You may know them for their diapers and wipes bundles (and their famous parent co-founders, Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard), but did you know that Hello Bello just released a handful of brand-new products just in time for the holidays? From new winter-themed diaper patterns to a brand-new diaper line for older kiddos, read on for three new and cool releases from Hello Bello to put in your shopping cart now.
Training Pants
Hello Bello just released their line of training pants. Like their regular diapers, these pull-on training pants are made without lotion, fragrance, phthalates and latex, and feature premium leg cuffs to prevent leakage and a core liner that's absorbent and plant-derived. They're stretchy, comfy and perfect for kiddos starting the potty training journey (or may not be night-trained). Bundle to mix and match your designs.
It's not just baby that Hello Bello has in mind. Their Everywhere Balm and Lip Balm can be used for both kiddo and you. They make great stocking stuffers or gifts and will leave your lips, their cap and everyone's skin ultra nourished, even if this extra dry winter weather.
They may not know what Santa Claus is yet, but they can still get in the holiday spirit with Hello Bello's new winter diaper patterns. Choose from cute designs like Santa's jolly reindeer helpers to arctic whale and seal polar pals to dancing polar bears. You'll love the colorful and festive designs, which may make the multiple diaper changes per day just a tad bit more bearable.
We sussed out the best low-key beaches that boast big coastal charm so you don’t have to socially distance your family from the sea and sand this summer. Grab your swimsuits, sunscreen and sunglasses and head to one of these 7 beaches that are packed with family-friendly fun without being so, well, packed!
BettertonBeach
Located under two hours from the District on the Chesapeake Bay, Betterton Beach in Kent County, MD offers five acres of sand and shore along with a boardwalk, picnic area and fishing jetty. Once you get to Betterton – population of about 350 – you can head to the mouth of the Sassafras river for a quick, uncrowded getaway.
Assateague Island
Looking for a beach getaway where wild horses share the sand with you? If so, Assateague Island (in MD) are for you! You access Assateague and its 37 miles of beach through either Ocean City, MD or Chincoteague, VA. Be sure to pack these kid cameras so they can capture the abundent wildlife. This island features tranquil beaches, wild horses and at less than four hours away, is a great choice for an off-the-beaten-path beach vacation.
Elk Neck State Park
Elk Neck State Park has a pristine sandy beach and warm waters to float and play in. Don’t forget the life jackets; this beach has a kayak and canoe launch. There are also campgrounds and hiking trails throughout the park and a lighthouse to explore. While some of the trails remain closed, the beach is open. Located only two hours from DC, Elk Neck is a great option to get away while still staying close by.
Calvert Cliffs State Park
Less than an hour and a half from DC, Calvert Cliffs has 24 miles of shoreline on the Chesapeake Bay. The cliffs that dominate the landscape were formed 20 – 30 million years ago, and fossil hunting is another popular activity throughout the park. Prehistoric sea creatures, shark and whale fossils have all been found in the cliffs.
Sandbridge Beach
Virginia Beach typically doesn’t come to mind when people think of “off the beaten track” beaches. And it’s true that the boardwalk area of Virginia Beach is usually jam packed. That’s not the case for Sandbridge Beach. Located 15 minutes south of Virginia Beach, Sandbridge is quieter, calmer and less crowded than its more well-known neighbor.
Chic’s Beach
This idyllic beach situated on the Chesapeake Bay is where Virginia Beach locals go to avoid the crowds of the busier oceanside sun, surf and sand destinations. Giving off a relaxed, family-friendly vibe, Chic’s Beach has calmer waters that are perfect for kids to enjoy with the serenity and views that grown-ups are looking for. Be sure to pack the bodyboards and enjoy these gentle waves.
Cape Henlopen State Park
Delaware’s beaches can get crowded during the spring and summer months – and with good reason. They’re not far from DC, Baltimore, Philadelphia and New York. With several different beach towns each with their own personality, there’s something for everyone, which is why… they can get so crowded. Luckily, you can still find quiet places to wander and a sliver of beach to call your own at Cape Henlopen State Park. Enjoy listening to the waves and the shorebirds from the beach or hiking to the end of the point and feel like you’re standing on the edge of the world. You would hardly know that Rehoboth, Dewey and Bethany beaches were all a very short, crowded drive away.
Raffi’s classic album, “Baby Beluga”, was released nearly 40 years ago. Millions of people grew up singing along to the words of the title song which follows a little white whale through his happy day. Raffi’s music has helped spark both a public appreciation of a threatened species and Raffi’s own climate activism.
To celebrate the anniversary of the song and album, Raffi sings “Baby Beluga” accompanied by cellist Yo-Yo Ma in a new video which was recorded in their own homes. This continues the series of recorded at-home musical offerings that Ma began in March. This unique performance includes a new verse for adults, ““Now you’re grown and you’re on your way, making waves in the boundless bay, with your shining light and your dreams alive, for the ones you’ve brought this way. Grown up beluga, grown up beluga…”
The video will also be available on the brand-new official Raffi You Tube channel, and the audio will be available as a digital single on all services later this month. Profits will benefit The Climate Mobilization, a grassroots group working to restore a safe planet, and which has contributed to more than 1700 Climate Emergency Declarations around the world.
Raffi also invites #BelugaGrads and children of all abilities to submit their drawings for an upcoming “Baby Beluga” music video. Sketches of belugas or anything else they find inspiring are welcome. Go to BabyBeluga40.com for more information about how to submit artwork.
The celebration continues with the first official Raffi store, offering a range of special bundles around the beloved little white whale. The collection includes the longtime best-selling Baby Beluga book from Knopf/Random House Children’s Book which was recently re-issued with a fresh, updated cover and is included in a boxed set with two other Raffi favorites, Wheels on the Bus and Down By The Bay. An award-winning “Baby Beluga” cooperative board game is also available, offering social-emotional learning, environmental education, plus lots of fun. Explore more albums, books, games, videos and free printables now through www.Raffistore.com.
Since 2015, Baby Beluga has been streamed more than 25 million times on Apple Music and Spotify, and more than two million copies of the album have been sold since the original release on Jul. 10, 1980. “I think that kids love how the song makes them feel,” Raffi says. “The song plants a seed of love in young children, love for a magnificent aquatic creature. What you love, you want to protect. So, love for a beluga is symbolic for a greater love of our world of wonders, our big beautiful planet.”
As the nation’s zoos and aquariums begin to reopen, you and the kids can still enjoy all your fave animals! From underwater creatures like sharks, sea jellies and puffins to majestic lions, giraffes and elephants, there are plenty of live cams streaming at this very moment. Keep scrolling to find easy ways to find out what your furry (and slippery) friends are up to!
Editor’s note: We’re making every effort to provide you with the most up-to-date information. However, there may be last minute closures due to Covid-19. We highly recommend that you call ahead or check a park’s website before you pack your kids (and all those snacks, and diapers…) and haul them across town. Stay safe!
Looking for a day trip that combines fun, nature, and a whole lot of learning? Then point your compass south to Westmoreland State Park in Colonial Beach, Va. Just a 2-hour drive from DC, this gorgeous park features 1200 acres on the Potomac River’s Northern Neck. It’s a beautiful spot to take the kids for a day (or weekend) of hiking, camping, fishing, boating, swimming and–the best part–hunting for ancient shark teeth.
So. Many. Teeth. Millions of years ago, Westmoreland County, VA was under water and a breeding ground for sharks, including the Megalodon, which is said to be the ancestor of today’s Great White shark. If you scoop up some sand at the water’s edge and sift through the pebbles, beach glass and mollusk shells, you’ll soon catch a glimpse of a pointy triangular-shaped shark tooth that is most likely millions of years old. You’ll find teeth from sharks such as mako, cow, sand and tiger, and if you’re lucky you might even find the tooth of a Megalodon (some are the size of a human hand!). But the coolness doesn’t stop there; you’ll also come across other artifacts, such as whale vertebra, stingray dental plates and crocodile teeth.
Know Before You Go But why so many shark teeth? If your shark-loving lad asks you this question, you can remind him that sharks have an unlimited supply of teeth, which are not firmly set in their jaws but in their gums, where they appear in layered rows. If a tooth falls out, another one simply moves forward to take its place. That means lots of fun fossil finds for the rest of us!
Mark Your Calendar Combine your trip with the free public event Music on the Cliffs which takes place on July 18 and Sept. 19. Grab a lawn chair and enjoy the sounds of summer while taking in a spectacular view of the Potomac River. Pets are welcome at these events!
145 Cliff Rd.
Colonial Beach, VA
800-933-7275
Online: dcr.virginia.gov
Seattle kids are easy to spot. They count harbor seals as friends and know how magical an orca sighting is, even if they’ve spotted them before. For kids missing the Sound, we’ve rounded up activities, virtual camps and live shows that are as engaging and as they are educational. Dive in!
Tune in to Ocean Initiative’s virtual Marine Biology Camp on Mondays and Thursdays at 11 a.m. via Facebook or Instagram. Here, kids can hear from two local scientists (who are also parents) about whales, dolphins, sharks and other animals that call Puget Sound home. Send questions your kids have to the team ahead of time, or post them live during the convo. There’s always something interesting to learn or fun to do when you tune in.
Sing a Whale Song
...or rather listen to our resident orcas on the Killer Wale Tales website. There are three cool clips to tune in to, plus fact sheets and an activity book you can download, all dedicated to the pods that live in local waters.
Sit Down for Orca Story Time
Invite your tots to listen to a whale of a talelive via Zoom, on April 24 and May 1 at 11 a.m. Rein from the Washington Environmental Council will share a different story each week for kids to enjoy.
Aquarium from Anywhere
Just because you can’t be there, doesn’t mean you can’t experience the Seattle Aquarium at home. Sift through the many coloring sheets, code breaker activities, virtual story times, marine science games and more to keep the kids engaged with this local fave. Psst… their livestream webcams are always a hit too.
courtesy Seattle Whale Tales
Stream a Live Marine Science Show
Set your calendars for live STEM workshops on Mondays and Thursdays at 2 p.m. via Facebook, thanks to Gig Harbor based Harbor WildWatch. With a focus on local wildlife and waters, these workshops give kids the chance to ask questions and participate in easy experiments and activities at home.
Explore the Burke’s Beaked Whale
If your kids miss the impressive beaked whale that hangs from the ceiling at the Burke, they can get a look behind the scenes and find out how it was prepped and hung. Follow up this exploration with the Burke’s whale activity packet and shark hat craft and you’ve got your afternoon planned.
Pull out a few of these activity sheets courtesy of the Orca Research Trust and your kids will be entertained for hours. They’ve got story telling prompts, fact sheets, word searches, paper crafts and more, all geared for young kids looking to learn and have fun.
Spot Ocean Wildlife
Turns out that with WiFi you can pretty much go anywhere these days. So why not try to spot orcas with OrcaLab’s livestream? The cameras give six different views of Hanson Island up in B.C., an orca hotspot and also the home of OrcaLab.
Thar she blows! Ready for a whale of an adventure? Whale watching season is in full swing when the great gray whales are migrating south down the coast to Baja. As late as Apr. you can catch a glimpse of these majestic creatures by land, by sea or at a festival. Here are 3 ways your wee ones can see these gentle giants.
photo credit: Renata Kanclertz
Since your little captain goes gaga over the guppies in the pond at the park, imagine their delight when you spot a spouting 50 foot, 40 ton gray whale! And the story behind why the whales are so visible from Jan. to Apr. along the SoCal waters makes your own pregnancy discomfort memories pale—the gray whale is pregnant for a year and makes a 10,000 mile round trip journey from Alaska to Baja to deliver her 1500 pound baby. Now that’s a birthing story.
Have a Whale of a Time at the Whale Festival
The biggest festival for whales in the area is back. The Dana Point Festival of Whales takes place every Mar. when 40–50 whales pass by Dana Point each day, using the Dana Point Headland’s 200-foot cliffs as a landmark to check their migration path. On this festive weekend, you can find the perfect whale watching excursion for everyone, from several whale watching boats with tours of varying length (and price) to the opportunity to get a glimpse of these amazing mamas from land by hiking through the Headlands Conservation Park.
There are also tons of activities that entertain the kids while the whales are submerged, like a Rubber Ducky Race, Classic Car Show, Fishing Clinic, Diamond Dig (for treasure!) and more. Check the schedule of events for details.
photo: Barry Curtis/dolphinsafari.com
Hit the High Seas
If you’ve got your sea legs, the best way to see whales is to go to them. While no company can guarantee that you’ll see whales, it’s pretty much a given that if you keep peepers peeled, you will at least get up close and personal with some playful pods of dolphins and barking seals and sea lions. Most companies offer special rates for kids as well as tons of information about whale migration patterns, characteristics, and other interesting facts that will make your kid a whale expert.
Remember, when you’re on the boat, you’re stuck (in the best possible way), and there’s no turning around for snacks or jackets or anything else you might need. As always, when traveling with tots, it’s best to be prepared, and we have found these tips invaluable when sailing over the bounding main:
Bring sunscreen and layers. Sunshine reflects off the water on the most overcast of days, and even when it’s hot as blazes on land, it’s a good 20-30 degrees colder when you are on the water. Little fingers get cold; if you have ski mittens, now’s a good time to get extra use out of them.
Bring a waterproof jacket, because the spray from the ocean can get you wet.
If you’re worried about upset tummies on the water, go early. The seas tend to be calmer in the morning.
Forewarned is forearmed! Talk to the kids about all the animals they might see, so they’re as excited to see seagulls as the grays. Even in high season, you might not see a whale. But bring a notebook to record everything you do see, and treat each viewing with raptures and they won’t be disappointed. (We’ve never gone without at least seeing a load of dolphins!)
That notebook does double duty as a tic-tac-toe board or drawing pad. Bring it and/or something else to entertain the youngest members of your expedition who can get bored if there’s a long stretch with no sightings.
Landlubbers, Unite!
You’re the type that glamps, not camps, and your idea of a nautical adventure is Ralph Lauren boat shoes. Rocking is for chairs, not the deck you walk on. We’ve got two spots where you never have to leave land to catch sight of enough whales to satisfy Ahab.
Elegance with Mimosas & Sea Mammals
If hotels were sea creatures, Terranea would Moby Dick. It’s the big one, the one that stands out from the crowd. Years ago, the area was home to the largest oceanarium in the world, but now it’s the lap of luxury. It’s also a front-row seat to the migration show where you can lap up food and drinks while you peruse the pacific for the great grays. Here’s how we play it: park in the lot (for a fee) and explore the walking trails post-brunch. Keep your eye on the water—whales swim right past the point.
photo: Rancho Palos Verdes Parks & Recreation Department
Point to the Point
If your budget or timeline doesn’t allow for a hotel trip, grab your binoculars and follow the trails to Point Vicente Lighthouse. Right next door, you’ll find the Point Vicente Interpretive Center, one of the best shoreline spots for whale watching. It’s so good, in fact, that it’s where the Los Angeles chapter of the American Cetacean Society conducts its annual whale migration census. Every day from December to May, trained volunteers record the number, species and behavior of migrating whales, so you’ll find loads of people who can answer your budding mammologists questions.
Can’t squeeze a whale watching adventure into your packed spring schedule? (We get it! It’s t-ball to tutu’s all weekend, all spring.) May brings the start of the big blue whale season with the warmer waters.
We’d love to hear your tips for spotting these magnificent creatures! Let us know where and how you go whale watching.
We generally want our kiddos to say “yes” to the wonders of life, from trying out experiences as a family, a range of foods at the dinner table and different ways of thinking in the classroom. They now have a new role model with an eager attitude in Archibald Strutter, the literary-protagonist-turned-animated-star of the new Netflix series, Dreamworks Archibald’s Next Big Thing. Hitting the small screen on September 6, families now have a new show to enjoy together.
Archibald, so you know, is one confident chicken, envisioned by Tony Hale, star in his own right of Veep and Arrested Development and co-author with Tony Biaggne and Victor Huckabee of the original children’s book. Now Hale, as the voice of Archibald, joins famous guest voices like Julia Louis-Dreyfus and RuPaul to bring Archibald’s world—which is all about celebrating the journey, not just the destination—to life. Read on for valuable lessons little viewers can take away from Archibald’s adventures.
1. Say, “Yes!”
Whether he’s buzzing about with trusty sidekick Bea in his hometown of Crackridge, or flapping around his egg-shaped home with siblings Sage, Finly and Loy, Archibald doesn’t let a comfort zone stop him. Instead, he’s game to say “yes” to whatever opportunity comes his way, be it having a go at breakdancing, exploring a mysterious cave, trying a funny-looking fruit or getting to know a giant whale. He’s never afraid to give it a try.
2. Be a Cheerleader Archibald also encourages others to tag along. After all, you don’t have to be the best or the brightest at something in order to embrace the experience. Let’s be clear: this encouragement isn’t about peer pressure. Archibald respects others while seeing the benefits of celebrating life’s little joys and stretching one’s wings in the process.
3. Show Your True Self Youngsters are bound to relate to one of the different characters on the show, be it outdoorsy Sage, musical Finly, scientist Loy or Archibald himself, who doesn’t let anyone or anything pigeon-hole him. He is a chicken, after all, and he’s living life to its fullest. Whenever we express our truest selves, it’s all the easier to do so.
4. Look for the Best While making the most of the moment leads to exciting adventures, some sticky situations are bound to ensue—like, er, taking the door to a rocket ship rather than a restroom. The lesson here is that Archibald doesn’t let setbacks sour his attitude. He stays positive about the situation at hand as well as his cohorts. As Archibald would exclaim, “I’m going to go with adventure!”
Babies are the cutest companions but can also be the most daring explorers, which is why babyproofing your home is key once your little one becomes mobile. Looking to keep your kiddo safe without sacrificing your style? These products will do the trick—and you actually won’t mind having them in your house because they look that good.
Once in a while, you need a way to safely contain your little mover. This flexible hexagon play space is made with a sturdy steel frame, breathable mesh panels and a hinged door panel for simple, one-handed access. You can configure the panels however you like, or even mount the apparatus to the wall to create a convenient room divider. A serene gray-and-white color scheme with a cloud motif works well in both modern or traditional homes, so keeping baby safe at play stays easy on the eyes.
Sometimes you want your baby to have more freedom but not the complete run of the house. That’s where doorway gates come in handy. Fusion Gates has tons of styles, finishes and widths to choose from, all safe and certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA). The dual-mounted pressure gate is made with high-impact-resistant polycarbonate panels, aluminum framing and a steel hinge and latch, plus a one-finger finial for opening with ease. With screen designs ranging from trendy chevrons to a clean and classic Greek key border, there’s an option for every taste. The system also allows for interchangeable art screens so you can switch up your style.
In addition to blocking off doorways, you’ll want to secure your stairs so baby can’t do any unsupervised climbing. The Stair Barrier has contemporary and versatile options that can be quickly installed between a wall and bannister or between two bannisters, then unbuckled and rolled neatly to the side for safe access. The soft, expandable gates are lightweight yet durable with heavy-duty webbing, and they’re travel-ready for wherever you may go with baby in tow. Choose from styles like Just Black (pictured), Burlap Charcoal, or farmhouse-inspired stripes.
A potentially dangerous household item that babies seem to love is power cords. Keep yours safely out of the way and organized with this stylish and sleek box organizer. The box keeps a power strip or surge protector out of crawlers’ reach and effectively hides your chargers, power adaptors and various media cables, all of which can otherwise become a tangled mess. Rubber feet keep the box where it’s placed too!
Kitchen and bathroom cabinets and drawers are full of more potential dangers than most parents care to count. Keep them closed and far from curious hands with a set of discreet but super-strong locks that does the job thanks to the power of 3M adhesive and a magnetic locking mechanism. Each pack comes with four toddler-tested locks and a magnetic key that you keep out of children’s reach.
As soon as your baby starts cruising on furniture, you’ll realize just how many sharp corners are lurking around your house. Whether they're wood, glass, granite, ceramic, metal or plastic, you’ll want them covered in case your little one falls nearby. This 12-pack of extra thick, premium, high-density corner guards is a great, non-toxic choice and comes in plenty of color options to match your tables, counters, cabinets, fireplace hearth and more. Elf Star also has edge protectors for added safety and impact-absorbing benefits.
If you’re hoping to maintain your clean, white aesthetic after bringing kids into your home, look to Bink for modern babyproofing products, including Dots safety plugs for electric outlets, Up & Away to get blind cords safely stowed, and Bumpy Mini silicone safety corners for furniture. Our favorite is the simple but essential Doory, which acts as a doorway buffer to prevent accidental finger pinches. It’s non-toxic, fits over virtually every door width, and is designed to last throughout childhood.
Splish splash, baby’s taking a bath! The only problem is you can find yourselves in a seriously slippery situation. Enter the Kikkerland Whale Bath Mat. Its no-slip suction cups adhere the mat to the tub’s surface, and the latex-free, mildew-resistant natural rubber design keep it clean and safe for use with little ones. Stick this on the bottom of your bath and get baby suds up while staying secure.
Get your REDcard out: the new vineyard vines Target collab is coming soon—and you won’t want to miss any of the over 300 items in this exclusive new collection.
The popular lifestyle brand by brothers Shep and Ian Murray is a fashion fave for many reasons. Between the now-iconic smiling pink whale logo or the brand’s the classically relaxed style of Martha’s Vineyard, shoppers have flocked to vineyard vines in droves. Starting May 18 you can get all kinds of limited-edition vineyard vines apparel, home and outdoor goods you won’t find anywhere else.
The new collab features apparel, accessories, swim, pet, home and outdoor goods. According to Mark Tritton, executive vice president and chief merchandising officer at Target, “Vineyard vines is a brand that our guests know and love, and one that exemplifies our shared sense of optimism and joy through their use of bold colors and prints.” Prices range from $2 to $120, with most items under $35.
What else can you expect from vineyard vines at Target? Tritton also added, “We worked closely with the vineyard vines team to create a collection of well-designed, affordable items that are meant to bring people together, whether it’s for a shared meal with friends or a family trip to the beach. Launching just as summer kicks off, this is the perfect collection to help our guests create lasting memories with family and friends, all season long.”
Shop the vineyard vines for Target collection in stores and on Target.com from May 18 through Jul. 13.
