Nothing quite says winter like sipping on a cup of creamy hot chocolate, Portland parents
While Portland may not boast the snowy winters of the midwest, we can still get our winter sports on with the kids, whether we’re tubing on Mt. Hood, ice skating at Lloyd Center, or just finding a peaceful forested trail in the city to stretch our legs. And you know what pairs well with a day of winter adventuring? A rich and creamy cup of hot cocoa, of course. So if you’re wondering where to score the best cup in town, we’ve got options (including vegan hot cocoa). So get out there and make the most of winter’s cooler days. We’ve got your warm up right here.
Who doesn't love chocolates and hot chocolate? Ranger Chocolate Co. has it all from your classic hot cocoa to a Salted Maple Latte. Oh, and don't forget to check out their baked goods like biscotti and shortbread cookies as well as their chocolate-dipped candied ginger and chocolate-covered vanilla bean marshmallows. Everyone will find something they love here.
118 N.E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Portland Online:rangerchocolate.co
The hot drinks at 1927 S'mores will hit the spot. Try a decadent gourmet hot cocoa topped with marshmallows, chocolate drizzle, whipped cream, toffee, or sprinkles with a pumpkin pie s'more on the side. Their s'mores marshmallows are huge, delicious, and the kid won't be able to get enough. They do have a vegan option available.
Found yourself and the babes in the Boise district in NE Portland and feeling a little something sweet? Head to Jinju Patisserie for their extremely satisfying, triple-chocolate cocoa, and be sure to grab one of their croissants or cookies for little hands while you're at it. Jinju believes in well-crafted, soul-warming indulgences, and after taking a look at their array of sweet options, you will probably want two of everything. Be sure to text their phone number in advance if you'd like them to set some items aside for pick-up.
Is it cold out? Don't stay stranded and undecided on the sidewalk. Head over to Harlow PDX for their host of warm beverage options. This locally owned café and juice bar has beautifully crafted lattes and steamers, such as red velvet cocoa or turmeric golden latte. Whether you choose to head to their SE Hawthorne location or to their newer shop on NW 23rd Ave, you will stave off the cold with Harlow's delicious drinks.
Harlow on Hawthorne 3632 S.E. Hawthorne Blvd. Portland
If you've never visited the EcoTrust building in NW Portland, La Perlita is a great excuse to go for the first time and enjoy a delicious chocolate drink while you're at it. Described by their owners as "a love letter to the people who love coffee," La Perlita is about as authentic as roasters come. They know how to brew up a batch of something with that holiday sweetness we all are craving, so be sure to check out their truly Mexican hot chocolate, garnished with cacao nibs, or a traditional hot chocolate for the kiddos to keep it simple.
If you're a Portland native, then this suggestion will come as no surprise! And if you've never been, you should absolutely take the time to check out this Portland staple. Home to a nearly endless menu of teas and handcrafted tea-based lattes and chai, Tea Chai Té is sure to satisfy the desire for a warm drink on a cold day. Not to mention their slew of locations—no matter where you are in town, you're not far from this cozy neighborhood spot. Bring your family and friends down to this tea house for good conversation and even better drinks.
Chai. If you just had an extremely pleasurable reaction to reading that word then wait until you step inside Pip's Original Donuts and buy one of their chai lattes—it'll blow your mind! Not to mention their donuts are to die for. A must-try spot for almost any Portland tourist, take a day being a tourist in your own city by visiting Pip's for one of their small-batch chais, spiced apple ciders, or hot chocolates. You'll be sure to add it to your family's weekend go-to, winter or not! And buy a donut when you go, it's worth it.
Our guide to kid-friendly things to do in Seattle is here to help when you need a last-minute plan
Are you in search of activities to keep your kids entertained when they’re not in school ? We’ve rounded up the best places around Seattle to get their wiggles out. Pull out these kid-friendly things to do in Seattle whether you need playdates for little tikes or destinations for those school in-service days that pop up on the calendar when you least expect them. Whatever the reason, you’ll want to bookmark this list. Here are 15 kid-friendly places guaranteed to delight your little one and (hopefully) help bounce, climb, jump, run, paint, or skate away your kiddo’s boundless energy.
The Museum of Flight
Kathryn Muelller
Are you ready for takeoff? The Museum of Flight will have your aviation enthusiast taking to the skies with joy. There are more than 175 aircraft and spacecraft to explore. Did you know The Museum of Flight is the largest independent, non-profit air and space museum in the world? With interactive experiences and educational galleries, kids will learn about the history of flight while also getting up close to planes of all shapes and sizes. Test out your piloting skills in a cockpit or walk through a 737–there’s no boarding pass required to step foot on these planes. After you’ve toured the expansive museum, stop at the café to refuel.
KidsQuest Children’s Museum offers an abundance of STEAM-based, hands-on learning opportunities. Geared toward kids ages birth to 10 years old, the museum is full of activities that will keep kids engaged at every twist and turn. Each exhibit gives children the opportunity to work on new skills, from gross motor to problem solving, engineering and more–opportunities are limitless. Climb a two-story work of art, explore machines, including a blue big rig, play make-believe at the mercantile, or get wet in an exhibit all about water. There is so much to explore!
Tucked away in the quaint downtown corridor of Edmonds, is a cute pottery shop with shelves of figurines waiting to be painted. Glazed and Amazed provides the perfect space for your little ones to unleash their artistic talents. The family-friendly studio has hundreds of pottery options available–from unicorns to dragons, mugs to jewelry boxes–choosing a canvas is half the fun. They offer paints of all hues and arrays as well, even glittered and speckled paints, to help bring your creation to life. The process is easy. Choose your pottery, pick your paints, create your art, and leave it with them. Glazed and Amazed does all the hard work. They clean up when you're done, and fire the pottery in their kiln. In five days, your masterpiece will be ready for pickup. All you have to do is decide where in your house you’ll display your work of art.
Insider Tip: Would you rather paint at home? They also have paint-to-go kits to add some creativity and fun to your day.
Lions and tigers and bears–oh, my! Find your favorite animals at the Woodland Park Zoo–rain or shine. The expansive 92-acre zoo features different natural habitats ranging from the African Savanna to the Northern Trail. Discover all the Zoo has to offer by exploring the many meandering trails around the spacious enclosures. Don’t miss out on Zoomazium, an indoor facility geared toward kiddos 8 years old and younger, that features fun, interactive, nature-themed areas devoted to play and learning. Inside, you’ll find a gigantic 20-foot climbing tree (with a slide), caves, and a rope bridge. Zoomazium is a wonderful place to let your imagination run wild.
Good to Know: The Historic Carousel will be closed for annual maintenance Oct. 17-28, and the Butterfly Garden exhibit is closed for the season.
Flatstick Pub located in South Lake Union is a hole in one. The family-friendly mini golf course and restaurant is a fun, colorful environment to cultivate a child’s love of golf. The 9-hole course centers around a giant sasquatch who takes center stage. Each hole has various obstacles and elevation changes, so be prepared for a challenge. After you’ve worked up an appetite shooting for par, head over to the restaurant to enjoy a delicious meal. There is an abundance of children’s games to pick from while you wait for food. Our favorite is Candy Land. At Flatstick, fun and food await.
Insider Tip: Flatstick is 21 and over after 7 p.m.
The newly expanded Imagine Children’s Museum in Everett is full of engaging, interactive exhibits that will have tots so enthralled they won’t want to leave–literally. (Please don't blame us if they want to play all day.) Kids can climb and explore a towering, sprawling tree house, hop aboard a transit bus, milk a cow, pretend to be a train conductor, or dig for dinosaurs. The outdoor rooftop space is truly unique, featuring 9,149-square-feet of adventure. Kiddos will love climbing, crawling, running, and jumping on the massive play structure.
Insider Tip: If you plan to spend less than 90 minutes at the museum (which honestly might be hard with so much fun to discover inside the museum), you can opt for free parking on the street.
Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium lets animal adventurers explore the wonders of wildlife. Exhibits include the Arctic Tundra, Red Wolf Woods, Rocky Shores, Asian Forest Sanctuary and more. You can meet zookeepers, have animal encounters, gently touch sea creatures at the Tidal Touch Zone, feed goats, or you could spend the day playing on one of the many playgrounds. There’s so much to do, see, climb, and discover. One of our favorite new additions is the Little Explorers Nature Play Garden. The immersive play garden is designed to cultivate a sense of excitement and appreciation for nature.
Want to learn to ski or snowboard? You don’t need snow at Mini Mountain. If you’re looking for an out of the box activity, check out this indoor mountain. Mini Mountain Indoor Ski Center has been teaching generations of families to ski since opening in 1983. Learn to carve some turns from the comfort of an indoor facility, and gain confidence before hitting the slopes. Kiddos as young as 18 months can earn some turns.
1900 132nd Ave. N.E., Suite A3 Bellevue, WA Online:minimountain.com
Flip, turn, roll, bounce, and climb around a gym designated for little ones for a whole hour. Seattle Gymnastics Academy gives kids 5 and under a place to play in a space just for them. With three different locations in Seattle (and another coming soon to Burien), you can find a gym near you. Gymnasts can use equipment like a Tumbl Trak, foam pits, trampolines, and balance beams. The indoor playground helps kids get energy out while also honing their gross motor skills.
Insider Tip: Indoor playground times vary by location, so check the website to see what's offered (and when) at the location near you.
The Seattle Aquarium brings a beautiful teeming world under the sea to your fingertips. From wading tide pools where little ones can gently touch sea stars to the deep, dark depths of the ocean, the aquarium helps little ones uncover their inner marine biologist and allows you to "sea" it all. Don’t miss the playful sea otters or the harbor seals. You can also immerse yourself in the Puget Sound without getting wet—through a short tunnel you’ll enter a one-of-a-kind undersea dome with a 360-degree view into a 400,000-gallon habitat. It’s an exciting and unique way to view the waters of the Puget Sound.
Insider Tip: Purchase tickets online in advance to save.
Flying Squirrel Trampoline Park has activities and attractions for all ages. Jump on trampolines, explore tunnels suspended in air, bounce on inflatables, scale tall climbing walls or play a round of high-tech mini golf. Also available at the activity center is a café to recharge once your little jumper has bounced their energy out. Toddler Time is now available during all operating hours for children 6 and under for only $14 for one hour of jump time.
Insider Tip: Packages for toddlers and family punch cards are available so you can save cash.
Located in the heart of Seattle, the Pacific Science Center will ignite your child’s curiosity. The mission of the Pacific Science Center is to fuel a passion for discovery, experimentation and critical thinking, and each exhibit does just that. Surround yourself with hundreds of beautiful butterflies in a tropical habitat, explore the outer most reaches of the universe, walk with dinosaurs or step into the Laser Dome, and experience a brilliant, immersive laser show.
Insider Tip: Looking to extend your playdate? Check out the playground at Seattle Center. Located in the plaza between the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) and Seattle Center Armory, the Artists at Play playground is a wonderful, imaginative place to place for kids of all ages.
Bounce your way into the inflatable FunZone! At Arena Sports, kids can run, jump, bounce and slide to their heart’s content. Each location offers a variety of kid-friendly activities for kids ages 18 months old to 12 years old. Kiddos love the Magnuson location because of the giant inflatables, but all the locations provide epic playtimes your little ones won’t forget.
Locations in Issaquah, Magnuson, Mill Creek, Redmond and SODO Online:arenasports.net
Kraken Community Iceplex
Skate where the Seattle Kraken skate! Public skates are available throughout the week. You don’t have to be an NHL hopeful to glide around the rink–public skating is open to all ages and abilities. Hop on the ice during lunch, or plan an afternoon skate date with friends. Looking for the best time to take your skating tike? Every Friday (from 10:30-11:30 a.m.), little skaters can hit the ice and enjoy open play at the Kraken Community Iceplex. Rent skates and aid seals (or join the fun in sneakers and boots) and spend an hour on the ice. Balls and piles of snow are provided. Helmets are recommended and parent supervision is required. After you skate, head up to the Starbucks on the second floor for a hot chocolate or grab lunch at 32 Bar and Grill. The 5,000-square-foot pub and grill gives lunch goers expansive views of Starbucks Rink where the Kraken practice and the Smartsheet Rink.
It’s fun to be a tourist in Seattle. Especially when you and the kids head to Pike Place Market during the weekday. Beat the crowds and snap some truly Insta-worthy pictures. The bustling streets, beautiful bouquets of flowers, decadent donuts, and fresh produce break up the monotony of the typical go-to parks and neighborhood destinations. Making a trek downtown makes for a fun day of sightseeing. Our suggestion? Stop at Daily Dozen (one of our favorite donut shops) and then pick up the biggest, brightest bundle of flowers you can carry. Strolling through the iconic market and exploring all its hidden artisan treasures is an exciting way to spend a day.
Do you heart Starbucks? Even though you may have just put down your Christmas cup, it’s already time to pick up something from Starbucks’ new Valentine’s Day collection.
The coffee giant released its Valentine’s Day 2022 lineup, and it is so, so cute. You can now get holiday-themed cups in Starbucks stores. And the collection is so adorable, you’ll be toting it all year ’round.
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So what do this year’s Valentine’s cups look like? A whole lot of cute and a whole lot of Paris love. It’s the city of love, right?
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Along with this cold beverage tumbler, some Starbucks stores also have a heart-covered pink mug, a clear cup with confetti hearts in the handle and other select designs. Check out your local Starbucks for tumblers and mugs available in your area.
Need a new mug to sip from while you binge watch old episodes of your fave gal pals? A new set from Jerrod Maruyama has you covered!
This four-piece barware collection captures The Golden Girls with all their personality. Enjoy either hot or cold beverage with the likes of Sophia Petrillo, Rose Nylund, Blanche Devereaux and Dorothy Zbornak like never before!
Each mug can hold 19-19 ounces, is microwave safe and can be placed top-shelf in your dishwasher. The four-piece set retails for $90 and can be purchased at toynk.com.
Don’t need all four? This set makes the perfect gift for your girlfriends for tuning in for a night of streaming and cheesecake.
If you’re looking for more ways to harness your inner Golden Girl and dress up your space, you should also check out this Sophia-inspired Chia Pet and snag the Little Golden Book all about Betty White. Now that all the actresses have been reunited in the afterlife, we have to keep their girl power strong somehow!
Freebie alert! Starbucks is kicking the holiday season off right with a red cup giveaway.
On Thur. Nov. 18, you can get your free limited-edition reusable red cup when you order a handcrafted holiday or fall beverage at participating U.S. Starbucks locations. But take note, quantities are limited and only while supplies last.
photo: Starbucks
So is there trick to getting your red cup? While you can go the traditional route of placing your order at your corner Starbucks, you can also get your cup by doing a mobile order and pickup, curbside pickup and through delivery on Uber Eats which may cut down on the mad dash.
If you are lucky enough to grab one, you’ll note the cup honors the 50th Anniversary of Starbucks and is made from 50% recycled content.
Move over PSL, there’s a new fall drink in town! The Apple Crisp Macchiato has fallen in a Starbucks cup near you and it sounds absolutely magical. Complete with a caramelized apple drizzle on top!
The latest and greatest fall beverage is available at Starbucks nationwide starting today and we don’t blame you if you’re drooling over your screen. You can expect layered flavors of apple and brown sugar along with the classic base of espresso and steamed milk. The topper is made of apple juice, apple puree, cinnamon and nutmeg, so it also smells amazing. Basically an apple pie in drink form, it’s available hot or iced for whatever weather you experience this fall.
Starbucks says its research and development team taste tested a variety of apple flavored items before landing on the newest macchiato. The combination of the gooey taste of apple crisp and a hot cup of coffee was too good to pass up!
“Creating an ingredient with a spicy baked apple flavor was crucial to be able to bridge an autumn red apple to espresso,” said Raegan Powell, senior manager on the Starbucks research and development team. “Consider how well a delicious slice of warm apple pie pairs with a cup of coffee or how well the combination of Starbucks roasty signature espresso pairs with warm spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg.”
Like the rest of Starbucks’ fall lineup, this one is only available for a limited time. Pairing with a slice of pie or a cider donut is optional (but highly encouraged).
Should we rename ALDI to FALLDI? The beloved retailer just announced a bevy of new fall products to search for in September. We’re particularly stoked for the pumpkin cheesecake drizzled caramel corn!
The first offerings hit shelves on September 8 and as always, they’re reasonably priced. You can snag Benton’s Pumpkin Spice Sandwich Cremes for $1.99 or the aforementioned caramel corn for $2.99. If you want to mix up your fall flavors, grab Clancy’s new Caramel Apple Pretzels for $1.99. Plus you can find fall spirit in the beverage aisle with Nature’s Nectar Sparkling Cider, $3.99 for a four pack.
Staying in the land of drinks a little longer, on September 10 you can find two more delicious products. Barissimo Pumpkin or Maple Ground Coffee launches at $3.79 per package. And if you need something a little stronger, State of Brewing will have a pumpkin cider (!) available for $7.99.
ALDI will also trickle out fall-inspired candles throughout the month, including a three wick candle from Huntington Home with scents of pumpkin cider, honey glazed pear and pumpkin ginger snap. Or if you want your candle to actually resemble a pumpkin, Huntington Home has glass and ceramic candles available later in September. Grab your PSL and head to your nearest ALDI!
Once you pop you can’t stop—not a Dunkin’ slogan but it’s just popping to mind. That’s because the company just announced Popping Bubbles, strawberry bursting bubbles that can be added to any cold drink. And there’s a fun contest in store, too!
Starting June 23, you can try this fun add-on to your frosty beverage of choice. It’s made with color sourced from plants and the strawberry flavor adds a fruity twist perfect for summertime. All beverages with the bubbles will come with a new pink and orange wide paper straw to fully enhance the popping experience.
The launch pairs with a new instant win online game that rolls out on July 2. Follow Dunkin’ on Instagram for the game link, which allows you to pop virtual bubbles to reveal if you’ve won one of thousands of gift cards or other rewards, like inflatable pool rafts or a cash grand prize. Make sure you’re on it, because you can only play during the month of July.
If you’re pondering which bev to add your bubbles to, Lemonade Refreshers launched this spring and would give you that color contrast for the ‘Gram. But you could also be bold and add it to a frozen matcha latte or a Dunkaccino. The options are endless!
It’s been a big year for Friends fans. With the reunion special finally airing, it’s time to start looking for ways to get your next fix, and we’ve got the answer!
Travel agency Fana World Travel has just announced the Cruise with Friends vaycay. Setting sail May 15 to 21, 2022 on the Celebrity Equinox, the getaway offers the perfect atmosphere for uber fans to mingle with each other as they travel to Key West, Grand Cayman and Cozumel, Mexico.
Cruise with Friends will be limited to 500 Friends fans and will be a complete experiential trip. You’ll get to compete in a themed costume contest, trivia game and more!
Prices start at $1648 per person for an inside stateroom, with a double occupancy requirement (or double your rate if you’re flying solo). You’ll also get unlimited surf Wi-Fi, $150 shore excursion credit and a premium beverage package included with your fees.
Make sure you’re ready to cruise, as all fees are non-refundable. One last tidbit: despite being a Friends-themed cruise, the OG actors will not be aboard this summer getaway.
June 4th is National Donut Day! That means it’s time to get your donut on and we’ve got your ultimate list for you to enjoy free donuts for National Donut Day all day long. Grab your coffee and get ready to hit the road to snag your very own delicious fried dough…all for free!
Our fav day, your fav deal! Both will be back this National Doughnut Day, FRIDAY JUNE 4 – come in for a FREE doughnut of your choice🍩🎉
Get your hands on the best glazed donuts around when you hit up Krispy Kreme. No purchase is necessary and you get a choice any donut! One per customer.
Enjoy a free donut from Dunkin Donuts when you purchase any beverage! Snag a frosty drink and relax with your fave chocolate glazed, jelly or Boston creme.
Who's joining us for #NationalDonutDay this Friday?! A free bare, cinnamon sugar or powdered sugar donut for each guest who visits us in-store. No purchase necessary! 🥳 https://t.co/03UN8eK70B
Enjoy a classic donut when you visit your local Duck Donuts today. No purchase is necessary to grab a free bare, cinnamon sugar or powdered sugar donut.
If you find yourself in Texas, head to Shipley Do-Nuts for a hot glazed donut. You’ll get one for free with any purchase.
We are one week away from #nationaldonutday! Stop by your local LaMar's Donuts on Friday, June 4 for one free Glazed Donut and to support The Salvation Army. Learn more about National Donut Day and how you could win free donuts for a year! – https://t.co/DxZcHMUk9npic.twitter.com/TQUPwqnfoo
— LaMar's Donuts & Coffee (@LaMarsDonuts) May 29, 2021
5. Lamar’s Donuts
With 25 locations, we’re hoping you can find a Lamar’s Donuts near you. Visit your local shop to get a free glazed donut with no purchase necessary (but don’t get crazy––the offer is not good for specialty donuts!).
It’s the day you’ve all been waiting for… 🥁 [dramatic drum roll]#NationalDonutDay is almost here! Stop by any of our shops on 6/4 to receive a FREE Glazed Cake Donut with any purchase!
— Stan's Donuts & Coffee (@StansDonutsCHI) June 1, 2021
6. Stan’s Donuts
Chicago residents! Head to Stan’s Donuts to grab a free glazed cake donut with that coffee purchase! We can think of no better combo than a good cup of Joe and a donut, can you?
