Put some boots on and saddle up for a horse ride like no other. San Diego is a renowned horse destination and that means there are plenty of horse enthusiasts nearby to give you a gentler experience. Whether you’re looking for a little gallop on the trails, a leisurely trot on the beach at sunset, or a relaxing pony ride for littles, you’ll find plenty of options. If you’re not ready to mount up, you can choose to ride behind, in a horse-drawn carriage that’s perfect for any age or ability. Read on to see where you can let the kids “horse around”.
Splash in the ocean with your horse on a sunset beach ride. Surfside Ranch will bring the horses to you on the only beach in San Diego that allows horseback riding! Enjoy the cool ocean breeze, look for dolphins in the surf and take in one of the most unique experiences that San Diego has to offer. (Age 8+)
Little buckaroos will love riding these gentle ponies as they’re hand-led by adults. It’s perfect for timid kids because they take a lot of care for cautious first-time riders and those under 8 who aren’t old enough for horse rides. There’s even a petting zoo where kids can feed and pet the farm animals for Ages: 1-8.
Pony Land 2606 Hollister St., Imperial Beach 619-947-3152 Online: ponylandsandiego.com
Learn how to ride like the best of them at Rawhide Ranch. Families will become ranch hands for the day and get a taste of what life was like in the Wild West, all while building character development of integrity, respect and personal growth. They offer summer sleepaway camps, weekend camps, weekday camps, Fall family camps, Winter camps, Ranch Days, along with vaulting camps (gymnastics on horseback!) are available. They were even voted top 22 camps in the USA.
Rawhide Ranch 6987 West Lilac Rd., Bonsall 760-758-0083 Online: rawhideranch.com
Choose from a scenic trail ride along the Sutherland Dam, ride through the vineyards, take on a challenging obstacle course for seasoned riders or take a short ride around their ranch. But if you don’t even want to get on a horse and still want to experience one, you can pair up with a horse to brush, feed, pet and just talk to as you get more comfortable around them. The best part is they cater to one group or family at a time, so it’s a private experience. Stop by their petting zoo or book a Wild West birthday party. (Ages 12 & up for trail rides, Ages 12 & under for hand-led or free-range arena rides)
Adventures On Horseback Ranch 21123 Sutherland Dam Rd., Ramona 760-670-8050 Online: aohranch.com
After your guided trail ride around a beautifully landscaped setting, relax at the pool or patio fire pits at The Ranch at Bandy Canyon. You can even stay for the night in one of their rustic cabins, go for a hike, take a horse-drawn carriage ride, stop by the petting zoo or the barn to pet the horses. Family cabins come with bunk beds and kitchenettes to make for a fun horse-filled family staycation.
The Ranch at Bandy Canyon 16251 Bandy Canyon Rd., Escondido 760-654-6169 Online: bandycanyon.com
Saddle up and relax while the horses (and guides) take you on a trail riding adventure around Lake Hodges. You’ll leave all your cares behind as you immerse yourself in nature and enjoy the lake views while on the back of a gentle horse. If you want to learn more, sign up for horse camp, group or private riding lessons.
Hop into a covered horse-drawn carriage while you sip local wine (littles will sip grape juice) and cruise over the hills and through vineyards in Temecula. The sweet owners have a child and also offer seasonal experiences like visiting the Easter Bunny or Santa inside their decorated barn “workshop”. This is truly an unforgettable experience that’s perfect for a special day or to make any day special.
Portlanders love the outdoors and animals, and with COVID keeping us close to home many families have considered growing and raising animals and plants for fun, hope, and sustenance. New to gardening and want to grow fresh food for your family this summer? Here’s our handy guide to getting your very own urban farm up and running. Read on for all the details on digging in!
You don’t need a ton of space to grow a lot of food! Even a sunny balcony or patio can yield a surprising amount. Be sure to choose a location that allows for maximum sun, but a little shade during part of the day is nice during the summer months, to keep tender veggies from burning. For minimal to no outdoor space, try a kitchen herb box on a windowsill, or contact Portland Parks & Recreation to find out about a low-cost community garden plot in one of more than 30 community gardens all over the city. Have a little more space? Container gardening is a great choice for balconies, patios, rentals, and small spaces. If you have room for a raised bed, there are resources for building a simple box of your own, and Portland Edible Gardens will even build one for you! Maximize space by choosing unused areas like parking strips and grassy medians between driveways. A water-hogging lawn can be transformed into an in-ground garden with a little effort, yielding big results.
Prepare the Soil
Good food grows from the soil up! If you want to feed yourself well, you need to feed the soil first. Portland Nursery has a wealth of information available on their website to help you determine soil health. Metro Master Gardeners, of the OSU Master Garden Extension program, can also help, including soil test kits to figure out the presence of lead and other potentially harmful toxins. Smaller container gardens and raised beds can be topped with bagged potting soil available at local nurseries. For larger raised beds and in-ground gardens, local topsoil options for delivery and pickup include Foster Fuel and Deans. For a slower burn, try lasagne-style sheet mulching to suppress grass and weeds. Layer cardboard, manure, and straw directly over the grass, and wait a month or two to harness the power of earthworms and microbes to turn it all into fertile soil. You can add a layer of topsoil before planting.
Make a Plan
For small raised beds, Square Foot Gardening is a great beginner method with gratifying high-yield results. Choose from dozens of books on the method or browse the official website for resources, including affordable online courses from certified instructors. The OSU Extension program has a short guide on raised bed planting as well. No matter what method you choose, draw a sketch of your garden and mark out what plants you plan to grow. Different plants have different germination-to-harvest rates, meaning you can grow quick-growing veggies like radishes in between rows of slower-growing carrots. You'll also want to think about how much space each plant will require. A sketch will help you estimate space requirements, as well as think ahead to fall and winter crops. Check out Portland Nursery's handy planting calendar for fruits and veggies to learn more. Keep your sketches in a designated folder or notebook so you can refer back to it later. For multiple beds and single beds alike, succession planting will help you rotate your crops and reduce pest pressure in future seasons. Take advantage of online instructional videos like the ones at Portland Edible Gardens.
Before you get your plants in the ground, it's a good idea to think about how you'll water them. Hand-watering with a hose, bucket, or watering can is the simplest choice, appropriate for containers and single raised beds. For multiple raised beds and larger areas, consider a soaker hose that you can wind through plants. Connect one end to your hose and let it irrigate plants while you weed or harvest. Raised bed irrigation kits take automated watering to the next level. Add a timer to take the guesswork out of it. For in-ground gardens, you can purchase irrigation supplies in bulk for more savings.
Plant
Now the fun part! Get those plants in the ground! You can purchase starts (young plants in small containers) for most vegetables, but some plants do better from seed, like carrots and radishes, because they don't like to be moved. You may choose to plant certain things from seed to save money, or experience the magic of watching a plant grow. Consider your timing as well. If you're just getting started in June, for example, you may want to pick up larger tomato starts to ensure you get to eat those tasty ripe fruits before summer wanes. Lay out your plant starts (or draw lines in the soil if planting seeds), following package directions for spacing and seed depth. If you need extra guidance on planting or any of the steps above, Growing Gardens offers virtual consulting to meet your level of experience.
Tend and Harvest
For best results, keep soil loose, moist, and weed-free throughout the growing season. Read up on individual crop preferences. Potatoes, for example, need to dry out at a certain point to keep tubers from rotting underground. Alliums like garlic and onions have similar needs. Plan ahead so you can easily block water to those crops while watering others, using goof plugs on irrigation lines. Watch for pest pressure and consult local experts if you're having trouble defending crops against slugs, caterpillars, or other pests. Many organic methods exist to preserve your harvest while respecting Mother Nature! The Master Gardeners at OSU Extension Programs have a well-established Ask an Expert process for fielding your questions about pest control and many other gardening solutions.
For even more of an urban farm experience, consider hosting your own flock! Portland allows for up to three backyard chickens or ducks without a permit, but roosters are prohibited. Buy chicks, pullets, and ducklings from established nurseries and hatcheries, who do their best to send you home with female birds. (Most offer a 90% sexing guarantee.) Due to recent high demand, you'll want to call ahead or email to join waiting lists. Naomi's Organic Farm Supply is nearing the end of their chick orders, but check the website for updates. They're also a great resource for hen and duck supplies! In Portland and Gresham, Burns Feed Store offers chicks from February through mid-August, and Woodburn's Pete's Hatchery will even mail your chicks to you!
The Portland Metro area is filled with nurseries, farm supply stores, and nonprofits ready to help you get growing. They're working hard during the pandemic to keep customers safe and supplied. So return the favor and buy local whenever possible! With a little planning and some patience, you can get everything you need locally to grow a great garden this year.
OSU Extension Master Gardener Program Visit the website for your local extension office, and for more information on online events including free or low-cost classes in veggie gardening.
Coronavirus specifics: The shop is closed to the public, but open for online orders. Email your order on any day except Tuesdays and Wednesdays, when staff closes orders. Emails sent after 5 pm Monday and before opening on Thursday will be deleted. This is to stay on top of orders!
Portland Nursery 5050 SE Stark St. 503-231-5050 9000 SE Division St. 503-788-9000 Online: portlandnursery.com
Tony's Garden Center 10300 SE Holgate Blvd 503-760-7718 Online: tonysgarden.com
Coronavirus specifics: Store is open to the public. Wear a mask and observe social distancing guidelines. Taped markers throughout the nursery show appropriate distancing when waiting in line or browsing. Open Daily 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Garden Fever 3433 NE 24th Ave. info@gardenfever.com Online: gardenfever.com
Coronavirus specifics: Open for paid order pickup Wednesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Download and attach order forms online, and email. Staff will call to collect payment and explain pickup.
Burns Feed Store 29215 SE Orient Drive Gresham, OR 97080 503-663-3246 Online: burnsfeed.com
Pete's Hatchery 13148 NE Portland Rd. Gervais OR 97026 844-307-4777 Online: peteshatchery.com
Mt. Scott Fuel (soil) 6904 SE Foster Rd. 503-774-3241 Online: mtscottfuel.com
I'm Brianne Manz, once a fashion showroom owner turned mom and blogger/writer. I live in Battery Park with my husband, our three children & our puppy Cooper.
As much as I love summer & summer dresses, fall is my favorite season in New York City. There’s nothing quite like the changing colors in Central Park. But fall in the north east can be a tricky time for fashion! We continue to have bright sunny days but overall cooler temps. I find myself constantly asking, should I bring a layer or not? I love a cozy knit but sometimes I get too hot. And I love a dress but they aren’t always warm enough. I also start to pull out all my jeans around this time of year after having put them away for summer. I have gathered some of my current favorites to help inspire us all during this gorgeous season!
1
Forrest Wool Coat
$895
Chic for fall, this oversized trench-style jacket has an exaggerated, relaxed silhouette with a hood, double-breasted buttons down center front, a wide belt and twin patch pockets at front.
Our 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 a virtual school year 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.
Distance Learning Is Not My Family’s Ideal Choice. Here’s How We’re Making It Work.
Name and occupation: Beth Shea, San Diego Editor at Red Tricycle My partner’s occupation: Sales Manager City: San Diego, CA Grades my kids are in: daughter in 8th, son in 4th. They go to the same public school. School set-up in 2020: Our school district is currently only offering distance learning. When they get the green light to go back to school in-person, the students will be split into attending morning or afternoon sessions to lessen the amount of kids on campus at one time. Many precautions and safety protocols will be in place and my kids will go back to school as soon as they’re allowed to.
The concept of ending summer to head “back to school” was an even harder sell for my kids this year since none of the excitement of seeing classmates and teachers and returning to campus was on the table. Our school district even gave our kids several extra weeks of summer in an effort to drop off the state’s Covid-19 watch list and return to in-person learning. We did in fact drop off the list, but then got word that school would still only be offered virtually for the time being. The yo-yoing and excitement over the prospect of going back and the disappointment of realizing this year there was no “back” in “back to school” has made this an emotionally and mentally draining time for our whole family.
My kids are ready to step out from behind the screens and go back to school. They are both social butterflies and extroverts and they enjoy absolutely nothing about being isolated behind a screen for hours on end every day. They learn better when lessons are taught in person and they thrive in settings where they can interact with their peers. Seeing them at home all this time is akin to watching beautiful birds who have had their wings clipped.
I’m trying to use this distance learning experience to teach my kids some vital life skills: grit, resilience, and how to adapt to change. Thus far, we have been dealing with a pretty steep learning curve of failed log-ins, links that don’t connect and online portals we can’t access… but we’re all trying to keep our cool and our sanity and have a lot of grace for each other and the teachers on the other end trying to orchestrate all of these moving parts.
Morning Routine: Up Early to Prepare for the Day
Luckily we’re all early risers, so we wake up ready to greet the new day and sit around the table for breakfast. My kids start school at 8:50 a.m. so it allows for a nice, leisurely start to the day. I also use this early morning time to make sure my kids’ laptops are charged, that the learning supplies they need are close at hand, and that they can log-on to all of their various applications. We save our passwords and bookmark important pages so all they need to do is click and go.
One issue we had to correct was that our Wifi signal wasn’t reaching far enough to provide a strong enough signal. My daughter’s Zoom calls kept freezing or dropping, which led to panic. We purchased this WiFi booster, programmed it, and now it “boosts” the WiFi signal so it reaches her room and enables a strong signal.
After breakfast we all go to our own corners of the house to log-on for school and work. I fill each of us a large bottle of water in our respective reusable water bottles, and I pop a packet of Ultima Replenisher Electrolyte Hydration Powder in each bottle. San Diego’s hottest temperatures are during the fall months, so I like to make sure we’re all staying hydrated––especially since dehydration leads to fatigue and immune stress. (Hydration is important during winter too!) These handy packets come in a variety of flavors from lemonade to raspberry and they really make it easy to get our necessary water intake alongside 6 electrolytes and trace minerals.
Both of my kids start their day with an hour and a half long Zoom session of STEM learning, followed by a mid-morning snack break. They like the option of staying connected on their Zoom call during snack break to chat and eat alongside their classmates. After snack they log on to their next major chunk of learning for the day, their hour and a half long session of Humanities. Next comes independent work, reading time and PE or music lessons (my son is learning to play the recorder).
Mid-Morning to Lunchtime: We All Head to Our Separate Workspaces, Kind Of
I spent the summer preparing for the inevitable eventuality of distance learning by making sure my kids had functional, comfortable workspaces tailored to their liking. They set up their own desk decor and even have some fidget toys on hand to get them through long Zoom calls: we like these stress balls. I’m currently on the hunt for a cushion for my son’s desk chair because he’s not ergonomically well-positioned at his computer. I have my eye on this chair cushion to provide a boost and comfort.
Another absolute must-have for every member of our family for distance learning and work: CalmOptics blue light blocking glasses. Now that we’re all on screens for a large part of the day, it’s essential that we wear these protective glasses to prevent eye strain, itchy eyes, headaches and even trouble sleeping––which can all be caused by blue light from screens. We love our glasses so much we even wear them to watch TV and my son wears them when playing video games as well. They’re a lifesaver anytime you have to look at a screen. CalmOptics glasses come in multiple sizes for little kids, teens and adults, so everyone’s covered––and the styles and colors are super cute too.
It’s vital that we all have our own separate workspaces because we all work better with no distractions. I work while my kids are in their rooms on their school calls, and they just give a shout if they need me––usually to solve a tech issue.
While I have a home office, I find myself migrating around the house a lot more with my laptop to be closer to my kids as we acclimate to connecting to Zoom calls and sorting out all the various school programs they need to navigate online. They often have questions and need support during these early weeks of this new way of doing school, so it’s easier for me to be nearby. My kids have always been respectful of my need to do my job (I’ve worked from home their whole lives), so they understand that more often than not, their downtime is my work time. When my kids were physically at school, I had large chunks of time alone to complete my work. Nowadays I have been working more late nights when it’s silent and I can work uninterrupted.
Throughout the Day: Staying Organized Saves Our Sanity
As mentioned, my kids’ school days are set up in chunks of time for each class subject. We all prefer tangible paper trails and dry erase boards over digital calendars, so I printed up and posted their schedules on the dining room wall so we can all see at a glance what’s happening when and so we all know when snack and lunch breaks take place. I have a magnetic dry erase board on my fridge that functions as my brain outside my body. Without it, I’d be lost. My daughter also got this weekly dry erase board for her wall to keep her assignments straight.
I also read a study that it’s really good for kids’ organization if they keep track of their assignments and to-do lists in written form, so we’re big fans of paper planners.
Lunchtime & Multiple Meet-Ups At the Kitchen Table to Check-in
The kitchen table is the heart of our home. The kids have daily snack time (from 10:10-10:30 a.m.) and lunch time (from 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.), so we all sit together to eat and discuss what’s happening and what needs to be accomplished. I offer them fresh, healthy brain foods to keep them alert and energized. I make sure we have tons of grab and go fruit on hand as well as their favorite snacks and food so this downtime is something they look forward to and enjoy.
It’s the silver lining of home learning that we get to spend time together throughout the day and I’m up to speed on how they’re coming along with their schoolwork and privy to what they’re working on.
After School: Getting Off Screens & Outdoors is Vital to Our Happiness
Whether we’re taking an educational field trip to San Diego Botanic Garden, heading to soccer practice, riding scooters and skateboards or walking the dog, we usually can’t wait to get out of the house and into the great outdoors at the end of the virtual school day. It’s the most important part of our day to break away from screens, get fresh air and clear and reset our minds. School ends for both of my kids between 2-3 p.m. each day, depending on whether they have PE or music or need to finish up classwork that was assigned for the day. Normally, they’re out of in-person school at 2:50 p.m., so this means some days we get more free time (including no commute or long school pick-up lines), which I don’t miss.
None of us are fans of distance learning, but we’re grateful we have supportive teachers and the ability to rise to this unprecedented occasion from home. I know my kids will never again take for granted the ability to walk onto their school campus to see their friends and attend classes in person.
Interested in telling your story? Start by filling out our questionnaire here. All stories are anonymous.
Last June my family lost our beloved Labrador, Ralphie. It was a devastating loss that was shocking and sudden even though our boy was almost 14 years old. We spent much of the summer crying and being sad, but I still had two energetic little boys who needed me to fill their long summer days. And so, we summer camped and vacationed and road tripped. Through it all we laughed, we cried, we mourned, and we healed. Bit by bit and day by day we moved forward until we found ourselves smiling at his memory instead of crying.
The boys asked for a puppy, begged for a puppy and then finally gave up on us as the days stretched into months and their asking fell on deaf ears. While I knew our family needed a dog, I wasn’t sure that I was ready for a new puppy. I had forgotten the manual on how to raise one. I was so much younger the first time around and had gotten used to the calm and easy life that an old dog provides. No accidents, no frantic energy and no puppy teeth as sharp as razors.
Eventually, my husband and I decided to surprise the kids with a new dog. We researched breeders and were delighted to find a litter available a few days before Christmas. I ordered dog beds and bowls and toys and hid them around the house and then the week before the holiday we piled our boys in the car under the guise that we would be visiting family for an early Christmas celebration. No questions were asked as we pulled off the road just outside the breeder and handed each one of our boys a wrapped gift.
We videoed their reactions as each one excitedly tore into the paper. Immediately our older son began crying tears of joy after seeing the tiny red dog harness that we had wrapped up. He could not contain his happiness. It was the exact reaction we had hoped for. However, as we panned the camera to our younger son we were shocked to hear “I don’t want a new dog! Noooooo…it’s not our dog, it’s your dog! I want Ralphie.” Stubborn, strong-willed and fiercely loyal we probably should have been expecting this reaction, but we were genuinely shocked. “It’s ok,” we told him “you can just go look at the puppies.” “Nooooooooo!” He cried before becoming inconsolable.
My husband and I exchanged glances and laughed nervously before slowly driving up the long driveway to the breeder’s home. At this point our son was hysterical and our attempts to calm him were met with resistance and more tears. We sat awkwardly in the car with our crying child trying to decide the best course of action. We had 45 minutes to pick out and pick up our puppy and were given a specific time frame in which to do so. Having been the 3rd family to request this litter meant we were 3rd on the list to pick and the precious minutes were ticking by. All eyes were on us. No, I mean literally…the greeters were staring at our car as we sat with a screaming child inside.
At this point I was worried they would even let a dog go home with us. I turned to my youngest and said, “Nicholas, we need to go inside and see these puppies and we are going to choose one to bring home. You can either join us or wait here by the car.” His choice was to remain steadfastly in that car and so we got out, waved goodbye and headed to the gate. Now to be clear, we were inside a locked driveway, the car doors were unlocked and our youngest is almost 8. When he digs in…you must as well. But just before we entered, he did exactly what I hoped and anticipated which was to come running toward us. I’m sorry but once you see a lab puppy you can’t help but fall in love and that’s exactly what our whole family did. It was hard to choose because they were all so adorable.
My husband immediately asked, “which is the calmest?” The breeder pointed to one in a black collar and one without a collar. “What about this guy in the orange collar?” asked my oldest. “Oh, he’s the most rambunctious and our favorite” the breeder replied as orange collar climbed on top of his sleeping siblings to lay down. And who do you think our children chose? That’s right…. orange.
We’ve now had orange collar for two weeks and have since named him Murphy. He is all the things I thought I wasn’t ready for…a biter with teeth like razors, he pees in the house and has copious amounts of crazy energy. He also has brought a light back into our family. Our children adore him…. even my youngest son who came around as soon as he saw those sweet puppies. Even the middle of the night potty breaks can’t take away from our joy.
We brought home a lab in the hopes that he would be like our last dog…the best one that ever lived. And though Murphy is little like Ralphie, his special and unique little personality makes us love him in his own right. So, as I run him around the yard in the warm winter sun, I turn my head to the heavens and say a thank you to the past as we look toward the future.
I am the proud mom of 2 energetic little boys, an 11 year old dog and sometimes my husband! Life moves pretty fast, if you dont look around once in a while...then you can pretend you dont see the piled up dirty laundry, dishes and never ending trails of toys!
If you’re looking for ocean waves, the scent of funnel cake and saltwater taffy, all while trying to find the very best tourist t-shirt, let us be your guide. Seeped in classic American culture, Ocean City, Maryland is the perfect spot for a quintessential beach boardwalk experience. Full of family fun (even in the shoulder season), history and sunshine, here’s why you need to explore this iconic east coast city.
What to Do
Gabby Cullen
“There’s something for everyone,” says Hyatt Place general manager Andrew Friedman—and, it's true! During the summer months (which sees 300,000 people on an average weekend), visitors can enjoy the 26th Street Movies on the Beach series, concerts, surfing contests, family beach Olympics and festivals galore. If you want to skip the crowds, the fall and the holiday season offer plenty of fun too, like the Sunfest—an art festival with music, food and vendors, the Great Pumpkin Race, Halloween Beach Maze, Light-Up Downtown Winter Festival and, of course, fireworks on New Year’s Eve.
Gabby Cullen
No matter what the season, a stroll down the boardwalk is a must: You’ll find all the classic traditions. Play skee ball and ride coasters at theJolly Roger, wait in line forThrasher's famous fries, get ice cream at Dumser’s Dairyland and stock up on saltwater taffy at Dolle’s. There’s also the beach—a 10-mile pristine stretch of sand. Don't forget to stop byMalibu’s for the scoop on where to ride the best waves or to sign up for surf lessons. Or, rent bikes and explore in half the time.
Gabby Cullen
At the far end of the boardwalk near the inlet is the Life-Saving Museum, perfect if you want to get away from the crowds and the beat the heat. You’ll learn about the history of the Life-Saving Service, which later became the U.S. Coast Guard, and the history of Ocean City itself, with artifacts and images from Native American tribes, founding families and equipment used by service members in the 19th-Century. There are a few “please touch” placards, a kids’ room upstairs and fish tanks filled with local species. They offer a Little Learners Program from Jan. to May, there's a daily aquarium feeding and free programs during the summer months and paranormal investigations in Oct.!
Where to Eat
Gabby Cullen
Besides the classic boardwalk food, make every effort to stop by iconic Fractured Prune Donuts, an Ocean City institution since 1976, as well as Franco's, for New York-style pizza. For a change of pace, make your way towards the bay side of town. Fish Tales is at the top of this writer's list; there’s an impressive playground for kids, sandy outdoor seating and a varied menu: be sure to try the Ahi tuna tacos and the Maryland crab soup. Head's up: Fish Tales is a hotspot. Be prepared for a significant wait—there was still a line out the door in September. For lovely bay views try BLU Crabhouse & Raw Bar. There’s plenty of outdoor seating and an ambitious menu that includes classic seaside cuisine like crab cakes (fried or boiled), all-you-can-eat crab and of course, oysters on the half shell.
Where to Stay
courtesy Hyatt Place
Hyatt Place is a great pick for families. It opened its doors in the fall of 2018; there are 105 rooms (56 of them are oceanfront), an indoor and outdoor pool, a buffet breakfast serving cage-free eggs, all-natural bacon, steel-cut oats, fruit, pastries and other kid-friendly food. In the summer and shoulder seasons, you'll find make-your-own sundaes on Fridays, and in the summer there's face painting, children’s entertainers and Mermaid Mondays.
Other amenities include high chairs, coloring books for kids, a 24/7 restaurant (menu items include a chicken and brie club, New England cobb salad and a Beyond Meat burger) a marketplace with sweets and snacks, and if you happen to forget something at home, you can ask the front desk for a variety of items including a flat or curling iron, a white noise machine, water wings and pool noodles.
Each room boasts an ocean view and a cozy corner sofa, and if you want more space for the kids, opt to book one of the 863 square-footone-room suites that come equipped with a king bed, sleeper sofa and kitchenette. The hotel offers free parking, is located on the quiet end of the boardwalk and is located directly above Franco’s, an iconic pizza restaurant that’s been serving New York-style pies for 30 years. Click here to check rates and book a room.
How to Get There
Gabby Cullen
You can fly directly to Salisbury, MD (SBY), which is a 30-minute drive from Ocean City, or you can opt to fly into Baltimore, D.C. or Philadelphia and drive as each city is just at or under a three-hour drive.
New seasons mean new and cool products in the parenting world. From the perfect gift you’ll want to snag for holiday gifting to gear you need for yourself, read on for 12 new and cool gadgets, products and apparel our editors are coveting right now.
Hatch Rest+
Hatch Rest
If you love products that have multiple functionalities and will grow with your kids, get ready to be wowed by the new Hatch Rest+. This new product boasts features you already love about Rest (think sound machine, night light and time-to-rise) but is suped up with added elements like an LED clock, rechargeable battery when the power goes out, hands-free Alexa voice control, WiFi and wait for it...a two-way audio baby monitor. Whether you’re in the midnight feeding stage or the “please stay in your bedroom until 7 a.m.” big kid phase, Hatch Rest+ has you covered. Available at hatchbaby.com (starts shipping Oct. 15, 2019).
The Honest Company Soothing Therapy Collection
The Honest Company
For eczema-prone skin, finding the right skincare solution is like playing a game of musical chairs. Try this, then try that and hope it works. Honest’s new Soothing Therapy Collection is here to help. The body wash and eczema soothing balm—both genetle enough for eczema-prone skin—features prebiotics, naturally-derived colloidal oatmeal and is made without parabens, silicones, petrolatum and mineral oil. Available at amazon.com.
Mayde Towels, Blankets & Throws
Mayde
Compliment your perfect fall picnic with a Mayde towel. This Australia-based brand features hand-loomed beach towels, home towels and throws. Soft, machine washable and oh-so-cozy, keep these in your car to grab for on-the-go adventures. Gets yours at maydestore.com.
Comotomo Baby Bottle Bundle
Comotomo
With its soft, silicone nipples and squeezable body that’s easy for baby to hold, Comotomo bottle line has become a fan favorite of moms and babies. We love that they’re made from 100% safe hygienic silicone and is BPA-, PVC- and phthalate-free. Plus, they’re uber easy to clean. Now, you can buy or gift these favorite bottles with Comotomo’s new bundle set that includes two 5 oz. bottles, two 8 oz. bottles, a package of two slow flow nipples (0-3 months), a package of two medium flow nipple s(3-6 months) and a package of two fast flow nipples (6+ months). With this bundle set, you’ll have every bottle on-hand you’ll need to get through baby’s first year and beyond. Available at amazon.com.
Lark Adventurewear Pajama Sets
Lark Adventurewear
While we’re partial to Lark Adventurewear footies, their just-released two-piece pajama sets has us jumping for joy. Featuring their signature breathable, UPF 50 bamboo knit (this material is some of the most soft and durable we’ve found), this new style will convert you into a Lark superfan in no time. Available at larkadventurewear.com.
Copper Pearl Nursery Line
Copper Pearl
Send baby off to dreamland on Copper Pearl’s new nursery line that features fitted crib sheets and changing pad covers. The lightweight and breathable cotton sheets and pad covers boast Copper Pearl’s signature on-trend designs and styles that’ll suit any nursery. Available at copperpearl.com.
TW Luxury Insulated Tote in Cognac (Limited Edition)
When the weather turns chilly you want warm foods for lunch and an insulated tote will help you do that, in style. This one screams more "mom on the go" than "lunchbox" and has an insulated both a hot and cold section to allow you to bring along both. Made of vegan "leather" in a fall-centric cognac color with a bright red interior, it's chic and functional. We think it makes a great tote for carrying pumped milk in style, too. Get it at twtote.com
Zutano Fleece Hoodie
Zutano
This fall Zutano is expanding their line of baby and kids apparel with their brand-new fleece hoodies. Machine washable, these cozy hoodies range in sizes 6 months to 24 months, and in colors that include grey, baby pink, heather grey and true navy. Available at zutano.com.
You're busy. Like, really busy. And as we approach holiday season that's not about to change. You need Dionis' Goat Milk Beauty Balm. This simple little stick is your new bestie: use it to soothe under eye circles, polish your cheeks, banish shredded cuticles and tame flyaways. No, really! It works great, smells amazing, and is in a stick form so it won't spill/smear all over your bag. It's pretty compact, too (smaller than a travel deodorant) so keep it on hand all winter long to spot treat dry areas and just make you feel good. Get it here.
This dynamic bedding company is best known for their incredibly precious crib sheets, but this fall they debuted toddler and big-kid bedding we pretty much want for our own beds. We love the Woodland Dreams set for instant fall-like whimsy in a restful design. Your kiddo won't be able to resist getting cozy (and you might find yourself wanting to snuggle in, too).
Make mealtime even more fun with this new limited edition EZPZ x Peppa Pig Collection, which just debuted. Like other EZPZ placements, this silicone plate/placemat easily suctions to the table (no plates thrown on the floor here!), and is dishwasher safe and easy to travel with. Available at ezpzfun.com.
SkipHop Infant Feeding Products
SkipHop
Whether you're feeding your tot on-the-go or just starting solids, SkipHop has your back. Their brand-new line of infant feeding essentials include easy-feed spoons, easy-grab bowls, formula to food containers, easy-prep food press set (think making solid foods like avocado or steamed carrots mushy) and much more. Check out the entire line here. Bon appétit!
Love the idea of heading to Europe but not so crazy about the long flight and potential language issues? Or, perhaps you’re looking to practice some French? Canada, our neighbor to the north, offers a year round family-friendly vacation destination with both European flair and offerings unique to the Great White North. Read on to discover the best things to do with kids in Quebec City.
Reasons to Love Quebec City, Family Edition
Mimi O'Connor
We came away from our excursion to this northern city wondering how, exactly, we'd never been told how it was such a great place to visit.
It's got authentic old world charm and it's beautiful. The historic city is big enough to offer lots to explore and experience, but it's also a manageable size. There's a lot happening: from festivals and free art shows to impressive museums for kids and adults. Great food is everywhere, as are ways to work off those hearty meals—parks, trails, etc. Plus: a bit of European influence and language, while also being welcoming and pretty much bi-lingual. (You don't need to worry about not speaking French.)
Lots of Ways to Get There
You can arrive in Quebec almost any way you want. It’s a quick plane ride under two hours from New York City. Most flights are from Newark, and they’re not cheap—$500 round trip is not uncommon. Another more affordable (and potentially fun) option is to fly into Montreal (also a lovely Canadian city worth a day or two of exploring) and take a roughly three-hour train ride into Quebec City, arriving in the historic and gorgeous Gare du Palais station.
Quebec City is also a popular port for cruises of all sizes, and has the added bonus of the ships pulling right up to the historic and charming old city, or Old Quebec. You can walk off the boat and start enjoying the city immediately. Quebec City is a stop on a wide variety of itineraries that may include Montreal, Nova Scotia, Halifax, Prince Edward Island, Portland Maine, Boston, and New York. (So, for example, you could fly to Montreal and end up in New York or Boston.)
History and Culture
Mimi O'Connor
The Quebecois are a proud people who will tell you that Quebec City is one of the oldest European cities in North America. Established as a French settlement in 1608, it is the only fortified city on the continent north of Mexico, with its colonial core preserved. (The historic district of Old Quebec, filled with cobblestone streets and centuries of history, is a UNESCO World Heritage site.)
The good news is, you can take in all that history by strolling the charming streets stopping to shop, eat, take in public art and street performers, etc. Bonus: several streets in QC are car-free, which makes for walking with little ones much less stressful.
If you want to do a deep dive on the city’s history, you can go on any number of historic tours (including fun “ghost tours” led by costumed guides), and visit The Citadelle, an active military base dating to 1820, and the nearby Plains of Abraham, where the French and British clashed in battle.
It’s an All-season Option
Mimi O'Connor
Quebec City truly is a destination you can visit and enjoy year round—it really just depends on what you’re into. Summer, when we visited, is high season for festivals and events, such as the Festival d'été de Québec, a popular (and affordable) music festival that attracts major acts from around the globe; the New France Festival, a four-day celebration of the region’s 17th and 18th North American history (shown here); Plein Art, the largest summer arts and crafts show in Quebec. Our visit also coincided with Passages Insolites , a free public art exhibit with fun and impressive pieces found throughout the city. Fall brings stunning foliage to the area; the city provides lovely views of the landscape along the St. Lawrence River.
Winter turns the area into a picturesque wonderland and these Canadians embrace the chilly temps with gusto. A festively illuminated German holiday market with a family zone with free activities for kids takes over the city hall's square, you can hop a toboggan on nearby ice slide the Les Glissades de la Terrasse, snow sculptures rise, and an ice hotel is open for business—to sleep in, if you’re brave, or to just have a hot cocoa or cocktail at the bar.
Farm to Table and More
Mimi O'Connor
While you can, of course, get delicious, often inspired poutine here, the food scene in Quebec City serves up plenty of creative cuisine of other varieties.
For true farm-to-table experiences, a visit to Île d'Orléans (the Island of Orléans) is a must. A 20-minute drive from the city center, the island is home to local farms and wineries. It’s worth the trip to get lunch at the Cassis Monna & Filles, a gorgeous restaurant and ice cream shop and blackcurrant farm that specializes in the production of award-winning creme de cassis. Have lunch on the upper level or deck, where there's a kid's area stocked with games and toys, then check out the factory on site, where the history of the farm and production process is explained. Head to the on-site ice cream parlor to grab a cone and take in take in the view on a giant pillow or at picnic table. (Don't leave without taking a picture of the kids on the restaurant's giant pink tractor!)
The Chocolaterie de Île Orleans is also a popular spot for chocolate and ice cream on the island, located in a 200-year old building. Note: your best bet for visiting the island and Cassis Monna & Filles is to get there early and/or go on a weekday to avoid crowds.
It gets chilly in Quebec City in the winter, and the Quebecois know how to do savory comfort food right. For tasty and hearty brunch and beyond, check out La Buche or “the log” where the menu includes pork ribs, shepherd’s pie, deer tartare (!), poutine with a topping of the day and more, in a cozy, wood-filled dining room meant to recall Canadian sugar shacks, where Maple syrup is made. There's a special kids' menu here, complete with games and puzzles.
Love melted cheese? (Who doesn’t?) This is a town that is very familiar fondue and raclette, both casual and fancy. (For example, you can get 15 kinds of fondue here.)
Real foodies will want to head to Le Grand Marche, a giant food market where local vendors sell their fresh products, from cheese, to pastries, to charcuterie and more. (There's a Family Zone with programming for kids.)
Outdoor Fun
Mimi O'Connor
Quebec City is also a place where you can explore and be as active as your crew desires. The Promendae Samuel-De Champlain is a popular park with a low-impact walking/running/bike path that runs along the city’s edge and the St. Lawrence River, providing great views of both, with gardens and fun public art along the way. If your family wants a biking excursion, Quebec city delivers, with urban routes easy, flat, and stroller-friendly, or more challenging options a bit outside the city.
For fresh air and natural splendor, head to Parc De La Chute-Montmorency, or Montmorency Falls Park, where you can have your pick of how to enjoy the green space. Home to a waterfall that is actually taller than Niagra Falls (true!), the park has several trails of varying difficulty, and you can get to the base and the top of the falls via stairs, cable car, and a suspended footbridge. (All provide amazing view of the falls and beyond.) For those with strollers or mobility issues, there's a scenic route to the falls with no stairs. Adrenaline junkies? You can also zipline in front of the falls, which sounds crazy, but it pretty incredible. (Yes, we did it.)
Of course, in the winter, there’s skiing of both the cross-country and downhill variety, ice skating, snowtubing and more.
Inside Fun
Mimi O'Connor
Weather not cooperating? No problem. Quebec City has plenty of things to do inside. We loved the Museum of Civilization, located in historic Old Quebec not far from the port. This Moshe Safdie-designed museum good for kids ages three and up features both visiting and permanent exhibits about Quebec society and humans’ relationship to the world that are engaging and artfully-designed. (The exhibit “Venenum: A Poisonous World” felt like a cross between an American Museum of Natural History show and an Anthropologie store around Halloween time, in the best way.)
Little kids will love Once Upon a Time on the lower level, where they can dress up as both well-known and more under-the-radar characters from classic fairytales in beautiful costumes custom-made for the museum. When they're done, they can explore, build and play with a castle, witch's cauldron, Jack's beanstalk and more.
Older kids will enjoy Observe: More Than Meets the eye, which puts kids’ powers of observation to the test, as well as MLAB, where visitors can create with tech like 3D printers and robotics. The museum also has a terrace (shown here) where you’ll find spots to sit and engaging art installations. Other highlights include the museum’s gorgeous presentation of everyday objects from all eras (trust us), an exhibit exploring the First Nations and Inuit in the 21st Century, and
For fine art, head to the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec, where a large Miro show was happening when we visited, and kids 12 and under get in free. The museum has a dedicated Family Gallery, where independent exhibits designed to engage young children through play, sensory experience and exploration are staged.
Yet another family-friendly indoor spot is the Quebec Aquarium , located 15 minutes from downtown, and if a toy store is what’s needed, head to benjo in the Saint-Roch district. No matter your kid’s thing, this fantastic toy store will have something for them; don’t miss taking a ride on the store’s mini train!
For Quebec's answer to the Mall of America, head to Mega Parc , an 18-attraction amusement center inside shopping Mall Galeries de la Capitale.
Grown-up Time
Nancy Raca
If you’re lucky enough to be travelling with some grandparents, or one of you wants to take the kids for an afternoon, head directly to Strøm Nordic Spa , a relatively new wellness retreat on the water offering, among other things—such as treatments, an infrared sauna, and float bath—a thermal experience consisting of various hot and cold baths indoors and out. (The infinity pool looking out onto the St. Laurence will help you achieve maximum Zen. We imagine the view and experience is stunning in fall or winter.)
For a special meal out, consider Champlain, or Bistro le Sam, both located in the iconic Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, the late-nineteenth century beauty in Old Quebec that anchors the city. The former is the fine dining option (there’s a cheese cave on site), with new takes on regional cuisine from celebrated chef Stéphane Modat; the later offers casual sophistication (and food that is kid-friendly as well). Both provide great views of the river and activity the lively public space Dufferin Terrace, below. Even if you don't dine in either, it's worth taking a walk around the Château, for its lovely and historic interiors.
Feeling adventurous? Leave the kids at home and dine at Chez Bouley-Bistro Boreal, where celebrated chefs employ regional ingredients to create upscale Nordic cuisine. (Think fir tree essence, Trout carpaccio with seaweed, and pickled daisy capers.)
Louise Penny Fan Bonus
Mimi O'Connor
We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention that Quebec City is also the setting for wildly-popular mystery author Louise Penny’s Bury Your Dead, and yes, you can take a tour devoted to the sites featured in the novel. (A central one, the Morrin Cultural Center, which is the site of the city’s oldest jail, also hosts teatime and storytime in its charming library, which you can register for.)
Where to Stay
71
Of course, you can stay in the Le Château Frontenac, but it won't be cheap, and might be a bit formal for your brood.
We were guests of boutique property Hotel 71, which is located in the heart of Old Quebec and provides a fantastic home base. Comfortable and sophisticated without being stuffy, the hotel has suites, lofts, and junior suites for families and larger groups. Conveniences include lively Italian restaurant Matto (good for everything from tasty breakfast to a late dinner), and serve-yourself wine and spirits bar in the lobby. Also of note: one of the best showers we have ever had the pleasure to experience. It was that good.
Another popular option with families is also the Loews Concorde Hotel , offering junior suites starting at $299, as well as a pool and spa. It’s located near the Citadelle, which is both an active fort and museum; the colonial battlegrounds the Plains of Abraham; the Beaux Arts Museum, and lively neighborhood Saint-Jean-Baptiste, home to famous large hanging streetlights featuring the work of local painters. (It also has a revolving restaurant, Ciel!, which provides fantastic views of the whole city.)
Filling your days with activities is not a challenge in Quebec City. Whatever your family’s interest, check out some of these other hidden gems or fun spots during a visit.
Ride the funicular: There are only so many cities with funiculars, and Quebec City is one of them. Hop it for a quick way up the hill and a cool view.
Look for some gnomes: Located about an hour outside of the city, but likely worth it, La Vallee Secrete, or "The Secret Valley" is a charming interactive puzzle adventure in the woods that ends with a gnome show! There are options for all ages and skill levels and is offered in French and English.
Get a lick of Chocolat Favoris: This regionally-grown Insta ice cream sensation continues to expand across the country, and we can see why. The chain offers ice cream dipped in a variety of chocolate sauces (mint, hazelnut, salted caramel, etc.) and then gives customers the opportunity to “kooky” up their cone with mix ins ranging from marshmallows to nuts to cotton candy and beyond. They’re also famous for their sweet poutine creations (made with pastry, not fries) as well as fondu in cans to go.
Climb the Old City Wall: It’s not as daredevil as it sounds. The wall itself is deep enough that it’s more of an elevated walkway than safety hazard. (Still: keep an eye on the kids.) Head up for nice views of the surrounding city and a different perspective.
Do a maze: Quebec City clearly likes a maze. Visit Domaine de Maizerets , one of Quebec City’s large parks, for a hedge maze, as well as an arboretum and free programming and events. Further afield across the river is Adventure Inushuk , which is home to the “Super Labyrinthe.” It’s stroller-friendly, but plan on spending at least an hour-and-a-half getting out of this one.
It’s August and the end of overnight camp is just a few days away. For all those times over the summer you thought your camper would be homesick, the reality is, your child will be coming home absolutely camp sick, the feeling of missing camp so much that it hurts! Your child will miss camp so much that they may even experience extreme campression! Try not to take it personally—summer camp is your child’s summer home where she gained independence, made lifelong friends and became part of a community of her own. Consoling her will be one of your greatest parenting challenges. Here are a few tips to help your child ease back into home life after an amazing summer at camp.
Give Your Child Some Independence. Your child has been away for a few weeks and has been making decisions on her own. When possible, give your child the opportunity to make some more choices at home. Allow your child to practice that newfound independence gained at camp.
Don’t Overbook. From swimming to soccer to archery to hiking, along with special event days and evening activities, your child has been very busy having fun! But having so much fun can be exhausting. Give your child a few days to just relax. Don’t make big plans or sign your child up for another summer program once home. Your child needs to unwind and just be on her own schedule.
Talk About Camp. Your child has been immersed in her camp world and it’s all she has thought of for weeks. Make sure to talk about camp at home and ask questions but while you are dying to know every detail about camp, but don’t push. Allow your child to talk about camp on her own time. Let her tell you what she wants to share.
Make Plans with Camp Friends. Your child has lived with her best friends for weeks and now she is home, miles or states away. Arrange a get together for the fall or winter so your child has something on the calendar to look forward to. Remember to invite everyone in the bunk—leaving a few children out creates hurt feelings and can cause tension for next summer.
Spend Time Together. You’ve missed your child so much, even though you know she was having the time of her life at camp. Once your child relaxes a bit, make some family plans and enjoy the last few weeks of summer together!
Jess Michaels is the Director of Communications for the American Camp Association, NY and NJ, a not for profit organization dedicated to enhancing the summer camp experience. She loves everything summer camp and frequently writes about her favorite topic for various parenting publications, websites and blogs.
Even though your summer vaycay is still yet to happen, there’s no reason to stop your travel planning now. And if your vacation plans also include fab fall or winter family getaways, check out the new airline routes you’ll want to fly!
Whether you want to fly internationally or have domestic daydreams, it looks like some of the major airlines have fall flights to some pretty desirable destinations. While some of the new routes aren’t slated to start until 2020, it’s never too early to start fantasizing about the future.
Tokyo-bound travelers will have plenty of new options, including 12 new flights to Tokyo’s Haneda International Airport from the United States. Each new route is expected to start before the 2020 Summer Olympics.
According to Travel and Leisure, the Department of Transportation recently approved the new routes, including daily flights on American Airlines from Dallas Fort Worth and Los Angeles International Airport (in 2020). Delta will add flights to Haneda from Seattle, Detroit, Atlanta, Portland and Honolulu. United will also add routes, with a tentative approval for nonstop flights from Newark, Chicago, Los Angeles and Washington Dulles.
If Taipei, Taiwan is on your to-visit list, EVA Air’s Hello Kitty Hand-in-hand Jet will start flying from San Francisco on Oct. 27 twice a week. The airline will ramp up the schedule to three days a week beginning Dec. 1.
Domestic travelers flying out of Boston’s Logan International Airport can take advantage of an increased route schedule from the northeastern city to warm, sunny Miami, Orlando, Fort Meyers, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach starting Dec. 21.
