ML Interest Tag: art-fair

Kid-Tested, Parent-Approved Vacation in Washington, Missouri

by Kenzie Kramer
Partner Content

A quaint village nestled among rolling hills and vineyards. Miles of bike and hike trails along a gorgeous river. Nope, you’re not in the South of France: you’re in Washington, Missouri, and it just might be the hidden gem vacation your family is longing for. Read on to find out why we love this little spot in the heart of Missouri for an unexpected, sophisticated family vacation that won’t break the bank.

1. Katy Trail

The Katy Trail is a hike and bike trail created from 240-miles of the former path of the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad. It's known for being the country's longest rail-trail and includes 26 hiking trailheads and four fully restored railroad depots along the way. Bonus tip: Make your way to the section of trail located between Cooper County and St. Charles County, which has been designated as an official segment of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail!

2. Historic Downtown

Washington is home to a lively Historic District with seasonal street festivals, including BBQ and Bluesfest, Art Fair and Winefest and Fall Festival of the Arts and Crafts. For an exciting excursion, play a game of Where's Waldo throughout the neighborhood. Simply obtain a "passport" at participating stores then discover hidden gems along the way in your scavenger hunt adventure. Make a stop at the Iron Spike Model Train Museum and the Washington Firehouse Museum—two favorites for kids. 

3. Locally Owned Eats & Treats

From pizza and froyo to more sophisticated eateries, you’ll find an array of family-friendly, owner-operated establishments to suit any craving. Want to treat your little ones to a super-sized milkshake? Head to Main Street Creamery for intricate concoctions that are topped with donuts, cookies, cupcakes, brownies and even cotton candy.

4. Local Wineries

Did you know that Central-Eastern Missouri is home to more than forty wineries, all within an hour’s drive of Washington? Move over, Napa! These wineries are never as crowded and feature world-class wines and cuisine. All that's left to do is map out your vino trail!

5. Right on the Amtrak

Washington is conveniently located along the Amtrak Missouri River Runner line, a 283-mile route that runs between St. Louis and Kansas City and makes stops in Kirkwood, Jefferson City and more. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can bring your bikes on the train for a car-free adventure your family will never forget. 

6. Unique Family-Friendly Lodging

Sure, you may have explored Washington and absorbed its rich history while on foot, but what about spending a night (or two) in one of its historic homes? There are many historical residences and charming B&Bs you can stay in right downtown. Many of them let you rent out an entire floor or the full home so your family has plenty of space to sprawl. 

7. Parks and Trails for Outdoor Fun

Washington has plenty of parks to explore on bike, including the Riverfront Park, which features an asphalt trail ideal for young riders (and rollerbladers!). You can also explore Lion’s Lake, where you’ll find an All-Abilities Playground and a lovely walking trail around the lake. Our favorite is Busch Creek Disc Golf Course at Burger Park, which features an 18-hole disc golf course that the whole family can try.


If you want a place to visit that is off the beaten path with plenty of fresh air and history, visit Washington, Missouri and book your vacation today!

—Amber Guetebier

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A Fun Pretzel Recipe That’ll Create Tasty Memories

By Gay Cioffi

When the text arrived with the pic of a long-ago acquired recipe for “Cheezy Pretzels” from a former Little Folks School parent, Nicole Bagley, I had two reactions. The first was sheer joy at the memory of Nicole and her beautiful family; her two children, Dylan (now age 17) and Ella (now age 12) had attended the Little Folks School when they were young. And secondly, I laughed out loud at her message which stated that after 13 years—while sheltering in place in Colorado—they were finally getting around to making the pretzels!

At the Little Folks Summer Camp in Washington, DC, it is an annual tradition to hold a “Pretzel and Lemonade Sale” every July. Besides being a favorite activity that everyone in our community looks forward to, it is loaded with learning. The children work hard to measure out ingredients, to mix and knead the pretzel dough, and then to make it into shapes for baking. Children choose a job: welcoming customers, selling tickets, taking orders for pretzels and lemonade, holding signs, or passing out napkins. Our little bakers and entrepreneurs usually earn enough money to fund special treats at the end-of-camp Music and Art Fair!

Mid-day, family members and friends arrive to purchase the refreshments…and even the recipe!

Each year the campers make more and more pretzels, and no matter how many we make, they are always sold out. Not only is it fun to remember this fantastic event, but it is great to be reminded of this delicious and fun recipe, especially while we are staying at home and looking for activities to pass the time.

Remembering the bright spots from the past, and creating new memories, goes a long way to keep us feeling positive.

Maybe you can make a batch of pretzels and along with some fun memories with your children right now!

LITTLE FOLKS SCHOOL CHEEZY PRETZELS
Ingredients:

4 cups grated cheddar cheese

1 package dry yeast

! tablespoon sugar

1 1/2 cup warm water

1 teaspoon salt

4-5 cups of flour

1 egg

coarse salt

Directions:
Dissolve yeast and sugar in water. Combine salt, 4 cups of flour, and cheese. Stir in yeast mixture, adding more flour if needed to make a stiff dough. Knead 5-10 minutes until the dough is smooth.

For traditional pretzels break off small pieces of dough and shape into a long snake, twisting to make a pretzel shape. It is also fun to makes circles, numbers, letters, etc…

Place pretzels on uncreased pans allowing space between them.

Brush each with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse salt.

Bake at 425 for 15-18 minutes.

Enjoy!

I am a parent and grandparent with over four decades of experience in early childhood education. I share my passion, wisdom and experience, with parents and the people who care for and about children at Little Folks Big Questions, where we're out to answer the questions parents face in today's world.

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Why I Love Summer Best

By Gay Cioffi

“Summer,” I said, answering “What is your favorite season question” by my daughter Mia, who has asked me year after year. To be completely honest, I start with “I love every season” but she forces me to pick a favorite. It’s summer and I think it has a lot to do with how I have spent working during the summer months for 38 years. For nearly four decades I worked at the Little Folks Summer Camp, a small day camp for 2-to-5 year olds in Washington, D.C., and there will always be a special place in my heart for summer and spending it with young children.

While many of today’s camps for small children boast computer labs, violin lessons and opportunities to build your own canoe, the camp I worked at relied on the magic of sidewalk chalk, bubble wands and that old standby, the backyard hose!

Every summer began the same with 30 tiny pairs of hands planting seeds in little pots with the hope of a marigold or zucchini sprouting up come August. Day two, had those same hands slathering pine cones strung on twine, with “sun butter” and hung from trees in the local park. Seeing the faces of young children when they find barely a trace of the pine cones a week later is joyous indeed. What’s even better, is to later discover that a bird has put the twine to good use to build a nest We would spend several days a week in a local park, and there is an extraordinary transformation that happens when kids spend days in a meadow with few toys, but lots of time and space. What at first can be a bit intimidating to some, becomes a happy and familiar place where they do what comes naturally to them—they use their imaginations! Suddenly they are inventing games with the seedpods and the pebbles they collected. The jump rope is a snake or better yet a fire hose to put out the big fire only they can see. They are lying in the grass and looking at the clouds. And only with lots of time does a game like “Ball in the Tree” get invented.

Just like with the seasons, it is hard for me to pick a favorite day, but our Fourth of July celebration is especially joyous. Birthdays are always special with us, but America’s birthday really stands out. A boom box playing Stars and Stripes forever, kids marching around the meadow with homemade flags…what could be more perfect?  Plus I personally believe kids are never too young to learn about the “March King,” John Phillip Sousa!

Water, especially in the heat and humidity of a city like Washington, becomes the key ingredient for summer fun. Our tiny outdoor space would be transformed into a miniature water park with the help of the hose, a kiddy pool and lots and lots of buckets.

By design, planning was kept to a minimum with one special project a day and then sitting back to let the summer unfold before us. I admit that my inspiration for this program was the long, lovely days of my own summers, which were filled with backyard talent shows, treasure hunts, lemonade stands, and bake sales. I know that the Little Folks camp is building those same kinds of memories. I try to make a special visit to the summer camp to attend the annual Pretzel and Lemonade Sale. This event is the culmination of a morning of children making “Cheesy Pretels.” Tickets are sold, everyone at the sale has a job and there is excitiment in the air as family and friends come to buy the baked delights. Not only is it a joy to witness, but I am able to catch up with several of my former nursery school students who are spending their summer working at the camp before heading off to college.

I was always especially touched by those phone calls and emails I would get each spring from former students, then in high school or college, who would want to come back to work at our summer camp. They would recount fond memories of their days at camp and would want to know if we still had the Treasure Hunt and end of camp Music and Art Fair. For a teacher, there is no greater reward than knowing that those early connections are lasting ones. It makes me feel as if I have planted my own seeds and like my young charges, I wait in anticipation to see what I have helped to grow.

Yes, I like summer best!

I am a parent and grandparent with over four decades of experience in early childhood education. I share my passion, wisdom and experience, with parents and the people who care for and about children at Little Folks Big Questions, where we're out to answer the questions parents face in today's world.

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5 Great Reasons to Put Indianapolis on Your End-of-Summer To-Do List

by Wendy Altschuler

If you’re thinking about a last hurrah, a final summer getaway, keep Indianapolis “Indy” in mind. After a short three-hour drive, you’ll wind up in the capital city of Indiana, with loads of museums, parks and state history at your fingertips. Here is our list of the five best activities that are sure to keep the smiles plastered all weekend long.

photo: Indianapolis Children’s Museum

1. Stellar museums around every corner
Did you know that the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is the world’s largest with 1.3 million annual visitors? This massive kids paradise has 12 permanent galleries and nearly 1 million square feet—five floors—of interactive learning. Kids can explore the Dinosphere and visit with real paleontologists while learning about dinosaur fossils, ride on an antique carousel, revel in modern Chinese life in the Take Me There: China exhibit, see a 43-foot Chihuly-inspired glass sculpture that looks like fireworks and feel inspired by The Power of Children: Making a Difference exhibit. Don’t forget to visit one of their newer exhibits, Beyond Spaceship Earth, which takes an in-depth peek at a recreation of the International Space Station.

Other great museums and centers include: Indianapolis Art Center, Rhythm! Discovery Center, Indianapolis Firefighters Museum & Historical Society and Fire Station Union Hall Theatre  and Dallara Indy Car Factory.

The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
3000 N. Meridian St.
317-334-4000
Online: childrensmuseum.org/

photo: Go Ape Tree Top Adventure

2. Opportunities to connect with nature
Do you have monkeys in your household that need to burn off energy? Take them to Eagle Creek Park’s Go Ape, an interactive outdoor nature adventure that features five zip lines and over 40 treetop obstacles! The entire family will work up a sweat on the skill course and enjoy time spent in the great outdoors.

Other great ways to spend time outside: Conner Prairie Interactive History Park, Indianapolis Zoo, Indianapolis Cultural Trail and bike rentals through Indiana Pacers Bike Share. Pro tip: Check out Biking Expert, your go-to guide on all-things urban biking. On Biking Expert’s blog, for example, you can read an article on the 75 most bike friendly cities in the world—Indianapolis made the list.

Go Ape Tree Top Adventure
5855 Delong Rd.
800-971-8271
online: goape.com

3. Add a little music to your Summer
Indy has a huge music scene and there are multiple venues to see a show (indoors and outdoors). Klipsch Music Center has a fun concert lineup: Brad Paisley, Nickleback, Green Day, Hank Williams Jr., Kings of Leon, Zach Brown Band, John Mayer and more—it might be time to expose the kiddos to their first rock concert.

Other music venues include: The Lawn at White River State Park, Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Slippery Noodle Inn and Hilbert Circle Theatre.

Klipsch Music Center
12880 E. 146th St.
317-776-8181
Online: livenation.com

photo: Indianapolis Motor Speedway

4. It’s a sports lovers paradise
Indy folks seriously love their sports: basketball, baseball, hockey, golf and football. It’s all there and it’s all near downtown. Families come out of the woodwork to attend sporting events all summer long. The internationally known Indianapolis Motor Speedway is an experience like no other — it’s home to the world’s largest single-day sporting event. The track has been hosting the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race for over 100 years. Families love to see The Brickyard 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race and the Red Bull Indianapolis GP MotoGP race. It’s fast, it’s fun and it’s family-friendly.

Other great sporting venues include: Lucas Oil Stadium, Victory Field, Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Brickyard Crossing Golf Course and Indy Cycloplex.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway
4790 W. 16th St.
317-481-8500
Online: indianapolismotorspeedway.com

photo: Indiana War Memorial

5. It’s chock-full of history
In the heart of Indianapolis sits The Indiana War Memorial Plaza Historic District, which is home to two museums, three parks, and 24 acres of monuments, sculptures and fountains (second only to Washington D.C. in size and scope). Families will love wandering around Monument Circle and the Indiana State Soldiers and Sailors Monument, a 284-foot neoclassical sculpture that is surrounded by a brick-paved street with loads of shops and restaurants in the center of town. Grab an ice cream and sit on the steps for great people watching and a view of the vibrant city life. You can rent a horse and carriage or a bicycle carrier here and take a ride around the city. This is also the location for several street fairs and family-friendly festivals (Brew Fest is Sept. 2, Monument Circle Oktoberfest is Sept. 15, Monument Circle Art Fair is Oct. 7and Taste of Indy Fall Festival is TBD). Check the calendar for more happenings.

The Indiana War Memorial Plaza Historic District
1 Monument Circle
317-232-7616
Online: downtownindy.org

photo: Hilton Indianapolis Hotel & Suites

Location, location, location
You’ll want to pick a hotel within walking distance to downtown Indy. Hilton Indianapolis Hotel & Suites and the Omni Severin Hotel are great options in terms of location, amenities, dining options and family-friendliness.

Hilton Indianapolis Hotel & Suites
120 W. Market St.
317-972-0600
Online: hilton.com

Omni Severin Hotel
40 W. Jackson Pl.
317-634-6664
Online: omnihotels.com

Do you have any other ideas for fun kid-friendly places to explore in Indy? Share in the Comments below.

—Wendy Altschuler

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18 Reasons to Plan a Daycation at Alki

by Allison Sutcliffe

You’ve heard of a staycation. But how about a daycation? One precious day where families wave bye-bye to those time-consuming obligations and say hello to family time. Read on for all the reasons you’ll need to plan a family daycation at Seattle’s favorite beach spot—Alki. Your sandy oasis awaits!

1. Because you never turn down a street party. Kickstart the summer beach season with a street party and family-friendly 5K race, May 18 on Alki. Start your day running in the West Seattle 5K Run/Walk to benefit West Seattle High School. The scenic course runs along the beach where seal and ferry sightings are almost a sure thing. Then stay to party with SDOT when they shut down the streets and let the people take over (well… sort of). Plan on a costume bike parade (starting at 1 p.m.), DJ sets, a fire truck just waiting to be explored, plus lots of time with neighbors and friends. Party on!

2. Because kites are more fun with a view. Those breezy days at the end of spring and early summer provide just enough wind for some carefree kite flying on Alki. Pack up the kiddos and a tricked-out stunt kite or basic diamond flyer and then lift off!

3. Because summers were made for BBQ. And Alki is the perfect backdrop for grilling up hot dogs and s’mores in their open air fire pits run through Seattle Parks and Recreation. These bad boys are first come, first serve and fill up fast on summer weekends. So pack up some firewood and grill-ready noshables, then arrive early to reserve your space. Bring on summer!

4. Because there’s even a museum. The Log House Museum provides a nice detour when your lil’ beach bums have reached their daily sun and sand quota. Just a block off the beach, the museum houses West Seattle artifacts and can be toured formally or informally. A small donation ($3/adult and $1/child) is suggested for admission. Learning and playing? Sounds like a plan!

5. Because there’s no tide like low tide. And Alki low tides are some of the most dynamic in town. Wear rain boots and carry a bucket to collect and examine up close all the cool things you’ll find (think crabs, sea anemones and kelp times ten). Or hunt with local volunteers through the Seattle Aquarium’s Beach Naturalist Program. This free, family-friendly program is a great place to learn about the Sound and its inhabitants. The Alki group usually meets at 63rd Ave. S.W. along Beach Dr., and the naturalists wear red caps, so they’re easy to spot.

6. Because who can resist a treasure hunt? If there’s one thing you can count on when it comes to kids and sand, it’s their passion for digging. And dig they will when the sensors go off on your metal detector. Bring one and some shovels down to the beach this summer to see what precious metals you can unearth. It’s all treasure to the kidlets!

7. Because pirates are awesome. Grab an eye patch and pirate bandana (weathered hook optional), then head over to Alki for the annual landing of the pirates. A beloved part of the city’s Seafair celebration, this is one cool experience for mateys big and small. Part street fair, part family beach time, this year’s pirate bonanza is scheduled for the morning of July 28. Start practicing your pirate talk now for this one!

8. Because there’s a secret park to explore. Just south of Salty’s, families will find Jack Block Park, and we’re guessing it’s one park you haven’t explored yet. With walking trails, a children’s play area, and a totally cool observation tower, Jack Block’s definitely worth checking out. It puts a whole new perspective on the harbor!

9. Because summers were made for ice cream. And Pepperdock’s has the best on the beach. They serve up Cascade Glacier ice cream scoops as big as your head to hungry beach goers every day. Expect a line on sunny days, but remember it’s worth the wait!

10. Because the Alki Bath House isn’t the Roman kind. If you’ve ever been to Alki, you’ve probably seen the Alki Bath House. Just east of the Statue of Liberty, this building can be rented for events, and plays host to camps and classes run through the Alki Community Center during the summer. Check the schedule and see what piques your interest.

11. Because family bike rides rule! If you can ride it, you can bring it to Alki this summer. Bike, board, skate, stroll, run, walk or jog along Alki with the family. No streets to cross and a trail that goes on for miles (it continues all the way to Lincoln Park along the shore!), it’s as family-friendly as it gets. Plus, on a sunny day, you can’t find a better view anywhere in the city!

12. Because sometimes kids get hungry. When the kiddos work up an appetite from all that digging and rock throwing down on the beach, there are plenty of family-friendly spots happy to help out. Check out Pegasus Pizza and Pasta or Cactus for sit-down dining and delish food. Or grab a slice and a Coke at Slices on Alki. We love their casual outdoor seating. Early mornings call for homemade breakfast fare at the Alki Café . And Spuds is a definite go-to if all that water’s got you thinking about fish ‘n’ chips. 

13. Because there’s even a playground. When the novelty of the beach has worn off, and the kiddos need a change of scenery, head over to Whale Tail Park. This nautically-themed playground comes complete with swings, slides and a boat, from which the kiddos can spot their white whale (or in this case his metallic tail). Land ho!

14. Because you’ve always wondered what a surrey was. Cruise with the fam along the beach this summer with a surrey rental from Wheel Fun Rentals. You can rent them by the hour, and they easily fit a family of five, plus a small furry friend (bring ‘em if you’ve got ‘em) in the basket. You’ll bring a whole new meaning to cruising the strip!

15. Because art is always better beachside. This year’s Alki Art Fair is scheduled for July 19-20, and it’s just one more reason for families to make an Alki date this summer. With art booths, musicians and a slew of children’s art activities, it promises an artfully inspired seaside experience.

16. Because you might spot a whale. There’s life beyond the Statue of Liberty on Alki. It’s hard to believe, but it’s true. And if you head over to Constellation Park you might just spot orcas travelling between Vashon Island and West Seattle. Check out The Whale Trail for the low down on these chance sightings.

17. Because lighthouses were made to explore. The iconic Alki Point Lighthouse is open for tours during the summer months. Usually from 1-4 p.m., with the last tour starting around 3:45 p.m. This is beach history at its best!

18. Because beach time rocks! When you’ve crossed off everything else on this list, don’t forget about simple beach time with the fam. You can sun while the kiddos dig and dig and dig some more. Beach towels, snacks and every sand toy you own are all you need for this one. Three cheers for sunny Seattle days!

What’s your favorite family activity on Alki? Share it with us in a comment below.

–Allison Sutcliffe

Photos thanks to: Heather Whelan, Sally Heit, Alki Art Fair’s Facebook page, Seattle Aquarium, West Seattle 5k’s Facebook page, Seafair’s Facebook page & Allison Sutcliffe

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