These April Fools’ jokes for kids will give your merry pranksters a good laugh
Parents, your kids probably already think you are the coolest but also the weirdest, so why not just own it and prank the heck out of them this April Fools’ Day? The following April Fools’ pranks are (relatively) harmless so you can have a little good fun, all in the name of the game. Once you’ve picked your favorite April Fools’ joke to play on your kids, check out our favorite spring jokes for kids for more seasonal fun.
April Fools’ Pranks for Kids
1. Swap Beds
This prank is perfect for heavy sleepers (and kids that don’t already crowd you in bed). Once the kids have hit the hay, pick them up and move them into different beds! They’ll wake up in the morning and wonder, “What just happened?”
2. Serve Dinner for Breakfast
Breakfast for dinner is a family favorite, but dinner for breakfast? Spaghetti? Cheeseburgers? Tacos? Just make sure that you serve them something you know that they’ll eat… or else the cranky, hungry kids that you’ll face the rest of the day will make it seem like the joke was on you instead!
3. Jell-O Drinks
It may look like your kiddos’ favorite drink, but there’s a surprise waiting! Follow the steps from Story Piece on how to use Jell-O to turn that beverage into a solid, and watch as your littles try and take a sip.
4. Make “Grilled Cheese” for Dinner
Your kids won’t mind this April Fools’ prank once they take a big bite. This “grilled cheese” is dessert! Take slices of pound cake and colored buttercream frosting that looks just like cheese, then grill in a pan. We say, why not have dessert for dinner once in a while? Check out more details on this fun prank at The Craft Patch.
5. Mess with the Remote Control
This trick is an oldie but a goodie. When no one is looking, cover up the sensor on your TV remote control so that it won’t work when your kiddos are trying to change the channel!
Leave a little head’s up to the fact that the milk has taken a turn for the worse. Then, when they open the fridge and see a frowning milk carton, get ready for laughs.
7. Hide Bubble Wrap in Unsuspecting Places
This prank will get everyone up and moving. The night before Apr. 1, hide a few sheets of bubble wrap under bathmats, rugs, and doormats so that anyone who walks over it will get a nice (loud) surprise!
8. Turn the House Upside Down
Before you head to bed, go through the main living spaces and turn as much furniture upside-down as you possibly can—armchairs, benches, tables, and even the stuff on your kitchen countertops. And, the best part: when they come running into your room the next morning, screaming that everything is upside-down, pretend like things are 100 percent normal! If your living room already looks upside down, you’re not alone.
9. Freeze Their Breakfast
The night before April Fool’s Day, pour some cereal and milk into a bowl, then put it in the freezer overnight. When it’s time to dig in, let your kids try and enjoy the frosty treat!
10. Have Fun with Their Lunch
One day of a super sweet lunch won’t kill them, right? When lunchtime rolls around try one of these pranks: Top a bagel with frosting or replace the raisins in the box with chocolate chips. You can also take the foil wrap off of chocolate Easter egg-shaped candy (the small kind) and wrap the foil around grapes.
11. Tie Their Shoes Up
This April Fool’s Day prank won’t work on Velcro or slip-on shoes! Tie all of their shoelaces together before you go to bed the night before—you can either tie pairs of shoes together or, tie every single shoe they have into one long string!
Whether you do it to cinnamon buns or OREO cookies, swapping out the frosting for something like mayo is an April Fools’ joke the kids can’t help but laugh about.
13. Put a Tiger in Your Living Room (or a Panda on Your Porch)
Use Google’s new 3D animal feature and snap a photo of an animal on the back porch, yard, living room, or bathtub. Then convince your most gullible kids what you found/saw. If all else fails, send the picture to Grandma or Grandpa and tell them the local zoo is now doing in-home visits.
14. Bug Their Ice (or Drawers, or Backpacks)
Another classic April Fools’ joke for kids, pop a few frozen insects into an ice cube tray and when they ask for a cold drink, serve up a surprise. It’s also easy and fun to throw one in their bathroom drawer or their lunch bag or backpack.
15. Put Googly Eyes on Everything
When we say everything, we mean everything. This April Fools’ joke is so easy to pull off, and the fun could last longer than one day if you go all out and put those crafty eyes on everything from food to family pictures.
Let’s admit it. There’s no better reason to create a delicious charcuterie board than a holiday. Since there’s a reason to celebrate pretty much all year long, we’ve gathered the very best holiday charcuterie boards for every single special day. Whether you need an idea for Christmas, the 4th of July, or Halloween, we’ve got you covered.
Green is the name of the game when it comes to making a holiday charcuterie board for St. Patrick’s Day! And how cute are those pieces of shamrock cheese?
You can taste the rainbow with this colorful dessert charcuterie board from Jenny Cookies. Sweet circular cookies are paired with coordinating sprinkles and candy for an eye-popping dessert you won't be able to pass up.
Pastel colors play the leading role in this gorgeous Easter snack board. With a mix of salty and sweet eats, this is the perfect starter for your Easter brunch.
Is there anything sweeter than this patriotic 4th of July charcuterie board? We don’t think so! Be sure to use plenty of fresh berries to make this shine!
Anything with queso blanco has our seal of approval, so this board is a winner in our book. You’ll even get a quick tutorial on how to make those adorable salami flowers.
You don't have to make everything from scratch to make an adorable dessert board like this one from SoCal Cutie. This Halloween version uses store-bought marshmallows, madeleine cookies, and brownie bites that are transformed with a little creativity. It's sweet, and not too spooky!
Halloween Sweet Treats Board
Sugar Bowl Bakery
It's officially candy season with this treat board! Whether you're hosting a Halloween bash or staying home in lieu of trick or treating, this cute board from Sugar Bowl Bakery packs in tasty options like Madeleine cookies, popcorn, and candy. Don't forget the cobwebs!
It just got so much easier to get your littles to eat fruit this holiday! Arrange layers of Sugar Bowl Bakery’s Pumpkin Spice and regular Madeleines, Palmiers, Brownie Bites, and fresh fruit to form a turkey. Don’t forget the Nutella for dipping!
There’s something for all your friends on this Friendsgiving board! We especially love the spelling out of this unofficial (but just as important) holiday.
Waiting for Thanksgiving dinner to be ready can be hard! This ultimate snack board from Passion for Savings makes biding the time until the turkey is ready a breeze, with plenty of fruit, crackers, and cheese that look just as pretty as they are tasty.
Can we all just raise a hand for the deliciousness that is a cheese ball? This fabulous fall board by Tidy Mom effortlessly pairs our guilty-pleasure snacks with tasty treats no one can turn down.
Simple meets savory and sweet with this gorgeous fall apple and cheese board by Bless This Mess Please. We love how there's something for even the pickiest of eaters while remaining festive and delicious.
Hello, autumn! Perfect for Thanksgiving, this smorgasbord of fall treats from Healthy Little Vittles brings healthy snacks and a few hidden treats to your family and friends with plenty of eye-popping appeal.
With gatherings happening on a smaller level this year, this fall dessert board is perfect for avoiding full-size sweets. Some demi-desserts, sauces, and fruit are all you need to whip up this choice charcuterie board by Live to Sweet.
There's a little bit of something for everyone with this cheery charcuterie board by Number 2 Pencil. We love that the look embraces the feeling of "harvest" with plenty of fruits, cheese, and nuts.
Is this not the most gorgeous cinnamon roll board you've ever seen? Perfect for kiddos who want to DIY their own Cinnabon, we love how this charcuterie from the Reluctant Entertainer to see all the assembly details. also packs a punch with other breakfast faves for the adults.
Bagels are the perfect breakfast for busy mornings, especially when laid out on a fabulous board. Add a variety of flavors, plenty of schmear, and all the fun extras that will make your breakfast extra festive, just like this board from Sandra's Easy Cooking.
Beautifully simple and elegant, Fashionable Hostess' winter white cheeseboard brings all the feels. The lovely colors and smooth textured foods make us want to dive right in!
This rustic-toned holiday charcuterie board from Twelve on Main is major eye candy! Each item perfectly represents that winter season, and the gorgeous layout makes it the perfect fit for noshing on while everyone opens gifts.
It's time to get your hot cocoa on! Great for post-dinner dessert, this Christmas dessert board by The Wiegands is loaded with chocolatey treats, peppermint, and lovely greenery for the ultimate holiday vibe.
It's peppermint time! This candy cane-shaped board is packed with wintery treats like Hershey's kisses, chocolate, and tasty baked goods from Sugar Bowl Bakery like Madeleines and brownie bites.
One of the best parts about the holidays is the candy! Load up all the goodies you've been gifted this season on this ultimate candy board from An Indigo Day that's just what your sweet tooth ordered.
Who needs a fancy dinner when you can dig into this Valentine's Day Grazing board from Domestikated Life? Packed with salty and sweet treats, the colorful candies tie in the holiday of love perfectly.
Make the best of shorter days when the time change arrives
Pre-kid, you never really thought about Daylight Saving Time (what’s an hour here or there?). But kids can make this seasonal change a challenge. With the end of Daylight Saving coming up soon (Sunday, November 5), falling back means it’s super dark, super early. Before you set your clocks back an hour, read on for some tips and tricks for keeping that precious, tenuous sleep/wake routine in place.
Bit by bit. You can try moving their bedtime back for a few days leading to the time change. This will help set your kids’ little clocks before the big day so it won’t be a total shock. Consider arming them with a cute (and practical) alarm clock to help make the transition a bit easier. Care.com recommends 15 minutes for babies, 20 minutes for toddlers ages 1 and over, and 30 minutes for school-aged kids.
Be consistent. If sleep time comes later, that means waking up time will, too. If you’re letting time creep up a few days before, do the same with wake-up time, breakfast, lunch, dinner, etc. Their entire day from top to bottom should feel the same, even if you’re adjusting and fudging with timing. They shouldn’t even notice a change, especially if they’re too young to tell time.
Use light and dark to your advantage. Since light and darkness influence our kids’ internal clocks, give them plenty of outdoor time during the day so it’s a bit easier to stay up later at night. Once it’s time to start winding down for that later bedtime, make sure their room is nice and dark.
Eat Later It can be tricky when your family is used to their routine, but if you can bump dinner a bit later each night, it will help your kids’ internal clocks. Be sure to offer toddlers their afternoon snack a little later, too, and adjust your baby’s feeding schedule if possible.
Ignore it. Not the best strategy for some, but if you keep chugging along, so will they. Just switch everything on the day of, and move on. Kids are resilient. But try to keep their routine (mostly) intact.
Be realistic. Your child may not even notice a slight change or they may go bonkers. But it’s important to remember to listen to them, understand why they’re upset, and work from there. Children are all so different—who knows how they’ll each react or even how one will react from year to year!
Be sympathetic. Remember to put yourself in your kids’ shoes and stay calm if they’re a hot mess for a few days. By staying calm, you’ll help kids adjust to fall daylight savings in no time.
When your kids have adjusted to the time change, make sure to capture all their cutest 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.
Please don’t judge me if you happen to see my kids eating packaged Ritz crackers for school lunch. Don’t judge me if they’re on the sidelines at PE because they forgot their uniform. Don’t judge me if they didn’t turn in their homework because it’s still sitting home on their desk.
What some may view as a lack of parenting is what I deem “parenting on purpose” as we work to build necessary life skills in our kids. I stopped making daily breakfasts and packing school lunches long ago. I don’t feel obligated to deliver forgotten items left behind at home. And school projects and homework are not any part of my existence.
After all, how do we raise competent adults if we’re always doing everything for our kids? I suggest walking away from doing these 8 things for your teen this school year:
1. Waking them up in the morning
If you are still waking up little Johnny in the a.m., it’s time to let an alarm clock do its job. My four kids have been expected to get themselves up since they started middle school. There are days one will come racing out with only a few minutes to spare before they have to be out the door. The snooze button no longer feels luxurious when it’s caused you to miss breakfast.
I heard a Mom voice out loud that her teen sons were just still so cute that she loved going in and waking them up every morning. Please stop. I find my sons just as adorable as you do, but our goal is to raise well-functioning adults here.
2. Making their breakfast and packing their lunch
My morning alarm is the sound of the kids clanging cereal bowls. My job is to make sure there is food in the house so that they can eat breakfast and pack a lunch.
One friend asked, “Yeah but how do you know what they’re bringing for school lunch?” I don’t. I know what food I have in my pantry, and it’s on them to pack up what they feel is a good lunch. It will only be a few short years, and I will have no idea what they are eating for any of their meals away at college. Free yourself from the PB and J station now.
3. Filling out their paperwork
I have a lot of kids, which equates to a lot of beginning-of-the-school-year paperwork. I used to dread this stack until the kids were old enough to fill all of it out themselves. Our teens are expected to fill out all of their paperwork to the best of their ability. They put the papers to be signed on a clipboard and leave them for me on the kitchen island. I sign them and put them back on their desks.
Hold your teens accountable. They will need to fill out job and college applications soon, and they need to know how to do that without your intervention.
4. Delivering their forgotten items
One Monday morning, we had pulled out of our driveway and just turned the corner when my daughter realized she had forgotten her phone. “We have to go back, Mom!” Another kid exclaimed that he had forgotten his freshly washed and folded PE uniform in the laundry room. I braked in hesitation as I contemplated turning around. Nope. Off we go, as the vision surfaced of both of them playing around on their phones before it was time to leave.
Parents don’t miss opportunities to provide natural consequences for their teens. Forget something? Feel the pain of that. Kids also get to see that you can make it through the day without a mistake consuming you.
We also have a rule that Mom and Dad are not to get pleading texts from school asking for forgotten items. It still happens, but we have the right to just shoot back, “That’s a bummer.”
5.Making their failure to plan your emergency
School projects do not get assigned the night before they are due. Therefore, I do not run out and pick up materials at the last minute to get a project finished. I do always keep poster boards and general materials on hand for the procrastinating child. But they may have to wait for other needed items. Do not race to Michael’s for your kid who hasn’t taken the time to plan.
This is a good topic to talk about in weekly family meetings. Does anyone have projects coming up that they’re going to need supplies for so that I can pick them up at my convenience this week?
6. Doing all of their laundry
“What? YOU didn’t get my shorts washed?” This response always backfires on the kid who may lose their mind thinking that I’m the only one who can do laundry around here. Every once in a while a child needs a healthy reminder that I do not work for them. The minute they assume this is my main role in life is the minute that I gladly hand over the laundry task to them.
Most days I do the washing and the kids fold and put away their clothes, but they are capable of tackling the entire process when need be.
7. Emailing and calling their teachers and coaches
If our child has a problem with a teacher or coach, he is going to have to take it to the one in charge. There is no way that we, as parents, are going to question a coach or email a teacher about something that should be between the authority figure and our child.
Don’t be that over-involved parent. Teach your child that if something is important enough to them, then they need to learn how to handle the issue themselves or at least ask you to help them. Obviously, there are certain cases that do require intervention, but not when it comes to the day-to-day stuff.
8. Meddling in their academics
Put down the pencil, parents. Most of the time, I honestly couldn’t tell you what my kids are doing for school work. We talk about projects and papers over dinner, but we’ve always expected our kids to own their work and earn their grades. At times, they’ve earned Principals Lists, Honor Rolls, and National Junior Honor Society honors of their own accord. At other times, they’ve missed the mark.
Apps and websites where parents can go in and see every detail of their children’s homework and progress are not helping our over-parenting epidemic.
Once in a blue moon, I will ask the kids to pull up their student accounts and show me their grades because I want them to know I do care. I did notice our daughter slacking off at the end of last year, and my acknowledgment helped her catch up, but I’m not taking it on as one of my regular responsibilities—and you shouldn’t either.
What is your parenting goal? Is it to raise competent adults?
If so, then let’s work on backing off in areas where our teens can stand on their own two feet. I know they’re our babies, and it feels good to hover over them once in a while, but in all seriousness, it’s up to us to raise them to be capable people.
I want to feel confident when I launch my kids into the real world and know they are going to be just fine because I stepped back to let them navigate failure and real-life stuff on their own.
So please don’t judge me if my kids scramble around, shoving pre-packaged items into that brown paper lunch bag before racing to catch the bus. It’s all on purpose, my friends.
Amy is the author of the book Parent on Purpose: A Courageous Approach to Raising Children in a Complicated World. Her work can be found at www.amycarney.com. She and her retired NHL playing husband, Keith, are raising 18-year-old triplet sons, a 16-year-old daughter, and a recently adopted 13-year-old son.
A morning routine for kids is easier to achieve than you might think
Even if you live in a house full of early birds, the chances of your morning running smoothly from waking up to getting out the door isn’t always guaranteed. Whether you need a refresher or are preparing for newly busy days, there are a few things you can do to create an easy morning routine for kids that will help prevent the wee hours from being a lesson in chaos.
1. Make sure the kids get enough sleep.Simple fact—kids who don’t get the right amount of sleep won’t be thrilled when the light pops on in the morning. Check out this handy chart from the Sleep Foundation to see how much shut-eye your little one needs on a nightly basis.
2. Prep backpacks the night before. Nothing beats the tried and true method of getting homework done and in the pack the night before. It means one less thing to do in the morning, and when everyone’s in high gear, it helps preserve the flow—and your sanity.
3. Wake up at the same time every day. Who isn’t tempted to hit the snooze button once (or twice)? The best morning people wake up at the same time every day, so your internal body clock knows when it’s time to rise and shine. Even if you love sleeping in on the weekends, your best chance for weekday morning success is rising at the same time every day.
4. Let the light shine in. Once the alarm goes off, open the window shades and welcome the morning sun. Our bodies wake faster in the light rather than in the dark. Have your kiddos open their blinds or curtains as soon as they wake up. If you’re awake before the sun comes up, hop out of bed and turn on the light.
5. Start with a power jam. There’s something inspirational about theme songs. Whether it’s their current fave or a classic like Eye of the Tiger, blast it at o-seven-early to rally the troops. Use the same song each day or make a playlist to rotate favorites throughout the week. Let’s get this a.m. party started!
6. Set out clothes the night before. The last thing you need in the morning is your kid spending an enormous amount of time choosing between polka dots and stripes. Add this task to your bedtime checklist, and you’ll save yourself the style struggle in the a.m.
7. Take up a collection. Every parent is familiar with those last-minute necessities that always slow kids down when you’re trying to shuffle them out the door. Shoes, jackets, backpacks… the items that often take a search party to locate. Collect them all in cubbies, baskets, bins, or lockers kept right by the door. They’ll be the last things the kids grab before it’s time to go to school.
8. Eat in the car. Seriously. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. But it can be hard always getting something nutritious in, especially if your kiddo is slow to rise or doesn’t have time to finish their breakfast before the bus arrives. The solution? An on-the-go snack with lots of staying power.
9. Have a posted morning routine and schedule. Kiddos (and adults) work best if they know what’s expected of them. Post a morning routine for the kids on the refrigerator, or hang a chore chart on the kitchen wall. Even if the routine contains simple steps like making your bed, brushing your teeth, and washing your face, checking the chart and crossing off the items helps every family member know what’s expected of them and keeps the morning on track.
10. Make morning time electronics-free. We all know phones and televisions are distracting. Keeping the diversions to a minimum will help everyone stay focused on the tasks at hand and keep the morning focused on getting ready and out the door. And yes, parents, we’re talking about you too! Put the phone away until the morning hours have come and gone.
11. Recruit the kids. Have you ever noticed how younger kids seem to be in awe of the big kids? Use that to your advantage. Find a responsible older child to be your kid’s morning buddy and hire them to wait with your child at the bus or walk them to school in the morning. It means more time for you, and your kid will be delighted. Big kids for the win!
12. Give them five. A familiar concept from elementary classrooms, Give Me Five takes five simple tasks and associates each with a finger. It’s as easy as turning Thumbkin into the “get dressed” reminder and Mr. Pointer into “eat breakfast.“ By the time it’s Little Pinky’s turn, your mini-me should be ready to board the bus. Carry on with a high five after each completed task, and it’ll be smooth sailing for everyone!
We promise that these pirate jokes won’t make you want to walk the plank
Talk Like a Pirate Day is September 19 and we’ve got all the best pirate jokes for kids to get your day off to a hilarious start. These kid-friendly jokes are full of puns and will have you laughing all day! Be sure to check out our collection of the best jokes for kids, summer jokes, corny jokes, and even knock-knock jokes.
1. How much does it cost a pirate to get his ears pierced? About a buck an ear.
2. Knock knock.
Who’s there?
Interrupting pirate.
Interrupting pir—yarrrrrr!
3. What’s a pirate’s favorite letter? Arrrrrrrrrr
No, it be the C! (Sea).
—A hilarious 6-year-old reader.
4. What is a pirate’s favorite body part? The booty!
—C.J., age 9
5. How do you save a dying pirate?
CPArrrrrrrrr
6. What’s a pirate’s favorite fish?
The Swordfish.
7. What’s a pirate’s worst enemy?
Termites.
8. What do you call a pirate who likes to skip school?
Captain Hooky.
9. Why does it take so long for pirates to learn the alphabet?
Because they spend years at C.
10. Where do pirates buy their hooks?
The second hand store.
11. What did the pirate say when he left his wooden leg in the freezer?
Shiver me timbers!
12. What do you call a pirate with two legs and two eyes?
A newbie.
If they can brush their teeth, they can also get out the door on time (We promise!)
School mornings can be a busy and sometimes stressful time when your kids are little. But as they get older, there’s a whole bunch of things they can be doing on their own to help out! Not only does it make your morning run a little smoother, but it also helps kids develop necessary life skills, gain confidence and become well-rounded, competent adults. Here’s our list that’ll help you set morning chores for kids—one they can definitely handle on their own each school day by the time they’re 10.
1. Get out of bed on their own. When they’re babies, going in to get your kids out of the crib and up for the day is a sweet moment. But if you’re still going in and waking up your kid long after the wee baby stage, you may want to pass that task over to them. They can—and should be able to—get themselves up for school independently. Every day. And if they’re late? It’s not your fault, mom.
2. Get dressed. This sounds pretty obvious, but getting dressed with zero micromanaging from you is key. It may be tempting to check and see if your kids remembered to put on underwear, or if their shirts and pants match, but this is another skill they can totally master on their own. Besides—letting them express themselves with their wardrobe is fun!
3. Make their breakfast. Again, it sounds like an easy morning chore. But encouraging your little scholars to make healthy choices and take control of their breakfast from a young age is the best way to help them eat well—plus it frees up your morning!
4. Make their own lunch—or at least help. Younger ones (like kindergarten-aged kids) may need some help with this. But for the most part, getting your kid involved in choosing and making their own lunch means they’ll likely eat the entire thing! It’s also a great opportunity to teach them about balanced diets.
5. Tidy up their own mess. So they’ve made breakfast and packed their lunch, and now there are dishes everywhere! Kids need to know they need to tidy up after themselves as well. This morning chore is great for helping them develop important life skills.
6. Pack their school bag. Kids will sometimes tell their teachers “Oh, my mom forgot to pack <insert various items here> in my backpack today.” And teachers generally respond with “Did your mom forget it? Or did you?” Gotcha, kid! If they need to remember something, they need to put it in their bag themselves.
7. Keep track of their library books/homework, etc. If it’s library day and suddenly your kid’s book is missing, it’s not your job to find it. They’re definitely old enough by now to keep track of all their own things—including where they left their homework.
8. Decide what outerwear they’ll need that day. Arguments over appropriate footwear and outerwear for all types of temperatures are never fun. Let your kids decide if they need that spare pair of mittens in the winter. One cold, wet, miserable day without them, and they’ll likely make good decisions!
9. Brush their teeth. Despite needing a billion and one reminders when they’re little, as they get older, kids should really be able to remember to brush their teeth—and do it properly—before each school day.
10. Get out the door on time. Getting out the door seems to be one of the toughest tasks when the kids are really young. But as they get older, this is another task they should be able to handle themselves. It’s really all about raising our kids to be competent adults one day—and that means that they’re going to have to arrive at places on time.
Plan for sunny days ahead and hit up one of our favorite outdoor dining spots in Los Angeles
With the apocalyptic rain LA has experienced lately, who wants to be cooped up inside on days where you can sit outdoors and enjoy the lovely weather our city is usually famous for. We’ve rounded up some of the best family-friendly spots in town for al fresco dining where kids can run around a bit, and you can kick back and relax.
Nothing beats breathtaking views of the ocean, pier, and Catalina Island—that’s why Back on the Beach Café is one of our go-tos when looking for family-friendly, outdoor dining. With tables set right on the beach, littles can wiggle their toes in the sand while enjoying a kids’ menu filled with favorites like burgers, hot dogs, veggie dogs, penne pasta, and chicken tenders. Parents will especially love the fish tacos, chicken apple salad, and chicken salad sandwich, but everything here is delicious.
Reservations are accepted at least one day in advance via telephone or in person and same-day reservations are not allowed. You can request to wait for an outdoor table upon your arrival, but know that a spot in the sand is prime real estate so you should expect a wait on weekends, summer days, and holidays.
Insider Tip: Check the seasonal pool schedule for historic Annenberg Community Beach House before you go. Located just steps away from Back on the Beach, the pool is open Memorial Day through Labor Day. Don’t feel like swimming? The splash pad and beach playground are fun as well and are open to the public year round.
If you have pint-sized plane fanatics at home, The Proud Bird Food Bazaar should be top of your list. Located alongside the airport runway, this space originally opened in 1967 as a salute to aviation but has since become a unique food hall that features six culinary kitchens. Open for lunch and dinner, you can order food at the station of your choice, then grab a seat indoors or head outside to the large patio for some prime plane peeping as they approach LAX for a landing. There’s also a great playground on site as well as a lovely firepit to sit beside in the evenings. Food options include everything from BBQ and burgers to Asian food and chicken and waffles. Littles have plenty of space to run around and work off some energy, while you watch from the patio and take a much-needed break—roger that.
When you fancy a bit fancier meal, but still want something family friendly, The Draycott at Palisades Village is just the ticket. Absolutely stunning in its décor, the covered patio of this California-inspired brasserie with a British twist makes you feel as though you’ve stepped into an enchanted forest with rows of beautiful flowers draped from the ceiling. The restaurant features brunch, lunch, dinner and a fantastic kids’ menu. And the bonus is that the patio practically sits on top of the park so antsy kids can run around and play while you wait for your meal to arrive. Reservations are highly recommended.
15255 Palisades Village Ln. Pacific Palisades Online:thedraycott.com
WeHo really knows how to revive classic dining spots that are beloved by the LA community—one of which is Tail O’ The Pup. This historic hot dog stand (originally founded in 1946) features the iconic hot dog shaped stand in front with two brightly colored patios behind it. But the real star of the show is the delicious dog itself—whether you’re craving a Chili Pup, Chicago Pup, Baseball Pup or Cheezie Pup, there’s no wrong decision. The stand also features fantastic corn dogs, veggie dogs, hamburgers, fries, and shakes.
8512 Santa Monica Blvd. West Hollywood Online:tailothepup.com
We told you WeHo is a pro at retro restaurant revivals. Irv’s Burgers is case and point. The iconic burger joint originally opened 76 years ago and has endured many openings and closings over the years, but it was recently brought back to life in WeHo. Much to the delight of Angelenos, Irv’s is still serving up incredible burgers and amazing service from co-owner Sonia Hong who is known for her friendly smile and her doodles on customer’s plates and takeout bags. The Weho location features a small space for indoor seating and lots of sidewalk tables outside—perfect for people watching. Also, Irv’s just opened a second location in Miracle Mile at the beginning of March and is set to open a third outpost in Malibu this summer.
With a prime location (and free parking) at Malibu Country Mart, John’s Garden is the lovely spot to bring kiddos for lunch. It’s steps away from the shopping area’s amazing playground and features outdoor seating at picnic tables. But you really wanna know about the food, right? It’s both delicious and healthy with a fantastic variety of salads, sandwiches, veggie burgers, bowls, juices, smoothies and freshly made ice cream shakes. Afterwards, you can do a little shopping or hit up the nearby beach for a day of sun and fun.
Located just behind the Urban Light installation on Wilshire, Ray’s & Stark Bar features a giant outdoor patio with ample seating and serves delectable seasonal fare, including homemade pastas, salads, small shareable plates and a great kids’ menu. While the proximity to the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, the La Brea Tarpits, and LACMA are a huge benefit, it’s actually the gigantic lawn on the museum grounds that may be the real draw for parents. Kids with energy to burn will love the open space to run and play.
Spoke Bicycle Café is the first business of its kind to set up a permanent location along the LA River Bike Path in Frogtown. This mostly outdoor spot is perfect for large groups and families who’d like to take advantage of some swell biking before or after their meal. The café features a variety of toasts, breakfast items, sandwiches, salads, bowls, coffee drinks and a kids’ menu. There is also a full-service bike shop on site so if your bicycle needs a little tune-up while you eat, you’ve come to the right place. Bicycle rentals are also available on a walk-in basis.
Home to LA’s largest brewery, Golden Road Brewing Company’s Atwater Village Brewpub is a festive place to spend an afternoon. With a family-friendly environment and a large patio in front filled with yard games and occasional live music, it’s a great way to unwind with kids in tow. In addition to some of the tastiest brews in town, the food menu can also hold its own. With a focus on fresh ingredients sourced from local LA farmers, guests can enjoy shareable appetizers like Sunday Sauce Meatballs and Birria Fries, as well as a wonderful slate of salads, sandwiches, and sweets.
5410 San Fernando Rd. Los Angeles Online:goldenroad.la
Okay, so it's not exactly in the "heart of LA,” but if you happen to be in Topanga Canyon, this spot is a definite must with the kiddos for lunch. Café on 27 makes you feel as though you’re dining in the dreamiest treehouse ever perched above the hills. With a multi-level patio built into the hillside and fab food to boot, this is an experience to remember. From breakfast dishes and salads to burgers and a kids’ menu, there’s something to make everyone in your fam bam happy. Reservations are recommended.
1861 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd. Topanga Canyon Online:cafe-27.com
Even if you missed the Mermaid Parade on June 18, there are still plenty of reasons to head to the seaside fun spot Coney Island. In addition to the Cyclone celebrating a landmark birthday (95!), you’ll also find new rides, new eats, new art — and all the old sun and sand favorites, too. Here’s what’s happening on, and along, the boardwalk. For more things to do with the kids, check out our Summer 2022 Bucket List, our favorite playgrounds with sprinklers and where to enjoy a meal outside with the kids.
Mimi O’Connor
Hit the Beach
Two centuries of beachgoers can’t be wrong: the surf and sand are the real reason to head out here. If you’re heading here on a weekend, it pays to know that the area in front of Luna Park and the spot around the Brighton Beach train station tend to be the most crowded. If you want a little wiggle room, aim for the stretch of sand between the two.
Food: There are no concessions in the immediate area so pack a picnic or be prepared to flag down the vendors who will come by selling cotton candy, ice cream, cocktails, and more. (Also: if you’ve got a beach umbrella, bring it.) Beaches are open with lifeguards on duty from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Bathrooms: If you forgot the sunscreen, look for free sunscreen stations scattered around the boardwalk before you head out onto the sand. There are plenty of accessible bathrooms available but plan ahead: They’re all located by the boardwalk, which means you’ll likely be trekking back across the sand to get to them. You’ll also be able to wash off the sand at one of the outdoor sprinkler/shower stations — these tend to have a line but it goes quickly and people are generally courteous of each others’ time.
Coney Island: Take the D, Q, N or F train to Stillwell Avenue
Brighton Beach: Take the B or Q to Brighton Beach
Bike the Boardwalk
If you and the kids are early risers, then gear up and bring your bikes to the beach. Riding bicycles on the boardwalk is permitted from 6 to 10 a.m. daily. The boardwalk is a wide, flat, and mostly even surface (with some renovated areas that make for a super smooth ride) that’s a good option for little bikers. Keep in mind that it doesn’t loop, so you’ll either ride to a certain point and back or exit at any of the ramps at intervals and catch the train from there. I don’t recommend going further than Luna Park, as that marks the last train station, making getting back more difficult if your budding bikers get tired feet.
Monkey Around in the Playgrounds
You might be going to the beach for the sun and surf, but what child can resist a good playground? The sprawling Brighton Playground on Brighton 2nd is a popular option with kids of all ages for its large variety of playground equipment. The playground’s been there since the 1950s but renovations in the late 1990s added handicap-accessible areas and structures so kids of all abilities can enjoy the playground, as well. For something fun to do, send your kids on a scavenger hunt of all the marine life and Coney Island motifs that adorn the playground structures, fences and even ground.
Besides this large playground, there are also two little playgrounds right on the sand, one near Luna Park and one near the Brighton Beach train station. These don’t have much shade so be careful of little feet getting too hot on steamy summer days.
For a more active playtime, there are several volleyball nets strung up every few blocks right in the sand, as well as handball courts on West 5th Street (by the bandshell) but these tend to be taken over by older people playing. Don’t miss the tiny marine rock “playground” on the boardwalk right where the Aquarium wall begins, where kids can climb around on the rocks, complete a challenge to find all the marine life on the rocks, and have a chance to look through binoculars (with steps for shorter visitors).
Brighton Playground: Brighton 2nd St. & Brightwater Ct. (just off the boardwalk)
Get Your Thrills on New Rides at Deno’s Wonder Wheel and Luna Park
Luna Park is open for the summer and ready to thrill and excite visitors of all ages. The more daring of your group can tackle the legendary Cyclone roller coaster (for a preview, listen out to the period screams of delight that can be heard all the way from the boardwalk) and the newer gravity-defying Thunderbolt. There are plenty of choices for smaller and less thrill-seeking family members, too, like the classic teapot ride, some high-flying options, and even a firefighting ride.
This year, look out for two brand new additions to the Luna Park ride family: Tony’s Express and Leti’s Treasure. Named after the grandparents of Luna Park’s CEO, Alessandra Zamperla, these two rides will pay homage to the Switchback Railway (the first-ever rollercoaster on Coney Island from 1884) and Shoot the Chutes (a semi-aquatic ride from the early 1900s), respectively. Tony’s Express will be a family-friendly rollercoaster with over 1,200 feet of track and Leti’s Treasure will have 12 6-seater boats that will rise over 40 feet high the drop into water with a splash. Both are planned to open this summer so keep your eyes open for them.
Deno’s Wonder Wheel (The park home to the eponymous ride in between the two sections of Luna Park) also recently debuted a new ride. The Phoenix Rollercoaster (shown above), a family thrill roller coaster that join’s Deno’s healthy collection of tamer kiddie rides.)
Travel Back to the Past with the Coney Island History Project
The Coney Island History Project isn’t a very big place — it’s just two rooms — but it’s filled wall to wall with the history of the boardwalk and its many attractions. Plus: it’s free!The History Project is full of pieces from the area’s past, like Coney Island’s oldest relic (a toll house sign from 1823), and reminders of the darker rides that used to greet visitors at the amusement park (including a skull that looks stripped of its skin. Yikes).
This year’s special exhibit focuses on Barbara Rosenberg’s street photography. Taken over the course of 50 years, these photographs cover Steeplechase Park, the Polar Bear Club, Boardwalk attractions from the 1970s, and more glimpses into the history of Coney Island.
You can also check out the History Project’s podcast, Coney Island Stories, which aims to record an oral history of the area. The newest episode, “Growing Up in the 1940s,” interviews residents of the neighborhood about the hardships and delights of living in Coney Island in the 1940s.
Free
Sat., Sun., and holidays 1-7 p.m.
3059 West 12th St. (under Deno’s Wonder Wheel) Online: Coney Island History Project:
Revisit the Nabe’s Golden Age at the Coney Island Museum
The Coney Island Museum is a tribute to the history of the neighborhood, full of vintage, authentic funhouse mirrors, rare postcards, shooting gallery targets, and more. The museum also highlights all the innovations that the neighborhood’s brought to the world: Sure you might know of Nathan’s hot dog, but did you know that Coney Island introduced the first baby incubators, originally as a sideshow? Discover more interesting and historic facts, trinkets, photos, and more in the historic building.
This summer, the museum is hosting a new exhibit in collaboration with New York Transit Museum: Five Cents to Dreamland. This special exhibit brings together artifacts from both museums to paint a picture of the way transportation to the beach contributed to making Coney Island and its attractions such a great success.
$5/adult, $3/seniors, kids under 12 and residents of zipcode 11224
Sat. and Sun., 12-5 p.m.
1208 Surf Ave. Online: Coney Island Museum
Get Your Fill of American, Ukrainian, and Russian Food
Hungry? Head to the Luna Park side of the boardwalk for your pick of beachside classics like funnel cakes and cheese fries, or more traditional sit-down restaurants. There are some excellent family-friendly options by the Stillwell train station, like the classic Nathan’s, iHop, and Applebees. Head to It’s Sugar for a treat after the meal, or check out the newly opened Coney Waffle, across from the Cyclone.
But the Luna Park fare isn’t the only place to get something to earth. On the Brighton Beach train side of the boardwalk, Tatiana Restaurant and adjoining grill is a solid pick for an evening meal, and it’s especially nice if you can get an outdoor seat. Steps off the boardwalk on Brighton Beach proper (under the train), in what’s commonly known as Little Odessa, there are many ethnic Eastern European and Russian food options, whether you want to sit down and enjoy your meal or grab a treat for the road — I highly recommend potato or chicken piroshkis, which are fried bread with delicious hand-made fillings.
It’s important to note, considering current events, that although the neighborhood houses a mix of residets from Russia, Ukraine and adjoining countries, there’s been a outpouring of support and solidarity for Ukraine in the neighborhood. If you want to support Ukrainian-owned businesses, or Russian businesses that stand with Ukraine, look for Ukrainian flags hanging in storefonts. To name just two, the aforementioned Tatiana is a Ukraine supporter, as is Taste of Russia at 219 Brighton Beach Ave, which has recently rebranded as “International Food” to be more inclusive.
Julie Larsen Maher
Meet the Fishies at the New York Aquarium
Now’s a great time to see the aquatic residents of the New York Aquarium: For the first time in about 10 years, the aquarium will be completely, fully open! All the repairs from Hurricane Sandy are complete and the areas closed due to covid are reopened, so visitors can finally see the aquarium in all its glory.
To celebrate, the aquarium has opened a number of new interactive exhibits, from PlayQuarium’s touch pool to a new space that lets you watch sea lions, harbor seals, penguins, and otters frolic underwater. Learn about the impact of climate change, enjoy crafts, music, and trivia, or watch some performances at the Wildlife Theater. Don’t miss the giant octopus mural and tentacles photo-op!
The Coney Island art walls might be gone, but the artistic spirit of the community lives on. Keep an eye out for newly completed murals around the neighborhood and boardwalk.
Catching a baseball game at the stadium on Coney is a timeless treat, so don’t miss out! Catch the legendary Brooklyn Cyclones in action at the diamond. Tuesdays have special family deals: For just $20, you get a ticket, a cyclones hat, hot dog or chicken tenders, fries, and drinks. Events typically include fun extras like giveaways, fireworks, and shows.
Coney Flicks is back this year, so you can once again enjoy a movie under the stars on the beach. Catch three free screenings every Monday in the summer, starting with “Encanto” on June 27. Other movies include “Spiderman No Way Home,” “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings,” “My Big Fat Greek Wedding,” and more.
The movies will be shown on a giant inflated screen, with the colorful nighttime Luna Park acting as ambient light. Screenings will begin at sundown, so times vary. Bring a towel and snacks for an evening picnic.
Check out the annual sand-sculpting contest, to be held sometime in August (exact date to be announced). After being postponed in 2021 due to rising coronavirus cases in the area, the 30th contest is set to happen this year. Every year, the event brings in expert sand sculptors for some incredible sand works of art. Check out the winners of the 2019 contest for a taste of what to expect
Appreciate the Beauty of Classic Cars
Come explore some classic old cars lined up along West 12th Street. Vote for your favorite, watch performances from the Coney Island sideshow and more.
It happened just today. I woke up fine. It was a beautiful day and I was ready to conquer it!
Breakfast. Check. Water flowers. Check. Get out deck furniture. Check. Laundry washed. Check. Check. Check. Make lunch. Check. Shower and get ready. Check. Read a self-help book. Check. And then the paralysis snuck in.
Somewhere between being exhausted and overwhelmed with all I “should” be doing was me—pinned between the two emotions so suddenly I couldn’t move. I was angry. Frustrated. And as time passed, the shame settled in.
The kids were watching a movie on a beautiful summer day. Bad Mom.
I have a million things that need to be organized and cleaned. Lazy.
I could be reading or writing or learning something. Weak. Apply something you’ve learned! I kept shouting in my head. But I wasn’t sure what I had learned. Have I learned anything to help me deal with this? What is this? Anxiety? The depression? Did I let the bad thoughts in? I was supposed to control those. Should I call someone? How could I bother anyone? Who would I call? Everyone is working. Everyone is busy. And I’m not. I’m lying here—pinned.
I’m doing nothing. Lazy. Weak. Bad. And here I am. Beginning. All. Over. Again. I was reminded of how fragile I am. It was OK to be fragile a couple of months ago when I finally started seeing a therapist after episodes that included suicidal thoughts and self-harm. I was fighting for my life then; I was fighting for my family. I had to be gentle with myself. Forgiving.
It was OK that I didn’t cook dinner, that I did nothing but breathe all day long. It was OK to take a nap and let the kids watch too much TV. It was OK that we ate Hot Pockets too often and spent money we didn’t have on fast food. It was OK that the house was a constant mess. It was OK.
But somehow since then, as I slowly started to clean more, slowly began to make meals instead of heating them up, slowly started to do a little more than just breathe, I fell back into being a perfectionist. I began expecting more of myself. I began thinking I was OK because I was doing more.
But Brene Brown emphasizes that perfectionism isn’t the same thing as striving for excellence. “Perfectionism is not about healthy achievement and growth. Perfectionism is a defensive move. It’s the belief that if we do things perfectly and look perfect, we can minimize or avoid the pain of blame, judgment, and shame,” she says. “Perfectionism is a 20-ton shield that we lug around, thinking it will protect us, when in fact it’s the thing that’s really preventing us from being seen.”
I can’t even express how well this describes me! I don’t want to be weak, lazy or bad, not to mention all the other unkind shaming thoughts that race through my mind. So I use the little strength I have left to lift that giant shield up to cover the fragile me. The shield of having a perfectly clean house. The shield of making breakfast, lunch and dinner all in one day. The shield of having the laundry done and put away. The shield of devouring self-help books that give an illusion of healing. The shield of being organized. On and on. The shield is heavy. No wonder I become exhausted so quickly.
No wonder I am pinned down and frustrated with my own weakness and fragility.
I can’t hold it up for long anymore. And trying to has made me weaker and weaker. You see, I have been on this journey of growth for over a year now. I started writing almost every day and I read books by the best on becoming whole, better, happier. I became more organized with Marie Kondo and started a bullet journal to track and remember everything. I set goals and accomplished them. I spent time serving, being with family and with friends.
My journey and the understanding I gained are documented through these beautiful books and methods and habits, but I was missing something vital. I had unknowingly used all the wonderful things I had learned and added them to my shield. And oh, how it grew.
My shield was big, shiny, and clean. Witty and nice. It was helpful and willing. It showed up for everything, said yes, agreed, allowed. Performed. Damn. It was like Captain Freaking America’s shield. And oh how well I carried that shield. But under it was me. Just me. Amy. And Amy, although master at yielding fancy shields, was deeply tired. She was small.
The shield did its job well. She wasn’t seen; she wasn’t heard. People admired that shield. They enjoyed it. They loved it. So she believed she needed it, that they wouldn’t love and admire her without it. She had put so much work into creating it, but one day she was so exhausted that it came down. And frightened, fragile Amy couldn’t lift it back up.
There was nowhere to go. Nowhere to hide. And the shame and the pain swarmed. And there I was, beginning, again. And today, as I set that pretty shield back down on the ground, I am beginning, again. It is time for me—not my shield—to grow.
*If you think you may hurt yourself or attempt suicide, get help right away by calling your mental health specialist or by calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255) to reach a trained counselor.
Originally published June 2020. This post originally appeared on My Peace Project.
Amy is a creator and believes everyone else is too. She strives to be artistic in all areas of life but writing is her passion and her family is her masterpiece. She uses her blog to address the joys and struggles of motherhood and is currently writing her first novel.
