Here Are All the Free National Park Days in 2024

by Kate LowethJanuary 1, 2024

There’s a new addition to this list of fee-free national parks days

As we navigate a crazy winter season, the thought of a getaway in 2024 sounds pretty magical. Once the dust has settled, heading to a national park is an awesome way to enjoy the great outdoors, especially when it’s free! Get your kids set up with the Junior Ranger booklet in your park of choice and see what the whole family can learn about these amazing areas of the country.

The National Park Service has just announced the list of days when all national park will waive their admission fees. New for 2024, Juneteenth National Independence Day (June 19) has been added as a national parks fee-free day. Juneteenth was signed into law as a national holiday on June 17, 2021, commemorating the abolition of slavery in the United States.

“National parks are places that awaken senses, inspire curiosity, encourage reflection, and foster joy,” National Park Service Director Chuck  Sams said. “The entrance fee-free days expand opportunities for people to visit their national parks and experience the beauty and history of our country.”

When can you get into the National Parks without paying?

family in yosemite national park — *istock*

The 2024 free admission for everyone days include:

Mon., Jan. 15: Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Birthday
Sat., Apr. 20: First day of National Park Week
New for 2024: Wed., June 19: Juneteenth National Independence Day
Fri., Aug. 4: Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
Sat., Sep. 28: National Public Lands Day
Mon., Nov. 11: Veterans Day

With more than 400 parks across the country, there are plenty of options to choose from. Whether you’re planning a fall foray, a winter getaway, a spring fling, or a summer trip, you can find a free admission day for every season.

Even though admission is free on these special days, other paid activities are not. You may need to pay amenity or user fees where applicable. These fees include the cost of activities, such as camping, as well as boat launches, transportation, or touring fees.

If the six annual free days don’t fit your schedule, some of the national parks are fee-free every day of the year (or at least every day they’re open). Some of the most notable entrance fee-free parks include:

Great Smoky Mountains National Park (North Carolina and Tennessee)
Biscayne National Park (Florida)
North Cascades National Park (Washington)
Great Basin National Park (Nevada)
Lake Clark National Park and Preserve (Alaska)

Got a fourth grader? You can grab a free pass to the national parks for their entire fourth-grade year. This includes visits to places like Alcatraz, Yellowstone, the Great Smoky Mountains, and more. The Every Kids Outdoors program is an excellent way to teach your kids about the national parks and get everyone out in the fresh air at the same time.

How to Explain Veterans Day to Kids

by Amber GuetebierNovember 2, 2023

Start with the basics

Veterans Day can be a tricky one to explain to the kiddos: their natural curiosity can lead to questions you may not be prepared to answer or questions for which the answers might seem frightening. (What is war? Will we go to war?) So we’ve come up with a few facts about Veterans Day for kids to help.

For families with active or retired military members, Veterans Day can take on a very significant meaning. But not everyone knows what it really represents or how to explain it to children. Unlike Memorial Day, which honors members of the military who died in service (click here to read more about the story of Memorial Day), Veterans Day honors those who have served in war (and are therefore veterans of the war). Many, many veterans are alive and well today and deserve their special day!

Start with Facts about Veterans Day for Kids

Veterans Day is November 11th, every year. (It is often observed as a legal holiday the nearest Monday to this date.)

Can you write the number 11? What about the word November?

If it’s always on the 11th, does it fall on the same day of the week every year?

What day does it fall on this year? (Hint: it’s Friday)

facts about Veterans Day for kids — iStock

A veteran is someone who served in the military.

Have you heard of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard? This is the military. The military is part of our government and is made up of people who have agreed to join the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, or Coast Guard, in order to become part of this branch of the government. They are trained for many situations, including emergencies at home. Their goal is to protect people who live in their country (and elsewhere).

Do you know the difference between these different branches and what special skills or equipment they use? (As in airplanes, naval ships, etc.),

Draw a picture that might represent what the different branches of the military specialize in.

A veteran is someone who served in the military during war.

The military is trained to fight in wars. Have you heard of war? What do you think it means?

Before you launch into the explanation of war, you can let kiddos know that for most countries, and especially in more recent times, world leaders negotiate before declaring war.

Know Your Kids

If your children are sensitive or very young, getting into details about war should be handled accordingly. While we aim to tell our children the truth, there’s no need to keep them up at night in fear. Focus your discussion on the veterans who have served in war and why it is important that we honor them on this day.

Here are a few reasons:

You probably know one. Mom, Dad, Grandpa, Grandma, aunts and uncles, neighbors: chances are there’s a veteran in your life. Got a photo of the vet? Show your kids. Putting a face on the concept will help kiddos connect with it.

Regardless of how you feel about war or specific wars, the fact remains that the men and women who have served during war times did so with honor and bravery. Talk about being brave. What does it mean? Why is it important?

Showing gratitude. This is an excellent chance to show kiddos how to honor their country’s history and elders, and how to be kind. For great ideas on how to thank a veteran, check out this story.

Target’s Special Military Discount Is Back & Longer Than Ever This Year

by Karly WoodOctober 21, 2021

For the fifth straight year, Target is honoring veterans with its annual Military Appreciation Discount, and this year its better than ever!

From Oct. 31 through Nov. 13, the retailer is offering a 10 percent discount off two purchases (some exclusions apply) for eligible services members. In order to qualify, guests will need to register at Target.com and once they are deemed eligible, they will be issued a two-time use Target Circle offer to use in-store and online.

photo: Courtesy of Target

Guests can also add a veteran or military family status to their Target Circle profile, which makes them eligible for bonus offers and vote on where Target’s community giving funds will go through the end of 2021.

––Karly Wood

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This Is the Best Deal We’ve Ever Seen on Apple AirPods

by Karly WoodNovember 4, 2020

With everyone home more often using tech these days, it’s probably high time you get your own set of earphones. In anticipation of Black Friday, Walmart is getting ahead of the game and releasing sales as early as today––and you don’t want to miss the killer deal on Apple AirPods.

Starting at 7 p.m. EST on Nov. 4, you can snag the newest generation of Apple AirPods at Walmart for only $99. Normally, the wireless earbuds will set you back $129!

photo: Apple/Composite: Red Tricycle

Apple AirPods come with a wired charging case, up to three hours of talk time, and are super easy to set up with all your devices. You’ll also have easy access to Siri and super quick charging times.

Head to walmart.com at 4 p.m. PST/7 p.m. EST to grab this deal before it sells out.

––Karly Wood

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10 Awesome Veteran’s Day Deals for Military Families & Veterans

by Karly WoodNovember 8, 2019

November 11 is a day set aside every year to honor the men and women who have bravely served our country. While many businesses close on this day, there are plenty of restaurants and stores that remain open and offer discounts to active duty service people and veterans.

Keep scrolling to see 10 amazing Veteran’s Day deals for military families.

Amazon Prime

RawPixel

From now through Nov. 11, veterans, active-duty troops and Guard and Reserve members can save $40 off a one-year Amazon Prime membership for a total of just. $79. If you're already a member, you can also renew your membership at the lower rate.

To sign up, head to Amazon.

Bruegger's Bagels

Like the Grand Canyon via Flickr

Show a military ID and receive a free bagel and cream cheese at participating Bruegger's Bagels locations.

Chipotle

Mike Mozart via Flickr

Show your military ID on Monday, Nov. 11 and take advantage of the buy one, get one free entree deal.

Dunkin Donuts

Mike Mozart via Flickr

On Monday, Nov. 11, veterans and active duty military can dead to Dunkin' for a free donut of your choice, no purchase necessary.

IHOP

Mike Mozart via Flickr

Veterans and active-duty service members can enjoy a free breakfast combo or a free stack of Red, White, and Blueberry pancakes at participating locations.

LEGOLAND

Military and veterans can receive up to six free admission tickets to LEGOLAND Floriday Nov. 1-25 and special discounts on Veterans Day. Head to a ticket window on Nov. 11 to get a wristband and flyer to get access to a 10% discount on food, beverage and retail purchases at all locations including carts, a second 6x8 photo free with purchase of the first photo and two plays of carnival-style games for the price of one, excluding prize-every-time games.

Motherhood Maternity & A Pea in the Pod

South Beach Cars via Flickr

Expecting service women, military spouses and veterans can get a special 15 percent discount at Motherhood Maternity & A Pea in the Pod Nov 7-11. To get the discount, show your military ID.

National Parks

Pixabay

National Parks are free for everyone on Monday, Nov. 11.

Starbucks

All veterans, active-duty service members and military spouses can get a free tall (12 fl oz) brewed coffee at participating stores Monday, Nov. 11

Target

Mike Mozart via Flickr

Target is thanking all members of the miltary, their families and veterans by offering 10 percent off one purchase from Nov. 3 through Nov. 11.

Verify your military status by visiting this page and unlock your coupon.

––Karly Wood

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Traverse a Brick Safari (& More) at Brookfield Zoo

by Wendy AltschulerMay 30, 2019

See a whoop of gorillas, a huddle of penguins, a flamboyance of flamingoes, a romp of otters, an army of frogs, and an ambush of tigers (oh my!) at Brookfield Zoo, which has been a mecca for animal-kingdom hoopla since 1934. Besides the obvious wild fun with the furry to the slithering, their newest temporary exhibit, Brick Safari, will have you walking along a menagerie of LEGO brick animals located along a winding, wooded path. Slip into your comfy walking shoes, bring a sense of adventure, and plan a family date at Brookfield Zoo.

New and Temporary

Brick Safari
A roaring tiger, a leaping dolphin, a lounging leopard—sure, these are all animals one might expect to see on a visit to Brookfield Zoo. Lucky for guests, this summer you’ll be treated to a chance to see these sweet creatures in an entirely different and unique way at Brick Safari. Open as of May 11 and continuing through September 29, it features more than 40 life-size animal sculptures created from millions of individual colored LEGO bricks.

It’s an extra special addition to the zoo, as it’s the first venue to host this international traveling exhibit in North America. Many of the sculptures you’ll see are based on Brookfield Zoo favorites—the giraffe, snow leopard, and pangolin. After checking out these amazing figures, guests can visit their live counterparts that reside at the zoo.

This interactive exhibit will appeal to both science and art lovers, who will have the opportunity to tap into their creative sides. Colorful graphics featuring interesting animal facts and statistics such as the size of each figure, how many bricks were used to build each one, and the amount of time it took to create each sculpture are displayed.

Summer Nights
A warm-weather favorite is back for its 6th year, Summer Nights, featuring an enhanced dining, beer and wine garden, live music, roaming performers, kid entertainment and a new laser show all surrounded by wildlife and nature (and in the cooler temps of evening!). Summer Nights are scheduled Friday and Saturday evenings, June 21-August 10.

A Little History

Brookfield Zoo was the very first zoo in America to house giant pandas. Su Lin was one of the most beloved. Even though she’s long passed, you can visit her at Chicago’s Field Museum of Natural History, where she is on display.

Other firsts: the zoo, in 1960, opened a much-celebrated dolphin exhibit indoors. And, in the 1980’s Tropic World, an elaborate large-scale indoor rainforest simulator, was built. Your eye wanders high above in this exhibit, to locate calls of animals that are balanced in trees as well as straight out onto the rolling hill-like grounds. The sound of rain and thunder washes over the exhibit as well, making it feel like you’re wandering through real wet lands in search of animals.

Kids can see over 450 different species of animals—or around 2,300 individual animals, stretched out over 216 acres. The best part: the zoo uses moats and ditches in an elaborate design to house the animals, instead of cages and bars, to provide barriers between visitors and animals. The animals have room to roam around and you can get an unobstructed photo—it’s a win-win.

Getting to the Zoo

Brookfield Zoo is located at 8400 W. 31^st ST., only 14 miles west of Chicago’s downtown. Many signs will help direct the way, on the Eisenhower Expressway (I-290) and Stevenson Expressway (I-55), as well as throughout the neighborhood of Brookfield. If arriving by car, park at the North Gate or South Gate for $14.

Did you know that you can take the Metra’s Burlington Northern Line to the zoo? If you’re traveling from the city or from the western suburbs, this is the easiest—and cheapest—route. Exit at Hollywood Station, the Zoo Stop, and walk three blocks northeast to the zoo’s South Entrance.

Extras: The Dolphins in Action show, at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., is $5.00 for adults and $3.00 for children and seniors. The carousel is $3.00 per ride. The Motor Safari is $5.00 for adults and children and $3.00 for seniors. Hamill Family Play Zoo is $3.00 per visitor. Add-on experiences include giraffe feedings and penguin encounters—review the website for special pricing, dates and hours.

Zoo-Based Education

Not only does the zoo have special animal carts, hands-on activities and educational chats throughout the park, but there are also programs designed to teach conservation, inspiring a love of the natural world in our kids.

Family Play Programs: Kids in two different age groups can join special playgroups, led by artists, nature educators and early childhood specialists, to learn about nature and wildlife. Located at the Hamill Family Play Zoo, this nature-focused playtime includes weekly animal encounters, trips to a pond to learn about the environment, and lots of arts and crafts.

Backstage Adventures: Kids can work with animal care staff to learn how to take care of the zoo’s animals: penguins, bears, dolphins, apes, reptiles, birds, bugs—big or small, pick your favorites and go on a one-of-a-kind zoological adventure.

Zoo Camp: The multi-age camps, held in the spring, summer and winter, are super popular at Brookfield Zoo. The best part about these camps is the flexibility—sign up your camper for a couple of days, for several weeks, or for a half-day three-day camp.

Sleepover Safari: For a truly inimitable experience, join a sleepover party at the zoo. You’ll go on a night zoo hike, after all of the regularly admitted visitors have left, participate in animal-themed activities, spend the night with lots of kids and families, and enjoy a hot breakfast the next morning before departing.

Hamill Family Play Zoo: Infants to kids through 10 years of age will love exploring the Hammill Family Play Zoo, where they can climb on indoor structures (perfect for Chicago days with inclement weather), do arts and crafts, learn through hands-on activities and exhibits, and trek around the outdoor family area. Don’t leave without visiting the Hamill Family Wild Encounters exhibit, which gives families the opportunity to feed and touch goats, llamas, alpacas, wallabies, and even reindeer.

Year-Long Events and Programming

Throughout the year, Brookfield Zoo hosts several special events, meant to inspire a love of animals and nature. These programs are also designed to spend time with family and friends, enjoying the zoo as an interesting backdrop. Check out: Party for the Planet, the Annual Whirl Gala, Brick Safari (Legos anyone?), Roars & Pours, Summer Nights Concerts, Zoo Brew, ZooRunRun, Boo! at the Zoo, Veterans Day Celebration, and Mother’s and Father’s Day brunches.

Spending a day at Brookfied Zoo—wandering through: Big Cats, Desert’s Edge, Clouded Leopard Rainforest, Great Bear Wilderness, Living Coast, Regenstein Wolf Woods, Salt Creek Wilderness, The Swamp and Tropic World, among others— is a great way to bond with your children, while also learning something new about animal conservation and the environment, as well as our place in protecting delicate ecosystems.

Hours and Admission

Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat. & Sun., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
$21.95/adults; $15.95/ages 3-11 & 65 & up; free for members and military personnel with ID receive free parking and admission year-round.
Tip: All tickets are $1 cheaper if purchased online.

—Wendy Altschuler

Target, Disney World & 50 More Veterans Day Discounts for Military Families

by Karly WoodNovember 10, 2018

Military personnel deserve honor and praise the entire year long, but Nov. 11 is a special day set aside to give our servicemen and women extra kudos. When it comes to Veterans Day discounts, there are tons of ways for both veterans and active duty personnel to get discounts and freebies, and we’ve got a huge list right here!

Keep reading to find special military deals on food, retail, entertainment and travel just for our servicemen and women.

Photo: Michigan National Guard via Flickr

Retail Deals for Military Families

Target: Veterans, active duty and their dependents can get a 10 percent discount at Target Nov. 4 through 12 when they use a free coupon, both in store and online.

Great Clips: Visit a Great Clips salon on Nov. 11 and veterans and current military members will get a free cut that day or a free haircut card to use later. Customers can also purchase a haircut on Nov. 11 and receive a free haircut card to give to a veteran.

Lowe’s: Veterans and active military get 10 percent off purchases Veterans Day and every day at Lowe’s.

Mattress Firm: Veterans, their families and first responders get 20 percent off at Mattress Firm Nov. 9 through Nov. 12.

Sears Garage Services: Anyone with a valid military ID can get 10 percent off any product or service Nov. 9 through 12.

SmileDirectClub: SmileDirectClub will give active military and veterans $200 off an invisible aligner purchase during Veterans Day weekend (Nov. 9 to Nov. 12). Visit one of the brand’s 150 locations with military ID.

Tractor Supply Company: Veterans, active duty military and their dependents get 15 percent off at Tractor Supply Company stores on Nov. 11. Present valid military ID to get the deal.

Photo: Maryland National Guard via Flickr

Free Meals, Appetizers, Desserts & Drinks for Military Families

Acapulco: Free 3-Item Combo for military personnel, past and present on Nov. 11. Choose among Tacos, Enchiladas, Taquitos, Tamales and Chile Relleno.

Applebee’s: Veterans and active duty military can get a free meal on Nov. 11.

Bar Louie: Vets and active military get a free meal from open to close on Nov. 11 at Bar Louie locations around the country. The uffer includes a free burger or flatbread (up to $15 value) and a Military ID is required.

BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse: Current and retired military get a free entree (up to a $12.95 value), plus a free Dr. Pepper beverage on Nov. 11. Dine-in only. Also, all active and retired military can reserve a free Pizookie dessert, which will be purchased by guests who have opted to contribute $1 extra on their checks to the “Buy a Hero a Pizookie” program.

Bob Evans: Bob Evans is offering six free breakfast items, available all day, and select lunch and dinner options.

Bonefish Grill: Active and retired service members with valid military ID get a complimentary Bang Bang Shrimp on Nov. 11.

Buffalo Wild Wings: Participating Buffalo Wild Wings restaurants will offer free small boneless or traditional wings and fries for all veterans and active duty service members with a valid military ID. Dine-in only.

California Pizza Kitchen: Get a free pizza, full-size salad or pasta from the special Veterans Day Menu. Dine-in only

Chevy’s Fresh Mex: Veterans and active duty service members get a free three-item combo on Nov. 11 with a current ID.

Chipotle: Active duty, veterans, reserves, National Guard, military spouses and retired military can BOGO free on dine-in purchases at Chipotle on Nov. 11. Valid on burritos, bowls, salads and taco orders.

CiCi’s Pizza: Visit the free buffet on Veterans Day, including pizza, salads, dessert and more.

Cotton Patch Cafe: Veterans and active duty military can receive a free Chicken Fried Steak or Chicken Fried Chicken on Nov. 11.

Cracker Barrel: Veterans and active duty military receive a free piece of Coca-Cola Cake, or a crafted coffee on Nov. 11 at all Cracker Barrel stores.

Dunkin’: On Nov. 11, veterans and active duty military can receive a free donut at participating Dunkin’ locations.

El Torito Grill: Veterans and current service members get a complimentary meal and choose between a two-item combo, Fajita Salad, Mesquite Grilled Chicken Tostada or Carnitas Yucatán with a valid ID.

Famous Dave’s: Veterans can get a free 2 Meat Salute for veterans Nov. 11 and 12. Choose two different meats from: Georgia Chopped Pork, Country Roasted Chicken, BBQ Chicken, Sweetwater Catfish Fingers, Southside Rib Tips, Texas Beef Brisket or Hand Breaded Chicken Tenders, with a choice of one side and a Corn Bread Muffin. Available at participating locations only. All vets must bring a photo ID and proof of military service.

Freebirds World Burrito: Veterans, active military, retired service members and reservist members get a BOGO deal on full-size entrees on Nov. 11 with a valid military ID.

Friendly’s: Veterans and activity military can get a free breakfast, lunch or dinner at Friendly’s with a valid military ID or honorable discharge card. Choose between the Big-Two-Do Breakfast and the All-American Burger with fries for lunch or dinner.

Golden Corral: Enjoy Military Appreciation night on Nov. 12 (Veterans Day observed) from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.. Retirees, veterans, active duty, National Guard or Reserves are eligible to receive a free meal. Dine-in only.

Green Mill: Veterans and activity duty military can get a free dine-in lunch or dinner on Nov. 11. Offer includes any single item from the menu. Pizza is restricted to a small one-topping Deep Dish.

HomeTown Buffet: Military Monday falls on Veterans Day observed (Nov. 12). Bring a proof of service and get special discounts for military and up to three family members. Discounted prices are $1.99 for a kids meal, $6.29 for lunch and $9.29 for dinner.

Hopdoddy Burger Bar: Any party that includes a veteran, active duty or reservist military member gets 50 percent off on Nov. 11.

Hoss’s Steak & Sea: On Monday, Nov. 12 (Veterans Day observed), veterans can eat at the soup, salad and dessert bar for free with a free beverage. The offer is valid 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and must show proof of service.

Huddle House: Veterans and active duty military can receive a free Sweet Cake plate Nov. 9 through 12 with a valid military ID required.

Hy-Vee: Check out your local Hy-Vee locations for a free breakfast buffet for veterans and active duty military on Nov. 11.

IHOP: Get free red, white and blue pancakes with blueberries, strawberries and whipped cream.

Krispy Creme: Military and veterans get one free donut and small coffee on Veterans Day.

Little Caesars Pizza: Get a free pizza or $5 HOT-N-READY Lunch Combo on Veterans Day.

Lucille’s Smokehouse BBQ & Hof’s Hut Restaurant: Free dessert on Nov. 11 and 12 for veterans and active military. Veterans and active duty military get 20 percent off the entire month of November.

McCormick & Schmick’s: Vets and Gold Star Honorees (parents and spouses) can get a free lunch or dinner on Nov. 11. Pick from include Salmon Rigatoni, Tender Beef Medallions, Beer Battered Fish & Chips and more.

On the Border: Veterans with a valid military ID or proof of service get a free Create-Your-Own-Combo 2 Meal. Served with Mexican rice and beans, plus endless chips and salsa.

Red Robin: Get a free Red’s Tavern Double Burger and Bottomless Steak Fries, valid on dine-in only.

Red Lobster: Get a free appetizer or dessert on November 11th or 12th.

Rock Bottom Restaurant & Breweries: Veterans can get a free entree Nov. 10–12. Diners can also enjoy a limited-edition Veterans Day IPA Nov. 10-17 where twenty-five cents from each pint will go to a local Veterans charity.

Romano’s Macaroni Grill: Macaroni Grill offers military and veterans a free Mom’s Ricotta Meatballs & Spaghetti entrée.

Ruby Tuesday: Free appetizer for all veterans, active duty and reserve service members on Nov. 11.

Shane’s Rib Shack: Get a free sandwich combo Nov. 8 to 10 if you are Military personnel or a veteran. Military ID or proof of service is required.

TGI Fridays: Get a free lunch menu item up to $12 from 11 a.m to 2 p.m. Guests will also receive a $5 coupon for their next meal at Fridays. Offer for dine-in only.

Wienerschnitzel: Veterans, active military members and reservists get a free Chili Dog, small fry and 20-ounce drink at Wienerschnitzel on Nov. 11. Must show a current valid military ID to receive the offer.

Wild Wing Cafe: On Nov. 11, veterans eat free. Choose from any Awesome Salad, Wild Wrap, Beefy Burger or Chicken Sandwich. Dine-in only, at participating locations.

Photo: Georgia National Guard via Flickr

Entertainment & Travel Discounts for Military Families

CheapOair: Use a promo code to get travel discounts through Nov. 12 for Veterans Day.

Disney World: Receive special military rates when you book travel by Dec. 19 for stays Jan. 1 through Mar. 24 and Apr. 6 through Dec. 19.

Red Roof Inn: From Nov. 1 to Dec. 31, all active duty military and veterans get 20 percent off the best available rate for stays that occur Nov. 1 to Feb. 28. You must use the coupon code on this page.

Super 8: All military members and their families get 20 percent off Super 8 through Dec. 11.

World of Coca Cola: Complimentary admission to military and half-price admission to their guests. Nov. 1 to Nov. 11, members of the Armed Forces may buy up to four half-price general admission tickets for friends and family. Present valid military ID at the ticket window.

—Karly Wood

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Today Is #VeteransDay

by amynicosiaSeptember 11, 2016

Daily

Today Is #VeteransDay

In deep gratitude.

Veterans Day honors those who have fought in war and it’s not always easy to explain to kids. These tips should help.

Thanking a veteran is the best way to honor the day. Here are 5 easy ways to do it.

This American flag collage is the perfect pastime for kids of all ages to get in the spirit of the day.

{ Today’s ideas brought to you by Bravery }

No-School Cool: What to Do with the Kids on Veterans Day

by Mimi O'ConnorSeptember 30, 2015

No school? No problem! There are plenty of delightful diversions happening all around the city on Veterans Day, November 11, and some places are even hosting special events or classes for the liberated masses. Check out our recs on how to make the most of the day with no class.

photo: Marie-Lan Nguyen via Flickr

Salute Veterans at the Parade
Officially known as America’s Parade, the New York City Veterans Day Parade is the largest celebration of veterans in the country. This year’s theme is “Honor and Remember”, and the featured military branch is the Navy. Expect marching bands from around the country, floats, vintage vehicles and more, as well as Grand Marshall World War II and Navy vet former Manhattan DA Robert Morgenthau.

11:15 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
5th Avenue from 26th St. to 52nd St.
Online: americasparade.org

photo: Emmanuel Milou via Flickr

Kids’ Day Off: Go Behind the Scenes at MSG
Join the folks at the JCC Manhattan for a behind-the-scenes tour of Madison Square Garden. The tour includes a visit to the Knicks & Rangers locker rooms and much more. Pre-registration is required and space is limited. (Kids should bring a packed lunch and drink.)

Tickets: $150/public; $135/members
Online: jccmanhattan.org

Go on a Discovery Walks for Families: Trees of Central Park
Take part in a free, hands-on, guided exploration and identification of some of Central Park’s majestic trees and enjoy the seasonal foliage, too. Nature trekkers can also borrow a Discovery Kit — a rugged backpack filled with kid-friendly binoculars, field guides, and other discovery tools. Pre-registration is required; terrain may not be suitable for strollers. Recommended for ages 5 and up.

10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Belvedere Castle
Mid-Park at 79th Street
Online: centralparknyc.org

photo: Big Apple Circus

Hit the Tent at the Big Apple Circus: The Grand Tour
Now in its 38th Season, the Big Apple Circus has returned to the Big Top at Lincoln Center. The theme of this year’s show is the 1920s-inflected The Grand Tour, which celebrates the advent of modern travel by ships, planes, train and automobiles. Expect acrobats, aerialists, jugglers, clowns, and more from all over the world, as well as ponies, puppies and live music from the seven-piece Big Apple Circus Band. No seat is more than 50-feet away from the action!

Tickets: Starting at $25
Online: bigapplecircus.org

Run, Jump, Play, Craft and More at New York Kids Club
The New York Kids Club brings the full power of its offerings to bust boredom on school break days. (If you child’s school is closed on Election Day, they have you covered there, too.) Times, activities and price vary by location, but some mix of music, gymnastics, arts and crafts, cooking and theater will keep the kids busy for much of the day.

Locations throughout New York City
Online: www.nykidsclub.com

photo: Taste Buds Kitchen

Get Cooking with Taste Buds Kitchen
This Chelsea culinary spot will host two kids’ events inspired by Food Network’s Chopped! on Veterans Day. From 9 a.m. to noon, kids 4 to 8 years old will make 2-3 recipes from scratch, with fun elements like mystery baskets, surprise ingredients and cooking challenges. From 1 – 4 p.m. little cooks 9 to 13 years old will do the same.

109 W. 27th St., 10th Fl.
Chelsea
212-242-2248
Online: tastebudskitchen.com

Get Wild at the Central Park Zoo
The Central Park Zoo offers one-day camps when school is not in session for kids Pre-K to 1st grade, and those in grades 2 – 5. Campers make enrichments treats for the animals, study animal behavior, do arts and crafts and play zoo games.

64th St. at 5th Avenue

Tickets: $80
212-439-6500
Online: https://tickets.wcs.org

Celebrate Veterans with Art at CMOM
Pay a visit to the Children’s Museum of Manhattan and contribute to its Veterans Day Patriotic Pinwheel Installation. Kids can add one to the large spinning sculpture saluting veterans and also make one to take home.

Drop-in 10 a.m. – 1p.m. & 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Free with museum admission
212 W. 83rd St.
Upper West Side
212-721-1223
Online: cmom.org

photo: Twinkle via Yelp

Sample the City’s Drop-in Play Spaces
You’ve got lots to choose from! Here are our picks in Brooklyn or Manhattan, many of which don’t require a membership.

Hang with Project Playdate
There’s never a dull moment on the 11th with Project Playdate in Tribeca, and registration is now open for both half- and full-day slots. Activities include a fun and educational workshop at Launch Math, a music workshop and a hip hop dance class. Online: www.projectplaydate.org

photo: via Prospect Park Facebook page

Spend the Day in Prospect Park

Brooklyn’s back yard will be hosting several fee events, starting at noon. The Prospect Park Audubon Center will host a Bird Nerd Game Hour with puzzles, bingo and more from 1-2 p.m.; an Alliance Naturalist will lead families to areas of the park to learn about nature and participate in a Citizen Science project; at 3 p.m. it’s feeding time for the snakes (see one gobble up a mouse), and families can borrow the park’s Discovery Packs for tools and activities for exploring nature. Stop by the park’s carousel for a $2 spin and the hop over the the Lefferts Historic House for old fashioned games like potato sack and spoon races and stilt-walking.

Online: https://www.prospectpark.org

Did we miss something? Don’t keep it to yourself — tell us about it in the comments below!

—Mimi O’Connor

Share an Attitude of Gratitude on Veterans Day in Hollywood

by liz oversonOctober 1, 2013

November 11 is for remembering. One of the best ways is to kick off the day with some gratitude at the Veterans Day parade in Hollywood to honor those who served and sacrificed. Then, you and the no-school-today set can make a day of it in this fam-friendly hamlet. There’s no limit to the merriment, except maybe time, energy and of course, daylight. SEE
The Veterans Day parade kicks off at 9:45 a.m. sharp. Get there early for a flag to wave and a curbside view. The parade runs from NE 40^th @ Tillamook to NE 48^th and Sandy. It’s a quick, respectful way to say hooray and hearty thanks to those who gave (and continue to give) of themselves. And if it’s rainy there are many storefronts along NE Sandy with go-your-umbrella-one-better awnings. The parade also rocks school bands, groovy vehicles, local politicians and first responders. If there’s a parade to hit all year, this is it, for the attitude of gratitude alone. And when it’s done…time to tend to the bellies.

EAT
Some of our faves in H’wood include Shandong (ooooh those tan tan noodles), Laurelwood Pub (with kiddo menu extravaganza and a play area), Rose City Food Park cartopolis o’ nosh and two big thumbs up for – Panera Cares. One of but a few in the whole US of A, Panera Cares is a chance to further the day of appreciation. The sandwich and salad mecca will take your order, tell you what it would cost, and then ask that you simply pay what you can into a donation box. More, less, the exact amount – whatever works and no one is turned away for not having enough cash. Anything you spend over the actual fee helps subsidize food for those who cannot pay full price or is (after all operating costs are met) donated to programs like job training for at-risk youth. It’s a superbly-worthy biz model and another fab way to instill a sense of thankfulness in our next gen.

EXPLORE
Once bellies are full, think about some ways to burn it off! Hollywood Bowl is here where you can rock strikes and roll spares. We also heart Spark Arts Center (NE 39^th) for their drop-in messy art fun. If the sun shines, or really, the rain does not pour down in buckets, run on over to Grant Park (NE 33^rd at US Grant) and check out their fab new turf football field and track. While there, say hello to Ramona and friends at the statue garden.

SHOP
Wander and ponder, avec les petites, Hollywood’s many unique boutiques of dig-for-it hip and dusty consignment, vintage and antique deals. Then head over to Popina and pretend you’re on vacation. The bathing suits, cover-ups, and uber-resorty vibe will transplant you and the kiddos will hang just fine with the toys, fish tanks and flatscreen cartoonathon. When and if you must get back to reality, Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s are right here for dinner munitions before you pile back into the truckster and head for the homeland.

Where are you sharing a bit of attitude and gratitude this Veterans Day? Will you hit up the parade or go elsewhere?

— Liz Overson

Thank yous for the photos go to – Spark Arts Center, Rose City Food Park and Popina Facebook pages, Brian Ebert and Amanda Armington.

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