The weather is warming up and now’s the time to spread out a blanket and enjoy a meal al fresco on the grass. Read on to discover the best, most under-the-radar picnic destinations around LA that you and the kids can enjoy. And if you are as garden-obsessed as the rest of us, bookmark our “Guide to LA’s Botanical Gardens & Flower Fields to Visit Now.”
Vista Hermosa Natural Park
This 10.5-acre park just outside of downtown LA features walking trails, streams, meadows and oak trees that offer plenty of shade for your picnic.Â
Looking to escape the heat in LA? Make advance reservations before heading to this 87-acre garden on the the Palos Verdes Peninsula, where you'll find a koi pond, rose garden, flowering fruit trees and more. Picnics are permitted in designated areas.Â
Admittedly, an abandoned zoo might not be the first place that comes to mind when choosing a picnic spot for little ones, but we promise your pint-sized explorers will totally dig it. This was the original site of the LA Zoo that opened in 1912 and later closed in 1966, but its remnants, including an empty bear grotto, stone caves and old monkey cages still remain.
Insider Tip: The Old Zoo can be a tad tricky to locate, but if you park in the lot next to the merry-go-round in Griffith Park, it's just a short hike up the hill nearby.
Pasadena's only dedicated public garden offers free access to three acres of of native trees and plants for the whole family to enjoy—including pets! Although there are benches and tables on the grounds, you can always bring your own blanket and tuck into your own private spot.
Hours: Open 7 days a week, during daylight hours Cost: Free
This 8.5 acre park is an urban oasis, located on the corner of Slauson Ave. and Compton Ave. There's a short hiking trail, a pond where kids might spot some ducks and turtles, and plenty of grassy areas for picnicking.
Talk about hiding in plain sight: This destination is walking distance from the always-packed Runyon Canyon, but looks and feels like a world away. Also very pet-friendly.
Fun Fact: Nirvana filmed part of their video for "Come as You Are" in this park.Â
Hershey’s new Kisses are popping up just in time for Easter this spring with a vanilla frosting core that your bunnies are going to love.
From the cute pink and blue plaid foil that reminds you of a spring picnic to the classic chocolate shell wrapped around frosting that’s reminiscent of the best part of a cupcake, the new Hershey’s Kisses are our favorites among Hershey’s spring offerings.
photo: Hershey’s
If you’re lucky, the Easter Bunny will also load up your baskets with the new Cookies ‘N’ Creme Polka Dot Bunnies, Cookies ‘N’ Crème Polka Dot Eggs and Whoppers Bunny Tails—in addition to the vanilla frosting Kisses. For traditionalists, you’ll still be able to find Reese’s Peanut Butter Eggs, Cadbury Crème Eggs and Cadbury Mini Eggs.
Briant Giles, Manager of the Easter season, The Hershey Company, said in a press release, “Families can always look to Hershey to provide iconic treats for their Easter baskets, but also to find something new in the candy aisle for the season, such as our Hershey’s Kisses Milk Chocolates with Vanilla Frosting Flavored Creme – the perfect fit for springtime get-togethers!”
Hershey’s Kisses Milk Chocolates with Vanilla Frosting Flavored Creme and other spring offerings are available for a limited time. Look for the sweet treats at retailers nationwide. Pricing is at the discretion of the retailer.
Mother Nature blessed NYC with some snow? Be prepared to hit the slopes with the kids and check out our list of the best sledding hills in New York City. We found slopes in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Staten Island, and hills for little kids and bigger daredevils. (P.S. you might as well read up on where to grab one of NYC’s top hot chocolates  for an apres-sledding treat!)
Pilgrim Hill The unanimous city favorite seems to be Pilgrim Hill at 72nd Street and Fifth on the East Side in Central Park. It offers a perfect incline, very few rocks or sudden drops and a smooth, level glide that evens out at the bottom. Unfortunately, being deemed the best sledding spot in the city also means it gets very, very crowded.
Cedar Hill For a more mellow round of sledding with smaller kids, head to Cedar Hill on the East Side, between 76th and 79th Streets.
The Great Hill Another popular hill for sledding in Central Park, the Great Hill is further north, inside the park on the west side. Enter the park at between 103rd and Central Park West.Â
Carl Schurz Park Don't want to wait your turn? Head a few blocks north and east to Carl Schurz Park on 89th Street and East End, on the lawn north of Gracie Mansion. Bonus: there are two separate dog runs here as well.
Riverside Park Over on the Upper West Side, some swear by Riverside Drive from roughly 90th Street to 103rd, with a particularly good hill near Hippo Playground on 91st Street. But, the Urban Rangers have been known to host snowball fights, snowman-building contests and pass out hot chocolate at the hill on 103rd Street, so take your pick. The area’s biggest drawback is that being practically atop the Hudson River leads to some frigid winds sweeping in across the water. Bundle up!
Kristine Paulus via FlickrÂ
96th Street/The Children’s Gate Enter Central Park at 96th Street for another great Upper West Side spot that offers hills of various inclines, plus benches where you catch your breath. The biggest challenge here is to avoid those benches mid-flight — the ability to bail at the last possible moment is imperative.
Inwood Hill Park Inwood Hill Park is a choice spot for sledding in NYC, especially kids with a need for speed. It's also less-crowded than spots in Central Park, and offers a nice view as well. Enter at Dykman Street or Payson Avenue.Â
Inwood's Fort Tryon Park is another northern Manhattan spot for good sledding. Head to Billings Lawn, entering the park from its southern end on Margaret Corbin Circle where Cabrini Boulevard and Fort Washington Avenue meet.
More Upper West Side Sledding Options Two other choices on the UWS are Morningside Park, from 110th to 123rd Street and Morningside Avenue, and St. Nicholas Park on 135th Street, the latter known for its gentle hills and being ideal for beginners.
Prospect Park Head for the hills near Prospect Park's Long Meadow near the entrance at Prospect Park West and 9th Street. Other favorites include the Long Meadow near Grand Army Plaza and behind the Picnic House at 3rd Street and Prospect Park West. However, if you have younger kids, you can find plenty of bunny hills throughout the park that are good for beginner sledders.
Fort Greene Park You'll find four sled-worthy hills of varying height and intensity in Fort Greene Park between Myrtle and Dekalb Avenues.
Hillside Park If you live in DUMBO or Brooklyn Heights, your closest spot is the tiny park that's technically in Columbia Heights. As its name suggests, Hillside Park is home to a respectable slope, and provides ample space to glide to a stop. (You'll likely see dogs romping in the snow as well, as the park is a very popular place to bring four-legged friends year-round.)
Sunset Park Home to the highest point in Brooklyn, Sunset Park naturally provides some good sledding. The sweet spot is the interior of the park between 42nd and 43rd Streets.
Owl's Head Park Further south in Bay Ridge, Owl's Head Park has nice rolling hills, with a good spot at Colonial Road and 68th Street. But dress warmly, as it is right on the water. Another southern Brooklyn sledding option is McKinley Park; head to Fort Hamilton Parkway and 75th Street for a good sledding spot.
Astoria Park Take your sleds to Astoria Park at 19th Street between Shore Boulevard off Ditmars Boulevard for a fun sledding spot in Queens.
Juniper Valley Park For another popular place to sled in Queens, head to Juniper Valley Park in Middle Village. Slopes can be found at Juniper Boulevard North & South near the Tennis Building at 75th Street.
Mary Whalen Playground If you're thinking of going to Forest Park Golf Course's Suicide Hill, think again. It's dangerous and sledding there is prohibited by the Parks Department. (But yes, you will see families going there.) Instead, Mary Whalen Playground will offer a less nerve-racking — yet still fun — experience at Park Lane South and 79th Street.
Crotona Park The slope behind ballfield #3 at Fulton Avenue and the Cross Bronx Expressway in Crotona Park boasts an official, NYC Snow Day designation, which means you'll find organized recreational activities, snowman-building contests, snowball fights, complimentary hot chocolate, and even sleds you can borrow here. Call 311 to find out when the program is in effect.
St. Mary’s Park The largest park in the South Bronx not only features hills much less crowded than the ones above, but also a recreation center. In non-covid times, this is a good place to warm up before a second run.
Clove Lakes Park A local gem, this protected Forever Wild site isn’t exclusively about ecology. It is also a Snow Day site where the park employees put out bales of hay to soften people's landings.
Mission of the Immaculate Virgin at Mount Loretto This South Shore hotspot for sledding in Pleasant Plains was founded as an orphanage by a priest. The orphanage is long gone, but parents may find comfort in the idea that some angels might still be hanging around looking out for daredevil kids.
For a complete list of city parks that allow sledding, visit: nycgovparks.org.
Summer is waning, school is starting, and it’s Pumpkin Spice Latte season again. While summer hikes make fond memories, fall means piles and piles of colorful leaves to gather, collect, throw, jump in, and admire. Soon around Portland fall colors will be popping. That’s why we’ve rounded up some of the best places in Portland to get back outside, enjoy the show, and play with the kids. Don’t forget your camera for the best shots.
Fun is a main attraction every fall on this farming island where Portland fall colors are the big draw in autumn. Besides pumpkins, apple cider, and corn mazes, you’ll also be able to soak in some beautiful fall color from all the oaks blanketing the land. For a perfect picnic spot, head to Howell Territorial Park and spread your feast under the oaks. In the apple orchard behind the house, you’ll find trees that were planted from cuttings carried by wagon over the Oregon Trail.
Tucked near the forested hills of Johnson Creek, Leach Botanical Garden is a hidden gem of Southeast Portland. A collection of over 1,000 native and non-native plants is spread over 16 acres. In 2021, the Upper Garden expansion was completed, with a new canopy tree walk, a pollinator meadow, new pathways and many more plantings. It’s a beautiful place to wander, letting kids lead the way—see if they can find the maple trees for some fall glory. Reserve tickets in advance online before heading over.
Originally built in 1909, the Pittock mansion is perched on top of a Forest Park hill, just waiting to burst into fall color. If you’re a history buff you’ll enjoy the indoor mansion tour, but strolling through the grounds to find a prime picnic spot makes a fine day, too. You’ll be rewarded with stunning views of Mt. Hood. For a more active day under the trees, hike down through Forest Park to the Stone House, or combine a driving tour with a visit to the Audubon Society.
The views from this park anytime of year are nothing short of stunning. Add a blaze of red and yellow and roll in some fog over the river and you’ve got yourself a fairyland to play in for hours. Bring a picnic blanket and a thermos of hot cider and let the kids go wild, A frisbee, a pile of leaves to jump in, or even some games of tag are perfect against such a beautiful backdrop.
If you’ve got time to venture north, consider the Columbia Children’s Arboretum in North Portland’s industrial area. Tucked away from the noise, it’s a quiet and underused wooded park centered around a large meadow and former orchards, with loads of fall color from the sugar maples and American sweet gums. Acquired by Portland Parks and Recreation in 1999, there’s a plan in place for eventual development into a more extensive educational park. For now, it’s a great place to take in the turning leaves.
Portland’s biggest arboretum is a clear choice to watch the fiesta of fall colors explode across the trees. Over 12 miles of hiking trails span 190 acres, and 6,000 trees like the color-changing birches, maples, oaks and magnolias. A stop at the visitor center will help direct you to which trail offers the most colors, whether you want red hawthorn berries or fiery yellow maples. They offer miles of stroller-friendly paths, a scavenger hunt for the kids, and plenty of great views.Â
Tucked away in Washington Park, this garden is perfectly coiffed and bursts into color every year. Japanese maples and other fall show-offs were planted to expertly frame certain areas, like a pond, waterfall, or statue. Leave the stroller at home, as many areas use steps. Strap the little ones into a carrier and let older kids pick the path—it’s not too big to get lost in, but big enough that they’ll have fun exploring. Afterward, stop in the teahouse for a meal or a mochi ice cream treat. Get your tickets online for timed entry before you head out.
Ready to head a bit further? Hop on the Historic Columbia River Highway for one of the most scenic drives this time of year. It begins in Corbett, 20 miles outside of Portland, and winds along the Columbia through a wide range of both evergreen and deciduous trees. Pack a lunch and make a day of it-- and don’t forget to try out some of the short hikes along the way, just perfect for little adventurers. Latourell Falls is doable at just under 2.5 miles, while Horsetail Falls is another great option. Of course, no one can forget Multnomah Falls, which tends to be slightly less crowded than summer, but no less stunning.
Getting there: From Portland, take I-84 east to Corbett. Take exit 22 and follow the Historic Columbia River Highway/Highway 30 east toward Multnomah Falls.
Give your wallet a much needed day off with these 10 fun activities in and nearby the District that won’t cost you a single dime. From smelling the roses to traveling back in time, there’s something for every frugal family member.
All summer long., REACH will be hosting a number of films, event and performances on the outdoor Millennium Stage and the price for admission is, you guessed it, free! There's opera, jazz, Indigenous dance...basically anything you can think of. For the perfect picnic, use the money you saved on tickets for a cool glass of wine and some nibbles at Victura Park. Â
Pint-size aviation buffs will love hanging out at Gravelly Point Park, which is conveniently situated just off of the George Washington Parkway. It's there where they're able to watch planes take off (right above their heads!) from Reagan National Airport. Pack a picnic or bring popcorn to make plane watching a serious spectator sport.Â
George Washington Pkwy. Arlington, VA Online: virginia.org
DC has a number of public gardens and parks that won't cost you a dime to visit. One of our absolute favorite's is Bishop's Garden at the National Cathedral. It's stocked with beautiful roses, fun exploring pathways, a tiny pond with goldfish and frogs, a shady stone gazebo, and a big open lawn to run around in or spread a picnic blanket on.Â
Stroll the halls of the Torpedo Factory, a former munitions factory turned art space. Creative kiddos get a sneak peek at any one of the 82 artists with working studios in the Factory. From painting to ceramics and fiber to printmaking, the creative types love to chat with families about their gigs. Bonus: There are elevators and wide hallways, making this ideal for strollers.
One of the biggest perks about living in the District is that many of the museums are federal institutions, which means admission is free. This includes the National Gallery of Art, Planet Word and the Smithsonian's museums (think: the kid-approved National Air and Space museum). Find one that the whole family will enjoy and go explore.
Editor's Note: Check your favorite museum's website prior to visiting; many are now requiring timed entry tickets.Â
6. Up Your Insta Game
Meghan Yudes Meyers
If you're looking for a cool backdrop to snap kiddo's next pics for grandma, look no further than DC's outdoor art scene. Not sure where to start? We rounded up some of the boldest murals here. Bring a camera and some snacks for the littles, but leave your wallet at home; there are no down payments or studio fees involved with these sittings.
Bring a stroller and lace up your sneakers to walk the 163-acre animal park. Home to popular exhibits such as the panda house, there are plenty of lesser-known must-see stops. For instance, there’s the Kids’ Farm, where llamas and cows are neighbors with rare breeds like San Clemente Island goats and Ossabaw Island hogs. Educational programs are available throughout the day and include Amazon fish feeding, elephant training and meetings with panda or ape keepers.
Editor's note: The zoo is still free, but you must have a timed-entry ticket upon arrival. Get them here.Â
Go back in time without spending a dime at this Fairfax County park. Dating back to 1726, the park imitates a 1920s through 1950s farm, including agricultural process, rural community life and landscape. In the Kidwell Farm area, check out horses, chickens, rabbits, sheep, goats, cows, pigs and their babies. Then, help a farmer milk a cow. Wagon and carousel rides are available seasonally for a small charge. In the Antique Equipment Shed, visitors can look at horse-drawn carriages and early farm equipment from 1900.
Rock Creek Park is home to the only planetarium operated by the National Park Service, and it's free. On Wed., Sat. and Sun. nights, the image of the night sky is projected onto a large, dome-shaped ceiling. You'll hear more than one "coooool" coming from the kiddie corner.Â
Editor's note: Ms. Seymour, the planetarium projector, is currently out-of-service. We will update this story when Ms. Seymour is working again!Â
5200 Glover Rd. NW Rock Creek Park Online: nps.gov
Many of the District's spray pads and splash parks are completely free (check out our ultimate guide here). For a park experience that feels worthy of an entrance fee, Head to Our Special Harbor Spray Park in Franconia, VA. There are boats to climb, bubblers and even a beach.Â
Summer is almost here—and Sam’s Club has the perfect sweet treat for the season! If you’re a fan of the fab foodie fare you’d find at a summer-time carnival, the Fun Sweets Summer Cotton Candy Assortment is a must-have.
Forget about the typical cotton candy flavors you’ve enjoyed for decades. The Fun Sweets Summer Cotton Candy Assortment has all-new tastes you won’t expect from the spun sugary goodie.
photo courtesy of Sam’s Club
With flavors such as watermelon, orange cream and pink lemonade, this cotton candy 12-pack pairs perfectly with your summer picnic or BBQ meal. Not only does this wispy treat come in creative mix of tastes, it’s also free of gluten, GMOs, fat, peanuts and tree nuts.
Between family get-togethers, summer-time outdoor playdates and everything else you’ll do in the warm weather season, you need sweet snacks to quickly divvy up between the kiddos. The 12 individual tubs of cotton candy won’t keep you in the kitchen splitting treats into tiny pieces or force you to spend time making individual goody bags. Instead, give each child their fave flavor in their own tub.
Find this 12-pack assortment in Sam’s Club stores nationwide or online for $9.98.
Happy World Autism Awareness Day! In honor of this special day, Sesame Workshop is expanding its Sesame Street and Autism: See Amazing in All Children initiative by adding brand new videos and activities.
Julia, a 4-year-old Sesame Street Muppet with autism, is taking center stage in the new videos that will also include a new episode on HBO Max and PBS KIDS. Available for free in English and Spanish on SesameStreet.org/autism, the resources help children and families to cope with changes in routines and other uncertain scenarios.
photo: Sesame Street
The new Julia-centric episode, Match It!, will premier on Apr.8, on HBO Max and PBS KIDS. In addition, parents can find tons of other resources that include:
New articles on strategies for parents and caregivers
Sesame Workshop is working to expand the initiative in other ways this month as well. SeaWorld Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa, Sesame Place Philadelphia and Beaches Resorts will feature physically distanced meet and greets with a Julia walkaround character! Additionally, Glo Pals is introducing light up versions of Julia and Elmo that instantly light up in bright colors when they’re dropped in liquid.
While a romantic, candlelit dinner for two may not be in the cards for you this Valentine’s Day (because, kids!), there are still plenty of ways to celebrate with the whole family. From a “Where Is the Love” Scavenger Hunt at South Coast Botanic Gardens to locally made Valentine’s Day-themed craft kits, here are 14 V-Day activities and events for LA families.
1. Your kids are invited to a special Feb. 14 with Annenberg Petspace. The virtual Pal-entine's Day Party includes crafts, a puppet show and, of course, a visit from PetSpace's adorable, adoptable pets.Â
2. Visit Meri Cherry on Instagram to see all the oh-so lovely process-based art projects she has for kids in February. Pasta press clay hearts, anyone?Â
3. There's still time to pick up one of Design Hive's Sensory Boxes for Valentine's Day, complete with play-dough, pipe cleaners, felt hearts and more. If the V-Day boxes sell out (they're immensely popular), check out the other fun Sensory Boxes and DIY Makers Kits from the LA-based kids design and technology studio.
4. Why not spend the day at one of our favorite LA botanical gardens? Discover all the hidden spots at South Coast Botanic Garden, as part of the self-guided Where is the Love Scavenger Hunt on Valentine's Day weekend. Â
6. Another option? Drive to Arcadia to mingle with the peacocks and other wildlife at the sprawling 127-acre Los Angeles County Arboretum. On Sat., Feb. 13, the Arboretum also kicks off its 4-week outdoor Whole Family Yoga series.Â
7. From a virtual flower arranging class to an audio tour of the sculpture garden, The Huntington Botanical Garden offers a slew of Valentine's Day options for the whole family.Â
8. Fill your basket, grab a blanket and dine al fresco at one of LA's best hidden picnic spots.Â
9. Don't know what to pack for your picnic? Check out these readymade baskets you can pick up around town.Â
Make Some Music
Courtesy of Lovebug & Me
10. Join in a virtual concert with LoveBug & Me Music's interactive Valentine's Day Love Fest, taking place on Feb. 14.
11. Get your tickets to Laurie Berkener's live Valentine's Day concert. The performance will feature tunes of love, family, and friendship, like "A Hug From My Mama," "I Love You Daddy," and "My Family."Â
12. Celebrate Valentine's Day with the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. They will be hosting a Zoom music and art class just for kiddos!
Mom-owned brewery that has a play kitchen to entertain kids? Sure, we’ll take it. Secret hiking spot that avoids the weekend warrior crowds? We’ll be right there.
From events to playgrounds, you already trust Red Tricycle to let you know what’s happening around town. Now, we’ve collaborated with Apple Maps to make it even easier to navigate life with kids. Read on to learn how to find our curated Red Tricycle Guides in Apple Maps.
Apple Maps helps you navigate the world like a pro. And now, thanks to our new collaboration with Apple Maps you can discover new things to do with our curated Guides. Here’s how it works:
Upgrade your operating system to iOS14. Next, open Apple Maps, tap the search bar and begin typing “Red Tricycle” to get started. Put your cursor in the “Search for a Place or Address” field to get started.
Here are a few awesome ways to use Red Tricycle Guides in Apple Maps:
• If you’re out and about, use the Guides to discover new things to do near you.
• Peruse Red Tricycle’s Guides to find an activity you all can agree on. Popular Guides include best hiking for kids, pumpkin patches, secret picnic spot and bike trails for beginners.
• Love a guide? Save or share it. Toddler having a meltdown? Save a Guide to read it later.
• You can also create your own personal Guides of all your favorite Red Tricycle recommendations and share them with friends and family.
• To read more about the location, select “Find out more.”
Whether your family is still looking for that perfect pumpkin or already has eyes on everything holiday (think: Thanksgiving meals to-go, best holiday light displays and Christmas tree farms), turn to our Guides in Apple Maps and make the most of your time.
Discover all Red Tricycle Guides on Apple Maps here.
Whether it’s your un-birthday or just after school, it’s always a good time for tea. Celebrate Mad Hatter Day any day and gather round your lovies, machines, snakes and dolls. All are welcome at an ad-hoc tea party fit for a king (or a tractor). Read on for some easy inspiration.
You will need:
A table, or you can make it a picnic tea party on the floor.
A tablecloth.
Tea cups, preferably assorted and mismatched.
A tea pot.
Snacks. We like fresh fruit and few treats for after school, but you can honestly serve anything.
Attendees. (Let your child select the attendees.)
A hat.
Step One: Gather your items. Remember, the key here is to use what you have. If your child has a tea set, great, but coffee cups work just as well. No tea? Use water. Somehow, it tastes more spectacular out of a tea cup.
Step Two: Have your child help decorate the table. Since your trying to invoke the Mad Hatter’s tea party, a little colorful chaos is okay.
Step Three: Bring the attendees in. Remember, this needn’t be limited to dolls and stuffed animals. Our Editor’s son brought along a front-end loader, a K’Nex creature, snakes and monster trucks as well as stuffed animals.
Step Four: Bring on the tea and cookies! If there’s room at the table you might even be able to join them. You can read the Mad Tea Party scene from the book, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, at this link, out loud while they enjoy their tea.
Step Five: Don your hat and enjoy!
Does your child love tea parties? Tell us about a memorable one in the comments below!Â
