Presidents’ Day is fast approaching and with another looong weekend to fill, it’s time to find some swell activities around LA that will both entertain your pint-sized patriots and maybe even teach them about our nation and founding forefathers. We’ve rounded up a list almost as long as the Constitution of our fave presidential to-dos. So fire up “Star Spangled Banner” on the karaoke machine, slap on a stovepipe hat worthy of Lincoln and brace yourself for a President’s Day weekend to remember.

Dive Into American History Lessons (That Are Actually Fun)

SoCal is home to not just one, but two presidential libraries and museums. And now that things are reopening, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum is once again hosting its Annual Presidents’ Day Celebration with lots of storytelling, entertainment and even president and first lady look-alikes—ooolala! Or if Nixon's your guy, head over to the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum in Yorba Linda on Mon. for the unveiling of the official 2022 White House Christmas ornament honoring the Nixon presidency. Some interior spaces at the museum still remain closed to the public due to COVID.

On June 12, 1987 President Reagan stood 100 yards from the Berlin Wall that divided East and West Germany and delivered his infamous "Tear Down This Wall" speech that would prove to be a turning point in the Cold War. To commemorate the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin wall, LA's Wende Museum installed one of largest stretches of the original Berlin wall in the world at 5900 Wilshire Blvd (across from LACMA). Stop by and share this great piece of history with your family.

At the Autry Museum, little cowpokes can ooo and ahh over hundreds of pieces of art and important artifacts that showcase the triumphs and hardships of the American West. Don't forget to try your luck at panning for gold with your little 49ers. It's always a hit with kids.

Kennedy was president during the great space race and a visit to the California Science Center to scope out the Space Shuttle Endeavor is the perfect way to see just how far we’ve come and inspire future space explorers of your own.

Known as the “Battleship of Presidents," the Battleship USS Iowa was the WWII flagship that carried President Franklin D. Roosevelt across the Atlantic for meetings with Winston Churchill. It was also the flagship for President Reagan during our nation’s Celebration of Liberty on July 4, 1986. Visitor tours have recently resumed and there's never been a better time to check out this incredible naval history museum.

Finally, don’t throw away your shot to catch Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Tony Award-winning juggernaut, Hamilton, at the Pantages Theater before it ends its run in Mar. We can’t think of a cooler way to teach littles about Alexander Hamilton’s history as one of the founding fathers of the United States.

Dive Into America’s Melting Pot

When President Obama was on the campaign trail in 2011, his motorcade famously stopped for a bite and some hand shaking at one of LA's most iconic eateries—Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles. As a tribute to the former president's visit, Roscoe's now features the #9 Obama’s Special on their regular menu—3 wings with a waffle or potato salad or french fries.

Not to be outdone, Canter's Deli also hosted Obama in 2014 when he stopped by to speak with a group of Americans who had written to him about their struggles. While he was there, he visited with customers and posed for photos. President Kennedy and President Nixon were also known to have dined here as well.

If you have a hankering for something sweet this Presidents' Day, nothing's more American than good old fashioned apple pie. Visit your favorite local spot for a slice (or whole pie) to go.

One of the things that makes America so special is that it's a true melting pot of different of cultures. At Smorgasburg LA, a weekly pop-up every Sun., you can taste a wide variety of foods from sea to shining sea. Another great pit stop for a wide offering of multicultural cuisines is Grand Central Market downtown—it's fantastic!

Dive Into America’s Parks

Honor Teddy Roosevelt, the founder of our nation’s great parks system, and treat your family to an afternoon filled with sunshine and fun-filled nature exploration. Choose a day hike from one of our favorite destinations, some of which may even have waterfalls!

If you're craving some eye-popping flora and fauna, we highly recommend a visit to The Huntington Garden Library, Art Museum and Botanical Gardens. There's no more beautiful place to spend the day. And while you're there, pop by the Library to check out the Huntington's famous collections and papers of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln.

Given the long weekend, use that extra time to visit a National Park. There are so many close to LA—from Joshua Tree and Cabrillo to Channel Islands National Park and more—there's a nearby spot to explore, including cabins and vacation rentals if you want to extend your stay. 

Dive Into American Pop Culture

Throughout history, America has consistently stood at the forefront of filmmaking. For an immersive look at the history of cinema, visit the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences that opened last fall. Highlights for kids include the Hayao Miyazaki exhibition (which ends in Jun.) and the Pixar 3D Zoetrope.

If the pandemic's brought us one good thing, it's the return of drive-in movies. On Presidents' Day weekend, Street Food Cinema will feature the movies Up and LaLa Land with a delicious selection of foods on site that are available for purchase.

We could wax poetically all day about the kitsch of Madame Tussaud's Hollywood. Visit your fave celebrities who've been expertly sculpted into wax so real, you may have to do a double take. They'll even pose for a photo or two with you...after all, they're not going anywhere.

American football is an enormous part of our culture, especially when our city not only hosts this year's Super Bowl, but also has a team competing in it (Go Rams!). So even if you didn't snag tickets to the big showdown, football fans can take a tour of the new Sofi Stadium in Inglewood which has been dubbed by some as the "very best in the world." Guests get to run through the tunnel, participate in on-field challenges and more.

Throughout history, America has consistently stood at the forefront of filmmaking. For an immersive look at the history of cinema, visit the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences that opened last fall. Highlights for kids include the Hayao Miyazaki exhibition (which ends in Jun.) and the Pixar 3D Zoetrope.

If the pandemic's brought us one good thing, it's the return of drive-in movies. On Presidents' Day weekend, Street Food Cinema will feature the movies Up and LaLa Land with a delicious selection of foods on site that are available for purchase.

We could wax poetically all day about the kitsch of Madame Tussaud's Hollywood. Visit your fave celebrities who've been expertly sculpted into wax so real, you may have to do a double take. They'll even pose for a photo or two with you...after all, they're not going anywhere.

American football is an enormous part of our culture, especially when our city not only hosts this year's Super Bowl, but also has a team competing in it (Go Rams!). So even if you didn't snag tickets to the big showdown, football fans can take a tour of the new Sofi Stadium in Inglewood which has been dubbed by some as the "very best in the world." Guests get to run through the tunnel, participate in on-field challenges and more.

—Jennifer O’Brien

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You know it’s called The Big D and that it’s home to the Cowboys, but there are plenty of fun facts about Dallas and the surrounding metroplex we bet will surprise you! From being home to the world’s tallest cowboy to actually inventing the frozen margarita, here are 15 fun facts about Dallas you might not know.

Cory Collins via Unsplash

1. The frozen margarita was invented in Dallas.

2. 7-11 opened its first location in Dallas and is still headquartered here today. 

3. The biggest Christmas tree in the country can be found inside the Galleria Mall.

4. The largest model train exhibit in the country is on permanent display in the lobby of Dallas’ Children’s Medical Center

5. Barney, the purple dinosaur every parent loved to hate was filmed in Dallas. The show is also where Selena Gomez and Demi Lovato got their first start. 

Gabriel Tovar via Unsplash

6. Dallas was home to the infamous Bonnie and Clyde. 

7. The term “Super Bowl” was coined by Dallas resident and AFL founder Lamar Hunt. 

8. The Dallas Public Library displays one of the original copies of the Declaration of Independence. 

9. Famous musicians from DFW include Steve Miller, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Erykah Badu, Nora Jones, ZZ Top bassist Dusty Hill, The Chicks, Stephen Stills, Usher and Meat Loaf.

10. The Texas State Fair's Big Tex is the tallest cowboy in the world. 

Micah Boswell via Unsplash

11. You can still catch a movie at the Texas Theater, which was where Lee Harvey Oswald was first arrested for shooting police officer J.D. Tippitt. 

12. JFK’s last public speech was made in Fort Worth. 

1`3. German Chocolate Cake isn’t German. The recipe was first printed in the Dallas Morning Star in the ‘50s. 

14. Years before his famous shoot-out with Wyatt Earp at the O.K. Corral, Doc Holliday was a practicing dentist in Dallas. 

15. Dallas is the only major metropolitan area in the country that isn’t near a body of water.

—Gabby Cullen

 

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When children are diagnosed with cancer, their childhoods are put on hold. Navigating countless procedures, enduring lengthy treatments and meeting emotional needs takes incredible strength and resilience. To bring much-needed joy and smiles to families on this unfathomable journey, Northwestern Mutual, through its Foundation, recently connected children and families affected by childhood cancer for a one-of-a-kind virtual “camp” experience: the Ultimate Mini-Camp.

In recognition of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, the Ultimate Mini-Camp united families nationwide affected by childhood cancer who often lack crucial support networks that truly understand this battle. Hosted by Super Bowl champion and former NFL player Donald Driver, participants got to listen to stories, ask NFL pros questions and show off their favorite accessories—casting their worries aside as they enjoyed an afternoon of pure fun.

Aaron Jones, NFL Running Back for the Green Bay Packers, acted as the “director of activities,” talking to kids about everything from his ranking in Madden NFL to why he wears a sombrero on game day, and taking participants behind the scenes for an exclusive tour of Lambeau Field. The children were also encouraged to submit a customized design for a chance to be featured on Aaron’s cleats for this season’s “My Cause, My Cleats” game in December. “I look forward to wearing one of you guys’ cleats this upcoming December…having a special game in them and seeing what you come up with,” said Jones. 

Kids and parents were able to ask Jones and Driver questions, which ranged from their other favorite sports to what advice they’d give to children battling cancer. Driver, who has experienced multiple friends and family members fight cancer, shared an emotional response. “You’re the most special person in the world,” said Driver. “Never give up, keep fighting. Believe that anything is possible.”

The Northwestern Mutual Foundation launched its Childhood Cancer Program in 2012 to accelerate the search for better treatments and cures, provide necessary family and patient support, and aid those who continue to struggle with the long-term effects of treatment. The program has contributed more than $35 million to the cause, funding more than 455,000 hours of life-saving research. It also provides two scholarships—one to childhood cancer survivors and another for siblings of those affected by childhood cancer—so they can pursue dreams of higher education and inspiring careers.

Since 2018, Northwestern Mutual has been hosting special camp events virtually and at renowned venues – Rose Bowl Stadium in 2018, Lambeau Field in Titletown in 2019, and virtually in 2020 and 2021. This year’s Ultimate Mini-Camp served as an uplifting (virtual) destination to help families rediscover hope, create unforgettable memories, and build meaningful connections among a loving community.

Get a peek at the full event:

 

 

-Jessica Solloway

There’s nothing like the gift of a good book and what’s better than a book about our beloved city? We checked with our favorite booksellers and gathered up all their recs for the best books for kids about Dallas and the great state of Texas. You can learn all about Big Tex and bluebonnets, armadillos and the Arboretum. Which one will be your little Texan’s new favorite?

10 Little Monsters Visit Texas

By Trish Madson

From the Alamo to the Rio Grand and off to the rodeo, these 10 Little Monsters discover some of the most unique and interesting things about Texas and what it has to offer. Silly, over-the-top fun and a bit macabre, 10 Little Monsters Visit Texas is the perfect book for every little boy and ghoul!

Get yours here, $11.79. 

Armadillo Rodeo

By Jan Brett

When Bo spots what he thinks is a "rip-roarin', rootin'-tootin', shiny red armadillo," he knows what he has to do. Follow that armadillo! Bo leaves his mother and three brothers behind and takes off for a two-stepping, bronco-bucking adventure. Jan Brett turns her considerable talents toward the Texas countryside in this amusing story of an armadillo on his own.

Get yours here, $6.99. 

Dallas Cowboys 101

By Brad Epstein

Dallas Cowboys 101 is required reading for every Cowboys fan! From Roger Staubach's game-winning "Hail Mary" pass and the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders to the five Super Bowl Championships, you'll share all the memories with the next generation.

Get yours here, $12.95.

Don’t Eat The Bluebonnets

By Ellen Leventhal

Don’t Eat the Bluebonnets is the story of Sue Ellen, a cow with a mind of her own, who loves the taste of bluebonnets. When she gives into temptation and eats every yummy bluebonnet, she must figure out a way to get them back. After several humorous attempts to make things right, Sue Ellen learns the importance of responsibility and decision making.

Get yours here, $10.32. 

Goodnight Dallas

By Jennifer Gaines Drez

Goodnight Dallas is a colorful and beautifully illustrated book that captures a child’s attention, while teaching them the history and importance of Dallas. It appeals to visitors as well as residents and is the perfect way to teach and interest children as they travel.

Get yours here, $17.95. 

Good Night Dallas/Fort Worth

By Adam Gamble

We love this book that features the Dallas and Fort Worth zoos, Fort Worth Water Gardens, Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, Perot Museum of Nature and Science, Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, the State Fair of Texas and more. 

Get yours here, $9.59. 

Good Night Texas

By Adam Gamble

Saddle up, Partner! It’s time to adventure to the Great State of Texas! Hike all around Big Bend National Park, swim in the warm beach on Galveston Island, learn about the history of the Alamo, and so much more.

Get yours here, $9.95. 

L Is for Lone Star: A Texas Alphabet

By Alan Stacy

There are enough special people, wildlife, and natural wonders in the Lone Star State to fill several alphabet books, and Sleeping Bear Press has picked out the finest to represent Texas in L is for Lone Star: A Texas Alphabet.

Get yours here, $13.98. 

Larry Gets Lost in Texas

By John Skewes

Larry's latest tale begins in the family's car with a trailer hitched to the back-they're off on a road trip to the Lone Star State! Follow Larry as he gets separated from his best friend Pete and searches for him all over Texas. 

Get yours here, $17.32. 

Let's Count Texas: Numbers and Colors in the Lone Star State

By Trish Madson

Numbers and colors are more fun in Texas! In this dynamic, colorful primer, young readers count from 1 to 10—learning colors along the way—as they discover the places, animals, and other wonderful things that make Texas so unique.

Get yours here, $8.49. 

The Story of the Dallas Cowboys and That Big Texas Town

By Daniel Hellman

This book brings to life for your child the story of the greatest team in the history of the National Football League. Follow the Cowboys from the glory years of the Landry era through the lean years and back to triumph in winning three Super Bowls in the 1990's.

Get yours here, $14.95. 

T is for Texas: A Lone Star State ABC Primer

By Trish Madson

With F for football, J for jackrabbit, and R for Rio Grande, going from A to Z has never been more fun! Take an alphabetized field trip around the Lone Star State and discover the plants, animals, foods, and places that make it, well, Texas!

Get yours here, $11.99. 

This is Texas, Y'All!: The Lone Star State from A to Z

By Misha Blaise

Take a rollicking ride through Texas culture and history with this quirky illustrated guide to all things Texan. Beyond celebration of classic cowboy culture, you will discover fascinating factoids paired with whimsical hand-drawn art. 

Get yours here, $13.49. 

—Kate Loweth

Images courtesy of publishers. Featured photo courtesy of iStock. 

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Anyone who lives in Dallas knows that it’s not only the norm but also highly encouraged to go big or go home. That’s why we’ve curated a list of baby names that not only make a statement but also pay homage to the history and culture of Big D. From famous TV characters to historical figures whose contributions have made the city the place it is today, scroll down to see our favorite monikers that swagger in a way that folks living in Dallas (and the surrounding metroplex) can replicate with ease.

Gabby Cullen

J.R.

As in John Ross Ewing, as in the patriarch of the iconic ‘80s show Dallas. Played by legendary actor Larry Hagman, J.R. is as synonymous with the city of Dallas as is its NFL team, the Dallas Cowboys.

Kennedy

Dallas is forever a major part of American history—for being the place where JFK was assassinated. The Sixth Floor Museum and the grassy knoll are one of the most visited landmarks in the city.

Austin

It might be the state capital, but it’s also the last name of Lloyd G. Austin, a pastor at St. John Missionary Baptist, in the all-black community of Mosier Valley, for over 40 years. He was also an early presence in North Texas race relations during the late ‘50s, as he and his family were one of the first African-American families to buy a home in an all-white neighborhood of Fort Worth. They withstood and ultimately prevailed over direct attempts to be ousted from the community.

Gabby Cullen

Dallas

If you’re going to honor Big D, why not just go with the city itself?

Emmett

Emmett Smith is known as one of the best running backs of all time, and he spent a majority of his career playing for the Dallas Cowboys. During the team’s ‘90s heyday, he won three Super Bowls with the team. He is the only running back to win a Super Bowl, an MVP of the Year award (both for the Super Bowl and the entire NFL) and an NFL rushing crown all in the same season. He also was a very popular contestant (he won!) on the third season of Dancing with the Stars in 2006.

Ross

Ross Perot garnered national attention as the businessman who ran for President as an Independent in 1992, against Bill Clinton and George Bush Sr. But, for those who live in Dallas, he’s also the billionaire philanthropist for whom the award-winning Perot Museum of Nature & Science is named.

 

Cory Collins via Unsplash

Erykah

For Erykah Badu, the Grammy-award winning neo-soul songstress of the big hats. Born and raised in Dallas, she attended high school at renowned Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts—a magnet school for the arts. She went on to release several albums and win a multitude of awards.

George

George W. Bush served as the 43rd President of the United States. He was also the governor of Texas from 1995-2000. After eight years in the White House, he and wife Laura made Dallas their home base. Dallas is home to his presidential library, and he is a big supporter of local university Southern Methodist University.

Fenix

Popular restaurant chain El Fenix started in Dallas in 1918 and is the country’s oldest Mexican restaurant chain. Some also claim El Fenix is the birthplace of Tex-Mex cuisine.

Matthew T Rader via Unsplash

Bonnie and Clyde

Having fraternal twins? Name them after some of America’s most famous outlaws—Bonnie and Clyde—who called West Dallas home before they set off on the two-year spree of robberies that inspired the iconic Hollywood film.

Kessler

In honor of George Edward Kessler, a pioneer architect, urban planner and landscape architect who was hired by the city of Dallas in 1908. He was responsible for solving the city’s flooding issues and beautifying the urban areas with greenbelts. Today, the Kessler Park neighborhood is one of the most beautiful in the city, a designated historic district that includes well-maintained examples of Tudor Revival, Colonial Revival and Spanish Colonial Revival architecture.

Dirk

The Dallas Mavericks wouldn’t be the same without German phenom Dirk Nowitzki. The beloved basketball player hung up his jersey in 2019, but his legend will live on for decades.

Phinehas Adams via Unsplash

John, Neely or Bryan

Put these names together, and you get John Neely Bryan. A farmer, tradesman and lawyer, he set up a settlement in the area that was to become the city of Dallas in 1841.

Trinity

Pay homage to the main water source and the vast urban forest that runs through the city.

Stevie

Honor one of America’s greatest musicians and Dallas native, Stevie Ray Vaughan. He began playing guitar at age seven, and he was performing around the city by age 12. He went on to record several smash-hit albums and tour with legendary performers and musicians such as Robert Plant, Eric Clapton and more. Tragically, the age of 35, after a concert in Wisconsin, his helicopter crashed, killing Vaughan and four others on board.

 

—Gabby Cullen

Feature image: Gabriel Tovar via Unsplash

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Narrowing down a spot to vacation can be the hardest part of planning a trip! You want relaxing beaches but you also want adventure-packed activities. You want kid-friendly but you also want a vacation you can enjoy. Located on the west coast of Florida, Tampa is a vibrant city known for gorgeous warm weather, a breathtaking waterfront and endless entertainment. Learn why Tampa is the perfect destination for active families that enjoy experiencing all that a vacation spot has to offer:

Ready to book your getaway? Enjoy up to a $35 hotel credit per night at some of our favorite Marriott hotels in Tampa!

1. Go Where the Wild Things Are

Photo by Omar Ram on Unsplash

ZooTampa at Lowry Park is known for being one of the world’s most beautiful, tropical zoological settings. From touching a tortoise to feeding a giraffe and hanging out with one-horned rhinos and endangered African penguins, tons of awe-inspiring experiences await. Explore the zoo’s Manatee Hospital, where their veterinary and animal-care team treat sick, injured and orphaned manatees, and return them safely back to the wild. Travel tip: while advance tickets and reservations are not required, they are recommended to guarantee entry.

2. Thrill Out

Photo by Jesse Adair on Unsplash

Head to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay for exotic, thrilling adventures aplenty. Spend the day riding roller coasters, enjoying live shows, and checking out over 200 species of animals. Buy tickets for the Serengeti Safari, an-off road tour that gets you up close to African wildlife including zebras, giraffes, ostriches, rhinos and antelopes. And for any Elmo fans in your crew, the Sesame Street Safari of Fun has adorable kid-friendly rides, water play and visits with Sesame Street pals. 

3. Explore the World

A hands-on museum created just for kids and their developing minds? Yes, please! The Glazer Children’s Museum is an interactive “learning lab” designed to give little ones big opportunities to explore their world through imaginative play. From caring for pets in the Vet Clinic to building in the Engineers’ Workshop, there is so much to discover. 

Red Tricycle readers can enjoy up to a $35 hotel credit per night at some of our favorite Marriott hotels in Tampa. Learn more!

4. Take a Day Trip

If your vacation to the Sunshine State won’t be complete without seeing Cinderella Castle or high-fiving Mickey, good news: Tampa is just a 60-90 minute drive to Orlando. It’s easy to take a day trip to Walt Disney World, SeaWorld or Universal Studios. And speaking of easy excursions… your LEGO-obsessed little ones will be overjoyed by a visit to LEGOLAND Florida Resort, a huge theme park with more than 50 rides, shows and a waterpark.

5. Walk on Water

Take in the downtown sights on the Tampa Riverwalk, a beautiful 2.4 mile pedestrian pathway built alongside the Hillsborough River. Aside from the lovely views, this leisurely stroll includes lots of family-friendly stops along the route. For splashpads, playgrounds and outdoor fun, chill out at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park and Water Works Park and Spring. And keep your eyes peeled for manatees! 

6. “SEA” Fascinating Marine Life

Ever touched a moon jelly or met a southern two-toed sloth? Find wonder in the 9,000 animals that call the Florida Aquarium home. Plan to spend at least two hours exploring aquatic life and underwater ecosystems. (This is probably one of the few places in Florida you can show your children alligator-infested waters safely!). Pack bathing suits so your kids can cool off at the outdoor water play zone, The Splash Pad. Following your visit, grab a casual bite to eat at nearby Sparkman Wharf, an outdoor waterfront food hall. FYI: Fermented Reality Biergarten is a popular spot for the grownups.

7. Explore Art

Tampa Museum of Art is a must for a dose of arts, culture and creative inspiration. Children 6 and under are free. Plus, this is an excellent activity for taking a break from the sun! Check the calendar to join one of their Family Days, offering activities inspired by the Museum’s current exhibitions and more. 

8. Get Your Shopping Fix

With 200 stores, 15 restaurants, a food court and a great open air space to wander, there’s something for everyone at the International Plaza Mall & Bay Street. This popular shopping and dining destination is walking distance to the Renaissance Tampa International Plaza Hotel. The hotel has a AAA 4 Diamond rating with exceptional 4-star service. Rooms boast beautiful courtyard or city views. And families love the outdoor pool and patio to relax between adventures.

9. Relax at the Best Beach

According to TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice rankings, St. Pete Beach was just named the best beach in America (Yep, even surpassing Hawaii…). Pack your beach bag and enjoy white quartz sand, warm water, spectacular sunsets, and seashells galore. 

10. Travel by Trolly

Lose the keys and hop on a historic TECO Line Streetcar to sightsee 2.7 miles of downtown Tampa, the Channel District and Ybor City—Tampa Bay’s Latin Quarter. Not only do kids love riding on the these vintage trolly replicas, but it makes getting around town—for free!—a breeze. 

 

Ready to book your getaway? Enjoy up to a $35 hotel credit per night at some of our favorite Marriott hotels in Tampa!

11. Cheer on Winning Sports Teams

Sports fans have their pick of great teams to cheer on year-round. Head to the ballpark to see the Tampa Bay Rays or the New York Yankees during spring training. Catch Super Bowl LV champs—the Buccaneers—at Raymond James Stadium. And root for the Tampa Bay Lightning hockey team at Amalie Arena. 

12. Fly in, Have Fun

Want to kickstart your vacation right upon landing? The Tampa Airport Marriott is connected directly to Tampa International Airport (TPA), making it a super convenient hotel for families. It’s equipped with everything you want on vaca—a heated outdoor pool, peaceful patio, Smart TVs with Hulu and Netflix (because, kids!), and connecting rooms based on availability. 

13. Be an Outdoor Adventurer

Photo by Neora Aylon on Unsplash

From canoeing down the Hillsborough River to mountain biking one of Tampa’s beautiful trails, there are exciting outdoor adventures everywhere you turn. For those seeking thrills from a different perspective, book a ziplining voyage that takes you high above the water and land preserves. Spot wildlife as you cross suspension bridges, log swings and other aerial obstacles. 

14. Bring Fido

No need to leave your furry family member at home. Tampa is a great destination for dogs, thanks to plenty of pup-friendly beaches, parks, hiking trails, and restaurants. The AC Hotel Tampa Airport is an awesome place to stay with kids and cuddly companions. Families love the firepit, floor to ceiling windows, free wi-fi, outdoor pool and European-style breakfast at AC Kitchen. 

15. Say Cheese!

Commemorate your trip with the best family picture ever. Find a few minutes pose at the Tampa postcard mural for a snap of your crew enjoying this great city! There are vibrant murals all over town, celebrating Tampa’s rich diversity and culture. 

– Jessica Solloway

Photo: Kristin Van de Water

There’s a lie I tell myself that goes something like this: Resting is lazy. Taking a break is for the weak. Stay-at-home moms love motherhood, so we don’t need time off.

Thanks to this lie, I feel guilty for taking even a moment to pause. Hence, I immediately clear my empty lunch plate instead of lingering over the rest of a magazine article. I quickly set down my phone when the kids come over or start doing sit-ups when my husband walks in on my nap. I snap out of a daydream and instead plan out meals for the week. After all, down time isn’t compatible with my lie.

And yet, I know that making time for regular rest is an essential rhythm for a joyful, sustainable life.

Therefore, I’ve been experimenting recently with what it could look like to keep a weekly sabbath—a day off from work (including the unpaid kind that defines life as a mom of four young kids). I realize full well that parents can’t just take 24 hours off from mom and dad duties. But there is definitely room for experimenting, especially if spouses give each other time to recharge individually and families look for ways to delight together. (Froyo Fridays, anyone?)

A friend suggested how to start. Take an inventory of what you spend most of your days doing. Now translate that into a visual of a nondescript skyline. (Imagine endless skyscrapers representing laundry, rows of apartment buildings that are repeated trips to the playground, towers of dishes, etc.) Now picture the steeple of a beautiful cathedral jutting out and up from that sea of ordinary structures. That’s what a sabbath should look like—a delightfully different day that invites you to turn your eyes upward and gives you space to find joy as you pray and play.

I took a month to experiment with how a sabbath might look in real life.

That first week, true rest meant time away from my children. So that Thursday (a rare day when the kids had in-person learning), I dug my ice skates out of our basement storage bin and spent a lovely morning people watching as I spun around the Bryant Park rink. Fresh air and exercise mingled with fond memories of the park—movie night picnics, poetry field trips, library visits. This change of scenery and solitude amidst the masses of New Yorkers brought abundant joy.

The second week I spent a Sunday worshipping with my church community via livestream, sledding, video chatting with Grandma, baking zucchini bread, puzzling, and watching the Super Bowl. All in all, a pretty awesome day. But then 10 p.m. rolled around, and I scrambled to craft and send my weekly class parent email. Note to self: Next time, draft it during the week so I can just hit send on Sunday. Planning ahead can make a full day of rest more feasible.

The following Sunday it dawned on me that sabbath could appear different from week to week based on what the days around it entailed. For instance, after a week of skiing in Utah, I craved a day off of the slopes to sleep in, rest my muscles, and leisurely pack up six sets of ski gear. However, if that Sunday had instead followed a regular week of school and playground routines, then a day of skiing with extended family could have served as a refreshing sabbath.

Last Saturday I woke up at 10 a.m. (a first since birthing my twins 8 years ago) and proceeded to spend the day in recuperation mode. It was glorious. I could tell that the scheduling and logistics part of my mommy brain just needed a day off, so I planned absolutely nothing. Presence trumped productivity.

I listened to an entire sermon podcast on the elliptical machine without interruption. We launched a baking soda and Coke rocket, the ingredients for which had been sitting on the counter since Christmas. I sat down mid-day to read by the fire, which caught my daughter’s attention: “Do we really have nothing planned?” she asked in amazement. “That’s right. You can play ALL day.” It wasn’t until I climbed into bed that night that I realized I had just experienced an unintentional day of true rest. I assumed my day off would happen on Sunday, but Saturday worked incredibly well. Sure, my housework piled up, but it could wait.

Because I allowed myself a lazy Saturday, free from the guilt I would typically feel from ignoring my to-do list, I had the mental and physical capacity to jump back into my job as a homemaker on Monday. I set aside the day to eliminate eyesores around the condo—everything from crammed bookshelves and deserted crafts to mangled headphone cords and sticky floors. Like Superwoman donning her cape, I threw on my workout clothes. But instead of heading to the exercise room as usual, I tackled closets, end tables, and counter space with determination.

I filled a bag with old dollar store puzzles and dress-up clothes to donate, making room for current favorites. We sifted through magnets, photos, and artwork gathered from my in-law’s house after they passed away. I mended a ripped mask and finally read the kids’ report cards. We cleaned out the catch-all bins in our entryway that had remnants of summer lawn games mixed with single gloves and dried out wet-wipes.

The surprise weekend sabbath followed by an uber-productive Monday felt so satisfying, I’m adopting this as a regular practice. The interplay between work and sabbath seems refreshingly sustainable. I can greet my household tasks with gusto as the week drags on when I know that doing so will pave the way for me to celebrate sabbath come the weekend.

Going forward, I hope to replace my striving for constant productivity with a new truth: my work will remain incomplete, but that doesn’t mean I’ve failed as a mother. In fact, it means I’m learning to live a more purposeful life.

Kristin Van de Water
Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Kristin Van de Water is a former journalist and teacher who relies on humor, faith, and her mom crew to get her through the day. Raising four kids in a two-bedroom NYC apartment, Kristin is always on the lookout for life hacks to save time, space, money, and her sanity.

NFL star Patrick Mahomes welcomed daughter Sterling Skye over the weekend with long-time love, fiance, and now new mommy Brittany Matthews.

Mahomes announced the Feb. 20 birth of the couples’ first child on Instagram, with a sweet post. The post featured a pic of the newborn’s teeny tiny hand holding her mommy’s finger—and a necklace with her name written in sparkling cursive.

The new parents started dating as teenagers. Mahomes popped the question to his high school sweetheart last September, after the Chiefs’ Super Bowl ring ceremony. Not long after announcing their engagement, Matthews posted a photo of the pair holding an ultrasound pic on IG, with the caption, “Mom & Dad, taking a small detour to the wedding.”

Matthews also posted the same mommy-daughter newborn photo her soon-to-be husband shared. Along with her baby girl’s name, Matthews added the baby’s weight—six pounds and 11 ounces!

Congrats went out to the new parents from several notable celebs. Gwen Stefani responded to Mahome’s post, “congratulations! cool name!” and Jerry Rice shared, “Congratulations!!”

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Jamie Lamor Thompson via Shutterstock

 

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Some people tune in for the big game while others are more interested in the commercials. Last week Doritos first teased their Super Bowl ad starring Jimmy Kimmel and Mindy Kaling. Today, they released a second teaser revealing that Flat Matthew is in fact Matthew McConaughey.

We haven’t seen what Flat Matthew actually looks like but we do hear McConaughey’s voice.

In last week’s teaser, Kimmel introduces his mysterious talk show guest to a shocked Mindy Kaling. “Did you see him backstage? He’s got a whole new look. Like a look that no one’s ever had before,” says Kimmel to Kaling referring to the mystery star.

Doritos has been a Super Bowl fixture for more than two decades, this year the brand is bringing a whole new dimension to gameday with the highly anticipated return of Doritos 3D Crunch.

Now we can only guess how McConaughey will get back to his original shape. No doubt it will involve a bag of Doritos 3D Crunch.

We don’t know about you, but we can’t wait to see how this unfolds.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of Frito-Lay

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Last year, DiGiorno pumped up pizza fans everywhere with its Super Bowl giveaway. Now, the pizza purveyor is back with a 2021 freebie!

In honor of game day, DiGiorno is giving away free pizza if the Super Bowl score hits 3-14 or 14-3 at any point during the game. So how do you snag the free pizza pie?

photo: Courtesy of Digiorno

If the score hits the magic numbers, DiGiorno will tweet a link where fans can enter for a chance to win a free pizza! Click on the link, then register for the coupon that will help you bring home free pizza.

Make sure you pay attention though––the tweet only stays live while the score is 3-14 or 14-3. Once it changes, you’re out of luck!

Free pizza is only available while supplies last.

––Karly Wood

 

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