ML Interest Tag: underwater-world

Birch Aquarium’s New Must-See Seadragons & Seahorses Exhibit

by Nikki Walsh

photo: Birch Aquarium

Kids are mesmerized by colorful fish––and a visit to Birch Aquarium at Scripps will spark wonder while teaching them about the beauty and mystery of what lies beneath ocean waters. Each exhibit offers a kid-friendly and awe-inspiring glimpse into the underwater world, which the Aquarium delivers to guests via hands-on and interactive experiences and encounters (no wetsuit required!). Get ready to dive in to fun discovering the giant kelp forest or by beholding the shark feedings or witnessing the bioluminescent light of deep waters. Read on for our guide to making the most of a visit to this fantastic locale and for the scoop on their brand new exhibit: Seadragons & Seahorses.

photo: Birch Aquarium

Seadragons & Seahorses

Birch Aquarium’s newest exhibit Seadragons & Seahorses is a stunning site to behold. Believed to be the largest seadragon display in the world, this habitat has been designed to create an ideal environment to breed seadragons–– something that has never been done in captivity before––while giving guests a peek into the work the Aquarium’s renowned Husbandry Team is doing to ensure that these species survive into the future. Dappled light, dramatic photography and larger-than-life imagery set the scene as guests learn how to observe these animals the way scientists do: by noticing the unique features that distinguish individual animals and identifying courtship and mating behaviors that will make their breeding program a success.

photo: Beth Shea

Oddities: Hidden Heroes of the Scripps Collections

It’s a Bird, It’s a Plane, it’s a … Giant Tube Worm? Be in awe at the Aquarium’s exhibit Oddities: Hidden Heroes of the Scripps Collections, a comic book-inspired exhibit that highlights the astonishing adaptations (aka super powers) of ocean species. Oddities is created in partnership with the team from the Scripps Oceanographic Collections, where millions of specimens allow scientists to understand some of the amazing adaptations marine creatures have developed to survive. From super vision and invisibility to protective armor and the ability to create electricity to zap prey, real marine creatures do amazing things every day that stretch even the wildest imagination. The interactive exhibit will include examples of some of the most unique creatures from all depths and highlight how they have inspired everything from cinema and pop culture to medicine and engineering. You’ll learn what it takes to collect scientific samples and have the opportunity to test out some of these unique adaptations through creature cosplay!

photo: John Bryant

Shows and Feedings

We highly recommend planning your day around the Aquarium’s shows and feedings. You can check the daily calendar to find times. The giant Kelp Forest Dive show is a must-see. The Kelp Forest contains over 70,000 gallons of water! In the show, divers feed the animals and answer kids’ questions from the tank. The Elasmo Beach shark feeding (out on the side patio) is another cool experience that littles will love to watch. And finally, if you’re there on a Tuesday or Thursday, be sure to catch the training and feeding of the rescued Loggerhead Sea Turtle.

Good to know: Arrive 20 minutes before the start of the Kelp Forest Dive show. It’s popular and seating goes quickly!

photo: Birch Aquarium

Sally Ride Gallery

What is it like to be an ocean scientist and work on a research ship? Find out in the Expedition at Sea: R/V Sally Ride Gallery! This research ship honors Sally Ride, the youngest American female astronaut. Kiddos can dress like an ocean research scientist, explore (online) the different sections of the ship and touch deep ocean artifacts. Also, you can watch video interviews of each person on this research vessel that docks out of San Diego–– to learn about their jobs and how they work together.

photo: Sandy Huffaker

Infinity Cube Exhibit

On the bright side in a room of darkness, you’ll find a bioluminescent world. This exhibit answers questions like: “what fish do you find deep in the ocean?” Many of these underwater fish light up. One preserved fish has a body lantern to lure prey and another has razor-sharp teeth to snag (and keep!) the rare prey that floats by. You’ll also find a super cool infinity cube designed via collaboration between an artist and an ocean scientist. Step in and surround yourself in the beauty of bioluminescent light. The light is made by tiny dinoflagellates who light up to sounds like the human heartbeat and music in this imaginary deep sea cube. Hurry in to see this exhibit, it’s truly magical.

photo: Birch Aquarium

Hands-On Fun!

One of the best parts of touring the Birch Aquarium for kids is the hands-on interaction with the sea critters. If you head out the back to the Tide Pool Plaza, not only are there amazing ocean views, but also kiddos can touch the sea life. Pat a purple starfish or watch the hermit crabs, or feel the squishiness of a sea cucumber. Further, this is a great photo opportunity! For smaller kids, sometimes volunteers offer little containers of sea life to get an up close look and gently touch.

photo: Nikki Walsh

Boundless Energy

Another family fave is the outdoor Boundless Energy exhibit which teaches how natural forces power our lives. In this highly hands-on exhibit, kids discover renewable energy from the water, sun and other sources. For instance, you can ride a stationary bike to power a water fountain. Another favorite is setting up boat channels on the water table. And finally, you’ll discover the giant Elasmo Beach fish tank with sharks and stingrays moving about.

photo: Nikki Walsh

Splash Cafe

Eat up before or after your Aquarium adventure. The Splash Cafe is run by The French Gourmet, a favorite Pacific Beach eatery. They serve breakfast items like the egg and bacon panini on freshly baked ciabatta bread. For lunch, you’ll find sandwiches like turkey and avocado or a hot dog. There are vegan items also and for dessert, cookies, donuts or ice cream. Sit on the colorful chairs under an umbrella and take in the view of ‘The Legacy’ whale fountain.

photo: Birch Aquarium

Seasonal Events

A really cool time to come to the Aquarium is during their special events throughout the year. You’ll find ocean science learning and tons of additional aquatic fun. Discover what lurks beneath the ocean at the Haunted Aquarium event. Or during the Seas ‘n’ Greetings event, see Santa dive in the giant kelp forest and the aquarium transform into a holiday wonderland. Further, no baskets needed for the Spring Eggstravaganza where kids search in an underwater egg hunt and enjoy other festive activities.

Parking

You can park for free up to three hours in the parking lot next to the Aquarium. This gives you plenty of time to experience the Aquarium. Without a doubt, the parking lot fills up, so it’s wise to arrive earlier in the day, or you may have to wait for a spot.

Insider’s Tip: Be sure to snap a picture by the wow-worthy fountain of a whale and her calf in front of the Birch Aquarium! Read more about the towering spectacle here.

Cost: $18.50/adult; $14/kid; free for kids two and under

2300 Expedition Way
La Jolla, Ca
Phone: 858-534-3474
Online: aquarium.ucsd.edu

Have you explored the Birch Aquarium? Tell us about it below.

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From Caving to Canoeing: These Adventures Will Rock Your Summer

by Helen Walker Green

From spelunking, canyoneering and canoeing to stargazing, fossil hunting and fly-fishing, America’s national parks offer up a ton of exhilarating activities for your tiny explorers. Whether it’s a program led by park rangers or by national parks-approved concessionaires, each one is a spine-tingling good time. Read on to see our 12 picks for coolest national park adventures. Bonus: Find out how to help them become Junior Civil War Historians!

photo: Zion Rock & Mountain Guides via Facebook

Canyoneering in Zion National Park, Utah
Climb, hike, swim and rappel through one of the most stunning landscapes in North America. Zion Rock & Mountain Guides will take the family on a canyoneering adventure—no experience necessary. You’ll rappel in amazing slot canyons, down-climb over rock chimneys, swim in pools and explore places very few people see. The guides tailor the trip to your comfort level, so little canyoneers can enjoy the challenge without being in over their heads!

Cost: Full Day (6-8 hrs) $150-$110/person depending on number of climbers. Short Day (4-5 hrs) $130-$115/person depending on number of climbers.
Ages: 4 & up Open: Year-round Zion Rock & Mountain Guides Family Canyoneering Adventure

1458 Zion Park Blvd.
Springdale, Ut 84767
435-772-3303
Online: zionrockguides.com

Photo: National Park Service

Meet Sled-Dogs in Denali National Park, Alaska
Skeeter has a silly side, Annie is a social butterfly, Red Top likes to snuggle—who are these guys? They’re the sled dogs of Alaska’s Denali National Park. These Alaskan huskies are the only sled dogs in the USA that help protect a national park and the wildlife that lives there. In winter they’re working dogs, but in summer they like to play and love being petted by visitors. Take a ranger-led tour of the kennels, and learn how a dog sled works. Who knows, this visit may inspire a future Iditarod contender in your family!

Cost: Free All ages Ranger-led tours in summer only (mid-May – mid-Sept.) Kennels open to visitors year-round. Accessible via courtesy shuttle bus from Denali Visitor Center bus stop. Be at bus stop 40 mins before your tour starts.

Sled Dog Demonstration & Kennel Visit
Denali National Park George Parks Hwy.
Denali Park, Ak 99755
907-683-9532
Online: nps.gov/dena/planyourvisit/sled-dog-demonstrations

photo: Diver Ed’s Dive-In Theater via Facebook

Dive-In to Acadia National Park, Maine
Diver Ed will take you and your crew ‘o landlubbers out on his ship, The Starfish Enterprise, to boldly go where only a few kids have gone before. Ed and his Playmobil sidekick “Mini Ed” dive down with special video and sound gear that lets you see and hear the ocean floor in real time from the comfort of the deck. When Ed and Mini Ed come back up, they bring the creatures with them! You’ll have a chance to get up-close-and-personal with sea cucumbers, toad crabs, scale worms, lobsters, scallops and more from the underwater world of Acadia National Park. Don’t worry, all the creatures are safely returned to their homes.

Open: Year-round

Good to know: You can also catch a tour with a park ranger/naturalist on board. These are extended tours geared towards grownups but children are always welcome too. Cool bonus: Diver Ed’s Newfoundland Water Rescue Dogs go along on the trips.
Cost: $15/4 & under, $30/5-11, $40/12+, $35/senior, Reservations recommended. All ages

Dive-In Theater with Diver Ed
105 Eden St.
Bar Harbor, Me 04609
207-288-3483
Online: divered.com

photo: Grand Canyon Railway

Take a Train to Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
“This is a stick up!” Watch out for wild west villains on the Grand Canyon Railway. Make your young cowgirl or cowboy’s first trip to the Grand Canyon extra special by throwing in a vintage locomotive ride (train robbery, shoot out and cowboy songs included) from Williams, Az to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. You’ll ride in your choice of classic train car: Coach Class, First Class or Observation Dome, all stellar spots for taking in the stunning views.

Cost: 2 & under are free. Coach Class Round Trip $45/ages 2-15, $75/ages 16+; First Class Round Trip $110/ages 2-15, $140/ages 16+; Observation Dome Round Trip $140/ages 2-15, $170/ages 16+
Age: All ages

Grand Canyon Railway Williams Depot
233 N. Grand Canyon Blvd.
Williams, Az 86046
928-635-4253
Online: thetrain.com

photo: Amy Moore via Everything Everywhere Travel

Hike IN a Volcano at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
A ranger-led hike of the Kīlauea Iki (little Kīlauea) trail will take you and your mini-volcanologists deep into the heart of Kilauea—a living volcano. You’ll see warm lava, hot steaming vents, cinder cones and spatter cones as you trek across the cracked floor of Kīlauea Iki Crater lava lake.  Peer into the vent that erupted in 1959, shooting lava 1900 feet into the air to form the crater – it’s below the Pu‘u Pua‘i cinder cone (Pu‘u Pua‘i means Gushing Hill in Hawaiian). Head over to the Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park web site for upcoming tours. If there’s no ranger-led hike when you’re visiting, your family can enjoy the hike anyways.  Check out Amy Moore’s adventures on the trail with her 4 and 6 year-old kiddos on Everything Everywhere Travel.

Good to know: Be sure to wear sturdy footwear and a hat. Bring rain gear and layer clothing (you may need warm clothes when you’re up high). Take along lots of water to stay hydrated. Healthy snacks are a must too! Kīlauea Iki Trail Round Trip: 4 miles Elevation 3,874 feet, see Trail Guide.

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
1 Crater Rim Dr.
Hawaii National Park, Hi 96718
808-985-6000
Online: nps.gov/havo

photo: Leon Reed via Flickr circa 1956

Fossil Hunting at Badlands National Park, South Dakota
If you’ve got a fossil nut in the family, Badlands National Park is the place for you. Prehistoric rhinos, three-toed horses, saber-toothed cats and more roamed here—and left behind one of the richest fossil beds in the world. Rangers will tell you all you need to know about the kind of fossils that can be find in the park, and what they reveal about the ancient life of the area. Visit the Paleontology Lab and watch paleontologists working with fossils. Then don a hat, sunscreen and closed-toed shoes (don’t forget the water bottle) and dig for fossils along the White River Badlands Trail.  Maybe your little diggers will come across an undiscovered ancient species!

Good to know: Ranger-Led Programs run Memorial Day Weekend to just after Labor Day Weekend.

Cost: Free
Age: All ages

Badlands National Park
25216 Ben Reifel Rd.
Interior, Sd 57750
605-433-5361
Online: nps.gov/badl

photo: James Marvin Phelps via Flickr

Stargazing in Death Valley National Park, California
“The sky begins at your feet!” says an old advertisement for Death Valley National Park. Death Valley has some of the darkest night skies in North America, which make it perfect for watching shooting stars, viewing the Milky Way, and even the distant Andromeda Galaxy. For your visit to the hottest place on Earth, check in at the aptly-named Furnace Creek Visitor Center. Park rangers offer night sky programs and hold stargazing events with astronomy organizations – kids can peer through a high-powered telescope for a stellar experience!

Open: Winter and Spring

Good to know: Death Valley is certified by the International Dark-Sky Association. This means the night skies are very dark there and minimally impacted by city lights.

Program Cost: Free
Ages: All ages

Death Valley National Park
Death Valley, Ca 92328
760-786-3200
Online: nps.gov/deva/index.htm

photo: Austria01 via TripAdvisor

Watch Bats Fly at Carlsbard Caverns National Park, New Mexico
Things are going batty in New Mexico! – Every summer evening, a swarm of Brazilian Free-tailed bats take to the skies in search of food. Your family can watch the bats’ exodus from the outdoor amphitheater at Carlsbad Caverns. Rangers tell you all about them and unlock the secrets of a bat’s life. Early risers can watch the pre-dawn return of the bats, and see their spectacular dives back into the cavern – reaching speeds of 25 mph!

Open: Summer

Good to know: The best bat flights are in July and August when baby bats join the flight.

Bat Flight Program Cost: Free, Reservations not required.
Ages: All ages

Carlsbad Caverns National Park
3225 National Parks Hwy.
Carlsbad, Nm 88220
575-785-3012
Online: nps.gov/cave

photo: National Park Service

Canoeing in Congaree National Park, South Carolina
Known as “the redwoods of the east,” Conagree National Park is home to rare old-growth bottomland trees – most of the old-growth forests in the eastern US were lost to logging but Conagree’s trees have been preserved. The 6 and up set can explore the wilderness on a ranger-led canoe trip down Cedar Creek. Look out for the towering Loblolly Pine, a huge Sweetgum, and Persimmons.  Watch out for swamps too!

Good to know:  Check out the just-opened “Kids in Parks” TRACK Trail – a 2.1 mile loop through some amazing forest in Congaree. Head over to Kids in Parks web site for bug spotting, scavenger hunts and more.

Guided Canoe Tours Cost: Free
Ages: At least one adult (18 or older) must be in each canoe. PFD’s are provided but participants must also know how to swim without the aid of one.

Congaree National Park
100 National Park Rd.
Hopkins, Sc 29061
803-776-4396
Online: nps.gov/cong

photo: Becky Gregory via Flickr  

Become a Young Scientist at Yellowstone National Park, Montana & Wyoming
Kids 5 and up can earn a Young Scientist patch (14 and over get a key ring) in a program that’s just at Yellowstone. Purchase a self-guiding booklet for $5 – then solve science mysteries in the park. Discover the science behind bubbling mud pots, spurting geysers and amazing hot springs – and the history of the fascinating animals that call Yellowstone home (including the return of the grey wolf).

Good to know: Let them test their animal instincts. Kids can take part in Wildlife Olympics—comparing their skills to animals’! Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at various locations. See schedule for details. Self-guiding booklets available at the Canyon and Old Faithful Visitor Centers.

Cost: $5 Ages 5-9: Self-guiding booklet available at the Old Faithful Visitor Center (where you’ll also need to borrow a Young Scientist Toolkit to help with investigations).
Ages: 10-13 and 14 & up (including grownups).

Yellowstone National Park
Wy 82190
307-344-7381
Online: nps.gov/yell

photo: National Park Service

Spelunking in Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky
No parents allowed! Kids 8-12 can take the Trog Tour at Mammoth Cave National Park; they’ll explore the subterranean life of the world’s longest known cave on this off-trail adventure. Young cavers will hike, crawl and belly-slide through secret passages and learn all about the animals of Mammoth Cave and how they survive in the darkness. The Trog Tour is cool (in both senses of the word) but they’ll be snug in provided coveralls (just bring shorts and t-shirt to wear underneath). The 10 and up set can even try a Beginning Caving class! All equipment (coveralls, helmets, knee pads and head lamps) is provided by the park. Visitors must provide their own boots. No personal caving equipment allowed. Parents, guardians and/or chaperones must attend the first 30 mins of the tour to assist when children “suit up” with their equipment.

Trog Tour Cost: $16; 2 p.m. daily Reservations strongly recommended.
Ages: 8 – 12

Mammoth Cave National Park
1 Mammoth Cave Pkwy.
Mammoth Cave, Ky 42259
270-758-2180 Online: nps.gov/maca

photo: Fly Fishing the Smokies

Fly Fishing in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina
“It was this big!” Little fishermen and women will be telling you tall tales of the one that got away after this awesome fly-fishing experience in the Smokies. Your family can explore the mountains and streams on a private fly-fishing trip – kiddos are supplied with kid-sized rods and waders. The patient guides will teach the kids to fly-fish (if they’re not already experts) – it’s easy to learn, and fun, especially when they catch the big one!

Cost: $87.50/person
Ages: No minimum age (5 & up recommended)

Good to know: Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of several national parks and battlefields where kids can become a Junior Civil War Historian. Read on for more.

Fly Fishing the Smokies
Bryson City, Nc
828-488-7665
Online: flyfishingthesmokies.net
Become a Civil War Historian
History buffs can learn all about the Civil War at national parks and battlefields and earn a special badge too. Parks include: Natchez National Historical Park, where your family can see what life was like in the American South just before the Civil War; and Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield where the first major battle west of the Mississippi was fought.

Online: www.nps.gov

photo: Helen Walker Green

Passport to Your National Parks
Do you and the fam like to visit as many National Parks as you can? Keep a record of the parks you’ve visited with the Passport to Your National Parks. Buy a Passport at most Ranger Stations and Vistor Centers and online at eParks.com and don’t forget to let your Junior Ranger ask a Park Ranger for a park passport stamp. The passport has tons of info and maps, and there’s even a Kid’s Passport Companion. Passport To Your National Parks $8.95 Kids’ Passport To Your National Parks Companion $6.95 Passport To Your National Parks and Kids’ Passport Companion Set $14.95 Check out other ways kids can enjoy national parks on the National Parks web site.

What are your favorite national parks adventures for kids? Do you plan on trying any of the activities featured here? Tell us in the Comments below.

— Helen Walker Green

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Remedies For Spring Break Fever

by rtjenniferwolfe

5 days. 4 walls. A couple of kids. No plans. What are you gonna do? (Insert foreboding music here….) Spring Break is bearing down fast upon us, and if Winter Break was any indication, it’ll stop showing mercy around noon on Day One. So if you don’t have a fancy trip planned to the exotic reaches and beaches of the universe (we don’t either), don’t worry, we have a few cheap tricks up our sleeve that will keep kiddos of all ages happy, and give wallets of all sizes a break.

Be King or Queen of the Getty
Travel back in time and across the sea for a 19th century escapade through Queen Victoria’s beloved Scotland. No time machine? No problem. We’re talking about the Getty museum’s family festival, Royal Passion: Queen Victoria and Photography. Revel in the splendid stylings of Highland bagpipes, join in lively music hall melodies and dancing, and even take a 19th century side-trip to Japan with a shortened performance of Gilbert and Sullivan’s operetta, The Mikado. Your mini-monarchs can make their reign at the Getty complete by designing their own crowns and tiaras – fancy or funny style – while they are there. Check the website for more details about this and other family festivals at the Getty. Hint: if you can’t make the festival, the exhibit runs daily and a trip to the Getty is always fun!

Where: Getty Center,1200 Getty Center Dr., West LA
When: Saturday, April 12 from 10:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
Admission: Free, no reservations required.
Online: getty.edu

 

Come On Get Crafty
Every Saturday participating Michael’s locations open the doors for their own Kids Club where budding artists can create whimsical crafts using paint, wood, canvas, looms, and other materials.  Each week features a different theme and craft type, and sessions start every half-hour from 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Where: Michael’s (various locations)
When: Saturdays 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Admission: $2 per child
Online: michaels.com

Discover an Underwater World
You don’t have to travel very far to explore kelp forests, mud flats, and tidepools. Cabrillo Marine Aquarium in San Pedro offers interactive exhibits and outdoor programs for marine life scientists of all ages.

While you’re there explore the the aquarium’s coastal park and its tidepools, salt marsh and beach. (Note: Low tide is the best time to explore tidepools. Check here for a tide chart.)

Where: Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, 3720 Stephen M. White Dr., San Pedro
When: Tue through Fri from Noon to 5 p.m.; weekends 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Admission: Suggested donation of $5 for adults and $1 for children and seniors.
Online: cabrillomarineaquarium.org

Hike to a Waterfall
We know the mere mention of hiking starts sends most kiddos running for the hills (or away from them, to be more precise). But promise a waterfall and watch them turn right back around. (Go ahead, try. We’ll wait). Ready? Our most winning wet hikes with kids are: Monrovia Canyon Park, with several flat and shady trail options plus a nature center to launch your trek; Sturtevant Falls in the San Gabriel Mountains, a 3.25 mile, dog-friendly hike to a 50 foot cascade; and the stroller-friendly Solstice Canyon in the Santa Monica Mountains which takes you to some real bone-fide LA ruins (yes, LA has ruins) on the way to the falls. All this amidst sweeping views of the ocean. Who needs Hawaii? Check the websites for trail maps, parking info and occasional trail closures. (Note: Despite the drought, all of these waterfalls are flowing, although water levels may be lower than usual for this time of year.)

Gone Fishin’
We know you’ll probably stick to Gelsons for your marine morsels. But the kiddos can catch and release* all over LA at any of our tried and true fishing holes. First on the list is the newly renovated  Echo Park Lake  (yes, that  Echo Park), which is stocked regularly and also has a playground and paddle boats. Best part? Square One Café sits right on the dock, which means fishing for them, artisan snack for you.  If you’re looking for something a little more beachy, trawl out to Santa Monica Pier which has its own bait ‘n tackle shop in case you forget the worms.  Troutdale, in the Agoura Hills, has a stocked lake and plenty of helpful folk to help make sure newbies catch their limit.  Got some non-fishing kiddos with you? Head to Lake Balboa in Van Nuys, which has lots of green space, bike trails and a playground in addition to its seasonally stocked lake.
*Note: kids under 16 do not require a fishing license, but if you plan to cast a line, you will need one in any public venue.

Park it Downtown
Who says you have to board a plane to visit a new city? We say put on your walking shoes, grab a camera and be a tourist in your own town.  Leave the car at home and jump on the Metro Red Line to the Civic Center stop, where you can start your day at Grand Park, an urban oasis that begs for a blanket, picnic, and good book. Don’t worry, it also boasts plenty of space for kicking a ball and a huge fountain where, on a warm day the kids can splash to their heart’s content while you sip on an frozen latte from the fountain-side Starbucks. (May we suggest a change of clothes for the kids?)

Grand Park is a short walk from architectural and cultural gems like the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Bradbury Building. Stop for lunch or a snack at Grand Central Market. Then slow down, rest up and snap some city shots from the nearby Angels Knoll, a hillside park with great city views.

(Note: This route is walkable, but each of these attractions is conveniently located near a Metro Red Line stop in case little feet start losing steam. Check here for complete info on fares and maps.)

Bless Your Beast
Come on down to Olvera St., home of the bustling, open-air Mexican Marketplace – and don’t forget to bring Fido, Fluffy or even your pet Python for the annual Blessing of the Animals, an all day event featuring yummy food, traditional music and an animal parade in this vibrant little corner of the city.

Where: Olvera St., located across from Union Station on the Metro Red Line
When: Sat., April 19th from 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Admission: Free
Online: calleolvera.com


Like, Drop into a Pool, Dude
They want to play Skate 3 from dusk till dawn. You want some fresh air. So do everyone a solid and take them to a real skate park where they can have their own epic ride (and maybe even get some lessons).  Or just watch – even the littlest guys love watching big kids catch air.

Some of our favorites are Verdugo Skate Park in Glendale and Valley Park in Burbank which both have playgrounds and ample picnic areas; and Marsh Skatepark, adjacent to the Glendale Narrows section of the L.A. River and bike path .

(Note: if you plan to skate, most skate parks require you to have proper protective gear and sign a waiver before entering. Some charge a nominal fee at peak hours. Check websites for details.)

Take a Factory Tour
Looking for a way to spice up Spring Break for the older kids? How about a tour of the 650,000 square-foot Sriracha factory . Here they’ll discover the secret to the peppery Rooster’s success – and why Dad insists on putting this mystery sauce on everything from hot dogs to watermelon.

Where: Huy Fong Foods, Inc., 4800 Azusa Canyon Rd, Irwindale
When: Mon. through Fri. between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., by appointment only.
Admission: Free
Phone:  (626) 286-8328
Online: huyfong.com

If you’ve got bigger little rockers under your roof check out the Fender Factory Tour to see how music really gets made (the instruments, that is). The 60 minute tour includes a visit to the “Dream Factory” for a firsthand look at Fender stringed creations. (Note: Kids under 9 are not admitted and all Factory tour guests must wear closed-toe shoes.)
Where: The Fender Visitor Center, 301 Cessna Circle, Corona
When: Mon., Tue., Thur. and Fri. Tours at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
Admission: Adults, $10; -$10;  Teens, $6; Kids under 13, free.
Phone: (951) 898-4040
Online: fender.com

Want more tours?  We found other favorite food tours in town.

What are your favorite Spring Break activities? Let us know!

– Jennifer Wolfe

Photo Credits: Analise Dubner, Jennifer Wolfe, Richard Meier via Creative Commons, familymwr via Creative Commons, Jennifer Arrow, Sarah Bowles, Golden Road Brewing via Facebook, Rafael Castillo via Creative Commons and the Annenberg Space for Photography

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Los Angeles’ Closest Island Getaway

by rtjenniferwolfe

So you’re stuck in traffic, day-dreaming of a place to get away from it all.  Perhaps a beautiful island.  An unpopulated, unspoiled little island – where traffic noises are unheard of (literally) and peace and serenity reigns supreme. Then – honk! – the light changes and you remember you live in LA: where traffic is a fact of life and an island like that would take at least a day (and a few thousand dollars) to fly to.  Right?  Wrong.

Take a trip to Anacapa Island the smallest–and closest–of the Channel Islands, eleven miles off the coast of Ventura. Cruise across the sunny sea through a shroud of fog to emerge on your own Galapagos-like sanctuary.  It’s a couple of hours, yet a whole world away.  It’s great for a relaxing girlfriend or romantic getaway, but it’s also a perfect place to explore with kids.

Clapping Seals, Flapping Birds
Step off the boat and be greeted by the lonely homing call of Anacapa’s lighthouse, happy barking seals and sea lions, and most notably, the occasional cries of hundreds of seagulls that would send Tippi Hedren running for cover. Fear not!  These are not the angry birds of a Hitchcockian nightmare; predator-free Anacapa is the proud birthplace of nearly every seagull in California, along with many other endemic species of wildlife and plants. If you visit in spring you’ll ascend Anacapa’s towering lava cliffs to a breathtaking forest of Giant Coreopsis that blanket the island in brilliant yellow.

Get Packing and Get Packers
No cries of  “Are we there yet” on this trip – getting there is half the fun.  Hop an Island Packers ferry in the morning and arrive at Anacapa in less than an hour.  Along the way, get up close and personal with sea lions lounging on buoys. Snap pictures of the dolphins, like, surfing in the wake of the ferry, dude. If you’re lucky you might even spot a few whales making their annual 10,000 mile journey between Baja and the Arctic waters. (And you thought getting across town from Silverlake to the Westside was hard.)  Boats leave daily from Ventura and Oxnard harbors. Check the schedule as time of departure changes with the day of week and season.

You’re On Island Time Now
After you dock plan to spend about four hours on Anacapa, which has a two mile loop trail that even the tiniest tyke-hikers can manage with ease.  Leave the stroller at home unless you fancy the idea of lugging it 157 steps up a steel rung ladder from the dock; Bjorn babies and Ergo-mamas will be much happier.

Once on top, volunteer rangers provide narrated tours of the island or you can strike out on your own to Inspiration Point, Cathedral Cove, and Pinniped Point for breathtaking views of kelp forests and cove dwelling sea creatures below.  (Take care to stay on paths and away from the soft dirt cliff edges at all times.)  Break for a leisurely lunch at the picnic tables, or at the small campground along the trail.  Stop off at the visitor center and discover the rich history of the Chumash people, and the underwater world of this island lost in time.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

What to bring: Anything and everything you want to eat! There is no place to buy food or drinks (not even water) on Anacapa Island, so stock up.  Make like a Boy Scout and “Be prepared”, or your kiddo just might make you “Be miserable”.

What to wear: One word: layers. The ferry ride gets chilly, especially as it makes it way through banks of fog that often surround Anacapa. Once on the island there are no trees or shade, so a floppy hat will be your best friend. Sunscreen is a necessity, too.  Keep a sweatshirt handy for the fog that rolls on and off the island throughout the day.

When to go: Spring is gorgeous and not too hot, but summer and fall adventures are lovely on the islands as well.  You can even come in the winter, as the parks are open year round, but to be frank, kids (and therefor YOU) won’t enjoy the boat ride here as much when the temp turns frigid.

Can you stay?  Well, yes, you can.  Camping is permitted (with a reservation and $15 fee), but as you have to tote every single thing you’ll need for your visit with you, it’s not a very kid-friendly camping experience.

Got big kids? We have to admit, while we love leisurely hikes with tots on this tiny refuge, if your family consists of more active tweeners and teens, they might prefer visiting Anacapa during a restoration day, held weekly throughout spring and summer.  Volunteers help rid Anacapa of non-native ice plant and work in the island nursery.  Ferry transportation is provided free of charge and students are always welcome.

Online: nps.gov/anacapa.htm

Have you taken an island trip to Anacapa? Do you have any tips for visiting this family-friendly destination with kids? Let us know in the comments below. 

–Jennifer Wolfe

Photos courtesy of Analise Dubner, Derek Lohuis via the National Park Service, and Infernal fox via Wikimedia Commons

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Animal Adventures in the Seattle Area

by writerredtri

For critter-crazy kids, Seattle offers abounding opportunities for encounters with animals, native, exotic, and domestic. Spot a bald-eagle at the beach, a kangaroo at the zoo, or feed a furry friend at the farm ­– it’s all possible.  Here’s a round-up of our favorite wildlife destinations, all must-stops for your little animal adventurer:

Woodland Park Zoo – Just north of downtown Seattle, this 92-acre zoo is home to over 300 species of animals. While the penguins are always popular and gorillas worth a gander, don’t miss the zoo’s new Meerkat exhibit. Your kids will find them cute beyond compare. Wend your way through the Northern Trail exhibit to spot brown bears, mountain goats, Roosevelt elk, and wolves. Stop into the Australasia Willawong station to feed feathered friends (Tip: Little birds flap all around and might even land on you…fun for older kids/potentially scary for little ones). Swing through the Tropical Asia Trail of Vines exhibit to see orangutans, siamangs, and elephants. Then on to the African Savannah for sightings of hippos, giraffes, lions and zebras. Finally finish your tour through the zoo’s forests. In the Temperate Forest exhibit, find waterfowl, Asian cranes, and Red Pandas. In the Tropical Rain Forest, spot lemurs, monkeys, and elusive jaguars. That will bring you back to the penguins, where right next door is the food pavilion, the last essential stop for those who have worked up a ferocious appetite.  The Woodland Park Zoo also offers kids ages 8+ Eye-to-Eye Behind-the-Scenes tours for an even closer look at the animals by the zoo caregivers.

Seattle Aquarium – Located on Seattle’s Pier 59 right on Elliott Bay of Puget Sound, the Seattle Aquarium offers a magnificent underwater world of wildlife that’s sure to wow children of all ages. Thousands of fish and critters of scales, feather, and fur are on display. Gaze into the Window of Washington Waters, a 120-thousand gallon showcase that’s home to native Salmon, rockfish, and sea anemone. Meet a Giant Pacific Octopus in the Life of a Drifter exhibit and spot Cowfish and Scorpionfish among other unusual species in the Ocean Oddities exhibit. Continue on and you’ll find shore birds and alcids, harbor seals and Northern fur seals, sea otters and river otters in adjacent exhibits. Don’t miss the underwater dome.  Look up and see salmon, shark, sturgeons, and skates. Time it with a talk and feeding of the fish by Aquarium scuba divers at 1:30 pm daily.

Cougar Mountain Zoo – Nestled in the Northern slope of Cougar Mountain in Issaquah, WA, just 15 miles from Seattle, you’ll find Cougar Mountain Zoo. Just eight acres, offering an easy tour for the littlest of legs, the zoo is still home to a wealth of wildlife, including the largest herd of Siberian Reindeer in the U.S.  At front and center is the Mountain Lion plaza, where cougars and tigers roam nearby. From there, make your way to the zoo’s main exhibit, the Magic Forest. You’ll meet lemurs, macaws, alpacas, deer, cranes, wallabies, and emus. A cheetah exhibit is coming soon. For an additional donation, kids can also participate in the Zoo’s “Close Encounter” program with tigers. Separated by just a 7/8-inch safety glass, participants get an up-close-and-personal look at the rare resident tigers while learning more about their unique behaviors.

Farm Parks – Farm tours offer kids a great opportunity to meet animals of “Old MacDonald” fame. Visit Kelsey Creek Farm Park in the heart of Bellevue to meet ponies, goats, pigs, sheep, and rabbits. Schedule your visit at springtime for a peek at the baby animals in the barnyard. Farrel-McWhirter Farm Park, in Redmond, also includes a popular children’s animal farm, home to pigs, cows, goats, chickens, horses and more. Both parks offer walking trails and playgrounds.

Natural Habitats Near You – Surprise your kids with animal encounters in their natural habitats at a nature park near you. Throughout the summer, Seattle’s environmental learning centers at Camp Long, Discovery Park, Carkeek Park, and Seward Park offer programs geared toward animal encounters.  Kids can look and listen for moths, bats, and owls during guided twilight hikes.  Park naturalists also facilitate low-tide beach explorations and a family-friendly birding series, perfect for introducing kids to a host of a native wildlife species.

Take a hike through Bellevue’s Mercer Slough Nature Park, the largest of Washington’s remaining freshwater wetlands, home to a variety of a native birds and animals. Don’t miss the summer programs, which include a family-friendly series on animal tracking, bird watching, and insect and amphibian discovery.

Visit Kirkland’s Juanita Bay Park for a kid-friendly bird-watching experience. On the first Sunday of every month, park rangers offer tours. Common bird sightings include the American Coot, Great Blue Heron, the Belted Kingfisher, and the Northern Flickr.

Or just step into your backyard, where birds, squirrels, snails, and various insects are sure to be found. Just watch out for the occasional raccoon visitor. They’re cute but can be trouble!

-Erin Sirianni

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