This is a city teeming with highly talented mamas. They work in and out of the home, cook, craft, PTA, keep the carpool ticking and the kids entertained—all with an upbeat attitude and their sanity intact. Mostly. Oh, and they blog, too. Whether you’re looking for practical parenting tips, honest product reviews, the neighborhood scoop or just a hilarious story or two, you’ll find a local blog worth bookmarking. Read on for a few of our favorite Chicago Mom bloggers to get you through the winter.
Second City MomLeyla writes all about life in Chicago, from the perspective of a working mom. You’ll find urban highlights for what to do with littles around the city as well as off-the-beaten-path adventures.
730 Sage Street The mama behind this blog is Kim, a self-proclaimed health geek who doesn’t promote products that contain preservatives or GMOs. She loves to cook and share recipes (a large number being low carb and Keto), as well as workout routines.
A_dose_of_MelissaWife and mom Melissa Diep is also an incredible photographer, which makes her Instagram a fun follow. She snaps pics of her family all over Chicago and shares relatable tales of momming three boys.
Making Time for Mommy Blogging mama Alicia covers a lot of ground with ease. She writes about frugal shopping, local events, homemaking, giveaways, recipes and her experiences with her two special-needs kids.
Mom and More A stay-at-home mom to three kids, Cher offers product reviews and giveaways because she wants to help others make educated purchases and save money. Also on her radar: tasty recipes, hot deals at local businesses and book reviews.
Toddling Around Chicagoland While looking for things to do with her boys, full-time mom Sarah was surprised at the lack of information. She started her blog as a resource for other Chicago-area parents to find fun local adventures.
Chicago Foodie Sisters Keep up with the adventures of two food-loving sisters as they share their culinary adventures. We like them for the wide variety of restaurants and events they report on, from the uber fancy to wear-your-flip-flops casual. And, they’re as friendly as they come.
West of the Loop Follow Emily on a journey through the ups and downs of parenting and feeding her family. She dishes techniques and recipes and makes a special effort to explore new ingredients. Also on her radar: books and fashion.
Chefdruk The talented mom behind this blog is a French foodie transplanted from the New York area to Chicago with her husband and four kids. She grew up in France, but has lived all over and her joie de vivre extends to her love of cooking and family fun. Look for easy and delicious recipes, travel adventures and musings on parenting. She hasn’t updated her blog in over a year, but her index of recipes merits a mention.
Momma CuisineJohanna M. Cook hosts a food-related video series. Her site shows families that great everyday meals can be done with simple ingredients and basic cooking techniques. Check out her recipes (including special kid-friendly and gluten-free options), as well as parenting, healthy living, and home and garden posts.
The Night Owl Mama This blog is the place to go for no-holds-barred reviews and consumer tips. Blogger Tricia shares her opinions on products she and her family use, and also doles out advice on topics like recovering lost gift cards. Family photos and videos help you make a more informed decision about the way you shop.
Monstruitomom Check out “Little Monster Mom” on Instagram for adorable snaps of her kids, product recommendations, giveaways and DIY ideas. All of her content is written in both English and Spanish.
ChiIL Mama Bonnie is a bona fide culture vulture. She blogs about Chicago theater, multicultural events and live concerts. She also hosts giveaways and seeks out products and places of interest to tweens. Consider her the authority on the offbeat, alternative and eco-friendly.
This_lovely_life_of-mine Shannon is a mom and clothing designer with a goal to inspire you to create your own style, in an affordable way. Her Instagram is filled with design and style inspiration.
My Crafty Life Jen is a crafty, 30-something mom of three and wife of a truck driver. Her blog includes product reviews, giveaways, book reviews, recipes and crafts.
Clark and StoneThe site that covers it all: fashion, food, lifestyle, travel and, of course, kids. This site is full of colorful and fashionable photographs, taken around the city, and insight on how this mom, Ceta Walters, has carved out a life for herself beyond parenthood.
My Thoughts, Ideas, and Ramblings This blog is run by work-at-home mom Lisa, who lives in the Chicago area with her husband and two children. She started blogging to keep in touch with long-distance family and friends and learned she could help others with her experiences.
The Windy City Mama Jessica Roe chats about everything from must-know sales to recipes and motherhood to fashion trends. She hopes to inspire other young parents to savor the journey, while sharing her own experiences raising a family in the city.
Mom Fuse Jessica started Mom Fuse while she was pregnant and on bedrest with her twins in 2008. The blog quickly grew and today is a resource for recipes, honest reviews and fabulous finds. Jessica also strives to promote moms who own their own businesses.
Everything EricaErica is your insider-y helpful hand in the world of food, children and family, health and fitness and travel. She made a move to Florida, but we’re keeping her on the list because once a Chicagoan, always a Chicagoan. And, she has amazing recipe ideas on her Instagram page.
The Working Mom’s Travels Francesca created her blog to share her travel experiences and prove it’s possible for a working mom to hit the road with her family in a meaningful way. When she became pregnant in 2008, she heard variations of the same sentiment: “Your traveling days are over.” Her blog proves this wrong and is a great resource for moms who love to jetset.
All Dressed Up with Nothing to DrinkCreator Cheryl Leahy is a millennial mom living on Chicago’s North Shore doling out date night advice, party ideas, parenting tips and mom-fashion that’s too cool to really be considered mom-fashion.
Tiaras & Tantrums In addition to being a blogger, Theresa is a photographer, homeschooler, social media expert and self-proclaimed city girl. Her blog showcases her beautiful photography and her musings about the highs, lows and adventures of motherhood.
Looking for a little inspiration to get through your week? We talked to seven local moms who are giving back in a big way. From providing toys and games to hospitalized children to growing and distributing produce to those in need, these women and their stories are giving us all the feels—and putting everything in perspective. Read on to meet these down-to-earth super moms and discover how you can get involved in some amazing causes.
Natalie Flores
Courtesy of subject
Founder of Nourish LA
As the founder of grassroots organization Nourish LA, Natalie Flores is helping to ensure people in her community have access to healthy food. Flores, a longtime urban farmer, began Nourish LA shortly after the pandemic began, when members of her Mar Vista community were losing their jobs and worrying about putting food on the table. Since April, Flores has rallied businesses (partnering with The Wood Cafe), farmers markets, and other local urban farmers to contribute to the cause. With a team of volunteers, she runs a food-giveaway drive-up on Sunday, and delivers free vegetables and seedlings (so others can start their own garden) to those in need, including at-risk individuals and single parent households.
When it comes to balancing motherhood and running Nourish LA, Flores says it can be crazy. Both she and her husband work full-time, but she fortunately has close friends and Grandma to help out watching her almost 3-year-old daughter. "My daughter knows throughout the week, Mama's gotta go to work," she says. "That could mean picking up food for our drive-up or having zoom meetings with various other organizations."
So how does she stay positive and energized when so many of us are feeling overwhelmed? "To see your tangible efforts create a positive affect in our neighborhoods and in the lives of others is a really incredible feeling," she says, adding that it helps her maintain perspective. "My complaints and hardships are nothing in comparison to my neighbors who are struggling to put food on the table for their families."
Get involved: Click here to learn about volunteering opportunities for both you and your kiddo with Nourish LA.
While lots of parents have been working at home since mid-March, Talitha Phillips, a mother of two, hasn't had that option. She's a labor and postpartum doula and the CEO of Claris Health, a non-profit women's clinic focusing on sexual health and pregnancy. "My days are long—sometimes 18-20 hours," she says. "As an essential business and medical clinic, we’ve been open throughout the pandemic."
In addition to leading the team at Claris Health as they navigate their way through the changing regulations and needs of the communities they serve, she's continued to work directly with moms-to-be whose "labor, delivery, and other plans have been completely thwarted" because of Covid.
Phillips is the first to admit that balancing all the duties of work and motherhood hasn't been easy. She does her best to keep her kids active and she brings them to work when she needs to do so. But she admits, "The honest truth is that my kids are also staying up way too late, sleeping in, and watching more TV than I would have ever previously allowed!"
And that's okay. "I feel like a success at this point is learning when to catch or dodge the balls that are thrown at me all day, finding creative and productive solutions, and trying to stay sane and hopeful in the midst of it all," she says. Hear, hear!
Get involved: In-person volunteer opportunities with Claris Health are currently limited, but there's still a chance to help with the center's Baby Store, where families in need can “shop” for baby necessities (including diapers, wipes, clothing, food, and equipment), as well as with #ClarisOnWheels, a mobile clinic that distributes food and hygiene kits in LA county. Click here for all the details.
Christen Peterson
Courtesy of Christen Peterson
Teacher & Childhood Cancer Warrior
In 2018, Christen Peterson got the news no parents ever want to hear: Her 11-year-old son had cancer in his brain. "It’s always somebody else’s child until it’s yours," says Peterson, a 7th grade teacher in Corona, CA. Cole was diagnosed with WNT medulloblastoma. In a way, he was lucky—this particular kind of medullablastoma, the rarest of four subgroups, has the best prognosis.
Cole underwent surgery at Children's Hospital of Los Angeles, and then Peterson and her son left for Memphis so Cole could be part of a clinical trial at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis. "We had to pack up and leave California for six months," she says, while her husband stayed behind because of work. "The hardest part for Cole was being separated from his dog."
But Peterson's says that the team at St. Jude took care of them both. "They hold your hand through the whole process," she says. "I firmly believe St. Jude is the best place for kids to go for cancer treatment," she adds. (You can see a video of Cole's experience at St. Jude here. Note: Grab a tissue.)
After 30 rounds of low-dose radiation and four weeks of chemo, Peterson and Cole returned to California, but she was forever changed by her time at St. Jude. "When we came back, I had this drive; this need to fight," she says. "I was angry, angry at cancer, and I needed my voice to be heard."
She has given her voice to St. Jude, participating in campaigns and speaking engagement to help raise awareness of childhood cancer. "Childhood cancer only get 4 percent of all cancer funding—it's not enough," she says.
Today, Cole is in remission, though he still travels back to St. Jude every three months for scans, and Peterson continues to fight to raise awareness of childhood cancer. Recently, she and a group of fellow "cancer moms," as they refer to themselves, convinced the City of Corona, as well as her school district and fire department to "Go Gold" during September for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
"We realized the power of our voices," Peterson says. "And we decided to use that power to make a change."
Get involved: Check out Peterson's fundraising page and contribute to St. Jude and their efforts to cure childhood cancer.
Neferteri Plessy
Co-Founder of Single Mom Planet
Neferteri Plessy (third from left) knows firsthand the challenges of being a single mom. She had two young sons and her divorce rocked her world, as she struggled to balance the day-to-day obligations of motherhood with providing financially for her children following her divorce. Her own experience prompted her to research the effects of divorce and single motherhood. That's when she learned that the most disadvantaged group in the U.S. are single-mother families, 30 percent of which live below the poverty line.
To help other women like her, Plessy and Cole Patterson started Single Moms Planet. Their goal? To end the poverty cycle in single parent households and empower single moms and their children through financial literacy, family bonding activities, mentorship, family counseling and entrepreneurial training.
Plessy is quick to acknowledge that while she's the co-founder of Single Moms Planet, she shares the credit for the non-profit's work and success with other local mothers (pictured) who have given both time and money to the cause to make a difference.
Get involved: Find out how you can donate and fundraise for Single Moms Planet here.
Sharon Rubinstein-Litwak
Founder and Executive Director of The Oscar Litwak Foundation
To honor the memory of her son—4 year-old Oscar Litwak who died from cancer—Sharon Rubinstein-Litwak founded the The Oscar Litwak Foundation in 2003. The foundation's mission: to bring the joy of play to hospitalized children. Since then, the non-profit has provided more than 130 Mobile Playrooms (filled with toys, books, games, arts and crafts and more) to hospitals and pediatric facilities around the country.
The pandemic has only increased Rubinstein-Litwak's commitment to the cause. "Hospitalized children right now are more isolated than ever," she says. "They are only allowed one visitor and need to stay mainly in their rooms, so donations like ours help them pass their time." She adds that they had to "adapt and modify some of [their] donations to comply with new hospital rules and precautions." (Recently, they assembled more than 170 individual "distraction bags" to be delivered to hospitalized children.)
A mother of three girls (ages 17, 14 and 12), Rubinstein-Litwak has also broadened the work of the foundation in response to Covid. "We felt there were other things we could do, so we donated over 3000 meals to hospitals workers and nursing home staff, as well as 10 iPads to the Jewish Home for the Aging, so residents could communicate with their families."
With her daughters learning remotely now and everyone home together, she tells us that it's given her an opportunity get them more involved in her work. "They have stepped up to the plate and helped me organize and deliver meals and put together the distraction bags that we donate to the hospitals," she says.
Get involved: The Oscar Litwak Foundation relies on volunteers for everything from preparing Mobile Playrooms to assisting with social media. Click here to learn more.
Here's a number that might shock you: The average American throws away 70 pounds of clothes every year, much of which ends up in landfills. What's more, textile mills generate a fifth of the world's industrial water pollution and use 20,000 chemicals, many of them carcinogenic, to make clothes, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council.
Those statistics motivated Nicole Robertson to start Swap Society, an online clothing swap for women and kids. The mother of two wanted to offer an alternative to "fast fashion," and create a way to swap that was fun, easy, affordable and sustainable.
Since Swap Society launched, members of the online marketplace have swapped over 20 thousand garments. Robertson also practices what she preaches. The self-proclaimed sustainable fashion advocate stopped buying “new” clothes 10 years ago.
To help on a broader level, Robertson tells us that Swap Society has "partnered with the nonprofits Remake and Fashion Revolution, working toward an ethical and sustainable fashion industry."
Get involved: Clean out your closet (and your kiddo's closet) to get started swapping with Swap Society. Learn more here.
Samantha Barnes
Founder of Raddish Kids
Based in Redondo Beach, Samantha Barnes is the founder of Raddish Kids, a culinary subscription kit that teaches kids to cook (while reinforcing math, science and reading skills too!).
When Covid forced schools to close in March, Barnes and her Raddish team immediately set to work to support parents with immersive, learning activities. Under Barnes's leadership, the company gave away 50,000 free Raddish kits (equivalent to $1.2 million in sales) to families nationwide, as well as created a free online resource for new homeschooling parents.
While running her business and homeschooling her own children, she also made it a priority to host multiple virtual cook-alongs weekly for two months—with her children—to educate and engage kids, and created a fundraiser with 100 percent of the proceeds going to World Central Kitchen (WKC) to feed those in need, donating more than $10,000. "Through their relief efforts across the world, WCK has consistently demonstrated an ability to efficiently mobilize chefs, strengthen economies, and feed those in need at a local level, all while making global change," Barnes tells us.
Asked what motivates and inspires her work, Barnes tells us, "I'm motivated to provide a strong foundation for my own kids -- to model the ups and downs of running a business, to create a home filled with love and empathy, and to inspire them to be curious, independent thinkers and agents of change."
Get involved: Discover Raddish's Kitchen Classroom offerings, including easy recipes for kids, homeschool lesson plans and more. Click here for volunteering opportunities with World Central Kitchen.
With COVID-related restrictions in place, breaking free from cabin fever isn’t very easy these days. Here’s a solution: Pick up a copy of 111 Places in Chicago That You Must Not Miss with Kids, by Amy Bizzarri, from your favorite local bookstore that offers shipping or curbside delivery and get ready for adventure! Many of the historic and wacky places featured in the book can be easily and safely seen from the comfort of your car to accommodate social distancing, and your kids just might think you’re slowly turning into Mrs. Frizzle from The Magic School Bus.
Giant, Green Hairy Monster at the Door
Maria Chambers
A big, hairy, green monster resides in on Racine Avenue in the West Loop: whenever he senses the smell of an approaching little kid, he heads straight to his massive front door and glares from behind the windowpane, hoping to scare any potential toy robbers away with his gruff, green hairy stare.
Chances are you or your kids have played with a toy that grew out of the minds of some of the non-monsters that work in this playful building: Big Monster Toys designs, engineers and prototypes toys and games for big names in the toy biz—Mattel, Moose, Fisher Price and Hasbro to name a few.
Founded in 1988 by three former partners of the legendary, Chicago-based toy design firm Marvin Glass & Associates, Big Monster Toys stands as one of the few remaining toy manufacturers operating in the city. Their unique door is a brilliant reminder of the unexpected, unrequited joy of toys.
Find it at: 21 S. Racine Ave., West Loop
Hebru Brantley Murals
Maria Chambers
Hebru Brantley's gallery is the city of Chicago. His iconic, superpower-charged characters pop up on unsuspecting walls across the city, from north to south, east to west.
“Flyboy,” a little boy with vintage aviator goggles always on the brink of flying into an adventure, appears often in Brantley's Work. Inspired by the Tuskegee Airmen, Brantley told DNAinfo in 2013 that he created the character "out of a need to have heroes of color, whether black, Asian, or White, European.”
Flyboy Uptown seems as if he's flying right on past the Uptown Broadway Building. A group of five fly kids explore the world beneath the bridge at 1800-1802 Pratt Blvd. A Flygirl with neon pink pigtails and bright, blue googles gazes towards the future from a mural at 1395 North Wood.
Born and raised in Bronzeville, Brantley's used art to keep himself focused, avoiding gang life. Today he's recognized nationally for his public works and solo shows. Icons like Chance the Rapper, Lenny Kravitz and George Lucas are fans of his work; Jay-Z bought one of his paintings on the spot at Art Basel, for $20,000.
See how many of his pop-art, comic-book style, grand-scale murals you can spot around town.
2001 S. Carpenter St.
1800-1802 W. Pratt Blvd.
1407 N. Milwaukee Ave.
151 N. Ogden Ave. (shown in featured photo)
Tip: Check out this interactive Chicago mural map to find all the amazing murals by Brantley and other large-scale mural artists.
In 1891, a young couple—Elias Disney and his wife, Flora — moved from Florida to Chicago. Elias, a carpenter by trade, secured a job at the World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893. The couple purchased an empty lot at 2156 N. Tripp Ave., in Chicago's Hermosa neighborhood, for $700. Flora designed the home of her dreams and Elias built the rectangular, frame home where they would add two more children to their family of four, with his own two hands. Roy Disney was born in 1893, soon after the family moved in. On December 5, 1901, Walter "Walt" Disney was born in the second-floor bedroom.
Few people realize that this modest home was the birthplace of an American cultural icon, and for years it stood sadly in a state of disrepair. No historical markers indicate that this was the birthplace of the Disney dream. It wasn't until the current owners, Brent Young and Dina Benadon, stepped in to save the day that the home began to breathe with new life The duo plans to slowly restore the home back to its early 20th-century glory and eventually transform it into a multimedia-rich museum as well as a center for early childhood creativity.
Tip: Elias Disney not only built the St. Paul Congregational Church (known as Iglesia Evangelica Bautista Betania today), the small church that stands at 2255 N. Keeler Ave., one block east and one block north of Walt Disney’s birthplace, but also named his son after the church's pastor, Walter Parr. Walt Disney was also baptized there.
Celebrate your cool attitude with a rainbow of icy treats at Pretty Cool, a whimsical, colorful, playful and just plain cool ice cream shop that doesn't sell by the scoop. The bars and ice pops here are classified into five cool categories: Custard Bars are ice cream submerged in chocolate, with flavors ranging from the classic—vanilla, cookies and cream—to the exotic—peanut butter potato chip, coffee pretzel toffee. Truck pops transform the standard popsicle with inventive flavors such as litchi lemon tea and passion fruit hibiscus. Plant pops are vegan-friendly, creamy treats made with non-dairy milks. Magic Shell inspired Party Pops are cream cheese bars dipped into Pretty Cool’s proprietary shell blend and topped with sprinkles.
Pony pops are made with tiny appetites and little hands in mind: smaller in size, they're available in classic, kid-friendly flavors—vanilla custard, strawberry buttermilk, chocolate custard, grape pop and pink lemonade pop—and cost $2 each. Pretty Cool is now offering curbside popsicle pick up: just order from your phone and pull up to the curb to pick up your sweet, icy delights.
Find it at: 2353 N. California Ave., Logan Square, prettycoolicecream.com
Leaning Tower of Niles
You don't have to travel all the way to Italy to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
Niles, which directly borders Chicago’s far northwest side, is home to a half-size replica of the famed Torre Pendente di Pisa.
In 1934, industrialist Robert Ilg built a leaning tower of his very own here in Niles. It was just one part of a vast recreational complex for the employees of Ilg Hot Air Electric Ventilating Company, built to store water for the once onsite swimming pools. The 94-foot tower honors scientist Galileo Galilei, who tested his theory of gravity by dropping objects from the original tower in Pisa, with a plaque at its base.
Remember to open your car windows—if you’re lucky you just might hear the tower’s bronze bells mark the time. The bells at the tip-top of the tower, three of which were cast in 17th and 18th Century Italy, were just recently restored and tolls once again.
Tip: Grab a pizza to go from Pequod's Pizza via curbside pickup at 8520 Fernald Ave, Morton Grove (847) 470-9161; pequodspizza.com) and enjoy a Pisa-inspired dinner at home post-adventure. Pequod's specializes in Chicago Deep Dish Pizza with a caramelized crust.
Find it at: 6300 West Touhy Avenue, Niles, IL 60714
It takes a truckload of ingenuity to transform a troubling eyesore into a work of art. Chicago artist Jim Bachor has gone above and beyond: he patches up Chicago's most dastardly potholes and makes mosaics out of them. His thirty-plus pothole art masterpieces are reminders of the power of creativity to transform even the worst lemons into lemonade, making light of the bumps in the road of life by masking them with beauty. Bachor has even recently installed some COVID-19-inspired pothole art around town.
Bachor's self-proclaimed pothole revitalization initiative dates back to 2013, when he patched up a pothole in front of his home in the Mayfair neighborhood. He has transformed potholes into mosaiced Push-ups, daffodils, bluebirds; he's patched them with Burberry plaid and helpful This Is Not a Pothole reminders.
An interactive map at bachor.com details the exact locations, but it's best to be caught unaware by these ever-evolving installations.
Find it at: See bachor.com for an interactive map of Bachor's playful pothole installations.
Ancient Egyptian Temple (Reebie Storage and Moving Co.)
When you can’t jet off and away to Cairo, here’s a local, Egypt-inspired alternative that promises to amaze and inspire: When the Reebie Storage and Moving Co., owned by brothers John and William Reebie, was planning to construct a new building, they decided to make an unforgettable mark on Clark. John Reebie had visited Egypt at some time before 1921 and the brothers, inspired by Egyptian Revival architecture, decided to construct an ancient Egyptian temple of their very own, smack dab in the middle of the north side neighborhood of Lincoln Park. The building's design was based on two ancient Egyptian temples, Dendera and Edfu, erected about 200 BC by Pharaoh Ramses II.
Note the two statues of Ramses, representative of the two founding Reebie Brothers, that flank the entrance. See how many winged scarabs you can find on the facade. Scarabs, a.k.a. dung beetles were considered sacred in ancient Egypt, and stood as symbols of rebirth.
So you want to do a craft project with your kids but you don’t have the dozen or so things needed to make something amazing? Don’t be intimidated by a materials list! From edible necklaces to easy bird-feeders, here are our five-ingredient-or-fewer faves.
Cheerio Necklaces
Melissa Heckscher
Depending on how hungry she is, your little jewelry-maker will probably want to make a few of these necklaces that require only Cheerios (or any O-shaped cereal) and string to create. Just thread your string through the "O" until you're ready to tie it up and put it on. Hint: These are great projects to do at the table when kids are waiting for a meal.
Sticks and stones may break your bones—but they make great craft materials! A little paint and a bit of nature's own ingredients and your kids can make a tic tac toe board worthy of your coffee table. Crafty moms Jodie and Jen of Eighteen25 will tell you how.
Materials: Rocks, four wood square dowels (or plain old sticks, if you want a more rustic look), paint, paintbrush.
Note to self: Keep a few of these super-cool straw rockets in your purse for the next restaurant outing with the kids. Better yet, tote the simple four ingredients in your bag and let your kids put together (and launch) this craft while they’re waiting for their meals. The other diners will thank you… until a paper rocket lands in their wine glass. Get the instructions from Mama Leslie at Pink Stripey Socks.
Why buy a cheap, plastic harmonica when your tiny tinkerers can make their own with a few easy steps and just four ingredients. Get the instructions from self-proclaimed "reinventor" Maya at mayamade.blogspot.com.
Would your kid rather play outside than do arts and crafts at the table? This easy paper craft will giver her a little of both. Get the simple instructions from blogging mother-of-four Amanda Formaro at Crafts By Amanda.
Pipe cleaners and clothespins are the main ingredients for these colorful clip-on dragonflies. A few easy steps and your kids will be clipping these adorable winged creatures all over your house. Mama Michelle has the details on her blog, Crafty Morning.
Want to make something that will inspire your child's reading and her creativity? Bowtie pasta has never looked cuter than in this easy DIY bookmark. Get the scoop from the Mod Podge gurus at Mod Podge Rocks.
Next time you're about to toss an empty egg carton into the trash or recycling bin, stop and read Creative Cubby's easy instructions on how to make an egg carton bird feeder. Your feathered friends will thank you and you'll teach your kids a good lesson on repurposing everyday items.
Remember those mystifying ship-in-a-bottle creations? Handmade Charlotte gives our fascination a little twist with a cork sailboat project. Watch it become nifty house decor after you put the ship in a jar filled with water and pebbles, or let it travel the harsh waves of bathtime. Find out how to make your kids captain of this craft here.
Don't throw those popped balloon remains away! Artsy and creative mom Michelle has the secret to turning those frowns upside down with a balloon bracelet. Get ready to string popped or new balloons into wearable happiness. Note: With completely shattered balloons, snip and save the stems and necks for a different style.
Handsy tots will love watching their imaginative efforts “pop” into the third dimension. Snip magazine scraps and colored papers into houses, streets and skyscrapers. To see how to make this city come to life, head over to Mrs. Picasso’s Art Room!
Materials: Scissors, paper (from plain to magazine scraps), glue, stapler (optional)
Reprint nature with stamps from Mother Earth herself! Scavenge your backyard for tiny pine cones, ferns, and flowers (last two need to be dried for stiffness) and experiment with ink.
Emily Neuburger encouraged her kids to roll, press and smudge their creativity out. The final product? Lovely wrapping paper, framed art or even gift cards.
Materials: Craft paint, ink pads, dried rose buds, pine cones (almost anything can be used as a stamp)
Fold in the edges of paper rolls and what form do you see? Do those points make an the ear of a cat? Or maybe there's a wild rumpus ready to start! That’s exactly what Katie from Matsutake and her little assistant saw, and with some paint, they brought a Wild Thing to life. Check out her blog to see what other creatures she was inspired to create.
Materials: Paper rolls (toilet, wrapping paper, paper towels, etc.) paint, markers
Spring break will be here before you know it, and booking a trip in advance will not only afford you the best rates and availability but also, you’ll have something to look forward to as you make your way through the chilly winter months. From beach vacations to urban escapes to mountain top romps in the sunshine, we’ve got you covered. Read on for vacation inspiration as well as for trends in travel for the new year.
Splurge on a Brand-New Resort in the Northern Maldives
courtesy Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa
A splurge-worthy island adventure awaits you at the brand-new all-inclusive resort, which is also home to the largest kid’s club in the Maldives.
Play: The wraparound reef at the Emerald makes it easy for families to enjoy water sports like kayaking and kite surfing, and scuba enthusiasts can take advantage of the on-site Diving Centre, which is staffed by PADI-certified instructors. Kids ages 3-12 can spend time in the Dolphin Club. Spread out over 1500 square meters, there’s an outdoor playground with mini pool, a splash park, slides, climbing structures and even a kid-sized zip wire. Indoor activities are diverse and plentiful: cupcake making, movie nights, Zumba lessons, fruit cocktail mixology and more.
Sleep:
Eat: This is an all-inclusive resort, so there’s plenty of food and treats to be had at the signature buffet restaurantAqua, which offers menu items from all over the world including Mediterranean, Japanese, Italian, Chinese, vegetarian and even plant-based options. There are two concept restaurants worth sampling as well. The rainforest-inspired Amazònico is a fun dining experience for the whole family,Le Asiatique offers live cooking shows on a teppanyaki grill. If you’re down at the beach, theBeach Club Grill and Pool Bar has kid-friendly, to-go pizza and pasta, and for parents, be sure to try the grilled lobster and seafood platters.
Good to know: If you book now, you’ll receive 20% off the best available rate for a minimum of 7 night’s stay for a maximum of two adults and two children, applicable for all bookings received before 20th December 2020. Offer includes deluxe all-inclusive package, complimentary 60 minutes massage for two adults and 1 x in-room family breakfast. Terms and conditions apply.
The largest of the four Aspen-area ski mountains, Snowmass is one of the most family-friendly mountains with all kids skiing free up to age seven.
Play: This resort comes in at over 3,300 acres of terrain with 91 trails of groomies, halfpipes, terrain parks and more. Families flock here for their state-of-the-art Treehouse Kids’ Adventure Center, a gigantic childcare facility for kids ages eight weeks to four years old. With a nurse on staff and themed rooms, this is where your kids will get introduced to skiing. And, once your kids turn two, they’re welcome to enroll in Snowmass’ Cubs on Skis program, a mix of early childhood education and skiing based out of this nature-themed adventure center.
There's also the brand-new Snowmass Base Village Plaza, which opened in December 2018. Families will be able to ice skate, enjoy fire pits, pop-up activities and casual dining. Kids of all ages can also try their skills on the rock climbing wall that adorns the front of the new Limelight hotel built across from the plaza.
Good to Know: The Treehouse at Snowmass isn’t the only spot your kid will love. Pay a visit to nearby Buttermilk Mountain to experience The Hideout, a 7,500 square foot facility just for kids. Don’t blame your kids if they forget they’re in the mountains and get lost in The Hideout’s custom-designed play features like a lookout tower and interactive play room.
Take your brood to Northwest Costa Rica to revel in the warm weather and lush landscape, full of animals, markets, and family-friendly beach parties.
Play: Consider volunteering for one of the select Service Days while visiting Peninsula Papagayo, with an outreach program that benefits local school children. Visit Costa Rica, and you’ll be rewarded with big adventures that your family will remember and talk about for years to come.
Sleep:Peninsula Papagayo, home to the luxury Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica and Andaz Costa Rica Resort, is a private community spanning over 1,400 acres. Surrounded by Area de Conservacion Guanacaste, a UNESCO World Heritage site, you’ll see thousands of protected plant species and hundreds of multi-hued bird and butterfly types.
Wander the Windy City - Chicago, IL
Wendy Altschuler
Play: Spring in Chicago is a lovely time to visit. From museums with activities designed with littles in mind to spring break kids’ camps at Lincoln Park Zoo and The Second City to baseball season to children’s theatre, the Windy City has much to offer families. Eat your way through Chicago’s neighborhoods, sampling diverse cuisine and fan favorites like Chicago-style hot dogs and deep dish pizza.
Sleep: Hotel Zachary, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, is right across from the famous Wrigley Field as well as within walking distance to shopping, dining, and entertainment. Run around Gallagher Way, across the street from the hotel, go to a Chicago Cubs game, and hit some balls in Sluggers World Class Sports Bar’s batting cages.
Root for Your Home Team at Spring Training — FL or AZ
Daydreaming of hot dogs and Crackerjacks? Take your baseball-loving family on a memorable (and thematic) trip to see spring training in action. Catching a game at Arizona's Cactus League or Florida's Grapefruit League means you can root, root, root for your home team at smaller stadiums before Opening Day. To figure out which teams play where — and when — check out the Cactus League and Grapefruit League websites.
Play: Make sure all of your kiddos are baseball fans because Spring Training is all about the game. The major advantage to seeing teams play pre-season is that you get see games on a much smaller scale. In other words, better seats, cheaper tickets, and the opportunity to see your favorite players up close and personal.
Tip: Get there early, and be sure little ones bring their gloves and/or clean baseballs for scoring autographs
Sleep: Where you shack up depends on your favorite teams. Florida's spring training is spread across the state, with teams playing in four regions: Tampa, Fort Myers, Orlando, and the east coast between Jupiter and Port St. Lucie. If you’re Cactus League-bound, keep in mind that most games are played within a 40-mile radius of the Phoenix-Scottsdale area.
Eat: Pack a picnic! Most Spring Training stadiums offer (cheap!) lawn seats, so the whole family can spread out on the grass while keeping score of the game. The view isn't as good, but you may catch a glimpse of your favorite players as they head in and out of the stadium.
There’s more to these islands than bright azure water and fine white sand—travel here, and you’ll be rewarded with rich cultural experiences that come with the conveniences of the U.S. dollar and English language. When the kids return to school, they can tell their teachers that they traveled to where Christopher Columbus first hit land in the Americas and where pirates used to hide out within the 40 small islands and cays.
Play: Sapodilla Bay and Taylor Bay are the best for kids because of the calm waves and shallow water. Go snorkeling for an afternoon at Bight Reef and Smith’s Reef and see an array of colorful little fish and coral. Visit Little Water Cay, also called Iguana Island, and see loads of Rock Iguanas basking in the hot sand. Long Bay Beach is where you’ll see kiteboarders, a shipwreck marooned in the shallow water and beaches full of huge spiny conch shells. For a truly unique island experience, that you can’t find anywhere else, visit Potcake Place, a charity in Providenciales that rescues dogs and finds them forever homes. Volunteers can take a puppy for a walk in the morning and give them love and socialization—not to mention, fresh air and sunshine. Everything will be provided for your day out, and if you fall in love, you can adopt the puppy and bring her home.
Sleep: Ocean Club Resorts (Ocean Club and Ocean Club West), located on Grace Bay Beach in Providenciales, are perfect for families that want an affordable option with lots of choices. Plus, the pink umbrellas that line the beaches will be great backdrops for your family photos. The two properties are located 15 minutes from each other along the sand, and if you stay at one, you can play at both. Kids can take part in the interactive exploration game, Seafari Kids, where at check-in they’ll be given a kit that encourages them to find and identify indigenous plants and species that are located around the resorts—prizes are awarded for completing the adventure. Tip: Check out the Mangrove Tour.
Eat: Pop into Crackpot Kitchen, where Chef Nik will serve up authentic local Caribbean dishes, passed down from his father, Aulden “Smokey” Smith. Order family style and try a selection of favorites like the Salt Cay Fully Loaded Stew Conch or Smokey’s Loaded Peas and Grits and dine on the rooftop full of locals doing the same.
Island Serenity - Captiva and Sanibel Islands, FL
Wendy Altschuler
Sometimes less is more, and on Captiva and Sanibel Islands, where nothing is built higher than a palm tree and tchotchke shops are few and far between, your family will easily settle into a schedule that revolves around sunsets and searching for seashells. These islands are the sort of places where people laugh easily, wave at each other freely and collectively gasp at dolphin and manatee sightings.
Play: When you’ve explored your home-base beach enough, take a boat excursion with Captiva Cruises to Cayo Costa Island, a state park that is known for excellent shelling. In Sanibel, visit Gene’s Books, a fabulous store full of so many titles that they don’t all fit on the shelves. Kids can get lost in the children’s section, with stacks of books in every direction, which will make finding the perfect book an absolute adventure.
Sleep: Rest your head at the historic Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa on Captiva Island, which is located between the Gulf of Mexico and the Pine Island Sound. You’ll have access to the beach as well as the marina while staying in one of the brightly colored cottages, named after the resort’s famous past visitors—Anne Morrow Lindbergh, J.N. “Ding” Darling, and Theodore Roosevelt have all stayed here. Borrow a free bicycle and take a ride into town, or paddle in a free kayak around the mangroves.
Eat: T2 Traders, located at The Village Shops on Periwinkle Way in Sanibel, has great sandwiches, flatbreads and salads. The location is ideal because you can do a little shopping afterward. On Captiva Island, be sure to visit the Bubble Room, where kitsch reigns supreme. Order a slice of their famous orange cake, try their bubble bread and bring your camera—you’ll want to walk around and take pictures of the interior. Tween Waters also has great restaurants, namely Old Captiva House, Crow’s Nest and the Oasis Pool Bar.
Enjoy Big Views at Grand Canyon National Park, AZ
Kate Loweth
In 2019,Grand Canyon National Park celebrated the centennial. This park, full of colorful layers of geological wonders, cliff dwellings, animals, and even waterfalls, is something every family should see together.
Play: The folks at Austin Adventures appreciate history and geology and they will educate travelers about the natural history of the Grand Canyon while also acknowledging the cultural history of the native tribes that call this national park home. Adventuresome kids can hike around with an Austin Adventures’ day pack, which is full of national park keepsakes and treasures, inspiring kids to learn more and explore the park. The trip includes rafting, hiking and biking around the South Rim, Flagstaff, Williams, Prescott, Sedona and Coconino National Forest—what fun!
Sleep: Select trip dates are available for families for this six-day Grand Canyon Family Vacation Package with the expert guides at Austin Adventures. Accommodations include a wide variety of lodges and hotels over the week, including a stay at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel, located next to the train depot, one block from downtown Williams and historic Route 66.
Eat: Dining ranges from high-quality restaurants to picnic lunches to dinner made at a campfire—you’ll enjoy healthy food and snacks all along the way.
Sail the High Seas with the Disney Dream - Port Canaveral, FL
Courtesy Disney Cruise Line
Play, Sleep & Eat: Disney is synonymous with the feeling of wonder and treating your family to a Disney Cruise, aboard the Disney Dream, is an experience that your children will always remember. From live shows to thematic restaurants to luxe accommodations to swimming pools and waterslides, Disney goes big when it comes to magical fun. You’ll also notice the high quality of service, which is the bread and butter of the whole adventure. The ship will drop anchor in Castaway Cay, a private island reserved for guests to enjoy, and the Bahamas, creating extra opportunities for exploration. Find out more from our insider's guide here.
Denver sits one mile above sea level, giving the city its moniker. There is no shortage of things to do here for families and you can expect to have a panoramic view of the mountain ranges while exploring the parks, museums, and attractions.
Play: Visit the Denver Zoo, Denver Museum of Nature & Science, Downtown Aquarium and take a ride on the Denver Trolley to learn about Denver’s gold rush history. Of course, there’s also the Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum, the Denver Art Museum and the Children’s Museum of Denver. Take a trip just outside of the city, and hike around Dinosaur Ridge at Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre—you can see Allosaurus and Stegosaurus bones and touch real dinosaur footprints preserved in the sandstone. If a visit to Rocky Mountain National Park is on your travel wish-list, and it should be, make sure you spend some time in Estes Park, the gateway to RMNP.
Sleep: One of the best places to stay is AC Hotel Denver Downtown, a stylish boutique hotel with top-notch staff that will help your family with anything you may need. The property is well-located, making it easy to get where you need to go on foot and, bonus, you’ll earn Marriott points with your stay. If you have Fido with you, the hotel is pet-friendly as well.
Eat: Enjoy outdoor dining at Corinne Restaurant and be sure to check out the views from the 54thirty alfresco rooftop, the highest one in the city. The AC Kitchen is a great breakfast option. Union Station has James Beard award-winning chefs, Jennifer Jasinski and Alex Seidel, at the helm of Stoic & Genuine, Ultreia and Mercantile (grab and go options also exist).
There’s so much to do in the consistently warm country of Panama, and with Panama City—the capital and largest city in the country—as your takeoff point, you’ll have access to popular landmarks and attractions.
Play: Don't miss a visit to the Panama Canal, a 50-mile waterway that connects the Atlantic Ocean with the Pacific Ocean, a feat that is one of the most difficult engineering projects ever completed. Kids will love watching the ships raise up in the canal and pass through Miraflores locks, bringing their cargo with them. Visit Casco Viejo “new Panama”, a UNESCO World Heritage site with Spanish colonial architecture, historic churches and plazas with boutiques, restaurants and colorful markets. Make time for a visit to the Sloth Sanctuary and the Gamboa Rainforest. Ride above the tree canopy in an aerial tram, where you may spot a white-faced capuchin monkey or hear the deep guttural sounds of a howler monkey.
Sleep: The Westin Playa Bonita, located only twenty minutes from Panama City and thirty minutes from the Miraflores Locks, is a great place to start your adventure. Romp around on Bonita Beach and cool off in the Pacific Ocean, hike in the nearby rainforests and swim in one of the three infinity pools. Free activities for kids are available every day. Kids can splash around in the Children’s Pool or parents can take kids out on a complimentary kayak.
Eat: Ocho y Media is a garden-style restaurant that serves global cuisine. Sit outside and enjoy the strung lights overhead while noshing on a slice of warm baked apple pie with vanilla ice cream. Karimar Restaurant serves up traditional Panamanian fare, by the symphonic sea—you won’t want to leave. Take advantage of The Westin Playa Bonita’s restaurants as well—there are six to choose from. For authentic Panamanian cuisine with kid-friendly entertainment, try Diablicos in the Casco Viejo district.
Resort Road Trip: If it's an all-inclusive experience you seek, head for the Buenaventura Golf & Beach Resort, which lies about two hours outside the city limits and is accessible by boat and car/shuttle service. With 12 pools (eight of them are for everyone), a kids' club with activities like overnight campouts and cookie making, this 400-acre resort has something for everyone. There's a playground, free bike rentals, a climbing wall, zip line and wildlife zoo, stables, a sports club that have both private lessons and camps like an aquatic camp or a soccer camp, two beach clubs, 10 restaurants and even a world-famous 18-hole golf course that is the crown jewel of PGA Latin America. Rooms are ample size, the smallest being 527 sq. feet, and there are five suits with connecting rooms and a half-bath in the living room. For multi-gen travel, consider one of the four-bedroom villas that line the pond.
Play: Numero uno on the list of best places to play in St. Louis no doubt goes to City Museum. It’s an all-ages, city-inspired fun house that will inspire you and get the creative juices flowing as you climb, burrow and snake your way through passageways and shafts. With no maps or any real sense of direction, you’re forced to explore, touch and interact with everything . . . and you’ll be glad you did. Plus, St. Louis boasts more free chief visitor attractions than anywhere else in America, outside of the nation’s capital that is. The Saint Louis Art Museum, Zoo, History Museum, Anheuser-Busch Brewery, Laumeier Sculpture Park, Citygarden and more are free of charge and perfect for families that want to see a lot, but not spend a lot.
Sleep: Located in the heart of all St. Louis has to offer, the Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis makes a perfect home base for your family getaway. Mini road trippers will be greeted with a Radio Flyer wagon full of toys and a plate with their names written in chocolate and handmade solid chocolate arches standing tall alongside sprinkle-covered marshmallow treats.
Eat: University City and Delmar Loop is about 20 minutes northwest of St. Louis. Here, in this old streetcar suburb, you’ll find Blueberry Hill Pub and Restaurant for American cuisine and pop culture memorabilia, Fitz’s Restaurant and Bottling Company known for their delicious pub grub and house-made soda that churns out on a visible bottling line (a bottle a second!) and Blueprint Coffee with in-house roasted beans when you’re ready for a little caffeine jolt (don’t leave without grabbing a jar of their canned jelly for home).
Nestled between the world’s second-largest barrier reef and an expansive nature preserve lies the tiny fishing village of Puerto Morelos.
Play: Home to just 1,200 year-round residents, this quaint spot is merely 11 miles away from downtown Cancun. Fresh seafood restaurants line the beaches, and there’s live music on the weekends. Stroll down the dock over clear waters to view catamaran sailboats, wander and shop the charming avenues, burn off steam at the playground in the center square and admire the leaning lighthouse that has survived nearly one-hundred years of coastal storms. Book a snorkeling adventure with Lighthouse Tours. Their two-hour guided tour is easy even for young kids. A highlight for families is nearby Crococun, a local wildlife center filled with crocodiles, parrots, turtles, iguanas, spider monkeys and more. Each tour is guided by a biologist; kids will be able to hold a baby crocodile, feed deer and turtles, plus there’s picnic/playground area that’s perfect for fueling up after seeing all the animals.
Sleep:Grand Residences Riviera Cancun is a five-star resort that feels more like a home than a hotel. If you want a truly relaxing location for your mid-winter break, spring break or beyond, this is your answer. The resort is made up of all suite-style rooms, which means you have choices: You can book anything from a one-to three-bedroom suite that comes equipped with everything from a small kitchenette to a full kitchen/laundry with extra murphy beds in the living room. There’s even a four-bedroom presidential suite that sleeps up to 13 (ahem, multi-gen vacation). You can book your stay as an all-inclusive or as an a la carte, and here’s a huge perk: kids ages 12 and under stay for free. It doesn’t take much to keep yourself entertained here, and there’s a definite wellness vibe for those who like to be active. The Grand Residences has four pools (one is a lap pool), tennis courts with thrice-weekly clinics, bike rentals, and even the option to charter a sailboat for an extra charge.
Eat: When you tire of El Faro Grill and Flor de Canela at the Grand Residences, head for downtown Puerto Morelos. For an early lunch with access to docks, try Pelicanos for excellent nachos and ceviche. For dinner, we recommend Boquinete, one of the newest restaurants to line the beachfront of Puerto Morelos. The tacos are plentiful and fresh, as is the ceviche and reef fish. They have a beachfront, which can be helpful for parents with wiggly kids or be a memorable dining spot for an adults-only night.
Looking for a healthy dose of outdoor adventure on your spring break trip? Anakeetsa, an activity and nature center in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is the perfect destination for your family. Not only will you be able to take in the beauty of the nation’s most visited national park, but Anakeetsa is jam-packed with activities for visitors of all ages.
Play: You’ll have a hard time deciding what to tackle first at Anakeetsa, as the outdoor opportunities are endless. In addition to hiking and ziplining, kids will have a blast walking across connecting bridges, exploring treehouses, and trying their hand at gem mining. If you’re looking to get out and explore the area, there’s world-class skiing in nearby Ober, Ripley’s Aquarium, and a variety of entertainment shows.
Sleep: If you want to stay nearby, the Greystone Lodge offers spacious rooms (and free hot breakfast) on the river in downtown Gatlinburg. Cottages are also available at the Greystone for families who are looking for a little more space and privacy.
Eat: Stroll around and stop for a bite to eat in Firefly Village, which is nestled among the treetops in the heart of the Smokies. Depending on what you’re in the mood for—a quick bite or a hearty southern meal—there’s Pearl’s Pie in the Sky, which offers baked goods, ice cream, and (of course) pie; and the Anakeetsa Summit Smokehouse, where you’ll get a dose of mouth-watering barbecue.
Bring Your Brood to Bimini
Resorts World Bimini
One of the hottest destinations for 2020 is Bimini, a family-friendly island off of the Bahamas. You won’t have to travel far, as this island is only 50 miles off of the coast of Florida, but you’ll feel like you’re in a far-flung destination as soon as you poke your toes into the hot white sand and peer out onto the azure horizon.
Play: Taste Bimini Bread, made fresh in the colorful town; fill up on conch salad from one of the shacks along the beach, and learn about the culture from local Biminites. Chanel Ernest Hemingway, a resident of the island in the '30s, and go fishing or spend the day in the sea.
Sleep: The Hilton at Resorts World Bimini, a luxury beachfront resort that caters to families. All guest rooms, designed with a contemporary aesthetic, have either a terrace or balcony. Suites are large in size and complete with high-quality amenities. You’ll have many choices for dining as the resort: The Tides, The Sushi Bar or the Oasis swim-up bar. Resorts World Bimini also has multiple swimming pools and access to Paradise Beach. For fun, take a golf cart to any of the island’s other beaches to explore a different landscape. Shop at Fisherman’s Village, a market along the marina. You’ll find that for your family, there’s plenty to do, see, and eat in Bimini.
For Great Scenery & Small Town Charm - Mammoth, CA
If you're not looking for warm weather just yet, Mammoth Mountain is the ultimate spring break destination for families who want to hit the slopes. And for those times when you just want to kick back and relax, Mammoth is packed with tons of restaurants, kids' activities, and even incredible natural hot springs in the Eastern Sierra.
Play: When you go to Mammoth, you go for the skiing. But even if your kids aren't up to speed on the slopes just yet, with the help of the lessons offered, they just might be by the time you leave. Here, patient pros will help guide the most novice of skiers in small group lessons, as well as kids and adults with disabilities in their Adaptive Ski School. In addition to the skiing, Mammoth has a ton more to offer in terms of winter sports, including snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and letting loose at Wooly's Tube Park and Snow Play, where kids of all ages will have a blast.
Sleep: For cozy accommodations after a day on the slopes, look to the splurge-worthy Sierra Nevada Resort, which has been a longtime local favorite. The 149-room hotel has a super rustic feel and almost all rooms are appointed for families (with heated bathroom floors and fireplaces!). There's also a shuttle that regularly runs from the hotel to the mountain lodges, as well as to the airport.
Eat: For nights when everyone is exhausted from playing in the snow, Sierra Nevada Resort's Rafters—and all of their local, organic produce—is a fantastic option. When you want to venture out, there are tons of restaurants featuring all sorts of fare to choose from, including Jimmy's Taverna for seafood lovers, Campo to satisfy your hankering for Italian, and The Stove for an unforgettable home-style breakfast.
Check Maui Off Your Bucket List
courtesy Hyatt Regency Maui
Maui offers many adventures for families, whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation or you want to toss in some intrepid experiences for good measure.
Play: Begin your trip at one of the world’s best aquariums, Maui Ocean Center, to get an idea of what you might see while snorkeling or during a boat cruise. Arrange for a luau experience to learn about the Hawaiian culture—most hotels can assist with planning. Take a family-friendly surfing lesson. Make time for a hike in Iao State Park, which is rich with history. Visit Maui Tropical Plantation and see a lush landscape full of fruits, produce, and flowers.
After touring the working farm, dine at The Mill House for a culinary experience like no other. Plan early, and see the sunrise at Haleakala National Park. Drive the Road to Hana to see rainforests, lava tubes, caves, waterfalls, and all of that jaw-dropping scenery that Maui is known for. Take lots of photographs—likely, one will make your holiday card for next year.
Sleep: The Hyatt Regency Maui's stunning oceanfront property has something for everyone. From swimming pools with water slides to penguin tours at the local wildlife center and even stargazing to the Regency Club, where for an added fee there are snacks, food and amenities all day long, this resort is ideal for your dream vacation.
Waterslide Heaven — Wisconsin Dells, WI
Wendy Altschuler
No sun? No problem. At Wisconsin Dells, every day is waterpark weather. A buzzing Midwestern tourist's destination that's located midway between Chicago and Minneapolis, Wisconsin Dells is the self-proclaimed "Waterpark Capital of the World" (21 waterparks and counting!)—and it's got a slew of indoor parks for when the weather isn't exactly bathing suit friendly.
Play: Families with wee ones will want to hit the Great Wolf Lodge or the Wilderness Resort, both of which cater to smaller visitors.
Note: You'll have to stay at these resorts to use their water parks.
Family tapped out on water? There are plenty of other options. Hop on the saddle for a trail ride at the Canyon Creek Riding Stable, speed across 6,000 feet of cables with Big Foot Ziplines (kids must be above 43 inches to zip), or give the kids a fun glimpse at the history of the circus at Circus World.
Sleep: There are so many choices when it comes to kid-centered lodging that it's hard to find a place that won't blow your kids’ minds. But the Great Wolf Lodge, the Kalahari Resort, and the Wilderness Resort top our list because of their sheer number of kid-friendly attractions (think arcades, mini-golf, kids crafts, theatrical shows, etc.) and the special attention both resorts pay to little ones.
Eat: Want your dinner delivered by miniature train? Head to Buffalo Phils, which serves up burgers and BBQ in a bustling Wild West-themed atmosphere. It's also under the same roof as Knuckleheads Bowling & Trampoline Park and right next door to the Outlets at the Dells (with over 75 shops!). It sounds like a play date to us.
Google "ranch vacations" and you’ll find a whole heap of ‘em. But the rustic-yet-luxe Tanque Verde Ranch in Arizona tops our list because it’s open year-round and has loads of fun activities for little cowboys. Like horses? Your kids can spend all day at the kids club (activities for kids under four are available by request), where they’ll enjoy riding lessons, trail rides, arts and crafts and more. For folks who aren’t keen on giddying up in the saddle, there are other activities including yoga, swimming, fishing, hiking, and a spa.
Play: Besides the plethora of activities at the ranch, you can also venture out into the Tucson area and enjoy downhill skiing, golfing, cave exploring, shopping, and more.
Sleep: After a long day of activities on the ranch, you and your kids will be happy to nestle down in Tanque Verde's modern adobe casitas, all of which boast stretching views of the surrounding desert and mountains.
Note: In keeping with the rustic theme, there aren’t TVs in any of the rooms and the WiFi can be a bit spotty.
Eat: All-inclusive means you and your kids will get three meals a day of award-winning Southwestern cuisine. Want to dine in the Great Wide Open? Sign up for a breakfast ride and feast on blueberry pancakes and ranch-style eggs amid the cacti and tumbleweeds. On Wednesdays and Sundays, the ranch has “cowboy cookouts” that include a tasty barbecue buffet and live entertainment.
Take the Kids to Tuscany
Gabby Cullen
Italy, and more specifically, Tuscany, is famous not only for the Italian Renaissance but also for the countryside. Families can explore at their own pace, traveling from Siena, known for its medieval streets, to San Gimignano, where you can stroll cobblestone streets and order gelato in one of the squares. The Leaning Tower of Pisa is also fun to see, and kids will recognize it right away.
Play: Of course, Tuscany has kid-centered activities that any major city has: zoos, theme parks (Pinocchio Park is one), waterparks, and museums, but there is so much more to experience here with your family in tow. UNESCO has declared seven World Heritage Sites in Tuscany, there are amazing underground cave and grotto systems, 120 protected nature reserves, and families can learn how to make pecorino cheese in Cugusi, the area between Pienza and Montepulciano.
Sleep: Snuggled in the Serchio Valley, between the Apuan Alps and the Tuscan Emilian Apennines, conveniently about an hour from Lucca, Florence, and Pisa, sits Renaissance Tuscany Il Ciocco Resort & Spa. A stay here rewards families with easy access to medieval towns, market tours, onsite cooking lessons, an outdoor pool with mountain views.
Eat: It’s no surprise that Italians like to eat well and spending time with family is a big part of the culture. Dining out is part of the experience and kids are welcome—and celebrated—in eateries all over Tuscany. Further, many restaurants have gardens or lovely piazzas where it’s entirely appropriate for kids to run around and play while waiting for dinner to arrive. Renaissance Tuscany Il Ciocco Resort & Spa has a wide variety of dining options as well—La Veranda has traditional favorites available or, better yet, arrange for a day with the chef. Shop in the local market and indulge in a private cooking lesson—you will eat your meal with pride having made it yourself. Kids can also join a cupcake making class and provide the dessert for your family table
“Today is a gift. That’s why they call it the present.”
Or, how about the most cliché saying: “Time flies!”
Whatever your favorite or most hated cliché saying about time is, there are so many because time is so important to us. We hate to waste it. Then we want it to pass quickly. Then we realize we don’t have enough of it.
How do we utilize our time and make the most of it? How do we grapple with this love-hate relationship with time? I’m not trying to suggest ways to squeeze as much as you can into your waking hours or give tips on how to be super efficient and check everything off your to-do list. It is funny though that I’m now bringing up my awesome Passion Planner that I use to hand-write my weekly schedule, goals, dreams, and doodles. But it’s not my endless to-do lists or calendaring that I want to share. What I want to share is something that I find so simple and silly at the same time. There is a section for your daily focus and I often pencil in mindfulness or being present. And then I never do it. Such a seemingly easy thing to do, yet so hard and silly that I have to be reminded to do it.
What’s the best way to define “mindfulness”? To put it simply, it’s being present in the moment. Being present and aware of your feelings, thoughts, and body. I think this is a good start if you want to be more mindful of your time. My mind moves at a million miles per minute. I am a self-proclaimed multi-tasking queen, but that comes at the expense of never being fully present wherever I am. Or never getting to the big things that will make a real impact. A recurring problem for me is story time with my son at night. I love reading together and we do it every night, but as I’m reading Steam Train, Dream Train or Are You My Mother? for the thousandth time, I’m constantly thinking about what to do once he falls asleep.
I start to read, “Through the darkness clickety-clack…” And as I’m reading the words, my mind wanders and I think about how many loads of laundry I can get done tonight. And I ask myself whether or not I should bake muffins for tomorrow. I try to remember the things that I need to order from Amazon. “A whistle blares out in the night,” I continue, while reminding myself to schedule a gas delivery at work tomorrow so I can run out of the office and start the long trek home without having to make any stops. And this goes on and on until I finally whisper, “chhhhhh…goodnight.”
When I was kid, I saw this saying somewhere. “To say ‘Time is money’ is an insult to time.” I think it was a billboard or maybe a commercial on TV. I didn’t have enough life experience as a kid to truly grasp the meaning of it, but I get it now. More than ever.
I currently find myself in a job that I absolutely hate. I find my mind wandering to places I want to be or to things I wish I could be doing or to people I’d rather be spending my time with. When I think about how fleeting time is, I often see these flashes of my son quickly growing up before my eyes. Then my mind darts back to my college years and how I ended up where I am today. Should I have gone to school elsewhere? Should I have taken my chances with this or that? Should I take my chances and take a big risk now? I can’t go back and change things, but I can embrace the here and now and realize that there’s no time like the present.
Years from now, when Tyler is in school or away at college, do I want to look back on how amazing my multi-tasking was? That I could seemingly be the most put-together mom who didn’t shirk my parenting duties or work because I just did it all? Or how I was so good at establishing routine and order? Probably not. I want my memories to be filled with the nights (almost every night) that my two-year old stayed up later than he should because we were cuddling and getting lost in storybooks about trains and night owls. I want my memories to be filled with the countless times we pushed toy trucks around and used our imaginations to be silly and make up games and songs and laughed until we couldn’t breathe. Not the way I rushed through our bedtime routine so that I could quickly move onto chores and meaningless stuff. You have to run a household and do adult things like laundry and grocery shopping, but most times, those things can wait. The laundry will still be there in the morning as much as you don’t want it to be. You can always run to the store or order groceries. But you can never replace or replenish that precious time.
When I’m retired years (many many years) from now, whether I’m rolling in piles of cash, or living frugally, do I want to see the same monotonous routine day in and day out? Just mechanically going through the motions? Do I want to remember hating my job and being stuck where I was because I didn’t do anything about it? No. I want to remember the risks I took, the projects I worked on, and the lessons I learned. I want to think back and remember that even if I failed along the way, I pursued the dreams that were most meaningful to me. I want to be able to go to sleep every night knowing that I contributed to my family, community, and self to my fullest potential. That I filled my life with people and things that added positive value to it, and that in turn, I did the same.
It is important to have an awareness of time and understand how valuable it is, but it’s worthless if you don’t act upon that knowledge. For me, it’s a work in progress, but I aim to be present in the moment and I aim to thoughtfully spend my time in ways that reflect what I value. The time is now!
Hi! I'm Kathee! I hope to inspire and find inspiration in my everyday. I love to share stories and I enjoy opportunities that allow me to be creative. Family, food, crafting, and planning are my passions. I'm excited to join the Red Tricycle community and can't wait to connect!
In a world filled with bullying, it is more important than ever to teach young children the concept of self-acceptance. As a parent, there have been plenty of times my kids have come home sad because they didn’t measure up to other children and were teased about it. Bullying has real and severe implications, and I truly believe the only way to nip it in the bud is to discuss the topic of self-acceptance through books that kids can easily relate to. There are plenty of wonderful picture books that promote this concept in a way that leads to a natural, post-book discussion. Here are some of my family’s favorites:
Being Small (Isn’t So Bad After All) by Lori Orlinsky This book tells the sweet story of a little girl who doesn’t want to go to school because she’s the shortest kid in her class. Through clever rhymes and beautiful, colorful illustrations, readers can understand and empathize with her perspective and why she feels sad. Through talking to her mom, the little girl begins to see the special things that only she can do because of her height (e.g. fit in the cart in the grocery store, get the most leg room on a plane). This is a great story for any child (not just a short one) who has ever felt different. Orlinsky does a great job in making this tough topic of self-confidence and acceptance approachable for young readers.
Wanda’s First Day by Mark Sperring This story is about an adorable witch named Wanda who mistakenly goes to a school for fairies instead of the school for witches on her very first day of school. Wanda feels like a fish out of water because she does not have wings like all of the other fairies and she carries a broomstick instead of a wand. She eventually realizes the mistake that she has made and promptly alerts her teacher that she is at the wrong school. Her very kind and empathetic teacher tells her that she is not in fact at the wrong school, but exactly right where she belongs. With her teacher’s help and a little magic, Wanda makes new friends and has a great first day of school. Sperring does a wonderful job imparting the message that we all fit in no more how different we may seem. Children will enjoy the adorable illustrations that perfectly compliment the story.
Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes One of my all-time favorite picture books, Chrysanthemum, is about a little mouse who absolutely loved and adored her unique name. She would proudly say it all the time because she loved it that much. But, when she starts school and shares her name, everyone laughs at her for being named after a flower and having a name with so many letters in it. Chrysanthemum is crushed and goes from loving her name to absolutely abhorring it. But, with the help of a much-loved music teacher named Mrs. Delphinium Twinkle, Chrysanthemum, as well as the other students, learn just how very special it can be to have a unique name. It’s a beautiful story about learning to love, accept, and embrace our differences.
Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon by Patty Lovell This wonderful story is about a clumsy little girl named Molly Lou Melon. Molly Lou is “just taller than her dog” and has “buck teeth that stuck out so far she could stack pennies on them.” She never let the fact that she looked a little different get in her way. What Molly Lou lacked in height, she made up for with her indomitable spirit, as well as a strong belief in herself, that was instilled in her by her grandmother who would always tell her to “stand tall.” But, her strong sense of self is questioned when she moves to a new town. At her new school, she gets picked on by a mean bully named Ronald. Never one to just give up, Molly Lou perseveres with that indomitable, positive spirit of hers. She charms her classmates with her unique talents and sweet personality, eventually even winning over Ronald by “killing with kindness.” Lovell’s story has a beautiful message about the power of believing in one’s self. Additionally, Molly Lou Melon serves as an excellent role model and an inspiration for all.
Hooway For Wodney Wat by Helen Lester Rodney Rat has a speech impediment and therefore cannot pronounce his R’s correctly, making it difficult for him to say his name. The other rodents bully and tease him about his speech impediment. One day a new student named Camilla Capybara, who is a self-proclaimed bully, joins Rodney’s class. Camilla terrorizes all of the rodents until one day when Rodney’s speech impediment inadvertently stops the bully and saves the day during an epic game of Simon Says. Any child who has ever been a victim of bullying will easily relate to Rodney and his story. The cheery and vibrant illustrations will capture your child’s attention.
My name is Faith Goldstein. I am a children's book author; my first book, Gorillas' Night Out, was recently published by Indigo River Publishing. I am a mother to two enegetic boys, ages five and ten. Prior to having children, I was a Kindergarten teacher for eight years. Shopping is my passion!
We don’t think we need to tell you that Orlando, Florida is one of (if not the most) popular vacation destination in the country. It’s easy to see why. Not only is the city home to popular theme parks like Walt Disney World and Universal Studios Florida, it’s constantly evolving, rolling out new attractions, rides and events both in the parks and beyond. Which is why we headed south to the Sunshine State to see what’s new for families in Orlando’s parks and further afield. (Anyone like Star Wars, Harry Potter or Toy Story? Good news ahead!) For even more ideas on what to do outside the parks, head here!
Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge
Mimi O'Connor
It's not uncommon for families to have parents and kids who are equally gaga over Star Wars. (Continually debuting and reviving movies over five decades will do that.) After much anticipation, the new Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge opened in August at Disney's Hollywood Studios, and we saw happy visitors of all ages marveling at the 14-acre land.
Set on the remote planet Batuu, Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge has many of the series' icons in the mix. Those include a to-scale Millennium Falcon, the hopping cantina (where both alcoholic, and non-alcoholic libations are served at all times) blue and green milk on tap and even bad buys like Kylo Ren, stormtroopers, and yes, Darth Vader on the scene.
At first, it felt a little weird to have totalitarian "police" walking around, and the idea of a "meet and greet" with Darth Vader sounded a bit off, but when we happened upon kids engaged in lightsaber sparring with both Vader and Ren, we were completely sold. Seriously the best. Of course, there are many opportunities to build and purchase your own saber here. You can also custom-build a droid if you want.
Far Out Rides
Mimi O'Connor
Just walking around "Batuu" is pretty fun. There's a marketplace bazaar with lots of planet-appropriate merchandise like "pets", gear, and clothing; Docking Bay Food and Cargo, where you can fill up on "galactic grub", and plenty of Instagram-worthy expanses—but there are in fact two rides, or "attractions" here.
The first, which opened late August, is Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, which has a group of six visitors (you guessed it) piloting the great ship herself on an illicit mission. Each person is assigned a role on the ship—pilot, engineer, etc.—and you do your part to make the trip successful. Some roles are admittedly more fun than others (gunner, exciting; engineer? less so) but it's a wild, interactive ride no matter what, and you do, of course, make the leap to hyperspace. Even waiting to enter the cockpit is fun, as you're staged inside the Falcon (major geekout), near the couch, iconic Dejarik chess table, etc.
Coming soon, is Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, which opens December 5. It promises the thrill of escaping The First Order and an all-out (virtual) battle.
While not located inside Galaxy's Edge, Hollywood Studios is also home to The Star Tours, another Star Wars-themed experience that we highly recommend. It's another flying around, interactive attraction, which pulls heavily from the trio of movies originally released in the 70s and 80s. It's funny, too, with an "in-flight" safety video for interstellar travel, etc.
Toy Story Land
Mimi O'Connor
While not as "hot off the presses" as Galaxy's Edge, Toy Story Land is one of the newer draws at Disney's Hollywood Studios. It opened in June of last year, and is very well done, capturing both the playful, friendly energy of the movies and cleverly recreating the POV of its characters.
Giant statues of Woody and Buzz Lightyear greet visitors, and oversized toys like Tinker Toys, dice and Viewmaster slides found throughout the Land remind you what it's like to be small. Characters like Buzz and Jessie appear for meet and greets, and you can hop some fun rides here, too. The showpiece of Toy Story Land is the kid-friendly-with-a-kick coaster the Slinky Dog Dash; you can take a spin on Alien Swirling Saucers, and we highly recommend Toy Story Mania!, a 4D ride through a virtual midway with contestants competing against each other to shoot as many targets as possible. (You actually get a score to see how well you did compare to your companion.)
Other recent debuts in the House of Mouse include the NBA Experience and brand new people movers. The first, which opened mid-August is located in shopping, eating and entertainment destination Disney Springs and may be an air-conditioned break the family needs on an off-park day. The experience gives visitors the chance to spend the day working and playing as members of the NBA and WNBA with 13 basketball-themed areas.
There's lots of opportunities to make baskets, from layups, free-throws and dunks (and even via slingshot, shown here). You can enter the arena to the sound of cheering fans, participate in the draft and pose with a smiling mannequin of commissioner Adam Silver, make the call as a referee, and test your knowledge of the game with trivia. And if you need a Michael Jordan-signed basketball or other high-priced memorabilia, they have that there, too.
Tickets: $34/adults; $29/kids ages 3-9, free/kids three and under Disney Springs 1486 E. Buena Vista Dr. Lake Buena Vista, FL 407-939-6244 Online: disneyworld.disney.go.com
Additionally, in late September Disney World introduced the Disney Skyliner, new way to get to and from several of its resorts, Disney Hollywood Studios and the Epcot International Gateway. These colorful, roomy gondola cars glide above the parks offering nice views and a free way to from point a to point b. There was a bit of a hiccup in the early days of operation, leaving some guests stuck in mid air for a couple of hours, but the system is back up and running.
Another Fantastical World at Animal Kingdom
Disney
If you haven't been to Disney's Animal Kingdom in a while, there's a new fictional place to visit there as well. The park celebrates animals of the past, present, the imagination, and in spring of 2017 it debuted Pandora—The World of Avatar, inspired by the James Cameron film.
An entirely new "wing" in the park, Pandora seeks to transport visitors to this fictional, future world, hallmarks of which are bioluminescence (the park glows at night!`), enormous "floating" boulders (quite striking), and the humans who have learned the traditions of the native Na'vi. (In an effort to create an truly immersive experience, you'll hear staff speaking the occasional Na'vi word, enjoy more rustic—but tasty—food in the Pandora restaurant, and hear only nature sounds—not feel-good tunes, as in the rest of the park—from the park's speakers.)
The ride experiences are of two extremes here. The first, "Na'vi River Journey" is a soothing, quite beautiful boat ride through caverns filled with bioluminescent flora and fauna. The second, "Avatar: Flight of Passage," finds visitors mounting a Pandora banshee, or dragon, by way of avatar assignment — a fun pre-ride prep that ties into the movie. The ride itself is a thrilling VR experience that frankly, blew us away. After mounting a chair/banshee and donning VR goggles, riders bob, weave, plummet and soar through the gorgeous, idyllic land of Pandora, with added mist and wind effects completing the mind trick.
More Harry Potter Thrills with Universal
Universal Islands of Adventure
If you've been to Universal Studios Florida's The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, you know how incredible it is. (If you haven't and you have a Potterhead in the house, get on that. Also: save your pennies for all the merch—which only just begins with the acquisition of a wand that can be used to activate spells around the perfectly recreated Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade.)
But even if you have been, you may want to return, as Universal's Islands of Adventure, USF's sister park connected by the charming Hogwart's Express, just introduced a new, thrilling ride. Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure puts you and a companion in the driver's seat or sidecar of the friendly giant's motorcycle, and you're off—on an innovative, high-speed ride with surprises and character appearances along the way. In addition to being like no other coaster we've experienced, it's also long in duration, so it's not one of those rides that's over before it starts. (A letdown if you've waited a long time.)
Not New, But Still Amazing
Universal Studios Florida
Yes, Universal Studios Florida and its sister park, Islands of Adventure, are home to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and no, they are not new. (The impressive Hogsmeade portion debuted at Islands in 2010, while the completely magical and mind-blowing Diagon Alley section at Universal Studios opened in 2014. The attractions are short ride on the Hogwarts Express away, with even the train ride itself being a transporting experience in more ways than one. (You can walk between them, but many people wait in line—sometimes for a quite a while—to hop the train.)
For any die-hard Potterhead (or parent of one), this is already known, but Universal's Wizarding World is nothing short of extraordinary, a complete, immersive, interactive experience created with incredible detail and (to our eye) deep love and respect for the source material. It feels unfair to say "It's just like being there"; it is being there. Go!
In the Halloween Spirit
Mimi O'Connor
While not an event for young kids (recommended age is 13 and up), this is also when Universal Studios Florida gets spooky after hours, with Halloween Horror Nights. This is the park's biggest Halloween event ever, with 10 themed haunted houses and five "scare zones", the former of which is when you must navigate a stretch of walk filled with zombies, ghouls, etc. This year's theme is all things 80s, and haunted houses are dedicated to pop culture mainstays such as Stranger Things and Ghostbusters, as well as creepy movie Us, and high-energy live shows add to the night time fun. HHN is so popular, it's been running since September 6, and goes right through Halloween weekend to November 2.
Also new at Universal is Bigfire, an open and airy restaurant designed to feel like a lakeside summer house located in CityWalk, a dining and entertainment complex connected to the parks that's open to the public. The restaurant cooks meals over open wood fires (on display for all to see), using pecan, oak and cherry. There's a kid's menu with reliable choices (chicken fingers, burger, mac and cheese) and we had some delicious scallops. The high point for the kids will likely be the make-at-your-table s'mores, which in addition to standard fixings, come with homemade marshmallow and Reese's Peanut Butter Cups.
If doughnuts are more your family's style, take note that the first Voodoo Doughnut east of the Mississippi can be found at Universal's CityWalk.
Further Afield: Instagrammer's Paradise, Wall Crawl
Mimi O'Connor
If you're looking for something completely different to throw into your Orlando itinerary (that ironically, will probably not be in your fellow FLA-bound friend's Instagram feed) head to the brand new Wall Crawl, located in the northwest neighborhood of Parramore. (About a 20 minute drive from Disney et. al.) Opened this summer by a photographer/self-proclaimed "Instagram husband" and his blogger wife, this Insta-bait photo studio is filled with more than 20 well-lit photo-ready backgrounds perfect for striking a pose solo or as a group.
Mural styles range from bold, colorful and minimalistic, to boho, glam, beachy, kiddie cute and beyond, and even have props like cupcakes, seasonal items and oversized inflated creatures. Bookings of 60-minute sessions are timed so it doesn't get too crowded, and they even have roaming "Instagram husbands" (pro photogs) taking snaps that you can buy as prints on your way out if you like.) Alert: Amazing holiday card photo shoot opportunity.
Tickets: $25/adults; $12.50/kids 3-12, free/kids two and under Wall Crawl 1016 W. Church St., Suite C Orlando, FL 321-209-0432 Online: wallcrawl.com
Food, Food & More Food!
La Luce
If you think you're going to dine on only cheeseburgers and giant pretzels in Orlando, think again. This city is home to many top-notch chefs from the around the world, working both in and outside of the parks. We give all of these spots a thumbs-up, with most having food the kids will enjoy as well.
La Luce (pictured above): Located in the Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek, this upscale modern Italian restaurant prides itself on excellent service and incredible food made with fresh and simple ingredients. Highly recommended.
Bull & Bear: Like its counterpart in New York City, this is a real old school steakhouse located in the Waldorf Astoria (think rich, moody colors and dim lights), and is worth a date night if that's your speed. Another spot with stellar service and delectable dishes, sides and desserts perfectly prepared. Much is served tableside; if a cut of meat isn't for you, try the celebrated fried chicken (trust us) and order "The Lemon" for dessert.
Disney Springs is also home to many restaurants worth a trip, including the tucked away Enzo's Hideaway, a subterranean cozy speakeasy with small plates and large tables; The Edison, a cavernous, multi-leveled space serving up craft cocktails and upscale American and comfort foods; and Frontera Cocina from seven-time James Beard Award-winner Rick Bayless, where delicious Mexican is served—the Queso Fundido appetizer is a must here.
For a place locals do brunch and lunch, make your way (and bring your sweet tooth and appetite) to Se7en Bites Bake Shop in the city's northeast Milk District. Expect decadent southern comfort food that mixes savory and sweet in a sinful way in this ultra casual spot that serves breakfast all day. (For example: its 7th Trimester is a biscuit topped with an egg, applewood smoked bacon, mac and cheese, and potato chip bacon crumble.) They also have baked goods galore.
For Asian, we recommend the homegrown Dragonfly Robata, where they serve their exquisite and modern sushi, sashimi, and robatayaki tapas-style. (They have tasty recs for kids, so you can bring them, but you might want to book a sitter so you can focus on how good this food is.)
For an Affordable Stop Near the Airport: avid hotels
avid hotels
Need a place to crash near the airport before or after your flight? Or maybe before hopping on a cruise at Port Canaveral? We were guests of a brand new wallet-friendly hotel in town dedicated to giving travelers an ultra clean and convenient stay, as well as a seriously good night's sleep. From the same company that brings you Intercontinental and Kimpton comes avid hotels, a brand that promises to give travelers everything you need from a midscale hotel—and nothing you don't want. Rooms were designed for easy cleaning (no gross carpet, no drawers collecting dust, surfaces made for wiping down thoroughly), as well as deep sleep. Features ensuring shut-eye include blackout shades, high quality mattresses and linens, your choice of firm or soft pillows, and sound-proofing. The hotel has a nice, open and bright lobby area, where healthy grab-and-go breakfast options are available daily (fruit, Chobani yogurt, cereal bars) as well as bean-to-cup coffee and still or sparkling water available 24/7. (Those last two offerings are some of our faves.) Kids need a late-night snack? The "pantry" stocked with affordable small bites has got you covered. You'll find other avids in Wisconsin, Oklahoma and beyond, with dozens more opening in cities in the U.S. and internationally. Rates fluctuate depending on date and location, but we got saw rates ranging from $130 to $150.
avid hotel Orlando International Airport 7976 Conway Rd. Orlando, FL 407-640-7460 Online: ihg.com
For Disney Access, Fine Food & a Giant Lazy River
Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek
If you want to go to Disney, want the perks of staying in a Disney hotel (early access with Extra Magic Hours and FastPass+, free transportation to the parks), but don't need to be immersed in the Disney experience at all times, the Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek is a great choice.
Located on more than 480 peaceful acres, the hotel is home to six restaurants ranging from fine dining to casual, and guests have access to the amenities shared with partner hotel the Waldorf Astoria Orlando such as its spa and 18-hole Rees Jones-designed golf course. The kids will love the pool area, which includes a massive lazy river and a small waterslide. You'll enjoy the poolside service, cabanas and hot tubs. Bonus: kids eat dinner free at on-site restaurant Harvest Bistro, and get 50 percent off breakfast too!
If your priority is early access to Universal Parks, you have numerous options.
Our host was the Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, a Caribbean-inspired hotel, complete with the Strong Water Tavern, bar/restaurant with a expertly curated rum selection to go along with the theme. We found the hotel modern and sophisticated, but still warm and welcoming.
Staying at a Universal/Loews property (which range from the premium Portofino Bay and Hard Rock, to more affordable options such as Sapphire Falls, Cabana Bay, and the sleek Aventura, which opened August 2018) has benefits. The most crucial, in our eyes, being early access to the parks (so you don't have to wait two hours for your favorite Harry Potter ride) and the lovely water taxi, which literally ferries you to the parks, eating/drinking/entertainment spot City Walk, and the other Universal/Loews properties.
Starting the New Year off on a health kick? We’ve got your back with our list of the city’s best juice bars. The totally slurp-worthy selections at these local juice shops masterfully blend fruits and veggies into creative concoctions that will delight even the most discerning taste-buds. Scroll on to find a friendly neighborhood juice bar near you to order up nutrient-dense, sippable fixes your whole family will love.
Whether you choose to belly up to the bar at the newish Oh! Juice Cafe' in Encinitas for a juice tasting or get your order delivered to your home (think: modern milk-man) Oh! Juice makes it uber-easy for you and yours to get your daily dose of organic, locally sourced, cold-pressed juice. The lush juice flavors rotate seasonally. Currently in the rotation are tasty, healthy elixirs including Cookies 'N Protein and Berry Exotic.
90 N Coast Hwy. 101, Ste. 212 Encinitas, CA 92024 760-487-1896 Online: ohjuicecleanse.com
Beaming Cafe's flagship location in Del Mar opened its doors in 2012. The long line of customers waiting to get inside was a surefire sign of things to come. The popular local hot-spot now has 8 locations throughout San Diego and Los Angeles. The self proclaimed “Organic Superfood Cafe” is raising the bar on the traditional juice cafe experience. In addition to their robust menu of healthy entrees, tasty salads and gluten and dairy free baked goods, they offer potent juices the likes of 'Get Preggy' and 'Knocked Up' geared specifically for expectant moms and women trying to conceive. All of this and they cater to the younger set with kid-friendly smoothie flavors including Berry Delish and Mint Chip. And before you leave, don't forget to try the Banana Chocolate Chip bread — the ultimate "healthy" treat.
Aren't we always telling our kids to make smart choices? Well, choosing Choice Juicery is leading by example! The menu is full of organically awesome ingredients that also happen to be gluten-free, dairy free and 100% plant based. All of the smoothies come as a bowl as well, which means they can be topped with granola, fresh fruit or any number of "superfoods" like chia seeds, goji berries or coconut flakes. With flavors like Orange Dreamsicle, Superhero and PB&J your little health nut will soon be choosing smoothies over ice cream any day.
The name says it all! Greens Please in Poway is all about the good stuff... or is it the stuff that's good for you? Either way, all of their blends include 6 types of powerfully healing, dark, leafy greens, chia seed, flax seed, kelp and alkalized water. We swear our immune system is getting stronger with each and every sip. The abundance of antioxidants and nutrients are transfixed into a delightfully yummy drink like the Green-Ya-Colada. We're not exactly sure how they do it - but we're so happy they do!
12202 Poway Rd. #100 (Corner of Oak Knoll Rd.) Poway, CA 92064 858-842-1001 Online: greensplease.com
This fun-loving company started by Arleigh Rose is a local treasure. Their mission is to "refresh and nourish the soul by using the best quality ingredients fresh from local farms." Visit Juice Wave in Mission Beach for the bohemian vibe and to give your taste buds a real treat. Kids go crazy for the 'Strawberry Fields Forever' blend and you'll love the bursting with veggies 'Dirt Rich' concoction. If you need an extra jolt of caffeine with your fix, the Bump and Grind is for you! There's something for everyone at The Juice Wave.
3733 Mission Blvd. San Diego, CA 92109 858-488-0800 Online: juicewavesd.com
Juice Alchemy caters to both your desire to cleanse and your urge to satiate your sweet tooth. Run by San Diego natives who support local farmers and the community, you'll find a stellar collection of juices formulated to make you thrive on the menu from 'Sunshine' and 'Super Juice' to 'Hangover' and 'The Detox.' They'll even whip up a customized juice or smoothie for you if you have an idea of what you'd like. Additionally, they offer, "if you are feeling down or under the weather let us know because we have a juice for that!"
We love that the woman behind Northside Shack is a mom of three who followed her passion for food to open this quaint and welcoming cafe where kids and families can also get a healthy meal. In addition to serving up a vibrant seasonal menu of juices like 'Cactus' which includes cactus, organic aloe vera juice and mint in its ingredients, 'Green Candy' which combines organic apple juice with a host of healthy additions like parsley and turmeric and 'Cold/Flu Buster' with an impressive list of hydrating and immune boosting properties like ginger and coconut water, Northside Shack has also been proclaimed "home of the world's best acai bowls." Turn your juice bar outing into a meal by pairing your beverage with an antioxidant rich organic acai bowl. Be sure to order your little sidekick the 'Grom Blend' which boasts blueberries, grapes, kale, banana, almond milk and agave.
Halloween may be the most candy-centric day around, but we’ve got a few reasons why cookies just might steal the show this October 31. We scoured the web and scared up all kinds of creatively-decorated treats—from cookies that channel witches’ fingers and googly-eyed monsters, to no-bake ideas that are wicked-impressive. Scroll through the recipes below for treats that will delight little ghouls and grownups alike!
Hail to the Pumpkin King! Not only do these cookies from Totally the Bombchannel one of our fave holiday movies, they also involve the best kind of Halloween decoration—spooky smiles. Get recipe here.
We can’t decide what we love best about this idea from Well Plated. Is it the no-bake brilliance? The cute effect? Or the fact that these cookies are accompanied by a delish cheesecake dip? Decide for yourself and get the recipe here.
We’d welcome these monster cookies (courtesy of Self Proclaimed Foodie) to any Halloween party. The secret lies in the edible googly eyes—but don’t forget the perfect chocolate chip cookies and chocolate ganache. Get the recipe here.
These cookies from Dragon’s Kitchen are easy to make but have a huge Halloween wow factor. The kids will love helping with the creation, too. Get the recipe here.
For last-minute Halloween parties, bake sales and treats, there’s nothing better than a no-bake cookie. This idea from Chelsea’s Messy Apron takes a cookie aisle fave (milanos) and gives it a mummy makeover. Get the recipe here.
We’re positively smitten with these cookies from A Sue Chef—and if you love candy corn, you’ll love them too. Bonus: they’re bite-size, so we won’t tell if you eat extra. Get the recipe here.
Here’s another fab idea from Chelsea’s Messy Apron. It only requires six ingredients, minimal prep time, and the result is totally cute. Say boo and get the recipe here.
You can make sure this Halloween is a total monster mash bash thanks to My Baking Addiction. The kids will love making these cookies, which are more cutesy than scary. Get the recipe here.
How cute are these spider cookies from Princess Pinky Girl? The best part is that you can customize with your fave candy and use store-bought cookie dough for extra fast results. Get the recipe here.
Forget cook times and oven settings. Craftily Ever After has your back if you need an adorable Halloween cookie ASAP. A little icing, a cookie, some chocolate kisses and you’re all set. Get the recipe here.
What’s better than s’mores? S’mores that look like monsters! You won’t need a campfire to create this delicious Halloween-themed treat, but you will need cookies, marshmallows, and little helping hands. Get the whole scoop from Jodi Levine over at Say Yes.
Go ahead and let out a cackle or two because these cookies from Simply So Good are totally brilliant. The recipe is super simple and although the creation of these edible digits may take a bit more time, we’re pretty sure the kids will get a kick out of it. Get the recipe here.
Toothfully, we love this idea from The Girl Who Ate Everything. Not only is it ultra-clever, it also gives you an excuse to bust out your best Dracula impression. (Ve vant more cookies!) Get the recipe here.
If you just can’t get enough pumpkin, you’re in luck. OMG Chocolate Dessertshas combined that good as gourd flavor with Halloween cookies. These mummy treats are extra cute and easy to make, too. Get the recipe here.
Combine the joy of jack-o'-lanterns with the tastiness of cookies? Don’t mind if we do! We’re digging this idea from Say Yes, which lets you make cheerful jack-o'-lantern grins and out-of-this-world sugar cookies. Get the recipe here.
