8 Wintry Walks & Hikes Near the DMV

by Meghan Yudes MeyersJanuary 26, 2022

Bundle up and head outdoors. We soused out the best walks and hikes in the DMV that go beyond stretching your legs. Go a bear hunt at the National Zoo, brush up on your history on the National Mall or illuminate your night at The REACH. From animal sightings to rock scrambling adventures, these are our favorite winter walks and hikes near Washington, DC.

The Best Leisurely Walk with Lights

Stretch your legs on almost 5 acres at The REACH while taking in the current Lunar New Year exhibit, Winter Lanterns featuring 100 handmade lanterns and 10,000 LED lights (now-Feb. 6). If you like the idea of a twinkling trail, but can't make it in time to catch this installation before it ends, take a day trip to Frederick MD where illuminated boats line the town's canal. Paths along Color on the Creek are well paved and easily accessible by strollers.

The REACH at the Kennedy Center
2700 F St NW
Foggy Bottom
Online: kennedy-center.org

The Best Walk for Animal Sightings

The National Zoo offers miles of trails with guaranteed animal sightings and, if you get cold, there are a number of animal houses you can duck into to warm up. Due to COVID, you do need to reserve your free pedestrian pass prior to a visit (car reservations are now $30 and include entry for up to 4 visitors), but with well-controlled crowds you can rest assured that your walk in these woods will be socially-distanced. Before you go, check out this winter guide to the zoo here.

Editor's Note: Guests must show proof of vaccination status to dine inside.

Smithsonian National Zoological Park
3001 Connecticut Ave NW
Woodley Park
Online: nationalzoo.si.edu

The Best Walk with History

The National Mall is teeming with monuments and memorials that create great talking points for both young and old. With 11 Smithsonian museums located directly on the Mall, there are plenty of places to pop in to when you need to beat the chill (Editor's Note: Some museums may have limited hours due to COVID). With food trucks dotting most corners, you can grab a cup of hot chocolate while you make strides up and down the paths.

Insider tip: If you're craving a sugary snack, Astro Doughtnuts & Fried Chicken is a short walk from the Mall.

National Mall
Online: nps.gov

The Best Walk with a Winter-Themed Playground

Susan Austin Roth via Rock Creek Conservancy

There are over 32 miles of paths and trails winding through Rock Creek Park, passing sites such as The National Zoo and Mount Zion Cemetery and stretching into Georgetown. If you want to add some playground fun to your hike, start at Meadowbrook Park (a MD park adjacent to Rock Creek) and walk along the trail towards the zoo (it's about 13 miles round-trip if you're looking for a hearty workout). There is plenty of parking at Meadowbrook Park to load & unload your gear. Bonus: this park, affectionately known as "Candy Cane Park" for its red-and-white painted playground, is handicap accessible and includes a small tot lot so kids can

Meadowbrook Park
7901 Meadowbrook Ln.
Chevy Chase, MD
Online: tinybeans.com

The Best Stroller-Friendly Walk

Courtesy of Georgetown Business Improvement District

Head to Georgetown for a walk along the waterfront on well-paved paths; perfect for strollers. If you need to warm up, Farmers Fishers Bakers is welcoming dine-in guests in heated tents. You can also get their amazing mini donuts to go. Have older kids in tow? Let them hop on the ice in front of the restaurant. Littles will be entertained by the toe loops, flips and axels.

Insider tip: Cuddle up with a good book after your walk. We like this children's book about winter walks in a city.

Georgetown Waterfront Park
31st St. to Wisconsin Ave. NW
Georgetown
Online: tinybeans.com

The Best Winter Hike with Rock Scrambling

Winter walks are more fun when littles have things to climb! Theodore Roosevelt Island is a 91-acre wilderness preserve that serves as a memorial to President Roosevelt, honoring his contributions to conservation of nature. The island has over two miles of foot trails, if you want to add a rocky adventure to your hike, take the gravel-covered Woods (2/3 mile) or Upland (¾ mile ) Trail. There are plenty of small boulders, rocks and logs for little ones to scramble on.

Theodore Roosevelt Island
George Washington Memorial Pkwy
Northbound lanes between Roosevelt Bridge and Key Bridge
Arlington, VA
Online: tinybeans.com

The Best Hike for Winter Bird Watching

You don’t have to drive far to be completely immersed in nature. Just 8 miles from the Roosevelt Bridge, Turkey Run Park offers family-friendly hiking on terrains that range from mostly flat to extremely rocky. Be sure to bring the binoculars; bare trees mean it is easier to spot the birds and critters that make this park their winter home. Be sure to bring this book to help i.d. one of the 140 species of birds that spend time in Turkey Run. There are a number of trails, but the short loop off the C-1 parking lot is most favored by families. It’s a steep incline to and from the parking lot but is otherwise smooth and flat near the river (and offers some pretty amazing views!). More wooded paths provide the opportunity to jump across streams and hop on rocks, but these trails are best suited for sure-footed preschoolers. If you wander away from the river’s edge, be sure to track your whereabouts by GPS; trail markers are faded or missing on many of the paths.

Turkey Run Loop Rd.
McLean, VA
703-289-2500
Online: tinybeans.com

The Easiest Winter Walk to Navigate

If you want to get lost in the woods without actually getting, well, lost, head to the Bull Run-Occoquan trail that is often noted as being one of the best marked in the DMV area. Follow the blue posts for an easy to moderate walk that offers views of a lake. If you find yourself climbing onto stepping stones or wading into water, you’ve missed a blue marker! Park at Hemlock Overlook Regional Park for a loop that is easy on short legs.

Bull Run-Occoquan Trail
12619 Old Yates Ford Rd.
Clifton, VA
Online: tinybeans.com

WORTH-THE-DRIVE

The Best Place to Walk in Snowshoes

If you're looking to burn off those COVID pounds, up your hiking game with a pair of snoeshoes. When you hike across a snowy terrain in snowshoes you double the amount of calories you'd burn by walking the same distance. Score! Plus, it's a fun activity the entire family can enjoy: if your child can walk, they can be fitted for shoeshoes! To walk across a winter wonderland, you'll either need to wait for a DC snowfall or put some miles on your SUV. To hear the subtle crunch of snow underfoot, head to West Virginia's Canaan Valley, a 3 hr. drive from downtown DC. Canaan Valley boasts 35 kilometers of marked and ungroomed natural snow trails, and if you finish all those trails, you can head to the nearby White Grass Ski Touring Center for another 60 kilometers. Canaan Valley 230 Main Lodge Rd. Davis, West Virginia Online: tinybeans.com

—Meghan Yudes Meyers

featured photo: Tim Gouw via Unsplash

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Fresh Air Fun: Family Hikes Near NYC

by Yuliya GeikhmanOctober 10, 2021

Late fall is the perfect time to go on a hike with the kids, thanks to cooler temperatures and amazing fall foliage to take in. There are plenty of kid-friendly hikes near NYC, with both easy trails and more challenging ones for more experienced or older kids. Check out our favorite day hikes near NYC, all of which are under two hours from the city. Don’t have a car? Try these urban hikes in NYC. Got a baby in tow? We love these NYC stroller-friendly hikes!

Anthony’s Nose

If you’d rather spend more time hiking than driving, you can look closer to home: Anthony’s Nose is a short hike up a section of the Appalachian Trail that ends with a view of the Bear Mountain Bridge and a scenic overview of the Hudson River. Be prepared for a bit of legwork, because Anthony has a pretty steep nose. The walk is relatively short distance of about three miles round trip, but it’s a mix of climbs and straight paths. The climbs are more like a staircase thanks to the rocky layout of the inclines, but they can be tough on beginners. If you still have time — and energy! — when you finish the hike, you and the kids can take a walk across the Bear Mountain Bridge, visit the small but free zoo, or ride a carousel. All make a perfect reward for your trek up the trail!

Location: Westchester County, across from Bear Mountain

Difficulty: Moderate to hard

Drive time from NYC: 1 hr 20 min

More info: hikethehudsonvalley.com

Arden Point and Glenclyffe

hiking trails for kids — Josh B. via Yelp

Bring a bit of history into your hike by visiting Arden Point and Glenclyffe. In this relatively easy hike, you and the kids can retrace the footsteps of Revolutionary War general Benedict Arnold as he made his escape in 1780. It's an excellent way to bring history to life for older kids who might be studying this period in American history. The trail also offers some views of the river, but if you've had enough of that there's plenty more to see, like the 1950s railroad track that is still in use today for freight, and a few historic buildings that date back to the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Location: Garrison, NY

Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Drive time from NYC: 1 hr 25 min

More info: nynjtc.org

Palisades Interstate Park

Located under an hour's drive from the city, the NJ Palisades Park offers gorgeous views and scenic routes, as well as about 30 miles of trails of varying difficulty. This means there's a trail for any level of hiker, including small children. We recommend the State Line Lookout trails for their variety in terrain and difficulty. Taking the trails from the Lookout means getting views of the Hudson River and finding some hidden treasures like a tree swing that makes for awesome photo-ops, and the Women's Federation Monument. Before you go, ensure that everyone is wearing hiking shoes (not sneakers or running shoes) -- the terrain can get rocky.

Location: Alpine, NJ

Difficulty: Easy to hard

Drive time from NYC: 50 min.

More info: njpalisades.org

Muttontown Preserve

hiking with kids near nyc — Tim C. via Yelp

The Muttontown Preserve trail is one of the easiest on our list, with winding but relatively flat trails through 550 acres of fields, woods, and ponds. The trails here are less like hikes and more like nature walks, allowing everyone to take in their surroundings without getting overtired—perfect for little feet and beginners. The trails also take you through a number of estates, as well as the curious remains of the mansion of King Zod, the last Albanian monarch. It is now in ruins, and covered in some colorful graffiti, making for an interesting sight among the trees. The trail markers can leave something to be desired here however, so come equipped with a map, a compass, and/or a GPS or you may end up spending a bit more time here than you meant to!

Location: East Norwich, NY

Difficulty: Very easy

Drive time from NYC: 50 min

More info: nassaucountyny.gov

Greenbelt Conservancy Parks

hiking trails for kids near me — Galen O. via Yelp

Sometimes we forget there is nature in our own backyard. If walking through Prospect and Central Park is not exciting enough, take a day trip to Staten Island's Greenbelt Conservancy parks. This foundation oversees 2800 acres of public park—including 30 miles of hiking and walking trails—and consists of High Rock, WIllowbrook, and LaTourette Parks.

All three are hidden pockets of nature and offer hours of leisurely hiking trails through wooded areas, marshes, ponds and other gorgeous landscapes. Both destinations are a perfect starter for the kids due to their location and the ease of the trails. They can wet their little hiking boots here, then move on to the more challenging or lengthier trips.

Location: Staten Island, NY

Difficulty: Easy

Drive from NYC: 35 mins

More info: nycgovparks.org

Eagle Rock Reservation

The hiking at the Eagle Rock Reservation is easy enough for kids to keep up, and without much of a trail to follow you are left to blaze your own path through the woods. But the walking itself is not what will keep the family coming back: hiking here rewards you with an amazing panoramic view of Manhattan. Before you head out on your walk, make sure you pay a visit to the 9/11 memorial.

Location: West Orange, NJ

Difficulty: Easy

Drive from NYC: 45 min

More info: nynjtc.org

Schunemunk Mountain

Schunemunk Mountain is another fantastic spot to take the kids. The prehistoric beach offers over 25 miles of hiking trails and varied terrain, but it's not suitable for beginners so prepare accordingly. The mountain boasts some spectacular features, like a 3,000 foot pink rock and wild blueberries ripe for picking in late spring and early summer. Some of the (literally) biggest attractions along the mountain trails are the giant megalith boulders at the top of the mountain, but be prepared to do some sweating on your way up — the diverse terrain is beautiful but it can get tough.

Location: Orange County, NY

Difficulty: Hard

Drive time from NYC: 1 hr 40 min

More info: nynjtc.org

— Yuliya Geikhman

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How to Paint Rocks for Kindness & Where to Share Them

by Melissa HeckscherOctober 7, 2021

Looking for a fun and easy way to teach your kids about kindness? Consider joining the Kindness Rocks Project. This creative project has artists of all ages spreading happy thoughts by way of painted rocks. The idea is simple—paint something inspiring or cheerful on a rock and leave it for someone else to find. Don’t know where to start? Read on!

What It Is

What's a rock got to do with kindness? Plenty, according to Megan Murphy, the Massachusetts woman who accidentally started the Kindness Rocks movement when she scribbled a few inspiring words on a rock and left it on a Cape Cod beach. Her Kindness Rocks Project has since gained worldwide attention, with inspirational, hash-tagged rocks popping up in at least seven countries and garnering millions of views on social media.

"The project isn’t about rocks per se, it’s about connection," Murphy said. "People find a rock, and they relate to the message on the rock. Then they connect with the fact that there is a human being on the other end of that rock, and they don't feel so alone." It can be as simple as scrawling "Hope" on a stone and tossing it on the sidewalk on your way to work, or as complex as painting an entire rock with Van Gogh's "Starry Night" and leaving your masterpiece up for grabs.

How It Works

First, you should join a local rock-painting group. A quick Google or Facebook search of "kindness rocks" and your hometown will probably turn up something. If not, rev up the bandwagon and rock it on your own, like this altruistic seven-year-old from San Francisco.

Here's What You'll Need

- Smooth rocks (you can scavenge outside for them or you can find a whole bag at Home Depot or on Amazon)

- Acrylic paint

- Paintbrushes

- Fine point paint pens (optional, but makes writing words way easier)

- clear spray-on sealer like Krylon for sealing rocks (parents should do this)

Step One: Prep Your Rock

Since rocks are porous, it's best to lay down a layer of paint to act as a primer and backdrop for your finished masterpiece. There's no need to paint the bottom of the rock (that just makes it harder to handle as it's drying.).

Step Two: Write Something (or Paint a Picture)

When the primer coat is completely dry, let your littles use a paint pen to write something on their rock. To help them come up with something, try asking them simple questions about kindness: What is kindness? What is a 'kind' thing to say? What message would make you happy to see on a rock? What could you hear someone else say that would make you feel special?

And, don't feel bound by words; painting cute or happy pictures works, too (Smiley faces and rainbows, anyone?)!

Step Three: Hashtag It!

Write a hashtag on your rock to help whoever finds it realize that they can share it with the world. Our favorite is #thekindnessrocksproject, but there are gobs of smaller groups out there for those who want to keep it local. Don't forget to check your social media channels to see if someone shared your rock!

Step Four: Seal It

Once your rock is dry, spread a layer of Mod Podge over it. This will keep the paint from chipping and will seal it against water. (Plus it will make your rock look shiny and awesome.)

Step Five: Leave Your Rock Somewhere to Be Found

Let your kids scatter their well-wishes around your neighborhood, in a park, or on the sidewalk on their way to school—basically, anywhere the rocks can be found by someone else!

Tip: Don't hide your rock so well that it can't be easily found—and don't put it on private property where passersby will think it belongs to someone.

— Melissa Heckscher

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Trash the To-Do List & Do This Instead

By Jordan Manfredi

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

August 7, 2021

Photo: Jordan Manfredi

I listen to way too many podcasts—the ones that make you feel more aware, upset, unsure and fascinated. I meditate sometimes and I drink enough water. I’m definitely putting in the work to try to remember who I am, in addition to being a mom, a wife and a business owner.

My “to-do” list, like most caregivers, is long. It lives in my phone and on my mind and if I forget it, it pings me back into submission. It keeps me busy—doing and going, going and doing my way to a satisfactory life. And it makes me feel 82% numb and substantially less alive.

The routine dulls my senses and for a not-new human like myself, it bores me to death sometimes. Sincere gratitude aside, being a mom of young kids is majority monotonous and minority former-self fun. Today, as I was driving home from a meeting, I realized that I had a full tank of gas, my suitcase and not one but two credit cards. I thought, “I could just get away for the weekend, run off and be alone for a full 48 hours. The kids would be fine, my husband would understand.” In fact, he was the one that told me, “I can’t make you happy.”

I wanted to drive far away today and to leave my problems behind. The idea perculated fuzzy in my head, as my fomer-fun self suddenly perked up, like a breath of fresh air had entered my lungs and was pumping life back into me. But as regularly programmed, I instead reverted back to my “to-do” list and pushed the novel-yet-non-sensical idea aside.

Annoyed, I drove back into the mind-blowing experience of modern motherhood. I was driving myself numb and not doing anything about it. Why? Because motherhood is unconditional and transformative. It’s damn beautiful and in that beauty is also a breakdown, an experience of the soul. And because as mothers, we’re trained not to rock the boat. Heck, we are the boat keeping everything afloat.

Deep inside my sticky sense of resentment, hand-dipped in disappointment, I heard my husband say it again inside my head: “I can’t make you happy. You have to do that yourself.” He was right. This, “But what happened to my life?” baggage wasn’t his or theirs to carry. It was mine, all mine. There was no one left to blame. So now what?

I noticed a motorcyclist driving in front of me and he was masterfully pulling up his front wheel and rocking a wheely. I was at once, in awe and in admiration and also moderately concerned for his health and well-being. We exchanged a thumbs up as I drove by, congratulating him on his fearless feat and in that flash of a moment, I saw a twinkle in his eyes. They were sparkling like sunlight on the water. They were eyes of someone who was happy in that moment. It was that undeniable look you have when you’re doing something that makes you feel alive. When you’re not asking for anyone’s permission to live out loud and disappointing the world by not caring what anyone else thinks. Carl Jung calls it, individualizing, a way of being open-hearted to life.
That’s what I’m looking for. That look, that feeling.

I then have another idea and refuse to let my “to-do” list dictate my decision. I ask Siri, “How far is Coney Island from here?” She answered, “12 miles.” I veered my car off and decide to take matters into my own hands. To dedcidedly be happy by doing something that actually makes me happy. It was pretty simple: I was going to hit the coasters, because I love riding roller coasters. I took myself on the date night I’ve been so desperately missing and I ended up riding the Thunderbolt front row next to a mom and her daughter. We held hands and screamed our heads off. When I picked up my souvenior picture to remember this version of me that I’ve longed for, I noticed something in my eyes looking back at me. It was that same shine. There’s the me underneath the “to-do” lists and it’s just waiting to come out if only we can allow ourselves to unappolgetically do whatever makes us happy, no outside assistance required.

Jordan Manfredi

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

I’m a beauty hunter, a dreamer, a learner and a doer. I'm also a mama to 2 wild ones (Lily Love + Bear). As a self proclaimed forest fairy + forest school founder, I believe in nature and magic and know that growth happens when you step outside of your comfort zone.

Discover the Not-So-Obvious Spots to Hike, Camp & Fish Near Chicago

by Lindsay WelbersJuly 22, 2021

Starved Rock State Park is a popular spot for campers and anglers, and it’s no surprise why. The Illinois River has some of the best fishing opportunities and the park’s beautiful setting and proximity to Chicago make it an attractive destination for daytrippers—or a quick weekend away. In recent years, however, Starved Rock’s visitor numbers have surged. When the park reaches capacity, traffic can back up for miles, leaving adventure-seekers stuck in their cars instead of casting a line or taking in the scenery. Read on for equally dazzling places to enjoy nature without getting stuck in gridlock traffic.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CEqPL6jpp7H/?hidecaption=true

Lowden State Park

Located just 90 minutes from Chicago, Lowden State Park has 80 campsites with access to electricity and a shower building. There are another 46 primitive campsites, for a more rustic experience, in a separate campground. This park sits right on the Rock River, which has an average depth of about 3 feet at the height of summer. Rent a canoe or kayak from local outfitter White Pelican if you don't own your own boat, but there are docks located along the riverbank where the public can cast a line. Check out the dock by Margaret Fuller Island for a great view.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CBZSFlXDMqV/?hidecaption=true

Hennepin Canal

The Hennepin Canal is an ideal spot for families willing to trade amenities for solitude. The Hennepin Canal includes nine campgrounds, 150 miles of trails and some of the most abundant stocks of fish you’ll find in Illinois. All campsites are first-come-first-served, have no showers or running water, but toilets are available at each campground. Fishing on the canal is allowed 24 hours a day and trawlers should have no trouble pulling out bass, catfish, walleye, crappie and bluegill. Visitors who prefer to cast a line from their boat will find 29 miles of portage-free canoeing along the feeder canal from Rock Falls.

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Spring Lake Park

Spring Lake Park outside Macomb has an impeccably maintained campground, with great amenities, and 6 miles of shoreline to cast from. Spring Lake is stocked with blue catfish, muskellunge, bass, bluegill and crappie. Campers have 102 campsites to choose from, with space for either tents, RVs, or cabins. An on-site bait shop rents pontoon boats, canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, paddleboats, and fishing poles. Within the park itself, there are over 12 miles of biking and hiking trails, so you’ll have plenty to do if the fish just aren’t biting.

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A post shared by Colleen (@aidinoandclairebear)

Chain o’ Lakes State Park

Located about 60 miles north of Chicago, Chain o' Lakes State Park is great for families looking for a variety of activities. Camping is abundant, with 151 sites and three cabins. A concession stand rents boats and sells bait. Anglers will find bluegill, bass, walleye, crappie, muskie, northern pike, bullhead, and catfish. This park lives up to its name, with three lakes and the Fox River within the park itself. That means the shorelines get marshy and most fishing is done from either on a boat or designated fishing piers. Other activities at Chain o’ Lakes include hose rentals, hunting, and over 10 miles of hiking trails. There is even an accessible picnic area with a quarter-mile hiking trail, that will accommodate anyone with mobility concerns.

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Nauvoo State Park

Nauvoo State Park is a stunning and peaceful place. This park is small, just 148 acres on the banks of the Mississippi River. It includes a 13-acre lake with one mile of shoreline, stocked with bass, catfish and bluegill. There are no boat docks or rentals, so be prepared to cast from the shoreline or use the primitive boat launch. Campers will find 105 camping spaces, a few short hiking paths and a playground area. Visit the in-park museum to learn about the town’s history as a stop for French explorers and as a settlement for early Mormons.

— Lindsay Welbers

Lindsay Welbers is the author of “Chicago Transit Hikes: A guide to getting out in nature without a car.” She lives on the Northwest side of Chicago and writes the ultralight camping blog “Third Coast Hikes” which encourages Chicagoans to explore their backyards, especially the corners they may not have considered before.

Featured photo: visionpic.net via Pexels

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I Didn’t Know This Would Be the Last Time

By Tabitha Yates

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

July 9, 2021

Photo: Karina Beagley

I didn’t know this would be the last time I nursed you to sleep. I would have soaked in the moment, if only I knew. I didn’t know that this was the last night I would rock you to sleep in this well-worn rocking chair. I wish I would have held you longer. I didn’t know that one day I would be stroking your sweet baby cheeks and the next, I would be staring at a face so changed, as the years melted away your cherub cheeks and gave you defined and unique features, just as beautiful and handsome. I wish I had stared just a little while longer, before I dozed off beside you. I didn’t know that after all the times I wished you would sleep through the night, suddenly you would and I would miss you.

I didn’t know that one day you wouldn’t ask me to help pick out your clothes anymore. You’re quite proud of your st‌yle now and I wouldn’t change it for the world.

I didn’t know that one night you wouldn’t ask for a bedtime story anymore, because you were reading your great big chapter book and just wanted to chat and have mommy time instead. I wouldn’t have rushed so much.

I didn’t know that this would be the last time you held my hand crossing the road, because you’re much too big now and “You know the safety rules.” Just the same, I’ll always be looking out for your well-being and safety.

I didn’t know that one moment you would be in Kindergarten and the next, you would be in 5th grade and it would only feel like I blinked. I didn’t know that all the days of you asking me for my time, would turn into me asking you for yours. I’ll never be too busy, my child. I didn’t know how fast the years would fly by. I couldn’t have known when all our last times would occur, but now I have what will feel like only a few more years of last times to try to cherish and so many moments that are to become memories to live. I didn’t know I could love anyone as much as I love you.

This post originally appeared on Today Parents.

Tabitha Yates

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

The Redeemed Mama is a writer who had had articles published by The Today Show, Love What Matters, The Mighty, Faithit, For Every Mom, The Creative Child Magazine and more. She has 3 beautiful kids and resides in Southern Arizona and loves writing about parenting, life and growth!

Apparate into the Wizarding World with This Fun New Summer Program

by Karly WoodJune 27, 2021

Do you have a reader who hasn’t yet discovered the wonderful world of Harry Potter? This summer could change all that!

Wizarding World has just launched a free virtual hub that will transport first time Harry Potter readers like never before. Harry Potter Reading Magic is all about discovering the story and magic of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone/Sorcerer’s Stone through a five-week reading journey.

photo: Artem Maltsev via Unsplash

Over the course of the summer, readers can follow along with weekly experiences as they read. Not only will they be able to immerse themselves in the magical chapters, but young wizards and witches can whip up crafts, take quizzes, learn more about characters and rock chapter challenges. If this isn’t a parent’s summertime dream come true, we don’t know what is!

There are also lots of resources for parents, teachers and caregivers, and this fun initiative is poised to return annually.

But parents, you’re in more luck! Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone is also available to stream free on Alexa from Audible now until the end of July. Just say “Alexa, read Harry Potter Book One,” and sit back to enjoy your quiet time.

––Karly Wood

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Usain Bolt & Kasi Bennett Welcome Twins With Epic Names

by Sarah ShebekJune 22, 2021

He has the perfect last name as the fastest man alive. And Usain Bolt and partner Kasi Bennett have definitely capitalized on that when naming their children. In a sweet post over Father’s Day weekend, the track and field great announced new additions to the family: twins Thunder and Saint Leo.

Thunder Bolt and Saint Leo Bolt join sister, aptly named Olympia Lightning Bolt, who was born last May. Bennett added her own post featuring the whole family, adding the caption: “Happy Father’s Day to my forever love! You are the rock of this family and the greatest daddy to our little ones. We love you world without end!”

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A post shared by Usain St.Leo Bolt (@usainbolt)

The Bolt babies came just in time for the upcoming Summer Olympics. It will be their dad’s first time in the stands after he retired from racing in 2017. During his career Bolt racked up eight gold medals and 11 world championships. It looks like he’s excelling at fatherhood, too!

—Sarah Shebek

Featured image courtesy of Salty View / Shutterstock.com

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Recall Alert: Fisher-Price Gliders Have Caused Infant Deaths

by Sarah ShebekJune 8, 2021

Heads up parents and parents-to-be: Fisher-Price is recalling two popular infant swings, the 4-in-1 Rock ‘n Glide Soothers and 2-in-1 Soothe ‘n Play Gliders. This is due to four deaths in the 4-in-1 product and approximately 175,000 of the two products combined are under recall in the U.S.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced the recall, affecting model numbers CHP56, CHP55 and CBT81 in the 4-in-1 and GDD28, GDD39, GDD41, GGW85, GNX43, GVG43, HBD26 and HBD27 in the 2-in-1. Both products have a powered glider seat and an infant rocker feature, which move head-to-toe or side-to-side. You can find the model number on the underside of the base.

The tragic accidents occurred when the infants were reportedly placed on their backs unrestrained and were later found on their stomachs. All four occurred in the 4-in-1 product, with no fatalities reported in the 2-in-1 at this time.

The gliders were sold at popular retailers including Walmart, Target and Amazon. The 4-in-1 Rock ‘n Glide Soothers were sold from January 2014 through December 2020, for about $108. The 2-in-1 Soothe ‘n Play Gliders were sold from November 2018 through May 2021, for about $125.

If you have one of these gliders, immediately stop using it and contact Fisher Price for a refund. The CPSC emphasizes that babies should be placed to sleep on their backs on a firm, flat surface in a crib, bassinet or play yard.

––Sarah Shebek

Images courtesy of the Consumer Products Safety Commission

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Bike Trails You Need to Explore with Kids

by Gabby CullenJune 8, 2021

It’s National Bike Month, and there’s still the long holiday weekend to get out and explore some bike trails! The metroplex has hundreds of miles of paths perfect for families, from the popular White Lake Park Trail to Trinity Trails in Fort Worth. Keep reading to see some of our favorites, and then hit the road!

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Trinity Skyline Trail & the Trinity Strand Trail - Dallas

The Skyline Trail is a 4.6-mile trail that meanders along the Trinity River in the Dallas Floodway. Soon, the Trinity Strand Trail, which is a 2.5-mile trail through the Design District, will connect to the Skyline Trail and over 70 miles of other trails in Dallas.

Find out more about the Skyline Trail here.

Find out more about the Trinity Strand Trail here.

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Trinity Trails - Fort Worth

With over 100 miles of trails, where do we begin? Maybe Trinity Park or perhaps Airhead Falls Trailhead? There are so many places to explore, you might want to take the whole weekend to bike this trail. There are even restaurants along Trinity Trails to stop at when the crew gets hungry!

Find out more here.

White Lake Park Trail - Dallas

This is one of Dallas’ most popular trails and for good reason. Circling the beauty of White Lake Rock, this 9.3-mile trail is great for families; there are several playgrounds along the way, as well as Mockingbird Point Dog Park.

Find out more here.

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Rowlett Creek Preserve - Rowlett

This incredible nature preserve boasts 15+ miles of dirt trails, but don’t be scared! Much of it is very flat, so take your budding mountain bike rider out for a day of exploring. There are also picnic tables, so pack a lunch!

Find out more here.

Allen Parkway Loop - Allen

This paved trail is 14 miles long and wanders through Rowlett Creek and Cottonwood Creek. Part of a greater trail system, this is a fun bike path to ride with the kids.

Find out more here.

Santa Fe Trail - Dallas

One of the newer paved trails in Dallas, this 5-mile trek connects White Rock Lake to Deep Ellum, Fair Park and downtown Dallas.

Find out more here.

—Gabby Cullen

Feature photo: iStock

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