With the weather getting warmer we are all looking for ways to stay cool. Lounging on a pool float or running through the sprinkler are great ways to get some relief from the summer sun and have some fun too. Funboy is helping us make a splash into summer with their brand new Backyard Rocketship Sprinkler.
Funboy’s new Rocketship Sprinkler will provide hours of entertainment for kids. Priced at $69, this giant-sized Rocketship Sprinkler is 7.5 ft. tall and uses quick rapid inflation, 4 water sprayers and 360 degrees of water action to make backyard playtime a blast!
Funboy will also be donating 20% of all profits to Feeding America in order to support food banks feeding those suffering during COVID-19.
From the moment they learn how to shake their little Huggies-covered booty, kids will find any excuse to dance. But throw some flashing lights and apple-juice libations into the mix? You’ve got the hottest kiddies dance club on the block. Scroll down to find out how to create that VIP club vibe at home.
Photo: CirKiz
1.Break out ALL OF THE LIGHTS. Flashing bicycle lights, leftover glow sticks from Halloween, a string of Christmas lights—all that matters is that the daytime lights are switched off, and the party lights come ON. Make sure to draw the shades!
2. The ultimate playlist. Nothing kills the vibe like a stint of silence while you search for the next song. Make sure you have at least ten songs qued up and ready. Take a few requests before hand or just hit play on our ultimate playlist.
3.Let ’em dress themselves. Picking out that “going out” outfit is a rite of passage. Let them go nuts with the wardrobe, including accessories!
4. The Guestlist. Have your kiddos help you create a flyer for the party of the century. Have them hand it out to friends they want to cut a rug with.
5. Stock the bar. From apple juice topped with tiny tropical umbrellas to ginger ale with slices of orange, make sure there are a few specialty libations to keep them hydrated through the dance marathon.
6. Show your stamp. They may not get the reference, but it’s a scientific fact that littles love stamps. So give ’em a hand stamp as they enter the club. No ins and outs!
7. Play DJ. keep things interesting by helping to run the show. As the, um, seasoned club-goer, lead dance challenges (“everyone do the worm!”), call-and-response chants and host dance offs between dueling crews.
8. Bubbles, steam and smoke. Get your hands on a bubble gun or steam machine to take the party to 11.
9. Set up a photo booth. So much better than selfies! Set up a well-lit corner where kids can get silly with their buds (goofy costumes are a great addition) and snap a pic to remember this party forever!
10. Lounge lizards. Create a few cozy lounge areas where the kids can take a breather, sip their spritzer or chat up that cutie they met out on the dance floor.
Adult coloring books are a great stress reliever. A fantasy-filled coloring book featuring Jason Momoa has fans excited to get their hands on it since they can’t get their hands on his actual biceps. Crush and Color: Jason Momoa A Coloring Book of Fantasies With an Epic Dreamboat, featuring more than 35 “Momoa moments” for your enjoyment is now available on Amazon.
The book’s illustrations depict Momoa swimming with sharks, taking a bath, lounging on the bed, cooking a steak, walking his dogs, riding a horse, chopping down a tree, surfing, mowing the lawn and more.
According to the book’s description, “Escape to your very own rugged utopia with your favorite star! Crush and Color: Jason Momoa is a collection of daydreams come to life on incredible coloring pages. Immerse yourself in more than 35 completely unique, life-like drawings of the rugged dreamboat in the zone and on top of the world. Let him take the helm on a sunset sail, witness impressive physical strength as he scales a colossal cliffside, and take in the serenity of quieter moments through colorable works of art. Caught on every page is Jason’s breezy charm and irresistible vigor ready for coloring detail. Color your way to a dreamier day with enamoring reveries and stirring displays of masculinity on each page!”
When finger-freezing temperatures come to town, it’s a struggle to will ourselves out into the wintery mix (especially when you have to wrestle the youngest members of your family in and out of puffy coats). Fortunately, these cozy gems offer an inviting space to warm up your digits and enjoy some family time fireside.
Photo: Pentagon Row
Pentagon Row Outdoor Ice Skating Plaza When the temperature drops, you can still enjoy outdoor activities (like skating on Northern Virginia’s largest outdoor skating rink) when you have the promise of flickering flames to warm up to; the outdoor lounge features a dual-sided stone fireplace for toasty skating brakes!
Ritz-Carlton Georgetown
If the wood-burning fireplace in the Ritz-Carlton brings on a hankering for s’mores, you’re in luck! Every evening from 6:30 pm to 7 pm the hotel offers complimentary chocolate smothered marshmallows sandwiched in a graham cracker. Mmmm!
3100 South St., NW, Georgetown
202-912-4100
Online: ritzcarlton.com
Redstone American Grill
After a long day at National Harbor–riding the carousel, building sand castles, or paddleboating on the Potomac–gather your crew around one of the year-round firepits at this rugged restaurant. From flatbreads and burgers to steak and soup, there’s something to satisfy everyone’s tastebuds.
155 National Plaza, National Harbor
301-839-3330
Online: redstonegrill.com
Hotel Tabard Inn On Saturdays and Sundays this Dupont Circle hotel serves some of the best donuts D.C. has to offer. Enjoy your fried doughnut by the roaring fire in the English-inspired lounge. The Inn does not have a children’s menu per say, but this family-friendly establishment will create pint-sized portions for smaller guests.
1739 N St., NW, Dupont Circle
202-785-1277
Online: tabardinn.com
Praline Bakery and Bistro Flakey croissants and gooey tarts taste better when they are enjoyed by the warmth of a fire! This Bethesda-based bakery offers authentic French cuisine and sweets (and if you’re lucky, you can nab a table by their fireplace).
Clyde’s Willow Creek Farm
Historic barns and stone buildings lend a ski lodge-like atmosphere to this American restaurant. The expansive property boasts seven fireplaces–one in each of its dining rooms–for a guaranteed fireside meal.
Barrel Oak Winery This kid-friendly winery welcomes families to enjoy a board game or a good book by their fire. Every Friday night they feature family-friendly movies (with free popcorn) in the loft. Un-”wined” while the kids enjoy a flick!
3623 Grove Ln., Delaplane, VA
540-364-6402
Online: barreloak.com
Do you have a favorite fireplace spot? Tell us where we can find it in the comments below.
It can be mind-numbing generating new family vacation ideas when you oftentimes feel like you’ve been there, done that, and are trying to appease multiple personalities. The all-inclusive Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya and KIDZ BOP are making things big-time easier with the introduction of the KIDZ POP Experience to the hotel’s lineup of already-fantastic activities and amenities. Read on to hear how kids ages 6-12 will get their chance to make their pop star dreams a reality, while you all enjoy sun, surf and a never-ending supply of food by the pool.
What is KIDZ BOP?
It’s been around for a long while, 2001 to be exact, but perhaps you’ve never heard of KIDZ BOP. KIDZ BOP features kids singing Billboard Hot 100 songs or those songs that receive heavy airplay on the radio, often with lyrics deemed too explicit made kid-appropriate. The group of kids is also involved in world tours that are heavily attended in major markets.
photo: Maria Chambers
KIDZ BOP-Themed Activites
Situated next to the kid’s spray-ground, you’ll find the brightly colored Pop Star Lounge enticing kids to take a break from water play to tap into their creative side.
Inside the Pop Star Lounge, they’ll find several stations that help them transform into the pop stars they always envisioned. They’ll find show-stopping duds in the KIDZ BOP closet to put together red carpet-worthy looks, establish a custom band name with Instaband, be a student of new dance moves with Step it Up, pen their own soulful lyrics with Hit Maker, and stylize their first album cover at the Creation Station.
Once they have their identity set as a future hitmaking artist, they can star in their favorite KIDZ BOP music videos and exercise those lungs belting out chart-topping favorites with KIDZ BOP Karaoke in front of their adoring fans. . . aka, you.
It’s not called “party like a rock star” for no reason. Hard Rock Hotel knows that every rock star likes to party, so they are also incorporating KIDZ BOP-themed ice cream socials, epic pool parties and exciting pop-up activities into their weekly programming.
Other Rock Star Amenities
Maybe not everyone in the family has rock-star aspirations, that’s cool. There’s not a chance they’ll get bored waiting for their sibling’s star to rise with a zero-depth kid’s pool, family pool, private beach access and the Rockaway Bay Water Park, all included in your stay. Rockaway Bay has 8 tot-sized slides for the smaller kids, 9 for bigger kids and 6 high-speed slides for teens and adults, and a pool-side snack bar.
photo: Maria Chambers
Hard Rock Hotel’s private beach access is convenient for families with young kids, as there are breakers that keep the water calm and the swim area contained, and relatively shallow. There are several entry points, which gives a fun opportunity to explore a different area over a few days. The kids will love the fact that the fish of various sizes are plentiful and often times swim circles around beachgoers.
photo: Maria Chambers
Kids that enjoy a bit of physical challenge and exercise will dig the obstacle course hidden in the trees, that provide a bit of nice shade. You’ll find monkey bars, rope climbing, tree stumps to navigate, logs to climb upon, and more, while taking a nice walk to burn off some energy. Be on the lookout for monkeys that have made a home all over the resort, also. Your best chance of spotting them seems to be in the early evening by the parking lot and horse stables near the adults-only section of the hotel.
Where to Dine
It’s like a child’s dream, a constant supply of nachos, hot dogs, french fries and onion rings are available poolside, along with pop-up food experiences, and room service is on-call 24/7. For a fun evening out, we’d recommend Zen for teppanyaki dining. The kids will get a kick out of watching their food be prepared right in front of them in an almost theatrical performance. Caffetto will be your go-to coffee spot, but will also be a good spot to hit for an after-dinner ice cream crave.
photo: Tulum via Maria Chambers
Off-Property Exploration
Make the pages of your kid’s textbook come alive with a trip to Tulum for a peek at ruins from Mexico’s mysterious Mayan civilization. Tulum is extremely well-preserved and is the only ruins with a gorgeous ocean view, so bring along a swimsuit to take a quick plunge into the sea. If you decide to rent a car to make the drive to Tulum, consider a stopover for shopping and lunching in the uber-cool town of Tulum.
Airport Information
Book your flights into Cancun International Airport, which is about a 60-minute drive from the hotel. If you’re not renting a car, it’s easiest to book transportation to the hotel by emailing transfercancun@rcdhotels.com at least 48 hours in advance.
Hard Rock Riviera Maya
Km 72, Carretera Cancun-Chetumal
Puerto Aventuras, Mexico
Online: hrhrivieramaya.com
— Maria Chambers
Photos provided by Hard Rock Riviera Maya, unless otherwise noted.
This trip was paid for by Hard Rock Riviera Maya and all opinions expressed here belong to the writer.
Disney World has just opened the Enchanted Rose, a new bar inspired by Beauty and the Beast at the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa.
Just like the Beast’s looming Chateau, this enchanting lounge invites guests to take a break and just enjoy the atmosphere. From chairs covered in a rose print to lounge seats the same yellow hue as Belle’s gown, the decor features several subtle nods to Beauty and the Beast in its accents.
The grand chandelier hanging over the bar will definitely have you dreaming of a tale as old as time. The ceiling-high bar channels the soaring bookshelves of Beast’s library, though these shelves feature bottles and not books.
Guests can dine on small bite plates and enjoy premium cocktails, as well as several non-alcoholic options for patrons of all ages. You don’t need a ticket to a specific park to check out the Enchanted Rose since it’s located inside the Grand Floridian, but it’s the perfect place to unwind after a day of fun and exploring.
Pittsburgh International Airport recently unveiled a very special space—a sensory room for children and adults with autism and other neurodevelopmental needs!
The room, named Presley’s Place, is the brainchild of airport employee Jason Rudge. Rudge, who works as a heavy equipment operator, got the idea from his son Presley. The four-year-old is on the autism spectrum and, according to his parents, struggles with changes in his routine which certainly doesn’t make flying easy.
The new space includes a realistic cabin experience (courtesy of American Airlines and Magee Plastics), private soundproof spaces, adjustable lighting, a transitional space between the concourse and room, a sensory-friendly restroom, adult changing stations, adjustable sinks, calming activities and comfortable seating.
The Pittsburgh International Airport’s website describes Presley’s Place as, “A calming respite for travelers with sensory processing issues and their families to de-escalate prior to getting on a plane or even after landing.” The web description also adds, “To best understand the needs of the community, we brought together advocacy groups, individuals and caregivers of children with neurodevelopmental challenges to share their experiences and offer suggestions for the room’s design.”
Presley’s Place isn’t the only way Pittsburgh International Airport makes traveling easier. The airport also has a Military Lounge for members of the military and their families and a nursing lounge!
Until your little guppies can actually swim, it can be pretty hard for moms to relax in the pool. The makers of this mommy and me pool float clearly had moms comfort in mind when they created this device that can make swimming with tots a little bit easier.
There are plenty of baby floats and water wings on the market, but what makes the SwimWays Baby Spring Float Mommy and Me with Canopy special is that it includes moms or parents in the floatation device. While babies and toddlers splash their legs and enjoy bobbing in the water mom can hang out in the adult end of the pool float and actually relax as well.
It’s not to say that you can close your eyes and lounge, but rather than treading water and pushing your tot around, the float allows you to have both hands and legs free while you gently float along together. With dozens of four and five star Amazon reviews, customers are clearly happy with how well this pool float works.
“Greatest idea ever. A baby float with a parent portion (which can be easily and quickly detached). So nice to not have to pull down on the baby’s float to stay with them,” one reviewer wrote.
The SwimWays Baby Spring Float Mommy and Me with Canopy is available on Amazon for $29.89. It fits babies ages nine to 24 months and comes with a removable canopy that features UPF 50 sun protection.
Why simply lounge in the pool when you can navigate your way around it with power? Whether you need to get across the pool to grab a fresh round of juice boxes or you just want to move into a shadier spot, this motorized pool float has the answer.
Powered by dual, battery-operated motors, you can maneuver the pool float through the water with two joystick-like controls that give you a 360-degree range of motion. You can just imagine how much fun the kids will have with this pool toy––in fact, you might have to ro-sham-bo over it unless you’re willing to shell out enough for two!
photo: Courtesy of Amazon
Not only is the pool float powerful, but it’s also super comfy and big, with arm and footrests, as well as a cup holder. It can accommodate up to 300 pounds.
You can score this amazing motorized pool lounger by PoolCandy on Amazon for a cool $199.99.
“Paint and sip” studios—those places where people of varying levels of artistic skills nurse a beverage (beer, wine, apple juice, etc.) and try their hand at creating a piece of art—started popping up in New York City a few years ago. Now, the city is full spots to grab a paintbrush and a pint and attempt a masterpiece (or just have a fun time). Paint and sip studios are great for parties, be they kid’s celebrations, baby showers, or parent group meetups, and of course, you and the kids can go and do some mommy or daddy and me painting just for the heck of it. Here’s where you can paint and sip with the kids in NYC!
photo: Pinot’s Palette Park Slope
The Paint and Sip Primer Paint and sip spots are exactly what they sound like: places where you can hold a brush in one hand and a glass of wine (or whatever your beverage of choice is) in the other. Don’t worry if you’re nervous about bringing your child to a bar — the spots are more art studio than saloon. Rows of easels are set up facing an instructor, who walks you through the painting of that session, step by step. You can join a scheduled class with a predetermined painting, or book a private event for a chance to choose from hundreds of designs.
Costs range from about $30 to $60 per person, per session, and everything (except the drinks) is included. (You can bring your own wine, beer, champagne, etc.—but no hard liquor.) The location will provide paints, an easel, and an apron; you bring yourself and the kids, and your inner artists. Even without any previous artistic experience, you’ll be surprised at how great everyone’s art turns out. Who knew you were so creative?
photo: Painting with a Twist
Painting With a Twist Painting With a Twist is a bright and inviting place to spend a few hours painting and relaxing. The space is relatively small, but cozy, and instructors and staff are super friendly. The recommended age is over 7, so leave the little ones at home for this one.
The Menu: Basic wine, beer, soda and small finger food is available, but you’re welcome to bring your own booze as well. No alcohol is allowed on family days, although 15 – 20 year olds are welcome to attend the regular painting sessions (sans drinking, of course!).
For the Kids: Family-friendly classes are often scheduled throughout the month here, but try to book with a friend because the singles and regular classes are more popular, and classes can be cancelled if a minimum number of participants isn’t met.
Parties: Choose from over 5,000 paintings for a two- or three-hour class, plus half an hour before and after the main event to mingle and relax. Space is small so groups are limited to 10. The space allows you to decorate, as well as bring your own food and drinks, or even hire a caterer.
Pinot’s Palette A juggernaut of the paint and sip industry, Pinot’s Palette has two Brooklyn locations. One, located on Park Slope’s 5th Avenue, is owned and operated by retired NYPD officer and Army vet Scott Drummond. In Dyker Heights, Tatiana Nicoli converted part of her store Boulevard Books and Café into a Pinot’s Palette studio.
Pinot’s Palette doesn’t designate special children’s days, simply because kids are always welcome, and many of the paintings offered here are kid-friendly. Keep in mind, though, that the evening paintings have an open bar and more difficult projects, so smaller children might get frustrated at the difficulty level. However, you and the kids can also stop by the Open Studio events, when the canvas is your, well, canvas; paint whatever you want on a 16×20 canvas (included in the price) or follow one of the self-guided paintings.
The Menu: Assorted drinks like coffee, wine, beer and soda can be purchased and consumed here, as well as some finger foods.
For the Kids: The Park Slope location holds afternoon sessions on weekends featuring kid-friendly works like the cute owl “Little Hootie Pie” or a colorful Sugar Skull, while in Dyker Heights, parents and kids work on “Mommy and Me” projects side by side.
Pinot’s Palette is also home to the“Little Brushes” program, during whichchildren between 6 and 12 years of age are welcome to a fun, party-like atmosphere where they’re encouraged to play with colors and paints, make collages, and more.
Have a little girl scout in the family? Painting with Pinot’s Palette nets a badge for it. Check the locations for seasonal events as well.
Parties: Private parties can be booked for 10 to 15 people, for two- or three-hour sessions, bookended by half hour mingle periods. Not enough time? Pinot’s Palette lets you purchase more time to make the space your own. During children’s birthday parties, gather a party of 15 kids and the birthday child is free. Keep in mind: outside food is allowed, but outside drinks are not.
For a larger, more vibrant painting environment, check out Muse Paintbar.
The Menu: Muse doesn’t just have a bar, it has an entire kitchen, with platters, sandwiches and desserts for the entire family to enjoy.
For the Kids: Regularly-scheduled family nights feature kid-friendly paintings that little fingers can keep up with. Typically priced at $29 per person, the family day events are one of the cheaper options. Kid classes (and parties) are lead by instructors experienced with teaching children.
Parties: The loft-like space can accommodate up to 50 kids, making it ideal for a big birthday bash. Muse has pre-set times for private kids parties, but they also allow you to come in earlier to decorate. You can also bring your own drinks, food and cake — though the space will have kiddie finger food on offer.
Muse Paint Bar 329 Greenwich St. Tribeca 646-938-7800 Online: musepaintbar.com
The Paint Place Consider The Paint Place extremely kid- and family friendly. With two locations—one on the Upper West Side, one in Astoria—The Paint Place offers Family Fun Painting sessions on select weekend mornings, as well as after school art classes and parties. The Paint Place also hosts all-ages events for kids ages 8 to 18, which are noted on each location’s calendar.
The Menu: For adults, it’s beer and wine—they provide the openers and cups.
For the Kids: Family Fun Painting is for kids from four to seven, and older kids can come by any event noted “All Ages Welcome.” And they do after school classes for kids wanting to delve deeper into art.
Parties: Guests paint a 12 x 12 canvas with the help of an instructor, and you provide the cake, food, and paper products.
The Painting Lounge The Painting Lounge has four NYC locations: Chelsea, Midtown, Harlem, and Williamsburg. Painting subjects range from scenic vistas and cityscapes to sassy ladies to Notorious B.I.G. Most classes cost between $30 and $50, but sales are frequent, knocking down prices as much as $40 percent. You can sign up in advance online, and there’s a 24-hour cancellation policy.
The Menu: You bring your own beverages—anything but hard liquor. They provide cups and bottle openers.
For the Kids: The Painting Lounge is mostly for older kids and adults. Kids eight and up can attend classes.
Parties: The Painting Lounge frequently hosts adult celebrations, and does birthday parties for kids ages eight and up.
