We’ll keep our fingers crossed for blue skies and sunshine, so you and the kids can fit in all the exciting events this weekend. We know many families will be looking for egg hunts and other activities to celebrate Easter. But before you do, head to the Washington State Spring Fair. Expanded for 2022, you’ll now have more chances to enjoy the tradition. Plus, every toddler’s favorite YouTube star rolls into town Friday night. Read on for our can’t-miss events.
Seattle
Washington State Spring Fair
It must be spring in Seattle because the annual Washington State Spring Fair is finally here. This year the Fair has expanded to include more days so you can have more fun with carnival rides, music, entertainment and, of course, fresh-made Fisher scones. All your favorites are back: The Farm at SillyVille, The Kids Zone, Monster Truck Rides and the Farm Fair. Plus, there are new exhibits and experiences to check out too, including Jungle Critters, Timberworks Lumberjack Show, a chainsaw carving competition and two kid-friendly performances to tickle your funny bone. Tickets required. Apr. 14-16 & 21-24. Event details
Kids Art Class
A magic art class for kids ages 8-14 is scheduled at the National Nordic Museum this weekend. Kids will draw, imagine and paint a fanciful toadstool home alongside artist, illustrator and storyteller, Willow Heath. Registration required. Sat. Event details.
Fin & Feather: Nature on the Waterfront
Seattle Aquarium and Seattle Audubon are teaming up for a seaside program that uncovers urban-dwelling wildlife in the air and sea of Puget Sound. Your mini marine biologists can learn how to look for invertebrates, birds and water-dwelling mammals at Pier 62, or you can join a guided one-mile walk to Pocket Beach for a closer look at wildlife along the Seattle waterfront. Please remember to dress for the weather. Sat. Event details.
Eastside
Blippi The Musical
Brace yourselves because toddlers all over Seattle are going to flip—Blippi The Musical is coming to town. Families will have two chances this weekend to see the YouTube star who brings the energetic and loveable character Blippi off the screen and onto the stage. In this live show kids will continue to learn about the world around them while singing and dancing along with their favorite streaming sensation. In addition to the Saturday event in Everett, families can catch Blippi on Friday night in Tacoma at the Pantages Theatre.Sat. Event details.
Spring Stroll
Spring is finally here, and with it comes lots of new plants and animals in Bellevue’s parks. Explore the season’s exciting new life, from the budding of trees to the re-emergence of all sorts of critters. Families will head out onto the trail with a park ranger to learn about this incredible season and end with a spring scavenger hunt to show off your newfound knowledge. Be sure to dress for the weather! Preregistration is required. Fri. Event details.
Egg Scramble
SeaTac Parks & Recreation is happy to offer an in-person Egg Scramble this year. This is a free and fun twist on the traditional Egg Hunt. Crafts, a face painter, balloon artists, goodie bags and of course, the Easter bunny will all be available to participants. Puget Sound Fire will also be on site, supporting the event with goodies and even a tour of the fire engine. Sat. Event details.
Valentine’s Day is often synonymous with candy (lots and lots of it), but there are only so many sweets a parent can handle. If you want to share the love with the kiddos this holiday without all the sugar, you’ve come to the right place. From family Valentine’s Day pajamas to a Love-a-Lot Care Bear, we’ve rounded up plenty of non-candy Valentine’s ideas for kids.
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Settle in for a snuggle fest with Little Sleepies adorable new Valentine's Day prints that come in sizes from baby through adult. They come in gray, pink and blue and even offer accessories like headbands and swaddle blankets.
These heart-shaped crayons can be twisted into an oval shape, and it's really two crayons in one! They're also erasable, which will save your walls and your sanity.
Embrace Valentine's Day all year long with Posh Peanut's luxurious bedding collection. This duvet brings a reversible pattern and comes with a coordinating pillow case.
This special Valentine's Day Care Bear is all about sharing the love. The classic 14-inch plush is huggable beyond belief and comes with twin hearts on its belly.
Made from beech wood conditioned with organic olive oil and beeswax, your teething tot will love to give this teether a chew. There's an additional ring of silicone beads that offers a softer experience. Plus, it doubles as a rattle!
This Los Angeles-based company is all about updating the sporting goods industry through bold and vibrant products. Their colorful products focus on spreading positivity in sports and bringing communities together.
This sweet addition to the If You Give a Mouse a Cookie book series, the story follows Mouse as he creates valentine's for his buddies, sharing what he loves about each of them.
Bean bags have never gone out of style, and Yogibo is the leader in comfy seating. Each style has zero pressure points for ultimate relaxation, and the cover is removable, washable and interchangeable.
Give your kids a little bit of your childhood with a customized reel viewer. Simply pick the pictures you want to add to your own reel and let them click away.
This lovey is the only sensory tag blanket with sewn shut ribbon tags for added safety! Each one is made with durable, micro-polyester fabric and paired with a fleece textured backing that helps reduce anxiety and helps kids fall asleep peacefully.
Watching your little one’s face as they unwrap a new holiday gift is a moment all parents look forward to. This year take some of the pressure off yourself and shop Oddbods. This brand new toy line based on the popular (and incredibly hilarious) animated kid’s series is sure to bring squeals of delight and a happy dance or two.
The seven Oddbods characters represent a diverse array of emotions and personalities—from feisty Fuse to sweetie pie Newt—and promote a message of celebrating uniqueness and individuality. And the new toy line includes push vehicles, a playhouse and even snuggly companions. Read on to see our top picks for the hottest new toys of the season, sure to bring a smile for the holidays.
This adorable little house is tricked out with all kinds of features in one compact playset: you’ll find four interior rooms, a backyard with a pool and a garden, and seven cute Oddbods figurines. The whole thing closes up with a carrying handle so it's easy to transport from playdate to porch and back again. Ages 3 and up.
Let your little mischief-makers have fun with this push-and-play truck that launches missiles! It even comes with a little Fuse figurine that fits in the driver’s seat. Who will win the epic battle of missile vs. pizza vs. ice cream? Ages 3 and up.
We all scream for Pogo’s Ice Cream truck, or maybe we’ll scream with joy when it launches tiny ice cream blobs right from the top! Pair this with Fuse’s missile-launching Monster Truck and Zee’s Tractor for an epically adorable battle. Includes a Pogo figurine that fits in the vehicle. Ages 3 and up.
This toy vehicle is Green Oddbood Zee’s tractor, but it’s not just any tractor. It’s a pizza-launching tractor (because food fights are always fun!). Includes the Zee figurine that fits right in the driver’s seat. Ages 3 and up.
When it’s time to snuggle into bed, or maybe just cozy up on the couch to watch Oddbods episodes, the perfect companion is a plush Oddbodd. The loveable, unique stuffies double as a pillow, too. They stand around 12” tall and come in all seven characters: Bubbles, Jeff, Fuse, Newt, Pogo, Slick, and Zee.
Trust us, fall is here (even though the temps may say otherwise). Get in the mood for Halloween with a visit to one of Orlando’s best pumpkin patches. These pumpkin patches offer a full day of family activities like pedal bikes, corn bins, hay rides and corn mazes. Scroll through you plan your pumpkin picking adventure!
Southern Hill Farms With the (sometimes) crisp fall air and the thrill of the holidays waiting to be celebrated, there’s nothing quite like the magic of a Fall Festival at the farm. Seasonal favorites are around every corner—think hot, fresh apple cider donuts, craft beer, s’mores for roasting over fire pits and a wide variety of pumpkins in all colors, shapes and sizes. Children are filled with delight at the sight of festival rides, bounce houses and a petting zoo.
Harvest Holler Farm and Corn Maze Come and experience a real working family farm with animals, activities and a giant hay mountain. From there you can overlook the Old Farm Miniature Golf Course and get an aerial view of Big Frank-n-Slide, one of the farm's most popular attractions. Don't miss the corn maze!
Showcase of Citrus Pumpkin Ponderosa This spot that is usually all about the citrus is hosting a Pumpkin Ponderosa for the fall season. Their pumpkin patch offers a wide variety of pumpkins in many sizes. The Country Store offers orange juice slushies, Creamsicles, jams, jellies, honey, hot sauces, soaps and much more. Book a monster truck tour for the ultimate fun!
Scott's Maze Adventures Come get lost in this massive corn maze that has a unique design each year, with twisting pathways, questions and answers, and picture rubbings. Check out the market vendors, take a farm tour and pick the perfect pumpkin.
Santa's Fall Fun: A Lot of Pumpkins At this spot, pumpkins from Ohio and New York are fresh picked, and then displayed in a shaded lot to help preserve their freshness. Pumpkins are priced by size, and most range between $3 and $13. You can even carve your pumpkins here and leave the mess behind. The Magical Maze has thirteen scary monster pictures hidden throughout—find them all and win a prize! The horse and pony rides, hay rides, bounce pillow, giant slide, barrel cart rides, mazes and play area are open continuously during fall hours.
Lake Catherine Farms: Fall Maze & Pumpkin Patch While blueberries usually the name of the game here, pumpkins and corn mazes take over come fall. They have a Scavenger Hunt Maze for families and super-scary haunted mazes for older kids and adults. They also offer free hayrides, tractor train rides and photo opportunities with vintage tractors and automobiles. For young farmers, the “hayground” and corn box are back, as well as assorted yard games for our more competitive guests.
For your next painting session, challenge your little ones to skip the brushes. Believe it or not, there are countless ways to paint without paintbrushes, using everything from balloons to fly swatters. Your budding artists will get a kick out of these off-the-wall ideas. Keep reading to get inspired.
For this simple activity, No Time for Flashcards switches a paintbrush for a pinecone. It’s all about experimenting with the materials and seeing what happens when you roll the pinecone around. At the end of it, you’ve got some pretty cool abstract art too!
Kids can make their own wrapping paper with this cool idea from Childhood 101. Gather up a bunch of different textured items from around the house to make different prints, like bubble wrap, rubber bands and mesh bags.
If you’ve got a LEGO lover in your family, they’ll be obsessed with this craft from Pink Stripey Socks. They can start by making a design out of blocks, then dip it into paint and stamp it on paper. They can also experiment with using individual bricks as stamps—the sky’s the limit.
Little ones love bubbles, so it’s not surprising that they’d also get excited about bubble painting. Artful Kids has the scoop on three different ways to paint with bubbles. They’re all fun and easy, and don’t require a ton of supplies.
Popsicle painting could be the coolest way to paint… literally. With this simple idea, freezing paint is not only a fun setup process, but it’s pretty easy to clean up, too. It's a perfect project for indoors, but the icy paint also works great on the pavement outside, too! For more info on where to pick up those handy popsicle sticks, head over to Learn with Play at Home.
New combs are the best way to get clean, clear pictures, so be sure to hit up the Dollar Store before trying your own version of this bright idea from No Time for Flashcards. The drop and drag skills needed can be tackled by even the tiniest artist, making this a great weekend project—the whole family can join in on the fun!
Art is definitely not what comes to mind when you imagine a fly swatter. But, with the right supplies (butcher paper, tape, a wall and willing swatters) you’ll see creativity flying around in a few seconds flat. You’ll be Lord of the Flies all afternoon. Zip over to Munchkins and Moms for the how-to.
The family supply of cotton balls will be in major need of replenishment after trying this project, but it’s worth watching your tiniest creator get in on the action. Ideal for toddlers on up through preschool, using clothespins and cotton balls is an excellent lesson in fine motor skills; and it helps the littles keep colors separate! Find out what you can use if you don’t have a muffin pan handy, over at Domestic Mommyhood.
Pop Art just got literal. To re-create, add balloons to poster board carnival-style, and let the kids pop to it. While this scores pretty high on the mess-o-meter, the fun factor is also sky high. Want to know how it’s done? Artistic mama Crystal explains how to get just enough paint in every balloon over at Growing a Jeweled Rose.
Squeeze a little more fun out of the afternoon by mixing up a batch of microwave puffy paint. We love the recipe and tutorial perfected by Asia of Fun at Home with Kids. We really love the condiment bottles that are used as both paint container and applicator, rolled into one.
You’ll be pulling a few out anyways, so why not use sponges to make art? Create shapes and characters, or keep it simple with one style. We can’t get enough of the adorable ode to Very Hungry Caterpillar spotted over at Buggy and Buddy.
There’s nothing cookie cutter about this creative use of everyone’s favorite baking tool. Instant stamp-like prints (perfect for filling in later!), easy handling for little hands and one-step cleanup make this idea from Mama.Papa.Bubba a sweet way to fill an open afternoon.
Make tracks for the toy box and pull out the biggest, baddest monster truck, right on down to the teeniest, tiniest sports car, and watch your kids zoom their way into creativity (extra points for making vroom noises while they paint!). Cleaning up the tires may take a little more time, but the twofer on artistic and imaginary play can’t be beat. We like how mom Jeanette over at Craftwhack set up her little painter for an afternoon of colorful tread-burning fun.
Fun with Food
Gabby Cullen
They’ll have a whole new appreciation for veggies after this project. First, slice apples, potatoes, bell peppers, celery (you can even use broccoli!) or any other fresh food you find in the fridge. Then, give each kid their “stamp” and watch as they dip and print. You can even talk about why each print looks just so, adding a little science to their art.
The days are getting shorter; you’re dreaming about the chilly temps of fall, and best of all, it’s nearly time to celebrate the best that autumn brings. We’ve brushed off our list of the best fall festivals in the country, and this year you’ll find everything from the Leavenworth Oktoberfest to the Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Festival—basically, the ultimate list of festivals you should visit at least once with the kids.
**Editor’s note: COVID safety precautions vary from event to event. Please check the websites for updated information.
Balloon pilots from all over the county fly in to be a part of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. As the largest ballooning event in the world, it features over 500 hot air balloons. Adding to the fun will be special balloon glows, a special shape rodeo, laser light shows, chainsaw carvings, fireworks, a car show and plenty of musical entertainment.
The Maryland Renaissance Festival - Crownsville, MD
Maryland Renaissance Festival
Revel Grove is your “passport to merriment” say the folks at the Maryland Renaissance Festival. Here you’ll experience events and shows that you won’t see anywhere else: jousting competitions, jugglers, artisans performing works of Shakesphere in just 20 minutes, mimes, dancers and more. Feast on such delights as Macaroni and Cheese on a Stick, Beef Fingers with White Peppered Gravy and Steak on a Stake. If you want to get in on the act, costume rentals are available.
Dates: Aug. 28 - Oct. 24th, 2021 (weekends and Labor Day Monday)
Come to Stone Mountain Park at night to experience special not-so-spooky glow-in-the-dark fun. “Play by Day” enjoying the regular attractions and special fall entertainment. Stick around after dark to “Glow by Night” by taking a journey through classic storybook tales that come to life in 10 themed areas featuring 40 scenes with glowing lights, massive carved pumpkins, bubbles, fog and more. New in 2021 is the party parade!
The famous Pumpkin Village (featuring 90,000 pumpkins, squash and gourds) is in a new location this year, just beyond the Johnsson color garden! You'll find larger-than-life insect topiaries, bugged-out pumpkin houses and a maze that'll thrill the youngest of visitors.
Willkommen! You won't want to miss one of the largest Oktoberfests in the country and this year, it celebrates 42 years of fun. Held at River West Festival Park, this event brings together international German bands, Bavarian delicacies, authentic arts and crafts as well as games and competitions for the entire family. Don't miss the Dachshund Dash and the Costume Parade!
The Salmon Days Festival is 52 years in the making, and this year's theme is "Keep on Swimming." This annual event is a celebration of the return of salmon to their “birth-waters” as well as Issaquah’s history, culture and diversity. Each year the festival attracts over 200 artists and craftsmen, live music and entertainment, sporting events and even a section of virtual events.
Since 1903, the Circleville Pumpkin Show has seen people come from miles around to see the largest pumpkins on display (In 2014, a 1,964-pound pumpkin was here. It's tough to beat that one!). You'll also find the largest pumpkin pie, various parades featuring over 40 floats and over 50 bands, live entertainment, the chance to partake in the pumpkin toss and enjoy many pumpkin spice-flavored treats.
The Annual North Carolina Pecan Harvest Festival features the Pecan Run, the Columbus Cooks pecan cooking competition (with a focus on young cooks), the festival parade, live entertainment, the Tri Beach Cruisers car show, a lot of craft vendors, an art show, an antique tractor show, of course, pecans galore!
If you’ve never seen anyone sit inside a giant pumpkin and then race it across a lake dressed in costume, then you obviously haven’t been to the West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta. This free, one-day festival is jam-packed with fun, including the weigh-off of the giant pumpkins and other monster-sized vegetables; performances by magicians, clowns and musical acts; a costume contest; a pumpkin pie eating contest; pumpkin bowling and pumpkin golf; food trucks and the giant pumpkin race.
The 27th annual Appleupmpkin Festival is held in conjunction with Kapnick Orchards Apple Festival, so you get two festivals in one! Not only will you find midway rides, carnival games, bounce houses and craft stations, you’ll also be treated to a tractor show, a straw maze, helicopter and monster truck rides, an entire scarecrow-making tent and more. There’s also an antique street fair and flea market, and an arts and crafts show if you want to get a little shopping in.
Olvera Street is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Los Angeles and for good reason. From the legendary Mexican marketplace to the historic buildings, it's a wonderful place to immerse yourself in another culture. Every year they have a Dios de los Muertos celebration that starts with a traditional procession that includes Aztec dancers and a parade of "Living Muertos," where people dress up like skeletons and don colorful costumes. There's also a chance to have your face painted up to look like a Calavera!
The festivities at this famous fall event will look a little different in 2021, but there is still fun to be had. The traditional Oktoberfest celebration won't happen, but there will be a huge focus on local businesses and artisans, creating more of a Harvest Fest vibe. There will be over 100 vendors over the three weekends, you'll still be able to eat all your favorite Oktoberfest foods and of course, the Kinderplatz kiddie area will still be open!
Following a flock of sheep may sound like something out of a nursery rhyme, but did you know it’s also one of the most beloved fall festivals in the United States? Celebrate the history of sheep ranchers in Idaho at this five-day event filled with non-stop fun: multicultural performers, storytelling, cooking classes, sheepdog trials, folklife fair, weaving demos and over 50 local artisans selling crafts and art. The spotlight event (of course) is the Big Sheep Parade, where you and your family will view the spectacle of over 1,500 sheep wandering down Main Street in Ketchum.
Good to know: The Parade Picnic at Irving’s Hill is a great spot to enjoy local fare and watch the sheep make their annual trek.
Stillwater Harvest Festival and Pumpkin Weigh-Off - Stillwater, MN
iStock
This bucolic little town on the shore of the St. Croix River not only gets a ton of gorgeous fall color this time of year, but it also hosts one of the best fall festivals around. Kids can come in costume and join in the Costume Parade which takes the children trick-or-treating to all the local downtown businesses. There's a chili cook-off and microbrew tasting, craft and food vendors and a ton of pumpkin-themed activities. Cheer on local businesses as they compete in the Pumpkin Pull (imagine being hooked up like an ox to haul giant pumpkins) and the Pumpkin Regatta—a race up the St. Croix in giant hollowed-out pumpkins for boats.
Good to know: Locals know to stick around 'til the end of the fest for the giant pumpkin drop: prize-winning pumpkins are hoisted on a crane and dropped to the sidewalk below. You can scramble in and get your share of giant pumpkin seeds for your own garden!
It's one of the state’s most popular festivals for a good reason: the Angry Orchard 5K, tons of amusement rides, a pie bake-off and pie-eating contest, a petting zoo, road races, a beer garden and pony rides. Literally, something for everyone.
This three-day smorgasbord of food and entertainment will feature over 50 local restaurants and musical acts performing on six stages. It’s kind of a big deal. Here you can sample wines, learn about local beers and watch some great chefs showing off their skills. Admission is free, and you can get a sheet of 10 “taste tickets” for just $5. Be sure to take the kids to the T-Mobile Kids’ Area too to try out the Wacky Slide, swings and to visit Toddler Town.
Over 100 hand-crafted scarecrows show up at the Scarecrow Festival in downtown St. Charles every year, and while some are designed to spook, most are charming for all ages. Visitors have a hand in the awards (vote-as-you-view in five categories), and after voting, there's enough family-friendly entertainment to last an entire weekend. Now in its 36th year, there's more than just scarecrows to admire. There's a family zone, the scarecrow stroll, live music, a professional pumpkin carver and of course, the popular scarecrow in a box.
Pioneer Farms will glow with Jack-o’-lantern grins for a whole month! At Pumpkin Nights, you will venture along a half-mile walking path, where you’ll discover the Forbidden Pumpkin City, a pirate’s cove, and more fantastical lands built using over 3,000 hand-carved real and artificial pumpkins. The celebration continues with entertainment and games in Pumpkin Central, the festival area. There’s also food, beverages, screenings of A Nightmare Before Christmas and other activities for the whole family.
Apples are a fave fall, and southern Pennsylvania has been celebrating since 1962. At this two-weekend event, you’ll find apples cooked up in more ways than you’ll have thought possible: apple cider, applesauce, pies, jellies, pancakes, syrup, candied apples and much more. Work up an appetite at the Kid Country Barn where your tiniest festival fans will enjoy face painting, harvest magic shows, and apple pie-eating contests. There are hayrides, pony rides, Native American dance expos, puppet shows, an antique auto show, over 300 arts and crafts vendors and a ton of family-friendly live music performances.
Good to know: Your money goes to a good cause. All proceeds (after expenses) go back into the community and to other local, state and national charitable organizations.
There are 14,000 acres of commercial pear, apple, cherry and peach orchards in Hood River County, so it’s no surprise the biggest fall festival in the Columbia River Gorge happens here. For three days in October, attendees enjoy a giant pumpkin carving contest, live music, a fruit pie-eating contest, family activities, seasonal produce, food, wine, cider, beer and local arts & crafts from nearly 120 vendors on the scenic Hood River waterfront. Kids will love the activity area, complete with bouncy houses, face painting and other activities.
Looking for the world’s largest cranberry festival? You’ll find it in Warrens, WI—over 120,000 people show up each year. Wander through 850 arts & craft booths and enjoy contests like Guess the Weight of the Largest Pumpkin, Best Scarecrow, Biggest Berry, Marsh Medallion Hunt and more. Tasty eats are everywhere and include unusual offerings like cranberry cream puffs and deep-fried cranberries on a stick. One of the coolest things to do at the festival is to take a tour of the cranberry marshes. You’ll visit two local marshes, walk into a cranberry bed, and learn all about the growing process. Local eats including fresh cranberries, wine and other products can be bought at the end of the tour!
The 48th Annual Harvest Festival in Santa Fe is held at El Rancho de las Golondrinas—a living museum similar to Williamsburg, VA—and there are 200 acres to explore. Wander through over 30 buildings, see ponds and waterways, spot animals, and check out agricultural fields that produce traditional crops like corn, squash and peppers. During the Harvest Festival, visitors encounter “villagers” going about their daily routine: crushing grapes, stringing chilies, making tortillas, weaving cloth. Traditional Southwestern music and dance is also a festival highlight, as well as an artist market with New Mexican crafts, mule-drawn wagon rides, and more. Rated one of the best harvest festivals in the country, families will learn about the rich culture of the Southwest.
The Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival - Half Moon Bay, CA
The self-proclaimed World Pumpkin Capital gives other harvest festivals a run for their money with the combination of a small seaside community and pumpkins, pumpkins everywhere! This year it's going to be a mini-fest, on one day and scaled-down festivities. You'll still find top crafters and artists from around the country, the 43rd Annual Pumpkin Run, the famous pumpkin weigh-off, a costume contest, a pumpkin carving, a pie-eating contest, and plenty of good food. Be sure to bring cash so you can get a picture with the winning pumpkin!
Everything’s bigger in Texas, and when it comes to festival royalty, Queen Tunaep and King Reboog (yup, peanut and goober spelled backward) are no exception—since the late '30s the festival court has donned be-jeweled and be-ribboned gowns and capes that make Queen Elizabeth look like an amateur. But the glamorous get-up of the Bohemian Blooms Court is not the only fun for families in Floresville during the festival. There’s the Goober Games, which is filled with kid faves like sack races, peanut toss, and musical peanut; the parades are worth a watch too.
Fall wouldn’t be the same without the changing of the leaves. The tree-covered hills in southern Ohio are the perfect spot to capture the view, and since 1968, thousands of folks have gathered for three days of fun. There are four skyline drives to take in the beauty of the leaves: Buckskin Loop, Paint Vista Loop, Pike Lake Loop and Redbush Loop. Kids will love both the live pet show and the stuffed animal pet show (with categories such as largest, smallest, most unusual, most lovable), and the kiddy tractor pull. Adults will love the flea market, tribute bands, 5K run and more.
This year marks the 11th annual event taking place under the Oktoberfest Bigtop at Smith Fields. If you’re a kid age 12 and under you get in for free; anyone over the age of 12 needs to chip in $7. You’ll be entertained with great German music and a few crazy contests including log sawing, keg throwing, stein holding, and for the kids, a chicken dance-off. Lots of beer, bratwurst, sandwiches and soups too. The kids will especially enjoy the hot dog with mac & cheese plate.
Celebrating the rich agricultural history of pecans (the harvest goes all the way back to pre-colonial times) the Louisiana Pecan Festival has grown from a Frontier Days theme in the early ‘70s to a three-day festival filled with fun for the whole family. The weekend kicks off with Children's Day. There are arts and crafts booths, a cooking contest, carnival rides, great food, musical entertainment, the Grand Parade and a fireworks show on Saturday night is followed by the Street Dance. Be sure to hit up The Country Store, where you can pick up homemade pecan pies, pralines, jams, jellies, local honey and of course, pecans.
Vroom vroom! If your breakfast looks like a car, then it is perfectly acceptable to play with your food. CucinaPro has a waffle maker that turns your batter into edible toy cars.
The Cars & Trucks Waffle Maker Iron has seven unique molds to make everything from a police car to a monster truck and school bus. The non-stick electric waffle make not only makes breakfast a breeze but fun, too!
Simply pour your favorite pancake or waffle batter into the non stick molds and soon you’ll have seven different cars and truck shaped mini waffles. Cover them in powdered sugar or “drive” them through puddles of syrup.
The CucinaPro Cars & Trucks Waffle Maker is available on Amazon for $49.95.
Enjoy a thrilling entertainment experience with your family. Beginning this weekend Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Crushing It!is back. The 30-minute, six-episode series will air across the country with the first episode kicking off this Sat. Jul.18.
Hosts Tommy Kane and Kristen Beat return to immerse viewers in the exhilarating world of monster trucks through new stories and unprecedented access to the creators and stars of the international Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live tour.
Ep. 1: Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Crushing It! is back and bigger than before! Don’t miss a behind the scenes look of what it takes to be a monster truck driver with driver, Christian Stormin’ Norman. The trucks roll into Mattel headquarters for a day of monster truck fun. Experience the making of the Crushing It! soundtrack.
Ep. 2: Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Crushing It! returns to Mattel headquarters and sits down with a legendary Hot Wheels designer to talk about the creation of the iconic Bone Shaker skull. Kick back with the Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live team while they visit driver, Derick Anson, for his annual Halloween party and hang out with 5-year-old Aiden who is “crushing” a chronic health condition.
Ep. 3: Go back in time to learn all about the person who invented monster trucks, Bob Chandler! Get an exclusive look at the original monster truck, BIGFOOT®, and the team behind all the action.
Ep. 4: Experience the very first Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live show in Edinburg, Texas. As you watch the thrilling jumps and stunts of these epic monster trucks, learn the science behind what makes these monster trucks fly high and go fast. Get behind the wheel of a monster truck with host, Tommy Kane, and learn how to drive a legendary monster truck.
Ep. 5: Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live goes across the pond for the first ever international tour in Europe. Get a backstage pass with Rebecca Schnell, driver of Hot Wheels® Racing #1, as she prepares for her first monster truck tour with her husband, Darron, driver of BIGFOOT®. Visit Manchester, England with event host, Freddie Sheppard, and see what it takes to pull off a European tour!
Ep. 6: Hit the road with Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live to visit Cody Elkins at his home and witness some dazzling stunts from the superstar of Freestyle Motocross! Demo Derby visits Victory Junction, a camp for children with serious or chronic medical conditions. Learn about the design process in making a toy monster truck with designers at Mattel headquarters.
Can you feel it? From the temperature changes to the smell of chestnuts roasting over an open fire, and the holidays “deals” flooding your inbox, December and the holiday season are officially here! With gift-giving at the top of everyone’s mind and little ones dreaming about what special presents they will receive, parents are beginning their search for the best toys, games, and activities for their kids to enjoy. While receiving toys always brings joy to every child, studies have shown that an environment with fewer toys is better for your child’s overall development, allowing them to engage in healthier play, leading to deeper cognitive development.
With endless options for what to gift that special child in your life, consider thinking outside of the proverbial “present box” and inspire your child with the gift of an experience! There are loads of experiences that will fuel their imaginations, promote positive social interaction and gives both the child and the gift giver memories that will last far beyond a single day! Experience gifts can be one-time adventures or ongoing occurrences, extravagant or home-grown, elaborate or simple. Below are just a few examples!
1. Tickets to an event: Whether it’s a concert, play, sporting event, or even a monster truck rally, looking forward to an upcoming event can be almost as exciting as going to it. By simply exposing kids to the Arts and creative outlets, they might be inspired to try it out for themselves.
2. Membership to a children’s museum, zoo or amusement park: An annual pass to nearby attractions encourages family outings and helps create priceless family memories that can last a lifetime in your child’s mind.
3. Classes in a Child-Focused Program: Places like The Little Gym, an art studio, or cooking class come with the opportunity to improve existing skills and learn new ones. Programs like The Little Gym allow children to build their self-confidence, make new friends and express their unique personalities in a fun, warm, nurturing and safe environment. These are skills that will last well beyond a single day, more like their lifetime!
4. A coupon for an outing: Parents can let their child choose their own adventure, whether it be an outing to their favorite playground with a picnic lunch or a trip to the movies and a beloved homemade dinner. This one-on-one time is a unique gift for both the child and the gift-giver.
Experiences like child-centered programs, memberships at local attractions, or monthly subscriptions to kid-friendly magazines, books, crafts, or science activities are all great choices for experiential gifts! Remember, it’s the thoughtfulness behind the experience and the time spent together that really counts.
Experienced Director in Curriculum and Training with a demonstrated history of working in the entertainment, education, health wellness and fitness industry. Skilled in nonprofit organizations, event planning, customer service, franchising, entrepreneurship, coaching and sales.
Whether you’re headed on a road trip or planning a jet-set getaway, you’ll want an umbrella stroller for your little one. Many destinations offer strollers for rent, but bringing your own offers the convenience of getting through airports and train stations with ease (and knowing your kids have a clean, safe ride).
But with so many choices, it’s hard to know which stroller will meet your travel needs. And what’s the difference between a lightweight stroller and an umbrella stroller? Read on for all the answers, and some great stroller options for all your adventures.
Lightweight vs. Umbrella Stroller
Many big-box stores use the term “lightweight” and “umbrella” interchangeably for compact, light and convenient strollers. But there are actually subtle differences between the two. With hook-like handles and, typically, a vertical fold (which means they can stand upright), umbrella strollers bear the name of rain gear with similar features. Umbrella strollers may not have all the premium features of a traditional stroller, such as tilting seats and five-point harnesses, but many options offer nearly fully loaded rides that skimp only on weight. In contrast, the lightweight category offers standard features, like reclining seats, on most models. And they fold horizontally.
Travel Need: Awesome for Airline Travel
You can use any stroller in an airport and check it when you arrive at the gate, but that could mean a wait when you arrive at your destination. If you want to be able to pick up and go when you land, you’ll want a stroller that fits in the overhead compartment.
We like the BabyZen Yoyo because of the airline-approved stamp it has received from nearly every carrier (but contact your airline to confirm it will fit for your flight). Weighing under 13 pounds, this ultracompact, luxury travel stroller can be folded and unfolded with one hand so you can hold your baby while you get ready to roll. The Yoyo accommodates children between 16 and 40 pounds. It is also compatible with some car seats to create a travel system.
Travel Need: City Strolling
Urban areas demand a stroller that is narrow, light and easy to maneuver around crowds. Even the most aerodynamic of strollers can feel like a monster truck on city streets. Enter the Zoe XL1 v2, which offers a unique add-on accessory: a travel backpack that custom-fits the stroller (you can also purchase straps to wear the stroller on your back with no additional cover).
The Zoe weighs a mere 11 pounds and is compact enough to fit in most airlines’ overhead bins. The sunshade features a magnetic peekaboo window (handy, since Velcro closures can wake a sleeping baby), and it can recline to 165 degrees. Best of all, the Zoe has a tall handle that makes it easier to maneuver than the lower handles you’ll find on many other umbrella strollers. The stroller is ideal for children from 3 months and has a weight limit of 55 pounds.
Travel Need: Everyday Errands and Outings
If your travels or your daily routine have you constantly on the go, check out the Britax B-Free. It combines the premium features typically found in a traditional stroller in a more compact, one-hand-fold, all-terrain model.
While the company labels this a lightweight model, at 22 pounds it is a bit heavy for the category, but still much lighter than a traditional stroller. In many ways, it combines the best features of all the stroller types: It’s loaded like a traditional stroller, weighs in like an umbrella stroller and — with only three wheels — maneuvers like a jogging stroller. It can also be converted into a travel system.
Travel Need: Park Hopping and Zoo Stomping
If you’re checking out a bunch of cultural perks and putting your stroller through some wear and tear, you’ll want one that can handle the demands of a day-long excursion at a bargain price. Many tourist destinations require that you leave your buggy unattended in front of attractions, and sometimes strollers go missing.
The Kolcraft Cloud Plus, which retails for $59.99, has an ample, three-tier sunshade to protect your little one from the outdoor elements. The generous basket is sized for all-day excursions; it’s even large enough to hold a diaper bag or a cooler. The Cloud Plus has a five-point harness and an adjustable seat (perfect for napping). Like a true umbrella stroller, the Cloud Plus folds to an upright position, making it easy to carry on trams and monorails.
Travel Need: Traveling Light With Newborns
Generally speaking, umbrella strollers are not safe or suitable for children under the age of 6 months. You should not put a newborn in any system that does not support the head and neck. Many lightweight strollers offer infant inserts, “boots,” or bassinet-like cocoons to accommodate smaller children; these accessories are often sold separately. Strollers that offer a travel system option (a fancy way of saying they are car-seat compatible) can also accommodate newborns.
The Nano by Mountain Buggy can be used with most car seats and is compatible with a cocoon ($69.99) that allows a newborn to lie completely flat. This stroller weighs less than 13 pounds and can accommodate children up to 44 pounds (or 4 years old). It’s ideal for air travel, as it easily fits on most airlines. If you have an older child who needs to hitch a ride from time to time, a scooter called the Freerider ($99.99) can be attached—and detached for solo scooting.
Travel Need: A Seat With a View
The easiest way to travel is with a happy baby, and a baby who can see their surroundings is usually a content camper. The Cybex Eezy S Twist swivels a full 360 degrees, giving your little one a chance to ride facing forward, facing you or facing sideways (this is a game changer for zoo trips, aquarium visits and more!).
It has a narrow frame (it measures just 18 inches wide) and weighs 13 pounds, so you can maneuver it through tight spaces. It’s recommended for children over 6 months (and can fit kids up to 55 pounds). When it’s naptime, it reclines to a near-flat position. The partial canopy has UPF 50+ protection. And, possibly our favorite feature, the stroller parts are machine-washable.
Travel Need: Traveling with Two or More
If you have twins or two young kids, you’ll want to look for a buggy that can accommodate the individual needs of each child. Think independently reclining seats and sunshades. The Joovy TwinGroove Ultralight Stroller offers all this in a system that can be used from birth up to 50 pounds.
While the stroller can handle 100 pounds total (50 for each kid), it weighs only 26 pounds. Each seat reclines to a near-flat position, making it great for long, nap-filled trips. The only downside: The stroller is spot-clean only. Pro tip: You can usually find this stroller for under $200 at a big-box store.
