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This Season’s Best Holiday Shows Happening in San Francisco

by Sarah McDonald

The best SF Bay Area holiday shows that should be on your holiday to-do list this year

The holiday season is back again, and with the best holiday events San Francisco and the Bay Area has to offer, your calendar will be filled like a Christmas stocking. Take a break from finding the perfect Christmas tree and the brightest Christmas light displays around San Francisco to catch the seasonal favorites like, The Nutcracker. Or maybe mix things up this year and take the kids to a Tony Award-winning adaptation of A Christmas Carol or the Broadway hit Frozen the Musical now in town. From creative new winter productions to unique takes on old Christmas classics, now’s a great time to relax in the theater and enjoy holiday shows in the San Francisco and Bay Area.

The Best Holiday Shows in San Francisco

Disney's Frozen: The Musical

Nov. 18-Dec. 30: Following a success on Broadway, and earning three Tony nomination in the process, Elsa, Anna, Olaf and Kristoff have head out across North America to bring the magic of Frozen to San Francisco. Brought to life by Oscar-winning composer and lyric team Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, the production is loosely based on Hans Christian Anderson's fairytale The Snow Queen in the Scandinavian surrounds of Arendelle, where two royal sisters, Elsa and Anna must grow up alone after losing their parents in a tragic sea accident.

Orpheum Theatre
1192 Market St.
San Francisco 
Online: san-francisco-theater.com

ODC Dance’s The Velveteen Rabbit

Nov. 26-Dec. 11: Based on the classic children’s tale by Margery Williams, The Velveteen Rabbit is back on stage for its 36th anniversary. Come to a show brimming with wit, festive costumes, madcap characters, and the perfect amount of holiday cheer featuring a delightful musical score by Benjamin Britten, and larger-than-life storybook characters portrayed by the world-class dancers.

Blue Shield of California Theater at YBCA
700 Howard St. 
San Francisco 
Online: odcdance.org

A Christmas Carol

Nov. 30-Dec. 24: A Christmas Carol is a decades-long cornerstone of the A.C.T. repertory and features a lively cast of dozens, delightful music, gorgeous costumes, and those deliciously spooky ghosts. The Bay Area's holiday tradition returns home with this version of A Christmas Carol—adapted by Paul Walsh and Carey Perloff—that stays true to the heart of Dickens's timeless story of redemption.

The Toni Rembe Theater (formerly The Geary Theater)
415 Geary St.
San Francisco
Online: act-sf.org

Sleeping Beauty

Dec. 1-30: Panto in the Presidio returns with Sleeping Beauty, a wildly funny musical mashup of true love, talking dogs, singing chickens, dancing ghosts, and enough fairy magic for the entire family. Audiences can join in the Panto traditions of booing the villains, cheering the heroes, singing along to popular songs – with a few new lyrics – and helping the fairies cast magic spells.

Presidio Theatre Performing Arts Center
99 Moraga Ave.
San Francisco
Online: presidiotheatre.org

San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus Holiday Spectacular

Dec. 2-3, Dec. 24: The world-famous San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus is performing Dec. 2-3 at the Sydney Goldstein Theater with its usual entertaining fun and flair to ring in the holiday season with its annual show. Audiences can expect such favorites as Jingle Bells and I’ll Be Home for Christmas; light-hearted originals, including a holiday-themed Cher medley; and classical choral works—including Sure on this Shining Night. For more SFGMC on Christmas Eve, there will be another show at The Castro Theatre called Holiday Spectacular: Home for the Holidays. 

Sydney Goldstein Theater 
275 Hayes St.
San Francisco

Castro Theatre
429 Castro St.
San Francisco
Online: cityboxoffice.com

Mark Foehringer's Nutcracker Sweets

Dec. 3-18: For those with a short attention span, Foehringer's Dance Project|SF performs a Nutcracker choreographed with the kids in mind. It's just 50 minutes and recommended for anyone over age 2. Live music and a few deviations from the classic will keep the whole family entertained. 

Cowell Theater
Fort Mason Center
2 Marina Blvd.
San Francisco
Online: nutcrackersweets.org

SF Symphony's Deck the Hall

Dec. 4: San Francisco Symphony's annual holiday extravaganza features a program of holiday favorites new and old and a gigantic cast including Stephanie Woodford, SF Ballet School Trainees, San Francisco Boys Chorus, Young Women's Choral Projects, Kugelplex, Dholrhythms Dance Company, and the Presidio Panto Players.

Davies Symphony Hall
201 Van Ness Ave.
San Francisco 
Online: sfsymphony.org

San Francisco Ballet’s Nutcracker

Dec. 8-27: Step into the reverie of little Clara in this unforgettable holiday tale and enter a magical wonderland of toy soldiers, a blizzard of snowflakes, and a kaleidoscope of more than 150 dancers. Nutcracker features 83 Company dancers and 110 SF Ballet School students in 183 breathtaking costumes, the largest production in the San Francisco Ballet's 90-year history. The show runs two hours with one intermission, and is most magical for children ages 5 and older.

The War Memorial Opera House
301 Van Ness Ave.
San Francisco
Online: sfballet.org

Smuin's The Christmas Ballet

Dec. 14-24: The fiercely festive 2022 edition of The Christmas Ballet returns showcasing Smuin’s exquisite signature style in a dazzling program of ballet, contemporary, character, Broadway jazz, and tap in two acts. Every performance is brimming with classical ballet set to carols and contemporary works danced to pop music favorites. Other performances will also be held in Walnut Creek Nov. 19-20 and Mountain View Dec. 1-4. 

Blue Shield of California Theater at YBCA
700 Howard St. 
San Francisco 
Online: smuinballet.org

Related: Chop Chop! The Best U-Cut Tree Farms

The Best Holiday Shows in the East Bay

Diablo Ballet's The Nutcracker Suite

Nov. 11-12: Diablo Ballet's 29th season opens with an expanded full-length production of Julia Adam’s smash holiday hit, The Nutcracker Suite. The Diablo family and their daughter, Clara, return to the Nutcracker Suite at the Fairmont Hotel for another Christmas Eve adventure. Clara’s dream expands taking her on a magical journey through the land of sweets that will include students from Diablo Ballet School.

Lesher Center for the Arts
601 Civic Drive
Walnut Creek
Online: diabloballet.org

Christmas in My Hometown

Nov. 26: Back for its 17th year running, Vacaville Performing Arts Theater invites you to bring the whole family to their variety show, fashioned after the holiday specials of TV’s early days, where stars were joined by their families in a cozy front room setting. The show, full of holiday cheer and tradition, puts a spotlight on Vacaville talent and is a great way to kick off the holiday season.

Vacaville Performing Arts Theatre
1010 Ulatis Drive
Vacaville
Online: vpat.com

Center REP's A Christmas Carol

Dec. 8-22: This annual tradition by Charles Dickens, directed by Scott Denison, is brimming with music and dance, love and laughter, and spectacular special effects. Some critics have called it “THE Christmas Carol to see in the Bay Area.”

Lesher Center for the Arts
601 Civic Drive
Walnut Creek
Online: lesherartscenter.org

Valley Dance Theater's Nutcracker

Dec. 10-18: Experience the full-length magic of the Nutcracker—this annual Tri-Valley holiday event continues to enchant audiences of all ages, bringing Tchaikovsky’s well-known music and ballet to life with all of its elegance and beauty. Thrill to a stage filled with one magical Nutcracker, a swirl of lovely snowflakes, adorable mice, dancing soldiers and a glittering sugar plum fairy accompanied by the Valley Dance Theatre's Pit Orchestra. 

Bankhead Theater
2400 First St.
Livermore
Online: valleydancetheatre.com

Oakland Ballet Company’s The Nutcracker

Dec. 17-18: One girl’s enchanted evening comes to life in contemporary choreographer Graham Lustig’s show with beautiful dancing, magnificent scenery and imaginative costumes. Cheer on Marie and her soldiers as she rescues the Nutcracker Prince from the evil Rat King and then soar with the dancing snowflakes to the Land of Sweets where luscious treats await. The Oakland Symphony along with the Piedmont East Bay Children’s Choir bring Tchaikovsky’s magnificent score to life.

Paramount Theatre
2025 Broadway
Oakland
Online: oaklandballet.org

The Best Holiday Shows in the Peninsula

SV Shakespeare's A Christmas Carol

Dec. 2-18: Dress in your Dickens-inspired ensembles and be prepared to encounter A Christmas Carol like you have never seen it before. Silicon Valley Shakespeare’s inaugural performance of Charles Dickens’ holiday classic will take audience members back in time with Ebenezer Scrooge as he literally walks down memory lane. Set against the expansive backdrop of History Park San José’s 14 acres of preserved and reproduced homes from a long-gone era, this immersive and walking production is a unique holiday experience for the entire family.

History Park
635 Phelan Ave.
San Jose
Online: svshakespeare.org/carol

New Ballet’s The San Jose Nutcracker

Dec. 16-18: New Ballet is performing the holiday classic with a twist, incorporating familiar Santa Clara landmarks into their version of the Nutcracker. It takes place in San Jose at the turn of the last century with dazzling new scenic elements including a growing replica of the historic San Jose Light Tower and a skyline of San Jose inspired by the city in 1905. Costumes for the first act were inspired by period dolls from the History San Jose archives and the second act was inspired by the valley in the last century, carpeted in orchard blossoms and known as "The Valley of Heart's Delight.”

California Theatre
345 S. First St.
San Jose, CA
Online: newballet.com


New Ballet’s My Very First Nutcracker

Dec. 18: My Very First Nutcracker is a special one-hour classical ballet presentation suitable for the youngest audiences that features the first act of The San Jose Nutcracker, including a festive holiday party hosted by young Clara, her brother Fritz, and their family in San Jose at the turn of the last century.

California Theatre
345 S. First St.
San Jose
Online: newballet.com

Bayer Ballet Company's Snow Queen 

Dec. 16-18: Inspired by one of Hans Christian Andersen’s most beloved fairytales, this story ballet celebrates friendship, love and courage. When the Snow Queen's spell captures Kai, his sister Gerda sets out on a quest to save him. This two-act ballet features hand painted sets, original costumes, and an award-winning cast of dancers from Bayer Ballet Company and guest artists. 

Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts
500 Castro St.
Mountain View
Online: bayerballetacademy.com

Gingerbread Man

Dec. 17-18: Presented by Palo Alto's Children Theater, this short and sweet (35 minutes long) story-teller show is ideal for the littlest of theater goers (suggested ages 2-6). Getting up and dancing to get the wiggles out is encouraged, which makes it the perfect introduction to theater for littles. 

Palo Alto Children's Theatre
1305 Middlefield Road
Palo Alto
Online: cityofpaloalto.org

Related: 2022 Holiday Bucket List

The Best Holiday Shows in the North Bay

Related: All Aboard! Magical Holiday Train Rides for Bay Area Kids

Just Dance Academy Winter Performance 

Nov. 20: This annual winter performance includes an abbreviated Nutcracker complete with favorite characters such as the Sugar Plum Fairy, Snow Queen, Rose Queen, and more. Following this, audience members will be dazzled by JDA’s energetic and inspiring jazz, tap, hip hop, and contemporary programs. Dancers in the competition program will also showcase group routines they are working on in preparation for the 2023 competition season. 

Marin Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium
10 Avenue of the Flags
San Rafael
Online: marincenter.org

August Wilson's Two Trains Running

Nov. 25-Dec. 18: in the seventh of August Wilson's 10 plays in The American Century Cycle chronicling the African American experience, restaurant owner Memphis Lee fights to sell his diner for a fair price because it’s slated for demolition. Memphis and his regulars confront their changing neighborhood, struggle to make ends meet, and strive to step toward a better life. 

Marin Theater Company
397 Miller Ave.
Mill Valley
Online: marintheater.org

Broadway Holiday Spectacular

Dec. 2-4: Experience an all-new holiday show in 2022 from Transcendence Theatre Company where Broadway performers will create an intimate, cozy experience perfect for the entire family. With a suburban living room feel reminiscent of Judy Garland’s holiday special, performers will toast the season with music and holiday cheer.

Hanna Center
17000 Arnold Dive
Sonoma
Online: transcendencetheatre.org

Duke Ellington's Nutcracker Featuring the Marcus Shelby Orchestra

Dec. 4: New World Ballet and the Marcus Shelby Orchestra come together in this special holiday production of Duke Ellington’s Nutcracker. In Act I, the jazzy re-imagination of the E.T.A. Hoffmann holiday classic takes place in 1920’s Harlem and features a diverse cast of characters. In Act II, New World Ballet’s Junior and Senior companies will perform pieces to holiday favorites such as Santa Baby and Winter Wonderland, Disco version. 

Ruth Finley Person Theater
50 Mark West Springs Road
Santa Rosa
Online: lutherburbankcenter.org

Marin Ballet’s Nutcracker

Dec. 10-11: The Marin Ballet’s huge cast electrifies the stage in this lavish performance of a classic holiday tale. Clara’s whimsical Christmas Eve dreams come to life through the art of classical ballet, enriched by clever storytelling, mischievous humor, and heroic characters. Choreographed by Performance Director Julia Adam, the production features the artistry of 125 dancers, lavish Victorian costumes and sets, and an airborne surprise at final curtain. 

Marin Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium
10 Avenue of the Flags
San Rafael
Online: marinballet.org

The Magic Flute at the Lark Theater

Dec. 3 & 7: The Lark Theater presents an exciting performance from its Live from the Met in HD series: the abridged, English-language version of Mozart’s The Magic Flute for the holiday season. Tony Award–winner Julie Taymor conjures a spellbinding staging, replete with a kaleidoscope of color and parades of puppetry in this delightful production from 2006, featuring a stellar cast of Met stars including tenor Matthew Polenzani, baritone Nathan Gunn, and bass René Pape.

The Lark Theater
549 Magnolia Ave.
Larkspur
Online: larktheater.net

 

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Book-Worthy Glamping Spots near Los Angeles When You Don’t Want to Pitch a Tent

by Jennifer O'Brien

When sleeping on the ground is no longer attractive, check out these must-go glamping sites located just a couple of hours away from Los Angeles

If your family’s looking to getaway from LA and commune with nature, but the idea of pitching a tent with sweat dripping down your face and choice words flying out of your mouth is less than ideal, we hear you. Luckily, there’s a fantastic selection of glamping accommodations near LA that will definitely level up your camping experience—sweat-free. Whether you’d like to stay in an Airstream, stay in a treehouse, wagon, or a yurt decked out with 4-star hotel amenities, we’re pretty sure these must-go glamping spots will become your new favorite way to spend the night away from home.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CYXglK5v0mA/?hidecaption=true

Glamping in Santa Barbara, CA

Cliffside Camp: Looking to experience the beauty of Santa Barbara County with some truly unique accommodations? Cliffside Camp checks all the boxes with luxurious tents that feature private ensuite bathrooms, a queen size bed with mattress, and up to two extra beds for kids at no extra charge. Add to that: cozy bedding, a propane heater for chilly evenings, off-the-grid lighting, a BBQ and picnic table and you're set for your entire stay. Tents allow enough space for up to 4 people—2 adults and up to 2 children, 1 adult and up to 3 kiddos, or if you're making it a an adult-only getaway (hello kidless weekend!) 3 adults per tent. The best part? The campsite offers breathtaking ocean and mountain views, a secluded beach and provides the perfect dark night sky for some serious stargazing. 

Good to Know: This spot closes in early Nov. for the winter but will re-open in Mar. 2023

Santa Barbara, CA
Online: cliffsidecamp.com

Related: How We Spend 72 Hours in Santa Barbara with Kids

El Capitan Canyon: Since 2001, El Capitan Canyon has been one of SoCal’s most popular glamping experiences by offering guests a wide selection of cedar cabins and glamorous yurts that offer total comfort. Cabins come equipped with king, queen or double beds, a standard bathroom, heating, a kitchenette, all linens, a private picnic table and a firepit with removable grill for dining and campfires. The number of people each cabin sleeps depends on what size you book.

If you’re looking for something a little different, check out the adventure yurts—free standing accommodations atop a wood platform with canvas walls and a raised rooftop that includes a domed skylight for some swell stargazing that sleep up to four people. Yurt amenities include a queen size bed and twin day bed with trundle, bar sized fridge, microwave, ceiling fan and space heater. Adjacent restrooms have private shower stalls and changing rooms. Outside, each yurt has its own picnic table and a firepit with grill.

Good to Know: El Capitan also has a great Canyon Store that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner for dine-in or take-out, as well as wine, souvenirs, snacks and different types of BBQ kits. During your stay, you’ll also want to check out the great hiking trails, the llama and goat farm, the pool and children’s playground, beach cruiser bikes and occasional live concerts.

11560 Calle Real
Santa Barbara, CA
Online: elcapitancanyon.com

Related: Want to Go Glamping in Northern California? Check Out These Book-Worthy Spots

Glamping in Joshua Tree, CA

AutoCamp Joshua Tree: Joshua Tree is one of our fave places for an adventurous family getaway. But the experience is made even better by staying at AutoCamp—a luxury desert camping spot located just outside the famed national park that features an array of modern Airstream trailers with tons of amenities. Think private bedroom with a queen size bed, a bathroom with stand-up shower, a pull-out sofa, AC for sweltering days, a kitchenette stocked with complimentary coffee, tea and waters, an outdoor picnic table and a firepit for cooking meals and making s’mores.

Near the lobby, there’s a pool to cool off and lounge the afternoon away whenever you’re not busy hiking Joshua Tree’s fantastic trails nearby. There’s even a curated marketplace where you can purchase food, wine, beer, and supplies in case you forgot any essentials. Each Airstream sleeps 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 kiddos. For even more of an upgrade, AutoCamp also has an impressive selection of Vista X Suites that guests can book for their stay. Each suite features a memory foam queen bed, full living area, kitchenette and private outdoor space. Complimentary mountain bikes are also available on the property as well. You many never go back to tents after this.

62209 Verbena Rd.
Joshua Tree, CA
Online: autocamp.com/joshua-tree

Related: Luxury Camping and Joshua National Park in One Glorious Place

Glamping in Big Bear, CA

Getaway: This family glamping spot near Los Angeles offers cozy cabins that provide restorative nature stays for their guests just two hours outside the hustle a bustle of major cities. With 15 outposts and growing, Getaway offers a true escape that encourages you to savor your free time, find balance, embrace disconnection from the world, and bond with the people you love most.

For SoCal folks, Getaway has 40 outposts in Big Bear that's perfect for some much needed peace and quiet—and would make a great group destination if you can get everyone to coordinate the same dates. These modern, tiny cabins feature a queen bed or queen bunks, AC and heat, a private bathroom, a stove and mini fridge, as well as your own picnic table, firepit and many more amenities. Dogs are also welcome for a small additional fee. Cabins fit 2-to-4 people depending on the accommodations you choose.


Big Bear, CA
Online: getaway.house

Related: Why Big Bear is a Favorite Vacation Destination for LA Families

Glamping in Ventura County

Ventura Ranch KOA: Just an 80-minute drive from LA and tucked away at the foot of Topa Topa Mountain is the Ventura Ranch KOA campsite. Filled with wildlife, a creek, a forest and breathtaking views as far as the eye can see, this KOA location offers a wide variety of glamping options, including spacious safari tents, teepees, Conestoga wagons and cabins.

Kids will love the on-site pool, rock climbing tower, gem mining, Bigfoot Watering Hole and Soar Over Ventura Adventure Course that combines a zipline and ropes/obstacle course. Boredom is not an option when camping here.

7400 Pine Grove Rd.
Santa Paula, CA
Online: koa.com

Glamping on Catalina Island

Two Harbors Campground: For an extra special camping experience, Two Harbors Campground on Catalina Island can’t be beat. Located on high on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the site offers traditional camping, as well as unique tent cabins that are equipped with cots, a two-burner stove, a shade structure, picnic table and fire pit with cooking grate. If you don’t feel like lugging a bunch of food and drinks to Catalina, simply purchase items from the Two harbors General Store and have them delivered straight to your campsite for a small fee. During your stay, your family can enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities like hiking, biking, kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkeling or simply lounging waterside.

Campground
Two Harbors
Online: visitcatalinaisland.com

Related: The Best Things to Do on Catalina Island with Kids 

More Glamping Resources near Los Angeles & Southern California

Check Out: Glamping Hub

When you’re on the hunt for remarkable glamping locales, make sure to check out Glamping Hub. Their impressive selection of accommodations, including treehouses, safari tents, tiny cabins and more throughout Southern California, will give your family tons of ideas for your next outdoor adventure. Standouts like this stargazing dome near Joshua Tree and this delightful vintage trailer set-up in Chatsworth are just two of the unique spots to choose from.

Online: glampinghub.com

Check Out: Hipcamp

If you’re looking for a variety of interesting camping options that think “outside the tent,” Hipcamp is the most comprehensive resource for unique outdoor stays. From an old gypsy wagon with Topanga views to guard tower suites that resemble tiny castles in the Joshua Tree desert, there’s truly something for everyone at various picturesque spots throughout SoCal. Guests also have direct communication with campsite owners, making booking and questions about your stay easy breezy.

Online: hipcamp.com

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Explore & Stay: The Olympic Coastline & Kalaloch Lodge

by Annette Benedetti

Just a short drive away from both Portland and Seattle, the Olympic National Coastline and Kalaloch Lodge lies waiting for outdoor-loving families ready to explore, adventure and relax. If whale watching, tide pooling, witnessing a living tree hover above the earth and watching the sun set on the ocean while enjoying delectable meals prepared by a professional chef sounds like the ideal getaway for your clan, read on to find out more about this stunning Washington coast destination.

photo: Annette Benedetti

Olympic National Park & Coastline at Kalaloch

Located in the Olympic National Park on Washington’s scenic west coast, Kalaloch beach is approximately 3.5 hours from both Seattle and Portland by car making it a reasonable trek for families with young ones. Unsurprisingly, with immediate access to both the coastline and the nearby Hoh Rainforest, it is one of the most visited areas of the Olympic National Park. Weather you and your little explorers enjoy animal spotting, treks on trails through trees or playing in the sand and exploring sea life, there are plenty of activities to fill a weekend or week-long travel itinerary with. By the time you return home you are guaranteed to feel equal parts inspired, relaxed and rejuvenated.

Stay

Kalaloch Lodge
If getting away from city life and cozying up with your family by the beach in a remote lodge or cabin setting sounds like bliss, then Kalaloch Lodge is everything you have been dreaming of. Set on a bluff overlooking the ocean, all accommodations are surrounded by both evergreen forests with winding trails and beautiful beaches.

The Lodge Experience
For families looking for more of a resort experience, the main lodge is a perfect choice. The Main Lodge Rooms come in a variety of sizes with either one or two queen beds featuring a custom-made Pendleton blanket. If you choose to stay in the Lodge View Rooms, you will enjoy a stunning view of Kalalach Creek and the ocean as well. Upgrade your stay to the Kalaloch Room or Becker’s Room and your family will have more than enough space for an extended stay with a king bed, sofa sleeper and table and a variety of added amenities.

Staying at the lodge comes with the added benefit of a public sitting area where you can grab a complimentary coffee and relax by a roaring fireplace before you head out on adventures for the day. When you your clan gets hungry, you simply head to the lodge’s Creekside Restaurant to grab your meal before heading out.

A Cabin Stay
If your tribe prefers extra space and privacy, or if you have a four legged family member who joins you on your travels, then the Kalaloch Lodge Cabins are just what you need. There are a variety of cabins to choose from and most come with kitchenettes or full kitchens. There are units that also have wood burning stoves equipped with a complementary bundle of wood each night for that extra outdoorsy feel. Cabins are designed to accomodate groups of six to ten people, and some are duplex style and share walls.

All Accommodations
Wherever you stay, you can expect to enjoy daily housekeeping, a private bathroom and standard amenities like a coffee maker, alarm clock and walking sticks. Kalaloch Lodge is dedicated to offering a true retreat experience as such they do not offer in-room hones, TVs or WiFi, so get ready to unplug and relax.

Where: 157151 US-101, Forks, Wa
Rates: $205/night to $360/night
Phone: 866-662-9928
Online: thekalalochlodge.com

photo: Annette Benedetti

Explore

The Tree of Life (AKA Tree Root Cave)
Kalaloch beach is home to a mystery that will make both you and your littlest skeptics believe in magic and even miracles. Located on the beach just north of Kalaloch Lodge, this wondrous Sitka spruce tree hovers above a small cave that has been carved into the side of a cliff by erosion cause by a small stream that runs into the ocean. To any passerby the running water appears to flow into the cave from the roots of the tree itself, which are for the most part unattached to soil. 

While the tree is attached to soil by a couple of thin roots, the fact that it is still thriving and sprouting new green leaves is astonishing. Only a short, 10 minute hike from the lodge, your young nature lovers will love the trek and the photos you’ll get beneath this amazement are well worth the energy it takes to get to it.

photo: Annette Benedetti

Ruby Beach
With a system of beaches (none like the other), there are an endless number of ocean front adventures to go on. Ruby Beach is one of the most well known of the nearby beaches and it is name comes from it’s reddish colored sand and rocky beach. The hike from the parking area down to the ocean is short and easy for even the smallest members of your crew, but gives you a chance to peer at wildlife and enjoy sweeping views of the the mountains, rainforests and wilderness.

Young visitors can entertain themselves for hours exploring the driftwood piles and discovering sculptures made of man-made stacked rocks. Ruby Beach is also perfect for bird watching or, if you make there at low tide. your kids can explore tide pools and get up close and personal with mystical looking sea urchins, beautiful starfish, crusty crabs and tiny fish.

photo: Annette Benedetti

Tide Pooling & Whale Watching
Ruby Beach is just one of the areas that offers arguably the most entertaining and educational beach activity for kids and adults alike: tide pooling. The tide pools near Kalaloch are known for having some of the most fascinating creatures and crustaceans to be found. Some of the best beaches for tide pooling (other than Ruby Beach) include Beach 4, Second Beach, Third Beach and Hole-in-the-Wall. Make sure to pick up a map of the local beach areas at Kalaloch Lodge before heading out on your tide pool adventure.

Once you choose your beach, get ready to get a sneak peak into the lives of seas stars, pricklebacks, brittle stars, clams, sea snails and barnacles. Remember to follow tide pooling rules: watch your step and stay off the sea life, touch gently, don’t remove anything from the tide pools, and leave only footprints.

While whale watching isn’t a year-round activity, if you plan your trip to Kalaloch during the peak season you are in for the show of a lifetime. May is considered peak whale watching season, but you can potentially catch a glimpse of the majestic gray whales from the shores or from your cabin or lodge room windows during the months of April, October and November as they journey up and down the Pacific Coast. While you are looking for whales, keep little and big eyes peeled and your cameras ready for seals, sea otters and even orcas!

photo: Annette Benedetti

Eat 

Creekside Restaurant
All of your family’s seaside adventuring is sure to work up big appetites. Luckily the Creekside Restaurant, located inside Kalaloch Lodge, has something yummy for everyone in your clan. If you like seasonal seafood dishes and fresh local food, this diner will not disappoint. Dungeness crab cakes and lemongrass manila clams are just the delicious start of what this classy but comfortably joint has to offer on their menu. Try their Washington cheese plate, a grilled New York strip or indulge in Dungeness crab mac & Beecher’s Cheese. And the folks at this establishment haven’t forgot the little ones, their children’s menu has kid favorites like grilled cheese, hamburgers, and linguini pasta.

What is your family’s favorite seaside retreat? Share it with us in the comment section below.

—Annette Benedetti

This trip was paid for by Delaware North but all opinions expressed here belong to the writer.

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Please Hold!: A New Coworking Spot With Childcare

by Mimi O'Connor

Shocker: today’s workplace/lifeplace/playspace is changing. That is, it’s likely at least one person in your household isn’t doing the typical 9-to-5 thing.There are more freelance-whatevers than ever before in NYC, and the marketplace is responding with a bumper crop of coworking spaces to accommodate the new way many of us now work. But as we’ve written about before, somehow what to do with the kids isn’t always (read: kind of never is) in the equation. The women behind The Workaround, a new coworking operation in Brooklyn, have established a solution that, uh, works, for both you and your kids.

photo of  The Workaround founders Amy Butterworth, left, and Selena Beal: Bex at KidFalco.com

So, What’s The Workaround?

The brainchild of Williamsburg residents (and parents) Selena Beal and Amy Butterworth — freelancers in the worlds of television production and web design, respectively— The Workaround provides coworking spaces with childcare in the Brooklyn neighborhoods of Williamsburg and Bushwick.

Launched just last month, The Workaround curently hosts coworking sessions at local watering hole and event spaces The Cobra Club (Bushwick) and Videology (Williamsburg), and it’s already attracted the attention (and dollars) of parent journalists, designers, teachers, activists and yes, moms or dads who just need to write some e-mails or pay some bills without worrying about the kid.

Three-hour coworking sessions are hosted on multiple days and times, and are booked and purchased online at The Workaround’s site. The current rate is $30 per session, per child; four-packs are available for $100, and a sibling discount is in the works. Bonus: every potential client gets a free trial.

photo: The Workaround

Who Can Use It?

The Workaround is currently open to parents with kids ages four weeks to four years old; the maximum amount of kids in each session is six, with a limit of two infants per session.

How Does It Work?

Every Workaround venue features two distinct spaces: one for the adults working, one for the kids and hired caregivers. (The Workaround finds its childcare providers through Sitter City and Urban Sitter, interviews every candidate and checks all references. Additionally, the same caregivers are present at individual sessions to provide parents and kids with continuity and familiarity.)

Lest you be concerned your child is crawling around on the floor of a bar, don’t be. The childcare spaces at Workaround venues are clean, spacious and well-lit, and in addition to hosting Workaround childcare, are used for kids’ birthday parties, yoga classes, and more at other times.

photo: The Workaround

What Do I Get?

Aside from three hours to be super-productive, quite a lot, including work-ready tables and chairs, free WiFi,  and complimentary coffee and tea. You can also be with your child as little or as often as you like, so if you have a child who needs a little help separating, that’s fine. Another option provided to nervous parents: a video monitor.

Kids get a pretty sweet deal too, with a fruit and veggie buffet, clean toys like train tracks and Duplo blocks, and music. Additionally, the three hour session is loosely structured with free play, storytime, songs, etc. to keep kids engaged and interested. (Kids even sing a “goodbye” song to parents as a semi-formal sendoff to the workspace.)

photo: The Workaround

What’s Next for The Workaround?

The April schedule is up and accepting bookings now. For the duration of the spring and summer, The Workaround will continue to take place at rented venues in the Williamsburg and Bushwick, however this new family-friendly coworking solution may settle into some permanent digs come the fall. (You’ll read about it here first!)

The Workaround
Coworking for Parents and Children in Brooklyn
email: hello@theworkaround.nyc
Online: workaround.nyc

Have you tried The Workaround? Tell us about your experience!

—Mimi O’Connor

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A Secret Play Space That’s Red-Hot

by rtjennymuslin

Sound the alarm! If you have a firefighter fan in the family, there’s a day trip you have to try. FireZone, located in Schaumburg, is the only interactive firehouse play space in the country. Owned and operated by real firefighters, it’s an engaging place to learn about the essentials of fire safety while getting hands-on with costumes and gear.

What It Is
FireZone’s educational and visually stimulating surroundings are designed by firefighters and themed from end to end. Upon entering the 7,000-square-foot facility, you’ll see a blaze of red, white, and black — traditional firehouse colors. Walls are lined with memorabilia such as photographs of local firehouses, as well as customary gear and equipment. To really set the mood, there are audio effects (a mix of emergency dispatch calls) and kiddie fire safety songs piped in.

Awesome Activities
Drop-in open play is held every Wednesday and Friday during the school year (check the schedule online for the most current hours). It offers a range of activities that teach your tykes about fire safety — and get them tuckered out in the best of ways. First, they’ll get swept in the spirit by dressing up in firefighter outfits and strapping on toy gear. All suited up? Now the fun really begins.

Slide down the fire pole, explore a mini firehouse, try a water city simulator, tour an ambulance, pull on the ladders, take calls in the dispatch center, or escape on a slide from a burning building. Don’t miss climbing into the fire truck for a photo opp. Schedule your visit around fire safety-themed story time, held on Wednesdays.

Birthday Parties & Field Trips
Birthday parties and field trips are considered private events and closed off to the public. Better yet, each 90-minute party is all inclusive; that means the entertainment, cake, party favors, invites and even thank-you notes are covered by FireZone. A highlight is the “Timmy Rescue,” an activity reserved solely for birthday parties and field trips. Here, firefighters teach the guests about fire safety and lead the children in a simulated rescue scene where they get to save the victim, Timmy, from a fire scene.

Good to Know
Activities here are best suited for kids ages 2-7. No outside food or drink is allowed in the facility but there are snacks to purchase; complimentary coffee is offered to adults. To steer clear of the biggest crowds, avoid holidays when children are off from school. Drop-in activities are every Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m.-1 p.m., with additional days added on some weekends. Check the online calendar for added drop-in dates. Admission for open play is $9/child (age 1 and up). The first adult is free; each additional adult is $4.

Now that you’re all fired up, get out there and explore!

FireZone
1100 National Pkwy.
Schaumburg, IL
847-824-3473
Online: firezonefun.com

Who’s up for a trip to FireZone? Let us know what you think of this spot in the Comments!

— Jenny Muslin

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Inside the Totally Awesome Purple Monkey Playroom with Jessica Roubitchek

by writerredtri

When opting to host your kiddo’s birthday away from home, it’s important that you nab a venue that’s welcoming, organized, and leaves you feeling stress-free and ready to party. Cue Purple Monkey Playroom, your Totally Awesome pick for best kids birthday spot in Chicago. Purple Monkey sports a plush, whimsical space that’s excellent for birthday parties and a thoughtfully designed, 1,500 square foot playroom with fun, age-appropriate toys. Owner Jessica Roubitchek recently took the time to chat with us about what makes Purple Monkey Playroom so awesome, how to get started with a new business, and more! Read on:

Red Tricycle: Congratulations on being voted “Most Awesome” by your community! What do you think your customers value most about your business?

Jessica Roubitchek: Our clients value our friendly atmosphere and our exceptionally clean and manageable space. The entire play area is visible from the lounge, so parents and caregivers can truly relax while their little ones work out their energy. We offer complimentary coffee, tea, and WiFi and, because we’re not a cafe, we allow outside food and drink in addition to stocking snacks for sale. We have free street parking in front of the playroom in addition to a free permit lot around the corner. In addition, we’re convenient to the Blue Line CTA in addition to the Milwaukee, Ashland, and Western bus lines. Above all, we strive to create an enjoyable and hassle-free environment for both adults and children.

RT: What inspired you to start your business?

JR: I have always had entrepreneurial aspirations and, after my daughter was born in 2010, felt the timing was right to do something that would give me the flexibility to structure my time around her needs. Opening a playroom played to my strengths in marketing, networking and event planning and was an ideal fit with my current stage of life.

RT: Any advice for new business owners just getting started?

JR: It’s critical to understand the competitive landscape in which you plan to operate. Are there are already a number of businesses that cater to your market and, if so, how will you differentiate yourself? If you’re the first to market, is there an actual need or how will you communicate that there should be? Also – is your location a match with your offering and pricing?

RT: Can you give us one tip for balancing entrepreneurship with parenthood?

JR: Balancing any type of work with parenthood is difficult. The key for me has been having as much help on both sides of the equation as possible. I have a 40 hour a week caregiver for my child in addition to several employees at Purple Monkey.

RT: What is your proudest moment as a business owner or parent?

JR: My proudest moment was being nominated for my first Red Tricycle Award in 2012! I received an email that I was a Top 3 finalist in both the Indoor Playspace and Birthday Party categories without ever having asked for anyone’s support. I took that as a signal that people were really enjoying what Purple Monkey had to offer.

RT: Is there a special offer you’d like to include for Red Tricycle readers?

JR: Yes! We’re offering your choice of $25 off a birthday celebration, $5 off your first visit, 10% off first month of membership or 10% off a 5 or 10 pass.

Intrigued by Purple Monkey Playroom? Follow this Totally Awesome business on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram!

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