These San Diego restaurants offer take-out and dine-in Thanksgiving meals for a stress-free Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving is the best holiday to gather family and friends around the table—especially when you’re not stressed about burning the bird or fitting all the side dishes in the oven at once. This year, give yourself (and your kitchen) a break—and support local businesses—by either ordering your Thanksgiving dinner from one of our favorite local restaurants that’s a hit with the kids, or dine-in at a top San Diego restaurant that’s open on Thanksgiving Day. We’ve also found the best bakeries for that perfect, made-in-San Diego dessert.

The Best San Diego Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving Day

Rancho Valencia

Treat yourself to a meal you'll remember for years to come. Rancho Valencia offers a buffet stocked with everything from a cold seafood station to a full kids' buffet. There's live music from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and desserts that'll have the whole family feeling grateful.

Cost: $195/adults, $55/kid (3-11); Kids under 3 dine free

5921 Valencia Cir.
Rancho Santa Fe
Online: ranchovalencia.com

 

best thanksgiving dinner in san diego
Herb & Wood

Herb & Wood

In Little Italy, Chef Brian Malarkey adds a Mediterranean and Mexican-inspired flair to the traditional Thanksgiving spread. Guests can choose from a turkey roulade with lemon rosemary stuffing, lamb shank, or a brown butter blondie with pumpkin mousse.

Cost: $92/adults; $38/kid

2210 Kettner Blvd.
San Diego
Online: herbandwood.com

Park Hyatt Aviara

Choose from any of the three Park Hyatt restaurants to book your Thanksgiving reservation this year. Ember & Rye and Ponto Lago both offer guests a sit-down dinner option, while The Park Hyatt hotel serves a Thanksgiving buffet from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Cost: $155/adults; $65/kid (3-12) for brunch and $125/person for dinner at Ember & Rye; $105/person for dinner at Ponto Lago; $140/adults and $60/kids at The Park Hyatt 

7100 Aviara Resort Dr.
Carlsbad
Online: parkhyattaviara.com

 

George's at The Cove

This year, George’s at the Cove is serving a three-course prix fixe menu in the Ocean View Room with roasted turkey, along with sausage and chestnut-stuffed leg and potato puree with turkey gravy. The turkey special will also be available along with the regular menu at the Ocean Terrace and Level2. Don't miss George’s bourbon pecan and brown butter apple crumb pie, which you can also pre-order. Kiddos will love sitting at a premium table, closest to the sea, which includes credit toward food and drinks.

Cost: $85/person

1250 Prospect Street
La Jolla
Online: georgesatthecove.com

Tom Ham's Lighthouse

The iconic San Diego restaurant at the end of Harbor Island is offering a smorgasbord of seasonal favorites. The carving station will have free-range turkey with rosemary gravy and roasted tri-tip. Other accompaniments include clam chowder, brown sugar sweet potatoes with marshmallows, and creamy green beans. The grand seafood bar will have Maine lobster claws along with oysters and scallops on the half-shell.

Cost: $72/adult; $24/kid (age 6-12), kids 5 and under eat for free

2150 Harbor Island Dr.
San Diego
Online: tomhamslighthouse.com

Del’s Hideout, Pioneer BBQ or Coaster Saloon (Cohn Restaurant Group)

Bring this Thanksgiving BBQ Feast to your table this year from either of these three Cohn restaurants or choose to gather the crew and dine in. Either option will satisfy your family and keep you frazzle-free. 

Order Deadline and Pick-Up: Place orders by: 3 p.m. on Nov. 22; pick-up Nov. 25 between 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Cost: Serves 6-8 servings for $190; add on a pie for an additional $20; Purchase the main a la carte: $115for turkey or $130 for brisket

Various locations
Online: cohnrestaurants.com

 

Where to Order Thanksgiving Dinner in San Diego

 

Giuseppe Restaurants & Fine Catering

Mix and match a cornucopia of delights by choosing all of your Thanksgiving dishes a la carte. Choose from roasted and carved natural turkey (fully cooked, heat and eat) and such delectable sides as Focaccia-leek & pistachio stuffing, caramelized Brussels sprouts, truffle parmesan mashed potatoes or a poached pear salad. It may take you a while to decide on the sweet ending with choices like Frangelico chocolate truffle lollipops to Meyer lemon bars or pies.

Order Deadline and Pick-Up: Place orders by noon, Nov. 21; Pick up or have it delivered on Nov. 23
Cost: Whole turkey is $155

7853 Herschel Ave.
La Jolla
Online: grnfc.com

Seaside Market 

Seaside Market in Cardiff, is known for its mouthwatering Burgandy Tri-Tip, infamously nicknamed "Cardiff Crack" by locals. And, this Thanksgiving, you can swap the turkey for their tri-tip Feast which comes with sides like roasted vegetables, candied sweet potato mash, broccoli gorgonzola salad, and more (served chilled in aluminum pans with reheating and serving instructions). Or, keep it traditional with their Complete Turkey Feast and side dishes. Seaside also offers a vegan meal with lasagna as the main dish. Whatever your crew is craving this holiday, you can order it at Seaside Market and sit back and relax because your meal is certain to be an utter crowd-pleaser. 

Order Deadline and Pick-Up: 48 hours in advance 
Cost: $250 for Complete Turkey or Cardiff Crack Tri-Tip Feast that feed six; $90 for Vegan Feast that feeds 2-3 people

2087 San Elijo Ave.
Cardiff-by-the-Sea
Online: seasidemarket.com

Ranch 45

Ranch 45 is just what you need to help with holiday hosting. They offer traditional fare with a modern twist that'll impress any foodie at the table. Try their olive oil mashed potatoes or gluten-free carrot cake to switch things up this year—orders are fully cooked, heat and eat. 

Order Deadline and Pick-Up: Place orders by Nov. 21; Pick-up from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. on Nov. 23
Cost:
All items are ordered a la carte; approx. $185 for 3-4 servings

512 Via De La Valle
Solana Beach
Online: ranch45.com

 

Whole Foods Market

Celebrate the season with Whole Foods Market's catering menu which has something for everyone. You’ll find the classics like organic turkey,  and prime rib with all the sides, but also paleo-friendly paleo and vegan-friendly options that are fully cooked, ready to heat and eat. Holiday appetizer platters are also available.

Order Deadline and Pick-Up: All Holiday Selections orders must be placed a minimum of 48 hours ahead of pickup date and time
Cost: Thanksgiving Extravaganza for 12, $569; Classic Thanksgiving Feast for 12 is $400

2600 Via De La Valle
Del Mar
Online: wholefoodsmarket.com

 

Ruth Chris

Take the hassle out of Thanksgiving Dinner this year and order out from Ruth’s Chris Steak House. They have a family meal that's chilled, fulled cooked and ready to heat and eat that serves four and includes roasted turkey and all the trimmings, including four personal pumpkin cheesecakes.

Order Deadline and Pick-Up: 48 hours in advance; pick-up on Nov. 23 from noon-6 p.m.
Cost: 4 servings for $175

Various locations
Online: ruthschris.com

Urban Plates

Bring home a fresh scratch-made feast just like grandma used to make. Choose from a Family Feast that serves 6-8 or a smaller Family Meal that serves four and you’ll get an herb-roasted cage-free turkey breast, mushroom stuffing, homemade gravy, sweet cranberry relish, artisan bread and a choice of two sides (everything comes chilled, fully cooked with heating instructions). Add on a scratch-made dessert made in-house by their pastry chef: mango tart, seasonal pumpkin & walnut layer cake or a Hummingbird Cake, among others. Order early, they sold out last year!

Order Deadline and Pick-Up: Order by Nov. 20; Pick-up on Nov. 22 or Nov. 23
Cost: A la carte sides $18 each; desserts are $24-$59; A turkey plate that serves one is $24; Turkey Family Meal serves four for $100; Turkey Family Feast serves 6-8 is $169

Various locations
Online: urbanplates.com

Chart House

Chart House is big on holidays, which means you can expect a mouthwatering Thanksgiving dinner without having to lift a finger, except to carry the bags into the house. The Chart House Thanksgiving To-Go offers a choice of slow-roasted prime rib or turkey, stuffing, cranberry dressing, creamed spinach, mashed potatoes, and pecan or pumpkin pie.

Order Deadline and Pick-Up: Place orders by Nov. 18; Pick-up times are based on store hours—delivery is also available
Cost:  $105 for turkey, or $130 for prime rib for a group of four

Various locations
Online: chart-house.com

Elijah's Restaurant & Deli

Having your Thanksgiving meal delivered doesn’t get any easier than this! Order your classic Thanksgiving meal from Elijah’s and they’ll bring it right to your front door—all dinners are freshly cooked with no reheating is required! Just put it on the table and eat. Choice of turkey, beef brisket, or ham served with two classic side dishes to choose from, and add on an apple, pecan, or pumpkin pie for only $15 extra. 

Order Deadline and Pick-Up: 48 hrs notice; Schedule a time with the restaurant for pick-up, delivery is available for an additional charge
Cost: Servings are for 10 people, $179 for turkey dinner, $199 for beef brisket dinner, and $179 for spiral ham dinner

7061 Clairemont Mesa Blvd.
Clairemont
Online: elijahsrestaurant.com

Where to Order & Buy the Best Thanksgiving Desserts in San Diego

Pop Pie Co. 

Southern California's go-to artisanal bakery for all things encased in crust, Pop Pie Co. will whip up your Thanksgiving pie the morning you need it. Choose from Salted Honey, Honey Bourbon Pecan, Pumpkin Pie, Salted Caramel Apple Crumble or Apple Crumble (vegan).

Order Deadline and Pick-Up: Place orders by Nov. 17 or until they’re sold out; Pick-up Wed Nov. 23 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. or Nov. 25 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Cost:
$35/pie

Various locations
Online: poppieco.com

Nutmeg Bakery

Top off your day of eating this year with a non-traditional Thanksgiving pie from Nutmeg Bakery. They’ve got all kinds of cream pies: Chocolate, Banana, Boston or Coconut; as well as Key Lime and Maple Pecan (gluten-free). But if you want to go the traditional route they’ve got you covered there with Apple Lattice, Apple Crumb  and Pumpkin. Now if you want a Thanksgiving cake, well they’ve got plenty of options too with everything from Carrot Cake to chocolate chip cookie dough, vanilla (vegan) or lemon raspberry, orange cranberry, lemon blueberry, coconut rum hummingbird, Italian cream and oh so many more. Many of these options are gluten-free so be sure to ask.

Order Deadline and Pick-Up: Place orders with 72 hrs advance notice; Pick-up times are based on order
Cost:
$20-$35/pie

12640 Sabre Springs Pkwy.
Sabre Springs
Online: nutmegsd.com

 

 

Black History Month is an important observance that when celebrated by attending well organized and educational events, both in-person and online, can help your family understand and support the Black community year-round. As James Baldwin said, Black history is American history. There’s much to celebrate and honor, and a lot of work to be done toward racial justice. So how can you and your children celebrate, learn and engage with Black history in Portland? Read on for ways to involve the whole family this February and beyond.

Portland Jazz Festival

Spencer C. via Yelp

Presented this year by PDX Jazz, a local jazz organization, the Portland Jazz Festival enters its 19th consecutive year of celebrating jazz and Black History Month This year's festivities feature GRAMMY Award Winners, as well as local artists! Whether your family members are die-hard jazz lovers who wouldn't mind spending a few bucks on tickets for select performances, or  wouled prefer to attend one of the many free musical shows, options are not in short supply. Head online for more information about performance scheduling, ticket pricing, and of course, the COVID-19 policy and then get jazzy with it!

When: Feb. 17- 26
Online: pdxjazz.org/festival/

Multonomah County Library's Black Storytime!

Maybe you are crunched with work and the little ones are too tired to get out of the house. Don't worry. This event is online and geared to the tiniest of tots. If you are a new parent, or a parent with a child up to age 6, this is the event for you! Set the laptop up and jump in for a live storytelling experience, a bit of singing, and a whole lot of fun. This event is only thirty minutes, the perfect amount of time to keep your little one engaged, entertained and learning. Head online to register via Zoom, free of charge!

Where: Virtual
When: Feb. 2
Cost: Free
Online: here

OPB: Oregon's Black Pioneers

This February, OPB is publishing a 30 minute special that will air on TV and be available online, documenting Oregon's Black Pioneers. In this special, OPB will cover the centuries-long story that covers the African American from the late 18th century to the present. Gather the family around a computer, iPad, or television to learn about the Black Pioneers of Oregon from the comfort of your own home! Flexible, free, and full of educational material, this is an event you can be sure will enrich your family this Black History Month!

Where: Virtual
When: Monday, Feb. 7 from 9:30 - 10 p.m.
Online: here

Black History Online Learning Course

Oregon Historical Society

Perhaps you and your family have always wanted to know a little bit more than free readings, talks or a chapter of a book at school could deliver. Look no further than Simon Education, an online schooling program that is offering a month long event geared towards Black History! Spanning the nearly 250,000 years of Black history, your child will follow the two child superheros as they relive the events and evolution that is Black history throughout time. This event does require a donation, about $10 per family, and doles out much more knowledge than money is worth! Grab the kids and work your way through the four modules of awe and inspiration together. 

Where: Virtual
When: Feb 5, 12, 19, & 26
Online at: here

PCC's Cascade Festival of African Films

Take things back to the start of it all: Africa. Through films and their unique storytelling capacities, this year's Annual Cascade Festival is honoring the cultural and historical saga that is Africa. Films like Diatribe: From the Village to the Streets or Casablanca Beats take viewers from past to present and everywhere in between. Films are being shown through the beginning of March, so don't sweat the timing too much! There is an opportunity every weekend to spend some quality time with the family in front of the big screen.

Where: Virtual & In-Person
When:  Feb. 4 - Mar. 5
Online: here

Trail Blazers: Celebration of Black History

Kim G. via Yelp

"Let's go Blazers!". This is a phrase you and your family must know well if you know the Trail Blazers. Whether you're big into sports or just when your friends make you sit through a game, this Black History Month event hosted by Portland's NBA team is one you'll surely not want to miss! Friday, February 21st marks another year of the annual celebration by the Trail Blazers and will feature live performances, fundraising opportunities, and, you guessed it, sick Trail Blazers swag! Fundraising will be for the Black Education Achievement Movement, an organization driven to help African youth pursue furthered education. So pop on all your sports apparel, grab the kids and head to the MODA center this February to get involved and give back!

Where: MODA Center, 1 N Center Ct St., 
When:  Feb.12, 2 p.m.
Online: here

Clinton Street Theater's Hidden Colors

Come out for another film screening at Portland's Clinton Street Theater this February! The theater is showing Tariq Nasheed's Hidden Colors, a documentary highlighting African and aboriginal historical stories that have been left out of the mainstream voice. Listen to featured voices of scholars, social movement leaders, and historians as they unpack the largely untold history of Black History Month! This is sure to be a memorable experience, so head to Clinton Street Theater's website to secure the family's tickets now!

Where: Clinton Street Theater, 2522 SE Clinton St.
When: February 9, 16, 22
Online: here

Black Love Day Comedy Show & Fundraiser

Maybe your children are a bit older, and maybe you have some money to spend. If that sounds right, then this is the Black History Month event for you. Built around Black Love Day, a prequel to Valentine's Day that expresses and discusses love within Black culture, this comedy show and fundraiser is a catered evening full of food, drinks, and hilarity. Come ready to dine, drink and donate, laugh, love and laugh some more all night long! 

Where: The Suite Spot PDX, 24-32 NW 2nd Ave., 
When: Feb. 13
Cost: $60 - $300
Online: here

—Hannah Judge

Featured photo: PDX Jazz Festival via yelp

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If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation.


Dreaming of adventure in the new year? LEGO just dropped over 100 new sets that will have your bitty builders glamping on the beach, using wind energy to power an eco-adventurous treehouse, or twirling in an enchanted ballroom.

The expanded collection from LEGO includes a lineup from Sonic the Hedgehog, LEGO Friends, Marvel LEGO and more. Prices start at $10, and there are sets to fit everyone’s interest and budget. Check out our favorites from the new sets below, then head to LEGO.com to score your own.

Friendship Treehouse

$80

Sonic the Hedgehog™ – Green Hill Zone

$70

Beach Glamping

$40

Main Street Building

$150

Spider-Man Webquarters Hangout

$50

Belle's Ballroom

$20

 

––Shelley Massey

 

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The House and Garden at Filoli are impressive and stately throughout the year but transform into a whimsical, wintry wonderland during the holidays, making it worth a special visit. In addition to themed nights and Santa visits, your dilemma lies in this: will your family visit during the day for bright pictures or at night for the dazzling lights? We went to both to get the scoop and hopefully help you decide so read on and book your time slot today!

Daytime Visit

For both visits, we bypassed the House and headed straight towards the Gardens (continue past the House and make a left).This lets kids run and roam and get the wiggles out before touring the House where it's decidedly harder to run and roam. If your family is feeling frisky, consider taking the one mile estate trail for a short hike. Filoli’s family guide is also a great interactive option for kids to play Bingo around the estate.

Next, wander the gardens by the pool and restrain little ones that might try to sneak in for a dip which is most definitely frowned upon. Find the massive Christmas tree in the circular hedges for a photo op then check out the trio of trees inside the Garden House. If you visit the charming Clock Tower gift shop, beware that it harbors a plethora of fragile ornaments so you’ll want to keep curious little hands close by.

With its decadent holiday decorations, The House offers a glimpse into what life was like for the Bourn Family: lavish. Keep kids engaged by searching for statues of Toto, the family’s bulldog and also by counting how many Christmas trees they see (hint: 20). The main draw of the House is the Ballroom with its colossal fireplace—kids will ooh and ahh over the expansive room with its vaulted ceilings and larger-than-life Christmas tree. 

Nighttime Visit

 

The sun slipping behind the Santa Cruz mountains is cue for Filoli’s holiday magic to unfurl. Sparkling lights strung from trees and amongst flowers enchant the garden as far as the eye can see. Gleaming orbs of lights rest on manicured lawns while a weeping willow of lights will enthrall kids of all ages.  A bed of blue lights shimmers to mimic water gushing down a river as the reflection pool glistens with the surrounding lights and provides quiet solace for a moment to take a deep breath… and take it all in. 

Good to know

  • We loved sipping hot cocoa and cider at the Woodland Lawn Court in front of the fire pits (evenings only)
  • Outside food for picnicking is allowed in designated areas only
  • During a daytime visit, consider taking your picnic down the road to the scenic Pulgas Water temple 

Bottom line: if you can only visit once, a nighttime visit is undoubtedly our choice 

—photos and story by Christine Lai

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There’s nothing quite as majestic as watching Belle twirl through the ballroom in her sweeping gown. Now you can feel a little like the Belle of the Ball yourself with a new collection of Beauty and the Beast-inspired gear.

Disney Parks new Belle of the Ball Bronze collection is decked out in shimmering bronze and sequins. The line includes bow-topped Minnie ears, hats, t-shirts, jerseys, leggings, Loungefly backpacks, a Belle Bronze Mickey ornament and more.

Each item features the Belle Bronze and black color scheme. Prices range from $26 to $65.

The new Belle of the Ball Bronze collection is available at Disney Parks across the world. Several of the items are also available for purchase at shopDisney.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Featured photo: shopdisney via Instagram

 

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Photo: Omni Grove Park Inn

Raise your hand if you don’t feel like hosting Thanksgiving this year (*raises hand*). Skip the unnecessary stress of turkey dinner and enjoy one of these Thanksgiving hotel packages instead. Bonus: Many of the hotels on this list serve Thanksgiving dinner, so all you have to do is show up and enjoy quality time with your family. 

1. Residence Inn New York Manhattan/Times Square – New York, New York: Want to see the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in person? Watch it from your warm and cozy guestroom at the Residence Inn New York Manhattan/Times Square! Choose a Prime or Partial Parade View Package for views of the balloons and floats, and enjoy complimentary breakfast and free Wi-Fi throughout your stay. 

2. Great Wolf Lodge—Multiple Locations: Enjoy 30 percent off rates—which include accommodations and water park admission–when you book two or more nights at a Great Wolf Lodge. Plus, enjoy a buffett of all your favorites on Thanksgiving (select locations). 

3. Omni Grove Park Inn—Asheville, NC: Spend Thanksgiving in the Blue Ridge Mountains! The iconic Omni Grove Park Inn is offering a Thanksgiving Traditions package that includes a breakfast buffet daily (per registered guest), a Thanksgiving buffett in the Blue Ridge Restaurant or Grand Ballroom, overnight parking, and a holiday keepsake. The resort fee is also waived when you book this package. 

4. The Grand America Hotel—Salt Lake City, UT: The Grand America Hotel is offering a Thanksgiving Getaway Package that includes accommodations for up to five guests, overnight parking, a $100 hotel credit, and advance dining reservations for the Grand Ballroom Thanksgiving Buffet or Garden Cafe Thanksgiving Brunch.

5. Breezes Resort & Spa—Nassau, Bahamas: Switch it up with an all-inclusive resort escape for Thanksgiving! One of the most affordable Thanksgiving vacations for families, Breezes Resort & Spa in Nassau, Bahamas, is offering a Fall Sale with 45-percent off all-inclusive rates for stays between Nov. 7 and Dec. 18, 2019. The resort welcomes children age 14 and up, making it a great getaway for families with teens. 

6. Montecito Sequoia Lodge—Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park, CA: There’s nothing more refreshing than a national park vacation, far away from the hustle and bustle of school and work schedules. At Montecito Sequoia Lodge in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park, families can opt for a two-night, all-inclusive package that covers lodging, buffet meals (including turkey dinner for Thanksgiving), a kids’ club for ages 5 and up, a Fall Harvest Carnival, and other seasonal fun. 

7. Tradewinds Island Resorts—St. Petersburg, FL: Tradewinds Island Resorts (Tradewinds Island Grand and Rumfish Beach Resort) are offering a Turkey & Tan Lines 4-Night Package with discounted room rates; access to the Black Friday Carnival on the beach; a $25 retail shopping credit; a magic show on November 30; beach fireworks on November 30; and other activities throughout the weekend. Thanksgiving dinner will be served at Tradewinds Island Grand, and kids under age 18 stay free!

Amanda Norcross is Senior Editor at Family Vacation Critic, TripAdvisor's family travel website. Her expertise has been featured in major media outlets including The New York Times, People.com, and Prevention Magazine. Amanda enjoys discovering new destinations and sharing her experiences with parents who are looking to plan the most memorable vacations with their kids. 

 

According to U.S. News & World Report, approximately 80 percent of resolutions fail by the second week in February. Why? Because dramatic and immediate changes are not sustainable long-term. So make this not a year of resolutions or diets but one of incremental changes to instill habits that create real, long-lasting results.

Do What You Enjoy

Commit to trying new things or even old things to remind yourself of what you enjoy. This is especially true for keeping active and fulfilling your body’s desire for movement and exercise. This can be taking frequent walks through nature, biking, dancing, hiking or yoga.

Start taking ballroom dancing lessons that you promised yourself you would try years ago. Take a barre method class where you can let your inner ballerina shine. Better yet, put that music on full blast while you are preparing dinner and dance like no one’s watching. It is not about perfection, it is about finding what you love to do and what brings a smile to your face, then it becomes fun and not something you want to do.

Add Things—Don’t Remove Them

If your goal is to improve your nutrition to lose weight and improve your energy levels, try adding foods into your diet like vegetables. Find fun ways to prepare them to fit your taste buds. Often times if you start with a deprivation statement like, “I am going to stop eating all carbs,” then the only thing you will think about is carbs.

When you introduce something new and start noticing the benefits of that change, then you are often inspired to move on to add the next change. Think addition—not deprivation!

Stop Eating by 6 p.m.

If you want to encourage the body to burn fat for energy, stop eating by 6 or 7 p.m. This allows the body to put most of its energy into rejuvenating and restoring the body for the next day. It also gives the body all time it needs to use up all the sugar storage in the liver so then it can start burning the fat cells for needed energy.

Take Five Minutes to Stop & Breathe

If one of your goals is to start being more mindful or to simply start incorporating some relaxation techniques to help you react to stressful events with more ease then perhaps going from not meditating to promising to meditate every day for 45 minutes a day may be a bit overwhelming. Try this simple strategy:

Wake up in the morning, take a deep breath and then record in a journal or on your phone one thing you are grateful for, appreciate or just makes you happy. Read it out loud and then follow with five slow breaths and really feel that joy.

This way you are starting the habit and getting your body used to what relaxation and being in a state of gratitude feels like. During the day when things get hectic, pull out that book or play that recording and take five deep breaths. Fast, easy and often times very effective for decreasing the effects of those stress reactions.

Go to Bed 15 Minutes Earlier

Work on getting a good night’s rest. A healthy amount of sleep helps you to be more alert, make better decisions, maintain a healthier weight and helps you to look and feel younger. Go to bed 15 minutes earlier each week for a month so you total an hour more of sleep. Remove all electronic devices in the bedroom that gives off artificial light and creating a bedtime routine that signals the body that it is time for bed.

Spend Your Time with Like-Minded People

Make an effort to spend more quality time reconnecting with family or friends.  Individuals who have social connections suffer less symptoms of depression and may live longer healthier, lives. Also, establishing a support group can help to stay on track with our goals. This may look like once every two weeks to a month spending some time with your girlfriends or Skyping or FaceTiming them to catch up.

Making these gradual changes can help you to create habits that will help to feel more energized, feel less stressed, think more clearly and make better choices for you. With each choice comes the opportunity to be the person you have always envisioned.

Eudene Harry MD is the medical director for Oasis Wellness and Rejuvenation Center, a wellness practice devoted to integrative holistic care. She is a veteran physician with over 20 years of experience. Her most recent book, Be Iconic: Be Healthy & Sexy at Any Age, is now available on Amazon.

The newest and coolest games for kids promise to teach creativity and cooperation, but it’s a rare grandparent who’ll happily sit down to a session of Robot Turtles without asking a dozen questions. That’s where classic games come in. They’re engaging for the whole family but come without long explanations and pages of rules. We found our favorites and shared them below. Talk about winning game night!

photo: Chess4Life

1. Chess
This ancient game of strategy is popular with millions of people around the world. While the individual moves of the chess pieces might be hard for little ones to remember, the goal is simple—to win by trapping your opponent’s king. It’s a two-player game that gets kids thinking deeply and lasts 10 minutes to an hour, depending on experience.

Buy it here.

2. Rummy
Nothing could be simpler than a game of cards, and Rummy involves the fairly easy task of grouping ones that match— something even little ones can do once they’ve mastered actually holding them!  If you’re rusty on the rules it might be because there are dozens of variations, but once the kids have mastered Rummy it’s a quick leap to playing Rummikub which also has a junior version for younger players.

Buy it here.

photo: Emily Meyers

3. Monopoly
Financial ruin is never a good thing, but this game has a popularity that just keeps on growing. Hundreds of cities have their own versions, and it’s printed in at least thirty-seven languages. With a roll of the dice, players hustle to develop properties and charge rent while hoping to be the last to face jail and bankruptcy. Plan on counting up your assets after a certain amount of time or be prepared for the long haul because a game can last for hours!

Buy it here.

4. Pictionary
Thirty years ago, Pictionary brought Charades to the table—with artwork replacing mime. Players of all ages race against the timer to identify what their teammates are drawing. This game is great for big family gatherings as all-age teams can work together to move counters based on the success they have at drawing and guessing.

Buy it here.

photo: Liz West via Flickr

5. Scrabble
This classic word game has players earning points not just for the words created, but where they are placed on the board. For alternative versions, skip scoring and just enjoy watching the words take shape on the board, or team up in pairs to help younger spellers build their vocab. Scrabble’s junior edition involves matching tiles to a pre-written grid, and once the kids outgrow the board, they can flip it over to find the more advanced original grid on the other side.

 

6. Sorry!
Call it Sorry!, Ludo, Pachisi or Coppit, the idea’s the same; players move their pieces around the board trying to be the first to get them all “home.” The name Sorry! comes from the number of times an apology needs to be issued as players trip each other up in the race around the board. Fast and fun, this is a winning game for families.

Buy it here.

photo: Emily Meyers

7. Clue
This compelling murder mystery game is far from scary. Watch the kids turn detective as they try to work out the missing cards and deduce who has done something dastardly in the Clue mansion. Was it Colonel Mustard in the ballroom with the dagger? Younger sleuths might need tips on how to speed up their calculations as the family races to see who will be the first to uncover the details of the crime.

Buy it here.

8. Tiddlywinks
Use your squidger to flip winks and try squopping your opponent in the process (translation: flip plastic coins into a central pot and try to land on your opponents’ coins so they can’t score). Tiddlywinks is at least a hundred years old, and although it might sound confusing (and boasts several Tiddlywinks Associations), it’s easy entertainment for all ages, even if you don’t master the terminology!

Buy it here.

photo: Emily Meyers

9. Connect 4
This 3D Tic Tac Toe on an upright board has been a household favorite for forty years and is still as popular as ever. Two players take turns dropping discs into a grid and try to get four in a row. With instructions this simple it’s no wonder it’s addictive family entertainment.

Buy it here.

10. Checkers
Played on the same board as Chess but with counters instead of pieces, the strategy game of Checkers (or Draughts) is hundreds of years old. Move pieces forward diagonally and capture your opponent’s pieces by leaping over them. Get one of your own counters to the other side of the board and they earn superpowers!

Buy it here.

You’ll Also Love:

11 New Games to Get You Through the Winter

11 Classic Games to Banish the Sick Day Blues

’90s Board Games You Wish Your Kids Played

Which classic board game is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below.

—Emily Myers

games

Here in the Pacific Northwest we’ve never let rain stop us from playing outside, but sometimes it’s a lot easier (and a lot less mess) to find an indoor space to let the kids get the wiggles out. With all the rain ahead, we found low-cost options that won’t break the bank but still get your clan out of the house. Scroll down to learn more.

photo: SE Indoor Park Facebook 

Southeast Indoor Park
Since 1978, this membership-based co-op has been providing Portland families with a casual, friendly environment for kids to play together. Ride-on toys, climbing structures, and tumbling mats give active toddlers and preschoolers plenty to do, with quieter corners set aside for baby swings, reading, and art-making. Everyone pitches in to set up and break down the play areas, and someone always brews a pot of coffee for parents to sip while chatting and keeping an eye on their little ones.

Southeast Indoor Park
Daylight basement of Trinity Methodist Church
3915 SE Steele St.
Portland, Or

Ages: 0-5
Hours: Mon. & Thu. 9–11 a.m., Oct.-May
Fee: $5/drop-in; family memberships $60 full-season, $35 half-season, (plus prorated monthly options if you join late in the year)
Online: playinside.org

photo: NE Indoor Park 

Northeast Indoor Park
This play space is a great choice for extra wiggly kids, with plenty of slides, playhouses, riding toys, cars, and trucks– and even a climbing dome. Open to all families of children up to age eight, it’s also a friendly, welcoming environment for parents and caregivers to connect while their children play.

Basement of Central Lutheran Church
1820 NE 21st Ave.
Portland, Or
503-284-2331

Ages: 0-8
Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 9 a.m.- 3 p.m.; Fri. 9 a.m.-noon., year-round
Fee: Drop-in $3/child; $5 for 2 or more children; or $12/ month
Online: facebook.com/pg/NorthEastIndoorPark

Play Park at Piedmont Presbyterian Church
An indoor play space for children and their parents and caregivers. Enter through the side door on Cleveland Avenue. Store strollers on indoor landings, in the Fellowship Hall, or inside Play Park.

Piedmont Presbyterian Church
5760 NE Cleveland Ave.
Portland, Or
503-285-5348

Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 9 a.m.-noon
Ages: 0-5
Fee: .50/child suggested donation; space is limited to 25 children.
Online: piedmontpresbyterian.org

Photo: Oak Grove Indoor Play Facebook Page

Oak Grove Indoor Play
This play space features several different “studios” with ball pits, ride-on toys, climbing structures, large foam stacking blocks, and smaller toys. It’s also a popular choice for party rentals. Be sure to bring cash for drop-in play!

16101 SE McLoughlin Blvd.
Milwaukie, Or
503-560-5860

Ages: 1-5
Hours: Tues. & Thurs. 9 a.m.-noon
Fee: $3/child; $2/each additional child. $25 for 10-Play Punch Cards.
Online: oakgroveindoorplay.com

Photo: Indoor Park at MJCC

Mittleman Jewish Community Center Indoor Park
This thrice-weekly indoor park uses a portion of the side turf on an indoor soccer field inside the JCC’s “sportsplex,” a big green dome held up by air. Caregivers and kids can  build forts in the gymnastics area, practice crawling and walking on the spring floor, play on the trampoline, and use a number of toddler cars and slides. Once a month, both members and non-members can enjoy a special FREE indoor park called Chai Baby (pronounced like “high,”) which includes a story time and snacks.

6651 SW Capitol Hwy.
Portland, Or
503-244-0111

Ages: 6 months-5 years (but a babe-in-arms is okay if you have an older kid)
Hours: Mon., Wed. & Fri. 10 a.m.-noon., Sep.-Jun.
Fee: $5 drop-in; free to members (available for people of all faiths)
Online: oregonjcc.org/camps-childcare/indoor-playground

Upper Westside Play Gym
An affordable drop-in option for westside families, this play gym has drop-in family play hours focusing on different ages and stages. Choose from baby & toddler open play as well as drop-in hours for kids under 5. With a wide range of additional classes and activities, this location has a lot to offer every week.

1509 SW Sunset Blvd.
Portland, Or
503-246-2292

Ages: 0-5
Hours: Varies by age group and activity; check calendar online
Fee: $5 drop in/ child; $2.50/ each additional child (bring cash or check to avoid a $1 card fee)
Online: upperwestsideplaygym.com

Photo: St John’s Swap n Play Facebook

St John’s Swap n Play
This award-winning membership-based swap-n-play features several distinct play areas, including use of the popular Imagination Playground, a mobile play system of blue blocks in different shapes and sizes. Members have access to both indoor and outdoor play areas, as well as classes and events, while non-members can drop in on Monday mornings during open play to see what membership is all about.

7535 N. Chicago Ave.
Portland, Or
971-251-007

Ages:
Hours: Drop-in play Mon. 10 a.m.-noon.; Member hours Mon.–Fri. 8 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sat. 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
Fee: $10-$40/month; limited sliding scale memberships; $70-$170 punch cards
Online: swapnplay.org

Woodlawn Swap n Play
Located below the popular Village Ballroom (which hosts regular performances from well-known Portland “kindie” musicians and mother-oriented exercise classes), the Woodlawn Swap n Play has use of two indoor play areas. During regular swap hours, members have access to the main facility downstairs, while twice a week the ballroom space opens up for ride on toys and other gross motor play options. Members also enjoy the benefits of the honor-based goods-exchange model that makes swap-n-plays a popular choice for eco-conscious and budget-wise families.

704 NE Dekum St.
Portland, Or
503.269.4943

Ages: 0-5 (recommended; all ages welcome)
Hours: Mon.–Sat. 8 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun. 1 p.m.-8 p.m., year-round
Fee: $75/ 3-month session membership, + $20 joining fee/ family. (Includes co-op responsibilities, ~ 20 min./week)
Online: www.woodlawnswapnplay.org

Photo: Hammer + Jacks

Hammer + Jack’s
Small but mighty. At 680 square feet, this is the smallest play space on our list, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in warmth and a focus on community. The indoor play space– located at the back of an impressively-curated toy store– features a large, whimsical wooden slide and climbing tunnel, with plenty of smaller toys below. A row of picnic tables is available for enjoying snacks from home or Henry Higgins Bagels next door. Be sure to check out the calendar for a list of upcoming performances, classes, and events.

6416 SE Foster
Portland, Or
503-894-9150

Ages: 0-5 (plus drop-in play for non-walkers on Fridays)
Hours: Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m – 6 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Fee: $4 drop-in; $6 all-day pass; call ahead as space is limited
Online: hammerandjacks.com

Photo:  SWCC

Portland Parks & Recreation Indoor Parks
Portland is home to a wealth of community centers, and each one has several indoor play options for children. From baby gym and family park to indoor parks geared toward homeschooling families, there is truly something for everyone. Check the catalog of your neighborhood center for hours and themes, and don’t be afraid to try out a new location a bit further from home. All community centers are accessible by public transit.

Locations, ages, and hours vary
Fee: Generally $1-$2 drop-in
Online: portlandoregon.gov/parks

Creative and Mostly Free Alternatives to Organized Indoor Parks
Set up a play date at the Lloyd Center or Clackamas Mall, which open at 7 & 6 a.m., respectively, for mall walkers (stores open at 10 a.m.) There are play areas, elevators and escalators, and plenty of room for your new runner to, well, run. Or take the kids to Ikea, where you can enjoy $1 coffee in the café and watch planes take off from the airport. Cruise the kids’ section nearby and let them explore the nylon tents, big kid beds, and rocking chairs—all their size.

Libraries are another good option, with free story times for kids of all ages and many branches to choose from. In addition to Portland’s Central Branch, the Central Vancouver Library has a huge kids’ floor with sensory exhibits and multimedia center, all for free. Or take advantage of a Discovery Pass from your county library system to attend local museums and cultural events for free. Passes may not be immediately available, and you can only check them out twice per calendar year, so plan ahead for this one.

What are your go-to spots during Portland’s rainy season? Join the conversation by adding your ideas in the comments!

—Melissa Poulin