Today’s the day––Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is finally open! After months of anticipation, the galactic outpost of Black Spire is accepting visitors at the Disneyland Resort. If you weren’t lucky enough to snag reservations to visit from now until June 23, fear not––we have the first look at the best of the best. From the fantastically-themed food and merch, to the committed characters, get ready to step into the new galaxy far, far away.
The Rides
The scope of the structures is mind-blowing and nowhere is that more apparent than the life-sized Millennium Falcon at the heart of it all.
When Disney promised this new land would be fully-immersive, they weren’t kidding. Instead of photo-ops and autographs, you might find yourself in a battle of words with Kylo Ren.
In just a few short months fans will be able to set foot in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge for the first time, but if you just can’t wait, Disney Parks has released some amazing new details about what you can expect to find. If you haven’t already, book that vacation now.
The Disney Parks Blog has just debuted a new series titled “Building Batuu,” giving the world a behind-the-scenes look at the new land, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, leading up to its opening day in May. Batuu is the home of Black Spire Outpost, where the new Star Wars-themed land is set. The first in the series of blog posts gives fans a glimpse of some of the dining and shopping options guests will encounter in the new land.
Here’s a handful of the many dining options that will be available:
Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo
Travelers can get a taste of “exotic flavors and unusual dishes” crafted by Chef Strono “Cookie” Tuggs at his traveling diner “Tuggs’ Grub.”
Ronto Roasters
Sample a variety of savory meats roasted over a spit fire made out of a recycled podracing engine manned by a former smelter droid.
Milk Stand
Guzzle a glass of farm-fresh blue milk or green milk, direct from Bubo Wamba Family Farms.
Kat Saka’s Kettle
Grab a snack of Outpost Mix (sweet and salty popcorn snack with a hint of spice), at one of the many street market stalls.
No trip to Disney Parks would be complete without bringing home a souvenir. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will feature several shops and market stalls to help you find that perfect memento. The shops will include Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities, where you can find rare and uniquely-valued items from across the galaxy.
There’s also Savi’s Workshop, where guests can customize and build their own unique lightsabers and learn about ways of the Jedi. And then there’s the Droid Depot, where you can choose parts and construct your own individual astromech droids.
Guests can outfit their incredible adventures at the First Order Cargo and the Resistance Supply where you’ll find gear, uniforms and more. The land will also be peppered with market stalls, like Toydarian Toys, the Creature Stall and The Jewels of Bith.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will open at Anaheim’s Disneyland Resort in summer 2019 and at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida later this year, in fall 2019.
—Shahrzad Warkentin
All photos: Courtesy of Joshua Sudock for Disney Parks
When it comes to exploration and interactive exhibits, there’s really no other place in the Bay Area quite like the Exploratorium. The 330,000 square-foot spot at Pier 15 includes some of the most mind-bending exhibits that we’ve ever seen. Spend some time checking it out with these tips in mind!
What to See
The Exploratorium is broken up into six galleries. Gallery 1: Human Phenomena lets you experiment with social behavior by working together with others and predicting how people will behave. Kids love building the Catenary Arch, which if done properly stands on its own due to forces pressing on the curve. Another kid fave is the Tornado—a misty vapor that swirls into a tornado shape where you will be forced to run in circles to see if you can get it to grow even bigger. This gallery is also where you can explore total darkness in the Tactile Dome (for an additional $15 fee).
To the left when you enter is Gallery 2: Tinkering. If you visit in the winter months this is where you’ll find the seasonal Curious Contraptions exhibit. Try and visit this gallery on the hour so that you can see the 22-foot tall Tinkerer’s Clock in motion. If you are lucky, you might get to ask questions of Scott Weaver, the creator of the 100,000 toothpick sculpture that is along the windows. Spend some time making your own art project in the Tinkering Studio or watch artists design new exhibits in the Exhibit Development Shop.
Seeing and Listening is the theme of Gallery 3 where you can make colored shadows and then see what it’s like when all color is taken away in the monochromatic room. Don’t miss the LEGO Batman with Diving Penguins (next to the water droplet exhibit). See if you can figure out how these inanimate objects come to life when they are spun at the right speed.
The Living Systems in Gallery 4 include microscopic creatures and plants that retract their leaves when you touch them. Plug your nose and see how bugs work to decompose rats in the exhibit along the windows. This gallery hosts live demonstrations like cow eye dissections so find out what’s on deck when you visit to learn more about living things.
Gallery 5 brings you outdoors to explore wind, tides and natural phenomena. Cool off on a hot day under the Remote Rains exhibit where you can select from different types of rainstorms. Check out models of the Bay Bridge and Golden Gate Bridge to see how they were built.
Head upstairs above Gallery 5 to the Fisher Bay Observatory Gallery 6: Observing Landscapes. Here you can learn all about the Bay Area while you view Alcatraz, Treasure Island and both bridges. The observation deck is a good place to grab some sun and enjoy a snack break.
photo: Exploratorium
Where to Eat
Pick up milk cartons and other to-go sandwiches and plates at Seismic Joint, located at the front of the museum. Located directly underneath the Observatory, the Seaglass Restaurant seats up to 200 visitors and serves specialty fare (pickled rainbow vegetables, Monterey Bay black cod, local king salmon, sashimi platters). Pick a table right by the water and wow the kids with the stunning view of the Bay Bridge. If you are at the Exploratorium in the evening when these two spots aren’t open, the Ferry Building is just a short walk or pedicab ride away.
photo: Exploratorium
Where to Shop
The 2,800-square-foot main Exploratorium store faces on the Embarcadero and is open to pedestrian traffic from the street or from inside. Another smaller store is located in the heart of the museum, right at the crossroads. Pick up Zoob bots, a Rubik’s cube, world bugs laser pegs or a green calcite souvenir (just a dollar!).
photo: Exploratorium
For Grown-Ups Only
Every Thursday night, the Exploratorium goes 18+ with a special theme each week during their After Dark series. Book a sitter and leave the kids at home and see the exhibits like you’ve never seen them before. Many of the events include special food and drink tastings to go along with the night’s theme. Tickets are $19.95 each or you can become an After Dark member for only $45/person or $85/couple to attend as many Thursday night events as you wish.
The Details
Restrooms are located at the east gallery by the Sea Glass Restaurant and at the cross roads (look for the toilet drinking fountain!). There are also bathrooms right by the Seismic Joint Cafe before you enter the Exploratorium.
Summer hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily through Sept. 3 Extended Friday hours: until 9 p.m. through Aug. 31 After Dark Thursdays: 6-10 p.m. (18+ only)
Tickets: $29.95/adults; $24.95/seniors, teachers and youth 13-17; $19.95/youth 4-12; 3 and under are free
Community Pay-What-You-Wish Days: Details can be found here.
Oh the joy of a Disney trip—half the fun is trying to find the perfect souvenir (or dozen) to take home with you before the trip is over. Before you spend your entire vacation budget on cute character playsets, tee shirts and everything else the kiddos want, get ready to have your mind blown: There are secret Disney World souvenir shops!
Disney Character Warehouse stores are the fabulous answer to your budget-busting vacation woes. Okay, so technically these aren’t really secret stores, especially to those truly die hard Disney fans in the know. But for many visitors to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, these stores are total diamonds in the rough—and off-Disney Resort and Parks property.
The stores, in the Orlando International Premium Outlets and the Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets sell official park merch (so don’t worry about getting over-priced knock-offs). If you’re wondering how they can sell Disney stuff for less, most of what you’ll find is out of season or over-stocked items.
Don’t expect to see everything you’d find at Walt Disney World. But you will find an ever-changing line-up of awesome items to choose from. So what can you expect? And how deep are the discounts? There’s really no way to tell. With the constant changes, it’s all up to luck.
If you don’t believe in a “secret” Disney store, check out what these budget-conscious shoppers posted on Instagram. This shopper found Toy Story toys for $1.99.
Oh, and if you want a little something for yourself—this shopper found Disney Dooney & Bourke bags for 50 percent off, plus another 20 percent on top of that.
Whether your tot shows an early appreciation for vintage or is simply happy to munch on the abundant Kettle Corn offerings, there’s more at the Bay Area’s bevy of antique flea markets for this little set than you might expect. From starting collections to creating cool bedrooms and unearthing old toys, we have some easy ideas for exposing children to the fun, colorful and creative world of reuse at your local flea. Your kids are up at the crack of dawn anyway, right? So let’s get shopping.
Photo by Chantal Lamers
Kiddos First Collection
First, let your kiddo know what’s in it for them. Many vendors sell inexpensive items that are perfect for the makings of a new collection. Not only does it make the flea market like a treasure hunt for them, too, it also helps retain their interest. Some items we love to collect include patches, plastic toy horses and souvenir pennants. Bonus: Depending on the age of your child, you can give them a budget and let them do the bargaining.
Photo by Chantal Lamers
Ready for a Kids’ Room Refresh?
If you look closely, the flea can provide never ending inspiration for decorating and accessorizing your kiddo’s respective rooms. Antique and vintage dressers can double as storage and as a changing table. And because these older pieces are often pretty sturdy they’ve proven that they can stand up to a toddler’s tough love. Also keep an eye out for pendants and chandeliers, kid-sized play tables and chairs, rocking horses as well as toddler and twin sized bed frames. Remember, just about anything can be painted.
Alameda Flea by Chantal Lamers
Now onto the art and accessories. A lot of vendors sell wood plaid Pendleton style blankets that aren’t only great for layering on top of beds but super for picnics and ballgames, too. Along the way you might also spot wrought-iron animal piggy banks, those aforementioned souvenir pennants and all kinds of paintings that can be accumulated for mini gallery style walls. Old metal and woven baskets are also aplenty here and make for great toy storage. Get input from you child and, before making a purchase, check pieces to make sure they are safe.
Photo by Chantal Lamers
Dress Em in Vintage
Depending on the flea you’re attending, there may be dozens of clothing vendors, too. Vintage children’s clothing is gaining popularity and this is usually a great place to snag vintage OshKosh B’gosh overalls and pinafores. Check measurements, not sizes, for a more accurate fit.
Photo by Chantal Lamers
Toys, Toys, Toys!
Now, onto the toys. A very plentiful item at the flea market is old enamelware (bowls, cups, buckets, pots) and the likes of small metal jello molds. The more worn and chipped versions are usually pretty cheap and are great for outdoor play kitchens and sandboxes. There are also vintage aprons and wood kitchen toys up for grabs like rolling pins and potato smashers that any potential top chef will totally cherish. Another little draw for kids is all of the old office supplies. Rulers, staplers, mini chalkboards and tape dispensers are easy finds that kids will love to add to their school or art stash.
Photo by Chantal Lamers
If you have a baby doll fanatic at home, you can easily score inexpensive doll cradles, highchairs and clothing, too. If you have a kiddo who digs diggers, there are all kinds of metal toys trucks in all sizes that are great for indoor and outdoor play. (Some prime condition trucks can be super pricey but there are always bargains to be found.) Also in abundance are Fisher Price toys, from the classic A-Frame to the festive preschool and cottage dollhouse, you parents might even more inclined to purchase these plastic pieces of nostalgia.
Photo by Chantal Lamers
Flea Market Survival Guide
Again, depending on the age of your children consider bringing a baby carrier, stroller and or wagon. Dress in layers and wear SPF and bring a large canvas bag for stashing purchases. Depending on the venue, the only bathroom offerings could be outhouses so be prepared with extra hand wipes. Finally, remind children too ask for help if they want to check out an item and encourage them to ask vendors questions. And whatever you do, don’t forget the snacks!
The Best Bay Area Flea Markets
The Alameda Point Antiques Fair is the largest of its kind in NoCal. Join hundreds of other treasure seekers to the island to browse over 800 antique dealer booths. Children under 15 are admitted free. There are food vendors here, too, so you won’t leave hungry.
When: 1st Sunday of Every Month, 6 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: Alameda Point, Alameda Point
2900 Navy Way
Alameda, Ca Cost: $15/adult if you arrive before 7:30 a.m.$10/adult between 7:30 and 9 a.m.; $5/adult after 9 p.m.
The Treasure Island Flea host local Bay Area artists, makers, collectors, vintage designers, and indie and Etsy creators. Specialty food vendors and a revolving selection of SF food trucks sell gourmet food including Mini Donut Sundaes! Enjoy your treats on the Great Lawn with an amazing view of San Francisco and plenty of kid-friendly activities.
When: Last weekend of each month, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Where: Treasure Island, Avenue of the Palms
San Francisco, Ca Cost: $3/Person. 12 & under, free.
The Alemany Flea is small in comparison but there are always good deals. This rummage style market is best for pickers who have some patience. You can stroll through pretty quickly and it’s free to enter.
When: Every Sunday,7 a.m. – 3 p.m. Where: 100 Alemany Blvd.
San Francisco, Ca Cost: Free
— Chantal Lamers
What’s on your shopping list? Share your wishlist with us in the comments below!
If there’s anything we’ve learned from weather in the DMV, it’s that it is wildly unpredictable (think: two weeks straight of rain). That’s why it pays to have a round up of fun things to do or see when weather extremes–sweltering temps, torrential downpours–hit. From art museums to indoor flower gardens, here’s where to go to keep kiddie cabin fever at bay (and your sanity intact).
Maryland Science Center Keep your little one learning here, without them even realizing it. At the Maryland Science Center there is plenty for the older kiddos but what about your tiny tots?! The kids room is an amazing space with story time, water play, and a learning lab! They also have field trip free zones each day. Get the Cheerios and well…cheerio.
American Art Museum Beating the heat is always a plus when enjoying a great exhibit, but the American Art Museum gives you a bit of the outdoors with their indoor courtyard. In the Kogod Courtyard, you can enjoy the stylings of Oasis Island Sounds.
Stories in Art If you’d like to introduce your little one to art then check out Stories in Art. Take a trip to the Netherlands this summer–sail the seas, take in a concert, and of course take home a souvenir. This exploration of 17th century Dutch art is one that you won’t want to miss! Space is first come, first served–so get there quick!
When: each Saturday, Sunday, and Monday in July
Cost: Free 6th & Constitution Aves. NW Online: nga.gov
Mornings with Mommies and Daddies Cathedral Commons now offers a monthly interactive program on the second Wednesday of each month. In June, your little one can learn about Mighty Mole Gardens and enjoy decorating their own planter box along with many other activities. Note: This event often takes place outdoors, but if it’s raining or too hot, the shindig is moved indoors for opimal fun.
Whether you’re a rabid Portland basketball fan who can recite all of the lyrics to “Bust a Bucket,” or a newbie looking for entertaining ways to acclimate to the Rose City, a Blazers game at the Moda Center is an experience you won’t want to miss. Playing in Kid City, getting a first game souvenir and cheering on Damian and the rest of our boys is the perfect way to spend an evening with the family. Read on to get our inside scoop on how to navigate a Portland Trail Blazer game with kids in tow.
photo: Sheena Portrait
Pre-Game Fun
Before you even step foot in the Moda Center there is plenty to explore around the facility. First, make sure to hit up the main entrance to see the fountains and Rip City sign. The sign is the perfect photo opp for your little one—the “i” in city is missing to encourage fans to stand in its place to complete the iconic Trail Blazer slogan. After you get that perfect picture, walk about ten feet to Dr. Jack’s, named after our beloved coach, Jack Ramsay, who lead the Blazers to their 1977 NBA title. Dr. Jack’s offers easy picnic table seating and a classic kids’ menu with flatbreads, hot dogs and pasta. For the grownups, we recommend an order (or 3!) of the famous smoked wings along with a local craft beer or a selection from the specialty cocktail list.
photo: Sheena Portrait
Kid City
Once entering the Moda Center, head straight to Kid City on the 300 level. This is our favorite new addition to the Blazer game experience. Here you will find plenty of free activities for young fans to enjoy. The Rose City Tattoo Parlor for fake tatts, sign-making station and arcade basketball hoop games are just a few of the must-see booths that will get your squad in the rip city spirit. There is also an old-school candy cart and a children’s merchandise shop. Kids will be ecstatic when the spy Blaze, the Blazers mascot, who you can often find roaming around the 300 level with his silly moves and high energy.
For those with younger children in tow, Kid City is a perfect way to break up the game and get wiggles out. The area is lined with TVs so if they need a movement break from sitting in seats, you won’t miss any game action. Bringing binoculars adds that extra little something to keep kids engaged during the game!
photo: Sheena Portrait
Dine Like a Foodie
As Portlanders, we take pride in our food scene and don’t have to sacrifice our love for flavorful local eats when at a game. Sizzle Pie, Bunk Bar, Killer Burger, Salt and Straw, and Cha Cha Cha are just a few on the long list of vendors who now call the Moda Center home. Concessions offer vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options, to boot, so no matter what your dietary preferences are, having ample delicious options in one location is a true Portland treat.
My 1st Game Souvenir
Before leaving the stadium, make sure to swing by the “My 1st Game” booth with your kids where they will receive a button along with a certificate which highlights their name, game details and with whom they attended the game. It’s free and a special keepsake that is sure to land a prized spot at home.
photo: Sheena Portrait
Tickets & Contact
Ticket prices vary depending on location in the stadium and the opposing team being played. With a little less than three months left in the season, now is the time to get tickets and start planning your proper Portland outing with a Blazer game. For tickets and pricing visit online: www.ticketmaster.com
Fred Meyer offers a Family Game Night package, which includes 4 game tickets, 10% off food, beverage (non-alcoholic) and select merchandise at the Fan Shop when you show your Fred Meyer rewards card. For more details visit online: nba.com/blazers/tickets/fred-meyer-family-games
Most home games have a 7 p.m. or 7:30 p.m. start time. Plan on game lasting about 2.5-3 hrs. There is only one early game left in the season, with a 6 p.m. start time, on February 21st against the Utah Jazz.
1 N Center Ct.
Tickets: 800-745-3000
Online: rosequarter.com
Do you have a memorable experience from a Blazer game? Share the highlights with us in the comment section below!
Despite a lengthy countdown to your tour date, scheduling a semi-private tour at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena is well worth the wait. Budding astronauts will gawk over watching rocket scientists at work, viewing life-sized models of all of JPL’s spacecraft, and getting a birds-eye view of the mission control room in action. Beam yourself up the 210 for an educational (and free!) day.
photo credit: Shannon Guyton
Where Time And Space Meet
Patience, young Jedi. Learning about space travel might take some time. Tours book up months in advance and run every week at 1 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays, alternating. There’s an option for groups of up to 10 and for groups of 20+. Go online to JPL’s free public tours page to check availability.
photo credit: Barbara Nale
Street, Er, Space Cred
One of the coolest parts of the 2 ½ hour tour is that with your souvenir badge around your neck, you’ll feel like a legit employee. Tour guides offer easy to understand explanations of astounding facts about space exploration.
photo credit: Barbara Nale
Star Tours
The tour starts with a beautifully done 20-minute video of what we know about all the planets, narrated by none other than Han Solo himself.
photo credit: Barbara Nale
Next, you’ll get peek at scientists at work. Your tour guide will explain what projects the engineers are working on and why they keep the assembly room at 67 degrees and 51% humidity. Hint: when you get to the top of the stairs at this stop, stand toward the right so you can see the video playing.
photo credit: Barbara Nale
The third stop is the JPL museum where you’ll see life-sized replicas of a spacecraft dating back to 1936 when JPL was formed by rocket enthusiasts from the California Institute of Technology, to the most recent Mars Rover called Curiosity which is looking for life-supporting elements on Mars. You’ll have some time here on your own to explore the kid-friendly interactive exhibits.
photo credit: Barbara Nale
Your last stop (and arguably the coolest) is a room with a view of mission control. You’ll learn some fascinating details about the satellites that are tracking different activities and making discoveries every day around the world.
The theme of the campus is “Dare Mighty Things,” and your kids’ imaginations will be sparked and dreams inspired from taking a trip to JPL.
photo credit: Shannon Guyton
Ground Control Details Food is not available for sale on campus, but there is a lovely park, the Hahamongna Watershed Park, right next door where you can have a picnic before your tour. Smaller groups can eat on the very pretty outdoor bench and table area where employees take their breaks.
Parking for visitors at JPL is easier than it appears. When you arrive at the gate of the campus you will show your driver’s license to the guard who should issue you a permit for the lot nearest the visitor center. Ask for the permit even if the guard doesn’t give you one! There’s a handy roundabout that is great for stopping to drop off anyone in your party that isn’t big on walking. (Because this tour is amazing to schedule when family, including Grandma and Grandpa who remember the original moon walk, is in town).
photo credit: Barbara Nale
Be prepared to walk. The tour goes for nearly a mile, including multiple flights of stairs. Wear comfortable shoes and in summer months don’t forget a sun hat, SPF and a bottle of water. There are elevators available, just let your tour guide know if you need one.
The tour is only semi-private. You could be grouped with as many as fifty other space invaders. Guides will split the groups by age.
Bathrooms and drinking fountains are available along the way and each inside stop is (thankfully) air-conditioned.
After your tour, stop in the cute and refreshingly reasonably priced gift shop to grab a NASA souvenir.
Best for ages 8 & up, but kids as young as 4 will enjoy the tour if they love space and can hold out for snacks for the 2 1/2 hours the tour takes.
If you can’t wait to check out JPL, you can attend the upcoming Open House on October 10 & 11, 2015. The center will be open from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. No tickets or reservations required.
NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory
4800 Oak Grove Dr.
Pasadena
818-354-4321
Online: jpl.nasa.gov
Have you taken a tour of JPL? What’s your favorite spot in town to explore infinity and beyond?
Between your kids tumbling from couch to couch and juggling after school schedules, parenting can sometimes feel like a circus. Take the night off from your own acrobatic feats and head to Cirque du Soleil’s newest touring show, Kurios: Cabinet of Curiosities. Playing under the iconic blue-and-yellow Big Top at Marymoor Park through March 22, this kid-friendly show will ignite your imagination inside a mechanical world where curios come to life, contortionists twist and turn on a mechanical hand and dinner parties literally get turned upside down.
The Show
Kurios serves up everything you know and love about Cirque du Soleil performances from high flying acts that make you gasp in wonder to dazzling sets with the most intricate of details. But, what makes this imaginative show so thrilling for kids is the combination between stunning acrobatics you’ve come to expect from Cirque and more subtle, humorous acts that showcase shadow puppetry and yo-yo masters.
photo: Martin Girard/Cirque du Soleil
From act to act, your kids will be transported into a magical world of curiosity as they marvel at “siamese twins” hanging in the air by straps soaring above the stage, an acrobat who is suspended in mid-air as she rides her bike upside down and an artist who tells a story with just his fingers as his shadow is projected onto a hot air balloon screen. The entire show is set to music (the musicians are located behind the stage) and an Industrial Revolution-inspired set that includes a mechanical hand, a train and a raised walkway.
While your kids may not totally grasp what each character represents or the intricacies of the show’s storyline, there’s no doubt their curiosity will be awakened by the thrilling acrobatics and amazing stunts.
• The show runs 2 hours and 10 minutes including a 25-minute intermission and strollers are not allowed in the arena.
• While a couple of toddlers were spotted in the audience, Kurios is best suited for kids ages six and older.
• The rows of seats are very narrow meaning if kiddo needs a bathroom break in the middle of an act or you need to step outside, you’ll need to climb over everyone in your row to exit. We suggest scoring a seat at the aisle or the very first row in sections 200-204 where you won’t have anyone sitting in front of you.
• Restrooms are located outside the tent so bring along a rain coat or umbrella if the skies are unforgiving. During intermission the restroom lines can get long, so plan accordingly.
• Parking costs $15 (cash) per car.
• Refreshments and snacks are available when you enter the Big Top and are allowed at your seat. No outside food or drink is allowed.
• No photography (of any kind) is allowed inside the Big Top, so leave your fancy camera behind. If you want to grab a keepsake photo, bring your iPhone and grab a pic in front of the Big Top or inside the entrance tent.
• If you really want to impress your kids, purchase VIP tickets. Not only will you have awesome seats, but you will get to enjoy delish food one-hour before the show and at intermission and will get to take home a show program and souvenir photo.
