ML Interest Tag: amphitheater

9 Scenic Spots to Watch the Sunset in Portland

by Annette Benedetti

Show your kids the meaning of “magic hour” by taking them to one of the best sunset spots in all of Portland

With summer in full swing, a sunset viewing party is something you need to get on the calendar—pronto. It’s quite possibly our all-time favorite free summer family activity. And although we know many of your favorite city picnic spots and hiking trails easily double as sunset-viewing destinations, we think you’ll be surprised by a few of the best places to see the sunset in and around Portland. Head to the waterfront or up to the mountains to see some of the best sunsets Oregon has to offer. Really want to make the most of the evening out with your little ones? Pack some popcorn and all your stargazing supplies to see what you can glimpse in a galaxy far, far away once the sun has said “good night” and a blanket of sparkling stars fill the night sky.

Mt. Tabor

The Eastside’s favorite dormant volcano, Mt. Tabor, offers plenty of hillside space for picnics, fun, and exploration. But when it comes to dusk, it's definitely one of the best places to watch the sunset. Hike the trails, play at the playground, or stroll to the top, then settle in to watch the sun put on a show over the city skyline and the west hills. Just remember that although the park is open until midnight, it's closed to motor traffic after 10 p.m. and all day on Wednesdays.

Insider Tip: The top’s views can be somewhat limited, so spread a blanket out on the west slope over the reservoir. You’ll get to sit and relax and still enjoy the view.

S.E. 60th St. & S.E. Salmon St.
Online: portlandoregon.gov

 

Mocks Crest & Skidmore Bluffs

This simple park on a hill offers tree-shaded areas, grassy open spaces and views of the beautiful Willamette River. You might have to come early to get a spot at this locals' favorite, but the views on the hillside are worth the effort. The bluffs tower above a steep drop down to Swan Island, and the views just can't be beat. This classic picnic site runs for miles above the Willamette River. This may be the best spot North Portland has to offer for killer sunset views.

2206 N. Skidmore Terrace
Online: outdoorproject.com

 

Stonehenge in the Gorge

Cross the veil at twilight and find an otherworldly vista at Stonehenge, Washington. Rather than an ancient Druidic worship site, this replica was built in 1918 as a WWI memorial, but you can still look for a few witches and goblins between the massive stones. Three miles west of the Maryhill Museum of Art, just off Highway 14, the perfect replica is perched on the edge of the Gorge, offering stunning views both ways. It’s the more affordable (and maybe more beautiful) way of visiting Stonehenge.

35 Maryhill Museum Dr.
Goldendale, WA
Online: maryhillmuseum.org

Related: Celebrate Summer at These Amazing Picnic Spots

Pittock Mansion

Built in 1914, the mansion on the hill is a popular destination in Portland. You can take tours inside as late as 5 p.m., but arguably the best attraction is the view of the city. The best views actually face east, but if you weren’t up for the sunrise, you’ll still catch a beautiful scene of the alpenglow on Mt. Hood as the sun sets behind you, casting purple and pink light on the snowy slopes. Also, the extensive grounds of the mansion are a great place for a picnic.

Insider Tip: If a pre-sunset mansion visit is on your list, you can score tickets online to make the trip easier. It's free for kids under 6.

3229 N.W. Pittock Dr.
Online: pittockmansion.org

 

Cathedral Park

Catch the last of the rays between the cathedral-like buttresses of the St. John’s Bridge. Whether you picnic down by the edge of the Willamette or higher in the park, you’ll see the sun dip slowly behind the trees of Forest Park on the west side of the river. It’s debatable whether it’s better under the bridge or above, so come back and test them both out. 

N. Edison St. & Pittsburg Ave.
Online: portlandoregon.gov

 

Council Crest Park

Nestled in the southwest hills, the top of Council Crest offers stunning 360-degree views of the city. You’ll catch the sun setting in the west, and if you turn around you can enjoy the light reflecting off the mountains in the east. It’s a 3.3 mile hike up the top (you can also drive, if that's easier), where you’ll find picnic tables and a vista viewing point with all the best views.

S.W. Council Crest Dr.
Online: portlandoregon.gov

Related: 6 Family Forest Park Hikes You Can Do Now

Eastbank Esplanade

Stay close to home by simply heading to the river for the nightly views. Sit behind the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) on the pier, take an evening stroll or ride bikes up the esplanade and enjoy the glow. The 1.5 mile path includes sections on the water, benches and plenty of place to sit and gaze. Head to the canoe launch and dip your toes on a hot night, or stay up on the main section and watch the sun set behind the Hawthorne Bridge.

S.E. Water Ave. & Hawthorne Blvd.
Online: portlandoregon.gov

Related: Free & Cheap Museum Days at Portland's Best Museums

 

Powell Butte Nature Park

The rocky volcanoes of Powell Butte are home to wide meandering trails through a surprising variety of landscapes—wildflower meadows, old-growth forest and cottonwood groves. Many trails are paved, making them an easy stroll, and at the top, markers point to surrounding mountains like Mt. Hood, Mt. Adams, Mt. Jefferson and more. At 600-feet high, it’s a spectacular spot to watch the sun dip. And dusk is the best time to look for the park’s normal residents like bats, raccoons, gray foxes and deer.

16160 S.E. Powell Blvd.
Online: portlandoregon.gov

 

Angel’s Rest

For a spectacular view of the entire gorge, challenge yourself to the Angel’s Rest hike. This is best for older kids who can handle the five-mile round trip hike up a steep slope or kids young enough to be carried. The natural amphitheater offers an incredible perspective once you reach the top. There’s a field of boulders on the west side before you reach the ‘summit,’ which is likely a better place to watch the sun go down. Give yourself plenty of time to reach the top before sunset and bring flashlights and headlamps for the hike down.

Insider Tip: There are no guardrails, so be mindful of safety and keep your little ones close!

Bridal Veil Exit #28
Online: stateparks.oregon.gov

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2022 Guide to the DMV’s 4th of July Fireworks & Festivities

by Meghan Yudes Meyers

The fireworks on the National Mall are one of the most spectacular shows in town. Set against the Washington Monument, there are a couple key vantage points for optimal viewing (check out our insider tips below), but a number of other area fireworks are also stunning (and many promise lesser crowds). Whether you want to celebrate America’s birthday in our nation’s capitol or you’re looking to venture further out of the city, we’ve found the best places to catch a dazzling display of fireworks in Washington, DC and beyond.

In the City

National Mall Fireworks 
The National Mall becomes the ultimate amphitheater every July 4th.  Grab your picnic blanket and park your family on any patch of grass  on the National Mall and you’ll have a front row seat to the show. This is the most crowded place to watch the celebration, so pack some snacks to help distract overtired kids (it can take up to an hour to leave the area). If you’re looking for something more low-key, you can still catch this awe-inspiring show beyond the Mall.

For a quiet, sensory-friendly evening: head to the National Cathedral. Boasting the highest point in the city, you can take the DC fireworks without all the noise. Another high vantage point can be found at Cardozo High School near U St. This is a hot spot with locals that guarantees a low-key vibe.

For an active evening: spend the night at The Wharf where you can have dinner, grab a s’mores kit  for dessert and gather around the fire, watch fireworks.

For a unique experience: For a dazzling view, watch the fireworks on the Potomac. You don’t need to be on a boat for this view. The 14th Street Bridge, the Francis Scott Key Bridge and the Arlington Memorial Bridge all are great spots to take in the July 4th celebrations. There are also a number of Firework Cruise options including the Signature Dinner Cruise by CityExperiences and the Alexandria City Water Taxi and for those wanting an intimate evening with just the fam, private charters, like this tour by sailboat from Reflections DC.

MARYLAND

Baltimore’s Inner Harbor Spectacular 
Immerse yourself in Revolutionary Americana in the city of Baltimore. Spend some time at Fort McHenry where the bombardment by the British inspired Francis Scott Key to pen “The Defense of Fort M’Henry” better known today as the “Star Spangled Banner.” You can also visit the home of the seamstress who made the garrison flag made famous by Key’s song.  More ways celebrate Independence Day include live music in the Inner Harbor amphitheater starting at 4 p.m , a live spoken word performance of Frederick Douglass’ “What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?” at Rash Field Park at 7:39 p.m and  the main event—fireworks—over the Inner Harbor at 9:30 p.m. Event details. 

photo: Roven Images via Unsplash 

Annapolis’s July 4th Celebration
Kick start America’s birthday with a parade down Main Street at 6:30 p.m. Any spot along the route is a good spot to take in this small town parade. There will be antique cars, firetrucks, marching bands and more. Fireworks light up the sky starting at 8 p.m The best places to take in Annapolis’s display is on the City Dock or standing on Naval Academy Bridge. Event details.

a happy kid wears red white and blue sunglasses on 4th of july

photo: iStock 

An All-Day Celebration in Frederick 
It’s an all day celebration in Frederick where festivities start at noon. Baker Park is the backdrop for this city’s 4th of July party that features entertainment on two stages, kids rides and games, a dunk tank (because, let’s face it, it’s hot!) and local food vendors. The fireworks show starts at dusk and while you can see the fireworks from most areas in the park, some parts may be obstructed. For optimal viewing, head towards the Fleming Ave. Swimming Pool, the Frederick High School lawn or the Carillon Area of Baker Park. Event details.

Fireworks. And More Fireworks in Columbia
If there is no such thing as too many fireworks for you and your crew, Howard County might be the 4th of July roadtrip you need this year. Boasting the largest display in the area, this fireworks show goes on for a solid 20 minutes (longer than the National Mall!). Live music starts at 6 p.m. and the grand finale in the sky starts at 9:20 p.m. Event details. 

VIRGINIA

Vienna’s Independence Day Celebration & Fireworks
This NOVA suburb is Virginia’s answer to the Howard County Display. For over twenty minutes, the sky over Vienna is illuminated with one of the area’s most epic firework shows. The evening starts with a performance by the United States Navy Concert Band at 8 p.m. followed by fireworks (estimated to be 9:30 p.m.). Event details.

Celebrate America in Manassas
Come celebrate with one of the largest displays of fireworks in Northern Virginia. This event has small town feels with face painting, eating contests and a bike decorating competition.  Families can park themselves (and their snacks) on the Manassas Museum lawn to watch the fireworks show. Event details. 

 

—Meghan Yudes Meyers

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Your Kiddos Can Unplug & Recharge at These New York Summer Camps

by Marianella Orlando
Partner Content

Ah, summer break—a child’s favorite time of year. School is out, alarm clocks are turned off and playtime is the assignment all day, every day. For parents, on the other hand, this can be a stressful time. What am I going to do with them when I’m at work? What else can they do at home other than watch TV and play? Are they going to forget everything they learned during the school year?

Fortunately for local families, there are two destinations that check off all the boxes to keep kiddos entertained and engaged while also helping them grow and learn new skills. Say hello to Day Camp @ the JCC in Manhattan and Camp Settoga in Pomona, New York. Both camps, run by the team at the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan, offer one-of-a-kind activities that’ll teach your youngsters lifelong lessons, introduce them to new friends and keep them on the go (and off their screens!). And we’re happy to report Camp Settoga’s got some exciting new features this year (see below).

 

In addition to being exposed to vibrant experiences, camps also have positive effects on children’s socio-emotional development. According to a poll conducted by the American Camp Association, 74% of campers said that going to camp helped them complete activities they were afraid to do at first. 70% of parents also reported their child gaining self-confidence after camp.

To help you decide which camp is best for your family, we laid out the ins and outs of Day Camp @ the JCC and Camp Settoga, so you can feel confident your kids are having the best experience possible.

 

Day Camp @ the JCC

For children ages three to six, Day Camp @ the JCC in Manhattan offers a city-based experience for little ones who enjoy hands-on activities. During the June through August camp sessions, children can feel like Picasso for the day through art projects that include clay making, painting, wire sculpting and more. If they want to give Gordon Ramsay a run for his money, youngsters can serve up some flavorful dishes during culinary lessons.

For more active tots, Day Camp @ the JCC, located at the JCC's state-of-the-art facility, is fully equipped with two indoor pools, a rooftop playground and a gymnasium to keep them busy. Older campers, from five to six years old, have the opportunity to choose activities that best suit their interests or they’ve been longing to try. Electives include chess, crazy constructions, dance, songwriting, sports and storytelling. Your kid will leave camp as a jack of all trades!

Help your kiddos find their passion at Day Camp @ the JCC!

Camp Settoga

Nestled in the foothills of Harriman State Park, in Pomona, NY, Camp Settoga is the perfect destination for active adventurers and sports enthusiasts ages four to 12. With over 20 acres of lush greenery, your children can get back to nature and explore the outdoors throughout the entire summer.

Brand new for summer 2022, Camp Settoga features a mini-golf course (yes, you read that right!), tennis and basketball courts and an amphitheater. Plus: your explorers can take on the camp’s zip line and challenge course, swim laps in the Olympic-size pool or test out their green thumb in the garden.

Camp Settoga offers daily roundtrip transportation from the Upper West and East Sides, Midtown, Chelsea and Harlem in air-conditioned buses, with bus counselors overseeing every step of the journey.

Trade electronics for greenery at Camp Settoga!

 

Register your children today at Day Camp @ the JCC or Camp Settoga for an unforgettable summer!

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12 Weird Facts About Portland Every Kid Should Know

by Annette Benedetti

Keep Portland Weird! It’s the slogan locals have come to know and love dearly. But why is Portland considered to be so weird? We’ve put together Portland trivia that will drop jaws, elicit gasps and make your young Portlanders giggle. Read on to find out exactly which Portland facts have earned our city the reputation we’ve all come to embrace.

Akima H. via Yelp

Portland has the smallest park in the world

Located near the Willamette River in downtown, Mills End Park is the smallest park in the world according to the Guinness Book of Records. Tell your kiddos not to expect a swing set or slide, this grassy area has a diameter of 0.6 meters and a total area of 0.29 square meters. The park was originally intended to be the location for a light pole, which fell through so Oregon Journal columnist Dick Fagan planted flowers in the hole. It was recognized as an official city park in 1976.

Portland also has the largest urban forest in the country

Unlike Mills End Park, Portland's Forest Park, just northwest of downtown, offers families tons of room to run and play. Stretching for more than 5,200 acres and offering visitors breathtaking views of the Willamette River, Forest Park is the largest urban forest reserve in the US within the limits of a city. This beloved park is perfect for hiking, with more than 70 miles of trails. 

There is a dormant volcano in the city

Portland is one of only two cities that has a dormant volcano within the city limits. Mt. Tabor is located in SE Portland and one of Portlander's favorite spots for picnics, hikes and watching the sun rise and set. It even is home to a park where kids can play and an outdoor amphitheater.

Portland holds an annual World Naked Bike Ride

Our beloved city is all about body positivity and biking, so it's no wonder that it holds it's annual naked bike ride as a part of a worldwide protest against oil dependency every year. There's no clutching of pearls as decorated bikes, and dressed up moms and dads make their way through the city streets on two wheels in an effort to save the environment. This event is almost 16 years old!

Heyde Cirico via flickr

You can find miniature horses all over Portland

The sidewalks of Portland are peppered with metal rings. As a part of the "Portland Horse Project," people leave tiny toy horses attached to themso they can be used as a catalyst for people to realize the beauty in the details of our city. Your kids will love finding them around town. Buy some toy horses that your little one can attach to a ring for someone else to find!

Portland is home to the largest independently owned bookstore in the world

Chanced are you've visited Powell’s City of Books in the Pearl District. But did you know that it has been named the the largest independently owned bookstore in the world? Families and children of all ages love walking through this giant shop, and even spending time flipping though their favorite books, while they decide which ones to buy.

The Rose City's name was decided by a coin toss

Asa Lovejoy and Francis Pettygrove, two of Portland's founders, couldn’t agree on how to name the land they had acquired, so they decided to flip a coin. The winner got to name the place after their hometown. Pettygrove, a native of Portland, Maine, won the toss. Had Lovejoy won, the city would be called Boston, like his Massachusetts hometown.

Portland is ranked one of the best places in America for vegans and vegetarians to live

Portland has always been know for being health oriented (it's often been rated the most bikeable). It's also famous for its fantastic eateries and top-notch chefs. So it should come as no surprise that in 2020, Forbes rated it the best city in America for vegans and vegetarians.  You can find a list of some of the best vegan restaurants here.

Brian K. via yelp

The International Rose Test Garden has over 500 types of roses

This four-acre garden is home to some of the most beautiful roses in the world. Its four acres holds over 500 types of roses? Who even knew there were that many types?

The Simpsons was born here (kinda)

Matt Groening, the creator of The Simpsons, was born and raised in Portland and attended Ainsworth Elementary School and Lincoln High School. Groening began animating The Simpsons in 1989 and named several of the characters after famous Portland streets and landmarks, including Flanders, Lovejoy, Powell, Quimby and Kearney. Now is the perfect time to start watching with your kids!

Home to the Wiley Unipiper

Chances are, you've likely heard of the Unipiper. He rides around on a unicycle dressed as Darth Vader (and most recently, other characters from Game of Thrones and Pokémon), playing flaming bagpipes! Brian Kidd, also known as The Unipiper, is a unicyclist, street performer, musician and local celebrity who calls our city home!

Portland has the largest roost of Vaux's Swifts in the World

If you head up to Chapman Elementary School in September expect to see a sight that will take your breath away. As the Vaux's Swifts migrate, the fly into the school's chimney to nest for the night

—Annette Benedetti

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All the Things We’re Looking Forward to Doing in 2022

by Aimee Della Bitta

It’s a brand new year, so let’s think of all the things we can do to make it a fun adventure. Step into the world of Van Gogh in San Diego, inspire your mini-mogul to pitch an idea at the Kidpreneur Expo and catch as many live shows as you can. We’re looking forward to enjoying all the fun San Diego has in store for us in 2022.

Beyond Van Gogh Comes to San Diego

Immersive Van Gogh

It's finally here! You may have seen photos from Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience exhibit popping up on friends' social media over the last year as it debuted in other cities like San Francisco, Los Angles, and New York in 2021, and on January 14th it kicks off in San Diego. The visually-striking achievement invites audiences to step inside post-Impressionist artist Vincent van Gogh’s most incredible works of art. This exhibit is only around until the beginning of March, so get your tickets reserved now. Event details. 

Disney On Ice: Dream Big

Disney on Ice

The Magic of Disney (on ice!) is coming to San Diego. Sail away with favorite Disney friends such as Mickey, Minnie, Miguel, Moana, Elsa, Belle, Genie, and more highlighting all the magic and adventure of Disney’s tales through world-class figure skating. Event details.

Kidpreneur Expo

Calling all kidpreneurs! Mark your calendar for January 29th and start thinking of your most creative idea for a product or service. Kids in elementary (starting at age 5) through high school will have the opportunity to win cash prizes for the best pitch, best presentation, and more. Real-life investors will be on-site and kidpreneurs will have the opportunity to seek additional funding for investment. Workshops will be held throughout the day and led by small business owners and small business development experts. A fun chance for kids to embrace their passion, funnel their creative energy and show off their talents and skills. Event details. 
 
 

 

Junior Theater Shows

We're so happy to see live shows return in 2022. San Diego's youth theater has a full lineup of shows in 2022 including The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical and The Jungle Book. See their full schedule here. 

The Moonlight Amphitheater is promising its biggest lineup of broadway shows ever including a contemporary Cinderella and Memphis. For details and tickets, click here. 

—Aimee Della Bitta

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Visit the Hollywood Bowl for Free (& Without the Crowds!)

by Christina Montoya Fiedler

We’ve got the scoop on LA’s best-kept secret: free summer rehearsals at the Hollywood Bowl. Whether you’ve got a tween in middle school band or a toddler obsessed with instruments, you can take them to hear a bona fide orchestra at the city’s most iconic music venue. (And did we mention it’s free?) Plus, with little to no crowds, open seating and easy parking, it’s way less stressful than attending your typical Bowl concert. Read on for everything you need to know about summer rehearsals at the Hollywood Bowl.

Call Ahead

Matthew Field via Creative Commons

This season, Hollywood Bowl rehearsals are open to the public on Tues. and Thurs., beginning the week of Jul. 9 through mid-Sept., when you can catch the LA Philharmonic at practice from 9:30a.m.-12:30p.m. Don't fret about arriving on time or making it through the full three hours (as if your kids would sit still for that long!). You're free to come and go throughout the session. Also, remember that rehearsal schedules are subject to change (and additional rehearsals may even be added), so call on Mon. to confirm days and times. 

Park Wherever

Loads of free parking is another major incentive for visiting the Hollywood Bowl during rehearsal mornings. No stack parking to contend with or pricey pay lots requiring you to take a second mortgage on your house. Simply pull up and park directly behind the amphitheater and go in via the artist's entrance. Helpful Hollywood Bowl staffers are on hand to help steer you in the right direction.

Pack a Picnic

Margaret Napier via flickr

To really give kids an authentic Bowl experience, you can bring a meal and dine during the show in the box seats. As for strollers, they can be parked off to the side, but with loads of stairs, you might want to leave them at home. It's easier to carry tots with tired little legs or bring a sling for baby.

Bring Sun Protection

John M. via Yelp

Because this is LA in Jul. through Sep., you can pretty much expect the sun to be shining every day, and with little to no shade at the Bowl, you'll want to bring sunscreen, hats, plenty of water and maybe even an umbrella or two. 

Use "Inside" Voices

Margaret Napier via flickr

While the LA Philharmonic happily welcomes tykes to their rehearsals, out of respect to the musicians, they ask that parents remind children to use low "inside" voices while artists are on stage (even though you are outdoors). If kiddos become disruptive, they may be asked to leave, so be sure to have this important conversation with talkative tots ahead of time.

Stay Cool

DWP

Need a break from the sun? Stop by the Hollywood Bowl Museum during your visit (another free activity). Little ones will love seeing photos, videos and more of famous performers from over the years. It takes about 20 minutes to go through the museum but you may want to stay longer to enjoy the air conditioning.

The Hollywood Bowl
2301 N. Highland Ave.
Hollywood
323-850-2000
Online: hollywoodbowl.com

–Christina Montoya Fiedler & Jennifer O’Brien

featured photo: Margaret Napier via flickr

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SlimeFest: Summer’s Thrilling Event You Just Can’t Miss

by Beth Shea
Partner Content

It’s the most exciting party of the summer and guess what lucky Chicagoans? It’s happening right here in our city! Mark your calendars for June 8 & 9, 2019 to have a total blast at Nickelodeon SlimeFest with your kids. Part music festival, part slime party, SlimeFest is a day of great tunes and slime adventures for the whole family. Ready to create one-of-a-kind, lifelong memories in a giant, gooey green playground? Read on for how to score the hottest ticket in town.

Musical Performances by Top Artists

Your family will be wowed by fist-pumping performances from musicians bringing the beats to SlimeFest. The talented line-up includes Nickelodeon superstar and YouTube sensation JoJo Siwa, chart-topping, platinum-selling artist Bebe Rexha, Grammy Award-winning global superstar Pitbull and T-Pain, who has over 60 hit songs and two Grammy Awards. 

 

Slimy Activities

Slime-crazed kids will get their fill of the gooey green stuff at SlimeFest. Nickelodeon's signature slime flows freely––from the enormous Slime Maze they can explore, to dancing up a storm at the Slime Disco, whizzing down the giant inflatable slide or leaping through the air on the oversize bag jump. They'll love getting slimed at Slime Central––where more than 30 people can get slimed at the same time. Expect lots of goo and good times.

 

Kids Can Meet Their Favorite Nickelodeon Stars

Your kids will have stars in their eyes meeting and greeting the characters from their favorite Nickelodeon shows in person. TV talent bringing their shine to SlimeFest includes: Annie LeBlanc from Annie vs. Hayley, Scarlett Spencer and Dallas Dupree Young from Cousins for Life, and Owen Joyner and Daniella Perkins from Knight Squad.

All of these celebrities will appear on both days of SlimeFest.

How to Score Tickets

SlimeFest oozes into Chicago June 8 & 9, 2019 at Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island, an outdoor amphitheater where you'll also be treated to beautiful views of the Chicago skyline. Tickets are now on sale and going fast. Snag your fam's tickets for this sensationally slimy shindig before they sell out.

Cost: $75/person for general admission; kids 2 and younger are free.

Get your tickets here.

Learn more about SlimeFest here.

Good to know: SlimeFest is best suited for kiddos over the age of 3.

SlimeFest
June 8 & 9, 2019
Huntington Bank Pavilion, Northerly Island
1300 S. Linn White Dr.
Chicago, IL 60605

 

—Beth Shea

 

© 2019 VIACOM INTERNATIONAL INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NICKELODEON, NICK, SLIME, SLIMEFEST AND ALL RELATED TITLES, LOGOS AND CHARACTERS ARE TRADEMARKS OF VIACOM INTERNATIONAL. “

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Cartoon Network Is Opening Its Very First Hotel & It Looks Like Epic Family Fun

by Shahrzad Warkentin

If staying at a hotel run by cartoon characters sounds like a dream come true for your kids, then pack your bags for a visit to the new Cartoon Network Hotel!

When you check into the new Cartoon Network hotel or when you grab a bite to eat at the restaurant, you’ll be greeted by some of your favorite faces. Characters from Adventure Time, We Bare Bears, The Powerpuff Girls, Ben 10 and more will all be employees at the hotel, which promises to give guests an immersive animation experience.

photo: Courtesy of Palace Entertainment

“This is going to be a game changer. With sleek contemporary designs that parents will appreciate and Easter egg type surprises for kids throughout the resort, the entire family will love this place. Cartoon Network’s stories and themes appeal to everyone in a fun whimsical way,” said Rolf Paegert, chief operating officer of Palace Entertainment, which has partnered with Cartoon Network to bring the hotel to life.

The 165 room resort will sit on a nine-acre property featuring an interactive lobby, indoor arcade, a resort-style pool and water play zone, lawn games and an outdoor amphitheater with an oversized movie screen where you can get a first look of never-seen-before cartoons among other family-friendly amenities. There are also a wine bar and coffee lounge for the grown-up cartoon fans.

Each guest room will also be Cartoon Network-themed with interchangeable decor that can be customized around kids preferences.

The Cartoon Network Hotel will be located in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania—right next door to the Dutch Wonderland Family Amusement Park—and is set to open later this summer.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

 

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Meet Red Tricycle’s Portland Editor!

by Erin Lem

Annette Benedetti, Portland Editor
Annette’s introduction to the world of publishing came when she collaborated with a group of writers and artists to create Washington State University’s first art and literature magazine, Salmon Creek. After giving birth to her first two children, she took the position of editor in chief for a parenting magazine in Bend, Oregon and eventually went on to work as a copywriter for an in-house marketing agency in Portland.

As a freelance writer, Annette has written for Zillow, Living Social and Wildlands Inc., and is thrilled to have the opportunity to join the Red Tricycle Team as their Portland Editor. When she manages to peel herself away from her computer, she can be found at her favorite yoga studio, snapping photos of her children around Portland, or running the local streets or trails on Mt. Tabor.

Favorite place to play outdoors: My family can spend the whole day at Mt. Tabor. The trail system makes you feel like you are in the woods and there is a beautiful playground with benches to relax on. If you are lucky, you can catch local live music at the amphitheater during the summer months.

Favorite thing to do on a rainy day: Get my yoga on at Love Hive Studio. Nothing warms the body and soul like getting into a good flow, especially when my daughters join me.

Favorite street for an afternoon of fun: Hawthorne has it all. Movies at the Baghdad Theater, ice cream at Ruby Jewel Ice Cream Shop, and the best vintage stores Portland has to offer—all just a short walking distance from my front door.

Favorite restaurant to take the kids: Thai Dish. The owner is as sweet as can be, the food is the best and we always have delicious leftovers for the next day.

Most unique (or daring) thing you’ve ever done with your kids locally: The Rose Festival on an unlimited pass. I think I saw my life pass before my eyes at least 100 times—or at least once—when the ticket attendant told me that the pass was good for 100 rides each.

Contact Annette: Annette@tinybeans.go-vip.net

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Just Opened: Rotary PlayGarden in San Jose

by Kate Loweth

Kids of all ages and abilities are in for a treat at the brand new Rotary PlayGarden. Slides, swings and kinetic art are just some of the many features of this awesome new playground right near Mineta San Jose Airport. Bonus: toddlers will be delighted by the ability to check out the many planes that fly overhead as they are landing at the airport! Read on to explore everything that the PlayGarden has to offer!

Inclusive Play for All Children
This new addition to Guadalupe River Park is the Rotary Club of San Jose’s centennial gift to the community. Its unique design definitely accomplishes the goal of encouraging inclusive play for all children. The ongoing maintenance of the PlayGarden was taken over by the Guadalupe River Park Conservancy, which also provides volunteer staff at the entrance to ensure a safe and fun play experience for all visitors.

Slides, Slides for Everyone!
Lots of research went into the design of this playground, which is evident from the choice of slides that are available. Concrete was selected instead of the usual plastic slides as the planners learned from the special needs community that plastic slides can interfere with cochlear implants. There is an extra wide slide available so that kids can slide next to their caregiver and also some shorter slides for the younger kids. All slides are wheelchair accessible by ramps to the top of the hill.

Merry-Go-Rounds
One of the most popular features at the PlayGarden is the two-story rope merry-go-round. Kids can easily get the merry-go-round moving but it doesn’t go so fast that little ones would be scared. Older kids can climb to the top for even more fun. Right next to the rope merry-go-round is a super cool feature—the wheelchair accessible merry-go-round. With the assistance of a caregiver, a child in a wheelchair can get on the merry-go-round for a fun (and safe!) ride with his or her friends. The youngest visitors will also enjoy this feature as it has a bench and easy on and off access.

Climb to the Stars
Tons of climbing features are included in the PlayGarden, from the rock walls on the sides of the slides to the rope feature totally devoted to kids who like to climb. None of these are very far off the cushy ground—great because, inevitably, what goes up, must come down!

Art You Can Play With
Some of the more unique features are the many animal sculptures that kids are encouraged to play on and climb over. At the top of the slides are a dragonfly and other flying bugs—inquisitive kids will notice that if you spin the circle at the bottom of the structure you can get the bugs to fly!

Other Fun Features
Toddlers will love the musical installation where they can bang attached mallets on musical pipes to create all sorts of groovy tunes. There is a sand feature (bring your own shovels) which is raised off the ground allowing access by a child in a wheelchair. In the very back is a rubber trampoline surrounded by a rope climber that is a big draw for the younger kids. The water feature looks cool but is currently not turned on due to the drought.

Good to Know
The entire PlayGarden is fenced with only one entrance/exit point. There is ample parking right near the PlayGarden. Across the street are many food options including Panera and Chili’s. The park has limited hours: 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the summer as it is staffed by volunteers during that time to maintain the cleanliness of the facilities. There are restrooms and water fountains on-site. Shade is at a minimum at the park so make sure you wear hats and bring sunscreen. You can reserve the six picnic table area (for a toddler birthday, perhaps?) as well as the small amphitheater for 2 hours with a $100 donation.

Rotary PlayGarden
Guadalupe River Park
Coleman Avenue at Autumn Street
San Jose, Ca
Summer hours: 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Online: rotaryplaygarden.org

Have you visited the Rotary PlayGarden? Let us know what your favorite feature was in the comments below!

—Kate Loweth

All photos by the author.

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