ML Interest Tag: chimney

41 Jolly Holiday and Christmas Jokes for Kids and Adults

by Kate Loweth

These hilarious Christmas jokes will keep the whole family laughing for hours

The weather outside may be frightful but there’s nothing like some rolling laughter and hilarious Christmas jokes to warm you right up (except, maybe cocoa). If you’re looking for the funniest Christmas jokes for kids, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve got Santa jokes, elf jokes, snowman jokes, and when you’re done, be sure to get them giggling with our ultimate list of jokes for kids, funny dad jokes, and birthday jokes.

Holiday and Christmas Jokes

1. What should you give your parents at Christmas?

A list of what you want.

2. What did the gingerbread man put under his blankets?

A cookie sheet.

3. Who delivers Christmas presents to elephants?

Elephanta Claus.

4. How does Rudolph know when Christmas is coming?

He refers to his calen-deer.

5. What happens if you eat Christmas decorations?

You get tinselitus

6. Why was the little boy so cold on Christmas morning?

Because it was Decembrrrrr!

7. What do you get when you cross an iPhone with a Christmas tree?

A pine-apple!

8. What comes at the end of Christmas Day?

The letter “Y!”

9. Why do mummies like Christmas so much?

Because of all the wrapping!

10. Why wouldn’t the Christmas tree stand up?

It had no legs.

11. Why didn’t Rudolph get a good report card?

Because he went down in history.

12. Knock knock
Who's there?
Donut.
Donut, who?
Donut open the presents until Christmas! 

13. What is every parent’s favorite Christmas carol?

Silent Night.

14. What's the difference between the Christmas alphabet and the regular alphabet?

The Christmas alphabet has Noel.

15. How do chickens dance at a holiday party?

Chick to chick.

16. What's a Christmas tree's favorite candy?

Orna-mints.

17. Which reindeer always gets sent to the principal's office? 

Rude-olf.

18. Where do reindeer go for coffee? 

Star-bucks.

19. Why did the little boy bring his Christmas tree to the hair salon?

It needs a little trim.

20. Why didn't the tree get a present?

He was knotty.

21. What do grouchy sheep say during the holidays?

Baaaaaa humbug!

22. What is a cow’s favorite holiday?

Moo-years Day.

23. How do sheep wish each other happy holidays?

Merry Christmas to ewe.

Related: 23 Festive Holiday Games You Need to Play with the Kids

Elf Jokes

little boy laughing at Christmas jokes, elf jokes, and santa jokes
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24. What happened to the thief who stole a Christmas calendar?

He got 12 months.

25. What does an elf study in school?

The elfabet.

26. What do you call a greedy elf?

Elfish!

27. What is an elf’s favorite sport?

North-pole vaulting.

28. What kind of music do elves like?

"Wrap" music.

29. What does an elf work on after school?

His gnomework.

30. What kind of car do elves drive in the off-season?

A minivan.

 

Related: 12 Cool Amazon Alexa Christmas Games & Skills for Kids

Santa Jokes

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31. What do you call Santa when he stops moving?

Santa Pause

32. What does Mrs. Claus say to Santa when there are clouds in the sky?

It looks like rain, deer.

33. What does Santa suffer from whenever he gets stuck in a chimney?

Santa Claustrophobia

34. What's another name for Santa's Little Helpers?

Subordinate clauses.

35. What do you get when Santa plays detective?

Santa clues!

36. How much did Santa's sleigh cost?

Nothing! It was on the house.

37. What does Santa use to keep his house sparkling clean?

Comet.

38. What's Santa's favorite candy? 

Jolly Ranchers

 

Related: 11 Christmas Minute to Win It Games the Kids Will Love

Snow and Snowman Jokes

family making a snowman and laughing at Christmas jokes and snowman jokes
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39. Where does a snowperson keep their money?

In a snow bank.

40. What do snowmen eat for breakfast?

Snowflakes. (or Frosted Flakes!)

41. What do snowmen take when the sun gets too hot?

A chill pill.

42. What did one snowman say to another snowman?

You’re cool.

43. What kind of ball doesn’t bounce?

A snowball.

44. What do you get if you mix a vampire with a snowperson?

Frostbite!

45. What do you call a snowman with a six-pack?

The abdominal snowman.

46. What falls but never gets hurt?

Snow.

47. What snack should you make for the Snowperson Holiday Party?

Ice Krispy Treats

—Emmerson H., 13

48. What do you call a snowperson in July?

A puddle.

49. What did one snowman say to the other?

Do you smell carrots?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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17 Magical Places to Meet Up with Santa (& Mrs. Claus, Too!)

by Debra Flanagan

The big man in red is back in town, and considering he’s checking his list not once but twice, it might be worth you checking, ahem, this list a few times to orchestrate a very special meeting between your kiddo and Kris Kringle. That’s right: the season of wonder calls for a visit with Mr. Claus—if only to ensure that you’re off the naughty list for 2022 (if you need some help with that, consider this list of feel-good volunteer opportunities!). Whether you want a few Instagram-worthy photos or a quick check-in with the North Pole’s toy manufacturer-in-chief, here’s where to find Santa Claus this holiday season in Chicago. 

Related: Timber Time! Christmas Tree Farms to Spruce Up Your Holiday

1. Santa at the Gazebo in Aurora

Santa will be visiting Millennium Plaza in Aurora on the first two Saturdays in December. Stop by Santa at the Gazebo from 1-3pm and receive a free photo download.

Dates: Dec. 3 & Dec. 10

21 S. Stolp Ave.
Aurora
Online: auroradowntown.org

2. Santa at the 900 North Michigan Shops

Santa loves hanging out in his cozy cottage on Level 3 of the 900 North Michigan Shops, and welcomes kids to share their wish lists every day throughout the holiday season. 2022 visits with Santa will be by reservation only, 11-6pm daily, and cost $50.

Dates: Nov. 19-Dec. 24

900 N. Michigan Ave., Level 3
Mag Mile
Online: shop900.com

3. Santa Claus at Bass Pro Shops

Bass Pro Shops is once again offering the Santa’s Wonderland Christmas-themed events including a free 4x6 studio-quality photo with Santa and a free digital video greeting card to share on social media plus free giveaways. Advance reservations are required for all stores. 

Dates: Nov. 5-Dec. 24

Various locations around Chicagoland
Online: basspro.com

4. Santa at Fashion Outlets of Chicago

Santa’s winter wonderland is landing at the Fashion Outlets of Chicago, near the food court, so you can meet the man in red and holiday shop ‘til you drop. Visits with Santa are always free at the Fashion Outlets of Chicago (with photo packages available for purchase.) Reservations are recommended to help reduce wait time. Pre-book now and received a free personalized call from Santa powered by the Portable North Pole. All guests who pre-book and purchase a photo package get a free, personalized video from the North Pole after the visit. Pet nights are Nov. 21, 28, and Dec. 5 from 4-7pm.

Bonus: Join Santa at the Fashion Outlets of Chicago, Sun., Dec. 4, 10-11:15am for a sensory-friendly visit with Santa for all ages and abilities, without sensory triggers like lights, music or crowds.

Dates: Nov. 18-Dec. 24

5220 Fashion Outlets Way
Rosemont
Online: fashionoutletsofchicago.com

5. Photos with Santa at Gallagher Way

As part of Gallagher's Winterland festivities, kids can take photos with Santa in his workshop for free. The experience is even open to pets on Sundays.

Dates: Nov. 25-Dec. 18

3635 N. Clark St.
Lakeview
Online: gallagherway.com

6. Lunch with Santa Cruise on Lake Michigan

Delight the whole family with a special lunch with St. Nick himself. Everyone will love holiday music, kid-friendly treats and endless onboard entertainment that brings the magical season to life.

600 East Grand Ave.
Navy Pier
Online: cityexperiences.com

7. Meet Santa at Lincoln Park Zoo’s Zoolights

ZooLights returns Sat., Nov. 19, transforming Lincoln Park Zoo into a twinkling winter wonderland. This treasured Chicago holiday tradition illuminates the zoo with dazzling lights and dynamic displays. General admission for Zoolights is $5. Tickets to free admission Mondays will be released the Tuesday prior at 11am each week.

Dates: Select dates, Nov. 19-Jan. 1

2001 N. Clark St.
Lincoln Park
Online: lpzoo.org

Related: The Ultimate List of Free Things to Do in Chicago with Kids This Month

8. Santa at Macy's State Street

Santa is a busy, busy man this time of year, so make a reservation to meet and snap a pic with him at the iconic Macy's State Street. If you can't join in person, set off on an interactive online journey through the North Pole with Santaland At Home, beginning Nov. 25.

Dates: Nov. 5-Dec. 24

111 N. State St.
Loop
Online: macys.com

9. Light Up the Lake at Navy Pier

Kids can jump on the Enchanted Choo-Choo to explore Santa’s Merry Main Street, where they can share their holiday wishes with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus and meet Santa’s friends, neighbors, street performers, and toymakers. Photo opportunities abound. Huts throughout make up a European-style market of seasonal wares, novelties treats, and unique holiday gifts. Visit Jolly Olde Post Office, where they can post a letter to Santa.

Dates: Nov. 25-Jan. 7

600 E. Grand Ave.
Navy Pier
Online: navypier.org

10. Santa at North Riverside Mall

The magic of the holiday season comes alive with a visit to Santa’s workshop. Santa will be located in Center Court. A visit with Santa is always free and photo packages are available for purchase.

Dates: Now through Dec. 24

7501 W. Cermak Rd.
North Riverside
Online: northriversideparkmall.com

11. Santa Visits at Oakbrook Center

Ho! Ho! Ho! Santa loves shopping at Oakbrook Center when he’s not busy at work in the North Pole. Take a moment to share your wishlist with him. Pet nights on Nov. 21, 28, and Dec. 5 from 4-7pm. Santa Cares sensory-friendly visits on Dec. 4 from 9-10am (reservations required.) Book online to receive a free phone call from Santa too.

Dates: Nov. 17-Dec. 24

100 Oakbrook Center
Oak Brook
Online: oakbrookcenter.com

12. Magical Christmas at Santa’s Village

Begin your holiday season with a drive-thru light show experience at Santa’s Village. Drive through the park and enjoy over 2 million lights synchronized to music plus dazzling displays and meet Santa’s real reindeer. At the end of the route, you’ll have the opportunity to park, take photos with Santa Claus, and dig into delicious funnel cakes and hot chocolate.

Dates: Select dates, Nov. 25-Dec. 30

601 Dundee Ave.
West Dundee
Online: santasvillagedundee.com

13. Breakfast with Santa at Soldier Field

Families will feast on a lavish breakfast, visit with Santa to share some of their holiday wishes and participate in other fun activities. Adults ($56), Ages 4-12 ($28), Ages 3 & under (Free.) Bring a new unwrapped toy donation for the Walter & Connie Payton Foundation. To make a reservation, please call (312) 235-7063 or email SoldierFieldBistro@aramark.com

Dates: Dec. 3 at 10 a.m.

1410 S. Museum Campus Dr.
Museum Campus
Online: soldierfield.com

14. Santa's Pajama Jam at Southlake Mall

Southlake Mall is hosting a kids Pajama Party in the Center Court with special guests including Santa, Mrs. Claus, Buddy the Elf, and Rudolph. Kids are welcome to come in their pjs for a dance party, storytime, goodies, and more.

Dates: Dec. 17 at 2-4 p.m.

2109 Southlake Mall
Merrillville
Online: visitsouthlakemall.com

Related: Small and Local Toy Stores to Support This Holiday Season

15. Swissotel's Santa Suite

Chicago's Swissotel's 9th Annual Santa Suite and Santa Claus is ready to show off his swanky Chicago pad! Each year the Swissôtel Chicago Presidential Suite is transformed into Santa’s home-away-from-the-Pole for the holiday season. The suite offers sweeping views of the city, where Santa can closely monitor the weather patterns before his busy Christmas Eve and provides a cozy retreat for finalizing his naughty and nice list. Book a very exclusive private visit, or have breakfast with the jolly fellow on Dec. 10 or Dec. 11.

Dates: Select dates, Dec. 3-18

323 E Wacker Dr.
Loop
Online: swissotelchicagosantasuite.com

16. Sleigh It with Santa at Water Tower Place

Cap off a day of holiday shopping with a visit with Santa at Chicago's Mag Mile shopping hub. Visits are always free, but you can save 30% on your photos by pre-ordering a package online, where you’ll also receive a coupon for $30 to spend towards Tiny Prints! Pet photos are available on November 28 and December 5 from 4-7pm.

Dates: Nov. 18-Dec. 24

835 N. Michigan Ave., Level 7
Mag Mile
Online: shopwatertower.com

17. Tales From the Chair on Zoom

If waiting in long (and often frigid) lines for a 30-second photo opp isn't how you want to spend your hard-earned holiday time, consider one of the few amazing Christmas experiences to come out of the pandemic: a virtual Santa visit! And if you book with Tales From the Chair, you don't just get an audience with Saint Nick. You also get 20 minutes of one-on-one time with Mrs. Claus and a few elves. What makes this Zoom opportunity so special is that they make it a goal to see all families, no matter their financial situation. This year, they're introducing a sliding scale instead of set prices with a goal to raise enough that they can fund a day of fully-free Santa visits. If you can afford to donate, tip, or pay a little more, those dollars will go directly to financing this mission.

Dates: Select dates, Dec. 7-24

Online: talesfromthechair.christmas

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This Device Will Help Your Child Track the Days Until Christmas

by Kenzie Kramer
Partner Content

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Sometime over the summer, parents usually hear the very first, “How many more days until Christmas?” query. You’ll laugh and say, “Not for a while, buddy” as you toss bathing suits into the laundry basket. But as the days go on, the questions keep coming. Vague answers aren’t quite cutting it for your eager kiddo. The Tobi 2 Robot Smartwatch can be a gamechanger for Kriss Kringle-obsessed kids—because every parent could use a Robot to get us through the holiday season, #amiright?

This fun, interactive smartwatch features an intuitive, kid-friendly interface that helps kids learn to tell time and keep track of it. They can use a stopwatch, timer, alarm clock, calendar and set reminders—perfect for keeping tabs on the days until Santa comes down the chimney.

And should they need a little distraction from focusing on the best-holiday-of-the-year… they can keep busy and engaged with a variety of learning, arcade and fitness games. The pedometer, dance activity game and augmented reality Walk n’ Wonder game will keep their body moving while they dream up their wish list!

And speaking of wish lists, here’s how the cool Tobi 2 Robot Smartwatch can help your kiddo get creative while building a list of must-have gifts!

Another reason your kids will want this smartwatch? The Tobi robot character speaks gibberish, giggles and has more than 100 expressions. Featuring moving arms and legs, this built-in interactive robot is here to help children learn, manage important tasks (like a Christmas countdown!), and have tons of fun every day.

Buy the Tobi 2 Robot Smartwatch here!

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Ho-Ho-Holiday Sets Are Arriving at LEGO & We’re Okay with That

by Karly Wood

LEGO is gearing up for the holiday season and after the last year and a half, we’re ok with that. The brick maker just launched another addition to its festive lineup, Santa’s Visit. It includes a light up Christmas tree and a chimney that Santa can slide right down!

Like the rest of the holiday sets, it will launch October 1 and it features tons of fun details. From the cozy table where the whole family enjoys a meal by candlelight, to Santa’s chair with milk and cookies by the fire, this set will definitely get you and your family in the Christmas spirit. Although it’s meant for adult builders, your kids will have a blast setting the scenes once it’s complete.

If you’re looking for something a bit smaller, you’ll have a hard time choosing between these cute  kits. The Polar Bear & Gift Pack ($9.99) is great for kids seven and up and comes with 142 pieces.

Mini builders will love constructing the adorable polar bear that comes with a scarf, gift box with movable ribbons and cute “with love to” sticker. Did we mention these make the perfect ornaments?

The LEGO Christmas Penguin ($14.99) is also bringing whimsy, with the ability to rotate, move its wings and stand next to a Christmas tree and three presents.

The penguin set is perfect for kids eight and older and comes with 244 pieces. Both sets will launch on Oct. 1 at LEGO.com and at LEGO stores.

––Karly Wood

All photos: Courtesy of LEGO

 

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A Christmas Tree with a 53-Year-Old History

By Betsy Bozdech

Photo: Fran Bozdech

It was buried away in the attic, boxed up alongside the other miscellany of 53 years of marriage and 35 years of living in the same house. But its lights—all except one—still twinkle as brightly as they did when it was first unpacked from my mother’s suitcase in December 1967, when she and my dad spent Christmas together in the Caribbean as honeymooners, and she brought it along to surprise him.

Just a foot and a half tall, the little artificial tree played various roles in our family holiday history. For many years, it brightened up the bathroom I shared with my two brothers, helping us feel festive as we brushed our teeth and washed our faces in the December weeks that felt so long to kids who were dreaming of new LEGOs, Barbies, and G.I. Joes. Other times, it served as a seasonal nightlight for tired relatives snuggling up in the many-times-reupholstered sofa bed after Christmas Day celebrations full of gifts, games, laughter, and feasting.

It has a wooden block stand now, rather than the old tripod base that gradually lost its stability. And instead of the handmade origami ornaments from that first Christmas (paper was durable and easy to pack), it’s adorned with mini glass balls and a small tinsel garland from the dollar store. But the tree shines as cheerfully as ever in my parents’ kitchen this December, reminding them that although it’s been more than 50 years since they last spent Christmas just the two of them—no kids, no grandkids, no siblings, parents, cousins, or —no matter what, they still have each other.

They’ve had their ups and downs in the five-plus decades since they said, “I do.” Just 21 and 23 when they got married, they grew up together: She put him through medical school on a teacher’s salary, and he dared her to leave the safe familiarity of the Midwest behind and move to California. After one painful pregnancy loss, they had three healthy, (mostly) well-adjusted children, who’ve grown up and had kids of their own—in the space of eight years, my parents went from having zero grandchildren to six, all of whom love spending Christmas at Grandma and Poppa’s house, where the stockings are always hung by the chimney with care, and cousins always get matching PJs on Christmas Eve.

Even before the world turned upside down because of the pandemic, the last year and a half was an especially challenging one for my parents. In September 2019, my dad had a stroke, and their lives changed dramatically overnight. Thankfully, he’s come a long way toward recovery since then, but it’s not an easy road to travel, and it’s hard on both of them. It’s become even harder since March when social distancing and stay-at-home orders meant that visits from family and friends became much fewer and far between. Now in their 70s, they’re both high risk, and nobody who loves them wants to put them in danger. They appreciate this.

Which is how they find themselves, for the first time since 1967, planning to celebrate Christmas alone. We’ll all schedule time to Zoom with them, of course, and we’re all planning to make the same recipe for Christmas dinner—my grandmother’s homemade spaghetti. But the big house that’s usually bursting at the seams will be awfully quiet on Christmas morning. And with no gaggle of grandkids expected, it didn’t make sense to put up a big tree, so my mom’s thoughts turned to the little one from way back when. She dug it out of the attic, gave it its dollar-store makeover, and set it up where my dad would see it after an afternoon rest—surprising him again, 53 years later.

All those years ago, they never could have imagined what Christmas 2020 would have in store for them—but every single one of those years, they’ve spent Christmas surrounded by love and light. And it may look a little different this time around, but that hasn’t changed. Like the honeymoon tree rescued from the attic, the Christmas spirit is persistent, and like the family my parents built together, it will always be there for them.

I'm a mom of two living in the Bay Area and working as an editor at Common Sense Media. My kids love screens, LEGOS, screens, books, and screens. I also love screens, but I love my kids more. I'm a runner, a reader, a TV watcher, and an ally.

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Spook-Tacular Books to Read for Halloween

By Keira Pride

Photo: Stratford School

This year’s Halloween celebrations may be a bit different given these times, but there are still a number of ways to make October 31st feel just as festive as years prior. Don’t fret: get your costume ready and make this the happiest celebration of Halloween—plus, it’s a great time to share a spook-tacular book with your child!

Some may wonder if there are age-appropriate scary books to read to children and if we should read them. Reading supernatural fiction gives us a chance to examine what we may be afraid of, talk about our feelings and fears, and shine a light on those emotions. Scary stories help children learn how to deal with their fears in their own world. It’s a way to acknowledge that life isn’t always easy and to learn that it’s normal to feel scared and to talk to someone about it. Reading supernatural fiction as a family allows us to talk about what’s happening in the story, which may help children to then discuss feelings as situations arise.

Grab a cup of hot apple cider, some kettle popcorn, and one of these books for an adventurous, dare we say boo-tiful evening filled with a supernatural dose of mystery and adventure with your children!

Here’s a list of our favorites to share with the family this Halloween!

Grades Kinder to Second:

The Legend of Spookley the Square Pumpkin by Joe Troiano, Illustrated by Susan Banta. 
The Legend of Spookley the Square Pumpkin is sure to be a hit with any child eager for a trip to the pumpkin patch! Spookley is the only square pumpkin in the entire pumpkin patch and often wished he could be round like the other pumpkins. He is teased for being different until Spookley proved that being different can save the day. This story delivers a special message of tolerance and kindness and can help young children understand that it is alright to be different from their classmates.

Creepy Carrots by Aaron Reynolds, Illustrated by Peter Brown.
The creepy carrots in this Caldecott Honor-winning picture book may make you think twice before you enjoy these delicious vegetables! Jasper Rabbits loves nothing more than munching on the carrots that grow in Crackenhopper Field. They are the fattest and crispiest around, and Jasper Rabbit cannot resist pulling some to eat each time he passes by, until the day the carrots start following him…or are they?

Grades 3-4

Sherlock Sam and the Ghostly Moans in Fort Canning by A.J. Low.
Meet Sherlock Sam, Singapore’s greatest kid detective, and his trustworthy robot, Watson. Sherlock can never resist a good mystery and soon finds himself at one of Singapore’s most-loved historical attractions surrounded by ghostly sounds. The mystery becomes more intriguing as Sherlock proves that ghosts don’t exist…or do they? Part of the Sherlock Sam series of 12 books.

Eerie Elementary: The School is Alive! by Jack Chabert, Illustrated by Sam Ricks
Sam Graves is the hall monitor at the scariest school around. He teams up with friends Lucy and Antonio to stop this scary school from being scary before it’s too late! They must defend their classmates against the evil school, stop lockers from eating their friends, and participate in creepy science fairs. On top of all that, they must survive the perils of recess. The light scares and suspense in this series will have young readers screaming for more! 

Goosebumps: SlappyWorld (series) by R.L. Stine
This series follows the popular Goosebumps Most Wanted. In this 13 book Goosebumps series, Slappy, the evil wooden dummy, comes to life to tell his own twisted tales and scary stories! The first tale, Slappy Birthday to You, will make you both laugh and shiver with chills. The story begins when Ian Barker gets Slappy for his 12th birthday. Ian soon realizes that his problems are far worse than having to celebrate his special day with his annoying sister and cousins. Welcome to Slappy’s World!

Grades 5-8

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
In this Newbery Medal, Carnegie Medal (the only book to ever win both awards), and Hugo Award-winning novel, it takes a graveyard to raise an actual human being. The book traces the story of the young boy Nobody “Bod” Owens who is adopted and raised by the supernatural occupants of a graveyard after his family is murdered. His adventures include being kidnapped by ghouls, meeting a witch, going to school, and entering a strange tomb. It’s a mesmerizing tale about the joys of childhood, the gradual transition to adulthood, and the dichotomy of life and death. An audiobook narrated by the author with a full production cast is available, consider listening as a family!

Sweep: The Story of a Girl and Her Monster by Jonathan Auxier
Sweep is the story of a girl and her monster. For nearly a century, Victorian London relied on orphans owned by chimney sweeps, known as “climbing boys” to clean chimney flues and protect homes from fire. The work was hard, thankless, and brutally dangerous.  Eleven-year-old Nan Sparrow is quite possibly the best climber who ever lived—and a girl. With her wits and will, she’s managed to beat the deadly odds time and time again. When Nan gets stuck in a deadly chimney fire, she fears her time has come until she meets and befriends a mysterious creature-a golem-made from soot and ash. Sweep is a heartrending adventure about the everlasting gifts of friendship and wonder.

Keira Pride is the Head Librarian at Stratford School, the leading independent private school founded with a vision of creating a unique, multi-dimensional, educational foundation for children. As Stratford's Head Librarian, she manages the library services department across campuses throughout Northern and Southern California. 

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New LEGO Elf Club House Is Fit for the Holidays

by Karly Wood

If you’ve always wondered where Santa’s Elves spend their downtime, wonder no more. LEGO has just released a new holiday construction set and it’s full of holiday bling.

The LEGO Elf Clubhouse is festively fabulous with a bauble-adorned Christmas tree, waffle machine, brick built repositionable chimney and a sleighport for parking. The 1,197 piece set is geared towards creators 18 years and older.

 

The Elf Club House retails for $99. VIP Members already have early access and can order on LEGO.com, with release to the general public coming soon.

––Karly Wood

All photos: Courtesy of LEGO

 

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Parks for Kids & Pups You Can Visit Now

by Melissa Poulin

What better summer combo than kids, dogs, and the great outdoors? While the pandemic may have put a damper on many favorite summer activities, our city’s public parks remain open and safe, with plenty of space for socially-distant exercise. Get your energetic small beings out for a romp in one of Portland’s many kid-friendly dog parks. Read on for the details on our faves!

Photo: Terricks Noah via Unsplash

New to dog parks? Take a moment to review the city’s rules for dogs in public parks and off-leash areas, and help keep parks safe and enjoyable for everyone.

Unfenced Off-Leash Areas

 

Sellwood Riverfront Park

Just beneath Sellwood Bridge and along the Willamette River, this park has an open grassy area officially designated for off-leash pooches to play (but locals know that dogs run the show along the sandy beach area as well.) Dogs who love to splash, swim, and fetch are happiest here. After playtime, snap on the leash again for a wander with your kiddo through the wooded trails that depart from the riverfront park.

SE Spokane St. & Oaks Pkwy.

Online: portlandoregon.gov/parks

Laurelhurst Park

With a duck pond and meandering trails through deep shade, this is the perfect oasis for a summertime run with kids and dogs. Keep your dog on-leash near the pond while your kid scopes out the baby ducks, geese, and maybe even a tadpole or two. The off-leash area abutting Oak Street is unfenced and large enough for letting Fido get his crazies out.

SE Cesár E. Chávez Blvd. & Oak St.
Online: portlandoregon.gov/parks

Photo: Lents Park by Mark S. via yelp

Lents Park

This sprawling park in the unassuming outer Southeast neighborhood of Lents has a popular unfenced off-leash area, located right near the community garden. There are plenty of trees, squirrels, and other dogs to keep things interesting for playful pups. Bags and a water spigot are available. After running your dog, watch gardeners at work in the community garden. Ask politely to enter and walk respectfully through the paths to admire the lush gardens. Dogs must be leashed in the garden as well as uphill from the off-leash area, where a ½-mile wooded walking loop offers more room to wander with a wiggly little one. Check out Walker Stadium or play in the sun for a little bit before you head home.

SE 89th Ave. & Steele St.
Online: portlandoregon.gov/parks

Fernhill Park

With plenty of room for your dog to run, this unfenced off-leash dog park is close to open areas for tennis, horseshoes and softball. Bring trustworthy dogs and kids who know to keep away from cars, as the off-leash area abuts a busy street.

NE 37th Ave. & Ainsworth St.

Online: portlandoregon.gov/parks

Photo: Donald Teel via Unsplash

Fenced Parks

 

Mt Tabor

The fenced dog park at the base of this beloved Southeast park (and dormant volcano!) is on an incline that dogs love running up and down. Let ‘em run, then leash up and hike up the winding trails with your little one. Bring a stroller or backpack for tiny hikers so you can take in the spectacular city views from the peak.

SE 60th Ave. & Salmon St.
Online: portlandoregon.gov

Normandale

This city park in the Northeast offers a popular fenced-in dog park with water and a bag dispenser. It’s flat and well-shaded, making it a great option on hot days– and there’s even a separate area for smaller dogs. Trails, ball courts, and shaded open areas offer many options for outdoor play with your kiddo afterward.

NE 57th Ave. & Halsey St.
Online:portlandoregon.gov/parks

Photo: Another Beliver via Flickr 

Chimney Park

This large 5-acre off-leash area is off the beaten path and completely fenced, though it’s a low-enough fence that truly motivated dogs might be able to get out. Large shade trees keep active canines cool, with a water spigot inside the dog park. Bring your own poop bags. There’s a pedestrian bridge connecting Chimney Park to nearby Pier Park, so pack a lunch and explore with your little one. Both parks tend to be less crowded than other popular parks close to the city center.

9360 N. Columbia Blvd.
Online: portlandoregon.gov/parks

Brentwood Park

Just next to Joseph Lane School, this small fenced dog park has a bag dispenser. Bring water for your thirsty pooch! A great option for puppies and dogs who are still learning to listen. Bring wheels and scoot around on the tennis court or walk along the paths afterward (with puppy leashed, of course.)

SE 60th Ave. & Duke St.
Online: portlandoregon.gov/parks

Gabriel Park 

Under large shade trees, this popular 2-acre dog park has picnic tables and benches where your kiddo can color or read while doggy plays. Afterward, leash up and take a walk through the park’s trails.

SW 45th Ave. & Vermont St.
Online: portlandoregon.gov/parks

-Melissa Poulin

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Chrissy Teigen & John Legend Surprised Their Kids with the Ultimate Gift on Christmas

by Erica Loop

Did your kiddos catch a glimpse of Santa sliding down the chimney? Even though Chrissy Teigen and John Legend’s three-year-old Luna and 19-month-old Miles didn’t see the man in the big red suit on the roof, they did spot Santa running across the yard—and the celebs have a video to prove it!

In an oh-so-cute Christmas clip, Teigen shard a video of Santa Claus racing through the snow and waving to Luna. Judging by the excited jumping, it’s pretty clear the three-year-old was more than thrilled to see jolly ol’ St. Nick.

Along with Luna’s squeals of pure glee, the video also features Legend shouting, ““I see Santa Claus! Oh my God, I saw Santa!”

Not only did Teigen’s fan adore the adorable video, but plenty of celebs also enjoyed the cute clip. Kelly Rowland commented, “ALL THIS CUTENESS!!” and Stacy Keibler added, “The best EVER!”

Teigen also added a sweet snowman suit-clad Christmas pic of Miles to IG, captioning it, “hello has anyone seen Santa?”

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Chrissy Teigen via Instagram

 

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Mary Poppins Is Getting Her First Disney Parks Attraction

by Shahrzad Warkentin

If you’ve ever dreamed about strolling down a cobblestone lane while chimney sweeps serenade you, then your wish is about to come true. A new Mary Poppins attraction is opening at Disney World!

As part of a sweeping (pun most definitely intended) transformation of Epcot, Mary Poppins will be getting her very first Disney Parks attraction. At the United Kingdom pavilion in the World Showcase neighborhood, guests will have the opportunity to take a stroll down Cherry Tree Lane and wave hello to the Admiral as they make their way to the Banks’ residence at number 17 for a supercalifragilisticexpialidocious adventure.

photo: Disney

Epcot is set to undergo a reimagining over the next few years and will be divided into four unified neighborhoods, all of which celebrate important aspects of the world and its people: World Showcase, World Celebration, World Nature and World Discovery. World Showcase, where the Banks family and their famous nanny will be housed, will “continue to be a celebration of culture, cuisine, architecture and traditions––infused with new magic,” according to a Disney Parks press release.

No word yet on when the new Mary Poppins attraction will debut, but guests will be able to get a look at all of the plans for the new Epcot when Walt Disney Imagineering presents the Epcot Experience in the Odyssey Events Pavilion starting Oct. 1, 2019.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

 

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