As the cold and rainy season moves in, figuring out how to survive a COVID/quarantine winter has been top of mind for me. Summer made living in a quarantine relatively easy because we could do so much outside. But now, the warm days are gone, replaced with clouds and cold temps. Normally, the Oregon winter drives me indoors, save a few dog walks, but this year I am vowing to do things differently.
COVID has changed how I view so much, and one thing is my perspective on the outdoors. For too long I have taken living in the beautiful Pacific Northwest for granted. However, right now, the outdoors is the #1 option our family has for doing anything fun outside the house. And this mom is determined to find a way to make it work.
There’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing, right? I think that’s how the expression goes. We just need the right layers.
This is what my family is wearing to stay warm in the outdoors this fall and winter.
Last weekend we headed to a local arboretum to see the fall colors and brave the brisk temps. Side note: face masks make great face warmers! We wore ours too but took them off for photos.
It’s truly amazing what being outdoors does for everyone’s spirits. Something about being under the open sky makes the kids feel freer and I feel more at ease.
We are currently brainstorming a list of local hikes to hit this fall and winter. I’d like to get to the coast and show the kids Ft. Stevens, I think they’d enjoy the history. I also came across this very comprehensive list of Oregon hikes, and can’t wait to tackle some of them!
One silver lining of this Covid era: we might just become more outdoorsy people, and I am excited about that.
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Patagonia Cord Fjord Coat
A unicorn jacket because it's both warm (600 fill power!) and stylish (hello corduroy!)
$299
I often tend to shy away from the outdoors when it gets cold because most technical jackets just don't jive with my style. This Cord Fjord Coat is great because it's way more interesting than your typical puffer. It has a slight vintage vibe, but the fit is more relaxed, which makes it feel modern. The flannel and corduroy fabric feel so much more cozy than your typical nylon-y fabric.
The little pack is sleek and small, perfect for wearing around your waist, *under* your coat, or slung crossbody *over* your coat. Either way, it's a lot easier than carrying a traditional purse!
These boots are my go-to for the outdoors right now because they are warm, comfortable, and can stand up to wet weather. I really love that they look like normal, everyday boots and not 'technical' or rain boots.
We are very much urban types, who are striving to be outdoors more, and this jacket is the best of both worlds. It's sturdy, industrious and warm, yet it has a sleek, polished look to it with flap pockets and snap closures.
My 11-year-old loves this jacket because the slim fit makes her feel grown up, and the long length keeps her warm. Bonus: there are thumb holes in the sleeves that she uses approximately 100% of the time.
This one is a bit like a blanket with a zipper. It's so snuggly I catch my daughter wearing it almost every day. It's a great base layer, and would work well under a parka on colder days.
My little boy hates wearing coats and instead lives in hoodies. This jacket is a bit of a hero for us because it looks like a hoodie, but with the canvas outside and quilted inside, it's a sneaky winter coat!
My kids love to show their personalities with what they wear, including their favorite colors. I love these beanies because they are bright and colorful, but not over the top. Heck, they're even cool. My kids like them because they're soft.
If you’ve set your sights on setting sail in the near future, we’ve got the list for you. Family cruises are fantastic vacation options for big groups, as they offer tons of experiences both on- and off-ship. From roller coasters and trampoline parks to ziplining and swimming with dolphins, family cruises offer them all. We’ve rounded up a slew of our favorites—so cruise on!
Galapagos—Lindblad Expeditions
Lindblad Expeditions
Meet the wildlife of the Galapagos Islands—from sea lions and blue-footed boobies to giant tortoises and Darwin’s finches. This 48-person cruise will have you snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding and exploring the wildlife and local culture.
Kids will love participating in the onboard National Geographic Global Explorers program where they can choose among a host of cool activities—from recording wildlife sightings in their field notebook to collecting and observing plankton fresh from the ocean—all designed to help them develop what National Geographic Education defines as the attitudes, skills and knowledge of an explorer. They can collect points on their way to becoming a National Geographic Global Explorer—with the certification to prove it!
From $5,730/person for a 7-day Galapagos trip, kids save $500
If you want an ultra-magical family cruise experience, Disney has you covered. When you board a Disney cruise ship, character appearances, onboard themes like Pirate Night and all the magic of a Disney theme park set sail with you. Itineraries abound, from a three-to seven-night Bahamian adventure that kicks off from Texas, Florida or New York and includes an excursion to Disney’s very own private tropical island, Castaway Cay, to a two-to five-night cruise to Baja.
Onboard activities happen from opening time to closing time at the ship's kids club and the schedule varies: there are talent shows, a Magic PlayFloor where kids’ movements control the action (think flying over London with Peter Pan.) and for any Star Wars fans—Jedi Knight training and challenges. There's even a club for tweens and teens to hang out. Read all about the onboard activities here.
Stay tuned for 2022: Disney just announced that its newest ship the Disney Wish will be headed to a port near you! Around that same time, Disney plans to open another private island in the Bahamas.
UnCruise offers a different type of cruise, and families will love it. Think smaller ship, more individualized attention and programming that kids and parents will both enjoy. Just recently, UnCruise started sailing around Hawaii year round, and it's been an instant family favorite. You can visit four islands: Molokai, Hawai’i, Maui, Lanai, and you have the opportunity to view loads of marine life. No need to dock and pick up another boat to go snorkeling or swimming, there's an option to do so right off the ship, along with paddleboarding.
UnCruise prices its adventures to include everything from room charges, meals, alcoholic beverages and even off-ship excursions, so you know upfront what your vacation will cost. There won't be any expectations to bring fancy clothing to dress up for dinner, as meals are much more streamlined on UnCruise. It really caters to families looking for bucket list experiences. Kids eight and up are always welcome, and special exceptions are made for those seven and under.
Seven-day cruise costs $5,195 and up with kids 8-13 save $500
Iceland, Greenland, Arctic and More—Adventure Canada
Dennis Minty
A cruise unlike all others, an Adventure Canada expedition cruise takes you to far-away places that you've only dreamed of. Kids of every age can hop aboard zodiac boats to head ashore and explore Viking ruins, hike to waterfalls and learn all about villages buried under years-ago volcanic eruptions. Expedition cruise life means you'll get cultural immersion in the towns that you visit and learn from local experts and naturalists. These excursions are perfect for multi-generational travel as small ships are easy for the mobility-restricted to manage and not so big that you worry you'll lose the kids on board.
Kids under age 2 are free, those ages 2-4 pay only for charter airfare and everyone under 30 saves 30%.
Panama Canal, Costa Rica & Caribbean—Princess Cruises
Kristina Moy
Thanks to its Discovery at SEA program, Princess Cruises caters to kids of all ages both on deck and ashore. New programs are rolling out fleet wide, with new center designs launching throughout 2019 as part of Camp Discovery. The Treehouse is now dedicated to three-to seven-year-olds for hands-on play and fun; The Lodge serves up sports and comfort for eight-to 12-year-olds, and The Beach House will be the onboard hangout for teens. Did we mention these are all included? Learn all about it here.
Even better news? Princess Cruises MedallionClass Vacations now offer a variety of new features specifically designed to enhance everyone's vacation experience. Through the use of an OceanMedallion, families cruising with Princess can now expect an expedited ship to shore experience along with onboard on-demand delivery service, real-time navigation and interactive features on every floor. Learn more about the first MedallionClass ship enabled by OceanMedallion here.
Everyone can stay in comfort in a Mini-Suite with convertible bunk beds for the kids, or larger Family Suites with separate bedrooms. You’ll be well rested when it’s time to snorkel and kayak at a tropical port, like those on their 10-day Panama Canal with Costa Rica & Caribbean. You can get up close and personal with both baby and 600-pound turtles at Cayman Turtle Farm, encounter sloths IRL at a Costa Rican sanctuary or ride a rainforest aerial tram. Thanks to Discovery Family Tours, many hands-on experiences are designed for ages 3-12.
Guests on this European journey fly into Munich and board the riverboat in Vilshofen. A subsequent stop in Germany visits Passau (where everyone can learn to make marzipan!) before the ship sails into Austria, Slovakia and Hungary. Along the way, guests enjoy an Imperial Evening inside a private Viennese palace, a cycling excursion along the Danube, medieval games in Slovakia and visits to castles, catacombs, an amusement park and sites from the film, “The Sound of Music.”
Parents enjoy this cruise because it’s fully inclusive, so there’s zero stress about mounting costs throughout the trip. Prices include all shore excursions, all gratuities, all meals, all onboard beverages (adult and otherwise), all activities, airport transfers, luggage handling and much more.
From $4,390/person plus airfare for this 7-night cruise
The best time to visit Costa Rica is from mid-December to April (the dry season) when you can explore rain forests or lounge on the beach without weather interrupting the fun. That's also the time when most tourists want to visit, meaning higher prices on hotel rooms and at resorts, along with more people.
Enter Windstar. The cruise line sails in the region in the winter only (both the 212-passenger all-suite Star Legend and 148-passenger motorized sailing yacht Wind Star run sailings) and accesses smaller ports and islands away from the crowds. Windstar makes "wet landings" because that's the only way to reach the shore in these tiny ports. Rugged inflatable boats deliver you directly from the yacht to the beach, where you disembark directly in the water. All of this means you'll still enjoy the best weather of the year, but on an uncrowded ship that also offers boutique, small-sized (and fairly priced) shore excursions that help you do things like sport fishing in areas protected from the winter winds.
Windstar has a naturalist onboard all of their Costa Rica and Panama Canal sailings, so guests get extra insight into the flora and fauna of the region. This cruise appeals to multi-generational families traveling together because of all the varied offerings. Kids must be eight and older to sail.
From the moment guests step onboard a Costa Cruise, they're treated to a uniquely immersive cultural experience. Families can embark on an unforgettable voyage through the history books on a 10-night Mediterranean cruise. Sailing roundtrip from Venice, Costa Victoria visits legendary ports throughout Italy, Greece and Croatia. The ship calls at Bari, Italy; Argostoli/Kefalonia, Athens, Santorini, Rhodes and Crete Greece; Kotor, Montenegro; and Split, Croatia. Families can enjoy a serene gondola ride through Venice's famed canal, walk in history's footsteps with a visit to Athens' ancient Acropolis or discover the Medieval treasures of Kotor.
Children can get up close and personal with Peppa Pig at the Squok Club or experience a thrilling water slide at the popular Aquapark. The Squok Club also provides special programming that gives junior cruisers the chance to either be “Captain for a Day” or “Princess for a Day,” where they can dress up, act the part and enjoy special themed activities.
From $1,009 per person for a 10-night Mediterranean cruise
Sailing to exotic islands in French Polynesia is special and offers families a way to experience this unique destination seamlessly. On all sailings, guests receive complimentary access to Paul Gauguin Cruises’ two exclusive retreats. Off the coast of Taha’a lies the private islet of Motu Mahana, where guests can enjoy a day of watersports, Polynesian activities, a sumptuous barbecue feast and cocktails from full and floating bars. In Bora Bora, guests can relax on a private, white-sand beach and enjoy refreshments, a game of volleyball, snorkeling and paddleboarding.
The ship's Moana Explorer program invites guests to discover and value the natural wonders of this breathtaking part of the world through hands-on, interactive learning on summer and December holiday sailings. While it is designed for children and teens ages 7-17, all family members are welcome to participate. Every day of the voyage, there is a combination of naturalist-led island and/or beach excursions, science activities, crafts, games and other adventures.
From $4,295/person including economy airfare from LA. The third person 17 and under in a stateroom is free, exclusive of airfare and taxes.
Crystal Cruises’ ocean vessels feature a fully supervised Junior Activities program for kids between the ages of 3 and 17 on holiday voyages and nearly all summer sailings, each with dedicated play areas for both young kids and teens. The kids club Fantasia for ages 3-12, and Waves teen club from ages 13-17, welcomes junior cruises with games, crafts, popular Sony PlayStation and Xbox 360 kiosks to play on large-screen televisions. Children aboard call also enjoy board games and personal computers with entertainment and education. Kids of all ages can also enjoy a special Junior Cruiser's menu (hamburgers, hot dogs, pizza, etc.).
On the Colorful Cultures cruise, families can relish in the rejuvenating calm of the Caribbean while sailing from Fort Lauderdale to San Juan aboard Crystal Serenity. Families can snorkel in St. Thomas, participate in a semi-submarine adventure in St. Barts and hike in the rain forest in Saint Kitts while creating experiences to remember for a lifetime.
From $1,695/person for this 8-night cruise
Read more: crystalcruises.com
Castles along the Rhine—Uniworld
We love the river cruise option for families as it provides a smaller ship experience with tons of stops along the way. This 8-day cruise takes a maximum of 152 passengers down the Rhine—Germany on one side, France on the other. Marvel at castles that were once mighty fortresses, and get an insider’s look at one of the only castles on the Rhine that has never been destroyed, Marksburg Castle. Visit historic cities, including ancient Cologne and picturesque Strasbourg, then stroll through the fairytale town of Rüdesheim.
Families will especially enjoy the Generations Family Program, which includes special programs, events and excursions designed specifically for your world travelers in training. Travelers ages 4-17 receive a 25% fare discount on these trips.
From $2,999/person for 8-day Basel to Amsterdam journey
Why settle for seeing just one island on your Hawaiian vacation when you can cruise in style and explore four island jewels? Sailing with Princess is a far better vacation value and you’ll visit the top-rated Hawaiian islands—Maui, Oahu, Kauai and the Big Island—without all the time-consuming hassle of island hopping by plane. From enriching Discovery and Animal Planet shore excursions to the immersive "Aloha Spirit" program onboard, you'll discover each island's unique charm and fall in love with Hawaii's enchanting beauty.
This eight-day Galapagos cruise specially designed for families with children covers the highlights of the Western Islands. Spend your days discovering the beauty and wonders of the Galapagos and exploring the wildlife-rich shores of San Cristobal, Genovesa, Santa Cruz, Fernandina, Isabela and Santiago. Celebrate crossing the equator with a King Neptune kid's costume party and enjoy shipboard educational activities such as board games, games with prizes, drawing contests, talent shows and ice cream sundaes. Kids must be five or older.
The M/V Victory I, designed for coastal cruising, will set sail on the storied Georgian Bay starting in May 2019. Guests can admire the natural beauty of Niagara Falls and take in the breathtaking vistas of the Southern Canadian Coast. This ship is purposefully-designed for coastal cruising, with every modern convenience to explore North America’s maritime history throughout the Great Lakes and southern Canadian coast. Guests onboard will enjoy immersive and inclusive shore excursions in each port of call, exquisite multi-course fine dining with specialty and casual options including spirits, beer and wine; onboard enrichment, evening entertainment and Wi-Fi in public areas.
To really experience The Last Frontier, families can embark on a two-week trip on a Princess Land and Sea excursion which includes exploring the Alaska Interior (including Anchorage, Denali and Fairbanks). Princess Cruise Line has been in Alaska since the 1970s (they are celebrating 50 years in 2019), so they have deep relationships in most Alaska communities. Princess is the only cruise line that owns lodges, as well as train cars, which makes for seamless travel (music to our ears when traveling with kids), so they are the go-to partner for many travelers for Alaska Land and Sea packages. If you can, book a MedallionClass ship, Princesses newest technology that make onboarding, managing services and keeping track of kids much easier. For more detail about how the Ocean Medallion systems works, click here.
TIP: If you’re doing a Land and Seas excursion, we definitely recommend scheduling the land portion FIRST. While Princess makes moving around Alaska interior pretty easy, after 4 or 5 nights in different lodges, it was a treat to unpack our suitcase in our cabin on the cruise ship and have our cabin and personal items safely stored for the rest of the trip.
Cunard’s Quebec City itineraries offer the opportunity for multi-generational families to travel and spend much-needed quality time together. Queen Mary 2 offers unique activities for families, including taking a virtual ride into space with the ship’s full-scale planetarium, watercolor painting classes and even learning how to fence.
Cunard offers a variety of areas dedicated to hosting and entertaining children while onboard. They include the Night Nursery, where infants aged 6 to 24 months are housed by childcare professionals and parents are given a pager in case their child wakes. For older children, Cunard offers the Play Zone for kids ages 2-7, and the Kids Zone for kids ages 8-17, which includes fun activities, arts and crafts, gaming consoles and planned excursions to the ship’s theatre or cinema. The Teen Zone accommodates ages 13-17 and offers planned activities such as deck sports, karaoke, gaming, quizzes and more. Infants under two sail for free, while ages two and up sail at half fare (when sailing as the third or fourth passenger in the cabin).
If you’re looking to zoom through Haitian skies on an absolutely epic zip-line (the longest in the world over water) or swim with dolphins in perfect turquoise waters, then a Royal Caribbean seven-night Eastern Caribbean or Western Caribbean cruise is for you (they have some 299 other destinations available, too). The adventure continues on deck, whether you fancy a surf in the FlowRider, thrilling waterslides, or mini golf—their Adventure Ocean youth program is a must for families.
Once the kids have discovered the Adventure Science Lab and Imagination Studio, they won’t even ask where you’ve gone (the Bottomless Galley Brunch, perhaps?). Little cruisers can jump into ball pits at Aquanauts while teens have a whole disco to themselves (dance party included). There are even Royal Tots playgroups for babies on board. Additional stops along the way include the Perfect Day at CocoCay, the first destination in Royal’s new private island collection, St. Maarten, the Bahamas Blue Lagoon Island and St. Thomas’s Turtle Bay. For a closer look, check out our insider's guide to the Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas, the biggest cruise ship in the world!
If river cruising is more your family’s speed, Avalon Waterways has fantastic options for seeing Europe (or Asia or South America). You won’t find the clubs that keep the kids entertained during long stretches at sea, but you will find wraparound wonder with so much constantly in view right from the ship (your room included), making this a trip-of-a-lifetime for culture-seeking big kids.
If you have 9-16 days free in 2020, take a voyage down the epic Seine. A Grand France cruise stops at landmarks made famous by the likes of Napoleon, Joan of Art and Vincent Van Gogh. Plus, Paris! In addition to visits to Notre Dame Cathedral and the Eiffel Tower, the kids will love counting the 37 Parisian bridges—or challenge the family to keep a tally on the whole journey. Their MyAvalon service will also help you personalize shore excursions to your family’s liking.
If you’re not sure a week-long cruise or hours on the open sea are for you, check out Riverboat Twilight’s one and two-day cruises along the Mississippi River. The two-day cruise travels between LeClaire to Dubuque, Iowa, on an authentic paddleboat and gives the family the overnight experience of being on board a ship while taking in the gorgeous bluffs along the Mississippi. It also includes excursions like admission to the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium.
Prices start at $399/per person, with kids under 10 being just $159 (and children under 3 free).
The East Coast is a popular point of departure, and Norwegian is ready to sail you away to the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America, or the Bahamas. Head for Great Stirrup Cay—Norwegian’s own private island, complete with white sand and sea turtles to snorkel alongside. Don't forget to enjoy the complimentary taco bar, Abaco Taco (need we say more?). Norwegian’s youth programs, Splash Academy (ages three to 12) and Entourage (ages three to 17), are also complimentary for play and parties, while its Guppies Program hosts activities for parents and baby cruisers six months to three years (If you book a cruise on the Escape, there is also a Guppies Nursery.). While on Norwegian’s Breakaway, Getawa, and Epic ships, watch for Cirque Dreams to perform amazing acrobatic stunts.
TIP: On select 5 or 7-day cruises to the Bahamas, extra guests can sail for free!
Vast, wild and utterly gorgeous, Alaska tops many travelers’ must-visit lists. For families, a visit offers so much to see and do that nobody complains of being bored. Even tablets and iPods are likely to be set aside in favor of watching whales breach or listening to the thunder of a calving glacier. A cruise tour pairs the best of cruising with the best of land touring, showing off the heart of Alaska’s untamed wilderness and its scenic coastline. Aboard the Celebrity Millennium®, cruise the Inside Passage to Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, Juneau and Skagway before disembarking in Seward. Luxury motor coaches and glass-domed trains then carry you into the unspoiled interior, to lodges set in the shadow of awesome Denali. Take time to unwind and tuck into locally-sourced meals before joining a tour of breathtaking Denali National Park.
We love Celebrity Cruises for their inclusivity. They’ve gone the extra sea mile to ensure that their onboard environments are autism friendly for kids of all ages, with sensory toys and movie-viewing environments, gluten- and dairy-free menu options and well-trained Fun Factory and Youth Staff. Other services include priority check-in, equipping parents with contact phones while their kids are signed in to Fun Factory programs, and a Cruising Social Story booklet to download ahead of the cruise.
If you have rising history buffs in the family, want to take a closer look at medieval castle life, or be amazed by wildlife, take note that Poseidon Expeditions launched a brand new 13-day cruise, British Isles: Legendary History & Wild Nature, on May 22, 2019. You’ll have the chance to see baby puffins on the Skellig Islands off Ireland or spot otters and wild ponies while exploring Snowdonia National Park in Wales. Dolphins, whales, and seals are also likely to swim by. The kids can direct their nature questions to naturalist guides led by renowned historian Dr. Hew Lewis-Jones. With 55 guest suites aboard the Sea Spirit, the scale of this cruise isn’t overwhelming either, but rather a sure way to see remote and wondrous corners of Great Britain.
Did you hear? Carnival Panorama, their newest ship, will be ready to set sail from Long Beach and take your family on Mexican Riviera cruise starting this December 2019. Featuring the first Sky Zone Trampoline Park at sea (yes, you read that right!), the ship offers SportSquare’s mini-golf and games, ropes course, and the elevated SkyRide, as well as Choose Fun Waterworks (with two epic waterslides that are kid and parent friendly). The Camp Ocean kids club is another play area just for little cruisers (ages two to 11), while Serenity is an onboard retreat just for adults. The family can reunite for a comedy show or go head to head for a Lip Sync Battle.
The 7-day cruise takes you from Long Beach, CA with stops in Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta. Enjoy ziplining, snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking among other activities. For a kiddo’s first-hand take on all the Carnival fun, check out our report.
Disconnect completely with a phone-free family vacation along the Peruvian Amazon in 5-star luxury aboard Aqua Expeditions' Aria Amazon. With no internet or cell reception, all 16 Design Suites on the Aria Amazon across the first and second deck measure 250 square feet, include air conditioning, polished timber flooring and its most amazing feature—a wall of floor-to-ceiling glass facing the Amazon River. Guests aboard the Aria Amazon can see sloths, elusive pink dolphins, all varieties of monkey, piranha, toucans, caimans, anacondas and more, and will visit multiple indigenous villages along the banks of the river. This one-of-a-kind digital detox will have the whole family reminiscing about their Amazon adventures for years to come.
Experience Norway’s beautiful fjords, charming ports, and rare wildlife under the midnight sun or the spectacular northern lights. On select Hurtigruten cruises, kids ages 6-12 can join the Young Explorers Program and learn about other cultures, the importance of nature in our daily lives and the impact humans have on our delicate and beautiful planet. A dedicated host will plan and organize all the activities, which focus on fun and eco-friendly learning events, tailor-made to awaken a sense of adventure.
If you think exploring Europe with kids is impossible, consider taking a cruise around the Mediterranean with Royal Caribbean. You'll board in either Barcelona or Rome, and can enjoy exploring three different countries: Spain, France and Italy. There are plenty of kid-friendly excursions available to families, including pizza-making in Italy and beach days in Barcelona. Depending on which cruise you pick, you'll either be aboard the Oasis of the Seas or the Jewel of the Seas. Both ships are full of fun and adventure, including everything from Royal Caribbean's famous kids' clubs, original entertainment, pools, zip lines and more.
For a weekend getaway that packs in the family fun, look no further than the City of Brotherly Love. With exciting animal encounters, playgrounds with canopies that suspend 50 feet in the air and of course, a fair amount of interactive history, Philadelphia is a great family vacation destination. Read on for the best things to see, eat and do in Philly with kids.
The name of this children’s museum says it all as your kids will learn through touch and interactive play. Featured exhibits include Thomas & Friends: Explore the Railroad through Jan. 6, 2019 and American to Zanzibar: Muslim Cultures Near and Far, debuting Feb. 2019. Check out the permanent play areas where your kids can go camping, role play at the grocery store, navigate through a maze, discover the properties of water and much more. Don’t forget to take a spin on the 100-year-old carousel. Online: pleasetouchmuseum.org
For unstructured free play during your weekend getaway, head to Smith Memorial Playground. This 6.5 acre playground features a 16,000 square foot playhouse where kids can drive a train, cook in the kitchen and ride tricycles. You’ll also find a giant wooden slide and 50+ pieces of unique, age-appropriate play equipment. Be sure to check out their events calendar for special happenings like Kidchella music fest, Healthy Halloween and Winter Wonderland. Online: smithplayground.org
Here you’ll find more than 1,300 animals over 42 acres at the country’s oldest zoo. When you’re there be sure to look up! The Zoo’s see-through mesh trails—the first of its kind in the world—allow animals like gorillas, apes and meerkats to wander throughout the maze of trails, all above the Zoo’s grounds. Online: philadelphiazoo.org
It’s all about science and tech at The Franklin Institute in Center City. Try your hand at one of the Museum’s new escape rooms, travel to outer space at the Planetarium or embrace a live science show. Be sure to make a pit stop at the Museum’s iconic giant heart. Fun fact: it’s the right size for 220-foot-tall person, which comes out to about twice as tall as Lady Liberty. Online: fi.edu
Whether you’re looking for fresh produce, a pint of beer, prepared foods (grilled cheese! ice cream! pizza!) or gifts to take home with you, this public market has it all. Come here hungry and walk away with your cravings satisfied. It can get packed in the market so we suggest going at off hours (it’s open 8 a.m.-6 p.m. daily). Local mom Susan Banchek tells us not to miss Beiler's Donuts—they’re crazy good! Online: readingterminalmarket.org
Show your kiddos that art isn’t just confined to gallery walls. At Philly’s Magic Gardens, your kids will be wowed by the stunning and colorful mosaic art and murals. Play “I Spy” to see how many colors, shapes and textures you can spot. Be sure to buy your tickets in advance as they often sell out. Kids 5 and under are always free. Online: phillymagicgardens.org
South Philly’s Tildie Toy Box is a treasure trove of curated picks for every age and stage. Find science kits, well-made toys that are built to last, educational toys and much more. Make a day of it and stroll along Passyunk Avenue, a cute strip of shops with boutiques and restaurants. Online: tildiestoybox.com
In the middle of Philly’s arts and culture district is Sister Cities Park, a destination with a little something for everyone. In the summer bring your swimsuits to run through the 10 geyser-like spouts that make up the splash pad. In the winter Imagination Playground is installed in the Boat Pond area of the Children’s Discovery Center. Here you’ll find tons of opportunities for unstructured play. Online: centercityphila.org
Whether you need a good read for the trip home or simply want to get lost in one of the coziest book stores, Head House Books has you covered. Visit the kids and YA section and choose from their well-curated shelves of books. Not sure what to pick up? Ask the friendly staff for a rec. Online: headhousebooks.com/
If there’s one food your kids can pretty much always agree on, it’s pizza. Dig in at Nomad Pizza for laid-back wood-fired pies or Square Pie, the tiny place with a tiny menu, according to local Susan Banchek. Both located in Bella Vista, the latter takes awhile for the pizza to cook but good news: there’s no shortage of coloring books if the wiggles strike. Online: nomadpizzaco.com/philadelphia.html and squarepiephilly.com
You don’t have to leave Fido at home when visiting Seger Park. But, beyond Seger Park’s dog park, you’ll find basketball courts, tennis courts, a great playground for older kids and even a fenced in Tot Lot for the younger kiddos. Heading here in the summer? Be sure to bring a towel as the water fountains let loose for kids to splash around in. Online: segerpark.net
History comes to life at this museum that’s full of great historical stories, all presented in an interactive way. Make it a point to visit on a weekend when Revolution Place is open (11 a.m.-3 p.m.) where your kids can play dress up, play in tents, place replica objects on digital animated period maps, take a seat at a tavern table and more. Online: amrevmuseum.org
You stepped back in time at historic sites and museums; now travel back to an old timey soda pop and candy shop. From unusual soda flavors to British candy to sweets galore, this candy shop has it. Online: rocketfizz.com
There’s no shortage of things to see and do at Morris Arboretum. But if you’re there for just a short while, don’t miss Out on a Limb, a roped canopy 50 feet above the ground. With bridges, walkways and roped canopies nestled amongst the trees, this is a can’t-miss feature at the Arboretum. Bonus: it’s fully accessible for all! There during the holidays? Check out their events calendar. We love the magical holiday garden railway. Online: morrisarboretum.org
So many Philly families told us Linvilla Orchards is a must-visit. This farm, located about 30 minutes south of Downtown Philly, features seasonal family fun like hayrides, pumpkins, and corn mazes in the fall to u-pick Christmas trees and caroling during November and December months. They offer a farm market, garden center and made-to-order pies and desserts. Be sure to check Linvilla Orchards’ calendar for the full line-up of fun. Online: linvilla.com
The writer would like to thank Susan Banchek, Courtney Sochacki, Dana Cash and the countless other Philly parents who helped contribute ideas to this story. Featured photo: Colin M. Lenton Photography via The Franklin Institute
If you hiked that mountain, beat that goal, or finally took that trip, you’re in good company. There are a ton of reasons to be proud of the last 342 days, and here at Red Tricycle we’ve been running fast, working hard, and checking boxes off lists left and right. Read on to see what our team is most proud of in 2016, and don’t forget share your own accomplishments in a comment below!
I am most proud of shaving 14 minutes off my half-marathon time, and pacing again at times I haven’t run since my 20’s. —Jacqui Boland, Red Tricycle CEO + Founder
My most proud moment this year was seeing my daughter perform in her first Children’s Theater production. She was reluctant to try out and nervous about her part, and yet she completed five shows, made new friends along the way, and proved to herself that she could turn something that intimidated her into something that she now realizes she loves. —Dan Zaner, VP Engineering
I’m proud of all the time I got to spend with my family this year, especially my 91-year-old grandfather. His commentary and sense of humor always make our visits together fun and memorable. —Erin Lem, Editorial Director
I’m proud that I got outside my comfort zone with my daughter, and as a result we had some awesome adventures together. Whether it was an impromptu trip to the snow, a flight halfway around the world, or a four day road trip on the wrong side of the road, I really upped my single mama game! —Sara Olsher, Marketing Director
photo: Meghan Rose
My husband and I went to Cuba right before Fidel Castro died. Yes, the trip was amazing, but here’s why I’m proud we went: we left our kids with their grandparents for 10 days. I’ve never been apart from them for more than 48 hours! It was a wonderful bonding experience for the kids (and my parents), a fantastic cultural exploration at a fascinating time, and my husband and I really got to reconnect without just talking about the kids and their schedules. I’m proud of weaning myself off needing to be there for every bedtime, now that they’re nine! —Meghan Rose, Red Tricycle Los Angeles Editor
I moved my entire life 2,000 miles away from the city I’ve lived in or near for almost 40 years, and I actually didn’t freak out (too much). And I wrote a book! —Amber Guetebier, Red Tricycle Daily Editor
This year I took up hiking…after wanting to do it for over a decade. It helps that there are hundreds of miles of trails and routes around D.C. where I live. —Ayren Jackson-Cannady, Red Tricycle Washington D.C. Editor
2016 was big for accomplishing my fitness goals. I set a PR in a half marathon and discovered (and have stuck with) Barre 3 workouts. But I’m probably most proud that my kids—at age 8, 5, and 2—have mastered the art of the road trip. They look for roadside attractions, killer radio stations, and quality cuisine from unlikely sources with the best of them. —Shelley Massey, Red Tricycle Atlanta Editor
photo: Erin Feher-Montoya
2016 was the first full year in business for our little family biz, The Butterfly Joint, a woodworking studio for kids. It was a great one, with a winter full of field trips, a summer full of week-long summer camps, and a fall filled with after school classes. I think we are getting this down! —Erin Feher-Montoya, Red Tricycle San Francisco Editor
2016 was a banner year for me, travel-wise. We spent time on both coasts and I took a few solo trips to visit friends and family. I’ve got the travel bug! —Gabby Cullen, Red Tricycle National Editor
photo: Leah Singer
My family’s proudest accomplishment in 2016 was moving from San Diego, California to Terre Haute, Indiana. We packed the house, and drove my daughter, two dogs and one cat 2,200 miles. It was a crazy adventure for us Californians, but we’re loving life in the Midwest. —Leah Singer, Red Tricycle Spoke Managing Editor
I am happy to report that I am feeling proud that my son with learning disabilities has made Honor Roll at his school and even more importantly, has learned to advocate for himself for the special services that he is supposed to receive! Now that feels good. —Kathy Gold, Bump + Baby, New York Account Manager
photo: Kipp Jarecke-Cheng
As a southpaw living in a predominantly right-handed world, I’ve always wished that my kids would join me among the left-handed ranks. While I failed to make my 10-year-old son into a lefty, one of my proudest moments in 2016 was when it became clear that my two-year-old daughter is most likely a lefty! #leftiesruletheworld —Kipp Jarecke-Cheng, Red Tricycle Tech writer
I was able to help Los Angeles Unified school district adjust their school calendar through online petitions and speaking to the boardto Save our Summer. School is now going to start close to labor day in 2017 and possible after in 2018. This will help with tourism revenue for California and allow underpaid teachers to get a summer job. —Joanna Belson, Red Tricycle Los Angeles Account Manager
Got back to my regular weekly yoga practice. Aah!!! Feels so good. —Francie Kaplan, Red Tricycle Account Director
My daughter, who would rather wear gym shorts than a tutu, wanted to become more graceful. She took ballet this year and, I am very proud to say, had her first dance recital. She looked beautiful with her hair up and pretty emerald green snow princess costume. She now walks with more confidence and poise. —Nikki Station, Red Tricycle National and SoCal writer
What are you most proud of in 2016? Share with us in a comment below!
—Gabby Cullen with Meghan Rose, Jacqui Boland, Ayren Jackson-Cannady, Shelley Massey, Kathy Gold, Francie Kaplan, Erin Feher, Kipp Jarecke-Cheng, Nikki Station, Leah Singer, Erin Lem, Amber Guetebier, Sarah Olsher, Dan Zaner
Nothing says winter woodland like an arrangement of pinecones, but you don’t have to be a craft-master to make your home feel more woodsy. Just try one of these insanely easy ways to make your whole house fit for a squirrel. Read on for ideas.
Pinecone 101: If you are gathering pinecones from the great outdoors (as opposed to a craft store) you’ll want to bake them before use. This helps to dry them out, reduce the sticky pitch drip, kill off unwanted wrigglers and gets them to “relax” so that they open out to a nice pineconey shape. Bake on a covered cookie sheet at 250° for about on hour for about 30 minutes (or longer if they are very wet).
2. Find a decorative wooden or glass bowl and fill it up with pinecones as you would fresh fruit. Place it in the center of the table with a few boughs of green and you’ve decked your table out, woodland style.
3. Ditto that for a basket. If it has a handle you can put a festive ribbon on it, and place it near the entry way. You can also mix in pinecones and ornaments for a uber-simple but totally holly-jolly decoration.
4. Take some clothespins and glue them (hot glue works best) to one side of the pinecone, and use the pinching side to hold holiday cards. If you don’t have glue you can try wedging the clothespin in, which works pretty well if you’re not moving the cones too much. (Flocking optional).
5. Convert your summer and fall pots into instant cold-resistant decor by leaving the pots in place, cutting back or pulling out the annuals and piling in the winter greens and pinecones. You don’t even need to remove the dirt, because it gives the pinecones the boost they need to be seen.
6. To get some winter-white textures, you can try bleaching your pinecones. This one requires a spot where the littles will be nowhere near it, and a big bucket or tub for bleach. Just check them periodically, usually after a day. Keep in mind they will have a bleachy-smell, so you may need to rinse them and bake them again to reduce it.
Have you got any pinecone go-to ideas for your holiday decor? Tell us about them in the comments below!
