Thomas the Tank can’t stay trapped on the Island of Sodor forever. He needs to get out and see the world. Luckily for us in Chicago, he’s chugging our way and bringing along his friend Percy. The smiley blue train rolls up to Illinois Railway Museum July 9, 10, 16 and 17, for Day Out With Thomas: Dream Big Tour. This event held in Union books fast, so add it to the top of your summer bucket list.  Read on to get the details so you don’t miss the chance to ride on a larger-than-life Thomas locomotive.

Day Out with Thomas: Dream Big Tour Activities

Go, Thomas, Go! (And, Percy, Too!)

The main event, of course, is the ride on Thomas himself. And this year, you can ride on a big Percy train too. You purchase tickets for specific time slots, so overcrowding isn't an issue. Grab your seat and enjoy the scenery, a rolling landscape of pretty forest and prairie land. If your little caboose enthusiast tires of looking out the window, he or she can eye up the colorful train decorations, including pictures of the Thomas & Friends characters.

Storytelling, Crafts & Other Adventures

Along with taking a 20-minute journey on Thomas the Tank, the entire Illinois Railway Museum is open for exploring and is packed with activities. Steer the kids toward the Thomas & Friends party corners, lively areas that include themed activities, lawn games, live entertainment, a magic show, a pop-up gift shop with exclusive toys and an appearance by Sir Topham Hatt, the dapper railway controller. 

What Else You’ll See at Illinois Railway Museum

Too-Cool Historic Trains 

There's a lot to see at Illinois Railway Museum, which happens to be the largest railway museum in the U.S. The cultural gem showcases real steam engines from the Golden Age of Railroad, including those from the historic Milwaukee Road, Chicago, Burlington Northern and Union Pacific lines. Throughout the summer and at the Thomas event, some of its fleet is fully operational and you can go for a ride to feel what transportation was like in the old days. On the move are steam and diesel trains, plus a vintage street car that makes several stops around the museum.

Where’s Thomas?

Where Else Does Thomas Visit?

Because Day Out With Thomas is so special and only comes to town once a year, it usually sells out. As of press time, tickets are still available. If you don't catch the event while it's in town, the closest place to attend is Flint, MI, Aug. 19-21 & 26-28.

Check the calendar for other events at the Illinois Railway Museum this year. Chugga chugga, everyone!

Day Out With Thomas: Dream Big Tour

Held July 9, 10, 16 & 17
Tickets are $23 for a ride on Thomas; $10 additional for a ride on Percy; free for ages 2 & under
Tickets available online at ticketweb.com

Illinois Railway Museum, 7000 Olson Rd., Union; Online: irm.org
For general information on Day Out With Thomas, visit the dedicated website.

— Maria Chambers

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Take a break from watering holes and splash pads and add adventure to your water play this summer with help from Chicago boat tour companies. You’ll learn a bit of city and architectural history and take in a whole lotta gorgeous views cruising Lake Michigan and the Chicago River. From finding the best seat for Navy Pier’s weekly fireworks to cruises that let you bring your pup, scroll through and start planning.

Boats

Tall Ship Windy

Navigate Chicago's waterways and feel the spirit of centuries past in a 75-minute authentic tall ship sail. Select from Skyline and Architectural, Lake Michigan Maritime Stories or Pirates and Ghosts themes. Tall Ship Windy is a great post for viewing Navy Pier's weekly fireworks and the annual Chicago Air & Water Show in August. 

Online: tallshipwindy.com

Chicago Fireboat Tour

Ray Novak and Erich Totsch, Navy veterans and licensed Captains, invite you to cruise on a piece of Chicago history. The Fred A. Busse was the largest diesel-powered Fireboat in the world and served the Chicago Fire Department from 1937–1981. It was built to fit underneath Chicago’s bridges, minimizing response times for emergencies and helping ease congestion in a booming city. Upon her retirement, she was converted into a passenger vessel and operated tours in Sturgeon Bay, WI for almost 30 years. Her new owners renovated the retired fireboat and she is now cruising the Chicago waterways once again!

Online: fireboattours.com

Chicago Architecture Center's First Lady

Chicago Architecture Center has been running its very popular 90-minute cruise aboard The First Lady for over 25 years. Their expertly trained docent volunteers share fascinating stories behind more than 50 buildings and educate on how Chicago grew from a small settlement into one of the world's largest cities in less than 100 years. 

Online: architecture.org

Seadog Cruises

It’s fast and furious aboard the Seadog, which jets off from Navy Pier, speeds along the lakefront, then zips down the Chicago River. The fast-paced excitement makes it the most kid-friendly architectural cruise of all. Little ones love this bright red and yellow speedboat, which usually has dogs on board (bring your pet along!) and funny guides. Parents appreciate learning about Chicago’s most famous riverfront buildings while kids love the thrill.

Online: seadogcruises.com

Shoreline Sightseeing Tours

Shoreline has deep roots in Chicago, now three generations in! With 11 major touring vessels (and their 8 water taxis) they run architectural river tours that give highlights and history of Chicago's buildings and Lake Michigan tours that show off our beautiful skyline. You can grab a Shoreline cruise from Michigan Avenue Bridge, Navy Pier's Polk Bros Park and Lake tours from Navy Pier. 

Online: shorelinesightseeing.com

Wendella Boats

Wendella is the OG in Chicago architectural boat tours, in operation since 1935. Learn about 130 years of architectural innovation and the world-renowned architecture from one of their expert guides. Make it extra special by booking a sunset cruise and toast the end of the day as the sun sets on Chicago. 

Online: wendellaboats.com

Mercury Cruises

Running continuously for 85 years, Mercury is expert at showing the city's highlights in its 90-minute sightseeing adventure. They host 3D Fireworks Cruises that add excitement with the addition of 3D glasses and the Canine Cruise allows your pup to feel the wind in their fur. 

Online: mercurycruises.com

KAYAKS

Kayak Chicago

If you’re looking for a truly unique perspective of Chicago, hop into a single or double kayak and paddle your way along the river with an expert guide. Kayak Chicago offers rentals, as well as guided tours and individual and group instruction. Kids of all ages are welcome to ride along with an adult, but they need to be at least 12 to paddle a kayak on their own. On the guided architectural tour, you’ll circle the loop, glide past where the first settlers to Chicago set up a home base and discover the location of a former Capone-era hideout.

Online: kayakchicago.com

Urban Kayak

Two brothers and a lifelong friend who are native Chicagoans and self-proclaimed avid adventurers set out to showcase their hometown in a unique way. Their kayak tours will leave you with a newfound love for Chicago and if it awakens an adventurous beast in you, you can purchase a membership to visit again and again. They also offer kayak classes for kids ages 10-16 all summer long. 

Online: urbankayaks.com

TAXI

Shoreline Water Taxi

Shoreline Water Taxis are a cheap, convenient and fun mode of city transport. Travel via the Chicago River to Chinatown, Navy Pier the Museum Campus, Willis Tower, Michigan Avenue and Union Station while feeling the wind whipping through your hair. Shoreline Water Taxi service begins in April and runs through September, with additional service throughout the fall and for special events.

Online: shorelinesightseeing.com

DIY

Chicago Electric Boat

Chicago Electric Boat Company is Chicago's largest self-guided river boat rental operator. Their fleet includes eco-friendly private electric boats that create opportunities to explore our world-famous waterfront from a unique eye-level vantage point.

Renters will find five boat types: all-weather Duffy Boats with fully covered seating areas, Pontoon Boats with adjustable canopies, partially covered Donut Boats that offer 360-degree views of the city, a Vintage Yacht and refurbished 1950s-style Retro Boats for when you want to feel like a movie star.

Online: chicagoelectricboats.com

— Maria Chambers

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The beloved blue steam engine is rolling to a screen near you very soon! Thomas & Friends: All Engines Go premieres September 13 on Cartoonito, a new preschool block from Cartoon Network. And we have an exclusive new clip to get your kids even more excited. 

It’s rocket launch day and Thomas is ready to go! Of course, big days are a little more fun with friends involved. You’ll get a sneak peek at Percy, Nia, Diesel and Kana, plus the vibrant 2D animation, in this brand new clip.

 

The series follows the adventures of Thomas as he dreams of being the Number One Tank Engine. There’s plenty of trial, error and fun involved. Along the way, it showcases 26 social-emotional, cognitive and physical life lessons for young viewers. It’s produced by Mattel Television and reimagines the classic train franchise, with all the friends as kids, played by kid actors. 

“We can’t wait for the next generation of fans to meet Thomas and his friends. In Thomas & Friends: All Engines Go, we aim for audiences to have fun as we expand the world of Sodor in new and exciting ways,” said Christopher Keenan, Senior Vice President, Global Content & Executive Producer, Mattel Television.

Gather the gang and get ready to watch next Monday, September 13! The Cartoonito preschool block runs from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. every day. After the season premiere, new episodes will come out every Monday. And if you’re looking for more fun ways to jump into the world of Thomas, check out the Thomas & Friends Storytime podcast, with 70 episodes available by the end of 2021. It can be found on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and wherever else families listen to podcasts.

—Sarah Shebek

Featured image courtesy of Mattel

 

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Nostalgia alert! Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots are making a comeback—on the big screen.

The beloved childhood game is back and battling again. Instead of battling on your kitchen table, these robots are duking it out in a new feature film.

photo courtesy of Businesswire

The live-action adventure is a collab between Mattel Films, Universal Pictures and Vin Diesel’s One Race Films. Not only is Vin Diesel’s production company bringing the battling bots to life, the actor is starring in the flick.

Diesel said in a press release, “To take the classic Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em game, with Mattel as my partner, and align it with the kind of world building, franchise making success we have had with Universal, is truly exciting.”

Robbie Brenner, executive producer of Mattel Films added, “We are proud to bring this iconic piece of Mattel IP to life on the big screen with our tremendously talented partners Vin Diesel, One Race Films and Universal.”

Currently, there is no release date for the film, but stay tuned.

—Erica Loop

 

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When it comes to Disney+, everyone was excited to feast their eyes on the entire catalogue of classic titles––especially kids. But there are oodles of movies, documentaries and shows that are just as entertaining on the streaming platform for parents, too! From dramatic original shows to behind the scene insights and throwback films, keep reading to see some of our fave adult-friendly content on Disney+.

Drama

The Mandalorian

Disney's The Mandalorian is all anyone could talk about when the platform launched in November. The show that introduced "Baby Yoda" is rife with classic Star Wars planets, garb and characters, not to mention an amazing musical score. You can watch the entire first season, with the second to debut later this year.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 1 & 2

Common Sense Media

While we're the first to agree that almost any Marvel film will fit the bill when it comes a binge session, we particularly love the Guardians of the Galaxy duo. The retro 80's soundtrack makes it perfect for Gen Xers, and with a cast that includes Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana and Vin Diesel, you can't go wrong.

10 Things I Hate About You

Amazon

The classic teen romance turned drama film is one for the ages. The 1999 hit takes all of us parents back to a simpler time, with a budding Heath Ledger and Julia Stiles before they made it big. 

Documentaries

The Imagineering Story

The six hour original Disney+ docuseries takes guests on a complete behind-the-scenes adventure through the creation of Disney Parks. With original photos and film of Walt himself, tons of interviews with Disney Imagineers and an entertaining historical timeline, the Imagineering Story will quickly become a fave.

One Day at Disney

Disney Publishing Worldwide and Disney+ have collaborated on One Day at Disney, a 52-week documentary series that highlights the men and women behind the magic. The series kicks off with a feature film showing 10 influential people in the Disney industry, followed by 52 shorts, ranging from four to seven minutes long on diverse cast members.

Free Solo

Shop Disney

The Academy Award winning documentary Free Solo follows free solo climber Alex Honnold and his attempt to climb El Capitan. The heart-stopping film will keep you on the edge of your seat as you watch a man without fear tackle his dream.

Throwbacks

 

The Parent Trap (1961)

Shop Disney

The OG Parent Trap features a young Hayley Mills and will undoubtedly bring up childhood memories as you watch. The classic tale follows two girls who find out they're identical twin sisters at the age of 13 at summer camp, with lots of wackiness to ensue.

The Flight of the Navigator

Disney Movies

See you later, Navigator! The 1986 indie sci-fi classic follows 12-year old David Freeman who falls down a ravine and wakes up eight years later and abducted by aliens. David's spaceship is one we all dreamed of flying as a kid!

Honey, I Shrunk the Kids

Disney Movies

Wayne Szalinski has really done it this time! When the inventor accidentally shrinks his own kids, the journey begins to find and restore them to normal size. The late 80's classic had us all craving for a few oatmeal creme cookies by the end!

Splash

Amazon

Tom Hanks + mermaids? Yes, please! The 1984 fantasy rom com follows Hank's character with a mermaid who's come to shore and his attempts at keeping her out of the local scientist's evil clutches.

Comedy/Cartoons

The Simpsons

The Simpsons Via Instagram

If you're looking for a binge-watch sesh, then settle in for 30 seasons of the Simpsons! The history-making series that started in 1989 will make you laugh just as hard as it did when you were a kid, and you just might finally get some of those adult-themed jokes.

Who Framed Rodger Rabbit?

Shop Disney

The 1988 blockbuster that parents weren't quite sure was appropriate for kids (thank you, Jessica Rabbit) is prime viewing on Disney+. The three time Academy Award winning film depicts cartoons living alongside humans, and brings Toontown to real life.

Musicals

Newsies

Disney Movies

It's a fine life! Fans of a young Christian Bale can relive their glory days with Disney's cult classic, Newsies. The unforgettable musical is full of dance-worthy songs and tons of stars before they were famous.

––Karly Wood

All photos: Courtesy of Disney+ unless otherwise noted

 

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No doubt your little quarantine buddy’s rotation of toys is getting a bit played out after all this time spent at home. Liven things up with some new toys, books and art projects for kids, while also helping support local businesses. We’ve got the best kids entertainment and toy recommendations from Geppetto’s Toys, a must-read from Warwick’s bookstore, top picks from San Diego’s coolest family-owned toy boutiques, and a few art studios offering to-go kits for kids. Read on for where to access the fun via curbside pick-up or delivery to your door!

Geppetto’s Toys

Geppetto’s Toys

Keep ‘em busy! For over 40 years Geppetto’s Toys has been providing unique toys for San Diego kids. To order toys for your kiddos, you can go online or call your local store. Your goodies can be delivered (via ordering online) or you can stop-by for curbside pick-up.

Geppetto's Toys' owner Brian Miller said parents are welcome to call ahead so their Toy Experts can customize boxes for families for pick-up. Call 760-632-1107 for this service.

Here are some of Brian Miller's recommendations for fun toys to bring home:

Genius Square  $24.99
Fun, FAST, and Challenging! Grab a grid, roll the dice to see where to put the blockers (there are 62,208 possibilities!), and race to fill the open spaces with game pieces. It reinforces spatial reasoning, logic, and critical thinking skills. For 1-2 players. For ages 6 yrs-adult, from Mukikim.

Ultra Glow Air Power Soccer Disk  $19.99
It floats and hovers on a cushion of air, with a built-in "electric colors" LED light show that never burns out! A lively and fun combination of soccer and air hockey that develops coordination and cooperative play. The soft outer rim is furniture friendly and gives amazing rebound! Requires 4 AA batteries. For ages 6 yrs-teen, from Toysmith.

Pencil Nose  $24.99
Those with a nose for drawing will sniff out this hilarious party game. Just picture drawing a trout with your snout, while others try to guess what it is–with time ticking. Rollicking fun every time. For ages 8 yrs-adult, from Fat Brain Toys.

Hey Clay Animals $17.99
Even beginners can make impressive "claymates!" Why? Because the kid-friendly app (the access code is in the box) shows you every little step. 18 cans of light, flexible, non-sticky, non-toxic, colorful clay air-dries to permanent status. For ages 3 yrs-teen, from Fat Brain Toys.

Glow in the Dark Rock Painting Kit  $15.99
Make someone smile when they find a treasure in the dark! Special glow paints turn these real river rocks into works of art. For ages 6-12 yrs, from Faber-Castell.

Order by phone for curbside pick-up, or order online via website:

Locations with curbside pickup. Available Mon.-Hours., 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
The Forum, Carlsbad: 760-632- 1107
Del Mar Highlands: 858-755-2100
4S Commons: 858- 674- 9990
La Jolla on Girard: 858-456-4441
Coronado: 619-522-0918

Online: geppettostoys.com

Delivery notes: For online orders placed on weekend, the order will be ready to ship the first weekday.

Warwick's

Warwick's

Help support the country's oldest family-owned and operated bookstore, located right here in La Jolla. Their collection is extensive and all-encompassing so you're sure to find a great read for all the bookworms in your brood. One of Warwick's top picks for young readers is the topically relevant book The Hero Next Door. This collection of short stories explores acts of bravery and features some of the best known children's authors, including R. J. Palacio (Wonder), Rita Williams-Garcia (One Crazy Summer), Linda Sue Park (A Long Walk to Water), and many more.

Order online: Warwick's is currently processing web and phone orders Mon.-Fri. from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Delivery notes: Phone or online orders may either be delivered, free of charge, in La Jolla or shipped via $2.50 flat rate shipping for books only.

Online: warwicks.com

Hot Spot Studio

Hot Spot Studio

Curbside pick-up! Inspire little Picassos to paint and create with Hot Spot Studio's To-Go pottery kits. What’s more, you can customize with paint colors, items and more. From dragon cups to teddy bears there’s tons to choose from––and prices range from $15-$46. If you want to join in the creativity, you can order the Kids & Adults Value Kit with 4 projects for $40. So call or email to schedule your order today.

Order by phone or email for curbside pickup: 858-312-1019 or thehotspotdelsur@gmail.com

Curbside pickup at 16445 Paseo Del Sur #135, San Diego, CA, 92127
Hours, Tues. & Thurs., Noon-4 p.m.

Online: thehotspotstudio.com

DIESEL, A Bookstore

Brinda J. via Yelp

Support DIESEL, A Bookstore located at Del Mar Highlands by ordering ebooks through their website. One recommended series for half-pints ages 6-9 years-old is Nate the Great. Can Nate solve the case for his friend Annie? Perfect for beginning readers to follow Nate on his detective adventures.

DIESEL, A Bookstore has a large selection of books to entertain every age, from parents to young ones. They are available for easy online ordering and their book experts are available Mon.-Sat. from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for front door pick-up and special orders.

Don't miss live storytime with DIESEL on Apr. 23 at 10:30 a.m.!

12843 El Camino Real Suite 104
San Diego, CA 92130
858-925-7078
Online: dieselbookstore.com

$5.99 per ebook
Order online: dieselbookstore.com/kobo-ereader

Color Me Mine

Color Me Mine

Get ‘em happy painting the day away! Color Me Mine is offering same day delivery of their To-Go Kits, so you can have fun delivered right to your door. Popular items right now are unicorns, the Porsche car bank and the tic-tac-toe set. To-Go Kits come with brushes, pottery and paint and you can select 6 colors for each item you choose.

$25 and up
Order online for same-day delivery: ranchobernardo.colormemine.com/to-go-kits-available
Online: ranchobernardo.colormemine.com
Delivery Details: If you order by 1 p.m. they will deliver to you by 5 p.m that day. Pick 6 paint colors per item. There is a $10 fee per delivery. 

Sandcastle Tales

Sandcastle Tales

Help keep Sandcastle Tales afloat during the Covid-19 closure by ordering some adorable toys and books from this sweet, mom-owned boutique. Shop online for toys and books to be shipped to your home. We love their Dino Island creative dough set that lets littles have fun making dinosaur and tree molds and using crayons and coloring pages. The set includes a modeling tool, play mat, four tubs of modeling dough, five dinosaur molds, three tree molds, six crayons, and three coloring pages. It's all that you need to keep your kids entertained. Recommended for kids age 3 and up, $25.


Order Online: sandcastletales.com

Magical Child

Magical Child

Pretend play at its finest! Your little SoCal foodies will love playing with this toy Taco Van from local, family-owned and operated toy shop Magical Child. Magical Child has a wealth of amazing toys, plushies, books and apparel you'll love perusing. You can either pick-up their timeless, classic and entertaining toys curbside at the store in Encinitas or have them shipped to your door. 

Taco Van, $17
Order by phone, Facebook or online. Delivery to your door, curbside pick-up or via online.
937 S Coast Hwy 101
Encinitas, CA 92024
760-633-1326

Online: magicalchild.com

Delivery notes: Magical Child is offering personal shopping via phone and FaceTime with curbside pick-up. Call or message for details.

A Colorful Universe

A Colorful Universe

Paint and pottery! Your littles will love painting A Colorful Universe’s party animals. You can buy kits for curbside pick-up or delivery. They include your choice of pottery. 

Order online for curbside pick-up or delivery:

Curbside pick-up at 1523 San Elijo Rd. #106, San Marcos, CA 92078.
Hours, Mon., Weds., Fri. from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Delivery to San Marcos, Encinitas, Carlsbad. Mon., Weds. Fri. Noon-4 p.m.

Order Online: acolorfuluniverse.com

Delivery notes: Check A Colorful Universe's website here for instructions on how to place an order for either curbside pick-up or home delivery.

–Nikki Walsh

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Pack your bags, fam because after your conductors discover what’s in store for them in South Carver, Ma, they’ll have only a one track mind: Get to Thomas Land. To celebrate the 70th anniversary of Thomas the Tank Engine, Mattel has teamed up with Edaville USA to open a permanent Thomas & Friends attraction beginning Aug. 15, 2015. Read on to discover how to meet your favorite characters and what rides await on the Island of Sodor.

All Aboard the Train
Thomas Land covers 11.5 acres of lush New England land, and has 11 rides based on Thomas & Friends and the Island of Sodor. Climb aboard for a 20-min scenic train ride on a real Thomas the Tank. Line up for a kid-friendly roller coaster, drop tower, Ferris Wheel, soft play area and more! Take pictures with life-sized models of Thomas, Diesel, Toby, Harold the Helicopter and even Sir Topham Hatt, who will be on site to greet incoming guests.

Visit Thomas Anywhere
For those who can’t make it to Thomas Land, be sure to check out the Day Out with Thomas: The Celebration Tour 2015, a moving tour which runs from now until November. At these stops, tiny engineers can take a 25-min ride on their favorite train, meet Sit Topham Hatt and enjoy a day of crafts, storytelling, activities and more. It’s like a small taste of Thomas Land in a town near you! Click here to find out about ticket availability.

Happen to be near Chattanooga, Tn (May 23-Sept. 13, 2015) or Las Vegas (Sept. 26, 2015 – Jan. 10, 2016)? There is a traveling interactive learning exhibit called Thomas & Friends: Explore the Rails, where kids can learn about science, technology, engineering and math (aka STEM).To read more about this museum exhibit, visit events.hitentertainment.com.

Visiting Thomas Land
If you’re planning on making a trip to visit Thomas and his friends, Thomas Land will be open from Aug. 15, 2015 – Jan. 1, 2016 before closing for winter season. It will re-open each year from April 1-Jan. 1 of the following year. Park hours vary, so check the Edaville schedule here for more details.

Ages: All ages
Cost: $29/person ages 3 and up

Edaville USA
5 Pine St.
Carver, Ma 02330
Online: edaville.com/Thomasland

Know a family of conductors who would love to visit Thomas Land? Share this story with them! 

— Christal Yuen

We New Yorkers are surrounded by water, constantly going over, under and around it. But most of us — with the exception of many Staten Island commuters, of course — don’t really spend a lot of time on the water. Taking a boat ride, be it big or small, powered by wind, feet, or diesel fuel is a great way to enjoy the city with kids. Here are some of the coolest ways to go boating in NYC, for all kinds of reasons. Click through to see our seafaring picks!

For Paddle Boats and More: NYC Parks

You don’t have to go any further than one of your local parks to have a boatful of fun.  Central Park boasts the famous Loeb Boathouse on the lake, where you can rent rowboats or kayaks to paddle under your own power, or take a ride in an authentic Venetian gondola for a little bit of Italy in NYC.  In Queens and Brooklyn, Wheel Fun Rentals can get you in a pedal boat or kayak at Flushing Meadows Corona Park, LeFrak Center at Lakeside Prospect Park, Marine Park or the World's Fair Marina.  In Staten Island, you can rent a row or paddleboat at Clove Lakes Park, and in the Bronx you can get in some free rowing on weekends at Hunts Point Riverside Park via Rocking The Boat.

Where is your favorite place to explore the seas around the Big Apple?

—Gretchen Kunz

When it comes to endless summer nights, Seattle has the bragging rights sewn up: Around here, sunlight lingers into end of day (we’ll have 16 hours of daylight on June 21!), making for long, languid evenings that seem to stretch on forever. Sure, our nights are seldom hot—some years, we just settle for dry—but the city comes alive at night during this season, with myriad options for after-hours adventures. Whether you’re seeking ways to play, eat, drink or explore the outdoors in the dark, this is your guide to the best summer nights Seattle has to offer.

[outdoors]
Hot Tub Boats
Imagine bobbing along on Lake Union in a floating, diesel-powered hot tub. That, um, dream is now reality, thanks to Seattle-based HOT TUB BOATS. Created by local shipwrights with an entrepreneurial bent (and, apparently, a sense of humor), these floating tubs (patent pending!) will take to the lake with as many as six people on board. The good news? A diesel-fired boiler keeps the water hot during your voyage. And you can steer while submerged. The bad? No alcohol or nudity is allowed. Sheer decadence or extreme dorkiness? We’ll let you decide. At press time, rental fees were not available; hottubboats.com.

To read about Seattle’s other perfect summer night activities, check out Seattle Magazine’s full article here.

This is our weekly guest post from our friends at Seattle Magazine, which keeps readers on the pulse of restaurants, personalities, arts, entertainment and culture that reflect the tapestry of our dynamic landscape. We’ve teamed up for an exciting partnership to bring you a weekly dose of fantastic Date Night ideas throughout greater Seattle.