Take & Make: 11 Kids’ Craft Kits to Pick Up Today

by Allison SutcliffeMay 19, 2020

If you’re missing your local kids art studio, we feel you (and so do they!). Luckily many Seattle studios have transformed their creative offerings into take away art kits you can pick up curbside or have delivered to your porch. Whether your kids want to paint pottery, make a retro wall hanging or design their own puzzle, these kits will get the creative juices flowing.

West Seattle Art Nest

If variety is what you’re after, West Seattle Art Nest has your family’s crafternoon plan. Kids can make slime, dream catchers, wall hangings or paint an animal canvas with these cute kits that include everything you need to get your craft on at home. Getting yours couldn’t be easier. Kits are ordered online and delivered right to your door, for families living within 15 miles of West Seattle. Let’s create!

Cost: $20-$30
Order yours: westseattleartnest.com

Paint the Town

While a trip to U Village to paint at the studio is out of the question, creating your own Paint the Town masterpiece at home is definitely doable. Grab a Pottery to Go kit for your mini artist. Each kit includes a choice of pottery and up to six paint colors, with brushes and paint pens offered as add-ons for $5 each. Choose from ceramic bowls, plates, mugs or figurines (think: dogs, mermaids, orcas, trucks and more). A minimum order of $40 is all it takes to get your kit delivered, contact-free to your porch. Plus, delivery is free if you’re within 5 miles of the studio or just $5 if you’re within 6-10 miles. Kits are delivered Thursday through Sunday.

Good to know: As a small-scale operation, Paint the Town is delivering about 15-25 kits per week. Once the store re-opens, families can bring in their creations to be fired.

Cost: $13-$40
Order yours: paintthetown.studio

Hammer & Stain

Nail it with these Hammer-It-At-Home kits families can pick up curbside (in Seattle and Kirkland) or have delivered to their homes. Here, you’ll find wood sign and planter kits, a children’s activity table kit, even a succulent heart wreath, offered just in time for Mother’s Day, all available to make in your living room. Choosing a project to complete with the kids is the hard part. Then it’s on to deciding on a design, stain and paint colors and any personalization you'd like, so that what you create is as unique as your family. Each kit comes with everything you need including sandpaper, brushes, sponges and hardware to hang your art when it’s done.

Good to know: Kids canvas kits are the latest take-home offering from Hammer & Stain. Get the deets on ordering yours in Seattle or Kirkland.

Cost: $25-$125
Order yours: hammerandstainseattle.com

Elm Candle Bar

A great activity for older kids (or parents looking to change up their at-home routine), Elm Candle Bar’s Home Kits ship from their Seattle shop to your door a few days later. Choose a basic 9 oz. or 11 oz. single candle kit to start. It comes with everything you need from the wax, to the microwavable bowl to jars, lids and labels. You can also choose from ninety premium fragrances to get just the right scent to match your kiddo’s personality (or yours!). Shipping is currently free on orders over $40. (Psst…the custom candle two-pack makes a fun activity for sibs or parents and kids.) Pour it on!

Cost: $35-$135
Order yours: elmcandlebar.com

The Craft Lab

Who doesn’t love art that you make and then play with? No one. That’s who. That’s why the Little Labbers DIY Board Puzzle Kit should be on every parent’s craft-at-home activity list. Great for kids ages 3-7, this Create-Away project lets kids choose their puzzle design and paint colors to make their own toy. Order up a puzzle for your tot or a wood pallet sign kit, then plan to pick it up at the Tukwila studio curbside Tuesday, Thursday or Friday between noon and 6 p.m., or on the weekend any time between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. If you can’t make it down, all kits can also be shipped for a fee.

Good to know: Keep up with The Craft Lab on Facebook or Instagram for special flash delivery sales that bring your project directly to your doorstep for free with a $40 minimum order.

Cost: $15-$50
Order yours: thecraftlabwa.com

Glazed & Amazed

If you’re on the north end, looking for something to keep the kids busy, try a ceramic craft kit from Glazed & Amazed. Here’s how it works: call the store and choose the bisque piece you want from the online gallery (use the numbers to help specify the piece), and then select your colors. Getting your kit is just as easy. Families can either swing by the store any time Monday through Saturday, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., or Sunday, from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. to pick it up, or have it shipped to their door via USPS. Easy peasy!

Good to know: Glazed & Amazed is also offering to-go canvas kits with a pre-traced design, acrylic paints and four paint brushes for just $25. Once the store re-opens you can bring in your painted pieces to have them fired.

Cost: prices vary
Order yours by calling 425-673-5474.

—Allison Sutcliffe

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17 Online Classes & Activities Seattle Kids Can Do at Home

by Allison SutcliffeApril 7, 2020

Social distance, you say? No problem. Your kids can join in on some of Seattle’s best activities and classes without leaving the living room. Whether they want to make a craft designed by the neighborhood art studio, livestream story time or take a virtual music lesson, we’ve got the local inspiration and resources you need for at-home days. Read on!

1. Explore your artistic side with Coyote Creativity’s new Virtual Coyote idea page. It’s filled with engaging projects like origami, photography, even baking projects you can do at home.

2. Choose a craft, go on a nature scavenger hunt or take a virtual tour thanks to the new Burke from Home program that recently rolled out.

3. Make your Mondays on pointe with the Pacific Northwest Ballet’s online activities for kids. Pick a Movement Activity when kids need to get the wiggles out, or browse their ballet study guides if you're looking to learn something new. You can also download their Newspapers in Education publications to add to your cultural arts school day activities.

4. Although you won’t find her at Elliott Bay or Third Place Books Ravenna for a while, you and the kids can virtually attend PJ Song & Story Time with Betsy Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 11:30 a.m. It’s movement, music and stories everyone will enjoy.

5. It’s Toilet Paper Roll Tuesday every week on Seattle ReCreative’s Facebook page. You bring the TP roll, and they’ll provide a creative way to turn it into a playful craft the kids will love. Psst… if you need curbside art supplies, you can order them online from Seattle ReCreative. You can never have enought doodads to make your crafts, right?

6. Take a (pre-recorded) music lesson with Meter Music School in your living room. Want to learn to jam on guitar? Drums? Ukulele? Simply, email the front desk and sign up to receive free weekly videos through April.

7. Check the National Nordic Museum’s Facebook & Instagram feeds for an easy craft project you can do with the kids.

8. Join Nancy Stewart via her YouTube page or Island Books’ Facebook page for a musical mini story time each Wednesday. Nancy’s songs and spirit will keep your tots entertained so you don’t have to.

9. Make your Wednesdays extra wild with Woodland Park Zoo’s Zoomazium to You blog. Check in weekly to find fun videos and educational activities your little animals will love.

10. Sit your toddler down for story time with the staff of the KidsQuest Children's Museum. Subscribe to their YouTube channel or tune in at 11 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays to hear amazing tales streamed to your living room.

11. If it's calm you're looking for, why not join a Limber Yoga live class via Zoom? Find your zen by downloading their app on Apple or Android, then register for a Limber Babies class, prenatal yoga and more.

12. If you want to make slime, paint with shaving cream or try marble color mixing, head to Roaring Mouse Creative Arts Studio’s Facebook page. Preschool teacher, Raven will be sharing her favorite projects you can do at home over the next few weeks. Psst.. she posts often so check every few days to find creative inspiration.

13. Join Curt from Kong Academy for a live Facebook parkour session every weekday at 1:30 p.m. Get moving!

14. Visit the Arts Aloft studio virtually to download inspiring art projects you can do when you’re stuck at home. While you’re there, sign up to be included in their art supply lending library that’ll be up and running March 23, 2020.

15. Calling all drama kings and queens! You’ll find games, coloring pages and plenty of dramatic play each week on the Seattle Children’s Theater’s SCT @ Home blog.

16. Dig in to Seattle’s history with MOHAI’s Rainy Day History podcast series, produced by the MOAHI Youth Advisors. With six episodes to choose from, you’ve got one for every week the kids are expected to be home.

17. Turn every day into Science Day at your place when you synch up with PacSci’s Curiosity at Home page. Find activity ideas, experiments and videos that’ll keep kids guessing all week long.

—Allison Sutcliffe

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featured photo StartUpStockPhotos via pixabay

Co-Working with Kids? 7 Practical Tips for Sharing Space

by Natalie CompagnoApril 2, 2020

Suddenly your home is a circus, housing school and office under one roof. With this new situation comes new challenges, trying to work from home, care for your children and navigate it all. Lucky for you, Seattle’s own Sproutable team is here to share tips that get you on track and shift your perspective from chaos to opportunity. Read on to tame the circus.

1. Redefine the Environment

Be flexible and willing to re-organize your space. Brainstorm solutions together, and physically move things around to create your co-working spaces (remember to consider everyone’s needs--this means you too, parents). Designate a room for important calls or high-level work that needs quiet, and put a sign on the door so kids know when you are absolutely off limits. Learning does not have to happen only at a desk. Consider “stations” for children that keep activities contained and allow them to move from station to station. Take assessment of your outdoor options (think: back or front yard or porches), and look for ways kids can take brain breaks to move their body and increase right and left brain connections. By changing rooms, just like changing classes, kids can find new interests to sustain attention, and grown ups get a boost of sanity.

Parent Tip: Shift your mindset from supervision to cooperation and connection.

Toddler Tip: Set up yoga mats or blankets with a different activity on each (puzzles, books, arts and crafts, old computer that doesn't work, audio book station with headphones) in the room where you are working so you can keep an eye on them and physically help them when needed.

School-Age Kid Tip: Let them decorate their “office” and take stock of supplies that they might need. Let them pick a room or place for each class or subject they are working on, depending on their need for extra help from you.

2. Create Story Boards & Visual Routines

Get old school with poster board or construction paper. Let your kids take the lead and design their own daily schedule. Routines bring safety and predictability for children, and for grown ups too! Step back and be their guide by asking questions from a true place of curiosity like, “what’s missing in your routine?”, “Do you think that’s enough time for math?” or “Is there anything you would be doing at school that you want to add here?” Toddlers love to emulate adults, so a fun addition can be workout time. Set up a towel or mat and have them stretch and dance. Make that your workout time as well so you can share the healthy hour with them.

Parent Tip: Shift your mindset from drill sergeant to independence.

Toddler Tip: Take Polaroid pictures of the different parts of their day to add to their visual routine. Ask questions like, "what is next in your routine?” to help with the transitions. Include time for fresh air and let them pretend to be different animals out for a walk.

School-Age Kid Tip: Include a time when they can be the expert and teach other family members their skill of choice, like juggling or how to make slime.

3. Assign Roles

mom-child-laundry-cc-sproutable — courtesy Sproutable

Don’t assume anything! Instead of guessing who is in charge of what, get as clear as possible and designate roles. Make it fun by choosing titles like Chief Pajama Engineer or Shoe Fairy. Decide in advance the division of responsibilities since some of the work may have shifted. Laundry, meals, and even who is helping with bath time can all lead to resentment if roles are not clarified. Just like work meetings, your family’s success will be contingent on communication and a tight calendar. Take turns being the point person with younger children to give each other breaks so kids know who to get help from, instead of interrupting during important work time. Assigning an adult to a child can also be helpful to decrease the mental load when managing school and activity emails with multiple children. This is a chance to model for your children respectful and assertive communication, along with equity among all.

Parent Tip: Shift your mindset from resentment to collaboration and contribution.

Toddler Tip: Take time for training. Teach contributions like putting books into a bin, wiping down door knobs and light switches, sorting silverware and unloading groceries.

School-Age Kid Tip: Stay curious when you check plans for the next day, within their routine. Ask questions like, “What is your plan for non-fiction reading?" and "Do you have enough magazines to choose from?”

4. Embrace Your Child for Who They Are

Mom and child celebrating mother's day in San Diego — iStock

Love the one you got. No matter how much you wish your child was the independent, quiet workaholic right about now, there are no changing personalities. Observe how your kiddos learn best and find small ways to adjust for them. All kids crave connection but settle for attention, so this is a chance to focus on the quality of your interactions versus the quantity. How can you reframe your labels to show their strengths? Hyper can also be passionate and creative; willful can be confident and assertive; needy can also be loving and social. Use their strengths to personalize your family systems, and stay solution-focused, without blame.

Parent Tip: Shift your mindset to inclusivity.

Toddler Tip: Embrace their active stage and include them in your exercise routine at home to multi-task your workout and get their wiggles out at the same time.

School-Age Kid Tip: Stay flexible to their best learning mode, and fit any academic requirements to those times; they can even listen to audio books while jumping on a trampoline! Some kids are most focused in the morning and some in the afternoon or evening.

5. No Rewards, Just Motivation

Don’t give a happy kid ice cream. As tempting as rewards are, avoid the extrinsic motivators. This is an opportunity to teach intrinsic motivation, and to build that sense of initiative so kids don’t give up when challenges arise. Instead, offer encouragement, validate their feelings and stay in the present moment. Stay connected and firm to allow them to build resiliency and embrace big feelings and hard work. The pros at Sproutable love any chance to foster a growth mindset in kids.

Parent Tip: Shift from extrinsic to intrinsic motivation.

Toddler Tip: Follow this example to show off your pro parent skills: “You want to read one more book and we already read our three before nap time. It is ok to be disappointed. You are growing your brain by waiting. Where should we put it so we remember to read it this afternoon?”

School-Age Kid Tip: Here's another example to add to your toolbox: “I am sorry you are having such a hard time with this last part. It looks challenging and I know you can work through it. Do you want to sit next to me while you finish it up?”

6. Get the Job Done

Take the stress out of working from home when you post your own schedule so the family can see how packed your day is. Share your plan for work, and bring them into your world to describe the different parts of your day, including important meetings. Motivation research tells parents that children need relevance, or the why, for them to be motivated to change their behavior. Explaining why a certain phone call or meeting is important can go a long way. Role play having Zoom meetings or conference calls and swap roles to practice and plan for what kids can do when you absolutely have to be 100% focused on work. Then put on those noise cancelling headphones and be the boss know you are. Take ten minutes (it doesn't take much) for yourself once the kids are asleep each night to take a couple deep breaths, get some space, clear your mind and reset for the next day.

Parent Tip: Shift your communication to solution-focused.

Toddler Tip: File this example in you parenting database: “When you come out of your room during quiet time it is not helpful for your brain, your body, or for my quiet time. Let’s practice how to stay in your bed and what you can do to rest your body if you can’t sleep.”

School-Age Kid Tip: Here's another to add to your collection: “I appreciate you making your own lunch, and I notice the dishes are still on the counter. What will you need tomorrow to remind yourself to clean up after since I will be in meetings all day?”

7. Create Your Family Compass

As intense as this time may be, it's also a chance for parents to slow down and reflect on what is important to their family. Regardless of the age of your children, make a list of those qualities or characteristics and life skills that you hope they will have when they are grown up. When you imagine your child at 25, what life skills do you hope they will have? Maybe it's creativity, compassion, financial skills, or even better, a sense of humor! When you look back on this extended time at home together, what will you remember? What will your children remember? The pros at Sproutable say that real moments are learning moments.

Whole Family Tip: Create a family charter together. Begin by writing how you want to feel as a family and what is important to you, then list the ways you will act with each other to grow those feelings and values. Check on them weekly through family meetings.

Meet Sproutable

Sproutable co-founders, Alanna and Julietta, met as neighbors sharing a fence, with a passion for helping parents. With Alanna’s background in public health, early learning communications and equity policy development, and Julietta’s background as a school psychologist and school counselor they combined their early childhood expertise to create Sproutable. They offer online classes and private virtual coaching based on Positive Discipline, Adlerian Psychology and the latest trauma-informed research in child development. All expert answers, tips and tools are parent-tested and kiddo approved. Red Tricycle readers can get a special 30% off (with code THIRTYOFF) when the sign up for the self-paced online series, How to Grow Remarkable Kids.

Psst... Still have questions that need answers? Email them to info@besproutable.com. Parents can also watch the latest Q&A and how-to videos on Sproutable's YouTube channel.

Sproutable
Online: besproutable.com

—Natalie Compagno

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featured image: iStock

San Diego’s Most Inspiring Art Studios for Creative Kids

by Beth SheaFebruary 5, 2020

Their markers have run dry, their crayons are nubs and the glue bottle’s empty! Your kids have running out of craft supplies down to a fine art. It’s time to take your budding artists to enhance their creative genius at a local art studio. We’ve found brilliant San Diego art studios for kids where young minds will be inspired by all sorts of mediums from painting and sewing to drawing and pottery making. Read on for where to take kids to create their next masterpiece.

The Hot Spot

The Hot Spot is a one-stop shop, creative wonderland! Here kids can paint their own pottery, make candles, fashion gnome and fairy gardens, create mosaics, paint canvas paintings and even make slime and glitter globes. The friendly and helpful staff provides everything required for these artistic endeavors and all creations go home the same day, except for pottery which needs to be fired and will be ready for pick-up after 1-3 days.

The Hot Spot also offers Mommy & Me Time, Family Night Out, birthday parties and Parents Night Out programs.

The Hot Spot
16445 Paseo Del Sur #135
San Diego, CA, 92127
858-312-1019

2770 Historic Decatur Rd.
San Diego, CA 92106
619-223-1339
Online: thehotspotstudio.com

Little Fish Comic Book Studio

Little Fish Comic Book Studio offers an array of classes for kids who want to learn about and practice comic artform. Their Young Artists class for ages 6-10 is an introductory class wherein kids will learn lessons on drawing, character creation and enjoy demos from professionals.

The Studio also offers camps and events such as Cosplay figure drawing with live models.

Want to try it out before signing up? You can RSVP here for a one-time-only demo class.

6822B El Cajon Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92115
619-356-1103
Online: lilfish.us

ArtHaus 5

ArtHaus 5 offers a pre-enrollment assessment to ensure your budding artist is placed in the class best suited to his/her needs and skill level. Class offerings include fun options like character illustration, life drawing, comic illustration, watercolor/acrylic painting, beginning sculpting, digital art and more!

10710 Thornmint Rd. Ste 201,
San Diego, CA 92127
858-333-5172
Online: arthaus5.com

Global Art San Diego

Global Art San Diego in Rancho Penasquitos, offers a variety of art classes, art camps and birthday paint or craft parties. Their focus is primarily in visual art drawing and they guide kids to be visual storytellers, tapping into their imagination to compose their art pieces. The studio's unique approach enables kids to solidify their skills and techniques before moving to more advanced levels. They also offer a variety of art projects through their spring and summer camps, which are designed for kids of all ages and packed with lots of fun while exploring different mediums and techniques.

Global Art is currently present in 18 different countries worldwide, with over 630 centers established. Join them for a free trial to discover their center and programs.

9926, Carmel Mountain Rd., Ste. G
San Diego, CA 92129
858-205-9848
Online: globalart.world/globalart-san-diego

Lux Art Institute

Lux Art Institute is a hub of inspiration for budding artists. Kids art classes are taught by local artists who are experts at mediums ranging from portraiture to jewelry making. There's also a Kids-in-Residence program through which kids ages 4-17 meet with the Institute's current artist-in-residence to learn about the style, technique and ideas behind their work.

1550 S. El Camino Real
Encinitas, CA 92024
760-436-6611
Online: luxartinstitute.org

Paintbox Studio

'Sew' cool! Winner of San Diego Magazine’s Best Art and Sew Class in San Diego, Paintbox Art Studio is a one-stop shop for a budding imagination. Founded by UCSD grad Jaimee Brant, classes include both art and sewing and teach concepts of specific historical art movement and various art techniques. Students are invited to display their art at a quarterly show where anyone can drop in, look around and enjoy the art and sewn works. Great for kindergartners and up.

1101 Washington Pl.
San Diego, CA 92103
Online: paintboxartstudio.com

Art Beat Studio

Teach your favorite creative minds to follow the beat of their own drum when it comes to artistic expression. Kristel Boe, owner of ArtBeat, believes having an artistic outlet helps people of all ages find happiness, so she designed her studio around an instructional based artistic experience with wiggle room for creativity & artistic exploration. You're guaranteed an experience that will leave you and your little one with a full heart and an inspired imagination. Check out their offerings for classes and private kids art parties.

3975 8th Ave.
San Diego, CA 92103
619-302-2578
Online: artbeatsandiego.com

Bravo School of Art

Young artists will love the classes, workshops and camps offered at this art studio. Each class has under ten students, which means more assistance for each child. Here's just a hint of what kids can do: paint their sneakers, learn how to write chalkboard lettering, cartooning and character design, retro tapestry weaving and so much more. Check out Bravo's calendar for details on classes, days, times and prices.

2963 Beech St.
San Diego, CA 92102
619-223-0058
Online: bravoschoolofart.com

Drawn2Art

Drawn2Art is a creative haven where kids can achieve big accomplishments. The thoughtful curriculum is based on the idea that artistic skill is learned and can be cultivated in every child. Whether your child is interested in sculpting or cartooning, Drawn2Art has a class or workshop that will get their creative juices flowing. They also offer a free introductory class for new students.

13173-10 Black Mountain Rd.
San Diego, CA 92129
858-538-5278
Online: drawn2artstudios.com

Monart

One of the better known art studios in San Diego County, Monart has earned its credible reputation by teaching kids how to draw since 1992. Monart is more than just a studio, it's a specialized drawing method based on the best-selling book, 'Drawing with Children' by Mona Brookes. The method focuses on teaching children how to draw realistically while helping them build confidence and develop skills. Check out their schedule and sign your kiddo up for a free trial class to get started on their art adventure. Monart also offers plenty of camps throughout the county.

2590 Truxtun Rd., Ste 204
San Diego, CA 92106
619-222-DRAW
Online: monart.com

Art Adventure Studio

Kids classes at Art Adventure Studio are designed not only to teach kids the technique of fine art, but to offer them a calm environment to create and explore their artistic side. The studio's beautiful light, art benches, easels and music will help your sweet pea tap into his creativity. Kids are able to work one-on-one with an instructor in a small group setting, giving them the opportunity to learn at their own pace. They also get to explore a variety of mediums you may not have lying around the house, like charcoal, chalk pastel, oil pastels, watercolors, acrylics and oils.

605 Vista Way
Oceanside, CA 92054
760-721-9899
Online: artadventurestudio.com

A Colorful Universe

Art aficionados will happily report that local favorite, A Colorful Universe, is out of this world. The full walk-in art studio offers pottery painting, clay impressions and canvas painting for the whole family. With awesome daily specials like Paint Me a Story and Kids' Night Out, the art studio is not only an inspiring outing but an affordable one too. Have a kiddo who wants to give making their own pottery a whirl? A Colorful Universe offers an after school Intro to Clay Wheel class that teaches new techniques and skills each week.

1523 San Elijo Rd. Suite 106
San Marcos, CA 92078
760-761-0476
Online: acolorfuluniverse.com

Little Artists

With multiple locations throughout San Diego, Little Artists is earning a reputation as a go-to spot for art education. Kids who sign up for their program will develop a thorough understanding of basic drawing skills and techniques and then move on to watercolors, acrylics and oils. Most kids begin drawing from pictures that are broken down into simple steps. This prepares them for more challenging subject matters such as a photograph or still life. Little Artists teachers are qualified art educators who are trained in all drawing and painting media. Best suited for kids age 4 - teens.

Multiple locations
Online: mylittleartists.com

––Aimee Della Bitta & Beth Shea

featured image via ArtBeat Studio

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New Activity Kits to Keep Them Busy This Winter

by Amber GuetebierJanuary 16, 2020

The kids will be spending more time than usual inside during the winter months, but rather than succumb to mind-numbing boredom, why not grab a few activity kits? We’ve curated a list for every age and stave with activities that will not only keep brains sharp, but come with the added bonus of being complete entertainment in one little (or medium-sized) box, so set up is a breeze.

For Everyone:

KiwiCo Summer Camp Crate

You know and love KiwiCo for their high-quality kits that everyone from your toddler to your teen can enjoy. They’ve just launched their summer camp line, which will send you five to eight weeks worth of supplies for activities and experiments that range from electronics to art. If your kid finishes early? There’s also a magazine and extra activities to deepen the learning experience. Bundles start at $99.95 with free shipping.

Grab a summer’s worth of fun here.

For Toddlers:

Large Aqua Doodle Mat

Because laying out butcher block paper for your sweet tot isn’t always on your to-do list, there’s Miserwe’s Doodle Mat. Spread it out, fill the included six pens with water, and let your tot have at it—drawing with stamps, stencils and rollers to create a memorable masterpiece. The best part? It dries to a clean slate in just 10 minutes making creating and clean up easy as pie.

Available at amazon.com, $16.99.

My First Safari Animals

Sheer animal magnetism. That’s what makes this toy so engaging for kiddos. The magnetic heads and tails of six of their safari faves (think hippo, lion, elephant and more) click together to make magical new creatures or recognizable everyday animals. The magnets make it easy for tiny hands to create and re-create hilarious animal combos to their heart’s content.

Available at hearthsong.com, $24.98.

Garden Friends Dough Activity Set

Green Toys and Sesame Street are helping little green thumbs bring a whole garden to life any day of the year with butterflies, critters and flowers galore. As for the flour in this dough, parents will love knowing it’s organic. No toxins in this garden!

Available at greentoys.com, $24.99.

For Preschoolers

Kid Made Modern My First Arts and Crafts Library

Packed with over 200 items, from beads and yarn to stickers and googly eyes, the possibilities for creativity are limitless for your mini artists with this expansive art kit from Kid Made Modern.

Available from Kid Made Modern, $29.99.

Geosafari Junior Ladybug Garden

Getting kids to engage with the world is important, and teaching small lessons about nature and our environment is a great way to divert attention towards something meaningful. The GeoSafari Jr. Ladybug Garden is the perfect way to bring nature to your young explorers, letting them be up close and personal with the life cycle of a ladybug. The garden comes with a mail-in certificate for ladybugs, and it lets kids watch the creatures grow from larvae to adults, all the while inspiring an appreciation for nature.

Available on educationalinsights.com, $21.99.

Fox Tea Party Set

You’ll want to join the tea party yourself with this adorable Fox Tea Party set from Djeco. It’s just right for pretend play, with two spoons, two cups, two small plates, one larger plate, one cake sliced into four pieces (with four removable candles), one sugar bowl, one teapot, two tea bags and one tray. Plus, we love the vibrant teal and pink design that's a modern update on the tea sets of the past.

Available at treehousekidandcraft.com, $41.

Toy Story 4 Creativity Set

Just in time for the final installment of the classic Pixar series to hit the screen comes this fun art and craft kit. Young kids can make their own version of Forky, dress up as Woody or Buzz, or create their very version of the story with stickers, foam, pom poms and more. For ages 3 and up, $11.24.

Order one from JOANN Stores here.

Hatch Modern Eco Art Kits

Ideal for kids ages 3 and up, these kits are not only aesthetically pleasing to kids and adults alike, but they are also super fun, too. Their line of Free Range Art for Kids kits includes a Collage Box with all kinds of cool pieces like colorful muslin, seashells and buttons; a Print Box with paint, sponges, cork and more; and our favorite, the Build Box which contains a variety of interesting wooden shapes and spools, non-toxic watercolor paint and glue, and more. All paints and glues are vegan, and everything is free from toxins and single-use plastics. Each kit is $24.99.

Learn more at hatchkids

Play-Doh Kitchen Creations Spinning Treats Mixer

Little chefs can get creative in the kitchen with this new set that lets you stamp out colorful cookies and frosting topped cupcakes using Play-Doh. The mixer comes with different stamp attachments and tools to create designs and pretend candies for toppings.

Available on amazon.com, $13.49.

Color Wonder Scented Light Up Stamper

Let your little artists get creative with colorful stamps without worrying about the mess. Crayola's Color Wonder Scented Light Up Stamper set comes with several animal stamps and Color Wonder inks. The inks are not only scented, they magically won't work on skin, furniture, walls or any surface other than the special Color Wonder paper. The inks appear invisible until they touch the special paper, but the stamper handle will light up with the color in use.

Available from crayola.com, $19.99.

For Gradeschoolers:

Tiger Tribe Top Secret Mission Detective Set

Tiger Tribe offers an array of small, travel-sized activity kits perfect for kids of varying ages. This one was among our faves; recommended for ages 5 and up, the kit includes everything your junior crime fighter needs to learn some forensic science and mystery-solving skills.

Get it here. $12.94

Remote Controlled Gear Bot

This ingenious STEM toy will provide years of creative and educational play. Young engineers can connect any combination of gears, claws, heads and more to the motorized base to build a robot that can then be controlled by a wireless remote from up to 50 feet away. With 149 pieces to build with, the possibilities are endless.

Available at Lakeshore, $49.99.

Yuckology! Slime Lab

Your little scientists can create their own slime concoctions with this easy to use kit that gives preschoolers their first lesson in early chemistry and making observations. The kit comes packed with all the tools you need to make slime from common household ingredients. The plastic tools can easily be washed to use again and again.

Available on Amazon, $19.99.

OSMO Little Genius Kit

OSMO has a new kit designed just for preschoolers. The new OSMO Little Genius Kit lets kids get creative with physical objects that will then appear on a connected tablet, with which they can engage in a whole new way. The kit comes packed with four games that help teach letters, pre-reading skills, critical thinking, problem solving and so much more.

Available from OSMO, $79.

Scratch-Off Map from Elsewhere Adventures

Kickstart your Pre-K kid's love of travel with a scratch-off map from Elsewhere Adventures. Not only is it a cheerful map of the United States, but it also comes with 140 special spots to discover, dry erase markers to make notes and travel stickers. If you don't have anywhere to keep it on display, simply roll it up and store it in the provided tube.

Available at Amazon, $19.99.

Klutz LEGO Make Your Own Movie Activity Kit

Combine two kid faves—LEGO bricks and stop motion—to make a movie featuring your LEGO Minifigs. The included props and scenery along with the instructional booklet will get you started.

Buy it on Amazon, $15.19.

Y'Art Narwhal

Create a 3D design using yarn with this kit that makes the most adorable narwhal to hang in your grade-school kids' room. Thread the Y'Art pen and color the numbered spaces; yarn magically clings to the Grip-N-Stick Y'Artboard for an easy art project.

Find it on Amazon for $14.99.

E-Blox Circuit Blox Lights N’ Motion

Kids can discover how lights, alarms, motors and switches work while building fun projects with this kit. Using 25 transparent plastic spacers, children can build a dazzling display of colorful lights that light up in different colors and dance when you play music or speak to it (among other projects).

Buy it here, $29.99.

Klutz Maker Lab Candy Science

Press your own jelly beans and learn the science behind candy making with this sweet STEM-focused set.

Buy it on Amazon for $21.34.

DIY Tank Kit from The Grid Kit

Assemble this realistic-looking tank out of only cardboard with The Grid Kit. Pop the pieces out on the dotted lines, assemble and glue. Perfect for builders, and easy to transport in your suitcase, The Grid Kit sets come in all sorts of designs like dinosaur, giraffe, butterfly, elephant and dragon. Once you've assembled them, they are fun to paint and display!

Buy one here, $15.

Herbie by AeroGarden

Got a budding botanist in your midst? This delightful garden kit from AeroGarden is their first that's designed specifically for kids (6 & up) and takes them on an indoor gardening adventure in 12 weeks: from seed to pizza party! Herbie comes with a 32-page activity book that explains the magic of hydroponic gardening and includes 18 different fun and educational activities. The kit contains everything you need to get started: there's no soil involved, so there's little mess, and the LED lights are safe for children. Kids can even grow in their room!

Get it at aerogarden.com, $39.96.

Music Kit: Record & Remix Kit

After assembling the cardboard housing, kids learn what happens when making changes to a sound wave. They record sounds using the keyboard and are taught what happens when stretching and squashing the sound waves. Record music tracks in the online recording studio and share them with friends and family. Get hands-on with how microphones and speakers work, how music is produced and even learn some music theory along the way.

Buy one here, $34.99.

SmartLab Toys Spy School Sneaky Surveillance

At spy school, kids learn how to use an array of sneaky spy equipment to complete secret missions and tackle surveillance changes while deepening their science knowledge and sharpening their observational skills. The kit includes 11 sneaky pieces, including decoy spy storage case with hidden compartment, decoy pencil box periscope, two-in-one spy scope and decoy yo-yo.

Purchase on Amazon for $19.99.

Boolean Box

The Boolean Box is the build-it-yourself computer and electronics kit that lets kids code, build, invent and animate. Designed to grow with them, this set is geared toward girls eight and up but can absolutely be enjoyed by boys as well. No coding experience is necessary, you hook it up to your HDMI-enabled TV or monitor, and you're are on your way!

Buy on Amazon for $159.99.

Art Out Of The Box

Artists of almost any age will love thinking outside the box with this box full of fun. Art Out Of The Box comes with 80 cards, each with either a subject or technique. Take one of each and let you imagination soar as you create new worlds and creatures beyond your wildest dreams.

Available on Amazon, $19.99

GIRLS CAN! CRATE

The GIRLS CAN! CRATE subscription is perfect for girls ages 5-10 years. The inspirational subscription shows girls they can "BE and DO anything by introducing them to fearless women who’ve made our world better." Every month your young lady will get a box of 2-3 STEAM activities, 20-page activity book, creative play prop, collectible button, and all the supplies needed to complete the activities.

Choose from several sizes and prices at GirlsCanCrate.com.

Alice in Wonderland Storybox

Do you have your own little storyteller? Laurence King's Alice in Wonderland's Storybox is a twist on the classic fairytale, but puts the storytelling in the hands of your little one. Use the oversized story cards to arrange the story however you want in a story that stretches eight feet long!

You can find on Amazon, $16.99.

Tinkering Labs Electric Motors Catalyst, Robotics Stem Kit for Kids

This cool kit allows kids to build doodling robots, power electric model cars, add motors to LEGO sets and more. For kids ages 8-12 (we think kids 6-8 could also enjoy it with some assistance) the set comes with everything you need to create including batteries, markers, challenge cards, real wood, motors, hardware and more.

Get it on here, $59

Kid Made Modern Making with MoMA - Shadow Box

You know and love the Target x Todd Oldham collab line Kid Made Modern, for its contemporary take on kids’ art supplies. This new line was designed by MoMA educators, and many of the kits, including this shadow box set, were inspired by the crafts and art projects for families at the Museum of Modern Art.

Buy a kit here, $22.50.

Harlow’s Harvest Cooking Kit

Set your budding chefs up with a few kits from new cooking subscription, Harlow’s Harvest. Invented by a mom-daughter duo, this STEM-influenced kit comes with recipe cards, a science project, history on the recipe and an online game that’s related to the theme of the month. Kids will learn how to budget for ingredients, they’ll be reading the recipes, and they’ll be doing fractions when measuring out ingredients. Plus, if you’ve got picky eaters at home, chances are, if they make it, they’ll eat it. You can buy one box for $23 or set up a monthly delivery (six or 12 months) for $21 and $19.99 respectively.

Buy a kit from Harlow’s Harvest here.

Sunglass Case and Keychain Kit

This adorable set comes with fringe, flowers, a plastic needle, string, craft paper and everything else your kid will need to make both a funky case for sunglasses and a butterfly keychain for a friend. An intro to embroidery, this will keep your kinder on up through grade school kiddo occupied for a few afternoons. $19.99.

Grab one from Barnes and Noble here.

Pineapple Dreamcatcher Kit

Pineapples are everywhere this summer, so this fun dreamcatcher kit from JOANN Stores is sure to be a hit. It comes with everything from string to sticky gems, sequins and feathers. Ages 8 and up. $12.99.

You can find one here.

My Gnome on the Roam Adventure Kit

My Gnome on the Roam Adventure Kit is a suitcase of memories waiting to be unpacked. It comes with a copy of the My Gnome on the Roam Award-Winning Story Book, a family adventure journal filled with blank pages, a colorless ready-to-be-painted gnome and a magical pen, all beautifully packaged in an adorable suitcase that kids will be in awe about. The kit is designed to encourage families to Explore, Create and Connect and to add adventure to their everyday lives. You can see all details as well as worksheets, downloads, games, articles, the link to their 15-Minute Adventure for Busy Families app and more on their website at mygnomeontheroam.com.

Get it at mygnomeontheroam.com, $29.97.

Kidvelope Mission Adventure Game: Space Rescue

What if you could not only gift your kids with an awesome activity kit but also an interactive game designed to help them connect with friends and relatives far away? Thanks to Kidvelope, you can do just that. You order the kit for your child, and they work together with “players” of their choice to help solve challenges and complete the mission, all through hands-on creative activities (like secret messages written on space slime), online interactions, back-and-forth mail and phone calls. The best part? It’s easy to follow and exciting to play. It’s a perfect mix of offline, creative problem solving and using technology to connect. An excellent way to stay in touch with long-distant grandparents!

Try it today from kidvelope.com, $21.95.

Ages: 6-8

Electronic Music Inventor Kit by Little Bits

Just when you thought a kid with an electronic guitar couldn’t get any cooler, they created this: a guitar set that kids build, program, and customize all on their own. With an accompanying app, this inventor kit suggests over 12 activities with step-by-step instructions—including how to re-build your guitar into a set of air drums using the same littleBits electronic blocks that make a synth guitar. It’s totally splurge-worthy.

Find it on Amazon, $65.86.

Flower Press Art DIY Kit

New form Hape, preserve the beauty of the outdoors year-round with this cute pressing kit. Paints and brush are included to then transform dried flowers or plants into artwork as original as Mother Nature’s.

Available at amazon.c om, $23.99.

For Tweens

Light Up Unicorn Pillow

Not only is this DIY unicorn pillow super cute, but it teaches all about circuits when you wire it up to glow in the dark.

Get it here, $22.50

DNA & Traits: From Codes to Creatures

Explore the exciting world of DNA, traits and genetics with this fun new biology kit.

Get it here, $49.99

The Force™ Coding Kit

Learn to code, create, and play endless Star Wars adventures.

Get it here, $79.99

Hey Clay Aliens

Build your own alien crew out of this modeling clay using the Hey Clay App to guide your designs.

Get it here, 15.95

Pica Toys Wooden Solar & Wireless Remote Control Robotics STEM Building Kit

Harness the power of the sun with this set that lets you build your own remote-controlled robot.

Get it here, $26.97

Powerup 3.0 App-Controlled Paper Airplane

Take your airplane skills to the next level with this kit allows you to control your design in flight via a Bluetooth-enabled smartphone.

Get it here, $49.99

Yarn Bird Mobile

The rich colors and ease of twisting the yarn around each bird frame make this fun mobile project rewarding for tweens. Each kit comes with the bird frames, a wooden ring, and even googly eyes. Ages 10 and up.

Buy one at Barnes and Noble, $21.99.

3Doodler Start Kit

Conceived as the world’s first consumer 3D printing pen, 3Doodler was a successful Kickstarter project before quickly growing into a $20 million business. Thanks to its ingenious design, hand-held portability and ease of use, 3Doodler has become popular among school STEM programs and at-home techie creators alike. This year’s new releases include the 3Doodler Create+ 3D printing pen ($79.99) and the 3Doodler Start Make Your Own HEXBUG Kit ($59.99). Combining drawing and sculpture with a dose of 3D magic, 3Doodler is a cool gift for gadget-loving creative types.

Available at the3doodler.com/shop, starting at $49.

Harry Potter Kano Coding Kit

Faster than you can say, “Expelliarmus!” the Harry Potter Coding kit will have young wizards learning how to code in no time. Created by Kano, makers of kid-friendly, DIY computer kits and programs, the Harry Potter Coding Kit lets users build custom wands that can perform acts of magic when connected to tablet or computer screens. Following a few simple steps, apprentice wizards learn how to code by connecting code blocks that pair with actions tied to their wands. A wave of a wand can make fire flow, pumpkins grow, feathers fly, goblets multiply, and much more, via iOS and Android devices.

Available at amazon.com, $59.98.

Creatibles DIY Window Cling Art Kit

Like colorful miniature pieces of stained glass, Creatibles DIY Window Cling Art Kit lets young artists create unique window decals that will brighten any room. The kit includes five colors of cling art paint and 14 simple-to-follow designs. Trace the designs using the black outliner paint, add color, leave for 24 hours, then stick the finished cling art to any window. Additional free printable designs are available for download on the website.

Available at ooly.com, $15.99.

Karina Garcia DIY Squishy Art Bake Shop by Craft City

Move over homemade slime: DIY squishy arts are the latest trend to spark the imaginations of crafty kids across the country. This well-composed squishy art kit comes courtesy of Karina Garcia, a popular YouTuber who parlayed her online celebrity into a successful line of DIY crafts. Featuring an adorable bake shop theme, the kit includes decorative sprinkles, colored chalk and puffy paint. After making your slow-rise bake projects, simply color, add paint and sprinkles, and squish your original squishy art designs!

Available at target.com, $19.99.

Sew & Glow Kit

Seated neatly at the intersection of fashion and technology, the Sew & Glow Kit lets users design and build glowing badges that light up with electrical conductive thread. In addition to exploring crafting, the kit teaches kids about electrical circuits in a fun and simple way. Light up badges with LED lights and become an electronics master in minutes!

Available at techwillsaveus.com, $24.99.

––Amber Guetebier & Karly Wood

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Orange County Halloween Events

By Enjoy Orange County

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

October 7, 2019

Photo: Enjoy Orange County

It’s almost time for ghouls and goblins to kick off the Halloween events in Orange County. Here is a list of fun annual events that are fit for the whole family. Check back often! We’ll be adding more events as they are created.

Adventure City’s Boo-tastic Halloween Party – Anaheim

1238 S Beach Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92804

October 11th, 18th, 25th, & 31st, 2019

5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

$26.95 per person

The kid-friendly Halloween Party at Adventure City is sure to be a hit with the whole family. The special, private event is for ticketholders only and includes a Trick-or-Treat street for collecting goodies, a Vortex Tunnel, tricks from the Mad Scientist Magician, a Halloween Scavenger Hunt, a Spooktacular Dance Party, and eleven rides. 2018 tickets sold out so be sure to purchase your tickets early! Guests are invited to dress up in their favorite costumes (not required) and enjoy the spirit of the spooky season.

Anaheim Fall Festival & Halloween Parade – Anaheim

Downtown Anaheim

Broadway & Clementine, Anaheim, CA

Saturday, October 26, 2019

All Day

Parade Begins at 6:00 p.m.

For nearly 100 years, the community of Anaheim has taken to the streets celebrating the season with a Fall Festival and Halloween Parade. Kids 12 and under are invited to dress up in their best costumes and take part in the Kiddie Costume Contest, and the best dressed pets can take part in the Halloween Pooch Pawrade. The parade travels down Center Street Promenade through Downtown and ends at the Anaheim Packing House. The Anaheim Festival and Parade is rich in history, with the first parade being held in 1924, and led by baseball stars Babe Ruth and Walter Johnson. At the peak of its popularity, the parade drew approximately 150,000 spectators into the streets and the event was televised in LA and Orange County. Don’t miss out on this exciting annual Anaheim tradition.

Boo at the Zoo – Santa Ana Zoo – Santa Ana

1801 E Chestnut Ave, Santa Ana, CA 92701

October 20-21 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

October 27-28 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

$9.95 for ZooMembers

$19.95 for Non Members

The Santa Ana Zoo at Prentice Park will hold the annual Boo at the Zoo event for “Merry not scary” Halloween fun for the whole family, and perfect for kids ages 2-12. Come in costume and trick or treat from 10 treat stations to collect toys, books, snacks, and candy. Participants will enjoy entertainment, games, stories, animal presentations, a walk through the “Teen Scream” haunted house, and a costume parade. For an additional fee, guests can take a ride aboard the “Boofari Express” train and carousel. Food and drinks are available for purchase at the snack bar near the playground and the gift shop. Children under three are free.

Camp Spooky at Knott’s Berry Farm – Buena Park

8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, CA 90620

Saturdays and Sundays, Sept. 28 – Oct. 27, and Thursday, Oct. 31, 2019.

Every Fall, Camp Snoopy transforms into Camp Spooky at Knott’s Berry Farm for kid-friendly Halloween fun with activities that are ideal for ages 3-11. In addition to enjoying the rides and the Halloween decorations, guests can see all their favorite Peanuts characters dressed up in costume and watch the Halloween-themed performance at the Camp Snoopy Theater. Kids will also enjoy taking a trip to the pumpkin patch, trick-or-treating throughout the park, a costume contest with Snoopy and Friends, a Dia De Los Muertos Celebration, and much more.

Cops N’ Goblins – Buena Park

In front of City Hall and Buena Park Police Department

6650 Beach Boulevard, Buena Park, CA

Thursday, October 31, 2019

2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Free

The Cops N’ Goblins Halloween Trick-Or-Treating Spooktacular is a free annual community event where families can meet members of the Police Department as well as favorite characters from local attractions like Knott’s Berry Farm, Medieval Times, and Pirate’s Dinner Adventure. Kids can come out in costume and trick-or-treat for candy. The event also includes a haunted maze, music, and other fun family activities.

Cryptozoology Night at the Santa Ana Zoo

1801 E Chestnut Ave, Santa Ana, CA 92701

September 21, 2019

6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

$39

Enthusiasts of the unexplained and aficionados of the paranormal won’t want to miss the Cryptozoology Night at the Santa Ana Zoo. Hosted by Haunted OC guide Charles Spratley, guests will learn more about the not-so-normal creatures of the night like the Yeti, Chupacabra, and Sasquatch. Spratley will discuss the origins, sightings, and possible explanations of these elusive creatures and more. Ben Hansen, the former host of Fact or Faked: Paranormal Files will also speak about his experience searching for these cryptid creatures (legendary or undiscovered creatures) and share stories about his exciting cases. After the presentations, guests will enjoy a night walk around the zoo in search of the nocturnal animals who come out after dark. General admission is $39 for the 7:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. event. Guests who purchase Bigfoot Admission for $50 will enjoy early entry at 5:30 p.m., unlimited ride time until 6:30, VIP seating for the presentation, and the after dark night walk.

Dia De Los Muertos Celebration – Garden Grove

11551 Trask Avenue, Garden Grove, CA 92843

TBA

4:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Free

The Dia De Los Muertos Celebration in Garden Grove is a FREE community event for the whole family at the Elks Lodge #1952. Participants will enjoy face painting, music, a photo booth, giveaways, crafts, and food will be available to purchase. Cap off the evening with a screening of the movie Coco. Please do not bring outside food or beverages.

Discovery Cube’s Spooky Science – Santa Ana

2500 N. Main Street, Santa Ana, CA 92705

Weekends in October

During regular museum hours

$14.95 for kids, $19.95 for adults

Discovery Cube is inviting visitors of all ages to learn about the world of Wizards and Dragons. Engaging, hands-on activities and experiments will teach kids more about STEM concepts in a fun, Halloween-themed environment and discover the world of chemistry in the Wizard of Ooze performance. There will be five costume-themed weekends to enjoy including:

Super Hero Weekend

Animal Science Weekend

Community Leaders Weekend

Sci-Fi Weekend

Halloween Weekend

Halloween Animal Art – Orange

1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, CA

October 19th 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Park entrance $5 per car

Zoo entrance $2 per person

The Orange County Zoo is hosting a one-hour class for kids ages 5-10. Participants will learn about the animals that are associated with Halloween, do a Halloween themed craft, and meet an animal up close. Registration is required for this event and there is a fee of $5 per child. One parent is allowed per child with $5 fee.

Halloween Boutique at Roger’s Gardens – Corona Del Mar

2301 San Joaquin Hills Rd., Corona del Mar, CA 92625

August 30 – October 31, 2019

9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Free

Come explore Malice in Wonderland, the Halloween Boutique at Roger’s Gardens in Corona Del Mar. Slip down the rabbit hole and explore a labyrinth of oddities and designs in the Mad Hatter’s Workshop a sip a cup of tea at the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party. Enjoy the unique and imaginative decor, but don’t lose your head in the Red Queen’s domain!

Halloween Fest – Huntington Beach

Downtown Huntington Beach on Main Street and 5th & PCH

Thursday, October 31, 2019

4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Bring the kids out for a safe and fun trick or treating event in Downtown Huntington Beach. Local businesses will be handing out candy, and police, fire, and marine safety will be there with treats to pass out and equipment to show off. Visitors will enjoy bounce houses, inflatable slides, games, an obstacle course, creepy critters, and Halloween-themed photo stations. There is a costume contest for dogs at 5:30 and a costume contest for kids at 6:00.

Halloween Fest at Villa Park

Oct. 26, 2019

4:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

The annual Halloween Fest in Villa Park will be held on a Saturday this year. The free community event includes a coloring contest, costume contest, and a pumpkin carving and decorating contest. Other free activities include a hayride, trick or treating from local merchants, crafts, dancing, and more. Food and beverages will be available for purchase, and additional activities are often added to this fun Halloween event.

Halloween Fun with Family & Friends – Stanton

Stanton Central Park

10660 Western Ave, Stanton, CA 90680

October 26, 2019

4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

The city of Stanton is hosting this fun Halloween event for community members at Stanton Central Park. Guests wil enjoy music played by a DJ, games to play, spooky story times, crafts, a costume contest, and trick or treating. Dress up in your costume and bring your treat bag and have a fun Halloween time with the whole family.

Halloween Happenings at the Westminster Mall – Westminster

Westminster Mall

8200 Westminster Boulevard, Westminster, CA

Thursday, October 31

4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

The annual Halloween Happenings event is coming back to Westminster Mall. Families are invited to come out and trick or treat throughout the mall, and visit game booths to win prizes and fun treats. Everyone is invited to come in costume. No masks for adults and children over 12 please.

Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort – Anaheim

Disneyland Park & California Adventure

September 6 – October 31, 2019

Included with regular price of admission

Every year, Disneyland dresses up for Halloween with fun and spooky decorations throughout the park and characters in costume. Guests will love the Main Street Pumpkin Festival with hundreds of hand-carved jack-o-lanterns on display. California Adventure will be decked out in Halloween Decorations, too with fun activities like Mater’s Graveyard JamBOOree, Luigi’s Honkin’ Haul-O-Ween, and Guardian of the Galaxy’s Monsters After Dark. Disney fans won’t want to miss Mickey’s Halloween Party, a separately priced special event on select nights during September and October that includes trick-or-treating, Halloween Scream fireworks, Villain’s Square, and the Frightfully Fun Parade kicked off by the Headless Horseman.

Halloween Wigged Out 5K/10K – Huntington Beach

Sunday, October 20, 2019

10K Start: 8:30 am

5K Start at 8:35 am

Kid’s 1/2 Mile Pumpkin Patch 8:00 am

Bolsa Chica State Beach- Eastern Lot 25

17243 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, 92649

The Halloween Wigged Out 5K/10K race is part race, part Day of the Dead celebration for the whole family. Racers are invited to come in costume or wearing wigs. The event will also include Halloween goodies, carnival games, and live music. There are a variety of course lengths in addition to the 5K and 10K, including the half mile youth run, and the 200 yard Diaper Dash. Visit the website for more information on race day events and entry fees.

Halloween Zoo-tacular at the OC Zoo – Orange

1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, CA

October 26, 2019

10 am – 4 pm

Park entrance $5 per car

Zoo entrance $2 per person

The Halloween Zoo-tacular at the Orange County Zoo includes trick-or-treating for kids 12 and under, a scavenger hunt, spooky crafts, and games. Watch the zoo animals enjoy treat-filled pumpkins during this fun Halloween event. Come in costume! The first 100 kids wearing a costume will receive a free gift. Also, during the month of October, the OC Zoo will host Halloween Animal Art preschool programs on select days. Check the calendar for details.

Haunted Hills Whiting Ranch 5K/12K – Trabuco Canyon

Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park

27901 Glenn Ranch Rd., Trabuco Canyon, CA 92679

October 19, 2019

Check in at 7:30 a.m.

5K – $50; 12K – $60

The Haunted Hills Whiting Ranch race sponsored by Rock It Racing takes runners through the trails of Trabuco Canyon. Whiting Ranch is a favorite spot for hikers and mountain bikers and is home to Red Rock Canyon, Orange County’s own geological masterpiece. Dogs are not allowed in the park and strollers are not allowed on the course. The Haunted Hills race is paper cupless, so wear a hydration pack to fill up at the start, finish, and at aid stations along the racecourse.

Haunted OC Ghost Walks

Locations Vary

Events are recurring through October 31

Approximately $23 – $25 per person

Haunted Orange County Paranormal Tours & Events offers a selection of eerie ghost walks that explore the most haunted locations around the community. The Black Star Canyon Haunted History Night Hike takes you away from the safety of the city streets out into the darkness where mysterious lights circulate, and apparitions appear. The Old Towne Orange Haunted History Ghost walk dives into the not-so-glamorous past of Orange Plaza and explores haunted destinations like the Chapman Antique Mall, the Royer Mansion, and Rutabegorz Restaurant. The Santa Ana Haunted History Ghost Walk tells tales of murder and execution, and takes guests into the city’s most haunted homes, the Howe-Waffle Victorian Mansion. The San Juan Capistrano Ghost Walk explores the streets of Los Rios where restless spirits wander and learn about the tragic 1812 earthquake that crushed 42 people to death with falling stone as they sat in church. The Ghost Walks are all led by experienced local historians, and while the walks are offered year-round, it’s a little more fun when Halloween is around the corner.

Hauntington Harbour Place Trick OR Treat – Huntington Beach

Huntington Harbor Mall

16847 Algonquin St, Huntington Beach, CA 92649

Oct. 11, 2019

4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

The annual trick or treat event at the Huntington Harbour mall is a fun opportunity for local families. Come out and trick or treat at all the shops at the mall, enjoy a bounce house and face painting, games and activities. This year there will also be a raffle and funds collected will benefit Waggin Trails Rescue Foundation, and they are collecting blankets and towels for local dog rescue organizations. Come on out and have a goulish good time.

Irvine Park Pumpkin Patch – Orange

1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, CA 92869

September 14 – October 31, 2019

Weekends 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Weekdays 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Park Entrance Fee: Weekdays $3.00 per vehicle, Weekends $5.00 per vehicle, Holidays $7.00 per vehicle

The annual Irvine Park Pumpkin Patch is back with more Halloween family fun. Guests can choose the perfect pumpkin from the pumpkin patch to take home, and watch the Great Pumpkin Weigh-Off on September 22nd to see who grew the biggest pumpkin this year. Climb aboard the 1/3 scale train for a trip around the park and the big green tractor-pulled wagon for a hay ride with family and friends. Face painting and cookie decorating will be available for those who like getting creative. Kids will have a blast jumping in the moon bouncer and playing carnival games and the ring toss. Mini John Deere races are available for kids ages 5-8 and kids can stop in the mining area to pan for gold and take home a bag of gold that they found themselves. Wander through the not so scary haunted house and get lost in the hay maze. Don’t forget to capture pumpkin patch memories at one of the many photo stands around the park set up with fall and Halloween-themed props to take pictures of the whole family. Most activities require tickets which can be purchased for $6 each or $75 for a book of 15 tickets. Pumpkin prices vary based on size.

Jack O’Lantern Jamboree – Garden Grove

13630 Atlantis Way, Garden Grove, CA 92844

Saturday, October 26, 2019

1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

$10 per person

The annual Jack O’Lantern Jamboree is coming to Atlantis Play Center in Garden Grove. Only 1,000 tickets will be sold to this exciting Halloween event that is fun for the whole family. Tickets must be purchased in advance online, in person, or by phone and the cost is $10 per person, ages 2 and under are free. Tickets will be on sale beginning October 7th through October 24th. Those lucky ghouls who get tickets will enjoy train rides, bounce houses, a pumpkin patch, balloons, crafts, a magic show, and more plus all the exciting play structures and activities that kids love at Atlantis Play Center.

Spooky Seas at the Ocean Institute – Dana Point

Ocean Institute – 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr., Dana Point, CA 92629

TBA

6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

$10 per person; $35 for Family Four Pack; 2 and under free

Come out to the Ocean Institute in Dana Point for an evening of spooky and spellbinding fun and excitement. Kids are invited to wear their costumes and trick or treat through the Mad Scientist’s lab. They will explore experiments with ghostly bubbles, fizzing eyeballs, and glowing slime, meet some creepy animals and more.

Mini Monster Bash – La Habra

The Children’s Museum at La Habra

301 S. Euclid St., La Habra, CA 90631

October 31, 2019

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Free with paid admission to the Children’s Museum

The Mini Monster Bash at the Children’s Museum at La Habra is a great way for toddlers and preschoolers to kick of a day of Halloween Fun. Guests are invited to wear costumes and join in for games, crafts, a mini maze, and much more, all while enjoying the wonderful children’s museum.

Monster Dash 5K, 10K, 15K, Half Marathon – Huntington Beach

Bolsa Chica State Beach

Parking in Jack in the Box parking lot at PCH and Warner

17243 CA-1, Huntington Beach, CA 92649

October 19, 2019

Check in begins at 7:00 a.m.

The Monster Dash in Huntington Beach is hosted by A Better World Running. The small event is on an open course along the paved bike path at Bolsa Chica State Beach just steps from the water’s edge. Approximately 150 racers will complete the Monster Dash. The 5K loop will have an aid station offering water, Gatorade, Gu gel, granola bars, bananas, and more to re-hydrate and energize racers.

Pretend City Halloween Events – Irvine

29 Hubble Drive, Irvine, CA 92618

Dates and times vary

During the month of October, Pretend City hosts a variety of special Halloween activities. Costume week kicks off on October 25th and runs through October 31st. Guests are invited to wear their costumes to Pretend City and receive 25% off the price of the second admission. Come out on Friday, October 25th for Frankenstein Friday to dance to the Monster Mash, make fun crafts lie Frankenprints, and do Monster-themed math and science activities. Saturday, October 26th, come out for the OC Ghostbusters event. Kids will learn about science and make slime, play ghostly games, and have the opportunity to have their picture taken n the Ghostbusters car. On October 31st, Pretend City will host a Trick-or-Treating extravaganza for kids to collect goodies at various stations throughout the museum. There will even be a Monster Mash Dance Party. Come out and join the fun.

Tanaka Farms Pumpkin Patch & Fall Harvest Festival – Irvine

5380 3/4 University Drive, Irvine, CA

September 21st-October 31st

Daily 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Admission is $4 per person

The Tanaka Farms Pumpkin Patch is a popular activity among Orange County locals. Come in and choose your own pumpkin from acres of pumpkins growing in the fields of Tanaka Farms. During the week, visitors to the pumpkin patch can enjoy wagon rides, a petting zoo with goats, sheep, and an alpaca, a corn maze, and a u-pick vegetable patch. On Saturdays and Sundays during the month of October, Tanaka Farms hosts the Weekend Fall Harvest Festival. In addition to the regular weekday activities, guests will also enjoy ATV rides, games, interactive kids activities, face painting, a pumpkin cannon, and food to purchase and enjoy. Tickets are required for the activities.

Wagon Ride – $6/unlimited rides

Petting Zoo – $6

Sanrio Entry Package – $20 – includes admission, wagon ride, petting zoo, limited edition Hello Kitty Plush

Game & Activity Tickets – $5 each or 5 for $20

Parking Passes – $10 (required on weekends)

Terrifying 10-Miler & Halloween 5K-10K-Kids Run – Dana Point

Salt Creek Beach

33333 Pacific Coast Hwy Dana Point, CA 92629

October 27, 2019

Check in begins at 6:30 a.m.

The Terrifying 10-Miler & Halloween 5K – 10K – Kids Run is hosted by Renegade Racing. The Halloween-themed race includes a kids Superhero half-mile run. The course is paved the whole way and runs along the Orange County coastline with views of the ocean at Salt Creek Beach. There will be trick and treat aid stations, a costume contest, a pumpkin patch, and a pumpkin decorating contest. All participants, including the kids, will receive medals for completing the race.

The Seance

Cross Roads Escape Games

4245 E La Palma Ave, Anaheim, CA 92807

October 2 – November 3, 2019

The Séance is a frightening interactive theatre experience with live actors and special effects. Madam Ruby invites you to be her guest to step beyond the veil and participate in her Séance. Who or what will be waiting for you? During the Seance, you will be required to interact with your surroundings and others, living or dead, in the room. Participants ages 16+ only. There are limited tickets available with up to 8 guests per show. Cross Roads Escape Games is home of the award winning Hex Room, Psych Ward, and Fun House escape games and was voted top ten in the nation by USA Today.

Treats in the Streets – Orange

Old Towne Orange Plaza

1 Plaza Square, Orange, California 92866

Thursday, October 24, 2019

4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Come on out to Orange Circle for the annual Treats in the Streets event. Local merchants fill the streets to hand out goodies to little trick-or-treaters. Families are encouraged to dress up in their favorite costumes and join in the Halloween Parade. The Treats in the Streets event features entertainment and games for everyone to enjoy and local non-profit groups will have food and drinks available to purchase for a small fee to feed all the hungry goblins.

Vampirates! at Pirate’s Dinner Adventure – Buena Park

7600 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, CA 90620

September 30 – October 31, 2019

See website for showtimes and tickets

Come out to the Pirate’s Dinner Adventure theater for the Annual Mascarade Ball at Treasure Bay, but don’t become another victim to the evil pirate Sebastian the Black and his crew of vampire pirates. This family friendly 2-hour Halloween show runs for a month and includes a Halloween costume contest on weekends. All costumes must be family friendly and masks and weapons are not allowed. Like the other shows at Pirate’s Dinner Adventure, Vampirates! includes a four course feast. Special requests for dietary restrictions and allergies are accepted. Call ahead to make reservations.

Zoomars Pumpkinpalooza – San Juan Capistrano

Zoomars Petting Zoo

31791 Los Rios Street, San Juan Capistrano, CA

October 1 – 31, 2019

9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Daily

Children/Seniors $12

Adults $15

Military $10

Zoomars Petting Zoo invites you out for a rustic pumpkin patch in addition to the normal activities that are already on site. Guests can search for their favorite pumpkin, pan for gems, gold, and fossils, meet friendly animals including llamas, horses, sheep, cows, an emu, bunnies, and more. Take a ride on the train, or on a pony, and have a great time with family and friends making fall memories.

This post originally appeared on Enjoy Orange County.

Enjoy Orange County

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Enjoy Orange County is a lifest‌yle destination site covering all things Orange County, from food and culture to arts and entertainment, plus hidden gems, fashion, and more. We venture out to discover all the best things to do in Orange County to help you plan your next best day ever.

The Best Kids’ Museums in Every State (& DC)

by Gabby CullenFebruary 25, 2019

Winter’s not always easy, especially when you’ve stir-crazy kids on your hands. The next time cabin fever sets in, escape to an amazing museum that caters to kids. You’ll spend the day cozy and warm inside while also learning about science, history and art: a win-win! These children’s museums are totally worth a visit—read on to get all the details about the best one in every single state.

Children’s Museum of Phoenix

1. Alabama: McWane Science Center, Birmingham
Since opening its doors in 1998, McWane Science Center has welcomed millions of visitors to learn about all things STEM through exciting hands-on experiences. Permanent indoor exhibits include Itty Bitty Magic City (a play area perfect for kindergarteners and younger tots), Alabama Dinosaurs (featuring fossils discovered in the state) and NatureScope (discover birds and creepy crawly things).

Online: mcwane.org

2. Alaska: Fairbanks Children’s Museum, Fairbanks
The Fairbanks Children’s Museum is all about play-based learning, and kids have a blast with all the awesome hands-on experiences and programs. You can get messy with hands-on art programs, mingle with other parents and tots during special meetups and scale a rock wall, just to name a few.

Online: fairbankschildrensmuseum.com

3. Arizona: Children’s Museum of Phoenix, Phoenix
With over 48,000 square feet of play space, there’s enough to do at the Children’s Museum of Phoenix to keep your tots busy all day long. There are more than 300 play experiences spread over three floors, in addition to a range of classes about everything from fossils to art. Be sure to check out the Schuff-Perini Climber, a tree-like sculpture that gives kids a bird’s-eye view of the museum’s atrium.

Online: childrensmuseumofphoenix.org

4. Arkansas: Scott Family Amazeum, Bentonville
Your crew will love the Amazeum, an awesome interactive museum with a focus on art, science and Arkansas culture. Be sure to check out the climbable tree canopy, indoor cave and tinkering hub, in addition to daily activities like DIY workshops, day camps, and playgroups. There’s even a Cloud Theater that gives you space to relax with calming music and time-lapse images of clouds.

Online: amazeum.org

5. California: Exploratorium, San Francisco
With more than 650 exhibits, you need at least a day or two in order to see and try everything at San Francisco’s Exploratorium. Truly a hands-on interactive experience for ages 4 to 12, kids can take a sensory-loaded trip through a tactile dome, experiment in a tinkering studio and play in an eye-catching shadow box, and that’s just scratching the surface. The hundreds of exhibits are built in-house and are constantly evolving, which makes every trip unique.

Online: exploratorium.edu

Jenifer O. via Yelp

6. Colorado: Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus, Denver
The Children’s Museum of Denver offers a nine-acre campus for kids of all ages to explore. Highlights include Altitude, where mini mountain climbers will make their way up and around over three levels of Colorado heritage to reach the lookout at the tippy top, and Box Canyon, an indoor mountain range for the small set. Don’t miss out on The Teaching Kitchen, Fire Station No. 1 and Art Studio, too.

Online: mychildsmuseum.org

7. Connecticut: Kidcity Children’s Museum, Middletown
Kids ages 1 to 7 will have a blast exploring Kidcity’s one-of-a-kind, hands-on exhibits, all of which are built by in-house artists. There’s a Fishery, where you’ll use conveyors to bring in the catch of the day; a Space Age Roadtrip, where friendly aliens take a trip on Route 66; and a medieval village called Middleshire, where kids can build a castle and keep watch for Vikings. Be sure to block out a good chunk of time for your visit—they’ll be entertained for hours!

Online: kidcitymuseum.com

8. Delaware: Delaware Children’s Museum, Wilmington
Your little explorers will have the chance to discover the worlds of science, math and technology at the Delaware Children’s Museum. Monkey around in the Stratosphere, a cool climbing structure that overlooks the museum’s lobby; learn what an architect does and how buildings take shape, and let your tiniest tots play on a model train in the transportation-themed area.

Online: delawarechildrensmuseum.org

9. Florida: Glazer Children’s Museum, Tampa
During your visit to Glazer Children’s Museum, kids will have the chance to set sail on a cruise ship, become a firefighter for the day, build a pillow fort and explore an indoor playground. Psst ... they offer free admission on the first Tuesday of every month, along with bimonthly events for kids with special needs.

Online: glazermuseum.org

10. Georgia: Atlanta Children’s Museum, Atlanta
You’re bound to have a blast at Atlanta’s go-to destination for little learners. Gateway to the World invites mini explorers to climb through the layers of the earth and enter a one-of-a-kind, child-powered, rotating globe, while Step up to Science hosts a permanent lab with experiments conducted on a daily basis. Babies and toddlers can cast a line, enter a magical forest and even climb a tree house in Leaping into Learning, while older kids can work the farm, flip burgers in the diner and shop till they drop in Fundamentally Food. Don’t forget to look for the art studio in Let Your Creativity Flow, too!

Online: childrensmuseumatlanta.org

E K. via Yelp

11. Hawaii: Hawaii Children’s Discovery Center, Honolulu
Whether you’re an island dweller or just on Oahu for vacation, the Hawaii Children’s Discovery Center is definitely worth a visit. Kids are encouraged to use their senses of touch, sight, hearing and smell to gain a better understanding of the world around them. Highlights include Tot Spot (a special play zone for your tiniest ones), Fantastic You (an up-close and personal look at the human body) and Rainforest Adventures (an exploration of rainforests and our precious natural resources).

Online: discoverycenterhawaii.org

12. Idaho: Museum of Clean, Pocatello
For a seriously unique experience, you’ve got to check out the Museum of Clean. There’s not just one focus here—everything from clean air to clean water to clean language is covered. Kids will love exploring the museum’s play areas and interactive features (and looking at a massive collection of vacuum cleaners is pretty fun, too!).

Online: museumofclean.com

13. Illinois: Kohl Children’s Museum, Glenview
To folks living or vacationing in the greater Chicago area, Kohl Children’s Museum is just what the doctor ordered for beating back the winter blues. With 17 permanent exhibits, kids are able to expend tons of extra energy when they become veterinarians, nature explorers, chefs, mechanics and even Whole Foods employees, all in one day! It does get busy when the wind chill drops, but seeing your littles get in a full day of imaginary play is worth the crowds. Don't want to leave for lunch? Stop off at the Cosi in the museum’s entryway for food and drinks.

Online: kohlchildrensmuseum.org

14. Indiana: Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, Indianapolis
Worthy of a vacation in itself, lucky families who visit the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis are in for five floors of energy-zapping activities and fun. The granddaddy of all children’s museums has almost 500,000 square feet of exhibition space, 11 permanent exhibits and over 120,000 real artifacts in the museum collections. Kids can discover prehistoric beasts in Dinosphere, visit the International Space Station, travel far and wide in Treasures of the Earth, or take a virtual ride on the steam engine designed to tackle the steepest railroad grade in the country in All Aboard!

Online: childrensmuseum.org

15. Iowa: Iowa Children’s Museum, Coralville
The Iowa Children’s Museum is all about inspiring kids to learn and grow through play, and their multi-sensory exhibits hit it out of the park. Aspiring chefs get to work in a pretend pizzeria; tots can learn basic physics lessons with race cars, tracks, and mazes; and train-obsessed kids will have the chance to play with model trains weaving their way through Iowa. In case that’s not enough to tire them out, there are also special events for art-making, STEM learning and more.

Online: theicm.org

Elizabeth L. via Yelp

16. Kansas: Cosmosphere, Hutchinson
Go on a space odyssey at the coolest museum in Kansas, a 105,000-square-foot space and science center that’ll keep your whole crew entertained for hours. Watch a jaw-dropping show in their state-of-the-art planetarium (you can even get a preview of what the sky will look like that very night), browse the largest combined collection of U.S. and Russian space artifacts in the world and watch live demonstrations of science experiments.

Online: cosmo.org

17. Kentucky: Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, Louisville
A visit to the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory is sure to be a home run, especially if you’ve got sports fans in your family. You’ll get to see how baseball bats are made (and you’ll get a miniature bat to take home), crawl through a giant glove, try your hand at a simulated pitching experience and hold bats that were used by baseball legends.

Online: sluggermuseum.com

18. Louisiana: Louisiana Children’s Museum, New Orleans
With a visit to the Louisiana Children’s Museum, little ones will have the chance to learn about everything from reading and math to architectural ideas and the nuances of grocery shopping—all through super fun, hands-on activities and exhibits. Find out how to use a fulcrum or a pulley with the Simple Machines exhibit, head to Art Trek to explore a range of different media and techniques and go back in time to check out the recreated courtyard of one of New Orleans’ oldest buildings. With a fun mix of science, art and Louisiana-inspired activities, there’s really something for everyone.

Online: lcm.org

19. Maine: Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine, Portland
Kids 10 and under will love spending the day playing and learning at this gem of a museum in Portland. The hands-on exhibits range from an exploration of the camera obscura to a kiddie-style farmers market (complete with bakery and fish market) to a special area that’s perfect for your tiniest tots. And since this is Maine, after all, there’s even a replica lobster boat where kids can learn about the state’s working waterfronts.

Online: kitetails.org

20. Maryland: Port Discovery Children’s Museum, Baltimore
With loads of options for purposeful play, Port Discovery Children’s Museum is undoubtedly one of the best indoor spaces in the Mid-Atlantic region for kids ages 0 to 10. It’s currently under construction, with new exhibits due to open in spring 2019, but in the meantime, you can still get your play on in their Construction Zone exhibit. Little ones can design their own robots, build with giant blocks and launch rockets toward a mini-moon.

Online: portdiscovery.org

Joel Haskell via Boston Children’s Museum

21. Massachusetts: Boston Children’s Museum, Boston
There are 88,000 square feet of hands-on engagement at the Boston Children’s Museum. The focus on science, culture, health & fitness and the arts make this an ideal destination when it’s just too cold to be outdoors (or anytime, really!). Locals and tourists alike benefit from the scores of programs and activities developed by museum educators, and a few attempts to make it to the top of The Climb, the three-story climbing structure in the center of the museum, will leave your kids tired and happy.

Online: bostonchildrensmuseum.org

22. Michigan: Impression 5 Science Center, Lansing
In 1972, Impression 5 became one of the first hands-on science centers in the country, and they’ve been a Michigan favorite ever since. With a focus on dynamic, interactive activities that encourage kids of all ages to play, create and challenge their understanding of science, it’s well worth the trip. Learn about oral health with giant dental tools, step into a full-size body bubble, become a naturalist for the day and more.

Online: impression5.org

23. Minnesota: Minnesota Children’s Museum, St. Paul
The Minnesota Children’s Museum’s mission is to spark learning through play, and you’ll see what they mean after one visit. Kids will love exploring The Scramble, a four-story vertical adventure with a spiral slide and a netted catwalk. Let them get creative making their own stories at Imaginopolis, and spend some time in Our World, a mini-city with everything from a post office to a farmers market.

Online: mcm.org

24. Mississippi: Mississippi Children’s Museum, Jackson
Kiddos will have a blast playing the day away at this Jackson gem. The 40,000-square-foot museum houses five galleries of educational, interactive exhibits and weekly programs that focus on everything from literacy to science to Mississippi heritage. Learn about healthy eating in a cute kitchen, make a masterpiece in the art studio and find out about the state’s agriculture.

Online: mschildrensmuseum.org

25. Missouri: City Museum, St. Louis
We recommend wearing comfy clothes for your day at the City Museum because you’ll definitely be crawling, sliding and climbing. With lots of interesting architectural features like old chimneys and salvaged bridges, it’s captivating for kids and adults alike. Venture through hidden tunnels, monkey around on fun jungle gyms and zoom down indoor slides—your little explorers will love it all.

Online: citymuseum.org

Children’s Museum of Bozeman via Yelp

26. Montana: Children’s Museum of Bozeman, Bozeman
Offering hands-on exhibits, summer science camps, after-school activities, and educational programs, the Children’s Museum of Bozeman is a cultural hub. Kids can make slime in the science lab, collect eggs from chickens on the farm, tinker with electric circuits and more. Even your tiniest tots will love their special zone that offers plenty of space for rolling, crawling and climbing.

Online: cmbozeman.org

27. Nebraska: Lincoln Children’s Museum, Lincoln
Spend the day exploring the Lincoln Children’s Museum’s three floors and 23,300 square feet of hands-on exhibits and imaginative programs. Check out Cuckoo Construction, the museum’s largest exhibit yet, which gives kids a chance to help build walls and watch foam bricks fall. Chill out in the Grow Zone, an interactive indoor garden perfect for tiny tots. Cruise over to the water exhibit, where you can watch the rain fall from the clouds above and build dams to hold the water back.

Online: lincolnchildrensmuseum.org

28. Nevada: DISCOVERY Children’s Museum, Las Vegas
The three-story DISCOVERY Children’s Museum opened in 2013 and is home to nine themed exhibition halls totaling 26,000 square feet of interactive hands-on core exhibits. It’s hard to miss The Summit, a 70-foot tower covering 22,000 square feet with 12 levels of engaging, hands-on play. Kids can lift a car with a lever and (if they make it!) take a peek at the amazing roof at the very tippy top. Check out a mini Hoover Dam in Water World, walk into a Dr. Seuss book in Young at Art or watch your crawling cuties wander around Toddler Town—a desert-themed space complete with trains, tunnels and an art zone.

Online: discoverykidslv.org

29. New Hampshire: Children’s Museum of New Hampshire, Dover
The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire is all about hands-on discovery, and you’ll get what they mean when you see their amazing exhibits. Engineer a flying machine and launch it from a 30-foot tower, venture into a cave to read glow-in-the-dark books and find secret paintings, dig for Triceratops fossils and more. Between the exhibits, STEAM Lab drop-in sessions and junior science classes, there’s enough to keep you coming back for more all year long.

Online: childrens-museum.org

30. New Jersey: Liberty Science Center, Jersey City
Inspire your budding scientists and engineers with a visit to Liberty Science Center, home to 12 museum exhibition halls, a live animal collection with 110 species, giant aquariums, a 3D theater and lots more. Catch a planetarium show, check out views from the Hubble Space Telescope and meet some of the animals that live in the Hudson River. Young learners can even don a white coat and perform checkups in the Doc McStuffins exhibit.

Online: lsc.org

Emari H. via Yelp

31. New Mexico: Explora Science Museum & Children’s Museum, Albuquerque
Spend the day learning about science, technology, engineering, art and math through fun hands-on activities at Explora. Experiment with balls and ramps to slow down the effects of gravity, make a masterpiece out of recycled materials and discover the unique characteristics of water. Be sure to check out their events calendar, offering everything from music jams to adults-only evenings.

Online: explora.us

32. New York: The Strong Museum of Play, Rochester
With roots dating back to wealthy Rochesterian Margaret Woodbury Strong's extensive doll and toy collection, the museum has grown into an impressive 100,000-square-foot destination. While the entire facility is worth exploring, stellar permanent exhibits include Can You Tell Me How to Get To Sesame Street? (featuring all of the series' popular characters, as well as a 123 Sesame stoop for sitting and photo ops); the Wegmans Super Kid Market, a hyper-realistic replica of a grocery store sponsored by the boffo hometown chain; American Comic Book Heroes: The Battle of Good vs. Evil; and Reading Adventureland. The museum is also home to the National Toy Hall of Fame, and when you add on-site restaurants, a carousel and easy-as-pie parking, it's a destination worthy of a family road trip!

Online: museumofplay.org

33. North Carolina: Discovery Place Science, Charlotte
A visit to Discovery Place is a must for opening little eyes to the wonders of science. From World Alive, where guests can wander through a rainforest and an aquarium, to Think it Up, a “thought studio” of multisensory colors, sights and sounds and back to Project Build, where anyone can be an architect for a day, every inch of Discovery Place is dedicated to making learning fun and interesting. The tiniest family members have their own special place for discovery in Kid Science, and the Discovery 3D theater screens family-friendly movies and short films perfect for all ages.

Online: science.discoveryplace.org

34. North Dakota: Dickinson Museum Center, Dickinson
Science-loving kiddos will enjoy learning about dinosaurs and more at the Dickinson Museum Center. Check out fossils that were discovered in the area, see their collection of rocks and minerals and play in an augmented reality sandbox. You can even peek inside the fossil laboratory to watch paleontologists at work preparing recently discovered fossils for research and display.

Online: dickinsonmuseumcenter.com

35. Ohio: COSI: Center of Science and Industry, Columbus
With over 300 interactive exhibitions, a seven-story extreme theater, the country’s only high-wire unicycle, and Little Kidspace, created just for kiddos ages 0 to 5, there’s enough educational fun to keep the entire family entertained for days at COSI. Encounter Poseidon at Ocean, the playground depicting the mysteries of the sea. Check out the Energy Explorers exhibit, which teaches families about energy and making smart choices, or get up close and personal with a T. rex in the Dinosaur Gallery. With their range of traveling exhibits and classic features, every COSI visit can be a different adventure.

Online: cosi.org

Kristi L. via Yelp

36. Oklahoma: Jasmine Moran Children’s Museum, Seminole
Since 1993, the Jasmine Moran Children’s Museum has been a favorite destination for Oklahoma families. The museum is based on an imaginary town, where kids can explore many careers, all from a pint-sized vantage point—they can become a judge, doctor, artist, news anchor, meteorologist, actor, pilot, EMT or firefighter for the day. Plus, you can get lost in the 12,000-square-foot Castle Maze, see aquatic life native to the state and take a ride on a miniature train.

Online: jasminemoran.com

37. Oregon: OMSI: Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, Portland
OMSI is a can’t-miss museum in Portland, where kids and adults alike can immerse themselves in all things science and technology. Use “human power” to take a virtual trip through Portland, craft your own world using an augmented reality sandbox and experience the sights and smells of the world’s only permafrost research tunnel. Be sure to check out their cool camps and classes too, on topics ranging from kitchen chemistry to web design.

Online: omsi.edu

38. Pennsylvania: Please Touch Museum, Philadelphia
The name says it all. What other place has the singular mission of encouraging young visitors to touch everything? Start a visit to the Please Touch Museum in Hamilton Hall, at the huge “monument to play”— a 40-foot replica of the Statue of Liberty’s Arm and Torch (made out of toys). Move toward Roadside Attractions, where engineers can repair cars, collect tolls, and take a trip to the future. Be sure to say hello to the Please Touch puppets: Pinky, Pickle, Melita, Dr. Penny and many more, who pop up and perform daily.

Online: pleasetouchmuseum.org

39. Rhode Island: Providence Children’s Museum, Providence
Kick cabin fever to the curb with a visit to the Providence Children’s Museum, home to hands-on, play-based exhibits and programs that explore culture and all things STEAM. Check out Play Power, where you can send objects soaring through air tubes and construct magnetic mazes; The Climber, a kid-favorite two-story-high climbing maze; and Coming to Rhode Island, an interactive time-traveling adventure that introduces kids to people who immigrated to the state. Their events calendar also has loads more fun in store, including live theater and art sessions.

Online: childrenmuseum.org

40. South Carolina: The Children’s Museum of the Upstate, Greenville
Spark your kiddo’s curiosity with a visit to The Children’s Museum of the Upstate. With 19 interactive exhibits, there’s enough to keep any kid entertained for hours. Build dams and learn about water in Reedy River Bend, report the news or weather in the 7 News Studio and monkey around on a multi-story climbing structure. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, grab a tasty meal at the museum’s in-house cafe.

Online: tcmupstate.org

Creative Discovery Museum

41. South Dakota: Children’s Museum of South Dakota, Brookings
Make a day of it with your whole crew at the Children’s Museum of South Dakota. In the exhibit Our Prairie, kids can learn about the region’s past and role-play the daily tasks of living on the land over one hundred years ago. Head to Sensations to experiment with patterns, textures, shapes, and colors and collaborate on hands-on activities. Then cruise over to KidStreet to pick up your mail, tune up your car and make sandwiches and ice cream sundaes. There’s also a cozy MiniExplorers area that’s perfect for your tiniest tots.

Online: prairieplay.org

42. Tennessee: Creative Discovery Museum, Chattanooga
Located in the heart of downtown Chattanooga, the Creative Discovery Museum is totally worth a visit. Their permanent exhibits include Corner Clinic (become a doctor for the day), Culinary Corner (make healthy snacks using ingredients from the museum’s rooftop garden), Little Yellow House (let your tiniest tots exercise their imaginations) and Excavation Station (grab a shovel and get digging in the sand). Be sure to check out their events calendar for the latest goings-on, from a snow day celebration to a honey harvest.

Online: cdmfun.org

43. Texas: Children’s Museum of Houston, Houston
With 14 permanent galleries and exhibits along with a cafe, library and family learning center, we are bowled over by the 90,000 square feet of play available at the Children’s Museum of Houston. Start at Kidtropolis, a play city built and run by kids from the ground up on a daily basis, and move on to How Does it Work?, where your budding scientists have access to a ton of hands-on experiments, like creating a roller coaster and sending messages via fiber optics. If there's still time, go undercover in the S.E.C.R.E.T. spy experience.

Online: cmhouston.org

44. Utah: Treehouse Children’s Museum, Ogden
Since 1992, Treehouse Children’s Museum has been a favorite for kids ages 1 to 12 (and their families, too). The exhibits encourage playing imaginatively and making new stories—there’s the Big Red Barn where you can “milk” a cow and collect eggs from chickens, plus areas based on different countries so you can dream up an international journey. There’s even an Oval Office where tots can pretend to be the president.

Online: treehousemuseum.org

45. Vermont: Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich
Founded in 1974, the Montshire is now one of the busiest museums in northern New England, and for good reason. It’s dedicated to teaching visitors about natural and physical sciences, ecology and technology through its 140 hands-on exhibits. Kids will love getting a look at the inner workings of toys; examining seeds, bones, and plants under a microscope; experimenting with different types of instruments; and playing with different types of bubbles. This one’s sure to be a hit with adults and kids alike.

Online: montshire.org

Farrah M. via Yelp

46. Virginia: Amazement Square, Lynchburg
With four floors and nine galleries of hands-on, interactive exhibits, Amazement Square is (fittingly) an amazing place to spend the day. Start off by exploring Amazement Tower, a climbing structure with slides, ladders, tunnels and a zip line that spans all four of the museum’s floor. Then get creative in the Kaleidoscope Gallery, where kids can paint on the walls and rock out on stage. Toddlers will also love playing in Shipwreck Cove, a special under-three area with a pirate ship and a coral reef.

Online: amazementsquare.org

47. Washington: Washington: Hands On Children’s Museum, Olympia
The most visited children’s museum in Washington, it’s our go-to for hands-on science and art learning. With more than 150 exhibits, you’ll never run out of things to do—kids can shop in a mini farmers market, send scarves through a 25-foot AirWays Maze, make and float their own boats and lots more. Be sure to check out their events, too, including free first Friday nights and art studio sessions.

Online: hocm.org

48. Washington D.C.: National Building Museum, Washington D.C.
Go on an architectural adventure at the National Building Museum. Kiddos can learn about design, construction and engineering through the museum’s two distinct areas. The Building Zone (for ages 2 to 6) lets them stack and balance faux bricks, drive a miniaturized bulldozer and romp around a “green” playhouse, while the other area, Play Work Build, has foam blocks of varying sizes, allowing adults and children alike to build and demolish their own creations. Click here to find out more (plus get the scoop on more of our favorite kid-friendly museums in the DMV).

Online: nbm.org

49. West Virginia: Kruger Street Toy & Train Museum, Wheeling
Located in beautiful Wheeling, kids of all ages will love exploring the Kruger Street Toy & Train Museum. You’ll find interactive, operating model train layouts, along with toys you’ll remember from your childhood—dolls, dollhouses, toy soldiers, playsets, trains, planes, and ships, just to name a few. Kids will have a blast taking a peek into the past (and seeing how far toys have come!).

Online: toyandtrain.com

50. Wisconsin: Building for Kids Children’s Museum, Appleton
Foster your kids’ curiosity with a visit to the Building for Kids Children’s Museum. They’ll have the chance to climb into a 10-foot human heart, make a masterpiece using blocks, become a firefighter for the day, build boats and lots more. Check out the events calendar for more fun activities, like toddler playtime sessions, STEM workshops and story times.

Online: buildingforkids.org

51. Wyoming: Jackson Hole Children’s Museum, Jackson
The Jackson Hole Children’s Museum is all about fostering a love of learning through collaborative play and creative problem solving, and with their interactive exhibits and exciting programs, the littles will definitely be on board. Become a pilot for the day, go shopping in the Mountain Market, build a cool creation on the Magnet Wall and snuggle up for some quiet time in the Book Nook.

Online: jhchildrensmuseum.org

—Susie Foresman & Gabby Cullen

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Clever Play Ideas That You Haven’t Tried Yet

by Erica LoopMarch 10, 2018

The kids need something to do and you’re looking for a few clever play ideas. More specifically, you need activities for kids that don’t just keep them busy but are packed with sensory experiences. That’s right, exploration is the name of the game with these imaginative ideas: Touch, taste, smell, sight and hearing all get a turn here! Scroll down to see our favorite ways to help kids make discoveries and explore with the Big 5.

Chill out with an icy activity.

You don’t need a freezing cold winter day to explore the frosty fun that ice can bring. Nope. Make your own cubes, adding a few drops of food coloring to the water. Sprinkle with sparkles or hide small waterproof toys inside. The kids can stack the cubes, paint with them or just glide then around in a plastic tub.

DIY a sensory table.

Fun activities for kids can take many shapes and forms. And a sensory table is an easy way to corral all kinds of different play. Fill the table with colorful rice, painted pasta, a muddy mix or this amazingly awesome water bead idea from Homegrown Friends. The key to sensory table play is encouraging exploration. Take a step back (while still supervising) and watch as your kid makes discoveries, explores and experiments.

Start sensory play with slime.

Okay, okay, so slime is crazy-popular. And you’ve seen it just about everywhere. Well, there’s a reason for that. It’s got textures like you wouldn’t believe and can completely catch your child’s attention, drawing them into the awesomeness of the activity for more than two seconds. Make the slime-making just that much ‘more’ by adding glitter, crafts feathers, pieces of play clay or small waterproof toys. Not sure how to make slime? Get a rad recipe here.

A rainbow, in a bottle!

Sometimes the kids don’t need activities that get them fired up. There’s something to be said for chilling out and relaxing—without using a screen to soothe. Check out the glittery, rainbowy, super-colorful calm down bottles from Little Bins for Little Hands.

Paint with sound.

Painting is a sensory exploration that usually covers sight and sometimes touch. Well, this one goes a step, or a few, farther and lets your child paint with sound and smell. Remember those popping, fizzing candies that you chugged during your own youth? This activity from Mini Monets and Mommies turns the candy into paints that make noise and give off a super-sweet smell.

Mix in some math.

Play ideas don’t need to be overly complicated or fussy. A rainbow of colorful rice is a standout sensory play activity. Add in a counting and memory/recall extension, like this one from Hands On As We Grow, and you have a recipe for learning on more than one level.

Create a shaving cream dream.

Shaving cream as a play idea? Yep. You may use the fluffy white stuff in a completely different way, but your child sees (and touches and smells) the cream as something that’s pure sensory fun. Spreading it around on a tray or in the sink is enough to keep a tot busy for an entire afternoon. Add in glitter, powdered tempera paint or even a powdered fruit drink mix to make a puffy finger paint that sparkles, shines and makes magnificent magic.

Have a playdough afternoon.

Playdough. Th original sensory play material you didn’t even know was a sensory material. If you opt for buying some from the store, it’ll be all about the touchy-feely aspect. If you make your own batch at home, add a scent or sparkles to give a couple of the other senses a workout, too. For the ultimate playdough recipe, click here.

Make something edible.

Whether you’ve got a mouthy baby or a kid who loves to snack and play, edible play time is the best time. We love this jello play idea from the fabulous Meri Cherry. If you're looking for more, this collection of edible art ideas is worth a nibble.

Use a bag to minimize the mess

For an afternoon of completely contained play (win, win!) with your little one, opt for a sensory bag. You can fill it with all sorts of neat odds and ends, sparkles and textures. For the best of the best, see our top picks here.

No time? Pick a quick activity.

Sensory play doesn’t have to involve an elaborate setup and tons of time. There are plenty of quick activities and games you can play with your kids for a sensory workout. Ideas include dancing with scarves, making a window collage with contact paper, heading outside for a nature walk and more. Dayna of Lemon Lime Adventures has a great list of 30 easy options. Take a peek here.

Use a light box.

We've never met a kid who didn't love the light. From shadows on the wall to glow sticks, kids can see and explore in so many different ways. One of our favorites is from Anna from The Imagination Tree. Her easy DIY light box is the perfect tool for your little explorers—from colored tiles to sand drawing, the possibilities are endless! Click here to see the tutorial.

Use every single sense.

Take advantage of the fact that planning a nose-centric play session is usually pretty easy and always interesting. Take a look at our ideas and sniff out what you’ll need to get started.

Sensory play that's just for babies.

Sensory play comes in all shapes and forms, but your baby will need a special set up that includes safe supplies and gear. Lucky for you we’ve got the scoop on the best ideas for sensory play with baby: Edible sensory trays, pin boards, brightly lit bottles—it’s all here.

Try seasonal sensory play.

Each season brings its own unique sights, sounds, smells, touches and tastes. Spring brings flowers, Easter, and gardens; Fall brings leaves, harvest produce, Halloween fun and more. Click here for the best spring ideas, and here for fall fun.

Make Snow

Krystal Underwood via Growing a Jeweled Rose

A snow-based play session can be a blast, especially if you live in a region that doesn’t see the flaky white stuff very often. One of our favorite projects is sensory snow, but there are other options: a snowman play dough station, melting snowman slime, erupting snow powder and more. Click here to see the whole list.

Play in quicksand

You don’t have to go to the beach for sand play. From kinetic sand to quicksand boxes, there's no end to the sensory fun. Check out our favorite ideas here.

Put the water table to work.

Water tables are a great addition to play time, and it’s possible to give them a whole new meaning with just a few extra supplies. Take a peek at our favorite water table sensory play ideas here and get started. Hint: Many of these ideas don’t include water!

Keep it simple.

You love sensory play, but you don’t love how much stuff you need to make it happen. Consider setting up an activity that requires three ingredients/supplies or less. From colored cloud dough to cardboard box coloring and yup, even shaving cream painting, it’s simple to help your kids engage their senses.

What’s your favorite sensory play? Share with us in the comments below!

— Erica Loop with Gabby Cullen

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17 Best Spots for STEM Learning Around the Bay

by Kate LowethJanuary 23, 2018

Tiny techies, unite! With Silicon Valley in our backyard, Bay Area familes live in the perfect spot to learn to code, play with robots and build your own computer. There are opportunities to step up your STEM game around every corner, from museums and science centers dedicated to just that and libraries offering free programs galore. Scroll through to see some of our faves all over the Bay Area.

photo: Kate Loweth

San Francisco

Exploratorium
With a prime location right on the Embarcadero at Pier 15, the Exploratorium is a STEM hot spot for locals and visitors alike. Experiment with social behaviors like sharing, work together to create a tornado and build an arch that supports itself. Check out what’s new in the tinkering studio and grab lunch at the bay-side cafe when you need a brain break.

Pier 15
Embarcadero at Green Stree
San Francisco, CA
Online: exploratorium.edu

California Academy of Sciences
This combination aquarium, planetarium and natural history museum offers science exploration for all ages. Walk through the four-story rainforest and marvel at the birds, fish and insects that make their homes there. Explore science’s major discoveries in the natural history exhibits and learn how we can protect our world for the future. Make sure your visit includes a stop at the Morrison Planetarium where you can view a rotating selection of visually-stunning shows on a 75-foot diameter screen.

Golden Gate Park
55 Music Concourse Drive
San Francisco, CA
Online: calacademy.org

San Francisco Libraries
With free activities like designing bridges, making items with duct tape and learning about Braille, there’s something for every age at the San Francisco libraries. Learn what properties make slime the gooey substance that all kids love. Construct, design and tinker, all while making new friends!

Online: sfpl.org

photo: Steve Jurvetson

East Bay

Lawrence Hall of Science
Part of UC Berkeley, the Lawrence Hall of Science is dedicated to fostering a love of science and math, especially for those with limited access to science. Meet the animal ambassadors in the Animal Discovery Room or design and test your air-powered rocket in the Rocket Launch. Tiny tots can head to the Young Explorers Experience for hands-on exploration of water, structures and all sorts of materials. Before you leave, climb on the double helix DNA Sculpture in the Hall’s plaza.

One Centennial Drive
Berkeley, CA
Online: lawrencehallofscience.org

Chabot Space and Science Center
The Chabot’s mission is to be a place for students of all ages to learn and be inspired about the Universe and our Planet Earth. Favorite exhibits include the Sky Portal where you can see what the sky looked like at the time and place of your birth, and Beyond Blastoff where you can learn all about life on the International Space Station.

10000 Skyline Blvd.
Oakland, CA
Online: chabotspace.org

USS Hornet
Learn about naval aviation, the Apollo program and space exploration at this national landmark that is docked in Alameda. Explore the aircraft on the hangar and flight decks and take a tour of the Captain’s Bridge and Sickbay. You can even sleep overnight in the original enlisted sleeping quarters when you participate in their STEM Night Ops Overnight program.

707 W. Hornet Ave, Pier 3
Alameda, CA
Online: uss-hornet.org

photo: Anton Chiang via Flickr

Peninsula

Computer History Museum
Show the kids what life was like before you could wear a computer on your wrist with a visit to Silicon Valley’s Computer History Museum. Learn about how hardware and software has developed over the years and make a stop in the 1960s at the IBM 1401 Demo Lab. Kids will love the autonomous car exhibit, especially when they hear that these self-driving vehicles have been in the works since the 1930s!

1401 N. Shoreline Blvd.
Mountain View, CA
Online: computerhistory.org

CuriOdyssey
At this science center and zoo, kids can observe wild animals, experiment with scientific phenomena and let the natural world answer their questions. Explore science that you could do in your own backyard and discover how sounds echo off walls. See river otter swim in the habitat and watch their feeding at noon each day. At 1 p.m. watch bobcats chow down and learn how they like to sleep in hidden dens and hollow trees.

1651 Coyote Point Dr.
San Mateo, CA
Online: curiodyssey.org

Hiller Aviation Museum
For almost 20 years, the Hiller Aviation Museum has been teaching kids about this history of aviation. Sit in the cockpit of a Boeing 747 and simulate what it was like for the Wright brothers to fly the Wright Model B aircraft. The Hiller has tons of special events like the Drone Day Build-a-thon and Engineers Week in February.

601 Skyway Road
San Carlos, CA
Online: hiller.org

NASA Ames Visitor Center
This free public visitor center offers a glimpse at what life is like beyond our atmosphere. Learn what it’s like for astronauts to live and work in space. See what a real moon rock looks like. View models of previous and recent spacecraft missions from NASA Ames.

Moffett Field
Mountain View, CA
Online: nasa.gov

photo: The Tech Museum

South Bay

The Tech Museum of Innovation
Downtown San Jose is home to this interactive science and technology center. Your visit to The Tech will include interaction with robots, problem solving in The Tech Studio and even the chance to navigate weightlessness. Their new Body Worlds: Decoded exhibit will give you a glimpse inside the human body like you’ve never seen before.

201 S. Market Street
San Jose, CA
Online: thetech.org

Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose
This 52,000 sq. ft. purple building brings hands-on discovery to the youngest learners. Get elbow-deep in some bubble exploration, use innovative materials to make art in the Art Loft and dig for mammoth bones. Then, head outside to the brand-new exhibit Bill’s Backyard where you can climb in the treetops and build some forts.

180 Woz Way
San Jose, CA
Online: cdm.org

Youth Science Institute
With three South Bay locations, the Youth Science Institute is bringing science discovery to kids throughout the year. In addition to their expansive summer camp program, you can learn about bats, owls and other native inhabitants of our local parks at their weekend programs.

Sanborn Park
16055 Sanborn Road
Saratoga, CA

Vasona Park
333 Blossom Hill Road
Los Gatos, CA

Alum Rock Park
16260 Penitencia Creek Road
San Jose, CA

Online: ysi-ca.org

Intel Museum
The Intel Museum let’s us see what it’s like inside an ultra-clean, highly automated silicon chip factory and connect with technologies that give us new ways to work, learn, play and communicate.

2200 Mission College Blvd.
Santa Clara, CA
Online: intel.com

photo: Marine Mammal Center/Adam Ratner

North Bay/Marin

Marine Mammal Center
When seals and sea lions need to be nursed back to health they are brought to the Marine Mammal Center. Here, scientists and volunteers provide them with the medicine, nutrition and skills needed to release them back into their natural environment. Visitors can learn all about these efforts on one of the guided tours, or you can tour the facility for free on your own.

2000 Bunker Road
Sausalito, CA
Online: marinemammalcenter.org

Bay Area Discovery Museum
Specially designed for kids 10 and under, the Bay Area Discovery Museum sits just on the other side of the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco. Here kids learn how to put their creativity to use in art projects that change with the seasons. The Bay Hall provides a small-scale simulation of the Ports of San Francisco and Oakland. Outside, an Imagination Playground brings giant foam blocks that are perfect for building.

557 McReynolds Road
Sausalito, CA
Online: bayareadiscoverymuseum.org

Bay Model Visitor Center
This center hosts a massive working hydraulic model of the San Francisco Bay and Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta System. Learn all about the tides, currents and how traffic moves through these waterways. Admission is free.

2100 Bridgeway
Sausalito, CA
Online: spn.usace.army.mil

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What’s your favorite spot to explore STEM in the Bay Area? Give us the 411 below!

—Kate Loweth

Featured image courtesy of The Tech Museum

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