ML Interest Tag: community-gardens

Pick a Peck: 11 Apple Orchards to Visit This Fall

by Yuliya Geikhman

Add these u-pick apple orchards to your fall bucket list

Apples abound in the Evergreen State, and September is prime picking season. Celebrate fall with a trip to a nearby apple-picking orchard to get your own delicious, juicy fruit straight from the tree. Grab your boots and baskets and head to one of these local (and not-so-local) apple orchards to have your own quintessential autumn adventure.

Good to know: If you aren’t up for the long drive or have limited apple-picking opportunities, another way to celebrate the harvest is to find someone in your neighborhood with an unpicked tree and offer to do the picking. Local neighborhood Facebook groups and Freecycle are great places to look for offers of fruit or to post your request. But please make sure you know what you’re doing before climbing any ladders!

Best U-Pick Apple Orchards Near Seattle

Bellewood Farms

Bellewood Farms is a working farm that offers pick-your-own apples in one of the largest apple orchards in western Washington (it’s a whopping 25,000-tree orchard!). The farm is known for its delectable Honeycrisp apples, along with 22 other varieties of apples and pears.

They offer free rides for families aboard the Apple Bin train (which stops at trees that are ready for picking), and a chance to learn about Whatcom County’s agriculture in the corn maze. You can also enjoy cider donuts, fresh apple cider, and all-American apple pies served at the café and outdoor concession stand with incredible views of Mt. Baker.

If you want a bit of an adventure, you can walk along the farm’s forested trail, which follows the nearby 10-mild creek.

Hours: Wed.-Sun., 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

6140 Guide Meridian Dr.
Lynden, WA
Online: bellewoodfarms.com

Swans Trail Farms

Swans Trail Farms includes five acres of over 4,000 apple trees in picturesque Snohomish. Expect the orchard’s delicious apple crop in mid-September, including everyone’s favorite Honeycrisps followed by Jonagolds later in the season (they’re great for home-baked treats, like apple pies and apple dumplings). We love the ease of this sweet orchard where trees are kept small so everyone in the family can grab fruit straight from the tree. Not sure which fruits are ripe for the picking? Farmers greet visitors at the orchard to teach you all about how to pick the perfect apple.

Join the farm for the Apple Festival, held this year on September 16-17. Along with apple picking, you’ll get to watch apples, squeezed through their pre-WWII cider mill, turn into fresh cider. Don’t miss the corn mazes and kids play area, where kids can ride on the cow train, play in a corn box, jump on the giant pillow, watch the animal races, and more. Food stands will also be open so you can grab some local goodies to enjoy. It’s a definite day trip destination!

Price: $3.50 per pound.

Hours: Fall hours to be announced as of mid-August.

7301 Rivershore Rd.
Snohomish, WA
Online: swanstrailfarms.com

Bailey Farm

You’ll find more than apples to pick at this 5th generation family-owned Snohomish farm that offers something for everyone. Families can learn how to pick the perfect fruit and fruit, and even dig up your own potatoes.

Produce picking is underway here, but expect the apple picking season, led by ripe and ready Honeycrisp apples, to start around mid-September. Buckets, boxes, bags, and even shovels (for potatoes, garlic, and carrots) are provided for you by the farm, but you might want to bring a sturdy wagon or stroller for easier getting around. Then, let the kids find tons of farm-fresh veggies alongside apples they can pluck straight from the tree, ground, or bush.

Price: Prices are per pound and vary by produce. A price list isn’t available as of mid-August—check the website closer to the season.

Hours: Open daily 8 a.m.-6 p.m. (Last entry is at 5:30 p.m.)

12691 Springhetti Rd.
Snohomish, WA
Online: baileyveg.com

Jones Creek Farm

Jones Creek Farms offers more than 50 varieties of u-pick apples from August to October. Opening weekend this year is scheduled for August 18-21, and even though apples are their specialty, you can also pick pears, peaches, plums, and pumpkins. You can check what’s being harvested on any particular day on The Harvest Times on their website.

Come as you are! You don’t need to bring anything, although you’re welcome to bring clean bags, boxes, or buckets for picking. Plus, aside from the price of the produce you pick, there are no fees for parking, entry, minimum purchase requirements, etc. Note that in 2023, the farm raised its prices for the first time in 16 years… by about a quarter per pound. In other words, it’s still quite an affordable price!

Price: $1.75 per pound, $1.50 per pound over 20 lbs, $1.25 per pound over 100 lbs.

Hours: Fri.-Mon., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

32260 Burrese Rd.
Sedro Woolley, WA
Online: skagitvalleyfruit.com

West Valley U-Pick

West Valley offers naturally grown berries and tree fruit, available for U-pick as well as pre-picked selectons. In addition to their delish apples—they’ve got Gala, Fuji, Honeycrisp and Blondee available mid-August to October—families can pick pears, blueberries, tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, and tomatilos. The farm allows visitors to use their cider presses for free if you purchase or pick their apples. You can bring your own jugs or purchase them on location. Sampling is allowed (just don’t go overboard!)—you only pay for what you pick.

The farm is also a great spot to enjoy a picnic (or some of those tasty apples you just picked), so feel free to bring a blanket and provisions to enjoy your time on the farm. Leashed dogs are allowed, as well, and parking is free, so make it a full day out!

Price: Price is per pound. Prices aren’t listed yet as of mid-August—check the website for updates.

Hours: Thu.-Sat., 9 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sun., 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Closed Mon.-Wed.

11901 Zier Rd.
Yakima, WA
Online: wvupick.com

Curran Apple Orchard

One of Tacoma’s best-kept secrets is the Curran Apple Orchard in University Place. This 7-acre community garden offers free apple picking for all during its annual Community Harvest Day. You’ll find more than 200 trees with 15 different varieties of apples, so bring your buckets and get them while you can.

Trees that aren’t taped off and labeled with a “do not pick” sign are available to the public (the ones with signs are harvested by donors).

Price: Free!

Hours: Sun., Aug. 27, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

3920 Grandview Dr. W.
University Place, WA
Online: curranappleorchard.com

Sm’Apples

Take your pick of apples—or Sm’Apples—at this quiet farm, located in Ferndale, WA. Apples here are available by the box or by the pound, with some varieties you’ll recognize (like Fuji and Honeycrisp) and some you may not be familiar with yet (like the beautifully named Sunrise Magic and Cosmic Crisp).

It’s cash or check only here, and although they have a few boxes available, it’s recommended that you bring your own bags or boxes to carry your picks home.

Price: Varies by apple variety, ranging from $0.50 to $1.75 per pound (though prices are subject to change for 2023).

Hours: Mon.-Sat., 9 a.m.-dark (closed Sunday)

1197 Willeys Lake Rd.
Ferndale, WA
Online: smapples.com

Draper Girls Country Farm

This 40-acre farm in Parkdale is your go-to spot for picking strawberries, cherries, blueberries, peaches, and, of course, apples. And you don’t have to worry about your smallest pickers: most of the apple and peach trees are dwarf, so everyone can easily reach the quite literally low-hanging fruit. Only the juiciest and ripest apples will be available for picking—rows that aren’t quite ripe for the picking are closed off to visitors.

The farm store is open all day, every day. Seriously: it’s a 24/7 space that operates by the honor system. Stop by, get what you need, and leave your payment in the box. You’ll find the store stocked with local goodies, pressed cider, and even cuts from their own happy animals

Make sure to save time to stop by the petting zoo, explore the gardens, and check out the adorable farmhouse. Then, settle in for a picnic by the farm stand! Keep an eye on their website and Facebook for the latest U-pick updates.

Price: Pricing is by the bucket, call to see current prices.

Hours: Open daily 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

6200 Hwy 35
Mount Hood Parkdale, OR
Online: drapergirlsfarm.com

Skipley Farm

Located just 30 minutes North of Seattle, Skipley Farm has an impressive array of 520 apple varieties, including some very early ripening options. The farm focuses on education and an eco-conscious approach to farming, featuring classes open for visitors and a nursery that specializes in disease-resistant varieties of fruiting plants. Don’t forget to stop by and say hello to Reggie the pig—who appreciates your donations of a ripe apple or two.

Baskets are provided for picking, but you’ll need to bring your own bags to carry your spoils home, as well as bottles for cider. Unlike some other farms, which are cash-only, you can pay practically any way you like here: Cash, Venmo, Zelle, Cashapp, Barter, Silver, and Paypal are all accepted. Also unlike many other places, field sampling isn’t just allowed—it’s encouraged!

You can view an apple ripening schedule on the website as well as check the day’s picking status on their Facebook page, or give Gil a call at (206) 679-6576. Tip: Visit after 2 p.m. on weekends to avoid crowds. Dogs are welcome as well, all the time on weekdays and after 3 p.m. on weekends.

Price: $5/adult $3/child fee for entry and educational orientation. $4 per pound for apples, with discounts at certain weight minimums. $10 per half-gallon of cider (bring your own bottle).

Hours: Thu.-Sat., 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

7228 Skipley Rd.
Snohomish, WA
Online: skipleyfarm.com

Raising Cain Ranch

Come out to this fairly new farm to pick the farm’s organically grown apples and pears. Expect around 20 different varieties (some heirloom) when you head out into the fields. Feel free to bring your own buckets, or use what they provide, and then fill ’em up.

The farm also has a “food forest” with Aronia berries, currants, huckleberries, hazelnuts, and chestnuts. Note that while berry and nut picking is by appointment only and while credit cards and cash are accepted, checks are not.

There’s a large variety of cider, too, as well as an outdoor cider tasting room. If you enjoy the space and want to come back with friends, the farm offers cider pressing parties. The farm will get everything ready for you, as well as supply the jigs (and take care of cleanup, too!). You can bring your own food (no alcohol, though) and enjoy the space at $200 for a 4-hour time slot.

Price: Price is per pound. Prices aren’t listed yet as of mid-August—check the website for updates.

Hours: Saturdays, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

5719 Riverview Rd.
Snohomish, WA
Online: raisingcaneranch.com

Stutzman Ranch

Stutzman Ranch is a fourth generation orchard and farm stand in Wenatchee. It’s a spot where families can pick all kinds of apples (think: Gala, Fuji and Golden Delicious), as well as other seasonal fruits like Barlett and Asian pears, pluots, and grapes.Families are encouraged to bring their own picking buckets but the ranch will give you a cardboard box, if you need one, as well as small wagons or carts to help carry out your harvest (strollers are still a no-no).

The folks at Stutzman Ranch also suggest that pickers wear closed-toe shoes, appropriate clothing and leave your furry friends at home. Weekends get busy (and make parking difficult), so the ranch suggests you visit on the weekdays for a more laid-back atmosphere. Sampling is okay (but don’t stuff yourself!).

Price: $0.85 per pound. $5 U-Pick minimum fee for all visitors 12 and up (paid when leaving the orchard). (Basically, if you don’t pick $5 or more worth of apples, you’ll be charged the flat $5).

Hours: Open daily 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

2226 Easy St.
Wenatchee, WA
Online: thestutzmanranch.com

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High Flying Fun: Your Guide to Seafair 2023

by Jeff Totey

Where to see the practice sessions, the best parks for viewing the action, and how to get there by public transit

Held at Genesee Park, Seafair has been a Seattle tradition since 1951, and for many families, it’s one of the “can’t-miss” events of the summer. While adults are impressed with what the high-flying acrobats can do in the sky, kids are flat-out amazed. But the event isn’t just about what’s happening in the sky. It’s a special time when hydroplanes and classic cars are celebrated too. Of course, the show’s biggest stars are the U.S. Navy Blue Angels. They have performed at Seafair for over 40 years! Want to get in on this Top Gun action? Below you’ll find the general scoop on the three-day weekend in addition to information on the best places to watch the Blue Angels at Seafair this year.

Can’t-Miss Weekend Activities at Seafair 2023

Blue Angels flying at Seafair
Seafair / U.S. Navy Blue Angels

 

Boeing Seafair Air Show

The Boeing Seafair Air Show runs Friday, August 4 through Sunday, August 6, 2023, and it’s where you can catch the amazing flying aerobatics of the best of the best pilots. This year’s lineup includes US Navy Blue Angels (including Fat Albert C-130), the US Navy EA-18G Growlers (from Naval Air Station Whidbey), B-17 “Sentimental Journey”, B-25 “Made in the Shade”, US Army’s Golden Knights, US Army Helicopters, PBY-5A Catalina Seaplane, and US Coast Guard MH65 Search and Rescue.

The air show also includes displays by civilian pilots, vintage aircraft, and parachute demonstrations. It is said that Brad Wursten will be pushing the envelope of one of the most advanced aircraft in the world during his “Power Addiction Air Show” all three days.

As with past years, the Blue Angels have a flight plan for practices over Lake Washington so the I-90 Bridge and Seward Park will remain open.

hydroplanes and classic cars are part of seafair seattle, along with blue angel show
Seafair

HomeStreet Bank Cup

The HomeStreet Bank Cup is a H1 Unlimited Hydroplane Boat Race where the hydroplanes up to 220 MPH! Not only is this race an integral part of Seafair, but it’s also the third oldest H1 unlimited race site. This year they are celebrating 70 years with Seafair.

Seafair Classic Car Show

Up to 100 classic vehicles will be on display on the shores of Lake Washington for the Seafair Classic Car Show on Sat. and Sun. Come see vintage antique cars from the 1920s and 1930s, modified classic cars, custom classic cars, and classic foreign cars along Thunder Alley.

Museum of Flight Jet Blast Bash

The Museum of Flight’s Annual Jet Blast Bash is a two-day event that offers families the closest views of the Blue Angel show as the planes park and take off from the Museum. Held on Aug. 5 and 6, 2023 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., the Museum of Flight will be chock-full of outdoor family activities, plane displays, live music, food, and even a beer garden for moms, dads, and other caregivers. All activities are free with Museum admission. There will be some free parking onsite, but it will be limited so they recommend taking public transit.

 

Seafair Weekend Schedules

Blue Angels pilot at Seafair
Chief Petty Officer Michael Russell/US Navy Blue Angels

Boeing Airshow Schedule

Friday:
11:10 – US Army Gold Knights
1:05 – US Navy EA18 – Growlers
1:35 p.m. – US Air Force C-17
1:50 p.m. – PBY – Catalina
2:05 p.m. – Brad Wursten – MXS-R
2:25 p.m. – US Army Helos
2:45 p.m. – B-17 Sentimental Journey
2:55 p.m. – B-25 Made in the Shade
3:05 p.m. – US Coast Guard – MHJ65 Search and Rescue
3:20 p.m. – US Navy Blue Angels – Fat Albert C-130
3:30 p.m. – US Navy Blue Angels

Saturday
10:50 a.m. – US Coast Guard – MH65 Search and Rescue
11:05 a.m. – PBY – Catalina
11:45 a.m. – US Army Golden Knights
1:05 p.m. – US Navy EA18 – Growler
1:35 p.m. – US Air Force C-17
1:50 p.m. – Brad Wursten – MXS-R
2:50 p.m. – B-17 Sentimental Journey
3:00 p.m. – B-25 Made in the Shade
3:10 p.m. – US Army Helos
3:20 p.m. – US Navy Blue Angels – Fat Albert C-130
3:30 p.m. – US Navy Blue Angels

Sunday
10:30 a.m. – Opening Ceremony
10:35 a.m. – US Coast Guard – MH65 Search and Rescue
10:45 a.m. – US Army Helos
11:55 a.m. – US Army Golden Knights
1:05 p.m. – US Navey EA18 Growlers
1:50 p.m. – PBY Catalina
2:10 p.m. – Brad Wursten – MXS-R
2:55 p.m. – B-17 Sentimental Journey
3:05 p.m. – B-25 Made in the Shade
3:15 p.m. – Boeing 737-9 Flyover
3:20 p.m. – Blue Angels – Fat Ablert C-130
3:30 p.m. – Blue Angels

hydrofoil at Seafair
Seafair

Hydroplane Racing Schedule

Friday:
9 a.m. – H1 Testing
10:30 a.m. – J Hydro Heat 1
9:35 a.m. – H1 Unlimited Testing
10:50 a.m. – Vintage Hydroplanes
10:50 a.m. – Vintage Hydroplane Exhibition
11:45 a.m. – H1 Unlimited Qualifying
3:30 p.m. – Blue Angels

Saturday:
9 a.m. – H1 Testing and Qualifying
10:25 a.m. – J Hydro Heat 2
11:20 a.m. – Vintage Hydroplanes
12:30 p.m. – H1 Heat 1A Start
12:55 p.m. – H1 Heat 1B Start
2:20 p.m. – H1 Heat 2A Start
2:35 p.m. – H1 Heat 2B Start
3:30 p.m. – US Navy Blue Angels

Sunday:
9 a.m. – H1 Testing
10:05 a.m. – J Hydro Final
10:30 a.m. – Opening Ceremony
11:10 a.m. – H1 Heat 3A Start
11:25 a.m. – H1 Heat 3B Start
11:35 a.m. – Vintage Hydroplanes
12:40 p.m. – H1 Heat 4A Start
12:55 p.m. – HT Heat 4B Start
2:35 p.m. – Home Street Bank Cup Final and Gold Cup Race
4:35 p.m – Home Street Bank Cup and Gold Cup Awards Ceremony

Blue Angels flying at Seafair
Petty Officer 2nd Class Cody Deccio

 

Going to the Races

What to Bring
Be sure to lather on the sunscreen and bring lots of water and some extra cash as many of the beaches will have tasty treats to purchase. Your wingmen will enjoy the show best if you gear them up with some ear protection, especially if they can sport some cool earmuffs like the ones the pilots wear.

The Best Way to Get There
Genesee Park on Lake Washington will be your best bet for a front-row seat for both the air show and hydroplane extravaganza. However, getting there by car is no picnic, and finding parking will be that much harder. There is some general parking available for $50 (which you can purchase ahead of time) and limited paid ADA parking. Instead, we suggest you take advantage of buses and link light rail for your transportation needs. In any case, here are your options:

Sound Transit Link Light Rail
Get free round-trip shuttle service from Columbia Center Station from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sound Transit schedules and rates can be found online.

Sound Transit Buses
Check the Sound Transit Trip Planner for the most direct route from your home.

Metro Transit Buses
Metro Bus Route 50 will be operating a standard schedule with stops at Genesee Park & Columbia City Station. This route will operate every 15 minutes from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Seafair Saturday and Sunday. Military members and their families will receive free rides by showing military ID.

ADA Parking
Limited paid ADA event parking will be available on-site on a first-come, first-served basis. A state-issued, accessible placard is required for access.

Online: seafair.org

hydrofoils at Seafair
Seafair

Where to Find All the Action 

Genesee Park on Lake Washington is the official location and will be your best bet for a front-row seat to the Air Show extravaganza, hydroplane hoopla, and a lot more. The park is located at 4316 South Genesee Street.

Tickets

Best Deal
General admission on Fri., Aug. 4 is FREE for everyone!

General Admission
1- Day Pass (Sat. & Sun.): $40 (adults) and $15 (Children 6-12 and Senior 62+)
3-Day Championship Pass: $85 includes Pit Pass
Grandstand Seating: $45 – $95
Captain’s Club Seating: $150 – $450

Active and Retired Military Families
In appreciation for their service, all service members will receive free admission with military I.D. Military family members get in for $20.

Helicopter at Seafair
Seafair

 

Other Places to See the Air Show

Mount Baker Park
Located just two miles away from the Seafair epicenter, this beach park is the perfect spot to picnic while you watch in awe as the team displays the amazing agility and speed of the F/A-18 Hornet, performing a flurry of stunts that loop, roll, and turn through the sky. The small, well-groomed space has plenty of entertainment to keep those jet-heads busy while you wait for the show, including a life-guarded beach complete with a roped-off kiddie area, a cozy grass lawn perfect for a picnic, plus a small playground with a sturdy zip-line for small fries to attempt their own daredevil maneuvers on.

Insider Tip: Be sure to arrive early to beat the crowds and spend some time exploring the park before the show. Parking is limited, so consider using public transportation or venturing the neighborhoods on the hill above the lake.

2521 Lake Park Dr. S.
Seattle
Online: seattle.gov/parks

a blue angel show pilot waves from the cockpit
U.S. Blue Angels

Colman Park
Located adjacent to Mount Baker Park, this lush, grassy waterfront area offers an amazing view of Lake Washington and a stellar place to picnic with the crew while you do some plane-watching. Spend some time wandering the walking trails, community garden and score some ice cream before the show.

Colman Park
1800 Lake Washington Blvd. S.
Seattle
Online: seattle.gov/parks

Pritchard Island Beach
Tucked quietly away in the Rainier Beach area of Lake Washington is a little grassy beach that boasts of panoramic views of Seward Park and Mercer Island. Here kids can splash around in the water, cannonball from the low or high diving boards and enjoy the show away from the noise and glitz of the big festivities.

Pritchard Island Beach
8400 55th Ave. S.
Seattle
Online: seattle.gov/parks

Aubrey Davis Park – Mercer Island
Formerly called Park on the Lid, this huge green space, located just off of the I-90 bridge, offers an abundance of room to watch a stellar show with spectacular views of Lake Washington, the Olympics, and Seattle’s skyline as the backdrop. The park also offers two softball fields, two playgrounds, and trails throughout the park, giving everyone plenty of room to run around, throw a Frisbee, or park for a bite to eat.

Aubrey Davis Park
2030 72nd Ave. S.E.
Mercer Island
Online: mercergov.org

Groveland Beach Park Beach – Mercer Island
This hidden gem is located in a residential neighborhood on the west shore of Mercer Island and offers a guarded, sandy beach and playground to hang with your flight crew during the show. Keep in mind that you will have to walk down a steep, paved path to get to the beach. Although not a direct vantage point for the demonstration, this area does offer a less crowded alternative for plane gazing.

Groveland Park
7740 S.E. 58th St.
Mercer Island
Online: mercergov.org

Medina Beach Park
Keep ‘em cool at this gorgeous lakefront park with a sweet panorama of Lake Washington with Seattle, plus Mount Rainier in the background. Bring along those shovels and buckets and let the kids play in the sand, or splash around in the water while scoring one of the best views around for watching the Blues.

Medina Beach Park
501 Evergreen Point Rd.
Medina
Online: medina-wa.gov

Chief Petty Officer Michael Russell/US Navy Blue Angels

Chism Beach Park
It will be planes galore at this scenic Bellevue neighborhood park with its lakefront sandy beach, and sloping grass lawn, and the perfect place for your crew to convene for an afternoon airshow. With its play structure built right on the beach, tots can easily maneuver from water play to playground, to sand digging without missing a moment of all the high-flying action.

Chism Beach Park
9600 S.E. 11th St.
Bellevue
Online: parks.bellevuewa.gov/parks

Meydenbauer Bay Park
Nearly walking distance from downtown Bellevue, this newly remodeled beach park will give you enough of a view, and plenty of activities to keep the chitlins busy both before and after the show. Take advantage of the quarter-mile of Lake Washington waterfront, beautiful swimming beach and swimming platform, plus a 400-foot-long curved pedestrian pier that extends into the lake, a hand-carry boat launch, paved walkways, picnic areas, and a fantastic playground. The park also features a hilltop overlook with gorgeous views of Seattle, a new beach house with restrooms, changing rooms, and boat rentals (think: canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddle boards), as well as a lifeguard station.

Meydenbauer Bay Park
419 98th Ave. N.E.
Bellevue
Online: bellevuewa.gov

Additional reporting by Rachael Brandon

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7 Easy Spring Break Road Trips for Seattle Families

by Natalie Compagno

With so many road trips from Seattle to choose from, it’s hard to know where to start—until now

With spring break just around the corner, we know you’ve got getting out of town on the brain. If you aren’t planning an escape to a sunny destination, we think a PNW road trip should be on your list. That’s why we mapped out seven weekend trips from Seattle that are bursting with things to do this spring. You’ll find festivals, sandy beaches, clam digging and more at these nearby destinations. All you need to do is pack up a few things and head out of town.

Our Favorite Road Trips from Seattle

1. Walla Walla

Allison Sutcliffe

Come for the wine, stay for the relaxed vibes of this eastern Washington town. Spring kicks off Walla Walla's wine season, without the summer crowds. Families can still enjoy plenty of outside time, wine tastings, and activities when the flowers are in bloom.

Foodie Fun: Second in the list of things its known for is Walla Walla's restaurant scene. It goes without saying that you can't build a wine town and not include amazing eateries too. But one of the reasons Walla Walla works for families is that simple family-friendly fare is just as plentiful as high end dining. Grab your morning pastry and coffee at the Walla Walla Bread Co. and you won't be disappointed. Their lunch fare is equally as tasty, and no one will think twice if you take a few loaves of fresh-baked bread home with you at the end of your trip. Locals will always recommend the Maple Counter Cafe for a home-cooked, sit down breakfast or lunch for good reason. Sweet or savory, their fare is always fresh and hits the spot. Plus, they've got a waffle truck that sits right outside (it opens in April for the season), if you want something quick. Grab dinner at Sweet Basil Pizzeria if NY style slices please your crew, or head to Wingman Birdz + Brewz for your pub food favorites served with a side of sass. Your kids will love the YouTube-esque TV offerings they've got playing on repeat that help the food wait move pretty quickly.

Kid-Friendly Wineries: Most of the wineries in town welcome kids. But there are a few stand-outs that are worth a mention. Start your tasting odyssey at Time & Direction. While you sip, kids can admire the Star Wars and '80s gaming paraphernalia that line the walls and keep things interesting. The tabletop video game works, and no, you don't need quarters to play it. Be sure to ask the bartender to walk you through the wines. They include all kinds of easter eggs—from the hidden logo on each bottle to the tasting notes on back (one is a Mad Lib of sorts). Kontos is another that gets the parent nod of approval, and not just because the wines are good. Head upstairs to find swings where the kids can lounge, and plenty of space to sit and color for a bit too. You can sit by a fireplace and enjoy food at Henry Earl.

Just for Kids: The wineries are for you, parents, so the kids should have some fun too, right? You can't go wrong with a handmade chocolate from Bright's Candies and a trip to Island Octopus next door will keep the kids entertained for as long as you let it. We suggest hitting these two spots before you hit the road back to the city.

Cozy Time: Settle in for your trip at The Finch. Located on East Main Street, it makes a perfect base camp for your time downtown, whether you're wine tasting, shopping, or just want to ditch the car to walk to meals. This boutique hotel welcomes families from the minute you walk through the door—sometimes with wine (they have tastings in the lobby once a week), always with a scavenger hunt for the kids. While you get checked in, they can complete the lobby chandelier seek and find for a prize (it's a good one, trust us). In the evenings, the cozy outdoor fireplace, just off the lobby, is the perfect spot to snuggle up with the kids and roast s'mores before bedtime (they have kits for sale in the lobby).

The Finch's retro chic rooms hit all the right notes. Kids will love the aqua mini fridge and wall stencils that highlight the region. While parents will love things like MALIN+GOETZ bath products and a bathroom layout that's all about privacy and function. The 375-square-foot double queen has all that families of three to four need to stay comfortably. Families of five, or those looking for a little more space, should book one of the three suites that also include a living area. The Mill Creek Suite includes a dining area, so you can finish up those leftovers for lunch the next day. Free on-site, covered parking is also included with your stay.

Drive Time: Just over 4 hours from Seattle.

2. Seabrook

a family sits around a firepit at Seabrook, a town on the Pacific that's a good weekend trips from seattle
courtesy Seabrook

If you’re ready to trade the bustling city for a peaceful escape, Seabrook is an unbelievably easy spring break destination for families. And their SpringFest activities (now through April 16) are sure to keep everyone in your family entertained during your stay. Plan your stay around Magic Mondays, Tag Tuesdays, Field Day Fridays, and more.

Parks and Rec: No matter where you stay in Seabrook, you're only about five minutes from the glorious sandy beaches of the Pacific. And all you need to enjoy it is pack your wagon full of beach chairs, kites, all the sand toys you can carry, and a picnic basket full of goodies and head out the door. Stay all day or add on an afternoon bike ride to your day's itinerary. Beyond the beach and biking everywhere, kids can shoot hoops, visit farm animals, explore the community garden, and play at the playground. And if you really want to make a day of it, check out the family adventures offered at Buck's Northwest. Surf lessons, river tours, and a clam digging expedition for first-timers are all part of the fun.

Foodie Fun: While Seabrook is a small town, it's no stranger to great eats. Breakfast at Vista Bakeshop rivals any you'll find in the city, but if pastries and coffee isn't what your morning is all about, you can find healthy bowls and smoothies at Blue. Lunch and dinner are just as easy. It's hard to go wrong with a pizza from Frontager's or an inventive modern Latin dish from Koko's Restaurant. And no trip to Seabrook is complete with out at least one scoop of small-batch ice cream from the Sweet Life. Spring is also an ideal time to take advantage of the community fireplaces you'll find scattered around the town. Bring fixings for s'mores and call it a night.

Learning Moments: Although clamming seems like a summer activity, it's actually something families can do year-round in the PNW. And if you head to Seabrook in spring, you and the kids can get in on razor clam season. March dates have been approved, and there are many listed in April pending approval. Bring your gear and plan to cook your haul that night.

Just for Kids: Usually families can only enjoy the popular Float Find in winter, but this year, the find has been extended through spring. Find clues at Guest Services on Front Street and then get hunting.

Cozy Time: The whole town of Seabrook was made for vacations. Most of the houses, bungalows, and manses are available to rent. Browse the cottage rentals to find just what you need—from sweet cottages with ocean views to pet-friendly cottages and cottages that sleep up to twenty-plus people. Each one comes with different perks like hot tubs, gas grills, fire pits, toy closets, and even baby gear (think high chairs or pack-n-plays) that make renting an easy option for families. 

Drive Time: 2.5 hours from Seattle.

Related: Brake for These Roadside Wonders on Your Next Road Trip

3. Port Townsend

Enjoy Port Townsend

The dramatic, windswept location, perfectly preserved Victorian architecture, and carefully curated shops and restaurants set the stage. You’ve arrived in Port Townsend, and there’s nowhere else in the state quite like it.

Parks and Rec: Fort Worden is a 434-acre park that will amaze and surprise at every turn. Once a military fort and barracks, it is now an unofficial scavenger hunt, filled with surprises and amusement in every nook and cranny. The restored houses, formerly military housing, provide unique holiday rental opportunities. Be sure to point out Alexander’s Castle to your Disney-obsessed kids. There are e-bikes, cornhole, badminton, yoga, plus jazz concerts for adults and budding musicians, in this cultural haven. Don’t forget to tell your group a ghostly tale before climbing the ruined barracks by the sea. Camping, swimming, museums, even a Pulitzer-prize winning poetry publisher can all be found on the property. It’s impossible to see it all in one day. Thank goodness summer vacation is three months long.

Foodie Fun:  Port Townsend is packed with options for hungry little eaters. Doc’s Marina Grill has all the yummy fish, chips and chowder one would expect from the aquatic surroundings. Water Street has a plethora of choices, including must-lick local institution Elevated Ice Cream Company. Further afield, Finnriver Cidery, in nearby Chimacum, makes for a unique experience, nourishing the mind and spirit as well as the body. The menu is simple but satisfying: salads, bratwurst and sandwiches. The cider is what you'd expect from a cidery that thinks in terms of appellations instead of mass appeal, and their mission is inspiring. They engage with the community and reconnect with the land, with the sense of place imbued by Washington state apples. 

Learning Moments:  The čičməhán Trail is a wonderful way to learn about the S’Klallam people who lived in this area for hundreds of years, while also enjoying a walking tour throughout the town. There are 18 sites throughout the city, sectioned into three-, six- and eight-mile loops, each telling a part of the tribe’s history. Print out the map in advance and then check off the signs as you find them. Whether you do some or all, every plaque is moving and educational.

Just For Kids: Port Townsend is the epicenter of the maritime environment that makes our state so special. So bring your little mariners down to the water next to the Northwest Maritime Center. There's a pirate ship where young sailors can raise the mizzenmast and jib the topsails. There are also maritime youth programs for ages 5-17. Eye patch and parrot not required, but highly recommended.

Cozy Time: The Port Ludlow Inn is a picturesque hideaway where groups can bond and connect, with watercolor views and casual activities. Check in and make a reservation at The Fireside. Be sure to ask about their dining events, as they are a farm-to-fork regional destination. Inquire at the front desk about farm tours and wine tastings, or sign up for hiking, biking, kayaking, giant lawn games, beach strolling or bird watching. On the flipside, grab a board game from the front desk, sip some tea and breathe in the sea air while winning at Trivial Pursuit. 

Drive Time: Two hours from Seattle.

4. Bellingham

Kate Loweth

Parks and Rec: The protected seashore of Bellingham and Whatcom County is perfect for exploring tide pools, taking scenic hikes and watching seabirds swoop in for their catch. If you want to see all the beauty this area offers, head down Chuckanut Drive and stop at Larabee State Park for hiking trails and water access. It’s $10 to enter the state park and you’ll have loads of options for a day by the shore.

Foodie Fun: Drive by Zane Burgers in the Fairhaven neighborhood and you’ll feel like you’ve gone back in time to the days of carhops. We found the burgers to be delicious and inexpensive, just what you want when feeding a family. Topping our list of favorite restaurants in downtown Bellingham is AB Crepes where sweet and savory crepes are the focus (our favorites: the Nutella and banana crepe and the crepizza) and the POG mimosa really hits the spot.

Keep Bellingham’s many breweries in mind when you visit as they not only have unique beers for the adult members of your crew but their energetic vibe drowns out all sorts of cranky toddler moods. Boundary Bay Brewery & Bistro was serving up a blackberry wheat on our visit and offered Etch-a-Sketches to the kids while they waited for food (BRILLIANT).

Learning Moments: The quirky and eclectic (or electric?) SPARK Museum should definitely be on your must-visit list. Kids will love learning about static electricity through hair-raising hands-on demonstrations. Find out how things like telephones worked before smartphones were invented (i.e. “the olden days”). Upstairs in the museum is an area just for the littlest visitors. 

Just for Kids: If the temps dip and the rain falls during your Bellingham visit, there are still tons of options for keeping the kids active. We particularly loved our visit to VITAL Climbing Gym where the drop-in rate of $19/person can’t be beat. Kids can rent shoes here and your pass is good for the whole day so you can take a break for lunch (crepes! See below!) and return for more bouldering action.

Drive Time: 1.5 hours from Seattle

Read More: tinybeans.com

—Kate Loweth

5. Hood Canal

a little girl sits in a chair looking out at mountains above hood canal during a weekend trips from seattle
Allison Sutcliffe

The Hood Canal is a winding waterway set between views of the Olympic National Park, oyster beds and forest trails. Families have been spending their free time along these shores for centuries, and this year is no exception. It’s hard to pin down what makes this region so special, but perhaps it starts with a perfect gathering place, Alderbrook Resort & Spa.

Parks and Rec: Potlatch State Park is located right on the Hood Canal with 57 acres available for camping, fishing, picnics, beachcombing and shellfish harvesting. Alderbrook Resort & Spa has five miles of private trails and a water sport center where families can rent wild rides like hydrobikes, paddle kayaks, peddle boats and seacycles.

Foodie Fun: The newly renovated Restaurant at Alderbrook Resort & Spa serves up scrumptious fare and their menu for little eaters is extensive. Hamma Hamma Oyster Saloon is a tradition. Grab chowder, oysters and more and sit in their outdoor wooden A-frame huts for fresh air and views. A true culinary highlight is Hook & Fork at Union City Market. The outdoor setting pairs perfectly with the flavorful offerings—such as salmon salad, trout dip, charbroiled oysters and the you-can’t-stop-slurping clam chowder.

Learning Moments: Sign up for Alderbrook Resort & Spa’s guided nature walks to learn about wildflowers, fungus, and plant life depending on the season. Discover Shinrin Yoku–Forest Meditation-by grabbing a booklet from the concierge and heading into the trees.

Just For Kids: The glass enclosed pool and hot tub area is where the kiddos will splash all day. Be sure to take them on the Nautical Flag Hunt which zigs and zags all over the property. Afterwards pick up a wooden frog music maker from the gift shop so your group can sing along with the amphibian night symphony.

Cozy Time: Order a s’mores kit (or two) for an evening treat by the bonfires.

Drive Time: 1.5 hours from Seattle.

Related: 11 Relaxing PNW Escapes Especially for Moms

6. Bainbridge Island

a girl stands by a playground on bainbridge island, an easy weekend trip from seattle with a ferry ride
Allison Sutcliffe

How about a vacation that starts at once? That’s the magic of Bainbridge Island. Your adventure begins on a ferry ride across the Sound with nature’s tableau escorting the way. Bainbridge Island has foodie haunts, parks and water sports, shopping, culture, and quiet moments for bonding and laughter. And with so many new additions—if you think you know Bainbridge, think again.

Parks and Rec: The Bainbridge Island Museum of Art (BIMA) is celebrating its tenth anniversary with a Treasure Trek this spring. You and the kids can try your luck at spotting one of 100 glass floats that'll be hidden around the Kitsap Peninsula, including five parks on Bainbridge Island, including Strwaberry Hill and Manzanita. The first drop happened April 1, and five more are planned throughout the season. Tiny tots and big kids alike will have 90 acres of play space to frolic and play at Battle Point Park. The all-abilities kid’s play structure provides hours of amusement, and if you plan it right, you can get in on the Earth Day Expo scheduled for April 22. Another worthwhile outdoor option? Explore with Islandwood when you sign up for their community programming (hint: the next one celebrates mothers on May 14). 

Foodie Fun: With so many choices, it’s hard to choose where to nosh. If you ask us, Via Roso 11 is an absolute must. The atmosphere is convivial and boisterous; you will feel at home at once thanks to the authentic Italian, just-like-Mama-cooked menu. Savor their homemade gnocchi, secret pesto sauce, bruschetta with Genovese basil, pasta and pizza. No need to get hangry, kids get Italian crackers immediately and all pasta dishes can be ordered in a kid’s portion. There's also Proper Fish with their British fish and chips and East Coast lobster rolls that do not disappoint. Streamliner Diner serves up famous brunch, while Pleasant Beach Donuts satisfies that sweet tooth. Get dolled up and dine at Joe’s Restaurant or Ba Sa. Don't forget the Bainbridge Island Farmers Market. Find fresh eats plus amazing local products on Saturdays, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Town Square. 

Learning Moments: Bloedel Reserve is not just for kids, but the vast property is filled with the wonders of nature and many activities for budding naturalists and everything is coming back to life in spring. Plus, they've got amazing Earth Month programming planned throughout April. We're looking forward to the KiDiMu Garden Tour for Kids on April 26.

Just for Kids: KiDiMu is a hands-on museum for children with lots of interactivity and STEM activities. Make sure to get a copy of the Second Edition of Explore Bainbridge Activity Book when you play. 

Cozy Time:  After all that excitement, it’s time for bed. We recommend The Inn at Pleasant Beach for a luxury, boutique hotel in a prime location with a pool. It’s above The Marketplace (with gourmet sandwiches, coffee and adult bevvies) and Island Cool frozen yogurt. Plus it's across the street from the movie theatre. Win, win!

Ferry Ride: 35 minutes from Seattle.

7. Vancouver, BC

during weekend trips from seattle people cross the capilano bridge in Vancouver bc
Greg Freitas

Oh, Canada! Travel to Canada is especially sweet in spring. Vancouver is a cosmopolitan city tucked into a delicious, bite-sized morsel next to the Pacific. Food, nature and shopping—plus that exchange rate—make this a great family escape.

Parks and Rec: Pack your shovels and sand toys because Kitsilano Beach has golden sand that's perfect for little diggers with views of the city and mountains. Vancouver’s newest urban playground is called “park of the future” and was designed with sustainability as a priority. Six thousand shrubs, perennials, climbers, and mature trees embrace the space.

Foodie Fun: Sign up for Rocky Mountain Flatbread Co.'s Sunday night pizza-making fun from 5-7 p.m. Sal Y Limon serves authentic Mexican street food fare, and has a kids play area complete with play kitchen and toys. For more games head to Bells & Whistles where they serve up a chill atmosphere and arcade games for all ages amusement.

Just For Kids: Psst parents, this one’s for you too! The Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is serenely beautiful and awe-inspiring. Adults will love the views and nature. Kids will be exhilarated by the swaying of the bridge. Check out Science World and the Kids Market at Granville Island for more kid-approved fun.

Learning Moments: Art inspires. Grab the group and take a self-guided art tour around Vancouver and discover BC’s diverse art scene. The tour takes folks through Stanley Park, around totem poles, the Vancouver Art Gallery, public art and more.

Cozy Time: Stay at the coveted Fairmont Waterfront, a luxury hotel with children-specific perks like kids’ robes, babysitting services (advanced notice is required) plus 5-year-olds and younger eat for free off the kids menu. Granville Island Hotel is conveniently located on Granville Island surrounded by parks, and the colorful Aquabus provides fun transfers to downtown, Stanley Park and Science World.

Flight Time: One hour from Seattle.
Drive Time: Just over two hours, depending on the border crossing wait times.

Related: 7 Seattle Hotels with Amazing Kid Perks

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An Insider’s Guide to San Diego’s Museum Month

by Aimee Della Bitta

Discover (or rediscover) San Diego’s best museums with your family during San Diego Museum Month 2023

San Diego is giving you even more reason to fall in love with the month of February by kicking off its annual Museum Month. Take a family adventure to explore our city’s finest world-famous museums all month long for half the price. This year, more than 60 museums throughout San Diego county are participating. So, pick a few new museums, hit up some old favorites, and immerse your family in local art walks, nature hikes, science, and other unforgettable learning experiences to inspire curiosity and creativity. Get started below with our picks for the best kid-friendly museums from Oceanside to Imperial Beach to the heart of local favorite, Balboa Park.

Good to Know: You can pick up your Museum Month pass starting January 26 from any local library or you can download your pass. Each Museum Month Pass is free and can be used for up to four, half-priced admissions at participating museums. Guests can use the pass to visit as many museums as they would like between February 1-28.

 

1. Fleet Science Center

If you’re looking for a spot to kick off museum month, then definitely head to The Fleet Center. You and your crew can catch the monthly astronomer-led planetarium show on February 1st, and the hands-on science exhibits will amaze any age (push buttons are self-sanitizing after every push!). Check out their rotating exhibits as there’s always something new to discover, and kids five and under will love playing in Kid City. Don’t forget to snag tickets for the quick 45-minute nature show on their upgraded IMAX big screen.

1875 El Prado
Balboa Park
Online: fleetscience.org

2. Birch Aquarium

Inspire your future marine biologists at San Diego’s Birch Aquarium—the ideal place for curious minds to get inspired by the beautiful and interactive sea-worthy exhibits happening daily. Walk through the hall of jellyfish, past the mesmerizing floor-ceiling kelp tank, and out to the touch pools with the most epic views of the La Jolla coast. Outside you’ll find plenty to keep kids busy learning from water and wind-powered play. Make sure to show up hungry because you’ll want to stop at the Splash Café outside for lots of delicious food that both you and the kids will enjoy.

2300 Expedition Way
La Jolla
Online: aquarium.ucsd.edu

3. Living Coast Discovery Center

San Diego County contains more biodiversity, from the mountains and deserts to deep ocean waters and salt marshes, than any other region in the contiguous United States. The Living Coast Discover Center allows you to explore and engage with animal exhibits that feature hawks, owls, sharks, rays, turtles and more. Time your visit with their animal presentations or even go during a bald eagle’s lunchtime for an unforgettable experience.

1000 Gunpowder Point Dr.
Chula Vista
Online: thelivingcoast.org

4. San Diego Natural History Museum

Roar and then explore at San Diego’s Natural History Museum, locally known as The Nat, and a dino-mite way to spend an afternoon with your kiddos. Young history buffs will love getting an up-close look at what’s been found in our own backyard and beyond with the larger-than-life dinosaurs and other animals on display. Head up to the museum’s top floor to check out the newest exhibit, Caught on Camera, which features remarkable images of southern California wildlife “caught” on film with the help of camera traps. You’ll see flying squirrels mid-leap, bobcats in backyards, and maybe discover local species you’ve never heard of before (what’s a ringtail, anyway?). If you have time, try to catch one of their films about nature on the giant screen.

1788 El Prado
Balboa Park
Online: sdnat.org

5. Maritime Museum of San Diego

Learn about San Diego’s exciting maritime history with a self-guided tour of this historic fleet. You’ll go below deck on the world’s oldest sailing ship, Star of India, tour the celebrity HMS Surprise featured in the film Master and Commander, and even find out what it’s like to sail in a submarine.

1492 N Harbor Dr.
San Diego (Embarcadero)
Online: sdmaritime.org

6. San Diego Botanic Garden

Inspire your kids to connect with plants and nature at the largest children’s garden on the west coast, The San Diego Botanic Garden. There are 37 acres and 4 miles of trails filled with lush plants, waterfalls, and ponds with turtles and fish. Each section of this garden features plants and trees from all over the world, so you can take a mini-vacation without leaving the city. There are two children’s gardens where you’ll find dinosaurs, explore the Incredible Edibles section, play in the Mountain Stream and climb the largest treehouse ever—Toni’s Tree House.

230 Quail Gardens Dr.
Encinitas
Online: sdbgarden.org

7. San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum

Head to this north county museum to experience a world of wonders with hands-on activities like building, magnification, dress-up, animal and plant care, water play, and so much more. A perfect spot for younger kids, The San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum has a special toddler area for little ones to play safely. This is a one-level indoor/outdoor museum, so you’ll find a good mix of activities, knowing the kids can’t wander off too far away. Don’t miss the Garden Workshop with Jimbos happening during museum month on February 10.

320 N Broadway
Escondido
Online: sdcdm.org

8. The New Children’s Museum

“Think, play, and create” is definitely what this place is all about; the New Children’s Museum has rotating exhibits that will inspire kids to see the world through creativity and art. Paint the old truck outside, make your own clay figurine, jump and swing on the large crocheted Whammock! and crawl through secret passageways and rooms. We love their latest installment, Breathing Room, a quiet space meant for pause in an otherwise highly active environment. The installation features intricate knitted sculptures made of repurposed T-shirts that move and hang from the ceiling. It’s the perfect reminder to look up, slow down, and focus on our breath. Also, The Bean Sprouts Café will excite your kids to eat the creatively displayed food.

200 W Island Ave.
San Diego
Online: thinkplaycreate.org

 

9. San Diego Air and Space Museum

Journey through aviation and learn about all the early explorers of flight and space. You’ll find rare specimens of aircraft, barnstormers from the golden age of flight, military jets, space capsules, and even one of the first hot air balloons from 1783.

And, beginning February 4th, you can check out their newest exhibit: Above and Beyond—celebrating the power of innovation to make dreams take flight, featuring immersive simulations, interactive design challenges, iconic historical touchstones, visionary concepts and inspiring stories from game-changing innovators, past and present. Pro Tip: Don’t forget to stop for a bite to eat in the restaurant with views underneath the San Diego flight line; you’ll enjoy watching the airplanes fly right above you.

2001 Pan American Plaza
Balboa Park
Online: sandiegoairandspace.org

10. San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum

North County kiddos will experience a world of wonders with hands-on activities like building, magnification, dress-up, animal and plant care, water play, and so much more. There’s even a toddler area for little ones to play safely. This is a one-level indoor/outdoor museum, so you’ll find a good mix of activities knowing the kids can’t wander off too far away.

320 N Broadway
Escondido
Online: sdcdm.org

11. USS Midway Museum

Visit America’s longest-serving aircraft carrier and find out what it was like to live onboard. Take a self-guided tour down below of the galley (kitchen), bunks, and command centers, and then head upstairs to the flight deck. You’ll find all kinds of aircraft and you can even go inside some of them. Find the gift shop, coffee shop, and restaurant towards the stern (back) of the boat.

910 N Harbor Dr.
San Diego (Embarcadero)
Online: midway.org

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11 Ways NYC Families Can Do More on MLK Day

by Yuliya Geikhman

Find Martin Luther King Day events in NYC for everyone in the family, including those with little hands and big hearts!

The kids just got back in school, but another day off is on the horizon. The city (and the country) observe Martin Luther King Jr. Day on the third Monday in January, which in 2023 falls on January 16. The day celebrates the life and legacy of the civil rights movement leader, who was dedicated to ending segregation in the US and promoting racial equality. Today, his words of wisdom are as relevant as ever. Celebrate, remember and relax with the kids, both on that Monday and the weekend that precedes it. Join a commemorative celebration, learn about the man and his achievements, make themed crafts and edible treats, volunteer your time, and do more around NYC in honor of American hero Dr. King. There’s plenty to do for the holiday this year, which means there’s something for everyone here—and options in every borough!

Ways to Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day throughout NYC

Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service at NYC Parks

Volunteer to help make your parks more beautiful for everyone in the community with NYC Parks' Day of Service events. Learn about and care for the city's trees and plants with various family volunteering opportunities. Activities include cleaning up, adding and aerating mulch, providing off-season care to plants, and more ways that big and small hands alike can help. This event is held across a number of different parks, so you can look for ways to help out close to home.

Price: Free

Various times and locations
Online: nycgovparks.org

Volunteer with Repair the World

What better way is there to honor the civil rights movements than to give your time to volunteer as a family? Repair the World is a Jewish organization that serves communities in pursuit of equality and justice for everyone. There are a number of opportunities to volunteer as a family during this year's MLK weekend and Monday (and beyond!), which kicks off with a "We <3 NYC MLK Shabbat" event in Brooklyn and Manhattan. Help repair gardening beds, put together hygiene packs, or even help build a free food database from home. There are many ways to help and get the kids involved!

Price: Free

Various dates, times, and locations
Online: werepair.org

Martin Luther King Jr. Events at the NY Historical Society

The NY Historical Society has several events planned in honor of MLK Day. Join the museum on Sunday, January 15 for a special Sunday Story Time, featuring "Change Sings: A Children’s Anthem" by presidential inaugural poet and activist Amanda Gorman. Following the readalong, kids will make their own guitar crafts. Make Monday a day in and join the museum on Zoom for "Living History @ Home: Cooking for the Civil Rights Movement," which celebrates the contributions and shines a light on the roles of black women in the civil rights movement. Plus, bake a sweet potato pie! Finally, join the museum on Zoom again as you read along to "Martin and Mahalia: His Words, Her Song," written by Andrea Davis Pinkney and illustrated by Brian Pinkney, followed by a microphone-making craft.

Price: Virtual events are free and in-person events are free with museum admission

Various dates and times
NY Historical Society
170 Central Park West
Upper West Side
Online: nyhistory.org

Ways to Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Manhattan

MLK Day: All You Knead is Love Camp at Taste Buds Kitchen

While not specifically related to MLK Day, this camp for aspiring chefs will make sure the day off doesn't pass them by without some learning. Kids will learn to bake delicious bready treats at this school holiday mini-camp. Focusing on bread kneading techniques, children in attendance will learn to make chocolate babkas, savory flatbreads, and flavorful garlic knots. The class will teach kids what their kneading does to the dough, and give them skills they can use in the future. This mini-camp will be held in two sessions for different age groups (see below for details) and all recipes are vegetarian.

Price: $115 per child

Mon., Jan. 16, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. (ages 4-8) and 1-4 p.m. (ages 9-13)
Taste Buds Kitchen
109 West 27th St.
Chelsea
Online: tastebudskitchen.com, ages 4-8 and ages 9-13

Harlem Gospel Choir at Sony Hall

The world-renowned Harlem Gospel Choir at their Martin Luther King Jr. Day Matinee. The event is a tribute both to the legacy of the man, and to the founding of the Choir in 1986 by Allen Bailey, who got the idea for the Choir while attending a celebration in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Things come full-circle! Note that when you buy tickets, you're only guaranteeing that you'll get seats, not reserving specific seats. Show up early to get better seats—they fill up fast!

Price: $36 and up

Mon., Jan. 16, 1:30 p.m.
Sony Hall
235 West 46th St.
Midtown
Online: ticketmaster.com

Ways to Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Brooklyn

Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. at the Brooklyn Children's Museum

Join the Brooklyn Children's Museum for a special long weekend celebration of Dr. King, featuring interactive performances, protest matches, community art programs, and volunteering opportunities. Throughout each day, you'll be able to make puppets with Nehpii Ameni and watch shadow puppet performances, design posters and hold mock protest marches with musician Fyütch, and contribute to the museum's "community dream cloud" in the ColorLab art studio.

Price: Free with museum admission

Sat., Jan. 14-Mon., Jan. 16, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Brooklyn Children's Museum
145 Brooklyn Ave.
Crown Heights
Online: brooklynkids.org

37th Annual Brooklyn Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at BAM 

The annual celebration at BAM kicks off with music, performances, and a keynote speech by civil rights lawyer and former President and Director-Counsel of LDF (NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund), Sherrilyn Ifill. This year's theme is an especially pressing one: Defending Democracy. Following the speech, watch performances by Allison Russell and Sing Harlem, whether you attend in person, or catch the livestream.

Price: Free

Mon., Jan. 16, 10:30 a.m.
Brooklyn Academy of Music
30 Lafayette Ave.
Fort Greene
Online: bam.org

Martin Luther King Jr. Day School Holiday in Prospect Park

The Prospect Park Alliance invites kids to take advantage of their day off from school by exploring nature in the park. The event will consist of three sections. Families can grab a discovery pack from 12-3 p.m., which is filled with activities and tools to make exploration educational and fun. From 2 to 3 p.m., the Audubon Center's Naturalists will be sharing information about the animals in the Center's collection at an Animal Encounter event. Finally, the Winter Wilderness Walk from 3 to 4 p.m. will introduce kids to discovering animal tracks in the snow, answer questions about how nature survives the cold of winter, and more.

Price: Free

Mon., Jan. 16, 12-4 p.m.
Prospect Park Audubon Center
101 East Dr.,
Prospect Park
Online: prospectpark.org

Ways to Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day in the Bronx

Freedom Quilters of Gee’s Bend at Wave Hill

Families can get together and create their own quilt from fabric scraps at this Wave Hill Family Art Project. The craft was inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s visit to Gee's Bed in Alabama in 1966. On this visit, he contributed to the founding of the Freedom Quilting Bee, which would go on to help fund the community's freedom. Learn more about the history and culture behind these quilts as you make your own with bright fabric squares and shapes, guided by Wave Hill staff.

Price: Free with admission

Sat., Jan. 14 and Sun., Jan. 15, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Wave Hill
4900 Independence Ave.
Riverdale
Online: wavehill.org

 

Ways to Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Queens

Annual MLK Day Celebration at Kupferberg Center for the Arts

Join award-winning singer and performer Samara Joy for the KCA's annual MLK Jr. Day celebration. The concert will feature Samara's jazzy renditions of well-known songs from the Great American Songbook. You'll also be treated to a keynote address, a recognition ceremony, and a reception following the show.

Price: $25 and up

Sun., Jan. 15, 3 p.m.
Kupferberg Center for the Arts
65-30 Kissena Blvd.
Flushing
Online: ticketmaster.com

Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day at the Queens Botanical Garden

Take part in this community celebration with the Queens Botanical Garden. Visit to enjoy craft making, storytime, and a guided walk through the wintery grounds of the garden. This event focuses on promoting love, hope, and unity, and is recommended for ages 5 and up.

Price: Free, $5 suggested donation

Mon., Jan. 16
11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Queens Botanical Garden
43-50 Main St.
Flushing
Online: eventbrite.com

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Put These Frightfully Fun Halloween Events on Your Family Calendar

by Allison Sutcliffe

Check out these wicked-fun Halloween events Boston kids can’t get enough of

Halloween is just around the corner, parents, and you know what that means. Busting out those Halloween costumes and wearing them as many times as you can before October comes to an end. So in the spirit of the season, we’ve found kid-friendly Boston Halloween events families can enjoy to help you out. From haunted trails and ghostly gardens to slimy science and spooky art, here’s where to scare up family fun around Boston in October.

Halloween events in Boston you won’t want to miss

jack-o-lantern pumpkin in front of Manhattan skyline at night
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Pumpkins in the Park
One of our favorite Boston Halloween events, families can enjoy Halloween-themed games and activities, a costume parade, spooky music by Nate the DJ, and more. Then hit the pumpkin-lit Animal Nocturnal Trail, a short walk through the woods dotted with fun facts about the nocturnal animals found at Bird Park. Along the trail, four “nocturnal animals” hand out candy to tick-or-treaters, so remember to wear your costume and bring a trick-or-treat bag and flashlight. Oct. 22, 2022. Event details.

Zoo Howl
Animals and Halloween adventures await families at Franklin Park Zoo's Zoo Howl, where kids are invited to trick-or-treat among the animals. Expect mystery animal encounters, costume contests and education stations where kids can meet with Zoo educators to learn about creepy crawly critters. Take a stroll along the trick-or-treat trail and complete the scavenger hunt to win prizes, too. You'll need advance tickets for this one. Oct. 29 & 30, 2022. Event details.

Hillside Halloween
Get dressed up in your costumes and bring the family out to the Fruitlands Hillside for a trick-or-treating walk on the museum campus. Timed ticketing will control the flow of guests through the site, allowing you plenty of space for safe Halloween fun. Oct. 28, 2022. Event details.

October Play Date at ICA
It’s almost Halloween! The perfect time to bring the kids to ICA to get inspired and enjoy free admission for families. Plans are still in the works, but if things run like last year, you can expect a special Halloween activity in the galleries and Visitor Assistants will be passing out treats. Costumes are encouraged! Tickets required. Oct. 29, 2022. Event details.

Spooky Shrinky Dinks
When it comes to Halloween events for kids in Boston it doesn't get better than this free experience where kids can join a spooky STEM Shrinky Dink Workshop to make ghosts, pumpkins, and monsters from fun shrinkable plastic. Oct. 19, 2022. Event details.

Related: Where Boston Families Can Pick the Perfect Pumpkin

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Halloween Spooktacular
The Boston Children's Museum is where you'll find this spooktacular celebration that's fun and safe for little ghouls and goblins of all ages. This after-hours experience includes a pumpkin patch especially for little ones, pumpkin putt-putt, and a potion mixing activity for budding scientists. Don't forget the treats you'll get to leave with too. Tickets are required. Oct. 29, 2022. Event details.

Halloween at deCordova
Watch the harvest moon travel across the sky as you and your family complete a series of ghoulish activities, all inspired by mysterious artworks. Explore different disguises, create monstrous shadows and solve tantalizing mysteries! Make sure to pick up your treats after the tricks are completed. Oct. 21 & 28, 2022. Event details.

Frightful Fridays at the Gore Mansion
The Gore’s popular Halloween program returns this October! Enjoy spooky tales—but nothing too scary. The 45-minute program features five stories and occurs twice per evening at 6:30 p.m. and again at 7:45 p.m. Best for kids 6 & up. Oct. 14, 21 & 28, 2022. Event details.

Spooky Bones & Creepy Crawlers
Celebrate the scariest time of year with this show-and-tell-and-touch style event full of real animal skeletons and the creepiest of crawlies. Kids will learn about adaptations, and how the bodies of vertebrates and invertebrates accomplish the same tasks in different ways. Oct. 23, 2022. Event details.

Related: Where to Find Fall's Fabulous Colors around Boston

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Fall-O-Ween Children's Festival
Come dance and party during the afternoon at the Fall-o-Ween Bash. This free, family-friendly event, hosted by the City, will also include lots of spooky activities and giveaways for all ages. Halloween costumes are encouraged. Oct. 22, 2022. Event details.

Halloween Hullabaloo
It’s Halloween weekend at the Discovery Museum. Challenge yourself to a few holes of Pumpkin Putt Putt and other outdoor games with a frightfully fun twist. Use your powers of observation on a Spooktacular Scavenger Hunt, and expect other ghostly surprises to pop up around the Museum. Costumes are encouraged. Psst...don't forget this sense-ational scavenger hunt also at the museum in October. Oct. 29 & 30, 2022. Event details.

Ghostly Garden Scavenger Hunt
Join in on this spooky outdoor scavenger hunt where you decipher a series of hints to find hidden Halloween-themed destinations tucked away throughout the thickly-settled plots and trellises of the Berkeley Community Garden. Costumed characters will be handing out treats (no tricks), so wear your costume and bring a trick-or-treat bag and flashlight. Oct. 22, 2022. Event details.

Minni Workshop: Slime Science
Slime scientists ages 4-10 will be lining up for Minni’s spookiest and gooiest workshop yet. Grab your cauldrons and create creepy concoctions in Minni's Halloween Slime workshop. Kids will make the most of three different slimy interpretations of everything Halloween, beginning with fluffy pumpkin slime, and concluding with a bubbly witches brew. Oct. 30, 2022. Event details.

Minni Workshop: Spooky Houses
Another chance to join a Minni workshop, kids will love this spooky take on architecture. Kids ages 4-10 will use an exciting medley of recycled and craft materials to design their own facades complete with towering turrets and ghastly gargoyles. Perfect for spooky season. Oct. 29, 2022. Event details.

Related: Mark Your Calendars! Boston's Best Fall Festivals for Families

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Costume Parade
Put on your costume and meet others in the Children’s Library on Halloween to get the day started. There will be a storytime and then kids can parade around the library. Oct. 31, 2022. Event details.

Boo in the Barnyard
It’s almost Halloween—time to show off your costumes! The animals at Weir River Farm love to see kids dressed up for Halloween. Wear your costume and meet Nutmeg the pony, Ruby the llama, Poppy the goat, and Dixie the potbellied pig, as well as other farm animals. Kids will love the scavenger hunt, craft, and the taste of a sweet treat.Registration is required. Oct. 8, 15, 21 & 29, 2022. Event details.

Halloween Puppet Show
In this special Halloween show, Tom helps Freddy the Troll see that he doesn’t have to be scared of children. The vibrant and amusing visual elements will appeal to children as young as 2, while fun lyrics will engage children up to twelve, and adults, too. It’s a great way to celebrate Halloween with the family. Oct. 26, 2022. Event details.

Halloween on the Hill
The folks at Long Hill are excited to bring back Halloween on the Hill. Come explore the beautiful property as it's transformed into a celebration of autumn and the Halloween season. Expect a few new surprises this year as you follow the trail that features over 1,000 jack-o'-lanterns, hundreds of mums and pumpkins, elaborate Halloween sets, light displays, music, and more. Wed.-Sun., Sep. 30-Oct. 31, 2022. Event details.

Boo at the Zoo
Thrills, chills, and animals await you at Stone Zoo's Boo at the Zoo, where children throughout New England are invited to trick-or-treat among the animals. You never know what lurks around every corner on the trick-or-treat trail. Kids will also enjoy ghoulish games and a costume contest in addition to watching animals enjoy their pumpkin enrichments. Oct. 22 & 23, 2022. Event details.

Related: 9 Magical Treehouses Families Can Actually Rent in New England

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100 Things You MUST Do with Kids in Atlanta

by Allison Sutcliffe
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If you live here, you know Atlanta is a great place to raise a family. To prove it, here are our favorite things to do in Atlanta with kids

When you’re looking for things to do in Atlanta with kids, the incredible Georgia Aquarium, Zoo Atlanta, and Center for Puppetry Arts come to mind. But you don’t have to look too hard to find amazing things to do in the city when you need an impromptu plan. As far as we’re concerned, you could live here for the rest of your life and still never get to all the cool, kid-friendly offerings the city has. These are just a few of our favorite things to do, whether you’re a local or you’re just passing through.

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1. Shoot the 'Hooch with the kids when you rent kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, or tubes to make a splash in its icy water. It's a local tradition you gotta do at least once as a family.

2. Learn what it takes to lead at this free public tour through a 30-room mansion in the heart of the city.

3. You'll have to maneuver around a pirate ship and waterfall at this outdoor sporting spot that's a "hole" lot of fun. And when you're done you can take in the latest blockbuster with the kids.

4. Parents know breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Don't skip it. Instead, head to one of our favorite breakfast joints that open before the sun is up.

5. Stroll around an Atlanta-area farmer's market to enjoy live music, chef demos, special kid zones, and more. Plus you can pick out your produce for the week. Some of our favorites for families include Ponce City Farmer's Market, the Green Market at Piedmont Park, and the Freedom Farmer's Market at the Carter Center.

Related: Above Par: 8 Spots to Play Mini Golf with Kids

6. Bring the kids for an educational experience at the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Park. A must on everyone's list, you'll get to see where the civil rights leader lived as a child, where he often preached, and where he's buried. Entrance is free, and the junior ranger activities for kids will keep them engaged.

7. There's no better place to be on second Sundays than this museum that's home to more than 18,000 works for art, housed in a building designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architects, Richard Meier and Renzo Piano. Why second Sundays? Because admission is free.

8. If your kids haven't played with the Rigamajig, mastered Norilla, or looked through a Wentzcope, they haven't really played yet.

9. If you don't know Disco Kroger, do you really even know Atlanta?

10. This whimsical scavenger hunt around downtown Atlanta was made for little kids who are always on the lookout for fairy doors, gnome homes, and other fanciful spots.

Related: Your Insider's Guide to Atlanta's Best Museums for Families

11. If design is your thing you've got to check out the only museum in the U.S. dedicated to it. The best part? Kids 11 and under are always free.

12. Pack a picnic for Centennial Olympic Park, and plan on a run through the Fountain of Rings—formed in the shape of the Olympic rings symbol—if it's hot outside.

13. Head to storytime in a garden with the kids on a not too hot day. Who knows? You might even get to see some of the insects and plants you read about when you're done.

14. Meet giraffes, longhorn, and deer as they make their way over to greet you in your safari vehicle.

15. Take your fire truck loving tots to the Marietta Fire Museum or the Roswell Fire Museum, which display items like fire service clothing, equipment and historical items.

Related: Scenic Spots to Picnic & Play on Summer Evenings

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16. Meet a baby kangaroo, cuddle with an otter, or have a 150-pound boa constrictor draped over your arm at a wildlife park that pulls triple duty; it's part petting zoo, part animal conservation program, and part rescue facility.

17. Explore Piedmont Park's 189-acres, filled with playgrounds, paved paths, picnic areas, ponds, green spaces, and host to some of Atlanta's best festivals and fairs (many of which are free).

18. While it's not always easy to find free events around the city, we love heading out to spots that are always free like the Oakland Cemetery, where you'll find the final resting place of Civil War soldiers, Margaret Mitchell, Bobby Jones, and other notable Atlantans.

19. Chastain Park, Historic Fourth Ward, Brook Run. What do all these spots have in common? They're just a few of Atlanta's best playgrounds for kids and families.

20. More than museums, anyone who loves trains get their fill at these Atlanta spots that boast everything from memorabilia to programs to a chance to ride on a historic engine.

21. See stars when you camp at a local park designated as an International Dark Skies Park. It's one of our favorite Georgia National Parks, and we think your family will agree after giving it a try.

Related: Play All Day! Discover Atlanta's Best Playgrounds

22. Quiet coves and uninhabited islands are the key features of Lake Chatuge. An easy two-hour drive from the city, it's just what families need to combat Hotlanta's notorious summers.

23. Catch free movies in the park at Atlantic Station, Town Brookhaven, Bobby Dodd Stadium, The Battery, and other spots. Just don't forget your bug spray and blanket for this outdoor family activity.

24. Located in the historic Sweet Auburn district, the APEX Museum is devoted to Black history. Older elementary children and teenagers will appreciate exhibits on Africa, the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade, and the history of Atlanta neighborhoods.

25. Experience Fire on the Mountain storytelling, a family dinner around the bonfire, and an old-fashioned wagon ride when you go to pick apples in the North Georgia mountains.

26. While we can't guarantee you'll spot Queen Latifah, Faith Evans, or Beyonce here, they've been known to frequent this spot that pampers both kids and adults.

27. Be intentional with your spending beyond August (Black Business Month) when you shop one of our favorite local Black-owned businesses that sell things families need.

28. Take a two-mile long hayride around a farm in the fall. It's Atlanta's longest and (as far as we're concerned) most entertaining ride around.

Related: 17 Places for Kids to Learn about Black History in Atlanta

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29. Let the grandparents take a lead for a bit when they head out to explore the city with the kids in tow. We're all about places that are accessible to both generations—whether they'll want to play all day or need plenty of spots to sit for a spell.

30. Fish and paddle in Lake Trahlyta, or hike to nearby waterfalls like Helton Creek Falls and Desoto Falls with the kids during RV season.

31. Get on your bikes and take a spin around the city.

32. Answer your kiddo's age-old question about where babies come from on a behind-the-scenes tour at a true Atlanta original. Hint: it might not be what you think.

33. Introduce the kids to a new hobby that's reel-y fun for everyone.

34. Explore the Blue Ridge Parkway and stay in a rustic treehouse when you do. There you can hike, camp, or just take in the views from this 469-mile long park.

Related: Take a Spin! 9 City Bikes Paths for Families

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35. Take the kids and explore Doll's Head Trail—a true city oddity, it's one that appeals to folks of all ages.

36. Need a plan for Taco Tuesday? Get what you need to cook up a feast at Brito Supermarket.

37. When you need a break from dinner prep, let a local take the lead. All you have to do is the dishes!

38. Georgia's known for its scrumptious peaches. Why not pick your own with the kids at a local farm? (Hint: you'll find more than just stone fruits here—we're talking strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and more. Stock up while you can.

39. Go camping in one of Georgia's Seven Natural Wonders.

40. Snap selfies at Atlanta's Hole in the Wall where you'll find some of the best donuts in the South.

Related: 7 Secret Spots in Atlanta Worth Finding

things to do with kids in Atlanta include splash pads like this one at a state park
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41. Turn the heat up on your next family camping trip when you book a lakeside cabin at this state park that also has a kids splash pad, gorgeous golf course, and a private pool.

42. Bring your lords, ladies, and court jesters (hey, every family has one, right?) to cheer on knights of the realm who are busy jousting and sword fighting while you enjoy your dinner.

43. It's hard to go wrong at a little-known play spot in the city.

44. Home to the Atlanta History Center, Blue Heron Nature Preserve, and a playground that will leave your future pilots flying high, Buckhead is a not-to-miss Atlanta neighborhood that deserves your attention.

45. Get to know Atlanta moms with a knack for everything from DIY home projects to fashion to food. They'll dish the dirt with a healthy dose of humor, local Atlanta flair, and parenting truths that ring true for all of us.

46. Cozy up to a story time at one of our favorite local spots, offered every day of the week. Hint: Supplement storytime at home with a book by a local author. There's nothing like curling up with a good book kids can totally relate to.

Related: Fine Print: Children's Books by Georgia Authors That Should Be on Your Bookshelf

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47. Make Atlanta's weather part of your team when you take the kids to enjoy dinner al fresco. Many of our picks features spots for kids to play (think: lawns and courtyards) alongside kid-friendly fare they'll actually eat.

48. Speaking of feeding the kids, why not save a few bucks the next time you go out to dinner as a family?

49. Plan a trip to a re-creation of a Bavarian Alpine village, complete with cobblestone streets and local history linked to the Cherokee Indians and early settlers who came to mine for gold and work in the lumber industry.

50. Visit Georgia's own Area 51. While you won't find any aliens here, you will find an educational nature center, lots of hiking trails, historic homes and gardens to tour, and The Fresh Pickle.

51. Find treetop adventures right here in the city. Thrill seekers of all ages will love these courses, and a brave few will choose to tackle the largest zip line adventure park resort in the world. For real!

Related: 3 North Georgia Mountain Towns to Visit in Any Season

62. Even if you've lived here your whole life, you've got to ride the SkyView ferris wheel 20 stories above Centennial Olympic Park at least once. It'll convince you that Atlanta is rightfully called The City in the Trees.

63. Sunbathe indoors or sleep in a choo-choo when you and the kids hit the road during school's many winter breaks.

64. If you live in Atlanta, there's a good chance you've flown Delta. Visit the Delta Museum, where you can learn about our hometown airline and get up-close and personal with some massive airplanes.

65. For an inexpensive adventure that helps you avoid the hassle of driving in the city's notorious traffic, take MARTA to your next destination (or make it a destination in itself).

66. Explore Pullman cars, vintage buses, a steam locomotive, and other types of transportation at the Southeastern Railway Museum. Be sure to check their calendar for an expansive list of excellent family events.

Related: 6 Easy Winter Getaways That Aren't Too Far from Atlanta

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67. We think your kids will flip for a stack of flapjacks at one of our favorite spots. It's hard to beat Nutella pancakes on a weekend morning when everyone is feeling a bit lazy.

68. If your baby is named Ansley, Jimmy, Georgia, or King, you might just be from Atlanta.

69. Head north with the kids to meet llamas, pick berries, and learn about farm-to-table meal planning (who knows, maybe they'll even make dinner?).

70. Alpharetta is a hot spot for families near Atlanta, and we've got the scoop on this growing town's new and cool things to do with kids.

71. Ride the rails with Santa—it's a holiday tradition for Atlanta families that's hard to beat.

72. Atlanta's summers were made for ice cream!

Related: Yee-Haw! Find Farm-Fresh Fun near Atlanta

kids watch the whale shark at the atlanta aquarium one of the best things to do with kids in atlanta
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73. If you live here, you may think you know Georgia Aquarium, but there's always something new going on here. From the dolphin encounters kids and parents love to the newly opened 1.2 million-gallon shark tank that's mesmerizing everyone who sees it, this Atlanta favorite never gets old.

74. Check out our picks for where to stay cool on Atlanta's hottest days.

75. Explore the Georgia Sea Turtle Center and then head to the Summer Waves Water Park on your next family camping trip. 

76. Bring the kids for a trail ride adventure. Plan a one-time trip or if they fall in love with the animals, sign your little rider up for lessons.

77. Battle the brr's with a cup of hot coca that's as creamy as it is chocolatey. Our tip? Share a few sips with your kiddo or grab a cup of your own.

78. Hike to the top or take a shuttle bus to the top of our giant monolith, Stone Mountain, and enjoy spectacular sweeping views of Atlanta. There's always something going on at this destination that attracts visitors from all over. Whether you want to ride the train, explore dinosaurs, or stay for the evening fireworks, a trip is always a blast.

79. Take a trip down memory lane when you race go-karts, play mini-golf, and challenge your kids to a little Dance, Dance, Revolution competition.

80. Make your next weekend getaway truly epic by renting a house with a pool. Each one of our vacation picks includes things to do nearby so you don't have to look too far to find family activities.

Related: Dive In! An Insider's Guide to Georgia Aquarium

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81. Go glamping in a log cabin built in the late 1700s. Your kids will be fascinated with each of the old buildings on the property (there are four in total), and you'll find plenty to do at nearby Clayton and Lake Rabun.

82. Whether you use a flashlight, find one that's haunted, or a just-right size one for kids, Atlanta's corn mazes will keep everyone entertained.

83. Catch a family improv show at the award-winning Dad’s Garage improv comedy theater in Atlanta’s Historic Old Fourth Ward neighborhood. Trust us, it'll leave you in stitches.

84. Cheer on the Braves during a game at Truist Park.

85. Plan an island getaway that doesn't involve a flight.

86. A visit to the pumpkin patch is a must for families every fall. Find out which one has the best prices, best kids zone, and best overall experience before you go.

87. Truly experience The City in the Forest with a walk or bike ride through Piedmont Park, home to Atlanta Botanical Garden and Lake Clara Meer. Whether you are going to a festival, taking a sunset stroll, or walking your pooch to the dog park, this is the place to be on a beautiful day.

88. Support local moms when you shop one of our favorite women-owned businesses.

Related: Take Me Out to the Ballgame! A Family's Guide to Truist Park

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89. Find out what we love about Hello Rainbow, Maomi Bookstore, and PH'EAST (and what they have in common, too).

90. When you spend a day in this Atlanta historic district, you'll be surrounded by historic sights and places. It's where Atlantans go for to celebrate Sweet Auburn Springfest, watch the Caribbean Festival & Parade, and the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Parade.

91. A trip to Angel Falls is a must. As is taking a dip in the large lake nearby.

92. Light up your winter holidays with displays that really dazzle. Or drive around Atlanta's brightest neighborhoods to get in the holiday spirit. 

93. Hiking is a year round activity in the South. Why not plan a family hike today?

94. Trade your waterskis for snow skis, and head to one of our favorite nearby ski hills for the day (or the weekend). Another trade that'll go far here? Trading your water tube for a snowy run to make the runs.

Related: Southern Slopes: 8 Ski Spots near Atlanta

 

95. Hit this artist-designed playscape near 10th and Piedmont that's as visually engaging as it is physically engaging. On a hot day, hit the nearby Legacy Fountain splash pad that features more than 70 jets, reaching up to 30 feet in the air, with LED-lighting.

96. Head to a fall festival to get the fall-idays started off on the right foot.

97. Visit the 110-acre Brook Run Park, home to a large playground, two-mile trail, skate park, dog park, community garden, and a self-guided zip line course, called Treetop Quest. 

98. See if you've got what it takes to crack the code, open the safe, and solve all the puzzles so you can make it out in time.

99. Margaritaville at Lanier Islands continues to attract families in big numbers every summer thanks to its lakefront beach and waterpark—perfect for warmer weather entertainment. Our suggestion? Avoid the crowds and go on a weekday morning, if you're able.

100. Find your community, moms.

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