We’ve gathered all the Seattle Christmas events in one spot so your fam can get into the holiday spirit with ease
After a couple of quiet years, Seattle is buzzing again this holiday season with returning and new favorite holiday events to explore. In fact, with so many things to do in downtown Seattle, you and the kids don’t need to go anywhere else to find (or spread) winter cheer. Our list (don’t worry, we checked it twice) includes everything from Santa sightings and steamy cups of hot cocoa paired with carolers to festive music, dancing nutcrackers, and a lot more. So get out your calendar, it’s time to schedule the Seattle Christmas events you really want to make time for this season.
Seattle holiday events you won’t want to miss
Kringle's Filling Station
Kringle's Filling Station
Part arcade, part neighborhood hangout, Kringle's Filling Station is perfect for families with older children. This pop-up event has set up shop along Aurora Ave. at an old gas station. Legend has it that the Kringle Family has come to offer hot chocolate out of the old gas tanks (don't worry, it's completely safe and sanitary!), let guests play unlimited rounds of "Ski-Ball", play "Reindeer Games" or sing holiday karaoke. You even have exclusive access to the Kringles' private office. Add-ons include the brand-new Speedway Slot Cars and photo booth aboard Santa's new-and-improved sleigh (you'll have to see it to believe it).
Insider Tip: Santa's scheduled to visit the Filling Station December 1, 9, 16 and 22. And Krampus will be making an appearance on December 20 and 21.
Good to Know: Be sure to order your tickets online to reserve your time.
We are beyond thrilled to see that the annual Gingerbread Village is back at the Sheraton Grand Seattle this year. If you've never been or if it has been a while, this really is a must-see event. Now in its 28th year, the event matches Seattle's top architecture firms, master builders, and the Sheraton Grand Seattle's culinary teams to create amazing works of edible art. This year's theme is focusing on Buzz Lightyear, but don't be surprised if a few other Toy Story characters show up too. Some of the gingerbread creations have great names like "Courage Against Zurg," "The Future is Bright," and of course, "To Infinity and Beyond!" While the exhibit is free, donations will be gladly accepted to go to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation (JDRF).
Dates: Nov. 22, 2022-Jan. 1, 2023
Sheraton Grand Seattle 1400 6th Ave. Seattle Online:jdrf.org
Seattle Center is doing it up for the holidays starting the day after Thanksgiving and running through the New Year. If you're looking for free and affordable holiday activities and entertainment, head to the heart of the city. Kids can marvel as a miniature locomotive makes it way through a turn-of-the-century village inside the Armory and complete a scavenger hunt while they're at it (you'll find sheets at the train station). Follow it up with a weekend ice sculpting demonstration or a live performance at the Armory (hint: we're looking forward to the School of Rock Seattle performance on December 10, SANCA's youth performers on December 17, and the KlezKids performance on the 24th) before grabbing something tasty for dinner. Wander through the Campus Luminata light display and end at the International Fountain where things are always hopping before heading home.
Holiday highlight: Take a trip to the top of the Space Needle to grab a picture with jolly old St. Nick in his glass sleigh. Seeing the city's Christmas lights below are totally worth the trip. As for New Year's Eve, plan an evening of music at Seattle Center, or if your kids won't last that long, plan to spend the day at the Seattle Children's Museum for their Winter Market Event featuring a "Noon Year's Eve" pj party and a sock skating rink.
While you're at Seattle Center, be sure to swing into Chihuly Garden and Glass to see Winter Brilliance. The display features over 700 hand-blown glass sculptures and combines glass art, video projection technology, and music for a full-sensory experience. One of the newest Seattle Christmas events, it celebrates the magic of the season in a whole new way. Catch the show in Gallery 1 into the new year when you visit.
With lavish sets and costumes designed by Ian Falconer (of Olivia fame) and the ever-mesmerizing choreography of Balanchine, Pacific Northwest Ballet’s George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker is a forever favorite for many Seattle families. This full-length show is best suited for school-aged kids, but theatergoers of all ages will be glued to their seats for the entire two-plus hour show, basking in the care and craftsmanship of this delightful production. The 40-foot-tall Christmas tree, snow flurries on stage and Mother Ginger’s magical skirt (it weighs more than 60 pounds!) are all part of what makes this production one of the best around.
Insider Tip: A sensory-friendly performance is scheduled for December 21 at 2 p.m.
Another theater production you won't want to miss is SCT's latest. Even the tiniest theater lovers will be able to enjoy this holiday show, starring their favorite clumsy Bear, Paddington. With his telltale red hat and blue coat, they’ll fall for Paddington’s innocent antics as he works to save Christmas from being a total disaster. It all starts out simply enough—with Paddington and Mrs. Bird making the holiday marmalade (for Paddington’s sandwiches, of course). But oops!—they’ve run out of sugar. A trip to borrow some from grumpy neighbor, Mr. Curry, turns into more than Paddington bargained for when he agrees to help out with household chores in exchange. Things sort of snowball from there, leaving poor Paddington to fix it all before December 25. The show runs for 70 minutes with no intermission.
Insider Tip: There is a sensory-friendly performance scheduled for Dec. 11 at 11 a.m.
Dates: Nov. 15-Dec. 31, 2022
Seattle Children's Theatre 201 Thomas St. Seattle Event details
Ride the monorail from Seattle Center to Westlake Park to take advantage of this larger-than-life holiday display that features over 80,000 lights. All season long, enjoy memory-making moments with Holiday Lights & Delights and enjoy free, family-friendly activities at Westlake Park and Occidental Square each weekend. Don't forget your phones! In addition, enjoy live music by local artists on Fridays (Dec. 9 & 16) from 4 p.m.-6 p.m. at Westlake Park. This is where you'll also find Family Fun featuring crafts, characters, and snow flurries on Saturday, December 10 and 17. Or you can head on over to Pioneer Square on the same days to hear live carolers while sipping free cocoa and munching on cookies from noon-3 p.m.
For one weekend only, families can enjoy this pop-up ice skating rink in downtown Seattle. Free for everyone, the ice rink will be filled with skaters of all ages and abilities. If you’ve got your own skates, bring them along. If not, they’ll have skates on hand to borrow. Just remember to bundle up—this rink is totally outside.
Big bears, lil’ bears, brown bears, white bears! This beary special holiday event is a must-see for kids of all ages. Located inside the elegant Fairmont Olympic Hotel, the Teddy Bear Suite is exactly that and so much more. See teddy bears galore along with beautiful holiday decorations and Christmas trees. The Teddy Bear Suite is also the perfect spot to grab a holiday photo of the kids (think: cute, cuddly holiday cards) or chillax and enjoy a teddy bear-themed book. Psst! After visiting the Teddy Bear Suite on the second floor, stop by the lower lobby to check out the hotel's magnificent gingerbread display made out of 4,000 real gingerbread bricks.
Good to know: Donations are appreciated to benefit uncompensated care at Seattle Children’s Hospital and the Seattle Children's Autism Center.
Did you know that when Santa isn’t supervising elves and delivering toys, he's scuba diving? Come see for yourself when he dives in the Seattle Aquarium’s Window on Washington Waters exhibit this holiday season. While you're there, enjoy live holiday music, story times with Santa, marine mammal meet and greets, and more. Santa and pals will be taking to the water on three different dates this year. Catch him at noon or 3 p.m. on December 17 and 18 or at noon on Christmas Eve.
Urban Craft Uprising at South Lake Union Winter Market
Families can shop 'til they drop at Urban Craft Uprising's annual outdoor winter show, held outside the Nitro Building in South Lake Union. It's the easy way to shop small and local this holiday season. The event is free and family-friendly, and it will feature different vendors on different days, so you can go twice to see all the goodies.
From spectacular Santa experiences to low-key Santas in a mall, we’ve got all the details on the best places to take photos with Santa in LA all month long
Your holidays are in full swing: You’ve picked out the perfect Christmas tree nearby, gone to see the best holiday lights in Los Angeles, and you’ve started shopping for presents at the best toy stores in LA. What’s left to do but take some photos with Santa? Ok, yes, you can still catch a showing of The Nutcracker or start some holiday cooking, but before you hit the theater or the kitchen, check out these memory-making spots to take photos with Santa in LA. While a snowy holiday isn’t likely here, having a cool picture with the big guy himself will certainly get you in the Christmas spirit.
For an all-out festive affair, head up to SkyPark at Santa's Village where the whole village comes into its own and lights up for a jolly good time. From breakfast with Santa to tea with Mrs. Claus, you can get as little or as much Santa in your life as you want. For photo-ops, make a reservation online to save your spot and prevent disappointments. Of course, that's not all—there's ice skating and a dazzling light show that takes place at the park as well.
Visiting Santa at the ocean-adjacent Santa Monica Place’s Center Plaza is a great excuse to not just get that priceless photo-op but also the chance to finish some last-minute holiday shopping and hit up one of our favorite museums for kids in LA—Cayton Children's Museum. Photos with the big guy require reservations but are free—although photo packages are available for purchase.
For this extra-special Santa visit, kids will embark on a journey to the North Pole, where they'll help Santa plan his big trip, check out Santa's carriage, head to Mrs. Claus' bakery (sweet treat included) and then finally, over to Santa's Bungalow for a private, one-on-one photo session in his living room.
Dates: Nov. 25-Dec. 24 (Fri.-Sun. until Dec. 18, and then daily Dec. 19-24); Times vary
If you're searching for a live Christmas tree, why not get a two-for-one by heading to Underwood Family Farms where Santa makes a special appearance over four weekends this year. Not only that, admission includes tractor rides, animal shows and holiday photo ops. Plus, they've added reindeer to the mix and make their special appearances on Dec. 10, 11, 17 and 18.
Of course The Grove has a gorgeous tree covered with thousands of twinkling lights and a nightly "snowfall" at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m., but you can also book a meet-and-great with Santa (and get those professional photos to boot). Don't miss some of the fun shopping pop-ups happening here as well—The Netflix Store is a must for superfans of Stranger Things, Bridgerton, Emily Goes to Paris, Enola Holmes 2, and more.
Breakfast with Santa Benefitting St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital
Head to the Food Court in Santa Monica place for a special, family-fun event filled with kid-friendly activities including crafts, face-painting, special musical performances, and snacks along with an appearance by Santa Claus. A reservation will be required for this event.
Good to Know: In lieu of ticket sales they are asking for a $5 donation to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital per child (over the age of 1) for attendance.
Did you know that Santa is a avid scuba diver? When the holiday season rolls around, he can be seen swimming with the sea life (and feeding them treats) inside exhibits at the Aquarium of the Pacific. That's right: Jolly Old Saint Nick puts on his flippers and gets aquatic for Christmas, and you can pose for pictures with him while he's underwater. Check with the aquarium about the times he's expected to appear.
This breakfast buffet is full of jolly good times thanks to Santa and his elves creating a festive atmosphere that's hard to beat. In addition getting your photo with the big guy, you'll feast on a breakfast buffet that will leave you as puffed as the big guy, plus a reindeer antler making station for a fun takeaway. Check out why our editor's love spending a weekend here during their Holiday Happenings!
Make a fun day out getting your yearly Santa photo in LA at an outdoor party where carolers and singing madrigals roam the grounds and people tell winter holiday stories from a variety of traditions including Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanza. In the midst of the holiday festivities at Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum's second annual Holiday Family Faire, Santa and Mrs. Claus will appear for family photo ops. Enjoy Yuletide entertainment and shop for holiday gift and crafts at the artisan marketplace while you wait your turn to pose.
Date: Dec. 10; 11-5 p.m.
1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd. Topanga Online:theatricum.com
Have your pictures with Santa and eat with him, too. He'll visit from the North Pole to enjoy a magical breakfast in the ballroom of the Terranea Resort offering a kids buffet, various hot food, bakery and waffle stations. If that's not enough, there's also festive crafts to keep your hands busy while you wait for your photo.
Date: Dec. 17; seatings at 9 a.m., 9:30 a.m., and 10 a.m.
100 Terranea Way Rancho Palos Verdes Online: terranea.com
Hiking with Santa: Family Christmas Hike
If the thought of waiting in another long mall line with wiggly wee ones to get a picture with St. Nick isn't a jolly one, try an experience that is a bit more off the beaten path. Join Santa and his helpers on a 2.5-mile family Christmas hike around Ascott Hills Park, which is just east of DTLA. Here you can get some photos of your brood with the big guy against a Los Angeles city backdrop while getting some fresh air and exercise to boot. With free parking, free admission and views for days, this could be that unique holiday event you and the fam have been craving. There are limited spots available so make sure to reserve your spots sooner than later.
Autism Speaks invites all children within all spectrums of special needs and their families to gather before the mall opens for a sensory-friendly event to experience the time-honored tradition of a visit and photos with Santa. Reservations recommended.
Date: Dec. 4; Times vary but most start at 9 or 9:30 a.m.
NYC is the latest city to announce no more snow days thanks to virtual learning
This week, New York City’s Department of Education chancellor, David C. Banks, said that New York City public school students should be ready to attend class via virtual learning on days when snowfall would normally call for a “snow day.”
Banks was on the morning news show Good Day New York when he announced the change. “So, sorry kids—no more snow days, but it’s going to be good for you!” he told morning show. The city hasn’t used snow days since the start of the pandemic in 2020, but this week marks the first official announcement that they’re a thing of the past.
Last year, NPR reported that the disappearance of snow days has been a national trend since the onset of the pandemic, reporting that almost 40% of school officials said their district “had converted snow days to virtual learning days.” It was a “growing trend” according to Dan Domenech, who leads the American Association of School Administrators. “I think that the pandemic and the remote learning acceleration and improvement is leading now to schools looking at the school calendar in a very different way and basically looking at learning as something that can take place anytime, anywhere,” Domenech told NPR.
Well yes, that’s an accurate statement. Learning can take place anywhere. If the pandemic taught us anything, it’s that our increasingly-digital-dependent society has given us more options for learning, working, and even socializing. But just because we can do it, doesn’t mean we should.
In New York state, students have to attend school 180 days a year. In my children’s district, this means that if an abundance of snow days eats into the amount of days they are required to spend in school, the school year may lengthen by a few days to make up for it. That has yet to happen, and I currently have a fourth grader and a sixth grader. I can’t tell you if a few more days in the summer would be something that they’d notice. I can tell you that if two feet of snow was on the ground and they couldn’t physically get to school, they’d be dying to play in it.
The night before a potential “snow day” in our house means sleeping with a spoon under their pillows. It means wearing their pajamas backwards and flushing an ice cube down the toilet—all the wives tales that have passed from student to student for years, that even their teachers participate in encouraging. And when they wake in the morning, they truly believe that flushed ice cube is responsible for the snow on the ground. And they crawl back into bed or in front of the TV, knowing that their day will be spent with a blissful, unexpected absence of plans, classrooms, and teachers.
Robbing my kids of that feels like taking away the tooth fairy or telling them about Santa. It feels like removing one more magical thing about childhood—a childhood that eventually vanishes that they’ll never get back. As time changes, it just feels like there is so much less magic in the world for our kids. And I don’t want to take snow days from them.
No matter how good of a decision some school administrators may think it is.
There’s nothing else quite like the local children’s museum when you have kids with serious energy they need to burn off. Kids love exploring all the hands-on exhibits, and parents love that their kids get to learn while having fun—a win-win! We’ve gathered up the best children’s museums in every state, as recommended by our readers. Keep reading to see them all.
1. Alabama: McWane Science Center, Birmingham Since opening its doors in 1998, McWane Science Center has welcomed millions of visitors to learn about all things STEM from exciting hands-on experiences. Permanent exhibits include Itty Bitty Magic City (a play area perfect for kindergarteners and younger tots), Alabama Dinosaurs (featuring fossils discovered in the state) and NatureScope (discover birds and creepy crawly things).
2. Alaska: Fairbanks Children’s Museum, Fairbanks The Fairbanks Children’s Museum is all about play-based learning, and kids have a blast with all the awesome hands-on experiences and programs. You can practice a little butterfly yoga, mingle with other parents and tots during special meetups and scale a rock wall, just to name a few.
3. Arizona: Children’s Museum of Phoenix, Phoenix With over 48,000 square feet of play space, there’s enough to do at the Children’s Museum of Phoenix to keep your tots busy all day long. There are more than 300 play experiences spread over three floors, in addition to a range of classes about everything from fossils to art. Be sure to check out the Schuff-Perini Climber, a tree-like sculpture that gives kids a bird’s-eye view of the museum’s atrium.
4. Arkansas: Scott Family Amazeum, Bentonville Your crew will love the Amazeum, an awesome interactive museum with a focus on art, science and Arkansas culture. Be sure to check out the climbable tree canopy, indoor cave and tinkering hub, in addition to daily activities like DIY workshops, day camps, and playgroups. There’s also a one-acre outdoor area with plenty to explore, including a rock wall and a giant rope structure.
5. California: Exploratorium, San Francisco The Exploratorium moved to Pier 15 on the San Francisco waterfront in 2013, tripling the overall space to 330,000 square feet. Truly a hands-on interactive experience for ages 4-12, it’s hard to say what the kids will enjoy more—taking a sensory-loaded trip through the tactile dome, visiting the tinkering studio or trying out iconic experiments like the shadow box. The museum’s exhibits are built in-house and constantly evolving, which makes every trip special and unique.
6. Colorado: Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus, Denver The Children’s Museum of Denver boasts a nine-acre campus, with awesome exhibits like Altitude, where kids make their way up and around over three levels of Colorado heritage to reach the lookout at the tippy top, and Box Canyon, an indoor mountain range for smaller tots. Kids can also go grocery shopping in a mini farmers market, learn about the science behind bubbles, and let their imagination shine at the art studio.
7. Connecticut: Kidcity Children’s Museum, Middletown Kids ages 1-7 will have a blast exploring Kidcity’s one-of-a-kind, hands-on exhibits, all of which are built by in-house artists. There’s a Fishery, where you’ll use conveyors to bring in the catch of the day; a Space Age Roadtrip, where friendly aliens take a trip on Route 66; and a medieval village called Middleshire, where kids can build a castle and keep watch for Vikings. Be sure to block out a good chunk of time for your visit—they’ll be entertained for hours!
8. Delaware: Delaware Children’s Museum, Wilmington Your little explorers will have the chance to discover the worlds of science, math, and technology at the Delaware Children’s Museum. Monkey around in the Stratosphere, a cool climbing structure that overlooks the museum’s lobby; learn what an architect does and how buildings take shape, and let your tiniest tots play on a model train in the transportation-themed area.
9. Florida: Tallahassee Museum, Tallahassee Although it’s not strictly a children’s museum, this gem located on beautiful Lake Bradford will be a hit for adults and kids alike. You’ll find an 1880s farmstead, historical buildings and a live collection of native wildlife, in addition to a zip line and adventure course for the thrill-seekers in your crew. And with living history events that teach important lessons about our country, it’s well worth getting a yearly membership.
10. Georgia: Children’s Museum of Atlanta, Atlanta Atlanta’s go-to destination for kids offers awesome hands-on exhibits, a 3,000 square foot mezzanine, and a permanent performance space, all of which have a focus on STEAM-centered, play-based learning. Gateway to the World invites mini explorers to climb through the layers of the earth, while Step up to Science hosts a permanent lab with experiments conducted on a daily basis. Get an insider’s peek at the museum here.
11. Hawaii: Hawaii Children’s Discovery Center, Honolulu Whether you’re an island dweller or just on Oahu for vacation, the Hawaii Children’s Discovery Center is definitely worth a visit. Kids are encouraged to use their senses of touch, sight, hearing, and smell to gain a better understanding of the world around them. Exhibits include Tot Spot (a special play zone for your tiniest ones), Fantastic You (an up-close and personal look at the human body) and Rainforest Adventures (an exploration of rainforests and our precious natural resources).
12. Idaho: Museum of Clean, Pocatello For a seriously unique experience, you’ve got to check out the Museum of Clean. There’s not just one focus here—everything from clean air to clean water to clean language is covered. Kids will love exploring the museum’s play areas and interactive features (and looking at a massive collection of vacuum cleaners is pretty fun, too!).
13. Illinois: Kohl Children’s Museum, Glenview To folks living or vacationing in the greater Chicago area, Kohl Children’s Museum is just what the doctor ordered for beating the winter blues. With 17 permanent exhibits, kids are able to expend tons of extra energy by becoming veterinarians, nature explorers, chefs, mechanics and even Whole Food employees, all in one day. Don’t want to leave for lunch? Stop off at the Cosi for food and snacks.
14. Indiana: Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, Indianapolis Worthy of a vacation in itself, lucky families who visit the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis are in for five floors of energy-zapping activities and fun. As the biggest children’s museum in the world, it has almost 500,000 square feet of exhibition space, 11 permanent exhibits, and over 120,000 real artifacts. From the Dinosphere and All Aboard! to National Geographic Treasures of the Earth, there’s enough to keep you busy for a few days.
15. Iowa: Iowa Children’s Museum, Coralville The Iowa Children’s Museum is all about inspiring kids to learn and grow through play, and their multi-sensory exhibits hit it out of the park. Aspiring chefs get to work in a pretend pizzeria; tots can learn basic physics lessons with race cars, tracks, and mazes; and train-obsessed kids can play with model trains weaving their way through Iowa. In case that’s not enough to tire them out, there are also special events for art-making, STEM learning and more.
16. Kansas: Cosmosphere, Hutchinson Go on a space odyssey at the coolest museum in Kansas, a 105,000-square-foot space and science center that’ll keep your whole crew entertained for hours. Watch a jaw-dropping show in their state-of-the-art planetarium (there’s a show about black holes narrated by Liam Neeson!), browse the largest combined collection of U.S. and Russian space artifacts in the world and watch live demonstrations of science experiments.
17. Kentucky: Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, Louisville A visit to the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory is sure to be a home run, especially if you’ve got sports fans in your family. You’ll get to see how baseball bats are made (and you’ll get a miniature bat to take home), crawl through a giant glove, try your hand at a simulated pitching experience and hold bats that were used by baseball legends.
18. Louisiana: Louisiana Children’s Museum, New Orleans With a visit to the Louisiana Children’s Museum, little ones will have the chance to learn about everything from reading and math to architectural ideas and the nuances of grocery shopping—all through super fun, hands-on activities and exhibits. Find out how to use a fulcrum or a pulley with the Simple Machines exhibit, head to Art Trek to explore a range of different media and techniques and go back in time to check out the recreated courtyard of one of New Orleans’ oldest buildings. With a fun mix of science, art and Louisiana-inspired activities, there’s really something for everyone.
19. Maine: Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine, Portland Kids 10 & under will love spending the day playing and learning at this gem of a museum in Portland. The hands-on exhibits range from an exploration of the camera obscura to a kiddie-style farmers market (complete with bakery and fish market) to a special area that’s perfect for your tiniest tots. And since this is Maine, after all, there’s even a replica lobster boat where kids can learn about the state’s working waterfronts.
20. Maryland: Port Discovery Children’s Museum, Baltimore Its three floors, 13 exhibits and loads of purposeful play make Port Discovery Children’s Museum one of the best indoor spaces in the Mid-Atlantic region for kids ages 0-10. Start the day in KidWorks, the three-story urban treehouse that will not only give their little bodies but also their minds, a major workout. Then, let your sous chefs whip up a quick meal at Tiny’s Diner and take a journey through Maryland’s rich heritage in Tot Trails.
21. Massachusetts: Boston Children’s Museum, Boston There are 88,000 square feet of hands-on engagement at the Boston Children’s Museum. The focus on science, culture, health & fitness and the arts make this an ideal destination when it’s just too cold to be outdoors—a few attempts to make it to the top of The New Balance Foundation Climb, the three-story climbing structure in the center of the museum, will leave your kids tired and happy. Plus, visitors benefit from the scores of programs and activities developed by museum educators.
22. Michigan: Impression 5 Science Center, Lansing In 1972, Impression 5 became one of the first hands-on science centers in the country, and they’ve been a Michigan favorite ever since. With a focus on dynamic, interactive activities that encourage kids of all ages to play, create and challenge their understanding of science, it’s well worth the trip. Learn about oral health with giant dental tools, step into a full-size body bubble, become a naturalist for the day and more.
23. Minnesota: Minnesota Children’s Museum, St. Paul The Minnesota Children’s Museum’s mission is to spark learning through play, and you’ll see what they mean after one visit. Kids will love exploring The Scramble, a four-story vertical adventure with a spiral slide and a netted catwalk. Let them get creative making their own stories at Imaginopolis, and join in on Our World, a mini-city with everything from a post office to a farmers market.
24. Mississippi: Mississippi Children’s Museum, Jackson Kiddos will have a blast playing the day away at this Jackson gem. The 40,000-square-foot museum houses five galleries of educational, interactive exhibits and weekly programs that focus on everything from literacy to science to Mississippi heritage. Learn about healthy eating in a cute kitchen, make a masterpiece in the art studio and find out about the state’s agriculture.
25. Missouri: City Museum, St. Louis We recommend wearing comfy clothes for your day at the City Museum because you’ll definitely be crawling, sliding and climbing. With lots of interesting architectural features like old chimneys and salvaged bridges, it’s captivating for kids and adults alike. Venture through hidden tunnels, monkey around on fun jungle gyms and zoom down indoor slides—your little explorers will love it all.
26. Montana: Children’s Museum of Bozeman, Bozeman Offering hands-on exhibits, summer science camps, after-school activities, and educational programs, the Children’s Museum of Bozeman is a cultural hub. Kids can make slime in the science lab, collect eggs from chickens on the farm, tinker with electric circuits and more. Even your tiniest tots will love their special zone that offers plenty of space for rolling, crawling and climbing.
27. Nebraska: Lincoln Children’s Museum, Lincoln Spend the day exploring the Lincoln Children’s Museum’s three floors and 23,300 square feet of hands-on exhibits and imaginative programs. Check out Cuckoo Construction, the museum’s largest exhibit yet, which gives kids a chance to help build walls and watch foam bricks fall. Chill out in the Grow Zone, an interactive garden perfect for tiny tots. Cruise over to the water exhibit, where you can watch the rain fall from the clouds above and build dams to hold the water back.
28. Nevada: DISCOVERY Children’s Museum, Las Vegas The three-story DISCOVERY Children’s Museum opened in 2013 and is home to nine themed exhibition halls filled with interactive hands-on core exhibits. It’s hard to miss The Summit, a 70-foot tower with 12 levels of engaging, hands-on play. Kids can lift a car with a lever and (if they make it!) take a peek at the amazing roof at the very tippy top. Check out a mini Hoover Dam in Water World or watch your tiny tods wander around Toddler Town—a desert-themed space complete with trains, tunnels, and art zone. If you make it to the third floor, which is dedicated to art, exploration, and curiosity, consider it a successful visit.
29. New Hampshire: Children’s Museum of New Hampshire, Dover The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire is all about hands-on discovery, and you’ll get what they mean when you see their amazing exhibits. Engineer a flying machine and launch it from a 30-foot tower, venture into a cave to read glow-in-the-dark books and find secret paintings, dig for Triceratops fossils and more. Between the exhibits, STEAM Lab drop-in sessions and junior science classes, there’s enough to keep you coming back for more all year long.
30. New Jersey: Liberty Science Center, Jersey City Inspire your budding scientists and engineers with a visit to Liberty Science Center, home to 12 museum exhibition halls, a live animal collection with 110 species, giant aquariums, a 3D theater and lots more. Catch a planetarium show, check out views from the Hubble Space Telescope and meet some of the animals that live in the Hudson River. Train-obsessed kids can even learn, play, and solve problems with Thomas the Tank Engine and his friends.
31. New Mexico: Explora Science Museum & Children’s Museum, Albuquerque Spend the day learning about science, technology, engineering, art, and math through fun hands-on activities at Explora. Experiment with balls and ramps to slow down the effects of gravity, make a masterpiece out of recycled materials and discover the unique characteristics of water. Be sure to check out their events calendar, offering everything from music jams to adults-only evenings.
32. New York: The Strong National Museum of Play, Rochester The truth is, a family could spend more than an entire day at The Strong: The National Museum of Play. With items from the Rochesterian Margaret Woodbury Strong’s extensive doll and toy collection, the museum has grown into a massive and impressive 100,000-square-foot destination for interactive fun and learning for kids of all ages. Stellar permanent exhibits include Can You Tell Me How To Get To Sesame Street?; American Comic Book Heroes: The Battle of Good vs. Evil, and Reading Adventureland. The museum is also home to the National Toy Hall of Fame, and when you add on-site restaurants, a carousel and easy-as-pie parking and it’s a destination worthy of a family road trip!
33. North Carolina: Discovery Place Science, Charlotte A visit to Discovery Place is a must for opening little eyes to the wonders of science. From World Alive, where guests can wander through a rainforest and an aquarium, to Think it Up, a “thought studio” of multisensory colors, sights and sounds, and back to Project Build, where anyone can be an architect for a day, every inch of Discovery Place is dedicated to making learning fun and interesting. The tiniest family members have their own special place for discovery, in Kidscience, and the IMAX Dome Theatre screens family-friendly movies and short films perfect for all ages.
34. North Dakota: Dickinson Museum Center, Dickinson Science-loving kiddos will enjoy learning about dinosaurs and more at the Dickinson Museum Center. Check out fossils that were discovered in the area, see their collection of rocks and minerals and pay a visit to Prairie Outpost Park, where you’ll find historic buildings and a coal car. Kids will love playing in the augmented reality sandbox, too.
35. Ohio: COSI: Center of Science and Industry, Columbus With over 300 interactive exhibitions, a seven-story extreme theater and Little Kidspace, created just for kiddos ages 0-5, there’s enough educational fun to keep the entire family entertained for days at COSI. Encounter Poseidon at Ocean, the playground depicting the mysteries of the sea. Check out the Energy Explorers exhibit, which teaches families about energy and making smart choices. Try to lift your own weight in a pulley chair in Gadgets. With the range of traveling exhibits and classic features, every COSI visit can be a different adventure.
36. Oklahoma: Jasmine Moran Children’s Museum, Seminole Since 1993, the Jasmine Moran Children’s Museum has been a favorite destination for Oklahoma families. The museum is based on an imaginary town, where kids can explore many careers, all from a pint-sized vantage point—they can become a judge, doctor, artist, news anchor, meteorologist, actor, pilot, EMT or firefighter for the day. Plus, you can get lost in the 12,000-square-foot Castle Maze, see aquatic life native to the state and take a ride on a miniature train.
37. Oregon: OMSI: Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, Portland OMSI is a can’t-miss museum in Portland, where kids and adults alike can immerse themselves in all things science and technology. Use “human power” to take a virtual trip through Portland, craft your own world using an augmented reality sandbox and experience the sights and smells of the world’s only permafrost research tunnel. Be sure to check out their cool camps and classes too, on topics ranging from kitchen chemistry to web design.
38. Pennsylvania: Please Touch Museum, Philadelphia The name says it all. What other place has the singular mission of encouraging young visitors to touch everything? Start a visit at the huge Monument to Play—a 40-foot replica of the Statue of Liberty’s Arm and Torch (made out of toys). Move your kids towards Roadside Attractions, where they can repair cars, collect tolls, create fantasy vehicles and take a trip to the future. Watch fairy tales come to life at the Story Castle and take a spin on the historical, century-old Woodside Park Dentzel Carousel, before dropping down the rabbit hole to visit Wonderland, all in the same afternoon.
39. Rhode Island: Providence Children’s Museum, Providence Kick cabin fever to the curb with a visit to the Providence Children’s Museum, home to hands-on, play-based exhibits and programs that explore culture and all things STEAM. Check out Play Power, where you can send objects soaring through air tubes and construct magnetic mazes; The Climber, a kid-favorite two-story-high climbing maze; and Coming to Rhode Island, an interactive time-traveling adventure that introduces kids to people who immigrated to the state. Their events calendar also has loads more fun in store, including live theater and art sessions.
40. South Carolina: The Children’s Museum of the Upstate, Greenville Spark your kiddo’s curiosity with a visit to The Children’s Museum of the Upstate. With 19 interactive exhibits, there’s enough to keep any kid entertained for hours. Build dams and learn about water in Reedy River Bend, report the news or weather in the WTCM Studio and monkey around on a multi-story climbing structure. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, grab a tasty meal at Seedlings, the in-house farm-to-table restaurant.
41. South Dakota: Children’s Museum of South Dakota, Brookings Make a day of it with your whole crew at the Children’s Museum of South Dakota. In the exhibit Our Prairie, kids can learn about the region’s past and role-play the daily tasks of living on the land over one hundred years ago. Head to Sensations to experiment with patterns, textures, shapes, and colors and collaborate on hands-on activities. Then cruise over to KidStreet to pick up your mail, tune up your car and make sandwiches and ice cream sundaes. There’s also a cozy MiniExplorers area that’s perfect for your tiniest tots.
42. Tennessee: Creative Discovery Museum, Chattanooga Located in the heart of downtown Chattanooga, the Creative Discovery Museum is totally worth a visit. Their permanent exhibits include Buzz Alley and Bee Garden (watch real bees hard at work!), Culinary Corner (make healthy snacks using ingredients from the museum’s rooftop garden), Lookout Tower (get a bird’s-eye view of Chattanooga) and Excavation Station (grab a shovel and get digging in the sand). Be sure to check out their events calendar for the latest goings-on, from a snow day celebration to a honey harvest.
43. Texas: Children’s Museum of Houston, Houston With 14 permanent galleries and exhibits, a cafe, a library, and a family learning center, you’ll be bowled over by the 90,000 square feet of play available at the Children’s Museum of Houston. May we suggest starting at Kidtropolis, a city built and run by kids from the ground up on a daily basis, and moving on to How Does It Work? where your budding scientists have access to a ton of hands-on experiments, like creating a roller coaster and sending messages via fiber optics.
44. Utah: Treehouse Children’s Museum, Ogden Since 1992, Treehouse Children’s Museum has been a favorite for kids ages 1-12 (and their families, too). The exhibits encourage playing imaginatively and making new stories—there’s the Big Red Barn where you can “milk” a cow and collect eggs from chickens, and there are areas based on different countries so you can dream up an international journey. There’s even an Oval Office where tots can pretend to be the president.
45. Vermont: Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich Founded in 1974, the Montshire is now one of the busiest museums in northern New England, and for good reason. It’s dedicated to teaching visitors about natural and physical sciences, ecology and technology through its 140 hands-on exhibits. Kids will love getting a look at the inner workings of toys; examining seeds, bones, and plants under a microscope; experimenting with different types of instruments, and playing with different types of bubbles. This one’s sure to be a hit with adults and kids alike.
46. Virginia: Amazement Square, Lynchburg With four floors and nine galleries of hands-on, interactive exhibits, Amazement Square is an amazing place to spend the day. Start off by exploring Amazement Tower, a climbing structure with slides, ladders, tunnels, and a zip-line that spans all four of the museum’s floors. Then get creative in the Kaleidoscope Gallery, where kids can paint on the walls and rock out on stage. Toddlers will also love playing in Shipwreck Cove, a special under-three area with a pirate ship and a coral reef.
47. Washington: Hands On Children’s Museum, Olympia The most visited children’s museum in Washington, it’s our go-to for hands-on science and art learning. With more than 150 exhibits, you’ll never run out of things to do—kids can shop in a mini farmers market, send scarves through a 25-foot AirWays Maze, make and float their own boats and lots more. Be sure to check out their events, too, including free first Friday nights and art studio sessions.
48. Washington, D.C.: National Building Museum, Washington, D.C. Go on an architectural adventure at the National Building Museum. Kiddos can learn about design, construction and engineering through the museum’s two distinct areas. The Building Zone (for ages 2 to 6) lets them stack and balance faux bricks, drive a miniaturized bulldozer and romp around a “green” playhouse, while the other area, Play Work Build, has foam blocks of varying sizes, allowing adults and children alike to build and demolish their own creations. Click here to find out more (plus get the scoop on more of our favorite kid-friendly museums in the DMV).
49. West Virginia: Kruger Street Toy & Train Museum, Wheeling Located in beautiful Wheeling, kids of all ages will love exploring the Kruger Street Toy & Train Museum. You’ll find interactive, operating model train layouts, along with toys you’ll remember from your childhood—dolls, dollhouses, toy soldiers, playsets, trains, planes, and ships, just to name a few. Kids will have a blast taking a peek into the past (and seeing how far toys have come!).
50. Wisconsin: The Building for Kids Children’s Museum, Appleton Foster your kids’ curiosity with a visit to The Building for Kids Children’s Museum. They’ll have the chance to climb into a 10-foot human heart, make a masterpiece using blocks, become a firefighter for the day, build boats and lots more. Check out the events calendar for more fun activities, like toddler playtime sessions, STEM workshops and story times.
51. Wyoming: Jackson Hole Children’s Museum, Jackson The Jackson Hole Children’s Museum is all about fostering a love of learning through collaborative play and creative problem solving, and with their interactive exhibits and exciting programs, the littles will definitely be on board. Become a pilot for the day, go shopping in the Mountain Market, build a cool creation on the Magnet Wall and snuggle up for some quiet time in the Book Nook.
Have you noticed the abundance of roses at your grocery store or Teddy Bears offering stuffed hearts in shop windows? That’s because love is in the air. Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and with it comes the opportunity to express your affection for your family by spending quality time together at a local event (there’s one for the animal lovers) or by participating in a fun activity (get artsy)! Read on for our top picks for things to do this Valentine’s Day.
Were the holidays too busy to catch ZooLights? Has it been a while since you and the family have explored the jungle of animals that is the Oregon Zoo? Well, you're in luck! This Valentine's Day, the Oregon Zoo will be discounting admission pricing by $4, making this outing both fun and affordable! Spend your day letting the kids fall in love with the zoo's family of elephants, or take a seat and ride the historic zoo train! Zookeepers will be putting on a special Valentine's Day show with the leopards, lions, elephants and orangutans this Valentine's Day, so head online to plan your zoo visit!
Be sure to check out the Oregon Zoo's facemask policy on their website and make sure to leave the cash at home! The zoo is currently operating as a cashless entity during COVID-19.
Why not celebrate Valentine's Day the posh way? There's nothing better than getting on your Valentine's Day best for an afternoon full of finger-food and a spot of tea! Lovejoy's Tea Room has a Royal WEE Tea Service as a kid-friendly option that offers more youthful snack options like Nutella laden treats or hot chocolate in lieu of tea. This option is for kids 12 and under, and runs $35 per tyke. Not to worry, parents. You can have the RoyalTEA Service for more sophisticated hors d'oeuvres and a bottomless tea! Head online to see their menu and to reserve your love-filled lunch or midafternoon outing today!
We all remember handing out valentines in elementary school. The rush of excitement of exchanging candies and handwritten notes with classmates is a fond childhood memory, so why not put a little crafty-effort into this year's valentine's card creation? PaperSource has tons of options for helping you and your family get into the cupid crafts this February. Whether it's classroom valentines, valentines crafts, cards, or wraps, or maybe even the works for a Valentine's Day party, PaperSource has you and your family covered! They've got discounts and sales galore when it comes to peppering your Valentine's Day celebrations with heart-shaped glitter and wordy cuteness. You can call ahead to arrange your order via phone, place an order online for delivery by Valentine's Day, or take the family for in person shopping! Whichever method you choose, you're sure to encounter the best kind of decision paralysis. Make sure to have PaperSource part of you and your family's Valentine's Day festivities this year!
Pull out the winter jackets, don your knitted caps, and step out into Portland this February for a tour of the Winter Light Festival! This year will be the seventh annual light show produced by the Willamette Light Brigade (PDXWLF), and is surely not one to miss! PDXWLF urges the community to explore their neighborhoods by checking out the pop-art that they've sprinkled across the city! Art installations with illuminated components, live performances, and touch-free events will be the name-of-the-game this year, as PDXWLF works around COVID-19. Whether you and your family set out by foot or hop on your bikes for a cycling tour of this year's displays, you can be sure to be awed! Get out, get connected, and celebrate a bit of community love this Valentine's Day with the Portland Winter Light Festival!
You can't deny that that pizza looks amazing. Similarly, you can't go wrong with getting your Valentine's Day meal from Nostrana. Whether you leave the kids at home for a cute night out with your partner, or order in for the whole family to enjoy, Nostrana has an option for you. Should you choose to dine in, this exquisite Italian restaurant is serving up a special 3 course menu for this February's evening of romance. Your mouth will surely water just by reading it. Make sure to reserve your spot before hand as seats are going fast! And if you'd like to wine and dine yourself with the family in the comfort of your own home, you can easily place a takeout order with them over the phone beginning at 5 p.m. Head online to check out Nostrana's Valentine's Day menu, make a reservation, and let the staff know about any dietary restrictions you may have!
Where: Nostrana, 1401 SE Morrison St., Portland OR 97214 When: Feb. 14, 5 p.m. Cost: For dine-in, $119/person ; takeout, varied Onlinehere
Take a Snow Day
Laura Green
If you are looking for a Valentine's Day activity in or near Portland that will turn cheeks pink and keep the kids smiling and squealing all day long? Grab the sleds and snow tubes, pack some hot chocolate and snacks and head for the hills for a day of fun in the snow. Everyone know PNW folks love their cold-weather recreation and tubing and sledding allow everyone to enjoy the late-winter fun. Head to Mt. Hood for an afternoon of snow play, or try White River or Little John snow park. Most places on the slopes require a Sno-Park Permit, available in daily, 3-day, and annual increments. Pick one up at your local DMV or at many Bi-Rite and outdoor stores. For a full list of options, with driving directions, hours and more, check out our top picks here.
Why not celebrate Valentine's Day weekend with a winter wonderland road trip? There are a plethora of of great locations perfect for mini family vacation only a short drive away. Think Central Oregon with it's Bend, Sisters, and Sun River destinations all perfect base camps for wintery outdoor recreation. Depot Bay offers its own seaside charm, and an opportunity to catch a glimpse of whale tales. Whether it's the mountains or ocean that calls to your crew, we've found several winter road trips that are perfect for celebrating your love. Check out our whole list here.
Hunt Down Sweets for Your Sweetie
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What would Valentine's Day be without sweets for your Sweeties? Take your kids out for an amazing cup of hot chocolate (or purchase some to enjoy at home) at one of Portland's great shops. Creo Chocolate offers both hot chocolately drinks as well as candies you'll enjoy as a family. If you feel more like celebrating with cake, Fat Cupcake is the place to go for beautiful confections that declare your affections. For a full list of our top picks of places to check out, read about where we think you can find the best sweets for your sweetie here. You can also find a full list of our most beloved candy shops here.
When the forecast calls for snow, we can’t think of a better way to spend the day than planning a trip to learn to ski. From day trips to worth-the-drive weekend getaways, we’ve found the best mountains for every skill level. Enroll your budding skier in one of these ski schools (one is over 75 years old!) and soon they will be yelling “Pizza pie and French fries!” as they fly down the bunny hill. Read on to find the right mountain for you and your family.
Beginner Slopes
Bryce Resort
Mary Martha Aubry
About two hours from Washington, D.C., Bryce Resort in Bayse, VA is the perfect day-trip destination to teach the littles how to ski or to learn as an adult. Everything at Bryce is family-friendly, from their ski rental shop which opens directly to the Little Nip to the biergarten at the bottom of the mountain where mom and dad can take a load off in the Adirondack chairs while watching the littles take the magic carpet up the Bunny Hill and ski down. For a fun family run, take the whole crew up the quad lift and down Revenuer's Run and remember what you loved about skiing as a kid as you watch your littles make a pizza wedge and begin their own skiing journey! Speaking of pizza, enjoy a delicious pizza at the Copper Kettle for dinner before you take your final run down the hill.
Insider Tip: If you're skiing for the day, pack a bag with the kids pajamas for the ride home. It makes the transfer from car to bed that much easier, and after all that skiing, they'll be exhausted!
About four hours outside DC, the Omni Homestead has something for everybody, even the non-skiers in your crew. Luxurious accommodations, gourmet food, and a world-class spa combined with excellent beginner terrain make for a ski weekend that's heavenly and still driving distance from the city. The Omni Homestead has uncrowded skiing terrain that is ideal for beginners, and their Sepp Kober Ski School maintains an experienced team of ski and snowboard instructors who offer private lessons for all levels.
Insider Tip: Enroll the kids in the resort's Adventure Kids program and enjoy a romantic date night!
For those of us who really want to get our tykes outdoors, Wisp is the place to be. There are full and half-day programs for the little ones that include lift tickets, instruction and equipment (which let’s face it is half the battle). At about 180 miles from the District and near Deep Creek Lake Wisp offers more than just bunny slopes and black diamonds. Swoosh down hills in snow tubes, take to the ice on skates and explore snowshoeing or just sight see with a sleigh ride.
Wisp Resort 296 Marsh Hill Rd., McHenry, MD 301-859-3159 Online:wispresort.com
Blue Knob is the highest skiable mountain with the most challenging slopes in PA. Clocking in at just three hours from Washington, DC, you may want to spend the night. The mountain boasts the longest and sweetest rides for skiers and snowboarders. If you're not sure about downhill skiing, Blue Knob also offers groomed Nordic or cross-country skiing as well as snowshoeing and snow tubing.
Insider Tip: Their New Generation Academy offers children a full day or half day lesson while enjoying lunch with their parents.
If you're ready to expand your horizons and experience more challenging terrain, consider New Hampshire's Mount Sunapee. It's an 8 hour drive or a 3 hour flight. With over 1,500 feet of vertical drop, and views that make you feel like you're in heaven, Mount Sunapee is a spectacular spot for East Coast skiing. Mid-week skiing is the best of all, with wide open spaces, fresh snow, and loads of great runs to explore.
Insider Tip: Locals in-the-know go to Bob Skinner's for their rentals and gear. This place is chock-a-block with great skiing and snowboarding equipment.
Stowe is a 9 hour drive from the city or a 3 hour flight.
Insider Tip: The New England experience is complete when you arrive at this Stowe, Vermont resort. With 75 years of experience their ski school has the tiny tot instruction thing down pat. When the slopes have worn you out families can nestle in for a sleigh ride, catch a big one while ice fishing or whiz around on skates. Daily tea with cookies for the littles is also offered and parentals can warm up with hot cider and appetizers.
Mother Nature blessed NYC with some snow? Be prepared to hit the slopes with the kids and check out our list of the best sledding hills in New York City. We found slopes in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Staten Island, and hills for little kids and bigger daredevils. (P.S. you might as well read up on where to grab one of NYC’s top hot chocolates for an apres-sledding treat!)
Pilgrim Hill The unanimous city favorite seems to be Pilgrim Hill at 72nd Street and Fifth on the East Side in Central Park. It offers a perfect incline, very few rocks or sudden drops and a smooth, level glide that evens out at the bottom. Unfortunately, being deemed the best sledding spot in the city also means it gets very, very crowded.
Cedar Hill For a more mellow round of sledding with smaller kids, head to Cedar Hill on the East Side, between 76th and 79th Streets.
The Great Hill Another popular hill for sledding in Central Park, the Great Hill is further north, inside the park on the west side. Enter the park at between 103rd and Central Park West.
Carl Schurz Park Don't want to wait your turn? Head a few blocks north and east to Carl Schurz Park on 89th Street and East End, on the lawn north of Gracie Mansion. Bonus: there are two separate dog runs here as well.
Riverside Park Over on the Upper West Side, some swear by Riverside Drive from roughly 90th Street to 103rd, with a particularly good hill near Hippo Playground on 91st Street. But, the Urban Rangers have been known to host snowball fights, snowman-building contests and pass out hot chocolate at the hill on 103rd Street, so take your pick. The area’s biggest drawback is that being practically atop the Hudson River leads to some frigid winds sweeping in across the water. Bundle up!
Kristine Paulus via Flickr
96th Street/The Children’s Gate Enter Central Park at 96th Street for another great Upper West Side spot that offers hills of various inclines, plus benches where you catch your breath. The biggest challenge here is to avoid those benches mid-flight — the ability to bail at the last possible moment is imperative.
Inwood Hill Park Inwood Hill Park is a choice spot for sledding in NYC, especially kids with a need for speed. It's also less-crowded than spots in Central Park, and offers a nice view as well. Enter at Dykman Street or Payson Avenue.
Inwood's Fort Tryon Park is another northern Manhattan spot for good sledding. Head to Billings Lawn, entering the park from its southern end on Margaret Corbin Circle where Cabrini Boulevard and Fort Washington Avenue meet.
More Upper West Side Sledding Options Two other choices on the UWS are Morningside Park, from 110th to 123rd Street and Morningside Avenue, and St. Nicholas Park on 135th Street, the latter known for its gentle hills and being ideal for beginners.
Prospect Park Head for the hills near Prospect Park's Long Meadow near the entrance at Prospect Park West and 9th Street. Other favorites include the Long Meadow near Grand Army Plaza and behind the Picnic House at 3rd Street and Prospect Park West. However, if you have younger kids, you can find plenty of bunny hills throughout the park that are good for beginner sledders.
Fort Greene Park You'll find four sled-worthy hills of varying height and intensity in Fort Greene Park between Myrtle and Dekalb Avenues.
Hillside Park If you live in DUMBO or Brooklyn Heights, your closest spot is the tiny park that's technically in Columbia Heights. As its name suggests, Hillside Park is home to a respectable slope, and provides ample space to glide to a stop. (You'll likely see dogs romping in the snow as well, as the park is a very popular place to bring four-legged friends year-round.)
Sunset Park Home to the highest point in Brooklyn, Sunset Park naturally provides some good sledding. The sweet spot is the interior of the park between 42nd and 43rd Streets.
Owl's Head Park Further south in Bay Ridge, Owl's Head Park has nice rolling hills, with a good spot at Colonial Road and 68th Street. But dress warmly, as it is right on the water. Another southern Brooklyn sledding option is McKinley Park; head to Fort Hamilton Parkway and 75th Street for a good sledding spot.
Astoria Park Take your sleds to Astoria Park at 19th Street between Shore Boulevard off Ditmars Boulevard for a fun sledding spot in Queens.
Juniper Valley Park For another popular place to sled in Queens, head to Juniper Valley Park in Middle Village. Slopes can be found at Juniper Boulevard North & South near the Tennis Building at 75th Street.
Mary Whalen Playground If you're thinking of going to Forest Park Golf Course's Suicide Hill, think again. It's dangerous and sledding there is prohibited by the Parks Department. (But yes, you will see families going there.) Instead, Mary Whalen Playground will offer a less nerve-racking — yet still fun — experience at Park Lane South and 79th Street.
Crotona Park The slope behind ballfield #3 at Fulton Avenue and the Cross Bronx Expressway in Crotona Park boasts an official, NYC Snow Day designation, which means you'll find organized recreational activities, snowman-building contests, snowball fights, complimentary hot chocolate, and even sleds you can borrow here. Call 311 to find out when the program is in effect.
St. Mary’s Park The largest park in the South Bronx not only features hills much less crowded than the ones above, but also a recreation center. In non-covid times, this is a good place to warm up before a second run.
Clove Lakes Park A local gem, this protected Forever Wild site isn’t exclusively about ecology. It is also a Snow Day site where the park employees put out bales of hay to soften people's landings.
Mission of the Immaculate Virgin at Mount Loretto This South Shore hotspot for sledding in Pleasant Plains was founded as an orphanage by a priest. The orphanage is long gone, but parents may find comfort in the idea that some angels might still be hanging around looking out for daredevil kids.
For a complete list of city parks that allow sledding, visit: nycgovparks.org.
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Have snow fear on your next snow day with these epic sleds and snowboggans. From classic to creative, you’ll be the most prepared parent on the block. Keep reading to get more info on our favorite snow gear for kids—we’ve got something for everyone from toddlers to teens.
This mini luge sled for ages 5 and older is easy to steer, compact and comes in a rainbow of bright colors (helpful for keeping track of your downhill racers on snow days). With a low center of gravity and a belly-side tread, it'll only take a minute to master this one, and the anti-slip vinyl seat will help you stay on!
Create a winter fun-derland for your kids with these winter-friendly ideas. From outdoor activities like making frozen bubbles to indoor fun with seasonal sensory-play ideas and craft-making (including DIY ideas for Valentine’s Day!), you’ll be inspired with activities until spring.
25 Things to Do with Kids This Winter
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If you're juggling babies and older sibs (not literally, of course), keep this list of activities handy when you're all getting stir-crazy. There are recipes, crafts, games, books and more!
Winter days may be shorter, but they sure can feel long. When cabin fever sets in and you’re looking to get crafty with baby or want a few outdoor ideas, this list has you covered. Check out these winter-themed activities that will entertain and engage your little snow bunny.
The cure for winter woes? Add physical activity to your daily routine. And, yep, baby’s invited, too. Try these awesome ways to get active during the cold months, from body-toning babywearing to serene winter walks.
From snow bins to foamy snow play, there are cool (and safe) ways to let babies and toddlers in on the frozen fun. Finding your favorite sensory activity will be easy. It’s keeping yourself from humming “Do you want to build a snowman?” that might be tough!
Even if you're dreading going outside, there’s lots that you and your little one can do to fight cabin fever and explore the outdoors. Here you’ll find nine of our favorite snow-day activities for babies and young toddlers.
Your baby is constantly soaking up information and learning new things about the world through taste, sight, touch, smell and sound. We’ve rounded up a bunch of hands-on activities that will engage one or more of the five senses, and chances are playtime is about to get a lot more exciting.
Not only is sensory play critical for kids' developing brains, it can be deeply rewarding for you to watch quietly as your baby discovers new textures, learns about cause and effect, and figures out what makes the world go round.
Create valentines, home decor and keepsakes with your baby with these easy techniques. From easy-to-grasp veggie stamps to footprint projects Grandma will swoon over, you’ll love re-creating these V-Day ideas.
Indoor playgrounds, snowy slopes, and movie theaters beckon your family to do fun things in Portland in winter
Winter is one of the best times of the year for Portland families and people visiting PDX for a winter getaway. From snowshoeing to skiing to hitting the ice skating rink and more, your family will be pressed to fit everything in before the warm weather returns. These 50 activities are guaranteed to keep the winter blues away. See how many you can fit in while Portland’s colder season is in full swing.
1. Make winter fun for kids in Portland when you spend a day tiring out your rambunctious kid at an indoor play space built to exhaust the little ones.
5. From Finnegan’s to Made You Look, Portland is home to some awesome independent toy stores. Purchase new toys that will keep your kiddos busy on those dreary days at home.
27. Huddle around your fireplace or your stove and pretend you’re camping with some delicious homemade s’mores.
28. Cuddle up with a book. Here are some must-read picks straight from our friends at Chronicle Books.
29. Put on some warm clothes and venture around Portland to all of the famous Beverly Cleary statues and follow the paths that some of her beloved book characters did, including Ramona.
30. Arrrrr, mateys. Plan an indoor treasure hunt for your kids that will have them entertained all morning long.
32. How many sweets can you load up on this winter? Cookies, donuts, chocolates, and more, Portland is delicious any time of year!
33. Winter days are perfect for exploring textile arts like finger knitting, crocheting, or knitting with needles. If your kids are ready, get started here.
