ML Interest Tag: volcano

The Best Stroller-Friendly Trails Near Portland

by Katrina Emery

It’s the perfect time of year to get outside and enjoy our lush natural playgrounds—especially if you love jogging! If you have a little one that’s not walking yet, you can still get out there and hit the trails with a stroller, no problem. There are lots of great stroller-friendly parks and paths all over the city. Below, we’ve chosen some of our favorite routes that are easy to use a stroller on. Read on to find out more!

photo: alanna via flickr

Powell Butte Nature Park

This extinct volcano makes a perfect nature exploration day! The visit center has restrooms, drinking water, and a display of the areas history, and the well-marked paths wind up to an amazing view. On a clear day you can spot at least 7 surrounding peaks, with help from the mountain finder circle that points them out. The paths around the meadow near the center are the most stroller friendly, and the there are several routes to head up, down and around.

SE 162nd & Powell Blvd
Online: friendsofpowellbutte.org

Mt Tabor Park

The paved road and trails winding up to the top of this extinct volcano park (one of 4 inside the city limits!) make an easy stroll–except for the elevation. You’ll get your exercise and be rewarded with a beautiful city view once you reach the top! Bonus points for being easy to get to and having a great playground for the kids.

SE 60th and Salmon St.
Online: portlandoregon.gov/

photo: jevonnie via yelp

Crystal Springs Rhododendron Gardens

Tucked beside Reed College in SE Portland, Crystal Springs feels like one of Portland’s secret gardens. More than 2.500 rhododendrons and azaleas bloom here in full force in the spring, stretching until late July. The garden is still beautiful at any time of year, though, with lots of paths that your little one can choose that lead to secrets like a waterfall or hidden ponds. A large pond is home to more than 100 types of birds perfect for watching (no feeding them here). It’s an easy stroll rather than a strenuous hike, and makes a lovely day.

$12/adults, free for children 12 and under
No fees on Mondays or from October – February
5801 SE 28th Avenue
Online: portlandoregon.gov/

Sam’s Walker Nature Trail

In the Columbia Gorge on the Washington side, this sweet little loop winds around former farmland and offers some great sweeping views of the Gorge. The 1.1 mile path is gravel, so strollers with bigger tires might fare better here, but it’s well-maintained. You’ll see fields, oaks, and apple trees, and come across a picnic table for some snacktime.

About 25 miles outside Vancouver
Online: wta.org

photo: SpikeSoleil via flickr

Catherine Creek Universal Loop

This is a short loop with a big payoff. Well known for wildflowers in the spring, the loop also offers great views of the Columbia River, Catherine Creek, meadows, and the beautiful Catherine Creek Falls. As universal access trail, it’s paved and well-maintained– the bumpy parking lot might offer the biggest challenge, though!

Online: gorgefriends.org/

Hoyt Arboretum

Trails wind all across the 190 acres of this beautiful arboretum in the West Hills. With more than 6,000 trees, there’s always something to admire! You can stop by the Visitor Center for tips on what to look for, and have them direct you to their 1 mile stroller friendly trail. Don’t forget to grab a children’s activity map while you’re there, too! For a longer hike (2.5-3.5 miles), follow the expert route that Access Trails has laid out for the easiest rolling with the most diverse habitat.

4000 SW Fairview Blvd.
Online: accesstrails.org

photo: bradley via flickr

Smith and Bybee Wetlands

It might seem odd to pass warehouses and industrial terminals on your way to a hike, but the wetlands hidden in North Portland are another little secret jewel of Portland. The Interlakes Trail offers an out-and-back paved path that passes by viewpoints of both lakes, about 2 miles total. You’ll be able to spot pelicans, turtles, and maybe even a secretive beaver or two!

5300 N. Marine Drive
Online: oregonmetro.gov

Tualatin Hills Nature Park

The ponds and wetlands of this forested park make for a great place to scout out some frogs and ducks! 1.5 miles of the trails are paved for super easy strolling, and even more are hard packed surfaces or boardwalks extending over flowing creeks. Start at the nature center to orient yourself (and get a hint of what little eyes should be looking for out there!), then head out on the Oak Trail to the Tadpole Pond, the Ponderosa Loop, or the Vine Maple Trail.

15655 SW Millikan Way
Online: thprd.org

—Katrina Emery

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15 Water Slides You Have to See to Believe

by Christal Y.

Floating in the pool is fun, but sometimes you have to kick it up a notch and go for a tricked-out water slide. Whether you’re a waterpark daredevil or more of a lazy river type, you can appreciate these off-the-wall water slides. Click through the slideshow below to see our favorite extreme water rides across the country. Who knows—you just might find your next splash-worthy vacation destination.

Kala & Tai Nui Serpentine Body Slides, Universal Orlando Volcano Bay

Climb up a volcano, then take a ride on a thrilling body slide. Trap doors will open and send you whooshing downhill in intertwining tubes—what a rush! After you've conquered this ride, check out the rest of the awesome family-friendly slides at Dolphin Bay. The park just opened in May, making it a perfect choice for your next sunny vacation.

6000 Universal Blvd.
Orlando, Fl
Online: universalorlando.com

photo: Universal Orlando Resort via Facebook

 

What’s your favorite water slide? Share your picks with us below!

—Sommy Rhee with Christal Yuen and Susie Foresman

photos from whitewaterwest.com unless otherwise stated

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Take a Journey to Pompeii at the OMSI

by bess dwyer

Come for the volcano, stay for the fun. The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) recently opened their latest installation, Pompeii: The Exhibit. You might not think of ancient Rome as a way to keep your kids entertained, but that’s exactly what this exhibit will do. Starting with a short movie focused on the infamous Mount Vesuvius, you and your kids will be taken on an epic Roman adventure. Read on to find out more.

photo: Bess Dwyer

Introducing Pompeii
The tour starts off with the introductory video that describes Pompeii before the eruption: a Roman city that lived cozily next to Mount Vesuvius. The citizens had no idea that the mountain was a volcano, so when it blew, it took the city by surprise—and buried it in 13 – 25 feet of ash that managed to preserve the it in a truly unique way.

After the video, the doors open up to a whole different world.

What Your Kids Will Love
Why will the kiddos care about this? Because they will get a chance to see what life was like for people in 79 A.D., and they will be shocked at how similar life was back then compared to now. Ask your kids to point out items they recognize—chances are, you and your children will be surprised at how many there are!

OMSI has also worked its magic and added some additional interactive aspects to the displays, like a chance to build roman arches or recreate the famous mosaics that proliferated the city. The Museum also has pocket demonstrations and cart demonstrations throughout the day, so your kids can get even more hands on with the artifacts.

 

photo: Bess Dwyer

The Exhibit
The exhibit is full of fascinating artifacts, (Note: some of which are so fragile that strollers aren’t allowed inside.) The subject matter may be sensitive for some young scientists, so we suggest that you take a look at some of the previews online in advance to get a sense of what is and is not appropriate for your particular young ones before you go. Your kids will find most of the artifacts mesmerizing and some of them even provide great teachable parenting moments like bodies that were encased in ash laying near jewelry and gold treasures. A great reminder to us all that not all of our personal belongings are worth going back for when there’s an emergency.

Near the end of the exhibit, you’ll get a chance to experience captivating video (with extra cool special effects!) that shows what the day of the eruption probably looked like. That video alone will keep your kids talking about their trip to the museum for weeks to come.

photo: OMSI

A Volcano Lesson
Possibly the best learning spot comes at the end of the exhibit, in the Volcanology Field Office. Here, your kiddos will get the opportunity to learn about how Mount Vesuvius is similar to the volcanoes that surround us here in Portland. There are geological samples, including ash from Mt. St. Helens, and 3D sculptures of local volcanoes. But your young explorers might just have the most fun with the “spider” — a volcanology tool that records just about everything related to eruptions and related earthquakes. Your littles can even try jumping around to see if they can make the earth move!

Keep looking throughout the museum, and you’ll see that the Pompeii connections don’t end in the field office. There are tie-ins throughout the museum, like the experiment in the chemistry lab explaining how even the air changes when a volcano blows its lid.

photo: OMSI

This exhibit is a great way for your kids (and you) to learn more about life in Roman times, and offers a perfect opportunity to tell them about Mt. St. Helens and our own local PNW ring of fire.

OMSI
1945 SE Water Ave.
503-797-4000
Dates: Through Oct 22
Online: omsi.edu
Cost: OMSI Members: Adults $16; Youth (ages 3-13) $10; Seniors (ages 63+) $12
Non-members: Adults $26; Youth (ages 3-13) $17; Seniors (ages 63+) $22

What are your family’s favorite stories about the local volcanoes? Share them with us in the comments below. 

—Bess Dwyer

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The Best Waterparks in America

by Amber Guetebier

That kiddie pool in your backyard is nice for cooling your feet but this summer it’s time to up the water-play game, big time. The US has no shortage of amazing water parks—from just-opened volcano-themed to revamped old classics—but we’ve picked out favorites from among the many. Click through the slideshow to see our top 14 and find out if your best-loved made the list.

Morgans Wonderland Inspiration Island—San Antonio, Tx

The newest feature of Morgan’s Wonderland—an inclusive amusement park designed for kids of all ages, abilities and special needs—Inspiration Island splashes on the scene June 2017 (open now). Featuring five water play areas full of raintrees, pools, falls, geyers, jets, water cannons and tipping buckets! Every element is wheelchair-accessible, Rainbow Reef has warmer water for those sensitive to cold, and the waterproof wristbands have RFID technology so parents can go to a Location Station and find their family members. And, just like Morgan’s Wonderland, admission for all special needs guests is free.

Morgan’s Wonderland
5223 David Edwards Dr.
San Antonio, Tx 78233
210-495-5888
Online: morganswonderland.com/inspirationisland

 

photo courtesy Morgan's Wonderland 

What’s your favorite water park? Tell us why in a comment below.

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Here’s How to Guarantee Your Kids Will Take a Bath Every Day

by Gabby Cullen

Got a reluctant bather or maybe your kiddos are a little bored with the soap and water routine? We figured out 10 epic ways to makeover the ordinary bath into something that rivals scenes from Jurassic Park. And the best part? It’s safe, creative and easy to pull off. Well, actually, the best part is your kids get clean but the fun-factor is cool too! Scroll down to get inspired.

dinobathbombs_aisacitro_bathfun_bathtime_national_redtricycle
photo: Asia Citro

1. Dinosaur Bath Bombs
Bombs Away!!! Make a few dinosaur bath bombs with a DIY recipe from Asia at Fun at Home with Kids. Kids will get a kick out of watching their mini-dino “hatch.” This activity works great in the tub or just in a pan of water. Find out how Asia perfected her recipe by checking out the entire tutorial at Fun at Home with Kids.

glowinthedarkbath_asiacitro_bathfun_bathtime_national_redtricycle
photo: Asia Citro

2. Glow-in-the-Dark Bath
Add this one to the list of things your kids will want to do over and over again. While they might not get exactly clean, the fun factor is off the charts. Curious to know what makes this water glow? Skip over to Fun at Home with Kids for the secret (and safe!) ingredients for this brilliant bath.

waterwall_crystalunderwood_bathfun_bathtime_national_redtricycle
Photo: Crystal Underwood

3. Make a Water Wall
Plastic bottles are so much more than drinking vessels. In this case, they are the materials for creating a killer water wall. Crystal of Growing a Jeweled Rose, a.k.a. the queen of bathtime, offers up an easy-peasy project designed to help kids master the perfect pour. Find out how it’s done by hopping over to Growing a Jeweled Rose.

bathpaint_kristingentry_bathtimefun_bathtime_national_redtricycle
photo: Kristin Gentry

4. Homemade Bath Paint
Paint your way to cleaner fingers and toes with homemade bath paint. We absolutely love the recipe from creative mama Kristin at Kojo Designs. Mix up stuff we know you’ve got lying around, pour and paint! Find out what to use and how to get the texture just right by grabbing the how-to over at Kojo Designs.

DIYsoapcrayons_KylieGardner_bathfun_bathtime_national_redtricycle
Photo: Kylie Gardner

5. Easy Soap Crayons
Kids will always jump at the chance to scribble on something that isn’t paper. Give your approval and better yet, provide the tools! Make a batch of soap crayons with just three ingredients, mold into favorite shapes and leave out to dry before taking them into the tub. For tips and tricks from craft creator Kylie, visit Childhood 101.

beachbath_crystalunderwood_bathfun_bathtime_national_redtricycle

photo: Chrystal Underwood

6. Host a Beach Bath
Jonesing for sun, surf and sand? Throw your own beach bash right in the tub. Shells, beach balls, blue water and bathing beauties make for one sunshine filled afternoon. We love how Chrystal whipped up a batch of bath sensory sand. Get the low-down on this easy themed bath over at Bath Activities for Kids. Surfs up!

icefishing_ericawhatwedoallday_bathfun_bathtime_national_redtricycle
Photo: What We Do All Day

7. Ice Fishing
There’s nothing fishy about this neat-o way to liven up bath time. Erica of What We Do All Day froze large cubes of play fish and other sea creatures, tossed them into the tub and watched her two boys dive and dump the melting ice. We love the easy (and cool) aspect of this activity—all you need is a freezer! Head over to What We Do All Day for the tutorial.

carbath_ Samantha Soper_Caetano_bathfun_bathtime_national_redtricycle
Photo: Samantha Soper-Caetano

8. Things That Go Vroom Bath
Start your engines and gear up for a swift and speedy trip around the racetrack (we like to call it the tub!) Blogger mom Samantha offers up her own clever take on baths with a kid-friendly car theme. Find out why the best part is those color coordinated road signs by tripping over to Stir the Wonder.

lemonbath_jaime_bathtime_national_redtricycle
Photo: Frogs and Snails and Puppy Dog Tails

9. Lemon Scented Bath Ice
This sensory bath looks and smells delicious. The color is vivid and with a few yellow colored bath toys, this is a color lesson kids will be begging to take. Find out how to get the color just right on those cubes and for more ideas about colored baths, head over to Frogs and Snails and Puppy Dog Tails.

volcanodinobath_genny_inlieuofpreschool_bathtime_national_redtricycle
photo: In Lieu of Preschool

10. Hot Lava Paint
It’s an explosion of creativity and wonder in the bath with a volcano themed bath like the one Genny of In Lieu of Preschool set up for her two kids. Shaving cream is a go-to tool for kicking bath time up a notch—it smells great and cleans up in a flash—-so this easy red lava paint is a winner in our book. Add tiny dinos for fantasy play and be on your way. Find out how to make the perfect volcano shape by checking out the entire post over at In Lieu of Preschool.

waterballoonbath_ashley_playathomemom_bathtimefun_national_redtricycle
photo: Ashley Kagan

11. Water Balloon Bath
If you think water balloons are just for hot summer days, think again. Throw a few in the tub with your kiddo and suddenly, the bath just got interesting. Fill a few with water, fill a few with air. For more on this simple but totally awesome bath idea, head over to Play at Home Mom LLC.

Editor’s Note: We at Red Tricycle encourage cool ways to play. That being said, please supervise kids in and around water and materials at all times. Cheers! 

What’s your favorite way to give bath time a boost? Shout about it in the comments below!

—Gabby Cullen

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Hilarious Parenting Tweets of the Week

by Red Tricycle

From the soccer carpool to the never-ending assortment of mismatched socks, sometimes there are days when you’ve only got a few seconds (or 140 characters) to get in a good giggle. Well, sit back and get ready to scroll because we’ve scoured the Twitterverse for moms and dads that rap about the highs and lows of parenting, and the results are hilarious.

1. True Story.

https://twitter.com/Playing_Dad/status/717514663697768448

2. He’s ready for adulthood.

3. Yeah, that’ll be great.

4. There’s nothing like a good nap.

5. Creepy much?

6. May 8th, Don’t forget.

7. School = Mt. Midoriyama

8. Hah!

https://twitter.com/est1975blog/status/717838683781611521

9. Smart thinking.

10. Ooh, she’s good.

 

 

Do you have any #funnyparenting moments to share with the Red Tricycle Community? Tell us in the comments below!

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Just Roll With It: Atlanta Sushi Spots for the Small Set

by Phebe Wahl

Sake bombs might not be on the menu for you anymore, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still get your sushi fix. Atlanta is full of tasty and tot-friendly sushi spots where you can introduce them to this fabulous food. Read on for some spots where you can teach the kiddo’s the finer points of chopsticks.

Nakato
Offering both Hibachi and a full sushi menu, Nakato has been serving Atlanta families since 1972. They have all the fun family Japanese dining experiences covered. You want an umbrella in your little ones drink? Check. How about a hibachi experience complete with an onion “volcano” and shrimp flying through the air? Done. Oh and the Sushi is great too! When they say that they are kid friendly, they are not kidding. We celebrated my son’s sixth birthday there; naturally he came dressed as a ninja. The staff was nothing but extremely warm and gracious and when they performed the traditional birthday procession everyone’s face lit up!
Address: 1776 Cheshire Bridge Rd.
Phone: 404-873-6582

Shoya Izakaya
Ask anyone in the know about Shoya and the two words you will always here are: authentic and delicious. Your kiddos will love the fun and lively atmosphere and you will love the melt-in-your –mouth sushi.  The menu is substantial and there is a lot to explore beyond the typical spicy tuna roll. There are plenty of yummy non-sushi items here too. Try the udon, ramen, or yakitori. And stick around for the sweets, the tempura fried ice cream and cream soda offer a sugar buzz worth indulging in!
Address: 6035 Peachtree Rd., Doraville
Phone: 770-457-5555

Harry & Sons
Harry & Son’s makes a fun family outing. After filling your little ones belly you can stroll around the very walkable Virginia Highland neighborhood. Serving both Thai and Japanese fare, and a menu that features everything from sushi to curries and noodles, you’ll find something for everyone.  The coconut soup and Super Crunch roll are kiddo favorites. If you can get out on a school night, they offer buy one get one half off deals for sushi rolls as well as $1.00 nigiri specials.
Address: 820 North Highland Ave. NE
Phone: 404-873-2009

Ichiban
If you call Northern Atlanta home, then chances are you already know that both Ichiban locations, Alpharetta and Cumming, are always high-energy and packed to the gills with families. Relax; no one is going to look at you funny if the little one drops his chopsticks! With a super friendly staff and reasonable prices Ichiban makes for a great “first-time” family sushi experience. They do a great Habachi dinner and they also serve up some very creative rolls. With names like Chicken of the Sea, Firecracker, and Optimus Prime even the pickiest of little eaters might be convinced to give sushi a go.

Phone: 770-772-6822 (Alpharetta), 770-888-2676 (Cumming)

The Park Tavern
Yup, you read that right. Park Tavern serves sushi. It’s true; nothing about this place says sushi. It’s a park and it’s a tavern. But here’s the thing: the sushi is delicious! The Park Tavern flies in wild caught Hawaiian sashimi-grade tuna and you can taste the quality. Stand out rolls include the Cowboy roll (made with spicy Wagyu steak and potatoes!) and the Big Kahuna. If the kiddos insist, they can always opt for traditional kids menu options. And the best part? You are steps away from Piedmont Park!
Address: 500 10th St. NE
Phone: 404-249-0001

With so many kid-friendly sushi spots in Atlanta, we couldn’t cover them all. Dish! What’s your favorite spot to grab sushi with the little ones?

—Candice Rose

Photos courtesy of Nakato Restaurant via Facebook and freeborn via Creative Commons via Flickr

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Just Opened: “Nature’s Fury” at the American Museum of Natural History

by Mimi O'Connor

Did Hurricane Sandy find you fielding questions from your kids that made you wish you had your eighth grade science teacher on speed dial? Was “I don’t know” an insufficient answer to the plea, “Why is it so cold?!” during the Polar Vortex? Is your kid really into tornados? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions (or think your child would like a cool, interactive science exhibit) head to the Nature’s Fury at the American Museum of Natural History like the wind!


Build Your Own Volcano photo: © AMNH/D. Finnin

What’s It All About? 

Nature’s Fury: The Science of Natural Disasters explores the causes of natural disasters and the consequences of these events, while also considering the risks they pose. But it’s not all rocks and wind: the show also tells the stories of how individuals and communities cope and adapt in the aftermath of these tragedies, and how scientists are helping to reduce the risks, plan responses and prepare for future disasters.

Exhibit overview photo: © AMNH/D. Finnin

Earth, Wind & Fire

The show considers in-depth four kinds of major natural disasters: earthquakes, volcanoes, tornadoes, and hurricanes, and utilizes powerful footage and images of the events and their aftermath throughout. Nature’s Fury gives visitors the opportunity to learn about these phenomena in a variety of ways, from audio and video clips to numerous interactive stations. You’ll find many of Mother Nature’s most famous creations, both recent and ancient, such as the eruptions of Mt. Vesuvius in Pompeii in 79 A.D. and Mt. St. Helens in 1980, Hurricanes Camille and Katrina, and yes, our local celebrity storm, Sandy.

Shake it up interactive photo: © AMNH/R. Mickens

Moving and Shaking

There’s lots to learn here — you’ll find refresher courses in what, exactly a tectonic plate is, and get a breakdown of how, a tornado forms, for example — but the big hits with kids will be the interactive elements of the show. Highlights include the chance to “Build Your Own Volcano” by mixing “goo” and “gas” (and then watching it erupt); causing an earthquake by jumping up and down (and seeing activity register on a seismometer), and standing in the eye of a roaring tornado (thanks to a special filming device placed directly in the path of a giant twister).

Standing in the eye of a tornado photo: © AMNH/M. Shanley

Sandy From Start to Finish

Originally conceived at Chicago’s Field Museum, the Museum of Natural History’s version of the exhibit includes additional pieces from the New York institution’s collection, and an entirely new element New Yorkers will find extremely compelling: a large-scale, interactive map that shows the movement of Superstorm Sandy through the New York area with an explanatory narration. (We saw one kid find his neighborhood on the map.)

Hurricane Sandy interactive photo: © AMNH/D. Finnin

In addition to the cool stuff to do, Nature’s Fury includes many impressive artifacts that effectively illustrate the force and power of these events. You’ll see beads and jewelry trapped in volcanic rock from Vesuvius, bent traffic signs and metal chairs ravaged by a 2007 tornado in Greensburg, Kansas, and posters submerged in the rising waters of Katrina.

Nature’s Fury is probably best for older museum-goers, who will be able to fully appreciate and experience the exhibit’s content. It impressively packs in a lot of science and information, without being boring, and is sure to leave your kids with a deeper understanding of the awesome power of nature, in every sense of the word.

Nature’s Fury: The Science of Natural Disasters
The American Museum of Natural History
Through Aug. 9
$22/adults; $17/students/seniors, $12.50/children
Central Park West at 79th Street
Upper West Side
212-769-5100
Online: amnh.org

Will you be visiting Nature’s Fury? Let us know in the comments below!

—Mimi O’Connor

 

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