Show your kids the meaning of “magic hour” by taking them to one of the best sunset spots in all of Portland
With summer in full swing, a sunset viewing party is something you need to get on the calendar—pronto. It’s quite possibly our all-time favorite free summer family activity. And although we know many of your favorite city picnic spots and hiking trails easily double as sunset-viewing destinations, we think you’ll be surprised by a few of the best places to see the sunset in and around Portland. Head to the waterfront or up to the mountains to see some of the best sunsets Oregon has to offer. Really want to make the most of the evening out with your little ones? Pack some popcorn and all your stargazing supplies to see what you can glimpse in a galaxy far, far away once the sun has said “good night” and a blanket of sparkling stars fill the night sky.
The Eastside’s favorite dormant volcano, Mt. Tabor, offers plenty of hillside space for picnics, fun, and exploration. But when it comes to dusk, it's definitely one of the best places to watch the sunset. Hike the trails, play at the playground, or stroll to the top, then settle in to watch the sun put on a show over the city skyline and the west hills. Just remember that although the park is open until midnight, it's closed to motor traffic after 10 p.m. and all day on Wednesdays.
Insider Tip: The top’s views can be somewhat limited, so spread a blanket out on the west slope over the reservoir. You’ll get to sit and relax and still enjoy the view.
This simple park on a hill offers tree-shaded areas, grassy open spaces and views of the beautiful Willamette River. You might have to come early to get a spot at this locals' favorite, but the views on the hillside are worth the effort. The bluffs tower above a steep drop down to Swan Island, and the views just can't be beat. This classic picnic site runs for miles above the Willamette River. This may be the best spot North Portland has to offer for killer sunset views.
Cross the veil at twilight and find an otherworldly vista at Stonehenge, Washington. Rather than an ancient Druidic worship site, this replica was built in 1918 as a WWI memorial, but you can still look for a few witches and goblins between the massive stones. Three miles west of the Maryhill Museum of Art, just off Highway 14, the perfect replica is perched on the edge of the Gorge, offering stunning views both ways. It’s the more affordable (and maybe more beautiful) way of visiting Stonehenge.
Built in 1914, the mansion on the hill is a popular destination in Portland. You can take tours inside as late as 5 p.m., but arguably the best attraction is the view of the city. The best views actually face east, but if you weren’t up for the sunrise, you’ll still catch a beautiful scene of the alpenglow on Mt. Hood as the sun sets behind you, casting purple and pink light on the snowy slopes. Also, the extensive grounds of the mansion are a great place for a picnic.
Insider Tip: If a pre-sunset mansion visit is on your list, you can score tickets online to make the trip easier. It's free for kids under 6.
Catch the last of the rays between the cathedral-like buttresses of the St. John’s Bridge. Whether you picnic down by the edge of the Willamette or higher in the park, you’ll see the sun dip slowly behind the trees of Forest Park on the west side of the river. It’s debatable whether it’s better under the bridge or above, so come back and test them both out.
Nestled in the southwest hills, the top of Council Crest offers stunning 360-degree views of the city. You’ll catch the sun setting in the west, and if you turn around you can enjoy the light reflecting off the mountains in the east. It’s a 3.3 mile hike up the top (you can also drive, if that's easier), where you’ll find picnic tables and a vista viewing point with all the best views.
Stay close to home by simply heading to the river for the nightly views. Sit behind the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) on the pier, take an evening stroll or ride bikes up the esplanade and enjoy the glow. The 1.5 mile path includes sections on the water, benches and plenty of place to sit and gaze. Head to the canoe launch and dip your toes on a hot night, or stay up on the main section and watch the sun set behind the Hawthorne Bridge.
The rocky volcanoes of Powell Butte are home to wide meandering trails through a surprising variety of landscapes—wildflower meadows, old-growth forest and cottonwood groves. Many trails are paved, making them an easy stroll, and at the top, markers point to surrounding mountains like Mt. Hood, Mt. Adams, Mt. Jefferson and more. At 600-feet high, it’s a spectacular spot to watch the sun dip. And dusk is the best time to look for the park’s normal residents like bats, raccoons, gray foxes and deer.
For a spectacular view of the entire gorge, challenge yourself to the Angel’s Rest hike. This is best for older kids who can handle the five-mile round trip hike up a steep slope or kids young enough to be carried. The natural amphitheater offers an incredible perspective once you reach the top. There’s a field of boulders on the west side before you reach the ‘summit,’ which is likely a better place to watch the sun go down. Give yourself plenty of time to reach the top before sunset and bring flashlights and headlamps for the hike down.
Insider Tip: There are no guardrails, so be mindful of safety and keep your little ones close!
Are you looking for the best kid-friendly patio dining Atlanta has to offer? We’ve got you covered whether you’re looking for fire pits, open green space, or a river view. Keep reading for the best patio seats for outdoor family dining in and around Atlanta’s family-friendly dining spots.
This eclectic American restaurant and bar serve shareable snacks, delectable pizzas, sandwiches, salads, and modern takes on the classics you know and love. The outdoor patio feels protected from the traffic on Howell Mill. For cooler nights, plan to hang out around their gas fire pits after dinner while the kids play in the courtyard. Stocked with 24 taps and a roster of craft beers and cocktails, you’ll also have plenty of after-dinner options.
This Vinings institution sits on the banks of the Chattahoochee; not only does it have patio dining and an outside bar, but it also has a lawn, a river, and usually a duck or two. Canoe’s patio can’t be beaten for special occasions that might take longer than your usual shovel-and-shove restaurant dining experience with toddlers, especially in tow.
4199 Paces Ferry Rd. S.E.
Atlanta Online:canoeatl.com
This Garden Hills institution welcomed 20-somethings and their dogs to their laid-back patio decades ago, and they’re equally as welcoming to the same now 40-somethings and their kids (and fur babies, too). Casual and with a neighborhood feel, the patio has lots of plants that somehow make it enjoyable well into the summer heat. Brunch is delicious here, but expect a wait unless you get up early.
This neighborhood bar in Bolton is a gem with a cute patio and courtyard that opened without much fanfare during the pandemic. However, good grows, and it’s developed a buzzy following of people who ordered online at first but have now become devotees to their patio dining. The food is elevated bar food, so it’s a solid bet for kids who like kid food but don’t mind taking a few risks. Plus, they can run around, so everyone is happy.
If you’re feeling like tacos, this neighborhood drop-in place for lunch, a casual supper or anything in between is hard to beat. The kids’ menu makes your life easy, with not spicy guac, $2 tacos, and plenty of sides that aren’t fries (corn wheels, broccoli, fruit, and cucumbers are our favorites). The adult menu is fresh and delicious and also has a robust adult beverage menu. With three locations in Chastain Park, Inman Park, and West Midtown, you’re never too far from a Bar Taco, which is a good thing.
Hop over a picnic table bench, and enjoy the twinkling patio lights while you wait for your hand-tossed pizza. Topped with fresh ingredients, the in-house made dough is fantastic. This spot is super kid-friendly and usually full of little ones. After your family meal, you can take a quick 3-minute walk to Centennial Olympic Park for some splash pad fun.
300 Marietta St., N.W.
Atlanta Online: maxsatl.com
You and your crew should head straight to the rooftop patio of this bustling seafood house. Named for its somewhat creepy location across from a cemetery, this restaurant offers tons of kid-friendly dishes on and off the kid’s menu. Expect to wait for a table upstairs, but the view is well worth it.
It happens every year. The big kids get backpacks, lunch boxes, school supplies and head off on the big yellow bus (or carpool) to their first day of school, while the little brothers and sisters still in preschool are left behind for another couple of weeks before it’s their turn. What to do in the meantime, you might wonder? Check out these awesome preschool camps available during the in-between time of big kid and preschool first days of school, below.
The Peach Pit
For your tumblers, gymnasts, and future cheerleaders, the Peach Pit—now with two locations—offers half-day camps for the first two weeks of August, and Mother's Morning Out (drop off) picks back up from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on August 2. If you're looking for something to do with your preschooler, you can head to the Peach Pit from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. beginning August 2 for Toddler Time, when you stay and play with your child.
The Peach Pit Prado
5600 Roswell Road, Suite K140
Atlanta, Georgia 30342
404.242.6211
The Peach Pit Collier Rd
1019B Collier Road & 1017F Collier Rd
Atlanta, Georgia 30318
404.697.3697
Online:peachpitgym.com
Dunwoody Nature Center
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Nothing captures the attention of the youngest campers (ages 3 & 4) more than finding a really cool bug or watching a beautiful butterfly flutter through a pollinator garden. Campers will explore and discover the world of bugs and butterflies as they play games, take hikes, and make cool crafts. Or, on the Nocturnal Nature week, young campers learn through games and hands-on activities how it feels to be a creature of the night.
5343 Roberts Dr.
Dunwoody, GA 30338
770-394-3322
Online: dunwoodynature.org
Camp Kingfisher
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Camp Kingfisher at the Chattahoochee Nature Center is an outdoorsy and nature-based camp that offers hiking, canoeing, swimming, and the beauty of nature and wildlife through hands-on experiences. Activities and themes vary by week, and they've just added an additional week of camp from August 2-6, with campers as young a 4 years old welcome to join in the fun.
9135 Willeo Rd.
Roswell, GA 30075
770-992-2055
Online:
5 Star Sports Camp
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At The Gym at Peachtree Presbyterian, a 5 Star Sports Camp for kids as young as 4 focuses on sports and games. Campers will participate in drills, games and more to prepare them to excel in early sports. They'll play classic and new camp games, which require teamwork and foster creative learning.
The Gym at Peachtree
3434 Roswell Rd.
Atlanta, GA 30305
404-842-5852
Online:peachtreegym.com
Starved Rock State Park is a popular spot for campers and anglers, and it’s no surprise why. The Illinois River has some of the best fishing opportunities and the park’s beautiful setting and proximity to Chicago make it an attractive destination for daytrippers—or a quick weekend away. In recent years, however, Starved Rock’s visitor numbers have surged. When the park reaches capacity, traffic can back up for miles, leaving adventure-seekers stuck in their cars instead of casting a line or taking in the scenery. Read on for equally dazzling places to enjoy nature without getting stuck in gridlock traffic.
Located just 90 minutes from Chicago, Lowden State Park has 80 campsites with access to electricity and a shower building. There are another 46 primitive campsites, for a more rustic experience, in a separate campground. This park sits right on the Rock River, which has an average depth of about 3 feet at the height of summer. Rent a canoe or kayak from local outfitter White Pelican if you don't own your own boat, but there are docks located along the riverbank where the public can cast a line. Check out the dock by Margaret Fuller Island for a great view.
The Hennepin Canal is an ideal spot for families willing to trade amenities for solitude. The Hennepin Canal includes nine campgrounds, 150 miles of trails and some of the most abundant stocks of fish you’ll find in Illinois. All campsites are first-come-first-served, have no showers or running water, but toilets are available at each campground. Fishing on the canal is allowed 24 hours a day and trawlers should have no trouble pulling out bass, catfish, walleye, crappie and bluegill. Visitors who prefer to cast a line from their boat will find 29 miles of portage-free canoeing along the feeder canal from Rock Falls.
Spring Lake Park outside Macomb has an impeccably maintained campground, with great amenities, and 6 miles of shoreline to cast from. Spring Lake is stocked with blue catfish, muskellunge, bass, bluegill and crappie. Campers have 102 campsites to choose from, with space for either tents, RVs, or cabins. An on-site bait shop rents pontoon boats, canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, paddleboats, and fishing poles. Within the park itself, there are over 12 miles of biking and hiking trails, so you’ll have plenty to do if the fish just aren’t biting.
Located about 60 miles north of Chicago, Chain o' Lakes State Park is great for families looking for a variety of activities. Camping is abundant, with 151 sites and three cabins. A concession stand rents boats and sells bait. Anglers will find bluegill, bass, walleye, crappie, muskie, northern pike, bullhead, and catfish. This park lives up to its name, with three lakes and the Fox River within the park itself. That means the shorelines get marshy and most fishing is done from either on a boat or designated fishing piers. Other activities at Chain o’ Lakes include hose rentals, hunting, and over 10 miles of hiking trails. There is even an accessible picnic area with a quarter-mile hiking trail, that will accommodate anyone with mobility concerns.
Nauvoo State Park is a stunning and peaceful place. This park is small, just 148 acres on the banks of the Mississippi River. It includes a 13-acre lake with one mile of shoreline, stocked with bass, catfish and bluegill. There are no boat docks or rentals, so be prepared to cast from the shoreline or use the primitive boat launch. Campers will find 105 camping spaces, a few short hiking paths and a playground area. Visit the in-park museum to learn about the town’s history as a stop for French explorers and as a settlement for early Mormons.
— Lindsay Welbers
Lindsay Welbers is the author of “Chicago Transit Hikes: A guide to getting out in nature without a car.” She lives on the Northwest side of Chicago and writes the ultralight camping blog “Third Coast Hikes” which encourages Chicagoans to explore their backyards, especially the corners they may not have considered before.
The one you’re going to want to buy, immediately. LEGO just announced the new F.R.I.E.N.D.S Apartments Set and with 2,048 pieces, you’ll have endless opportunities to recreate your favorite scenes from the classic show.
The sprawling set features both New York apartments, plus the adjoining hallway. It features plenty of iconic features from many of the show’s hilarious moments—from Monica’s Thanksgiving Turkey hat to Joey and Chandler’s canoe-as-furniture. You’ll also find the Poking Device, Pat the Dog and Phoebe’s creepy art piece, among many others.
Of course, your set wouldn’t be complete without the minifigures and LEGO has created them for the whole crew. Rachel is rocking her iconic plaid skirt, Ross has his too-tight leather pants, Monica has her classic apron, Phoebe is in her familiar florals, Chandler looks suave in his suit and designer tie. Last but not least, Joey is wearing all of Chandler’s clothes.
This is the second F.R.I.E.N.D.S-themed set, following the super popular Central Perk set in 2019. It’s available exclusively for LEGO VIP members on May 19 and online and in LEGO Stores on June 1, retailing for $149.99. Get ready to add this stellar set to your collection!
We always hear interesting responses when we talk about why news is a fascinating way for kids to discover the world. Reactions range between “Isn’t the world scary enough already?” to “Do kids even care?” to our favorite, which is, “That’s so true. What can we do about it?”
News isn’t always “scary” or “bad.” News is also about fantastic events, accomplishments, and the evolution of our world. And we are so excited for 2020 to kick into gear because we believe this will be the most interesting year to connect kids with the news. Here are five good reasons:
The Olympics: How many Summer Olympics do you get to watch with your kids, while they are still kids? Only about four, which makes them a pretty special event. Nothing matches the excitement of watching hairline finishes, near-perfect performances, and national pride in the biggest sporting event in the world. With more than 200 countries competing, the Summer Olympics starts in July and is sure to thrill sports fans the world over!
The 2020 highlight: Five new sports including skateboarding, sports climbing, surfing, baseball, and karate added to the mix this year. Other sports, for the first time, will have women’s events and mixed events as well! These include rowing, shooting, canoeing, and boxing. This year, it will be interesting to discuss why there are new rules about how athletes can protest—hot tip: taking a knee or raising your fist are now allowed!
Climate Change: It seems like not a week goes by without the topic of climate change coming up in the news. If anything demonstrated the power of youth activism this past year, it was the Climate March and the influence of Greta Thunberg. Last year, we heard from youth across the nation who participated in the march, and this year we’ll be talking about this event for the third year in a row, which has inspired kids everywhere to sit up, listen, and ask questions.
What’s happening in 2020? From the United Nations to Davos, activists continue to push for real action. If 2019 was the year companies announced steps like eliminating straws in coffeehouses or tiny bottles of shampoos in hotels, will 2020 be the year that governments step it up around the globe? 2020 began by witnessing the impact of the fires had in Australia, but will this be the year countries decide to tackle climate change with broader, stricter policies?
Elections: Interestingly, we started Xyza because we were inspired by the 2016 elections and all of the conversations we heard among students, teachers, and parents. In 2020, presidential elections will take place in the United States as well as in other countries around the world. Elections are a great time to talk about candidates, leadership, voting, and how people decide on candidates.
2020 highlights: The United States Presidential elections will continue to be a hot topic as we enter the year talking about impeachment, two powerful women candidates, Elizabeth Warren and Amy Klobucher and the first openly gay presidential candidate, Pete Buttigieg. We expect quite a few family dinner table conversations to turn towards politics and elections this year!
Space, Space, Space: Talk about out-of-this-world experiences! The world has a stupendous year of space exploration planned and we cannot wait. For every kid interested in space, science, astronauts, rockets, and everything in between, 2019 was an interesting year of the first all-female spacewalk, moon landing attempts, and the adventures of the Mars Rover Opportunity. But 2020 is expected to be bigger and better.
2020 highlights: ExoMars, or the alignment of Mars and Earth, makes it a spectacular year for Mars exploration, for one. In fact, more than four missions to Mars is expected to happen in 2020 alone! Could this be the year NASA launches astronauts in space with companies like SpaceX and Boeing? We hope so. Additionally, thousands of satellites will be launched in 2020 by different organizations, which brings up an interesting question for the family dinner table: How crowded can space get? (In fact, it’s already getting rather crowded!
Women in Hollywood: Did you know that the most anticipated blockbusters of 2020 are based on female leads, and…wait for it…they’re also directed by women? As a parent, you’ve probably had (or will have) at least one conversation explaining “boy” and “girl” stereotypes to your kids, or about why women are still fighting for rights to equal opportunities and pay.
2020 highlights: 2020 will likely be a year of women’s achievements in Hollywood (what kid doesn’t love a good movie?). Movies like Wonder Woman 1984, Black Widow, The Eternals, Mulan and Birds of Prey will be out this year, all directed by women!
We will be tracking the news for kids, inviting our Junior Reporters to share their thoughts, and connecting kids with the world through news in 2020. What other events in 2020 do you think we should cover?
We're two perfectly imperfect moms who have five very different kids between the two of us. We believe that topics in news are a fantastic way to spark conversations in families. That's why we started the Dinner Table Conversation series here at Xyza: News for Kids. Won't you join us in the conversation?
Girl Scout Cookie season has officially arrived and along with it comes a brand new cookie to tempt your tastebuds.
Girl Scouts USA has just announced the new Lemon-Ups cookie, the newest addition in form of a crispy lemon cookie baked with inspiring messages. “I am a go-getter” and “I am an innovator” are among the eight different phrases the cookies feature. The Lemon-Ups are replacing Savannah Smiles, a different lemon cookie which was retired last year.
The Lemon-Ups are not to be confused with Lemonades, which are a shortbread cookie with lemon-flavored icing. Each variety is available in select regions across the country along with the rest of the cookie line up, which still includes fan favorites, like Thin Mints and Samoas.
In addition to the newest cookie, GSUSA also revealed a brand new look to the cookie packaging for 2020. The updated boxes feature new images of real Girl Scouts taking part in activities like camping, canoeing and space science exploration.
“Everyone loves Girl Scout Cookies—but the program is about so much more than cookies,” said GSUSA CEO Sylvia Acevedo. “Girls learn about entrepreneurship as they run their own cookie businesses. The important business and financial literacy skills girls learn through the program are proven to build their leadership skills and position them for success in the future. When you purchase cookies you are helping girls power their Girl Scout experience and you’re supporting female entrepreneurs.”
With cookie season kicking off for 2020, be on the look out for a Girl Scout near you or use the official Girl Scout Cookie Finder app to get your fix.
Get ready to “Let It Go” again. Disney’s Frozen 2 is set to debut nationwide Nov. 22—but the merch is coming this October. So what can your kiddo expect when it comes to Elsa, Anna and Olaf-themed holiday presents? Check out the brand-new Frozen picks that your kids are sure to clamor for!
LEGO Sets
Your kiddo can build their fave Frozen characters with these cool sets!
Olaf ($14.99)
Enchanted Treehouse ($49.99)
Elsa's Wagon Adventure ($29.99)
Anna's Ice Canoe Expedition ($19.99)
Elsa's Jewelry Box Creation ($39.99)
Arendelle Castle Village ($79.99)
Anna and Elsa Adventure Dress
In sizes 4-6x, this dress ($29.99) is perfect for your child's next pretend play session.
Play Sets
These pint-sized play sets are sure to bring hours of Frozen fun.
Ultimate Arendelle Castle ($199.99)
Sledding Adventures ($79.99)
Pop Adventures Arendelle Castle ($29.99)
Anna and Kristoff Fashion Dolls
Dress up dolls, have hours of pretend play adventures or just hang with Frozen friends.
Spring sun and warmer temperatures are probably enough to get you and the family out and about these days. But if you need an extra push to lace up your sneakers, smear on some sunscreen, and head outdoors, let us remind you that National Park Week is upon us. Running from April 15 – 23 and bookended by two free entrance weekends,National Park Week celebrates our national heritage and encourages discovering and enjoying the great outdoors. To get you started, we rounded up 10 nearby National Parks you may not of even known existed .
Anacostia Park Delight the kids with playgrounds. Feed the family with picnics or grill out. Come together for roller skating, boating, fishing and any sport you want to play.
LBJ Memorial Grove on Potomac Spend a day relaxing, hiking, kayaking, canoeing, and picnicking where President Johnson used to go when he needed to escape.
Harpers Ferry A bit of a daytrip, Harpers Ferry is totally worth the drive with museums and exhibits, overlooks and hiking, tours, shops, and a living history workshop.
You don’t need a pricey plane ticket or an extravagant vacation to make a lifetime of memories with your kids. Get ready for the bucket list to end all bucket lists, featuring 10 awesome outdoor adventures to do with your kids before they turn 10.
Bonus: many of these activities are free or cheap! Read on, print this list out and go play.