We know that building with LEGO can put you in the zone, but have you ever noticed the sounds the bricks make? It’s quite soothing apparently, and so, in hopes of bringing adults even more ways to destress, the LEGO Group has released LEGO® White Noise, an album of sounds made solely with bricks. Curious? So are we, and here’s what we found out.
The LEGO Group
Research shows that almost 73% of adults are looking for new ways to de-stress. To offer up something unique, LEGO designers experimented with over 10,000 LEGO elements, and they found the most soothing sounds possible.
The soundscape has seven different tracks, each one is 30 minutes long and a completely different sound: clicking two bricks together, sorting through a pile of LEGO to find “the one,” a waterfall of thousands of bricks being poured out, and more.
Released to accompany the new LEGO Botanics line—which includes a flower bouquet and a Bonsai tree—the playlist can be accessed on over 15 different music streaming platforms, including Spotify and iTunes or for free on LEGO.com.
No matter what season it is, it doesn’t get better than these gorgeous, family-friendly hikes near Atlanta
You’re really going to fall for these stunning hikes near Atlanta that aren’t too challenging for kids. With breathtaking vistas, cascading waterfalls, and historic remnants popping up along the trails, these hikes are sure to be memorable whenever you take them. We’ve even got a few hidden gems on our list of the best hikes near Atlanta. So pack your daypack with the hiking essentials and hit the trails with the kids. Whether you’ve got a few hours to spare or the whole day to be outside with your crew, we’ve got just the trail for you family. Happy hiking.
While this mountain can be accessed via three trails from Fort Mountain State Park, you may find yourself on the most direct route when you tell the kids about the mysterious serpentine wall that crests the summit. Alongside a fort-like historic stone tower and sweeping views of the North Georgia trees in all their glory, you've found yourself a good hike.
181 Fort Mountain Park Rd. Chatsworth, GA Online: gastateparks.org
2. Bartram Trail, Beegum Gap to Rabun Bald
With an incredible 360-degree panoramic view of North Georgia's finest leaf show, this classic day hike takes you through a dense tunnel of rhododendron to a historic stone and wood fire lookout tower. In addition to the leaves (in fall), you'll also earn bragging rights for hiking Georgia's second-highest peak. Nearing 3 miles, the trail is doable in a day, but the lookout tower makes a pretty awesome spot to pitch your tent under the stars if you're looking to make it into an overnighter.
No big deal. You're just one of those outdoorsy parents who take their kids to hike the Appalachian Trail on the weekends. Because if that isn't the coolest thing ever, perhaps the view from atop the mountain's 3,780-foot summit is. This can be a long hike—just under 9 miles—or you can opt for the shorter 2-mile version. Or, if you want a moderate distance and a really great overnight experience, try the 5-mile (one-way) hike to the Hike Inn, and spend the night at this eco-lodge.
This 135-acre preserve in southwest Atlanta starts from a gritty parking area but takes hikers on extensive trails to Utoy Creek (the site of a Civil War battle) and a waterfall (Cascade Falls) inside the park’s 120 acres of green space.
This urban forest includes three hiking routes—one of which is a mere one-mile loop that meanders beneath white oak trees—and is open from sunrise to sunset, seven days each week. There is ample free parking. Dogs on leashes are welcomed in the forest.
Find it in the Island Ford Park, nestled among oversized boulders on the banks of the Chattahoochee. The walk is a two-mile loop that takes you past a waterfall and is manageable for all ages.
This well-maintained 1.5-mile woodland loop gains a bit of altitude and is unpaved, but we've successfully traversed it with a rugged stroller. There are plenty of well-planned activities—ask at the Nature Center about the geocaching app and treasure hunt—to keep the big ones interested, while also being easy to navigate for shorter legs.
This 28-acre nature preserve opened in 1995 in an effort to preserve natural spaces in the South Peachtree Creek watershed. The 1.5-mile hiking trail loop is easily accessible and traverses several ecosystems, which keeps things interesting for younger hikers. Keep an eye out for wildlife, particularly near the wetlands and ponds.
Over 30 miles of trails make up the Arabia Mountain PATH, located just 20 minutes east of downtown Atlanta. We recommend you take a hike to the ridge of Arabia Mountain, an otherworldly rock outcrop that's a monadnock—a geologic formation that has seen the ground around it erode away. Arabia Mountain also contains a variety of rare and endangered plants, such as Diamorpha, which grows in the fragile solution pit ecosystems that appear on the rock face.
If you need to see the skyscrapers in your rearview mirror for an afternoon, take the short drive (around 1.5 hours) to Lake Rabun and hike the Minnehaha Falls Trail. Short, easy, and kid-friendly, this hike culminates at a cascading waterfall. While you're in the area, stop at Tallulah Gorge State Park, and check out the suspension bridge if you're up for another hike.
The Indian Seats Trail hike is roughly 4 miles that climb over and around the sheer face of Sawnee Mountain, where you'll see breathtaking views of the distant Blue Ridge Mountains. The trail is part of a larger network of hiking, walking, and running trails at the Sawnee Mountain Preserve, a 900-acre stretch of forest.
Known as Georgia's "Little Grand Canyon," this man-made formation was caused by water erosion in the 1800s. Now you'll find canyons as deep as 150 feet, and red, pink, orange, and purple formations that will make you feel far away from Georgia.
Located on the western edge of Lookout Mountain, Cloudland Canyon is one of the largest and most scenic parks in the state. With multiple trails that take you deep into the park, you'll find thousand-foot-deep canyons, sandstone cliffs, wild caves, waterfalls, cascading creeks, dense woodland, and abundant wildlife. The most popular hiking paths include the short Overlook Trail, the strenuous Waterfalls Trail, and the moderate West Rim Loop Trail.
122 Cloudland Canyon Park Rd. Rising Fawn, GA Online:gastateparks.org
15. Brasstown Bald
Home to Georgia's highest point, the hike to Brasstown Bald isn't as daunting as it may seem. You'll find a half-mile paved trail—keep in mind it's steep—through the forest that leads to a 360-degree observation deck, where you can see North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee on a clear day. Plan to hit the observation deck early, then explore the area's other trails, to avoid crowds that peak during the afternoon.
Highway 180 & Spur 180 Hiawassee, GA Online:fsusda.gov
16. Long Creek Falls
Follow the blue-blazed trail to reach this double-tiered 50-foot waterfall at just under one mile from your trailhead. While the deep, clear pool at the base of the waterfall is perfect for summer dips, this trail is equally beautiful in the winter, when the rhododendron and hemlocks keep the mountainside speckled with green. Plus, this trail is only 4 miles from the southern start of the Appalachian Trail, so you'll be able to compare notes with through-hikers about your next adventure.
While things keep changing this year, one thing that’s remained is that outside is still the best place for the whole family to have some fun. Whether it’s your backyard, your local park, or a tiny bit further, that fresh outdoor air keeps germs away and gets the wiggles out! Check out these ideas for having as much fun as you can outdoors this summer– remember to still bring your mask for when you can’t appropriately distance, and have fun!
10) Plant a family garden— it’s not too late for fall starts!
11) Portland Farmer’s Market is still open this summer (though there might be a lie to enter) Give each kid $5 and let them pick out whatever they want: bonus points if it’s a new-to-them veggie!
Dinut worry, be happy! Krispy Kreme just announced that its highly anticipated Times Square Flagship Shop will open Tuesday, Sept. 15. This new location will deliver the most impressive doughnut experience, including hot and fresh Original Glazed Doughnuts 24 hours a day.
The world’s largest Hot Light
An iconic doughnut-making theater
The largest and iconic Glazed Waterfall for spectators to watch doughnuts run through
Stadium‑style seating inside a giant Krispy Kreme dozens box
A 24-hour street-side pickup window where people can get doughnuts as they walk by
Merchandise specific to New York City and Times Square to commemorate the experience
A special edition and commemorative “Big Apple” Doughnut exclusively at the Times Square Shop
The opening of the flagship at 1601 Broadway (at West 48th Street), will serve more guests annually than any other Krispy Kreme location in the world, had been scheduled for May but was pushed back due to the pandemic.
“We’re filled with joy to share the sweet news that Krispy Kreme is opening in Times Square,” said Michael Tattersfield, CEO of Krispy Kreme Doughnut Corporation. “We said earlier this year that when New York City and Times Square are ready, we’ll be ready. We can’t wait to bring a new bright Hot Light to Broadway beginning Sept. 15.”
Safety of guests and team members being the top priority, Krispy Kreme will implement a plan designed to keep everyone safe by controlling crowds, including remote queueing and providing guests the ability to reserve a time to visit the shop online. Krispy Kreme will provide more details on this closer to the grand opening. The shop also has a “grab-and-go” counter and window for curbside ordering and pick-up.
Inside the shop, Krispy Kreme will adhere to COVID-19 regulations and guidelines provided by the city and CDC, including employee health screenings at the beginning of shifts, washing hands regularly, wearing face masks, social distancing floor stickers, protective barriers at ordering points, and additional disinfecting throughout the shop. For added convenience, people can order doughnuts ahead of time for pick-up at the Times Square location by visiting our website or via mobile app.
The Times Square shop is part of Krispy Kreme’s 2020 expansion in New York City, which by the end of the year will total eight shops from uptown to downtown, including the brand’s remodeled Penn Station location. Krispy Kreme will hire more than 400 new team members in New York City so far this year.
“We all need a little joy right now and with that we welcome the Krispy Kreme flagship location to the heart of this great city. We’re thrilled for New Yorkers and visitors to enjoy the one-of-a-kind treats and the famous Hot Light experience. This iconic brand will make Times Square sweeter and we can’t wait to take a bite,” said Tim Tompkins, President of the Times Square Alliance.
Get the kids suited up in that new mohawk helmet and find them the perfect bike for your day on the bike trail. Akron, Ohio is home to miles of trails that are perfect for new riders, experienced bikers and our favorite, the family cargo bike riders. Ride along paths that used to be train tracks, look for hidden waterfalls and take a dip in a lake when you are done. Scroll down for all the best bike trails for kids of all ages and abilities.
Bike and Hike Trail, Summit Metro Parks
iStock
The paved 34-mile Bike & Hike Trail travels southeast from Sagamore Hills to Munroe Falls and Stow. This was one of the first "rails to trails" conversions in the country and sections of the Bike & Hike Trail follow the course of two abandoned railroads. There are several parking lots with access points along the way.
East of Route 91 in Munroe Falls, the Bike & Hike Trail parallels a scenic section of the Cuyahoga River where great blue herons, Canada geese and a variety of ducks can be seen. Don't miss a stop at Brandywine Falls. At 75 feet, the fall are one of the highest in Ohio.
The Ohio & Erie Canalway is a National Heritage Area that draws hikers, bikers, horseback riders and birders. This path is partially paved and very popular for good reason as it is a gorgeous area to explore via your bike. On weekends it can get pretty crowded so pick it for your weekday rides. Check out the Bike Aboard program where you can bike one way between the Boston Store and Station Road train stations, and ride the train the other direction with your bike onboard.
This 237-acre park has six trails that total 3.6 miles. The trails are smoothed with some rolling hills that are perfect for younger riders. There are several trails to choose from, the longest is about a mile and a half. As a post ride reward, children will enjoy the orchard-themed playground. There's also an awesome sledding hill here in winter months.
The 3.3-mile paved trail around the lake offers great opportunities for bike riding kids. Located in the southern end of Cleveland Metroparks, Hinckley Reservation is the site of the nationally-known annual Return of the Buzzards. Bonus: you can cool off in the water after your ride!
The Greenway Corridor is a 4.8-mile paved trail that's perfect for family bike rides in the beauty of nature. Bonus: The beautiful waterfall locally known as “Chair Factory Falls” is a natural feature accessible by a pedestrian trail off the Greenway Corridor in Concord Township. You'll have to park your bikes and take the very short pedestrian pathway to see the falls.
If you’ve been cooped up a little too long, this list is for you. Pack your water bottles and sunscreen and head out for a morning on the trails. These family-friendly hikes near Las Vegas will give you some epic views and outdoor time with the kids.
Editor’s note: We’re making every effort to provide you with the most up-to-date information. However, sometimes closures occur at the last minute due to circumstances beyond our control, such as the spread of Covid-19. We highly recommend that you call ahead before you pack your kids (and all those snacks, and diapers…) and haul them across town. Stay safe!
This self-guided interpretive trail introduces visitors of all ages to the many different features of the Mojave Desert at Red Rock Canyon, including pictographs, lessons of desert life, towering views and a hidden seasonal waterfall (December-April) in the canyon. Dogs on leash are welcome.
This is a pleasant four-mile walk across a desert valley to a little waterfall with cottonwood trees, willows and other shade trees. Except for the last few feet, the hike follows a well-maintained trail. As with other falls in the area, these often are dry.
From this spot you can take a 3.2-mile loop around the base of the mountain, or choose for elevation and take the 2.2-mile round trip trail to the peak to see views of the city.
The Historic Railroad Trail is an easy, dog-friendly hike along a former railroad grade. It provides panoramic views of Lake Mead, overlooking the Boulder Basin area. You can walk, run, bicycle or even push a stroller on this flat easy trail. Along the trail you will see a section of rough, rocky road on the south side of the railroad bed that is believed to be the first section of pioneer trail or road for the construction of Hoover Dam.
Pine Creek Canyon offers some of the best of the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area–beautiful and diverse plant communities nestled at the bottom of monolithic canyon walls. The ponderosa pine forest at the mouth of the canyon is a remnant from the last Ice Age, but it survives here thanks to the cool air and water flowing down Pine Creek Canyon. If you continue on the Pine Creek trail, you’ll also pass by the historical remains of Horace Wilson’s old homestead built in the early 1920s.
Little Falls Trail is a 0.7-mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Las Vegas, Nevada that features a waterfall and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips and bird watching and is best used from March until November. Dogs are also able to use this trail.
Looking for kid-friendly hikes in Austin? We’ve got the full scoop on trails that are stroller-friendly and even some that include a waterfall or swimming hole. Get ready to get out an explore with your family!
Editor’s note: We’re making every effort to provide you with the most up-to-date information. However, sometimes closures occur at the last minute due to circumstances beyond our control, such as the spread of Covid-19. We highly recommend that you call ahead before you pack your kids (and all those snacks, and diapers…) and haul them across town. Stay safe!
We love this trail around Lady Bird Lake because it offers tons of options if you want to do it again and again. This 10-mile hike-and-bike trail meanders along the water’s edge and passes by skyscrapers, neighborhoods, ball fields and cultural attractions. Hop on at any point and use the bridges to cut across the water when you want to loop back around. There are even some parks located along the way.
If you are looking to really get out into nature, this is the trail for you. Designed to be a 30-mile trail once completed, you can currently trek on six miles of trail past the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Much of the trail is ADA accessible and therefore stroller friendly.
This 2.8-mile trail at Emma Long Metropolitan Park is particularly fun for kids as you'll be crossing over a number of creeks along your way (don't forget the water shoes during the wetter months). Dogs are allowed off-leash here so keep that in mind when hiking with the little ones.
There are three trail options at River Place Nature Trail from flat to one with lots of stairs and elevation gain. The Panther Hollow Trail is the best choice for children, walkers who don’t regularly hike or who aren’t as comfortable walking on rough terrain, or for an easy stroll with the pups.
Located near the Capitol of Texas Highway, this 2.5-mile trail is particularly awesome for kid hikers. Head to the Wild Basin Creative Research Center to learn about the endangered Golden-cheeked warbler that lives here. There's even a waterfall and gorgeous viewpoint along the way!
Known just as "the Greenbelt" this is a great spot to take the kids when the heat is on and you want to get a little exercise with some swimming holes thrown in. There are multiple different access points so you can mix it up for your next visit and enjoy a different portion of this 7.25-mile trail.
Bay Area families have gotten pretty creative with homeschool and stay-at-home activities. And while we’re all trying to keep our chin up, we’re not gonna lie: there are things we are starting to really, really miss. Here are 13 things we’re looking forward to being able to do again.
Stand in line to get a Malted Vanilla ice cream at BiRite Creamery. Or maybe Mint Chip...or Salted Caramel. Make that all of the above.
Amber Guetebier
Visit Yerba Buena gardens for a dash behind the waterfall at the MLK memorial before hitting the LeRoy King Carousel and riding it no less than twenty times.
Spend the afternoon listening to the constant din of a hundred happy children at the Koret Children's Playground, and zipping down the Cement Slide with the reckless abandon of a five-year-old.
Roam the crowded streets of Chinatown on a Saturday afternoon, letting the kids go in and out of stores seeking treasures like rice-paper fans and embroidered Mary Jane slippers.
RADAR Productions
Go to a library story time at our favorite neighborhood library, but especially Drag Queen Story Hour.
Chantal Lamers
Ride the Little Puffer at the SF Zoo more than once while the peacocks scream and the monkeys cackle, after posing for pictures at all the IG-worthy spots.
Wait patiently while someone else makes you a pour-over coffee. Like really, really patiently.
Robin Eagan
Not cooking at home, but instead hitting up Off the Grid anywhere, but especially the Presidio Picnic, where we can all eat exactly what we want (hello inside-out samosa! hello mini donuts!) and dance to live music while we're doing it.
Get mopped at 826 Valencia after bartering for lard, followed by admiring the beautiful murals throughout the Mission. Followed by a visit to Dolores Park to enjoy the view, the playground and the weather, with ALL those other people.
Head to the Saturday Farmer's Market at the Ferry Building for the best peaches in the universe, which don't really transport, so you have to eat them right there by the Bay.
Kathryn Whitney courtesy California Academy of Sciences
Take the kids to Golden Gate Park to see the jellyfish at the Cal Academy, followed by eating french fries at the deYoung's cafe, followed by a run through the SF Botanical Garden. Not necessarily in that order.
Editor’s note: We’re making every effort to provide you with the most up-to-date information. However, sometimes closures occur at the last minute due to circumstances beyond our control, such as the spread of Covid-19. We highly recommend that you call ahead or check websites before you pack your kids (and all those snacks, and diapers…) and haul them across town. Stay safe!
Chicagoans are no strangers to being stuck indoors for long stretches with our oftentimes unpredictable weather. But this COVID-19 is a whole new beast that will test the patience of even the most resilient cabin-fever battlers. Take a midday recess from schoolwork, art projects and sibling rivalry to take a walk outside to stretch those legs. Illinois State Parks are closed until further notice, but read on to learn where you or your child’s caregiver can feed your soul with a touch of nature.
Maple Grove is the largest remaining remnant of the vast maple forest that became present-day Downers Grove and is both a rare historic forest and a valuable natural area. Categorized as a globally endangered ecosystem, this preserve has multipurpose and interpretative trails where hikers can appreciate wildflowers and hundreds of plant species, some of which are threatened or endangered. The variety of birds and the great-horned owl will definitely maintain the attention of little hikers. Visitors are welcome to bring their own grills to expand the hike into a fun family picnic.
What was once a Civilian Conservation Corps Camp is now an urban wildlife haven that plays host to a variety of animals with the original visitor center and several of the shelters still standing. Fullersburg maintains two trails manageable for families to hike or bike. A 1.3-mile interpretive trail follows Salt Creek through lowland woods and restored prairies and includes information on DuPage’s natural history.
Hikers, bikers and stroller jockeys can take advantage of this 2,492-acre forest preserve created long ago by meltaways from the Wisconsin Glacier. Adventure seekers can trek as many as 11 miles of limestone and turf-covered routes via four mapped trails through Waterfall Glen’s most scenic areas which include overlooks and a man-made waterfall.
Thanks to the Wisconsin Glacier over 10,000 years ago, this beautiful playground for outdoor adventurers exists. Kettle Moraine consists of 6 units that display a variety of ecosystems with everything from lakes to bogs and rivers to swamps and activities that range from bird watching (that can be done from the comfort of a stroller) to mountain biking. While the number of trails is expansive, there are quite a few half-mile trails that are home to bullfrogs and cattails which are perfect for little ones just lacing up their first pair of hiking boots.
S91W39091 State Rd. 59, Eagle, Wi Online: dnr.wi.gov
North Park Nature Village, a 46-acre nature preserve, offers a big breath of fresh air in the middle of the city. The Nature Center is closed at at this time, but hiking trail is available to visitors. At a slow pace, it takes about an hour to hike the entire loop, making this a great hike for little legs.
The best part of this trail is that it provides a beautiful snapshot of Illinois' diverse flora and fauna, carrying hikers through wetlands, tallgrass prairie land, forests and even oak savanna. Wood ducks, geese, garden snakes, painted turtles, deer, raccoons, foxes, bullfrogs, kingfishers, crayfish, and great blue herons all call this corner of the city home. Step atop the observational area, raised up from the Main Loop trail about halfway along the wetlands, where you'll have a better view of the stunning native landscape.
It should be noted that while the Chicago lakefront is normally a great place to take a run or walk, much of it is closed because of the high lake levels. Check the City of Chicago Lakefront Closures and Caution Areas map before going to see which sections are open and walkable. Brookfield Zoo and Lincoln Park Zoo have also closed their grounds to visitors in response to COVID-19.
Kick off your holiday season with a visit to one of these epic Christmas light displays in and around Las Vegas. From lights covering cactus to downtown winter wonderlands to massive drive-through lights displays, these Christmas events are sure to wow. Here are some of the best places to see Christmas lights in Las Vegas.
Take a leisurely stroll in the park day or night in Mystic Falls Park® at Sam's Town. Relax to the sound of a rolling waterfall, complemented by the soft chirping of birds in live trees reaching up toward the skylight 10 stories above.
Town Square brings holiday cheer to Las Vegas in the form of snowflakes with Snow in the Square at Town Square Park. Each show lasts 10 minutes and is choreographed to everyone's favorite holiday music.
Christmas Town at Cowabunga Bay is a thrilling holiday attraction—the entire park will be filled with holiday decorations, spectacular lights and displays, family winter activities and delicious holiday foods and drinks.
