Fresh Air Fun: The Best Spring Day Trips from NYC for Kids

by Mimi O'ConnorApril 3, 2022

The weather is turning warm, spring break is coming up (public schools are off April 15-22) and getting out of the house is top priority for most families these days. Pile into a car (or maybe a train) and head out for a day trip with the kids this spring (We’re talking two hours away or less. Some destinations are free!). Escape New York to one of these great spring day trips for kids!

This article is sponsored by Little Tikes®, which offers a variety of toys that’ll turn your backyard into a springtime playground. From water and outdoor kids’ toys to playhouses, ride-on cars and so much more, children two to six years old will be entertained for hours. To learn more about Little Tikes®’ products, visit littletikes.com.

Holland Ridge Farm

There's a small window for this trip, as it's dictated by bloom time, but if you're a tulip-lover, it's a must. Spanning more than 300 acres, Holland Ridge Farm is the largest pick-your-own flower farm in the country. (This past fall eight million bulbs were planted.) In addition to picking dozens of varieties, the farm offers tons of other activities and diversions. Meet and feed mini goats and donkeys at the petting zoo, hop on a free hay ride, fuel up at food trucks selling food and drink on-site, and grab tons of photo ops with the blooms, a giant clog, the "water dike", and Insta-ready frames. Plus: pony rides. Opening is dependent on the tulips, but April 8 is currently the target date. (You can buy tickets prior to that. Check the website for on-sale date, TBD.)

Drive-time from NYC: 1` hour, 15 minutes

Tickets: Tickets are $13 and must be purchased in advance, with reserved time slots. Kids two and under are free. Flowers are $1 per stem.

86 Rues Rd.
Cream Ridge, NJ
Online: hollandridgefarms.com

Storm King Art Center

Regular hours at this 500-acre outdoor museum resume on April 6. (Tickets are on sale now. They are released in batches and must be purchased in advance.) Dedicated to highlighting the connection of art, nature and people, the center features large-scale works on a Hudson Valley landscape of rolling hills and wide-open spaces. It's a great place to visit in the fall, due to some stunning fall foliage, but it's also a wonderful place to visit to soak in the promise of spring and get some fresh air. (Also: the kids can run around til they drop and they can't break the art.) After a pause, bike rentals and the tram are back up and running for 2022. Download a map here.

Drive-time from NYC: 1 hour, 40 minutes.

Tickets: By car: $23/1 person; $46/2 people, $65/3 people, $80/4 people Discounts for medical professionals, active military and others.

Closed Tuesdays
1 Museum Rd.
New Windsor, NY
845-534-3115
Online: stormking.org/

LEGOLAND New York

Yes, there is a hotel here (disco elevators for the win), but you can also drive up to Goshen for some brick-tastic fun for the day. LEGOLAND New York, which opens for the 2022 season on April 8, offers a mix of rides and experiences that include a tour of the LEGO factory that "shrinks" you down to Mini Figure size; a Dragon Coaster and LEGO NINJAGO, a state-of-the-art ride in which guests blast animated fireballs and lightning at a sinister gallery of villains. Don't miss "Driving School" the mini LEGO car course on which kids can get their "driver's license," located in the LEGO City section of the park. Plus lots of hands-on build opportunities, a ninja training camp, and a fun, 4D movie theater. (We saw LEGO CITY 4D: Officer in Pursuit and loved it.) MINILAND, where New York City (and many other U.S. landmarks and cityscapes) are rendered in LEGO is nothing short of mind-blowing, and you'll find more than 15,000 LEGO models, containing 30 million LEGO bricks, across the park grounds. Hot tip: Download the LEGOLAND app, which will tell you how long the wait is for rides, showtimes, and more.

Drive time from NYC: 90 minutes

Tickets: $67.99 (in advance) and up
LEGOLAND New York
1 LEGOLAND Blvd.
Goshen, NY
845-410-0290
Online: legoland.com

Long Island Aquarium

The Long Island Aquarium is home to one of the largest all-living, closed-system coral reef displays in the Western hemisphere! You'll find all kinds of animals here, including seals, sea lions, penguins, sea otters, butterflies, insects, seahorses, jellyfish and many more! Sadly, the Touch Tank is closed due to Covid-19, but you can book an interactive experience such as a Penguin Encounter or Sea Lion Selfie for an additional fee. Advance purchase of tickets is required, and you must wear a mask indoors and outside here. Hot tip: Visit the aquarium within 7 days of your birthday and get in free! (ID and birth certificate required.)

Drive time from NYC: 1 hour, 50 minutes

Tickets: $23/ages 3-12; $35/ages 13-61; $26/62 and up, free/kids 2 and under
431 E. Main St.
Riverhead
631-208-9200 x426
Online: longislandaquarium.com

Untermeyer Gardens Conservancy

You can visit this NYC-area gem for free! Formerly the estate of early 20th-century lawyer and businessman (and horticulture enthusiast) Samuel J. Untermeyer, the Untermeyer Gardens Conservancy a public park in Yonkers. The 43-acre green space dramatically overlooks the Hudson River and provides amazing views of the Palisades. The gardens include several points of interest including the Temple of Love, the Walled Garden and the Vista. Some areas of the gardens fell into disrepair, and are currently being restored.

Good to know: LEGOLAND Discovery Westchester and iFly Westchester (indoor skydiving) are both 15 minutes away.

Drive time from NYC: Less than an hour

Tickets: free, no reservation required
945 Broadway
914-613-4502
Yonkers
Online: untermyergardens.org

Howell Living History Farm

Visit to see what happened on a working farm in New Jersey from 1890 to 1910. Historical interpreters work the farm just like back in the day, planting and harvesting crops, caring for animals, building fences, and shearing sheep. They also tell visitors about farm life at the turn of the century. It's free to visit, and the best day to do so is Saturday, when the bulk of activities take place.

Drive time from NYC: One hour, 45 minutes

Howell Living History Farm
70 Woodens Lane
Hopewell Township, NJ
609-737-3299
Online: howellfarm.org

Coney Island

Yes, Coney is open and ready for you! Luna Park (home to the Cyclone, which turns 95 this year), Thunderbolt and Steeplechase, as well as lots of other less hair-raising rides opened April 2. Deno's Wonder Wheel, where you'll find the 102-year-old eponymous ride and many others especially good for little ones, opens April 10. Deno's unveiled its new "family thrill" coaster The Phoenix in 2021, and Luna Park promises new attractions and environmentally-friendly pedestrian plazas. Good to know: In 2021, Luna Park offered only pay-one-price, unlimited ride wristband admission, the cost of which was a bit steep; this season you can buy individual tickets for rides. And remember: the New York Aquarium, with its new, interactive Playquarium is up the boardwalk and legendary pizzeria Totonno's is around the corner.

Drive from NYC: Depends on where you're coming from, but the D, N, F and Q trains will take you right there.

Online: lunaparknyc.com

Online: denoswonderwheel.com

Dia: Beacon

For some large-scale art inside (also with great views) head to Dia: Beacon, the upstate outpost of the foundation dedicated to commissioning single artist projects, realizing site-specific works, and showcasing the work of a group artists from the 1960s and 70s. Similar to contemporary art center Mass MoCA in the Berkshires, you'll find spacious galleries and engaging art here. Artists whose work in on view include Dan Flavin, Richard Serra, Andy Warhol, Gerhard Richter, Donald Judd, Sol Lewitt and Charlotte Posenenske. The museum is open Friday to Monday, and you must make a reservation in advance.

Drive time from NYC: 1 hour, 50 minutes

Tickets: $15/adults; $12/kids, free/kids under 12
Dia: Beacon
3 Beekman St.
Beacon, NY
845-231-0811
Online: diaart.org

Jersey City

Just across the river, Jersey City has a lot going on, and you can even get there by train. If you've never been (and even if you have) we highly recommend the Liberty Science Center, which offers tons of engaging exhibits and activities for kids big and small. Right now, you'll find a Paw Patrol exhibit, Wobbly World for little ones, a Minecraft exhibit and a live butterfly experience. (Read our complete guide to visiting Liberty Science Center here.)

Drive time from NYC: 45 minutes; one hour by train

Liberty Science Center
222 Jersey City Blvd.
Liberty State Park
201-200-1000
Online: lsc.org

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Ship Your Unwanted LEGO Bricks to Kids in Need and LEGO Will Pay For It

by Shahrzad WarkentinMarch 2, 2022

LEGO bricks are easily some of the best creative toys for kids of all ages, but they can be a pricey investment for those living on a tight budget. But thanks to an awesome initiative, LEGO Replay, all kids can get a chance to develop those important STEM skills, and not to mention enjoy hours of creative play with LEGO.

LEGO introduced a new give-back program called LEGO Replay back in Oct. 2019, which allows families to box up LEGO bricks they no longer want and send them to kids in need for free. The program has continued to run and give your LEGO bricks new life.

All you have to do is visit www.lego.com/replay to print out a free UPS shipping label and ship it off for donation. Currently, the program only accepts: LEGO® System, DUPLO® and Technic™ Bricks and Elements from single or multiple sets, LEGO® Minifigures and Mini-dolls (no need to disassemble) and LEGO® Baseplates.

“We know people don’t throw away their LEGO bricks,” said Tim Brooks, Vice President, Environmental Responsibility at the LEGO Group. “The vast majority hand them down to their children or grandchildren. But others have asked us for a safe way to dispose of or to donate their bricks. With Replay, they have an easy option that’s both sustainable and socially impactful.”

The bricks will be given to kids in need and distributed to Teach for America (nationwide) and Boys and Girls Club of Boston and Teach for America and currently, the program has received over 597,000 pounds!

“Learning through play can have a tremendous impact on a child’s cognitive development. Through play, children develop fine motor skills, think creatively, and can learn how to problem solve throughteamwork,” said Susan Asiyanbi, Teach For America’s chief operating and program officer. “But not everyone has access to such resources. LEGO Replay, and the instructional resources they provide educators, will help give more students access to this opportunity.”

—Shahrzad Warkentin& Karly Wood

All photos: Courtesy of LEGO

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Disney World’s Star Wars Hotel Is Finally Accepting Reservations This Month

by Shahrzad WarkentinOctober 5, 2021

It’s been several years since Disney World announced plans for Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser. After several special sneak peaks like photos and a trailer, the time has nearly come to book that outer space adventure.

That’s right, starting Thur. Oct. 28, you can book that epic vacation of your dreams! To get all the deets on this immersive experience, keep reading.

If you’re not familiar with the concept of Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, guests will arrive and board at an appointed date and time. Then they’ll proceed to spend the next two days in a fully-immersive Star Wars universe experience where they can take on character roles in their own story.

Guests will enter a Launch Pod with windows where they’ll watch space zoom past them as they make the jump to hyperspace and arrive at the Halcyon. Once they board the starcruiser every window they encounter, including the ones in cabins, will display a view of deep space outside, with changing spacescapes as the Halcyon moves through the galaxy.

The two-day stay aboard the ship will involve a multi-day role playing story in which guests will be able to engage in experiences like wielding a lightsaber while facing off against a training remote, operating the ships defense systems on the bridge and exploring the hidden spaces deep in the mechanics of the ship. Guests will also make a planet-side excursion to the Black Spire Outpost on Batuu during a visit to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Disney has announced that departures to the starcruiser will launch in the Spring of 2022, but you’re probably here for the real deets: the price. First, it’s important to note that Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser is not just a hotel, it’s a fully immersive experience with tons of perks.

Prices include lodging in a cabin or suite, all food and most non-alcoholic beverages, valet parking, entry into Disney’s Hollywood Studios plus one quick-service meal within the park. That being said, prices will start at $4,809 for two guests per cabin, $5,299 for two adults and one child and $5,999 for three adults and one child.

Who’s ready to head to a galaxy far, far away? Head to the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser’s website starting Oct. 28 to book your stay.

—Shahrzad Warkentin & Karly Wood

All photos: Disney /Lucasfilm

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The Great Pumpkin: Our Favorite Miami Pumpkin Patches

by Kate LowethSeptember 20, 2021

Even though it might still feel like summer in Miami, October marks the time when we all want a little bit of the fall vibes in our house. These pumpkin patches around Miami are great opportunities to take the kids for some kettle corn and candy apples, and bring home your next jack-o’-lantern to carve. Here are some of our local favorites!

Pinto's Farm
Families love this spot that has tractor rides, pedal boats and a children's farm along with loads of pumpkins for picking. Purchase your ticket online that includes a pumpkin, pedal boat ride, tractor ride, pony ride for kids, magic show and more.

14890 SW 216 St.
Miami, FL
Online: pintosfarms.com

Pumpkin Patch Florida
This spot offers pumpkins of all shapes and sizes ready for you to bring home and carve.

8100 SW 104 ST

Miami, FL

20002 Old Cutler Rd.
Cutler Bay, FL
Online: pumpkinpatchfl.com

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The Berry Farm
Harvest Festival at the Berry Farm is something Miami families look forward to all year. You can expect to find a corn maze, jumping pillow, sunflower fields and of course, pumpkins for picking.

13720 SW 216th St.
Miami, FL
Online: floridastrawberryfarm.com

The Little Farm
You'll love your visit to this farm that has animals, pumpkins and loads of local food vendors so you can make a day of it. $12 admission includes a visit to the pumpkin patch, harvest market, animal farm, hay maze and outdoor games. There will also be pony rides for an additional $2.

13401 S.W. 224 St.
Goulds, FL
Online: thelittlefarm.us

—Kate Loweth

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Your Paycheck for Mom Life Is Worth 6 Figures, According to New Data

by Sarah ShebekMay 7, 2021

In a dream world, you’d get paid to be a mom. And if you did, new data from Salary.com finds that you’d be making a fair market salary of $184,820, based on an average of 106 (!) hours of work a week. Of course, that doesn’t take hazard pay or retirement into account.

Those hours worked are up from 96.5 hours a week pre-pandemic and 75% of moms report putting in even more time––117 hours a week to be exact. With the additional burden of schooling and working at home, the most time-consuming and expanded roles reported were Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Chief Operating Officer (the role that makes sure everyone else is following the plan).

For the past two decades, Salary.com has surveyed tens of thousands of stay-at-home moms and working moms to determine the value of the job if it was paid fairly. Moms report their work profile across 20+ roles that make up the most time-consuming tasks from chauffeur, to CFO, to cook and more. Salary.com analyzes the hours spent and assigns an hourly wage rate to each role.

“In a year like no other, moms went to extraordinary lengths to keep things together on the home front, working, on average, 15.1 hours per day, seven days a week,” said Mary Crogan, Vice President of Marketing at Salary.com. “That’s an incredible workload, and one that encompasses everything from C-level responsibilities, to help desk manager, to teacher. It’s fitting that their salary value continues to rise, nearing the upper echelons of Corporate America.”

Of course, mom life doesn’t actually bring in a paycheck because no amount of money could compensate when the work you do is invaluable. But the next time someone downplays your role in the household, just remember you can tie a dollar amount to your hard work—and there’s data to prove it.

—Sarah Shebek

Image courtesy of Salary.com

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From U-Cut Farms to Lots: Where to Buy Your Christmas Tree in Orlando

by Kate LowethNovember 20, 2020

If the smell of a fresh tree is just what you are looking for this holiday season, then we’ve got the list for you. These Christmas tree lots all around Orlando sell fresh-cut Christmas trees that are ready for you to take home and decorate. There are even a few spots where you can cut your own tree for a real old-school holiday tradition! Scroll through to get the scoop.

Ergle Christmas Tree Farm
This farm offers both pre-cut and u-cut Christmas trees. Field varieties are Sand Pine and Southern Cedar and range from 5-10 feet in height. They will have over 10 varieties of pre-cut trees shipped fresh from Michigan and North Carolina. Ride the train on the weekends until dusk.

3325 Treiman Blvd
Dade City, FL
Online: ergletrees.com

Severt's Tree Farm
For over 40 years, this family-run business has been providing Christmas trees to Central Florida families. Their Fraser Fir Christmas trees are grown in the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina and Southwestern part of Virginia.

14400 West Colonial Dr.
Winter Garden FL

200 West Vine St.
Kissimmee FL

3005 W. Lake Mary Blvd.
Lake Mary FL
Online: severtstreefarm.com

Long & Scott Farm
Get a Christmas tree, buy some ornaments and meet Santa Claus at this Mount Dora farm. Also, delve into Scott’s Country Market and the Country Cafe for fresh, local produce. They also have their corn maze up through mid December.

26216 County Road 448A
Mount Dora, FL
Online: longandscottfarms.com

Santa's Christmas Tree Forest
This tree farm is operating on a reservation system this year to keep the numbers low. Cut your own tree, meet some farm animals and try out the zipline while you are there.

35317 Huff Road
Eustis, FL
Online: santaschristmastreeforest.com

Happ's Homegrown Christmas Trees
With two locations to choose from, you'll definitely find the perfect tree this year. They offer Fraser Firs, Black Hills Spruce and more.

3400 Aloma Ave.
Winter Park, FL

911 South Volusia Ave.
Orange City, FL
Online: happschristmastrees.com

—Kate Loweth

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Spice Bridge: The New Food Hall for Adventurous Eaters

by Jeff ToteyNovember 10, 2020

You’ve heard the warning about having too many cooks in the kitchen, but at Tukwila’s new food hall, it’s a good thing. Spice Bridge features eight different women-owned food vendors with different cuisines to share. Not only is it a great place for tasty food, but consider it a cultural hot spot for you and your crew as well. Read on for the delish dish on this true melting pot!

Meet the Chefs

Operated by the nonprofit organization Global to Local, the Spice Bridge food court helps aspiring entrepreneurs launch and build food businesses one delicious dish at a time. Since there are just four stalls, they rotate offering a new dining experience Tuesdays through Sundays. And when these chefs aren't busy cooking for you, they're busy providing no-cost meals for seniors and families in need. Ready to take the kids but not sure what to try? We asked Global to Local's Program Director to share her top kid-friendly picks for each spot.

Who's cooking: From top left to bottom right, meet Nasrin Noori of Jazze's, Theary Ngeth of Theary Cambodian Foods, Adama Jammeh & Oumie Sallah of Afella Jollof Catering, Monica Di Bartolomeo of Seatango, Liyu Wirdaw of WUHA, Mwana Moyo & Batulo Nuh of Moyo Kitchen, Krizia Cherece of Wengay's Kitchen and Caroline Musitu of Taste of Congo.

Taste of Congo

Want to try something you have never tasted before? You've gotta try Taste of Congo, the only Congolese food business in Washington! The beef stew is seasoned with garlic, nutmeg and onion and stewed with tomatoes, carrots and golden potatoes. The grilled mackeral is big enough for two and with enough seasoning to go around too. Also popular is the chicken mayo and fried plantains. You'll recognize the garlic and paprika used to flavor it, but consider the rest of the spice mix the chef’s best kept secret.

Kid-approved dishes: We think your kids will love the yellow rice and beef stew.

Operating: Tue., Sat. & Sun.
Online: tasteofcongo

Afella Jollof Catering

Stop by Afella Jollof Catering for authentic Gambian/Senegalese cuisine. Nosh on popular choices like the Veggie Samosa, which is not only tasty, but easy on the wallet. It's seasoned with the chef’s special marinade and the veggies are stuffed into flaky pastry dough. Heartier appetites will appreciate the Chicken Kebab Combo that includes jollof rice and veggie samosa or a beef pastell.

Kid-approved dishes: Stick with simple and familiar when you order chicken kebabs and samosa for the kids.

Operating: Tue.-Thurs.
Online: afellajollof

Seatango

Hailing from Argentina, Seatango offers a variety of artisan empandas and sweet pastries made from scratch. Here you’ll find facturas and alfajores alongside special coffees and teas.

Kid-approved dishes: While the sweet treats are a gimme, pair them with a savory empanda for the kids.

Operating: Wed.-Fri.
Online: seatangofoods.com

Moyo Kitchen

This unique restaurant offers a fusion of Somali, Kenyan and Tanzanian dishes all inspired by Zanzibar, the world’s spice capital. It's a place where you'll find flavorful (and familiar) faves like Tandoori Chicken and Sambusa, alongside new-to-you taste sensations like Samaki Wa Kupaka (salmon or golden pompano floating in a coconut sauce) and Sukuma (kale stew served with cornbread). Most of the dishes are served with pilau rice or chapatti for you to enjoy.

Kid-approved dishes: It's stuffed sambusa and pilau rice for the win.

Operating: Fri.-Sun.
Online: moyokitchen

Wengay’s Kitchen

Enjoy authenic Filipino food that is not only cooked with love, but also prepared with traditional ingredients when you visit Wengay's Kitchen. If you're looking for a special dish, try the Lumpia and Lumpiang Sariwa, eggrolls that are either fried or wrapped in a crepe. The Pancit Bihon noodle and veggie stir fry is an easy meatless option, and the Bicol Express, that features creamy chicken cooked in thick coconut milk, is a satisfying option if you're not going veg.

Kid-approved dishes: Order lumpia or pancit bihon for your cuties when you visit.

Operating: Tue., Wed. & Sun.
Online: foodinnovationnetwork.org

Theary Cambodian Foods

Serving healthy, authentic Cambodian/Khmer cuisine, this food booth has lots of must-trys. The beef back ribs and veggies over rice found in the Soup Go Me Ga Tunk are a fall comfort food fave, while the Me Ga Tunk, sauteed meat and eggs mixed with seasoned vegetables, and the Cambodian Ka Ry Stew, with its specially spiced beef back ribs really stick to your insides. Are you hungry yet?

Kid-approved dishes: Nothing pairs better with a chilly fall day and your kiddo than Soup Go Me Ga Tunk.

Operating: Thurs.-Sat.
Online: foodinnovationnetwork.org

WUHA

WUHA offers fast food Ethiopian style! The food options here include both authentic Ethiopian dishes and as well as American foods cooked with Ethiopian spices, serving as a gateway to more traditional dishes. Enjoy the Black Lentil Veggie Sandwich served with oven-roasted potatoes, Beef Roast Sandwiches and Injera Rolls available in beef, vegetarian and wheat-free options.

Kid-approved dishes: Injera rolls are always a hit with kids, as is eating with their fingers!

Operating: Tue., Wed. & Sun.
Online: foodinnovationnetwork.org

Jazze’s

Chef Nasrin Noori cooks up Afghan food made from organic, locally grown ingredients. If you're looking for some stand-outs, we suggest the Boulanee, a pastry filled with potatoes, leeks, pumpkins or carrots served up crisp with a side of yogurt for dipping. The signature fusion Pulled Lamb Sliders are an easy pick and the oven roasted chicken in the Pilau-E-Murgh pairs nicely with an Afghan mixed salad.

Kid-approved dishes: Because it's hard to go wrong with fresh-made savory pastries, Boulanee is sure to be a hit with your kiddos.

Operating: Thurs.-Sat.
Online: foodinnovationnetwork.org

Good to know:
1. Entrée prices range from $8-16, so you can feed the whole fam.

2. Currently, Spice Bridge is only offering takeout meals due to the COVID-19 safety measures. Families can find outdoor dining seating options and a grassy area nearby if the weather is nice.

3. Free parking is available between Spice Bridge and the Tukwila Library.

4. While you’re there, take time to explore. The grounds are dotted with interesting sculptures and a giant globe fountain too.

5. While it’s too late in the season to enjoy it this year, this unique food court sits next to the Tukwila Village Farmers Market, open every Wednesday from 4-7 p.m. from mid-June through mid-October. This is a great place for families too, as special activities for kids are often featured.

Spice Bridge
Tukwila Village
14200 Tukwila International Blvd., Ste. 141
Tukwila, WA

Hours: Tue.-Sat., 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-3 p.m. (closed on Mon.)

—Jeffrey Totey (all photos courtesy Denise Miller for Global to Local)

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We Have Big News! Our Best Content Is Now Available in Apple Maps

by Erin LemOctober 27, 2020

Mom-owned brewery that has a play kitchen to entertain kids? Sure, we’ll take it. Secret hiking spot that avoids the weekend warrior crowds? We’ll be right there.

From events to playgrounds, you already trust Red Tricycle to let you know what’s happening around town. Now, we’ve collaborated with Apple Maps to make it even easier to navigate life with kids. Read on to learn how to find our curated Red Tricycle Guides in Apple Maps.

Apple Maps helps you navigate the world like a pro. And now, thanks to our new collaboration with Apple Maps you can discover new things to do with our curated Guides. Here’s how it works:

Upgrade your operating system to iOS14. Next, open Apple Maps, tap the search bar and begin typing “Red Tricycle” to get started. Put your cursor in the “Search for a Place or Address” field to get started.

Here are a few awesome ways to use Red Tricycle Guides in Apple Maps:

• If you’re out and about, use the Guides to discover new things to do near you.

• Peruse Red Tricycle’s Guides to find an activity you all can agree on. Popular Guides include best hiking for kids, pumpkin patches, secret picnic spot and bike trails for beginners.

• Love a guide? Save or share it. Toddler having a meltdown? Save a Guide to read it later.

• You can also create your own personal Guides of all your favorite Red Tricycle recommendations and share them with friends and family.

• To read more about the location, select “Find out more.”

Whether your family is still looking for that perfect pumpkin or already has eyes on everything holiday (think: Thanksgiving meals to-go, best holiday light displays and Christmas tree farms), turn to our Guides in Apple Maps and make the most of your time.

Discover all Red Tricycle Guides on Apple Maps here.

—Erin Lem

Disney World to Allow Adult Costumes for the First Time

by Karly WoodSeptember 1, 2020

Even thought Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween event has been cancelled this year, there’s still plenty of fun to be had this fall season at Walt Disney World. The special time of year will run from Sept. 15 to Oct. 31 at the Magic Kingdom where you’ll not only be able to soak up all things autumn, but you’ll be able to dress the part, too!

That’s right––for the first time ever, adults will be able to dress up during regular operating hours! Usually, only guests 14 and under can don dress-up duds but this year the parks are allowing everyone to get in on the fun.

Per usual, adults will still not be able to wear costume masks and required face coverings are still a must. If you’re unsure what will be acceptable upon arriving at the park, check out Disney’s Know Before You Go page and Costume Guidelines.

In addition to the exciting costume news, Disney parks are also prepping for fall with a new Halloween-themed brood of characters in their own costumes. And as always, lots of tasty treats that include a Pumpkin Spiced Waffle Sundae, Not So Poison Apple Cupcake and Orange and Black Sugar Churros await.

––Karly Wood

All photos: Courtesy of Disney

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Fresh Grocery Pickup Is Rolling Out at Target Stores Nationwide

by Jennifer SwartvagherJune 28, 2020

If you need to pick up groceries, but don’t have time to go shopping, Target has the answer. Now Target has expanded their Order Pickup and Drive Up services to include fresh and frozen grocery items. The expanded services will roll out to stores in the Midwest, following successful pilots in the Twin Cities and Kansas City markets, making the enhanced services available in over 400 stores by the end of the month and more than 1,500 in time for the holiday season.

“The speed and convenience of our fulfillment options are unmatched across the country, and they’ve become even more critical for our guests searching for easy and safe ways to shop during the pandemic. By adding fresh grocery to the pickup services our guests already love, we’re giving them even more reasons to shop at Target,” says John Mulligan, Target’s chief operating officer. “During a time when even more people are looking for different ways to get the items they need, we’ll continue to invest in making Target the easiest and safest place to shop.”

The new availability includes 750 items across produce, dairy, bakery, meat and frozen products. Guests can now purchase the grocery items they need along with the staples they have already been ordering through Drive Up and Order Pickup. As always, these orders will be ready within a few hours.

Target’s Drive Up service is completely contactless, and the order is brought directly to your car in less than two minutes. Order Pickup and Drive Up are completely free and do not require a membership or a minimum order. RedCard holders and Target Circle member discounts and benefits apply to Drive Up and Order Pickup as well.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: Mike Mozart via Creative Commons

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