Anyone can buy princess and pumpkin getups for a discount—but did you know you can also find luxury Halloween costumes for kids? We’re talking the finest fabrics and stunning, over-the-top designs that you’ve never seen at the school Halloween parade before. Behold, Chasing Fireflies and its amazing selection of wow-worthy Halloween costumes.
If you’re willing to spend a literally pretty penny on these Halloween costumes, your little trick-or-treater will be in for one fancy treat this Halloween. Here are some of our favorite picks from
Midnight Fairy Costume
Why be a fairy, when you can be a FAIRY!? This darker soul sister is dressed to the nines in a full tulle skirt and silver embellishments. The set also comes with wings and a black eye shade.
You'll find this midnight fairy costume at Chasing Fireflies for $100.
Two-Person Dragon Costume
Score two for the price of one when it comes to this two-person dragon costume! The soft fabric with a dragon scale print, shaped head and scales make this a great choice for your Dino lovers!
Find this hilarious two-person costume for $99 at Chasing Fireflies.
Music Festival Hippie Costume
Let your little hippie roam free in this three-piece hippie costume that comes with a kimono, dress and headpiece. The fringed dress and paisley kimono print make this the perfect pairing with your free-spirited gal.
You little fishermen would love to get their fins on this Angerfish costumer. This two-piece design includes battery-powered lights, pectoral, dorsal and feet fins.
You'll only find this Anglerfish costumer at Chasing Fireflies and for a whopping $99.
Here Comes the Bride Costume
What little girl doesn't want to be a bride one day? Now her dreams can come true with this luxury wedding dress with peplum skirt, lace and ruffled bodice. The set also comes with a belt and veil.
Find this $99 costume and separate petticoat at Chasing Fireflies.
Whimsical Octopus Costume
Under the sea! This luxury octopus costume is perfect for boys or girls. This set comes with a hat and bodysuit with eight puffy tentacles.
My lords and ladies! Game of Thrones or medieval-era lovers will swoon over this complex costume. It comes with velour cape with a wide faux fur color, tunic, pants and faux leather boot covers.
You'll find this costume and even more for a coordinated family look at Chasing Fireflies for $79.
Look out Mickey Mouse! A new theme park is coming to the Midwest and it is going to be massive. The newly-announced Planet Oasis amusement park will cover 350 acres of land, or roughly four Disneylands.
The new theme park will be located in Sunbury, Ohio just outside of Columbus. Besides the traditional amusement park activities like roller coasters and a ferris wheel, the park will also feature some unique attractions including and indoor waterpark and surfing, BMX racing, skydiving, a 15 – 20 acre salt water lake with beach and boardwalk, a Medieval Times and a butterfly museum.
The park will also include several hotels, restaurants and a 160,000 square-foot indoor sports arena. Ohio already offers two of the most popular amusement parks in the country, Cedar Point and Kings Island, both of which attract millions of visitors annually. So it makes sense that a new theme park would fit into the midwest state perfectly.
Construction on Planet Oasis is set to begin later this year with an open date for nearly half the park set for 2019 and 75 percent complete by 2020.
Southern California has a lot to offer and while some things like the beaches, Hollywood and the like seem to get a lot of attention, there are a ton of attractions that deserve their day in the sun as well. Enter: Buena Park — a town located just 24 miles southeast of DTLA (cough, cough, closer than Anaheim) that is chock full of entertaining twists and turns to keep a family happy all weekend long. From pirates to pizza, check out our top picks below.
California Welcome Center
Andie Huber
First things first, make your first stop the California Welcome Center located in what was once a Stage Stop Hotel and located conveniently on Beach Blvd. With only 16 welcome centers in all of the state of California, this hub is a treasure trove of information, recommendations and can even help secure tickets thanks to the help of Southern California Ticket & Tours, assist in lodging and make restaurant reservations.
Don't forget to pick up the free maps (the kids loved navigating us around the old-fashioned way) and grab a photo op with Walter and Cordelia Knotts (who made the area famous by selling their berries, preserves, and pies).
Hours: Mon. - Sat. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sun. 9 a.m. to noon. Closed for all major holidays.
California Welcome Center 6601 Beach Blvd. Buena Park Online: visitbuenapark.com
John's Incredible Pizza Co.
Andie Huber
Now that you're filled up with information, fill up those bellies with John's Incredible Pizza that is, not ironically, pretty incredible. Here's how this symposium of fun works, because it's not just pizza after all.
First, hit the all-you-can-eat buffet of pizza, salads, sides, and desserts and then pick one of the themed rooms to eat to your heart's content. We choose the Toon Time room where various televisions and screens played all the kid's favorites while we ate but next time we'll check out Cabin Fever (a lodge experience) and the Hall of Fame (for the sports fanatics).
Next? Get ready to play! This indoor play space has it all. From arcade games to laser maze, bumper cars to a special Kiddie Land reserved just for the little ones, be prepared to spend hours here riding and playing your way around. And of course, hit up the prize counter before you leave to cash in all those tickets.
Pro Tip: If you are there on a weekend or a holiday, get there as early as possible to avoid long lines. And while it's not obvious at first, John's Incredible Pizza Co. is located in the mall on the lower level.
The convenience of the Holiday Inn can't be beaten — located on the same street as many of the local attractions, the recently renovated hotel also boasts a heated outdoor pool, free Wi-Fi, and restaurant where kids get to eat for free.
The rooms are spacious enough for a family of four to cozy up but they also have adjoining rooms if you want a little more space between you and the kids at night.
Holiday Inn Buena Park 7000 Beach Blvd. Beuna Park, CA Online: visitbuenapark.com
Medieval Times
Andie Huber
Medieval Times transports everyone to a Spanish kingdom where Knights battle it out for honor and prestige in front of the Queen, horses dance and troupe their way across the arena, a falcon swoops high above your head in a fearless flight of showmanship all while you get to eat a four-course meal with your hands.
The pomp and circumstance is seriously impressive and for anyone who appreciates the skill and mastery that comes with Classical Dressage, you'll be awed by the talent of the horses and their masters.
When the jousting action gets underway, the crowd, broken up into teams, goes wild routing for their color Knight. While I eschew violence of any kind (even the play-kind and was a bit dismayed when the crowd called for one of the knight's deaths when they had a choice to let him live or die), my kids really enjoyed it (see photo above).
Oh and you can pretty much eat as much garlic bread as you want. #score
Medieval Time Dinner & Tournament 7662 Beach Blvd. Buena Park Online: medievaltimes.com
Queen For a Day
Andie Huber
You know it's a good sign of a good time when the kids insist on wearing their Medieval Times' crowns the next day at breakfast.
The hotel offers generous choices for the kid's meal (remember they're free as well), so don't forget to stop in at least for some pancakes or french toast before you start your day.
Knott's Berry Farm
Andie Huber
Both local attraction and world-class thrill provider, Knott's Berry Farm is literally, fun for all ages. If you have a little one under the age of five, head to Camp Snoopy where rides on trains, airplanes, and hot air balloons are all the rage. Snoopy and friends hang out here too so getting photos with the cuddly pals is super easy.
Pop into Grizzly Creek Lodge for lunch and then after, make sure to find the bouncy bridge under the waterfalls that the preschool set (and let's be honest, big kids too) love to walk across.
Make your way over to the Calico Railroad (stop at the carousel in Fiesta Village on the way) for a ride around the park that may involve an in-progress robbery and then saddle up for a ride on the Butterfield Stagecoach where a team of horses take you on a ride you won't forget (did people really use to travel this way?).
In need of a break? Grab a seat at Calico Mine Stage, where performances are held daily.
Pro Tip: Don't forget to pack the sunscreen!
Knott's Berry Farm 8039 Beach Blvd. Buena Park Online: knotts.com
Boysenberry & Thrills
Andie Huber
What makes Knott's extra special is they have seasonal festivals that are totally worth planning your trip for — from the Boysenberry festival (a celebration of the berry that made the area famous and now gets incorporated into various foods like quesadillas, street corn and of course, ice cream), to Knott's Spooky Farm where the whole place gets in the mood for Halloween.
And thrill-seekers rejoice! HangTime, the first and only dive coaster in California, will have its grand opening on May 18 at Knott's Berry Farm! Just make sure to hit all the eats and treats afterward.
Pirate's Dinner Adventure
Andie Huber
Ahoy Matey! ARG'nt you glad you came to the pirate adventure? We sure were! With an actual boat that sits in a pool of water, get ready for splashtastic shenanigans and good, fun for all.
We loved the show from start to finish, there was so much action to keep us all engaged the entire time. So much so, my youngest never took her eyes off the action and forgot to eat her meal. Of course she remembered to eat when the cake came out.
A more intimate experience than Medieval Times, this performance kept up the jolly good spirits with an impressive aerial show to boot. If you have antsy kids, skip the preshow and also prepare the little ones for some loud cannon blasts that come with a generous warning from the cast.
Get breakfast to-go at the hotel (save it for lunch later) and make your way over to Porto's Bakery (yes, that Porto's) and get ready to dive into the freshest baked goods by just driving down the street from the hotel. Get there early (you're up anyway right?) and enjoy the richest coffee, yummiest donuts, stuffed potato balls, cheese rolls, and famous guava pastries all without having to drive to Burbank, Glendale or Downey.
Did I mention get there early? By 11 a.m., lines form out the door.
Porto's Bakery & Cafe 7640 Beach Blvd. Buena Park, CA 90620 (714) 367-2030 Online: portosbakery.com
Turns out, not all trampoline parks are made the same and while this one has the pre-requisite jumping squares, what we loved about Big Air are things we hadn't seen in other places.
Get in a bull ride, take a stab at their climbing wall and best of all, now that you're kids have been inspired by Medieval Times and all that jousting, they can try their hand at Big Air's very own jousting competition called the Battlebeam.
Walk along the balance beam, over a ball of foam cubes, with a very large, foam jousting stick and battle your competition until they fall. Don't worry about it getting too out of hand — there's a staff person watching all the action to make sure it stays fun for everyone.
Thanks to our record dry streak and long summer days, Seattle kids are loving the extra play time at their favorite parks. But if you’ve done the local playground circuit enough your smartphone thinks you work at the neighborhood tot lot, maybe it’s time to branch out into new territory. From medieval castles, to nautical play structures, to seaside swings and lakefront lunch spots, click through the gallery to see the best playgrounds the South Sound has to offer.
Fort Steilacoom Park
This castle park in Lakewood can best be described using one word - HUGE! The historic Fort Steilacoom park spans 340 acres and includes a dog park, playground and miles of trails through fields, woods and around the small Waughop lake. The play area offers two large sets of swings, big kid and toddler play structures with bridges, hidden nooks and slides to play on. The biggest challenge is keeping tabs on the wee ones among the tall walls and enclosures, so plan a lost parent spot in advance in case you get separated.
Bonus: Bordering the west end of the park is the Pierce College campus and Science Dome which offers kid-friendly, Saturday planetarium shows for just $6 per child.
Do your kids wish they lived in a LEGO universe? Good news: They can make it (almost) a reality at a mega LEGO convention coming to town. Brickworld, held June 20 & 21 at Renaissance Convention Center in Schaumburg, has about 30 million LEGOs in one room, with displays built by LEGO master builders and former LEGOland designers. Read on for a sneak peek at what’s in store.
Mini Worlds That Will Make You Smile
In 66,000 square feet, you’ll discover one colorful build after another. Instead of sculpture-like structures that you’d see at the LEGO store, the eye candy at Brickworld is highly elaborate minifigure environments. In fact, each is like a treasure hunt in settings ranging from medieval castles to space stations. You’ll catch movie scenes, replicas of buildings, re-creations of famous paintings and more.
Play “I Spy” with the kids and home in on micro details, like donut-eating policemen, piano delivery trucks and castles with moving drawbridges. Some things are downright silly, like a skyscraper on a train layout built by the Northern Illinois LEGO Train Club; in it, there is a guy sitting on a copy machine making copies of his rear. (Yes, kids — giggle, giggle.)
Museum-Quality LEGO Art
Some builds are like pieces of art — like the Albert Einstein “mural” made by Jeremy Moody from small tiles with letters and numbers on them. Another popular display is the Great Ball Contraption, a collaboration that values function over looks as it moves marble-sized soccer balls around a loop all weekend long; there will nearly 150 modules at this year’s event. Kids will be totally mesmerized!
Grownups, there are draws for you, too. While some big exhibits are highly guarded secrets, last year had several standouts, including a tribute to Homer’s “Odyssey.” All 10 islands from the epic book were re-created in LEGO form by 19 people from around the world who used roughly 1,000,000 pieces.
Hands-On Activities for Lil’ Builders
Of course building is as much fun as looking, so Brickworld also lets kids use their imaginations and make their own LEGO creations. A big table with 20,000 pieces is open throughout the convention for free builds. You can also tinker with remote controlled LEGO robots, watch a stop-motion video made with LEGOs or use switches to operate LEGO trains. Toddlers and beginning builders will have their own kind of fun with a big pile of Duplos.
Yes, everything here is awesome. Just as a LEGO universe should be!
Brickworld
June 20 & 21
Sat., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Admission: $11; kids 3 & under are free
Renaissance Convention Center
1551 Thoreau Dr. North
Schaumburg
Online: brickworld.us/chicago
Will you attend Brickworld? Let us know in the Comments!
No matter when the urge for a ‘Sunday drive’ hits, the entire family will love a trek up to beautiful Saint Edward State Park, located on the shore of Lake Washington in Kenmore. This is much more than a play structure and some grassy fields, this parent fave sits surrounded by majestic trees and quaint brick and stone buildings.The area is beautiful and a great place to spend an afternoon with the kids!
Approximate Travel Time: 30 min North of Seattle.
What to Do In The Park:
Kids of all ages will race to the brilliant playground, constructed in 2003. You’ll discover two all-wood play areas, including a totally-fenced in area for kids up to age five. Older siblings will enjoy neighboring climbing/hiding structures with a medieval castle theme. Take time to stroll along one of several easy hiking trails winding through the woods, or down near the beach. An entire afternoon could be spent exploring this park, easily.
Where To Next:
Next stop, a short drive over to Snapdoodle Toys — they’ve got aisles of fresh-for-the-holidays toys for you and the kids to meander through. You’re sure to find a few holiday gifts in their enormous selection — from indoor, rainy-day goodies like art supplies and books, to get-moving gadgets including Wheely Bugs and Prince Lionheart bikes. Sneak a peak in Snapdoodle’s DoodleZone –a room you can reserve for birthday parties. Plus! you can grab a free latte or cup of tea at Snapdoodle.
Where to Eat:
Check out neighboring Mia Roma, or local-favorite TaiHo. No time to sit? Plan ahead and give Kenmore’s Jet City Pizza a ring — pick one up to take home.
Inspired by a certain trick-or-treating dancing bear who once jetéd her way up and down the block, this collection of combo costume ideas will surely get your kid an extra piece of candy from impressed neighbors.Out-of-the-bag Halloween costumes are so last year. Give these a go this fright night and be the talk of the playground.
1. Ballerina Bear – The costume that started this story is adorable from top to bottom in combining girly childhood favorites teddy bears, tutus, and tiaras.
2. Vampire Bunny – The well read among your neighbors may get the James Howe Bunnicula reference, but most will likely just laugh-in-terror at the fangs, floppy ears, and bloodied carrots.
3. Sir Princess-A-Lot – Girls too often get pigeonholed into dainty medieval roles, but not this year! Raid your little boy’s toy chest, then mash-up the traditional pastel-clad princess garb with a shield, sword, and cape.
4. French Mer-Maid – The mythical creature from the sea meets 20th-century servant girl in this curiously odd costume. When a feather duster and white doily apron is paired with a classic mermaid costume, many laughs will follow! Helpful tip: don’t Google “French Maid Costume” with your kids around, trust us!
5. Piglets in a Blanket – A delicious costume idea for twin babies. A pair of Piglet suits and a comfy tan blanket is more than appetizing this Halloween. Pass the mustard!
6. Steampunk Rocker – A mohawk and a monocle, and a tattered Ramones tee and a top hat — there are countless possibilities with this hip combination costume.
7. Harry Potter Pirate – With his famous wand in one hand — the one without a hook, of course — and a patch on one eye under those circular specs, your little Harry Potter Pirate will be the hit at the Gryffind-Argh Halloween party!
8. Zombie Potter – How could Harry Potter ever get cooler? Make him join the legion of the walking dead! Traditional Potter garb combines with classic zombie accents to frighten and delight.
9. Harry the Friendly Ghost – White sheet, round glasses, lightening bolt and a scarf make this the easiest combo costume ever, and a clever take on the traditional Harry Potter look!
What’s the wildest combo costume you’ve ever seen? Share your clever costume ideas in a comment below.
