Who says safety and style can’t be BFFs? Not us. These foam play mats prove that baby-proofing and cute home decor can totally go hand in hand. These mats are the perfect canvas for tying the room together and lowering your stress levels when it comes to keeping your minis on cushy ground. From charming florals to on-trend geo prints, these foam play mats are easy to keep set up even after the kiddos have gone to bed. Plus, beneath all the “okay, that’s super cute” sentiments is a layer of padding that helps babes bounce back from bumps and bruises a lot faster.

These foam play mats are the superheroes of convenience. Need a play area in the living room? Set up your play mat and add a few toys and you’re set. Planning a picnic in the park? Boom. Just roll your mat up, toss it in your trunk, and don’t forget the Goldfish Crackers. And here’s the best part: these mats are so easy to clean that even the messiest of messes won’t stand a chance. A quick wipe, an occasional spot treatment. Super easy. Maybe it sounds a. little dramatic, but these foam play mats really are a solid investment.

Totter + Tumble

Totter Tumble

You have several gorgeous, sophisticated patterns to choose from with Totter + Tumble play mats, and each reversible mat has two subtle, stylish prints to choose between. Certified for newborns on up, your child will love the soft 1/2-inch-thick memory foam that provides gentle support. These antibacterial mats are easy to care for; just wipe them down with a cloth and cleaning solution to keep them at their best. Your child will be playing on this mat for years to come, and during naptime, you can steal it for yoga and pilates sessions.

Totter + Tumble Play Mats (Starting at $110.00)—Buy Here!

Jabaloo

Jabaloo

Featuring a beautiful leaf shape design and three dreamy colors, this play mat will add a touch of nature to any space (including your living room!). The thick padding makes it comfortable and safe play area for your babe, while the double sided design allows for endless possibilities.

Jabaloo Thick Sherpa Cotton Baby Play Mat ($79.99)—Buy Here!

Cushmat

Cushmat

Double-sided with two tasteful prints, these generously sized mats (78x55 inches) are designed for the whole family to enjoy. Babies can use them for tummy time, crawling and rolling, while older kids can practice gymnastics and martial arts. The waterproof surface also makes it a great spot to get messy. Adults, and all ages, can use the mat for yoga, meditation and other workouts, so this is a room addition you'll love for years to come.

Cushmat (Starting at $179.95)—Buy Here!

Famokids

Famokids

These hand-illustrated and painted foam floor mats come in a soothing pattern and stylish colors. Made of non-toxic EVA foam and just under a half-inch thick, they wipe clean with a dry cloth and come in a 4 ft x 6 ft set consisting of 6 tiles and 12 edges, so you can customize the right size for your space.

Famokids Play Mat (Starting at $89.00)—Buy Here!

Hugomat

Hugomat

This handcrafted cushioned mat looks great in your home and folds in half with handles for easy transporting to different rooms, the park or grandpa's house. It's made from natural latex foam, which is breathable and resists mold, mildew and dust, and is covered in a removable, machine-washable cotton fabric. There's also a pocket for baby essentials. The mat measures 33 inches across and one inch thick and comes in soft neutral colors to complement any decor.

Hugomat (Starting at $220.00)—Buy Here!

Comfort Design Mats

Comfort Design Mats

With ultra soft padding (no bruised knees here!), Comfort Design Mats are a must buy. Each modern mat is ½ inch thick and made up of waterproof foam that’s hypoallergenic, BPA-free and non-toxic. Each mat is easy to wipe down and measures about 78” x 55”, so think of it more like a rug than the typical petite play mat you may be used to. It’s so comfortable and versatile you can even use it for yoga or exercise. Good to know: Because of the mat’s size, they do not fold up easily, so you won’t be putting this away once playtime is over.

Comfort Design Mats ($184.95)—Buy Here!

Gathre

Gathre

Made of bonded leather material, Gathre play mats are winning over design-savvy parents everywhere. Both beautiful and functional, the mats can be used at home, outside (think of the mat like a beach towel or picnic blanket) or even hung up on the wall as a piece of art. Gathre mats are waterproof, compact and free of toxins, PVC and phthalates. Pro tip: If you love the look of a Gathre Playmat but want something a bit thicker to soften falls, place it over a rug.

Gathre Play Mat (Starting at $89.00)—Buy Here!

House of Noa

House of Noa

These play mats are so gorgeous you could use them in both your baby's nursery and your kitchen for padding while you cook and clean. They're available in seven sizes, too. The mats were illustrated and designed by professional artist Sophia Vincent-Guy and are premium quality, non-toxic EVA foam that's just under a half-inch thick.

House of Noa Play Mat (Starting at $129.00)—Buy Here!

Toki Mats

Toki Mats

With play mat covers that are interchangeable and machine-washable, you’ll never grow tired of looking at your Toki Mat. Made of foam from the sap tree, each Toki Mat is soft enough to serve as your family’s meet-up spot for tummy time, cuddles, first steps and first falls. Toki Mats are foldable, so when not in use, you can stash it away.

Toki Play Mats (Starting at $185.00)—Buy Here!

Ruggish Play Mat

Ruggish

Ruggish Play Mats feature the look of a rug with the feel and functionality of a play mat. On one side you’ll find a cool geometric design; turn it over and you’re greeted with an interactive play mat that encourages imaginary play. Ruggish mats are ½-inch thick and are waterproof, non-toxic, easy to wipe down and provide more cushion than your typical foam tiles.

Ruggish Play Mat ($199.00)—Buy Here!

Make sure to capture all the playful moments—and share them with your family and friends near and far—with the Tinybeans app. The secure platform puts parents in total control of who sees and interacts with photos and videos of their kids.

All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.

All images courtesy of retailers.

Yes, D.C.’s Smithsonian Zoo is free and awesome and if you haven’t paid a visit you must go (Pandas!). But if you’ve been there, done that, and you need a unique animal-loving fix, consider a visit to the Metro Richmond Zoo, one of the largest and most unique in our area that’s just a quick two-hour drive south of the city. With more than 2,000 animals spread across 70 acres of land, answering the call of the wild can feel a bit overwhelming. Here are five places to get started. 

#1 The Feeding Giraffes
One feature that makes this zoo so popular and fun is the ample opportunity you’ll have to interact with a variety of animals. In the African Plains section, which features addax, impala, zebra, and kudu, along with storks, cranes, ostriches, cheetahs and elephants, you can actually feed the giraffes from a special platform. The zoo houses a herd of nine reticulated giraffe and they are all too happy to nibble some pre-purchased treats from your hand. You can also feed deer, goats, sheep, donkeys and antelope in the children’s farm area.

#2 Monkey Business
Primates are a favorite here and you’ll find rows of lemurs, marmosets, tamarins, New and Old World monkeys, as well as quite a few apes, including siamangs, orangutans, and chimpanzees. You can get up-close-and-personal (but maintain a modicum of safety) through a glass window with Farley and Zoe, two goofy orangutans.

#3 Birds of a Feather…
If birds are your thing, you’ll marvel at the Chilean flamingos and African penguins, and a walk-through aviary of ducks, pheasants, ibises, and spoonbills. The kids will love being able to enter the budgie exhibit and feed the brightly-colored budgerigars, aka parakeets, from feed sticks.

#4 Cats Steal the Show
Favor cute things with whiskers? You’ll enjoy the fact that Metro Richmond Zoo is a Cheetah Breeding Center and has gained worldwide attention for facilitating multiple births of adorable cheetah cubs.

#5 Hitch a Ride
Perhaps the ultimate interactive el
ement at Metro Richmond Zoo is the newly added Treetop Zoofari zip line adventure, where you can zip from tree to tree like Tarzan and get a bird’s eye view of the animals. But if zip lining requires a little too much adrenaline for you, take advantage of the zoo’s Safari Sky Ride, which will give you a similar view, but from the comfort of a moving seat. Or if you prefer to stay closer to the ground, you can take the safari train for a special view of India and Chinese natives, such as blackbuck, mouflon, Himalayan tahr and takin. Impress your little ones by mentioning that the takin is considered a national treasure in China, much like the giant pandas.

Metro Richmond Zoo
8300 Beaver Bridge Rd. (Moseley, Va)
Open: Monday-Saturday, 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
Cost: $17.25; kids ages 2-11/$11.25
804-739-5666
Online: metrorichmondzoo.com

Have you visited this zoo yet? Tell us about your favorite part in the comments below. 

–Jamy Bond

Opposites attract for one spectacular view on Sunday, September 27th when the sun and the moon tango in the sky for a rare total lunar eclipse. Grab some blankets and hot chocolate and take your little Galileos out for an unforgettable view of the night sky. Check out our suggestions of best places to sneak a peek at this “sheer lunar-cy” with or without telescopes.

photo credit: Kolleen G. via Yelp

Stargazers Unite
Griffith Observatory
The popular Observatory will be hosting a free Lunar Eclipse Presentation on Sunday, September 27 with astronomy staff members explaining the phases of the eclipse to the crowd as they happen. The event will run from 6:30-9:45 p.m. and if a beautiful night under the stars isn’t enough, the Observatory will also have a pianist at a grand piano playing “moon themed music.” (Moonlight Sonata, anyone?) Take note, however, that parking is limited at the Observatory itself and the winding side street has been known to cause quite the traffic jam on popular nights, especially if there is a concert at the Greek Theatre. We suggest arriving quite early for a prime viewing spot and stress free parking or take the Metro Red Line (Sunset/Vermont) and the DASH Observatory Weekend Shuttle; they’re expecting an enormous crowd and parking will be challenging. If you can’t make it to the Observatory but still want to partake in the commentary, they’ll be live streaming the lunar eclipse on Griffith TV via their website.

2800 East Observatory Rd.
Griffith Park
213-473-0800
Online: griffithobs.org

photo credit: Santa Monica Mountains National Rec Area Facebook Page

Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
Head up to the Santa Monica Mountains and join Focus Astronomy for a special lunar eclipse viewing party. They provide the telescopes, you provide the inquiring minds. Telescopes will be available for viewing and photographing the eclipse until 10 p.m. When the sun sets they’ll train the telescopes to the moon as it rises over the hills. This free event is from 5-10 p.m. Contact the Visitor Center for more information at 805-370-2301.

Rancho Sierra Vista
4121 Potrero Rd.
Newbury Park
805-370-2301
Online: nps.gov/findapark/event-listing.htm?eventID=27035

photo credit: Dennis E. via Santa Monica Sidewalk Astronomers Website


Take to the Streets

Santa Monica Sidewalk Astronomers
Look for these star guides on the 3rd Street Promenade in Santa Monica. They’ll have their telescopes set up for your galactic crew to view. And if your pint-size Copernicus catches the astronomy bug then Barnes and Noble is nearby for all of your star-reading needs. Or drive a little further up the boardwalk to Venice Beach where you’ll find more Sidewalk Astronomers near the Rose Avenue outfall. Either way, you can’t beat a starry sky over crashing waves.
Online: nightsky.jpl.nasa.gov/club-view.cfm?Club_ID=700


Burbank Sidewalk Astronomers
You can find some of the Burbank Sidewalk Astronomers set up at the Asia Pacific Museum in Pasadena where they’ll provide telescopes for the public. Keep an eye on their website for details and updates.
Online: home.earthlink.net/~sidewalkastronomers/index.html


LA Sidewalk Astronomers
Take the metro to the North Hollywood stop and enjoy people watching and star gazing alike. The LA Sidewalk crew will be set up near the NoHo Metro station.
Online: nightsky.jpl.nasa.gov/club-view.cfm?Club_ID=1224

Party in Your Backyard
The sky should be clear enough on the 27th to enjoy the eclipse from the comfort of your own backyard—even without a telescope. Here’s an approximate time frame for Los Angeles of what to expect from the cosmos:

6:45pm: Moon rises (Moon in partial eclipse)
7:11pm: Totality begins (Moon is totally covered in shadow)
7:47pm: Maximum eclipse
8:23pm: Totality ends (Moon emerges from shadow)
9:27pm: Umbral eclipse ends

photo credit: NASA Moon Images Flickr album/Bob Gent

Party in the Forest
Worried about getting a clear view of the sky from your personal city scape? Pack your binoculars and try one of these LA starry views for a cosmic retreat.  All are spectacular star watching spots on this or any night.

  1. Templin Highway, Angeles National Forest
  2. Saddleback Butte State Park, Antelope Valley
  3. Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve, Antelope Valley
  4. Topanga State Park, Santa Monica Mountains
  5. Malibu Creek State Park, Santa Monica Mountains
  6. Mount Wilson, Angeles National Forest
  7. Frazier Park & Mount Pinos, Los Padres National Forest

Don’t see your favorite star gazing spot listed above? Share it with us in the comments!

—Andrea Conway Kagey

In the jungle, the mighty jungle, the lion sleeps tonight…and so can you. Who needs Africa and pesky mosquitoes when you can safari in San Diego? A game drive to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park (formerly the Wild Animal Park) transports SoCal visitors to the veld in under 2 hours. Their Roar and Snore overnight camping adventures, with a backdrop of roaming antelope, grazing giraffes and graceful gazelles, will bring curious campers up close and personal with all the animal action.


More Fun than a Barrel of Monkeys
Adventurers of all ages can encounter the denizens of the wild from the comfort of well-appointed tents, with delicious dinner, tasty late-night snacks and hearty breakfast all included. Trained safari guides help little kiddies experience first-hand animal’s social and eating habits, especially in the wee hours of the morning. Early risers rejoice!

Any number of ‘animal ambassadors’, from pygmy falcon to tiger cubs, may greet your brood as you set up your cozy sleeping bags in the roomy safari tents, just about the time the Park closes to the general public.

Embarking on behind-the-scenes tour after the sun disappears, check out condors and the stately Lion Camp — the furry friends can’t help taking a closer look too. Then it’s time to indulge in all-you-can eat s’mores under the stars. Morning visits to spring’s seasonal Butterfly Jungle leave pint-sized explorers floating on a cloud before departing with a groovy souvenir.

Perks of the Park
Campfire activities can be crafty, or tired tots may prefer to curl up with a cup of hot cocoa before hitting the hay. Not up for a night on hard ground? Well, glamping is an option too. Tents can be outfitted with queen beds, area rugs and electricity or stripped down to basics for ‘roughing it.’

Don’t Forget to Remember
Any food cooked on an open campfire tastes great, right? Well, not so much when hunger and sleepiness is setting in. Pack a few fave snacks, yet be sure to keep them out of the tent, unless you want to share it with curious wildlife.

If you request a spot situated on the campground perimeter, the elephants will serenade you while you sleep.  Snuggle up with warm clothing in the evening as the temperatures can plummet rapidly, almost any time of year.  And if you miss the giraffes or zebras in the evening, catch up with ’em on sunrise rounds.

Choose Your Own Adventure
Pick the perfect adventure for your family – there are special sleepy safaris for the whole family, ones that cater to tiny tots, and if you have bigger kids, there’s a super cool one where the over-10 set can get to know ‘The Park After Dark,’ practically rubbing noses with rhinos and chasing cheetahs while learning about the animals’ survival instincts. Special Mother’s and Father’s Day celebrations, as well as unstructured ‘Casual Camping’ overnights are family-friendly choices catering to every and all ages.

San Diego Zoo Safari Park
15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd.
Escondido, Ca 92027
760-747-8702
Online: sdzsafaripark.org/safari/roar-snore-safari

–Kim Orchen Cooper

Photos courtesy of Kim Orchen Cooper and San Diego Zoo Safari Park website