We’ve got the scoop on LA’s best-kept secret: free summer rehearsals at the Hollywood Bowl. Whether you’ve got a tween in middle school band or a toddler obsessed with instruments, you can take them to hear a bona fide orchestra at the city’s most iconic music venue. (And did we mention it’s free?) Plus, with little to no crowds, open seating and easy parking, it’s way less stressful than attending your typical Bowl concert. Read on for everything you need to know about summer rehearsals at the Hollywood Bowl.

Call Ahead

Matthew Field via Creative Commons

This season, Hollywood Bowl rehearsals are open to the public on Tues. and Thurs., beginning the week of Jul. 9 through mid-Sept., when you can catch the LA Philharmonic at practice from 9:30a.m.-12:30p.m. Don't fret about arriving on time or making it through the full three hours (as if your kids would sit still for that long!). You're free to come and go throughout the session. Also, remember that rehearsal schedules are subject to change (and additional rehearsals may even be added), so call on Mon. to confirm days and times. 

Park Wherever

Loads of free parking is another major incentive for visiting the Hollywood Bowl during rehearsal mornings. No stack parking to contend with or pricey pay lots requiring you to take a second mortgage on your house. Simply pull up and park directly behind the amphitheater and go in via the artist's entrance. Helpful Hollywood Bowl staffers are on hand to help steer you in the right direction.

Pack a Picnic

Margaret Napier via flickr

To really give kids an authentic Bowl experience, you can bring a meal and dine during the show in the box seats. As for strollers, they can be parked off to the side, but with loads of stairs, you might want to leave them at home. It's easier to carry tots with tired little legs or bring a sling for baby.

Bring Sun Protection

John M. via Yelp

Because this is LA in Jul. through Sep., you can pretty much expect the sun to be shining every day, and with little to no shade at the Bowl, you'll want to bring sunscreen, hats, plenty of water and maybe even an umbrella or two. 

Use "Inside" Voices

Margaret Napier via flickr

While the LA Philharmonic happily welcomes tykes to their rehearsals, out of respect to the musicians, they ask that parents remind children to use low "inside" voices while artists are on stage (even though you are outdoors). If kiddos become disruptive, they may be asked to leave, so be sure to have this important conversation with talkative tots ahead of time.

Stay Cool

DWP

Need a break from the sun? Stop by the Hollywood Bowl Museum during your visit (another free activity). Little ones will love seeing photos, videos and more of famous performers from over the years. It takes about 20 minutes to go through the museum but you may want to stay longer to enjoy the air conditioning.

The Hollywood Bowl
2301 N. Highland Ave.
Hollywood
323-850-2000
Online: hollywoodbowl.com

–Christina Montoya Fiedler & Jennifer O’Brien

featured photo: Margaret Napier via flickr

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Kids of all ages and abilities are in for a treat at the brand new Rotary PlayGarden. Slides, swings and kinetic art are just some of the many features of this awesome new playground right near Mineta San Jose Airport. Bonus: toddlers will be delighted by the ability to check out the many planes that fly overhead as they are landing at the airport! Read on to explore everything that the PlayGarden has to offer!

Inclusive Play for All Children
This new addition to Guadalupe River Park is the Rotary Club of San Jose’s centennial gift to the community. Its unique design definitely accomplishes the goal of encouraging inclusive play for all children. The ongoing maintenance of the PlayGarden was taken over by the Guadalupe River Park Conservancy, which also provides volunteer staff at the entrance to ensure a safe and fun play experience for all visitors.

Slides, Slides for Everyone!
Lots of research went into the design of this playground, which is evident from the choice of slides that are available. Concrete was selected instead of the usual plastic slides as the planners learned from the special needs community that plastic slides can interfere with cochlear implants. There is an extra wide slide available so that kids can slide next to their caregiver and also some shorter slides for the younger kids. All slides are wheelchair accessible by ramps to the top of the hill.

Merry-Go-Rounds
One of the most popular features at the PlayGarden is the two-story rope merry-go-round. Kids can easily get the merry-go-round moving but it doesn’t go so fast that little ones would be scared. Older kids can climb to the top for even more fun. Right next to the rope merry-go-round is a super cool feature—the wheelchair accessible merry-go-round. With the assistance of a caregiver, a child in a wheelchair can get on the merry-go-round for a fun (and safe!) ride with his or her friends. The youngest visitors will also enjoy this feature as it has a bench and easy on and off access.

Climb to the Stars
Tons of climbing features are included in the PlayGarden, from the rock walls on the sides of the slides to the rope feature totally devoted to kids who like to climb. None of these are very far off the cushy ground—great because, inevitably, what goes up, must come down!

Art You Can Play With
Some of the more unique features are the many animal sculptures that kids are encouraged to play on and climb over. At the top of the slides are a dragonfly and other flying bugs—inquisitive kids will notice that if you spin the circle at the bottom of the structure you can get the bugs to fly!

Other Fun Features
Toddlers will love the musical installation where they can bang attached mallets on musical pipes to create all sorts of groovy tunes. There is a sand feature (bring your own shovels) which is raised off the ground allowing access by a child in a wheelchair. In the very back is a rubber trampoline surrounded by a rope climber that is a big draw for the younger kids. The water feature looks cool but is currently not turned on due to the drought.

Good to Know
The entire PlayGarden is fenced with only one entrance/exit point. There is ample parking right near the PlayGarden. Across the street are many food options including Panera and Chili’s. The park has limited hours: 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the summer as it is staffed by volunteers during that time to maintain the cleanliness of the facilities. There are restrooms and water fountains on-site. Shade is at a minimum at the park so make sure you wear hats and bring sunscreen. You can reserve the six picnic table area (for a toddler birthday, perhaps?) as well as the small amphitheater for 2 hours with a $100 donation.

Rotary PlayGarden
Guadalupe River Park
Coleman Avenue at Autumn Street
San Jose, Ca
Summer hours: 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Online: rotaryplaygarden.org

Have you visited the Rotary PlayGarden? Let us know what your favorite feature was in the comments below!

—Kate Loweth

All photos by the author.

Are planes, trains and automobiles old hat for your travel-loving clan? Then it’s time to see your city by sea. For a weekend adventure your family will never forget, hop in a kayak and explore the calm bay waters off the Sausalito coast, where you might even spot a sea lion up close. The best part? We’ve done all the hard work for you (rowing not included).

Just Get on The Boat
There’s no need to worry about tracking down all the right gear, finding the perfect launch spot and packing splash-proof lunches (no one wants a soggy PB&J), because Red Tricycle and Sea Trek have taken care of all the details. Head to Sea Trek in Sausalito on Saturday, April 18 and join other Red Tricycle families on an exclusive guided kayaking tour. Just bring sunscreen, shades and your eagle eyes, as rare sea birds and playful sea lions are known to make frequent appearances in these parts. Afterwards, head back to the dock to enjoy lunch provided by Red Tricycle.

Save Yourself a Seat
This hassle-free experience is a hot ticket, so click here to reserve your spot now. In addition to a day of sea and sun, you’ll get to meet other adventure-loving Red Tricycle families and experience the popular Sea Trek tour with an intimate, kid-friendly group. Book your spot, get more info on times and directions and invite your friends by clicking here.


Saturday, April 18, 9:30 a.m.-noon
Sea Trek
Bay Model Visitor’s Center
Sausalito, Ca
415-332-8494
Cost: $50/per person
Tickets: events.tinybeans.go-vip.net

Would your family love a day on the Bay?

—Erin Feher

 

 

Linus of It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown will be jealous when he finds out your kiddo is celebrating their birthday in a pumpkin patch. For your October and November-born kiddos, why not throw them a bash that can’t be beat. Pumpkin Station offers birthday parties from Sept. 26 – Oct. 31 that bring the spirit of Halloween to a whole new level.

The Great Pumpkin Patch Party
Pumpkin patch parties are available at the Del Mar, Mission Valley and Chula Vista Pumpkin Station locations. For a small fee ($50), Pumpkin Station provides a private tent for three hours, tables (with festive orange tablecloths), chairs and trash pickup. A minimum of ten kids are required for weekend parties.

All you do is purchase wristbands ($15 each) for the kids, which are good for unlimited use of the kiddie rids (including the popular pumpkin train ride), giant slides and petting zoo. Throw in a slice of cake and goodie bag and your party is complete! Be sure the little goblins dress in costume to keep in the Halloween spirit.

Insider Tip: Once the kids are let lose to play on the rides, it’s nearly impossible to get them back to the tent until they’re ready to go home. We suggest serving snacks and cake, and singing “happy birthday” before distributing wrist bands. This also leaves you free to enjoy the party once the formal festivities are over.

Pumpkin Party on the Farm
If you want more of an old-fashioned, farm-themed event, reserve your party spot at the Rancho Bernardo or Bonita Pumpkin Station locations. Both spots have a large picnic area with tables for your party guests to enjoy. All you need to do is reserve your date and time, and bring the cake and party favors (outside food and drinks are welcome).

For only $9 per kiddo, party goers enjoy a tractor-pulled hay wagon ride, fun in the 8-foot tall living corn maze, and a bottle of water. They also take home a pumpkin and coloring book. The party wouldn’t be complete without plenty of time to play with the farm animals, and horse around in the bales of straw.

Insider Tip: While Pumpkin Station does provide sinks for hand washing, you may want to bring a few packages of antibacterial wipes and jars of hand sanitizer for post-animal petting.

Party Planning Pointers

  • Book your party early! The available spaces tend to sell out quickly as Halloween approaches.
  • Encourage party-goers to wear closed-toe shoes and bring sunscreen. October doesn’t always equal cooler temperatures in San Diego.
  • Be prepared that bathrooms typically take the port-a-potty form.
  • Since the pumpkin patches and farms are open to other customers – and weekend are particularly crowded – encourage parents to stick around and accompany their kiddos around the rides. These venues are not suited for “drop off” parties.
  • Free and ample parking is available at every location.

Pumpkin Station
Pumpkin Patches: Del Mar, Mission Valley and Chula Vista
Pumpkin Farms: Rancho Bernardo and Bonita
858-566-7466
Online: pumpkinstation.com

What type of fall-themed parties have you thrown for your kiddos? Tell us in the comments!

Written and photographed by Leah R. Singer

If you’re looking for a place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city this summer, give Camano Island and its next-door neighbor, Stanwood, a try. This is a perfect day-trip for a family that wants to spend some quality time together without the distraction of flashy restaurants or tourist-trap attractions. The Camano/Stanwood community, renown for its Washington state parks,  is welcoming and beautiful – and surely a place to get some downtime and recharge!

 

Go: Head to Stanwood and Camano during the summer months when it’s warm and sunny outside. During the off-season months, this area can be hit hard by weather, so plan a visit when you’re sure to miss the rain and wind.

 

Approximate travel time: From Seattle, drive approximately 45-minutes on I-5 Northbound, where you get off the freeway and head west for another 30-minutes or so. Traffic on I-5 can be busy on weekday late-afternoons, so make this either a morning trip or save it for the weekend.

 

What to do: The big attraction is Camano Island State Park. With over 6,700 feet of beach shoreline to explore, your family could really spend the entire day here. Beyond just exploring the beach, the park offers nice wide groomed trails for hiking, shellfish digging (the kids will love trying to spot clam spouts!) and a boat launch.

 

Just next door to Camano Island State Park is Cama Beach State Park – in fact, you can take a trail between the two! Cama Beach was a fishing village in the 1930s and visiting is like taking a step back in time – the village is in tact with fun little cabins along the beach, a ton of beachfront to explore and shallow water to splash in, and gorgeous sweeping views for mom and dad to enjoy.

 

Where to shop: If you’re looking for a shopping day, this trip to Camano probably isn’t for you. However, there are a few little hidden gems on the road between the freeway and the island. Along the way, you’ll drive through the quiet little town of Stanwood – there are a handful of great little antique and furniture restoration shops along the road that are worth peeking in for a visit. If you need to get a shopping fix, you can always hit up the Seattle Premium Outlets on the way back to the city.

 

Possible lunch spots: A great spot for lunch or dinner after a long day of beach-combing is Islander’s (848 North Sunrise Boulevard) – the food is hearty and they have great choices on their kids’ menu. The pizza is definitely a popular choice for Camano locals.

Before heading home, grab a cup of coffee for the ride home at Camano Island Coffee Roasters, located in the same village at Islander’s. Their beans are all roasted in-house and will rival a cup that you can get in the city! Grab some whole beans to take home with you too.

 

How to dress: Casual beach attire is the best for this trip – but we’re still in the Northwest, so layering is a must! Don’t forget sweatshirts for when the breeze kicks up and hats to keep little heads shaded from the sun. The beach is rocky, not sandy on Camano Island, so a good pair of water shoes like Keens or Crocs would be helpful for the entire family.

 

What else to bring: Sunscreen, water and snacks or picnic lunch to eat at the beach. If you have little ones who aren’t walking, consider a front or back pack and a blanket for them to sit on at the beach. Buckets for collecting shells and shovels to do some digging are also a must! We also suggest packing a spare set of clothes for the entire family – it will make the ride back to Seattle much more enjoyable!

 

Need to know: The state parks have a $5 per car entrance fee, so don’t forget some cash when you visit (checks are also accepted). Also, if you’re planning on doing any clamming, be sure to check for any warnings first – sometimes the shellfish conditions aren’t safe for consuming these tasty beach treats!

 

Bonus: Make a weekend out of it! Both Camano Island State Park and Cama Beach State Park have cabins you can rent that are right on the beach! The cabins at Cama Beach are a bit more luxurious with electricity, heat and sinks, whereas the cabins at Camano Island State Park do not. Restrooms and showers are close by the cabins and are known to be much cleaner than the average camping area facilities! At just $80 per night at the peek of the season, you won’t break the bank for a weekend stay. Tent camping is also available at each park.

 

Online: For more information about visiting Camano Island and Stanwood, visit the Chamber of Commerce website. You can also read more about Camano Island State Park and Cama Beach State Park on their sites.

 

Have you ever visited the Camano Island/Stanwood area? What are your favorite spots to visit, eat or explore while you’re there?

 

— Katie Kavulla