Walt Disney World fans rejoice! As the phased reopening of the resort continues guests will be happy to know that the Park Hopper option will be returning in the new year. According to the Disney Blog, starting Jan. 1, 2021, guests who purchased a ticket or annual pass with Park Hopper benefits will be able to visit more than one park per day, with a few modifications.
Guests must make a Disney Park Pass reservation for the first park they plan to visit and enter that park first prior to visiting another. Currently a park reservation is not required after the first park, however reservation requirements are subject to change.
The resort will set specific Park Hopper hours during which this option will be available. Park Hopper hours will begin at 2 p.m. each day and end at the park’s scheduled close time. Guests will soon be able to check DisneyWorld.com/ParkHours and the My Disney Experience app for the most up-to-date Park Hopper hours, as they could start earlier at a later date, depending on the day and park. The ability to visit another park will be subject to the park’s capacity limitations.
These modifications are designed to help the resort to continue managing attendance in a way that fosters physical distancing. Additionally, other enhanced health and safety measures remain in effect. Face coverings are required for all guests ages two and up.
If you have any questions, visit the Know Before You Go page on DisneyWorld.com, call the Disney Reservation Center, contact your travel professional or reach out to planDisney to get helpful tips and information on your upcoming Disney vacation.
Halloween will be even sweeter with ice cream! Starting today, Baskin-Robbins is making convenience even sweeter by giving guests the option to order their favorite scoops, sundaes and shakes delivered contactless through Uber Eats. In celebration of the launch, ice cream lovers who spend $10 or more on Baskin-Robbins through Uber Eats will receive a $0 delivery from Oct. 29 to Nov. 4, 2020.
This sweet new delivery option and offer arrive just in time for the Halloween weekend, so fans can enjoy an ice cream treat no matter how they choose to celebrate this year. For those who would rather dress up their ice cream than take to the streets in their own costumes, new DIY Creature Creations Kits are the perfect activity to keep the kids entertained at home. Whether they are into unicorns, monsters or mermaids, these kits offer a fun way to deck out their favorite Baskin-Robbins scoops from the comfort of home.
To place an order, customers can select their nearest Baskin-Robbins or Baskin-Robbins and Dunkin’ combo location in the Uber Eats app or on the website, choose their ice cream treats and beverages, customize them just the way they like and then checkout. Guests will also be able to track their order as it’s prepared, picked up and delivered by their Uber Eats driver, who will leave the items at their door for a contactless experience.
“We’re excited to bring the convenience of delivery to even more guests who are looking for ways to enjoy their favorite Baskin-Robbins treats at home,” said Nicole Boutwell, Director of Digital Marketing, Baskin-Robbins. “As people continue to find comfort in ice cream and sweet treats from our specialty ice cream shops, we’re very excited to team up with Uber Eats to expand our easy ordering and contactless delivery options to our loyal guests nationwide.”
“At Uber Eats, we’re always exploring new ways to bring our customers the food they love, right to their doorstep,” said Stephane Ficaja, Head of Uber Eats for the US & Canada. “That’s why we’re excited to bring together Uber’s speed and reliability and Baskin-Robbins’ 75 years of expertise in ice cream and frozen treats.”
The vast majority of Baskin-Robbins stores across the country remain open and have enhanced preventative health and safety measures in place. In an ongoing effort to help keep its guests and restaurant employees safe, Baskin-Robbins is currently limiting service to drive-thru, carry-out and curbside pick-up at select locations, in addition to delivery at participating locations with Uber Eats and DoorDash. Guests can order and pay contactless through the Baskin-Robbins App for a quick, grab-and-go experience.
When it comes to gaming, your kids can’t wait to compete. Whether they’re looking to break out board games that take hours to play, want to drop some quarters on retro arcade games (and pinball) or can’t wait to be transported into a virtual reality, we’ve scoped Seattle’s best spots for families. Find yours from our picks below.
Editor’s note: Due to COVID-19 safety measures, some of these gaming spots or programs are closed. Please visit individual store websites for updated hours and safety policies. Stay healthy and game on!
Board Games
Mox Boarding House
courtesy Mox Boarding House
With a café serving a full menu, tournament game rooms and rental rooms for parties big and small, Mox Boarding House is a hole-up-and-game kind of place. A place where rainy afternoons pass quickly because families are focused on good food (they serve salads) and great games in this cozy store. Mox’s gaming library is first come first serve, and families can check out up to two games at a time. If you’re having trouble deciding on a game, reach out to the talented staff who take pride in matching games to people. (Psst… they can help decipher game rules, too). And while you can nosh at the gaming tables, feel free to move your game into the café for a change of scenery. We’re especially impressed that the family game section comes complete with a small table and pint-sized chairs just right for the littlest gamers in town.
Good to know: Keep an eye on Mox’s events calendar, as they often have (free) events for families.
Taking a trip to Seattle's newest board game spot is like hanging out at your friends house to play board games. It has a comfortable atmosphere where families can play games, grab food and spend as much time as they like in head-to-head competition. Stop by any time (they're open daily from 8 a.m.-10 p.m.) to check out games for casual play or reserve time in a game room for more directed play time. When hunger strikes you can take advantage of locally-sourced pastries, sandwiches and hand-crafted coffees and teas to keep you warm on a drizzly day. Although the game closet is closed under current conditions, it normally boasts over 200 games families can choose from (although not all are kid-friendly), and events are on hold too.
Since its opening in 2014, Meeples Games has become a favorite for Seattle gamers. In part because of its casual welcoming vibe that makes everyone, from the most experienced gamers all the way through to the game-curious, feel included. The store is stocked with popular and obscure board games so there’s always something new to find. And the onsite café means families can shop, eat and play all in one spot. Get the full game scoop to make the most of your playing time.
Good to know: Family Game Day takes place weekly on Sat. from 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Come try a new game with the kids or bring your favorite from home to play in the Thunderdome.
3727 California Ave. S.W., Suite 2B Seattle, WA 206-535-7896 Online: meeplesgames.com
If you’ve got your heart set on a family game time, but your own game closet lacks luster, head to Blue Highway Games on Queen Anne. Over half of their game closet is dedicated to games for kids and families so there’s a good chance you’ll find something that piques your interest. Although there isn’t a specific play time set aside for families, that just means you can play whenever the store is open, with the exception of Saturday mornings, from 10 a.m.-noon and Friday nights, from 7 p.m. on, as both are reserved gaming times. If hunger strikes during game time, you can grab some snacks as well as sodas and waters to fuel your competition.
Good to know: Blue Highway buys and sells used board games. So whether you’re looking to offload games your kids have outgrown, or looking for a good price on a new-to-you game, this is the place to make it happen.
Editor's note: Uncle's is offering curbside pick-up.
On the east side, Uncle’s has two locations families can choose from. The Bellevue store, located in Crossroads, has an extensive game library that features some family faves, like Azul, Tiny Towns and Sushi Go. Here, families can play anytime the store is open (hint: Saturday afternoons are a great time to easily find a spot), and there’s a dedicated game lane in front of the store that also has plenty of seating. The Redmond location offers the same gaming play options (great games and snacks), plus they have a dedicated open game time Friday nights, from 5 p.m.-midnight. When you’re there, check out some kid-friendly faves, like Planet and Forbidden Island.
Good to know: If you’ve got a Pokémon curious kiddo, bring them to the Bellevue location on Mondays. There they’ll find a Pokémon professor to help them learn the ropes so they can play along with others. And the Redmond location is dog friendly so bring your fur baby along to play, too.
Crossroads Mall 15600 N.E. 8th St., Suite K10 Bellevue, WA 425-746-1539
Redmond Town Center 7325 166th Ave. N.E., Suite F150 Redmond, WA 425-497-9180
Editor's note: Although the zoo is open, this experience is currently unavailable.
The newest VR experience to hit the kid scene, this educational underwater dive has four different experiences to choose from. Maybe swimming alongside humpback whales as they migrate from Antarctica is up your alley. How about diving off a mythical beach in the Bahamas where you can hand-feed large sharks (watch out behind you!)? Or maybe Drift is more your kid’s speed. This animated rescue experience lets kids help a sea turtle and explore an ocean cave all from the comfort of the VR chair. Whatever option you choose, plan to spend between 6-8 minutes immersed and learning when you visit. The experience is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on weekends and holidays. $8/member; $6/non-member.
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium 5400 N. Pearl St. Tacoma, WA 253-404-3800 Online: pdza.org
4th Dimension VR
Pacific Science Center
Editor's note: PacSci is currently closed.
Whether you’re looking for a fully immersive VR experience or you simply want your kids to test the VR waters, Pacific Science Center has got what you need. They’re on a mission to demystify virtual and augmented realities, and make both easy and accessible for kids and their caregivers. Letting patrons play is the first step. Engaging them in convos about where these futuristic tools will take us is the next level. Experience VR in one of two ways:
Intro to VR: Visit this permanent location next to Titan that allows kids 6 & up to explore different themes like art, ocean and nature, virtually. You’ll find a different VR menu each day, and reserving a spot is as easy as putting your name in at a restaurant. They’ll call you when it’s your turn; you and the kids explore the science center while you’re waiting. Included with admission or membership.
Expedition Titan: Sign up to Beta test this location-based VR that’s a total blast. It’s a free-roam experience for kids ages 10 & up that gives them the chance to travel to Saturn and explore its largest moon, Titan. Along the way they’ll run into an asteroid field, stop at an outer space visitor’s center and descend into a cryovolcano. This 4D experience augments reality with rumbles, wind and scents that make it a more-than-memorable flight. Edutainment at its scientific best! $15/non-member; $12/member.
Pacific Science Center 200 Second Ave. N. Seattle, WA 206-443-2001 Online: pacificsciencecenter.org
Portal
Hsiao-Ching Chou
Seattle’s original VR lounge, Portal boasts all the bells and whistles. Not only do they host an extensive game library, with more than 30 family-friendly options, but they rock booth play for the full VR experience, too. With 10 booths at their Seattle location and 12 in Bellevue, players can either walk-in to play for 15 or 30 minutes, or book online for longer 60- and 90-minute sessions. While you’re waiting, you can watch others play through booth windows or on the oversized HD TV’s scattered throughout the lounge. Remember to read up on the important deets to make the most of this VR experience. Ages 8 & up.
Good to know: There are two special attractions that serve as a great gateway to VR gaming. Plank Experience is a quick 2-3 minute game that costs just $4.99. Or try Glide Simulator for $4.99/5 mins., or $9.99/10 mins.
2601 N.W. Market St. Seattle, WA 206-494-0102 Online: portalvr.us
Arena Sports
courtesy Arena Sportz, Mill Creek
When you need a solid play window so you and the kids can really dig in to arcade and VR games, Arena Sports in Mill Creek is the place to go. Purchase any of their two upper tier play packages ($29.95-$39.95/person) and families can get unlimited gaming in the arcade for up to 3 hours, plus two VR experiences that last about 5 minutes each. The Hologate dishes up family-friendly gaming and kids as young as 5 are welcome to participate, as long as they can wear the gear. In the arcade you’ll find all your faves, likes Pac Man, Mario Kart and Big Bass Wheel (a definite kid favorite!).
Good to know: Summer play packages are dropping soon; keep an eye on the website for details.
13500 Bothell Everett Hwy. Mill Creek, WA 425-341-7050 Online: arenasports.net
Arcade & Pinball
Another Castle—Arcade Edition
Chole Crumbliss
Editor's note: This location is currently closed.
Pack plenty of quarters before making your way to Edmonds only all ages, all the time gaming spot. This old-school shop that shares space with a classic video game store (make sure to take a peek there, too) is a great way for parents to turn back the clock while kids play on any number of the more than 20 pinball and myriad arcade machines. Introduce your kids to classics like Tetris, Donkey Kong and Frogger (just .50 a pop!). In turn, they’ll school you on Mario Kart and Jurassic Park, but that’s probably fair. As for eats, they serve up bottles and cans of beer for parents and have plenty of snacks and sodas available for purchase.
Good to know: Sundays from 3-4 p.m. Another Castle Arcade hosts a Kid’s Pinball Tourney (ages 13 & under) with a $5 buy in and a cash prize for the winner. Psst..it pairs nicely with the $1 off beer Happy Hour deal that runs all day. Be sure to call ahead if you’re thinking about checking out the tournament, as they’re in the process of changing it up a bit.
Editor's note: Although these locations are open, the arcade games are unavailable.
There are few things that pair as well as pinball and ice cream, and that’s why Full Tilt has long been a favorite of Seattle families. Whether you hit up the original location in White Center or try out their latest flavors in Ballard, the clink of quarters and ringing bells of the pinball machines can be heard. So grab a cone and relax… the kids are honing their pinball skills right where you can see them. You can join in once you’ve finished your sweet treat.
Good to know: You won’t find many games at the U-District location. If you’re looking for beer to go with your cone and games, White Center and Ballard have it on tap, while Columbia City serves it bottled.
White Center 9629 16th Ave. S.W. Seattle, WA 206-76704811
Columbia City 5041 Rainier Ave. S. Seattle, WA 206-226-2740
U-District 4759 Brooklyn Ave. N.E. Seattle, WA 206-524-4406
Ballard 5453 Leary Ave. N.W. Seattle, WA 206-29700
Editor's note: Although this location is open, the arcade games are not.
If you’re looking to game in Frelard, make like Dorothy and follow the green AstroTurf. You won’t find cowardly lions or heartless tin men, but you will find vintage arcade games and pinball machines that will delight kids of all ages. The laid back vibe and the air hockey table make it a great spot to spend an hour or two with the kids in tow. It’s all ages until 9 p.m.
This laid-back, throwback is a favorite of south end families. Maybe they love the pizza box artwork on the walls. Or the face that arcade games only cost a quarter and pinball costs two. It’s truly an all-ages destination where everyone can get in on the fun. Bring your quarter roll to spend time playing Pac-Man, Donkey Kong and Galaga with the kids. Five bucks goes pretty far to keep the kids busy. The best part? 8-Bit’s size makes it an easy spot for parents to keep an eye on their little players while they sit back, relax and reminisce.
Good to know: Parking is tricky so give yourself plenty of time to navigate the one-ways and find street parking.
If pinball is what you crave, the Seattle Pinball Museum won’t do you wrong. The museum has over 50 pinball machines and a few old-school video arcades, with titles ranging from long-ago generic games to contemporary sports, movie and rock ’n’ roll themed machines that are totally recognizable. Visitors play a flat fee for either one entrance (stay and play) or multiple (come and go as you please on the same day), to free play many of the machines. The best part? You and the kids can learn about pinball history while you’re there. Look for posted placards that explain the lineage and development of each pinball game throughout the museum, or scan QR codes with your smart phone for awesome in-depth descriptions to totally geek out. Ages 7 & up.
Good to know: If you’re looking for quieter play times at this popular spot, try Sundays (especially when the Seahawks play) and Mondays.
Marry your family’s love of arcade games with board games at the Raygun Lounge. This Capitol Hill gamer’s paradise is always family (and dog!) friendly. So bring the kids and sit down to a carefully curated collection of pinball and arcade machines, lined up nicely waiting to be played. Board games and plenty of seating are available if you need some time away from all the bells and whistles.
Good to know: If board games are on your radar, plan to buy at least a drink or a cookie to borrow them without a charge.
501 E. Pine St. Seattle, WA 206-812-2521 Online: raygunlounge.com
Even if Halloween looks a little different this year, spooky season is still on! Sour Patch Kids is on a mission to save Halloween. If kids can’t go trick-or-treating to get candy this year, the Sour Patch Kids will bring the candy directly to them through a special reverse trick-or-treating experience.
Sour Patch Kids is flipping trick-or-treating on its head by bringing “sweet-then-sour” mayhem straight to families’ doorsteps across America.
They’ll be bringing the Halloween mischief in two ways for fans nationwide to celebrate the spooky holiday in a safe way:
Contactless Candy Deliveries: On Halloween, the Kids will hit the road to 12 lucky cities across America to make special contactless deliveries of a Sour Patch Kids Halloween package including Sour Patch Kids Zombies candy and Sour Patch Kids branded toilet paper, because nothing screams Halloween like TPing your living room and wreaking some safe Halloween havoc indoors.
The Sour Patch Kids Jack O’Lantern Mobile: In one lucky city, the Kids will roll through the neighborhoods in a larger-than-life jack-o’-lantern mobile, shaped like the classic candy bucket. Hopping off their one-of-a-kind candy carriage, the Kids will personally bring Halloween tricks and treats right to families’ front doors, dropping the deliveries off contact-free while maintaining all proper safety measures.
Fans can suggest their city on Instagram (@sourpatchkids) for a chance to have the Kids come to them on Halloween.
Whether your family is heading back to school in person, or remotely, we have a feeling at least one person in the house is in need of a haircut, stat. With NYC in Phase 4 of reopening, hair salons are open, albeit with new safety precautions, online booking, masks and reduced capacity. (Need a kid’s mask? We like these from local makers.) The good news is that NYC is home to lots of hair salons for kids, with fun features like chairs the shape of cars and often, toys for sale. Baby’s first haircut? Most places know you want a certificate and souvenir lock of hair. Read on for our picks of the best NYC salons for kids’ haircuts! Take note: many salons have introduced new cancellation policies, so be sure to read before booking.
LuLu’sCuts and Toys This popular Park Slope salon and toy store combo can spiff up your tot with a classic John John Kennedy haircut, fauxhawk, stylish bob or rock n’ roll shag. (It’s also one of the spots that helped parents out with curbside pickup and delivery of toys a few months back.) To keep things safe, haircuts are by appointment only (make the reservation on LuLu’s website), and lots of other precautions are taken here, including masks on everyone over two years old, a maximum of one parent and child per appointment, and waiting to enter the salon until your booked time. (Read all of the safety measures here.) The salon is home to a variety of stylists who have been at LuLu’s for many years. The salon asks that your child’s hair is washed and tangle-free prior to your appointment. (Need some help with that? Try this affordable and great-smelling detangler!)
Edamama Cute Cuts and More
The brainchild of a former ad exec (the eponymous “Eda”, one of our Power Moms in 2016), this salon for kids with an under-the-sea-theme also serves as a happening neighborhood hotspot. Cuts are by appointment only, which you can make online here.Safety measures are in place, such as face masks and shields on stylists, masks required for all clients over two years old, and one adults per child appointment. For their haircut, kids can choose the maritime-inspired station they like best (The Octopus, The Mermaid, The Submarine or the Shark) and enjoy a video while they get trimmed and styled. Also on site, a selection of best-selling and award-winning kids’ books that are a cut above and fun toys—but only touch if you’re ready to buy. Bonus: Edamama does sibling cuts and even haircuts for adults, too.
568 Union Ave.
Williamsburg
718-388-3663
Online: edamama.com
photo: Mimi O’Connor
Runnin Wild Toys Don’t let the name fool you, this Carroll Gardens toy store (not to be confused with Runnin Wild Shoes down the street) is also a popular spot for trimming tresses. Resident stylist GG cuts Monday to Wednesday and weekends. While there’s no tricked-out chair here, a selection of videos (Frozen screens often), cute barrettes and lollipop rewards — as well as quality cuts— are. You can also pick up some new masks for the kids while you’re here. Call 718-222-2444 to make an appointment.
Cozy’s Cuts For Kids Founded by New Yorker Cozy Friedman, Cozy’s Cuts has sheared more than one million kids over 20-plus years. Kids haircuts are by appointment only, and numerous safety protocols are in place at the salon, including temperature checks for stylists and clients, increased sanitization, reduced capacity and more. At Cozy’s, experienced and patient stylists have all the distractions your child needs to get a fantastic haircut: car styling chairs, the latest videos at each station, along with an awesome collection of DVDs, bubbles galore, video games and toys. You can even schedule a special “first haircut”, or a styling session for a special occasion at the “braid and blow bar.” Chock full of personality, Cozy’s is super cute inside and employs yummy-scented shampoos, conditioners and detanglers that you can also buy to use at home.
My Little Sunshine Attention multi-taskers: You can get a lot done at this clothing store/toy store/salon. Haircuts happen in a zippy, cool, red airplane chair in the back of the shop. Haircuts with the longtime resident stylist Denni, who has a loyal fanbase of local clients, happen Tuesday through Saturday. This shop doesn’t use electronics to entertain kids (unless mom brings a gadget herself for child to use, of course).
Milk & Cookies Kids Salon and Spa Kids get pampered here with cuts, styling, and kid-friendly manicures, and safety protocols keep them safe while they primp. Trained and skilled employees at this literally sweet salon understand that some kids are scissor-scared and have great tactics to distract them and ease their little nerves. The kiddie salon and spa carries fun-smelling beauty products and offers an entertainment experience while the kids are waiting for their service; clients can watch their favorite TV show or movie on a tablet or play video games. Hairstylists make the smallest of guests feel comfortable by placing them in modern, comfortable Bloom high chairs, and after each service every customer visits the Cookie Cafe to enjoy a freshly-baked cookie and a cup of flavored milk.
Doodle Doo’s Another combo kid’s salon and toy store, Doodle Doo’s is a longtime NYC favorite for kids cuts, with clients coming from all over the city for service. The spacious storefront houses fun chairs (NYC taxi, boat, etc.) as well as toys from more than 100 vendors (with a bent towards educational ones) as well as a tween area. Doodle Doo’s is closed on Mondays.
11 Christopher St.
West Village
212-627-3667
Online: doodledoos.com
Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids At Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids — a franchise children’s salon with a Manhattan location — stylists know that kids and parents want something fun when it comes to haircut time. Kids can choose from a large selection of novelty salon chairs (Dodge Police Cruiser, Barbie Jeep, Lightning McQueen Race Car, Buzz Light Year Vehicle, Hummer and a Mini Cooper are just some of the options) and then settle in to watch their favorite cartoons or Netflix. Sharkey’s also sells its own line of shampoos and other hair care products, and hosts “Glamour Girl” birthday parties as well.
Steve 3000 Barbershop
While the Whitestone location of this shop caters to adults, the Bayside outpost of Steve 3000 is haircut heaven for little dudes and dames. Superheroes and cartoon characters decorate the walls, along with family-friendly movies on large screens that kids can watch as they sit in one of six fun stations that include a plane, train, car and others. Kids can play video games in a special section of the salon before or after their haircut and the shop also sells little toys and cool T-shirts. On the other side of the salon, adults can get a haircut or shaping, so it’s a one-stop-shop for mom, dad and kid.
LIC Royal Barber Shop Head to this Long Island City salon for an old school barber shop vibe for parents and a colorful fun space for the kids. Gentlemen can cut a cut, head shave, hot towel shave and more, and kids get car-shaped seats and TV to distract them. Mom, you can get a cut here, too! Lots of safety measures are in place, including temperature checks, masks, contactless payment and more. Book appointments online here.
Kiddy Kutz
This popular spot for kids’ haircuts in Astoria is back in action and ready to trim some locks. The kids-only salon is outfitted with fun cars for sitting in, as well as toys to distract. Like many places, with a baby’s first haircut, you get a certificate and a lock of hair with your snip. New COVID-19 safety measures are in place, including mask use, sanitizing, reduced capacity and temperature checks. Staff is also tested for COVID-19 every two weeks. The salon is closed Tuesday and Wednesday, and haircuts are by appointment only. Make your appointment online here.
22-77 Steinway St.
Astoria
718-301-5852
Online: kiddykutz.com
Even though children are less at-risk of showing symptoms of the virus, the rate at which they can transmit it to others is still uncertain, and many parents wonder whether it’s wise or not to allow their children to return to daycare.
Make sure that your daycare is taking the necessary precautions before taking your child back. This will keep your child, the other children, daycare employees, and yourself as safe as possible during the pandemic. If you’re struggling to decide on whether to send your child back to daycare, here are some questions and factors to consider:
Do you have the time and resources to keep your child at home?
Childcare can be expensive, but forgoing a paycheck so you can care for your child can also strain your budget. If you’re the sole provider, staying home may not even be an option. Are there ways to work from home? Even if your company has requested that you physically come back to work, many useful resources out there provide tips on how you might be able to persuade your boss to let you do your job remotely.
Do you live with a person over 65?
As you know, the elderly are at high-risk of COVID-19 and may catch the virus from your child even if your child is not showing any signs of infection. Be sure to consider whether other people in your household have conditions that can make them more vulnerable to the virus, such as respiratory conditions like asthma.
Does your community already have a high level of transmission?
Even though states are slowly re-opening, some areas are struggling with virus containment more than others. Safety guidelines will vary by location, but it’s important everywhere to continue being cautious around group gatherings.
Is your daycare transparent about the health measures they’re implementing?
Daycares should have a clear plan in place on safety measures like how often they’re disinfecting surfaces, what their mask policy will be, and their procedure for if a child starts showing COVID-19 symptoms. Ask your daycare provider about their plans on how they’re going to keep your child safe. Let them know about your concerns upfront about sending your kid back. They will understand this is a stressful decision, and should be able to answer your questions fully and hopefully calm your anxiety.
How will your mental health be impacted by either decision?
The pandemic is taking a mental toll on everyone, keeping tabs on your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Should you choose to send your child back to daycare, will you be worrying about their health and safety the entire day? Are you worried about finances from choosing to stay at home with your child rather than working? While the safety of your child is your top priority, don’t forget about your own health during your decision process.
Questions to Ask Your Daycare Provider
What’s your face mask policy? Will staff be wearing masks?
How will you screen children for symptoms before they enter the daycare?
How often will you be wiping down surfaces?
What will be the ratio of staff to children?
What will the drop off and pick up procedures be?
What’s your plan if someone becomes sick?
Will you be allowing visitors at the daycare?
Should you decide to send your child back to daycare, make sure the daycare is implementing safety protocols. Higher-priority strategies include keeping class sizes small to minimize crossover, utilize outdoor spaces when possible, and to limit unnecessary visitors in the building. Lower-priority strategies include face coverings for the children since it may be difficult to implement due to their age, and reducing classmate interaction and play since it may not provide a substantial risk reduction. Babies and children under the age of two should not wear face masks due to suffocation dangers.
While COVID-19 concerns among adults are entirely valid, you should find some comfort in the fact that daycare aged children (under the age of ten) are substantially less at risk of contracting the virus. And even if they do become infected, studies have shown that over 90% of the pediatric cases of the virus are either asymptomatic or mild.
Choosing whether to send your child back to daycare is not an easy decision. Financial, personal, and societal responsibilities should all be factors to consider. If you do decide to return to using daycare, make sure that the facility is doing everything in their power to keep children and everyone around them as safe as possible
Natasha is an avid writer, storyteller, and dog-lover. Her work has carried her from the bustle of New York at Inc. Magazine to the Santa Fe deserts at Outside Magazine. She enjoys writing about family-focused and community-centered stories.
You may feel like your house is a zoo, but it’s still not as wild as the real thing. If your kids are starting to think tigers only exist in memes…it’s time to break free!
The San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park are back with a roar and thrilled to welcome you again! Their top priority is the safety and well-being of their guests, team members and their wildlife—which they’ve kept safe for over 100 years. Read on to learn more about safety measures in place, meet the newest additions to their family and to get excited about planning your trip!
After the zoo’s longest closure in its history, the team members and animals are excited to welcome you back! Visit old friends and meet some new ones, as you stroll through the zoo, getting up close and personal with your family’s favorite animals. With over 3,500 animals and 650 species and subspecies, you know you’ll be in for a wild adventure!
Two words: baby animals! While the San Diego Zoo was closed, they got a few adorable new additions. Akobi, a pygmy hippo calf (the first born at the zoo in more than 40 years!) and Agapito, an Andean bear cub are two of the not-so-little ones that your kids can see. The zoo also welcomed two Amur leopard cubs (an endangered species) and twin ring-tailed lemurs!
Get up close to your favorite wildlife at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park! With a diverse array of habitats, including Africa, Asia, Australia and North America, you’ll feel like you’ve traveled the world! The Safari Park’s expansive grounds give your family freedom to roam and explore at your own pace—meaning you can spend as much time with the giraffes as you’d like!
The Safari Park also welcomed a few new friends! Come meet the babies: an adorable cheetah cub, two porcupine pups (aka “porcupettes”) and an already-famous giraffe calf whose name, Zahara, was chosen by her online fans. You can also meet one-horned rhino calves, a zebra foal and the park’s first-ever echidna baby, which is also called a puggle!
Get Close to the Animals–Not Other People
Now you can always skip the crowds and experience the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park like never before. Capacity is reduced to less than half of full capacity to allow for social distancing, meaning you get to spend more time watching your favorite animals, all with a front-row view.
In order to keep people at a safe distance, the zoo has also modified how guests move through the park. The changes include posted signs, some one-way direction routes, ground spacing markers to indicate six feet of separation and socially-distanced seating.
Plus, they’ve got extra cleaning covered, with additional and more frequent cleaning and disinfecting throughout the facilities on an ongoing basis each day. Hand sanitizer and handwashing stations are readily available in the parks for guests to use, as well.
Hours, Tickets & More
The San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park are open every day, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Hours are subject to change, so check their zoo and safari park websites for the most up-to-date hours and information. Due to limited capacity, tickets in advance are recommended.
It’s out of this world! In celebration of NASA’s 2020 Mars Perseverance rover, a new display has landed at LEGOLAND Florida Resort. The life-size LEGO astronaut model consists of almost 66,000 LEGO bricks.
In addition, LEGOLAND Florida guests will also be treated to a moon landing-inspired mosaic background created from more than 44,000 LEGO bricks.
The models were built last year to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission. These LEGO models have been on display at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor’s Complex since their construction.
Starting today, space and LEGO fans can enjoy this awesome replica moon lander and giant astronaut in their permanent home in the Imagination Zone at LEGOLAND Florida Resort.
Some interesting facts about the LEGO model and mosaic include:
One model designer spent 143 hours designing the astronaut model
Five model builders spent a combined 450 hours building the astronaut model
Approximately 65,600 LEGO bricks were used to construct the astronaut model
One model designer spent 58 hours designing the mosaic
Six model builders spent a combined 480 hours building the mosaic
Approximately 44,500 LEGO bricks and 23 different colors were used to complete the mosaic
Since reopening on Jun. 1, LEGOLAND Florida Resort has introduced a range of new health and safety measures, including reduced capacity, cashless payments, temperature checks upon arrival, and enhanced cleaning practices. Guests can read more about how LEGOLAND is making it safe to play at https://www.legoland.com/florida/ways-we-are-making-it-safe-to-visit/.
With COVID-19 cases on the rise across the much of the country, many state and local governments are requiring people to wear masks when they leave their homes.The CDC advocates wearing face coverings to help prevent the spread of the virus. Now more and more national retail chains, including Target, Walmart, Costco, Trader Joe’s and more, are requiring face masks in stores for shoppers as well as staff. Typically, these restrictions do not apply to children under two or those with a medical condition that prohibits them from wearing a mask. Looking for a face mask that will fit your kiddo? We’ve rounded up the best ones right here.
Editor’s Note: At the time of publication these are the stores requiring face coverings. We’re doing our best to keep you up to date and will update the list as more stores change their coronavirus protocols.
Here are all the major retailers requiring customers to wear face coverings in locations nationwide:
Walmart
On Jul. 15 it was announced that masks would be required at all Walmart and Sam’s Club outlets starting Jul. 20. To help ensure consistency with this new process, all stores will have a single entrance. Employees will be stationed at store entrances to remind customers of the requirement and supply disposable masks to those who arrive without one.
Amazon
The e-commerce brand instituted a mask requirement on Jul. 20 at Whole Foods supermarkets and Amazon brick-and-mortar stores. They will continue to offer free, disposable masks to customers who do not have their own.
Kroger
Effective Jul. 22, all customers will now be required to wear a mask. “We are taking this extra step now because we recognize additional precautions are needed to protect our country,” the company said in a statement released on Jul. 15.
Costco
Since May 4 the warehouse store has required all customers to wear a face covering.“This is not simply a matter of personal choice; a face covering protects not just the wearer but others, too,” said President and CEO Craig Jelinek.
Walgreens
On Jul. 16, the drugstore announced that they would be requiring all customers to wear a face covering effective Jul. 20. Kevin Ban, Walgreens chief medical officer said, “As cases continue to rise in many parts of the country, it’s critical we, as businesses and members of the community, do everything we can.”
Home Depot
All customers must wear a face mask effective Jul. 22. “Social distancing captains and store associates will be available to provide masks to those shoppers who may not have one,” the company said in an announcement on Jul 17.
CVS
The pharmacy chain will now require all customers wear face coverings effective Jul. 20. In a statement on Jul. 16, Jon Roberts, the company’s chief operating officer said, “We’re not asking our store employees to play the role of enforcer,”What we are asking is that customers help protect themselves and those around them by listening to the experts and heeding the call to wear a face covering.”
Target
The retailer updated their Coronavirus Response Page on Jul 16. Starting Aug. 1 all customers will be required to wear a face covering. Stores will provide disposable masks to shoppers who arrive without one.
Lowe’s
Effective Jul. 20, all customers will be required to wear a face mask. In a statement on Jul. 17, CEO Marvin Ellison said, “For the safety of everyone in our stores, we ask that customers wear masks, and to make this new standard less restrictive, we will make masks available to those who need them.”
Albertsons
Effective Jul. 21, all customers will be required to wear a face coveringthe parent company of Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel Osco and other grocery chains announced Jul. 16 on its corporate website.
Apple Store
As Apple begins opening its retail stores, they announced that all customers will be required to wear a face mask. “Face coverings will be required for all of our teams and customers, and we will provide them to customers who don’t bring their own,” according to their opening letter.
Best Buy
All customers are required to wear a face covering. The electronics chain will provide a mask for those who do not have one according to a statement released Jul. 14.
Publix
Beginning Jul. 21, all customers will be required to wear a face mask according to a statement posted to their coronavirus updates web page.
ALDI
Effective Jul. 27 face coverings will be required for all ALDI customers as a “an enhanced safety measure intended to help limit the spread of COVID-19.”
Trader Joe’s
On Jul. 15, Trader Joe’s announced that they are now requiring customers to wear a face covering.
All customers will be required to wear a face mask effective Jul 22. According to a statement released Jul. 17, if a customer does not have a mask, the store will provide one.
Verizon
According to a statement on the store’s web page, customers are required to wear cloth face coverings.
Kohl’s
Starting Jul. 20, all customers will be required to wear a face mask. According to a statement released Jul. 15, “Store associates have been trained on the new health and safety measures in place, and we have associate greeters at the entrance of each store to welcome shoppers and remind them to wear masks.”
Starbucks
As of Jul. 15, all customers are required to wear a face covering. According to a statement from the coffee chain, “It is our responsibility to protect our partners and comply with local public health mandates. As such, our partners have the right and responsibility to refuse service to customers who are not wearing facial coverings.”
Meijer
Effective Jul. 20, the supermarket chain is requiring face coverings for all locations throughout Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky.
Rite Aid
As of Jul. 21, customers will be required to wear face masks. According to a statement released Jul. 17, a free mask will be provided for those who come without one.
Gap
Masks will be required in all stores including Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Intermix, Athleta, and Janie and Jack, starting Aug. 1 according to a Jul. 20 update to the companies coronavirus response page.
American Eagle
Customers at American Eagle and Aerie stores are now required to wear a face covering. Face masks are available to any customer that may need one.
BJ’s Wholesale
Effective Jul. 21, all customers will be required to wear a face mask. Out of an abundance of caution, they are also temporarily stopping food sampling in their clubs.
Menards
According to the store’s COVID-19 Policy page, all customers are required to wear a mask. Face coverings are required on children unless in arms or seated in shopping carts.
PetSmart
On Jul. 17 the pet supply chain updated its coronavirus information page to require all customers to wear face coverings.
Panera Bread
Beginning Jul. 15, all customers will be required to wear a face mask except while seated and eating or drinking.
The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens in San Marino is now open, giving you another outdoor space to explore with kids. (These other LA botanical gardens are open, too.) Read on for details on the new safety measures along with a guide on exploring the sprawling 130-acre garden.
Tickets must be purchased in advance online, and admissions will be limited to 1500 people, about a third of the average amount of visitors. Before entering, there will be a temperature check and masks must be worn at all times. Unfortunately, high-touch areas as the Children’s Garden and The Rose Hills Foundation Conservatory for Botanical Science, as well as the galleries and other indoor spaces, will remain closed at least until the fall.
The Huntington will be open 7 days a week in July and August, 10a.m.–5 p.m., for more visiting opportunities! There will also be additional evening hours, from 5:30p.m.-8p.m, for Huntington Garden Strolls. See calendar for additional dates and details.
Admission: $25 for adults on weekdays; $29 on weekends; $13 for kids aged 4-11; children under 4 are free.
1151 Oxford Rd. San Marino 626-405-2100 Online: huntington.org
