Have you ever had a “Bob Ross” painting night with your partner?
We get it, staying home for date night isn’t quite the same as calling a sitter and leaving the house. But just because you aren’t able to paint the town red doesn’t mean you can’t have a meaningful connection right at home. Whether you’re feeling competitive or creative, bookish or culinary, we’ve rounded up a list of at-home date night ideas that’ll inspire conversation, camaraderie, and maybe even a dance party or two.
Have a Game Night
Probably one of the easiest at-home date night ideas to pull off, bust out an old favorite (because before Words With Friends, there was Scrabble) or raid the playroom and find out what all the fuss over Mouse Trap and Hungry Hungry Hippo is about. But don’t have too much fun—the kids are sleeping!
Have a Fancy Drink Challenge
Bring out your inner mixologist and crowd the kitchen counter with mixed drink ingredients. Challenge one another to see who can make the most creatively delicious martini. If you’re not feeling experimental, order some wine delivery and set up your tasting flight. Discuss your favorites and round it out with some cheese or chocolate pairings.
Make a Bucket List
With a sheet of paper, a pen, and zero restraint, let yourselves dream big about your personal, couple, and family goals. Where do you want to go? What do you want to do or experience? Fill out the page and worry about reality later.
Organize a Bob Ross Painting Night
A quick search for “Bob Ross painting” on YouTube will land you classic episodes like “Secluded Bridge,” “Island in the Wilderness,” or “Lonely Retreat.” Set the scene at home with easels (or your dining room table), big sheets of watercolor paper (or those 8.5x11s from your printer), and all the paint and brushes you can find. Paint happy little trees in the comfortable quiet of one another, and frame the results (or stick them on the fridge).
Set Up for a Dance Party
If your kiddos haven’t taken to ’80s pop as fervently as you’d like, stick a towel under their door, crank up the speakers, and pretend you’re at your cousin’s wedding with that amazing DJ who coaxed the Running Man and the Sprinkler out of your partner. If you’re in the mood, dress the part and put on your wedding guest finery—but leave your heels in the closet.
Find a recipe on your favorite cooking blog that you’ve both been meaning to try, or do some sleuthing and attempt to replicate that dish from your favorite dinner spot. Used to eating a full meal with your kiddos before the sun even goes down? Aim for dessert instead, and try something that uses a fun tool (you know you want to caramelize something with a blowtorch) or a new-to-you ingredient.
Play 20 Questions
A quick Google search will lead you to lists upon lists of “questions for couples.” If you plan, you can also find decks of conversation-starter cards on Amazon or your favorite bookstore. Discover unexpected commonalities or differences, gain some new perspective on your spouse’s childhood, or imagine what you’d do if you both quit your jobs. We guarantee the dialogue won’t be dull.
Bookstore at Home
Plan by purchasing a decent stack of magazines and taking out those coffee table books you only bought for the covers. With matching mugs of hot chocolate, coffee, or tea and your favorite coffee shop tunes, you can recreate those “bookstore perusing” dates that aren’t the easiest with tykes in tow.
Scrapbook Assembly Line
This at-home date night idea also calls for advance notice: print out all your favorite photos from your last anniversary trip or that big family summer vacation or take a stroll down memory lane with images from your dating years. Make it as elaborate or simple as you want with photo mounting squares, patterned paper, captions, or themed stickers, and enjoy each other’s company as you relive your adventures and admit that cutting and gluing aren’t just for preschool.
Chances are, you two have friends who are in the same boat. The good news? You don’t have to suffer alone! Schedule a Zoom or Facetime double date, setting a time for some shared screen time to commiserate and laugh together over the season you’re currently living in. Each couple can prepare their meals at home, uncork a bottle of their favorite, and share an hour or two in conversation. Of course, it’s not as great as seeing your friends in person, but it’s the next best thing.
Have an Indoor or Outdoor Picnic
If the thought of turning on the oven is way too daunting, just open the cheese drawer and the pantry, and spread out a cozy blanket. You can quickly turn your living room into a prime picnic spot with a stellar appetizer spread (some good chocolate also wouldn’t hurt), a few pillows and those champagne flutes you swore you’d use more often.
Order a Date in a Box
If these at-home date night ideas aren’t what you’re looking for, order something unique! There are several “date in a box” subscription products on the market right now, including DateBox, a curated box of goodies that provides a unique date experience right in the comfort of your home. Packed neatly in a box that ships right to your door, Datebox is the ideal way to try new date ideas without ever leaving the house (which is perfect when your little ones are sleeping and you can’t go anywhere). An example DateBox might include an “indoor camping adventure,” complete with a s’mores kit, a pour-your-own-pine-scented candle-making set, a deck of cards with game suggestions, and even a playlist suited for romance in the great outdoors.
Pick a New TV Show to Watch
When all else fails, pick a new must-watch TV show to turn on after the kids go to bed. After all, there’s only so much Bluey you can watch without needing a break.
Support local businesses while ticking off your shopping list at these independent toy stores in Washington DC
No need to worry about shipping delays or supply chain strains when you can shop local and support businesses that give back to the communities they serve. Who doesn’t love a special gift from an extra-special store? These independent toy shops throughout Washington, DC and the surrounding suburbs have something for every kid (little to big) on your list, so you’ll be able to fill up the space under the tree with a well-curated selection of gifts.
Beautifully curated, sustainable, thoughtfully-designed children’s goods are always in stock at Three Littles. The shop, located in the Union Market district, is a place where families can find necessities and gifts. With an emphasis on items for babies through early elementary, the shop also features carefully chosen items for parents.
Serving DC since 1984, Fairy Godmother has an array of choices for kids from infant to teen and everything in between. Check out their collection of Steiff plush toys and collectables, as well as book-themed onesies for the literary lovers on your list. The store also offers craft and science kits as well as books, including some in Spanish. You'll feel as if your fairy godmother sent you here!
For a store with an emphasis on wooden toys and dolls you and your mom would recognize, Kinder Haus is a terrific place to shop. They sell Plan, Haba, Nilo, and RC2 wooden toys, Gund plush toys, and doll lines such as Corolle and Madame Alexander.
1220 N Fillmore St. Arlington, VA Online: kinderhaus.com
4. Doodlehopper
Let the delightful staff at Doodlehopper help you find the perfect gift for kiddos on your list, from infant to tween. At this Falls Church staple, you'll find a well-organized and carefully chosen selection of great toys, games, puzzles, and crafts.
This fun shop offers an extensive collection of toys for kids of all ages and a great arts and crafts section. Don't forget to check out their inventory of beloved miniature rubber figures—bring one home for each of your littles!
Insider Tip: Pop into Pastries by Randolph around the corner for a post-shopping coffee and Napoleon and bring home a box of tea cookies for the kids.
Enjoy classic toys alongside the newest releases available in a curated shop! They stock everything from Brio trains for your toddler to Exploding Kittens for your Tween and a huge variety in between.
Insider Tip: Try out the "Birthday Vault" with your little one. Simply visit the store two weeks before their birthday and help them fill the birthday basket with all of the items they're wishing for. When the basket is full, Go Bananas will write your child's name on it and secure it in their Birthday Vault. The "wishes" will be held on reserve for your child—or for friends and family in search of an approved gift—up until a day after their birthday party or birthday.
In Takoma Park, this shop specializes in toys with exceptional educational value for all ages. Owner Lisa Ripkin works with customers to find toys that best match their interests and can order specific products just for you if you can’t find what you’re looking for in store.
Insider Tip: Fair Day's Play partners with Art for the People, a non-profit that brings art to communities. Check out their website to find out about upcoming crafting events!
Anglo Dutch Pools and Toys was founded in 1985 as a mom-and-pop pool maintenance store, which quickly expanded into carrying pool toys. Before long, customers wanted "land" toys, too. Today, the business carries a huge variety of toys, games, books, and puzzles. True to their roots, they also have a wonderful selection of aquatic toys and swimming necessities like goggles and suits.
Aptly named, owner Michelle McNaughton has plenty of toys out for your kiddos to test-drive, which makes for a shopping experience that is so much more than basic browsing—you can really uncover the items your little ones will actually love. In fact, it's so interactive, you may have a hard time getting the kids to leave! With loads of unique, hard-to-find, and classic toys, the PLAYroom earns its moniker.
Insider Tip: Really having a hard time making an exit? Don't worry, you can tempt them with a horse cookie from The Upper Crust, an old fashioned bakery just around the corner.
This toy store opened its doors in 1956 when there was nowhere in Middleburg to buy children’s clothes or toys, The Fun Shop is chock-a-block with excellent toy and gift options. Their 6,000-square-feet of merchandise also has great gifts for the grown-ups on your list.
115 W. Washington St. Middleburg, VA Online: thefunshop.com
11. Dancing Bear Toys and Games
Founded with the goal of creating a happy place to spark inventive play and imagination, The Dancing Bear in Frederick is worth the drive, especially when you also visit its sister bookstore, The Curious Iguana. If you have the kids in tow, there is a little play area that keeps small hands busy.
Insider Tip: Walk up a block to N. Market St. and you'll find sweet teacher gifts at Perfect Truffle.
15 E. Patrick St. Frederick, MD Online: dbeartoys.com
12. Curious Iguana
For an independent bookstore with an incredible children's section, head around the corner to Dancing Bear's sister store, Curious Iguana.
NYC living spaces tend to be small. Add kids—and all of their stuff—and what do you have? No more room! If it’s time for some spring cleaning and you’re looking for somewhere to donate or sell unwanted items in NYC, you have plenty of options. From consignment shops that will give you cash for nearly-new kid’s clothes to civic programs that facilitate donating to non-profits, here’s our list of resources for helping you make a clean sweep! Plus, lots of ways to get stuff forfree in NYC.
The Big Picture On Donating Things in NYC
Good news: there are many, many organizations that will take your stuff! We have several big players below, but know that city agency donateNYC has a vast database of places that will accept donations, many of which will pick up. Head to the donateNYC website where you can search by donation category and zip code to find places near you.
If you live in a building with 10 or more units, consider setting up a permanent donation bin on-site, through the city program refashionNYC, a free and convenient clothing donation and recycling service. The program’s partnership with Housing Works offers convenient collection while fighting the dual crises of homelessness and AIDS. It’s also available for businesses, office buildings, and schools.
Established on the west coast and now operating numerous stores nationwide, Out of the Closet is a queer-friendly non-profit organization. At the NYC store in Boerum Hill, you'll find your usual fare of clothing and shoes, but also an amazing collection of furniture, books and vinyl records. Out of the Closet isn't just an excellent thrift store: It also has a pharmacy and offers sexual wellness assistance and HIV testing for free. For every dollar that you spend at the thrift store, 96 cents goes directly to patient and homeless care.
Small donations can be dropped off at the store. You can also schedule a large donation pick-up by calling 1-800-558-8220. To contact the store email info@outofthecloset.org.
The Salvation Army is one of the better-known charities and thrift store organizations in the country. It funds six free child care spaces in Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Queens, and provides services to youth, adults, emergencies, and more. Items that you donate will directly help fund the Adult Rehabilitation Centers, where people can get help with drug and alcohol addictions.
There are more than a dozen stores in NYC, and you can find one in every borough. Schedule a free donation pickup using their online form, which lets you specify what's being picked up and how much of it there is. Of course, you can also go to any location to drop off your donations. Accepted items include most clothing, appliances, and household goods. A visit to the Salvation Army thrift store is a great way to pick up some gently used clothes for a discount (every day has a discount on a different color tag) or some more unusual items like vintage dolls and lamps or an air fryer (an outlet is generally available to plug in appliances to make sure they work).
The Salvation Army also accepts donations of vehicles, from cars and motorcycles to boats and RVs.
Goodwill is another well-known name for charity donations and thrifting. Items that are accepted include clothing, shoes, accessories, jewelry, handbags, and household goods. Your donations support community members who need assistance getting back on their feet and finding jobs. Want to see the difference your spring cleaning can make on the world? You can even calculate the impact you'll make when you donate.
Although Goodwill does do pickups, the donation has to be substantial: A minimum of 50 bags or boxes is required. Despite this, the charity makes it as easy as possible to make donations. Goods can be brought to Goodwill locations or placed in Goodwill donation bins. The website suggests using TaskRabbit to bring in donations if you're unable to do so yourself (use promo code GWNYNJ-10 to get $10 off your first TaskRabbit order). A portion of the fee you pay will be donated to local nonprofits.
If you're looking to do some thrifting, Goodwill is an excellent place for picking up brand-name clothing for a more reasonable price. For the serious thrifter, here's a tip: Visit NYC's Goodwill Outlet at 47-47 Van Dam St. in Long Island City, Queens to buy goods by the pound. (It's true. But we recommend bringing gloves.)
GrowNYC will show up again on this list for their swap events, but you can also donate your clothing to the organization at any of its eight locations in Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens. Only textile goods are accepted at these donation spots, including clothing, shoes, linens, handbags, belts, and other fabric and textile items. (Fabric rolls or scraps, rugs, pillows, comforters, and luggage are not accepted.)
Donations are sorted by condition, then either redistributed to secondhand markets or recycled as rags or low-grade fiber products like insulation — making this an excellent option for those items of clothing that don't qualify as "gently" used.
Have an item that you don't need but someone else might? BigReuse, a non-profit dedicated to reducing waste, will take it! While you're welcome to donate small items like books, clothing, and small home goods at the Brooklyn location, free pickup can be scheduled for larger items. BigReuse accepts donations of appliances, home goods and decor, furniture, plumbing, media, lighting, kitchen fixtures, tiles, paint, lumber, tools, renovation supplies, and more. Note that you'll need to send a picture of the item(s) you're donating when you schedule a pickup.
BigReuse also has a compost project, providing over a dozen places around the city where you can bring your scraps to add to the compost heap.
1 12th St. 718-725-8925 Gowanus Online: bigreuse.org
St. Mary’s Clothing Drive
St. Mary’s Clothing Drive, run by St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Brooklyn, can’t make it any easier to donate clothes and other items. (Although you must be in the service area, which is mostly Brooklyn.) Just head to the website, schedule a pickup, label your bags and wait for them to whisk your donation away. (They even leave you a receipt.)
Exercise and donate to a good cause at this NJ event, held at the Hudson County Park Track in Bayonne. Held every month or so, this event starts with a HIIT session, then winds down with relaxing yoga. The workout is stress-free and features plenty of modifications for different levels of fitness. Where does the donation come in? Bring your gently used clothes to support the charity of the month! April's event is held in collaboration with Wear Love More, a startup clothing brand that focuses on creating sustainable clothing. All clothing will be donated to the Salvation Army of NJ.
While there used to be a lot more, there are still some places to sell kids (and maternity) clothes on consignment in NYC—not to mention get some good deals on clothes and other essentials. Every store has its own policies, pricing, desired items, etc., but some of our favorites include:
Although it's not local, ThredUp provides you with an easy way to offload your old clothes without leaving the house — and get paid for it! This online thrift store provides secondhand high-quality, brand-name items for thrift store prices. When you request a donation kit, you'll receive a prepaid, addressed bag. Just fill it up and send it back, and ThredUp will do the rest. When an item you donate sells, you get a cut. Easy!
Parents know how easy it is to accumulate random art supplies. Materials for the Arts (MFTA) is a great place to offload the art clutter from the various artistic phases of your kids—or you. MFTA accepts all art supplies and goods, but is especially keen on paper, fabric, arts & crafts supplies, buttons and beads. The organization will also accept small appliances, hardware, and household items — from electronics to pianos. They'll then pair your items with the perfect recipients from the city's artistic and educational communities.
You can mail your donations to MFTA's Long Island City location (they ask they you include a copy of their donation drop-off form from their website). To request help with large donations or schedule a drop-off donation, email donations@mfta.nyc.gov.
Lots of places listed here will take your books, but if you’re nearby, also consider the Brooklyn Book Bodega. They’ll take your new and gently used children’s book at a partner donation location in Brooklyn. They accept gently used and new books for ages 0-18 including foreign language, dual language and nonfiction books. (Please: no religious books, textbooks, activity books, encyclopedias, broken books, or books with missing pages.)
Did you know that throwing out your batteries and cell phones improperly can lead to fires? Call2Recycle provides convenient locations to safely dispose of your old batteries and phones. Drop-off locations are located in participating stores around the city, like The Home Depot, Lowe's, Key Food, and many more. You can also ship your batteries and rest assured that they'll be safely disposed of or recycled.
For all electronic waste except batteries, the LES Ecology Center will help you out. Items accepted here include computers and computer parts, monitors, handheld devices like phones and tablets, network devices like modems, peripherals like keyboards and mice, printers, scanners, fax machines, TVs and associated appliances, videogame consoles — and the list goes on. If you have a non-working electronic device, this organization will probably take it off your hands. See a list of upcoming waste collection pop-ups here and the calendar for all events here. (Now you finally know what to do with that child-proof tablet that somehow still got busted…)
Where to Donate Building Materials, Appliances, Furniture & More
Habitat for Humanity’ ReStore will take your gently-used furniture, appliances, cabinetry, building materials and other household items. (You can see a full list of what is accepted here.) To donate, submit photos of the donation item/items to restore@habitatnycwc.org. Someone will return your email in 48 hours, and will let you know if the ReStore can accept your items. You can then drop off your items at the ReStore during open hours (they have locations in Woodside, Queens, and Westchester) or you can request a pickup via the email above.
How to Reduce Waste: Swap or Get Free Stuff (or Donate)
Facebook Groups
You know that bread maker you bought during quarantine that you used twice and has since been gathering dust in your kitchen? There's someone out there who'd love to have it. That's where freecycle and swap Facebook groups come in.
These are private groups, so you may need to wait to be accepted into the group. Once you're in, these groups are generally very active, friendly communities where you'll find a huge variety of items being given away, from tables, dressers, and chairs, to plants, baby clothes, and books for kids. Members will often give a heads up if the house has a cat or a dog for anyone with allergies or phobias. You can post to give things away and or post a request for an item you've been on the lookout for.
These community swaps are held fairly frequently in many different locations — so a swap is likely to come to your area before long. (Of course, they took a break due to the pandemic, but the events are coming back. Face masks are required as of this writing.) It works like this: You bring items you want to donate, then take home any items you want. That's it! You don't have to bring something to take something either, so feel free to just show up if you're all out of goods to donate.
Most small items are accepted, like clothing, housewares, games, books, and toys. Basically, if you can safely carry it out, you can bring it. Items like furniture, old TVs, unsealed or expired food or personal care products, electronics, or sharp objects aren't allowed.
Pro tip: The clothes get taken really quickly, especially children's clothes, but there are often cool toys. Our finds have included a mechanical dinosaur and a brand new large bulldog plushie—immediately washed when home. Books and housewares like plates are frequent good finds here, too. Plan to stick around for a while — items are constantly replenished as more goods are donated.
This event isn't completely free, but you're supporting a good cause: The coalition supports businesses that produce goods with the planet's wellbeing in mind. The end goal is to make consumers more conscious of their shopping habits and the amount of waste created in the clothing industry every year.
Donating items is free, of course, but checking out will cost you $15 flat (though you can save some money by pre-purchasing your checkout ticket on Eventbrite). You can check out with up to 10 items, but check in with as much as you want: The coalition only accepts clothes, and will now even take your "unswappable" items and recycle them.
This website allows users to post items they're looking to give away or to find. While there's a general "NYC" tag, there are also sections for more specific locations, including Roosevelt Island , Brooklyn and Manhattan. The site is quite active and features some pretty random stuff. Items we saw listed recently include a bagful of yarn, crutches, a sewing machine and even an old piano.
Trash Nothing is another online community where you can post about items you're getting rid of or ones you'd like to acquire. This site is fairly active, and you'll find a variety of items listed, including really nice furniture, vases, packing supplies, books and tons more.
Are you tired of seeing the same plants and want to swap them out for some new ones? Or have you officially bought too many plants and can no longer see your floor? No problem: There are some options for you! Among the things you can swap in NYC, perhaps surprisingly, plants do make the list.
Make Valentine’s Day extra sweet for your littles by ditching the standard box of chocolates from the local grocery store and picking up something unique from a locally-owned business. From LEGO trade-in opportunities to cool toys and books and even Sprinkles cupcakes, here are our top picks for spots in DFW to snag a totally creative gift for Valentine’s Day.
Dallas Farmer’s Market
Gabby Cullen
This year-round market has produce and food items for sale in the outdoor pavilion, but it also boasts an impressive indoor marketplace filled with locally-owned shops and businesses. Opt for a fun slogan shirt from Bullzerk, cookies from Chelles Macarons or bath fizzies from Abundantly Aromatic. Many of these shops are doing online ordering and curbside pickup.
A unique bookstore, Kinokuniya has an amazing array of books as well as Sanrio toys, Japanese pens and stationery and tons of anime merchandise! You might need to set aside an hour or so to explore this place.
Carrollton Town Center 2540 Old Denton Road, Suite 114 Carrollton, TX
Whatever your kids are into, it’s a good chance Griff’s has the perfect gift for them. From Harry Potter wands to Pokeman, new and retired LEGO sets, locally-made goods and even candy, it’ll be hard to leave this family-owned shop empty-handed.
Sprinkles, in our opinion, makes the very best cupcakes out there. Do a mixed box of special Valentine’s Day red velvet cupcakes, the Raspberry Chocolate Chip Cupcake, the dark chocolate or any of the other 14 flavors. Pick up at one of the two DFW locations or order online for delivery.
This fun toy store has a wonderful selection of popular books, treats and unique toys you can’t find everywhere. If you feel comfortable, you can take your kiddos and make an afternoon of it by heading over to Hat Creek Burger to pick up some tots and shakes afterward.
The Hill 9830 North Central Expressway Dallas, TX 75231
This buy-and-trade LEGO store in Plano is ideal for trading in a set your master builder might have outgrown and snagging something new. Believe me, with 3500 square feet of space for bricks, this shop will have what you need.
This woman-owned toy store located right on McKinney Square has everything from silly collectibles to classic toys and board games. They have baby toys on up through things your tween will love. Plus, they have clothes, shoes, baby gear and even general gift items. We’re pretty sure you’ll be able to find something for your little Valentine’s here.
Keep Portland Weird! It’s the slogan locals have come to know and love dearly. But why is Portland considered to be so weird? We’ve put together Portland trivia that will drop jaws, elicit gasps and make your young Portlanders giggle. Read on to find out exactly which Portland facts have earned our city the reputation we’ve all come to embrace.
Located near the Willamette River in downtown, Mills End Park is the smallest park in the world according to the Guinness Book of Records. Tell your kiddos not to expect a swing set or slide, this grassy area has a diameter of 0.6 meters and a total area of 0.29 square meters. The park was originally intended to be the location for a light pole, which fell through so Oregon Journal columnist Dick Fagan planted flowers in the hole. It was recognized as an official city park in 1976.
Portland also has the largest urban forest in the country
Unlike Mills End Park, Portland's Forest Park, just northwest of downtown, offers families tons of room to run and play. Stretching for more than 5,200 acres and offering visitors breathtaking views of the Willamette River, Forest Park is the largest urban forest reserve in the US within the limits of a city. This beloved park is perfect for hiking, with more than 70 miles of trails.
There is a dormant volcano in the city
Portland is one of only two cities that has a dormant volcano within the city limits. Mt. Tabor is located in SE Portland and one of Portlander's favorite spots for picnics, hikes and watching the sun rise and set. It even is home to a park where kids can play and an outdoor amphitheater.
Portland holds an annual World Naked Bike Ride
Our beloved city is all about body positivity and biking, so it's no wonder that it holds it's annual naked bike ride as a part of a worldwide protest against oil dependency every year. There's no clutching of pearls as decorated bikes, and dressed up moms and dads make their way through the city streets on two wheels in an effort to save the environment. This event is almost 16 years old!
The sidewalks of Portland are peppered with metal rings. As a part of the "Portland Horse Project," people leave tiny toy horses attached to themso they can be used as a catalyst for people to realize the beauty in the details of our city. Your kids will love finding them around town. Buy some toy horses that your little one can attach to a ring for someone else to find!
Portland is home to the largest independently owned bookstore in the world
Chanced are you've visited Powell’s City of Books in the Pearl District. But did you know that it has been named the the largest independently owned bookstore in the world? Families and children of all ages love walking through this giant shop, and even spending time flipping though their favorite books, while they decide which ones to buy.
The Rose City's name was decided by a coin toss
Asa Lovejoy and Francis Pettygrove, two of Portland's founders, couldn’t agree on how to name the land they had acquired, so they decided to flip a coin. The winner got to name the place after their hometown. Pettygrove, a native of Portland, Maine, won the toss. Had Lovejoy won, the city would be called Boston, like his Massachusetts hometown.
Portland is ranked one of the best places in America for vegans and vegetarians to live
Portland has always been know for being health oriented (it's often been rated the most bikeable). It's also famous for its fantastic eateries and top-notch chefs. So it should come as no surprise that in 2020, Forbes rated it the best city in America for vegans and vegetarians. You can find a list of some of the best vegan restaurants here.
The International Rose Test Garden has over 500 types of roses
This four-acre garden is home to some of the most beautiful roses in the world. Its four acres holds over 500 types of roses? Who even knew there were that many types?
The Simpsons was born here (kinda)
Matt Groening, the creator of The Simpsons, was born and raised in Portland and attended Ainsworth Elementary School and Lincoln High School. Groening began animating The Simpsons in 1989 and named several of the characters after famous Portland streets and landmarks, including Flanders, Lovejoy, Powell, Quimby and Kearney. Now is the perfect time to start watching with your kids!
Home to the Wiley Unipiper
Chances are, you've likely heard of the Unipiper. He rides around on a unicycle dressed as Darth Vader (and most recently, other characters from Game of Thrones and Pokémon), playing flaming bagpipes! Brian Kidd, also known as The Unipiper, is a unicyclist, street performer, musician and local celebrity who calls our city home!
Portland has the largest roost of Vaux's Swifts in the World
If you head up to Chapman Elementary School in September expect to see a sight that will take your breath away. As the Vaux's Swifts migrate, the fly into the school's chimney to nest for the night
Find your little bibliophile a great new read they won’t be able to put down. Nothing compares to the magic of browsing rows of bookshelves and cracking open the spine of a book so the story inside can spring to life in a young reader’s imagination. San Diego is home to some very cool bookstores with equally inviting kid’s sections where you’ll find everything from comics and sci-fi to storytime with beloved children’s book authors and Where’s Waldo scavenger hunts. Read on for 8 local shops to dog-ear for your next adventure with your little bookworm!
The only bookstore in San Diego that’s dedicated entirely to children. It was founded by a mother of three who wanted kids to have the most magical experience with books. Kids can work on story-related craft projects while their parents read aloud or browse. Storytimes come to life here with related props, crafts and sing-a-longs. Check out their fun birthday party celebrations with fantastic literary experiences. They even have recommended award-winning book lists for different ages.
NEARBY: Walk a few shops over to the cute little coffee booth at Kini Koffee or grab breakfast or lunch on the patio at Pacifica Breeze Café; both have stunning ocean views. Plan ahead to drive a few minutes over to Powerhouse playground for a play session just steps away from the beach with stunning ocean views; and the train runs by every so often.
Sandcastle Tales 1555 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar 858-777-2086 Online: sandcastletales.com
Central Library Shop
This downtown shop is located on the ground floor of the San Diego Central Library and is a partner of the Public Library Foundation. That means proceeds from the well-curated Library Shop purchases benefit the San Diego Public Library system — an extra bonus in our "book." If that's not enough to love, the shop hosts awesome literacy-themed gatherings for kids like a Where's Waldo scavenger hunt, card-making workshops for Mother's Day and Father's Day, visits from famous authors of children's books and storytime events. A visit to this shop is sure to be an epic day for readers of all ages.
NEARBY: Across the street is Hob Coffee East Village or further down is the ultra-trendy Holy Matcha or walk-up coffee bar at Achilles Coffee.
Central Library Shop 300 Park Blvd., Downtown 619-236-5802 Online: libraryshopsd.org
Bay Books
Considered San Diego's largest general independent bookstore, Bay Books has been catering to local (and visiting) bookworms for more than 20 years. Boasting an extensive children's section, with books for those tackling their ABCs as well as good reads for more accomplished readers, the shop is roomy enough for families to sit together and read while still offering plenty of cozy nooks for those who prefer some quiet time. Be sure to check out their party supply section where you can pick out the perfect decor for your thoughtful reader's next birthday party.
NEARBY: Inside Bay Books is a coffee + pastry shop so you don’t have to go too far. Down the street, you have a choice from Moo Time Creamery for ice cream, Nado Gelato or across the street for an old-timey landmark at Clayton’s Coffee Shop for classic American meals, coffee, pie and jukebox tunes.
Replenish your supply of bedtime stories at Warwicks, the country’s oldest family-owned and operated bookstore, located in La Jolla. The well-stocked shop offers a kid's section filled with a wide selection of books, educational toys, colorful artwork and comfy beanbag chairs. The store used to have storytimes so check back in case they start those up again later on.
NEARBY: This is in the middle of the village so you can shop, eat and people watch all morning long. Walk across the street to trendy Parakeet Café or a few blocks further to Better Buzz.
Warwicks 7812 Girard Ave., La Jolla 858-454-0347 Online: warwicks.com
Recently opened in 2017, and very welcome addition to the South Park neighborhood. They have a wonderful children’s room full of books, while also focusing on new literary fiction, short stories, narrative nonfiction, science and nature writing.
NEARBY: Buy a book and walk 2 blocks down to Communal Coffee for a quick outdoor reading session.
This long-time book store has been around since 1967 and is very well-known with the well-read crowd in town. There’s a great kid’s section with a variety of new books, including Level 1, 2 & 3 and summer beach reads. Donate to their ongoing Baby Book Drive where they collect books for tots 0-5 years old that are enrolled in the local UCSD high-risk infant follow-up program. These babies get a free book and parents get the encouragement to cuddle up and read; all from the donations of their customers.
NEARBY: Plan to grab breakfast, lunch or coffee at any one of the wonderful restaurants that are surrounded nearby; a favorite is Snooze A.M. Eatery 1 ½ blocks north.
A local’s favorite bookstore for used and rare books, but in a fun and hip art-filled space. They stock quality editions of classics, favorites and new discoveries, including over 200 local authors. You’ll find lots of cozy antique chairs for reading and discovering something new.
NEARBY: Walk to your choice of coffee shops from here, Dark Horse, Subterranean Coffee or Holsem Coffee; but the kids would love a stop at Flap Your Jacks (a make your own pancake grill restaurant!).
Verbatim Books 3793 30th St., North Park 619-501-7466 Online: verbatim-books.com
Mysterious Galaxy
Lea S. via Yelp
Books about martians, magic, mayhem and more? Yes, please! Mysterious Galaxy in San Diego specializes in science fiction and fantasy and even offers customers a kid's indie reading list. The recommended books are curated by age and hand-picked to inspire tiny bookworms to keep reading.
NEARBY: Walk across the parking lot to Crumbl Cookies and you’ll be planning a return trip before you know it.
Mysterious Galaxy 3555 Rosecrans St., Midway District 619-539-7137 Online: mystgalaxy.com
Comickaze
If your family is into comics and pop culture, then Comickaze is the bookshop for you. Comickaze stocks San Diego's largest and most diverse selection of comics, graphic novels and collector supplies. The store is chock full of merchandise so plan ahead for some extra browsing time here.
NEARBY: Two shops down is GuilTea Cravings for milk & boba teas, lattes, sweet macarons and Asian bites.
Where’s Waldo? Anywhere you go, thanks to a new book featuring the classic character!
Where’s Waldo? Awesome Adventures is a new travel-size compendium full of searches, puzzles, games and more. It’s available now to spice up your summer entertainment.
The 64-page book is targeted at elementary-aged children and is divided into five sections, each for a different character: Waldo, Wenda, Woof, Odlaw and Wizard Whiteboard. It’s compact and flexible, so it’s easy to slip into a pool bag or car seat to stave off boredom. Better yet, it comes with complimentary game cards and a poster, plus an elasticized closure to keep everything together.
Searching for Waldo has been a beloved family tradition for the last three decades. Martin Handford created the bespectacled, red-and-white sweater-wearing character and there are more than 75 million copies of books about Waldo printed worldwide. You can buy Where’s Waldo? Awesome Adventures for $12.99 online or at your local bookstore.
For even more Waldo fun, you can preorder Where’s Waldo? The Ultimate Watcher Collectionnow. The seven book set features puzzling classics with new games and searches, plus a cohesive redesign. It officially launches for hours of activity in September 2021.
Just in time for Random Act of Kindness Day (tomorrow, Feb. 17), we’ve made a list of our favorite ways for kids to spread joy and kindness to the world around them. From easy ways to volunteer (from home) with your kids to little steps to make the world a better place, we’ve got a ton of ideas for Bay Area kids.
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1. There's lots that kids can learn about empathy from animals. While we can't donate items to our local SPCAs right now, we can spread kindness by offering to walk a neighbor's dog for them.
2. Incorporate Meatless Mondays into your family’s dinner plans. Here’s our great list of plant-based recipes to get you started.
3. Make sure that local kids are ready for school by hosting a backpack drive. While this has gone virtual for 2021, you can typically collect new backpacks and the supplies to fill them through Operation Backpack.
4. Get the kids painting kindness rocks. It's a fun activity and then you can leave them in neighbor's yards or create a giveaway box for your front yard for people to take one as they walk by.
5. Practice Kitchen Table Kindness by participating in activities that can keep children meaningfully engaged while spreading kindness to others.
6. Visit one of our favorite donut shops with the little ones… and buy an extra dozen to give a neighbor.
8. Join forces with Surfrider Foundation to protect the ocean and beaches. See how to volunteer here.
9. Teach your kids to be kind to themselves and practice mindfulness and meditation through the practice of yoga. This creates an outward ripple effect for them to create love and joy in the world.
10. Drop off flowers or a lovely plant for a neighbor or family member who is feeling isolated.
Kate Loweth
11. There are loads of awesome fairy gardens in the Bay Area and you can join in this fun kindness-spreading activity in your own yard.
12. Join your local Buy Nothing group and get your kids to clear out those toys and books they have outgrown.
13. Share these stories of inspiring Bay Area kids and get your little ones thinking about how they can help out in their community.
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14. Cover your driveway with inspirational chalk messages or draw some art and hang it on your windows to make passersby smile.
There’s nothing quite like cozying up with a great book that gets both kids and parents to relax after a busy day. These independent bookstores in Boston have shelves full of all our favorite books for kids, story times to keep them interested and even cafes for tired parents. These independent bookstores are institutions in our community and need to be supported!
This shop wins awards as the top kids' bookstore in the area and it's no surprise why. This shop is Boston's oldest independent children’s bookstore and it has been committed to providing customers with the best in children’s literature since 1977. They offer online and in-person shopping and their helpful staff is always ready to help you find what you need.
Inside this mecca of academia, parents will find a hidden gem just for kids: The COOP for Kids features an entire department of children's books, collections and activities. You can enjoy story times and parents will be happy to know that not only are there public restrooms (ask for the key) but both the men's and women's restrooms have diaper changing tables.
This gem is America's oldest bookstore and has been in business since 1809. Families enjoy author events and story times at this popular gathering spot (during non-COVID times) and events like Where's Waldo hunts through town are a local favorite.
In these days of uncertainty, books can be a wondrous source of knowledge and solace. Buttonwood Books & Toys offers reading material for the whole family plus a whole lot more. Their story times have gone virtual so head to their Facebook page on Fridays to join in the fun.
Located in the renovated historic Dedham Square in Dedham, this bookstore was founded in 2003 by children’s book author and illustrator Peter H. Reynolds. The shop offers books, toys and art supplies, as well as signed copies of Peter’s books, prints, posters and cards.
Serving communities in the greater Boston area for over 40 years, Henry Bear’s Park specializes in products that encourage kids of all ages to “unplug and play” and in doing so learn more about themselves and the world around them. You'll find a large selection of children's books along with toys for all ages.
Locations in Brookline, Cambridge, Arlington, Newton and Deham Online: henrybear.com
Beloved children's book author Jeff Kinney and his wife Julie own this expansive indie bookstore and cafe in Plainville and we love taking our kids there. Jeff is often around to sign the newest Wimpy Kid book or make recommendations. An Unlikely Story Bookstore and Café is a beautiful new community gathering place where you can meet amazing authors, enjoy breakfast or lunch, or relax with your new book and a beer (or glass of wine).
If you are looking for things to do with your kids during the next few weeks we compiled a list of resources from some of our favorite partners that you can use to help your kids plan or start a new business.
This obviously is not the best time for a lemonade stand, but your children could use this time to plan a summer business or to turn a hobby into a business. Planning a business with your children is a fun activity that the whole family can do together that will also build your children’s skills and invest in their future. Here are some resources that can help:
Great place to start:
The VentureLab Entrepreneurship Mindset Workbook features sixty self-paced activities in English and Spanish around thirteen key concepts in entrepreneurial thinking and can be completed around the dinner table. This is a great guide and way to organize your thinking about which business to start.
Fun business ideas:
The Startup Squad has videos of nearly seventy different girlpreneurs talking about their businesses. Go here and here to get ideas for some great children’s businesses. Our website also has a number of blog posts with different business ideas.
Goldieblox has a YouTube channel filled with videos about different crafting and STEM projects that can be used to start a business. Check out all their videos here.
Zazzle allows your children to upload a design and create their own line of t-shirts, mugs, hats, and much more.
One note: please try to order any supplies from your local stores during this difficult time. If your local stores cannot ship the products to you, or make it available for pickup, then look to an online retailer as your second option.
Books to read for the whole family:
Small businesses are struggling so please support your local bookstore if they are still operating! Many local bookstores can ship books or offer curbside pick-up. You can use our Indiebound links to order from your local bookstore today.
You can find a list of great fiction books with an entrepreneurial theme for children of all ages here. We’ve got activities, parent guides, and kid guides for old favorites and new ones, too including The Baby-Sitters Club, Olivia Opens a Lemonade Stand, Cupcake Diaries, and many more.
We also recommend some non-fiction books for kids and adults including:
Starting Your Own Business – An extension of the trusted For Dummies brand, this book is written with young learners in mind and walks kids through the steps that turn a bright idea into a profitable business.
How to Start Your Very First Business – From the team that brought you Warren Buffett’s Secret Millionaires Club, How to Start Your Very First Business goes beyond saving and investing advice to encourage kids to think like entrepreneurs–providing them with the crucial, step-by-step basics they’ll need to earn their very first dollar.
Venture Girls – From an engineer and entrepreneur, a conversation-changing parenting book about how to build an entrepreneurial mindset in your girls and engage young women in science, technology, engineering, and math, filled with practical advice for both parents and educators.
Other free resources and tools:
Bizkids has some great activities, lesson plans, games, educational tools, and videos including a great business plan template that can help your kids move from idea to business.
Ready to start selling? Etsy has an easy to use platform for you to set up your kids’ first business. Shopify is another popular platform for starting a business.
Is the business getting more sophisticated? Try these tools:
Need to register the business? The Small Business Association (SBA) has some tools and links here and the IRS offers some information about different business structures here.
Did your children earn more than $400? Congratulations, now they have to pay taxes! The IRS has tax guidance for young entrepreneurs.
Want to find out the sales tax rate in your area and when you need to charge sales tax? Shopify has a great guide here.
We hope these resources help you pass the time while investing in your children and building anticipation for the summer—which we all hope will be a return to normalcy. Until then, our thoughts are with all of you for your health and safety.
I've always built businesses, from a childhood gummy bear business to adult gigs at IMAX and Coupons.com. I founded The Startup Squad to help girls reach their potential and my book series, The Startup Squad, is published by Macmillan. I live in Silicon Valley with my wife and two daughters.