Marin Playgrounds You Must Visit

by Nella DuBon-KochOctober 1, 2019

Marin has so much to offer from its serene open spaces to awesome, scenic playgrounds. We’ve rounded up some of our favorites for packing a picnic, soaking up the sun and letting the minis run wild.

Town Park - Corte Madera

This 22.7-acre park is a local favorite. It features several picnic tables with grills, a tennis and basketball court, soccer and softball fields and a large lawn area for picnicking. Your littles will be entertained with several play structures, swings and rock climbing wall, all enclosed by a gated fence, next to its own parking lot.

498 Tamalpais Dr.
Corte Madera, CA
Online: townofcortemadera.org

Piper Park - Larkspur

Piper Park is located in the heart of Central Marin, along the scenic Larkspur Marina. It boasts of expansive picnic areas, Mt. Tamalpais backdrops and several sports facilities, including beach volleyball court. The renovated, timber-themed playground has several climbing structures, with slides and a rotating cone tower. There’s various picnic tables with grills, a small parking lot and even a dog park for your canine buddies.

250 Doherty Drive
Larkspur,CA
Online: cityoflarkspur.org

Millenium Playground - San Anselmo

Designed by the town's children, this playground is a favorite among Marin County families and will surely be a hit with yours. Its detailed wood train depot, town hall, castle with towers play areas, zip-line, slides, swings and signature giant dinosaur makes for hours of imaginative play. Facilities also include, restrooms, picnic tables, parking and several sports fields.

Parking Lot and playground directly across from the American Legion Log Cabin at:

20 Veterans Place
San Anselmo, CA
Online: townofsananselmo.org/Memorial-Park

Freitas Park - San Rafael

This 3.5-acre park is popular on hot days for its water play feature. Your water babies will love controlling the water flow via pressing the hand on the red pipes that sends the sprinklers through three giant rings and sprouting up from the ground. If that’s not enough excitement, just a few steps above sits the playground full of climbing structures that will keep the minis busy. There’s also a large field, picnic tables and well-kept restrooms for your needs.

89 Trellis Dr.
San Rafael, CA
Online: cityofsanrafael.org

Santa Margarita Valley Park - San Rafael

Tucked away in a cul-de-sac in the quiet Terra Linda neighborhood, this playground has a lower toddler area with climbing structure and sandbox and main playground above in the open field with tube slides, steering wheel bars and swings. You can also find a couple of picnic tables, restrooms, grassy field, tennis and basketball court, as well as several scenic Terra Linda/Sleepy Hollow open space preserve trails, adjacent to the playground.

97 De la Guerra Rd.,
San Rafael, CA
Online: cityofsanrafael.org

Pioneer Park - Novato

Historic Pioneer Park features 9 acres of walking paths, picnic and barbecue areas, tennis courts, ample lawn area (great for frisbee), benches, the Novato creek and Historic Pioneer Memorial Cemetery to explore. The impressive playground offers a tot lot and extensive play structure for the older crowd, full of slides, bars, bridges, sliding poles, climbing walls and swings. Pack a lunch and make it a day, as one can easily spend several hours here, enjoying the tranquil surroundings and letting the youngsters burn some steam.

1007 Simmons Ln.
Novato, CA
Online: novato.org

George “Rocky” Graham Park - Sausalito

This spacious park was renovated in 2015 and is the only outdoor recreational space in Marin City-Sausalito. Near the Marin Gateway Shopping Center, it offers a three level, treehouse-themed play structure with climbing wall and slides. An adult fitness area, amphitheater with turf lawn area, several picnic tables with grills, toddler play area with swings, bathrooms and murals showcasing Marin City’s history.

850 Drake Ave.
Sausalito, CA
Online: yelp.com

Brickyard Park - Mill Valley

A charming hidden gem in the Strawberry neighborhood and a quiet, less crowded option. The boat-themed play structure and beautiful views of Richardson Bay are perfect for nautical imaginative play. There’s a couple of picnic tables and several waterfront benches. The shore is open to explore but swimming here is not recommended. Be sure to take a break on the tree swing overlooking the water.

Great Circle Drive and Seminary Drive
Mill Valley, CA
Online: strawberry.marin.org/parks

Old Mill park - Mill Valley

Nestled among a redwood grove, this is a popular go to for locals on hot, sunny days. In addition to the large, multi-leveled playground, there's Old Mill Creek (best for splashing during spring and early summer), trails and Reeds Mill—the historical landmark after which the city was named, to explore. Amenities include restrooms, picnic tables and grills.

352 Throckmorton Ave.
Mill Valley, CA
Online: millvalleyrecreation.org

Blackies Pasture Playground - Tiburon

Also known as Leo J. Tugenberg Playground, this playground is located along the San Francisco Bay. You can reach the playground heading south on the graveled Tiburon Historical Trail, from the main parking lot. There are two play areas, one for tots and one catering to older kids with monkey bars and rolling pipe slide. There’s lots of picnic tables, benches, open fields to run around on or take in the views. Restrooms are located behind park.

654 Tiburon Blvd.
Tiburon, CA
Online: destinationtiburon.org

—Photos and story by Nella DuBon-Koch

Featured photo: iStock

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This Floating Picnic Table Is Next-Level Summer Fun

by Shahrzad WarkentinJune 21, 2019

Have you ever wanted to enjoy a snack without leaving the lake? Or maybe even play a round of UNO in the pool? Thanks to a floating picnic table from Sam’s Club the possibilities are endless.

The floating table is 8 feet by 6 feet with a 600 pound capacity and can hold up to five adults. It features four cup holders and eye hooks so that you can attach a cooler and really never need to leave the water.

photo: Sam’s Club

One reviewer wrote, “This table is a great hanging out spot on the water! My kids played their (waterproof) cards and had snacks, and we all used it as a fun resting & playing spot while swimming around.”

The Floating Picnic Table is available online only at Sam’s Club for $598.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

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The 9 Best Kid-Friendly Camping Spots in LA

by Christina Montoya FiedlerJune 3, 2019

If your city slicker’s idea of roughing it is an hour without electronics, now might be a good time to unplug and take your brood on a much-needed camping trip here in the SoCal area. There’s something to be said for packing up the family car and venturing into the great outdoors for a screen-free weekend full of s’mores, forest hikes, bird watching, tent pitching, and more. Whether you’re on a tight (tent-camping only) budget or willing to splurge on actual walls and flushing toilets, the following camping list for families in Los Angeles has something to fit every nature need. Happy trails!

Budget-Friendly Campsites

Gould Mesa Trail Camp—Altadena

If you’re looking for a last minute, no reservation needed sort of adventure that won’t break the bank (‘cuz it’s free), check out Gould Mesa Trail Camp. This one is not for the glamper or the first-time camper, but if you’ve already been on a few overnighters in the great outdoors and are looking for a new challenge, Gould Mesa is a tiny spot that is oh-so-pretty and oh-so-private. The only challenge is that it’s a hike-in campground so forget about driving your car straight to your campsite (and make sure everyone has a comfy pair of hiking shoes). Instead, kick it Lewis n’ Clark style! Pack your tent, food and some firewood on your backs and enjoy the two-mile wooded sojourn along the Arroyo Secco right near Jet Propulsion Labs. You and your budding backpackers will make a few easy water crossings before ending up at your destination where you’ll find five campsites, fire rings, picnic tables, bathrooms (no flushing toilets), and a stream to wade in on warm days.

Insider Tip: Bring plenty of water as this site does not have piped or potable water spigots.

Open: Year-round
Fee: Free
Amenities: Vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables
Reservations: Not accepted
Online: fs.usda.gov/recarea/angeles/

Chilao Campground, Manzanita Loop—Los Angeles

We love this spot in the Angeles Crest National Forest because of its beautiful views of the mountains and wilderness feel, yet it’s only 26 miles from Glendale, up Highway 2. Your mini-mountaineers will love scampering around on the huge rocks while you relax with a cool one—after setting up the tent of course. Keep in mind that this campground does not take reservations—it’s first-come, first-served. But if you go for a quick mid-week overnight you might just have the place virtually to yourselves. Open season here varies with the weather, so call 818-899-1900 before packing the car.

Insider tip: There is currently no piped water available at this campground, so you need to bring enough to drink, cook with, clean with and use to extinguish campfires.

Open: Year-round, but call to see which sites are open
Fee: $12 per night
Amenities: Vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables
Reservations: Not accepted
Online and Directions: fs.usda.gov/recarea/angeles/

Mojave National Preserve—Barstow

There are several magnificent camping options out in the desert with even more magnificent desert landscapes to explore. Hole-in-the-Wall and Mid Hills campground are the most popular first-come-first-served developed campground sites. Hole-in-the-Wall is also the jumping-off point for the Rings Loop Trail through a stunning canyon flanked by pocketed rock walls.

For the more venturesome families (with older children in tow), several “roadside campsites,” equipped with fire rings only, can also be found around the preserve and most are accessible by standard vehicles. Check the website or with a ranger for more information. (Note: Roadside campgrounds have no toilets—bring a shovel—and you must keep and take your own trash with you since there are no dumpsters.)

But before you turn your nose up, what these spots lack in amenities, they more than make up for in natural untouched beauty. Honestly no matter where you set up camp, the Mojave is a climber’s paradise, sans the crowds of Joshua Tree, and home to jaw-dropping vistas and natural wonders. Check out the Lava Tube, an actual tube-shaped air pocket formed by lava that you can climb down and explore (there are steep stairs so best for more experienced adventurers) and the Kelso Dunes, where the younger set can cartwheel and tumble down pillow-soft sand dunes.

Open: Year-round but best in late spring or early fall. Always check temperatures and wind conditions before arriving
Fee: $12 for developed campgrounds; free for roadside camping
Amenities: Picnic tables, pit toilets and potable water at developed campgrounds only. Fire rings at all sites
Reservations: Not accepted
Online: nps.gov/moja/planyourvisit/camping

Table Mountain—San Bernadino

Trade freeway congestion, and blaring car horns for the peace and quiet of a hilly oak and Ponderosa pine forest 7000 feet up above sea level. At Table Mountain campground, in the Angeles Crest National Forest, in Wrightwood, the sites are spacious with a paved road that meanders around the grounds, giving the kiddos plenty of room to explore, either by foot or on wheels.

Since this campground rarely fills up, it’s an easy last-minute alternative to Mario Kart marathons, just 90-minutes from the hustle n’ bustle of the city. Forget S’more stuff? Table Mountain is super-close to amenities in Wrightwood, and there’s even firewood available at the Ranger’s Site.

Open: May 10 to Nov. 2
Fee: $23 per night for most campsites
Amenities: Vault toilets, fire rings, drinking water spigots, and picnic tables
Online: recreation.gov/camping/table-mountain-angeles

Wheeler Gorge—Ojai

Originally built by the Boy Scouts of America nearly a century ago, Wheeler Gorge is a beautiful place for families to explore the Los Padres National Forest year round. The Manzanilla Creek runs through the campground and, if you enjoy falling asleep to the sounds of running water and chirping frogs, be sure to snag a site along the creek bed. Other sites are woodsier and surrounded by evergreens, oaks, and sycamores so you’ll all really feel at one with nature.

Most sites are fully or partially shaded making summer month camping trips incredibly pleasant in the Gorge. There’s also a kid-friendly hiking trail where your small sightseers can spot deer, gray squirrels, blue-bellied lizards, and even the occasional bat at dusk. Don’t forget to bring the bug spray, as hot summer days bring out the gnats.

Insider Tip: There are no showers or running water at this site, so bring a few extra jugs of your own for the trip. If you run out, it’s a quick drive to town to retrieve more.

Open: Year-round
Fee: Nightly fees range from $25-$50 depending on campsite size
Amenities: Pit toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables.
Online: https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232138

Swankier Stargazing Campsites

Camp Williams Resort—Azusa

When you see the words “camp” and “resort” in the name, you know this place is going to have more amenities than you can shake a marshmallow stick at. Tucked away in the San Gabriel Mountains near Los Angeles, this river-runs-through-it oasis is a slice of tent glamping heaven all without compromising the sought-after natural experience.

Every site here is riverfront so don’t forget your trusty pioneer tools as it’s both encouraged and common to pan for gold around these parts. Also because the owners themselves live on the grounds, you can rest easy that there is 24-hour security just a stone throw away. After a restful night under the stars, rather than wait for the camp stove to fire up, head over to the Camp Williams Café and General Store for hot breakfast and coffee. Camping never tasted so good!

Insider tip: Because of fire danger, charcoal BBQs and wood campfires are not permitted. Propane BBQs and gas stoves, however, are allowed.

Open: Year-round. Call to reserve a site: (626) 910-1126
Fee: $40 per night for tent sites; $50 per night for the Hobbit Cabin rental
Amenities: Café and general store, bathrooms with flushing toilets, private coin-operated showers, picnic tables, water faucets, secure environment
Online: http://campwilliams.com/

Sycamore Canyon—Malibu

Surfs up! If forests aren’t part of the plan and you all feel a little more at home near the ocean (this is California after all), check out Sycamore Canyon campground in Point Magu State Park. This shady and comfortable spot will really excite your explorers with walking access to the beach via a super cool tunnel under the Pacific Coast Highway! After a day of sun and sand, you simply cross back to the campsite and take a luxurious (coin operated) shower. It’s an easy hike from the campground up to the ridge for a stunning view of the sunset above the crashing waves and barking sea lions. Top off the day by kicking it around the campfire with the kiddos. And the best part comes the next morning with your breakfast bowl of Cheerios on the beach because you realize you get to do it all over again.

Insider Tip: This is an extremely popular spot in from late spring through early fall, and you will absolutely need reservations, which can be made up to 7 months in advance. Also, be sure to reserve Sycamore Canyon loop sites, not Thornhill, which is directly on the beach, and subject to extreme wind conditions.

Open: Year-round
Cost: $45 per night which includes 1 vehicle; $10 per additional vehicles
Amenities: Flush toilets, fire rings, picnic tables, and token-operated showers
Online: http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=630

Hermit Gulch Camp Ground Catalina Island—Avalon

With a heftier price tag than most campgrounds on this list, it’s no wonder the amenities are abundant at this site. For starters, the boat ride to Catalina Island on the Catalina Express is half the fun of this uniquely California camping adventure. Don’t worry about all of your camping gear; the fine ferry folks will gladly stow it for you and help unload it once you reach Catalina.

If you don’t feel like packing for the great outdoors, many of the items you need can be rented at the ranger station near the camp for a per night price. Hermit Gulch is the only Catalina campsite within Avalon city limits and you have a choice of tent sites (BYO tent) or tented cabins with cots so it’s perfect for first-timers who aren’t ready to totally rough it. A trolley is available to bring your gear and your crew up to camp and if you need extra supplies, the same trolley will take you into town and back. Keep your eyes peeled because woodland animals are in abundance here and you’ll most likely see deer, rabbits and maybe even a fox or two if you’re lucky.

Insider tip: Wood fires are not permitted at any site on this campground so make sure to snag a few Duraflame wax logs or bring a bag of charcoal if you’d like to use the BBQs.

Open: Year-round
Cost: Camping fees are per person/per night and vary depending on the time of year. Check the website for details
Amenities: Tent cabins, coin-operated showers, outdoor kitchen style sinks, camping supply rentals, general store, flush toilets, vending machines, picnic tables, and BBQ stands
Online: visitcatalinaisland.com/camping-and-boating/avalon-camping/hermit-gulch

El Capitan Canyon—Santa Barbara

If you’re looking for an experience that’s more refined than rough, then pitch tent camping might not be for you. Instead, wade into the waters of camping gradually and take your brood glamping at El Capitan Canyon. Think of it as enjoying the great outdoors while also enjoying all the modern conveniences of a resort vacation. You can pack your own meals (there’s a Trader Joe’s right outside of camp) or order it from the onsite Canyon Market and Deli.

Sleep in cedar cabins in Oak and Sycamore grove-nestled villages by the names of Stone Pine, Peace Tree, Lone Stone, and Shaded Creek. And who needs a sleeping bag? These lodgings come equipped with willow beds and down-style duvets. At the high-end price range, Safari Cabin Suites are decked out with two bedrooms, a full kitchen, a gas and stove oven, and a full-size fridge. It’s the Four Seasons of the forest. Each tent, yurt or safari site comes equipped with its own private picnic table and fire pit. It’s so posh you might want to stay an extra night or two.

Open Season: Year-round
Cost: Prices range from $170 (for a Safari Tent in the quiet season) up to $795 (for a deluxe Safari Cabin in the summer) per night
Amenities: Pretty much everything including flush toilets, restaurant, market, showers, fire pits and much more
Online: elcapitancanyon.com

To see what Red Tricycle Editors are up to this weekend, follow us on Instagram!

—Jennifer Wolfe, Christina Montoya Fiedler & Jenifer Scott

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Splish Splash: The South Sound’s Best Splash Pads & Spraygrounds

by Allison SutcliffeJune 29, 2017

We know what sunshine and 65 degrees means to your sidekick. Time to hit the sprayground! And we’ll let you in on a little secret, too. The South Sound’s cornered the market on cool splash pad accessories. Light shows, museums and ginormous covered playscapes are just a few of the extras you’ll find for your ultra-adventurous kidlet. So before you reach for that plastic kiddie pool, read on for the inside scoop on the South Sound’s best water play areas.

photo: Metro Parks Tacoma

Metro Parks Tacoma

You can’t go wrong with Tacoma’s king of sprayparks, Metro Parks Tacoma. It’s easy to rock a sunny day at any of their ten locations, scattered throughout the city. But here are a few of our favorite spots to help you plan your day:

Wright Park
Part of a 27-acre arboretum, this spray park is smack dab in the middle of downtown. And it’s a great place to start (or finish) a day exploring T-town’s museum district. Start at the splash pad, where you’ll find all kinds of spray-able features, that mirror sculptures more than sprinklers, before hitting the playground or horseshoe pit to change it up. Picnic tables are plentiful and the arboretum trees provide relief from the heat, so you and your sidekick can chow down and recharge. When you’re finally ready to get back to it, hit the trails on the self-guided tree walking tour and keep your eyes peeled for special oaks, hickories, maples and more!

501 South I St.
Tacoma, Wa 98405
Online: metroparkstacoma.org/wright-park

photo: Metro Parks Tacoma

Jefferson Park
This city spray park is tucked into a neighborhood, so you can expect plenty of kiddos to gather there on bright and shiny days. The splash pad here will keep your kids cool, and the playground equipment will dry them out as they climb, swing and hop around on its many features. As for snacks, pull up a spot in the shade of a tree or park it on one of the many picnic benches that dot the play area.

801 N. Mason Ave.
Tacoma, Wa 98406
Online: metroparkstacoma.org/jefferson-park

Norpoint Park
Parents can watch their tots splash, perched along the seating wall that surrounds the splash pad at Norpoint Park. It’s an easy to place to keep an eye on your Littles, even if they beeline it to the playground. Here they’ll find interesting, artsy equipment to climb, slide, zip and swing on if they need a change of pace. You’ll also find a few picnic tables in the area, so lunch is a must. But shade is a bit limited. A sun tent is the perfect accessory to pack if you’ve got it, but sunscreen works if you don’t.

4818 Nassau Ave. N.E.
Tacoma, Wa 98422
Online: metroparkstacoma.org/norpoint-park

photo: Metro Parks Tacoma

Titlow Park
There’s lots to love about this area fave that’s situated on the Sound, and the spray park is just the tip of the iceberg. Families will also find sports courts, a playground and picnic-able spots that make spending the better part of the day down here doable. Then, it’s time to stroll around the park’s lagoon. Its ¾ mile loop is just what the tot lot need before hitting the beach to finish off the day. On the shore, you’ll find all the typical PNW beach finds: plenty of rocks begging to be thrown into the water, seashells and tiny crabs scrambling to get back under overturned rocks. And if the orcas are in the area, this is a good spot to catch sight of them; they often make their way through this passage all summer long.

8425 6th Ave.
Tacoma, Wa 98465
Online: metroparkstacoma.org/titlow-park

SERA (South End Recreation & Adventure)
You can expect the SERA spray park to be busy on a hot summer day. It’s a South Sound family fave. But it’s not just the sweet water park (the newest in the city) and the engaging playground, that appeals to kids from preschoolers on through to tweens, that’s the big draw here. The STAR Center’s Treetop Play Area is what makes it. This indoor/outdoor covered playscape is the perfect pairing for your busy tot who gives the Energizer bunny a run for his money. It’s a giant play space akin to Playdate SEA, with an outdoor section to boot. And at $7 per kiddo it’s an affordable way to round out your day. Check the hours before you head down and bring socks (for indoor play) and closed toed shoes (for outdoor shoes) along too.

6002 S. Adams St.
Tacoma, Wa 98409
Online: metroparkstacoma.org/sera-campus-south-end-recreation

Note: Metro Parks Tacoma’s Spraygrounds are open now through Sept. 4, 2017 from 10 a.m.-8 p.m., daily; Sept. 9-24, 10 a.m.-8 p.m., weekends.

photo: Point Ruston

Additional Splash-tastic Spray Parks

Grand Plaza and Children’s Spray Park
If you haven’t had the chance to stroll the shops and eateries at Point Ruston, planning a trip to their Children’s Spray Park is the excuse you need to check out this hip Tacoma strip. The spray park sits on the boardwalk, overlooking the Sound, and the views don’t get better than this. The Olympics and Mt. Rainier make stunning backdrops, as you sit on the steps watching your sidekick frolic in the jumping water that mimics salmon swimming upstream. Our favorite feature here has got to be the LED lights that turn on at dusk and stay lit until 10 p.m. They put on a colorful show in the same jumping water that just entertained your kiddos all afternoon. Plus, Point Ruston will be hosting a family-friendly concert series all summer long. On Saturdays, from 5 p.m.-7 p.m., families can take in the sounds of south end favorites, like Sweet Kiss Momma, Kim Archer Band and Sotaria Gibson. Sounds like a great way to end the day to us!

5005 Ruston Way
Tacoma, Wa 98407
Online: pointruston.com/grand-plaza
Hours: Noon-10 p.m., daily

photo: Christy H. via yelp

Angle Lake Park
Pack a fishing pole when heading to this artistic spray pad in SeaTac, because the lake it sits next to is the perfect spot to test out your pole. This splash-tastic park is busy on the weekends when Seattle’s much-missed sunshine returns for the summer season, so get there early to find a parking spot and plan to stay for a while. There are plenty of spots for parents to park themselves along the sitting wall that borders the spray pad, and picnic tables are plentiful, too. A two-for-one water destination, Angle Lake is also open for swimming in the shallows off the sandy beach (but no life guards are on duty). So pack up all your beach essentials and make a day of it!

19408 International Blvd.
SeaTac, Wa 98188
Online: ci.seatac.wa.us/government/city-departments/parks-community-programs-services/parks-facilities
Dates & Times: Now through Labor Day; 11 a.m.-8 p.m., daily

photo: Tukwila Parks and Recreation Facebook page

Tukwila Spray Park
Take a quick trip down to the south end of town to find the Tukwila Spray Park. It’s an easy way to spend a half-day, especially for the tot lot. The splash pad is just their speed because staying out of the way of the water cannons and dumping stations that draw the older kids to this hot south end spot is a cinch. If you plan to check it out, bring a blanket for sure, since benches are hard to come by, and some portable shade, if you’ve got it, since the only shade around comes courtesy of Seattle’s ubiquitous cloud cover. Around the other side of the community center, you’ll find a playground and skate park. So if your crew wants a change of scenery it’s just around the corner, literally. And don’t forget, this park is home to the summertime Peanut Butter & Jam Concert Series. The popular noontime concert takes place on Wednesdays in August and features your fave kindie rockers, so you can splash, dance and relax!

12424 42nd Ave. S.
Tukwila, Wa 98168
206-768-2822
Online: tukwilawa.gov/recreation/rectcc.html
Dates: Now through Labor Day; 10 a.m.-8 p.m., daily

photo: Les Gove Park Facebook page

Les Gove Rotary Spray Park
Part of the larger Les Gove Park campus in Auburn, this is another day destination splash pad for Seattle families. Arches, overhead fountains and water cannons will keep your half pint busy when the sun is out. And plenty of picnic spots will give her down time when she needs to refuel. When she’s done, it’s time to dry off and explore the nearby, barrier-free Discovery Playground. Its cool design means anyone can play here (regardless of ability), so a lot of the equipment your sidekick can use will be new to her. And we know what that leads to—more play time! If your water baby’s still feeling adventurous after all that, change into street clothes and hit the White River Valley Museum (just across the parking lot), an informative boutique museum that’s just the right speed for Littles and their Bigs. Or check out the gymnasium drop-in program. At just $2 a pop, it’s a great add-on to your south end exploration.

910 9th St. S.E.
Auburn, Wa 98002
Online: auburnwa.gov/things_to_do/parks_trails/les_gove.htm

Which one of these spray parks or splash pads are you going to put on your summer must-try list? Leave your picks in the comments below.

— Allison Sutcliffe

Travel Through Time & Learn: Portland’s Coolest Historical Sites

by Carrie UffindellJuly 13, 2016

History books aren’t exactly page turners for most young minds. Fortunately, Portland is home to historical sites that bring the past to life, and before your little sponges know it, they are learning! From wringing out laundry on a 19^th century farm to staring down the cannon barrel at a reconstructed fort, these four interactive destinations, located in and around Portland, are so fun that your budding historians won’t want to leave. Read on to learn more.

Wringing Laundry, photo: Carrie Uffindell

Phillip Foster Farm
Playing a crucial role in our state’s history, this farm helped fund, build and operate the Barlow Raod (an alternative to the deadly Columbia River route) so that thousands of covered wagons could safely make their way into the Willamette Valley between 1848 and 1865. Now you can experience a taste of 19^thcentury life while exploring the grounds and buildings, including a c. 1860 barn. Kids will love trying their hand at chores like grinding corn, building a log cabin out of life-size Lincoln logs, packing a wagon with supplies and scrubbing laundry with a washboard.

Pro tip: There’s no food available for purchase at the farm’s small store, so be sure to pack your own snacks and/or a picnic lunch if needed. Picnic tables and restrooms are located on the grounds. The farm also has special events including a Family History Day, so keep an eye on their website for more info.

Cost: $5/person; $20/family
Hours: Tues.-Sat., 11 a.m.-4 p.m. from June 21-Aug. 30.
Open Sat. 11 a.m.-4 p.m., May 1-June 21 and Sept. 1-Oct. 31.

29912 SE Hwy 211
Eagle Creek, Or
503-637-6324
Online: philipfosterfarm.com

Making a Candle, photo: Carrie Uffindell

End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center and Historic Site
Stretching 1200 square feet between three massive white wagon sculptures, the center explores the Oregon Trail’s history through the lives of the pioneers and natives who experienced it and is loaded with hands-on activities and exhibits. Play with 19^thcentury replica toys, dress in pioneer garb, make a beeswax candle, fill a prairie schooner wagon bed full of supplies and more. There’s also an entertaining 30-minute, all-ages appropriate film that draws on letters, diaries, actor portrayals and music to recreate life on the Trail.

Pro tip: The grounds are open to the public and continue the trail experience with a pioneer garden, replica buildings and interpretive signs. Picnic tables and restrooms are onsite. Check online to learn about special events.

Cost: $13/adults; $9/seniors; $9/teens; $7/kids. Entrance to the grounds and visitors center is free.
Hours: Mon.-Sat, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun. 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

1726 Washington St.,
Oregon City, Or
503-657-9336
Online: historicoregoncity.org

Cannons at Fort Vancouver, photo: Carrie Uffindell

Fort Vancouver National Historic Site
One of the Northwest’s most famous archaeological sites, Fort Vancouver is home to a reconstructed British fur trading fort, a c. 1850s Hudson Bay Company village, a historic U.S. Army Post and one of the oldest continuously operating airfields. Self-tour the reconstructed fort and its garden, which regularly offers rotating demonstrations that include blacksmithing and interpretive talks. If time permits, be sure to explore the rest of the grounds including the military barracks and Pearson Field and Air Museum.

Pro tip: The site is 366 acres, so if you’ve never been before, swing by the visitor center first to pick up a map. For ages 6 to 12, there’s a Junior Ranger booklet, filled with puzzles and activities. The only food service onsite is The Grant House restaurant, located in a historic house in Officers Row. Picnic tables and restrooms are available throughout the grounds. This year is the National Park Service centennial, so expect lots of special events this summer.

Cost: $5/ages 16 and older for admission to the reconstructed fort; the rest of the park is free.
Hours: Tues.-Sat., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Grounds are open daily from dawn until dusk.

1501 E Evergreen Blvd
Vancouver, Wa
336-816-6230
Online: nps.gov/fova/index.htm

At the Discovery Museum, photo: Carrie Uffindell

The World Forestry Center Discovery Museum
Get hands on with historical and modern day forestry practices in the Pacific Northwest and beyond at this two-story, 20,000-square-foot museum. Outside, climb into the cab of Peggy the Train, a 42-ton logging steam locomotive that worked the forests of Oregon and Washington for over 40 years. Inside, virtually raft the Clackamas River, practice planting trees, count the rings on an enormous 10-foot slab cut from a 635-year-old Douglas Fir, operate a Timberjack Harvester Simulator, test your smoke jumping skills and more.

Pro tip: Keep your eyes open for the museum’s five-million-year-old petrified stump on display outside. Food isn’t available onsite, so bring your own snacks and/or lunch. Look online for information on special events, which are offered regularly.

Cost: $7/adult; $6/seniors; $5/kids; free for children 3 and under
Hours: Daily, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
4033 SW Canyon Rd., Or
Online: worldforestry.org

Where do you love to get hands-on with history in Portland? Tell us in the comments below!

— Carrie Uffindell

Duck, Duck, Goose! Best Duck Ponds in Town

by Elizabeth SilvaSeptember 2, 2015

Many ducks call San Diego home during fall, winter and spring, while others stay in the area to breed during summer. Lucky for your little duckling, a variety of species can be seen shaking their tail feathers at San Diego lakes and ponds throughout the year. Here are our favorite duck ponds that will have your little ones quacking with delight!