Join us for a family fun lunchtime outing abord a real Yellow School Bus!
Dusty the family Magician will be on board, as will face painters!
You know New York is home to some of the best art in the world, from old masters to the most contemporary cutting-edge works. You also know you’d love to introduce your kid to all the NYC art scene has to offer — the problem is, how? Mismatched Socks, a new program devoted to bringing the city’s rich art offerings and families together in myriad and sometimes unconventional ways, is here to help.
photo: Mismatched Socks NY
The Big Picture
Founded by the two-woman team of Asya Gribov and Sasha Dashevsky, Mismatched Socks is dedicated to helping families discover and enjoy New York City’s vast art offerings of all types and mediums. The pair bring backgrounds in education and teaching, psychology, and event organizing to the venture.
The company conducts events such as catered tours of museum exhibits, excursions to parks and art installations, and even the occasional puppet show. In addition to providing insight during these outings, Gribov and Dashevsky also aim to provide parents with the tools they need to help young ones see art in every day surroundings as well.
Outings typically last about an hour or two and each tour is concluded with an invitation to continue exploring on your own. Attendees are given a postcard with information on nearby things to check out, places to see, and shops to peruse.
Beyond Bright Colors and Shapes
MisMatched Socks’ founders believe that art doesn’t have to be dubbed “kid-friendly” for little ones to like it and learn from it, which is why the program’s exhibit or tour choices don’t necessarily scream, “the child will flip for this.” For example, one upcoming outing will visit the Guggenheim’s ZERO Countdown to Tomorrow exhibition, which is not noted for lots of bright colors and moving shapes. For the most part it’s black, white, and gray, and might be overlooked as something kids will enjoy, but the Mismatched Socks team uses it as an opportunity to explore abstract concepts in a fun way for both kids and adults.
The group has also toured the galleries of Chelsea and ventured into Alphabet City’s sculpture garden — events that will both be part of the Spring and Summer 2015 schedule.
photo: MisMatched Socks NY
Finding Art Everywhere
Tours are not limited to museums and galleries — just about anything turns into an art exhibit at the hands of Mismatched Socks. One outing leads little adventurers on a sound scavenger hunt of Grand Central Station, while another finds kids climbing the hands-on Light Over Time exhibition at Metro Tech Commons in Brooklyn.
The program also offers classes and workshops that tap into everyone’s little inner artist (yes, even the parents’). Upcoming class topics include learning how to wrap gifts with magnets, discovering the process that goes into making pottery, and creating electric art.
photo: Mismatched Socks NY
Future plans
In addition to more cultural excursions and experiences in the coming months, Mismatched Socks will hold several Russian-speaking events which will focus on developing Russian language skills while still exploring the art around us. The founders plan to eventually branch out to other languages including ASL. An Art Series program, which will run for several weeks (as opposed to a one-off tour) is also in the works.
For the latest scoop on Mismatched Socks happenings, head to the program’s website or Facebook page.
Mismatched Socks NY
347-740-2246 Asya
646- 404-1460 Sasha
Online: mismatchedsocksny.com
How do you introduce your kid to art around New York City? Tell us in the comments below!
—Yuliya Geikhman
Books are a staple on most family’s gift lists at the holidays. What better way to give the gift of reading than books about your kiddo’s home town. We’ve got some books to delight your little ones and remind them why California is called the Golden State. Click through the slideshow for a collection of books that celebrate our city and state.
Do you have a favorite book about San Diego or the Golden State? Tell us in the comments!
— Cherie Gough
Families and farmers markets go together like organic peas and straight-from-the-ranch carrots. A farmers market outing is a chance to stock up on fresh produce, enjoy your community and the outdoors, and teach the youngsters a thing or two about where their food comes from. To get your adventure started, we’ve searched the nation for the very best family-friendly farmers markets–many with special kid extras like story times, face-painting, cooking classes, and more.
Does your family have a favorite farmers market? Share it with us in the comment section below!
—Abigail Matsumoto
Round, round, round you go. Where you stop? Anywhere with monkey bars and a ginormous tube slide.
Your little playground enthusiast loves to twirl, slide, run and climb. When you’re looking for a new place to cut loose, download Playground Pointers. The app created by two local parents has a database of more than 700 Chicago playgrounds. It gives you an overview of each with maps, photos and insider tips. We gave the app a whirl one recent afternoon and found that what could have been a wild goose chase to find outdoor fun was instead, well … a walk in the park.
The Rundown
The app is available on iTunes for $1.99 — money well spent, considering the amount of good info it has. Its vast directory includes playgrounds across the city, from Rogers Park to Bridgeport, and nearby suburbs. Co-creator Mistie Lucht, a mom of three, gathers all the data and has visited more than 200 sites to provide accurate reviews. Her business partner and dad of four, Chris Cooper, takes care of the tech side of things.
At a basic level, use the app as a directory and look up playgrounds by name. You’ll see their map placement and, in many cases, the kind of equipment they feature (swing sets, slides, teeter totters, etc.). That’s in addition to tiny but important details, like if the sites have shaded areas, access to public transportation, water fountains, picnic areas, and nearby food and drink.
The Search Function
Along with being a great A-Z list, Playground Pointers is a search tool and GPS. You can get directions to any playground from your current location — something that comes in extra-handy when errands, or just the urge to explore, take you away from your usual stomping ground.
You can also search by geographical area. Want to plan an outing to Dunning on the West Side? Plug in the zip code (it’s 60634 and 60635) and see all the playgrounds that pop up. Or, search by features, such as splash pads, baby swings or picnic tables to find a new favorite. (For the record, we’re fans of the splash pad at Adams Playground Park, and Playground Pointers is, too.)
The Personal Touch
Stretch out the fun beyond the swing set and into the surrounding neighborhood. With the app’s Perfect Playground Day function, you can read about other attractions and activities in the vicinity of playgrounds. Mistie can vouch for each (she’s made the rounds, after all) and has even taken photos so you can get the lay of the land.
Plans are in the works for it to be possible to set up play dates, text and email from within the app.
Welcome to the jungle gym, everyone.
Buy the app online at itunes.apple.com and learn more at playgroundpointers.com.
What’s your favorite Chicago park? Tell us in the Comments section below.
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— Kelly Aiglon
Photos: Courtesy of Playground Pointers
It’s pretty likely that you’ve driven right past Waterfall Garden Park in Seattle… on your way to a game at Century Link Stadium or when you’re heading to the train station to pick up visiting grandparents. Little did you know that you were breezing right past one of Pioneer Square’s best-kept secrets and surprisingly, for this downtown district, it’s kid-friendly! If you’re walking down Second Avenue South, you’ll probably hear Waterfall Garden Park before you realize that it’s there – the park is home to a 22-foot, man-made waterfall that will easily make you forget that you’re in the middle of the city. So yes, you can quote us on this – take your kids to Pioneer Square for a morning or afternoon outing this summer!
When to Go
Because it’s located in Pioneer Square, it’s not a surprise that they keep it locked up after the sun goes down. The gates open at 8:00 AM daily and we suggest visiting either late morning or after lunchtime, as people who work in the area like to use Waterfall Garden Park to enjoy their own lunches, taking up all of the tables. Be sure to avoid visiting Waterfall Garden Park when there is a Sounders, Seahawks or Mariners games, or any other major event at the stadiums (charity walks/runs are popular on summer weekends!) – parking will be hard to find!
Getting There
Simply put, there’s no easy way to get to Pioneer Square. If you make it to downtown Seattle, it’s easy to get there by taking a straight shot down Second Avenue, then following the signs to the King Street Station to take a jog over to Second Avenue South. Most days, it’s not hard to find a metered parking spot near the park. You can also park in upper downtown in one of the swanky underground parking garages and take the underground bus tunnel to Jackson Street. Then, just walk the couple of blocks over to Waterfall Garden Park.
What to Bring
You’re going to love this outing even more when we tell you that you won’t need to bring much to visit Waterfall Garden – some snacks or lunch for a little picnic, maybe some pads of fresh paper and pencils for budding artists to sketch the waterfall and a deck of cards to play some waterfall-side Go Fish. There are plenty of places to sit and you won’t need your stroller, since the park itself is quite small.
What to See
Families who need parks with a lot of bells and whistles, Waterfall Garden Park probably isn’t for you. Visiting this hidden gem is more about the novelty of the experience – a full-blown waterfall sanctuary in the middle of the bustling city – than a day of non-stop engagement for your kids. But, that doesn’t mean that you won’t have fun here! Use a trip to Waterfall Garden to actually sit down, in a gorgeous, serene-setting that didn’t take you two-hours to get to, and talk to you kiddos, catch up as a family and just enjoy some quality time together.
Where to Eat
There are plenty of little cafes and bistros in the blocks around Waterfall Garden Park where you can grab a quick lunch, but if you’re visiting over the lunch hour, we suggest packing your favorites into the park and enjoying it while you visit! If you want to grab something in the area to bring into the park to eat, try sammies from Salumi (309 Third Avenue South).
Cost
You’ll most likely need to pay to park, unless you head to Waterfall Garden on Sunday when street parking is free! There is no admission fee to enter the park.
Good to Know
There is always an on-site attendant at Waterfall Garden Park, so you can always feel safe hanging out there with your little ones!
Waterfall Garden Park
219 Second Avenue South
Seattle, Wa 98104
Hours: Daily from 8:00am – 5:30pm
— Katie Kavulla
Photo courtesy of Robert Shaw Photographic Images via Flickr
There’s no doubt – Seattle has soccer fever… or maybe we should call it by its proper name, football. The Seattle Sounders Football Club has won the hearts of Seattleites — including soccer obsessed kids and families – and having just kicked off their third season. Families across the city are already anxious to get to Century Link Field to watch them play. “But wait a minute,” you must be saying to yourself right now, “Kids? At a major sporting event? Are you sure?” We are! This family outing will be a far cry from an afternoon at the park and can take some advanced planning, but a Sounders match is, by far, the hottest new kid-friendly activity in Seattle.
Let us help you make it the best it can be with these insider tips for taking kids to a Seattle Sounders FC match.
1. Buy tickets in advance. Seems obvious, right? As cool as taking your kids to a Sounders match may be, it will be much better if you do some planning, rather than go on a whim. Tickets can be purchased online easily and you can even print them right at home to avoid standing in that never ending will-call line at the stadium.
2. Kids under three go for free. The littlest Sounders fans must have their own ticket when they turn three years old, but they are free until then, provided they sit on the lap of a parent during the match. Is a Sounders match a good idea for the pre-three crowd? Probably not (read more below for why…) but in case you’re planning on bringing your tot, remember that they don’t need their own ticket.
3. Consider the family-only section. Century Link Stadium does offer a family-only section for Sounders matches. The family-only section is alcohol-free, so if your biggest concern about taking your kids to a major sporting event, such as this, is the rowdy, drunken fans (and yes, they will be there!), this is the spot for you. However, bringing your kids to a Sounders match doesn’t mean you’re required to sit in the family-only section (whew!) – there will be kids sitting throughout the entire stadium.
4. The closer you sit to the field… That being said, a good rule of thumb, when purchasing Sounders tickets for your family, is that the closer to the field you are, the rowdier and more enthusiastic the fans will be. There’s no doubt that soccer fans are a passionate bunch, so save those lower section seats for a date-night match and bring it back a bit for a more mellow, family-friendly crowd for a match with the kids along.
5. Park as close as you can afford. Parking around the stadium is pricey and if you’re driving to Sodo and don’t want to walk three-miles from your car, park as close to the stadium as you can stand to pay. Another great option? Drop off one parent and the kids at the passenger drop-off zone (off of First Avenue South at Railroad Way South and Occidental Avenue) – the other parent can go park the car and the kids won’t waste all their cheering energy on the walk to the stadium. Also, remember that the earlier you make it to Sodo, the easier it will be to find parking – many of the closest lots sell out on match days. Coming by bus or Light Rail? Check out the Sounders’ Transportation Guide for more info on how to get to the stadium easily.
6. Hit up Autograph Alley on the way in. Before you get to your seats, stop by Autograph Alley booth – the first 50 kids (ages 14 and under) who spin the wheel and land on a winning space get a wristband to get three player autographs after the game. The Sounders even provide the memorabilia to be signed – bonus!
7. Let’s talk about food. The bad news? Food at the stadium is super expensive… and kind of a pain to go get when you’re trying to direct some very short fans through a sea of people who are looking for the closest beer station. The good news? You can bring your own food and drinks! Be sure to leave any glass containers at home and be prepared to have to go through the bag search line to enter the stadium, but packing snacks, juice boxes and treats can easily save this family outing. Water bottles need to be plastic, store-bought and still factory sealed (to make sure that water isn’t actually alcohol… not that any of you parents would ever try that trick, right?), pack all your food in clear, plastic gallon Zip-Lock-style bags so that they can easily see what’s inside, and use a tote, rather than a backpack, to haul it into the stadium. Be sure to throw an extra plastic bag in there too, for packing up your food garbage as you eat – much better than having it all piled around your feet.
8. What to wear. If you’re ever been to Century Link, you know that it’s an open-roof stadium and even on the sunniest Seattle days, it can get a bit breezy, particularly on the upper-levels. Layer up with clothes that are lightweight and can easily be peeled off as the sun shines or put on as the sun goes down and it gets chilly. Hats and sunglasses (if your kids will wear them) and comfy shoes are a must too!
9. Be prepared to stand up… the entire time. No matter where you sit during the match – from the seats down close to the field to the seats furthest away – plan on standing up for the entire match… because the entire stadium will be on their feet, cheering on the Sounders for all 90+ minutes. This is a great way to determine if your kiddos are old enough to go to a Sounders match – do you think that can last that long on their feet? If not, consider waiting one more year…
10. Get VIP access for your kids. Before you attend your first Sounders match with the kids, sign-up them up for the Sounders FC Junior Alliance online! It costs $10 per child, but they’ll receive their own custom Junior Sounders Scarf in the mail to wear to the match, plus access to a ton of other cool VIP kid Sounders events.
For detailed information about attending a Sounders game, read the Stadium Guide, where you can find the specific rules about what you can and cannot bring into the stadium, guidelines about food and beverages, what to do if you are separated from your child and more.
What is the number one piece of advice you’d share with other parents considering making a Sounders match a family outing? Tell us in the comments section below!
— Katie Kavulla
Photo credit for photograph #1 to the Lyons Family including huge Sounders FC fans, Max, age four and Jack, age eight; photo credit for photo #2 to Marc_Tacoma via Flikr; photo credit for photo #3 ArtBrom via Flikr
If you’re looking for an enjoyable outing for the whole family, look no further than San Francisco’s de Young museum in Golden Gate Park. From its intriguing architectural design to magnificent fine art exhibitions, there’s something to appeal to every visitor.
Where is it: The museum is located at 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr., just off of John F. Kennedy Dr., in Golden Gate Park. Those who arrive by public transit and present a Muni Fast Pass or transfer are rewarded with a $2 discount. If you decide to drive, be aware of weekend street closures and limited street parking. However, if you’re willing to pay for parking, Golden Gate Park’s Music Concourse Garage is convenient.
When to go: The de Young is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:30 a.m. – 5:15 p.m., Friday (mid-January through November only) from 9:30 a.m. – 8:45 p.m. and is closed on Mondays.
What to see and do: Most Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. – noon the museum offers a Family Program that includes tours of permanent collections and current exhibitions, followed by studio workshops taught by professional artist-teachers. There are programs for kids ages 4-6 and 7-12. Check the online calendar to confirm.
The current “wow” exhibit is the Olmec collection. These colossal sculptures (from what is now Mexico) will impress young kids, and start great conversations. The de Young’s African, Oceanic, and Art of the Americas collections also contain showstopping pieces. The upcoming Balenciaga and Spain exhibit might hold more allure for adults, unless you’ve got a future Zac Posen or Stella McCartney in your brood. The sculpture garden outdoors is a great experience for children, as well as a good place to move around with fewer inhibitions.
Families with babies: Front-facing baby-carriers and standard strollers are permitted, though rear-facing backpacks and oversized or jogging strollers are not allowed in the museum.
Where to have lunch: Snacks and meals are available at the de Young Café, or you can bring a picnic and explore Golden Gate Park before or after your art outing. Additional dining options, such as the family-friendly Park Chow are just a short walk away near 9th Avenue and Lincoln Way.
Bonus: If you’re still not motivated to visit the de Young, imagine you and the kids jumping in the elevator and zipping to the museum’s top floor to take in the jaw-dropping 360-degree view of San Francisco. We say the view alone is worth the price of admission.
Cost of trip: moderate: Admission is $10 for adults, $6 for 13–17 year-olds, and free for children 12 and under. Some additional special exhibition fees may apply. The first Tuesday of the month is free.
Online: http://deyoung.famsf.org/
– Tricia Kerr
If you’re looking for a great way to get out of the house and enjoy some of the unique beauty that only the Pacific Northwest has to offer, consider a quick half-day trip to Bonneville Fish Hatchery.
This is a perfect outing for many reasons. The little ones have a lot of fun running about and learning about wildlife. The Columbia River hatchery raises 8 million Fall Chinook, 1.2 million Coho, 200,000 Summer Steelhead, and 60,000 Winter Steelhead. On site, there’s plenty to do to learn about the region’s fish and the efforts we go to preserve the species. Take a self-guided tour through the spawning room, numerous fish ponds, and both an outdoor and an underwater Sturgeon viewing areas. There’s also a nice gift shop, lots of well-maintained grounds and picnic tables.
Any visit to Bonneville Dam Fish Hatchery must include a sighting of one of the area’s most amazing creatures, Herman the Sturgeon. Herman is an 11-foot long, 500 pound, 70-year-old white sturgeon. Go beneath the pond and peer in at Herman through the looking glass, where he’ll be cruising the depths of the water with some of his smaller buddies. Next, check out the beautiful display ponds where the kids can get a handful of pellets for 25 cents and feed the rainbow trout, which are plentiful in the fall. And then head over to the fish ladders, where you can view Coho and Chinook Salmon making their way back to their place of birth to spawn after an amazing journey home from the Pacific Ocean. The kids will marvel at the jumping salmon in the holding tank.
The best part might be the ride. Driving along the Columbia River Gorge, no matter what the weather, is a peaceful experience. It’s a great way to kick-start the weekend after a busy week at the office, reflect on the beauty of where we live, and enjoy a little time catching up with the family. And it’s not so far that that the kids get too antsy; they might even enjoy a nice nap.
With Salmon such an integral part of Pacific NW culture, a trip to the fish hatchery is almost a rite of passage for area young ones. Try this classic Portland outing, rain or shine.
Explore: Seattle’s WaterfrontSeattle kids, things to do with kids in Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond
Once again, you overdid it with the fruitcake and eggnog, and the kids have set an all-time record on how quickly they’ve tired of their gifts. Sounds like everyone needs an outing. Destination? Pier-hopping on Seattle’s Waterfront. Friday is the kickoff for The Winter Fishtival at the Seattle Aquarium, Pier 59, where kids can do crafts, hear stories and learn about the aquarium’s various sea animals in a special program. Afterward, hit the Carousel at Seattle Waterfront Arcade, on Pier 57, where you can also play a game of Ice Ball and get a family pic in one of the vintage photo machines. Feed the entire nest at Red Robin on Pier 55, where can also visit Frankly Sweets for a take-home goody bag of saltwater taffy. Or, head to Pier 54 for a steamin’ bowl of chowder from the historic Ivar’s Original Acres of Clams. A final gift this holiday weekend: waterfront parking is free on Saturday and Sunday at Watermark Garage (1108 Western Ave.) and Hillclimb Court Garage (1422 Alaskan Way).
More to Explore:
