Boston families are lucky that we have tons of gorgeous national parks in New England that are just a road trip away. They make planning a last-minute spring break getaway easy. So pack your sense of adventure and a few other vacay essentials because these National Parks near Boston are bursting with mountains, caves and waterfalls to explore. Plus many are hosting special events for National Parks Week (starting April 16) that are worth the drive. Ready, set, plan!
Located in Maine, Acadia National Park offers trails along the granite shoreline that seem to rise from the sea. There are plenty of opportunities to learn about lobsters or search for harbor seals. The cool freshwater lakes and frothy saltwater tidal invite exploring, and there's plenty of yummy lobster dinners within reach. Acadia offers families dozens of activities beyond hiking, though the hiking is both excellent and most often very family-friendly. Pack your bikes for rides along the network of carriage roads, and blow your kids' minds at Thunder Hole, a partially submerged cave that booms about an hour before high tide.
Good to Know: While there is plenty to do for visitors of all ages and abilities, much of Acadia’s landscape is very rugged. If you’ve got wee ones in tow, a child’s backpack carrier just might save the trip. Late summer and early fall offer warm days, fewer crowds and typically chilly evenings, making it the perfect time for a visit.
Airbnb nearby: Minutes away from Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park, this charming modern home sits on five acres of land. Grill out, cook lobsters and let the kids enjoy the great outdoors. Be sure to bring your bikes, too!
Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historic Park, VT
Vermont's picturesque landscapes are legendary, so it's no surprise that this 500-acre park is on our list. Covered bridges and wide carriage trails, mountain pastures and peaceful ponds set the mood for family hikes around the park's 20 miles of trails. The mansion tours offered though the park help to break things up for kids looking to duck inside from spring showers. Like so many of the area's national parks, kids can earn a junior ranger badge here, too.
Airbnb nearby: Stay in this elegant log cabin, playfully named KAB-IN, to keep your family in touch with the natural world. It sleeps six in its 5 bedrooms and offers families space and privacy in a wooded setting that's still close to town. Or add an elegantly refinished barn to your family adventure. Trust us, this place really shines.
Cape Cod National Seashore
Lighthouses, miles and miles of beaches and seafood joints around every corner await your visit to Cape Cod. Head to the Cape Cod Children's Museum in Mashpee if you need some indoor time, or take a bike ride on the Shining Sea Bikeway when the temps allow. Check out this beach guide when you are ready for a day on the sand. Hint: there are even some areas of beach you can drive on.
Airbnb nearby: This classic Cape Cod cottage is totally cute and a great spot to stay on the Bay side of the cape. Or, go for this Truro home that has to-die-for views.
Boston Harbor Islands National & State Park
Made up of 34 islands and peninsulas, Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park is an urban oasis just minutes from Boston’s city center. Hop aboard a park ferry and discover islands rich with opportunities for outdoor recreation, relaxation and learning. You can pick up the ferry to the Harbor Islands in Boston or Hingham.
Georges Island, which encompasses 53 acres, is the largest and most popular Boston Harbor Island accessible by ferry. The main attraction at Georges Island is Fort Warren, a national historic landmark. Take a ranger-led tour of the island to hear about its history including the haunting by the Lady in Black.
Airbnb nearby: If you plan to take the ferry from Hingham, this beachfront home on Nantasket would be a great spot to spend some time. It sleeps 10 and you can take the ferry from there to downtown Boston in just over 20 minutes.
Immerse your family in majestic beauty when you visit the White Mountain National Forest. Running from eastern New Hampshire up into Maine, it's got excellent hiking trails and camping spots for families. From easy strolls to challenging hikes that should be saved for your kid's older years, finding a trail that's the right pace for your family is pretty much a piece of cake. Although fall is an ideal time to visit this heavily treed area, the park is just starting to wake up in spring, so you're bound to see blooms, birds and rushing rivers.
Airbnb nearby: Spend your vacation lounging along the river when you book this cabin getaway that sleeps seven, or enjoy lakeside living (think: boating, canoeing and SUPing) when you reserve this serene house.
Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Chances are you know someone who has hiked some of the Appalachian Trail (or maybe you have), as it's a super popular activity for New England college students. But it doesn't have to be the months-long hiking extravaganza when you bring along the kids. In fact, there are several areas of the trail that are well suited to day hikes so families can enjoy the beauty of the area without having to plan, pack and carry all that gear.
Airbnb nearby: This lakeside cabin is a great home base for exploring the trail nearby. You'll be just two hours from Boston but you'll feel so far away as you take in all the nature that surrounds the property.
Niagra Falls is one spot that the kids should definitely see. It's beyond amazing!
Bear Mountain State Park is a popular destination for New York city families looking for a quick getaway. In addition to hiking trails for all levels, there is a lake with boat rentals, a swimming pool, an ice rink in the winter, and a Trailside Zoo that's open seven days a week.
For history buffs, Gettysburg, the site of a key turning point in the Civil War, is a key destination. The war's bloodiest battle, it is of course the inspiration for Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address. The military park has its own visitor center and museum, and it's recommended you hit the museum before heading to the battlefield.
Bursting with epic waterfalls, spectacular views, fields of wildflowers, and quiet wooded areas for a family picnic, Shenandoah National Park is a great option for families.
Assateague Island National Seashore has sandy beaches, salt marshes, maritime forests and coastal bays. Oh, and you might even see some wild horses too.
Great Falls Park offers many opportunities to explore history and nature, all in a beautiful 800-acre park only 15 miles from the Nation's Capital.
Spring is officially upon us! With hours of daylight and beautiful warm weather, little ones can get out of the house to play and take in the fresh air.
With endless water and outdoor toys that are sure to transform your yard into the ultimate playland, Little Tikes® will keep your kids active for hours. From a range of water tables and sandboxes to inflatables and bounce houses, kiddos two to six years old will have a blast.
To help you pick the best toys for your backyard, here are five of our favorite springtime Little Tikes® toys:
Let your little Picasso’s imagination run wild with Little Tikes® 3-in-1 Paint & Play Backyard Easel. The inflatable art station offers three unique methods for painting, including a reusable printed scene that tots can color in with paint, a clear panel for tracing pictures and an opaque background for doodling a new masterpiece with every play. It even comes with all the paint and accessories you need to get creative.
The Little Tikes® Splash ‘n Spray Bouncer can turn your backyard into a mini waterpark. Kids three to eight years old can climb up the built-in ladder, splash and jump inside the bounce house’s small pool, and race down the slide. During hotter days, attach a garden hose to make water sprinkle and spray inside. Best of all, this bouncer comes with sandbags so it can be enjoyed year-round, inside playrooms and basements, or outside in the backyard.
Bring the essence of the beach to your yard with the Little Tikes® Turtle Sandbox. Toddlers will love the creative and sensory play as they dig through the sand, create shapes with molding toys or build a sandcastle. The adorable turtle-shaped sandbox features two built-in seats that provide your children a comfortable space to sit and play. To help keep cleanup easy, the turtle shell doubles as a lid to contain sand and toys while children take a snack break.
There’s no denying that kids love playing with water. Thanks to the Little Tikes® Easy Store™ Water Table, multiple water babies will have hours of fun while pouring water over the top rain shower tray, or scooping it up into cups, and watching it trickle down through the bucket and gears. What we love most about this water table is that it easily folds down compact for convenient storage or to take for some fun on the go.
Want to take your birthday parties, summer gatherings and even holiday celebrations to the next level? Little Tikes® FOAMO™ Foam Machine can do just the trick. Within minutes, create mountains of foam just by adding water and the included FOAMO™ solution to the machine. Soon enough, your house will be the place to be in the neighborhood!
Make your backyard the go-to space in your household this spring. With a yard full of Little Tikes® toys, your kids will be begging to go outside and play. To learn more about each product, check out littletikes.com.
Unsure of which Little Tikes® product your little tike will love? Take the quiz to find out!
We might, just might have made it through the crazy February weather in North Texas, which means those of us living in the metroplex will be lucky to enjoy spring weather for a month or two before the summer heat arrives. Now is the time to get out and enjoy all that Big D has to offer. We’ve picked our top 12 spots for the best things to do with kids in Dallas, so keep reading to see them all.
***Some of these spots might still have COVID restrictions, so be sure to check the website before planning your adventure!
This article is sponsored by Little Tikes®, which offers a variety of toys that’ll turn your backyard into a springtime playground. From water and outdoor kids’ toys to playhouses, ride-on cars and so much more, children two to six years old will be entertained for hours. To learn more about Little Tikes®’ products, visit littletikes.com.
Gabby Cullen
Wander Through the Dallas Arboretum
Quite possibly the most lovely spot in all of DFW, the world-renowned Dallas Arboretum is a favorite with locals and tourists alike. Calling over 66 acres in East Dallas home, this outdoor museum is a breath of fresh air for anyone who visits. There are rotation exhibits like Dallas Blooms, Autumn at the Arboretum, the Cool Thursday Concert Series, and the very popular 12 Days of Christmas. Kids will love Rory Meyer’s Children Garden, where you’ll find 17 living galleries created specifically for kids.
Insider Tip: Unless you have a membership, it’s a fairly pricey day. Be sure to buy tickets online, invest in membership or brave the Texas summer heat, when admission is only $1.
One of the most iconic buildings in the Dallas skyline is Reunion Tower, and the GeO-Deck offers jaw-dropping, 360-degree views of Dallas and its surrounding areas. Wander the glassed-in open-air observation deck. Get interactive with large touch screens, and check out the famous JFK assassination spot—Dealey Plaza—with one of the zooming cameras. As a bonus, Reunion Tower is located near DART’s Union Station, so you can ride the train in for the day!
Downtown Dallas is having a renaissance, and AT&T headquarters is a big part of that. The Discovery District has two restaurants, an AT&T experience store, the Globe (an interactive light and sound experience), a 104-foot media wall that wraps around headquarters, and a lush plaza that has a tree-lined outdoor seating and is home to “Golden Boy,” AT&T’s iconic century-old statue.
The oldest zoo in Texas offers 106 acres of outdoor fun! From the Children’s Zoo with a splash creek to the Giants of the Savannah exhibit, you can spend a whole day here, and you might not see everything. Feed the giraffes, play on the elephant statues, walk the gorilla trail, watch the hippos swim and wander through the reptile house. There are numerous family programs throughout the day including shows at Wonders of the Wild amphitheater and getting up close and personal during a Wild Encounter. Popular year-round events like Safari Nights and Dallas Zoo lights make this a great place for families. Don't forget to ride the carousel before you leave!
This hidden outdoor gem is just 10 miles away from downtown Dallas. With five miles of hiking trails, a nature exhibit chronicling the history of the Great Trinity Forest, a gift shop and even a bullfrog named Jeremiah, this LEED-certified center is a great way to learn about the natural landscape of Dallas. Bring plenty of water and a picnic lunch, and enjoy the 120 acres of space. Be on the lookout for native birds, otters, beavers and other critters.
Even when it isn't Texas State Fair season, there's plenty to see at Fair Park. Take in the largest public collection of Art Deco architecture in the United States, visit the African American Museum, Children's Aquarium at Fair Park and Texas Discovery Gardens before taking a short drive over to Deep Ellum for food and incredible wall art.
Gabby Cullen
Play in Klyde Warren Park
Located in the heart of Dallas, Klyde Warren Park is a gathering place for both Dallas residents and visitors alike. The 5.6-acre park is built over Woodall Rogers Freeway and offers sweeping views of the Dallas skyline. Food trucks line up daily, the Dallas Museum of Art is across the street, and from the stretch of lawn to the playground that has a climbing web and water features, a few hours will go by in a flash. You can often find dancers or musicians performing on the stage, there are outdoor movie nights on the weekends, fitness classes during the week and even a dog park. Mi Cocina, a popular Tex-Mex local chain, is set to open in the adjourning restaurant space, and the organization in charge of the park is currently working on several improvements, including expanding the children’s park, installing a new fountain and adding a 1.7-acre expansion.
Thought San Francisco had the monopoly on trolley rides? Think again and then grab a ride on the M Line Trolley from Uptown to the heart of the Arts District. It’s a 365-free-to-all ride that yes, comes with air conditioning for those crazy hot summer days. Park near or walk to any of the frequent stops in Uptown and be on the way.
Learn Cool New Things at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science
This museum is five floors of WOW, so choose wisely. You can challenge a T-Rex to a foot race, create an earthquake beneath your feet, view jaw-dropping crystals and gems, or take your littlest ones to the Children’s Musem, where they’ll be able to play in a Farmer’s Market, dig for dino bones, or climb the iconic Dallas skyline. Be sure to leave extra time to hang out in the water zone and frog park, which is at the front of the museum, but best left as the last stop.
It wouldn’t be Dallas if you didn’t explore NorthPark! A high-end mall, NorthPark has not only designer shopping but also Bread Winners Cafe and Bakery, which overlooks a lovely green space in the middle. There is a movie theater, LEGO and Disney stores, Bookmarks, a branch of the Dallas public library system, an indoor fountain that is the home of ducks and turtles, and even fine art like a few Andy Warhols and fantastic sculptures. The trains at NorthPark a must for the holiday season!
This historical district in Dallas has seen a renaissance in recent years. If you've got older kids, pay a visit to the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum. Older kids will also like the Sixth Floor Museum, along with Dealey Plaza and the grassy knoll—the area in Dallas where President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in 1963. Younger members of the family will enjoy the Dallas World Aquarium, and everyone will love the Museum of Illusions. Grab some grub at Burger IM and finish with a treat at Kokopelli Candy. There's also a new park where families can rest and enjoy the sunshine.
If the thought of an extended road trip has you feeling “meh,” why not take a fun-size vacation and still sleep in your own bed? We’ve found 11 day trip destinations from Seattle that will give your family more than enough to do, so you can stay for the day or a whole weekend. If you’re ready for one last hurrah over Labor Day weekend, gas up the car and read on!
Editor’s note: As things continue to change because of COVID-19, we recommend that you double check your destination to be sure that different attractions are open during this time.
Winthrop is a western-themed town that might be too far for the usual day trip, but if you start out early enough it’s worth it. A walk through downtown will make you feel like you are stepping back in time.
What to Do: You could start stretching your legs with a fairly short hike (on a paved trail) to the Falls Creek Waterfall which is about a quarter mile from the trail head. Or bring your bikes and travel down Susie Stephens Trail with the goal of crossing the Spring Creek Bridge which extends over the Methow River. For a little education lesson, make your way to the Methow Valley Interpretive Center (offering displays related to the original Native American inhabitants of the Methow Valley), the Shafer Museum (giving a glimpse of what life was like in town many years ago) or visit the Winthrop National Fish Hatchery.
When walking in town, be on the lookout for Glassworks of Winthrop where the owner, Garth blows glass and offers a little humor too. The Winthrop Rink offers roller skating during the summer and ice skating during the winter. For mealtime, East 20 Pizza is a favorite with families (where the dough and sauces are made in-house), The Duck Brand is the oldest saloon (and restaurant) in the Pacific Northwest, and don’t even think of leaving town without a stop at Sheri’s Sweet Shoppe to get one of their famous cinnamon rolls, a scoop of ice cream or nostalgic candy for the ride home.
Day Trip Tip: If you’re in town during Memorial Day or Labor Day weekends, be sure to visit the Methow Valley Rodeo which features several events for the kids including a stick horse race!
How far from Seattle: 107 miles (approximately a 2 hour drive)
The Ellensburg Rodeo has been a Labor Day tradition since 1923 and is known for being one of the Top 10 professional rodeos in the U.S.! This is what you'd call a big deal, with something for everyone.
What to Do: At the daily three-hour rodeo shows, each of the seven PRCA sanctioned rodeo events will be seen: bareback riding, tie-down roping, steer wrestling, saddle bronc riding, team roping, women’s barrel racing and bull riding. If you go on Saturday, you can start off by watching the Western Parade. Your tickets includes same-day admissions to the Kittitas County Fair and the Yakama Nation Indian Village offers free admission too. While at the fair, check out the Frontier Village where you have a chance to watch a blacksmith at work, learn to operate a crosscut saw, buy a soda, a pickle and some nickel candy. The area consists of historic buildings, including a schoolhouse. Dressed in their finest regalia, the Yakama Nation Village tribe opens each night of the rodeo with a traditional dance in the center of the arena. Spectators are often invited to join in the dance. Inside the village itself, you'll find about 25 to 30 teepees with more than 75 people participating to make your experience one to remember.
Ellensburg Rodeo 609 N. Main St. Ellensburg, WA 98926
Kittitas Valley Event Center 901 E. 7th Ave. Ellensburg, WA 98926
How far from Seattle: 80 miles (approximately a 1.5-2 hour drive)
There is so much to do and explore at Deception Pass with its sweeping views of Puget Sound, mountains, evergreen trees, sandy beaches, sand dunes, rocky hills, peaceful lakes and so much more. Of course, your kids won’t appreciate it all until they have to go back home. Or if getting back to nature isn't your thing, check out the Oak Harbor Music Festival (just 8.8 miles further).
What to Do: Plan to park near the Deception Pass Bridge and walk across for a spectacular view. You will need a Discover Pass to enter the 4,134-acre park. The park has the distinction of being placed between the fresh water Cranberry Lake (which has its own swimming area with a large dock to swim out to) and the salty Puget Sound. There are many hiking, biking and even horse trails that wind through the park, but for families with small children who would rather just stroll, take advantage of the paved nature trail which starts out in a heavy wooded section and then suddenly opens up to a view of the Sound and large sand dunes (which is also a great place for kids to play in).
The sandy beach is also a great place to practice your balancing skills on the logs or look for sea shells. And the park is a great place for clamming, crabbing and fishing and boasts plenty of picnic spots and easy restroom access. Be sure to pack swimsuits and towels even if you don’t plan to get wet because it’s hard to resist not jumping over the waves. Plan time to visit the Civilian Conservation Corps Interpretive Center in the Bowman Bay area of the park. Originally built in the 1930s, the building is now home to a museum cared for by the Washington State Parks staff. (Note: the center has been closed due to COVID-19, so double check that before you go.)
The Oak Harbor Music Festival (September 3-5) offers three days of free concerts plus a variety of arts and crafts booths and food vendors in Downtown Oak Harbor. Two stages performing music starting at 6 p.m. on Friday and 11 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Day Trip Tips: Want to save some money on parking? Plan to explore the park for free on a Discover Pass Free Day. Upcoming dates are: Aug. 25, Sept. 28 and Nov. 11 & 26, 2021.
Crystal Mountain Resort: Experience the Mountain Without the Snow
Allison Sutcliffe
How far from Seattle: 82 miles (approximately a 1.75-2.25 hour drive)
We often forget that mountain passes can still be as fun to visit during the summer as they are during the winter, and Crystal Mountain Resort is one of the best.
What to Do: Start off by riding the Mt. Rainier Gondola that will transport your family to the 6,872 summit of Crystal Mountain in about ten minutes. Do we really need to mention that you’ll see sweeping views of Mt. Rainier and the Cascade Range? This experience can make your ho-hum picnic lunch into something spectacular or you can plan to have lunch at the Summit House Restaurant. While at the top, plan on taking part in one of the fairly easily interpretive hikes led by a forest ranger.
Day Trip Tips: The Mount Rainier Gondola is open June 21-Sep. 1. View the hours here. Since the weather can change dramatically with the elevation, plan to dress in plenty of layers and wear comfortable shoes.
How far from Seattle: 30 miles (approximately a 30-45 minute drive without traffic)
Here’s an excursion that parents and grandparents who are fans of the old TV show and reboot will go crazy over, while pretending to be looking at the waterfall. Located just a short drive from the little town of Snoqualmie, Snoqualmie Falls is one of Washington state’s most popular scenic attractions. And there's a good reason why. The 270-foot waterfall is impressive! The Falls also boast a two-acre park, gift shop, observation deck and gorgeous Salish Lodge & Spa.
What to Do: At the visitor’s site for Snoqualmie Falls, there's a short sidewalk trail that will give you a good view of the majestic falls and will impress even the toughest pint-sized critics. The site is right next to the Salish Lodge & Spa where the former (and new remake) of Twin Peaks was filmed. Psst! Go inside the Lodge’s gift shop to find some Twin Peaks swag. Then, take a trip into the city of Snoqualmie to check out the Northwest Railway Museum. While you're there, consider taking a 75-minute excursion on the historic train for another view of the Falls and the Upper Snoqualmie Valley. The historic train ride is old, rickety and kids love it! On your way home, stop by Twede’s Café in North Bend (also known as The Double R Diner) for a slice of Twin Peaks cherry pie alongside a “damn fine cup o’ coffee!”
Day Trip Tips: The Northwest Railway Museum is located at 38625 S.E. King St. with trains departing daily. Special schedules and fares are usually offered on Father's Day Weekend, Day Out With Thomas, North Bend Festival, Snoqualmie Railroad Days, Labor Day Weekend, Grandparents' Day, Halloween and Christmas.
How far from Seattle: 135 miles (approximately a 2.5-3 hour drive)
Surrounded by beautiful mountains, Leavenworth is a small Bavarian-styled town that doesn’t skimp on the theming. Most of the architecture here is meant to look as if the buildings were plucked from Bavaria and then placed in Eastern Washington. And it's hugely popular any time of the year. Summertime is great with its hot dry weather, of course, but so is the fall with its changing leaves and Oktoberfest celebration; spring brings new budding flowers and wildflowers galore and during the winter, this place is decked out with thousands of Christmas lights. Since Leavenworth always seems to have something to celebrate, it makes for a great place to visit year-round.
What to Do: Leavenworth is very family-friendly. Bavarian music plays throughout the town (often live!) and many of the local shopkeepers dress in traditional “Bavarian wear.” Traditional food can also be found around every corner...not to mention the many ice cream and candy shops that line the streets. Psst! During the summer months, you can find art shows on the weekends at the Front Street Park. The town is also designed to be walkable, but if the tots get tired, you can always board the trolley that comes by every so often. And if all this isn’t enough to impress your petite posse, Leavenworth also boasts a handful of parks, swimming pool, miniature golf, arcade, movie theater and even a pump track to enjoy.
What to Do: The park offers a number of different trails and kid-friendly tours to give every family a chance to see Mother Nature at its finest without wearing them all out–unless of course, that is your goal. If you’ve never been, you might be surprised to learn that some trails are fairly short (1.5 miles long), paved and are often led by forest rangers. For families who want a little extra oomph with their visit, consider taking in a geocaching treasure hunt. But whatever you do, don’t leave the mountain without making a stop at the Sunrise Visitor Center set on the highest point of the mountain that can be reached by car. This awesome visitor center is full of interesting facts and interactive displays about mountains, glaciers, animals, wildflowers and more.
Day Trip Tips: Weather conditions can change quickly, so plan to dress in plenty of layers and wear comfortable shoes. Also, be sure to grab a snack and a souvenir from the gift shop located at Paradise Inn. And add a Mt. Rainier Park pass to your list of must-haves on this trip. You can get one online or grab it from the ranger station on the way into the park. Entrance fees are waived on August 25, September 25 and November 11 of 2021.
Mount Rainier National Park 55210 238th Ave. E. Ashford, WA 98304 360-569-2211 Online: nps.gov
How far from Seattle: 21.5 miles (approximately 1.5-2 hour drive including ferry ride)
With a little planning ahead of time, you can take your family on their own Amazing Race to Poulsbo. It's a mini adventure just waiting to be taken!
What to Do: First, board the Bainbridge Ferry in Seattle and be sure to take the kids to one of the ferry's decks to feel the wind blow through their hair and get a good look at their surroundings. Once on the other side, the cute little town of Poulsbo is just 11 miles down the road.
Poulsbo has a proud Norwegian heritage, though the town isn’t as themed out as Leavenworth. Still, there is a little bit of everything for everyone here. There are lots of shops to visit in downtown Poulsbo, outdoor activities like kayaking around Liberty Bay and a Sea Discovery Center to explore as well as taste-testing real Lutefisk and ice cream shops and eateries for stopping at on the way back to the car. Psst! Time your visit during one of the town's many festivals for even more family fun.
Day Trip Tips: Visit the Washington State Department of Transportation ferries website to start planning this day trip. And while in Poulsbo, be sure to explore the many parks the city has to offer (15 city parks, totaling 137 acres!) as well as plan a stop at Sluys Poulsbo Bakery for a sweet treat or afternoon pick-me-up. The quaint, family-run bakery offers breads, donuts, cookies and pastries along with coffee, a perfect accompaniment for the trek home.
How far from Seattle: 47 miles (approximately a 1.5 hour drive)
Those who have visited Wallace Falls often go back again and again. The hikes are fun and the waterfall is majestic. And the popular, well maintained path along the Wallace River has all the bells and whistles for a fantastic family outing.
What to Do: Of course, the main attraction here is the 265-foot tall waterfall where the view just gets better the higher you go on the trails. However, the downside is that the higher you go, the harder the hike is, so this is an experience for families with older children and physically fit parents. One trail is shorter, but also steeper while the old logging trail is fairly easy, but longer. Psst! Groups of hikers often go up one trail and come down the other to get the full experience. After you and your crew are good and tired and back at your car, drive a little further to Gold Bar and stop at Zeke’s Drive In for an iconic Zeke’s Burger and a milkshake. It's definitely the cherry on top of this family outing. Zeke's is located at 43918 State Route 2 in Gold Bar.
Day Trip Tips: A Discover Pass is required for parking, so plan to purchase one before you head out. If you're lucky, you’ll find a ton of wild blackberries ready to be snatched up on your trek. And while at the Falls, be sure to stay on the marked trails as the hills can get pretty slippery.
Wallace Falls State Park 14503 Wallace Lake Rd. Gold Bar, WA 98251 360-793-0420 Online: parks.state.wa.us
South Everett & Mukilteo: Planes, Trains & Ferry Boats
How far from Seattle: 28 miles (approximately a 30 minute drive without traffic)
In just one day, your family can experience the making of an airplane, learn how trains work and travel across the sea.
What to Do: Start your day off with a Future of Flight and Boeing Factory Tour to learn the dynamics of flight, experience new aviation innovations, design your own airplane and learn how planes are made. Then, tour the Boeing Assembly Plant inside the world’s largest building. After you've had your aviation fix, travel to the Mukilteo Ferry Dock (which is less than 15 minutes away) to board the ferry for a round trip tour (about 45-60 minutes). Psst! Before boarding the ferry, consider grabbing a quick fish and chip’s meal at Ivar's Mukilteo Landing outdoor fish bar. After your ferry ride, head back towards Downtown Everett to visit the Imagine Children’s Museum where your kids can touch and explore the Museum's awesome exhibits and check out the Monte Cristo Railroad and Railway Collector Train display.
Day Trip Tips: If you and your crew still have energy, stop off at the Funko Headquarters for a pop culture explosion and enjoy a gourmet pizza at Major League Pizza. (The Boeing Factory Tour has been closed due to COVID-19 so be sure to double-check before going.)
Future of Flight and Boeing Factory Tour 8415 Paine Field Blvd. Mukilteo, WA 98275 425-438-8100 Online: futureofflight.org
Seattle Center: How to Have Fun for Little or No Money
Okay, so what if you want to get away for the day, but you don’t want to drive far and you don’t have a lot of cash to spend? Believe it or not, there is a lot to see and do for free (or virtually free) right in our own backyard at the Seattle Center.
What to Do: First of all, plan your outing during one of the Center’s celebrations which are held every month. You and your kids can learn a thing or two about different cultures and enjoy authentic music, dance, art and more – all for free! Then, travel around the grounds and really see all of the wonderful artwork, sculptures, water fountains and plants that you are usually too busy to see when rushing to a show or museum exhibit. Be sure to make a stop at the Artist at Play playground near MoPOP, it's a must-do and will keep the kids busy for a long (long!) time. After they’ve worked up a sweat, bring them over to the International Fountain to cool off while you sit back and enjoy the music and laugh at the crazy people getting soaked down below. Psst! Don't forget to stop by the Armory for lunch or an afternoon treat and be sure to bring your camera for the endless photo opps. If you're feeling flush, take your crew to the top of the Space Needle to take in the Emerald City from the new revolving glass observation deck that's 520 feet above or take the Monorail to downtown Seattle for more adventures.
Day Trip Tips: Street parking is usually cheaper than the parking garages. Want to turn this into a bigger adventure? Consider taking the bus. Or better yet, go on a Sunday when street parking is free. And even if you don’t plan on buying anything, be sure to visit the gift shops at MoPOP and the Space Needle. They often have lots of fun Seattle-centric trinkets to look at and you just might find that one thing you didn’t know you needed!
Seattle Center 305 Harrison St. Seattle, WA 98109 206-684-7200 Online: seattlecenter.com
Are you one of those people who hate putting away your Christmas tree? Thanks to this emerging trend, you don’t have to!
Instead of packing up your tree, now you can decorate it for every season and holiday of the season. These festive options include St. Patrick’s Day, Summer, Thanksgiving and more! If you need some design inspiration, keep scrolling to see how you can decorate the entire year round.
Valentine's Day
It's the season of love, candy and hearts––perfect sentiments and images for a decorative tree. This Valentine's Day, don't shy away from fully embracing all the pinks and reds. Whether it's a colored, flocked tree, or a heart-focused design, you can't go wrong with going all out.
Channel your inner Irish and embrace all colors of green with a St. Patrick's Day tree. Go crazy with shamrocks, hats and rainbows and you may just find yourself with a wee bit 'o extra luck this year.
Pastels, bunnies and eggs, oh my! Sweet Easter trees are just what your spring decor has been missing and is the perfect place for the Easter Bunny to leave a few treats.
Christmas is almost here! The countdown is on, but there's still plenty of time to embrace the things you love about autumn the most––pumpkin spice, leaves and all those lovely earth tones.
Spring break vacations were grounded in the name of social distancing, but that doesn’t have to stop you from experiencing the world! Head out on the virtual highway, see what’s happening outside your 4 walls and gather ideas for planning your next family vacay when we’re free to roam. From squeal-worthy kittens to town squares in ancient cities, we promise we have a cam for you!
First Step: Make the Family (Virgin) Piña Coladas
Caribe Hilton
Channel tropical island vibes with 1950s inspo from Caribe Hilton — an iconic resort in San Juan, Puerto Rico that coined the original Piña Colada recipe. Caribe bartender Ramón “Monchito” Marrero created the drink in 1954 while mixing tropical fruits to come up with a refreshing welcome drink for hotel guests. The first Piña Coladas were non-alcoholic and made in a shaker (blenders didn’t yet exist). It wasn’t until years later that Monchito added local rum to his concoction and created what’s known as the world’s most popular vacation cocktail.
After serving the Piña Colada for 35 years, Monchito’s signature beverage was declared the official drink of Puerto Rico. Using the recipe below, families can recreate the original Piña Colada (hold the rum!) for the ultimate ‘mocktail’ that’ll have everyone in your house day-dreaming of sunshine, sand, and palm trees.
Caribe Hilton’s Original Piña Colada (Virgin!)
1 oz. coconut cream
1 oz. heavy cream
6 oz. pineapple juice
½ cup crushed ice
Directions
Mix cream of coconut, heavy cream and pineapple juice in a blender. Add ice and mix for 15 seconds. Serve in a 12 oz. glass and garnish with fresh pineapple and a cherry. Parents can add 2 oz. of rum to create the signature libation.
MLB is on a hiatus for now, but check in on the iconic Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs, via the webcam with views of the famous sign. Wave to the runners you'll see periodically move across the screen and dream of warm summer days getting a sunburn in the bleacher seats, heckling anyone putting ketchup on their hot dog.
Watch the adorable wild California sea lions bask in the sun at Pier 39 via a live webcam and learn the fascinating history of how they came to call this urban locale, with views of Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge, home.
For other ideas on how to see San Fran from home, read our story here.
Birch Aquarium's two-story, 70,000-gallon Giant Kelp Tank houses Leopard Sharks, Moray Eels, an endangered Giant Black Sea Bass and much more! You can take in the peaceful views of these magnificent underwater creatures 24/7 via their Live Kelp Cam. Just be advised the tank is naturally lit by sunlight during the day, so it goes dark at night.
San Diego Zoo Safari Park: San Diego, CA
Ken Bohn, San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Slip into your favorite khakis and pretend you're on an African safari. San Diego Zoo Safari Park offers a giraffe cam to see giraffes and rhinos roaming the African Plains habitat, a tiger cam that shows majestic tigers sleeping and prowling and a view of gentle tusked giants on the elephant cam. San Diego Zoo also has a brand new baboon cam where you can watch primates foraging, grooming, exploring, relaxing and just being outright adorable!
For other ideas on exploring San Diego from a safe distance, read our story here.
Brooklyn Cat Cafe was one of the first cat cafes in the US and the only one in New York City run by a non-profit animal rescue organization, Brooklyn Bridge Animal Welfare Coalition (BBAWC). The cafe's mission is to save the city's cats while offering a hip and inviting destination where cat lovers of all ages can interact with adoptable animals. Their live kitten cam offers views of their kitten terrarium which houses a rotating cast of kitten families not yet ready to interact with people or other cats.
Fun fact: members of the SNL set design crew helped in the design and creation of the space.
The sound of waves crashing, the smell of salt in the air, and the sea breeze tangling your toddler's hair into a bird's-nest-like style may not be in your future, but Hotel del Coronado's live beach cam offers a glimpse at the calming ocean waves.
The Western Wall: Jerusalem, Israel
Maria Chambers
Traditional Easter plans may be going out to pasture, but how about a visit to Jerusalem's Western Wall? Some believe this wall is a direct line to the big guy and visitors come to pray and write prayers on bits of paper they place in cracks of the wall. Twice a year, these written prayers are collected and buried in the cemetery at Mount of Olives, a mountain ridge adjacent to the Old City that's been used as a Jewish cemetery for over 3,000 years. You can view the site via the Western Wall live cam. Interesting fact: You'll see a dividing line down the middle. The left side is for men and the right women. They cannot pray together.
Be introduced via live webcam one of the most popular attractions in Rome, the Piazza di Spagna with views of the Spanish Steps and Bernini’s Fountain of the Ugly Boat. You can even hear the soothing sounds of the fountain flowing with the square emptied. At the right-hand corner of the Spanish Steps is the home of British Poet John Keats, who gave us the quote, "Do you not see how necessary a world of pains and troubles is to school an intelligence and make it a soul?" Seems fitting for these times.
With over 2,000 years of history, the Roman Colosseum has over 6 million visitors per year. After it's completion in the year 80, it allowed more than 50,000 people to view exotic animals, executions of prisoners, recreations of battles and gladiator fights. You won't see any of that now, but via the Colosseum live webcam you can visit this wonder of the world and the ruins of the gladiator gymnasium.
Take in views of Verrazzano Bridge, Freedom Tower and the Statue of Liberty from a live webcam at The Liberty Warehouse, the only spot in NY where Lady Liberty's face is front as she looks to France, who gifted us this symbol of hope as a symbol of friendship.
For other webcam views of the Statue of Liberty, click here.
Sit hand-in-hand and take a virtual stroll along the beach to enjoy California coastal views via The Cliff Restaurant's live webcam. The beaches are emptied and quiet with everyone socially distancing, but you can see the seagulls diving for their snacks.
You'll want your Piña Colada poured and on the ready for this one. Paradise Island is best known as the home of the sprawling Atlantis with its 141-acre water park filled with 20 million gallons of water. The stunning blues of the Caribbean are within your reach via the Paradise Island webcam. You can even turn on the music feature to add a little local ambiance.
Scratch that cabin fever itch with the Space Needle Webcam. The 360-degree views show the ocean, ferries coming in from Bainbridge, Seattle's museums and the mountain.
For other ideas on exploring Seattle virtually, read our story here.
Old Faithful and the Upper Geyser Basin: Yellowstone National Park, WY
And there she blows! A family visit to Yellowstone National Park, the country's numero uno national park, tops many travel bucket lists. Mostly due to the legendary Old Faithful geyser. It erupts every 35 to 120 minutes for 1 1/2 to 5 minutes at a time and reaches max height ranges from 90 to 184 feet. While your road trip will have to wait, get excited watching its show via the live webcam.
Check in on the symbol of our nation, the bald eagle. The Raptor Resource Project team constructed a nest near a trout hatchery in Decorah, Iowa, in the hopes that two recently evicted eagles would take it over and build upon it. Their dreams were realized and now you can watch as the eagles come back each year to raise another brood via the webcam.
Channel Islands Kelp Forest: Channel Islands, CA
National Park Service
Enjoy the calming effects of Channel Islands Kelp Forest, which sits in the landing cove of Anacapa Island, one of five islands in Channel Islands National Park off the coast of Southern California. The kelp's movements in the water are almost hypnotic, which will be useful for toddlers in need of a 'lil catnap. It's home to one thousand marine species, so keep your eyes peeled for one of them to visit your screen.
Do NOT be fooled. Giant flying foxes are NOT actually foxes. They are bats. The giant flying fox cam lets you observe the largest species of bat in the world, the Malayan flying fox, which can have a wingspan of 6'. Not 6". 6'. Like the size of a human male.
Space fans will love checking on the International Space Station live cam that includes internal views when the crew is on-duty and Earth views when they're having downtime. The video feed includes audio of conversations between the crew and Mission Control. With the Space Station orbiting Earth every 90 minutes, you'll see a sunrise or sunset about every 45 minutes. Even when the external camera appears black you can sometimes catch a lightning show or city lights from below.
The webcam at Churchill Northern Studies Center is located directly underneath the aurora oval, making it one of the best places in the world to watch the aurora borealis, a.ka. the Northern Lights. Best views of the show are during the months of February and March.
If you get sucked into watching these live feeds and want to fall down a rabbit hole of webcams, check out an impressively diverse collection on Explore.com.
— Maria Chambers, co-written with 12yo co-working daughter, Tate Barnes
Even though spring has spring and summer is barely peeking around the corner, we’re already thinking about Halloween! Netflix’s Stranger Things at Universal Studios will making its return this fall and here’s what you need to know about this awesome experience.
Universal Orlando Resort’s Halloween Horror Nights will transport you to Hawkins, Indiana for an all-new haunted house experience that features some of your fave—and terrifying—scenes from Stranger Things 2 and 3. If you’re a West Coast-er, don’t worry. The Stranger Things haunted house attraction will make its way to Universal Studios Hollywood this fall, too!
So what can you expect from this kind of creepy attraction? Only the best, and scariest, parts of the series. Think snarling Demodogs and iconic locations such as Chief Hopper’s cabin and the newly-revealed Starcourt Mall that will feature prominently in Stranger Things 3, scheduled to premiere this summer on Netflix.
Along with the Stranger Things-themed Halloween hoopla, Universal Orlando will also feature 10 haunted houses, five scare zones and live entertainment during its 2019 Horror Nights. The event runs from Sep. 6 through Nov. 2, 2019 and tickets are available now. Buy a Flex Ticket by Jun. 5 and get a second night free; tickets are only good for Sunday through Friday event dates, cannot be used on two consecutive nights and are available online only.
You like hearing the conductor shout as the engine chugs slowly back in time, the kids like the wild west cowboys and robbers, everyone digs the fantastic scenery, and one thing is certain—there’s something about trains. Whatever it is, families can have a full day of exploration and excitement while riding the rails. Read on to discover our picks for the country’s most dazzling train rides for kids.
The COASTER is a commuter train that runs north and south along the San Diego County coast from the Santa Fe Depot in downtown to Oceanside. Plan to stop in one of the coastal communities and pack a picnic to enjoy at the beach. Or, just enjoy the view of the Pacific Ocean along the route.
Begin by planning a trip by checking out the COASTER's online schedule. It should be noted that fares vary from start-to-end zone. For example, an adult round-trip fare from downtown San Diego to Oceanside (through 3 zones) is $11. Kids 5 and under ride free.
You'll see oceanfront trails, marshes, cranberry bogs, sweet little towns and other stuff you can't see from the road when you ride the rails on the Cape Cod Central Railroad. There are special events throughout the year for families, such as the Easter train, the Polar Express and the Sunday brunch train.
Once you've checked out all the buildings that make up the National Landmark Museum, hop aboard the train for a 90-minute train ride towards the Ruth mining district near Ely, Nevada. You and your crew can choose between the open-air car, the coach, or the caboose (check out the details here) Regulars rides depart the station on a daily basis, but there are seasonal and themed rides as well: the Pony Express ride, the Rockin’ & Rollin’ Geology Train, the Star Train, the Ghost Train among others.
The historic Heber Valley Railroad calls the idyllic hamlet of Heber Valley, Utah, home. The train runs along the world-famous Provo river and offers impressive views of Mt. Timpanogos. Opt for a lazy ride along the river, or choose between adventure packages: Reins 'n’ Trains, Raft 'n' Rails and the Wilderness Zip Line. The special train events are also popular, offering themed rides like Dinosaur Days, Wizard’s Train, Wild West Days, the Hobo Train and of course, the North Pole Express. Dubbed the “Heber Creeper,” folklore claims the train had to “creep” along the treacherous pass through Provo Canyon, lending the locomotive its now legendary moniker.
Insider Tip: When catching a ride on the Creeper, be on the lookout for Black Jack Raven and the Soldier Hollow Gang, they may be lurking in the trees awaiting your arrival!
The Tuckasegee River Excursion, traveling 32 miles round trip through old railroad towns and scenic meadows, is a family favorite. From over 125 species of trees to the beauty of the Smoky Mountains, riders can revel in some of the most beautiful natural scenery in America. The little ones will go wild on one of the various specialty excursions, including the Freedom Train, The Great Pumpkin Patch Express and The Polar Express™, while older kids will want to try the Tarzan Train, which involves ziplining through the Smoky Mountains!
Insider Tip: The Ride & Trail excursion will take riders up the mountains in a customized jeep—past waterfalls and lakes—to the Appalachian Trail and back.
All aboard for a train ride into Gold Hill Country! When riding the rails of the Virginia Truckee Railroad, choose between the tiny-traveler-friendly, 35-minute adventure—go through Tunnel No. 4, take a 1600 ft descent to the valley floor, watch for mines, silver and ore veins, stop at Gold Hill to see the train depot, the Liberty Engine Fire Company monument and the 1859 Gold Hill Hotel—or opt for the longer Sisters in History route that begins in Carson City and includes view of old mining ghost towns, wild mustangs and a three-hour tour of Virginia City.
Insider Tip: Check out Virginia City’s calendar before taking a ride. There are fun festivals and events happening throughout the year.
From spring blossoms to summer greens and bold fall colors, you can capture the changing beauty of Oregon’s seasons when taking the Odell Excursion, the most popular route on the Mount Hood Railroad. Stretch little legs and nosh on a seasonal boxed lunch (available for purchase) at Odell, a 30-minute turnaround stop offering spectacular views of Mount Hood and Mount Adams.
Insider Tip: The food offered on the trip is seasonal, fresh and local produce is from the Columbia River Valley.
The historic, 50-mile round-trip adventure on the Texas State Railroad takes riders through the scenic piney woods and hardwood creek bottoms of East Texas. Depart from the Victorian Style Depot in Rusk, cross over the Neches River and stop at the Palestine Depot for lunch (be sure to check out Eilenberger’s Bakery), before taking the 1.5-hour return trip. There are several special trips offered throughout the year, including the Teddy Bear’s Train Ride, the Pumpkin Patch Express, Father’s Day BBQ Train, the Happy Hobo and The Patriot Train. The Texas State Railroad is also the home of The Lone Ranger®; so if any bandits board the train, he’ll arrive in time to save the day!
Insider Tip: Want to stay a while? The Texas State Railroad campground in Rusk is filled with family-friendly amenities: a splash zone, nature trail, General Store, shuffleboard and more.
Narrow is right! The rails are only three feet wide and climb an astonishing 3,000 feet through the mountains. Originally built to carry gold and silver down from the peaks, this historic train now delights in carrying passengers behind vintage steam locomotives with bright shiny colors. Relive the sights and sounds of yesteryear for a spectacular journey.
Insider Tip: The Prospector Car is the only enclosed family-with-wee-ones-friendly car. Other options include the open-air gondola and the vintage coach, which provide sweeping views of the mountains.
All aboard to the Grand Canyon! From 65 miles out, this adventure trip takes travelers to the edge of the canyon and back. Ride along the Colorado Plateau from the open desert to the pine mountains. This fun jaunt includes a visit from historical characters from the Wild Wild West. The Annual Pumpkin Patch ride is also great fun, and everyone is encouraged to wear costumes and brave the haunted rail car to select pumpkins from the patch only accessible by train.
Insider Tip: The extremely popular Polar Express Ride is now taking reservations for the Nov. - Dec. 2018 rides. Call 888-848-3511 or go online to make a reservation today.
As America's oldest short-line railroad, Strasburg Railroad is full of authentic family fun. This gigantic coal-burning steam train, complete with an old-fashioned conductor, was built to carry people and freight over 175 years ago and now travels through the scenic Pennsylvania Dutch Countryside and the state's large Amish areas. The Strasburg Railroad holds several exciting events throughout the year for the little ones, like Day Out With Thomas™ and the Great Train Robbery.
Insider Tip: For your littlest passengers, try the Cranky Cars. The kids can take control of these mini hand-propelled cars and crank their way around a track.
This funky train is a one-of-a-kind adventure! It carries passengers up a three-mile-long trestle on the steepest railroad tracks in North America, to the 6,288-foot summit of Mount Washington. Once at the top, admire the awesome panoramic view, spanning the mountains and valleys of New Hampshire, Maine and Vermont, north into Canada, and east to the Atlantic Ocean. The Cog Railway runs from Apr.-Dec.
Insider Tip: Be on the lookout for the service house defying the laws of geometry along the steep grade!
Our new series, Family Tales, is an honest peek into the daily lives of families across the country who are on this crazy ride we call parenthood! From divulging childcare costs to breaking down family finances to managing bedtime routines with multiple kids, we tap into the Red Tricycle army of parents to find out how they’re making it work. This series is a judgment-free zone.
Interested in telling your story? Start by filling out our questionnaire here. All stories are anonymous.
I Suck at Living in the Moment: Are My 3 Kids and $30K in Childcare Costs to Blame?
My age and occupation: 40, grant writer My partner’s age and occupation: 41, data analyst Annual household income: $250,000 City: New York City
Childcare costs per year: $30,000 paid over the table How we found our childcare: word of mouth Our kid(s) ages: 5, 7 and 10
A household income of $250,000 may get you far in other places of the country, but NYC is different. It’s expensive. I mean, everything is expensive: mortgage, groceries, after-school care, you name it. This price tag for living in one of the greatest cities on earth has taken a toll of my sanity.
We have three kids who are all young enough to need supervision 24/7 so we’re financially (and emotionally) stretched thin trying to make it all work. Sometimes I feel like I get bogged down in the challenges of the day-to-day. Sometimes I feel like my kids are professional whiners, fighters and procrastinators. They seriously drive me nuts and it’s easy to get lost in the daily chaos, but they’re also adorable and they’ll never be this little again.
Even though it’s not easy I tell myself all the time, enjoy your kids because we don’t get this time back. And try to be gentle with yourself. Another thing I tell myself often. I suck at both, but I try.
Morning
With three kids, mornings are a team effort. My husband and I work together to get all three kids up. This requires multiple trips to their room and always starts from gently asking them to get up to sometimes shouting because nothing else will work.
One of us will usually carry our five year old downstairs and put him on the couch where he continues to sleep (what a life, huh?). But even though he’s still snoozing, he’s actually a step ahead because he puts his school clothes on to sleep in at bedtime (that’s one battle we don’t have to deal with in the a.m.). My girls (the older two) are a little better. They’re older so a bit more self-sufficient at this point.
Once everyone is dressed and ready, we gather the lunches and remind everyone to make sure they have their homework folder in their bags. Then we’re off to school….usually late.
Mid-day
I’m working at home and my husband is at work. We sometimes text about things related to the kids, but I try to use this kid-free time to concentrate on my job because I know once everyone is home there is no time for anything else.
I pick the kids up at their after-school program, which we spend $30,000 a year for. They have made a lot of friends at this program, which makes me happy. There are less expensive programs, but the programming and staff at those places are kind of mediocre, which is why we enrolled all three kids in this one and pay top dollar for. I know soon my kids will be older and we won’t have to spring for such a pricey program.
photo: Ayren Jackson-Cannady
Once we get home, we finish homework but that sounds a lot easier and straightforward than it actually is. It’s a lot of repeating myself. It’s a lot of telling the kids to stop fighting. I start to think about what to make for dinner, aka my daily nightmare.
Evening
I hate cooking. My kids are so unappreciative. I throw something easy together like frozen ravioli (again), my kids complain and then I tell them to have a few more bites at least a few times. After dinner I let them watch a show on TV and they begin to fight over what show or whose turn it is to pick. 20 minutes later a show is picked and usually one of the three is whining or sulking in the corner.
If I had to do it all over again I might have waited a few years to have kids. I feel like we could have been a little more established financially in our careers. But you’re never really ready to be a parent.
Bedtime
Finally, it’s time to get ready for bed. Every night I can expect a ton of protesting about teeth brushing. They only shower twice a week: weekend and one mid-week. Except in the summer when they are sweaty and sticky from running around and slathered in sunscreen. Showering twice a week eliminates any further bedtime battles and musical bathtubs we end up playing with three kids.
It’s 8:30 p.m. and bedtime! I relish all the hugs and kisses I get at bedtime—it makes me momentarily forget all the bedtime shenanigans that were happening five minutes earlier. Once in their rooms, there’s a 60% chance they’ll all actually stay there. Usually they come down to tell me something they forgot to tell me before. Or they want more milk. Or to ask us what we’re watching on TV. If only I had a dollar for every time one of my kids procrastinated going to sleep.
photo: Jacqui Boland
But, by now I’m on my second glass of wine and debating if I can stay up to watch Netflix or if I should just go to bed. I decide on the latter. I head upstairs and my husband stays downstairs and falls asleep on the couch watching bad TV and will come to bed around 3 a.m.
I fall asleep thinking that we have so much to be grateful for, but I also wish I had more breathing room. We have $100K in student loans and we’re both 40 years old. I wish we could save more for our kids future and our own retirement. Raising kids in NYC is expensive. Our kids have zero for college.
I soon drift off. In just a few hours, it will all start over again…
Our new series, Family Tales, is an honest peek into the daily lives of families across the country who are on this crazy ride we call parenthood! From divulging childcare costs to breaking down family finances to managing bedtime routines with multiple kids, we tap into the Red Tricycle army of parents to find out how they’re making it work. This series is a judgment-free zone.
Interested in telling your story? Start by filling out our questionnaire here. All stories are anonymous.
In honor of Mother’s Day, we want to talk women. Women rock! We are smart, strong, playful, loving, nurturing, tough, funny, good listeners and talkative. As women, and as parents, we rely on our community of friends. We want our girls to develop their own strength that comes both from within and from their community. Girl Group, in Atwater Village, helps them figure out how to do just that. Discover the growing place that offers classes, workshops and camps just (mostly) for girls.
What is Girl Group?
The mission of Girl Group is to create a space where girls can think, ask questions, share knowledge and work together to figure out their changing world. The inspirational women who created and run the group are committed to creating a strength driven, community-building experience for girls through talk, action and mentorship.
Now offering public and private workshops and camps, the group initially began with the weekly ‘Girl Group’ group meetings. Groups of Little Girls (7-10) or Big Girls (10-14) gather weekly to explore a weekly theme and learn concrete tools and strategies to help navigate the journey to adulthood. Girls use writing, conversation, art and movement to work through these topics and the things that are currently going on in their own lives, relationships and friendships.
Like Girl Scouts, With Badges in Emotions
Each series of classes runs for 8 weeks and has a theme. For example, if the spring theme is “Metaphor,” girls play with old clichés and create their own metaphors to convey their thoughts and feelings. Within each theme, girls explore relevant topics like wonderful bodies, intuition, friendship, nest building, journal keeping, respect, active listening and stress management.
Like Vegas, Except, Not At All
One of the first rules of Girl Group is “what happens in Girl Group stays in Girl Group,” which allows the girls to feel free to say anything. And while every mom instinct is dying to ask what they talked about, resist. Because your patience just might be rewarded. Once they feel more comfortable with some of their thoughts and feelings, they’re more likely to share them.
OG GG Girls
“Girl Group is the group we wish we’d had when we were young.” That’s how the “original girls” and driving forces of the group describe it. These are women that you feel are your instant BFFs; it’s no wonder girls feel so comfortable sharing, learning and growing with them. They perfectly compliment each others skills: Wesley Stahler is a licensed marriage and family therapist, registered drama therapist and early childhood mental health clinician. Tanya Ward Goodman is a writer who focuses on family and caregiving topics. Both are mothers of young daughters, so they get it as girls and they get it as moms. In fact, there’s no one better to explain where the need Girl Group arose, and their guiding principles.
Wesley: “My need to begin Girl Group began from my longing to inherit a guide from my mother when I was 10. This was the year my parents announced they were getting divorced. This imaginary guide from my mother would have shared her thoughts from when she was in elementary school on up on her development, socially, mentally and physically. I wanted to know that my thoughts, my feelings and my body were normal. I needed confirmation and guidance that I was ok.”
Tanya: “Dolly Parton said, ‘Find out who you are and do it on purpose.’ But how to find out? I write to figure things out, so I always talk about keeping a notebook, but I encourage the girls to use what they find most useful. There are no rules, only suggestions. You can use a hammer to place a nail in the wall, but you can also use the hard sole of a shoe. Find your tool, use it the way that makes the most sense to you.”
Where the Parents Are
If Atwater Village is a little far for a weekly class, or you’re looking for a way to participate alongside your girl, they offer amazing (like life and relationship changing) workshops. Workshops change all the time, so check the website to see what’s coming up, but some past and upcoming workshops include Love Notes (where mom or dad and daughter bring in baby photos and work on strategies for cultivating tenderness and brainstorm ways to nurture each other, and themselves, the way you would care for a baby), Soothing Strategies (parent and child create an individual blend of tea and gain mindfulness tools) or Together Time (moms and daughters carve out time to really connect by making beaded bracelets that speak for you and talking about ways to stay connected even on tough days).
The success of these workshops has spurred the group to offer their first workshops for Mom only on how to mother yourself the way you mother your child, and the first parent-son workshop on Combating Boredom (aka, screen time stinks and other ways kids can amuse themselves when parents say they’ve had enough ipad play!).
Girls Of Summer
Woot woot! Girl Group is also launching a new summer camp this year. Spots are extremely limited for this one week June camp, so contact them now if it sounds like something your girl would like.
What About Boy Group?
Beyond the upcoming Combating Boredom workshop, there’s more male-ness coming to GG. Boy Group workshops are beginning this summer with weekly Boy Group beginning Fall 2016 being lead by a wonderful mindfulness teacher/practitioner, teacher at Marlborough School for Girls and father.
Growing Group for Growing Girls
A newer, bigger space is currently under construction and should be completed in September 2016. They’ve done so much so far, and we can’t wait to see what else they can do, with more space and bigger digs!