Whether you are visiting from across the country or playing tourist on staycation, seeing all the sites in San Francisco with kidsrequires a lot of planning. Enter…the Big Bus Hop on Hop off buses. There is a lot to cover in seven or 14 hours (if you do the two day option) so take our family friendly (and sometimes free) recommendations for each bus stop and plan to get hopping!
Photo: Fisherman’s Wharf
Stop 1: Fisherman’s Wharf
With 16 bus stops, it makes sense to start your tour with the first bus of the day that leaves from Fisherman’s Wharf at 10 a.m. Metered parking is as low as $.50 per hour in some spots with multiple nearby parking garages and you can also take Muni to get to the first stop. While much of the Wharf is closed until 10 a.m. or 11 a.m., the views of the Bay and the early morning energy of the wharf are lovely and families can easily spend a full day here. Hyde Pier (opens at 9:30 a.m.) has amazing food with a view and Ghirardelli Square‘s beautiful rainbow stairs are the perfect place to enjoy fantastic ice cream sundaes. Aquatic Park has a lovely beach that is mostly blocked from the wind making it ideal for little ones to wade in and Umbrella Alley offers up gorgeous murals perfect for fun creative photos. Tucked away and often overlooked by tourists, Musée Mécanique is across from the bus stop and with its antique and vintage arcade coin operated games, is truly a unique SF experience.
Strolling the Italian shops on Columbus Ave and the alleys of Chinatown in one bus stop is a beautiful testimony to the diversity that built San Francisco. A visit theFortune Cookie Factory is a must for curious kids along with a stop at Willie Woo Woo Playground, one of the most beautiful and unique playgrounds in the city. For a more typical tourist option climb the hill to Coit Tower for a beautiful view of the city. Head downstairs at City Lights for diverse children’s books while experiencing some of San Francisco’s Beat Poet history.
You can’t go wrong with any of the Chinese or Italian spots in this part of town. However, if you are looking for something differentThe Red Window is an adorable Spanish restaurant serving to-go options. Picnic in picturesque Washington Square park and don’t forget to grab a coffee from Caffe Trieste, a fixture of the North Beach neighborhood for over 50 years.
Photo: Sarah Montoya
Stop 3: Embarcadero Center
Big Bus labels this bus stop as the Exploratorium but note that the museum is an 11 minute walk from the stop and best enjoyed as a full day visit to experience its many rooms and exhibits. Food trucks are a significant part of San Francisco food culture so head over toOff The Grid at Vallejo and Front on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Kids will enjoy nearby Sue Bierman Park which has a lovely playground for kids.
This stop is close enough to the Ferry Building stop that it is also an easy stop to skip without fear that you are missing out.
Photo: Kate Loweth
Stop 4: Ferry Building
The Ferry Building is one of the most beautiful landmarks in San Francisco. The plaza hosts a beautiful and educational farmers market on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays with food demonstrations, organic tastes and treats along with fascinating people watching. Even on non-market days the building has some of the best restaurants in the city and amazing views. You can read a more complete list of suggestions here.
If you are looking for a unique photo opportunity go on a short walk to Rincon Park to see Cupids Bow with a view of the Bay Bridge.
Photo: Sarah Montoya
Stop 5: Union Square
Union Square is an iconic stop for any visit to San Francisco. It is absolutely magical at Christmas but worth stopping here year round. The square is lined with gorgeous high end shops which aren’t the most kid friendly experiences and can be found in most major cities.
It is fun to experience the hustle and glamor of this part of the city, but with kids you will find more joy on a short walk to Yerba Buena Gardens and the Children’s Creativity Museum and Carousel. The Carousel is only $5 per ride and both are located in the same area as the SFMOMA. The SFMOMA is great with kids and worth taking time to enjoy.
Insider’s tip: If you want an excuse to go inside but you don’t want to commit to tickets, Diego Rivera’s Last Mural is free-to-see in the lobby until summer 2023.
Stop 6: Redemption Canter/Hilton Hotel
With 16 stops some stops are worth skipping and this is one.
Photo: Sarah Montoya
Stop 7: Civic Center
San Francisco’s City Hall is gorgeous and worth a quick visit just to see the beautiful architecture and maybe catch a glimpse of a beautiful couple celebrating their big day.The Helen Diller Civic Center Playground is fun and the photos will be beautiful with City Hall in the background. The Asian Art Museum is right there and with a short walk you can visit the Symphony Hall, War Memorial Opera House and Herbst Theatre. If you have time to visit the museum, the collection at the Asian Art Museum is stunning and one of a kind, but it is worth setting aside a longer portion of time.
All of the buildings on this stop also have beautiful exterior architecture and can be enjoyed from a distance on the bus if you are feeling rushed.
Stop 8: Alamo Square
The iconic Painted Ladies make the perfect postcard photo with views of the city in the background. This park also has a great playground and views of San Francisco’s City Hall. You can also experience some of San Francisco’s famous public murals lining the sidewalk. If you are there on a Friday or Saturday you can grab amazing local coffee from Lady Falcon, a San Francisco mom owned business.
It is difficult to get a picture of the Painted Ladies from a moving bus, but if seeing the Painted Ladies is enough, this is another stop that can be enjoyed from the bus.
The Haight Ashbury is a great neighborhood to get a feel of San Francisco’s hippy history.
If you have older kids who love to thrift or are dying for tie dye, hop off here and spend a moment window shopping, grab a snack at Haight Street Market or Ritual Coffee and check out the world’s largest independent records store Ameba, if you want a sit down meal Pork Store or ChaChaCha has you covered; however, if you are with younger kids or you just feel like there is too much on the itinerary the neighborhood can be enjoyed from the comfort of the bus.
The Panhandle Playground is recently renovated and is mostly frequented by locals making it a beautiful way to escape the crowds and take a breather under the trees.
Photo: Sarah Montoya
Stop 10: Golden Gate Park
Note this bus stop is only available Monday-Saturday and with so much to do you could easily spend a full day at Golden Gate Park.The Japanese Tea Garden is small enough for a short visit while The De Young (viewing tower and sculpture garden are free) and The Academy of Sciences require a few hours to fully enjoy.
Sneak away to the hidden Blue Playground tucked away through a tunnel out of the Music Concourse for a break from the crowds. Standing 150 feet tall, a 12 minute ride on the The SkyStar Wheel is unique way to see the city with the kids, but you will need to plan ahead to purchase tickets and plan to wait in a long line.
For a longer visit at this location walk to Stow Lake to visit the Pagoda and Waterfall. The Rose garden is a longer walk away and further away you can see the Conservatory of Flowers, but they are in opposite directions from each other so you may need to choose one depending on how much time you intend to spend in the park.
Driving across the Golden Gate Bridge is the best part of this bus stop. The vista point is beautiful and worth a visit if your kids are up for the walk. Family photos with the city in the background are a tourist’s dream, but if you are concerned about convincing kids to walk and keeping them safe on a windy, crowded hill you will still have a fantastic experience if you simply ride the bus across the bridge and back.
The Palace of Fine Arts is one of the most beautiful and unique landmarks of San Francisco. Built for the World’s Fair after the 1908 earthquake to show the world that San Francisco was rebuilding, photos of this location are always beyond comparison.
Stop 13: Marina Cow Hollow
This stop is great for a more local experience—Lucca’s Delicatessen is a classic San Francisco spot for sandwiches. The Marina Library and playground are lovely. However, if you are on this bus tour with the goal of checking off major tourist destinations, the stops before and after this one are much more significant for seeing the beauty of San Francisco.
Photo: Christine Lai
Stop 14: Lombard Street
Although not actually the crookedest street in the world, let alone San Francisco, the famous winding Lombard street should be on every visitor’s to-do list. The gardens surrounding the twisting road are gorgeous making it an easy spot for beautiful photos. It’s worth it to walk down to the bottom to get photos of the turns from the base and with nearly 2 million people coming to this spot each year, plan on this bus stop taking more time than you expect.
Within a short walk is one of the newest and largest parks and playgrounds in San Francisco. The former site of one of San Francisco’s oldest reservoirs, Francisco Park boasts amazing views, a large open field, brand new picnic tables, public restrooms and a playground with a toddler area and a big kid (up to 12) area.
Stop 15: Pier 35
This pier is primarily used for boarding Alcatraz tour boats. The pier also hosts special events throughout the year. If you haven’t booked a cruise in advance this is probably a good stop to skip.
Photo: Sarah Montoya
Stop 16: Pier 39
There is so much to do here that you could spend a full day here. Pier 39 is most famous for the sea lions (note the sea lions leave from mid-May to late July). Trish’s Mini Donuts opens early and kids will love watching them make their donuts so be sure to grab a half dozen to start your day. The pier itself is full of shopping, dining, a carousel and street performances. A meal at any of the restaurants here will boast a view but be prepared to wait for a table.
Pier 41 just next door offers a respite from the crowds. Walk to the end for a beautiful view.
There is so much to see and do in San Francisco. With good food, entertainment, and playgrounds available at nearly every stop everyone in the family is guaranteed to enjoy the bus tour.
Sculpture gardens are a perfect way to introduce kids to fine art without worrying about whether their art gallery manners (whisper voices, hands to themselves) are ready for prime time. Kids will love spending time wandering outside at these enchanting spots all over the DMV. Plan to bring a picnic or, if your littles are budding artists, pack a small sketch pad and pencils so they can draw what they see. Check out these must-visit places with your little sculptors and enjoy outdoor art with the whole family.
The REACH at the Kennedy Center If you're looking for a great pre- or post-concert art injection, or just a gorgeous place to spend an afternoon outside, visit The REACH at the Kennedy Center. The kids will love Joel Shapiro’s Blue: poised in mid-kick, turning the surrounding landscape into a giant stage as it prepares to pirouette across the grass, Blue is a great introduction to the immense artistic possibility of an outdoor sculpture.
Hirshhorn Sculpture Garden You won't want to miss the immersive Infinity Mirror Rooms at the Hirshhorn Museum this summer, and while you're waiting for timed-entry tickets at the Plaza, you can soak up Yayoi Kusama's darling Pumpkin with your little pumpkins. On your way out of the museum, make sure to walk through the museum's sculpture gardens. With more than thirty works of art displayed year-round, the Hirshhorn Museum’s gardens offer visitors a contemplative haven in the heart of our nation’s capital.
Independence Ave and 7th St. National Mall Online: hirshhorn.si.edu
National Gallery of Art
National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden The National Gallery of Art's Sculpture Garden is nothing short of a national treasure. This collection spread over6 1/2 acres on the National Mall, is a go-to spot with young residents and visitors in any season. Soak up works by greats like Calder, Oldenburg, and David Smith.
6th and Constitution Ave. NW National Mall Online: nga.gov
The Kreeger Museum This once private Northwest home turned modern art enclave, is home tomore than a dozenoutdoor sculpturesinstalled throughout the museum's grounds, also featuring the always fun for kids, a reflecting pool. Allow kiddo to wander also among the trees and discover an earlier installed exhibit calledPortals, composed of seven stainless steel and mirrored columns wrapped in wire, inviting visitors to explore the mazelike natural world.
Editor's Note: Timed entry passes are required to visit the museum.
Glenstone Museum Installed throughout the expansive grounds, the collection of outdoor sculpture seamlessly integrates art, architecture, and nature. Wear your comfy walking shoes and bring a stroller if your kiddo gets tired easily: there’s a lot of ground to cover at Glenstone. But you and your littles will be thrilled by the cartoonish Split-Rocker, especially while it is in bloom from May to October. And you may also want to visit Clay Houses, which is open daily from 12pm to 4pm, weather permitting.
Ladew Topiary Gardens Stretching the definition of "sculpture" gardens, Ladew Topiary Gardens features more than 100 shrub sculptures (à la Edward Scissorhands)—trees shaped as seahorses, birds, and men in top hats. Kids will adore exploring this 50-year-old public garden. After taking in the topiaries, tour gardens of irises, roses, azaleas, water lilies, and more.
Baltimore Museum of Art Take a stroll through the BMA’s gardens where you’ll find 33 sculptures positioned across nearly three acres. Tots will love sculptures in the BMA Sculpture Gardens that appear to be in motion even when they aren’t.
10 Art Museum Dr. Baltimore, MD Online: artbma.org
Anne Marie Sculpture Garden and Arts Center Discover a new kind of outdoor art called Tree Pops, artwork hidden in the knots of trees among this 30 acre reserve in Solomons, MD. Spend time in theFairy Lollyand stroll the Women's Walk. Honoring local heritage as well, other pieces range from a commemoration at the entrance of Chesapeake Bay watermen, The Oyster Tonger, to Thirteen Talking Benches, arranged throughout the garden and inlaid with plant mosaics native to Southern Maryland.
Museum of the Shenandoah Valley Make a day trip to this Winchester property, a 1.5 hour drive from DC. From May 28 to Nov. 13, visit Origami in the Garden with your littles to see a collection of metal sculptures created by Santa Fe artist Kevin Box as well as collaborative works with his wife, Jennifer, and with numerous origami masters. The MSV installation will feature 11 larger-than-life displays of sculpture throughout the Glen Burnie Gardens and Inside Out, a display in the Glen Burnie House of paper origami models shown alongside unfolded cast metal wall hangings.
Insider Tip: Feeling inspired by all the origami you saw at the MSV? Pick up this great beginner's kit and help your little make their very own!
The VMFA takes art outside for a memorable experience in an environment of changing light, climate and seasons. The 3 ½-acre Garden is an organic and free flowing space inspired by Virginia's waterfalls and woodland paths. Garden secret: VMFA is one of only eight U.S. art museums to feature a permanent installation of work by artist Dale Chihuly.
The Sperlak Gallery and Sculpture Gardens If summer travels to the beach lead you to Cape May, NJ, this sculpture garden is fewer than twenty miles away and worth the drive. The working farm, studio, nature sanctuary and sculpture garden of artist Stan Sperlak has become one of the most popular “Art” destinations in the country. Private tours with Stan can be arranged by calling 3 days in advance. Weekday self-guided visits can be made for anytime, and on the same day.
Did you ever love a book so much you wished you could step inside the pages? Does the world of Dr. Seuss sound like a pretty cool place to hang out? Do you have a bookworm in your family that can’t get enough Harry Potter? If bedtime stories are life or you need to encourage a reluctant reader, check out these 8 places you can literally immerse in a book!
From now until March 13, 2022 you can see the iconic Goodnight Moon bedroom brought to life in Studio 9 at the Torpedo Factory. The green walls, a red balloon, the telephone, a cow jumping over the moon! All the details we’ve committed to memory from countless readings of the classic children’s book by Margaret Wise Brown and Clement Hurd. Don’t miss spotting the elusive mouse that makes an appearance on every page of the book. The installment also features a bookcase of banned books to remind us that reading keeps our world safe.
Torpedo Factory Art Center 105 N. Union St. Alexandria, VA 703-746-4570 Online: torpedofactory.org
We aren’t the only ones who love Mo Williams (children’s book author/illustrator of Pigeon and Elephant & Piggie and the Kennedy Center Education Artist-in-Residence)! His work inspired composer and violinist Jessie Montgomery and The National Symphony Orchestra to transform his book Because into a concert that promises to bring the story of a girl’s journey to center stage to life. The concert is recommended for children ages 5+ and will be performed twice on Sunday, March 20, 2022 (the 2pm show is sensory friendly).
The Kennedy Center 2700 F Street NW Washington, DC 202-416-8000 Online: kennedy-center.org
The DC Public Library’s Beyond the Book literacy program, geared towards Kindergarten through 3rd grade developing readers, lets children find the joy in reading in an interactive environment. Signing up for the program at your DC neighborhood branch gives your kid a membership card, quarterly newsletter, free copy of the featured book and exclusive invites to author talks and other fun family events. This winter the featured book is Ezra Jack Keats’ classic tale, The Snowy Day. Activities themed from the book run through the end of Mar. and include STEM Kits-To-Go, Peter’s Mitten Match, Make Mittens and Snowflakes and Hang a Mitten.
Once upon a time there was a magical storybook park that let you wander through classic fairy tales in Ellicott City, MD. The Enchanted Forest was opened in 1955 and sadly closed in the early 1990s. But don't cry! In 2004, Clark's Elioak Farm wrote the next chapter for these iconic storybook tales by beginning to relocate and restore many of the pieces from the original Enchanted Forest to the new Enchanted Forest's farm location. Over the next 10 years they would acquire Mother Goose and her Goslings, The Three Little Bears’ house, the Beanstalk and the Giant, Hansel and Gretel, Rapunzel and many more. You can even wander around the 1/4 acre pine tree maze that is dotted with storybook characters and scenes. The 2022 Season opens April 1st and in addition to the Enchanted Forest you can enjoy their petting farm, fresh produce and the new fairy garden.
For adults it’s the story of a grown-up meeting his inner child. To children it’s a tale of imagination and fantastic travel. Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s classic story, The Little Prince, is one of the mostly widely translated books, available in 160 languages and its sales have exceeded 50 million. Join the young prince as he visits many planets including Earth, and learns some lessons about loneliness, friendship, love and loss along the way. Running from Mar. 29, 2022 to Aug. 14, 2022 tickets are on sale now and start at $59. Get lost in this book as it transforms into an unforgettable Broadway show!
A drive to Philadelphia, PA is a lot closer than a flight to England, making this Harry Potter™: The Exhibition! at The Franklin Institute very much worth the drive. Your wizard loving readers will delight in the immersive design and technology that lets them explore the mysteries of Hogwarts™ castle and brings the Ministry of Magic to life. The exhibit covers 18,000 square feet and includes 21 celebratory galleries. Your immersion into the exhibition begins when you select your Hogwart's house, wand and Patronus and are then released into a personalized journey. Interactions throughout the exhibition will be tracked using a RFID wristband and will help deliver a unique experience linked to your profile. Running till Sept. 5, 2022, this is a great summer road trip for Harry Potter™ fans young and old!
The Franklin Institute 222 North 20th Street Philadelphia, PA 215-448-1200 Online: fi.edu
The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum
Mark Murray
Pack the car and pump the gas, we’re off to Springfield, Mass! Theodor Geisel, more famously known as Dr. Seuss, was born in Springfield, Massachusetts and a road trip there will delight his fans of all ages. The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum and Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden are run by the Springfield Museums and couldn’t be more quirky. From the entrance under the blue arch to the Giant Marble Maze to the Lorax Recycle Game, you’ll get lost for hours in his imaginative world. Don’t miss Geisel’s recreated studio on the second floor, complete with furniture and art material he actually used. The sculpture garden is perfect for photo ops with all your favorite Seuss characters, forever preserved in stunning bronze sculptures. This is a permanent installation so put it on your bucket list if you can't make it there soon.
The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum 21 Edwards Street Springfield, MA 413-263-6800 Online: springfieldmuseums.org
The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art
If you travel to Massachusetts to visit the Dr. Seuss Museum, build some time into your trip for the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art. Located about 30 minutes from Springfield, MA, the museum that bears the name of The Very Hungry Caterpillar illustrator, Eric Carle, collects, preserves and presents picture books and picture book illustrations. Founded in 2002 by the late Eric and Barbara Carle, the museum was inspired by their trips to Japan in the 80s and 90s where they visited many museums dedicated to the art of picture books. While the focus of the museum is on those who can't read (Carle was a firm believer that picture books are an introduction to literature for young children), you’ll feel like a kid again surrounded by classic and classically inspired children’s book art. Look for the exhibit “Eric Carle: Raining Cats and Dogs” running from March 19, - August 21, 2022. You’ll learn that cats are Carle’s favorite animal and see 50 original pieces. Curl up in “Kitty Corner” to read your favorite Carle book and visit “Bark Park” to draw pictures of your favorite pets.
The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art 125 West Bay Rd. Amherst, MA 413-559-6300 Online: carlemuseum.org
Looking for some fun and stimulating things to do with the kids this spring? There’s a lot to explore at the city’s museums as we emerge from quasi-hibernation. We’ve rounded up our favorites here, including shows just for little ones, the return of The Orchid Show, works by Andy Warhol and an immersive, out-of-this world experience at one of NYC’s newest art spaces.
Wobbly World & Paw Patrol: Adventure Play at the Liberty Science Center
Liberty Science Center
There's a new space for kids five and under that all of you are going to love. Wobbly World is a bright, inviting, slightly off-kilter wonderland, where young children are invited to explore balance, motion, and cause and effect. Highlights include a giant Body Mobile: part carousel, part Calder-style mobile, and powered by play. As young guests hop on colorful seats and surfaces that dangle from the 14-foot-tall center column, they balance, spin, and bring the whole structure to life. The Balancescape, a fanciful landscape of hills and ledges helps kids explore balance and agility, and a whimsical collection of oversized blocks invite grabbing, sorting, stacking and more LSC collaborated with renowned toy designer Cas Holman on this new exhibition.
Also on view: Paw Patrol, through May 1.
Tickets: $27.99/adults, $22.99/children 2-12 (these are advanced ticket prices, at the door is $2 more.) Liberty Science Center Liberty State Park 222 Jersey City Blvd. Jersey City, NJ 201- 200-1000 Online: lsc.org
The Orchid Show: Jeff Leatham’s Kaleidoscope
NYBG/ Marlon Co
Needing a hit of floral beauty to fend off the winter blues? Head to the New York Botanic Garden to see the dazzling floral creations of Jeff Leatham, famed artistic director of the Four Seasons Hotel George V in Paris and floral designer to the stars. Marking the return of The Orchid Show for the 19th year Leatham's bold and colorful living installations and designs transform the historic Enid A. Haupt Conservatory. See stunning orchid towers of orange, yellow, and green, undulating fields of white, and overhead plumes of purple, together with artistic embellishments and a kaleidoscopic tunnel of lights, will enthrall visitors.
Originally debuted in 2020, The Orchid Show: Jeff Leatham’s Kaleidoscope was on track to be NYBG’s most popular Orchid Show yet. Now's your chance to catch it!
February 26 -May 1 Tickets: $30/adults; $28/students & seniors; 2-12/$15, 2 and under/free Enid A. Haupt Conservatory The New York Botanical Garden 2900 Southern Blvd. Bronx 718-817-8700 Online: nybg.org
In America: An Anthology of Fashion
Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Met's Costume Institute unveils part two of its show dedicated to American fashion, In America: An Anthology of Fashion in May. (Part one, In America: A Lexicon of Fashion remains on view through September 5.) The new exhibition will feature approximately 100 examples of men’s and women’s dress dating from the 19th to the mid-late 20th century. The garments will be presented in The Met's American Wing period rooms, or historical interiors, which encapsulate a curated survey of more than a century of American domestic life and reveal a variety of stories—from the personal to the political, the stylistic to the cultural, and the aesthetic to the ideological.
As part of the show, eight film directors will create fictional cinematic vignettes, or “freeze frames,” within each room, imparting new perspectives on American fashion and highlighting the directors’ singular aesthetics. Directors participating include Martin Scorsese, Chloé Zhao, Regina King, Tom Ford and Sophia Coppola.
Opens May 2 1000 Fifth Ave. Upper East Side 212-535-7710 Online: metmuseum.org
Tomás Saraceno: Particular Matter(s)
Nicholas Knight
We kind of doubt you've ever seen anything quite like this. Tomás Saraceno: Particular Matter(s) is described as "a large-scale exhibition and sensory experience with spiderwebs, air, and the cosmic web." Staged at the Hudson Yards art and gallery space The Shed, the exhibit features an expansive gallery exhibition as well as a newly commissioned sensory experience, Free the Air: How to hear the universe in a spider/web, a 95-foot-diameter installation in The Shed’s soaring McCourt space. You get to choose which part or parts of the exhibit you'd like to experience, with ticket prices adjusted accordingly. Note that you must be age 8 or older to experience Free the Air, and that it involves walking on a metal web—either 12- or 40-feet in the air, in low light with haze effects. Sound too much? You can get tickets for just the Gallery portion, but note that that can be very low light in places as well. This is the largest exhibition of Saraceno's work in the U.S. to date. Tickets are timed, released in batches, and must be booked in advance.
Feb. 11-April 17 Tickets: Gallery only: $12/adults; free/18 and under; Free the Air: $35/adults; $12/ages 8-18 545 W. 30th Hudson Yards 718-941-1424 Online: theshed.org
Sharks at the American Museum of Natural History
AMNH
See these creatures like you never have before: up close and personal. (And really big!) Sharks features 30 life-size models that range from 33 feet to the size of the palm of your hand. Your kids will learn about their evolutionary history, anatomy, habitats, diets, and how to keep them safe for future generations to study and enjoy.
Through August 14, 2022
Tickets: (includes general admission plus one special exhibit) $28/adults, $16.50/children, $22.50/seniors & students, free/2 and under American Museum of Natural History 200 Central Park West 212-769-5100 Online: amnh.org
Wings Over Water at AMNH
Wings Over Water Crew
On the big (very big) screen at AMNH is Wings Over Water is a new giant-screen film epic that follows the journeys of three amazing bird families. See extraordinary footage of the fascinating behaviors of Sandhill Crane, the Yellow Warbler, and the Mallard Duck as they defy all odds and soar across mountains, deserts, cities, and forests, heading home to raise their young. Award-winning actor Michael Keaton narrates the film.
Tickets: (includes general admission plus one special exhibit) $28/adults, $16.50/children, $22.50/seniors & students, free/2 and under American Museum of Natural History 200 Central Park West Upper West Side 212-769-5100 Online: amnh.org
African/American: Making the Nation’s Table at Museum of Food and Drink
MOFAD
The Museum of Food and Drink (MOFAD) presents African/American: Making the Nation’s Table. Displayed within the newly-constructed home of partner The Africa Center at Aliko Dangote Hall, this first-of-its-kind exhibition celebrates the countless contributions of Black chefs, farmers, and food and drink producers who have laid the foundation for American food culture. Highlights include the Legacy Quilt, which depicts, a selection of hundreds of stories; those who wish can contribute their own stories via an online interactive component. Also on display is the Ebony Magazine Test Kitchen—saved from wreckage thanks to preservationists Landmarks Illinois and accessible to the public for the first time in history. Described by The Chicago Tribune as “the most distinctive test kitchen ever created,” it was the site where recipes from Ebony food editors created dishes such as oyster gumbo to sweet potato pudding. The multisensory experience features a soundtrack curated by musician, farmer and chef Kelis, and video interviews with former Ebony food editors.
It's a great time to visit The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, as it's celebrating 40 years in 2022. February also brings Kids Week (Feb. 19-26), The Museum’s annual fun-filled festival of daily activities in which kids of all ages can explore space, science, technology and the arts. Also in February: NASA’s Mars Perseverance Rover and Ingenuity Helicopter models are on display in the Space Shuttle Pavilion.
Climb aboard this real aircraft carrier parked on the west side in Midtown and explore its interior, then check out the supersonic airliner Concorde, the space shuttle Enterprise, and Growler, the only American diesel-powered guided missile submarine open to the public. The Museum’s renowned collection also features 28 historic aircraft, such as a Lockheed A-12, the world’s fastest military jet and spy plane; a WWII-era Grumman Avenger torpedo bomber, and a soon to be unveiled Douglas F4D Skyray that flew off of Intrepid.
To get even more out of your visit, use the museum's Interactive Mobile Guide, which allows guests to scan QR codes on exhibits for more info. Entrance is by timed tickets—buy them here—and the museum is now open seven days a week, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Tickets: $33/adults; $31/seniors, $24/ages 5-12 Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum Pier 86 West 46th St. & 12th Ave. Midtown Manhattan 212-245-0072 Online: intrepidmuseum.org
The Happiness Experiment at the New York Hall of Science
This exhibit was open for just seven weeks before Hurricane Ida caused serious damage causing NYSCI to close. As of February 19 (after some major cleanup), the museum, and The Happiness Experiment is open again! The exhibit helps children (and grownups) learn how happiness is translated from the external world into their minds and out of their personalities through neuroscience. Visitors will learn good habits on maintaining happiness—and how to interact with others when feeling out of sorts. The show also stresses that happiness is just one emotion that we experience and that it’s ok to not be happy all of the time. What's important is to learn how to verbalize hurt, disappointment or sadness, while also respecting others.
Open Fri., 2-5 p.m., Sat. & Sun., 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tickets: $25/adult. $20/children New York Hall of Science 47-01 111th St., Queens 718-699-0005 Online: nysci.org
Andy Warhol: Revelation
This show presents Andy Warhol in a less familiar light than many are used to, looking at his Byzantine Catholic upbringing, and its profound impact on his life and work. From iconic portraits of celebrities to appropriated Renaissance masterpieces, Warhol played with styles and symbolism from Catholic art history, carefully reframing them within the context of Pop art and culture. Throughout his life, Warhol retained some of his Catholic rituals, while also unapologetically living as an out gay man. Among the more than 100 objects on view are rare source materials and newly discovered items that provide a fresh and intimate look at Warhol's creative process, as well as major paintings from his epic Last Supper series (1986), the experimental film The Chelsea Girls (1966). Advance ticket purchase required for timed entry.
Closed Mon. & Tues. Through June 19 The Brooklyn Museum 200 Eastern Pkwy Crown Heights 718-638-5000 Online: brooklynmuseum.org
NYPL
The largest branch of the New York Public Library has opened a new and exciting permanent exhibit called, Treasures: The Polonsky Exhibit. Here you will find 250 pieces from historical artifacts to pop culture. Some of the items on display include thousands-year-old Iraqi cuneiform tablets, the stuffed animals owned by the real-life Christopher Robbin that inspired the children’s book, “Winnie the Pooh,” the Declaration of Independence with John Hancock’s famous signature, and so much more. The collection is expansive and includes at least a few things that will blow the kids' (and your) mind! Bring headphones to listen to the Audio Guide!
*Tickets are free, but you must reserve a timed-entry ticket in advance. Masks are required.
Permanent exhibit Tickets: Free, registration required NYPL: Stephen Schwartzman Building 476 Fifth Ave. Midtown 917-275-6975 Online: nypl.org
See It Before It Goes!
Greater New York at MoMA: PS1
PS1 is the contemporary art annex of the famous MoMA and lives inside a former elementary school. Navigating the staircase is sure to be familiar for children and adults alike. Greater New York, focuses specifically on the art history of New York City. Featuring 47 artists whose works reflect their community and what New York means to them, this exhibit reflects the city as it emerges from a shut-down which left institutions with a very uncertain future. With a range of mediums and bright colors, this exhibit is a treat for the eyes.
Through April 18, 2022 Closed Tues. & Wed. 22-25 Jackson Ave. Long Island City Queens 718-784-2084 Online: moma.org
Puppets of New York at the Museum of the City of New York
Asya Gorovits/MCNY
The puppets take Manhattan at the Museum of the City of New York's latest exhibit. This delightful show explores the history of puppetry in New York City which dates back to the 1800s, with a look at the different kinds of puppets, from sock to shadow to rod. Familiar favorites on view include Howdy Doody, Oscar the Grouch and Lambchop & Friends, as well as lesser-known characters like the giant head of salsa legend, Hector Lavoe and the John Cusack string puppet from Being John Malkovich.
On view through April 2022 Tickets: $20/adults, Free/20 and under Museum of the City of New York 1220 Fifth Ave. East Harlem 212-534-1672 Online: mcny.org
This popular kids museum is currently open on weekends, select holidays, and Thursdays from 2-5 p.m., when entry is pay what you wish. (You still need to make a reservation.) Popular longstanding exhibits include World Brooklyn, Neighborhood Nature, Totally Tots, Collections Central and The Nest. Admission includes access to the ColorLab art studio, where families have the opportunity to explore printmaking, collage and sculpture projects inspired by artists such as Elizabeth Catlett, Richard Hunt, Faith Ringgold and Kehinde Wiley, among others. You must make a timed reservation for a three-hour visit. Do that here.
Visiting for a limited time is A-MAZE-D, a maze created from corrugated cardboard boxes that transforms the museum's second-floor Exhibit Gallery into a twisting and turning adventure made up of winding corridors and tunnels. It's a full-body experience for visitors of all ages, with special areas designated for the smallest visitors. A painted cityscape sets the backdrop for the built environment, with visitors seeing NYC landmarks at every turn. The exhibit is created in partnership with artist and puzzlemaker Dave Phillips.
Sat. & Sun. and select holidays.; Thursdays, 2-5 p.m., pay what you wish Tickets: $13 145 Brooklyn Ave. Crown Heights 718-735-4400 Online: brooklynkids.org
Mandala Lab at the Rubin Museum
Rubin Museum
Unlike other museums, this exhibit is meant to turn the focus on the viewer. It guides visitors through meditative practices and encourages them to dig deep and get in touch with their emotions. The exhibit provides activities to teach one how to channel any negative feelings through positive outlets in order to encourage personal growth and wisdom. Mandalas are meant to provide a point of focus so one can free themselves of the thoughts of daily life. There are also meditation rooms and spiritual gongs partly submerged in water to help center the mind. Advance reservation is required.
Tickets: $19/adults; $14/students; free/kids 12 and under, and Fridays, 6-10 p.m. Closed, Mon.-Wed. 150 W. 17th St. Chelsea 212-620-5000 Online: rubinmuseum.org
ONGOING
The Halls of Gems and Minerals at the American Museum of Natural History
The American Museum of Natural History is a favorite of both kids and adults, and one of the museum's most popular and beloved spaces, the Hall of Gems has been completely redesigned and reinstalled, and is now the Allison and Roberto Mignone Halls of Gems and Minerals.
The 11,000-square-foot hall showcases one of the greatest collections of its kind. Dazzling gems on view include the legendary 563-carat Star of India sapphire, the 632-carat Patricia Emerald, and the 110-carat diamond Organdie necklace designed by Michelle Ong for Carnet. Plus new specimens including a pair of towering, sparkling amethyst geodes that are among the world’s largest on display, a slice of a 35-million-year-old metasequoia—a petrified dawn redwood from the Cascade Mountains—the 9-pound almandine Subway Garnet discovered under Manhattan’s 35th Street in 1885, and the Tarugo, a 3-foot-tall cranberry-colored elbaite tourmaline that is one of the largest intact mineral crystal clusters ever found. Wow! Maybe the best news of all? It's included in the General Admission price to the museum, and is on permanent view!
American Museum of Natural History Central Park West at 79th Street Upper West Side 212-769-5100 Online: amnh.org
The New York Transit Museum
New York City Transit Museum
Set in an actual decommissioned train station with a functioning platform, you’ll see trains and turn-styles of bygone eras and unlike other museums, the NYTM encourages their young visitors to not only touch, but also to play. With several vintage train cars and buses, your child can get in the driver’s seat and be the conductor or choose to enjoy the ride through many decades!
New York Transit Museum Tickets: $10/adults, $5/children & seniors 99 Schermerhorn St. 718-694-1600 Online: nytransitmuseum.org
The Jim Henson Exhibition
The Muppets Studio LLC
This incredible retrospective of master puppeteer and creator Jim Henson at the Museum of the Moving Image in Queens is open again after a long Covid-19 pause. (The Museum is closed Mondays and Tuesdays.)
Museum of the Moving Image 36-01 35th Ave. Astoria 718-777-6888 Online: movingimage.us
Children's Museum of Manhattan
CMOM
The Children's Museum of Manhattan is open with lots of safety precautions in place to keep everyone healthy, including routine sanitizing, temperature checks, reduced capacity, masks and social distancing.
Visits to the museum are capped at two hours, and must be booked in advance. During that time, your family can explore all the exhibits at the museum, and take part in educator-led activities such as storytime, an art scavenger hunt, themed art projects and music and dance-time.
The museum is open 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Wednesday - Sunday.
Tickets: $15/kids and adults; $12/seniors, free/infants and members Children’s Museum of Manhattan 212 W. 83rd St. Upper West Side 212-721-1223 Online: www.cmom.org
The Museum of Ice Cream
Museum of Ice Cream NYC
Yes, the Museum of Ice Cream is open! An immersive walk-through experience dedicated to the sweet treat, the MOIC opened a permanent NYC flagship in December of 2019, but shut down in March. It's back, and COVID-19 precautions are in place, and include a new ventilation system, mask and glove requirements, deep cleanings at the beginning and end of every day, cleaning surfaces following any touching by visitors, capacity reduction, etc. You can read all safety measures here.
If you missed your chance to visit this shrine to slime when it opened last year, you have another chance. It's slightly altered (people play with their own slimes, not a collective vat, as was done previously), and you get to take slime home. Expect artisanal, scented slime, interactive activities, a massive DIY slime bar, slime experiments, an immersive ASMR tunnel, a lake of slime to walk on, and more. Advanced tickets are timed, masks are required, staff is in masks and gloves, and capacity is reduced. Dress in your get messy clothes and prepare to open your wallet: it's $39 a ticket. A percentage of sales goes to mental health charities.
Created in Zagreb, Croatia (with additional outposts in Vienna, Kuala Lumpur, and beyond) the museum is both educational and a spot for fun photo ops. Visitors can explore more than 70 elements and experiences that include "illusionistic rooms", optical illusions, and puzzles. Every "piece" in the museum is accompanied by a clear and concise explanation of what is causing or creating the illusion; mathematical, biological, and psychological concepts are all touched upon, as are perception, vision, and how the human brain works. This museum is an outstanding (and very fun) way to engage kids with complex scientific principles, and help them understand through experience. The well-curated gift shop allows you to take home some of the brain-bending fun.
The American Kennel Club celebrates humans' best friend with its Museum of the Dog on Park Avenue. (Previously located in St. Louis, the museum is now housed in the same building as the AKC.) Expect fine art such as paintings and sculptures dedicated to dogs big and small, as well as tributes created using modern technology. Ticketing is by advanced reservation, and masks are required. The museum is closed Mondays.
Tickets: $15/adults; $5/kids 12 and under, $10/seniors 65 and older 101 Park Ave. Upper East Side 212-696-8360 Online: museumofthedog.org
The beauty of art in public spaces, especially for parents, is that there are no rules on how and when you can enjoy it. Unlike visiting an art museum, where kids need to use indoor voices and can’t run or touch anything, outdoor art displays are more kid-friendly and less stressful for parents. You’ll find works of art all over San Diego as part of the public art campaigns, but this collection is curated especially for families because you can see several pieces in just one place. Extra bonus, most of these spots have a coffee shop or treat spot nearby. So walk (or run!) to these free, outdoor, eclectic spaces and relax when your kids scream in delight.
Tucked away behind the Panama 66 restaurant at Balboa Park is where you’ll find this secret art garden with several twentieth-century sculptures. It’s free for anyone to walk in and walk around so don’t be shy. It has an amazing view of the California Tower and is pretty cool to hear the bells ring every hour from here. Heck, grab a table on the patio at Panama 66 and walk around the sculpture garden with your drinks while waiting for your food (good kids menu too). Otherwise, no food or outside drinks are allowed in the garden.
May S. Marcy Sculpture Garden 1450 El Prado, Balboa Park 619-232-7932 Online: sdmart.org
Go on an art scavenger hunt at Liberty Station and you’ll unlock discounts after you’ve logged them all. Scan the QR code to start at any of the 12 rotating art installations, answer a question and the next clue will pop up for you to track down. The clues will take you past the Public Market; which you should plan on stopping in for a treat.
Liberty Station Arts District Start at the “Greetings” Mural 2848 Dewey Rd., Point Loma 619-756-7992 Online: libertystation.com
Walking through this colorful village is sure to put anyone in a good mood. Visit over 40 studio galleries, peek in the windows if they’re not open. On any given day, you may be lucky enough to find some of the artists hard at work. Even if studios are closed, there are sculptures and art installed around for you and your little artists to see. Weekends and holidays are the best times to come by and support the artists by taking home a piece of their hand-made work.
Good to know: Grab some coffee and muffins from Daniel’s Coffee Cart, located in Spanish Village, near the bathrooms.
You’ll be mystified by artist Niki de Saint Phalle’s playful pattern of mazes, mosaic walls, sculptures, totems and fantastical characters with the Queen in the center of it all. This magical circle is a little tricky to find; it’s surrounded by tall trees in the back of Kit Carson Park and you’ll walk along a dirt trail through some orange groves until you find it.
Hours: Tues. & Thurs. from 9 am-12 pm and on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays from 9 am-2 pm (it’s closed on or after rainy days).
Queen Califia’s Magical Circle 3333 Bear Valley Pkwy, Escondido 760-839-4691 Online: escondido.org
This is one where your art can actually become part of this exhibit. Paint a rock and find a spot to leave it at Dave’s Rock Garden for all to enjoy! There are over 7,000 painted rocks here by people from all over the world. What started as an empty lot filled with weeds is transformed into a beautiful community space. It just took one local neighbor with a vision to clean it up to get the ball started.
Make it a day trip: Moonlight Beach is 2 blocks west with a playground and wide-open beaches. Coffee, ice cream, and pizza spots are two blocks east.
Learn about art as you walk around the UCSD Campus on the free self-guided Stuart Art Collection Tour. You’ll discover more than 20 sculptures spread all across the campus. Many of these artists have won prestigious honors and awards for their artistry. Don’t forget to look up, down and even use your ears in the wind garden. The most notable piece is the "Fallen Star" house on top of a building that looks like it's falling off, number 18 on the map and this "Bear" is number 16.
Good to know: You may not get to all of them with kids in tow, so try starting at the Geisel Library to see the Dr. Seuss sculpture and venture to as many as you want from there.
UCSD Stuart Art Collection Art Walk 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla 858-534-2117 Online: stuartcollection.ucsd.edu
Art is all around us—you don’t have to go to a stuffy museum to introduce your kids to the fine arts. We’ve rounded up 18 jaw-dropping outdoor art installations across the country that the whole family will appreciate. Some are interactive and others are just larger than life, but all of them are well worth a visit. Keep reading to see them all.
Isak Heartstone | Breckenridge, CO
Kate Loweth
From a downtown full of sculptures to live theater performances, Breckenridge is full of ways to explore the arts. Track down the famed Breckenridge Troll while you are there. Named Isak Heartstone, this 15-foot tall wooden troll sculpture is located on the Trollstigen Trail next to Illinois Gulch Trailhead. This massive sculpture is by Danish artist Thomas Dambo, who is known worldwide for bringing awareness to recycling and upcycling by building great things out of trash. Bonus: you can even explore the area's public art using the self-guided audio tour.
Created by a husband-wife pop artist duo, this larger-than-life spoon and cherry sculpture can be found at the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. Admission is free, so you can also check out the garden’s other pieces, including everything from a giant blue rooster to wind chimes that make soft music. Here's our guide to other kid-friendly Minneapolis activities.
Wynwood Walls was started in 2009 to showcase international street art. Stroll through the rotating collection of more than 50 murals at this outdoor museum, then head out into the Wynwood district to check out the surrounding art galleries and eclectic shops.
Like a colorful mirage, this weird and wonderful exhibit is in the middle of the desert outside Las Vegas. Kids will get a kick out of these 30- to 35-feet high sculptures, made from painted and locally-sourced boulders. Check out our guide to other kid-friendly Las Vegas attractions.
The BeltLine is a fantastic family-friendly pedestrian loop that’s expanding around Atlanta, and, as a new and very popular initiative, has a growing collection of artworks exhibited. There’s a mix of permanent and temporary exhibits, and even musicians and performers on occasion. Even cooler, as the Beltline expands, so will the collection (there are currently 110 different works exhibited). Grab your strollers and bikes, and hit the trail!
This magical place is the only American sculpture garden and the last major international project created by artist Niki de Saint Phalle. It’s inspired by the mythic, cultural, and historic roots of California, and it’s a wonder for kids of all ages. There's a bright mosaic snake wall, a maze entrance to the garden and nine free-standing sculptures, which include totems inspired by Native American, Mexican and pre-Colombian culture. Don't forget to look for Queen Califia herself, a mythical warrior queen! Looking for more outdoor art in Southern California? We’ve got the best places right here.
If you head to the Portland Avenue stretch of the Minnehaha Creek Trail, you’ll find Jeff Barber’s "Cottontail on the Trail.” The rabbit (or Minnehaha bunny) is an iconic trail marker and landmark, and on most warm days, you’ll find kids crawling, playing, and jumping all around the impressive bronze sculpture.
Art that looks good and can be touched? Sounds like our kind of place. In 2014—using repurposed concrete for water play areas and salvaged logs for climbing—environmental artist Adam Kuby collaborated with GreenWorks Design Firm to create a playspace that reflects the recent, and nearby Crystal Springs restoration efforts. A popular spot for kids and adults alike, take a peek at our insider’s guide to find out more.
Affectionately named “Lupe,” this metal pipe rendering of a wooly mammoth was designed by LA artists Feyja Bardell and Brian Howe. It was installed on the Guadalupe Trail in 2015 and represents the spot where the bones of a 12,500-year-old mammoth were discovered 10 years earlier. While kids can’t touch or climb on the structure, it’s a perfect way to get them excited for a day of science and fun before heading to the nearby San Jose Children’s Museum, where a replica of the prehistoric animal can be found. Search for more cool outdoor art in the San Francisco Bay Area by clicking here.
This woodsy, magical garden inspires creativity for all. Not only is it a wonderful place to wander through at your own leisure, but the Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum caters to families as well. The permanent collection is filled with the works of Charles Umlauf, a prestigious sculpture who taught at the University of Texas, Austin for 40 years. Each sculpture is gently waxed, and touching is okay (climbing is not). Stop by on family day, the second Sunday of each month, for art-making, sculpture demos, family yoga, live music, and storytelling. Family days are free, and the rest of the time, admission is just $7 for adults and free for kids under 12. Get more information about the museum here.
You can check out both permanent and rotating exhibits at Socrates Sculpture Park. It's free to get in, there are a lot of events (yoga, music performances, kid workshops), and the former landfill is landscaped with over 90 varieties of plant life. Plus, there’s plenty of other fun stuff to do in the area. Hallets Cove, which you’ll find just north of the park, is a public beach and kayak launch during the warm months of the year. Find out more here.
Modern art at its finest comes to Chicago in the form of Crown Fountain. With its two 50-foot glass video installations of Chicagoans as new-age gargoyles spouting out water and visitors running around in swimsuits just like any public splash pad, it’s definitely a bucket list hit for all ages. Bonus: it's super close to The Bean. Check out this guide for other famous fountains in Chicago and this story on everything fun to do in Millennium Park.
This Spokane playground is basically a toy that’s built to scale so playground runners can slide out of the big red wagon’s handle. This sculpture was built in 1990 and is 27 feet long—at least we know it’ll fit Clifford! Get more info here.
This museum can be also described as a larger-than-life art sculpture that kids and parents can run around in. Jump on a plane, climb through a wire tunnel… It’s constantly “under construction” by a team of 20 different artists to ensure that every visit will be different. Get more kid-friendly St. Louis hot spots here.
Four huge tunnels sitting in a desert leading nowhere might not seem like art, but there’s definitely more than meets the eye with this installation. Just looking through one of these can reframe how you see your surroundings, and the shadows they cast can teach little ones about sun orientation. Plus, they are just totally awesome to run through!
555 Mission St. Sculpture Garden | San Francisco, CA
A quiet sculpture garden in the SOMA district of San Francisco is like jumping into a colorful children’s book. Pixelated silhouettes and cousins of Jack Skellington live here. The plaza is also perfect for a downtown picnic.
A free park devoted to 22 sculptures with unbelievable views of the Seattle waterfront makes for a perfect day out with the kids. Unfortunately, these sculptures are hands-off, but there’s a nearby museum with interactive exhibits that your littles can touch to their heart’s content.
Heavy Metal is an uber-fun playground of sound, where your kids can make music with friends or be a one-man band! This sculpture was created in 2000 and is a part of Chattanooga's city public art collection.
Maybe it’s the glorious sunshine, or the gorgeous beaches nearby, but there’s something special about being a kid in San Diego. And we’ve got the baby names that prove it! These San Diego baby names pay homage to the people and places that make this one of the best cities to raise a family. Read on to see just how “San Diego” your baby name is.
Audrey
Audrey Giesel was a philanthropist and the wife of Theodor Giesel (a.k.a. Dr. Seuss) and the upholder of his legacy after his death. The couple lived in La Jolla and you'll see signs of Audrey's good deeds all over San Diego from the Geisel Library which she donated $20 million to and which houses over 4,000 precious and original items from Dr. Seuss, to the San Diego Safari Park where she and the Dr. Seuss Foundation donated the recently added, magnificent Marsupial Walkway where you can frolic freely with kangaroos and wallabies.
Balboa
Voted California's Best Attraction, Balboa Park is the cultural heartbeat of San Diego. The magnificent 1,200-acre urban park is home to 17 museums and it's a gorgeous place to stroll or to climb the iconic California Tower.
Cabrillo
In 1542, Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo was the first European to set foot on what is now the West Coast of the United States. San Diego's Cabrillo National Monument pays homage to this fearless conquistador.
Cal
Give a nod to our home state of California with this simple name that’ll be easy to write once your kiddo hits preschool.
Cove
Beautiful La Jolla Cove is a serene and heavenly haven for beachgoers, snorkelers and scuba divers. This small, exclusive beach is surrounded by cliffs and bustling with marine life. It's one of the most photographed spots in San Diego and an unbeatable place to watch the sunset.
Why not give your babe the city's namesake? San Diego was named by Sebastian Vizcaíno who arrived in San Diego in November 1602. He named our fine city in honor of both his ship which was named San Diego as well as for the feast of Spanish Franciscan San Diego de Alcala.
Ellen
Philanthropist Ellen Browning Scripps moved to San Diego in 1891 and did a world of good for the city. Among her priceless contributions to society: Ellen founded the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, Scripps College, Scripps Hospital and Scripps Clinic. She also built the La Jolla Women's Club, the La Jolla Library and the Children's Pool and she purchased Torrey Pines and other lands and donated them to the public as parks.
Kate Sessions was nicknamed the "Mother of Balboa Park." She was a horticulturist who owned floral shops and nurseries throughout San Diego and in 1892 she leased land in Balboa Park, which was then called "City Park" for a nursery in which she was required to plant 100 trees a year. By 1902 she played a vital role in the formation of what was to become the lush and bountiful Balboa Park we know and love today.
Linda
Whether you’ve got your sights set on Mission Valley or the Pacific Ocean, Linda Vista offers some of the best views in town. It also means “pretty” in Spanish, and makes a great name for a baby girl.
Logan
Barrio Logan is an industrial, artistic neighborhood that is rich in Mexican heritage and cultural roots. Colorful murals depicting activists and icons including Frida Kahlo bring this district to life with artist collectives, galleries, shops and restaurants.
Mabel
Bring back this vintage name when you name your kiddo after Mabel Bell. She and her husband were the first African Americans to own property in LaJolla, and she dedicated her life’s work to affordable housing efforts.
Marie
In 1947, Marie Hitchcock and her sister gave the first public performance, a marionette show, at what is known today as the Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theater, where countless kids and families go to enjoy and be entertained by puppetry at this Balboa Park 'mecca.'
Maverick
Top Gun was filmed in various locations around San Diego including a house in Oceanside, Kansas City Barbeque and Marine Corps Air Station Miramar. Name your little one after Tom Cruise's bold character in this classic film.
Myrtle
Myrtle Creek Botanical Gardens & Nursery is a secret garden and hidden gem. Filled with happy goats, wild birds, butterflies and fairy gardens, this slice of paradise evokes happiness, joy and respite from life's fast pace.
San Diego Zoo /Christina Simmons
Niki
Local French artist Niki de Saint Phalle's amazingly unique and awe-inspiring sculptures may be found in various San Diego locales. Queen Califia’s Magical Circle in Escondido is the only American sculpture garden and the last major international project she created.
Rex
Rex the lion inspired the creation of the San Diego Zoo in 1916 by Zoo founder Dr. Harry Wegeforth's dream of uniting people with wildlife. Last year, to mark over a century of the Zoo, the largest cantilever bronze animal statue in the world was erected at the Zoo's entrance in Rex's honor.
Ru
Short and sweet this gender-neutral name is almost too cute. Plus, it gives a tip of the hat to the multi-talented, San Diego-born Drag Queen, RuPaul. Psst… Paul is another great kid’s name to consider.
Shaun
Three-time Olympic gold medalist Shaun White was born and raised in San Diego and the snowboarder and skateboarder is as cool as he is talented.
Solana
Solana Beach is a pristine, idyllic beach in North County San Diego and Solana is derived from Spanish origin and means "sunshine."
Chris Nelson Photography
Taj
Taj means "crown" or "jewel" in Hindi, and Taj is a young male rhino who resides at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. His birth was vital for conservation efforts, as he joins only 3,500 greater one-horned rhinos that remain the wild.
Theodor
Theodor Giesel, better known as Dr. Seuss, called San Diego home and tributes to his talent and his quirkiness abound all over the city.
Tony
Naming your baby Tony will pack a double punch: Legendary skateboarder Tony Hawk and professional baseball player or 'Mr. Padre' Tony Gwynn of the San Diego Padres both bear the name. Hawk was born and raised in San Diego and learned and perfected his skateboarding tricks at Del Mar Skate Ranch. He still lives in San Diego and his son Riley Hawk just opened a coffee shop in Oceanside. Tony Gwynn is ranked one of the best hitters in baseball history, he played 20 seasons for the San Diego Padres and he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2007.
Torrey
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is the most beautiful place to stroll or hike with ocean views in San Diego. The rare Torrey Pine tree is an endangered species that only grows in the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. It was named after botanist John Torrey and is protected and revered for its uniqueness and scarcity.
Spring has sprung and the fragrant notes of cherry, chocolate and chardonnay waft in the air. Wine tasting is a wonderful way to enjoy the fruits of the vine in a convivial atmosphere, but what to do with the under 21s? Not a problem at these family-friendly wineries and tasting rooms in Seattle and beyond. Cheers!
Chocolate and wine go together like peanut butter and jelly. Patterson Cellars has taken this palate-pleasing concept to a whole new organic-peanut-butter-and-lingonberry-preserves-level. Part of the SoDo Urban Works, Patterson Cellar’s tasting room is large and light with an outdoor patio and large tables to easily enjoy their famous food and wine pairings. The Jcoco chocolate and wine experience is sensory magic. The 2019 Mélange Blanc is paired with Cayenne Veracruz Orange White Chocolate, while the 2017 BDX is paired with Black Fig Pistachio Dark Chocolate. Yum!
The mini-bars are quite generous so little hands can grab some chocolate bites too. Sharing is caring. We recommend adding in the Heritage cheese platter to impress your foodie friends. Next door, Nine Pies Pizzeria serves up delicious ‘za so when your kiddos get hungry you can grab a slice or bring a whole pie back to the tasting room. No diets allowed.
Extra Pour: For dessert (because chocolate is one of the four food groups) try the 2018 Port with vanilla, orange and spice notes.
Good to know: You can also taste Patterson Cellars wines at their Woodinville locations (Hollywood Hills and the Warehouse District) or in Leavenworth.
Tinte Cellars recently opened its Georgetown location and has already become a beloved fixture in this vibrant neighborhood. A former Vespa repair shop revamped into a vino bar, the transformation was made with passion and respect for the building. The owners saved the original exposed-beam ceiling—an architectural feat—and proudly placed a red Vespa atop the roof, above a “Greetings from Georgetown” mural. The back patio has more art with firepits, tented tables and a back gate that rolls open, letting the party into the streets for events like Art Attack.
Beer fans can order rotating local suds, the snacks all come from local vendors, and younger guests receive complimentary juice and crackers. There is always a craft for adults and kids to enjoy. “Great wine for the greater good” is their mantra and it shows: Tinte Cellars gives back a generous portion of sales to the community. So drink up! It’s good for you and your neighbors.
Extra Pour: Bring home the 2019 Viognier and ask for a few QR code cards. These innovative videos bring winemaker and wine lover together with the click of a smart phone.
Good to know: Families can also find Tinte Cellars tasting rooms in Woodinville in the Warehouse District and Hollywood Hills. Reservations are required for tastings at all locations.
A day trip to Snoqualmie brings the unexpected. Just a quick drive on I-90 suddenly transports the fam into small town charm. Though they began producing wine for personal pleasure out of a garage, Sigillo Cellars is anything but small town. Now an award-winning wine, the Sigillo Cellars tasting room is a local gathering place located in the historic Sunset Theater. The grand yet cozy indoor tasting room offers light bites and always welcomes the whole family—bring the tiny tots and four-legged pals, too.
The new outdoor seating area is decorated with tables, and a twinkling tree, with the majestic Mt. Si as the backdrop for sipping at twilight. Following guidelines live entertainment will start up again soon—locals and visitors come to enjoy the music, and the kids will start the dance party! For those wanting to turn wine tasting into an all-day outing, we recommend taking a Hidden Northwest walking tour in the morning, lunching at Buckshot Honey mid-day, and then settling in for an evening of smooth wine and chill tunes at Sigillo Cellars Snoqualmie.
Good to know: Sigillo Cellars also has a tasting room overlooking the cerulean Lake Chelan. Uncork the just released, award-winning Cabernet Franc and enjoy the view.
8086 Railroad Ave. Snoqualmie, WA 425-292-0754 Online:sigillocellars.com
Browne Family Vineyards - SoDo
ghirardelli square uncorked
Ambiance is key at this SoDo tasting room. Located in the Seller Building, the decor has a film noir feel to it that'll make you feel like you've turned back the clock once you step inside. Make a reservation and then get down to enjoying a glass of these vintages that highlight the PNW's best varietals. Reds are their strong suit, but you can't go wrong with a chilled can of chard or rosé on a balmy day. For a real treat, check out these tasting room exclusives you can only sip on-site.
Waterbrook Winery knows that little ones love to feel included, especially when it’s a family outing. While adults sip and savor award-winning wines, the kids get a tasting flight of their own. Milk! Vanilla, strawberry, and regular milk are presented with as much flair as the Cabernet Sauvignon. The beautifully designed tasting room is curated with chic gifts, and the outdoor patio sits next to a rippling pond. Arrive hungry–you won’t want to miss out on Chef Karla Wilsey’s farm-to-table fare and seasonal menus. Walla Walla is famous for its harvest bounty. We recommend joining the wine club. Waterbrook makes for a relaxing yet festive gathering place. It’s free to join and members can bring up to ten guests for complimentary tastings.
Extra Pour: Pop the cork on NV Icon Brut and enjoy some bubbles with friends.
10518 W. Hwy. 12 Walla Walla, WA 509-522-1262 Online:waterbrook.com
The Vino Camp at Sawtooth Winery - Caldwell, Idaho
What is Vino Camping? Picture your family sleeping in luxury yurt tents under the stars and by the vines. During the day enjoy hiking, BYO board games, picnics and wine tours plus wine pairing events and dinner in the open countryside. Sawtooth Winery has partnered with Eco-Camps: ecologically responsible glamping with luxury touches. This off-the-grid experience is for the whole family. In fact, "kids and pets are welcome and always free." Yurts have private decks with barbecues for wine sipping and grilling, en-suite bathrooms with toilets and showers, WiFi and up to three extra kid’s beds for the whole gaggle of your little geese (no extra charge). Ask about the tailored events and wine packages. This is wine tasting at its most authentic; camping within a vineyard while sampling the yield of its fruit.
Extra Pour: Try the Trout Series, an homage to the art of fly fishing, and take a Rose Bubbles can or two back to the yurt.
19348 Lowell Rd. Building C Caldwell, ID 208-467-1200 Online: sawtoothwinery.com
For art aficionados this winery is a perfect pairing. The Foundry began as an art production facility, working with artists from around the world. What began as a place for creatives in the metal sculpture realm turned into a place for creatives in the wine making arts as well. Today this tasting room is an art gallery featuring all media, a design store and a sculpture garden where guests sip among the works of art. Every bottle is delicious, but their “Pét Project” is notable for using low-intervention, ancestral methods for making sparkling wine. The Foundry offers nourishment for the soul as well as the body. Yoga in the gallery is a unique experience; the yogis welcome children to join in the namaste. Reservations strongly recommended.
Extra Pour: Grab a bottle from the Library collection and take a stroll through the art gallery and sculpture garden.
Good to know: Foundry Vineyards also has a Seattle location (524 1st Ave. S.) if prefer to sip locally.
Lake Chelan Winery neatly wraps up friendly and fun with a bow. They prefer guests think of them as a “neighbor who just happens to have a killer wine collection.” Yes, please. The wine is wonderful. They have cider options for hot days, and their market offers everything from picnic items to gifts. Their onsite gourmet cheese shop is fromagerie fabulous and oenophiles will learn exactly which cheese to choose after taking a winery tour. BBQ in the vineyard is a renowned party, soon to resume in May (per guidelines), with a saucy kids menu. The property is wide and beautiful–a perfect playground for your tiny balls of energy, with outdoor kids’ games, hula hoops, bean bags and coloring books for quieter amusement. Too bad the “neighbor” isn’t right next door, but the outing to Lake Chelan is always worth it.
Extra Pour: We love Falling Cow White, a whimsical wine with an accompanying poem about a cow that goes for a swim. It's guaranteed to make the Littles laugh.
While a romantic, candlelit dinner for two may not be in the cards for you this Valentine’s Day (because, kids!), there are still plenty of ways to celebrate with the whole family. From a “Where Is the Love” Scavenger Hunt at South Coast Botanic Gardens to locally made Valentine’s Day-themed craft kits, here are 14 V-Day activities and events for LA families.
1. Your kids are invited to a special Feb. 14 with Annenberg Petspace. The virtual Pal-entine's Day Party includes crafts, a puppet show and, of course, a visit from PetSpace's adorable, adoptable pets.
2. Visit Meri Cherry on Instagram to see all the oh-so lovely process-based art projects she has for kids in February. Pasta press clay hearts, anyone?
3. There's still time to pick up one of Design Hive's Sensory Boxes for Valentine's Day, complete with play-dough, pipe cleaners, felt hearts and more. If the V-Day boxes sell out (they're immensely popular), check out the other fun Sensory Boxes and DIY Makers Kits from the LA-based kids design and technology studio.
4. Why not spend the day at one of our favorite LA botanical gardens? Discover all the hidden spots at South Coast Botanic Garden, as part of the self-guided Where is the Love Scavenger Hunt on Valentine's Day weekend.
6. Another option? Drive to Arcadia to mingle with the peacocks and other wildlife at the sprawling 127-acre Los Angeles County Arboretum. On Sat., Feb. 13, the Arboretum also kicks off its 4-week outdoor Whole Family Yoga series.
7. From a virtual flower arranging class to an audio tour of the sculpture garden, The Huntington Botanical Garden offers a slew of Valentine's Day options for the whole family.
9. Don't know what to pack for your picnic? Check out these readymade baskets you can pick up around town.
Make Some Music
Courtesy of Lovebug & Me
10. Join in a virtual concert with LoveBug & Me Music's interactive Valentine's Day Love Fest, taking place on Feb. 14.
11. Get your tickets to Laurie Berkener's live Valentine's Day concert. The performance will feature tunes of love, family, and friendship, like "A Hug From My Mama," "I Love You Daddy," and "My Family."
12. Celebrate Valentine's Day with the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. They will be hosting a Zoom music and art class just for kiddos!
Editor’s note: We’re making every effort to provide options for responsible outdoor recreation. Please remember to follow social distancing guidelines, wear masks when required and pack water, hand sanitizer and plenty of snacks when you head out. Public restrooms may not be available, and the majority of playgrounds are currently closed at all parks (at time of this story’s publication). Call your destination ahead of time to plan your visit to make sure you’re up to date on current information and guidelines. Stay safe and healthy!
If your kids like to live on the edge, they can try out these adrenaline pumping experiences. From the coastal waters of La Jolla to the Big Bear forest, these heart-racing activities are unique to SoCal. Some of these places are where Olympian and championship winners even got their start! Read on for the details.
Surf's Up! San Diego’s ocean waves are world-renowned surfing spots and people come from all over to surf them. It’s no wonder there’s an abundance of surf schools for kids. Most surf schools start around age 5 and have a swim test to pass before they’ll take them out. Kids will learn so much more than just how to surf; they’ll learn patience to wait for the right wave, taking turns, better balance, and coordination and it will boost their confidence when they catch their first wave. Some good surfing spots for kids with soft rolling breaks can be found at La Jolla Shores, Pacific Beach, Tourmaline Beach, Ocean Beach and Oceanside.
Minimum Age: 5 & up, may have to pass a swim test
Know Before You Go: Check the local surf reports before you head out to make sure the conditions are safe.
Born to skate? Boasting one of the best skate parks in the world, San Diego is renowned as a skate boarding hot spot! When the waves were flat, surfers turned to skate boarding in the streets, empty reservoirs, undeveloped housing tracts and empty swimming pools. Now there are over 10 well-developed skateparks all over San Diego for beginners to rippers. Some of them are where local and world legends even got their start...Hall of Famer Tony Hawk, first female Hall of Famer Patti McGee and Olympian Shaun White grew up skate boarding here. What a thrill to skate at the parks where all the pros learned to skate!
Minimum Age: comfortable on a skateboard
Know Before You Go: Check the park’s hours, cost (many are free) and skill level before you go; some are perfect for beginners while others are more advanced.
Parent’s Tip: The YMCA Krause Family Skatepark (aka Clairemont Skatepark) has a parent’s lounge outside where you can chill and watch your budding boarder.
YMCA Krause Family Skatepark 3401 Clairemont Dr. San Diego, CA 92117 858-246-6731 ymcas.org/skate-parks
Doo doo, doo doo doo doo! You can sing it if you want to while kayaking over them, but the Leopard Sharks that come to La Jolla Shores every summer are harmless to humans. They’re quite skittish of humans actually and frighten away easily. Maybe it’s their mama instinct, because most of them are pregnant and are there to incubate. For some extra excitement, from July-September you can rent a kayak, swim or even snorkel with them. Birch Aquarium offers 2 hour snorkeling tours or you can take a kayak tour from Hike Bike Kayak or Everyday California; which includes kayaking through the super cool sea caves!
Minimum Age: Kids must be at least six years old for a tandem kayak with an adult.
Fun Fact: Their “leopard” skin pattern is unique to each one, just like our fingerprints.
Birch Aquarium 2300 Expedition Way La Jolla, CA 92037 858-534-3474 aquarium.ucsd.edu
Hike Bike Kayak 2222 Avenida de la Playa La Jolla, CA 92037 858-551-9510 hikebikekayak.com
Everyday California 2262 Avenida de la Playa San Diego, CA 92037 858-454-6195 everydaycalifornia.com
Up, Up and Away! By far the most heart-pumping activity that anyone can do is to run and jump off a cliff. Literally! That’s what paragliding is all about, but you’ll be fully strapped into a tandem jumpseat with a highly experienced professional. You’ll soar through the wind above the beach at the Torrey Pines Gliderport and land in the same place where you launched from. No reservations are accepted because it depends on the wind conditions for the day when you call that morning to find out. Talk about excitement!
Minimum Age: They’ll take “any age” with a tandem instructor, but our guess is when you’re brave enough to let your child do it.
Know Before You Go: There’s an on-site restaurant, but you can also BYO food.
Insider’s Tip: Anyone is welcome to come hang out and watch the paragliders take off. There are some hiking trails nearby that you can explore while you’re waiting for the wind to be just right for a launch.
Torrey Pines Gliderport 2800 Torrey Pines Scenic Dr. La Jolla, CA 92037 858-452-9858 flytorrey.com
Jumps & Pumps! Bike park heaven can be found at the brand new Sweetwater Bike Park that just opened Jan. 2020. It’s a large dirt park with several different zones to work on your skills, jumps or just take the flow trails down, like my boys kept doing over and over and over. There’s a large open space at the entrance that’s perfect for meeting friends or padding up. From there, you can view the map and choose which zone you want to ride in, but they all connect together easily with the large perimeter trail. The best part for little kids is the kid’s pump track located near the entrance. It’s a great place for littles to practice before they head out to the open tracks if they’re ready.
Minimum Age: As long as they can ride a bike, with or without training wheels
Know Before You Go: There are port-a-potties at the entrance, but no other services are nearby.
Insider’s Tip: It’s best to go weekday mornings when it’s less crowded. If your little kids want to do the flow trails, let the more advanced riders go down first so they’re not being held up.
Sweetwater Bike Park 6057 San Miguel Rd. Bonita, CA 91902 858-966-1331 sdparks.org
What's SUP?! Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) is great fun for the whole family, and San Diego has lots of calm water that makes it easier for kids. There are many places where you can rent a SUP, but if you have your own, then you can launch where it’s less crowded. The best calm water spots for kids to SUP are at Mission Bay, Shelter Island and Harbor Island Marinas in Point Loma, in front of Liberty Station NTC Park in Point Loma, Tidelands Park in Coronado, Agua Hedionda Lagoon in Carlsbad, Oceanside Harbor, Lake San Marcos and Hodges Reservoir in Escondido.
Minimum Age: Make sure they can swim first, but I’ve seen parents baby wearing while on a SUP!
Know Before You Go: Stand up paddle boards are considered a vessel by the U.S. Coast Guard, so everyone will need to wear a life jacket when using them.
Insider’s Tip: The waters are most calm weekday early mornings just after sunrise or evenings at sunset, when there’s less boat traffic on the water.
All Aboard! If you’ve ever been on a boat, you’ve never been on a boat like The Patriot Jet Boat before. Feel the wind (and water!) in your hair while zipping around the San Diego Bay. The Patriot zooms up to 50 mph while doing spins and fast turns all to some rockin’ tunes blasting over the speakers. In between the thrills, you’ll enjoy a narrated tour of the Big Bay going all the way down to the Coronado Bridge and back to the Embarcadero. Water ponchos optional!
Minimum Age: 4 & up, must be 40” tall to ride with an adult
Insider’s Tip: Ponchos are provided
Flagship Cruises 990 North Harbor Dr. San Diego, CA 92101 619-234-4111 flagshipsd.com
Fly Like a Bird! Experience flying like never before! Try indoor skydiving at iFly for your next adrenaline rush. After a brief instruction, you’ll suit up and then have an experience like never before. For your first flight, the instructor will hold onto your suit to help you find your wing position as you spin inside the wind tunnel. On your second flight, you’ll have the option to fly all the way up to the top, with your instructor of course. Or try a STEM field trip to watch math and physics come to life inside the wind tunnel.
Minimum Age: 3 & up
Insider’s Tip: Anyone can go inside to hang out and watch the other fliers. Instructors often times show off their flips and tricks in between groups and that alone is worth it to go watch.
For SoCal parents looking to plan the perfect summer adventure for their kids, Big Bear Mountain Resort's basecamp area is open and offers a lineup of activities perfect for little explorers and thrill-seekers, including a 30-foot climbing wall, Euro Bungee trampoline, Quick Jump free fall, zip line, Summit Mining Co. and Grizzly Ridge Tube Park.
Additionally there's Scenic Sky Chair and hiking access to over 60 miles of scenic trails from the Snow Summit base area with options for all ages and abilities are open.
Whether you already have plans to be up in Big Bear for a few days or you are planning a day trip escape from the city, Big Bear Mountain Resort is the perfect family activity. The resort has also been quieter during the week days.
The Safari Park Flightline Safari is temporarily unavailable. Click here for status.
Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah! If soaring 130 feet above wild animals while suspended from a rope will give you a thrill, you’ll want to take a ride down the zip line at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. There are two zip lines next to each other, so you can go at the same time as your child and watch them squeal with excitement as they soar over the rhinos. Another fun place in San Diego to zip line is down the “Adrenaline Zone" at Belmont Park in Mission Beach. You’ll reach speeds of 15 mph down the short Zipline Tower, but each rider gets two rides.
Minimum Age at the Safari Park: kids aged 8-15 must be accompanied by a paid parent/guardian; kids aged 16-17 may zip line alone but must have a parent/guardian present at time of check-in
Minimum Age at Belmont Park: riders must be 46” tall and weight at least 50 lbs.
Safari Park 15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd Escondido, CA 92027 619-718-3000 sdzsafaripark.org
Belmont Park 3146 Mission Blvd. Mission Beach 858-488-1549 belmontpark.com
Climb to the Top! Lace up your sneakers and head to Balboa Park for the quintessential San Diego activity! The Tower Climb at the Museum of Us reopened after a year long retrofitting project and it’s something every San Diegan and visitor alike should experience. The tower is a San Diego landmark and was built in 1915 for the Panama-California Exposition, so it’s a real treat to be able to climb inside and see the history. Half way up the 125 steps to the 8th story balcony, you’ll see the actual carillon keyboard that plays the songs broadcasted throughout Balboa Park every day at noon. Grab a bite to eat before or after your climb at nearby Panana 66, then stroll through the secret sculpture garden at the San Diego Museum of Art.
Minimum Age: 6 & up, but children must be able to climb on their own and cannot be carried
Insider’s Tip: Try to book your climb tour to meet the sunset for stunning views out to the ocean.
Tower Climb at the Museum of Us (formerly the Museum of Man) 1350 El Prado Balboa Park 619-239-2001 museumofus.org
