ML Season Tag: summer,winter,spring

Calling All Groms: Local Skateparks Perfect for Newbies

by Sonia Gandiaga

If your little one dreams of kick flips, mastering the 50-50 grind and dropping in to a massive bowl, then you likely have a skater on your hands. While this distinctly California hobby has been around since our childhood, these days there are more sweet spots than ever to practice sick tricks. We’ve narrowed down our favorites below. So gear up your grom with a helmet, knee and elbow pads, and wrist guards and say L8TR SK8TR!

photo: Chris Goldberg via flickr

San Francisco

Playland at 43rd Ave. 
This teeny community-built skatepark is the perfect spot for little ones, and also features a community garden and play space. It’s maintained by neighbors who pitch in to perform everything from routine maintenace to paint new murals, making it a real gem.

1360 43rd Ave.
San Francisco, Ca
Online: groundplaysf.org

SoMa West Skate Park
Skateboard legend Tony Hawk helped to build this park (score!), with plenty of opps for (literally) dropping in, or just hanging out to watch.

Beneath the Central Freeway, Valencia and Duboce Streets
San Francisco, Ca
Online: sfrecpark.org

Hilltop Park
When you’ve reached the giant 70-foot sundial, you’ll know you’re there. This is the city’s first public skateboard park, with a large skating bowl, hilltop views, and even cement slides (so bring the cardboard).

La Salle & Whitney Young Cir.
San Francisco, Ca
Online: sfrecpark.org

photo: latteda via flickr

Balboa Skatepark
This newer, all wooden skate park in Mission Terrace is calling all kiddos to get off the screens and skate into full-action mode.

San Jose Ave and Ocean Ave.
San Francisco, Ca
Online: balboaskate.org

La Raza Park /Potrero del Sol
As San Francisco’s largest skate park, this is the place to be. It has a Greek-style temple and colorful murals, and the weekend mornings draws lots of parents and younger kids.

Utah Streets
San Francisco, Ca
Online: sfparksalliance.org

photo: Thomas Park via flickr

East Bay

City View Skate Park
This park has the coolest setting of the old Alameda Navy Base—plus miles of beautiful water views.  Big bonus (more for you than them): lots of antique flea market shopping nearby.

1177 W Redline Ave.
Alameda, CA
Online: alamedaskate.ca.us

Braille House and Skatepark 
On weekdays, the Braille House functions as a studio for filming YouTube videos but come spring, summer and winter break they open the doors for skate camps. Private lessons are also available on select weekends and occasionally the crew opens the door for open skate.

14684 Washington Ave, San Leandro
Online: brailleskateboarding.com

Fremont Skate Park
A spacious park means there’s everything from stairs to rails to benches. Lots of options here for kids to practice popping those ollies.

40500 Paseo Padre Pkwy.
Fremont, CA
Online: fremontskate.gov

Kennelly Skate Park
From ramps to classes, this park can take the kiddos from newbie to full-fledged skater. Even BMX riders can use the park on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3–4:30 p.m., and Sundays from 1–2:30 p.m.

898 Red Rock Rd.
Piedmont, CA
Online: kennellyskate.ca.us

photo: Kelly O. via yelp

Berkeley Skate Park
Get ready for massive: 18,000-square-feet, complete with beginner-friendly areas plus classes, a skate club—and even scholarships. Park closed during events and rainy days.

Harrison St. (skatepark is located at Harrison Park)
Berkeley, CA
Online: berkeleyskate.ca.us

Joseph Emery Skate Spot
Located behind a CVS between Park and 45th Street, this park is also famously situated just outside Pixar Studios. The park is narrow, but spans the length of two city blocks and features plenty of skateable paths for little ones, mini ramps and a bowl for advanced skaters.

Off of San Pablo Avenue between 45th Street and Park Avenue
Emeryville, CA

Jack Holland Skate Park
This skate park may be small but it’s varying ramps and rails offer tons of potential, espeically for beginners. The park features shaded, stadium seating and a restroom. Bonus: It’s located right next to a playground just incase every little member of your family isn’t into allies (yet).

16301 E 14th St.
San Leandro, CA

San Ramon Central Park
This park is especially perfect for the youngest skaters. On weekends the priority usage is reserved for kids 11 and under. There’s also 40 more acres surrounding the skate park to explore, including a maze of water features, lots of trails, and picnicking galore.

12501 Alcosta Blvd.
San Ramon, CA
Online: sanramonpark.ca.us

photo: Victor Salanoy via flickr

Peninsula/South Bay

Lake Cunningham Regional Skate Park
This one wins the award for largest skate park in California with some of the biggest and bestest features in the world (read: world’s biggest cradle, tallest vert wall, and largest full pipe . . . how cool is that?!). Also check out their birthday packages, lessons, rentals, camps and live music in the summer.

2305 S. White Rd.
San Jose, CA
Online: sjactionsports.com

Greer Skate Park
Greer is a 70’s style bowl park with fast flowing lines and a rounded lip that allows for fast and easy rollins/outs. The volcano in the center of the medium bowl has rough grindable lip.

1098 Armarillo Ave.
Palo Alto, CA
Online: cityofpaloalto.org

photo: Mae Respicio

Marin

Mill Valley Skate Park
Recently totally renovated in Spring 2019 and sitting adjacent to the Bay Trail and Mill Valley Middle School, this pristine new skatepark already has a loyal following amongst Mill Valley’s young skaters. The upgraded park features smooth, new concrete and plenty of ramps for beginners to advanced (though local residents urge parents to limit use to actual skateboarders and not little tikes on scooters). Most weekends you’ll find Hot Diggity food cart serving up snacks, drinks and hot dogs.

425 Sycamore Avenue (Mill Valley Middle School)
Mill Valley, CA

McInnis County Skate Park
You haven’t experienced a skate park until you’ve seen this gigantic sea of bowls, ramps, and half-pipes, and all surrounded by a beautiful landscape of rolling hills. Scooters are allowed in the park each day until 1 p.m. and there are lots of hiking trails for before and after.

10 Smith Ranch Rd.
San Rafael, CA
Online: mcinnisskate.org

Proof Lab
Easy means one-stop shop! They have gear, indoor ramp time, art, and even a cool cafe. Here’s their list of local instructors (check with Proof Lab for the most updated indoor ramp hours): prooflab.com/surf-skate-lessons

54/244 Shoreline Hwy.
Mill Valley, CA
415-380-8900
Online: prooflab.com

Corte Madera Skatepark
This one’s not the biggest, baddest of the bunch, but because of its sweet size it’s for the mini-shredders in your life. Bonus: ice cream truck on hot days, and a huge playground right next door.

Tamalpais Dr. and Pixley Ave.
Corte Madera, CA
Online: cortemaderaskatepark.com

—Chantal Lamers, Sonia Gandiaga and Mae Respicio

Featured photo: Bob_Dmyt via pixabay

 

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This Is the Reason Fewer Families Are Planning Summer Vacations & Here’s How to Change It

by Shahrzad Warkentin

Beyond the memories and snapshots, traveling with kids has some tremendous benefits. But between the plane tickets and accommodations, going on vacation can become a budget-breaking decision.

According to a recent survey conducted by Bankrate, nearly 40 million Americans are not planning to go on a vacation this summer. Luckily there are some ways you can enjoy a vacation and pay your bills too.

photo: Pexels via Pixabay

According to the survey, the cost of daily bills was the reason for the lack of money to pay for a vacation for 44 percent of respondents. The survey also found that families expected to pay about $2,000 on average for a vacation.

The truth is, you don’t have to go on an extravagant trip to enjoy the benefits of travel with kids! Between last minute travel deals, discounts and a little creative planning, there are plenty of ways you can have a summer family vacation without breaking the bank. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Plan a Staycation

Skip the airfare and hotels and plan a vacation in your own neighborhood. Here are some staycation ideas to try.

Book on a Budget

With a little research, you can find travel spots that are much more affordable than others. We’ve compiled a list of budget vacations to get you started.

Choose a Winter Vacation In the Summer

Many popular winter destinations transform into family-friendly adventures that are much more affordable in the summer. Check out Greek Peak Mountain Resort which is not only a state-of-the-art ski resort but also an Outdoor Adventure Center featuring a Mountain Coaster, a eurobungy and ziplining.

Book Early

Look for theme parks that offer discounts on annual passes via presale options. For example, LEGOLAND New York Resort just launched its limited 1st to Play passes. Set to open in spring 2020, those that opt to purchase now will receive a preview day of the park, a year of admission, and discounts at the onsite themed hotel.

Get a Bundle

Many hotels that are local to theme parks, like Disney and Universal offer bundled packages that include accommodations, entry into theme parks and transportation at a discounted rate. For example, the offsite Hilton Orlando offers a Universal Orlando package that is complete with early park admission to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and a $20 Uber credit toward daily transportation.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

 

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31 Easy Ways to Connect as a Family This Month

by Gabby Cullen

If you’re looking for new ways to keep up on your resolution to spend more QT with the kids, then we’ve got what you need. From indoor activities for the kids to questions to ask at the dinner table, here are 31 ways to strengthen the family bond this month.

Markus Spiske via Unsplash

1. Spend an afternoon planning for your summer garden.

2. Plan a weekend trip to the beach before the crowds show up.

3. Watch TV with them. No, seriously.

4. Shake up dinner time with these fun questions.

5. Make something out of upcycled materials.

Allison Sutcliffe

6. Take advantage of the warming weather and do an outdoor science experiment.

7. Or, accept the fact that’s still very much winter where you are and have a snowy play day.

8. Light the fire pit on a weekend night and make s’mores.

9. Order a new activity kit that’s perfect for a cold afternoon.

10. Curl up with one of our favorite new books.   

11. Pick an activity from this list to help combat cabin fever.

12. Get inspired by one of these women scientists and do a little experiment to invoke their pioneering spirit.

13. Memorize an amazing fact.

14. Help your kids organize their arts and craft supplies

15. Learn about the first woman to run the Boston Marathon.

Nicole De Khors

16. Let the kids pick a recipe they can make on their own.

17. Get lucky with a few St. Patrick’s Day crafts.

18. Set up an obstacle course (indoor or out!).

19. Plan a last-minute Spring Break trip.

20. Make something cool out of LEGO.

Jessica Rockowitz via Unsplash

21. Pull out the dress-up collection for an afternoon of pretend play.

22. Set up a game that’ll help your tots learn their 123s.

23. Make a trip to the playground new and exciting.

24. Take the whole family to a kids’ museum for the day.

25. Plan an afternoon board game marathon session.

Markus Spiske via Unsplash

26. Work on a STEAM project together.  

27. Inspire your kids with these powerful words.

28. Talk to your kids about why chores are important, and assign them a new task.  

29. Set up a sensory station.

30. Explore your own neighborhood.

31. Learn about the moon.  

—Gabby Cullen & Amber Guetebier

 

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LA’s Best STEM Classes for Girls (and Boys!)

by Shahrzad Warkentin

While some kids are obsessed with robots and rocket ships before they can even pronounce the words, some future physicists need a little more encouragement to develop a love of math and science. REad on to discover the best STEM based classes and activities in the city that are designed to make a love of science fun and easy for girls and boys of all ages—even those who think they don’t have an interest in the subjects.

photo: Zaniac Learning Center

Zaniac Learning Center
Zaniac turns the classroom into a playroom with game-based learning. Presenting complex concepts, like robotics and engineering, as playtime makes learning exciting for your reluctant scholars. With classes like Digital Fashion Design (alongside LEGO Robotics) there is something to tempt kids with a variety of interests by weaving technology into subjects they are already excited about. Each after school class series meets once a week for six weeks with programs ranging from K-8. Camps are available during summer and winter breaks, and they also offer Parents Night Out events and birthday parties.

3201 Wilshire Blvd.
Santa Monica
424-330-0008
Online: zaniaclearning.com/SantaMonica

photo: Kids Can Code

Kids Can Code
As the parents of two girls, Kids Can Code founders Chris and Priya Bradfield understand that girls are especially under-represented when it comes to higher education in computer science. They have developed classes to encourage girls to develop an interest in computer technology with the hopes that they will go on to pursue degrees and careers in the field. Besides regular coding classes for kids of all skill levels, they offer girls only coding classes to create a comfortable learning environment. They also partner with local Girl Scout troops on technology based projects and events. Weekly classes sessions are available for beginners and more experienced kids, ages 7 & up.

Various locations including Sherman Oaks, Calabasas, and Pasadena.
Online: kidscancode.org

Girls In STEM Club—Columbia Memorial Space Center
What better way to encourage girls to get involved in math and science than by forming an awesome club? With monthly meetings at the Columbia Memorial Space Center, members of the Girls in STEM Club will spend a Saturday getting hands on experience with exciting, science-based projects. They will also take part in an annual summit with mentors working in the field. The free club meetings are open to girls age 9 & up.

12400 Columbia Way
Downey
Online: columbiaspacescience.org

photo: Coding for Treasure

Coding For Treasure
Learning coding can be boring for some little techies unless they get a better understanding of the bigger picture and how the skills can be applied in the real world. During weekly classes that cover computer science and digital technology, kids will get to apply what they learn to developing their own apps, games and movies, just like real-life coders. In addition to their classes and camps, Coding For Treasure also hosts a free program aimed at inspiring girls called Tech Grrrls. Girls aged four & up can attend the monthly meetings held on Friday evenings where they can get together with other girls and mentors to learn more about technology and science and how they can get involved.

2920 Huntington Dr.
San Marino
626-451-5905
Online: codingfortreasure.com

Asteme
In answer to the age-old kid question, “When am I ever going to use math?” Asteme was born. For little learners struggling to understand the point of all those endless equations seemingly meant for pure torture, this program will introduce them to all the wonderful ways math and science are applied in the real world. Using music, art, nature and even physical activities like rock climbing, Asteme classes get kids away from desks and out exploring the real world to learn about math based concepts like engineering, space exploration, and architecture. K-8 level classes are offered in 8-week after school and weekend sessions. They also offer camps during summer and spring breaks.

11672 Gateway Blvd.
West LA
310-740-3337
Online: asteme.com

photo: Logan Heights Branch Library

Full Steam Ahead!
A reluctant tyke may leave you reluctant to pony up for a full series of classes. Luckily, you don’t have to spend a ton (or even a single dime!) to get your little one’s gears going. The Los Angeles Public Library’s program Full STEAM Ahead offers free events at various branches to inspire a love of all things science and math. The library also offers lists of books and resources to help motivate young learners.

Various LAPL branches, check the listings online for dates and locations.
Online: lapl.org/steam

photo: Shahrzad Warkentin

BONUS: There’s no need to even corral the kids into the car to get their minds tuned in to the exciting world of science. Thanks to an inspiring LA kidpreneneur, you can have a subscription box full of science activities delivered to your mailbox every month. The Top Secret Science Club is aimed at enticing kids to love science, by turning basic lessons into imaginative adventures.

Online: topsecretscienceclub.com

Is there a class that has blossomed your luddite leaning kids into total techies? Share any we missed in the comments!

—Shahrzad Warkentin

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Lice, Lice Baby: Where & How to Treat It NYC Without Totally Bugging Out

by alina adams

Lice. If you’ve ever had to deal with the little critters, the mere mention of them is enough to make you run for the hills. Unfortunately for parents, lice are just as likely to come home from summer camp as they are from school, which is why — at the tail end of one season and on the cusp of another — we thought it was time to review the NYC options for de-bugging. From at-home solutions to the big guns of services and salons, here’s how and where to de-louse.

photo: via Liceneders Facebook page

Not Too Cool for School

Lice are a big problem in NYC schools, no matter the type: public, private, charter, parochial. It’s why so many schools do regular checks during the year, especially after summer camp season, and winter and spring breaks, when families have been traveling.

Since 2010, the American Academy of Pediatrics has stated that the presence of nits in the hair is not a valid reason to keep a child out of school, and the Center for Disease Control followed suit. However, many NYC schools still insist on a “no nits” policy, which means that even if no live lice are discovered in your child’s hair, they cannot return to the classroom until every egg has been removed. (It’s wise to check in and see what your school’s policy is.)

Though by now most parents know that lice are not the result of bad hygiene — the critters prefer, in fact, clean hair — or exclusive to any particular socio-economic class or ethnic group, many still don’t know exactly how to treat this unfortunately all too common infestation.

photo: via Hair Faries Inc. Facebook page

Delightful De-licing: The Options

Getting rid of lice can be as “easy” as a trip to the local pharmacy, and most over the counter products will work on most heads. Yes, there are some particularly stubborn cases, but there is no reason to automatically assume yours is one of them. Lice shampoos that you buy at the drugstore — we’ve had success with NIX, for example — work the majority of the time, and usually require a single application, followed by a second dose around a week later. (There’s no way around repeatedly combing through your child’s hair and checking for nits and lice, however, or washing clothes and brushes at high temps. Here’s the full CDC recommendation rundown.)

Both the AAP and the CDC endorse the use of over-the-counter treatments, but these products are often full toxic chemicals (they are, after all, designed to kill lice) and some parents may prefer trying a more natural product. To meet the demand, a number of companies have launched their own, non-toxic lines of shampoos and treatments.

Kitchen Cabinet Method

If you’re interested in going super low-tech (and low price), try remedies using kitchen staples you probably already have in the house. Drench your child’s hair in olive oil, then wrap it in a plastic bag or shower cap for several hours. This will smother the living lice. You can also rinse your child’s hair with a vinegar and water solution. The acid will kill the nits, and unstick them from the hair shafts, making it easier to comb the corpses out later.

A LicEnders Salon photo: via LicEnders Facebook page

Leaving it To the Professionals

There are, of course, people who will come to your home to take care of the problem within hours. LicEnders promises all sorts of high-tech treatments, while Lice Free Noggins boasts a 100% guarantee, as do The Lice Doctors. Nit Picky claims to have the lowest in-home prices in the city, period.

If the salon experience is more your style, try the Hair Fairies in Midtown Manhattan, Hair Angel NY on Staten Island, Lice Busters in Brooklyn, NY Lice Out in Queens, or even DeLiceFul on Long Island.

The procedure of painstakingly going through your child’s hair, skinny strand by skinny strand with a fine-toothed comb to remove both the living lice and their eggs, can take several hours, and cost you several hundred dollars, at least. Some places charge for the time spent and the number of technicians working, while others just bill a flat rate. In-home service will cost more than a salon visit, especially if you ask for add-ons like screening other family members, sterilizing your entire home, and follow up re-checks.

(It’s not uncommon for schools to invite representatives from lice-removal services to come and do a complimentary exam on all the students. Then, if your child is discovered to have lice, the examiners will of course tell you that their service is the only truly effective way to get rid of the pests.)

 

 

photo: Cozy’s Cuts for Kids

An Ounce of Prevention

The idea of a product that can fend off a lice infestation before one can even start is pretty appealing to any parent that’s dealt with the scourge. NYC mainstay Cozy’s Cuts for Kids, has just launched a new line, Boo!, featuring an all-natural shampoo and spray it claims is clinically proven to keep lice away. (They’re not the only ones who offer such products.)

What did you do when lice visited your house? Share in the comments below!

— Alina Adams

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Your Guide to Reliving Summer in D.C. (During the Coldest Months of the Year)

by Ayren Jackson-Cannady

Do you daydream—five times a day—about that next beach vacay? Have your kids started a countdown for when their summer break starts (it’s roughly 150 days, in case you’re curious). Sounds like your household has caught a case of the winter blues? Don’t worry, though; there’s a cure! From splish-splashing around in the pool to chowing down on ice cream, with a few tweaks your family’s favorite summertime activities are totally winter-appropriate. For proof, read on.

Photo: thebo21 via Flickr

#1 Go Swimming
The indoor swimming pool scene in D.C. runs deep. From the tip-top of Maryland to the bottom of NoVa, there are comfy cozy watering holes that let little ones splish-splash around without catching a case of the shivers. A must visit is the Woodrow Wilson Aquatic Center in Tenleytown. This immaculate complex has everything—an Olympic-sized pool with platform diving; a separate 25 meter lap pool, connected to a zero-entry kids play area, and a massive hot tub (for the adults, of course). Bonus: it’s saltwater, so no chlorine eyes or dried out skin.

Photo: sandi.k.barr via Flickr

#2 Go Butterfly Chasing
What’s better than running after butterflies in the great outdoors on a GORGE spring day? Playing with the pretty insects indoors in the winter. Imagine being instantly surrounded by free-flying butterflies and exotic plants in shapes, sizes and colors you rarely see on your city block. That’s what happens when you visit the Butterfly Pavilion at the Museum of Natural History. The pavilion is open daily, and it’s free to get in on Tuesdays (online reservations are suggested). The climate-controlled environment is kept at 80 degrees, and 80 percent humidity.

Photo: Swambo via Flickr

#3 Go Hiking
Granted, you’ll have to bundle up a lot more than you would during the summer. But, going for a quick little hike during the winter is one surefire way of busting that blah feeling. Best for kiddos: Cabin John Park Trail in Bethesda stretches six miles through the park and is mostly flat the whole way; Rock Creek Park is D.C.’s backyard playground full of year-round foliage and if you’re lucky Junior might even spot a deer or two.

Photo: Ayren Jackson-Cannady

#4 Go for Ice Cream
Here’s the thing: Ice cream may be cold, but remember, many parlors have indoor, heated seating. So go ahead—indulge in the icy, sweet treat year-round! Many shops, including up and coming nitrogen icecream fave Nicecream Factory, even offer artisan style javas, cappuccinos, and hot chocolate to go side-by-side (or poured over) the frozen cream. #matchmadeinheaven

Photo: Sugarloaf Craft Festival via Facebook

#5 Go to a Festival
During the warm summer months, D.C. hosts a slew of outdoor festivals. A little known fact, though, is that during the winter months there are also a bunch of family-friendly festivals that crop up. If your mini is into arts and crafts pen the Sugarloaf Craft Festival into your calendar (Jan. 30-Feb. 1). In addition to live entertainment and yummy food, more than 500 crafters will be displaying and hawking their handmade wares (from jewelry and wood to clothing and sculpture). If chocolate is more your bunch’s speed, the Chocolate Lovers Festival in Old Town Fairfax (Feb. 7-8) is a must. Check out the Chocolate Challenge—an arts contest featuring art made completely of chocolate—sample chocolates, peep historic re-enactments, and get involved in some chocolate themed crafting of your own.

What is your favorite summery activity to do during the winter. Tell us in the Comments section below. 

—Ayren Jackson-Cannady

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Beyond the Mall: What to See, Do & Explore in Tukwila

by Jenifer Castillo

This may come as a shock, but there’s more to Tukwila than just Westfield Southcenter. Admittedly, the mall is one of our area’s largest attractions (yes… a large shopping center does qualify as an attraction), but with 29 parks sprinkled throughout the city, a variety of family restaurants and many kid-friendly attractions, the city of Tukwila is a destination worthy of repeat visits. Read on for our list of the best places to visit while you’re in town.

Tukwila Sign

photo: Jenifer Castillo

Places to Play

Tukwila Community Center
Tukwila takes pride in having over 29 parks (including a pool) interspersed throughout the city. You will likely run into several without even trying. One of the most popular parks is located at the Tukwila Community Center. This gathering place has most everything you’re looking for to keep the tots busy at play. With a baseball field (great for running), skate park and playground equipped with a large pirate ship, you will find yourself walking the plank at the persistence of your pint-sized buccaneers. Psst! For a complete list of parks (with a map), check the City of Tukwila’s recreation page.

Good to Know: During the summer months, this locale includes a splash pad surrounded by a large grassy seating area. The Community Center also hosts a variety of events including a weekly summer concert series with popular kindie musicians such as Caspar Babypants and Recess Monkey.

12424 42nd Ave S.
Tukwila, Wa 98168
Online: tukwilawa.gov/recreation/rectcc.html

photo: King County website 

Fort Dent Park & Starfire Sports
Home of Starfire Sports (and the Sounders Football Club), is where you will find this hidden retreat inside the city. Sprawling over 54 acres, Fort Dent Park is well-known for its sporting affiliation, but also offers two play areas, a duck pond (bring some bread!) and indoor facilities including Mad Pizza. Take note that due to the popularity of soccer tournaments, there is a $5 charge to park on the weekends; however, weekdays are generally free of charge.

Good to Know: Starfire Sports offers soccer-themed birthday parties on their indoor fields—perfect for those winter or early (cold) spring birthday months.

Fort Dent Park
6800 Fort Dent Way
Tukwila, Wa 98188
Online: tukwilawa.gov/recreation/pkftdent.html

Starfire Sports
14800 Starfire Way
Tukwila, Wa 98188
Online: starfiresports.com

photo: Jenifer Castillo

Family Fun Center
If you have ever been on I-405 near Westfield Southcenter, your back-seat drivers have likely spotted the giant Bullwinkle Moose on the side of the Family Fun Center. And what lies inside is nothing short of exciting. The Family Fun Center has a large indoor playground called Kidopolis (where kids climb up and slide down an extravagant play structure) as well as small indoor rides, rows of games, and an entire floor dedicated to Laser Tag. Outside is equally as entertaining with two miniature golf courses, batting cages, kiddie rides, bumper boats, bumper cars and go-karts to keep everyone in your brood amused.

Good to Know: The Family Fun Center hosts birthday parties for partygoers of all ages including teens and adults. With five unique birthday party packages to choose from, there’s something fun for everyone!

300 Fun Center Way
Tukwila, Wa 98188
425-28-7300
Online: fun-center.com/public/tukwila/index.cfm

photo: Maddie K. via Yelp

iFly Indoor Skydiving
For the family who seeks adventure, iFly Indoor Skydiving could be just the ticket. The bright red building sticks out like a sore thumb, but there is nothing sore about this experience. Your small crusaders can enjoy the delight of flying like a superhero without having to plunge out of an aircraft (phew!). The vertical tunnel generates wind at speeds that will allow for a safe and thrilling journey.

Good to Know: iFly serves fliers ages of 3-103. Be sure to check out Little Ninja Night: The Newest Thrill for Adventure Seekers, specifically tailored for adventurer seekers ages 6-12.

349 Tukwila Parkway
Tukwila, Wa 98188
206-244-4359
Online: seattle.iflyworld.com

005_RedTri-iFLY

photo: Natalia Dotto Photography 

ACME Bowl
Located in the adjacent parking lot to the iFly Indoor Skydiving facility is ACME Bowl; a 30-lane bowling alley, billiards and arcade establishment. ACME Bowl offers high-tech score keeping systems (with fun animations), automatic bumpers that can be set and removed for each bowler, and weekend cosmic bowling that will bring on the black lights and neon pins.

Good to Know: ACME Bowl offers a separate set of 10 lanes that can be reserved as a private bowling lounge—perfect for a birthday bash or large family gathering. The private lanes have cozy seating, service from the on-site restaurant and ample space for vivacious birthday guests.

100 Andover Park W.
Tukwila, Wa 98188
206-340-2263
Online: acmebowl.com/default.aspx

photo: ACME Bowl Facebook page

Places to Eat

Southcenter Mall
Although there is more to Tukwila than Westfield Southcenter, it should be noted that the mall is still worthy of a visit. With a multitude of kid-friendly restaurants such as Olive Garden, The Cheesecake Factory, Duke’s Chowder House and B.J.’s Restaurant & Brewhouse, Westfield Southcenter is the perfect place to grab a bite to eat or spend a cold weather afternoon. For the mammas with little ones in tow, the mall provides a lavish lounge with private breastfeeding facilities, a large diaper changing area, and small play area with a TV and microwave. Additionally, there is an indoor playground (conveniently located near a Starbucks so you can recharge while your little monkeys play), a Disney store (complete with mini theater and coloring area), and Rainforest Café (where kids eat for just $2.99 on Wednesdays).

2800 Southcenter Mall
Seattle, Wa 98188
206-246-0423
Online: westfield.com/southcenter

photo: Westfield Southcenter Facebook page

Seattle Chocolates Factory Store
One word: Chocolate. The Seattle Chocolates Factory Store (locally known as Tukwila’s best kept secret) is located in the warehouse district and is definitely worth a visit (or two or three!). This chocolate paradise is the perfect place to pick up a gift or a few bars to stash in the cupboard for when the kids go to bed. A word of warning: Samples are plentiful at this location and they are known for selling $5 bags of “seconds,” which are bags of scrumptious chocolate that contain slight imperfections (for the record, “imperfect” chocolate tastes every bit as delightful as the bars that made the high standard cut).

photo: Jenifer Castillo

Good to Know: There are far too many variations to list them all, but one is a standout among the rest. Try the Extreme Dark Bar, which was once featured in Oprah’s O Magazine. Not only does the dark chocolate truffle bar hit the spot, 100% of the profits from the sale of these bars are donated to help fight breast cancer. It doesn’t get any better than satisfying a sweet tooth while donating to charity.

Insider Tip: See a bar that you would like to try? The store employees are more than happy to serve up samples. All you have to do is ask, and you shall receive. Bonus: Get a punch card when you buy the bags of seconds; buy 12 bags, get one free. Now, that’s a sweet deal!

1180 Andover Park W.
Seattle, Wa 98188
877-427-7915
Online: seattlechocolates.com

Places to Explore

The Museum of Flight
Located just a few minutes from the heart of Tukwila (near the southern end of Boeing Field), The Museum of Flight is the perfect place for your flight crew to earn their wings. Get up close and personal with aircraft from a F-14A Tomcat Fighter Jet to a retired Air Force One. Kids will enjoy climbing in and out of cockpits, exploring space through the New Frontier Exhibit and the interactive Kid’s Flight Zone. Psst! The Museum hosts Free First Thursdays which means you and your crew can explore the Museum on the first Thursday of the month for free between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m.

photo: Museum of Flight Facebook page

Good to Know: As a bonus, the runway for Boeing Field runs parallel to the parking lot for the Museum. Pack a picnic lunch and park along the fence to give your wide-eyed tot a front row seat as planes take off and land. Psst! This parking lot also serves as the perfect place to catch a glimpse of the active Air Force One (that typically lands at Boeing Field) when the President travels to Seattle.

9404 E. Marginal Way S.
Seattle, Wa 98108
Online: museumofflight.org

What is your favorite thing to do in Tukwila? Let us know in a comment below. 
 
—Jenifer Castillo
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Match Point: Top Kids Tennis Lessons in NYC

by Rachel Sokol

Think your child could be the next Serena Williams or Rafael Nadal? Why not sign them up for a round of tennis lessons? Tennis is a great way for active kids to burn off energy and improve their coordination. Thankfully, NYC is full of venues that teach children through private and group lessons. Some of the following top six tennis lessons are public and some are private, but they all preach the same message: sportsmanship and fun.

The game attraction. At Chelsea Piers’ Field House Little Aces Tennis is a new program for kids 5 to 6 that teaches small group tennis in a fun way. Classes focus on movement, muscle coordination and game fundamentals. Lessons are held on a basketball court that has been outfitted with new tennis equipment. 62 Chelsea Piers, Chelsea

The place for rain or shine. A classic venue that opened in the 1960s, Midtown Tennis Club has no membership fees; lessons for kids and teens are all indoors, leading to fewer cancellations due to inclement weather. QuickStart is for kids ages 4 to 8 (mini nets and low-pressure balls are used). There’s a Junior Program for ages 8 to 16; summer camp sessions are also available. Children’s ages and experience levels are matched to a specific racquet and ball; lessons are taught by certified members of the Manhattan Tennis Academy. 341 Eighth Ave., Chelsea

Where everybody knows your name. Known for its friendly vibe and personal touch, Alley Pond of Queens Village is a smaller, more intimate tennis club open year-round. Alley Pond’s small teaching staff of men and women have played competitively themselves. Private and group lessons are available for kiddies as young as 3 years old and birthday party packages are available too. (Note: May to October lessons are outdoors, while winter lessons are held indoors.) 79-20 Winchester Blvd., Queens Village

The Queens hotspot. Located in Forest Hills, Queens is the beautiful West Side Tennis Club, the former home of the U.S. Open. Lessons are available for both young members and non-members alike. Kiddie classes – including a 30-minute Mommy and Me class for 3 year olds and their caretakers takes a lighthearted approach to tennis that’s also, of course, fun. Mommy and Me classes focus on just the basics for youngsters: How to hold a racquet, how to catch, and so forth; paving the way for more serious training later on. 1 Tennis Place., Forest Hills, Queens

Brooklyn and beyond. The buzz on Bumble Bee Tennis is that it has five locations for lessons – Soho, Gramercy, Columbus Circle @ John Jay College, Fort Greene and Astoria. Small group lessons are available for kids as young as 3 years old, but Tiny Tennis, for kids ages 4 to 7, is Bumble Bee’s most popular. Every class begins with running and stretching and half the court is used for basic skills. For kids aged 7 to 10 and 9 to 13 there are Junior programs at various skill levels. User-friendly online scheduling allows parents to register their children for lessons at various Bumble Bee locations. 

Free NYC-sponsored programs. NYJTL Community Tennis Programs offers kids ages 5 to 18 free tennis in all five boroughs, year round. Community Tennis operates in over 30 schoolyards and public parks from 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. during the Spring and at 39 summer camp locations from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. during the week. NYJTL Community Tennis Programs provide racquets, balls and nets for children to play so all they need is a pair of sneakers.

Where does your little tennis star practice her skills? Tell us in a Comment.

–Rachel Sokol

 

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