Rockin’ and Readin’: Catch Kindie Rockers at Tricycle Music Fest

by Shelly HausmanSeptember 1, 2015

Do you know about the music festival all the Bay Area kids are talking about? Forget Outsidelands and the Bluegrass Festival—the hot ticket for the tot-to-pre-teen set is the Tricycle Music Fest. This free concert series gets loud inside libraries across the Bay and is kicking off this weekend. This year’s all-star line-up includes Aaron Nigel Smith, Frances England, Lucky Diaz & the Family Jam Band, and The Not-It’s! and concerts are happening throughout the entire month of October. We’ve compiled the entire schedule for you below.

Photo: SFPL

Aaron Nigel Smith
Friday, October 2 at 9:30am, Millbrae Library
Friday, October 2 at 3:00 PM at Portola Branch
Saturday, October 3 at 1:00pm, East Palo Alto Library
Saturday, October 3 at 4:00 PM at Main Library

Photo: Frances England

Frances England
Friday, October 9 at 4:30 PM at Mission Bay Branch
Saturday, October 10 at 10:30am, Half Moon Bay Library
Saturday, October 10 at 3:30 PM at Parkside Branch
Sunday, October 11 at 2:00pm, Foster City Library

Photo: Lucky Diaz

Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band
Friday, October 16 at 10:30am, Pacifica Sanchez Library
Friday, October 16 at 3:30 PM at Richmond Branch
Saturday, October 17 at 10:30am, Belmont Library
Saturday, October 17 at 3:00 PM at Bernal Heights Branch

Photo: The Not-Its!

The Not-Its!
Saturday, October 24 at 10:00am, Portola Valley Library
Saturday, October 24 at 2:00 PM at Glen Park Branch
Sunday, October 25 at 1:00PM at West Portal Branch
Sunday, October 25 at 4:00pm, San Carlos Library

Photo credit: AlisonFaithLevy.com

Alison Faith Levy
Saturday, October 31 at 11:30 am at Excelsior Branch

Photo: SFPL

Tricycle Music Fest is presented jointly by the San Francisco Public Library and San Mateo County Library. Families, get ready for a hip-shaking, head bopping dance party explosion of indie fresh pop rock beats—only at the library! And, because playing is just as important as singing in early childhood learning, they will be raffling off one tricycle to a lucky concertgoer at each event. Skip the nap, grab your boogie shoes and catch unforgettable shows in October!

Do you have an act you can’t wait to catch at this year’s festival? Let us know in the comments below!

–Shelly Hausman

Scout the Route: 35 Things to Do on the Trail

by Gabby CullenAugust 31, 2015

Exploring your go-to trail this summer is a must, but your walking companions need more than the promise of packed snacks to keep their little legs moving. Make the adventure bigger and better by giving them a chance to scout the route for 35 things hanging out along the way. From exploring a hollow log to saying hello to fellow hikers, we’ve come up with a list that’s sure to entertain everyone along for the ride. Read on, print out and get moving!

1. Find moss growing on a rock.

2. Look for a bird’s nest.

3. Throw pebbles in the water to make a big splash.

4. Explore a hollowed out log.

photo: Guy Courtemanche via flickr

5. Collect three different leaves.

6. Poke a roly poly.

7. Point out a squirrel’s home.

8. Wade in a stream.

photo: vastateparkstaff via flickr

9. Chase a lizard.

10. Hear a bird chirp.

11. Admire a spider’s web.

12. Find three different types of flowers.

photo: Adam Jones via flickr

13. Look for a duck.

14. Follow a butterfly.

15. Pick up a Y-shaped stick.

16. Point out signs of the coming season.

photo: Phillipe Put via flickr

17. Look inside a hole in a tree.

18. Watch fish jump.

19. Pick up one piece of garbage to recycle or throw away.

20. Check out a spot with soil erosion.

photo: jankgo via flickr

21. Find a piece of tree bark.

22. Spot a waterfall.

23. Pick berries or fruit (be sure to ask Mom or Dad before picking).

24. Put tiny toes in mud.

photo: Travis Swan via flickr

25. Smell a pine tree.

26. Look for lightening bugs.

27. Spot a bird.

28. Find fungus on a tree.

photo: Frank Kovalchek via flickr

29. Point out a ladybug.

30. Say hello to fellow hikers.

31. Discover shoe tracks left in the mud.

32. Find a walking stick.

photo: Travis Swan via flickr

33. An awesome vista (don’t forget to snap a photo!).

34. Count how many trees you pass.

35. Stop at a fork in the road.

What do you look for when you hike with the kids? Share with us in a Comment!

— Gabby Cullen & Erin Lem

12 Ways to Master Your Hide & Seek Game

by Christal Y.August 18, 2015

Searching for a new way to spend the afternoon outdoors? We went on the hunt for clever twists on a classic children’s activity and found 12 unique ideas that are guaranteed to keep your little seekers entertained. Incorporating everything from colors and sounds to water balloons, flip through the ideas below and prepare to look, listen, and learn!

Chalk It Up

Let the pavement become your never-ending checklist. Write out the clues like 4 rocks, 5 green things, 7 sticks, etc. Then draw fun shapes where your hunter can put his or her finds. Katherine Marie used this opportunity as a great way to get her kids recognizing numbers, colors and textures. Learn to make your own sidewalk chalk here!

photo: Katherine Marie

Which hunt do you plan on trying with your kids? Let us know in the comments below.

— Lauren Hill and Christal Yuen

CLIF Kid is dedicated to getting kids back outside to push their boundaries, feed their adventures and to nourish their bodies and minds. CLIF Kid is here to help kids be kids so they can be curious and courageous, and so they can get up and fall down and get back up again. And, it all starts with play.

Perfect Pit Stops on Highway 101

by Lenya McGrathAugust 17, 2015

Ah the weekend! The perfect time to get in the car and get out and about. But if sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic on the 5 Freeway doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, then take the nearest exit to a more relaxed pace of life on the historic 101. This west coast highway connects Mexico to Canada with some surprising gems right along the San Diego stretch. From beach towns to great eats and sights to see, you’ll love puttering along on a classic family drive.

photo:Roman Königshofer via flickr

Best Destination – The California Surf Museum
If you’re a family of wave riders and wax heads, you’ll love the California Surf Museum. Well placed in the northern town of Oceanside, this destination chronicles the rise of surfing within California over the past 25 years. You can check out a brief history of surfboards with wooden planks reminiscent of Polynesian surfing roots all the way through to shortboard designs from today’s top pros. While you’re there you can take in their current exhibition on Bethany Hamilton, a courageous surfer who inspires others in spite of a shark attack. Plus there is a great surf wall which will serve as the perfect backdrop to your family adventure selfie. With plenty of parking and restrooms. the California Surf Museum makes for the perfect pit stop.

Locals’ Tip: Give the kids a challenge to find Wilson from the movie, Castaway! Ten points if you start calling “Wilson, Wiiiiiiilson!”

Cost: $5/adult, $3/student, Free/kids under 12
Open Daily, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

312 Pier View Way
Oceanside, Ca 92054
760-721-6876
Online: surfmuseum.org

photo: Eunice K. via Yelp.

Best Casual Lunch – Board and Brew
Cruise into the Del Mar village for lunch and you’ll find a mixture of a small town America mixed with a side of surf and sand. There you’ll find Board and Brew, an amazing sandwich restaurant with a secret sauce that takes their subs to the next level. Locals swear by the Turkado with special sauce but anything on their small, but delicious menu is great. There is plenty of first-in-best-dressed seating in the patio out front or, have your sandwich to go and walk down 15th Street to Sea Grove Park for some amazing views of Del Mar Beach and a mean kids playground.

Locals’ Tip: Board and Brew is located below street level so it might be a little hard to find the first time. Keep your eye’s peeled for a sunken patio out front.

Open Daily at 10 a.m.

1212 Camino Del Mar
Del Mar, Ca 92014
858-925-5791
Online: boardandbrew.com

photo: Ines M. via flickr

Best Beach Spot – Moonlight State Beach
Hit up Encinitas and you’ll find Moonlight State Beach, named after the midnight picnics locals you to hold here in the early 1900s. This is a family-friendly stretch of coast — the shore drops down nearer to sea level making it an easy swimming and splashing spot. You’ll find a wide stretch of sand, a kids playground, snack bar, fire pits, volleyball courts and plenty of parking. Stop here to rest the legs or take advantage of the ample restrooms if you need a potty break while travelling.

Locals’ Tip: Check out the locals version of “sledding” with kids zooming down the sand hills on boogie boards and sleds that start appearing in October and November.

Open Daily

400 B St.
Encinitas, Ca 92024
760-633-2740
Online: parks.ca.gov

photo Shawn H. via Pannikin Coffee & Tea Facebook Page

Best Coffee Stop – Pannikin Coffee & Tea
If you need a little pick-me-up to keep powering along the highway, Pannikin Coffee & Tea offers some of the best brews in all of North County. Nestled in an old yellow victorian house this cafe is rustic with wooden floors, farm house decor and sunshine streaming in. They do a great selection of teas, coffees, hot chocolates, baked goods and brunch-style food that you can enjoy in a huge selection of seating. Pull up a chair at the inside tables, relax on the balcony or enjoy the outdoors on the lawn chairs in the garden. Despite being so large it still gets busy here but the line for counter service moves quickly and people are friendly. There’s plenty of parking too.

Locals’ Tip: Google “history of Pannikin Encinitas” and you’ll be able to see this coffee house locations history as the old Encinitas train station!

Open Daily, 6 a.m. – 6 p.m.

510 N Coast Hwy 101
Encinitas, Ca 92024
760-436-5824
Online: pannikincoffeeandtea.com

photo: Nathan Rupert via flickr

Best Way To Get Up Close And Personal With The Sea Life – Birch Aquarium
If taking in all those views of the beaches, inlets and coast lines are making the family yearn to get a bit closer to the sea life then take a detour to Birch Aquarium at Scripps. Sitting high on the hills of La Jolla, you’ll have some of the best views from above of the San Diego coastline. Inside you’ll find plenty of creatures of the deep. The kelp forrest offers a two story floor to ceiling view of an underwater paradise complete with fish, eels, leopard sharks and more while the tide pools outside offer some hands on exploration of local sea creatures found around San Diego. Once the fun is over, pick up an ice cream at the kiosk outside. There’s plenty of free parking and restrooms available too.

Locals’ Tip: Check out the hall of fishes and peer in at fish from around the world, octopuses, jelly fish and more.

Cost: $17/ adult, $14/ ages 13 – 17, $12.50/3 – 12 years old, Free/kiddos 2 and under
Open Daily, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

2300 Expedition Way
La Jolla, Ca 92037
858-534-3474
Online: aquarium.ucsd.edu

photo: Sean S. and Miles K. via Yelp

Best Dinner and Drinks – Pizza Port
If a spot of dinner is calling along with one of San Diego’s best craft brews, say hello to Solana Beach Pizza Port. With more than 21 brewed-on-site beers and a 14 delicious pizzas on the menu you’ll be able to relax and refuel. This restaurant is family friendly with a capital F. There are picnic tables indoors and out, fun music blaring and an arcade out back to keep the kids entertained. Regulars love the Carlsbad pizza with pesto, grilled, chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, artichokes and feta. They don’t take reservations, so you may need to line up for a little while. Parking is onsite and there’s plenty of it.

Locals’ Tip: If you want the good times to keep going, you can take a six pack of their craft brews like the Swami IPA home with you.

Open Daily, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.

135 N. Hwy, 101
Solana Beach, Ca 92075
858-481-7322
Online: pizzaport.com

What are your favorite spots on the 101? Let us know in the comments!

— Lenya McGrath

The Ultimate Summer Show and Tell

by Lauren HillAugust 12, 2015

Whether you collected shells by the shore or postcards on the road, it’s easy to transform treasures from your summer travels into fantastic keepsakes. Get creative with these easy ideas and you’ll have a blast preserving your memorabilia while creating new memories with your little collectors. Any of these 13 ideas are perfect for the “what I did this summer” edition of back-to-school show and tell.

Wax On!

A set of crayons and assortment of shells is all you need to create your very own Crayola Experience at home. Recommended for older artists (oven use required), head over to Fun at Home with Kids for this colorful how-to.

photo: Fun at Home with Kids

How do you preserve summer memories? Share with us in the comments below.

— Lauren Hill

Sweet Straws Perfect for Sipping

by Gabby CullenAugust 5, 2015

There’s nothing like a frosty glass of lemonade to cool off tiny tastebuds in the summertime. Make it an occasion for fun with a sweet straw perfect for sipping. From sleek and modern to totally silly, scroll down to see a few adorable additions that’ll make whatever they’re serving from the sidewalk stand seem extra special.

A Family Favorite
These straws actually prevent juice acids from doing a number on those pearly whites. They fit together to make a longer straw and the silicon material won’t bend or break while being tested by a teething tot. Easy cleaning and bright colors make these a cool tool for families.

Available at Green Paxx, $10.95 for a pack of 4.

Sleek and Modern
Sleek and shiny, stainless steel straws cool down while the kids sip away. These eco-friendly straws don’t rust, they’re easy to clean and they fit mason jars as well as tot-friendly cups, so they can go from the tiny table to your dinner table all in the same day.

Available at Williams-Sonoma, $12.95 for a pack of 4.

Make it Tropical
Let the littles drop a few bamboo straws into fresh-squeezed glasses of lemonade and you can almost imagine you’re on a beach somewhere. Just try to resist the urge to spread out your beach towel in the backyard sandbox.

Available at The Sugar Diva, $4.50 for a pack of 25.

Drink Divers
Finally, it’s okay to blow bubbles in your glass! Made from durable, food-safe plastic, drink divers from Fred & Friends make a perfect addition to a backyard lemonade party. Or, any party really.

Available online at Fred & Fred’s, $9 for a pack of 2.

Classic Stripes
Make a glass of lemonade even sweeter with a classic striped straw. Let them choose from a rainbow assortment, there’s not a sour one among the bunch. We like the paper versions scooped out over at Shop Sweet Lulu.

Available online at Shop Sweet Lulu, $4 for a pack of 20.

Just for Fun
More fun than functional, the Silly Straw Glasses are a good gag gift for your gigglers. Wrap around various body parts and then race to see who can slurp up lemonade the fastest!

Available at Cracker Barrel, $4.99.

See-thru Straw
If you like the idea of being able to see what’s hanging out in a straw when the the sipping’s done, you’ll dig this glass beauty from Strawsome. At just 7” and bent for drinking ease, you can rest assured they’ll stay put in all those kid-sized servings being poured outside. Made of (sturdy) glass, these are best left to your older kiddos.

Available at Strawsome, $8.95.

Perfect for a Party
When planning a pink lemonade party, no regular straw will do. Add a little pop with a sweet sign from Etsy store Cupcake Express. In addition to the the straw flags, the digital package also includes several other printable party designs that are just pinky.

Available at Cupcake Express on Etsy, $3.

Cold Colors
These BPA-free straws are designed for drinking Boba, but they’ll work just as well with lemonade. We love that the colors change with cold or hot temps, just like those mood rings you used to wear as a kid.

Available at Buddha Bubbles, $8.95 for a pack of 20.

STEM Straws
They’ll be so busy building their best straw you might have to remind them to stop and take a sip! 44 dishwasher safe pieces will keep little hands busy; your backyard besties will want to spend an entire day making and re-making the most wackiest versions possible.

Available at Fat Brain Toys, $11.95

Which straw will you use to sip sweet lemonade this summer? Share with us in a Comment below!

— Gabby Cullen

Not Your Average Lemonade Stand: Ideas for Summer Fun

by Elizabeth SilvaJuly 20, 2015

Nothing screams summer quite like a lemonade stand on the side of the street. This summer activity takes parents on a trip down Nostalgia Lane while allowing little entreprenuers to practice skills in money counting and socializing. To help your kiddos whittle away the summer afternoons, how about setting up a lemonade stand with a twist — offer something different than lemonade! Inspired by some of San Diego’s hot spots, here are a few ideas that let your munchkin set up shop and enjoy different city spots this summer.

Photo credit: Cindy W. via Yelp

Puppy Treats and Water Stand at Dog Beach

If your wee one loves dogs as much as we do, Dog Beach is a must. Located in super-chill Ocean Beach, it was one of the first official leash-free beaches in the country. This mile-long beach boasts a dog run, rock jetties, and a volleyball area. Your pup customers will be barking for water and tasty treats, so bring plenty! If you and your mini-me feel like making homemade dog treats, try this great recipe. Consider handing out free treats to puppies that perform tricks! Don’t forget to bring reusable bowls for Fido to lap up his water!

Insider’s Tip: If you feel like mixing up your day, the Ocean Beach Municipal Pier is open to the public for fishing and walking.

West Point Loma Blvd. and Voltaire St.

Online: oceanbeachsandiego.com

Photo credit: ChrisDag via Flickr Creative Commons

S’mores Supply Stand at Mission Bay Park

Roasting summertime s’mores alongside Mission Bay is a tradition for San Diego families. If your little one loves sweets, consider a s’mores supply stand complete with all the fixings: graham crackers, milk chocolate and marshmallows. For a delicious twist, add extras like peanut butter cups, peppermint patties, salted caramel squares and dark chocolate. All you need to do is gather the supplies, pop up a table and set your pricing.

Insider’s Tip: No meltdowns allowed! Don’t forget a cooler to keep your chocolate from melting in the summer heat. Parking is free; but get their early to get a spot.

2688 E. Mission Bay Dr.

San Diego, Ca 92109

Online: sandiego.gov

Fresh Fruit Stand at Glorietta Bay
One of our favorite kid-friendly summer hangouts is Glorietta Bay, which offers breathtaking views of the Coronado Bridge and San Diego skyline. Parents and their little pals love this bay because it has it all —a beach, dock, playground, grass-filled park and restrooms! Why not help visitors celebrate summer with juicy and delicious fruit? Parents will appreciate your healthy assortment of seasonal fruit like berries, melons, oranges and peaches that you can pick up at a local farmer’s market.

Insider’s Tip: Older siblings ages 6-years and up can catch some concrete and the Coronado Skate Park across the street.

Glorietta Blvd. and Mullinix Dr.

Online: coronado.ca.us

Photo credit: Leah Singer

Lemonade and Energy Bar Stand at Tecolote Canyon Trail

Tecolote Canyon offers some of the most family-friendly trails around San Diego. Hikers can find trails that range from flat, dirt roads for easy-going walks to steeper inclines for a good workout. Your little trail blazer can offer ice cold lemonade and energy bars to visitors this summer. For a healthy and delicious power bar recipe, try this.

Insider’s Tip: There are many picnic tables along the trails you could use to setup your stand. Just make sure to pack your goodies in a roll-away cart for easy transporting!

5180 Tecolote Rd.

San Diego, Ca 92110

Online: sandiego.gov

Good to Know

Teach your little ones a humanitarian lesson by encouraging them to donate proceeds from their summer stand. Through Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, your family can be part of this national movement to fight childhood cancer “one cup at a time.” Be sure to register your lemonade stand’s location, date and time. You’ll receive a free fundraising kit in the mail and a personal fundraising coach to assist you with any questions.
Before getting started, find out what the rules are in your specific area for setting up sales stands. You may be required to obtain a permit or comply with regulations.

Got more ideas to add to the collection? Tell us in the comments below what ideas you have for summer fun!

—Elizabeth Silva

Classic Scoops: The Best Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Parlors

by Aimee Della BittaJuly 18, 2015

The 1950’s were all about good, old-fashioned American fun. It was poodle skirts, lettered jackets and meeting up at the neighborhood ice cream parlors. Half a century later, these chill meet-up spots are thankfully still aplenty and open to make your sweet tooth’s whipped cream dreams come true. Get ready for a spoonful of nostalgia as your flip through the coolest spots for serving up retro root beer floats and vintage vanilla sundaes in America.

Fenton’s Creamery – Oakland, Ca

Not many businesses get to celebrate their 119th birthday. Fenton's Ice Cream Shop in Oakland, California is one of them and generations of customers have the memories to prove it. This East Bay favorite is the perfect mix of history and innovation. Still making ice cream from hand, while continuing to come up with innovative flavors that get the stamp of approval from mini palates of today.

Insider Scoop: Pint-sized ice cream buffs will love the Arctic Tour, a 30 minute lesson on the history of ice cream and how it’s made. Click here for more information on the tours.

Online: Fenton’s Creamery

Photo courtesy of Fenton’s Creamery

Do you have a favorite old-fashioned style ice cream spot? Share with us in a Comment below!

— Aimee Della Bitta

Why You Need to Visit the Laguna Cliffs Marriott

by Leah R. SingerJuly 15, 2015

Do you remember watching Dirty Dancing and wishing you could spend the week at a fun resort where there was always something to do? We found a perfect solution that doesn’t require a cross-country trip. The Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa in Dana Point is the perfect getaway for a the family without spending money traveling by plane or endless hours in the car. Located approximately 40 minutes north of San Diego and south of Los Angeles, the resort has everything you need for a relaxing weekend or weekday getaway. Kids will love the activities, which makes parents happy and relaxed.

What to Do at Laguna Cliffs Resort
There’s so much to do at Laguna Cliffs Resort that it’s almost tough to know where to start. The property is located next to Lantern Bay Park, which features pathways for biking, walking and jogging. Don’t worry about bringing bikes; Laguna Cliffs has bikes available to use. There’s also morning yoga in the park (and yes, the Resort has yoga mats available too). You can play table tennis, frisbee, kite flying, tennis and bocce ball (with courts right on site).

If you’re looking to go beyond the resort, all you need to do is travel the 118 steps from the property to Dana Point Harbor and explore the area including the Seaport Mariner’s Village and Shops, the famous Ocean Institute and whale watching adventures.

Family-Friendly Fun
While the Laguna Cliffs has so much family fun available, the pools and kids splash pad really make it something special. The resort has two pools: the Laguna Pool features quiet and serene surroundings for adults, and the Del Mar Pool for the entire family. Kids go crazy for the Splash Pad, which features water play fountains, surfboards and water cannon, a one-foot kiddie pool and room to run around on the expansive Del Mar Lawn.

The Del Mar pool has plenty of lounge chairs, umbrellas, oversized papasan chairs, and kid-friendly poolside dining is available. We love that the Splash Pad is right next to the Del Mar Pool, which means parents can relax while the kiddos can play to their heart’s content.

One of the highlights of the summer (Memorial Day to Labor Day) is the Laguna Kahuna Movie Night on Saturday evenings. Kids and parents are invited to show up in pajamas and with pillows to watch one of the kid-friendly movies. Some of this year’s features are Frozen, Despicable Me, Toy Story and more. There’s also an old fashioned popcorn machine, drinks and chocolate treats. All of this is complimentary for hotel guests.

Kahuna Laguna Kids Club
One of the hallmarks of the resort is the Kahuna Laguna Kids Club. This fun-filled program for kiddos ages 5 – 12 runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Kids participate in supervised arts and crafts, games, outdoor activities, poolside fun in the Splash Zone, treasure hunts, and more. When they check in at the Kids Club, little guests receive a Kahuna Laguna Passport, which they can take to different hotel spots throughout their stay. When the passport is full, they bring it to the front desk and pick a prize from the treasure box.

Each day features a different theme. There’s Pirate Adventures, Wild West Wednesdays, Surfin’ Safari, Make Believe Monday, just to name a few. Kids can attend Kahuna Laguna Kids Club for the full day (9 a.m. – 4 p.m.) for $70, morning half day (9 a.m. – 1 p.m.) or afternoon half day (12 – 4 p.m.) for $45 each. Lunch and snacks are provided in each session.

One of the great things about the Kahuna Laguna Kids Club is it gives parents some alone time and a chance to unwind without leaving the property. We suggest checking out the Spa at Laguna Cliffs for a massage, a workout at the gym, or spend some quiet time in the sauna and the Spa’s relaxing room and patio.

Good to Know

Laguna Cliffs has different room rates and pricing options to meet your needs as a family. Check out their website for specials or talk with a hotel representative for suggestions.
During the summer, VUE restaurant at Laguna Cliffs has a family-friendly buffet dinner. Kids can chose from items like chicken tenders, mac and cheese, summer corn on the cob and a chocolate fountain. What picky eater can complain about that? For breakfast, we suggest the Kahuna Laguna Breakfast with scrambled eggs and chocolate chip pancakes.
Speaking of eating, if you’re dining at VUE, see if your kiddos can spot the bunnies running outside the restaurant on the lawn. It will keep the little ones occupied!
Another fun option is Movies at the Park in Lantern Bay Park, right next to Laguna Cliffs. Every Friday during the summer, the city of Dana Point hosts a complimentary movie night.
Laguna Cliffs gets quite busy during the summer, so make sure to book your reservation sooner rather than later.

25135 Park Lantern
Dana Point, Ca 92629
949-661-5000
Online: lagunacliffs.com

Has your family visited the Laguna Cliffs Marriott? What’s your favorite thing to do at the resort?

— Leah R. Singer (photos too)

The Perfect Portland Summer Bucket List

by Marianne WaltersJune 28, 2015

Who needs to jet set to a tropical island when Portland has plenty of excitement, like tram rides with a bird’s-eye view, berry patches and sandy beach trips within a stone’s throw of home? Read on to discover eight close-to-home adventures that’ll make your summer unforgettable.

1. Hike to the Top of the City

Feeling ambitious? The 4T trail is the coolest hike you’ll ever take because it involves a trail, tram, trolley and train. Start at the zoo and follow the signs for a hike. Make sure your kids are feeling up to the gentle inclines you’ll encounter because strollers are not allowed. The trail leads to OHSU where you can take the tram down to the South Waterfront. (Bonus: The tram is free on the way down.) Follow the signs to the trolley, which will take you over the bridge to downtown, where you’ll hop on a train and end up back at the zoo. While in the South Waterfront area, grab lunch at Little Big Burger.

A couple other fun hikes that we love are Powell Butte (16160 SE Powell Blvd) and Tryon Creek in Southwest Portland. Both of these areas boast tons of trails, so you can choose your adventure depending on your tykes’ stamina.

photo: brx0 via Creative Commons

What’s on your summer bucket list? Let us know in the Comments below!

— Marianne Walters

Tag: Summer Fun

Rockin’ and Readin’: Catch Kindie Rockers at Tricycle Music Fest

Related reads

Scout the Route: 35 Things to Do on the Trail

Related reads

12 Ways to Master Your Hide & Seek Game

Chalk It Up

Related reads

Perfect Pit Stops on Highway 101

Related reads

The Ultimate Summer Show and Tell

Wax On!

Related reads

Sweet Straws Perfect for Sipping

Related reads

Not Your Average Lemonade Stand: Ideas for Summer Fun

Related reads

Classic Scoops: The Best Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Parlors

Fenton’s Creamery – Oakland, Ca

Related reads

Why You Need to Visit the Laguna Cliffs Marriott

Related reads

The Perfect Portland Summer Bucket List

1. Hike to the Top of the City

Related reads