School is in! But preschoolers are still out half the day. What to do? Try a new playground, of course. From a pirate-themed paradise to an oasis where fake bears stand guard, we found great options for young kids that need to build up or burn off energy. Click through our album to discover them all.
What is your favorite playground? Let us know about it in the Comments!
— Mistie Lucht
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Photos: courtesy of Playground Pointers
Your little monkey loves to climb, climb, climb. When he or she gets tired of scurrying up the ladders at the playground, head to an indoor tree house. You’ll find big, faux trees made just for kids at special spots around town, and they’re well worth the trip. Click through our album to see where you can make like Tarzan and Jane — swinging, climbing, sliding and playing the day away.
What is your favorite indoor play space? Let us know in the Comments!
— Tiana Kubik
Little one growing up too fast? Then take her to these larger-than-life exhibits and displays that’ll put their pint-sized bodies into perspective. You might even feel small standing next to dinosaurs, space shuttles, and a giant! Tip: Bring an ice pack because you’re gonna need to soothe all of those craning necks!
Newseum
This unlikely place for jaw-dropping attractions will surprise you with eight 12-foot sections of the Berlin Wall (weighing 30 school buses) and a 3-story tall antenna that was atop the World Trade Center. Visit soon because up to four kiddos get in for free with each paid adult through Labor Day!
Cost: Adults/$22.95; Kids/Free (through Labor Day)
555 Pennsylvania Ave., NW (Archives)
888-639-7386
Online: newseum.org
National Harbor
Can your tyke help the giant free itself from the banks of the Potomac River? That is, if she can reach its fingertips that reach almost two-stories into the air! Just beware, this 5-piece sculpture sits in a giant sandbox so be ready for some clean-up before heading out. While at National Harbor, be sure to check out another big sight, the Capital (Ferris) Wheel.
Cost: Free
165 Waterfront St. (National Harbor, Md)
Online: nationalharbor.com
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
Let the tots journey to a new frontier, exploring the biggest attraction of all—outer space. The only small item at this museum is the entrance fee (it’s ZERO). There’s full-sized planes, jets, and a full-sized replica of the Voyager spacecraft at the D.C. location and the Discovery Space Shuttle at the Virginia location. Right now, catch Big Bird’s Adventure in their IMAX theatre on a screen that’s 5-stories tall!
Cost: Free
Independence Ave. at 6th St., SW (L’Enfant Plaza)
202-633-2214
14390 Air and Space Museum Pkwy. (Chantilly, Va)
703-572-4118
Online: airandspace.si.edu
National Building Museum
Ever wonder what it feels like to be a mouse? Then get lost inside the BIG Maze! Play a game of Marco Polo or navigate your crew from the museum’s upper level. You can even take home a mini BIG Maze from the gift shop. Stop by now because the maze is going bye-bye after Sept. 1.
Cost: Adults/$10; Kids (3-17)/$5
401 F St., NW (Judiciary Square)
202-272-2448
Online: nbm.org
Dinosaur Land
Was there really a dinosaur called Gigantosaurus? You’ll have to swing by this oasis off Rt. 81 to find out. They’ve got over 50 ginormous statues frozen in action. Plenty to remind the tots (and the grown-ups) how small we really are. Be sure to check out the kitschy gift shop, which is almost as big as the park itself.
Cost: Adults/$6; Kids (2-10)/$5
3848 Stonewall Jackson Hwy. (White Post, Va)
540-869-2222
Online: dinosaurland.com
Are there any other larger-than-life exhibits that we should all know about? Dish in the comments section below.
—Lisa Ng
Suzy via Flickr, IU in DC via Flickr, National Harbor, Chris Devers via Flickr, ZanyShani via Flickr
City life has it’s benefits, but sometimes you just want to escape and enjoy some fresh air without the crowds. We scoured the city and surrounding areas to round up some hidden treasures that might not be on your regular rotation. Read on for five playgrounds that offer a peaceful place to play amongst Atlanta’s urban jungle.
Haw Creek Park
This playground is the perfect place to play in the woods. The shaded structures (built in 2012) resemble forrest elements, and the giant logs and life-size bears ignite imaginations. If your little cubs are still hungry for more adventure, the 85 acres and three miles of hiking trails offer plenty of other opportunities to explore.
Haw Creek Park, 2205 Echols Rd., Cumming
Tanyard Creek Park
This peaceful park offers a history lesson as well. The park entrance to this Civil War landmark looks like a collection of historical markers; however, there is much more than meets the eye here. A paved Beltway trail winds through the woods while you enjoy scenery of the winding creek, sprawling green spaces, bridges and trees before reaching an inviting playground nestled in the middle of the park. The playground itself comes complete with two different areas for younger and older tots, a huge spider web climbing structure, as well as slides, monkey bars, swings and a rock wall. Make note that there are no restrooms so go before you go or be prepared to pop a squat!
Tanyard Creek Park, Collier Rd at Walthall Dr.
Mason Mill Park
This pleasant park hits offers the perfect playground trifecta of clean bathrooms, ample parking, and awesome equipment. It is split into two separate areas—one for smaller kids and one for older children. The larger playground has a three-story tall climber and a pirate ship-themed area. The big tube slides can be a bit fast for smaller children so keep a watchful eye. The nearby nature trails offer plenty of opportunities for exploration as well.
Mason Mill Park, 1340 McConnell Dr., Decatur
Brownwood Park
Just a few blocks south of EAV, this urban oasis offers plenty of parking spaces and feels safe not sketchy. You won’t know you are only a block off Moreland Avenue as you enjoy the clean playground and cute, community garden.
Brownwood Park, Emerson Ave at Brownwood Ave. SE
Jones Bridge Park
Perhaps the only thing parents love more than a quiet playground with clean bathrooms and plenty of parking, is a shaded, quiet playground with clean bathrooms and plenty of parking! Tots will love the “elevator” on the big kid playset and don’t forget to bring bread to walk down to the river and feed the ducks. There is a pavilion for picnics if you wish to stay and enjoy a bite alonng the banks of the ‘Hooch.
Jones Bridge Park, 4901 E Jones Bridge Rd., Norcross
Did we miss a spot? Share your secret spot to play with us in the comments section below! Or if you are looking for more places to play, click here for our list of the best playgrounds in Atlanta.
—Phebe Wahl
Photos courtesy of via Addy C. Alejandro O. Kathleen M. Yelp, Haw Creek Park via Facebook and Forsyth County
Looking for a few new ways to milk those last hot days of summer before the kids head back to school? We asked Red Tricycle’s New York City writers to share their favorite ways to spend a summer day in the city with their kids. Flip through our photo book to see their awesome adventures. Then, add a few of these fun activities to your summer bucket list and check them off before fall weather arrives.
What fun have you had in the city this season? Share your summer highlights in a Comment. Go ahead, brag a little!
A forest in the heart of San Francisco? It’s hard to believe that a natural oasis could exist right under our noses. Embarking on an outdoor adventure with your city-slicker kids is as easy as parking your car and climbing a flight of stairs. With densely packed eucalyptus trees and pristine views of the city, Mount Sutro Open Space Reserve offers a quiet escape from the city and a major calf-toning workout. Throw on your trusty hiking shoes and make the trek out to San Francisco’s Cole Valley neighborhood to explore this remarkable hidden gem.
Located behind UCSF Medical Center on Parnassus, the first saplings of this 61-acre forest were planted in 1886 by a group of schoolchildren at the behest of SF legendary tycoon Adolph Sutro (of Sutro Baths fame). Left largely untamed for years, this forested oasis, owned jointly by UCSF and the city of San Francisco, was given a major face-lift in 2011. With trails including Historical, Mystery Ridge, and Fairy Gates, there are miles of adventure throughout this lush preserve.
How to Do It
First, Check out this link for a printable map. There are multiple trails and entry points. Most of the paths aren’t particularly stroller-friendly, but with a bit of maneuvering and some major biceps, some of the shorter trails could be navigated with a decent baby jogger. Parents with babies and toddlers may find the excursion more rewarding with backpacks and front packs. (This is an awesome trek for new mommies hoping to burn off some extra calories!)
At 17th and Stanyan, just past Grattan playground in the Cole Valley neighborhood, you can enter via stairs. This access point requires a good deal of uphill walking and the trail itself is fairly bumpy with the occasional twisted root and errant rock, but there is usually parking available in the neighborhood.
Up the hill from 17th the Belgrave entry offers easier on-foot access, though street parking is more limited. This trail also leads more directly to the Aldea Housing area, which is a hub for other trail-head including the paths to the Native Garden.
A good bet for coming with the kiddos is the Edgewood entryway. There is usually some street parking but it is very close to public transit lines (though there is an decent incline here).
While you can’t park at the Fairy Gates trail-head, there is a paved road, Johnston Drive that you could get dropped off at, or try parking on nearby Clarendon (note this is a busy street). Fairy Gates trail is one of the rockiest so ditch the stroller for this one. You can also get to the East Ridge trail from the same spot.
The Nike Road up to the Native Garden is paved, but you cannot drive right up to it. Avoid the West Ridge and South Ridge trails with the under-five crowd. It is steep and pretty narrow. More details of hiking each trail can be found by clicking here.
What to Pack
The trails are maintained, but you won’t find many facilities in this park so pack plenty of water and snacks. There are restrooms at the Aldea Center in the UCSF Aldea Housing complex but they aren’t always open. Grattan playground has restrooms, as does the campus near the Milberry Library. Budding naturalist will benefit from a journal or sketchpad, and don’t forget your camera and binoculars. There are more than 40 species of birds living in this neck of the woods, including Great Horned Owls!
What to Wear
Layers—peel them off up when your huffing up the hill and put them back on when the fog comes creeping in. Hikers and tikes alike will require sturdy shoes as the trails can be rough and dusty or muddy depending on the time of year. There are hazards including poison oak and blackberry bushes, so longer pants are a better bet than shorts. And don’t forget to wear fairy wings, elf ears, and/or pith helmets!
Where to Eat
Hungry hunters will enjoy one of the many restaurants in the hopping 9th and Irving area of the Inner Sunset. Try Pluto’s or Nann and Curry or check out this article for suggestions on kid-friendly digs in nearby Cole Valley.
Good to Know
Poison Oak Warning! Do not go off the path and if you take a dog, which is allowed, do not let them off their leash. It forest may look innocent and lush, but those leaves-of-three are lurking there ready to ruin your day/night/week.
Go Beyond
SF City Guides offers free, guided tours of Sutro Forest. Follow this link to find out when the next one is happening. You can also take Belgrave to nearby Tank Hill where sweeping views of the city rival those of Twin Peaks. (Note the path up is semi-steep and rocky.)
Getting There
If you are driving keep in mind the various neighborhood parking guidelines. There is no public parking in the Aldea San Miguel housing complex. You can park at the (paid) UCSF garage on Parnassus. The 6 Parnassus and 43 Masonic both run along Parnassus Avenue and the N Judah runs a block away. The 37 Corbett, which you can catch at the top of Market Street near Castro, will take you up to 17th in Cole Valley, just two blocks from the 17th street trail-head.
What trails have you hiked in Sutro Forest with your Little Ones?
–Amber Guetebier
Photo credit: Amber Guetebier
The first Oktoberfest was held 1810 as public celebration for a royal Bavarian wedding. In the ensuing two hundred years it has morphed into what’s been called the largest secular celebration on Earth. Its growing popularity has been fueled by pork, potato pancakes, the chicken dance, and lots of beer. As with other holidays, we Bay area residents put our own spin on the festivities. Here are six of the best local options:
Oktoberfest by the Bay
The area’s largest and most traditional Oktoberfest runs this Friday through Sunday. It boasts two alternating oompah bands, Bavarian folk dancers, sausages and related pork products, and an ocean of crisp Spaten. Friday and Saturday night sessions are 21 and older. If you want a guaranteed place to sit, easy access to food, a bar, and bathrooms, use the web site to order VIP tickets.
Oaktoberfest
Oakland’s 5th annual festival is held in the Dimond District which was a turn of the century oasis of German beer gardens and vacation resorts. Although Oakland’s free street fest has German beer, food and entertainment, its broad offerings reflect the city’s diversity. Most of the beers are from local craft brewers, local food vendors sell a variety of fare, and the music runs the gamut from Bavarian to world beat. Avoid the lines by using the website to purchase drink ticket packages….
To read more about where to throw back a few for Oktoberfest, click here!
This is our weekly guest post from our friends at 7×7, a site that keeps you up on the best of SF. We’ve teamed up for an exciting partnership to bring you a fantastic Date Night idea each week. Be sure to check out their blog for hourly doses of the best of SF.
Our new series A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood will showcase fun itineraries for parents and kid’s adventures in different Bay Area neighborhoods. Read up on where to go at the Red Tri website, then look for our window clings to locate Red Tri-approved businesses when you’re on the ground in the neighborhood! All itineraries are meant to keep kids and adults entertained for about four hours.
Berkeley’s Fourth Street is an oasis of upscale shops and attractive eateries in the formerly industrial neighborhood of the Berkeley marina. It’s a great place to explore with kids, as most of its attractions are within walking distance even for little legs. While you do have to hop in the car to head to Adventure Playground, we assure you kids will think it’s worth it!
Shop: Be sure not to miss the Ark Toys while you’re browsing through the Fourth Street boutiques. This local chain has several outposts in SF and the East Bay, but each is something special. The Fourth Street Ark is known for their awesome train display, which younger kids especially find enchanting.
Eat: Once lunchtime rolls around and wee stomachs start grumbling, you’ll find you’re spoiled for choice of restaurants on Fourth Street. It’s hard to beat Spenger’s Fresh Fish Grotto for its classic seafood and nautical vibe, however. The main dining room is even wallpapered in boards from an old sailing vessel, which adds an element of adventure to mealtimes. Their kids’ menu is known for having some healthier options, although the San Francisco parent should be advised it’s never too early to ditch the kids’ menu and introduce your child to delicious clam chowder.
Do: When you’re done basking in the quaint atmosphere cultivated on Fourth Street, head one block up to the East Bay Vivarium for an ambiance that’s anything but cute. The East Bay Viv is one of the nation’s oldest and largest herpetological supply stores; for kids (and those of us who don’t speak science) that means they have reptiles! While it isn’t for the faint of heart, a trip to the store is certainly fascinating.
Play: While you can’t walk to the Berkeley Adventure Playground from Fourth Street, it’s only a short car ride away. And since it’s probably the coolest playground in the history of the universe, we recommend you make the trip. The wild playground features a zip line, tire wall, rope swing, and multiple structures, but the kicker is this: designed to get kids creative juices flowing, the adventure playground actually allows them to build and paint on the play structures!
Check out our list of approved businesses in the area for more fun ideas, and let us know about your own Fourth Street adventures in the comments section below!
Red Tricycle Approved Fourth Street:
Shop:
The Ark Toys
Books, Inc.
Castle in the Air
Sweet Potatoes
Eat:
Bette’s Diner
Café M
Spenger’s Fresh Fish Grotto
Tacubaya
Get revved up and ready to romp through Ravenna with your kids. The renovated Ravenna-Eckstein park & playground (6535 Ravenna Ave. NE) is equipped with the standards, but we think you’ll be tickled by bonus features. There are now ample cement paths for tots to trike before the sunshine becomes scarce. Lure older siblings with the elaborate rock-climbing structure towering over a set of ‘big kid’ swings a few yards away from the littles’ area. Tip: Show your S.O the pix you’ve snapped on your cell while Junior plays, and you’re sure to get some “me” time while he or she takes the kids to do a little climbing of their own. When pesky fall drizzles threaten, head indoors to the Ravenna-Eckstein Community Center; the entire playroom has been renovated to include a climber with slides, and oodles of ride-on cars, motorcycles and trikes—perfect for the 0-5 crowd. Starving yet? Zip over to Bagel Oasis, or grab some tasty Mediterranean fare at Vios Cafe, nestled conveniently in the back of Third Place Books. Let the toddlers snack and then dive into the enclosed, toy-filled oasis while you sip your espresso. Vios features a Kids Meze plate with grilled chicken, hummus and fresh fruit. Visiting on Saturday? Enjoy story time at Third Place.
—Matina Fresenius
Paint The Town Red (and Yellow and Blue!)
Next time you’re at U-Village and Little One is just done with the whole idea of shopping, head over to Paint The Town to unleash his inner Leonardo. At this ceramics-painting-studio-cum-kiddie-oasis, your budding artistes get to select from hundreds of ceramic items to decorate as they please. Figurines of fairies, horses, cars & snakes are big hits with the preschool set while older kiddos gravitate to the trinket & treasure boxes. Adults dig the assortment of plates, bowls, platters, & mugs (although we won’t tell anyone if you want to paint a unicorn).
Mom & studio owner Mary Anne Stusser is super kid-savvy, so smocks are provided and all of the paint is non-toxic & washable. Paint The Town ‘helpers’ (i.e. baby wranglers) are there to assist you in the process of making keepsake handprint/footprint pieces to display in your nursery or give as a gift (ask about booking a handprint/footprint party at your next playgroup or mom’s club).
Birthday parties are a blast in their studio (leave the mess there), or you can take everything to your own location. Check out their weekday specials to score great deals such as “Munchkin Monday” and “Printapaloosa Tuesday” (15% off handprint/footprint items). Or, sign up for one of the seven week-long summer camp sessions (for kids 6 -13) in July and August. Kids will enjoy a world of crafts including paper mache and beading projects. Whether you’re there for a party, camp, or just to paint with your Little One, Paint The Town’s staff provides plenty of friendly one-on-one assistance & painting tips to help you with your creation.
Paint The Town University Village – Seattle
Located next to Fireworks, close to the playground (FYI – the tiles at the playground were all painted at Paint The Town)
206-527-8554
www.ceramics-painting.com
PS: Mention “Red Tricycle” when booking your child’s birthday party or summer camp session to receive a 10% discount!
