Did you know that you don’t have to fly to Florida or even Southern California to set sail on your next family cruise? These seven cruises leave right from San Francisco and will take you to other states like Hawaii and Washington, as well as other countries like Tahiti, Mexico and Australia. Pack your bags, the adventure awaits!
Alaska and Vancouver—Regent Seven Seas
Regent Seven Seas
Spend your summer touring the Pacific Northwest aboard the Seven Seas Mariner. This 13-day cruise takes you north from San Francisco to Astoria, OR and then on to Alaska for stops in Juneau, Ketchikan and along the Hubbard Glacier. Canoe excursions, dog sledding trips and whale watching are kids favorites. Finish your journey along the inside passage with stops at Victoria and Vancouver.
Start your Hawaiian vacation aboard Princess Cruises' Grand Princess where you can enjoy a MedallionClass Vacation. Read all about how the quarter-sized Medallion will transform your cruise vacation here. While on your way to the Hawaiian Islands you can enjoy onboard activities like Discovery at SEA enrichment programs, destination-themed activities to get you in the spirit and freshwater pools for when you need to cool off. Then spend four days touring various Hawaiian Islands where you can snorkel, shop and enjoy the aloha spirit before heading back to the ship. This trip stops for a day in Ensenada, Mexica before heading home to San Francisco.
This four-day MedallionClass cruise kicks off in San Francisco and heads north to Astoria, OR before reaching its final destination of Vancouver, Canada. Kids will love exploring the history of Astoria including Fort Stevens State Park, Fort Astoria, Heritage Center Museum and the Columbia River Maritime Museum, home to one of the nation's finest displays of model ships and nautical artifacts. The ship makes a stop in Nanaimo, Canada where you can take a tour of the Horne Lakes Caves or discover the area's waterfalls.
If you've always wanted to explore Tahiti and French Polynesia, this is the cruise for you. This 18-day voyage starts in San Francisco and docks in Honolulu, Kahului and Hilo, Hawaii before continuing on to Tahiti. Immerse yourself in the scenic beauty of these islands with opportunities to snorkel, hike and go dolphin watching along the way. Kids will love on-board amenities like bocce ball courts, large heated pool and ping pong tables.
Explore the beauty of Mexico with Princess Cruises' 10-day (or longer) cruises from San Francisco to the Mexican Riviera. With ports including Mazatlan, Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta, your family can explore these Mexican cities on foot, on hop-on-hop-off bus, on Segway or even on an ATV! Take a mini speed boat to a private island for the day or spend some time on a foodie adventure in town. Parents will love that kids 12 and under get special pricing of up to 50% off the adult rate.
All aboard the Carnival Miracle for a 10- or 11-day cruise from San Francisco to Alaska! While on your way to Alaska you can dine at Guy's Burger Bar, head down the waterslide at WaterWorks and send the kids to Camp Ocean where they can meet some new friends and play games together. Shore excursion in Alaska include dog sledding on the Mendenhall Glacier, whale watching and ziplining at Grizzly Falls. Before heading back to San Francisco, stop in Victoria, Canada where you can explore this gorgeous and historic seaside town.
This 21-day cruise will take you from San Francisco to Sydney, Australia with stops in Hawaii, Samoa, Fiji and New Zealand. Visit these gorgeous island countries on shore excursions including a tour of the kiwi fruit capital of the world. End the trip with a climb on the Sydney Harbor Bridge. While on board, kids can make friends with other children at The Play Zone, for two- to seven-year-olds, and The Zone which is ideal for eight- to 17-year-olds. Youth staff will supervise your kids, organize events, activities and competitions, and even arrange “excursions” to the theater or cinema on board.
Editor’s note: We’re making every effort to provide you with the most up-to-date information. However, sometimes closures occur at the last minute due to circumstances beyond our control, such as the spread of Covid-19. We highly recommend that you call ahead before you pack your kids pack your kids (and all those snacks, and diapers…) and haul them across town. Stay safe!
Make room on your calendar because we’ve got Peppa Pig at the LA Zoo, caterpillar adoptions at Kidspace, dancing with Debbie Allen and oh-so much more. Read on for all the details!
"Onward" at El Capitan Theatre
Mar. 5-Mar. 22. For two weeks in March, Pixar's latest movie, Onward, will be playing at Hollywood's historic El Capitan Theatre. There will be pre-show photo ops in front of the Onward mural wall in the lobby, plus a chance to meet a real-life version of Guinevere, the groovy purple van (aka mighty steed) in the movie. Event details.
Sun., March 8. Join Emmy Award-winner Debbie Allen and instructors from Debbie Allen Dance Academy for the 5th season of outdoor dancing for the whole family! The free event takes place at The Wallis's Promenade Terrace and this month will feature salsa with Debbie Allen, a live band and more. Event details.
Sun., March 8. Join thousands of Los Angeles Marathon runners and their supporters for an afternoon of free music, games, giveaways and more at the official Finish Festival on the Third Street Promenade. The festival is FREE and open to the public. Come down and party! Event details.
Butterfly Celebration at Kidspace
Courtesy of Kidspace
Sat. & Sun., March 14-15. Help Kidspace launch the 2020 Butterfly Season—and caterpillar adoption bonanza! Enjoy themed activities around the museum, catch our roaming butterflies Dot and Spot, and also learn how to attract butterflies to your yard at a Pollinator Garden Family Workshop. Event details.
Fairytale Weekend at Santa Barbara Zoo
Courtesy of Santa Barbara Zoo
Sat. & Sun., March 14-15. Up for a quick road trip? Take the kiddos to the Santa Barbara Zoo, just 90 miles north of LA for this special event, honoring the world’s many and varied frogs and amphibians. Little ones can meet Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Rapunzel and more, plus participate in frog-inspired crafts and games. Event details.
LA Camp Fair at UCLA
istock
Sun., March 15. Over 50 summer camps and programs will be on display at the UCLA Los Angeles Summer Camp Fair. You will be able to go booth-to-booth meeting camp counselors, directors, and staff from over 100 participating camps and learn about their programs. There will also be games, prizes, raffles, and animals to play with for the kids, not to mention delicious food and an all-around good time. Event details.
Sat., March 14. Celebrate spring with your favorite animal friends after hours aboard Noah’s Ark. Adults and kids, wear your PJs and play with puppets, tell stories, enjoy dinner together, make new friends, and have loads of fun! Event details.
Peppa Pig Meet & Greet at LA Zoo
Jamie Pham for LA Zoo
Sat. & Sun., March 14-15. For one weekend, the LA Zoo will make room for a very special little piglet. Bring the kids to meet sassy, Brit pig Peppa Pig and enjoy a full day of Peppa-themed activities, including story time, crafts, a kids’ dance party and much more! Event details.
St. Patrick’s Day Community March and Celebration
istock
Tues., March 17. We wouldn't forget St. Paddy's Day now would we? While the kids may not be up for a pub crawl (green beer and all), the whole fam can march in this fun-filled parade. Afterwards, there will be live music, giveaways, food and dancing.Event details.
Sat., March 21. Over 4.1 miles of Long Beach streets will be completely closed to traffic and filled with safe and exciting activities for all ages. Along the route, there will be numerous stops bustling with music, games, vendors, food, and much more. All forms of non-motorized transit are welcome—including bikes, strollers, scooters and hoofers! Event details.
International Children's Day Festival
Courtesy of Aquarium of the Pacific
Sat. & Sun, March 28-29. Celebrate the children in your life at the Aquarium of the Pacific’s International Children’s Day Festival. The event features performances by kids, including songs and dances from Native American, African, Mexican, Pacific Islander, and Asian cultures. Kids of all ages can participate in an international percussion circle, along with children’s crafts and games. Event details.
Peacock Live! at Universal Studios
Mimi O'Connor
Sat. & Sun., March 28-29. Get ready for the first-ever Peacock Live! on the historic backlot at Universal Studios Hollywood. Be among the first to experience DreamWorks Animation’s Trolls World Tour, plus meet beloved characters Poppy, Branch and Guy Diamond, and transform into a Troll yourself with a once-in-a-Trolls time photo experience. But wait—there's more! You can also step into an interactive Minions experience, get up close and snap a selfie with life-size Jurassic World and so much more!Event details.
With the year drawing to a close, its time to look ahead to what’s trending in 2020 when it comes to parenting styles and other topics like home design. The new year promises lots of gender-inclusive styles and names, in addition to a return to homemade and upcycled cuisine and fashion. Keep reading to see the top parenting trends we found on Pinterest, Google, and other resourceful spots, that are bound to take charge come January first.
When it comes to curating your kiddo's wardrobe, unisex kids clothes are on the rise. Neutral colors, simple styles and all gender-friendly prints make getting ready in the morning a breeze. Check out awesome companies like Primary, Quirkie Kids and Mochi Kids to get started on crafting the cutest gender-neutral closet.
Ellis, Shea, Rowan––gender-neutral is the name of the game when it comes to trending baby names. Monikers that are fit for boys, girls or non-binary babes will be big in 2020, giving parents a little extra leeway when it comes to picking the perfect name for baby.
Homemade Baby Food
iStock
Ditch the storebought pouches and packs of pre-made food and spend your Sunday's whipping up homemade baby food. Simple ingredients make for easy purees and other tasty treats like teething biscuits, all with the peace of mind of knowing each and every ingredient.
Not only are you reducing your carbon footprint by cutting back on the use of consumable goods, but you're giving your kiddo their chance to show their one-of-a-kind style when you shop secondhand. Thrift store shopping and buying used garb is predicted to be a big trend in the new year, so get ready to shop your fave local shops, online consignment sites and set up that account on ThredUp.
Trolls, LEGO and Superheros––2020 will see tons of gender-neutral party themes. Ideas surrounding food, non-pink and blue colors and gender-inclusive activities all make for fun parties on the horizon.
Indoor play areas are great for chilly weather, but outdoor play spaces are the place to be in 2020. Whether your kids love unstructured play, splash pads or traditional playgrounds, getting your kids outside is not only the trendy thing to do, but it's great for them too.
Unisex Nurseries
Havenly
Nurseries fit for any baby are taking the design scene by storm. Neutral color palettes with mixed textures like greenery, wood and iron are great for boy or girl, and don't restrict your design prowess to traditional blues and pinks.
Next year is the year of trips that make your kids smarter. There are tons of domestic options, in addition to countless trips abroad to take the kiddos that will expand their experience and knowledge of the great world out there.
Whether your little is big into Star Wars or is a budding astronaut, 2020 is the year for out of this world parties. Gear up with galactic decor, space-themed activities and cosmic cookies and cake to celebrate the big day.
Kids are starting to take over the kitchen! The year 2020 is predicted to be more adventurous when it comes to mini foodie palette's, with brands branching out into more organic products, powerful flavors with rich spices and new takes on old faves. Get ready to see lots of fresh items on the kids menu on your next outing.
Subscription Boxes
Kidpik
Fashion, crafts, food or STEAM activities––there is nothing to big too fit inside a subscription box for kids! Monthly or quarterly subscriptions not only keep kids on their toes in anticipation, but keep them yearning for more knowledge and creativity. Whether your littles like to express themselves through style or works of art, sub boxes are the trend of 2020.
February 29 comes only once every four years and this time around it falls on a Saturday, which is cause for celebration in our book. Wondering how to celebrate Leap Day in LA with kids? Read on for frog-themed, leap-inspired fun happening around town. Hop to it!
Celebrate Leap Day at Kidspace
Shannan Rouss
Revel in the 2020 leap year with Kidspace by wearing your favorite jumpsuit and hopping into leap-day themed activities around the museum like making an origami frog. Event details.
Ever wonder how a mama frog lays her eggs, or think about how a frog makes his signature croaking sound? Learn all about bullfrogs, toads and other native southern California amphibians via larger than life touch screens and live animal exhibits in the Labs of this awesome LA museum.
900 Exposition Blvd Exposition Park 213-763-3466 Online: nhm.org
Head to the wetland garden where little ones can peer closely into the rocky, shallow waters to discover tadpoles and frogs swimming about. While you're there, be sure to "hop" on the mini train for a ride around the grounds.
1418 Descanso Dr. La Canada Flintridge 818-949-4200 Online: descansogardens.org
Visit one of our favorite LA aquariums and discover the interactive frog-themed exhibit. The exhibit traces the history of amphibians, their life cycles, the different environments they live in from deserts to rainforests. Ribbit, ribbit!
Grab your dancing shoes and get your groove on at Third St. Promenade. Attendees celebrating their Leap Day birthday will be given a free cupcake and birthday treats from Carlo’s Bakery, with valid Photo ID. No matter your age, all are invited to experience a fun evening dancing under the night sky to bring in 2020’s long awaited extra day. Event details.
Leap Day just happens to also be Bob Baker Day, a celebration of the iconic marionette theater that's delighted little ones for decades. The singing and dancing puppets will be at Los Angeles State Historic Park for a full day of shows, live music, crafts, games, food trucks, and more. Event details.
Getting fit in 2020 is easier than ever for local parents. These Portland-area workout options don’t make you choose between tending to the kids or yourself. They offer play and care options for the wee ones so you you can sweat it out for a bit. Getting your workout in isn’t just possible, it’s easy with these gyms that provide childcare. Read on to find out where you can get fit fast.
barre3 Locally founded barre3 offers hour-long classes designed for a full body workout. Incorporating elements of yoga, ballet and isometric holds, classes are taught in group settings with individualized modifications to fit any fitness level. With five area locations in the Pearl, SE Division, Cedar Mill, Kruse Village and North Williams, there’s likely also a studio near you. The “play lounge” is only $5 per session, where children can read books, play with toys or draw pictures with the onsite nanny service.
Four Portland-area locations, including the Pearl, SE Division, Cedar Mill and North Williams
Online: barre3.com
West Coast Fitness Locally owned West Coast Fitness features a 2,500 square foot yoga studio, large weight room and an expansive group fitness class schedule, all included in membership. They also have a well appointed childcare facility stocked full of toys and learning materials. Maybe you just need a respite from the winter grind? Take advantage of the inclusive services of hydro massage, full spectrum light therapy and steam and sauna while your kiddos get some supervised exercise and play. You’ll all leave feeling a little more relaxed and refreshed!
Aspire Total Fitness Another locally-owned and operated fitness studio is Aspire Total Fitness, situated in Happy Valley. Aspire Total Fitness offers group classes, nutrition counseling and personal training for a fully customized experience. In addition to their wide range of cardio, resistance band and barbell classes, Aspire also offers childcare during your workout. Drop in rates are $5/child, or families can purchase an unlimited monthly package for $75 (great for those fitness fanatics with 2+ kids).
Boom Fitness With locations in both Beaverton and Bridgeport, Boom Fitness has CrossFit, yoga, kickboxing and cycling classes (to name a few!), plus personal training options. Their kids club provides supervised childcare to infants through pre-teens for a flat rate package of $35 per month, or a drop off fee of $8. Check each location for childcare hours.
Tanasbourne
2200 NW Amberbrook Dr.
Beaverton
503-531-8400
Online: boomfitnesspdx.com
Northwest Women’s Fitness
Looking for a women’s only gym? Check out NW Women’s Fitness for group training classes and boot camps, a weight room and cardio machine center, and semi-private Pilates classes (men are welcome to some Pilates and specialty classes). The Kids Club is open Monday-Saturday and is staffed by two moms who have ran the childcare center for over 10 years. They truly care about your little ones. Drop in fees are $10 for one child, $12 for two children or $15. for 3+ children, plus monthly packages are available. Need a break? Take a steam, sit in the relaxing aroma-light therapy, or get an onsite massage.
Mittleman Jewish Community Center (MJCC)
The MJCC has been around for over 100 years, offering swimming, physical therapy, personal training and adult exercise classes. All faiths are welcome! Club J’s drop-in childcare center is open for children aged six months to five years old for up to two hours per session. Rates are only $5/month for members or $15/month for non-members. For older children aged 6-12 years old, there are a variety of camps ranging from swimming, soccer, basketball, racquetball, and board games. Check with the Center for more details on what’s currently available.
The Nest Playground
Nest Playground is a 5,000 square foot indoor playground and family wellness center, offering an array of activities for the whole family. Some active options including a rock wall, and classes such as martial arts, dance classes for kids. Additionally, they offer barre, cardio kickboxing and self defense and HIIT classes for adults—and a full service café. Parents lacking the time to fit in an exercise class while shuttling their children back and forth between school and extracurricular activities will benefit from adult classes scheduled at the same time as classes for their children.
The Nest’s full service café and lounge area features free wifi, panini sandwiches, small plates, snacks, pastries, Ristretto Roasters coffee drinks, tea, beer, wine, chai lattes and more.
VillaSport If you’re looking for the most robust children’s gym center, look no further than Beaverton’s VillaSport! The 12,000 square foot VillaKids is a kids’ club within the larger VillaSport facility, especially for children aged six weeks to 12 years. Youth are treated to studios and courts for exercise, art, basketball and educational activities, plus an enclosed outdoor playground and indoor climbing structure. VillaSport also offers monthly “Parent’s Night Out” parties from 5-10 pm, where children can participate in themed activities while parents enjoy an offsite date night.
13900 SW Meridian St.
Beaverton
971-317-2600
Online: villasport.com
Yoga Union The Mt. Tabor neighborhood’s Yoga Union Community Wellness Center offers more than just yoga. In addition to twelve types of yoga classes ranging from beginners to Vinyasa, the Prema Health Wellness Center provides counseling, massage, acupuncture and naturopathic medicine. While parents engage in healthy activities, the onsite Reggio Emilia-based childcare center offers a safe, nurturing environment for children at affordable prices and extensive hours. Pricing starts at $6 for a half hour, but packages reduce pricing and can be shared amongst siblings.
2305 SE 50th Ave #100
Portland
503-235-9642
Online: yogaunion.com
Some cities have one big Christmas tree lighting or celebration. But New York doesn’t play that way. The Big Apple hosts more than a few, and yeah, you could say they’re biggest and brightest, too. Bundle up and head out to these NYC holiday events — many of which are free and feature food, performances and more — to set the tone for a festive season. (Check out the NYC Parks Department’s listings for local lightings in more neighborhoods throughout the city.) And don’t forget—NYC hosts some awesome menorah lightings too!
Winter’s Eve at Lincoln Square
Winter's Eve
One of the first, and biggest free celebrations of the season, this indoor/outdoor event Hosted by the Lincoln Square Business Improvement District, is now in its 20th year! The 2019 Winter’s Eve at Lincoln Square begins with lighting of the Upper West Side Holiday Tree in Dante Park at Broadway & 63rd Street, and continues with free kids entertainment and activities galore. This year's headliner is Ronnie Spector and The Ronnettes, and Twinkle, a bilingual pop artist for kids, will headline Kids Central. (Twinkle's act is a colorful, high-energy pop concert that fuses education, language, arts and pop culture.) Plus: arts and crafts, live music and dance performances, ice sculpture carving and and more are on hand for a festive evening alongside great bites provided by 30+ local restaurants and activities from dozens of local stores. Click here to see all the kid-friendly happenings. Also of note: New York Cares will be doing a winter coat drive during the fest: bring your new or gently-used coats to Dante Park to donate them.
The Winterland Annual Holiday Tree Lighting at South Street Seaport is a fun-filled, free event complete with mainstage performances, a Seaport Kids activity station and fitness-themed activities at the Cobblestone Tents. The Very Hungry Caterpiller (who is doing a show at the South Street Seaport Museum) will also be on hand for photo ops.
Dec. 2, 6-8 p.m. Fulton & Water Street South Street Seaport Seaport District Online: seaportdistrict.nyc
Tavern On the Green
Tavern on the Green
Iconic NYC restaurant Tavern on The Green has its very own 20-foot Christmas tree, topped with more than 2,000 ornaments and 10,000 lights. Its tree-lighting festivities will include live holiday carolers from Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts, complimentary cider and hot chocolate, and additional treats crafted by Executive Chef Bill Peet for New Yorkers, tourists and families alike to enjoy.
Tues., Dec. 3, 5-7 p.m. Tavern on the Green 67th Street and Central Park West Upper West Side Online: tavernonthegreen.com
This year, the holy grail of tree lighting ceremonies takes place on Wednesday, December 4. The Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting is a classic for a reason, in part because it's got over seven decades of tradition backing it up. If you want a good view, get there early, because it gets packed with people wanting a peek at the big event. If you can't make it there in person, catch the live broadcast, filled with star-studded performances, on NBC from 8-10 p.m., and visit the tree any time up until January 17, when it's taken down (and recycled as building material.)
Another big to-do in Midtown, Bryant Park's annual Tree Lighting at Winter Village has fireworks, Santa, and even free skating. Hosted Alyse Zwick, the event will feature Christmas sing-alongs led by Harlem youth chorus DREAM Choir, as well as performances by world-class skaters Ryan Bradley, Evelyn Walsh and Trennt Michaud, and The Haydenettes. Following the ceremony, all visitors are welcome to skate to live music on the city’s only free admission ice skating rink.(But note that you do have to rent skates, at $20/pair.)
Thurs., Dec. 5, 6-7 p.m. Bryant Park The Rink, 41st St. and Sixth Ave. Midtown Online: bryantpark.org
Central Park Christmas Tree Lighting and Flotilla
Central Park Conservancy
Ever seen a floating Christmas Tree? Now's your chance! The Central Park Conservancy rings in the holiday season with Santa, cocoa, carols and cookies. The event includes a festive lighting of a flotilla of trees on the Harlem Meer.
Thurs., Dec. 5, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Tickets: Free Charles A. Dana Discovery Center 110th Street btwn 5th and Lenox Ave. Central Park Online: centralparknyc.org
Sixth Annual Fort Greene Park Tree Lighting
Fort Green Park Conservancy
Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership and the Fort Greene Park Conservancy are excited to kick off the holiday season with their Sixth Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. Snap a photo with Santa, enjoy holiday music, and nom on free hot chocolate and cookies from area businesses.
Sun., Dec. 8, 4-5 p.m. Myrtle Avenue Plaza in Fort Greene Park Northwest Plaza Corner of Myrtle Ave and Washington Park (Enter at Myrtle Ave. and St. Edwards St.) Online: fortgreenepark.org
75th Annual Park Avenue Tree Lighting and Carol Sing
Since 1945, the trees at Brick Church have been illuminated as a memorial to Americans who sacrificed their lives in war and in celebration of New York’s holiday season. Sponsored by the Fund for Park Avenue, the interfaith and inclusive evening takes place in front of the church steps on Park Avenue at 91st Street at 6:30 p.m. In addition to the lighting, Rev. Kimberly Clayton will share words of remembrance and celebration and all will join in a rousing Carol Sing led by Brick Church’s Minister of Music, Keith S. Tóth.
Sun., Dec. 8, 6:30 p.m. Park Avenue an d 91st Street Upper East Side Online: brickchurch.org
Christmas in the Garden & Tree Lighting at Queens Botanical Garden
Eryn Hatzithomas
The Queens Botanical Garden is celebrating the the holiday spirit with a free afternoon of fun, crafts, music and a tree lighting. This event will feature live music, holiday crafts, photo ops with Santa, face-painting and a tree illumination at 5 p.m. to cap off the day. (Plus: big sales at the Garden’s shop!) Note: the event is free but there is a $10 parking fee, a cost for snaps with Santa and face-painting.
Sun., Dec 8, Noon-5 p.m. 43-50 Main St. Flushing Online: queensbotanical.org
Historic Richmond Town Tree Lighting
Historic Richmond Town
Visit Historic Richmond Town to experience Christmas like they did way back in the day. Santa makes a grand entrance at Noon, and you can visit with him until 4 p.m. Check out storytelling throughout the day at the courthouse, then stroll the historic village to see tinsel-making, gingerbread decorating, do some popcorn stringing, and shop for baked goods, crafts, and ornaments — and top it off with the 5 p.m. tree lighting. You can also go for a horse and wagon ride ($2), or a train ride ($3).
Sun., Dec. 8; events throughout the day starting at 11 a.m.; tree lighting is at 5pm Tickets: $10/adults; $8 kids 441 Clarke Ave. Staten Island 718-351-1611 Online: historicrichmondtown.org
Madison Square Park Conservancy’s Tree Lighting Ceremony
This tree-lighting tradition has been going on fore more than a century! In fact, the first public Christmas tree in the United States was displayed in this park on December 21, 1912. The year's event will feature live music from Lucy Kalantari & the Jazz Cats and the New York Life Singers. You can also expect food from local vendors, giveaways, free seasonal activities and treats!
Thurs., Dec. 5, 3:30-5:30 p.m. 5th and Madison Aves., Northern Plaza near 26th St. Madison Square Park Online: madisonsquarepark.org
Staten Island Empire Outlets
Empire Outlets
One of the newest trees in town is at Staten Island's Empire Outlets. The shopping destination is going big with a 40-foot crystal tree, along with hot chocolate and caroling before they flip the switch. The lighting will also feature performances by Spotlight Repertory Theatre, Staten Island’s premier theatre company; St. George Theatre’s The Christmas Show; JAGMAC, American pop band named Radio Disney’s “Next Big Thing”, and a special visit by Santa Claus.
The Washington Square Association offers New Yorkers two opportunities to get in the holiday spirit each year. The lighting of the 45-foot tree will take place on Dec. 9, with the Rob Susman Brass Quartet leading the crowd in holiday carols. (Songbooks are provided.) Santa will also make an appearance at the event. For those who can’t enough, Susman and crew will return on Christmas Eve at 5 p.m. for more caroling en masse.
While Miami is known for its night lights all year round, this season brings tons of special Christmas light displays in and around Miami perfect to celebrate the season. From lights at the zoo to downtown celebrations, you’ll feel the joy of the Christmas holiday when you visit these festive spots. Scroll through to see some of the best spots to see Christmas lights in Miami.
The NightGarden 2019 will feature more lights, new fun and interactive surprises, an expanded footprint that is 3X larger than last year, expanded parking, and an all-new, free AR augmented reality Fairy Quest challenge.
Christmas is in the air in Santa's Enchanted Forest, Miami's holiday theme park. This venue has been a South Florida holiday tradition for more than 30 years. The whole family will enjoy the holiday light show, Christmas karaoke, holiday displays, Mistletoe Lane and the tallest Christmas tree in South Florida.
The Village will become one of Miami’s most iconic offerings during the holiday season when the pop-up Bayfront Holiday Village arrives in town. People will come for the weather, they’ll stay for great shopping and entertainment.
Pinecrest Gardens transforms into a winter wonderland dotted by thousands of twinkling holiday lights that go up, through and around the whimsical botanical landscape.
Bring the family to a magical holiday gathering and celebrate with your loved ones as Main Street lights up Downtown Miami Lakes with an array holiday-themed activities.
Come to this annual tree lighting to meet Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus and other Christmas characters and enjoy holiday activities for children of all ages.
If you’ve set your sights on setting sail in the near future, we’ve got the list for you. Family cruises are fantastic vacation options for big groups, as they offer tons of experiences both on- and off-ship. From roller coasters and trampoline parks to ziplining and swimming with dolphins, family cruises offer them all. We’ve rounded up a slew of our favorites—so cruise on!
Galapagos—Lindblad Expeditions
Lindblad Expeditions
Meet the wildlife of the Galapagos Islands—from sea lions and blue-footed boobies to giant tortoises and Darwin’s finches. This 48-person cruise will have you snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding and exploring the wildlife and local culture.
Kids will love participating in the onboard National Geographic Global Explorers program where they can choose among a host of cool activities—from recording wildlife sightings in their field notebook to collecting and observing plankton fresh from the ocean—all designed to help them develop what National Geographic Education defines as the attitudes, skills and knowledge of an explorer. They can collect points on their way to becoming a National Geographic Global Explorer—with the certification to prove it!
From $5,730/person for a 7-day Galapagos trip, kids save $500
If you want an ultra-magical family cruise experience, Disney has you covered. When you board a Disney cruise ship, character appearances, onboard themes like Pirate Night and all the magic of a Disney theme park set sail with you. Itineraries abound, from a three-to seven-night Bahamian adventure that kicks off from Texas, Florida or New York and includes an excursion to Disney’s very own private tropical island, Castaway Cay, to a two-to five-night cruise to Baja.
Onboard activities happen from opening time to closing time at the ship's kids club and the schedule varies: there are talent shows, a Magic PlayFloor where kids’ movements control the action (think flying over London with Peter Pan.) and for any Star Wars fans—Jedi Knight training and challenges. There's even a club for tweens and teens to hang out. Read all about the onboard activities here.
Stay tuned for 2022: Disney just announced that its newest ship the Disney Wish will be headed to a port near you! Around that same time, Disney plans to open another private island in the Bahamas.
UnCruise offers a different type of cruise, and families will love it. Think smaller ship, more individualized attention and programming that kids and parents will both enjoy. Just recently, UnCruise started sailing around Hawaii year round, and it's been an instant family favorite. You can visit four islands: Molokai, Hawai’i, Maui, Lanai, and you have the opportunity to view loads of marine life. No need to dock and pick up another boat to go snorkeling or swimming, there's an option to do so right off the ship, along with paddleboarding.
UnCruise prices its adventures to include everything from room charges, meals, alcoholic beverages and even off-ship excursions, so you know upfront what your vacation will cost. There won't be any expectations to bring fancy clothing to dress up for dinner, as meals are much more streamlined on UnCruise. It really caters to families looking for bucket list experiences. Kids eight and up are always welcome, and special exceptions are made for those seven and under.
Seven-day cruise costs $5,195 and up with kids 8-13 save $500
Iceland, Greenland, Arctic and More—Adventure Canada
Dennis Minty
A cruise unlike all others, an Adventure Canada expedition cruise takes you to far-away places that you've only dreamed of. Kids of every age can hop aboard zodiac boats to head ashore and explore Viking ruins, hike to waterfalls and learn all about villages buried under years-ago volcanic eruptions. Expedition cruise life means you'll get cultural immersion in the towns that you visit and learn from local experts and naturalists. These excursions are perfect for multi-generational travel as small ships are easy for the mobility-restricted to manage and not so big that you worry you'll lose the kids on board.
Kids under age 2 are free, those ages 2-4 pay only for charter airfare and everyone under 30 saves 30%.
Panama Canal, Costa Rica & Caribbean—Princess Cruises
Kristina Moy
Thanks to its Discovery at SEA program, Princess Cruises caters to kids of all ages both on deck and ashore. New programs are rolling out fleet wide, with new center designs launching throughout 2019 as part of Camp Discovery. The Treehouse is now dedicated to three-to seven-year-olds for hands-on play and fun; The Lodge serves up sports and comfort for eight-to 12-year-olds, and The Beach House will be the onboard hangout for teens. Did we mention these are all included? Learn all about it here.
Even better news? Princess Cruises MedallionClass Vacations now offer a variety of new features specifically designed to enhance everyone's vacation experience. Through the use of an OceanMedallion, families cruising with Princess can now expect an expedited ship to shore experience along with onboard on-demand delivery service, real-time navigation and interactive features on every floor. Learn more about the first MedallionClass ship enabled by OceanMedallion here.
Everyone can stay in comfort in a Mini-Suite with convertible bunk beds for the kids, or larger Family Suites with separate bedrooms. You’ll be well rested when it’s time to snorkel and kayak at a tropical port, like those on their 10-day Panama Canal with Costa Rica & Caribbean. You can get up close and personal with both baby and 600-pound turtles at Cayman Turtle Farm, encounter sloths IRL at a Costa Rican sanctuary or ride a rainforest aerial tram. Thanks to Discovery Family Tours, many hands-on experiences are designed for ages 3-12.
Guests on this European journey fly into Munich and board the riverboat in Vilshofen. A subsequent stop in Germany visits Passau (where everyone can learn to make marzipan!) before the ship sails into Austria, Slovakia and Hungary. Along the way, guests enjoy an Imperial Evening inside a private Viennese palace, a cycling excursion along the Danube, medieval games in Slovakia and visits to castles, catacombs, an amusement park and sites from the film, “The Sound of Music.”
Parents enjoy this cruise because it’s fully inclusive, so there’s zero stress about mounting costs throughout the trip. Prices include all shore excursions, all gratuities, all meals, all onboard beverages (adult and otherwise), all activities, airport transfers, luggage handling and much more.
From $4,390/person plus airfare for this 7-night cruise
The best time to visit Costa Rica is from mid-December to April (the dry season) when you can explore rain forests or lounge on the beach without weather interrupting the fun. That's also the time when most tourists want to visit, meaning higher prices on hotel rooms and at resorts, along with more people.
Enter Windstar. The cruise line sails in the region in the winter only (both the 212-passenger all-suite Star Legend and 148-passenger motorized sailing yacht Wind Star run sailings) and accesses smaller ports and islands away from the crowds. Windstar makes "wet landings" because that's the only way to reach the shore in these tiny ports. Rugged inflatable boats deliver you directly from the yacht to the beach, where you disembark directly in the water. All of this means you'll still enjoy the best weather of the year, but on an uncrowded ship that also offers boutique, small-sized (and fairly priced) shore excursions that help you do things like sport fishing in areas protected from the winter winds.
Windstar has a naturalist onboard all of their Costa Rica and Panama Canal sailings, so guests get extra insight into the flora and fauna of the region. This cruise appeals to multi-generational families traveling together because of all the varied offerings. Kids must be eight and older to sail.
From the moment guests step onboard a Costa Cruise, they're treated to a uniquely immersive cultural experience. Families can embark on an unforgettable voyage through the history books on a 10-night Mediterranean cruise. Sailing roundtrip from Venice, Costa Victoria visits legendary ports throughout Italy, Greece and Croatia. The ship calls at Bari, Italy; Argostoli/Kefalonia, Athens, Santorini, Rhodes and Crete Greece; Kotor, Montenegro; and Split, Croatia. Families can enjoy a serene gondola ride through Venice's famed canal, walk in history's footsteps with a visit to Athens' ancient Acropolis or discover the Medieval treasures of Kotor.
Children can get up close and personal with Peppa Pig at the Squok Club or experience a thrilling water slide at the popular Aquapark. The Squok Club also provides special programming that gives junior cruisers the chance to either be “Captain for a Day” or “Princess for a Day,” where they can dress up, act the part and enjoy special themed activities.
From $1,009 per person for a 10-night Mediterranean cruise
Sailing to exotic islands in French Polynesia is special and offers families a way to experience this unique destination seamlessly. On all sailings, guests receive complimentary access to Paul Gauguin Cruises’ two exclusive retreats. Off the coast of Taha’a lies the private islet of Motu Mahana, where guests can enjoy a day of watersports, Polynesian activities, a sumptuous barbecue feast and cocktails from full and floating bars. In Bora Bora, guests can relax on a private, white-sand beach and enjoy refreshments, a game of volleyball, snorkeling and paddleboarding.
The ship's Moana Explorer program invites guests to discover and value the natural wonders of this breathtaking part of the world through hands-on, interactive learning on summer and December holiday sailings. While it is designed for children and teens ages 7-17, all family members are welcome to participate. Every day of the voyage, there is a combination of naturalist-led island and/or beach excursions, science activities, crafts, games and other adventures.
From $4,295/person including economy airfare from LA. The third person 17 and under in a stateroom is free, exclusive of airfare and taxes.
Crystal Cruises’ ocean vessels feature a fully supervised Junior Activities program for kids between the ages of 3 and 17 on holiday voyages and nearly all summer sailings, each with dedicated play areas for both young kids and teens. The kids club Fantasia for ages 3-12, and Waves teen club from ages 13-17, welcomes junior cruises with games, crafts, popular Sony PlayStation and Xbox 360 kiosks to play on large-screen televisions. Children aboard call also enjoy board games and personal computers with entertainment and education. Kids of all ages can also enjoy a special Junior Cruiser's menu (hamburgers, hot dogs, pizza, etc.).
On the Colorful Cultures cruise, families can relish in the rejuvenating calm of the Caribbean while sailing from Fort Lauderdale to San Juan aboard Crystal Serenity. Families can snorkel in St. Thomas, participate in a semi-submarine adventure in St. Barts and hike in the rain forest in Saint Kitts while creating experiences to remember for a lifetime.
From $1,695/person for this 8-night cruise
Read more: crystalcruises.com
Castles along the Rhine—Uniworld
We love the river cruise option for families as it provides a smaller ship experience with tons of stops along the way. This 8-day cruise takes a maximum of 152 passengers down the Rhine—Germany on one side, France on the other. Marvel at castles that were once mighty fortresses, and get an insider’s look at one of the only castles on the Rhine that has never been destroyed, Marksburg Castle. Visit historic cities, including ancient Cologne and picturesque Strasbourg, then stroll through the fairytale town of Rüdesheim.
Families will especially enjoy the Generations Family Program, which includes special programs, events and excursions designed specifically for your world travelers in training. Travelers ages 4-17 receive a 25% fare discount on these trips.
From $2,999/person for 8-day Basel to Amsterdam journey
Why settle for seeing just one island on your Hawaiian vacation when you can cruise in style and explore four island jewels? Sailing with Princess is a far better vacation value and you’ll visit the top-rated Hawaiian islands—Maui, Oahu, Kauai and the Big Island—without all the time-consuming hassle of island hopping by plane. From enriching Discovery and Animal Planet shore excursions to the immersive "Aloha Spirit" program onboard, you'll discover each island's unique charm and fall in love with Hawaii's enchanting beauty.
This eight-day Galapagos cruise specially designed for families with children covers the highlights of the Western Islands. Spend your days discovering the beauty and wonders of the Galapagos and exploring the wildlife-rich shores of San Cristobal, Genovesa, Santa Cruz, Fernandina, Isabela and Santiago. Celebrate crossing the equator with a King Neptune kid's costume party and enjoy shipboard educational activities such as board games, games with prizes, drawing contests, talent shows and ice cream sundaes. Kids must be five or older.
The M/V Victory I, designed for coastal cruising, will set sail on the storied Georgian Bay starting in May 2019. Guests can admire the natural beauty of Niagara Falls and take in the breathtaking vistas of the Southern Canadian Coast. This ship is purposefully-designed for coastal cruising, with every modern convenience to explore North America’s maritime history throughout the Great Lakes and southern Canadian coast. Guests onboard will enjoy immersive and inclusive shore excursions in each port of call, exquisite multi-course fine dining with specialty and casual options including spirits, beer and wine; onboard enrichment, evening entertainment and Wi-Fi in public areas.
To really experience The Last Frontier, families can embark on a two-week trip on a Princess Land and Sea excursion which includes exploring the Alaska Interior (including Anchorage, Denali and Fairbanks). Princess Cruise Line has been in Alaska since the 1970s (they are celebrating 50 years in 2019), so they have deep relationships in most Alaska communities. Princess is the only cruise line that owns lodges, as well as train cars, which makes for seamless travel (music to our ears when traveling with kids), so they are the go-to partner for many travelers for Alaska Land and Sea packages. If you can, book a MedallionClass ship, Princesses newest technology that make onboarding, managing services and keeping track of kids much easier. For more detail about how the Ocean Medallion systems works, click here.
TIP: If you’re doing a Land and Seas excursion, we definitely recommend scheduling the land portion FIRST. While Princess makes moving around Alaska interior pretty easy, after 4 or 5 nights in different lodges, it was a treat to unpack our suitcase in our cabin on the cruise ship and have our cabin and personal items safely stored for the rest of the trip.
Cunard’s Quebec City itineraries offer the opportunity for multi-generational families to travel and spend much-needed quality time together. Queen Mary 2 offers unique activities for families, including taking a virtual ride into space with the ship’s full-scale planetarium, watercolor painting classes and even learning how to fence.
Cunard offers a variety of areas dedicated to hosting and entertaining children while onboard. They include the Night Nursery, where infants aged 6 to 24 months are housed by childcare professionals and parents are given a pager in case their child wakes. For older children, Cunard offers the Play Zone for kids ages 2-7, and the Kids Zone for kids ages 8-17, which includes fun activities, arts and crafts, gaming consoles and planned excursions to the ship’s theatre or cinema. The Teen Zone accommodates ages 13-17 and offers planned activities such as deck sports, karaoke, gaming, quizzes and more. Infants under two sail for free, while ages two and up sail at half fare (when sailing as the third or fourth passenger in the cabin).
If you’re looking to zoom through Haitian skies on an absolutely epic zip-line (the longest in the world over water) or swim with dolphins in perfect turquoise waters, then a Royal Caribbean seven-night Eastern Caribbean or Western Caribbean cruise is for you (they have some 299 other destinations available, too). The adventure continues on deck, whether you fancy a surf in the FlowRider, thrilling waterslides, or mini golf—their Adventure Ocean youth program is a must for families.
Once the kids have discovered the Adventure Science Lab and Imagination Studio, they won’t even ask where you’ve gone (the Bottomless Galley Brunch, perhaps?). Little cruisers can jump into ball pits at Aquanauts while teens have a whole disco to themselves (dance party included). There are even Royal Tots playgroups for babies on board. Additional stops along the way include the Perfect Day at CocoCay, the first destination in Royal’s new private island collection, St. Maarten, the Bahamas Blue Lagoon Island and St. Thomas’s Turtle Bay. For a closer look, check out our insider's guide to the Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas, the biggest cruise ship in the world!
If river cruising is more your family’s speed, Avalon Waterways has fantastic options for seeing Europe (or Asia or South America). You won’t find the clubs that keep the kids entertained during long stretches at sea, but you will find wraparound wonder with so much constantly in view right from the ship (your room included), making this a trip-of-a-lifetime for culture-seeking big kids.
If you have 9-16 days free in 2020, take a voyage down the epic Seine. A Grand France cruise stops at landmarks made famous by the likes of Napoleon, Joan of Art and Vincent Van Gogh. Plus, Paris! In addition to visits to Notre Dame Cathedral and the Eiffel Tower, the kids will love counting the 37 Parisian bridges—or challenge the family to keep a tally on the whole journey. Their MyAvalon service will also help you personalize shore excursions to your family’s liking.
If you’re not sure a week-long cruise or hours on the open sea are for you, check out Riverboat Twilight’s one and two-day cruises along the Mississippi River. The two-day cruise travels between LeClaire to Dubuque, Iowa, on an authentic paddleboat and gives the family the overnight experience of being on board a ship while taking in the gorgeous bluffs along the Mississippi. It also includes excursions like admission to the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium.
Prices start at $399/per person, with kids under 10 being just $159 (and children under 3 free).
The East Coast is a popular point of departure, and Norwegian is ready to sail you away to the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America, or the Bahamas. Head for Great Stirrup Cay—Norwegian’s own private island, complete with white sand and sea turtles to snorkel alongside. Don't forget to enjoy the complimentary taco bar, Abaco Taco (need we say more?). Norwegian’s youth programs, Splash Academy (ages three to 12) and Entourage (ages three to 17), are also complimentary for play and parties, while its Guppies Program hosts activities for parents and baby cruisers six months to three years (If you book a cruise on the Escape, there is also a Guppies Nursery.). While on Norwegian’s Breakaway, Getawa, and Epic ships, watch for Cirque Dreams to perform amazing acrobatic stunts.
TIP: On select 5 or 7-day cruises to the Bahamas, extra guests can sail for free!
Vast, wild and utterly gorgeous, Alaska tops many travelers’ must-visit lists. For families, a visit offers so much to see and do that nobody complains of being bored. Even tablets and iPods are likely to be set aside in favor of watching whales breach or listening to the thunder of a calving glacier. A cruise tour pairs the best of cruising with the best of land touring, showing off the heart of Alaska’s untamed wilderness and its scenic coastline. Aboard the Celebrity Millennium®, cruise the Inside Passage to Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, Juneau and Skagway before disembarking in Seward. Luxury motor coaches and glass-domed trains then carry you into the unspoiled interior, to lodges set in the shadow of awesome Denali. Take time to unwind and tuck into locally-sourced meals before joining a tour of breathtaking Denali National Park.
We love Celebrity Cruises for their inclusivity. They’ve gone the extra sea mile to ensure that their onboard environments are autism friendly for kids of all ages, with sensory toys and movie-viewing environments, gluten- and dairy-free menu options and well-trained Fun Factory and Youth Staff. Other services include priority check-in, equipping parents with contact phones while their kids are signed in to Fun Factory programs, and a Cruising Social Story booklet to download ahead of the cruise.
If you have rising history buffs in the family, want to take a closer look at medieval castle life, or be amazed by wildlife, take note that Poseidon Expeditions launched a brand new 13-day cruise, British Isles: Legendary History & Wild Nature, on May 22, 2019. You’ll have the chance to see baby puffins on the Skellig Islands off Ireland or spot otters and wild ponies while exploring Snowdonia National Park in Wales. Dolphins, whales, and seals are also likely to swim by. The kids can direct their nature questions to naturalist guides led by renowned historian Dr. Hew Lewis-Jones. With 55 guest suites aboard the Sea Spirit, the scale of this cruise isn’t overwhelming either, but rather a sure way to see remote and wondrous corners of Great Britain.
Did you hear? Carnival Panorama, their newest ship, will be ready to set sail from Long Beach and take your family on Mexican Riviera cruise starting this December 2019. Featuring the first Sky Zone Trampoline Park at sea (yes, you read that right!), the ship offers SportSquare’s mini-golf and games, ropes course, and the elevated SkyRide, as well as Choose Fun Waterworks (with two epic waterslides that are kid and parent friendly). The Camp Ocean kids club is another play area just for little cruisers (ages two to 11), while Serenity is an onboard retreat just for adults. The family can reunite for a comedy show or go head to head for a Lip Sync Battle.
The 7-day cruise takes you from Long Beach, CA with stops in Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta. Enjoy ziplining, snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking among other activities. For a kiddo’s first-hand take on all the Carnival fun, check out our report.
Disconnect completely with a phone-free family vacation along the Peruvian Amazon in 5-star luxury aboard Aqua Expeditions' Aria Amazon. With no internet or cell reception, all 16 Design Suites on the Aria Amazon across the first and second deck measure 250 square feet, include air conditioning, polished timber flooring and its most amazing feature—a wall of floor-to-ceiling glass facing the Amazon River. Guests aboard the Aria Amazon can see sloths, elusive pink dolphins, all varieties of monkey, piranha, toucans, caimans, anacondas and more, and will visit multiple indigenous villages along the banks of the river. This one-of-a-kind digital detox will have the whole family reminiscing about their Amazon adventures for years to come.
Experience Norway’s beautiful fjords, charming ports, and rare wildlife under the midnight sun or the spectacular northern lights. On select Hurtigruten cruises, kids ages 6-12 can join the Young Explorers Program and learn about other cultures, the importance of nature in our daily lives and the impact humans have on our delicate and beautiful planet. A dedicated host will plan and organize all the activities, which focus on fun and eco-friendly learning events, tailor-made to awaken a sense of adventure.
If you think exploring Europe with kids is impossible, consider taking a cruise around the Mediterranean with Royal Caribbean. You'll board in either Barcelona or Rome, and can enjoy exploring three different countries: Spain, France and Italy. There are plenty of kid-friendly excursions available to families, including pizza-making in Italy and beach days in Barcelona. Depending on which cruise you pick, you'll either be aboard the Oasis of the Seas or the Jewel of the Seas. Both ships are full of fun and adventure, including everything from Royal Caribbean's famous kids' clubs, original entertainment, pools, zip lines and more.
IHOP recently announced a new limited-time holiday-themed menu—and it features none other than the Elf on the Shelf!
Through the end of the year your fam can feast on Jolly Cakes (green pancakes topped with sweet cream cheese icing and elf sprinkles), Oh What Funnel Cake and other holiday-time delish delights.
Along with pancakes and funnel cakes, the limited-time menu also includes Holiday Ham and Sausage Omelettes and Merry Marshmallow Hot Chocolate.
If your kiddo just can’t decide what they want, try the Little Elves Combo. This mix and match menu item includes either one Jolly Cake or Of What Funnel Cake and one scrambled egg, one bacon strip and one pork sausage link.
Alisa Gmelich, Vice President, Marketing at IHOP, said in a press release, “We’re so excited to ring in the holidays by announcing a partnership between IHOP and The Elf on the Shelf, two beloved, family brands.” Gmelich added, “Our culinary team returned one morning to our kitchens only to find that Scout Elves had snuck in and created colorful, whimsical food that deserved its own menu—although in typical elf fashion, they left behind a bit of a holiday magic.”
Not only can you nab the tasty pancake treats over the holidays, but you can also take part in the world’s largest Welcome Back Breakfast for the Scout Elves. Between Nov. 29 and Dec. 1 children who visit participating IHOP locations can score a special Elf-Themed activity sheet with their meal.
Gmelich said, of the event and new menu, “We’re hosting the world’s biggest Welcome Back Breakfast celebration throughout the holiday season and showing off the elves’ ingenious recipes, like green Jolly Cakes with cream cheese icing and sparkly ornament sprinkles, golden Oh What Funnel Cakes, a loaded Ham & Sausage Omelette and more.”
Autumn wouldn’t be complete without a family jaunt to beautiful Julian. What better way to spend a day with your curious explorers than by taking a one-hour road trip to this quaint mountain town? Known for its homemade apple pie, picturesque apple picking, gold panning and old-fashioned flair, channel the simpler times of yesteryear by taking the kids to enjoy several autumnal activities they’ll love. From raspberry picking and feeding camels to gem mining, family camping and grape stomping, read on for what you must do in Julian this fall.
1. Enjoy Berry Picking at Julian Farm & Orchard
From now through October, you can go to Julian Farm & Orchard for fresh berry picking fun on Saturdays and Sundays from noon-3 p.m. Here you’ll find a 25-acre farm filled with U-pick raspberries and blackberries that are ripe for the pickin’. This harvesting experience is perfect for little ones because the berry bushes are thornless and the farm uses organic farming methods. At a cost of only $5 per pint, this is bushels of affordable fun. If a weekday visit better suits your schedule, call or text 951-312-9940 for appointment availability.
Stay tuned to the Farm & Orchard’s events because they’re also open for apple picking, a pumpkin patch and more fall activities beginning Sep. 21 through Halloween.
2. Go Apple Picking
Nothing says fall like ripe, delicious apples––and there are so many luscious varieties of the fruit to choose from in the many locations that offer apple u-picking in Julian. Read our guide for where to take your little blossoms to pick a peck of apples––but don’t delay, because farms only stay open until all the apples are gone.
3. Do Kids Apple Crafts
When in Julian, make a keepsake apple craft to remember the trip. On Sep. 14 between noon-3 p.m., stop by Julian Town Hall so your kids can enjoy an easy apple craft. Crafting is free, but if you’d like to make a donation to the Julian Country Christmas Celebration, it’s appreciated.
4. Miner’s Day
Travel back in time to Miner’s Day at Julian Mining Company. This event takes place from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturdays and noon-5 p.m. Sundays from now through October. Kids will love panning for gold, gem mining, axe throwing and searching for artifacts in a dig pit.
5. Julian Grape Stomp Festa
Sep. 7, kick off your shoes, roll up your pant legs and indulge in the age old tradition of stomping grapes at the Julian Grape Stomp Festa. Local wineries, breweries and cideries will be offering sips to sample and there will be food and shopping, great music and dancing. It will be a party to remember!
6. Volcan Mountain Foundation’s Family Discovery Day
Sep. 28, join the fun of the Volcan Mountain Foundation’s Family Discovery Day! Come by VMF’s Volcan Mountain Nature Center with your friends and family to learn about the unique ecosystems and wildlife on Volcan Mountain. There will be fun educational nature activities throughout the day, including creating a rainstorm effect on a 3D watershed relief map, making a shelter from branches, and going on a gentle guided plant walk on VMF’s Watershed Trail. You’ll also have the opportunity to enjoy “wild” refreshments. This event is free. All ages welcome. No registration required. Bring water, snacks or lunch and sunscreen.
7. Build a Scarecrow Fashion a scarecrow as a fam at Wynola Junction Antiques & Collectibles. There are multiple time slots available on Oct. 5, Oct. 19 and Nov. 2. Get your tickets now because this experience sells out fast. You can either build a scarecrow for free and leave it at Wynola Junction as decor, or pay $10 per family to take your scarecrow home with you. All supplies are provided, but you’re encouraged to bring special items like a shirt or hat to jazz up your creation.
8. Eat Fresh Baked Apple Pie
No visit to Julian is complete without treating yourself to a slice (or whole!) apple pie. You’re spoiled for choice of bakeries and restaurants in the small town, where you can order up a delectable taste of Julian’s heavenly dessert. We’re partial to Julian Pie Company’s caramel Dutch apple pie topped with a heaping serving of whipped cream.
If apple pie isn’t your cup of tea, you’ll also find pie flavors including blueberry apple crumb, peach, boysenberry, cherry, rhubarb and more!
9. Canoodle With Camels on Your Way to Julian
Make a pitstop at Oasis Camel Dairy on your way to Julian for their “Camels Love Apples” event. Their Animal & Bird show starts at 1:30 p.m. and features talking parrots, gobbling turkeys, lovable farm dogs and of course, camels. After the show, meet, greet, and feed camels a sweet, crunchy apple treat. There will also be camel rides for the kids, a mini-sheep feeding, exotic bird exhibits, a game and activity area and shopping in the Camel Dairy’s unique gift shop. Prices vary depending on activities you choose to do.
Aug. 31 and Sep. 1 from 1-4 p.m. (Gates open at 12:45 p.m. and last entry to the farm is 3:45 p.m.)
10. Harvest Weekend Family Camp
Turn your trip to Julian into an entire weekend of fall fun. Camp Stevens offers a Harvest Weekend Family Camp Oct. 11-13 that your whole clan will love. Featuring seasonally-themed activities and food, past camps have included offerings like pretzel baking in a wood-burning cob oven and scarecrow building. You can also navigate camp classics like the climbing wall and enjoy cozying up by the campfire.
