Thanks to an earlier-than-normal winter storm, finding snow near me is more than just a fantasy
It may not snow in San Diego, but when the weather gets chilly you don’t have to go far to find it. There’s so much fun for kids (both little and big) to have in the nearby mountains that goes beyond just skiing and snowboarding—see below for a few of our favorite go-to spots that will surely make your winter bucket list. Here you’ll find the best snow tube parks and sledding, magic carpets and gondolas to ride. So get your winter gear in order, grab some chains—now’s the time for an unforgettably fun day in the snow in Southern California.
1. Big Bear
Slide into fun at Grizzly Ridge Tube Park at the top of Snow Summit in Big Bear. The whole family young and old alike will love whizzing down the snowy hills on high-speed tubes. Ride the magic carpet up to the top before sliding down one of three 300-ft tubing lanes. Ride again and again during your 1.5-hour time slot.
Snowmobile adventures, tubing, and cross country skiing await you on Mammoth Mountain. Cruise through tree-lined meadows on a guided snowmobile excursion or catch a lift to the top for Woolly's Tube Park and snow tube your way back down. You can click into some Nordic skis or snowshoes to get a workout exploring Lakes Basin on a cross country adventure.
Your little snow angels will squeal with delight at Yeti's Snow Play. Here you'll find some of SoCal's best snowtubing, sledding, and snow play...as well as a friendly Yeti who's willing to pose for pics. The snow play area is open only for kids 36” tall and under, while those over 36” tall can go sledding, tubing, and ride the gondola up to the top! Kids between 32” and 36” can snow tube with a paid parent on a separate tube.
You’ll be able to cool down on top of this mountain about an hour due east of San Diego. When you head up, there are plenty of turn-off spots, but it does get crowded. Along with your boots and mittens, you’ll want to bring some snacks, a full tank of gas, and some snow chains.
You’ll have to wait for just the right time, but every year a good northern storm can drop snow in Julian. Watch the weather reports, then drive up right after it snows. Google "snow sled near me" and you'll find this is the best place to tackle small snow hills and then warm up with some hot apple pie in town. Remember, the snow melts quickly around Julian.
Good to Know: Please only park in designated lots and not on residents’ yards and sides of the road. Also please pack out what you bring in. Many times the town has to clean up after visitors. This is a problem every year, so please be considerate in this small town.
Find the magic of snow on Palomar Mountain just North of San Diego. Bundle up to make snowmen and snow angels or toboggan down a snow hill. Dress warmly and you may want to pack an insulated thermos of hot water and cocoa packets to enjoy on the way home.
Whether you take the day or a weekend trip, you’ll be glad you drove (about two hours) up to Idyllwild. Here, you’ll find a cute mountain town where you can take a winter hike, sled, or just walk around the town after fresh snow. There are plenty of cute shops to look at and places to eat too.
There’s nothing quite like the magic of throwing simple ingredients into a pot and ending up with a delicious and comforting soup. It’s a kind of kitchen magic that never gets old. If you need some inspiration for just such a concoction, we’ve got your back with this hearty tortellini soup recipe from Jen, of How To: Simplify. This comfort soup is sure to warm you up, fill you up, and even sneak some tasty spinach into your picky eater’s bowl.
Ingredients:
32 ounces of chicken stock
1 15-ounce can of fire-roasted diced tomatoes
1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 tablespoon of dried basil
1 teaspoon cumin
1-2 dashes of cayenne pepper
Salt and pepper (to taste)
1 9-ounce package of Buitoni Sweet Italian Sausage Tortellini
1 cup fresh spinach
Method:
1. Pour the chicken stock and the entire can of diced tomatoes into a large pot. Add the black beans, basil, cumin, pepper, and salt. Bring to a boil and simmer for 20 minutes.
2. Add the tortellini and cook for 8-10 minutes (according to the package instructions).
3. Add the fresh spinach into the pot and cook for an additional minute.
4. Season with salt and pepper (to taste). Serve immediately.
Recipe courtesy Jen at How To: Simplify. By day, Jen is a Senior Account Executive and Project Manager at Mom It Forward. In her spare time, she can be found in her kitchen covered in either flour, sugar, or both. Her philosophy when it comes to cooking and baking is “the more from scratch, the better.” Her aim is to share tips and tricks, as well as simple recipes that require very few ingredients (many of which you probably already have in your kitchen) and only a small amount of prep and cook time. Check out the How To: Simplify blog for more great recipes!
Ask Alexa to pump up the holiday spirit and amuse your family using these fun Amazon Alexa Christmas skills
Want to keep the kids happy and entertained for the rest of the season? Let Alexa delight the children like your own personal holiday elf! All you have to do is ask. We’ve rounded up a few awesome Alexa Christmas skills to make your days and nights with the kids merry and bright—and hopefully out of your hair for a few minutes while “Santa” finishes wrapping all those gifts.
Need some help filling your playlist with Christmas songs? Using the iHeartRadio skill, iHeart Santa, kids can answer a series of questions posed by Santa to have a custom-curated list of holiday songs created for them.
“Alexa, play Christmas music.”
Nothing helps lift your spirits like some jolly Christmas tunes. Just say the word and Alexa will cue up your favorite songs of the season through Amazon Music. Even if you don’t happen to be a Prime Member, you can just enable the Christmas Radio skill and ask Alexa to play it. Bonus tip: ask Alexa to sing you a Christmas carol and the kids will love the response.
"Alexa, open Christmas Song Quiz."
Are you a Christmas Carol master? Step right up and test your knowledge. Alexa will read you lines from Christmas songs and ask you to guess the song titles, or ask you to finish the line. How many can you guess?
“Alexa, ask Christmas Countdown how long until Santa comes.”
If your excited tots wake up each morning in December wondering if Christmas has finally arrived, Alexa can help them keep track with the Christmas Countdown skill.
"Alexa, turn the Christmas tree lights on.”
Whether you want to be able to turn your Christmas lights on and off remotely or you’re hoping to light your home up like you're in the Great Christmas Light Fight, Alexa can help. Plug any light strand into an Alexa-compatible smart outlet and you can control them using your voice. If you want to get a little fancier, you can upgrade to Alexa-compatible smart Christmas lights that can be programmed with specific effects.
Want an easy way to help your kids understand the importance of giving and helping others? Alexa can help with the Christmas Kindness skill. When you enable the skill Alexa will prompt you with suggestions on random acts of kindness.
With so many ways to engage in holiday festivities with Alexa, this home assistant may as well be your very own "keep the kiddos busy" advent calendar for the whole month of December!
“Alexa, play Santa Claus.”
Want a direct line to the big man? Alexa has the hook-up. Kids can say "Alexa, ask Santa Claus if I'm naughty or nice" to find out which list they’ve made after being quizzed on a series of questions on their behavior.
“Alexa, start The Night Before Christmas.”
Get the kids ready for bed and those sugar plum visions with the classic tale of how Santa and his reindeer arrive. Alexa also has some other holiday stories up her sleeve.
“Alexa, play Christmas sounds.”
If you need a break from "Rudolph" and "Jingle Bells" but still want to fill your home with the sounds of the season, you can enable the Christmas sounds skill and Alexa will spread the holiday cheer with sounds like bells ringing and horse hooves clomping.
Speaking of Christmas Eve, if you want to get those kids off to bed so you can enjoy some quiet time and a glass of wine, convince them that Santa is on his way by enabling the NORAD Tracks Santa skill.
Don't worry, Alexa won't spoil all the Christmas magic. If anything, the home assistant has you covered by answering all those difficult questions you might not be ready to answer this year. Some other challenging Christmas questions Alexa can answer include “How old is Santa Claus?” and “What is the true meaning of Christmas?”
“Alexa, tell me some Christmas jokes.”
Everyone loves a good old cheesy joke, especially about Christmas. There are lots of great Christmas jokes and riddles out there and Alexa knows plenty of them. See how much Alexa can make you laugh!
Are you looking for a way to make a positive impact and give back this season? Spread some holiday cheer to the kids and families of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® by participating in their third annual St. Jude Joy Drive.
Since it opened on Feb. 4, 1962, St. Jude has helped countless families. So much so, that treatments invented at St. Jude have helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20% when they first opened their doors to more than 80% today.
To further its lifesaving mission, St. Jude shares the breakthroughs it makes freely, and every child saved at St. Jude means doctors and scientists worldwide can use that knowledge to save thousands more children. With assistance from generous donors, families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food.
While St. Jude has made great strides, there is still more to be done to find a cure for childhood cancer and other catastrophic diseases—and that’s where you come in! Read on to learn more about how to spread holiday cheer for a good cause (and have fun while doing it)!
Spread some holiday cheer to the kids and families of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital by participating in their third annual St. Jude Joy Drive. Visit their site to learn more and participate.
St. Jude patient Connor, who is diagnosed with medulloblastoma, pictured with his mother Brooke and father Christopher.
Throughout December, St. Jude is hosting the St. Jude Joy Drive—a social media-driven campaign that highlights St. Jude supporters through heartwarming and inspirational storytelling of why they continue to give to St. Jude.
To join them, share what brings you joy over the holidays on your social media account. To participate, simply post a video about what makes you light up during the festive season and why you donate and support St. Jude. Be sure to tag @stjudela, who will share it on their social media during the month of December. You can include your favorite traditions, activities, things to eat and drink, or a favorite memory.
Invite your friends, family and followers to share what they love about the holidays, and to give a suggested donation of $10, or whatever they can donate to St. Jude.
Spreading joy is an easy way to bring some holiday magic to families and children who are spending their holidays at the hospital. Help share the joy of the holidays from your heart with the kids of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital by participating in the St. Jude Joy Drive and make a lasting difference!
Santa’s number can be hard to find. Lucky for you, we’ve got the scoop
You’ve snapped your photos and written your letters to Santa, and probably already hung your stockings with care. Well, here’s one more way to get in touch with Ol’ St. Nick: Santa’s Hotline. It couldn’t get easier: all you need is a phone to dial up a free, international number that connects kids directly to a voicemail box, where they can leave messages at the North Pole. Available throughout the United States as well as 13 countries including France, Sweden, and Australia, it’s a simple concept that will add that little extra pinch of magic dust to your holiday. If your kids can’t get enough, here are six other ways to get in touch with Santa Claus during the holiday season.
Dial up +1-605-313-4000 in English
or +1-605-313-4001 in Spanish
(There’s a list of international numbers on the site as well).
Your kiddos will hear the following message:
“Ho! Ho! Ho! Merry Christmas! This is Santa Claus and you have reached my personal hotline. We have been very busy making all of those toys to deliver on Christmas morning, and I want you to know that your family loves you very much and so do I. So, be good and don’t forget to always listen to your parents. When you hear the tone please leave me your Christmas gift wishes and holiday cheer. And, remember kids, I know who’s been naughty and who’s been nice. Merry Christmas and I’ll see you soon.”
Then at the beep, your little elflings can leave their own message to Santa. (Be sure and listen in so you can take notes!)
When you use your mobile phone, Santa will send a text so you can listen or share your child’s message with the whole family!
Tip: keep the number handy in your contacts under Santa and surprise your sweeties, perfect for long lines or after-school doldrums. “Siri, call Santa” is sure to elicit a raised eyebrow and giant grin.
The hotline was created by David Erickson, CEO of FreeConferenceCall.com and father of three. He thought of the idea when his daughter was little, and he hopes it brings a little more fun to the season. Last year, 9 million kids called in.
Visit the website to learn more and find downloadable flyers you can share with your teacher, family, and friends.
When it comes to the best Christmas lights Portland has to offer, these displays are totally lit
The City of Roses should be renamed the City of Lights during the holidays, as far as we’re concerned. Starting right after you finish up Thanksgiving dinner, running throughout the month of December, Portland is ablaze with fun and unique light displays that will brighten up anyone’s day. So after you’ve picked out the perfect tree for the season, fill your thermos with hot chocolate (maybe a hot toddy for the parents), bundle up the kids, and check out these holiday light displays that will brighten your season.
Portland International Raceway Christmas Lights - Winter Wonderland
If you're looking for drive-thru Christmas lights in Portland, head down to the Portland International Raceway for a one-of-a-kind holiday experience. Recognized throughout the Pacific Northwest as the “Largest Holiday Light Show West of the Mississippi,” the 30th annual Safeway Winter Wonderland is unlike any light show you’ve ever seen. Spectators become part of the show as they drive through the track, taking in more than 250 set pieces and animated displays along the course. Plus, all proceeds from the event will benefit Sunshine Division's year-round hunger relief efforts.
Good to Know: Tickets range from $48 - $155 depending on vehicle size
'Tis the season to check out one of Portland’s most popular light experiences: ZooLights at, you guessed it, the Oregon Zoo. This larger-than-life display has more than a million and a half lights, plus all your favorite animals, too! You can take it all in two ways: on a classic walk through the grounds or from the comfort of your car during their drive-through experience.
Good to Know: All tickets are timed-entry and must be purchased in advance online. They range from $21-$29, and drive-thru tickets are $65. Remember, Zoo members receive discounted admission.
Dates: Nov. 23, 2022-Jan. 5, 2023 (Closed on Christmas Day)
The Christmas ships are coming! A fleet of ships have sailed down the Willamette and Columbia Rivers every year for 67 years. Grab a perch with a view (restaurants along the route book up quick), pack your thermos and blankets, and watch the floating lights go by. This is a great parade, and the best part is, you can catch it almost every night in December for free. Be sure to check online for when they’ll be closest to you, as the route changes. It's the perfect winter evening activity for tiny boat enthusiasts (and their parents).
The Grotto’s Christmas Festival of Lights features more than two million lights and is the largest Christmas choral festival in the world. Enjoy the amazing sounds of local schools, churches, and civic groups as you explore the beautiful property. Concerts are scheduled each evening and families can also enjoy outdoor caroling, puppet shows, and storytimes.
Good to Know: Kids 2 and under are free at this display.
8840 N.E. Skidmore St. Portland Online:thegrotto.org
Christmas on the Campground
Drive by or stroll through the Apostolic Faith Church’s campground to enjoy thousands of lights with the kids this year. The lights are on from dusk to dawn at this free display, and music plays at two different times throughout the night. In addition to the life-size nativity scene, the coolest part of the display is hands down the ginormous Christmas tree at the heart of the display. It's the tallest in Southeast Portland, and it's one reason to bring the kids to see this festive display.
Add Lightopia in Hillsboro to your light tour this year. Families can take in all the beautiful sights as you drive along a half-mile winter landscape. This free display is open for visitors on Sundays through Thursdays, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and on weekends until 10 p.m. One thing to note, you'll need a reservation to drive through, so snag one while you can.
Dates: Dec. 3-31, 2022 (Closed Christmas Day)
Gordon Faber Recreation Complex (Hillsboro Stadium) 4450 N.E. Century Blvd. Hillsboro, OR Online:hillsboro-oregon.gov
Clackamas County Winter Fair
Head over to the Clackamas County Event Center for the 3rd Annual Winter Fair and Holiday Market. Not only can you enjoy more than 200,000 lights and scenes, but the kids can meet Santa while you check off people on your Christmas list. Admission to the experience is just $10 for adults and $5 for kids ages 3-12. Bring your 3 and unders for free.
One street you absolutely cannot skip is Peacock Lane—known as Portland’s Christmas Street. Located in S.E. Portland, each house on this little street has been taking Christmas cheer to the next level since 1932. From nativity scenes and rotating trees to re-enactments of your favorite holiday characters and movies, Peacock Lane continues to delight visitors from near and far. You can find this super sweet displays along S.E. Peacock Lane between SE Stark and Belmont Streets.
Insider Tip: Families can walk the display without car congestion on pedestrian-only nights. This year they're scheduled for December 15-17.
Nearly anywhere you drive in Portland, you are likely to see stunning and creative light displays by local families. Holding true to our city's reputation for creativity, you are guaranteed a bright and magical holiday when you live in the City of Roses. Don't forget to pack some hot chocolate and candy canes, to add to the seasonal magic when you head out to one of Portland's many neighborhood light displays. Pile everyone into the car and head to these neighborhoods to see some of the best home grown displays in town. Some of our favorite areas include the Pearl District, Downtown Portland, Alberta, and the Sellwood/Moreland area.
Get a jumpstart on your holiday shopping at our favorite toy stores in Boston. Hint: They have great gift recs
The holiday countdown has begun! We know for many parents that means thinking about finding that perfect gift for family and friends, even while driving around to see holiday lights and heading out to find your tree. Sure, it’s always easy to shop online, local toy stores in Boston have some of the coolest gifts for kids in town. With everything from personalized recommendations to gorgeous gift wrapping and free local delivery, these independent toy stores make holiday shopping a breeze. Here’s where to shop small this year.
This "little shop with a big mission" was opened back in 2003 by children's book author, Peter H. Reynolds, the brilliant mind behind The Dot. The large blue bunny outside welcomes kids into the cozy shop that's not only got a great selection of toys, but books as well. As you can imagine, the authors who "hop" into the shop for book signings and readings are some of the best around. Find all sorts of unusual and interesting toys for everyone on your list (no matter what the occasion) when you stop in this store in Dedham.
Insider Tip: Gift wrapping is always free at this friendly store.
Let's just say you'd have to be crazy not to shop here. CouCou (pronounced “koo-koo”) is the French word used for the globally popular children’s game of Peek-a-boo. The store, located in the South End neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts, offers a wide selection of uniquely curated products for ages 0-10, including clothes, toys, crafts, homewares and gifts, imported from around the globe.
Featuring shiny new things to spruce up your kiddo’s nest, Magpie Kids focuses on modern toys. It’s where you’ll find locally made toys, as well clothing and gift items from recognizable brands like Milkbarn, Angel Dear, and Plan Toys. Stop in to find that just-right gift, whether you're shopping for baby's arrival, baby's first birthday, or any other memorable milestones for your kids. Whatever they're into—arts and crafts, playing music, reading, or just making believe—they've got what you need here.
One of Boston's newer toy stores on the block, The Happy Journey was opened not too long ago by Lindsay Perrelli, an elementary school teacher and children's author. It’s everyone’s go-to spot for educational, high-quality toys, books, and games that Perrelli has personally selected. Stop by each season to browse the skillfully built displays that are as appealing to parents as they are to kids.
With eight Boston-area locations to choose from, you'll definitely find what you need at this super-cool toy store. Shop their online store where you can find gifts sorted by age and interest, as well as some super fun options like personalized surprise packs. With free shipping on orders over $50 and free gift wrap, this is a great option for those who want to check gift buying off their list, but haven't quite gotten around to it yet this year.
You can get tons of toys plus all the essential baby gear you need all under one roof at Magic Beans. They've been around since 2004, so they're totally up on all the hot toys and new products that you need. And did we mention they're parents, too? Takes one to know one when it comes to finding gifts and products your kids will actually use.
This toy shop is a community favorite and has called Jamaica Plain home for over 20 years. It is run by a local mom who is focused on building community and giving back. Don't worry—she also loves stocking the shelves with the coolest toys around. The oversized Alien Boingers that are hanging around outside the store set the tone for your shopping experience here. It's all about fun and finding that just-right toy, book, or game that will be played with time and time again.
Good to Know: There's free local deliveries of orders over $50 and free shipping on orders over $75.
Insider Tip: We can't get enough of the Boing's Kindness Club that encourage kids to perform random acts of kindness in their community for a small prize.
667 Centre St. Jamaica Plain, MA Online: boingtoys.com
8. Eureka! Puzzles
This toy store right in the heart of Coolidge Corner focuses on puzzles, board games, brain teasers, and STEM gifts for kids of all ages. Make shopping for kids easy on everyone in the family (we're looking at your grandparents) when you create a wish list for your kids. It's the best gift to give those who are doing the shopping. And if you're looking for something a little different to give this year? Why not try a personalized puzzle on Eureka's new puzzle press.
Parents-to-be know that Tadpole is the place to go for baby registries and all the gear you'll need to bring the little one home. They also have a ton of unique gifts for kids like including STEM toys, LEGO sets, puzzles, and more. It's a great spot to shop for the toddler in your life.
We’ve got ways to save money, how to maximize your water park time, and loads of other Great Wolf Lodge tips
With new locations coming up across the U.S., Great Wolf Lodge is the largest collection of indoor waterparks and resorts in North America. There are currently 17 locations in the U.S, and most are a skip-and-a-jump away from a major city. As soon as you walk in the door to the massive lobby, you’ll be immersed in the wilderness theme that leans into the “great outdoors” aesthetic. We checked out some of the Great Wolf Lodge properties and have a number of tips and tricks for you to make the most out of your indoor waterpark visit!
Tips for Checking In and Staying Late at Great Wolf Lodge
Great Wolf Lodge
1. Get there early!
There is so much to do inside the doors of the lodge. Even if your room isn’t ready, you can ask to check in early in order to use the facilities and leave your luggage in the car. With daily events lined up, there is no time to waste. In October you'll have trick or treating and in the winter season, it's all about holiday crafts and storytimes.
2. Check out the app
The Great Wolf app has the menus of all the restaurants under its roof, information on the attractions, and times of the daily events. It has everything you need to know in one place instead of continuing to call the front desk or check with an employee. You can also use it to check in and avoid the long lines!
3. Charge your phone.
While you enjoy the park, leave your phone on so that you can get updates on when your room is ready. You can also text the Great Wolf Lodge number for any issues you have during your stay.
4. Check out and stay late
You don't have to end your water park day early on check-out day. You still have access to the water park until closing on your check-out day. Pack up your room and store your luggage in your car or with the front desk. You change in the locker rooms before heading home.
Skip the standard room and go for a Wolf Den room or Kid Cabin so your crew can really spread out. Older kids will love their own pseudo-room within a room. For younger kids, the bunk beds' twin-sized mattresses can easily be taken down and put on the floor. Couches have pull-out beds and there is space to add another bed or crib and shift furniture for parents who co-sleep. There's even a TV in the kid room to keep everyone entertained when you need a little downtime.
Even if you aren't planning on heading to the water park until later in the morning, it's a good idea to send an adult down once it opens to set up your home base for the day. On crowded days, chairs will get snagged early in the morning and you'll be forced to sit on the floor in a corner. Grab a few chairs and leave some flip-flops or other cheap gear on them with your towels. When you come to the water park, show the kids where your home base is located so they can find you if they are older and can explore on their own.
7. Snag a cabana
If you have a larger group or would like your own designated area with a waiter, a cabana is a good option. You have access to the cabana beginning at 10 a.m. and it includes water, sodas, a fan, and a little bit of privacy. You can also get your waiter to bring you lunch and drinks when you are ready so that you can avoid the lines.
Other Activities at Great Wolf Lodge
Great Wolf Lodge
8. Find activities for everyone
If you have a child or two that’s not super fond of swimming, there are plenty of dry activities. Spend time in the arcade and running around the hotel to find treasure with an interactive witchy game called MagiQuest. There's a ropes course for older kids (be sure to bring socks/closed-toe shoes for this activity).
9. Free Activities at Great Wolf Lodge
Consult the day's schedule on the app to see what is being offered for the day. You can typically find activities like crafts, yoga for kids, character meet and greets, and so much more. There's even more to do if you visit during Snowland or one of the other themed times of year.
10. Buy a pass
To save money on those inevitable impulse purchases that kids on vacation want, buy a pass depending on your children’s interests and ages. From most expensive to least, there is the Wolf Pass, Paw Pass, and Pup Pass. This is especially good if you have kids that want to spend time outside of the waterpark on other activities like the arcade and ropes course.
11. Leave space in your luggage.
You’ll bring home more than you left with whether it's sweet treats, magic wands, gemstones, souvenirs from the gift shop, or prizes. Some locations have additional attractions like ropes courses, mini-golf, arcades, or Build-a-Bear workshops.
12. Save the Magic Wands
MagiQuest is the brand’s exclusive adventure game. If you’re planning on visiting another location or the same location at another date, save your wands to continue playing the game. This way you don’t have to buy a new one.
If your GWL restaurants take reservations, book yours early. We found that many of them book up early in the day on busy holiday weekends.
14. Avoid lines and order food via the app
This was especially important when you are buying lunch in the water park, Avoid the long lines and order your food through the app. You'll be notified when it is ready for pickup.
15. Get food delivered
Many GWL locations have restaurants nearby that will deliver. The Bay Area location in Manteca is connected to a Costco via the parking lot so you can walk over there and snag a large pizza to bring back to your room. You'll also have a mini fridge and microwave in your room to heat up food brought from home. Consider bringing a cooler with you and leaving it in your room (coolers are not allowed in the water park).
How to Save Money at Great Wolf Lodge
Great Wolf Lodge
16. Get the email deals
Sign up for the lodge’s email club to receive alerts on deals and specials. You can also find GWL on sites like Groupon during the off-season.
17. Grab a day pass
If you want to check out the water park, ropes course, and arcade but want to avoid the cost of staying overnight, snag a day pass. These are available at all Great Wolf Lodges, depending on capacity.
18. Go during the off-season
Prices vary greatly depending on time of year and whether you are visiting on a weekend. You can save a lot by being flexible on when you visit.
What to Pack for Great Wolf Lodge
Great Wolf Lodge Southern California
Don't forget to bring these essentials with you:
swimsuits and cover-ups for walking from your room to the water park
closed-toe shoes if your GWL has a ropes course
pool bag for schlepping your gear to the pool (so you can avoid returning to your room)
snacks to keep in your room (outside food is not allowed in the water park)
waterproof phone case so your phone doesn't get water-logged on the lazy river
goggles
swim diapers
reusable water bottles
sound machine or white noise app
puddle jumpers (some kids prefer these to the life jackets available on-site)
Editor’s note: This visit was paid for by Great Wolf Lodge but all opinions belong to the writer.
Every child’s bookshelf (and every U.S. library) should have a book collection that represents the beauty and diversity of the United States.
Celebrating Native American culture has frequently been overlooked in children’s literature—especially stories that are told from an indigenous point of view. The good news is, that’s been changing over the last few years and today we find more Native American artists able to tell the stories they want to tell. From board books for babies to chapter books, these Native American children’s books tell new tales, reimagine traditional stories, and honor the modern presence and importance of our nation’s first peoples. Be sure to share these 14 indigenous heroes with your kids in honor of Indigenous Peoples Day, too.
My Heart Fills with Happiness
Reflect on the joy of little things, like holding hands, drumming, and the smell of warm bannock baking in the oven as you turn the pages of this brightly illustrated board book with your child. A gorgeous vehicle for an oft-needed reminder! Written by international speaker and award-winning author Monique Gray Smith who wrote this book to support the wellness of Indigenous children and families, it is also available in French, Spanish, Ojibwe, and Cree. Illustrated by celebrated artist Julie Flett. Ages: 0-2
Lull your Little into dreamland with Celina Kalluk’s sweet sleepy-time poem that celebrates Inuit baby Kulu’s arrival. And what a guest list it was! The Smiling Sun, Wise Wind, and Snow Bunting are just a few who arrive on the scene in this board book, ready to bestow gifts and well wishes on this precious newborn. Illustrated by Alexandria Neonakis. Ages: 0-2
Have you ever met a cat that gives you good luck when you pet it? Woogie is that type of cat until the good luck runs out. This modern Native American story is written by Joy Harjom, a member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation.
Winner of the 2021 Caldecott Medal and a #1 New York Times Bestseller, this powerful story is a call to arms to protect the Earth, the plants, the trees, the rivers, and the water from pollution and—more specifically—the Black Snake. The Black Snake, the pipeline, is a danger to the lifeblood of the Earth. It will poison the water and all of its creatures. Learn how to be a water protector with a glossary of terms and more info, followed by the powerful pledge: take it with your children—to be a steward of the Earth and its creatures and a protector of water.
The publisher even offers an online activity kit for children and classrooms. Written by Anishinabe/Métis author and member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Ojibwe Indians, Carole Lindstrom with illustrations by Caldecott-medal-winning illustrator Michaela Goade, from the Raven moiety and Kiks.ádi Clan from Sitka, Alaska. Ages: 3-6 but frankly, we think everyone should take this pledge.
Told in both English and Ojibwe, the story of Windy Girl and her dog, Itchy Boy who love the stories of Uncle about the gatherings from his boyhood, and how Windy Girl and Itchy Boy love to attend the pow wow too. She loves the food, the dance, and the long nights of laughter. One night, Windy dreams about a very special powwow—with the elders, warriors, the many dancers...when she wakes she begins to understand that the powwow is both old and new, past and present, always moving, like the dancers. Written by Brenda Child, with the Ojibwe translation by Gordon Jourdain and illustrations by Jonathan Thunder. Ages: 3-7
This is the story of one of the greatest potters of all time—a Tewa woman who used her talents and traditions to create pottery that has become world-renowned. Born around 1887, in San Ildefonso Pueblo, near Santa Fe, New Mexico, Maria loved to play with clay, gathered from the Rio Grande. By observing the traditions of the potters around her in the Tewa Pueblo, Maria’s heavy interest is fostered by her Aunt Nicolasa, who begins to show Maria the methods and traditions of Tewa pottery: mixing the clay, coiling it, baking it, and always thanking Mother Earth for the gift of the clay.
As her interests grew, so did her reputation as one of the finest young potters around, and she even discovers a new firing method that is now legendary. Written by clay artist Anna Harber Freeman and illustrated by artist Aphelandra who captures the landscape of the Southwest in vibrant images reminiscent of the pottery itself. A true celebration of indigenous and women’s history. Ages: 4-9
Winner of the 2020 Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal and a 2020 American Indian Youth Literature Picture Book Honor Winner, this book lyrically tells the story of making fry bread—from ingredients to mealtime—as a sensory experience, weaving together the importance of the smells, sounds, and moments that fry bread represents.
“Fry bread is nation. It is shared by many, from coast to coast and beyond.”
Sweet and powerful all at once, this simple bread is a poetic testimony to the strength of culture, survival, and nourishment. Written by Kevin Noble Millard, a member of the Seminole Nation, Mekusukey band, and illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal. Ages: 3-6
Author F. Anthony Falcon had these thoughts when he first held his son: "Be brave, be brave, be brave." He and his wife were in the middle of Hurricane Harvey's landfall in Corpus Cristi Texas when she went into labor. This book, a meditation on what it means to be brave, is also the author's reconnection with his Lakota roots. It is both the story of little Lakota's perilous arrival into the world as it is about Falcon describing what it is to be a Native American man today. Beautifully illustrated by Trisha Mason. Ages: 3-7
Written by Cheryl Kay Minnema and illustrated by Welsey Ballinger, both members of the Mille Lacs Band, you'll love this story about a little guy everyone calls Hungry Johnny. And you guessed it, he loves to eat! Wild rice, fruit salad, sweet rolls—he looks forward to eating it all. After the food is prepared, Johnny and his family make their way to the community center, where he eagerly awaits the feast. But first, there’s the Ojibwe prayer. And next, the elders eat first. Johnny learns patience and respect as he awaits his turn at the table. (Spoiler alert: there’s plenty left for Johnny!). Ages: 3-7
You may know the name Crazy Horse, the legendary Lakota warrior and chief, but do you know how he got this name? Or what he was like as a little boy? His nickname was Curly, because of his curly hair, and he once bravely rode a wild horse his father brought home. Though Curly’s childhood is good, it doesn’t take long before the white settlers and soldiers begin to take Lakota land.
When white soldiers mortally wound Chief Conquering Bear, Curly bears witness to this attack. Fearful of the future for his people, he breaks from tradition and leaves to seek a vision: he sees a rider on the back of his own horse, floating above the ground. And this rider went through a storm of bullets and hail, nothing touched him. This is the Lakota story of how Crazy Horse got his name and used his vision to lead his people. Co-authored by award-winning Abenaki children’s book author, poet, novelist, and storyteller Joseph Bruchac and illustrated by Lakota artist S.D. Nelson. Ages: 6-9
Crossing Bok Chitto: A Choctaw Tale of Friendship & Freedom
First published in 2008, Crossing Bok Chitto received starred reviews and numerous awards, including being named ALA Notable Children’s Book and winning a Jane Addams Honor Book award. An original story about the intersection of Native and African Americans received starred tells the story of a young Choctaw girl who crosses the Bock Chittor River in Mississippi and helps a young enslaved person and his family escape slavery via the river. Choctaw storyteller Tim Tingle’s artful words are accompanied by Jeanne Rorex Bridges’ art. Ages: 7-13
One of the newest books in the “Rick Riordan Presents” series (which graced us with such home runs as Tristan Strong and Aru Shah) Nebula- and Hugo-award winning, Indigenous/Black author Rebecca Roanhorse brings the epic adventures of a young Navajo girl, Nizhoni Begay, who turns out to be a monster slayer. Learn about famous heroes and monsters of the Navajo as your route for Nizhoni, her twin brother Mac, and her best friend Davery, in this page-turning novel for middle-grade readers that does not disappoint. Ages: 8-12
How I Became a Ghost—A Choctaw Trail of Tears Story (Book 1)
This is the story of a tribe’s removal from the only land they’d ever known and subsequent journey to Oklahoma along what is known as The Trail of Tears, told from the point of view of the ghost of a Choctaw boy. At first, we learn about Isaac, who is 10, and his life among the Choctaw. Soon, however, tragedy comes, and Isaac, as was true of so many children who were forced to walk it, does not survive the Trail of Tears. Perhaps for the first time, the travesty of the Trail of Tears and removal of the Choctaw is told in print for children from a uniquely Choctaw perspective—it is both heartwrenching and utterly necessary.
And yet, it is a story of resilience and innocence respite with lovable characters, including a five-year-old ghost and a talking dog, as Isaac has the ability to help those left behind. Written by Tim Tingle, an Oklahoma Choctaw and an award-winning author and storyteller, whose great-great-grandfather, John Carnes, walked the Trail of Tears in 1835. Ages: 9-12
The network’s annual event starts Oct. 1 and includes lots of kid-friendly picks as well as scarier options for when the kids are in bed (we see you, A Quiet Place).
Check out the full “31 Nights of Halloween” schedule from Freeform below. With at least two movies a day there are plenty of ways to get your Halloween spirit on all month long! (Note: All times Eastern, unless otherwise noted.)
Week of Oct. 1
Disney
Saturday, Oct. 1
7:00a/6:00c - Edward ScissorHands
9:10a/8:10c - The Witches (1990)
11:20a/10:20c - The Haunted Mansion (2003)
1:25p/10:20c - Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas
