Stroller car seat combos are the ultimate 2-in-1 deal
Head to a baby gear shop and you’re guaranteed to find parents-to-be staring wide-eyed at all the stroller and car seat options. Even the most seasoned among us can be completely thrown off by the unbelievable number of choices in both aisles. This goes far beyond just color choices (although we agree that’s also important). There are some basic safety standards every stroller and car seat has to include, of course, but aside from those, the choices can feel endless. Allow us to introduce (or re-introduce) you to the stroller car seat combo that’ll make thing at least 50% easier.
Here’s a pro tip: opt for a travel system. This hero stroller + car seat combo is easy—well, easier—and means you just have to make one decision. Plus, buying a travel system is usually more affordable, which is always a bonus. When you’re buying the stroller and car seat together, you also don’t have to stress about compatibility or adaptors. Now, just because travel systems are easier, we never promised you don’t have any decisions to make. But, as always, we’re here to help.
Chicco Bravo Trio
Chicco USA
The Bravo Trio from Chicco is seriously popular, so if you've been boning up on your travel systems, there's a good chance you've already seen this one. So we'll make it easy on you: the Bravo Trio system is a complete winner. It's an A-frame carrier, travel system, and toddler stroller—this one grows with your kiddo, newborn to toddler (that's a major bonus). Oh, and it's a one-handed operation, moms. You won't be fighting with it in the parking lot, and it's self-standing and compact. Win, win, win. Chicco Bravo Trio ($449.99)—Buy Here!
Chicco Corso Travel System
Chicco USA
Looking for years of easy breezy travel? The Corso's got you covered. It comes with four adaptable parent-facing and forward-facing modes—four. And if you're into a little bit of luxury, multi-position reclining seat, adjustable footrest, zip-extend canopy with mesh panel, leatherette details, and lots of extra storage make the Corso one sleek stroller. There's even upgrade options, which make for a collection of 3 different Corso models. Corso Chicco ($549.99—$749.99)—Buy Here!
Chicco Activ3 Jogging Stroller Travel System
Chicco USA
Whether you're a serious jogger or just prefer a 3-wheel stroller model, the Activ3 system is a solid choice. It's super lightweight and easy to maneuver, plus the one-handed operation lets you fold it and lay it flat in the trunk without the struggle. Chicco Activ3 ($579.99)—Buy Here!
The Peg Perego Booklet
Peg Perego
The Booklet from Peg Perego is a parent favorite, thanks to its multi-position backrest, adjustable footrest, large basket ,and adjustable handlebars. It folds compactly and sits upright, for easy storage in small homes, closets, and cars. In this travel system, it's paired with the Primo Viaggio 4-35 car seat. The car seat base includes a built-in anti-rebound bar to maintain stability in case of a collision. The Peg Perego Booklet ($583.99+)—Buy Here!
UPPAbaby Vista Travel System
UPPAbaby
This combo, featuring the Vista V2 stroller and Mesa car seat, is pricier than the others on this list but does come with amazing extras like a bassinet, rain cover, bug net, and more. The biggest bonus? It can be adapted to carry three kids in different ages and stages. If you have another little one or are planning to expand your family soon, this is a smart investment. UPPAbaby Vista Travel System ($1299.98)—Buy Here!
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.
Show Dad the L-O-V-E this year with a crafty card made at home
Father’s Day is nearly here! To celebrate the amazing job your special dad does every day, why not celebrate with one of these homemade Father’s Day card ideas? You don’t have to be a master crafter or daring DIYer to make one, so dust off your crafting stash and check out some genius Father’s Day cards!
This adorable handmade Father’s Day card idea is pretty easy, and it’s definitely one he’ll want to keep. Have your kids pick out the character they want to use, and have fun with it.
This Bomb Pop card is a super cute and easy way to make a card your kid’s “pop” will love! Also, take the perfect opportunity to follow it up with actual yummy Bomb Pops afterward.
This homemade Father’s Day card idea perfectly fits the bill for the handyman in your life.
Cricut-Made Father's Day Card Idea
Karly Wood
Is the dad in your life into everything? This DIY card is the perfect fit! Made with a Cricut Joy, we snagged this completely free design and let this mini machine do all the work. Peppered with images of outdoor activities, and typical dad icons, this card will perfectly communicate about your fave father.
For DIY-obsessed dads, we love this easy idea from Lil’ Luna. It’s a free printable, so all you have to do is print it out, cut it out and stick it on the gift card of your choice.
Get your little one involved in making this simple homemade Father's Day card idea from Solis Plus One. Tots can go to town filling the page with color.
Emojis are so yesterday. Use sign language to tell Dad how you really feel about him. Delia Creates has designed stylish (and free) downloadable templates that your sidekick can use to choose just the right message to tell Dad how much he means to everyone. It’s almost too easy!
Timepieces like this creative fill-it-out-yourself booklet designed by Hello, Wonderful are what memories are made of. Your guy will forever cherish the innocently hilarious answers his kiddos give to creative questions like, “the most fun thing I’ve done with my dad is…” and “my dad smells like…”.
Surprise Dad when he walks through the door on his special day with this colorful card that doubles as a banner. Let him slowly pull out the greeting, like a magician pulling an endless string of hankies from his sleeve. Then hang it across the mantle, so Dad really gets the message. Skip over to Modern Parents Messy Kids for the tutorial.
This coloring superhero card by Alpha Mom is an easy-breezy option that ranks high on the cuteness factor—the best combo if we say so ourselves. The kids can customize the fill-in-the-blank section to make it their very own.
Chalk, check. Driveway, check. Adorable kids that make your photo come to life, double check. That’s everything you need to make this sweet Father’s Day card we spotted over at Crafty Texas Girls. Looking for a gift too? Have the photo turned into a mug, mousepad, or keychain!
Between a great meal, a nap, a chance to cheer for his favorite team or dad-on-kid quality time, you can keep it simple when deciding on Dad's gift this year. This printable card from Julep is ready for him to spin the wheel of wish lists and decide just what he wants most for Father’s Day. Card AND gift completed.
Celebrate the spider-killing, boo-boo-kissing guy who waits patiently at the bottom of the slide so his cutie pie can slide confidently down, knowing he’ll be there, with this well-earned jar of goodies. Let your little one decide what to fill it with. And find the free printable at Tatertots and Jello.
This bow-tie card is a keeper, especially when you take a photo of your little one holding it and turn it into a gift or (even better!) dad’s new screen saver. The template and tutorial are available at Julep. This a perfect DIY card for the three and under set—easy-peasy—just the way we like it!
Discover new ways to enjoy the outdoors! The National Park Service’s Junior Ranger motto is “Explore. Learn. Protect.” And that is exactly what your 4 to 13-year-olds get to do! Explore national parks in the Bay Area; Learn about the park’s natural wildlife, landscape and history; and Protect those parks so we can trek through them for years to come! After completing a series of activities (like counting rings on a fallen tree, word games and deciphering secret codes), kiddos can earn an official Junior Ranger patch and a Junior Ranger certificate. Keep reading to find out exactly which parks offer this cool program. And we’ve included a few virtual options as well!
How it Works
It’s simple! Go to one of the parks listed below. Pick up the Junior Park Ranger book at the visitor center (or sometimes you can download and print from home). Have fun doing all the activities and then turn in your completed book to a park ranger and get your badge and/or certificate. And the best part is that it’s FREE and available year-round.
Where to Go!
Muir Woods National Monument
Spend time in the forest! Follow the directions in your book and then chat with a ranger about your time in the park. Discuss what you learned and what you’re still curious about. And then Wala! Your kiddo gets a badge and a certificate and you are now the proud parent of a Junior Park Ranger! Get the book here!
Best for Ages: 4-11+
Website: Muir Woods National Monument
Marin Headlands
Travel just north of the Golden Gate Bridge and explore the wonders of nature in the Marin Headlands. Learn about ocean ecology, the history of the inhabitants of years past and how to study animal scat! Get the book here!
Best for Ages: 6-12
Website: Marin Headlands Visitor’s Center
photo by Alcatraz Cruises
Alcatraz Island
Explore one of the most iconic prisons in the United States. Dive into the mystery and unique history of this national park. Are you ready to become an Alcatraz Jr. Ranger? Get the book here! Follow the map and complete the exercises along the way! Books are also available on Alcatraz Island at the Dock Information Station. And if you can’t make it to Alcatraz, don’t worry. You can visit virtually using the Jr. Ranger Photo Gallery and an Alcatraz Ranger will send your little one a badge!
Best for Ages: 4-12
Website: Alcatraz Island
Fort Point National Historic Site
Explore the fort. Learn about its incredible history. And protect the fort’s beauty and environment so that generations can enjoy it for years to come! Try a scavenger hunt, interview a ranger and learn about the day in a life of a soldier (Fort Point defended the Bay after the Gold Rush and through World War II). Get the book here!
Best for Ages: 4-11+
Website: Fort Point National Historic Site
Photo: annie-spratt via unsplash
China Camp
This Junior Ranger program searches for birds that live and visit China Camp’s shorelines and oak woodlands. You might find hummingbirds, raptors, shorebirds and waterfowl. Kiddos will also get an up-close peek at nests and feathers. Don’t forget your camera! The program will be guided by naturalists/educators Suzanne Mirviss and Paula O’Connell. And good news! All kids must be accompanied by an adult—so you can join in on the fun as well! Register Here
Best for Ages: 7-9 Date: April 9, 2022 Time: 10 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Location: China Camp Ranger Station
Website: China Camp
*Pro-tip: Weather can be temperamental—layers work best! Snacks are welcome and water is encouraged.
San Francisco Maritime Park
Pick up your Junior Ranger activity book at one of three locations. Learn about a fleet of historic vessels and visit the maritime museum. At the same time, complete the activities and then find a park ranger who can review your kiddos hard work and award them with a well-earned Junior Ranger badge. Books are also available for download here for 5-8 yeard olds and 9-12 year olds.
Best for Ages: 5-12
Locations:
Hyde Street Pier, Foot of Hyde Street/2905 Hyde Street
Municipal Pier (Aquatic Park Pier)
Aquatic Park Bathhouse Building (Maritime Museum), Foot of Polk Street/900 Beach Street
Website: San Francisco Maritime Park
Photo: toki-doki via creative commons
Point Reyes Junior Ranger
Come to Point Reyes and pick up your Junior Ranger book at one of the park’s visitor centers. Explore the history of the Coast Miwok (people who call this area home) and learn about marine life (especially elephant seals and gray whales). When you finish your Junior Ranger book, return it to one of the visitor centers to get sworn in as an official Junior Park Ranger and receive your Junior Ranger patch. Too much time exploring to finish the book while you are in the park? Complete it later and mail it here: Bear Valley Visitor Center, Point Reyes National Seashore, 1 Bear Valley Road, Point Reyes Station, CA, 94956.
A ranger will check your work and mail the book back to you with a patch! Can’t make the trip to Point Reyes? Become a Virtual Junior Ranger!
Best for Ages: 5-12+
Website: Point Reyes National Seashore
Virtual Opportunities
Dual Language
Initiated in the summer of 2020, close to 10,000 people participated in Virtual Junior Ranger Programs. Because they were so successful, the staff decided to continue the programs. And now—a dual language Junior Ranger program is available online. Check it out for yourself! And click here to access six different modules to complete at your own pace.
Beach Buddies Junior Ranger Book
The Beach Buddies Jr. Ranger book features Petey Plover, a cute little bird with a brown Ranger hat. Petey guides you through fun activities that teach you how to keep your beaches clean and safe in fun and easy ways. Get the book here!
Best for Ages: 6-10+
Virtual Junior Ranger Railroad Explorer
Ready to become a railroad explorer? Learn more about the transcontinental railroad, which helped link the United States from coast to coast! Complete this book, check your work and complete the pledge in the back of the book.
Junior Ranger Sounds Explorer
Meet Lucy, the listening owl. Follow her as you explore the sounds of the park, learn the science behind those sounds and appreciate why we need to protect those sounds. Complete this book, check your answers with this key, have a parent sign the certificate to become a Junior Ranger Sounds Explorer. To find out more about natural sounds and why sounds matter, check this out!
Best for Ages 5-10+
Junior Ranger in Space
Co-designed with NASA, click here to access the Spaceflight Explorer Jr. Ranger book. Complete with math and matching puzzles, thinking questions, spot the difference photos, scrambled words and anagrams, children will learn about the Moon, space vehicles and national parks. Take the pledge, make your own badge, and show off your certificate proudly!
Best for Ages: 5-8
Junior Ranger Angler
Let’s go fishing! Get your booklet here! Learn about fishing, aquatic life and safety while you meet fish, learn about different types of fishing and get to know the gear. Parents, check their work and then scroll to the bottom of this page to print a badge.
Best for Ages: 5-12+
Junior Ranger Scientist
Explore magnificent caves, learn what cave scientists actually do and start protecting our natural environments and the things that make caves special! Complete this booklet and send it to this address: Jr. Cave Scientist, GRD-Academy Place, PO BOX 25287, Denver, CO 80225. Via mail, you will receive your booklet, a badge and a personal letter to your little explorer.
Best for Ages: 5-12+
Junior Ranger Night Explorer
Here’s the booklet! Try the “exploring with your Senses” and the “Take a Planet Walk” sections. Complete as much of the book as you can. Sign the book and take a look at your well-deserved virtual high-five.
Best for Age: 5-12+
Looking to shower your littles with love this Valentine’s Day? Our carefully curated collection of best Valentine’s Day gifts you can get on Amazon will have you giving the perfect present (We’ve even got great gift ideas for teen girls!). From creative craft kits to books for kids, keep reading to see them all.
If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation.
This fun LCD drawing board is perfect for the car or anytime! And once they're done with their creation, simple press the erase button and start the fun all over again.
This Plus-Plus tube comes with 70 pieces and instructions for how to make hearts, a spinning top or a robot. A winner when it comes to Valentine gift ideas.
This roll of 100 stickers is fun for everyone. With bright colors and funky designs, kids will be able to use these long after Valentine's Day is over.
Use this non-toxic sensory material to spend some QT time with your tiniest valentines. You can help them make hearts, flowers or just about anything else that comes to mind.
In I AM LOVE: A Book of Compassion, kids are encouraged to look inwards when they face tough times. The sweet book teaches littles to live with gratitude, practice self-love and live with kindness and compassion.
This collection of Mad Libs is beyond special! The Valentine's Day booklet comes with 21 letters that once filled out, can be torn out, folded into an envelope and then given to your very own Valentine!
Sweet and sentimental, this coloring book is one for kids of all ages. It's printed on 60-lb stock paper which means it holds up to markers and pencils while sharing thoughtful messages that far surpass candy.
This bright red polish is a fun Valentine's Day treat for your tweens! Vegan and animal-cruelty free, if red isn't her color, there are several others to choose from.
—Gabby Cullen & Karly Wood
Editor’s note: All products available and under $20 at the time of publication.
LEGO keeps upping the ante! The new LEGO World Art Map is a legit work-of-art wall piece and at 11,695 elements, it contains the most pieces ever included in a set in the LEGO Group’s history.
Even better, it comes with customizable brick-built pins to mark destinations you’ve already visited or future travel spots. With 40 interconnecting base plates, it can be arranged in three different ways so you can highlight your own favorite part of the world. You can also arrange the oceans to your liking, following the bathymetric mapping of the ocean floor in the instructions or creating your own water patterns.
Fitting of any art piece, the set includes a coffee table style instruction booklet, a white brick frame and two hanging elements so you can add it wherever you like. Of course, you’ll have to complete it first and at 25.5 inches high and 40.5 inches wide, your masterpiece will take some time. To set the mood, this product also includes an accompanying soundtrack with stories from travel experts.
Ready to buy for an upcoming break? The LEGO Art World Map will be available online starting Jun. 1 and at other retailers on Aug. 1. It’s $249.99 and it will definitely be a talking point for all of your future guests. Flex your building muscles and get ready to map your travels in a whole new way!
Did you know that more than 40 percent of Americans have myopia (also known as nearsightedness)1? This vision problem can develop and worsen over time as a child grows and can even be influenced by factors such as genetics2, increased screen time, and less time playing outdoors3. CooperVision’s Brilliant Futures™ Myopia Management Program with MiSight® 1 day contact lenses are the first and only soft contact lenses FDA approved* to slow the progression of myopia in children age 8-12 at initiation of treatment.†4 To find out if MiSight® 1 day contact lenses are a fit for your child, talk to your Eye Care Practitioner (ECP) and learn more about myopia management at coopervision.com/myopia-management!
*Indications and Important Safety Information. Rx only. Results may vary.
ATTENTION: Reference the Patient Information Booklet for a complete listing of Indications and Important Safety Information. Indication: MiSight® 1 day (omafilcon A) soft (hydrophilic) contact lenses for daily wear are indicated for the correction of myopic ametropia and for slowing the progression of myopia in children with non-diseased eyes, who at the initiation of treatment are 8-12 years of age and have a refraction of -0.75 to -4.00 diopters(spherical equivalent) with ≤ 0.75 diopters of astigmatism. The lens is to be discarded after each removal. Warnings: Problems with contact lenses could result in serious injury to the eye. Do not expose contact lenses to water while wearing them. Under certain circumstances MiSight® lenses optical design can cause reduced image contrast/ghosting/halo/glare in some patients that may cause difficulties with certain visually-demanding tasks. Precautions: Daily wear single use only. Patient should always dispose when lenses are removed. No overnight wear. Patients should exercise extra care if performing potentially hazardous activities. Adverse events: Including but not limited to infection/inflammation/ulceration/abrasion of the cornea, other parts of the eye or eyelids. Some of these adverse reactions can cause permanent or temporary loss of vision. If you notice any of the stated in your child, immediately have your child remove the lenses and contact your eye care professional. †Compared to a single vision 1 day lens over a 3 year period.
References:
1.Holden BA, et al. Global Prevalence of Myopia and High Myopia and Temporal Trends from 2000 through 2050. Ophthalmology. 2016;123(5):1036-42.
2.Mutti DO, Mitchell GL, Moeschberger ML, Jones LA, Zadnik K. Parental myopia, near work, school achievement, and children’s refractive error. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2002;43(12):3633-3640. doi:10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2020.0412
3.Huang HM, Chang DS, Wu PC. The Association between Near Work Activities and Myopia in Children-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. PLoS One. 2015;10(10):e0140419. Published 2015 Oct 20. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0140419
4.Chamberlain P, et al. A 3-year randomized clinical trial of MiSight® lenses for myopia control. Optom Vis Sci. 2019; 96(8):556-567.
Get the scoop on the pros and cons of a baby food maker, along with our top picks
Your baby is six months old. You’ve made it through the newborn stage, and maybe they’re sleeping through the night. It’s time for you to tackle another big milestone—solid foods. At this point, you’ll need to decide whether or not to buy pre-prepared purees or make homemade meals, and if you ask other parents if you need a baby food maker, be prepared to get some strong opinions, both for and against. But have no fear, we’ll help you with the answer. Read on to find out if a baby food maker is right for your family and which brands we recommend.
Why Some People Love Their Baby Food Maker
1. Making your own baby food is cheaper than buying store-bought baby food, and more environmentally friendly since there are fewer jars and pouches to throw away.
2. You can control exactly what your child is eating, making sure you give them a variety of nutrients and limit sugar, salt, and preservatives. You can cook up fruits, veggies, meat, and fish in your baby food maker, with any herbs and spices you like.
3. By pureeing foods that the rest of the family eats, you introduce your child at an early age to flavors they’ll be eating as they grow up.
4. Baby food makers are built with busy parents in mind. Some operate one-handed, and they have timers so you can set them to steam or blend and walk away until the food is ready to eat.
5. They have more longevity than you might think. You can use your baby food maker even if your child doesn’t eat baby food purees. Use it to steam veggies or make mashed potatoes or applesauce for your baby or the whole family. You can also use it to reheat chilled foods.
1. Buying, washing, chopping, steaming, pureeing, and storing baby food takes time, and not everybody has that. You also need to carve out time to clean the baby food maker and the reusable containers you store the food in, as well as plan out your menus and find baby food recipes.
2. Baby food makers are usually compact, but they’ll still take up space in your cupboards or on your countertop.
3. If you spend a lot of time outside your home on errands or adventures, you need to find a way to pack and refrigerate the foods you bring with you and heat them up when it’s time to eat. Store-bought foods are often shelf-stable and you can buy more as you’re out living your life.
4. If you already have a steamer and a blender or immersion blender, you can perform the same functions of a baby food maker, just with a bit more clean-up since baby food makers let you steam and blend in the same container.
BÉABA Babycook Baby Food Maker and Blender, $160
This powerhouse prepares up to 4.7 cups of food in 15 minutes or less, so you can bulk-cook or prepare food like soup or applesauce for the whole family. In addition to steaming and blending, you can defrost and reheat foods to a comfortable temperature for the baby. The unit can be used one-handed if you’re holding your baby, and it comes with a spatula, mixing lid/smoothie filter, and a recipe booklet. The Babycook Neo ($260) comes with a glass bowl and stainless steel basket and holds 5.2 cups of food.
Baby Brezza Glass Baby Food Maker, $173
The Baby Brezza has a 4-cup capacity and three modes: steam, blend, or steam automatically followed by blending. For convenience, you can steam and blend in the same glass bowl without any transferring.
Tommy Tippee Quick Food Baby Food Maker, $80
This compact, budget-friendly option lets you steam and blend up to 7 ounces of food in the same container for convenience. There’s also an included basket you can steam in if you want to remove the steaming liquid and blend up a chunkier puree for your child.
Make sure to capture all those adorable first-food 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.
Did you leave your heart in San Francisco? Whether you’re planning a trip to the city by the Bay or playing tourist for a few days, max your time out with CityPASS and save some money while you are at it. Visiting premier attractions at a discounted rate without having to wait at ticket lines makes this a real San Francisco treat. Read on to find out more about what it is and how you can make it work for you!
CityPASS What? CityPASS is a booklet/mobile passport containing VIP admission tickets to some of the city’s main points of interest. You’ll skip the lines, go straight to the main entrance and save a chunk of change in the process.
California Academy of Sciences
Explore science in the heart of Golden Gate Park. Relax in front of the deepest indoor coral reef on earth, interact with butterflies in a four-story indoor rainforest, research nearly 40,000 different creatures from around the world, study the planets in a 75-foot planetarium, visit a living roof with spectacular city views and so much more at the Cal Academy.
Upgrade it: Add on an Academy and Aquarium behind-the-scenes tour, (cost for CityPASS holders ages 8 and up is $24.95, subject to availability). Purchase day of or book online.
Insider Tips: Stop by the planetarium kiosk when you first arrive to secure a showtime (it’s right next to the gift shop). Download the free Academy Insider iphone app to help plan your visit and get the most out of your day and don’t forget. Show your CityPASS booklet at the Academy store to receive 15% off your purchase.
Golden Gate Park
55 Music Concourse Dr.
San Francisco, CA
Blue and Gold Fleet Bay Cruise Adventure
Depart from renown Pier 39, enjoy a one-hour narrated cruise with sweeping views of locations such as San Francisco’s historic waterfront, Alcatraz and a breathtaking sail underneath the Golden Gate Bridge. Tours are available in other languages via personal WiFi-enabled device. There is indoor and outdoor seating on a first come, first served basis, as well as a snack bar and restrooms onboard.
Upgrade it: Go for a 1-1/2 hour Escape from the Rock Cruise where you’ll learn Alcatraz’s history and snatch epic up-close photos. Children 5-11 receive one complimentary pair of 5x magnification souvenir binoculars with upgrade. Cost to upgrade for CityPASS holders is $5/person.
Insider Tips: Bring a hooded jacket as winds out on the Bay are strong with an occasional splash if you’re seated outdoors. Consider the morning and late afternoon cruises for less crowded options. Be sure to check in with the ticket booth as schedule is subject to change depending on weather and visit the nearby, famous Pier 39 sea lions on K-Dock.
Hours: Available 7 days a week; frequent daily departures. Times vary by day and season and special holiday hours apply.
PIER 39
San Francisco, CA
Aquarium of the Bay
Surround yourself with native San Francisco Bay marine life and get up close views of sharks, bat rays, Garibaldis and more, as you walk through 300 feet of glass, underwater tunnels. Study the giant Pacific octopus and catch an animal encounter and more at one of the many daily programs. You and your little marine biologists will love touching and learning about sea stars, anemones and the friendly bat rays at Touch the Bay (Bay Lab). Watch the playful otters in their panoramic, watershed exhibit and learn all about ocean conservation.
PIER 39
The Embarcadero and Beach Street
San Francisco, CA,
photo: The Exploratorium
Exploratorium
Experience over 650 hands-on exhibits at this family-friendly hub of science exploration. Strike a pose at the popular Shadow Box, where a bright flash illuminates a phosphorescent wall capturing your shadows. Make beautiful paintings with soap and water at the Soap Painting exhibit. Test your groups trust for one another at the two-person water fountain—Sip or Squirt. Be amazed by Rolling Through the Bay, artists Scott Weaver’s replica of San Francisco made out of 118,423 1/2 tooth picks! Have some fun talking to each other from several feet away at the iconic Archimedes, in the entrance plaza.
Upgrade it: Add on Tactile Dome and take an interactive excursion through total darkness. Must be 7 years or older, $15 for CityPASS holders.
Tip: Exploratorium After Dark is every Thursday night 6-10 p.m., enjoy one-of-a-kind activities, guest speakers, music and cocktails. Additional $19.95 per person, adults only.
Hours: Tue-Sun, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Open Thursday evenings 6-10 p.m., adults only. Closed most Mondays, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Pier 15
San Francisco, CA
photo: SFMOMA
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
Wander through seven floors of modern and contemporary art that will interest all ages. One of the largest museums in the United States and one of the city’s most treasured, SFMOMA features works by Andy Warhol, Ruth Asawa, Frida Kahlo and many others. Stroll through the sculpture garden, explore the impressive 30-foot living wall and enjoy breathtaking views of the city. Check out the fun, bright-colored restrooms on every floor and savor several gourmet dining options.
Upgrade it: Special Exhibition upgrades/purchases can be made while presenting your mobile tickets, booklet or voucher at the ticketing desk.
InsiderTips: Bring headphones and download the free SFMOMA Audio app and listen to celebrities and curators give their take on the exhibits. Stop by the ticketing desk to lean more about the daily public tours. Size is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis. Be sure to walk across the oculus bridge on the fifth floor and take in the views on the seventh floor terrace.
Hours: Fri-Tue, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Thu, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Through Labor Day, enjoy later hours until 9 p.m. daily. Closed Wednesdays, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
151 3rd St.
San Francisco, CA 94103
Other Options
As of March 1, 2020, the new San Francisco CityPASS program will cover prepaid admission to the following attractions:
The California Academy of Sciences
A Blue and Gold Fleet Bay Cruise Adventure
A choice between Aquarium of the Bay OR The Walt Disney Family Museum
A choice between the Exploratorium OR San Francisco Zoo and Gardens
The San Francisco CityPASS C3 ticket lets shorter-stay and weekend travelers experience the benefits of the original San Francisco CityPASS program—deeply discounted prepaid admission to premier visitor sights—with a customizable mobile ticket that allows entry to three top sites. The three chosen attractions do not need to be selected in advance and can be visited in any order.
As of March 1, attraction options will include:
California Academy of Sciences
Blue and Gold Fleet Bay Cruise Adventure
Aquarium of the Bay
Exploratorium
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art—SFMOMA
The Walt Disney Family Museum
Bay City Bike and Parkwide Bike Rentals
de Young Museum + Legion of Honor
San Francisco Zoo and Gardens
photo: Kate Loweth
Show Me the Money!
There are two ways to explore the city with CityPASS , both can save you up to 45% on your adventure.
San Francisco C3 costs $69/ages 12+, $54/ages 4-11, and kids under may be eligible for free or discounted admission at some of the locations. C3 passes are available in mobile form only.
Purchase
Purchase online and choose to receive mobile ticke or have a booklet shipped to you. You can also purchase a booklet once you arrive in the city at the first attraction you visit.
Visit the CityPASS FAQ page for further detailed information and answers to your questions.
—Nella DuBon-Koch
Photos by author except where otherwise noted.
Editor’s note: Passes were provided by CityPASS but all opinions belong to the author.
Calling all Potterheads! Now you can count down the holiday season with the brand new Harry Potter: A Hogwarts Christmas Pop-Up!
One part advent calendar and one part festive decor equals a whole lot of fun for Harry Potter fans all December long. This beautiful pop-up display will have young wizards feeling like they’re celebrating Christmas in the Great Hall. A massive, 13-inch pop-up Christmas tree towers at the center of the famous hall.
The pop-up sits at the center of what is actually a beautiful hardcover book featuring 25 windows which open to reveal removable ornaments. These can be added to the tree each day to complete the count down. The pop-up also comes with a mini-booklet full of behind-the-scenes details on the props, set designs and special holiday moments featured throughout the films.
Harry Potter: A Hogwarts Christmas Pop-Up is currently available for pre-order on Amazon for $39.99 and will ship on Oct. 22.
Believe it or not, LEGO wasn’t always just known for plastic bricks. Once upon a time, LEGO toys were made of wood and the new LEGO Originals Wooden Minifigure pays tribute to those days.
The seven-inch tall wooden LEGO minifigure is a 5:1 upscaled version of the toy that was first introduced by LEGO in 1978.
The minifigure, which features a wooden body and plastic hands, pays homage to the company’s history when the first LEGO toys were crafted from wood.
The LEGO Originals Wooden Minifigure comes packaged in a premium gift box along with LEGO bricks and five ideas on builds to construct with those bricks. It also comes with a booklet featuring the story and history of the minifigure and inspirational ideas for owners to customize it in their own ways.
