Do your hikes involve a stroller or wheelchair? Do you enjoy sweeping scenic views but are less than enthused about pushing a stroller or wheelchair uphill for miles to achieve said views? Check out the following hikes that boast grand views with minimal exertion—let the gorgeous views (and not the climb) take your breath away! 

San Mateo Parks

Chickadee Nature Trail, Huddart County Park

All ecosystems of the park can be viewed on this ADA-compliant trail and the shroud of redwood trees gives way to sweeping views of the peninsula on a clear day. Stop by Robert’s Market on the way in for sandwiches to enjoy at the park’s picnic tables and also check out nearby historic Woodside Store Park which offers a time warp to life 150 years ago. 

Length: 0.75 miles
Surface: packed dirt
Elevation gain: 75 feet 
Exposure: mostly shaded

Christine Lai

Jean Lauer Trail, Pillar Point Bluff
Get your fill of ocean views and salty seabreeze on this ADA accessible hike on top of the windy bluffs (bring layers!). Park here then stay north on the trail and be on the lookout for wildlife, surfers and more! A wheelchair accessible pit toilet is available at the trailhead. We love stopping by The Press to warm up with breakfast that is served all day.

Length: 1.4 miles
Surface: packed dirt
Elevation gain: 236 feet, 5% grade 
Exposure: full 

Mary Bowerman Trail, Mount Diablo State Park
This short and sweet trail is located near the summit of Mount Diablo and depending on the season, one might spot wildflowers or tarantulas! A crystal clear day yields fabulous views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Lassen Peak and the Sierra Nevadas and the more adventurous can continue down the trail past the paved portion to explore cool geological rock formations. 

Length: 0.7 miles
Surface: paved
Elevation gain: 45 feet
Exposure: Limited shade, mostly exposed

Christine Lai

Sawyer Camp Trail, Crystal Springs Regional Trails 
This highly popular, ADA accessible trail attracts plenty of runners and bikers with its exceptional views of the Phleger Estate along with glittering water views of the reservoir. Several picnic areas and benches can be found along the trail as well as a 600+ year old Jepson Laurel tree, the oldest and largest in California. Check out this map for wheelchair accessible vault restrooms (no sinks) along the trail.  

Length: 11.3 miles, shorter options available 
Surface: paved
Elevation: <5%
Exposure: some shade

Christine Lai

Bald Mountain Trail, Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve 
While the majority of trails at Sierra Azul are known to be rugged and challenging, this segment has limited elevation change and offers unobstructed views of Mount Umunhum (and even Mount Tamalpais on a clear day) with the entire Santa Clara valley at your feet. Park at the trailhead, then make your way to the viewpoint where a bench awaits. Pack a lunch on sunny days and layers for windy ones. 

Length: 1.3 miles
Surface: dirt
Elevation: 111 feet, <5% grade
Exposure: Full

Gina K. via Yelp

Alpine Pond Loop, Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve 
The view on this short loop is of a small pond, nearby Borel Hill and a nature center that is open on summer weekends. A wheelchair accessible viewing platform gives an elevated view for spotting animals and a wheelchair accessible pit toilet can also be found on the edge of the pond.

Length: 0.6 miles
Surface: packed dirt and gravel
Elevation gain: 39 feet, <4% grade 
Exposure: limited shade, mostly exposed

Napa River Trail, John F. Kennedy Memorial Park
Nearby hills, the Napa river and local marshlands will be your viewpoint for this hike which means the area is also teaming with wildlife. Keep an eye and ear out for wrens, herons and the sweet song of the red-winged blackbirds. Wheelchair accessible restrooms can be found in the middle of the park as well as accessible picnic tables and grills. 

Length: 2-4 miles
Surface: paved and dirt
Elevation: 22 feet, <3% grade
Exposure: full 

—Christine Lai

featured photo by iStock

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Audible and Highlights’ have teamed up for a special and exclusive partnership. The leaders in audio entertainment and creators of Highlights Magazine beloved and unstoppable characters come together with a new lineup!

Starting today and releasing over the next several months, families can tune into the Highlights Audible Original podcasts, beginning with Goofus and Gallant, launching today. So what can you expect? Keep scrolling!

Goofus And Gallant

8 episodes releasing weekly beginning Mar. 4

Goofus and Gallant are identical twins but do things differently. The beloved Goofus and Gallant characters from Highlights Magazine, along with their younger sister Gigi, are bound to get into all sorts of hijinks!

Ask Arizona

8 episodes releasing weekly beginning Apr. 1

Arizona is a tweenager who offers advice to kids all over the world through her own advice column. Join Arizona, her friends Mareya and Ollie, her siblings Tex and Indi and more to see what advice she doles out next!

Highlights Mystery Theater

8 episodes releasing weekly beginning May 6

Welcome to Highlights Mystery Theater! Join kid detectives, siblings Mike and Cleo McClue, as they investigate cases packed with mystery and see if you can solve the case before they do. 

Lola Chick and Abuelita Hen

8 episodes releasing weekly beginning Jun. 3

Join chickadee Lola and her Abuelita Hen in Chicken Meadow in this original podcast from Highlights & Audible. The duo goes on plenty of adventures as they head to town, go camping and much more.

Head to Audible to try a free 30-day trial with a monthly cost of $7.95 each month.

––Karly Wood

 

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It’s time to suit up for outdoor fun, whether that means a kiddie pool in the yard, the lake or a day at the beach. Read on to find the cutest bathing suits, including swim diapers and rash guards, from popular kids clothing brands like MORI, Janie and Jack and Tea Collection. And get ready to make a splash!

Pin the best swimwear for babies of the year.

Swim Diapers

Grow-With-Baby Swim Diapers

Sarah-Jane Collection

Pictured in the style Boho Rainbow, this swim bundle from the Sarah-Jane Collection covers all the basics: It comes with a swim diaper, a matching hooded towel and a wet bag for holding wet swimsuits, diapers, snacks or sunblock. Little ones grow so fast (they need to stop doing that!), and these diapers will grow with them. These swim diapers fit from the infant stage through toddlerhood. By the time your baby outgrows these, they'll be potty-trained! 

Ages: newborn-toddler (10-25 lbs.) 

Available at sarah-janecollection.com, $45.95 for the diapers, towel and bag. 

Pair Down to a Swim Diaper

Primary

We love these unisex swim diapers from Primary for their cute style and comfortable, snug fit. They boast UPF 50+ to keep baby's bum safe and are free of more than 300 chemicals commonly found in garments. Keep your baby's skin free from irritants with swimwear that doubles as a diaper (like most swim diapers, they only contain waste, not liquid). 

Ages: 3/6 months-18/24 months

Available at primary.com, $11.50. 

Stylin' in a Diaper Cover

Pottery Barn Kids

Keep it simple with this sunshine-print diaper cover from Pottery Barn Kids that lets your baby keep routine in their favorite diaper underneath. Add a monogram to make this simple nylon accessory more snazzy. 

Ages: 3/6 months-12/24 months

Available at potterybarnkids.com, $15.50. 

Boardshorts and Swim Trunks

Quick-Drying Board Shorts

Cheeky Chickadee

Australian children's wear company Cheeky Chickadee makes clothes with cute, vivid prints. Bonus: They ship free worldwide with orders over $45. We adore these board shorts dotted with hand-drawn cockatoos. They are lightweight so they dry quickly, and they come in larger sizes so siblings (or dad & son!) can go full twinsy at the beach or pool. 

Ages: 6/12 months-10 years

Available at cheekychickadeestore.com, $19.54. 

Stay-Put Swim Trunks

MORI

These swim shorts from MORI sport a snug fit so they stay put when your little paddler makes a splash. Made from recycled nylon and elastane for stretch, they offer UPF 50+ protection. Pair these adorable trunks with a matching rash guard ($34) for extra protection against the sun's rays.

Ages: 3/6 months-3/4 years

Available at minimori.com, $19. 

One-Pieces

Sail Away With a One-Piece

Janie and Jack

Tiny little sailboats and a billowy silhouette with a tiny ruffle detail keeps baby cute and comfy (and also does a great job of hiding a bulky diaper). This one-piece from Janie and Jack also keeps your little bundle's skin safe with a UPF 50+ fabric. We love that older sibs and cousins can find coordinating prints

Ages: 0/3 months-18/24 months

Available at janieandjack.com, $39. 

Twirl in a Skirted One-Piece

SnapperRock

If you're looking for solid protection from the sun, check out this line of swimwear from Snapper Rock that blocks 98% of the sun's harmful rays. We love this playful number that features one of summer's favorite fruits along with a sweet, pink skirt. 

Ages: 3/6 months-4 years

Available at snapperrock.com, $48. 

Tankinis & Bikinis

Go Seam-Free in a Two-Piece

SwimZip

We're a sucker for a seersucker, and this two-piece set from SwimZip couldn't be cuter. With no seams or tags and adjustable straps, it's the perfect suit for a fuss-free afternoon in the water. It comes in pink, peach and navy gingham; each fabric blocks out 98% of the sun's harmful rays. 

Ages: 6/12 months-5T

Available at swimzip.com, $20. 

Bloom with a Tulip-Back Tankini

Ruffle Butts

A two-piece bathing suit makes diaper changes a cinch. This sweet set from Ruffle Butts features a UPF 50+ seersucker fabric with (naturally!) a ruffled bottom and a chic tulip back (meaning it's slightly open at the waist to show off those ruffles). You can also monogram this swimwear for a super-cute customized look. 

Ages: 3/6 months-4T

Available at rufflebutts.com, $27.50

Rash Guards

Stay Sun Safe in a Full-Body Rash Guard

UV Skinz

When you want all-over protection from the elements, a full-body rash guard is in order. UV Skinz offers an extra layer of protection with a fabric that is certified UPF 50+. This guard comes in three adorable prints: Hibiscus Floral Geo, Peony Pink Geo and Pink Flamingo Dot. For head-to-toe protection, you can also order a matching sun hat

Ages: 3/6 months-3T

Available at uvskinz.com, $46.95. 

Make Things Easy with a Two-PIece Floral Set

The Gap

This multi-floral suit from the Gap really adds a pop of color to a sunny day. A rash guard offers extra protection with long sleeves, but this two-piece option comes with the convenience of a separate bottom. 

Ages: newborn-24 months

Available at gap.com, $29.95.

Zip It Up in a One-Piece Baby Rash Guard

Tea Collection

This rash guard from Tea Collection features an adorable ruffle leg line and an 80% nylon/20% spandex blend that provides UPF 40+ protection. A front zipper means you don't need to wrestle baby out of a wet suit when it's time for a change. 

Ages: 3 months-4T

Available at teacollection.com, $42. 

—Meghan Yudes Meyers

featured photo: Tea Collection 

 

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Looking for a fun hands-on activity that keeps giving? Consider making a bird feeder or two. Not only are they easy for kids to make, but it’s a low-cost project that will keep them busy. Even better, adding a bird feeder to your backyard is a great way for kids to connect with nature and develop a new hobby to fill long summer days. Break out the binoculars, future bird watchers, and consider whether a classic pine cone feeder or a recycled version made with paper and plastic is the right fit for you. We’ve got bird feeder plans for them all.

Toilet Paper Tube Bird Feeder

Creative Jewish Mom

These DIY toilet paper tube bird feeders will add a bright, happy touch to any backyard. Rescue a few toilet paper tubes from the recycling bin, add crepe paper for a festive touch, and you'll be ready to make your own in no time. Fly over to Creative Jewish Mom for step-by-step instructions.

Sunflower Bird Feeder

Snugglebug University

Snugglebug University dreamed up this sunflower-inspired bird feeder for a kids' art group—and we think it's a perfect DIY project for long summer days. The centerpiece for this clever design is a paper plate holder. Just add birdseed, nut butter and a few other materials, and you'll be ready to make your own eye-catching bird feeder in no time. Find out how at Snugglebug University.

Pine Cone Feeder

Dana Willard via MADE Everyday

The crafty chickadee over at MADE Everyday took the lead making this delicious craft. All you’ll need is a few pinecones, peanut butter, birdseed, string and about five minutes. Check out the how-to here, and use the leftover peanut butter to make your hungry birds a tasty treat.

Bird Feeder Kit in a Box

Dirt and Dazzle

If you want to make a bird feeder with your kids but don't have the energy to put together another craft project, you can order a ready-made kit with all the supplies you'll need to make two bird feeders. Dirt and Dazzle offers ready-to-ship DIY bird feeder boxes ($15) with wooden ornaments, birdseed, craft sticks and peanut butter. Bonus: these boxes make a great gift for nature-loving kids and future Audubon Society members.

Milk Carton Bird House/Feeder

Art Bar Blog

The art teacher behind Art Bar Blog came up with this easy upcycle idea for transforming an empty milk carton into a vibrant birdhouse. Utilizing the carton’s house-like shape, she added a small hole and then had her students decorate using their favorite paint colors. You’ll find a list of materials and instructions here.

Wood Birdhouse Kit

DJA Woodworks

Keep budding woodworkers busy with this DIY wood birdhouse kit. Available from Etsy shop DJA Woodworks ($20), these sturdy wooden kits come ready to assemble. Your kid can paint the rainbow birdhouse of her dreams, then put it outside for her feathered friends. Add a few sunflower seeds, and hungry birds will move right in.

Recycled Tin Can

Handmade by Kelly

This recycled craft by Handmade by Kelly adds a pop of color to any backyard. The bird won’t be able to resist stopping for a snack at this vibrant feeder. Choose your favorite hues of duct tape and head over to Momtastic to learn how to make your own.

Popsicle Stick Bird Feeder

Tonya Staab

Be sure to save the sticks from your favorite frozen treats this summer, because this popsicle stick bird feeder is super simple to make, and lots of fun to decorate. Head over to Create-Celebrate-Explore for instructions.

 

Soda Bottle Bird Feeder

Artzy Creations

The vibrant colors of this recycled bird feeder really pop against the tree’s green leaves. Made using an empty soda bottle, and assorted hues of tissue paper, you’ll find a full list of materials and the step-by-step instructions over at Artzy Creations.

 

LEGO Bird Feeder

Gary Mueller via Project Feederwatch

Your budding builder will love tackling this fun outdoor craft. When it comes to making your own version of this LEGO feeder, the experts over at Project FeederWatch advise adding drain holes, cleaning regularly and storing in a sheltered location. Visit their site for help identifying and feeding the birds in your neck of the woods.

Cookie Cutter Shape Bird Feeder

Eighteen 25

These peck-worthy ornaments were created by the crafty duo behind Eighteen25. Choose your favorite cookie cutter shapes, and head over to the blog for a list of ingredients and the tutorial.

Buttoned-Up Bird House

Mod Podge Rocks

These decorative birdhouses from Sew Country Chick are cute as a button. A little paint and an assortment of buttons are all you’ll need to add a little flair to any ordinary wooden birdhouse. Fly over to Mod Podge Rocks for the how-to.

Citrus Feeder

Handmade by Kelly

Planning to make a pitcher of fresh-squeezed orange juice or refreshing lemonade? Then be sure to save the rinds for this colorful craft from Handmade by Kelly. These sweet bird feeders are easy to make using the rinds of your favorite citrus. Find the instructions over at Mother Nature Network.

Egg Carton Feeder

The Creative Cubby

This eco-friendly bird feeder is perfect for serving the flock of feathered friends visiting your backyard this season. Head over to The Creative Cubby to learn to make this easy, recycled craft.

—Oz Spies with Lauren Hill

 

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Wondering how you can help the local economy and help keep your favorite businesses in business? Make a purchase now that can be used at a future date by buying a gift card or membership! The following businesses offer online purchase options for gift cards or memberships.

Click through our ever-growing list below to find out where to share some local love.

 

photo: Ben Dutton via Unsplash 

Arts Aloft

Burke Museum

Creative Coding

Creative Dance Center

Chickadee Music Together

Elevated Sportz

Emerald City Pirates

Hands On Children’s Museum

Ivar’s

Joyous Noise Studio

Kidsquest Museum

MOPOP

MOHAI

Music Center of the Northwest

Over the Moon Parties

Pacific Science Center

Roaring Mouse

Seattle Children’s Theatre

SJCC

Sunshine Music Together

Studio East

SNSS

Seattle Aquarium

Sponge

Vertex Arena

Wing Luke

Woodland Park Zoo

Zoom Language

 

PSST! Want us to add your business to this list? Fill out this short form and we’ll add you ASAP!

 

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The great thing about a gender reveal party to share your baby’s sex? You can throw it while you are figuratively bursting at the seams (but “literally” is still a few months away). So get the gang together to share your team pink or team blue news. Read on for fun and creative ways to reveal your baby’s sex and get guests involved in the guesswork.

photo: reneeellisdesigns via Pixabay

Ice, Ice Baby
Using iceor everyone’s favorite cold treat, ice creamis a cool way to share the exciting news:
* An ice sculpture is an unexpected throwback you can give a modern twist to for your reveal. Light the frozen statue with an LED light in pink or blue.
* Fill ice cream cones with marshmallows or candies in pink or blue, depending on baby’s gender. (Ask a friend to set this up if you want to be surprised with the reveal.) Then top half the cones with pink ice cream and the other half with blue. Let guests choose their ice cream cone depending on their boy-or-girl prediction. When they bite down to the cone, they’ll find out if they were right.

photo: highlander411 via flickr

Light Up Your Life
For a dramatic display, plan an evening event with lights so the soft glow of blue or pink will pop against a dark sky:
* Use flashing, colored LED ice cubes in pink or blue to turn a toast to the expectant couple into a flashy show of the baby’s gender.
* Decorate a tree with twinkling lights and host a tree-lighting ceremony in the backyard.
* Let your news sparkle with pyrotechnics! If you also want to be surprised by reveal, enlist the help of a friend to buy the right color fireworks and set them off.
* Some ferris wheels, like SkyWheel in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and The Capital Wheel in National Harbor, Maryland, offer packages that set the stage for an evening celebration. The ferris wheel lights up in pink or blue (or both, for fraternal twins) for a reveal that can be celebrated for miles around.

A Surprise Inside
You have a few more months until you can reveal the ultimate surprise, your new bundle of joy. But until then, you can pop, slice, and whack your way to the tell-all colors of pink and blue:
* Consider a piñata, especially if you’re having kids at your celebration. You’ll find great options on Etsy, like this one from the Pom Joy Fun! shop. It’s an exciting way to let the cat—or in this case, candy—out of the bag.
* Take a classic approach: Serve a cake filled with blue or pink icing for a simple but delicious reveal.
* It all started with an egg, so let the sex of your little chickadee be discovered with surprise egg favors, like these eggs from Etsy shop My Mercado.

photo: JSBannerDesigns via etsy

Team Sports
Let’s face it, everyone is rooting for a gender. Whichever way you choose to reveal the surprise, put a creative spin on the team theme with these dress-up ideas that get guests involved:
* Putter or Pearls: Have those on Team Boy dress in their golf best. Think it’s a girl? Clutch those pearls! You can buy the beautiful banner shown above at the Etsy shop JS Banner Designs.
* Stache or Lash: Provide guests with oversized mustache and eyelash photo props and let them pick a team prior to the reveal.
* Bowties or Bows: Let guests choose from an assortment of bows. Fasten it to your hair if you’re Team Girl. Wear it around your neck to show you’re Team Boy.

Still seeking inspiration? Here are two more ideas for sharing the big news in a big way:

baseballreveal
photo: Brittany Wong

Home Run Reveal
Every sports fanatic will get behind this gender reveal. This expecting mom and dad filled a white ball with colored chalk and painted it to look like baseball. In a collaborative effort, mom pitched the ball while dad swung a home run of electric blue into the air. The crowd went wild. For more smashing photos, head over to Simply Kissed.

gender-scratch-cards
photo: Later Gator Crafts

Lucky Guess Scratch Cards
Send these professionally printed scratch cards along with your invitation to your baby shower so guests know what gifts to buy. (They’ll have fun making a guess and scratching to see if they’re correct.) Or make it a game during your baby shower for interactive fun. To learn how to make your own scratch cards, visit Later Gator Crafts.

Meghan Meyers & Christal Yuen

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