It’s All Downhill: 15 Spots to Go Sledding & Tubing in Boston

by Allison SutcliffeNovember 22, 2022

Your kids will love catching air at these awesome spots to go sledding in Boston

Winter is almost here and along with it comes the first snowfall of the season. When it finally arrives, take advantage of the fresh flakes by taking the kids to go sledding in Boston at one of our favorite city spots. We’ve got easy slopes for the tots, big sledding hills that only the brave can conquer, and a few spots to go snow tubing near Boston, if you want to venture out beyond the city. So, bust out your favorite sled and bundle up the kids, it’s time for some serious snow play.

Spend the first snowy day of the season sledding in Boston

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1. Flagstaff Hill, Boston Common

The go-to spot for all things winter, grab the sleds and bring the kids to Flagstaff Hill at the Boston Common for an easy, nearby spot. There's plenty of room to spread out on this large expanse, so even when the hill is busy, you won't feel crowded. Then when you're done, head to the Frog Pond to skate a few laps around the rink. Our tip, plan a late afternoon trip so you can enjoy the holiday lights once the sun sets.

139 Tremont St.
Boston
Online: bostonfrogpond.com

2. Larz Anderson Park, Brookline

There's a reason this park is popular with families once the snow flies. Not only do you get a sweeping view of the city skyline on a clear day, but you'll also find small slopes for newbie sledders and bigger hills for bigger kids, too. Plus, Larz Anderson Park is another twofer spot—come for sledding, and stay for the ice skating.

23 Newton St.
Brookline
Online: brooklinerec.com

3. Millennium Park, West Roxbury

Check out this 100-acre urban park in West Roxbury where, not only can you do some amazing sledding, but you can catch a gorgeous sunset too. This park that used to be a landfill has some top-notch hills and doesn't get too crowded.

300 Gardner St.
Boston

A boy goes sledding in boston uses a yellow slide on a snowy slope — Brendan Beale on Unsplash

4. Titus Sparrow Park, South End

If a nearby park that's sled-ready for your tot is what you're after, look no further than Titus Sparrow Park. In the winter, little kids can bring their sleds to slide down, walk up and slide down again as many times as their little legs will carry them. Fair warning, a thermos of hot cocoa may be in order.

75 W. Rutland Square
Boston

5. President's Lawn at Tufts University, Medford

Rumor has it that back in the day, students used trays from the dining hall to sled down this hill. But we suggest you bring your best tube or saucer sled to glide down the slopes on this tree-lined snowy spot. The gentle slope is the right mix of thrill without too much spill (we hope!) so that everyone can enjoy it. And the haul-up factor is mild enough that most kids can do it without much help.

419 Boston Ave.
Medford

6. George Wright Golf Course, Hyde Park

Catch some air on this awesome hill at this beautiful golf course owned by the city of Boston. You'll find that this golf course has lots of great space for cross country skiing as well. It's an ideal area for all winter activities, just don't forget to pack some hot chocolate to warm up when you're done.

420 West St.
Hyde Park

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7. Corey Hill Outlook Park, Brookline

Long and steep is the name of the game at this park in Brookline. Plan to bring bigger kids here (or daring tots who love thrills) on a snowy winter day. Watch out for trees at the bottom of the hill, and plan to stop at the nearby playground if the kiddos still have any energy left before hitting the road to head home.

Summit Ave.
Brookline

8. Danehy Park, Cambridge

What was once a landfill is now a hot sledding spot for Boston area families. After a fresh snowfall, it's the in place to be for those looking for just-right hills your kids can handle. Be sure to check out the awesome universal playground when you're there.

99 Sherman St.
Cambridge

two kids pull sleds up a snowy hill to go sledding in boston with trees and lights in the background — Lan Gao via Unsplash

9. The Sugar Bowl by Jamaica Pond

You'll love this unique hill that's perfect for younger kids. It's inverted so the goal is to get as much momentum to get up the other side and back down again. The slopes are gentle and you don't have to worry about kids getting near the street or plowing into a tree.

350 Jamaicaway
Boston

10. Seven Bump Hill, Fellsmere Park

Whether or not mountainboarding was invented here, this sledding hill in Malden is sure to captivate your kids. See if they can find the seven bumps the hill is named for as they bump down the gentle grade. There's plenty of room to throw snowballs and enjoy the fluffy white stuff when you need a break from sledding too.

Fellsmere Rd.
Malden

11. Weld Hill, Arnold Arboretum at Harvard University

The Arnold Arboretum has two sledding hills to choose from and one is known as the steepest and longest in the area. This is also a great spot to go snowshoeing after a fresh snowfall.

125 Arborway
Boston

12. Fallon Field, Roslindale

This park is known for its super-fun slide but in the winter the double sledding hill is the star. There's plenty of space to spread out away from other families and the kids can really get going if they start at the top.

910 South St.
Roslindale

13. Walsh Playground, Dorchester

There's a long hill along Clancy Road where you can stake out a spot for your little sledders or head closer to the baseball diamond for a less intense sledding experience.

1005 Washington St.
Dorchester

Here’s where to take the kids snow tubing near Boston

a boy goes tubing near boston on a winter day with a black tube — Kostiantyn Li via Unsplash

14. Nashoba Valley Ski Area

Less than an hour from the city you'll find the Nashoba Valley Ski Area and Tubing Park. When the lanes open for the season, this is the spot everyone heads to for tubing fun. They have up to 18 lanes open, depending on the snow pack, and tickets for a two-hour tubing slot sell out quickly. Reserve yours in advance the week before you want to get out of town.

Good to Know: Kids must be at least 6-years-old or 42" tall to ride at this park.

Tubing Park
179 Great Rd.
Littleton, MA
Online: skinashoba.com

15. Ski Ward Ski Area

The TubaSlide at the Ski Ward Ski Area is another option that's not too far from the city. Bring the kids to enjoy a one- or two-hour tubing window on the weekday or weekends. They've got over 200 tubes for you to use, and 12 lanes to get you from the top of the hill to the bottom in super-fast time.

Good to Know: Kids must be at least 6-years-old or 42" tall to ride here.

1000 Main St.
Shrewsbury, MA
Online: skiward.com

Additional reporting by Taylor Clifton

Your Obsession With Fall Is Totally Normal & Backed By Science

by Shahrzad WarkentinSeptember 16, 2022

It’s not just about the PSL’s

Fall is just around the corner and despite the fact that summer is still dishing out its last gasps of heat, chances are you’re already dreaming about wooly scarves, UGG boots, and pumpkin spice lattes. If anyone happens to question your passion for pumpkins in August, you can explain it away with the scientific reason people love fall.

A 2013 study from YouGov found that America’s favorite season is fall, with 29% of Americans surveyed revealing that autumn is their top pick. So, what is it about fall that makes it so special for so many people, anyway?

“As children, we come to associate fall with going back to school, new school supplies, seeing friends. It’s exciting, for most. We still respond to this pattern that we experienced for 18 years,” Kathryn Lively, a sociology professor at Dartmouth University explained to the Huffington Post. It’s something ingrained in us from childhood.

Besides going back to school, fall is associated with a lot of special annual holidays, including Halloween and Thanksgiving. September is also the most popular month for births in the United States, which means plenty of people connect the start of fall with presents and birthday cake.

StudyFinds.org also discusses a OnePoll that found the changing of the leaf colors is one of the main reasons fall is a fave, followed by that telltale chill in the air. Other big reasons? Getting ready for the holidays, making homemade soup and wearing bit sweaters all factor in.

Lively explained that the sociological basis for loving fall has to do with the fact that we view it as a comforting time of year. Fans of the Scandinavian “hygge” movement, which associates happiness and well-being with a cozy lifestyle, might also argue this idea. After all, what’s more hygge than sipping a PSL while snuggling with your tots?

Why Are So Many Kids Quitting Sports By Age 11?

by Erica LoopAugust 18, 2022

The cost might have a lot to do with when kids quit sports

A national survey from the Aspen Institute with the Utah State University Families in Sports Lab found that the average kid quits playing sports by age 11. For most kiddos, that’s only three years of athletic activity before “retirement.” Between the focus on competition (over fun) and the high participation cost, children are spending less time in organized athletics.

The Aspen Institute’s survey found that children report experiencing a high level of enjoyment from sports. But even though they’re reportedly having fun, kids also experience moderate levels of stress. According to the parent’s reports (in the survey), the most stress-inducing sports are hockey and lacrosse. Children had the least stress when participating in skiing/snowboarding, track, and field, soccer, and skateboarding.

Then there’s the money factor. When it comes down to finances, hockey is the most expensive—with parents spending an average of $2,583 per year. The least expensive sport was track and field, with a price tag of $191. Of all expenses, the parents reported travel as the biggest cost.

Dr. Travis Dorsch, Utah State associate professor and founding director of the Families in Sport Lab, said in a press statement, “We need to figure out why they discontinue, not just that they do. For kids, two years in a sport may seem like forever, while we as adults think they should continue for much longer. We need to frame it through the interpretive lens of adolescence,” Dorsch added.

So what can you do if your child decides to retire from their sporting career early? First, respect their decision and don’t push something your kid doesn’t seem that interested in. You can also visit the Aspen Institute Project Play site here to find resources and other information on children, sports, and the power of play!

Here’s How to Sign Up for the Target Teacher Discount 2022

by Karly WoodJuly 19, 2022

Teachers, mark your calendars: Target is bringing back its Teacher Prep Event July 17-Sept.10! The annual sale gives teachers a discount of 15% off select classroom supplies and essentials they so desperately need and purchase out of pocket. The best news? It runs six weeks longer than last year which means more time to save!

The discount applies to all K-12 teachers, homeschool teachers, educators at daycare centers and early childhood learning centers, university and college professors, and teachers at vocational, trade and technical schools. Like the last few years, the discount is offered through the company’s loyalty program, Target Circle, and teachers will need to submit proof of eligibility to take advantage of the savings.

This year is also bringing a new offer: college students can use Target Circle to save on their own back-to-school needs! From Jul. 3-Sept. 3, enrollees can snag 20% off a one-time purchase when they verify their college status.

“We know the back-to-school season signals an important milestone for millions of families across the country – and we’re here to help by introducing even more ways for guests to save and find everything they need all in one convenient location,” says Jill Sando, executive vice president and chief merchandising officer, Target.

With thousands of items in Target’s back-to-school collection under $10, and prices starting under $1, there are great deals to be had for teachers—and families. If you have kids heading back to school or college, head to Target for school supplies, backpacks, clothes, art supplies, college décor and more. Target has even expanded its adaptive collection of clothes and backpacks, which makes the bullseye retailer a one-stop shop for everyone this year.

10 Women Who Changed the DC Area Forever

by rtguiomarMarch 28, 2022

As we celebrate Women’s History Month this March, we recognize local luminaries who have shaped DC’s history through the arts, politics activism and more. Scroll down for some of the most influential Washington women who have shaped our city’s deep history.

Kamala Harris

A 1986 graduate of Howard University with degrees in political science and economics, Harris was inaugurated as vice president in 2021. She is the United States' first female vice president, the highest-ranking female official in U.S. history, and the first Black and first Asian American vice president.

Eleanor Holmes Norton

Eleanor is a native Washingtonian who was very active in the Civil Rights movement. She is now DC’s delegate to Congress. The District’s tireless nonvoting representative serves on committees, introduces legislation, and speaks on the House floor; however, she is not permitted to vote on the final passage of any legislation, since DC is not a State.

Muriel Bowser

Bowser has been mayor of the District of Columbia since 2015. She is the second female mayor of the DC after Sharon Pratt, and the first woman to be reelected to that position. A lifelong Washingtonian, Bowser attended Chatham University in Pittsburgh, PA for her undergraduate degree and then returned to DC to obtain a masters from American University's School of Public Affairs. Bowser is responsible for Black Lives Matter Plaza, the two-block-long section of Downtown Washington, DC. Written in striking yellow paint, the words "Black Lives Matter" run down the blocks near the White House. She is also known for her tireless work in trying to make DC the 51^st State.

Clara Barton

While she is mostly known as the founder of the American Red Cross, Clara also served as a clerk in the US Patent Office. This was the first time a woman had received a substantial federal clerkship and at a salary equal to what a man would earn. She was a hospital nurse in the American Civil War and is noteworthy for doing humanitarian work and civil rights advocacy at a time before women had the right to vote.

Lucy Burns

One of the leaders of the National Woman’s Party in the early 1900s, Burns was arrested six times and led a hunger strike at the Occoquan Workhouse. She is remembered for being a fervid advocate for women’s rights. She retired from public life with the passage of the 19th amendment.

Mary McLeod Bethune

As president of the National Association of Colored Women, Ms. Bethune purchased a property at 1318 Vermont Ave., which became the first black controlled organization to be headquartered in the District! She was also invited by Presidents Calvin Coolidge and Herbert Hoover to lead on issues relating to children’s health. She later formed a coalition called the Federal Council of Negro Affairs which advised President Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

Shirley Horn

A singer and pianist who was born in DC, Shirley teamed up with dozens of jazz greats including Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie and Wynton Marsalis. She was nominated for nine Grammy Awards winning in 1999 for Best Jazz Vocal Performance. Encouraged by her grandmother, Horn began piano lessons at the age of four. She studied piano and composition at Howard University.

Chita Rivera

Also born in DC, Rivera is a singer, dancer and actor who starred in Broadway musicals including Anita in West Side Story, Chicago, and the title role in Kiss of the Spider Woman. She is a three-time Tony Award recipient and is the first Hispanic woman and the first Latino American to receive a Kennedy Center Honor and is a recipient the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Denyce Graves

Famous opera singer, Denyce Graves was born in Washington, DC, and was raised by her mother on Galveston St. SW., in the Bellevue section of the District. She graduated from the Duke Ellington School of the Arts and studied voice at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music and the New England Conservatory. The Mezzo Soprano is recognized worldwide as one of today's most exciting vocal stars and continues to gather unparalleled popular and critical acclaim in performances.

Helen Hayes

Hayes was born in Washington, DC in 1900. She was an actress whose career spanned 80 years. She is one of a handful of people to be an EGOT (recipient of an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony). Hayes received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Ronald Reagan in 1986 and was awarded the National Medal of Arts in 1988. The annual Helen Hayes Awards, which have recognized excellence in professional theatre in greater Washington, DC, since 1984, are her namesake.

Sharon Pratt

A native Washingtonian, Ms. Pratt is an American attorney and politician who was the third mayor of the District of Columbia from 1991 to 1995. Most notably, she is the first African-American woman to hold that position.

—Guiomar Ochoa and Aimee Della Bitta

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9 Peaceful Places to See Spring Blooms around Seattle

by Alaina WeimerMarch 13, 2022

Spring is in the air, and between the cherry blossoms and spring blooms in our city gardens, there are oh-so-many reasons to get the kids outside. Lucky for us, our community has a basketful of parks and gardens filled with the most spectacular springtime blooms waiting to inspire your little gardeners. Read on to find the best spots to find spring flowers and cherry blossoms around Seattle.

University of Washington Campus

spring blooms in seattle, cherry blossoms in seattle — Rebecca Gourley/University of Washington

The University of Washington campus is by far one of the most popular places to view and take pictures with spectacular blooms, especially if cherry blossoms are your jam. If you really want to wow your kids, the Quad is the place to be. You'll find 29 huge cherry trees, planted over 86 years ago. A great spot to capture your crew frolicking around in the beautiful, fluffy pink and white flowers. Don't forget you can celebrate all of the above at the annual Seattle Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural Festival, taking place in-person this year, from April 8-10, 2022.

1410 N.E. Campus Pkwy.
Seattle, WA 98195
Online: washington.edu

Washington Park Arboretum

Speaking of UW, we would be remiss if we didn’t include the Washington Park Arboretum. Spanning from Madison Park to Montlake, just south of the U District, the Arboretum is alive with flowers this spring, including cherry blossoms, cascading yellow gold chain trees and blooming true ashes. Start your trip outside the Graham Visitor’s Center (open Weds.-Sun., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.), then let the little ones burn off some energy as they explore the more than 200 acres of foot trails, lawns and paths leading to ponds. During your visit, check out the iconic Azalea Way. It’s a 3/4-mile walk through the heart of the Arboretum, chock full of gorgeous flowering plants and trees. You are sure to find a spot or two perfect for snapping some heart-warming pics of your kiddos. Also, consider checking out the gorgeous Seattle Japanese Garden. It just reopened for the season March 1, 2022. Psst…after your shots, don't forget to take advantage of the two-mile Arboretum Loop Trail. It's a perfect stroll for after the camera roll.

2300 Arboretum Dr. E.
Seattle, WA 98112
206-543-8800
Online: botanicgardens.uw.edu

Kubota Garden

best places for spring blooms and cherry blossoms in seattle — Jamilah Newcomer/Jamilahphotography.com

Rainier Beach’s gorgeous Kubota Gardens was built by Fujitaro Kubota in the late 1920s. Red and purple flowers, including large magnolia blossoms, are on display this time of year. Kiddos can navigate rocks, streams and serene ponds on the 20-acre property. Any of the gardens here provide you with a great photog opportunity, but the Waterfall At Mountainside and the Moon Bridge can also add a nice whimsical air to any Japanese garden-esque springtime shots. View the self-guided tour online to plan out your trip. And if you want to bring Fido along as a prop, dogs are welcome, provided they are on a leash and you clean-up after them. Bonus: It’s free admission to the public.

Insider tip: While bigger kids should be able to freely explore without much trouble, toddlers might need a little help making their way across the garden’s narrow paths and bridges.

9817 55th Ave. S.
Seattle, WA 98118
206-725-5060
Online: kubotagarden.org

Volunteer Park

An almost 50-acre refuge in Capitol Hill, Volunteer Park was designed by the famous Olmstead Brothers in the early 1900s. The park houses the completely renovated Seattle Asian Art Museum that has and a climbable water tower with 365 degree views of the city. Snap up some cutesy kiddo photos throughout the park’s immaculate landscaping and then let the little ones explore the Block play sculpture and playground. Hello, Insta!

1247 15th Ave. E.
Seattle, WA 98102
206-684-4075
Online: seattle.gov

Bellevue Botanical Garden

best spring blooms in seattle, cherry blossoms in seattle — kazuend via unsplash

This self-described "urban oasis" easily wears the mantle of "photo-worthy" for Eastside families, but it's definitely worth the drive for Seattle families too. Its 53-acres is divided into eleven smaller gardens, each with a distinct floral theme that makes finding the right spot for your family photo shoot (informal or otherwise) a breeze. Rhododendron Glen is blooming through summer, when the hydrangeas will make themselves known. And the Urban Meadow adds a little pollinator education to its gorgeous and colorful blooms with the Mason Bee exhibit (psst... get the details on how your family can rent mason bees to help pollinators do their job.). It's hard to go wrong at this expansive garden.

12001 Main St.
Bellevue, WA 98005
425-452-2750
Online: bellevuebotanical.org

Highline SeaTac Botanical Garden

This little-known garden just south of the city is a quiet spot to enjoy spring blooms and take sweet photos of your crew on a warm day. It's open daily from dawn to dusk, and families will find seven distinct garden landscapes on the 11-acre property. Look for draped vines, bodacious blooms and secret bridges as you make your way around the property. It's a great spot to stop and smell the flowers, learn about each garden's history and say cheese.

13735 24th Ave. S.
SeaTac, WA
206-391-4003
Online: highlinegarden.org

South Seattle College Arboretum & Seattle Chinese Garden

These gardens, nestled high atop a ridge in West Seattle, count as a two-fer in the land of garden photo-ops. Not only do fragrant, colorful blooms (and stunning views of the Seattle skyline and Elliott Bay) abound at the South Seattle College Arboretum, but you can find equally lovely flowers at the 5-acre Seattle Chinese Garden, located on the north end of the campus. The Arboretum is a “living laboratory” used by college students studying plant (and other) sciences. But it’s also a spot where kids can strike a pose worthy of framing. Parents can find more spots for a photo op at the Seattle Chinese Garden where traditional Chinese architecture blends seamlessly with the dynamic flora and fauna you can find here.

6000 16th Ave. S.W.
Seattle, WA 98106
Online: sites.southseattle.edu

Discovery Park

spring blooms in seattle, cherry blossoms seattle — Kristina V. via Yelp

The largest city park in Seattle, Discovery Park sits in the Magnolia neighborhood on land previously occupied by Fort Lawton. Here, kids can experience woodland trails, open fields and a beach flanked by a lighthouse. If it’s a clear day, both the Olympics and Cascades can be seen from the beach. In addition to blooming plants and wildflowers, an assortment of birds, including mallards, grebes, and—if you’re especially lucky—bald eagles can be spotted in the spring. Between the beach, the mountains, the lighthouse and the flowers in bloom, we are pretty sure your inner Anne Geddes will show through, as Discovery Park has just about everything a spring photo shoot requires. Psst...during your visit be sure to check out the awesome playground. You know your kids will want to let loose after cheesing it up for the camera.

3801 Discovery Park Blvd.
Seattle, WA 98199
206-684-4075
Online: seattle.gov

Seward Park

spring blooms seattle, cherry blossoms seattle — TIA International Photography/Seattle Parks and Recration flickr

Surrounded by Lake Washington on three sides, south Seattle’s Seward Park offers pristine views of Mount Rainier (a pic with your mini and the mountain? Yes, please!) and plenty of spots for picnics and portraits. A plethora of fresh flowering plants join conifers and ferns in making the park especially beautiful this time of year. Wanting to capture that wilderness vibe? Head on into the Magnificent Forest where the kids can explore Seattle’s biggest block of old-growth trees, with some dating back more than 250 years. Find an awesome Douglas Fir, plop your little explorer by it, and, bam!, you’ve got your PNW-vibing pic for grandparents in the books!

Good to know: If you’ve got a kiddo or two with grabby-hands syndrome, be sure to look out for signs warning about poison oak.

5900 Lake Washington Blvd. S.
Seattle, WA 98118
206-684-4396
Online: seattle.gov

— Alaina Weimer, Kristina Moy & Sara Billups

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Bright Lights, Big City: Holiday Light Shows in Atlanta

by Tinybeans TeamNovember 26, 2021

For a mega-watt evening, bundle up and flip the switch on some electric lighting displays around Atlanta. If you’re looking for an evening outing that will amaze the entire family, you’re in the right place. Read on to find the best spots around town to be dazzled.

IllumiNights at the Zoo: A Chinese Lantern Festival

Check out one of Atlanta's newest and most noteworthy holiday events at Zoo Atlanta. IllumiNights is a nighttime lantern wonderland celebrating the beauty of the natural world. Stroll the Zoo after dark to be inspired by more than 80 animal lanterns – some up to 20 feet tall – depicting some of Earth’s most charismatic creatures. Each lantern is made and hand-painted by Chinese artisans. Wildlife lights the night at the all-NEW IllumiNights at the Zoo: A Chinese Lantern Festival, opening in November 2021 and running through mid-January.

Nightly at 5:30; Adult (12+) $20.99-$24.99, Child (3-11) $17.99-$19.99, Child 2 & Under free

800 Cherokee Ave. SE
Grant Park
Online: zooatlanta.org

Worlds of Illumination Drive-Through Light Display

Choose from two new Worlds of Illumination drive-through light experiences for the ultimate holiday activity for all ages—from tots to grandparents, and everyone, in between. At the Atlanta Motor Speedway in Hampton you'll have an Arctic Adventure, while at Six Flags White Water in Marietta you'll have a Rockin' Christmas. Both shows feature millions of colorful lights and animated displays synchronized to holiday music.

Attractions are about one mile in length and take approximately 25-30 minutes to drive through. World of Illumination’s shows will be open nightly, including holidays, from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM. All ticket prices are per vehicle, so guests can load up their cars with family and friends to enjoy the show. Show addresses are:

Atlanta Motor Speedway
1500 Tara Pl.
Hampton, GA

and

Six Flags Whitewater
250 Cobb Pkwy. N
Marietta, GA

Lakeside Lights at Margaritaville Lanier Islands

Go on a magical walk through an amazing light show set to festive seasonal music. Unlike your typical drive-through light show, this one is a dazzling lighting extravaganza, and you can take a break along the way for cocktails, hot chocolate, and s'mores.

7541 Lanier Islands Pkwy.
Buford
Online: margaritavilleresorts.com

Garden Lights, Holiday Nights at Atlanta Botanical Garden

The million-light display at the Botanical Garden can't be beat. Family favorites include the orchestral orbs (glowing balls that blink in time with holiday classics), the tricked-out train display, and the fire pits for roasting s’mores (while mom and dad drink a cocktail from the cash adult bar). Be sure to bring a stroller for little legs, and don't miss the incredible laser light display in the orchid house. Guests can expect new twists, including a colorful Glowing Grove along the Flower Walk, oversized flowers leading to Ice Goddess and several lighted sculptures from the 2021 summer exhibition SUPERnatural: Glass Art by Jason Gamrath.

Details: November 13 to January 15 from 5 to 11 p.m., Ticket prices vary by peak dates and flexibility. Tickets available online or in person.

1345 Piedmont Avenue
Atlanta, Ga
404-876-5859
Online: atlantabg.org

Fantasy in Lights at Callaway Garden

With more than 15 displays and 8 million lights this year, the Fantasy in Lights drive-through experience is worth the hour and a half trek from Atlanta. Not sure your kiddos can bear a road trip where the destination is more time in the car? Opt to ride the Jolly Trolly (no car seats, but bring your coats - it’s open air!). Don’t forget to hit the Christmas Village before you head back home. Filled with ornaments, treats, and the Big Guy himself (photos available), the kids will love the chance to stretch their legs and marinate in the merriment.

Details: November 19 to January 3, from 6-9 p.m. Prices vary by peak night so check the website for accurate pricing, Free for ages 5 and under. To order tickets, click here or call 1.800.CALLAWAY (800.225.5292).

17800 US Hwy 27
Pine Mountain, GA
800.852.3810
Online: callawaygardens.com

Holiday Lights at Brook Run Park

Holiday Lights are back at Brook Run Park. This year's theme is Hollywood Holidays. Starting December 1, enjoy sets from Dr. Seuss' The Grinch, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation and A Christmas Story at Brook Run Park. On Wednesday, December 1 catch the lighting ceremony from 5-8 p.m., complete with hot cocoa and character appearances. Lights turn on at 6 p.m.

Free. Nightly from Dec. 1-25.

4770 N. Peachtree Rd.

Dunwoody

Online: facebook.com

ATL Holiday Lights at Atlantic Station

ATL Holiday Lights is back with a bigger, better and longer lights display than ever before! This year’s show features hand-crafted light displays from everyone’s favorite holiday movies, a mini neighborhood featuring some local Atlanta establishments and more.

For more information and FAQs, click here. When you’re done walking or driving through the display, grab dinner at Atlantic Station and don’t forget to catch Celebration at the Station every hour from 5 – 9 p.m.

Peak Nights: $35 per car advance, $40 at the gate; Thursday Walking Nights: $15 per adult advance, $20 at the gate, Kids 15 and under FREE (plus sales tax and ticket fees)

Lights of Life at Life University

Talk about some holiday spirit! This incredible light exhibit is a zero-profit event for Life University in Marietta that boasts the tallest Santa and his sleigh display in the Southeast. New displays are added yearly, and the entire arrangement is unique each year. Be sure to hit the petting zoo, train rides, pony rides, and visit with Santa before you leave, but you might want to wait until after driving-through the light exhibit to tell the littles. You won’t be able to keep them in the car, otherwise.

Details: November 26, 2015 to December 31, 2015 from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday to Sunday, $10 per car, Monday to Thursday, $5 per car, Train, pony rides, petting zoo, and Santa are additional, from $3 - $12.

1269 Barclay Circle
Marietta, GA
770-426-2600
Online: life.edu

Stone Mountain Christmas

Another pedestrian option for families with littles who just don’t love the car, Stone Mountain decks the halls with millions of lights, and offers plenty of options for keeping the kiddos entertained from taking a ride on the train (decorated for the holidays and rockin’ some jolly tunes) to taking in a visit with Santa, Rudolph, or the Bumble. Get there early and take a ride on Atlanta's only snow-covered slope! Night owls in your family? Stick around for the flying Snow Angel and fireworks finale at 8:45 or 9:45 p.m., depending on the schedule. Dino lovers in the house? This is the light show for you. Stick around into the night to see the special Christmas Dino Glow Experience.

Details: Now to January 2nd (select dates). Purchase tickets here.

1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd
Stone Mountain, GA
800-401-2407
Online: stonemountainpark.com

A Country Christmas at Pettit Creek Farms

Experience all the warmth and charm of a Southern Family Christmas at Pettit Creek Farms! Take a lovely drive or hayride through more than a mile of beautiful Christmas lights. You only need to pay for one option, either the hayride or the drive thru. Experience a nativity (animals on Saturday) and meet the animals at the petting zoo. Getting chilly? Warm up by the fire and enjoy s’mores, funnel cakes, hot chocolate and more from a convenient concession stands.

Nov. 25-Dec. 30. Tues.-Thur. 6-9 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. 6-10 p.m. and Sun. 6-9 p.m. $30-$45; hayride, $10.

337 Cassville Rd.
Cartersville
770-386-8688
Online: pettitcreekfarms.com

Featured image via iStock.

—Shelley Massey

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Stroll Down Seattle’s Sweetest Lane This Holiday Season

by Allison SutcliffeNovember 17, 2021

Lights, reindeer, music, and treats are just some of the fun things you’ll find while exploring Candy Cane Lane in Seattle

Many Seattle-area neighborhoods go all out for the holidays, but there’s none more adorably decorated than the row of 1920s-era Tudors lining Candy Cane Lane. With lights, music and moving objects, this sweet neighborhood has been a Seattle holiday institution for more than six decades. Whether you’re looking to take a trip down memory lane or want to start your own family tradition, grab your little elves and hit this decked out ‘hood.

Three kids pose under the Candy Cane Lane sign next to lights in Seattle — Kylie Kirkland

Set Your GPS

A Seattle institution since 1949, Candy Cane Lane is otherwise known as N.E. Park Rd., just off the main drag of Ravenna Blvd. at the cross street of 21st Ave. N.E., just north of University Village. It's actually a curved row of 23 adorably decorated houses so sweet they look like you could have plucked them right off a gingerbread house display.

Candy Cane Lane
NE Ravenna Blvd. & Park Rd.
Seattle
Online: yelp.com/biz/candy-cane-lane-seattle

Expect to See

Sleighs, reindeer, blow-up candy canes, mechanical decorations ‘round the traffic circle and traffic back-ups. Decorations usually share a theme (past events have centered on holiday classics such as the Nutcracker), and now there’s a multi-cultural approach with the charming "peace" ornamentation. In years past a real, live Santa has been known to make surprise appearances, passing out candy canes, of course.

Where to Eat

The mecca of University Village offers plenty of options, and it’s just five minutes away from Candy Cane Lane, so make an evening of it and head to the kid-friendly Veggie Grill or Delfino’s Chicago Style Pizza for a quick bite, followed by treats at Trophy Cupcakes & Party, Molly Moon's Ice Cream or The Confectionary. Maybe take care of a ‘lil holiday shopping while you’re at it? Also nearby: Kidd Valley Burgers (can you say, milkshakes?), and if all else fails, there’s a drive-thru McDonald’s on 25th.

Where to Park

Technically, you don’t need to park at all. Candy Cane Lane in Seattle is a drive-by thing, with cars idling and inching along slowly as passengers snap pictures through fogged-up windows. But if you want to fully experience the music, lights, and mechanical decorations (like the rain and the wind), park on a side street, bundle up and get out of the car. Ravenna Park, just a half block away, has about a dozen parking spots, or you can snag parking on a nearby side street.

Insider tip: Buy the kiddies a cup of hot cocoa across the street at Seven Market & Cafe to make your evening stroll even more enjoyable.

Three kids sit on a display of Santa and his sleigh at Candy Cane Lane in Seattle — Melinda Wong

When to Go

The Christmas Ship and Parade of Boats is always a fun addition to this outing. Check the 2022 schedule and find out when the ship parade will stop by Matthews Beach, Magnuson Park, or Madison Park, all within a few miles of Candy Cane Lane Seattle. Or go after a movie; or when the relatives come into town; or any rainy evening when the kids are acting up and need to be reminded of who’s on the lookout for those who have been naughty and who has been oh-so-nice.

Insider tip: The word on the lane is not to go before December 10. The neighbor elves are busy setting up everything for you in the meantime.

Dates: The houses are usually ready to go in mid-December. Wander through between dusk and around 10 p.m. until the New Year.

Cost: Free, however, a canned food drive donation station usually sits at the end of the route and viewers can also leave donations at the nearby Seven Market & Cafe.

Seven Market & Cafe
2007 N.E. Ravenna Blvd.
Seattle
Online: sevencoffeeroasters.com

Additional reporting by Kristina Moy & Allison Ellis

Kids Stop Being as Physically Active at Age 7, According to Studies

by Shahrzad WarkentinAugust 10, 2021

Young kids are so full of energy and movement that parents often don’t worry about their kids’ physical activity levels until they get closer to the tween years. However, new research suggests that those levels start to decline as early as age seven.

A study conducted by the University of Jyväskylä and LIKES Research Centre for Physical Activity and Health reviewed scientific research and data identifying specific subgroups of physical activity across different life phases and countries. The study revealed that the proportion of active individuals hitting a decline in physical activity was highest among kids and teens.

kids playing soccer — David Vliches via Unsplash

While drop-off in sports participation began in adolescence, overall physical activity started to decline already by age seven among highly, moderately and low active kids. This decline in childhood led to a decrease in activity later in life, however, the opposite was also true with kids remaining physically active correlating with a more active lifestyle as an adult.

“Since physical activity behavior stabilizes with age and inactivity is more persistent behavior than activity, interventions should be targeted at children early in life before their habits become stable,” emphasizes Lounassalo.

“Additionally, supporting schools and sports clubs is crucial for promoting an active lifestyle for all children. Since parents may have an effect on activating their children, parents would need support for finding ways to do that. Building publically available sports facilities and safe bicycling and walkways might help in increasing opportunities for being active regardless of age, nationality, gender or educational level,” Lounassalo noted.

The study showed that having parental support for an active lifestyle was linked with increased physical activity among kids and teens and low television viewing time with continued activity among teens.

Barbie Honors Healthcare Heroes with 6 New Dolls & Gives Back Throughout August

by Sarah ShebekAugust 5, 2021

You can be anything. It’s Barbie’s slogan and an uplifting message for kids everywhere. Now six real-life women who became heroes of the pandemic have their own dolls thanks to Mattel’s #ThankYouHeroes program!

These healthcare role models inspired us with their courageous efforts during a tumultuous time. Their accomplishments saved countless lives and made a huge impact in the fight against the pandemic:

Amy O’Sullivan, RN (United States) – Emergency Room nurse Amy O’Sullivan treated the first COVID-19 patient in Brooklyn at the Wyckoff Heights Medical Center, became ill and was intubated, then a few weeks later returned to work to continue taking care of others.
Dr. Audrey Sue Cruz (United States) – Dr. Cruz, a frontline worker from Las Vegas, NV, during the pandemic, joined forces with other Asian-American physicians to fight racial bias and discrimination.
Dr. Chika Stacy Oriuwa (Canada)- A psychiatry resident at the University of Toronto, Canada, Dr. Oriuwa has advocated against systemic racism in healthcare, which has been further highlighted by the pandemic.
Professor Sarah Gilbert (United Kingdom) – As a professor of vaccinology, Professor Gilbert led the development of the University of Oxford vaccine in the U.K.
Dr. Jaqueline Goes de Jesus (Brazil) – As a biomedical researcher, Dr. Goes is credited for leading the sequencing of the genome of a COVID-19 variant in Brazil.
Dr. Kirby White (Australia) – A General Practitioner in Australia, Dr. White co-founded the Gowns for Doctors initiative – by developing a PPE gown that could be laundered and re-used, allowing frontline workers in Victoria, AU to continue seeing patients during the pandemic.

Mattel also announced that for each eligible doctor, nurse and paramedic doll sold at Target through August, Barbie will donate $5 to the First Responder Children’s Foundation, which benefits children of first responders. The organization plans to use the money to support the Power of Play Program, which focuses on the social, emotional and behavioral well-being of children.

Along with the current selection of medical dolls, you can also buy a new Fast Cast Clinic playset with a Barbie doctor doll and four play areas. Barbie can use an X-ray machine, check a patient on the exam table, create dough casts in the medical station and direct families to the gift shop. It’s available at retailers now for $49.99.

––Sarah Shebek

Featured image courtesy of Mattel

Mattel’s Latest Barbie Honors Poet & Activist Dr. Maya Angelou

The New Barbie Wellness Collection Teaches Kids Self-Care & Emotional Wellbeing

Your kids will love catching air at these awesome spots to go sledding in Boston

Spend the first snowy day of the season sledding in Boston

1. Flagstaff Hill, Boston Common

2. Larz Anderson Park, Brookline

3. Millennium Park, West Roxbury

4. Titus Sparrow Park, South End

5. President's Lawn at Tufts University, Medford

6. George Wright Golf Course, Hyde Park

7. Corey Hill Outlook Park, Brookline

8. Danehy Park, Cambridge

9. The Sugar Bowl by Jamaica Pond

10. Seven Bump Hill, Fellsmere Park

11. Weld Hill, Arnold Arboretum at Harvard University

12. Fallon Field, Roslindale

13. Walsh Playground, Dorchester

Here’s where to take the kids snow tubing near Boston

14. Nashoba Valley Ski Area

15. Ski Ward Ski Area

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Lights, reindeer, music, and treats are just some of the fun things you’ll find while exploring Candy Cane Lane in Seattle

Set Your GPS

Expect to See

Where to Eat

Where to Park

When to Go

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