Thanksgiving feasts can still be (relatively) cheap! If you’re trying to save money around the holidays this year, you might be alarmed by the news of food inflation and scarcity. Fortunately according to Consumer Reports, there are plenty of ways to conserve cash while you shop for the big day.

As it turns out, your standard Thanksgiving food items are actually cheaper this year than the previous two years. You can get a basket of root vegetables and name brand items (like Ocean Spray cranberry sauce or Pillsbury pie crusts) for $22.31, down 36 cents from 2020. And the prices of big turkeys (16 pounds and up) have dropped around nine percent, making it an economical choice and a great source of leftovers.

funny jokes for kids, holiday jokes for kids, thanksgiving jokes.

Other tips to save money? Check your store for promotions around the holiday, but don’t get tricked into spending over budget just to snag a cheaper turkey. Buy in advance rather than getting caught in the crowds and to take advantage of “while supplies last” deals. And don’t feel the need to spend a lot on pricey appetizers, since the Thanksgiving meal is known to be super filling on its own.

As you’re shopping for holiday meals in general, it pays to get a store loyalty card, which often offer gas deals, too. You can take advantage of tech in the aisles by using a Consumer Reports recommended shopping app, like Basket, Ibotta or Flipp, which help you shop for the best savings. Finally, store brands tend to be 20 to 25% cheaper than their name brand counterparts and often taste nearly identical.

—Sarah Shebek

Featured image courtesy of Nicole Michalou, Pexels

 

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Looking for a fun and easy way to teach your kids about kindness? Consider joining the Kindness Rocks Project. This creative project has artists of all ages spreading happy thoughts by way of painted rocks. The idea is simple—paint something inspiring or cheerful on a rock and leave it for someone else to find. Don’t know where to start? Read on!

What It Is

Pixabay

What's a rock got to do with kindness? Plenty, according to Megan Murphy, the Massachusetts woman who accidentally started the Kindness Rocks movement when she scribbled a few inspiring words on a rock and left it on a Cape Cod beach. Her Kindness Rocks Project has since gained worldwide attention, with inspirational, hash-tagged rocks popping up in at least seven countries and garnering millions of views on social media.

"The project isn’t about rocks per se, it’s about connection," Murphy said. "People find a rock, and they relate to the message on the rock. Then they connect with the fact that there is a human being on the other end of that rock, and they don't feel so alone." It can be as simple as scrawling "Hope" on a stone and tossing it on the sidewalk on your way to work, or as complex as painting an entire rock with Van Gogh's "Starry Night" and leaving your masterpiece up for grabs.

 

How It Works

Third Serving via Unsplash

First, you should join a local rock-painting group. A quick Google or Facebook search of "kindness rocks" and your hometown will probably turn up something. If not, rev up the bandwagon and rock it on your own, like this altruistic seven-year-old from San Francisco.

Here's What You'll Need

Amazon

- Smooth rocks (you can scavenge outside for them or you can find a whole bag at Home Depot or on Amazon)

- Acrylic paint

- Paintbrushes

- Fine point paint pens (optional, but makes writing words way easier)

- clear spray-on sealer like Krylon for sealing rocks (parents should do this)

Step One: Prep Your Rock

Melissa Heckscher

Since rocks are porous, it's best to lay down a layer of paint to act as a primer and backdrop for your finished masterpiece. There's no need to paint the bottom of the rock (that just makes it harder to handle as it's drying.).

Step Two: Write Something (or Paint a Picture)

Melissa Heckscher

When the primer coat is completely dry, let your littles use a paint pen to write something on their rock. To help them come up with something, try asking them simple questions about kindness: What is kindness? What is a 'kind' thing to say? What message would make you happy to see on a rock? What could you hear someone else say that would make you feel special?

And, don't feel bound by words; painting cute or happy pictures works, too (Smiley faces and rainbows, anyone?)!

Step Three: Hashtag It! 

Melissa Heckscher

Write a hashtag on your rock to help whoever finds it realize that they can share it with the world. Our favorite is #thekindnessrocksproject, but there are gobs of smaller groups out there for those who want to keep it local. Don't forget to check your social media channels to see if someone shared your rock! 

 

Step Four: Seal It

Melissa Heckscher

Once your rock is dry, spread a layer of Mod Podge over it. This will keep the paint from chipping and will seal it against water. (Plus it will make your rock look shiny and awesome.)

Step Five: Leave Your Rock Somewhere to Be Found

iStock

Let your kids scatter their well-wishes around your neighborhood, in a park, or on the sidewalk on their way to school—basically, anywhere the rocks can be found by someone else!

Tip: Don't hide your rock so well that it can't be easily found—and don't put it on private property where passersby will think it belongs to someone. 

 

— Melissa Heckscher

 

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Sunscreen giant Coppertone is voluntarily recalling specific lots of five aerosol sunscreen spray products due to the presence of benzene, a human carcinogen. The company has not received any reports of adverse events, but the recall is taking place out of an abundance of caution.

All of the affected products are packaged in aerosol cans and distributed nationally. Pure & Simple SPF 50, Pure & Simple Kids SPF 50, Pure & Simple Baby SPF 50, Sport Mineral SPF 50 and travel-size Coppertone Sport Spray SPF 50 are under recall.

Specifically, the following lots are affected:

UPC

Product Description

Lot

Manufacturing Date

00072140028817 CT P&S BABY SPF50 SPRAY 5OZ 12S TN0083J 1/10/2021
00072140028817 CT P&S BABY SPF50 SPRAY 5OZ 12S TN0083K 1/11/2021
00072140028824 CT P&S KIDS SPF50 SPRAY 5OZ 12S TN00854 1/12/2021
00072140028824 CT P&S KIDS SPF50 SPRAY 5OZ 12S TN00855 1/14/2021
00072140028701 CT SPORT MIN SPF50 SPRAY 5OZ 12S TN008KU 3/15/2021
00072140028701 CT SPORT MIN SPF50 SPRAY 5OZ 12S TN008KV 3/16/2021
00072140028800 CT P&S SPF50 SPRAY 5OZ 12S TN00BR2 3/31/2021
00072140028817 CT P&S BABY SPF50 SPRAY 5OZ 12S TN009GH 3/31/2021
00072140028824 CT P&S KIDS SPF50 SPRAY 5OZ 12S TN00857 4/6/2021
00041100005069 CT SPORT SPRAY SPF50 1.6OZ 24S TN00BU3 5/6/2021
00072140028800 CT P&S SPF50 SPRAY 5OZ 12S TN00CJ4 6/15/2021
00072140028824 CT P&S KIDS SPF50 SPRAY 5OZ 12S TN00CJV 6/15/2021

 

If you have one of these products in your house, stop using it and dispose appropriately. You can visit https://www.sunscreenrecall2021.com/External Link Disclaimer to request a product refund and for additional information.  Coppertone is also notifying its retailers by letter and is arranging for returns of all voluntarily recalled lots of sunscreen spray products.

Looking for a safer option? Check out our ultimate guide to sunscreen for kids, featuring favorites from the Environmental Working Group.

—Sarah Shebek

Featured image courtesy of the FDA

 

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America’s largest urban forest is located right in Portland families’ back yard, and it is a gorgeous place to be through the autumn months. Located in the heart of the city, Forest Park is brimming with colorful hikes for local families to explore. With almost 100 miles of trails within the park, your crew can hit a different trail each week throughout the fall months. Read on to find our pick of the best Forest Park hikes for families.

Shea R. via Flickr

1. NW Skyline Blvd to BPA Road (2 miles)
This relatively effortless, two mile Forest Park hike is easy to access from NW Skyline Blvd. from BPA Road. Here, look for the signs for Firelane 13 to reach the flat, lookout area with picnic tables. Don't forget to pack in your lunch to enjoy from the overlook! On a clear day, you can even spot Mt. Rainier and Mt. St. Helens.

Ages: Appropriate for all ages (you can even take baby in a backpack carrier)

2. Lower Macleay Park to Pittock Mansion (5.3 miles)
The hike to Pittock Mansion from Lower Macleay Park is a bit of a climb (an elevation gain of nearly a thousand feet), and is more difficult in nature at 5.3 miles round trip—but this hike has it all! You'll find street parking near the park entrance on NW 29th and Upshur, plus the park has picnic tables and restrooms. The hike itself is parallel to a lovely gurgling river bank, and the trail is paved. A highlight is the mysterious Stone House, for a fun photo op, where you can either opt to return on the Wildwood Trail or soldier on. If you opt to continue, you'll ultimate reach Pittock Mansion, with stunning views of the city that are sure to impress along this Forest Park hike.

Ages: 6 years and up

3. Lower Maple Trail Loop (3 mile loop)
From Hwy 30, turn on to Saltzman Road, and follow the winding residential road up to the top. Now, follow the Saltzman Road trail head to the Maple Trail, then go right on the Leif Erikson Trail. Return to the beginning via Maple, and you'll have taken one healthy, three mile loop. While the directions may sound complicated, it's a fun quest and sign exploration game for older children to participate in, plus they'll love the forested paths with birds, slugs and bugs. (Don't forget your bug spray!)

Ages: All ages

Emily U via Yelp

4. The Big Stump (2 miles or 6 miles)
Turn on to Old Springville Rd. from Skyline Rd. to reach the parking area and Wildwood trail head. There, you'll follow Fire Lane 7 to the the Hardesty Trail, reaching The Big Stump (which is exactly what it sounds like—kids love it!). To return, either follow your inbound route, or if you're feeling very ambitious, opt to loop to the Wildwood Trail, then Ridge Trail, back to Fire Lane 7. Depending on your course, this will take you either two miles and less than two hours, or a few more hours to do the six mile loop.

Ages: 2 mile loop is appropriate for all ages. 6 mile loop is best for 7 years and up.

5. Audubon Society Hikes (1-5 miles)
If you have a novice avian expert in your family, check out the Audubon Society of Portland at 5151 NW Cornell Rd. From here, you can take an easy, 1.3 mile stroll from the Founders Trail to the North Collins Trail to hear and view wild woodpeckers and over 40 species of other birds. The 150 acre nature preserve surrounding the Audubon Society has four miles of hiking paths, plus onsite restrooms and a store to pick up a birding guide. 

Ages: All ages

6. The Wildwood–Newton Loop (1 mile)
Last but not least, your little tree hugger will love the Wildwood Trail! This round-trip loop is about a mile and easy enough for smaller legs. From Skyline Blvd, turn on to NW Newton Road and park. Then walk right on the first path, to the Wildwood Trail. From here, head south on Wildwood. To return, take a right onto Fire Lane 10. Along the Wildwood Trail, you'll find a hollowed-out tree that little ones will love to tuck inside for a fun photo.

Ages: All Ages

 

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If you are tired of buying toxic chemicals to clean your home, you can easily DIY homemade cleaners using the recipes below.

Non-Toxic Cleaners for the Bathroom

1. DIY Hand Soap
With the current pandemic raising havoc worldwide, I always do everything humanly possible to keep my kids safe. This means preparing an effective and non-toxic hand soap for them to use every day when they come home from school or after using the toilet.

For non-toxic hand soap, you need to fill 25% of the soap dispenser with liquid or grated castile soap and then top it up with water. Mix it well and place it in the bathroom for everyone to use after visiting the toilet or getting home.

2. Disinfectant
Despite being where we clean our bodies, the bathroom floors are prone to bacteria infestations; therefore, Eco Peanut recommends that you disinfect them regularly. And being an environmentally conscious parent, you can prepare a simple yet effective disinfectant for your floor using simple ingredients like lime, lemon, lime peels and white vinegar. Mix 0.24 liters of white vinegar, lime peels, juice of one lime and juice of one lemon and 0.24 liters of water. Mix this well and spray it on the bathroom floor and then rinse it after a few minutes.

3. DIY Toilet Cleaner
For the toilet, I have two solutions (heavy-duty and mellow cleaners) that I prepare for specific types of cleaning. The mellow cleaner keeps the toilet clean daily, while the heavy-duty formula helps with stain removal.

4. Mellow Cleaner Recipe for Toilets
To prepare this mellow toilet cleaner, you need to mix 0.24 liters of white vinegar, half a cup of baking soda, and one and a half teaspoons of tea tree essential oil, lavender, grapefruit or orange essential oils. Mix it well before cleaning your toilet. This DIY toilet cleaner will leave your toilet clean and smelling nice.

5. Heavy-Duty Cleaner Recipe for Toilets
For a heavy-duty cleaner, you should mix 0.24 liters of white vinegar, ¾ cup of baking soda, five drops of lemon essential oils and 10 drops of lavender essential oils. Mix them well before scrubbing your toilet.

6. DIY Shower & Tub Cleaner
For the tub and shower, I also have two unique recipes that I use, one is for heavy-duty cleaning, and the other is for mellow cleaning.

Mellow Cleaning Recipe for Tubs & Showers: I always spray some white vinegar on the shower’s surfaces or the tub for mellow cleaning and let it sit for about half an hour before rinsing it.

Heavy-Duty Cleaning Recipe for Tubs & Showers: For deep cleaning, I mix half a cup of salt, washing soda, a cup of baking soda and five drops of lemon. Mix the mixture well and then sprinkle it on a damp floor and leave it for about 10 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing the floor.

Non-Toxic Cleaners for the Kitchen

7. DIY Clogged Sink Drain Cleaner
For clogged pipes, I have a simple yet effective formula that I learned from my grandmother. To unclog the sink drain, I always pour eight tablespoons of salt and eight tablespoons of baking soda down the drain. And then top it up with some water and let it sit for about three hours.

When dealing with a grim-clogging situation, I always leave the mixture in the drain overnight. And then repeat this process twice to clear the drain.

8. DIY Dishwasher Detergent
A huge percentage of dishwashing detergents have fragrances that trigger allergic reactions in allergy sufferers. So if any member of your family has allergies, you should try a DIY dishwasher detergent. Mix 0.24 liters of water with liquid castile soap and then add it to the first detergent compartment. Fill the other compartment with four teaspoons of lime or lemon juice and white vinegar.

9. DIY Countertop Cleaner
Instead of wasting a lot of cash on a branded cleaner with toxic chemicals, you can mix water and vinegar. If your countertops are not made from stone, granite or marble, then you can create a mixture containing one part water and one part vinegar and put it all in a spray bottle.

But for marble, granite and stone surface, you should mix 0.36 liters of water, 0.12 liters of rubbing alcohol, half a teaspoon of liquid castile soap and a few drops of your favorite essential oil. Shake the mixture well and rub it gently on the surfaces using a cotton cloth.

Non-Toxic Cleaners for the Rest of the House

10. DIY Furniture Polish
For non-wood furniture, I  mix 0.18 liters of olive oil with 0.6 liters of vinegar and apply the mixture to the furniture. This all-purpose cleaner works perfectly with a wide range of materials except for wooden surfaces.

For wooden surfaces, you need 0.96 liters of hot water, three teaspoons of white vinegar and six teaspoons of olive oil. Apply this mixture to wood surfaces and wipe gently using a cotton cloth.

11. DIY Floor Cleaner
For my floor, all I need is a mixture of warm water and three teaspoons of washing soda and I am good to go. After cleaning the floors, I always apply a mixture of white vinegar and olive oil in certain parts of the house and then rub it to create a shiny thin coat.

12. DIY Mirror & Window Cleaner
For my windows, I mix 5 parts water, 1 part white vinegar, squeeze some juice from half a lemon and some lemon peels in my spray bottle. Shake the mixture well before washing all the windows and mirrors in the house. You can spread the mixture all over the window using a cotton cloth or sponge.

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I am an environmentalist who loves to share knowledge about sustainable living and how to save our lovely planet! 

Without a doubt, one of the best perks of living in the Bay Area is the year-round temperate weather (also why left coast = best coast). This affords our families the opportunity to be outside no matter what the season and that means our playgrounds are top-notch! In this guide, you’ll find a playground for every kid out there who takes the saying, “Play is a child’s work” seriously. We’ve gathered our favorite playgrounds from Marin to the South Bay with brand-new all-ability playgrounds and more. Time to get to work! 

Favorite San Francisco Playgrounds

Bruna Saito via Pexels

From the hilltops of Bernal to Eureka Valley to the Civic Center, there is no shortage of gorgeous playgrounds (some with spectacular views!) and we rounded up some of the best!

Click here for our San Francisco playgrounds picks!

The Best Playgrounds of the East Bay

Pexels

Whether you are in Berkeley and Alameda to the inlands of Walnut Creek and San Ramon, the work is cut out for you as we selected the best playgrounds. 

Click here for our East Bay playground picks!

Peninsula Playground Breakdown

Abian Centeno via Unsplash

Looking for a dragon castle themed park or a hidden neighborhood gem? Your search ends here as we’ve scouted it all out for you! 

Click here for our Peninsula playground picks!

South Bay Playgrounds to Frolic In 

iStock

Pirates, butterflies and ant themed playgrounds litter the South Bay so be sure to check one (or several) out! 

Click here for our South Bay playground picks!

 

Marin Playgrounds You Must Visit 

Schmidt-Reportagen via Pixabay

From serene open spaces to sweeping scenic playgrounds in San Rafael to Corte Madera to Tiburon, we’ve picked out our best-loved playgrounds.

Click here for our Marin playground picks!

All-Abilities Playgrounds for All Children

iStock

Not every child plays the same way but every child needs to play! These all-abilities playgrounds take into account all children—from slides created to prevent snagging of cochlear implants to swings for wheelchairs.

Click here for our All-Abilities playground picks! 

Splash Pads and Spray Parks to Splish Splash In

iStock

The transcendent of all playgrounds in the summer by far are ones with splash pads! The minis can run wild on the playground then cool off in the splash pad which makes for a quiet ride home and early bedtime. WIN. 

Click here for our Splash Pad playground picks!

—Christine Lai

feature photo: iStock

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Running through sprinklers is fun, but FUNBOY’s new splash pads take backyard water toys to the next level. Just plug in your garden hose and watch the water spray up to five feet high!

The pad fills with water, so there’s no pump required, and you won’t have to get dizzy blowing it up with air. Designed for kids 3 and up, there’s room for a few to run through it or sit down and cool off in the water. Your dog will definitely get in on the action too.

You may know FUNBOY from the brand’s splashy pool floats for adults that you’ll find all over Instagram (inflatable cabana, anyone?). The family-owned company based in Venice Beach, California, recently launched its line of FUNBABY inflatables, sprinklers and kiddie pools, so kids can get in on all the fun. These cool splash pads are the latest addition to the line.

The splash pad comes in two funky prints: tropical and Moroccan Dream. Both versions are currently on sale on the FUNBOY website for $39, so snap one up quick!

—Eva Ingvarson Cerise

All photos courtesy of FUNBOY

 

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It’s smart to be sun safe, but if you’ve been using certain sunscreens, it’s time to make a switch. Johnson & Johnson has announced it’s voluntarily recalling 14 sunscreen products from five different product lines due to the presence of benzene, a known carcinogen. All of the affected products are aerosol (spray) sunscreens.

Benzene is not an ingredient in any of the sunscreens, but it may have contaminated the products during the manufacturing process and internal testing identified low levels of the carcinogen. The following sunscreen lines are under recall:

  • NEUTROGENA® Beach Defense® aerosol sunscreen
  • NEUTROGENA® Cool Dry Sport aerosol sunscreen
  • NEUTROGENA® Invisible Daily™ defense aerosol sunscreen
  • NEUTROGENA® Ultra Sheer® aerosol sunscreen
  • AVEENO® Protect + Refresh aerosol sunscreen

If you have one or more of these products in your house, stop using them and discard. You can contact the JJCI Consumer Care Center with any questions. If you have more specific medical questions, contact your healthcare provider.

The Environmental Working Group recommends avoiding spray sunscreens due to inadequate coverage and potential inhalation risks. You can find a full report from the group on safer sunscreen choices online.

—Sarah Shebek

Featured image courtesy of Pichara Bann on Unsplash

 

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Give your wallet a much needed day off with these 10 fun activities in and nearby the District that won’t cost you a single dime. From smelling the roses to traveling back in time, there’s something for every frugal family member.

1. Sit Front Row

REACH

All summer long., REACH will be hosting a number of films, event and performances on the outdoor Millennium Stage and the price for admission is, you guessed it, free!  There's opera, jazz, Indigenous dance...basically anything you can think of. For the perfect picnic, use the money you saved on tickets for a cool glass of wine and some nibbles at Victura Park.  

2700 F St. NW
Foggy Bottom
Activity details.

2. Catch a Flight

Vivi N. via Yelp

Pint-size aviation buffs will love hanging out at Gravelly Point Park, which is conveniently situated just off of the George Washington Parkway. It's there where they're able to watch planes take off (right above their heads!) from Reagan National Airport. Pack a picnic or bring popcorn to make plane watching a serious spectator sport. 

George Washington Pkwy.
Arlington, VA
Online: virginia.org

3. Smell the Roses

Hazel C. via Yelp

DC has a number of public gardens and parks that won't cost you a dime to visit. One of our absolute favorite's is Bishop's Garden at the National Cathedral. It's stocked with beautiful roses, fun exploring pathways, a tiny pond with goldfish and frogs, a shady stone gazebo, and a big open lawn to run around in or spread a picnic blanket on. 

Massachusetts and Wisconsin Aves. NW
Woodley Park
Activity details.

4. Meet a Working Artist

Bruce Mars via Unsplash

Stroll the halls of the Torpedo Factory, a former munitions factory turned art space. Creative kiddos get a sneak peek at any one of the 82 artists with working studios in the Factory. From painting to ceramics and fiber to printmaking, the creative types love to chat with families about their gigs. Bonus: There are elevators and wide hallways, making this ideal for strollers.

105 N. Union St.
Alexandria, VA
Online: torpedofactory.org

5. Spend a Day at a Museum

G.D.S. via Yelp

One of the biggest perks about living in the District is that many of the museums are federal institutions, which means admission is free. This includes the National Gallery of Art,  Planet Word and the Smithsonian's museums (think: the kid-approved National Air and Space museum). Find one that the whole family will enjoy and go explore.

Editor's Note: Check your favorite museum's website prior to visiting; many are now requiring timed entry tickets. 

6. Up Your Insta Game

Meghan Yudes Meyers

If you're looking for a cool backdrop to snap kiddo's next pics for grandma, look no further than DC's outdoor art scene. Not sure where to start? We rounded up some of the boldest murals here. Bring a camera and some snacks for the littles, but leave your wallet at home; there are no down payments or studio fees involved with these sittings.

Activity details. 

7. Hang with the Animals

Jaime G. via Yelp

Bring a stroller and lace up your sneakers to walk the 163-acre animal park. Home to popular exhibits such as the panda house, there are plenty of lesser-known must-see stops. For instance, there’s the Kids’ Farm, where llamas and cows are neighbors with rare breeds like San Clemente Island goats and Ossabaw Island hogs. Educational programs are available throughout the day and include Amazon fish feeding, elephant training and meetings with panda or ape keepers.

Editor's note: The zoo is still free, but you must have a timed-entry ticket upon arrival. Get them here

3001 Connecticut Ave. NW
Woodley Park
Online: nationalzoo.si.edu

8. Travel Back in Time

Unsplash

Go back in time without spending a dime at this Fairfax County park. Dating back to 1726, the park imitates a 1920s through 1950s farm, including agricultural process, rural community life and landscape. In the Kidwell Farm area, check out horses, chickens, rabbits, sheep, goats, cows, pigs and their babies. Then, help a farmer milk a cow. Wagon and carousel rides are available seasonally for a small charge. In the Antique Equipment Shed, visitors can look at horse-drawn carriages and early farm equipment from 1900.

2739 West Ox Rd.
Herndon, VA
Online: fairfaxcounty.gov

9. Stalk the Stars

Greg Rakozy

Rock Creek Park is home to the only planetarium operated by the National Park Service, and it's free. On Wed., Sat. and Sun. nights, the image of the night sky is projected onto a large, dome-shaped ceiling. You'll hear more than one "coooool" coming from the kiddie corner. 

Editor's note: Ms. Seymour, the planetarium projector, is currently out-of-service. We will update this story when Ms. Seymour is working again! 

5200 Glover Rd. NW
Rock Creek Park
Online: nps.gov

Cool Your Jets

Fairfax County

Many of the District's spray pads and splash parks are completely free (check out our ultimate guide here). For a park experience that feels worthy of an entrance fee, Head to Our Special Harbor Spray Park in Franconia, VA. There are boats to climb, bubblers and even a beach. 

6601 Telegraph Rd.
Franconia, VA
Online: fairfaxcounty.gov

—Meghan Yudes Meyers and Ayren Jackson-Cannady

featured photo: iStock

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When it comes to spray decks and wading pools, Boston’s got some of the best around. And when it comes to keeping your kids cool (and happy) on a hot summer day, it doesn’t get easier than water play at a nearby splash park or pool. That’s why we’ve rounded up the best the city has to offer in the water play department. So grab the sunscreen, it’s time to get your splash on!

https://www.instagram.com/p/CEFQQ0nnd18/?hidecaption=true

via instagram

Artesani Wading Pool & Spray Deck
When it comes to staying cool on a hot summer day, it helps to have options. That’s why we love Artesani Wading Pool & Spray Deck. Tots can cool off running through the fountains of the spray deck or they can splish and splash in the lifeguarded wading pool nearby. This is where you’ll find dump buckets, flowery sprays and plenty of other parents wading in to stay cool.

Hours: Spray Deck, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.; Wading Pool, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

1255 Soldiers Field Rd.
Brighton, MA
Online: mass.gov/locations/artesani-playground-wading-pool-and-spray-deck

Ryan Wading Pool
Cool off at this neighborhood wading pool that features overhead sprayers, large shade umbrellas and a playground just a hop, skip and a jump away. You’ll find lifeguards here and benches too, so sit back and relax while the kids wade in the water on a hot sunny day.

Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

350 River St.
Mattapan, MA
Online: mass.gov/locations/ryan-wading-pool

jessinus.kaikai via instagram

Beaver Brook Spray Deck
There’s a reason this Belmont spray deck is a go-to spot for Boston families in the summer. The soft spray deck surface and oversized rocks just waiting to be climbed are irresistible to kids. Add in the playground just a few steps away and you’ve got your summer afternoon planned. Our suggestion? Bring extra snacks because the kids won’t want to leave this spot.

Hours: 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

621 Trapelo Rd.
Belmont, MA
Online: mass.gov/locations/beaver-brook-spray-deck

Dorothy Curran Spray Park
When it comes to water play, it’s hard to go wrong with a nautical theme. And that’s what families will find at this playground and spray park combo. The spongy spray deck surface is easy on little feet. While the looming overhead sprayers that resemble seaweed (or maybe Nessie?) will keep kids cool. Dry off before hitting the sailing ship play structure that’s a hit with kids of all ages and abilities.

Moakley Park
1005 Columbia Rd.
South Boston, MA
Online: boston.gov/parks/moakley-park

https://www.instagram.com/p/BzLrn4lg583/?hidecaption=true

frogpondboston via instagram

Boston Common Frog Pond
You can count on Boston families to flock to this wading pool with its spectacular fountain whenever the sun is out. And can you blame them? It’s the place to be on a sunny summer day. Between the expansive wading pool, nearby carousel, playground, swan boats and lemonade carts, it’s what summer in the city is all about. Bring your blankets and find a shady spot at this popular spot that’s truly not-to-miss.

Hours: Daily, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. (weather permitting)

40 Beacon St.
Boston, MA
Online: bostonfrogpond.com

Johnson Playground Spray Deck
Another spray park with a nearby playground, the Johnson Playground Spray Deck will keep your kids laughing and cool on a hot day. So find a shady spot and settle in while the kids play. And did we mention J.P. Licks isn’t too far away? End your water park play with a scoop of fresh cucumber ice cream or how about applewood smoked vanilla after play time is over.

Good to know: If you need a change of scenery, the Stony Brook Spray Deck is close by.

Hours: 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

Lamartine St. & Green St.
Jamaica Plain, MA
Online: mass.gov/locations/johnson-playground-spray-deck

rosekennedygreenway via instgarm

Rose Kennedy Greenway Fountains
Wherever you roam around the Greenway, you’ll find a fountain to splash in. Adults and kids alike love to cool off in the Rings Fountain in the Wharf District, with its 64 nozzles of vertical projection. The Canal Fountains, along the North and South Lawns, are another fam fave. If you’ve got tots, this is the spot to take them. Finally, kids can wade into the Chinatown Stream, with its bamboo walkway and peacefully cascading waterfall. Take your pick! You can’t go wrong here.

Atlantic Ave.
Boston, MA
Online: rosekennedygreenway.org

Dana Park
On the eastern side of this Cambridge park, families will find a water play area and inviting playground. While we’re sure the kids will want to focus their play here, it’s worth noting that the park also boasts shaded walking paths, a full-sized basketball court and a lush lawn that was made for family picnics. So pack a few extras (a change of clothes for sure!) when you hit this popular neighborhood park.

70 Magazine St.
Cambridge, MA
Online: cambridgema.gov/cdd/parks/parksinfo/parks/danapark

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Alfond Memorial Spray Deck
Another splash spot located along the Charles River this small spray deck is a welcome respite for city families. After you’ve had your fill of water, hit the playground and then the Museum of Science, where you can keep the “cool” theme going in air-conditioned bliss.

Hours: 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

280 Charles St.
Boston, MA
Online: mass.gov/locations/alfond-memorial-spray-deck

Bradley Palmer State Park Spray Deck
If you’re up for an adventure, take the kids to Bradley Palmer State Park. It’s a bit of a drive, but totally worth it if you want to spend the day playing in the water—the park has a wading pool with splash pad features too—and exploring trails. Check out the daily programming before you go.

Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Cost: $5/person, MA resident; $20/person, non-residents

40 Asbury St.
Topsfield, MA
Online: mass.gov/locations/bradley-palmer-spray-deck

Good to Know:
1. Remember to pack sunscreen, spare swim diapers, a water bottle, sunhat, a change of clothes and plenty of snacks to make your splash-tastic day a successful one.

2. Many of these spots have playgrounds nearby, so plan to double your fun and make it a full day. We promise your kids will nap hard when they’re finally ready to head home.

3. In addition to our favorites featured above, the city has lots of other tot sprays and pools that’ll keep families cool this summer. Check out this map to find one near you.

—Allison Sutcliffe

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