ML Interest Tag: trolley

What Parents Love About the New Village at Topanga

by Erica Groten

What could possibly be special about another outdoor mall?  Or so we thought. Then the Village at Topanga opened in Woodland Hills on Sept. 18 and we realized mall builders still had a few tricks up their sleeves when it came to creating family ready destinations. Read on to find out the top 9 things we parents love about the Village.

photo: HC C. via Yelp

1. Food, Wonderful Food
What we like is that there’s a great balance of healthy (Eatsa has bowls filled with satisfying servings of fresh and yummy ingredients), kid faves (Eureka! will gladden the hearts of burger and taco lovers with some superb salad choices thrown in the mix for parents), breakfast (Le Pain Quotidien is excellent with or without the little darlings and you can get the best bread to bring home for grilled cheeses later…), finger lickin’ BBQ (Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que) and kid approved standbys for the super picky eaters (Panera Bread‘s kids’ menu pleases everyone, pizza rocks at Pieology and the dogs at The Slaw Dogs will fill your Dodger Dog hole his winter).

2. Splish, Splash
After some delectable eats, grab your small fry’s hand and march over to the water-play area, because you’re never too old and in SoCal it’s never too cold to jump in puddles. If jumping in isn’t your style, plop down on the ledge, dangle your legs, and let the water soothe those hot tootsies.

photo: Rashmi V. via Yelp

3. Panting 101
Rover’s drooling and craving a water break. No worries: water and treat stops abound throughout the meandering pathways. Psst, most shops also provide water by their entrances.  The Village is super pet-friendly.

photo: Erica Groten

4. Birthday Bliss
They’ve got you covered with one-stop unique birthday party planning.  You can book a pottery class for your entire pack at Bitter Root Pottery, then move the celebration to the Birthday Table for dessert and presents. The Birthday Table, a permanent fixture here, is surrounded by off-beat, colorful chairs, and is the ideal, inexpensive solution to where to move the party after the party. Stop by Guest Services for help with the table booking.

photo: Erica Groten

5. Monkey Time
You really, really want to poke in one store for one little minute.  But the kids are so hyper they might break a few things.  It’s time to head to The Luckey Climber created by Thomas Luckey. No monkey or bambino will be able to stay away. The tykes can climb and climb and climb…while you grab a ring-side seat and splurge on frozen yogurt from Go Greek or a delectable treat from either Peet’s Coffee or SusieCakes.  Then, energy expended, they’ll let you shop for a few precious minutes.

photo: Erica Groten

6. Book Exchange
We love this!  Books, free books, at the mall! 6 book exchanges have been placed throughout the plaza. And if you’ve spent enough cash this outing, don’t fret; the books are free for the taking. Next time, leave a book. Perfect timing for a little fall clean-out. The book exchanges range in shape, size, and design. Snap a pic and then have those budding builders create one at home with Play-Doh or LEGOs to place on your own lawn to start a neighborhood lending library.

photo: Erica Groten

7. Interactive Art Installations
Whimsical touches abound. Entrance the kiddos with a game of “find the umbrella” or the swings. Those are just two from the amusing collection. Everyone will have a magical time hunting for the imaginative art, and it sure makes a nice break from a regular mall’s non-stop commercialism.

photo: Erica Groten

8. Trolley Time
Want to mix things up? The trolley is the answer. Hop aboard for free rides to and from The Village at Topanga, Westfield Topanga  and Westfield Promenade. Why not have a meal at one location then have the trolley take you to the movie theaters at another site? Or just sit back and relax while taking in the scenery from a new perspective.  Sometimes tired kiddos or little train lovers need a break, and riding the rails while checking out new scenery can be just the (free) ticket.

photo: Rashmi V. via Yelp

9. Farmers Market
Every Sunday, 9 a.m. -1 p.m., lose yourself in tastes, smells, sights, and sounds. You can get school clothes, home goods a treat or two and now even stock up on fresh veggies for the week all at one spot. Just remember that due to health codes, this is the one time and place that pets are not welcome.

photo: Westfield Topanga & The Village via Yelp

The Village at Topanga
6600 Topanga Canyon Blvd.
Woodland Hills
818-594-8732
Online: westfield.com/topanga/the-village/home

Have you visited The Village? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below! 

—Erica Groten

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The Perfect Portland Summer Bucket List

by Marianne Walters

Who needs to jet set to a tropical island when Portland has plenty of excitement, like tram rides with a bird’s-eye view, berry patches and sandy beach trips within a stone’s throw of home? Read on to discover eight close-to-home adventures that’ll make your summer unforgettable.

1. Hike to the Top of the City

Feeling ambitious? The 4T trail is the coolest hike you’ll ever take because it involves a trail, tram, trolley and train. Start at the zoo and follow the signs for a hike. Make sure your kids are feeling up to the gentle inclines you’ll encounter because strollers are not allowed. The trail leads to OHSU where you can take the tram down to the South Waterfront. (Bonus: The tram is free on the way down.) Follow the signs to the trolley, which will take you over the bridge to downtown, where you’ll hop on a train and end up back at the zoo. While in the South Waterfront area, grab lunch at Little Big Burger.

A couple other fun hikes that we love are Powell Butte (16160 SE Powell Blvd) and Tryon Creek in Southwest Portland. Both of these areas boast tons of trails, so you can choose your adventure depending on your tykes’ stamina.

photo: brx0 via Creative Commons

What’s on your summer bucket list? Let us know in the Comments below!

— Marianne Walters

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That’s The Spirit! Atlanta Area Ghost Tours

by Phebe Wahl

If you are looking to scare up some spooky, family fun—a guided ghost tour may be just the thing to get in the spirit of the season. Your child will get a kick of out creepy tales of Civil War ghosts, haunted mansions, flickering lights and other paranormal tales. Be sure to make note of your child’s individual scare factor and age recommendations, though, or else the experience may come back to haunt you. Just notify your guide you have little goblins in tow and they will be happy to dial down the fear factor to ensure some freaky fun for the whole family.

Roswell Ghost Tours
Now in its 15th year, Roswell Ghost Tours offers a spine-chilling nighttime tour of historic downtown Roswell. Founded by paranormal investigators, Diana and Joe Avena, the intent of these tours is not to scare, but rather inform and educate. If you get spooked—simply due to the fact that you are walking through a cemetery and by the “creepy house” where the town executioner once lived—that’s understandable. The mile-long walking tour lasts about 2 ½ hours and includes current tales of paranormal activities that these investigators and others have personally documented. Stories of Civil War soldiers and millworkers looking to reconnect with loved ones from beyond the grave are presented alongside the history of this antebellum town.

Details: Tours meet in the big white gazebo in the Roswell Town Square directly across the street from the Roswell Visitor’s Center (617 Atlanta St.), roswellghosttour.com

Cost: $15 adults, $10 children

When to Go:  Available year round, check website for times. Reservations required.

Recommended Age:  Roswell Ghost Tours are open to all ages. When younger children are on the tour, their highly trained tour guides leave out gory details and give families the option to wait out parts of the tour that may be particularly scary for little ones.

Especially Cool:  The founders have been featured on SciFi Network’s “Ghost Hunters.” They also regularly offer tours featuring other well-known paranormal experts.

Decatur Ghost Tours
One of the newer ghost tour operations in town, these tours are led by a psychic medium, Boo Newell. The walking tour covers about a mile and lasts two hours. Along the way, you’ll hear tales of Civil War ghosts, a grieving mother, and a lovelorn woman searching for her lost love. The tour meets on the Decatur square and includes a walk through the old Decatur Cemetery. According to Boo, when children are on the tour, ghost children tend to follow along.

Details: Tours meet at the bandstand behind The Old Courthouse (101 East Court Sq.), 404-296-7771, www.decaturghosttour.com

Cost: $15 adults, $12 children (10 and under)

When to Go:  Weekends year-round at 7:30 p.m., additional dates in October. Reservations required.

Recommended Age:  Families regularly take the tours. There’s nothing gory or extremely violent discussed, just lots of ghost talk of course.

Especially Cool:  If you live intown, it’s close by and offers a look into the history and “darkside” of Decatur.

Lawrenceville Ghost Tours
Definitely the most “theatrical” ghost tour in town; these popular tours are led by costumed storytellers from Aurora Theatre. On the 90-minute adventure through Downtown Lawrenceville your guide will take you into the old jail, show you where the corpses flew down Honest Alley and tell you other chilling tales that will send a shiver down your spine. Sometimes you can even catch the Lawrenceville Ghost Trolley – offered on special dates. It takes you to the Lawrenceville Female Seminary where ghost girls still roam the halls.

Details: Aurora Theater, 128 East Pike St., 678-226-6222, www.scarystroll.com

Cost: $12 adults, $9 children; $25 for Trolley

When to Go:  Weekends year-round, everyday in October. Reservations recommended. Ghost Trolley is available on October 25 only.

Recommended Age:  Since the tour is focused on dramatic storytelling and not bloody effects or gory details, it’s popular with both children and adults.

Especially Cool:  Experienced local actors like “Madame Macabre” and “Miss Hannah Belle Lecter” lead tours in character – mixing a little funny in with the scary.

Marietta Ghost Tours
Marietta Ghost Tours offer two spooky options for families: the original Haunted Walking Tour and the “Scary-etta” Haunted Trolley Tour. Both are 90 minutes and focus on ghost stories in and around the historic Marietta square – which played a big role in the Civil War. As you can imagine, plenty of Civil War ghost stories abound. Lit by flickering lantern light, the one mile walking tour is led by a costumed storyteller who will regale you with tales of the “Lady in Black,” weeping statues and other scary apparitions. If that isn’t spooky enough, the trolley tour travels into two of the city’s cemeteries.

Details: 131 Church St., 770-425-5755, ghostsofmarietta.com

Cost: $17 adults, $12 children (Walking Tour); $27 Adults, $14 Children (Trolley Tour)

When to Go:  Year-round with walking tours at 7:30 p.m. and “Scaryetta” trolley tours at 7 and 9 p.m. Dates and times vary with season. Reservations required. Buy tickets online.

Recommended Age:  Both are suitable for families—no age recommendations. Just know your child’s “scare factor.”

Especially Cool:  The Haunted Trolley may be just the thing for younger children who are interested in ghost tales but might get too tired or too spooked on foot.

Fox Theatre Ghost Tours
Some folks say that the Fox Theatre, Atlanta’s iconic old movie palace and performance venue, is hauntingly beautiful. Some simply say it is haunted. For the first time ever, go behind the scenes on an hour-long guided ghost tour of the Fox. You’ll visit the sub-basement, boiler room, a backstage dressing room and of course, the stage – all places where restless spirits are said to roam. The spook factor is enhanced with a little pumped in fog. However, the tour focuses on the stories of real life people and strange apparitions that some have witnessed when the lights dim at the Fabulous Fox.

Cost: $30

When to Go:  October 11th-16th with time slots available from 7 to 10 p.m. See website for available times and to purchase tickets.

Recommended Age:  The tour is recommended for children 10 and over, but parents can use their discretion. For safety reasons, children under age 6 are not permitted.

Especially Cool:  It’s behind-the-scenes. At night. At the Fox. Need we say more?

What spooky things will you do this season? Tell us below!

—Rachel Quartarone and Phebe Wahl

Photos courtesy of Roswell Ghost Tour via Facebook, Decatur Ghost Tours via Facebook, Ghosts of Marietta via Facebook, The Fox Theater via Facebook 

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8 Hidden Parks for Kids in Seattle’s Queen Anne Neighborhood

by Katie Kavulla

Everyone knows about the bigger, popular parks in Seattle’s family-friendly Queen Anne neighborhood, but we’ve found some hidden kid-friendly gems that are worth exploring. Next time you’re in Queen Anne, add one of these eight Queen Anne parks to your must-visit list!

12th West & West Howe Park
A tiny little neighborhood park that’s perfect for little ones, there isn’t much more than a sandpit and benches to sit on, but as parents know, sometimes that’s all you need for some outdoor fun! There is also a small patch of grass, so bring a blanket to sit on and a picnic lunch.
Located on West Howe Street at 12th Avenue West on the South West Slope of Queen Anne

Bayview-Kinnear Park (pictured)
Ever been admiring the view at Kerry Park and notice the little playground down below? This is Bayview-Kinnear Park! Not only does this playground have some of the coolest slides in Seattle, but the playground equipment is also very fun and innovative. Kids also love the rock climbing wall that’s built into the side of the park.
Located on W Prospect Street at Third Avenue West on the Counterbalance side of Queen Anne

Bhy Kracke Park
Jump in the car and head to this great park, tucked into the hillside of Queen Anne! Kids will love the playground area, and parents will love the seriously amazing views of downtown Seattle. There is also lots of grass for kids to run around in and a large undercover picnic area, perfect if it starts to drizzle.
Located at 1215 Fifth Avenue N, up the hill from the Seattle Center

Mayfair Park
What a sweet little park this is! Just a few blocks away from Queen Anne’s popular Rodgers Park, you’ll be surprised to find this play area tucked at the end of this block. A great place to escape a crowded playground.
Located at 2600 Second Avenue North, near Rodgers Park 

Parsons Garden
Looking for a new picnic spot? You’ll be amazed by this gorgeous piece of picnicking heaven on Queen Anne! Located just down the block from Seattle’s famous Kerry Park, the garden doesn’t have a playground, but it does have a lush piece of grass and pretty flowers to peek at.
Located at Seventh Avenue W and W Highland Drive

Soundview Terrace Park (Rachel’s Playground)
Rachel’s Playground is certainly a neighborhood favorite, but families who live outside of Queen Anne may not know about this great playground and park. This park holds special meaning for Queen Anne residents – it’s a memorial to a special Queen Anne family.
Located at 2500 – 11th Avenue W 

Trolley Hill Park
One of Queen Anne’s newer parks, Trolley Hill is another great spot to pack up a picnic lunch and enjoy some time outdoors. There isn’t a traditional playground here, but plenty of other fun things to keep little ones busy, including a P-Patch!
Located at Fifth Avenue N and Blaine Street

Ward Springs Park
With a super cool, big playground and fun grass hills to run up and down, Ward Springs is another one of Queen Anne’s newer parks that is still mostly used by people who live close by. Parents will especially love this playground because it’s set up off the road, so they don’t have to worry about little ones getting too close to cars.
Located on Ward Street at Fourth Avenue N

Queen Anne families – we’d love to know what your favorite park in the neighborhood is! Or, if you don’t live in Queen Anne, which park do you always make a stop at when you’re in the neighborhood?

— Katie Kavulla

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Los Angeles Activities: Explore Santa Barbara

by writerredtri

Dubbed the American Riviera, Santa Barbara is a gorgeous and serene beach town getaway which offers Angelenos plenty of laid back respite from Los Angeles life. Whether you want to shop til’ you drop, laze about at the beach, go sightseeing, or try to spot humpback whales, this pristine, charming and relaxing locale is chock-full of opportunities for kids activities and family fun.

Approximate Travel Time: Santa Barbara is located about 95 miles north of Los Angeles. Just two hours by car and you’re there!

Go: Year-round.

What to see: Don’t miss the Santa Barbara Zoo. If you’re feeling especially adventurous, participate in the Family Zoo Snooze June 25th-26th, wherein your entire brood may spend the night at the zoo and enjoy up-close animal encounters. Named one of the “20 great American beaches” by Travel and Leisure, take a trip to Butterfly Beach — a favorite beach of Santa Barbara locals. Whether you want to spend the day there or just stop by to snap scenic photos, the breathtaking views are what Santa Barbara is all about. Enjoy strolling, shopping and people-watching in downtown Santa Barbara on the main drag, State Street or spend the day whale watching at sea or getting hands-on experience with ocean life at Ty Warner Sea Center on Stearns Wharf. The Santa Barbara Mission is an educational must-see destination, and you may take a self-guided tour of the immaculately maintained grounds.

How to dress: Casual beachwear. Pack a sweater to stay warm on breezy evenings.

Possible lunch spots: Enjoy the fresh seafood and clam bar as well as views of the harbor at the always bustling Brophy Brothers restaurant. Grab coffee or tea at raved about local caffeine-fix hotspot The French Press on State Street. Indulge everyone’s sweet tooth at Chocolate Maya which offers chocolates from all over the world.

Where to Stay: Fess Parker’s Doubletree Resort is perfectly situated in the heart of town, directly across from the ocean on East Cabrillo Boulevard. This family-friendly hotel offers an extensive list of activities for kids and features a lovely swimming pool and offers bike rentals. Or set up camp twelve miles north of Santa Barbara at Carpinteria State Beach, which was voted one of the best campgrounds in the country. Ocean and mountain views will keep kids immersed in the wonders of nature under the stars.

Need to know: If the kiddos are up for a fun, open-air trolley ride, take a narrated tour aboard a Santa Barbara Trolley. This is a great way to learn the history of the town and hit all of the famous local tourist spots. Passes are valid all day and passengers may reboard at any of the 14 stops.

Bonus: If you happen to have a babysitter while in town, Stella Mare is an exquisite restaurant where you and your significant other may enjoy sophisticated French country cuisine in a historic landmark house turned eatery located on the Bird Refuge.

Cost of trip: Moderate to expensive.

Online: http://www.santabarbaraca.gov/

—Beth Shea

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