Lovevery is on nearly every mom-to-be’s baby registry. The stage-based play essential subscription box offers timeless toys perfect for every age (and let’s face it, is adorable).
Now, you don’t have to subscribe to grab the brand’s signature products: just head to Target! Starting today, Lovevery is dropping a new lineup of Playthings exclusively for Target and it’s just as fabulous as shopping from the OG site.
The new collection of Lovevery Playthings is already available in the baby aisle and includes classics like The Play Gym and The Block Set, in addition to Target-only items for children zero to 18 months. The collaboration makes access to the company’s developmental products easier than ever.
Each new product is available for under $25 and comes with access to a Digital Play Guide, expert tutorials, play ideas, activities, developmental tips and stage-based emails. You can shop all the products at participating Target stores and at Target.com. Certain products will only be available in-store, so don’t miss the baby aisle on your next Target run.
Making mud pies, digging in the dirt and searching for roly-polies: opportunities for messy playtime in the dirt are endless. Playing in the dirt and mud isn’t just fun outdoor exploration for toddlers. Digging in the dirt gives developing immune systems a boost and nurtures creativity, all while making muddy, messy memories. From making mud bricks to edible “dirt,” you can give your little ones loads of joy with these muddy play ideas for toddlers. And yes, you should plan on your child needing a bath afterwards.
Mud Kitchen Making mud pies is a classic kid favorite for a reason: It’s good, dirty fun. Mud kitchens bring indoor play kitchens outside for messier creative play. Kids can start mixing up feasts in a mud kitchen when they’re toddlers and continue to host mud-pie tea parties and make dandelion soup for stuffed animal friends for years to come. Like a play kitchen, a mud kitchen can be fancy, or it can be very basic with nothing more than a few bowls and cups. You can order Mud Mama's step-by-step building plan, pictured above after being fully built, for $10 from Etsy or order one that's pre-built. You can also check thrift stores for plastic kitchen sets that can handle being outside in the elements. If you’d like a more temporary mud kitchen set-up, rinse out plastic yogurt containers or butter tubs, throw in a few sturdy spoons, and add a little water and a lot of dirt and voila! Your chef’s mud pie bakery is ready for business!
Mud Bricks Making mud bricks is easy! Just pack dirt inside egg crates or ice cube trays and leave them in the sun. Experiment with the ratio of water to dirt: a damp but not dripping mix compacts well and creates nice solid bricks for building towers or fairy houses. In a few hours, you’ll have mud bricks that your little one can use to stack and build.
Edible “Dirt” If your toddler puts everything in his/her mouth, there’s a safe way for muddy sensory play. Whip up a batch of this taste-safe mud substitute from Entertain Your Toddler; the website has the direction to make your own. This edible dirt has a secret ingredient you may already have in your house! Mix up the fake mud, put it in a bowl with plastic measuring cups and spoons or plastic toys, and get ready for messy fun.
Clean-Up Plastic cars, dirt and soapy water. Combine all three for instant fun. First, let your little one get their plastic cars dirty on a muddy race track or dirt-clod-filled construction site. Then, fill a plastic tub with soapy water and you can both scrub those cars clean. If dinosaurs or farm animals are more your kid's speed, swap this in for this mud and bath party.
Garden Grow Let little ones dig in the dirt and nurture plants with their own custom planter. You can set aside a bare patch of dirt for your little one to dig in and explore, or turn old dump trucks into garden beds a la Hello Wonderful. Fast-growing seeds like cosmos or leafy greens are a fun choice for little ones exploring in the garden, because they sprout so quickly that kids can see the impact of water and sunshine. Add a watering can and a set of sturdy plastic shovels to fuel muddy garden play, whether your little one has a fancy flower bed or just a patch of dandelions to water.
Mud Painting Feeling ooey gooey mud between your fingers is a fascinating sensory experience for little ones. Babies can try to finger-paint with mud (or chocolate pudding if you want an edible option). Or, collect mud in a bowl and add a few pint-sized sticks and let older toddlers create masterpieces on white paper the way Twin Mom Refreshed suggests. Mud painting is an easy-to-put-together activity that combines nature exploration with fine motor skill development. Holding a tool, like a paintbrush or a stick used as a paintbrush, builds the muscles and coordination little ones will need in a few years when they learn to write.
Mud Sculptures Think of mud as nature's playdough. Kids can mold it into all kinds of shapes, and even add twigs or leaves to create different textures. Sprinkle in a little biodegradable glitter to make the mixing and molding even more interesting.
Bug Hunt Digging in the dirt for roly-polies is a backyard adventure that’s just right for toddlers. With a bug home like this one, which includes a magnifying glass in the top, your new bug friends will stay safe from toddlers’ grabby hands, and budding young scientists can get a better look at the creatures living in their own backyards. You can also encourage your little ones to make bug habitats of their own by molding mud houses or piling up sticks.
Mud Puddle This kind of muddy play is one of the easiest since nature does all the prep work for you. If you can't wait, get the hose to make your own puddles so you and your child can splash around like Peppa Pig. Stomp in the mud, stir it with a stick, float a piece of bark inside it—there’s no end to the fun that toddlers can have with mud puddles. In warm weather, lose the boots and tiptoe through puddles with bare feet. Feeling squishy mud between their toes fascinates many toddlers. Then check out the classic book Mud Puddle for a fun read and follow up your adventures with a bubble bath to get squeaky clean.
It’s no secret, the DMV is home to political powerhouses and mom bosses who manage to DO. IT. ALL. Now, some of these parents are sharing their experiences. Whether you’re looking for practical tips or just an empowering story for an exhausting and sanity-imperiling day, these DC mom blogs have got you covered.
photo: iStock
Angelica Kajiwara
Angelica, her husband, her mom and three kids are always up for an adventure! Whether it’s a family road trip in their RV, a weekend away at the newest family destination or a Tuesday at their scenic home in North Georgia, this fun-loving family shares the best, the real and the silliness of it all. Her roll-with-it attitude of, “If we can do it, you can do it” makes her blog a must-read (and her Instagram a must-follow).
Mama Instincts Carolina was born and raised in Costa Rica but moved to DC in 2011, when she got married. She is a mom that’s obsessed in researching what’s best for her kids, from foods to toys and anything in between. Her blog provides information about all things parenting, the different phases of child raising, recipes, travel tips, product recommendations and living a non-toxic lifestyle. She hopes her blog will help other moms in their journey, whether to help them make a decision of what non-toxic toy they should get or to realize that they are not alone in this journey.
Adventure Moms DC In 2017, Jen and Colleen launched Adventure Moms DC! They are moms who are on the go with their little ones exploring the DMV. They not only want to share their adventure experiences but also offer practical advice and honest reviewsThey find the adventure in every day to share with other families. BONUS, they love to share their fave STEAM adventures, introducing families to different aspects of the arts and sciences. Go adventure with them!
Capitally Frugal DC The mama behind this blog is Sarah, who compiles store deals, freebies, product reviews/giveaways, and everyday savings for families in the Washington DC Metro area. Check in daily to get the 411 on money saving in DC.
PWC Moms This site is all about keeping your family busy in fun and fantastic ways. Mom Kristina seeks out the events and activities in Prince William County and collects them into a calendar that gives you easy access to the best the area has to offer. You’ll also find giveaways, reviews, and more on this handy site that keeps an eye out for fun.
Housewives in the City Andrea is the Social Media-savvy mom behind this blog–and you can totally get a sense for her friendly personality through each post. In addition to social media tips, giveaways, and calls to connect and network with other fabulous women in the DMV, you’ll find posts that focus on practical parenting or Andrea’s own family adventures.
Kid Trips Parenting playgroups, travel tips, summer camps, and more! This blog is a great resource when you want to check on the goings-on around town. The folks at the Kid Trips blog gather local events they think you should know about, share ideas for simplifying your life, and host great giveaways. Check it out!
A Parent in Silver Spring Jessica McFadden is a mother of three children who loves providing her fellow Washington, DC-area parents with ideas for fabulous family activities, knowledge about local resources, useful information and entertainment. Her goal is to is to motivate readers to laugh, try something new, and find greater joy in their own families.
KidFriendly DC KidFriendly DC is a go-to resource for recreation with kids in the DC-Metro area. From the tried and true to the new and cool, find out where to go and what to do with the kiddos in the nation’s capital. You’ll find everyday play ideas, a calendar of events, seasonal activities, and more.
Alexandria Mom This site is a great resource to find out what’s going on in and around Alexandria. Primarily a catch-all calendar and local news source, this blog also has suggested summer reading lists for kids, family outing ideas, and more.
Very Busy Mamá The mama behind this blog is María José, a very busy mom of two. Her blog is a space to share things that busy mothers and women love, such as fashion, beauty, fitness, but often put aside when the children come along. She knows that many moms no longer have the pre-kids income or body and writes about working with what you have, how to shop your own closet and staying stylish on a MAJOR budget.
Clarendon Moms Angelica, part-time writer, blogger and a full-time devoted wife and mother, has lived all over the world but chose to make the Courthouse-Clarendon neighborhood of Arlington Virginia home. Her blog features practical tips and advice on pregnancy, parenting, family, cooking, career, health, wellness, beauty, books, entertainment with a focus on fashion, local events and other fun stuff.
Teach Mama A Reading Specialist, writer, consultant, and mom to a three kids, Amy Mascott shares tools and resources parents can use to become the best teachers for their children. On her site, you’ll find posts such as “Top 10 Ways to Talk to Kids About Books,” craft and DIY learning ideas, critical thinking ideas, and more.
Stimeyland Stimey is a stay-at-home mom, writer, and parent to three neurodiverse kids with a range of autism, ADHD, and SPD. Stimey herself was diagnosed with Asperger’s in early 2012 and writes candidly about her family’s experience, along with favorite and familiar topics like movies, parenting observations, and pop culture. Stimeyland was also selected as a top autism blog by both Babbleand The Stir.
The DC Moms This site offers a dynamic view of the world through the eyes of some of the savviest and most entertaining moms in the DC metro area. The DC Moms bring you news, reviews and reactions on an array of subjects including world events, family, health, culture, sports, home, fashion and more. What else? Try giveaways, date night ideas, local outings, and pretty much anything else you can think of.
Tots 2 Tweens This is a totally helpful online directory for parents in MD, DC, VA, PA & WV. Here, you’ll find everything from birthday party venues to summer camps to sports to music lessons and ideas for family fun in your area–plus, recipes, public school guides, and more.
DC Thrifty Mom Run by a thrifty mom who hates paying full price, DC Thrifty Mom is a great place to get the scoop on free or cheap happenings in the Washington DC Metro Area. Join the community of other thrifty moms and share budget-friendly events and cost saving tips.
Momastery The mom behind Momastery has had plenty of ups-and-downs; she is a recovering bulimic and alcoholic and her road to motherhood and who she is today included lots of struggle and learning experiences. Now, she blogs with a refreshing honesty and isn’t afraid to admit to mistakes and find the funny in everyday things. She writes about her faith, her family, and the importance of living a kind and brave life.
Hip Mama’s Place This is a helpful and fun online community of moms who love to shop, save money, and talk about anything woman. The site also features local Washington DC events, daily product reviews, parenting tips, cooking, craft ideas, technology trends, money-saving tips, coupon sharing and more.
MomTini Lounge On this awesome site, you’ll find tips and tools for “the business of motherhood.” Mom Amy has three active sons and is a nationally recognized source on parenting. On her blog, she writes about parenting tips, money matters, tech safety for families, and organizational ideas. You’ll also find recipes, Mom Inspiration articles, and lots more.
I’m Not the Nanny As the mom of biracial children, Thien-Kim has too often been mistaken for the nanny in DC area parks! Raising two Hapa children (Vietnamese-American and African American), she shares the fusion of these two cultures in parenting, food, and technology. She started her site as a way to share the challenges and joys of raising biracial children. It has evolved as she shares her foodie obsessions, journey towards a healthier lifestyle, and the latest tech and apps she’s addicted too.
—Ayren Jackson-Cannady, Guiomar Ochoa and Abigail Matsumoto
Back in March LEGO went into their archives and assembled a team of designers, creative and play experts to come up with new ways to help families stay creative and connected. Daily play challenges, new play ideas and live build-a-longs have been shared on social media. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day LEGO and NASA are inviting everyone to take part in their “Build a Planet” challenge.
Born out of the LEGO and NASA partnership to celebrate the organization’s impact on the study and preservation of our Earth, the “Build A Planet” challenge is part of the LEGO #LetsBuildTogether platform. On the heels of a ‘second earth’ being discovered 300 light years away from us, LEGO and NASA are challenging everyone to think globally and build a planet of their choice! Whether it’s Earth, Mars, or better yet, Kepler-1649c – the mysterious new planet among the stars.
The challenge is launching Apr. 22 across Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Stories so no one will have to wait 300 light years or 11.6 million years to fuel their curiosity. Look for the hashtags #LetsBuildTogether and #EarthDayAtHome.
Parents are looking for ways to keep their kids busy. Toys”R”Us wants to help out by offering fun activities and projects to keep their children engaged and their imaginations active. Toys”R”Us just launched Play@Home Theater offering easy ways to have fun at home featuring partners such as: GoNoodle, BrainPOP and Hasbro.
Play@Home Theater Highlights & Projects include:
DIY: 30 videos and articles will get the inspiration flowing
Printables: Over 40 printables to get brains working with puzzles, word searches and more
BrainPOP: A leading educational platform, offers a video for kids to better understand COVID-19 and free access for families through the end of the school year
GoNoodle: Toys”R”Us will host 4 indoor activity videos from their partners at GoNoodle featuring movement & mindfulness activities to keep kids active
Hasbro: Play-Doh offers simple projects to mold, stretch and shape imaginations
Play@Home Theater will be updated with brand new activities and play ideas every week.
Another iconic brand is doing its part to alleviate the stress caused by COVID-19 closures and social distancing. LEGO has gone into their archives and assembled a team of designers, creative and play experts to come up with new ways to help families stay creative and connected. Daily play challenges, new play ideas and live build-a-longs will be shared on social media using the hashtag #letsbuildtogether and at www.lego.com/letsbuildtogether.
Play experts from the LEGO Foundation will also share ways to inspire learning through all types of play which will help children develop life-long skills such as critical thinking, creativity and problem solving while out of school.
The LEGO Foundation has also made a $50 million donation to provide vulnerable children with essential supplies and learning through play support. The donation will be split between three groups of partners: Education Cannot Wait, which provides education for children caught in emergencies and protracted crises; a selection of existing LEGO Foundation partners whose work with children and families is under additional pressure from COVID-19; and charity partners serving communities where the LEGO Group has a significant presence.
Parents are working from home and are growing tired of hearing the same kids movies on repeat playing in the background. Along with trying to maintain a home school calendar, families are looking to bring some normalcy back into their lives. Now that we’ve had some time at home, our daily calendars are being filled up with at-home art classes taught by artists we love, live performances, museum tours, virtual field trips and bedtime stories read by some of our favorite celebrities.
Families can join Laurie, direct from her house, for live “Berkner Break” concerts, streamed most weekday mornings at 10 am ET on her Facebook page. Laurie offers an abundance of songs, playful movement activities, stories, and more, performing such well-loved favorites as “We Are The Dinosaurs” and “The Goldfish (Let’s Go Swimming),” plus educational earworms like “Waiting For The Elevator” and “Look At All The Letters.”
Additionally, each weekday on Laurie’s social media, she’s posting a video of one of her songs for a morning Berkner Breakfast (7 am ET), an afternoon Berkner Break (3 pm ET), and an evening Berkner Bedtime (7 pm ET).
Grammy-nominated Boston songwriter Alastair Moock performed multiple online concerts for families and students last week, and he will continue to host shows in the coming weeks for quarantined families.
Tuesday, Mar 24. at 10:30 am ET Family Concert (all ages)
Friday, Mar. 27 at 1:30 pm ET Family Concert (all ages)
Also available for streaming at any time are these previously recorded “virtual assembly programs:”
Finally, Alastair has also announced an essay contest for students in grades K-8 based on a new video for a song called “Be a Pain” from an upcoming album of the same name. For the essay contest, kids are encouraged to pick a name of one of the many historical and present-day leaders featured in the video (from Malcom X and Cesar Chavez to Greta Thunberg and Malala Yousafzai), do some research and write a page about what this person did and how their work affects the world we live in today. Entries are due by Sunday, Mar. 29 and can be emailed to moockmusic5@gmail.com.
Budsies Live Sessions
Budsies is going live on their Facebook page every day this week at 10 am ET.
Join us at 10 am ET:
Mon., Mar. 23: Virtual field trip to learn about monkeys
Tue., Mar. 24: Reading with Molly the Fire Safety Dog
Wed., Mar. 25: Dancing with Ms. Danielle
Thurs., Mar. 25: Learning to paint
Fri., Mar. 26: Yoga for kids
L.O.L. Surprise Boredom Busters
L.O.L. Surprise will be posting #BBsBoredomBusters every day at 1pm PT, to their Facebook and Instagram channels. A tool for parents to help spark inspiration, different activities will include videos, trivia, challenges, activity sheets and more!
Brick Loot – LEGO Challenges
Brick Loot has partnered with Tyler Clites of LEGO MASTERS to bring you a daily build challenge. After you finish the challenge, post a picture to Facebook or Instagram #bricklootchallenge. Winners will be picked randomly every day. Build all the challenges and be entered to win the Grand Prize – the new LEGO Fiat set.
Cincinnati Zoo – Live Safari
The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden will highlight one of their amazing animals each weekday at 3pm ET. Don’t worry if you can’t tune in every day, all of the safaris will be posted on the zoo’s website and on their YouTube page.
Mo Willems – Lunch Doodles
Every day at 1 pm ET, the Kennedy Center’s official YouTube account will post a new lesson centering on Willems’ beloved characters.
Turns out when you said you wanted to head south this summer, you meant Tacoma. And who can blame you? With new venues and attractions opening all the time, this little sib south of Seattle has lots to offer families this summer—a new Simpson’s art exhibit at the Tacoma Art Musuem is just the beginning. Read on for 18 Tacoma stay and play ideas.
Bart at TAM
Allison Sutcliffe
Cowabunga! Bart, Homer and the whole Simpson fam are making their debut at the Tacoma Art Museum (TAM) this summer. Reminisce with your kids as you wander through this thoughtfully curated collection of original, hand-drawn animation cels from the show's early years (you remember them on the Tracey Ullman Show, right?) through its first decade. With over 100 cels, scripts and show tidbits posted throughout the exhibit, you’ll fall in love, not only with the old school process of animation, but with America’s favorite animated family, all over again. And be sure to pose for your own “couch gag” when you’re there. It’s got winter holiday card written all over it. Be sure the check out TAM’s online calendar for the exhibit to get the low down on upcoming events, like Cartoon Trivia Night.
Metro Parks Tacoma has breathed new life into an actual wasteland this summer, turning the Superfund site that inspired the book Dune into a water front park that’s not to be missed. Families can expect the fantastic views the South Sound is known for, coupled with expansive grassy areas that make picnicking a breeze (be sure to bring a sunshade). Plus, plenty of paved paths that work for everything from strollers to longboards to bikes and even surreys you can rent from Wheel Fun at Point Ruston. Be sure to check out the "chutes and ladders" portion of the addition when you’re there. You’ll find six flights of slides that start at the top of the Wilson Way Bridge and bring you down to the ferry landing parking lot. Everyone needs to ride them at least once!
Whether you’re a seasoned McMenamin’s fan or a newbie to this Pacific Northwest original, you’ll want to check out the latest from the renovating duo. They’ve put the McMenamin’s spin on the old Elks Temple in downtown Tacoma, transforming it into a restaurant, hotel and music venue that draws visitors from all over. Check out the original artwork and learn about the Elks’ history in Tacoma as you wander the halls with your kids. Then sit down for a bite at the Pub (make a reservation if dinner is on the menu) before you head out in search of the secret bar, the phenomenal views and the hanging lights of the 7th floor balcony.
Put a different kind of twist on your Tacoma adventure at Sprinker Recreation Center where ice bumper cars are the hot new attraction. The human sized hockey pucks are powered by a small motor that you control, spinning this way and that as you avoid—or maybe try to collide with other riders. $12 gets you a 15-minute ride, or you can add in a skate combo for $19 total. Get all the important details here.
Get ready to earn those Instagram hearts with the newest thrills to explore at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. First stop, this year's outdoor sand art titled, Species in the Sand, an impressive structure held together by just sand and water, depicting the sea and land life you'll find at the zoo. Next up, it's off to the Pacific Seas Aquarium, where your kids can ooh and ahh at jellyfish, touch tanks and serene hammerheads swimming overhead. Stop and say hello to the elephants and tigers before heading to the petting party happening at Stingray Cove, where kiddos (and parents) can dip a hand in and feel squishy stingrays and scaly sharks. Want to pump up those hearts even more? Register for the Eye-to-Eye Shark Cage Dive and jump in the water with five species of jaw-droppingly large sharks while secured in a cage or braving the open tank.
5400 N. Pearl St. Tacoma, WA 98407 Online: pdza.org
Easily the hottest museum in Tacoma, the Museum of Glass will heat up your crew for a day trip adventure. Before entering the studio, make your way through the Chihuly Bridge of Glass where a rainbow of glass objects are suspended above an overpass from downtown to the museum. Once in, check out the Kids Design Glass collection that features creations based on child submitted drawings. Then, get fired up at the Hot Shop while watching featured artists demonstrate the magic of turning molten glass into works of art.
This Tacoma family destination has five distinct learning areas to get those big imaginations to take flight. Enter the Woods where a prominent tree house is waiting to be discovered and head into Beca's Studio where mini-Picassos can paint, print and sculpt away. Splash around with a flowing water table and put your building skills into action using over sized materials in the Invention space. If your tykes haven't had enough, send them on a pretend playing adventure in the out-of-this-world Voyager play structure while you sit on a comfy bench and drink some joe.
1501 Pacific Ave. Tacoma, WA 98402 Online: playtacoma.org
Vroom! Vroom! Even if you don't have all the Cars movies on repeat at your house, the LeMay Museum is a destination sure to captivate imaginations while looking back at the history of the automobile. Acclaimed as the largest car museum in North America, the uniquely shaped building is located next to the Tacoma Dome and houses up to 350 cars with rotating exhibits and a family zone, plus a cafe to enjoy while dad talks about the first car he ever bought. Check out the summer drive-in movie series while you're there. They run through the end of August.
Kids have a lot of questions, but before telling them you haven't the foggiest about Washington State history because you snoozed through that class, take them to this museum and fill in the gaps of what you missed. With plenty of interactive displays, hands-on activities and buttons to push, the booooring has been replaced with...well...actual fun!
Add Proctor to your list of Tacoma visits when you head south. This revitalized neighborhood has great kid-focused shops, like Teaching Toys & Books and Blooming Kids, vintage and upcycled clothes, next door to shops parents will love like Compass Rose, The Fernseed modern plant shop and Lapis. Check out their sidewalk sale, scheduled for August 3, 2019. Or head down any Saturday to take full advantage of the farmers market. It opens at 9 a.m. and is bursting with farm fresh meat, produce and dairy items alongside locally grown flowers, and foodie finds.
From the moment you walk through the doors at Tinkertopia, you get the distinct feeling that you’ve never been in a store quite like it before. More than an art studio, different from an artist supply store, it’s the exact space one would imagine if Fred Sanford and Geppetto designed a workshop over drinks. Owners Darcy and R.R. call it a Creative Reuse Center, or an alternative art supply store. And they pretty much nailed it on the head. Shop the store, drop-in at the maker space, take a workshop, or book a party. The fun never ends here.
Insider Tip: You never know what you’re going to find on any given day, but typically stocked craft items often include snow shoe frames, beads, cosmic ray shields, storm trooper masks, bottle caps, crayons, slideshow wheels, and kiln clips. Come with an open mind and leave with a bag full of creativity.
Play ball! Whether your kids love baseball or soccer, Cheney Stadium is the place to take it all in. Kiddos will love getting a taste of America's favorite pastime watching the minor-league Tacoma Rainiers play there. Or they can indulge their World Cup Fever, when they grab seats to a Reign FC match. The men's minor league FC plays there too. It's the inaugural year for the Tacoma Defiance at Cheney, in fact. A great time to see them play. And when there isn't a bad seat in the house and prices are easy on the wallet, there's hardly a reason to stay home. What more could you ask for?
At the northeastern edge of Point Defiance Park resides the popular Owen Beach with its majestic views of Vashon Island, Mount Rainier and ferry boats. A perfect picnic spot worthy of a day trip on its own, but can be combined with a visit to the park or Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. Take the scenic walking path from the marina along the waterfront or cruise through 5 Mile Drive to the parking lot at the beach. Amenities include picnic shelters, kayak rentals and a concession stand.
Insider Tip: During the summer months, Point Defiance Zoo hosts a free Explore the Shore learning program for little beach combers. Walk the shore with a naturalist and explore the creatures found in the tide pools while taking actual scientific records of what you find.
If getting the family away from the hustle and bustle of the city is on your to-do list, the Tacoma Nature Center is packed with all the bells and whistles to entertain outdoor enthusiasts. Little ones will love Discovery Pond, a natural playground with a playhouse, tree slide and pond to explore and inspire curiosity. Stop by the Visitor's Center to get an up close look at some local wildlife and pick up a trail guide to take with you through the rest of the park. The two-mile walking trail surrounding Snake Lake offers an urban oasis for native wildlife and visitors alike, and plenty of run around room to make those kiddos drowsy enough for the drive home.
There's no time like the present to journey to the past at Fort Nisqually's Living History Museum. This first European settlement in the Puget Sound has been reinvigorated with period dressed re-enactors demonstrating life in the mid-19th century. Kids can ask questions from lumberjacks and blacksmiths, try out cool skills from back in the day and get a real taste of life before those beloved electronic devices.
This must-see urban green space located in downtown Tacoma has just about everything you need for an awesome outdoor play day. Run around the nearly one mile loop surrounding the park and take notice of more than 600 amazing trees, statues dating to the late 1800s and a kiddo acclaimed duck pond featured in the landscape. Want more? Swing over to the playground, take in a game of bocce ball, tour the Victorian styled botanical conservatory or park it on the lawn for a family picnic.
Look no farther than Titlow beach and park for the complete package of outdoor adventure all kids want. Pack your buckets and an extra pair of shoes for a beach walk while taking in an epic view of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. If tromping through the woods is more your crew's thing, then take a trail walk around the estuary lagoon. Some kids can't do outdoors unless a playground is involved and this one will not disappoint with swings, web-like climbing structures and a sprayground for the warmer months. Don't forget to pack a lunch and spend some quality time on the lawn in front of the historic Titlow Lodge.
Found in the northwest part of town is one of Tacoma's best kept secrets, and where locals flock to during the summer months. Kandle Park is home to the only outdoor wave pool in Pierce County and that alone is worth the drive. But while you're there you can also hang out at the bonus toddler pool and mini sprayground. Plan to grab tickets for a half day session (2:30 p.m.-5 p.m.) or a full day (noon-5 p.m.), depending on your day's schedule and pack plenty of sunscreen or a sun tent to pitch when you're there. On a hot day it's hard to find shade cover, but that makes the pool feel twice as nice. If the kids are still itching for more, head to the recently renovated playground, or the skate park where your kids can throw down some sick ollies.
If you’re looking for events and activities, don’t miss our local Tacoma family events calendar, which has everything from story times to seasonal activities like apple picking, pumpkin patches and Christmas tree farms.
Play time is essential to childhood, but between homework, activities and screen time it is becoming harder to squeeze in basic play. A new study has found that 75 percent of kids aren’t getting enough play time.
The Genius of Play, a nonprofit initiative dedicated to raising awareness of the importance of play in child development, partnered with Fundamentally Children, an expert on play and child development, to conduct an international study on whether or not kids are getting a good balance of play time activities. The study, which involved 840 parents, concluded that 75 percent of kids 12 and under were not getting enough active free play, like riding bikes or running around.
The survey also found that the the lack of play only becomes worse as kids get older. While 65 percent of kids ages one to four years old are not getting enough play, that jumps to a much bigger 77 percent of nine to twelve-year-olds who aren’t playing enough. The number one reason cited among parents for the lack in play is not having enough time.
“It’s crucial that children engage in different types of play that provide a variety of benefits,” said Ken Seiter, executive vice president of marketing communications at The Toy Association, the organization that spearheads The Genius of Play. “Active free play is key to healthy child development as it helps kids hone their gross motor and fine motor skills, while at the same time building social skills and fostering creativity. We work to provide parents with a multitude of play ideas that will help them carve out time for play in their children’s daily schedules.”
Another important finding was in the types of play kids are engaging in. Over 68 percent of five to eight-year-olds are not getting the recommended amount of pretend play, like playing with dolls or action figures and two thirds of one to four-year-olds are lacking structured social play, like sports games (57 percent) and board and card games (60 percent).
“Our study found that children of all ages do not currently get a balanced approach to play, which is necessary for healthy holistic development,” said Dr. Amanda Gummer, child psychologist and founder of Fundamentally Children. “The need to raise greater awareness of the benefits of play has become increasingly obvious, as parents need to feel empowered to prioritize playtime activities.”
From the best summer gear for baby to the most fun summer activities, and lots of important tips on how to stay safe and sunburn-free on sunny days, you’ll find it all in this summer survival guide. Read on for all of our articles on how to make the most of your summer with babies and toddlers.
The Best Baby Sunscreens First things first: Wherever your summer takes you, you’ll want to protect baby’s sensitive skin with a sunscreen that blocks UV rays without harsh ingredients. We’ve compiled a list of mineral and chemical sunscreens to fit every budget.
9 Summer Essentials Every New Mom Should Carry From the best baby sunglasses and sun hats to insulated sippy cups and a wipes case that doubles as a chic clutch, you’ll look cool and stay cool with these 9 products that will make your summer.
Your Bucket List for Baby’s First Summer Make the most of the long, sunny days with this list of don’t-miss activities that you and your little one will love. Grab your diaper bag and carrier—and don’t forget your camera! You’ll want to remember baby’s first picnic, beach trip and more.
Must-Have Baby Gear for a Day at the Beach Reliable swim diapers, soft hooded towels, a shady popup tent and a combination beach blanket and cooler. We've compiled the best for the beach in this list of clever essentials for a day of sun and sand.
Be Sun Smart With Baby: 10 Summer Safety Tips to Follow What level of SPF should you use? Do you need to apply sunblock when you're in the shade? What kind of sun hat should you look for? If you’re asking yourself questions like these, read these 10 summer safety tips from a mom who has been there.
Top 10 Summer Safety Rules for Kids in Cars Is your car baby-safe for summer? Learn how to cool down a hot car fast, why you should adjust the car-seat shoulder straps, the importance of inspecting your tires during the warmest time of year, and much more.
9 Ways to Keep Babies & Toddlers Cool in the Summer Heat When it's too hot to think, turn to these tips for keeping yourself and your little ones cool in the summer heat. From comfortable clothing and carriers to our picks for after-sun spray and a baby monitor with a temperature gauge, you'll find it all here.
Genius Ways to Beat the Heat with Baby Need inspiration for things to do with baby this summer? Here are 18 fun ways to spend your days, from sensory activities to a toy car wash and air-conditioned indoor spots worth a visit.
8 Awesome Outdoor Activities for Babies and Toddlers Read on for eight great ways to spend time outdoors. You’ll find cheap DIY activities for sitters, crawlers and walkers, including nature bottles, painting projects, music-making and lots of fun with water.
Make a Splash: 10 Outdoor Water Play Ideas for Babies Water activities keep baby entertained and cool when temperatures are high. Here are 10 fresh ideas for outside games that babies find fascinating—and don’t make a mess!
