Etsy is full of Black-owned shops with passionate artisans who are creating handmade dolls, jewelry and more, and we think you’ll love what they are offering. Whether you are looking for the perfect birthday or housewarming gift, or something to cheer up your home, these shops are full of great handmade crafts. Shop your favorite below!

MyPrettyBrownDoll

Etsy

We love this shop that offers beautiful dolls hand crocheted with natural hair inspired hairstyles. You can purchase the pattern to make one yourself, or reach out to the shop owner about having a custom doll made. 

Shop here

AfrocentricArts

Etsy

Get ready to inspire your kids with this unique coloring book that features all types of people and promotes urban gardening, women in technology, science, healthy eating, positive body image, Black history, kindness to animals, physical fitness, love, literacy and so much more!

Shop here

MyAnkaraLove

Etsy

Stunning African prints are used to make one-of-a-kind lampshades, pillows and throw blankets. There are even some fun bangles for all the jewelry lovers out there. 

Shop here

ItsTaylorMadeDesigns

Give your personal space a refresh with these fun and relatable printable quotes. Whether you want to brighten up your office space or decorate throughout the home, these digital delights are an excellent choice. This shop also offers fun motivational tees and sweatshirts. 

Shop here

GreatThingsbyJessie

Etsy

This shop sells folk, cultural and abstract paintings like this Practice Makes Perfect poster that would be perfect for your playroom.

Shop here

WashingtonCuts

Etsy

We love the positive message of this papercraft artwork and especially love the option to personalize it with a silhouette of your own child

Shop here

NaturalAnniEssential

Etsy

Not only does this hand-poured soy candle smell great, but proceeds from its sale goes to support the Black Lives Matter movement. In June 2020 alone, this Black woman-owned Etsy shop donated over $6,000 to the movement! 

Shop here

SmallBitesAfrica

Etsy

Have you ever wanted to try African love and affection in a box? Try this African sampler box that includes plantain chips, chin chin (achomo), flour chips, peanut brittle (nkate cake), traditional pound cake and other Ghanaian Treats (surprise!). 

Shop here

CathyCIllustrations

Etsy

We love this print by artist Cathy Charles that's available in a number of different sizes ready to hang in your home. Her shop is full of other colorful art depicting Black women. 

Shop here

AKomFashions

Etsy

Headpieces with earrings to match are the name of the game at this shop that features African print fusion fashion. 

Shop here

LOViEBeans

Etsy

Artist Ginger Galloway creates these adorable dolls that are soft and perfect for carrying around town. 

Shop here

linguaNigra

Etsy

Started in 2003, Lingua Nigra features handmade jewelry including hand reticulated brass, etched sterling silver, and blossom-like jewelry. 

Shop here

ArtByElliott

Vibrant watercolor prints by Atlanta artist Elliott Hubbard feature families, music and jazz themes. 

Shop here

—Kate Loweth

 

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While 2020 might have been a less-than-ideal year for travel, we’re hoping for the best for 2021 and have loads new properties to share with you. From the highly-anticipated opening of the LEGOLAND® Hotel at LEGOLAND New York Resort to a new Great Wolf Lodge in California to dreamy tropical destinations, this list of new hotels and all-inclusive resorts set to open in 2021 has it all. Get ready to plan your next family vacation!

LEGOLAND® Hotel at LEGOLAND New York Resort | Hudson Valley, New York

LEGOLAND New York Resort

Coming to New York’s Hudson Valley in 2021, the 250-room hotel—the first and only LEGO themed hotel in the northeast—is specially designed for families, with imaginative LEGO features and themed play areas everywhere you look—and all just steps away from the LEGOLAND New York Park! Families can choose from four completely themed rooms (including Pirate, Kingdom, LEGO Friends and LEGO® NINJAGO® themes!) and explore the park’s seven themed lands, over 50 rides, shows and attractions and experience the global debut of the LEGO Factory Adventure Ride (where guests will be transformed into a LEGO Minifigure!). LEGOLAND New York Resort will be the first major theme park to grace the Northeast in over four decades and will be the premier multi-day destination for families. 

Online: LEGOLAND New York Park

Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Riviera Maya | Mexico

Located on the Caribbean side of Mexico, Riviera Maya is a slice of paradise just 20 minutes south of Cancún. Discover white sand beaches perfect for relaxing and warm, clear waters just right for snorkeling. Discover the coolest, most animated luxury resort to come to Mexico! Karisma Hotels & Resorts is excited to introduce you to Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Riviera Maya, opening in 2021. Families will have their ultimate beachfront escape, filled with indulgent luxury for adults, like sensational dining and bars—and unforgettable Nickelodeon experiences for kids like one of the largest water parks in Riviera Maya. The resort opens in June 2021 and you can book now. Read more here

Online: karismahotels.com

Great Wolf Lodge Bay Area | Manteca, CA

Great Wolf Lodge

The San Francisco Bay Area has been eagerly awaiting the opening of its very own Great Wolf Lodge in Manteca. Currently scheduled to open in March 2021, kids will especially love the themed suites like the Wolf Den suite that comes with a decked out bunk bed room. Great Wolf Lodge guests have unlimited access to the water slides and pools inside the 84-degree water park. Guests are also invited to enjoy free activities like Story Time and Yoga Tails in the Lobby. There are other fun attractions inside the Adventure Park that are available at an additional cost.

Online: greatwolf.com

AutoCamp Joshua Tree, Zion and Catskill Mountains

AutoCamp will be adding Joshua Tree, Zion, and the Catskill Mountains to its destination portfolio, with slated openings for Fall 2021 and Spring 2022. Established in California with AutoCamp Yosemite National Park and Russian River locations, as well as its first-ever East Coast debut in Cape Cod this spring, the introduction of three new quintessential properties mark an impressive milestone for the brand. All AutoCamp properties are designed with personal space in mind and offer a naturally safe and socially-distant experience aimed to help guests escape the crowds and bring them closer to nature.

Online: autocamp.com

Chatwal Lodge, The Catskills | Bethel, NY

Bringing a Blackberry Farm type experience to the Catskills, The Chatwal Lodge is located at The Chapin Estate, a 2,500-acre gated residential community. Accommodations include 10 suites, with private patios overlooking the 1,000-acre Toronto Reservoir Lake; a 1,000-sq.ft.  treehouse that rises 25 feet off the ground; and an 850-sq.ft. glam tent. Activities range from fly fishing in the on-property trout stream and kayaking with a to-go picnic, to private music classes at the Lodge and priority access to exhibitions at Bethel Center of Performing Arts.

Online: thechatwallodge.com

The George | Napa, CA

Coming in early 2021, The George is a meticulously restored Victorian home turned luxury boutique inn featuring nine guest rooms, situated in downtown Napa’s picturesque old town neighborhood. This property is nestled away but within walking distance to everything downtown has to offer; from exclusive wine tasting rooms, restaurants, Uptown Theater, Napa Valley Opera House, Oxbow Market, and much more.

Online: thegeorgenapa.com

Paradero Todos Santos | Baja California Sur, Mexico

One hour away from San José del Cabo Airport, Todos Santos has a barefoot, bohemian vibe and is a haven for surfers and outdoor enthusiasts. Paradero Todos Santos is an 80 percent landscape, 20 percent construction project. 35 suites are situated within the Le Mesa farming community and an agricultural area comprising more than a dozen family-owned farms. Details with a sense of place include: on-site 100,000-sq.ft. botanical garden with 60 endemic species; artisan-made furniture from Mexico; suspended ‘star nets’ that offer high-altitude views of the surrounding farmlands, mountains and ocean; below-ground spa that is inspired by a secret watering hole in Todos Santos; an open-fire kitchen with a traditional Oaxacan clay oven.

Online: paraderohotels.com

Cambria Hotel Napa Valley | Napa, CA

Cambria Hotel Napa Valley, conveniently located within walking distance of downtown Napa, will open this summer featuring an outdoor pool with a sun deck and poolside bar, fitness center, bicycle rentals, and a full-service restaurant and bar serving locally inspired dishes and regional craft beers.

Online: choicehotels.com

Margaritaville Resort Times Square | New York, NY

Where the island meets the city! Opening March 2021, the $300 million Margaritaville Resort Times Square marries island-inspired casual design with luxurious comfort, instantly transporting guests and locals to the iconic Margaritaville state of mind. Located in Times Square at 560 Seventh Avenue, blocks away from the bright lights of the entertainment district and NYC’s most popular attractions, the 234-room, 29-story property will boast five signature food and beverage concepts, including Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville restaurant, a rooftop LandShark Bar & Grill, 5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar, Tiki Bar and an all-new concept, Chill Bar. Additional amenities include year-round outdoor heated pool, upscale retail shopping, concierge, valet parking, laundry/valet service and fitness center. 

Online: margaritavilleresorts.com

The Mayfair Townhouse | Mayfair, London

Set on the iconic Half Moon Street—the setting of Oscar Wilde’s most famous play, The Importance of Being Earnest—the property brings to life a unique design that features thoughtfully curated guestroom and suites that deliver the amenities of a high end hotel without all the frills. Without a traditional restaurant, The Dandy Bar will soon be London’s newest ‘must-go’ cocktail / lounge bar offering a refuge from the bustling streets of Mayfair. The property will also have a unique concierge program, Les Clefs d’Or (“the golden keys”), and an art program curated by leading art specialist Minda Dowling. 

Online: themayfairtownhouse.com

Colton House Hotel | Austin, TX

Jeremy Sexton

The Colton House Hotel brings a brand new hotel category and experience to Austin’s trendy South Congress district. The 80-suite luxury property combines residential comforts with upscale boutique hotel amenities and staff, inviting guests to “wander home” in a modern, yet authentic Texas setting. Drawing inspiration from its distinctive surroundings, the hotel showcases the captivating spirit of the Lone Star State and pays due respect to Texas’s rich history with thoughtful features throughout. 

Online: coltonhousehotel.com

Pendry West Hollywood | Los Angeles, CA

Located at the intersection of Sunset Boulevard and Olive Drive in the heart of the iconic Sunset Strip, Pendry West Hollywood will feature 149 luxury guest rooms and 40 Pendry Residences by Montage Hotels & Resorts. With interiors done by award-winning international interior designer Martin Brudnizki, guests and residence owners will have exclusive access to hotel amenities, including multiple food and beverage concepts driven by world-renowned Chef Wolfgang Puck, a rooftop pool and bar, a multi-purpose live entertainment venue, a screening room, bowling alley, Spa Pendry and state-of-the-art fitness center, as well as a curated art collection. 

Online: pendry.com

Palacio Provincial | San Juan, Puerto Rico

Palacio Provincial

Located in the heart of Old San Juan, the first new hotel in decades is set to open January 2021. Flawlessly combining past and present, Palacio Provincial is a new posh property that offers travelers an ultra-stylish home base for discovering the rich traditions of Old San Juan. The hotel boasts 43 guest rooms and suites with unparalleled views of Old San Juan and San Juan Bay. Hotel guests can soak up the Puerto Rican sunshine with lite bites and hand-crafted cocktails on the property’s rooftop pool and terrace space.  

Online: palacioprovincial.com

Hotel Drover | Fort Worth, TX

A place where simple pleasures and one-of-a-kind experiences blend effortlessly to become special memories, Hotel Drover will bring 200 rustic-luxe rooms and suites—from cozy guests rooms, oversized soaking tubs, and fireplace suites to modern bunkhouse rooms and vintage-inspired retreats. The signature eatery, 97 West Kitchen & Bar, will feature a menu of contemporary Texas fare, elevated ranch classics and reimagined Southern comfort foods. Additionally, the property will boast two “one-of-a-kind” retail shops—Lucchese Custom Collection, a true bespoke experience offering custom and made-to-fit items and Little White Lies, a beautiful, hand-curated artisan shop with a decidedly feminine yet rustic flare.  

Online: hoteldrover.com

Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas | San Diego, CA

Located in one of Southern California’s most iconic coastal towns, Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas will be a crafted luxury resort, delivering authentic and bespoke experiences in a world-class beachfront setting. Defining barefoot luxury, Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas is slated to open in early 2021 and will feature 130 coastal and garden view rooms and suites, using innovative design to showcase the breathtaking coastal views and natural elements of the coastline featuring wood, stone, and sophisticated lines resulting in a stylish yet artisanal understated environment. 

Online: alilahotels.com

Mango House Seychelles, LXR Hotels & Resorts | Mahè, Seychelles

An ultra-private escape in a destination with unrivaled beauty, Mango House Seychelles, LXR Hotels & Resorts will sit on the pristine beachfront in the southern part of Mahè. The highly-exclusive and intimate resort will be a tropical oasis of tranquility and relaxation, surrounded by clear waters and white sand beaches. With only 41 guest rooms, including 9 suites, the luxury resort will also feature five world-class culinary venues, three pool areas, including an infinity pool, and an elevated wellness program with standout treatment rooms overlooking the glittering Indian Ocean. 

Online: lxrhotels3.hilton.com

The Westin Anaheim Resort | Anaheim, CA

Situated in the heart of the Anaheim Resort District, The Westin Anaheim Resort is a relaxing haven of wellness and renewal while being steps away from some of Southern California’s biggest and most popular attractions including Disneyland Resort, Angel Stadium of Anaheim, the Honda Center and the Anaheim Convention Center. A landmark hotel occupying eight acres, The Westin Anaheim Resort will boast 618 guest rooms and suites, signature state-of-the-art WestinWORKOUT Fitness Center, outdoor pool, and multiple signature food and beverage outlets including Anaheim’s only exclusive rooftop bar which gives guests incredible panoramic views and first row seats—without the crowds—to Disneyland’s nightly fireworks.

Online: marriott.com

Pendry Chicago | Chicago, IL

Pendry Chicago sits at the epicenter of business and leisure in Chicago in the heart of The Loop, only steps from the River and in close proximity to  The Magnificent Mile and Millennium Park. Pendry Chicago will be both a restoration and reinvigoration of the 1920s-era Carbide & Carbon building, built in the shape of a vintage green Champagne bottle and said to be inspired as a response to Prohibition. Pendry Hotels & Resorts will bring careful attention to detail and thoughtful elevations in design by the award-winning Alessandro Munge and Studio Munge; new food and beverage, programming and guest experiences—a re-imagination that will deliver a luxe, 364-room and suite property. 

Online: pendry.com

Under Canvas Lake Powell - Grand Staircase | Big Water, UT

Bailey Made

Opening April 2021, Under Canvas Lake Powell-Grand Staircase offers 50 safari-style canvas accommodation tents on elevated decks with private ensuite bathrooms within, perched on the edge of Canyon Rim Plateau with views from the lake to its namesake, Grand Staircase - Escalante National Monument. The camp will center around a lobby lounge tent where guests can enjoy board games, a book, Western inspired cuisine, retail offerings and generally soak up the community vibe before or after a day of outdoor adventure. The camp sits on 220 acres of beautiful land colored with hues of orange, red, and yellow for as far as the eye can see and is conveniently located near top attractions such as Antelope Canyon and Lone Rock Beach at Lake Powell. 

Online: undercanvas.com

The Cloudveil, an Autograph Collection hotel | Jackson Hole, WY

Set to open spring 2021 as the only hotel on Jackson’s historic Town Square, The Cloudveil, an Autograph Collection hotel will draw upon the town’s signature Western style, while bringing understated luxury and a refined, yet relaxed sensibility to the valley. Located at the gateway to the Grand Teton National Park, one hour south of Yellowstone National Park, and in the center of the town’s boutique shops, restaurants, galleries, and more, The Cloudveil aims to capture a true sense of place and offer a modern sanctuary inspired by the organic elements of its locale. The property will boast 100 guest rooms and suites; a European bistro-style restaurant and bar; an expansive rooftop terrace overlooking Jackson’s Town Square and Snow King Mountain; a tranquil outdoor pool and garden; a state-of-the-art fitness center; and 7,500 square feet of indoor-outdoor meeting and event space featuring fireplaces, fire pits, and spectacular views, all designed with the destination in mind.

Online: thecloudveil.com

Under Canvas Acadia | Acadia, Maine

Bailey Made

Opening May 2021, Under Canvas Acadia offers 63 safari-style canvas accommodation tents on elevated decks with private ensuite bathrooms within, set on 100 acres with more than 1,200 feet of untouched Maine coastline and a short 35-minute drive to the acclaimed Cadillac Mountain Trail and more broadly, Acadia National Park. Under Canvas’s first Northeast location immerses guests in the beauty and lush New England environment of emerald green spruce and fir tree forests, sweeping lawns that reach to Union River Bay, and breathtaking views of Acadia’s famed mountainous landscape including Cadillac Mountain. A waterfront lobby tent will open out to an expansive communal dining and gathering space. 

Online: undercanvas.com

Pendry Manhattan West | New York, New York

Pendry Manhattan West will feature 164 guestrooms including 30 suites; a signature restaurant; a lounge and vibrant open-air terrace bar; and meeting and event space. A vibrant urban plaza with landscaped gardens and dynamic street-front retail will bring together high-end, experiential shops and innovative culinary concepts, all enlivened with public art and events by Arts Brookfield, Brookfield’s award-winning arts and entertainment program. The 250,000 square feet of retail at Manhattan West will be anchored by Peloton, which is creating “Peloton Studios,” a 35,000-square-foot state-of-the-art flagship location, and Whole Foods, which is creating a 60,000-square-foot culinary destination.

Online: pendry.com

Azure Palm Hot Springs Resort & Day Spa | Desert Hot Springs, CA

Azure Palm Hot Springs Resort & Day Spa Oasis, opening in Jan. 2021, offers a unique desert spa experience where guests can soak in healing mineral springs surrounded by the San Jacinto Mountains. The resort will offer 40 overnight accommodations, ranging from spa suites with private mineral spring tubs to balcony view rooms facing the stunning western mountainscape. 

Online: azurepalmhotsprings.com

Stanly Ranch, Auberge Resorts Collection | Napa Valley, CA

Stanly Ranch, Auberge Resorts Collection is a new luxury resort where winery estate tradition is perfectly blending with “new Napa” experiences. Scheduled to open in summer 2021, the resort will celebrate the heritage of the Napa Valley with architecture, cuisine and guest experiences inspired by the land. Shaped by its Napa Valley setting, the resort will have an overarching agricultural theme expressed through gardens and orchards, contemporary architecture inspired by the valley’s early farmstead buildings, environmentally minded infrastructure and engaging programs that invite guest participation in the cultivation and celebration of food and wine. The Stanly Ranch Winery will make the most of the Carneros district’s ideal climate and cooling breezes that contribute to the regions acclaimed Pinot Noir and Chardonnay varietals. 

Online: aubergeresorts.com

Bishop's Lodge, Auberge Resorts Collection | Santa Fe, NM

Situated on 317 secluded acres bordering Santa Fe National Forest, Bishop’s Lodge, Auberge Resorts Collection is a soulful retreat steeped in heritage scheduled to open in Spring 2021. This iconic Santa Fe landmark was originally the home of Archbishop Jean Baptiste Lamy and was once the Pulitzer family’s private residence. With distinctive Southwestern heritage, nature-driven adventures and ancient healing arts, Bishop’s Lodge will boast 100 guestrooms and suites with amenities including outdoor gardens and event areas, a Turquesa Healing Arts Studio, awe-inspiring art gallery, fitness center, outdoor swimming pool, on-site trout habitat, horse stables and a unique 12-bedroom bunkhouse for families, multi-generational families and friends getaways. 

Online: aubergeresorts.com

Montage Healdsburg | Healdsburg, CA

Nestled among 258 acres of rolling vineyards and oak tree groves, the ultra-luxury retreat Montage Healdsburg will debut December 12, 2020 as Montage’s first Northern California resort. The property will feature world-class amenities including an 11,500-square-foot spa, a zero-edge resort pool, three signature dining options inspired by the region’s culinary heritage and a wealth of experiences in addition to seamless access to Sonoma wine country’s renowned wineries and outdoor pursuits. Stay in one of the 130 bungalow-style guest rooms featuring an outdoor balcony or deck, or stay in The Guest House, the resort’s luxurious three-bedroom suite with outdoor hot tub. 

Online: montagehotels.com

The Industrialist, Autograph Collection | Pittsburgh, PA

Azeez Bakare Studios

A revival of Pittsburgh’s industrial revolution in a modern-day interpretation for the creative class, The Industrialist Hotel is an 18-story historic landmark centrally located in the heart of the Golden Triangle district in the old Arrott Building. The hotel presents 124 appointed guest rooms including 28 stylish and spacious suites, a restaurant and lounge serving imaginative cocktails and American fare, and private venue spaces for social gatherings. The hotel’s 1902-era architectural details complement reimagined interiors inspired by Pittsburgh’s famous history as a steel capital and are rooted in elements of smoke and molten metal. All guest rooms feature an open floor plan and luxurious suites come with a sofa bed or separate living area. 

Online: marriott.com

Hyatt Place Tampa and Hyatt House Tampa | Tampa, FL

The first dual-branded Hyatt Place and Hyatt House in Tampa is slated to open in February 2021. The Hyatt Place and Hyatt House Tampa infuses modern chic designs with Tampa’s rich Latin History. Boasting a combined 345 luxurious guestrooms, Hyatt Place and Hyatt House Tampa is in the heart of downtown and just steps away from world class entertainment and major corporate offices. Enjoy dashing city views from the outdoor swimming pool located on the 5th floor deck or start your day with a workout session on one of the hotel’s Peloton bikes in the fitness center. 

Online: hyatt.com and hyatt.com

Yonder Escalante | Escalante, UT

Yonder Escalante is a new, outdoor lodging and camping experience set within Utah’s Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and located adjacent to the scenic Highway 12. Founded by father-son duo, Charles Tate and James Tate, Yonder Escalante aims to bridge the gap between time-honored camping traditions and a contemporary hospitality setting amid the stunning backdrop of the southern Utah desert. The 20-acre property affords travelers an immersive stay in nature and presents rustic yet refined accommodations in 10 Airstream Trailers, 22 Modern Cabins and 67 Pull-In RV Sites. The property design pays homage to the surrounding environment and is comprised of an open-air Clubhouse and Bathhouse, General Store, Resort-Style Pool and Hot Tub, Bonfire Pits, “Drive-In” Movie Theater, and 2,000 square feet of indoor-outdoor venue space. 

Online: stayyonder.com

Saba Rock Resort | British Virgin Islands

Located in North Sound of Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands, Saba Rock is an iconic island paradise offering a laid-back, Caribbean-casual atmosphere. Made famous by diving pioneer Herbert “Bert” Kilbride, in the 1960’s, the bare-foot casual cay is an ideal spot for boaters, sailors and watersport enthusiasts in search of a private island escape. Alongside the crystal waters of the British Virgin Islands, guests can enjoy a variety of aquatic offerings including snorkeling, diving, kitesurfing, boating and more. The resort boasts nine rooms and suites, restaurant, lounge and bar, dive and retail shop. Saba Rock is set to open Early 2021 following a complete reconstruction after the devastation by Hurricane Irma in 2017.

Online: sabarock.com

Paradisus Playa Mujeres | Cancun, Mexico

Inspired by Mexican design and architecture, this luxury all-inclusive resort straddles the beach and lush jungle in its own self-contained oasis. Home to 498 rooms with beautiful views of the tropical gardens and picturesque beaches, each detail is thoughtfully considered to complement the natural beauty and topography of the land. Guests can enjoy exclusive access to a private marina, where they can sail the Caribbean Sea whilst soaking up unforgettable views. The resort also boasts 3 pools, with a water park for aquatic activities for all ages and 10 dining concepts. 

Online: melia.com

Fairmont Century Plaza | Los Angeles, CA

The iconic Fairmont Century Plaza will emerge as a fully reimagined landmark for the city of Los Angeles (after nearly 5 years of being closed). Formerly known as Century Plaza Hotel, the Fairmont Century Plaza will feature 400 luxury guest rooms, 63 private residences, and nearly 24,000 square feet of private event space.

Fairmont Spa Century Plaza will be a 14,000 square-foot showpiece, with state-of-the-art facilities, nine treatment rooms, experiential showers, sanarium, Himalayan salt room, aromatherapy steam room, and hammam. The spa will be home to world-renowned treatment concepts, Los Angeles-exclusive beauty and wellness partnerships, and innovative guest experiences.

Online: fairmontcenturyplaza.com

Thompson San Antonio | San Antonio, TX

Thompson San Antonio

Situated in a luxury mixed-use development, The Arts Residences, on the banks of the San Antonio River, Thompson San Antonio is expected to redefine the city’s skyline and bring modern sophistication to the Texas Hill Country when it opens on the celebrated River Walk. City and Hill Country views will be a hallmark of the new hotel’s 162 guestrooms, including 33 suites including a penthouse suite designed for entertaining. Thompson San Antonio’s captivating public spaces will include a signature restaurant helmed by one of San Antonio’s most celebrated chef’s, a soaring rooftop bar inspired by the Greek goddess of the moon, an expansive pool deck with a bar and cabanas, a full-service spa, and 10,000 square feet of meeting and event space. 

Online: hyatt.com

Sunset Resorts | Montego Bay, Jamaica

Sunset Beach Resort, Spa & Waterpark and Oasis at Sunset are set to reopen this winter. Sunset Beach Resort, Waterpark & Spa offers sun-soaked fun for everyone. This family-friendly, all-inclusive beachfront resort is located just four miles from Sangster International Airport (MBJ) in Montego Bay. Boasting two towers, each with 149 spacious guest rooms, the resort features a waterpark, spa, six restaurants and four bars. Oasis at Sunset is a more intimate resort that offers a chic and sophisticated all-inclusive getaway with access to the fun offered at neighboring Sunset Beach Resort, Spa & Waterpark. Guests of Oasis at Sunset will enjoy round-trip airport transfers, a dedicated concierge and three exclusive restaurants and bars.

Online: thesunsetbeachjamaica.com & theoasisjamaica.com

Hotel Citrine | Palo Alto, CA

Opening early 2021, Hotel Citrine, Tribute Portfolio, is part of a Marriott branded complex of new hotels coming to Palo Alto, California.  This clean, playful lifestyle hotel features 150 guest rooms and suites designed by award-winning Southern California interior design firm, Beleco and shares a tree lined driveway and services with a new AC Hotel by Marriott.   Conscious leisure and business travelers will enjoy Wild Onion Bistro & Bar, electric bicycles, a pristine pool and access to the AC Lounge & Kitchen. 

Online: hotelcitrine.com

Delta Hotels Virginia Beach Bayfront Suites | Virginia Beach, VA

Delta Hotels Virginia Beach Bayfront Suites, opening in January 2021, will be the only beachfront hotel on the Chesapeake Bay with its own private beach. The hotel will feature 295 spacious one- and two-bedroom suites, simple and sleek design, and amenities such as an outdoor pool and lounge, kayak and bike rentals, and a 24-7 ultra-modern fitness center. The hotel’s signature restaurant, Tin Cup Kitchen + Oyster Bar, will offer a robust oyster program, coastal cuisine, and expansive outdoor patio with views of the Bay. 

Online: marriott.com

Humaniti Hotel Montreal, Autograph Collection | Montreal, Quebec

The brand new Humaniti Hotel Montréal will be Quebec's first Marriott Autograph Collection Hotel. Ideally located in downtown Montréal, the property and boasts audacious architecture and unique interior spaces. The hotel will feature h3 Restaurant, Terrace and Lounge where guests and locals alike can enjoy evolved local cuisine, a unique wine program and avant-garde mixology. 

Online: humanitimontreal.com

The Pearle Hotel & Spa, Autograph Collection | Burlington, Ontario

The elegant Pearle Hotel and Spa, overlooks the Burlington waterfront and features five elegant event spaces with Lake Ontario as the backdrop, a spa with a traditional Hammam sauna, and signature waterfront restaurant, Isabelle, which prides itself on genuine and thoughtful experiences created through extraordinary cuisine and an inspired setting.

Online: marriott.com

W Toronto | Toronto, Ontario

Say hello to Toronto’s newest and most sought-after hotel, an urban oasis of culture and style. The property will boast, a dazzling hotel rooftop bar and restaurant, FIT® gym, and ground-floor coffeehouse and restaurant. The 9-story, 255-room property is centrally located near iconic galleries, sophisticated shopping, world-class dining and electric nightlife.

Online: marriott.com

Hilton Aventura Miami | Aventura, Florida

The new Hilton Aventura Miami will expand luxury lifestyle within the Aventura area, opening its doors January 20, 2021. With 208 guest rooms, multiple dining concepts including MuseBar and Gala, both with elevated views of Aventura, Hilton Aventura Miami is slated to be a standout destination for leisure and business travelers alike. Other highlights include an eighth floor yoga studio, elevated pool deck, and Executive Lounge with premium perks such as breakfast options, coffee, and assorted snacks and beverages. 

Online: hilton.com

Canyon Madness Ranch | Roy, NM

Far removed from big city lights, Canyon Madness Ranch announces the launch of a luxury ranch set on 14,000 acres of outdoor adventure paradise amongst the geographic majesty of northeastern New Mexico. Opening to guests for the first time in April 2021, the ranch provides thrilling equestrian pursuits and an incredible range of wilderness activities, from archery to hiking to river kayaking and more.

An intimate property welcoming just sixteen guests, Canyon Madness Ranch’s extensive land holdings encompass Enciero Canyon, a box-canyon with seas of red clay interrupted by giant twenty-foot deep crevices. Views look out to the awe-inspiring red sandstone cliffs of the Canadian River Canyon. Mixing the high excitement of adventurous outdoor recreations with the comfort of luxury accommodations and stunning, uninterrupted, and pristine natural beauty, Canyon Madness Ranch is truly a playground for all.

Online: canyonmadnessranch.com

AC Hotel Orlando Downtown | Orlando, FL

AC Hotel Orlando Downtown is slated to open its doors on January 12, 2021 as the area’s first lifestyle hotel. More than just Disney-adjacent, Orlando has trendy bars and cheerful eateries, and AC Orlando is in the center of it all in the new SunTrust Plaza building. The hotel expertly combines the next-gen style of AC Hotels with the under-the-radar rhythm of downtown Orlando. The rooms feature sleek furnishings, open floor plans and a neutral color palette for an inviting respite from city life. SkyBar, the property’s elevated bar experience, offers a lively cocktail program and light bites that are sure to satisfy while guests enjoy unrivaled panoramic views of downtown Orlando. 

Online: marriott.com

Hyatt Centric Beale Street Memphis | Memphis, TN

The only hotel situated on the iconic Beale Street, Hyatt Centric Beale Street Memphis will be a stone’s throw away from the culture and nightlife that fills one of the most famous streets in America. Opening March 2021, the 227-room full-service hotel will boast unparalleled views of the city and Mississippi River with upscale features including an expansive pool deck, private cabanas, a modern lobby lounge serving curated cocktails, and Beck & Call, a roof top whiskey bar that will impress even the most discerning whiskey lover. 

Online: hyatt.com

sbe, SLS Cancun Hotels & Residences | Cancun, Mexico

sbe

Renowned international hospitality group sbe will be expanding its SLS hotel portfolio with the debut of a new hotel in an entirely new global destination for the brand—Cancun, Mexico. SLS Cancun will debut in early 2021 and will feature 45 rooms with breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea, elegant Italian-designed interiors by Piero Lissoni, premiere beachfront access and imaginative Argentinian fusion cuisine by Chef Jose Icardi

Online: sbe.com

Club Med Seychelles | Republic of Seychelles

Cllub Med

The private island of Sainte Anne in the Republic of Seychelles will see their very first resort in February 2021.Nestled along the preserved Marine National Park, Club Med Seychelles will be the newest Exclusive Collection (5-star) resort from Club Med, the pioneer of the all-inclusive concept, with luxurious accommodations matched with high-touch, personalized service as guests explore the virtually untouched destination through glass-bottomed kayak rides, snorkeling experiences, and locally-inspired cuisine. The eco-certified resort will also feature a wide range of wellness treatments using products inspired by the native flora and will also offer nature conservation experiences, like marine conservation and turtle nesting.

Online: clubmed.us

Casa di Langa | Piedmont, Italy

Nestled in northern Italy’s Piedmont region, home to some of the world’s finest wines and white truffles, Casa di Langa is a sustainable luxury retreat that sits next to the vineyard landscapes of Le Langhe, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The 39-room hotel combines traditional Piedmontese design, reflected in the soft, muted colors of the surrounding natural environment, with sustainable practices such as a commitment to carbon neutrality and the use of 100% recycled water for irrigation. Guests can enjoy farm-to-table cuisine with a modern twist at the signature Fàula Ristorante, and take advantage of a wide range of immersive experiences including cooking classes, workshops at the on-property wine academy, truffle hunting, and art tours.

Online: preferredhotels.com

The Londoner | London, United Kingdom

Set in the buzzy Leicester Square, The Londoner has been dubbed the world’s first “super boutique hotel.” Offering a multifaceted experience and six subterranean levels, the hotel extends 350 guestrooms, including 35 suites and a tower penthouse with cityscape views, all complete with curated fine artworks. Other highlights include six restaurants and lounges, rooftop bar with a fire pit, underground spa and swimming pool and a two-screen cinema. The hotel is set to be one of the greenest hotels in the United Kingdom and will be employing pioneering methods of sustainable luxury.

Online: preferredhotels.com

The Wall Street Hotel | New York, NY

Located along lower Manhattan’s famed Wall Street and housed in the historic Tontine Building that originated as a coffee house in 1874, The Wall Street Hotel is a sleek retreat with 180 spacious rooms and suites. Following a day of sightseeing, guests can enjoy international cuisine in the JF Restaurant, led by Michelin-starred Chef John Fraser, or relax in the all-day lounge and bar. The hotel will also fuel guest exploration of The Big Apple by offering complimentary use of Electric Scooters and Vélosophy Original Comfort Bikes, in addition to an array of in-room spa treatments from Zeel Spa for post-adventure relaxation.

Online: preferredhotels.com

Andaz Bali | Indonesia

Inspired by the contemporary Balinese village where the property is located, the resort will be surrounded by a natural Balinese garden and situated in the heart of Sanur, known for its local charm and great beaches.

Online: hyatt.com

El Capitan, a Joie de Vivre Hotel | Merced, CA

On Merced’s Main Street in a building with ties to the town’s first railroad depot, guests will enjoy this hotel’s proximity to some of the San Joaquin Valley’s best nature offerings, including the Merced National Wildlife Refuge, Yosemite National Park and more.

Online: hyatt.com

Hyatt Centric 39th & 5th New York | New York, NY

This 162-room boutique hotel will be situated steps away from the Empire State Building, Bryant Park, Grand Central Terminal and the famed marble entrance of the New York Public Library. Inside, guests will enjoy playful details and sophisticated furnishings that capture the spirit of NYC, and a rooftop bar and lounge with breathtaking views of the New York skyline.

Online: hyatt.com

Mission Pacific Hotel, a Joie de Vivre Hotel | Oceanside, CA

Guests at this 161-room boutique hotel will be encouraged to slow down and immerse themselves in local food, culture and activities, including surf lessons and yoga offered by the property. The Mission Pacific Hotel will be situated adjacent to The Seabird Resort, a new Destination Hotel, collectively spanning 700 feet of uninterrupted beach access.

Online: hyatt.com

The Seabird Resort, a Destination Hotel | Oceanside, CA

The Seabird Resort will feature 226 guest rooms and suites, a full-service spa & fitness center and a 9,000-square-foot ocean-facing pool deck. The property’s oceanview lobby living room bar and lounge will be perfect for taking in sunsets over the Pacific Ocean. The Seabird Resort will be located directly adjacent to the new Mission Pacific Hotel, a Joie de Vivre Hotel.

Online: hyatt.com

The Shay, a Destination Hotel | Los Angeles, CA

The Shay’s 148 contemporary guestrooms will feature creative, loft-like design to fulfill the needs of today’s work-from-anywhere travelers, keeping guests connected to their surroundings.

Online: hyatt.com

—Kate Loweth

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Our series, Family Tales, is an honest peek into the daily lives of families across the country who are on this crazy ride we call parenthood! From divulging childcare costs to breaking down family finances to managing a virtual school year with multiple kids, we tap into the Red Tricycle army of parents to find out how they’re making it work. This series is a judgment-free zone.

Interested in telling your story? Start by filling out our questionnaire here. All stories are anonymous.

I Have to Say, I’m Not Minding the Remote-Learning Setup for My Family

 

Name and occupation: Maria Chambers, Editor for Red Tricycle Chicago and Co-Owner of Washington Street Markets
My partner’s occupation: Co-parenting with my ex-husband who is a business consultant
City: Naperville, IL (a western suburb of Chicago)
Grades my kids are in: Sons are in 11th and 9th, a daughter in 8th and a son who graduated college in 2019
School set-up in 2020: Our school resumed on Sep. 1 with a remote learning setup for a minimum of 12 weeks, at which point it will be reevaluated. Once it is deemed safe for in-person learning to resume, they will be on a hybrid schedule. Kids are broken into two groups by alphabet. Kids with names that start with A-L will go on Tues. and Thurs., and every other Mon. Kids with names starting with M-Z will go Wed. and Fri., and every other Mon. When kids do return, they will need to wear masks and strict guidelines are in place for the number of kids who can be in any given location at a time.

photo: credit Alicia’s Photography

This first day of school in 2020 definitely felt a bit anti-climactic, without the frenzy of transitioning from summer to school mode, taking pictures the kids don’t want taken and the silence of an empty house once they would normally go on their way, hauling overstuffed backpacks hunched over like mules.

Funny enough, the stress over first-day outfit choices was still in the mix. Well, at least for my daughter. The boys, not so much. Thankfully the eyeglasses she ordered last-minute, that she doesn’t actually need for seeing, arrived a day early so she was able to dial into her first Zoom call spectacled and stylish. I like to tease about her desperate wish to wear glasses and frustration that her vision is perfect, but I do agree the blue light glasses weren’t a bad purchase with how much screen time she’ll have this year. See the ones she ordered here, if you’re interested for your kids (or you!).

Morning: My Kids Are Pretty Self-Sufficient, and I’m Not Mad About It

Let me just preface this by saying, I know how lucky I am to have older kids in these weird days of schooling during COVID. I have mad respect for moms and dads who have elementary-aged kids and younger or kids of any age who have special learning needs or haven’t acclimated to this new setup. Those of us on cruise control look at what you’re doing and give major applause. For real.

My boys have to be logged on to their first-period Zoom call at 7:45 a.m. and my daughter logs on at 8 a.m. When my alarm goes off at 6:30 a.m., I wake all three so they can ease into their day. This may seem like ample time to get ready, but my 9th-grade son has one speed and it’s turtle. He’s developed a specific morning ritual which he needs to go through in a certain order that involves YouTubing while showering, cuddle time with our menagerie of pets and slow-as-molasses breakfast-eating. He feels this sets him up for a successful, stress-free day and I don’t even try to question or mess with it.

As soon as I wake on Mondays, I hit up our local bakery, D’Etta’s, for an Almond Braid or their massive Cinnamon Rolls that can feed a whole family. The Almond Braid lasts for days and it’s a hit with everyone. My daughter likes to keep Costco acai bowls (from the freezer section) onhand and I purchase their breakfast burritos from the refrigerated section for an alternative if the kids are feeling savory over sweet. Also, if you haven’t tried Costco’s Cinnamon Bread from their bakery section, you don’t even know what you’re missing. So good!

This summer, each of my kids got to pick a YETI and find their own bling on RedBubble. I don’t know why, but this made them extremely happy, they are obsessed. Another thing I don’t question. These get filled, by them, every morning and they stay cold and iced all day, into the evening. I’m convinced they’re made of a mix of magic and voodoo.

While my kids get ready, I do a quick check of my work email and then head for a walk that always involves an order-ahead coffee from Sparrow (Oat Milk Vanilla Latte, in case you’re ever looking to get me something special) and usually a pitstop to sit quietly with nature along Naperville’s riverwalk.

Morning School and Work: Personal Space Is a Happy Thing

Each of my kids has their own room with a workspace and I work from the dining room table. Up until this past January, my 11th-grade and 9th-grade boys were still sharing a room. I did a quick rough finish of my basement and moved my 24-year-old’s room down there (because who doesn’t love a classic cliche) and moved my 9th grader into his old space. This was a pre-COVID decision that ended up being a home run for what happened just a few months later.

A few years ago, our school district went to a 1:1 technology model and issued all kids 2nd grade and above Chrome books (K-1 received iPads). This decision made rolling out remote learning much easier and ensured equitability. All three of my kids have district-issued laptops and receive IT support, as well.

The kids are on Zoom calls with their teacher the first half of every class for synchronous learning and are asynchronous the second half. This gives them time to work independently on any assignments or participate in breakout groups with classmates.

Mid-Morning Routine: Lots of Snacking Happening

With me working from the dining room table, I see lots of mid-morning trips to the refrigerator happening. Every Monday I make a trip to Costco to stock up on fruit, so strawberries, blueberries, bananas, apples and nectarines are readily available at all times as a healthy option. Sometimes they pick that option and sometimes they are looking for something salty. On my Costco trip, I get a box of mixed, snack-sized chips and they each can grab one of those at some point in the day. I also keep pretzels, nuts and healthy-ish granola bars stocked.

Lunch: Being Prepared Is Key

The kids all have slightly different lunchtimes, so a group lunch isn’t really an option. In order to keep my workday from being interrupted too much, I keep the refrigerator/freezer stocked with easy-prep options they can do on their own like sandwich-making materials and one-step meals. For my 11th grader, I keep mozzarella balls, basil and cherry tomatoes and he whips together a Caprese Salad or his favorite is micro Frontera Chicken Fajita Bowls from the freezer section of Costco (I swear Costco isn’t paying me). My daughter and 9th grade son love chicken mini tacos, also from Costco’s freezer section, and eat those pretty much every day.

 

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There are several options for meal delivery that include prepared lunches for kids in Chicago, if you find yourself struggling to get creative, keep things stocked or just want to outsource that chore give one of those a try!

My kids are lucky they live in a neighborhood where their school friends are close by. We have a large open grassy area across the street from our house, so my daughter will schedule lunchtime meetups with friends for picnics. This is a nice way for her to break up the day and an excellent way to keep in-person socialization a part of her day, which is extremely important to her.

Afternoon: So Close to the Finish Line

Our afternoons are pretty easy-breezy. Once lunch happens, each of my kids only has two classes remaining. For my 11th grader, this means gym class, which has become my absolute favorite time of day. He begrudgingly ends up in the front yard doing some insane looking task that he needs one of us to film. And, we all get a good laugh (and so do neighbors and cars randomly driving by the house).

Right now, my only kid who’s doing an organized sport is my 9th grader. His high school has Cross Country, so he either rides his bike or I drive him to his 3:30-5:30 p.m. practice. He arrives with a mask on, gets his temperature checked upon arrival and they break the kids down into small groups.

My daughter typically does every sport she possibly can, but her middle school has postponed these activities and we opted out of travel soccer this year with the uncertainty. It seemed like a lot of money to pay, not knowing what the format would look like.

My 11th grader would usually do Cross Country, but he’s personally restricting his activity and staying home as much as possible.

Evening: Extremely Low-Key and Unstructured

We don’t really have a set routine for the evening hours. I let the kids kinda do their thing and unwind. I’ve noticed with the kids still getting used to the school schedule, this a lot of times means a nap for the 8th and 11th grader, while the 9th grader is at Cross Country.

 

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I’ve been getting weekly HelloFresh deliveries for the last two years and kept this up through quarantine. This helps remove a to-do from my list and limits the amount of shopping I need to do throughout the week. I’m a huge fan of their service. I don’t eat meat and their veggie meals have introduced me to some new recipes I would’ve never thought to try. I have had a bit of trouble with their service during COVID, with them getting a lot of my meals wrong, including sending meat meals, and meals or ingredients completely missing from my box. I called to inquire because I often recommend them to our readers. Their customer service explained they weren’t prepared for the uptick in subscriptions that COVID brought and on top of that, they’ve had trouble hiring additional support since some people are afraid to return. I’m going to stick it out with them because I understand this is a hard time for a lot of companies and they’re doing their best. I appreciate that they are responsive, accept responsibility for the mistakes and work hard to explain and rectify any issues.

photo: credit Alicia’s Photography

How My Routine Is Different Being Divorced

Pre-COVID, my ex-husband would travel weekly, so our schedule with the kids fluctuated a lot during the weekdays. He hasn’t traveled since mid-March, so we’ve been able to stick to a Monday-Monday routine. Every Monday, the kids switch houses. They prefer to stay in one house as long as possible vs. moving things back and forth frequently. We also live down the street from each other and often pop into each other’s houses for a visit. The kids come in and out of both houses regularly, so I at least get to see their faces most days.

Long before COVID, we created a family text chain that includes my ex-husband, his partner, our four kids and me. Anytime we communicate, it goes through the family chat. That way, nothing ever falls through the cracks with communication. We’re all up to speed with anything that’s going on, regardless of which house they’re at or who’s involved directly. When my oldest was away at college, this was also a great way for him to stay connected to the family and not feel like he was missing out on anything.

 

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The Always-Present Silver Lining

My three youngest kids are very close in age: 16, 14 and 13. My 16-year-old had just turned three when my 13-year-old was born, so I had three that were 3 and under. This meant I spent many years in the trenches, in total chaos, but they were extremely close and inseparable. They also spent many years in elementary school together. Which is maybe something I didn’t know to appreciate until it was gone—the comfort that comes from having them all in the same place. Knowing they saw each other throughout the day and they had that silent support and bond close by. There’s a confidence that comes from that.

Having the kids home and adjusting to the new schedules and interruptions hasn’t been easy. But, I really thoroughly enjoy seeing the impromptu interactions throughout the day that absolutely would not be happening if they were in-person learning. They are needing to lean on each other again in ways they haven’t had to do in years. Recording gym sessions for each other to submit to teachers, asking clarifying questions about new procedures and just poking their heads into each other’s “classrooms” because they want human interaction. Above all, I am grateful for this extra time with them and this opportunity they have to bond.

— Maria Chambers

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Photo: Tinkergarten

As parents and caregivers, we’ve been on an emotional rollercoaster for months in the COVID-19 pandemic. So much is uncertain, kids can seem like they are regressing, and our one job—keeping them safe and happy—feels more challenging than ever.

One thing we’re hearing over and over is: We miss playing with our friends outside.

Opportunities to come together and play are so needed, and we can see it and feel it in our kids. Going outside—in a safe and thoughtful way—is the best way to make that happen, and public health experts agree.

Time spent outdoors offers mental and physical benefits, and Americans aren’t getting enough of it, these days especially. The NY Times recently cited concerns about “nature deficit disorder,” a fear many experts have for kids who’ve been cooped up since March. It’s a non-medical term for behavioral problems that may stem from too much time indoors—and not enough free play in nature. Add in our basic need to socialize, and getting together outdoors is a mental health combo we all need right now.

And though access to outdoor space varies from family to family, from private yards to patches of grass to city sidewalks and common courtyards, finding a way to get a dose of nature no matter where you live is game-changing for everyone. Here’s why outdoor play should be at the top of your to-do list. 

The outdoors are safer.

Experts say that when we’re together, it’s much safer to be outside than in. And with proper safety protocols, kids and families can and should enjoy lots and lots of nature time.

The NY Times cited a study from Japan of 100 cases, which found that coronavirus was 20 times more likely to transmit indoors than out, because of the dispersion of viral droplets. Breathing together in confined spaces carries tons of risk; outdoors that risk is much, much lower—and drops to negligible when you wear masks and maintain social distance.

For example, William Schaffner, medical director for the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, said in a recent interview that “the risk out of doors is lower than it is when we’re in enclosed spaces.” And Dr. Erin Bromage, a biology professor and immunology expert at UMass Dartmouth recently recommended families enjoy “any outdoor space with ample room for social distancing,” including parks, beaches, and trails. 

Julia L. Marcus, an epidemiologist and assistant professor at Harvard Medical School, recently shared similar thoughts with the New York Times: “I think going outside is important for health,” she said. “We know that being outdoors is a lower risk for coronavirus transmission than being indoors. On a sunny, beautiful weekend, I think going outside is indicated, but I also think there are things to do to reduce our risk.” 

The benefits outweigh the risks for kids.

“People are thinking about these non-quantified risks and benefits,” Dr. Amber Fyfe-Johnson, a pediatrician, epidemiologist and assistant professor at Washington State University, told Tinkergarten. “We want a number, but we don’t have it. The numbers do suggest that between-child transmission of COVID is very low—it’s still a risk—but people in the public health realm are saying it’s important to get kids outside.” 

With the right approach, we can manage the risk.

In another interview, Bromage stressed that “it’s the types of interactions” we have outside that matter. Common-sense guidelines apply: Keep 6 feet of distance if you can, wear masks (if you’re over 2) and don’t share food or utensils with people outside your immediate family. 

Dr. Sally Goza, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics, has also encouraged parents to get kids together with friends outside and, to keep it safe, wear masks, keep distance and wash hands frequently.

How do we put these precautions in place?

One key is to avoid big crowds and do your best to maintain social distancing protocols, especially those that have been mandated where you live. To teach little kids social distancing, we can do things like help kids envision a 6-foot personal space bubble and remind children of the reason that we are keeping our distance: We want to keep ourselves and our friends safe. Older kids can get that message in even greater detail: Keeping a 6-foot bubble makes it much less likely for the virus to spread. 

Children are wired to physically connect, but with practice and time, their impulse control can catch up and they can learn to interact—and enjoy it—from a safe distance. So Tinkergarten is kicking off in-person classes where they’re allowed, based on established safety guidelines. We’ll partner with families to put protocols in place—like social distance (read here about how to teach kids to respect a personal space bubble, but doing so in fun, kid-friendly and supportive ways, like walking like a lobster when they need to make more room. and masks for everyone over age 2 as recommended by the CDC (read here for how kids can make friends with masks).

While the outdoors are safer in terms of lower potential for viral transmission, it’s important to acknowledge that we don’t all enjoy equal access. Historically, parks and green spaces haven’t been a place where people of all races have been made to feel at ease or even safe—and that history still negatively impacts how some people experience that natural world. There’s a lot we can all do to make the outdoors more accessible to everyone. Organizations like In SolidarityOutdoor Afro, Diversify the Outdoors and Soul Trak are working to right the imbalance.

Though COVID has made it all the more apparent, the outdoors offer an ideal environment for children to play and learn. With schools’ strategies shifting and parents trying to juggle working with childcare in quarantine, it’s a relief to know that when kids play outside, they’re naturally learning and developing important skills, from sensory engagement to empathy. And until classes open in your neighborhood, enjoy Camp Tinkergarten, 8 weeks of expert-designed activities that offer tons of ways to keep your kids outside—and playing—for long stretches of time.

This post originally appeared on Tinkergarten.

After 18 years as an educator, curriculum developer and school leader, Meghan has her dream gig—an entrepreneur/educator/mom who helps families everywhere, including hers, learn outside. Today, Meghan serves as co-founder and Chief Learning Officer of Tinkergarten, the national leader in outdoor play-based learning. 

Hop on the trolley and ride along with Daniel Tiger. Get ready for a new season of Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood complete with new episodes and a special created in response to COVID-19. PBS KIDS announced Season 5 of the popular preschool show will premiere Mon., Aug. 17.

Daniel Tiger

The new season of the hit show kicks off with Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood: Won’t You Sing Along with Me?, a timely, music-filled special that helps address some of the challenges and disappointments “little tigers” and their families may be experiencing due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the special, when Daniel learns he can’t gather with all of his neighbors at the Neighborhood Carnival this year, it leads to a lot of big feelings and questions, including what to do when he misses the people he loves, how to keep himself and others healthy, and how to find ways to enjoy the extra time at home with his family. Mom and Dad Tiger use new and fan-favorite songs from the series to help reassure him – as well as young viewers and their parents at home, who are encouraged to sing along! The special was created with major funding from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

“As COVID-19 continues to pose challenges to families across the country, PBS KIDS is uniquely positioned to meet the needs of children, parents, and caregivers,” said Lesli Rotenberg, Chief Programming Executive and General Manager, Children’s Media and Education, PBS. “Learning lies at the heart of our mission, and we’ve been proud to be able to step in and offer at-home learning solutions, content and resources, like this timely special from Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, that reach kids where they are with age-appropriate lessons, especially in areas where families may have limited or no access to broadband internet.”

In addition, five new episodes, including a 22-minute special, “Daniel’s Substitute Teacher,” will premiere throughout the week. A new digital game from Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood will be available later this summer on pbskids.org and the PBS KIDS Games app. In “Dance Party,” kids can dance along with Daniel and his friends, follow their dance moves, or simply listen to the music and dance in their own way. To further support families and educators as school time approaches, whether it be at-home learning or an adjusted back-to-school schedule, new Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood activities and resources will be available on PBS KIDS for Parents and PBS LearningMedia.

“Season 5 of Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood will showcase even more relatable storylines and fresh musical strategies to help keep preschoolers learning, growing, and navigating the world around them,” said Paul Siefken, President and CEO of Fred Rogers Productions. “In addition to the upcoming special, the season will include episodes about sudden changes at school, separation from family members, staying safe, hospital stays, respecting one’s personal space, disappointment, generosity, and grown-ups taking care of you.”

Throughout 20 new Season 5 episodes, Daniel and his friends will learn gentle lessons about managing sibling rivalry, missing people when they’re far away, being “big enough” to do things alone, coping with accidents, the importance of listening and following rules, and much more. New friends will also join the Neighborhood of Make-Believe.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: PBS KIDS

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Most summers, the night we do a lobster dinner (it’s a whole thing) and the next-day lobster rolls are a highlight. This year, lobsters will be important in our family—and at Tinkergarten—all summer and beyond. Lobsters are going to teach our kids how to social distance. As you prepare for whatever you have on deck this summer, we hope lobsters can help your family too!

How Lobsters Became Our Teachers

As a parent, I needed to help my young kids learn to stay 6 feet from humans they love. As an educator, I needed to design lessons to help kids play and learn together while maintaining distance.

The design requirements in both cases were the same: Kids had to be together with people they love and with friends; kids had to learn to maintain distance, and kids had to feel great about it—not just be “unharmed” but great, in control, playful and joyful. Sounds like a tall order, but that is just the kind of design challenge I love.

The answer? I know that animals make powerful allies for children. So, the key was to find an animal that could help me teach kids to back up and keep their distance. It turns out, lobsters can move backward even faster than they move forward. As the Wild Kratts team would say, that is one super cool “creature power.”

How to Teach Kids to Lobster
Give them the right introduction, and lobsters can start helping right away:

1. Look at pictures of lobsters and/or watch some clips of lobsters in motion. If screens are active in your house, Watch a PBS Kids Wild Kratts episode about Lobsters or watch real like lobsters in St. Maarten here! In Tinkergarten class, each child gets a personalized note from a lobster!
2. Ask kids what they notice and what seems special about lobsters.
3. Share “I learned something about lobsters that I think is amazing; do you want to hear? Lobsters can move as fast backward as they can move forward! I know I can’t do that!”
4. Try it yourself! “Want to try to lobster walk?!” As you pretend to move like lobsters, it’s fun for kids who are really steady on their feet to feel how much harder it is to go fast backward as humans. Don’t forget to add in some pretend claws as you play!
5. Suggest another lobster walk a few times a day for a while—and stay silly with it.
6. Reinforce it. Eventually, you can say things like, “Hey, let’s take a little lobster walk…” or even just quietly make a pinching-claws motion with a wink, and kids will back right up.

See the lobster walk in action here!

Why Lobsters Make Such Great Teachers
First and foremost, we know little kids can learn this—coming to understand and respect others’ and our own personal space is a fundamental lesson of early childhood. And even very young kids can get behind the reason we are doing this: to keep ourselves and our friends safe. But, reason alone won’t do the trick, since the actions required to keep distance are opposite from what kids are used to. Plus, little kids are still learning impulse control. Kids need reminders and plenty of practice to get this down.

By learning to walk backward like lobsters, we give our kids a fun and imaginative way to practice backing up—just enough to make their bubbles a bit bigger. Kids can have a blast practicing lobster walks before they even get into a new social situation. Even more importantly, we have a way to give our kiddos the reminders they need once we are in a social situation—and a reminder that is kid-friendly, non-shaming, and super fun.

This summer, no matter what you do, put lobster on your menu of teaching tools—and just watch. Who knew that what could look like nagging could turn into joyful, creature-inspired play—and the chance for you to breathe a little while kiddo gets to be safe outdoors with friends and family again!

 

This post originally appeared on Tinkergarten.

After 18 years as an educator, curriculum developer and school leader, Meghan has her dream gig—an entrepreneur/educator/mom who helps families everywhere, including hers, learn outside. Today, Meghan serves as co-founder and Chief Learning Officer of Tinkergarten, the national leader in outdoor play-based learning. 

More and more companies are committed to supporting their employees in working from home due to the pandemic and stay at home orders. This comes as a relief to parents with small children at home but it also brings new challenges to the workday. HeyMama and InHerSight conducted a study of 1,000 moms to discover the policies, resources, and support working mothers need from their employers, coworkers, and partners during the COVID-19 crisis as work from home policies continue. 

woman on laptop

Women are finding themselves working more, feeling less productive and are less satisfied with their jobs. While past studies have shown that remote employees are more productive than those who work in the office, it did not account for mothers homeschooling their children while keeping up with deadlines and other duties. 

The typical rules and results of working from home do not apply under these circumstances, so it is important for employers to consider how the pandemic is affecting their employees and reassess the expectations they have. 

The survey found that almost three in five working moms say they are less productive while working from home during COVID-19, yet two in five say they are doing more work. Additionally, nearly half of women who took our survey say they’re less satisfied with their jobs since working from home and taking care of children at the same time.

There is no denying that taking care of your children, along with having to educate and entertain them, is a full time job. Pair that with working from home and both will suffer. Moms working from home need more flexibility in both work hours and deadlines. 

“Flexibility has always been really important to women in general and moms specifically, as they try to balance work and life and make the best decisions for their families,” Ursula Mead, CEO and cofounder of InHerSight, says. “Throw in a pandemic and a lot of our day-to-day needs from regular, non-stressful times become that much more acute and critical.”According to our survey-takers, flexible work hours due to other demands on time and extended/flexible deadlines are the top two considerations they need from their employers.

If quarantine and social restrictions continue for the foreseeable future, working moms say flexible work hours are still a priority followed by paid time off and extended/flexible deadlines for work. 

“Flexibility can take a lot of different forms. It can be flexible work hours, deadlines, projects/assignments, or ways to use benefits and capital, and understanding the type of flexibility moms need as they work from home and during the pandemic,” Mead says.“Remember too that identifying your employees’ needs and supporting them is good for your business and your team’s morale and  productivity.”

Working moms also need their coworkers to understand that they have a lot on their plates right now. 

“While the current pandemic has been difficult for everyone, and people who cannot or choose not to have children are facing a slew of challenges, parents—seemingly overnight—became de facto teachers, helping their children navigate e-learning while simultaneously working, caring for any young children they may have, and taking care of their homes,” Katya Libin, CEO and cofounder of HeyMama, says. “Fifty-seven percent of mothers say COVID-19 has negatively impacted their mental health. While most parents cannot understand what it must be like to spend months on end devoid of any human contact—a reality for many single people who’ve been sheltering in place—those without children cannot fully understand what it’s like to lack any personal space or even a moment of solitude during lockdown, either.”

Mothers who are also business owners need their employees to anticipate needs and be proactive in helping out in order to keep the business up and running. 

“This is a large ask, especially if their employees are, like these business owners, parents,” Libin says. “Prior to COVID-19, 70 percent of mothers with children under 18 did paid work, and moms made up 47 percent of the workforce. In a country that has failed to provide mandatory paid leave, affordable health care, and ensure equal pay for equal work, asking employees to anticipate and preemptively react to the needs of their employer feels like a large request. But this need also speaks to the ways in which mothers who own businesses are not adequately supported. While it would undoubtedly be beneficial for these business owners to have employees who can read their minds, what entrepreneurial moms really need are systemic support systems at the local, state, and federal level. And, of course, another crucial part of any mom’s support system is her network of other moms—her community. Having access to other women in similar situations and stages of both life and career to lean on and turn to for advice cannot be underestimated.”

In general, women take on the bulk of child care duties. This is true even in households where both partners do paid work. 23 percent of working mothers want more help from their partners regarding child care. 

Mead says that for some women, this experience could be a wake-up call, “If they had an inkling that the distribution of work was ‘off’ or uneven in some way, working from home while juggling caring for the kids is likely going to be a reality check as women come to terms with the hard truth that the distribution of work at home is still far from equal.”

“[The balance of unpaid work] hasn’t changed in so many decades…or centuries even,” Mead says. “I think women don’t know how to make it change. The resources out there to get from the current distribution of work to a better place just don’t exist or aren’t meeting women and their partners where it’s helpful.”

Every working mother has different needs. The best way to know what types of support you can offer is by  asking and listening.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: JESHOOTS.COM on Unsplash

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It really seems like an overnight transformation. One minute you have all this stuff. Everywhere. The baby has consumed your life, your home, its decor, your personal space, your breasts, the car; everything screams baby.  

Then, one day, it’s different.

I call this the baby-to-toddler liberation. Freedom. We can have nice things and a baby. We can accomplish tasks and projects outside of nap time. I can just be me, as well as her mom.

This change for me happened around 13 months. When those first steps became full-fledged walking and the dangers that came with bumping heads while crawling dissipated. My daughter had suddenly become a walking, running, independent toddler. It was a change that I didn’t expect to happen so quickly. It wasn’t one I had even pushed for, but rather one she asked for with her own actions and new-found independence. 

This was also the end of breastfeeding. It was important to me to give her the full 12 months of nursing, but after that, I needed my own independence. It was important for both of us, really, and at 12 months, she would be fine to drink cow’s milk alongside the rest of the family. I wanted the weaning process to be slow and natural, so I began at 11 months and didn’t wean her off completely until 12.5. Two weeks after her first birthday, she was happily on cow’s milk 2-3 times per day, which is where she now remains. 

So, the 12.5-month mark brought liberation from nursing, and the 13-month mark brought a toddling toddler. And, what were the major changes in this transition from baby to toddler?

Well, personally, I started taking better care of myself. My hormones from nursing were regulating, and I felt like I could finally control my nursing cravings and diet. I also treated myself to some chemicals! I was so chemical-free and baby-focused my entire pregnancy and while nursing, that getting a manicure and a pedicure, a facial, and a haircut, made me feel like I was a shelter dog, finding a home and going to the groomer for the first time. I got back into a more routine gym schedule, began reading new books, and started writing and blogging again. No longer nursing, I could have wine without looking at the clock. I could make a gourmet meal between her 7:00 p.m. bedtime and mine, clean the kitchen, and still get a goodnight’s sleep before our 6:45 a.m. wakeup.

A life fulfilled. Personally satisfied, and now, I look around the house in this new phase. Her toys are all confined to her room in one toy trunk and a separate play area. This is her space, where she chooses to go, alone, and sit with her imagination. She brings different toys out–usually a stuffed cat, Minnie, or some balls but they always go back to her room. 

The mesh bumpers around her crib are gone. Her limbs are now large, and she understands how to get them both in and out of the slats. There are no more baby gyms, bouncers, bassinets, Boppys, burp cloths, or bathtubs laying around. The baby stuff is gone. Packed away with mountains of clothes for the next go. The weaning supplies are in the storage closet—the baby food maker, the little pots, the ice cube trays with lids—and then bottles and pump supplies are in the back of some cabinet. It’s all gone. What’s left outside of the nursery? Some bath toys, a few bottles that I’m actively trying to change to sippy cups, big girl silverware, plates and bowls, a high chair, and some child-proofing items that are not very invasive to our decor. Free at last, free at last.

I must add, this liberation is not just due to the end of nursing and the transition from baby to toddler, for me. I’ve also purged a lot of the old to move from one part of the world to another, to a city that better suits me, in the best time of the year. It’s a true rebirth. It will be interesting to see my thoughts the next time around but, for now, it all feels pretty darn good. Emerging from pregnancy, postpartum life, infancy, and babyhood, to the other side—a strong woman and now mother, with a little independent lady beside me. 

Hi! I'm a New York City writer, cook, wife, and mama! I spend my non-pandemic days exploring this great city, but have been enjoying our extra-cozy time indoors. I write recipes, test existing ones, and often muse about the ups and downs of parenthood! 

Are your kids obsessed with showing off the latest TikTok dances? Now it’s your chance to be the cool parent when you show them this latest challenge. In response to coronavirus fears, a Vietnamese dancer named Quang Dang has started a new dance challenge promoting personal hygiene. 

View this post on Instagram

#ghencovychallenge #handwashingmove #coronahanddance #VuDieuRuaTay 🌏 Because more international friends are coming to this post so I will change this to English for everyone: COVID-2019 disease is spreading, affecting people and social activities. Regular handwashing is considered a simple and effective method to protect the community from diseases (according to the World Health Organization). According to research by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), 78% of people say they wash their hands often but only 25% actually wash their hands after going to the toilet, 20% wash their hands before cooking. To spread the habit of washing your hands to prevent this disease, I invite you to take part in the #ghencovychallenge challenge with me. Game rules: You perform the dance of the song Ghen Co Vy with 6 hand washing movements as recommended by the World Health Organization and the Ministry of Health, based on the music song COVID-19 prevention - Jealousy, cooperation between Institute of Occupational and Environmental Health, musician Khac Hung, singer Min and singer Erik. Take this challenge or share the following epidemic prevention habits: 1. Wash your hands often with soap or an antiseptic solution. 2. Do not put hands on eyes, nose and mouth. 3. Regularly clean personal hygiene, hygiene of utensils, houses and surroundings. 4. Wear a mask to go to public places, on vehicles or when you are sick. 5. Self-awareness to improve health for themselves, the family and the community. 6. People with symptoms of COVID-19 have high fever, cough, shortness of breath, etc. or close contact with infected person / person suspected of COVID-19 and limit contact with other people and contact local health facilities. After completing the challenge, SHARE + TAG immediately 2 friends want to join this challenge. ✌ 🌐 for news reporters and press who want to use my video, please feel free to do so. 🌐 for people want to dance my choreography, please feel free to do so, it's all yours 🌐 join hands to spread this extremely useful message! 😉 #handwashdance #handwashingdance

A post shared by Quang Đăng (@im.quangdang) on

The dance is performed to the Vietnamese pop hit, “Ghen Co Vy”by Min and Erik in a collaboration with the Vietnamese Institute ofOccupational Safety and Health. Dang’s dance, referred to as the #GhenCovyChallenge, includes six hand-washing movements, as recommended by the World Health Organization and the Ministry of Health.

The reworked lyrics, translated to English are: “Wash our hands, rub, rub, rub, rub evenly. Do not touch eyes, nose, mouth. And limit visits to crowded places. Push back the virus, corona, corona. Constantly improve your health. And clean your personal space. Let’s improve our social awareness. Push back the virus, corona, corona.”

UNICEF posted the clip on their Facebook page writing, “We love this handwashing dance from Vietnamese dancer, Quang Dang. Washing your hands with soap and water is one of the first steps to protect yourself from #coronavirus.”

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: im.quangdang via Instagram

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