accessible PPE vending machines and hand-washing stations and has increased cleaning procedures and schedules in restrooms, ferries, and in high-traffic areas.
Be forewarned that on busy days like weekends (especially in the mornings), the ferry does get very crowded and social distancing is not possible. However, the ferry is open-air and masks are required (at the time of this writing).
What's On Pause
Adventures at Governors Island
The good news is that most attractions and fun spots are open to the public. There are some closures, and some things to keep in mind, though:
Events and gatherings will be limited and potentially reduced capacity, in accordance with current state and city guidelines.
Indoor arts and cultural programs are open for the most part, but a limited number of people will be allowed into indoor spaces at one time. Check the website for the schedule, as these are subject to change and not all options are available for the public to visit.
Fort Jay and Castle Williams remain closed to the public.
Tours and other events will be limited in capacity.
The long-awaited Open Orchard is not open yet at the time of this writing, but there are plans to open it "soon."
The Guide to Governors Island in 2021
And now to the good stuff — what’s open. The following events and attractions are open and available to enjoy. Best of all, most of these are free!
Whether you bring your own bikes or rent on-site from vendor Blazing Saddles, Governors Island is a great place to explore via bicycle.
Blazing Saddles rents bikes for both kids and adults, as well as scooters, surreys, baby seats, trailers, and more. You can rent by the hour, half-hour or in two-hour stretches, with rates starting as low as $15, or save more by renting for the day.
Blazing Saddles is now also offering free rental bikes for kids. Stop by on a weekday (except holidays) between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. to rent a cruiser bike for an hour, for free!
The Hills is a 10-acre section of the island populated with several peaks of varying heights. These include Grassy Hill, the 70-foot high Outlook Hill, which can be climbed via a large "granite scramble," and Discovery Hill, where you'll find Cabin, the permanent site-specific installation by acclaimed British artist Rachel Whiteread.
The Hills are designed to be enjoyed by different skill levels, especially Outlook Hill, which offers both a fun climbing experience and a gently sloped walk up to the top. Enjoy the spectacular views of the Statue of Liberty, the city skyline, the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, and the waters at the top of the hill.
A kid-favorite member of the "hills" family is Slide Hill, where you'll find some seriously super slides—including the longest one in NYC. You can read our full write-up here from when The Hills debuted.
There is a bathroom nearby, as well as two drinks vending machines and a hand-washing station, so this is a good place for a pit stop.
Although the slides have plenty of tree coverage, be forewarned that they still tend to get very hot. Shorts and skirts for the little ones are not a good idea here!
Want to relax and take it easy for a bit? Stop by Hammock Grove, where 50 hammocks are calling out to you to take a load off and relax. Stay still enough and you might just be paid a visit by some of the island's birds, who frequently flit in and out of the Grove.
You'll also find huge natural play structures for climbing, clambering, and swinging in Hammock Grove, and there's a big giant hanger sculpture nearby as well that's fun to swing from and climb.
And on hot days make sure to stop by the nearby splash fountain, where kids are welcome to splash around and play with jets of refreshingly cool water.
The island's 21,000 square-foot Urban Farm is a great spot for kids to learn about how things grow, brought to you by GrowNYC’s Teaching Garden and Earth Matter NY’s Compost Learning Center and Soil Start Farm.
Find your green thumb at the Teaching Garden, where kids can dig around with tools and water the plants
And stop by the Compost Learning Center, where kids can learn about how compost is made and help make some of their own, as well as play around with some worms. Plus, you can take home some compost for your plants at home! And sometimes, the farm has some freshly picked vegetables available for purchase.
Don't forget to say hi to the goats and chickens! If you're very lucky, you might even get a warm souvenir in the form of a freshly laid egg from one of the farm volunteers.
Governors Island is known as a public art hot spot. A number of installations are permanent, like the afore-mentioned Cabin and Hanger, and new this season is Not for Nutten, a mural from Duke Riley, on view in the historic Battery Maritime Building.
Besides the permanent artworks on the island, in 2021 the island will be home to over two dozen art, culture, and education programs within the historic Nolan Park and Colonel's Row houses. See the full list of programs and artist residencies here. While some spaces will be closed to the public, many are welcoming visitors this season! (Note that for some, such as art show Harvest Works, you need to make a reservation.)
Check out the NYU-Gallatin WetLab for some unique art, like the currently displayed "PHREATIC!" which blends art and science into living, breathing projects. Or visit the West Harlem Art Fund's outdoor and indoor artworks and sculptures. Plus, lots more!
After a mostly closed season last year, the Yard (aka play:groundNYC) is back and open for business! One of our favorite spots on the island for kids, this is a free-wheeling, anything-goes junk playground kids can't get enough of. The Yard gives kids raw materials like lumber, rope, discarded mannequins, wheels, playground balls, and so much more and lets them create (or destroy) whatever they like.
Parents sign a waiver before kids enter on their own and there are some staff members on hand to make sure everything stays safe. Most parents retire to a nearby shady slope with chairs to watch from afar.
There's a water table with fountains and faucets for hydrating nearby and even loaner shoes for kids who arrive in flip-flops. (Only closed-toe shoes are allowed inside.)
The space will be open this year on weekends 12-4 p.m., with safety protocols (masks are currently required). A maximum limit of 35 kids will be enforced, and only kids over 5 years old may enter the yard. The Yard does reach capacity, so head here first if you definitely want a chance to play.
If your kid really can't get enough of this place, consider signing up for the summer day camp here where it's all junk, all the time. (Though be aware that there's usually a waiting list.)
Camping is experiencing a resurgence in the era of socially distancing, and yes, you can glamp in style at Collective Retreat's enhanced outpost on Governors Island this summer. The luxury camping experience company has instituted numerous COVID-19 safety protocols, including contactless check-in and check-out.
Expect gourmet meals, electricity, Wifi, deluxe bedding, yoga and wellness sessions, and more. Rates start at $250/night.
(P.S. If your family is the glamping type, check out this and this.)
You won't go hungry on Governors Island; there are plenty of options for both you and the kids.
Although you are also welcome to bring your own food and picnic! Note that no alcohol is allowed, you must buy it on-site — but there are plenty of options, from cocktails to beer from Three's Brewing and The Meat Hook. You can even grill if you want, but you must reserve a grill at least two days in advance.
Food trucks are located at various spots on the island, including Colonels Row, Liggett Terrace, the Western Promenade and Soissons Landing. Food options include pizza, tacos, teriyaki bowls, and seafood, as well as ethnic food from Jamaica, Ethiopia, Thailand, Venezuela, and more. Got a sweet tooth? No problem! Among the island's offerings are also artisanal ice cream sandwiches and popsicles, frozen fruit drinks,
If you're feeling fancy, you can grab some oysters, lobster rolls, fries and more at primo spot Island Oyster. (Lovely, but you pay for that view.)
Make it an adventure thanks to Downtown Boathouse's free kayaking experience. Boats are available on a first-come, first-serve basis from Pier 101. Though there are no changing rooms, there are lockers available (locks are also available but it's preferable to bring your own). Although no lessons are available at Governors Island (you can get lessons at the other location at Pier 26), if it isn't busy when you come by, volunteers are on hand to give some helpful pointers.
Kayaking is available on Saturdays from mid-June to mid-September, 11 a.m.-4 p.m (last boat goes out 3:30).
Throughout its open season, Governors Island hosts a wide variety of special events and festivals. At various points in the summer, you'll find live music and dancing on the lawn, outdoor vendor markets, marathons, and more!
Upcoming events include Japan Performing Arts: Dance Music & Kimono (through May 31), Fruit Tree Care at Open Orchard (June 10), Indie Market FAD (June 19 & 20), music event Porch Stomp (June 24), the popular Jazz Age Lawn Party (June 12 & 13) and the NYC Poetry Festival (July 24 & 25).
Check the website for a full list of upcoming events. (And check back throughout the summer, as more events are likely to be added.)
Ongoing Events
Esmerelda C. via Yelp
In addition to all the special events, art experiences, and fun spots around the island, there are also ongoing programs for you to partake in.
For instance, stop by the Audubon House in Nolan Park on Saturday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Although the house isn't open for visitors, volunteers will be on hand outside the house to lend out binoculars and chat about the island's birds.
You can also sign up for a guided walking tour on weekends to learn more about the history of the island. (Tours are limited to a maximum of 10 people at a time).
And, of course, the island is worth a visit just for nature! In spring, there are nesting birds in the birdhouses stationed around the hammocks, and if you're lucky you'll spot some ducklings or goslings. In spring and summer, different flowers bloom, attracting different bugs, bees, and butterflies. In late fall, stop by to watch the fuzzy wooly bear caterpillars crawling all over the island!
Phone reception is spotty on the island so download a map before you go.
Be sure to pack some sunscreen as there's lots of open space, and keep in mind that because of the lack of large buildings and heavy shade, it does get hotter on the island than in the city.
Come prepared and enjoy your visit to the city's best urban oasis!
Your hungry little sidekick is known to belt out Old MacDonald during dinner. Hey, in terms of bringing farm to table, it’s a start. Take things a big step further by signing up for one of our favorite Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs. Some these programs will deliver a CSA box to your doorstep, too.
Benefits of a CSA Not all of us have the green space, or the thumb, to grow our own healthy harvest. That's where these food delivery services come in. CSAs connect their members straight to farmers, who offer a prime array of local, organic ingredients that are often plucked from the field just hours before you lay hands (and teeth) on them. Shares (which come in the form of boxed veggies, fruits and eggs) can be delivered to your door or picked up at a nearby location.
New to CSAs? Dip your toe into the CSA pond by trying a half share, which arrives every other week or contains a smaller amount of goods, depending on the farm. As a guideline, a full share typically feeds two people on a vegetarian diet or four people on a mixed diet.
The Chicago area has plenty of CSA options. As of press time, these favorites still had openings, but all CSAs tend to fill up faster than you can say "E-I-E-I-O."
Angelic Organics
Angelic Organics
One of the largest CSAs in the U.S. was one of Chicago’s first when it began in 1991. Two years later this farming community adopted a biodynamic philosophy — a holistic mindset that emphasizes the interrelationships of soil, plants and animals as a self-sustaining system. Founder Farmer John is the subject of the award-winning film, The Real Dirt on Farmer John, which follows his personal journey through the farm debt crisis of the 1980s, which temporarily shut down operations, to the creation of Angelic Organics. Farmer John was inspired to create a CSA program because he believed it brought farming back to its roots, when farmers had a direct relationship with the people that ate the food.
Via the CSAware Platform, you can customize your shares or let Angelic Organics pick your shares.
Cost Customized shares are available as either 20 weekly or 10 bi-weekly (every other week), from early June through late October, at $40/box. You can also add a 10-week fruit share for an additional $50/box.
Extras Farmer John created Angelic Organics Learning Center as a way to help educate and mentor others with dreams of farming and provide fun learning experiences for the public. It offers day camps for kids where they help care for baby goats, tend to farm animals by brushing the horses or gathering eggs and learn about farming through fun games. Check the schedule for fun family days.
This is Chicago’s first and only USDA-certified organic, high-production urban farm. Farmers are motivated by their belief that organic agriculture can serve as a vehicle for job training, employment and community development, especially for those motivated to re-enter the workforce and rebuild their lives after incarceration, homelessness or substance dependence. Through these farms, they provide transitional employment, skills training and interpersonal development to their participants and are an invaluable resource to the local families they serve.
Pickup Green City Market, 1790 N. Clark St., Saturdays, 7 a.m.-1 p.m. Logan Square, Logan Square Blvd between Milwaukee and Whipple, Sundays, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Wood Street Urban Farm, 5814 S. Wood St., Thursdays, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Iman's Fresh Beats & Eats, 2744 W. 63rd St., Fridays, 2 p.m.-6 p.m.
Certified organic with a zero-carbon footprint, Tomato Mountain feeds Chicago via their home delivery subscription box filled with fresh produce grown at their farm in Brooklyn, WI. What you receive in your box varies by the season, and you can add various a la carte produce, dairy and pantry items sourced from local farmers to your weekly box. You'll receive a list of what to expect the weekend before your upcoming delivery.
Their year is 43 weeks long and they deliver weekly in the spring, summer and fall and bi-weekly in the winter.
Pickup They deliver! The day of the week you receive your box varies by the delivery zone in which you reside.
Cost There are several options for membership, including monthly, seasonal and annual. You can also vary the size of your box: solo, small, medium and large.
Fresh Picks' mission is to get nutrient-rich food grown in the local community into Chicago households. For them, their work isn't just about promoting the health of our bodies, it's about supporting the local community in creating new jobs and breathing new life into rural communities.
Family can choose what's best for them from a full selection of locally sourced fruit, vegetables, eggs, grass-fed meats and baked goods with zero stipulations in order size, money spent or frequency.
Pickup Your selections are mailed directly to your home.
Cost You manage the cost based on your family's needs and budget.
Patchwork has not updated their information for the 2021 season, so keep an eye on their website. Below is information from the 2020 CSA season for reference.
Patchwork Farms is a bit unique in the world of CSAs as they remediate vacant land in economically deprived and environmentally distressed neighborhoods on Chicago's south and west sides, providing space for outdoor gatherings, native pollinator habitat and food crops. This allows them to improve accessibility of healthy food for their neighbors. Along with their extensive variety of veggies, they produce eggs, medicinal herbs, preserved foods, honey, cut flowers, and a run a compost drop-off program.
Pickup Members pick up their veggies at the Humboldt Park plot (2825 W. Chicago Ave.) or The Plant (1400 W. 46th St.). Pickups are Sat., Thurs., or Wed., but you are asked to commit to one of those pickup days for the entire season.
Cost Their 50-member CSA runs on a sliding scale, with a suggested price range of $135-$225 for the 9-week spring season, May. 13-Jul. 8 and $320-$560 for the 16-week summer season, Jul. 15-Oct. 31. They also have an unlimited CSA option where members have unlimited access to produce from May-Thanksgiving, which runs $1,500.
The Urban Canopy is a local unified CSA, which means they partner with other family farms in order to provide you the most diverse box possible. Not only will you receive produce from their farm in Englewood, your box will include produce from other farms, beverages from their neighbor-brewers at The Plant, coffee from a neighboring roaster and breads from local bakers. You can also add pork, beef, chicken and extra eggs to your order.
Pickup Deliveries occur on Wednesdays and are available in zones that include Edgewater, Hyde Park, Lincoln Park, Logan Square, Loop, Portage Park, Rogers Park, Roscoe Village, Southwest and suburbs, West Side and Wicker Park.
Cost Distribution begins May 13 and you can select between 22 distributions for $1,056 or 11 distributions for $572.
With Los Angeles County public schools offering online-only instruction fall (and parents of pre-schoolers nervous about sending little ones back to classrooms), more and more Los Angeles parents are considering starting up their own at-home pandemic pod (aka micro-schools, aka quaranteams). Curious about this latest trend in learning? Read on to find out what a pod is, how much it costs and everything you need to know before you start one.
Not to complicate things further, but not all pods (groups of 3-6 students of similar ages) function in the same way. Here's a rundown of the basic pod types to consider.
Pod + Distance Learning: For parents who either can't oversee their child's virtual learning experience or want to supplement it with in-person instruction plus provide socialization for your kids, Scoot at Home can help you create an at-home learning pod. Scoot has a roster of fully vetted, experienced educators for grades K-12. You can contact them for a free consultation and help getting your pod going.
Pre-School Pod: Because preschools don't have state-mandated curriculum to follow, setting up a pod for little ones is a bit more straightforward. A company like Podskool can help pair your pod with an educator, who will provide play-based STEAM curriculum for children up to six years old.
Full-Time Pod: Parents looking to forego virtual instruction altogether for kids K-12 need a full-time pod teacher. (This kind of pod falls under homsechooling, and requires following guidelines set by the California Department of Education.) Locally based tutoring company Kids on the Yard now offers a service to help match families with a full-time pod teacher. (Similar to Scoot at Home, Kids on the Yard also offers "distant learning support" for children's regular school, with a learning pod option.) There are also Facebook groups popping up, like Tutors and Instructors of the San Fernando Valley, to help parents find a pod teacher on their own.
Co-op Pods: Instead of hiring an educator, some pod parents are sharing the teaching responsibilities. This might mean alternating supervising a small group of kids during their regular distancing learning instruction, and offering support as needed. Or, particularly if you have younger kids for whom distance learning is a nonstarter, it might mean taking turns leading the pod of little ones.
Pods Can Be Pricey
istock
While parent-run pods are obviously free (not counting the cost of your time, of course), other types of pods vary in price, depending on the number of students, amount of hours and level of instruction. For example, an educator through Scoot at Home costs $349 a day (equivalent to five hours of instruction) for up to six students, kindergarten through 6th grade. That's about $60 per child—assuming your pod has six students. But if your pod has only three students, that amount goes up to $116 a day.
Other learning pod educators or tutors charge per hour and based on the number of students. An instructor with Diamond Learning Center in Granada Hills runs $40 an hour for two students, compared to $60 an hour for five kids.
Whether you're paying by the hour or by the day, the price for five hours of instruction, five days a week could cost more than $500 a week per student.
Wondering where to set up a pod? "For safety reasons, we suggest being outside is best, followed by an indoor space with plenty of ventilation," says James Sanders, CEO of Scoot Education and Scoot at Home. "The more room to allow for social distancing, the better," he adds. Sanders also recommends using flexible seating, rather than traditional tables or desks and chairs.
In terms of social distancing among kids, you'll want to make sure you and your fellow pod parents are on the same page about how much interaction kids will have. Some pods might be all in (no masks, no distancing, like one big happy bubble), while others may forego masks but still practice distancing. Similarly, you'll want to have clearly established, mutually agreed upon safety guidelines with any educator.
Pods Can Increase Inequities in Education
istock
We can't talk about pods without addressing the inequities in education. Already, research has shown that distance learning increases the digital divide and disproportionately harms students of color. Experts say learning pods will only further that divide. According to a report on Vox, some school districts are looking at ways to create pod-like instruction for all students. In San Francisco, for example, the Department of Children, Youth and Their Families, with the support of the city, is setting up 40 learning hubs, located in libraries and recreation centers, for lower income students.
And just recently, Los Angeles Unified School District, the largest district in LA county, announced that it was launching a pilot program to provide one-on-one tutoring, both in person and online for students who need it most. "Carefully screened Step Up Tutoring volunteers from across the country will provide K-8 students with supplemental, individualized assistance outside of the regular school day," according to a release from LAUSD.
Something to bear in mind if you permit into a school that's not your school of residence: Being in a pod could jeopardize your permit status. (Students who continue with online instruction while participating in a pod are not affected.) We've reached out to LAUSD to confirm the details and are waiting to hear back. We'll update this post once we know more, but in the meantime, if you're concerned about losing your permit, you should contact your child's school directly.
Got Game Pods In-Home: The pros at Got Game, which normally offers in-person camps and after-school programs, are bringing their energy, creativity and experience to kids at home. They offer both full- and half-day options, and can provide virtual learning oversight, along with sports, arts and more to keep your kids engaged and inspired.
Big & Tiny On-the-Go: The co-working space (with studios in Silver Lake and Santa Monica) now offers a private at-home program, starting at $615 a month per child. That includes 4 hours of weekly in-person STEM learning for your little one.
Selected for Families: Search for professional, qualified teachers to serve the education and enrichment needs of families and learning pods. Teachers are evaluated by Selected and matched with you based on your needs and preferences. Families and learning pods directly connect with same teachers that leading schools hire on Selected, a leading teacher-hiring platform for schools.
Design Hive: Located in Mid-City, Design Hive has opened its space as a meeting place for for pods, plus they also have pod kits (pictured) with activities for kids. Contact them for more information.
Join the Troop: This networking app for parents can help you connect with other local moms and dads looking to find or create their own pod.
For the first time, Ancestry will provide K-12 teachers across America a free six-month World Explorer subscription to access billions of historical records, providing support in lesson development and project creation for the school year ahead. This past spring, the brand created teacher developed lesson plans which were available to download for free. Parents and tutors will also have access to Ancestry Library Edition as a free remote learning resource.
The free subscription will give teachers the tools to help students across the nation make connections to their ancestors, historical places, and events throughout time. By pulling records around historical events to contextualize chapters in history like WWII and the Civil War, teachers can bring their curriculum to life in relevant and exciting ways which is especially important for keeping students engaged during virtual learning.
“Family history research is a powerful tool for building resilience, connection and understanding for all ages,” said Margo Georgiadis, President and CEO of Ancestry. “We are deeply appreciative of the work of educators, particularly during this challenging time. Ancestry is proud to provide free tools to support educators with their focus on inspiring students with new curriculum topics and to make richer and more personal connections to important moments in history.”
The platform allows K-12 teachers access to the World Explorer subscription, one of three membership choices; the other two are U.S. Discovery and All Access. The World Explorer membership includes access to all records (U.S. and international) on Ancestry.
Access to most records on Ancestry, including Census records, draft cards, immigration records, as well as marriage and birth records, and much more
Access to all public family trees on Ancestry
Access to Ancestry Hints® regarding the records included in this membership
Ability for educators to create and edit their own family tree
Beginning on Aug. 20, up to 10,000 teachers can verify their credentials on Ancestry.com/backtoschool through Sept. 30.
Beyond teachers, remote access to Ancestry Library Edition may be available as a genealogy research tool for parents, tutors and educators. For library patrons of over 2,100 libraries that subscribe to Ancestry Library Edition, the offering will provide instant free access to a wide range of resources for genealogical and historical research. Distributed exclusively by ProQuest and powered by Ancestry.com, the program grants card holders access to billions of records in census data, historical photos, plus local narratives, oral histories, indexes and other resources in over 30,000 databases that span from the 1500s to the 2000s. To access this database, contact your local library to ask if they participate and for more details.
In addition to the wide availability of resources obtained through Ancestry Library Edition, parents and educators also have access to an intuitive search interface, detailed search indexes, and helpful Learning Center tools, making Ancestry Library Edition an indispensable resource for education this school year. This program will be available through the end of September.
Visit the website for more information on additional back-to-school resources and creative solutions for teachers and parents.
Family vacations have come to a screeching halt, but that doesn’t mean the fun that comes along with them has to be lost. Kids Club Directors and Education Coordinators from seven notable resorts and destinations are throwing you their most imaginative ideas to keep kids captivated. Whether you have a budding artist, aspiring actor, future scientist or super scout in your midst — these seven activities are sure to inspire creativity and learning.
Situated next to a beautiful 85-acre spring-fed lake and minutes away from the gates of Walt Disney World, Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa suggests creating simple DIY crafts to keep the little ones entertained while inside. You can make flower paintings using items you already have at home, including an empty water bottle, scissors, paint and construction or plain paper. To begin, start by cutting the water bottle in half and save the bottom half. Next, kids will dip the bottom of the bottle in the paint and press it onto paper, creating beautiful spring flowers. Finally, kids can decorate the flowers however they choose by adding a stem or drawing in a ladybug—the possibilities are endless!
The Clubhouse KidsClub at Royalton Riviera Cancun encourages kids to learn more about the culture surrounding the resort in both a fun and educational way, through a variety of daily activities and classes including arts and crafts, language, cooking, music and dance. In order to bring this culture into your home, the Clubhouse Kids Club Director suggests creating homemade maracas to inspire movement and creativity. "To make these musical sensations, one needs 2 plastic eggs, dry rice, tape and four plastic spoons. First, fill the egg with the rice and tape the seam shut. Next, tape the two spoons to the egg with the handles facing down then tape the two handles together. Finally, put on the performance of a lifetime with your new instruments”
Produce & Perform an At-Home Blockbuster Movie: Planet Hollywood Beach Resort Costa Rica, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Planet Hollywood Costa Rica
Going above and beyond the traditional games to offer activities that bring imagination to life, from acting and dancing to designing sets and directing shows, Stars Kids Club™ at Planet Hollywood Beach Resort Costa Rica encourages kids to explore a world where they can do it all. To help keep the imaginations alive while at home, the Stars Kids Club™ Director shares tips on how to produce and perform your very own blockbuster at-home movie.
What you’ll need: at least one child with an active imagination; an audience (family members or toys), props/costumes and either a camera or your phone to capture it all.
1. Select the story you’d like to act out. Either recreate a favorite show or bedtime story, or come up with totally new content, but remember to tailor the storyline around your kid’s strengths and interests.
2. Set the stage. Use sheets as backdrops and/or curtains, dim the lights to set the mood and create homemade tickets ahead of time that you can collect at the door.
3. Now, onto the supporting items—costumes and props. Old Halloween costumes work great (as do mom & dad’s closets), or you can DIY them. Regardless, definitely do dress up because the costumes are half the fun!
4. Dress rehearsal. The rehearsal is optional but if it makes everyone feel more prepared, we suggest running through the show once before performing it.
5. It's time to SHINE! Roll out the red carpet, get the popcorn ready and prepare for what is sure to be a memorable performance.
“One of the ways we like to engage children when they visit us at Montage Palmetto Bluff, is with our Montage Merits program. Children explore activities ranging from, “roasted a s’more,” to “biked River Road” and “spotted a bald eagle.” Every completed activity results in a merit badge, ultimately earning “Gilbert the Gator” status at the resort. While it can be challenging to do some of these activities now, you can still create your own at-home merit program, ” suggests Amanda Valovic, Children’s Program Manager at Montage Palmetto Bluff.
"Why not “roast a s’more” in the oven (with parental supervision), build a blanket fort, spot a squirrel outside the window, bowl a strike—at Wii bowling? There are many opportunities for you to build a merit program of your own. Take 30 minutes and get creative with ideas from games you played as a kid or silly indoor challenges. Google “minute to win it” games and you’ll have plenty of options. As a parent, this engages your mind for a little creative thinking, which is good for all of us! Your kids will be busy for hours, depending on how challenging you make the tasks!”
How To Build The Perfect S’more: Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark, Monticello, NY
Known as the S’mores Capital of the World, The Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark knows a thing or two about the art of making a perfect S’more. Last year, The Kartrite successfully made the world’s largest S’more! Every night the resort’s outdoor fire invite families to cozy up in the brisk Catskill Mountain air and roast marshmallows. The Kartrite suggests an at-home version of the ooey-gooey dessert for those stuck at home, with just three ingredients and a few simple steps.
Head of Activities, TK Kopp, says “Gather 6 graham crackers, 6 fun-sized chocolate bars and/or peanut butter cups and 6 large marshmallows. Then, preheat the broiler, assemble the S’mores—without topping them with graham crackers—on the baking sheet, and place under the broiler for a few seconds until the desired level of toasting. Remove and top with remaining graham cracker and enjoy!"
Capillary Action From the Challenger Learning Center: Tallahassee, FL
Challenger Learning Center
Education Coordinator, Layne Mikesell, at the Challenger Learning Center in Tallahassee Florida suggests creating fun, DIY art to learn more about science. For this experiment, children will create a colorful design on a coffee filter using washable markers and drop small amounts of water onto the filter. The coffee filter will have the same effect as what happens during tie-dye and kids will observe capillary action—the ability for liquid to flow upward, against gravity. Children can try this with a black felt pen to watch all the pigments separate!
Virtual Classrooms: Outdoor Sea Turtle Hospital & South Florida Science Center and Aquarium , The Palm Beaches, FL
The Palm Beaches
With travel currently out of the question and schools closed across the country, many partners in The Palm Beaches have adapted amidst the current climate to offer refuges of calm and contemplation, for kiddos stuck at home. Area partners have created virtual experiences for kids and parents to Discover The Palm Beaches from the comfort of their living room, including underwater digital escapes and DIY science experiences you’ll have to “sea” to believe! Along the 47 miles of golden, palm-tree-lined coastline, The Palm Beaches' most beloved residents (sea turtles) create nesting spots, which typically occur between the months of March-October.
To spur education during a time of isolation, the Loggerhead Marinelife Center is broadcasting live, each day, a Virtual Coastal Classroom from the Outdoor Sea Turtle Hospital, that focuses on sea turtle and ocean conservation for eager minds of all ages.
If your child prefers sci-fi over seascape, tune into South Florida Science Center and Aquarium’s virtual classroom for daily short science demos and DIY lessons, weekly virtual exhibit tours, and, of course, scientist story-time. Whichever adventure they choose, children can spark imagination, and continue their education, discovering The Palm Beaches at their own pace.
