May’s birthstone is known as the “Jewel of Kings”

You know that April showers bring May flowers, but did you know that many people born in May consider themselves to be the happiest and healthiest people around?  Read on to find out why May-born babies are such a hearty lot. And if you’re expecting a May babe, check out this list of adorable names just for people born in May. 

1. People born in May consider themselves to be lucky.

According to a survey of nearly 30,000 participants, respondents were asked to rate how lucky they thought they were. The findings showed that people born in the summer are more likely to consider themselves lucky than those born in the winter. May-born respondents said they were the luckiest, while people born in November were the most pessimistic.

2. People born in May claim either the Taurus or Gemini zodiac sign.

If you have a birthday of April 20 – May 20, you were born under the sign of Taurus. If your May birthday is May 21 or after, you were born under the sign of Gemini.

3. May babies are driven to succeed.

Strong-willed and achievement-oriented people born in May under the sign of Taurus seem to possess an innate sixth sense that helps them navigate through life. Like their Taurus counterparts born in April, those born in May can be stubborn, but their critical, systematic ways of thinking help them get stuff done.

4. People born in May often have wanderlust.

Restless and curious, people born in May are always itching to explore the world. They often lead exhausting and busy lives that incorporate adventure and work, but they are the last to complain about their hectic lifestyles. For May-born people bitten by the travel bug, exploration isn’t simply a distraction, it’s a way of life.

5. People born in May are fun to be around. 

If you claim Gemini as your astrological sign, there’s a good chance you are chatty, enthusiastic, full of energy, and always looking to join the party. While this can be exhausting for some, everyone needs that go-go-go person in their lives.

6. May babies tend to be tinier than babies born in other months.

According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, babies born in May tend to be shorter, lighter, and have smaller heads, which scientists think is related to the amount of vitamin D the mother gets while pregnant.

7. The birthstone for May represents royalty, eloquence, and foresight. 

May’s birthstone, the emerald, is known as the “Jewel of Kings.” Beloved by royal figures throughout history, the most famous might be Cleopatra, who was said to shower this precious gem on visiting dignitaries. It was thought to reveal the truth and was used to ward off spells. People also thought, if worn, it would increase riches and allow the wearer to predict the future.

8. They share their birth month with plenty of famous people born in May.

There are quite a few celebrities born in May, including Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Robert Downey Jr., Adele, Cate Blanchett, Stevie Wonder, Ian McKellen, and Octavia Spencer.

Related: This Is Why September Babies Are More Successful, According to Science

 

Presidents’ Day is fast approaching and with another looong weekend to fill, it’s time to find some swell activities around LA that will both entertain your pint-sized patriots and maybe even teach them about our nation and founding forefathers. We’ve rounded up a list almost as long as the Constitution of our fave presidential to-dos. So fire up “Star Spangled Banner” on the karaoke machine, slap on a stovepipe hat worthy of Lincoln and brace yourself for a President’s Day weekend to remember.

Dive Into American History Lessons (That Are Actually Fun)

SoCal is home to not just one, but two presidential libraries and museums. And now that things are reopening, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum is once again hosting its Annual Presidents’ Day Celebration with lots of storytelling, entertainment and even president and first lady look-alikes—ooolala! Or if Nixon's your guy, head over to the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum in Yorba Linda on Mon. for the unveiling of the official 2022 White House Christmas ornament honoring the Nixon presidency. Some interior spaces at the museum still remain closed to the public due to COVID.

On June 12, 1987 President Reagan stood 100 yards from the Berlin Wall that divided East and West Germany and delivered his infamous "Tear Down This Wall" speech that would prove to be a turning point in the Cold War. To commemorate the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin wall, LA's Wende Museum installed one of largest stretches of the original Berlin wall in the world at 5900 Wilshire Blvd (across from LACMA). Stop by and share this great piece of history with your family.

At the Autry Museum, little cowpokes can ooo and ahh over hundreds of pieces of art and important artifacts that showcase the triumphs and hardships of the American West. Don't forget to try your luck at panning for gold with your little 49ers. It's always a hit with kids.

Kennedy was president during the great space race and a visit to the California Science Center to scope out the Space Shuttle Endeavor is the perfect way to see just how far we’ve come and inspire future space explorers of your own.

Known as the “Battleship of Presidents," the Battleship USS Iowa was the WWII flagship that carried President Franklin D. Roosevelt across the Atlantic for meetings with Winston Churchill. It was also the flagship for President Reagan during our nation’s Celebration of Liberty on July 4, 1986. Visitor tours have recently resumed and there's never been a better time to check out this incredible naval history museum.

Finally, don’t throw away your shot to catch Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Tony Award-winning juggernaut, Hamilton, at the Pantages Theater before it ends its run in Mar. We can’t think of a cooler way to teach littles about Alexander Hamilton’s history as one of the founding fathers of the United States.

Dive Into America’s Melting Pot

When President Obama was on the campaign trail in 2011, his motorcade famously stopped for a bite and some hand shaking at one of LA's most iconic eateries—Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles. As a tribute to the former president's visit, Roscoe's now features the #9 Obama’s Special on their regular menu—3 wings with a waffle or potato salad or french fries.

Not to be outdone, Canter's Deli also hosted Obama in 2014 when he stopped by to speak with a group of Americans who had written to him about their struggles. While he was there, he visited with customers and posed for photos. President Kennedy and President Nixon were also known to have dined here as well.

If you have a hankering for something sweet this Presidents' Day, nothing's more American than good old fashioned apple pie. Visit your favorite local spot for a slice (or whole pie) to go.

One of the things that makes America so special is that it's a true melting pot of different of cultures. At Smorgasburg LA, a weekly pop-up every Sun., you can taste a wide variety of foods from sea to shining sea. Another great pit stop for a wide offering of multicultural cuisines is Grand Central Market downtown—it's fantastic!

Dive Into America’s Parks

Honor Teddy Roosevelt, the founder of our nation’s great parks system, and treat your family to an afternoon filled with sunshine and fun-filled nature exploration. Choose a day hike from one of our favorite destinations, some of which may even have waterfalls!

If you're craving some eye-popping flora and fauna, we highly recommend a visit to The Huntington Garden Library, Art Museum and Botanical Gardens. There's no more beautiful place to spend the day. And while you're there, pop by the Library to check out the Huntington's famous collections and papers of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln.

Given the long weekend, use that extra time to visit a National Park. There are so many close to LA—from Joshua Tree and Cabrillo to Channel Islands National Park and more—there's a nearby spot to explore, including cabins and vacation rentals if you want to extend your stay. 

Dive Into American Pop Culture

Throughout history, America has consistently stood at the forefront of filmmaking. For an immersive look at the history of cinema, visit the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences that opened last fall. Highlights for kids include the Hayao Miyazaki exhibition (which ends in Jun.) and the Pixar 3D Zoetrope.

If the pandemic's brought us one good thing, it's the return of drive-in movies. On Presidents' Day weekend, Street Food Cinema will feature the movies Up and LaLa Land with a delicious selection of foods on site that are available for purchase.

We could wax poetically all day about the kitsch of Madame Tussaud's Hollywood. Visit your fave celebrities who've been expertly sculpted into wax so real, you may have to do a double take. They'll even pose for a photo or two with you...after all, they're not going anywhere.

American football is an enormous part of our culture, especially when our city not only hosts this year's Super Bowl, but also has a team competing in it (Go Rams!). So even if you didn't snag tickets to the big showdown, football fans can take a tour of the new Sofi Stadium in Inglewood which has been dubbed by some as the "very best in the world." Guests get to run through the tunnel, participate in on-field challenges and more.

Throughout history, America has consistently stood at the forefront of filmmaking. For an immersive look at the history of cinema, visit the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences that opened last fall. Highlights for kids include the Hayao Miyazaki exhibition (which ends in Jun.) and the Pixar 3D Zoetrope.

If the pandemic's brought us one good thing, it's the return of drive-in movies. On Presidents' Day weekend, Street Food Cinema will feature the movies Up and LaLa Land with a delicious selection of foods on site that are available for purchase.

We could wax poetically all day about the kitsch of Madame Tussaud's Hollywood. Visit your fave celebrities who've been expertly sculpted into wax so real, you may have to do a double take. They'll even pose for a photo or two with you...after all, they're not going anywhere.

American football is an enormous part of our culture, especially when our city not only hosts this year's Super Bowl, but also has a team competing in it (Go Rams!). So even if you didn't snag tickets to the big showdown, football fans can take a tour of the new Sofi Stadium in Inglewood which has been dubbed by some as the "very best in the world." Guests get to run through the tunnel, participate in on-field challenges and more.

—Jennifer O’Brien

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Sidekicks need more love, especially since they’re often the best movie characters. Disney’s new board game puts your favorite sidekicks—Timon and Pumba, Tinker Bell and Abu—front and center.

Spin Master Games is launching Disney Sidekicks on Aug. 1. The premise? Villains have captured familiar heroes and locked them up in a castle. Sidekicks to the rescue!

You’ll play cooperatively and travel through the gameboard, battling villains, rescuing villagers and collecting locks to open the castle and save the heroes.

Players will have a bevy of characters to choose from, including Lumiere and Flora, Timon and Pumba and Fauna and Merryweather. Familiar nemeses include Captain Hook, Gaston, Jafar and Scar.

Grab this game from your favorite retailer for $29.99 in August. Time for the sidekicks to steal the spotlight and save the day!

—Sarah Shebek

Image courtesy of Spin Master Games

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Shake off the summer heat with an awesome adventure filled with dense woodlands, volcanic ridges, and a rushing cascade (or two). From the Columbia River Gorge to the Cascade Mountain foothills, the following are six of our favorite waterfall hikes, all located within sixty miles of the Portland area. Whether you’re looking for a level, stroller-friendly path or a dazzling misty payoff, these trails will give you just the experience you need to shake off the COVID blues. Read on for all the details.

Pothole Falls by Carrie Uffindell

photo: Carrie Uffindell

Pothole Falls at Lacamas Lake Park

For a quick hike in the metro area, head to 312-acre Lacamas Lake Park. At the play area, follow the gravel path circling the lake through the trees. Nestled a short distance off the main trail is the falls, named for the round holes punched into the rock. An unexpected highlight is the fish screen and dam, located on the south side of the lake. With several sections of moderately steep terrain, this walk isn’t suitable for strollers. Make a day of it with visits the park’s other two waterfalls, also located off the main loop.

Pandemic Status: Open
Round-trip distance: 1.2 mile (Round Lake Loop)
When You Go: Free. The park is located 15 miles east of Vancouver, WA off Highway 14. Spots in front fill up fast, so look for the large overflow lot at the north end..

Munson Creek Falls

The short, winding path – perfect for little legs – follows along the creek to an impressive 319-foot tumbler, the tallest in the Coast Range. The protected site, located south of Tillamook, is a 62-acre timber-turned-natural area, so be sure to enjoy the old-growth western red cedar, moss-draped maples, wildflowers, and other flora and fauna along the way. In late fall and winter, the waters are home to spawning salmon.

Pandemic status: Park is open dawn to dusk with reduced services.
Round-trip distance: 0.6 miles, out and back
When You Go: Free. From Portland, take Highway 26 west approximately 77 miles. Turn left on Munson Creek Road. Note: Parking is limited and no restrooms are available.

South Falls by Carrie Uffindell

Silver Falls State Park

Peek behind a 177-foot torrent of water at this 9,200-acre Oregon park, situated in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains. Of the ten waterfalls sprinkled throughout the park, South Falls is one of the most accessible – and dramatic – for families. From the South Falls lot, follow the main path (and the sound of rushing water) past the lodge to a viewpoint above. From there, descend 400 feet to explore a cave behind the falls. For the full 2.6-mile loop, continue on to Lower South Falls. Or, for a shorter 1-mile walk, return via the scenic bridge.

Pandemic status: Expect reduced services. No showers. Camping reservations required (no walk-ins). Day-use visitors should plan to turn around if parking lots are full.
Round-trip distance: 2.6-mile (Maple Ridge Loop)
When You Go: $5/vehicle. Head south some 55 miles to Silverton. From Silverton, take Highway 214 almost 16 miles south until you reach the park. Follow the signs to the South Falls Day Use Area.

photo: Chi T. via yelp

Multnomah Falls

One of the the most popular waterfalls hikes in the Gorge. This 611-foot-tall roaring force of nature lets visitors get up close and personal with its power. According to Native American lore, Multnomah Falls was created to win the heart of a young princess who wanted a hidden place to bathe. And this spot is magical. This hike can be made shorter or longer as there are multiple tiers that offer different views. Each is spectacular, but the lower hike is more appropriate for families with younger children or elderly grandparents.

Pandemic status: Open
Round-trip distance: A moderate, 2.2-mile hike with 700 feet of elevation gain to the top of Multnomah Falls, or a difficult 5.4-mile loop to Wahkeena Falls with 1,600 feet of elevation gain.

featured image: Jonathon L. via yelp

—Annette Benedetti

 

READ MORE

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This Carlsbad working ranch is secluded in the heart of a magnificently landscaped 27-acre canyon and designated a historic park which contains romantic hand-crafted adobe buildings, antique windmills, a reflecting pool and enough beautiful trees and flowers to keep budding nature-lovers busy and delighted. Visiting Leo Carillo Ranch with kids is like discovering a treasured gem. From oodles of prancing peacocks to authentic ranch and farming equipment, a trip to “Carlsbad’s Sleeping Beauty” is positively dreamy.

Who Was Leo Carillo?
The Leo Carillo Ranch is what Hollywood dreams are made from
— literally. In 1937, at the peak of Hollywood actor and preservationist Leo Carrillo’s successful film career, he felt an intense need to find a retreat to re-create an Old California-style working ranch. He came across Los Kiotes, in an area now known as southeast Carlsbad.

What to see at The Leo Carillo Ranch
For kiddos whose favorite lyrics include “And on his farm he had a … ” be sure to check out the cattle chute, a blacksmith and foundry shop, a hay barn and a working tractor called “Big Red.” Whether you’re looking for them or not, you’re sure to run into plenty of peacocks wandering the park and in the trees. We suggest researching some fun facts about peacocks before going to the ranch. You may never be this up close and personal with so many for a while. Kids will love learning that a baby peacock is called a “peachick” and that they don’t grow their fancy tails until age three. Check out other feathery facts to share with your little bird here

 

Make sure to check out the abundance of local fauna. Birds of Paradise, bougainvillea and agave can be found throughout the ranch. Also look for the Toyon trees lining the sides of Palm Lane. These trees are known as Christmas Berry because of the red berries dotting their branches.

How to See the Ranch
Guided walking tours are offered on Saturday at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., and on Sunday at 12 and 2 p.m. Tours last approximately 90 minutes. Access to buildings for further exploration are only available on these docent led tours. But, if you have littles that can’t sit through a guided tour, pick up a copy of the ranch guide at the visitor center and go explore on your own. Either way you’ll be able to enjoy the view.

What to Bring to The Leo Carillo Ranch
Make sure you come prepared with comfortable shoes for walking the grounds, plenty of sunscreen and snacks.

Don’t forget your camera! The park is a photographer’s paradise (think perfect setting for family photos). Find the “Bride’s Arch” for some seriously snap-worthy shots.

Leo Carillo Ranch
6200 Flying Leo Carrillo Ln.
Carlsbad, Ca 92009
Online: carrillo-ranch.org

Have you been to the Leo Carillo Ranch before? What’s your favorite spot to check out?

— Aimee Della Bitta (photos too)

Getting young explorers excited about different cultures and geography is just a few clicks away, thanks to a growing array of edu-taining and globally-minded apps that’ll send your Dora and Diego on their own virtual globetrotting adventures. Flip through our album to unearth captivating apps that teach your budding world traveler about foreign cuisines, global geography, international languages…and even space travel!

GeoGuessr — Let’s Explore the World!

Imagine suddenly being plopped somewhere in the world and it’s your job to figure out exactly where the heck you are, based only on visual clues provided by the location. That’s the premise of GeoGuessr, a surprisingly addictive educational app and web-based game. Powered by Google Maps and Google Street View, players are transported to myriad locations around the globe, from the arid Australian bush to the zooming streets of New York City. We love the scavenger hunt quality of the game as well as the views of the exotic and not-so-exotic locales.

Pro-tip: pick up clues of your whereabouts by reading street signs, checking out indigenous flora and fauna, and considering local architecture.

Good for: Ages 6 & up

Free on iTunes and GeoGuessr.com

What’s your favorite global app? Tell us in the comments!

— Kipp Jarecke-Cheng

You may have taken your little animal lovers to the Bronx Zoo before, but after an 18-month, $4-million renovation, the Children’s Zoo is better than ever.  With new animals to see, new activities and improvements on your old favorites, here’s what makes the re-designed exhibits worth a second look (or a first!) and some tips on how to get the most out of your visit.

photo: Gretchen Kunz 

New Things (And Critters) To See

The star attraction of a zoo is always the animals, and you won’t be disappointed with the furry and feathered friends here.  Filling a gap left when a South American exhibit closed in the 1990s, the Children’s Zoo has a new focus on South and Central American fauna.  Some added stars are Velcro the giant anteater, Calisto the  Linne’s Two- toed Sloth and a mother coatimundi with her two children.  The long nose and enormous, furry tail of the anteater are an unusual sight, and the coatis’ striped tails and quick-moving, flexible snouts charm children and adults alike. (For animal interaction, the goats and sheep at the petting zoo are game and playful, especially if you offer them the pellets from the vending machines.)

photo: Bronx Zoo / Julie Larsen Maher 

Bringing the cute in a major way are a mother and child pudú — AKA, the world’s smallest deer —  as well as the family of squirrel monkeys’ climbing and playing antics on their own private island.  Neon-bright Caribbean flamingos in the water surrounding the monekys’ island show off with splashes and spread wings, so there’s something for your family to see from every angle around the feature.  The whole zoo is tied together with charming new informational signs illustrated by author/artist Brendan Wenzel that make walking the trail feel like turning the page of a storybook.

photo: Gretchen Kunz 

Renovated and Redesigned

Don’t worry, the classics are still here. Iconic features such as the giant, climbable turtle shells, the big tree house slide and the prairie dog tunnels where kids can pop up in clear tubes among the critters not only remain, they’re even better. Improvements include wider paths, clearer views of the prairie dogs (glass has replaced the old Plexiglass), natural accents like six-foot tall clusters of bamboo and springy new composite flooring that make the going easy for strollers and little feet.

The feel is clean and open, with benches for pit stops and interactive play spaces like a giant rope spider web and new model “fennec fox” ears that your kids can listen through. Even the zoo’s farm area has been spruced up, making it a brighter place for mini-Farmer Browns to touch and feed the friendly goats, sheep and alpacas.

photo:  Gretchen Kunz

Making the Most of it and Making it Easy

For the full new zoo experience, Children’s Zoo Adventure Club tours, which include the use of binoculars or magnifying glasses, are available on the half hour, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. May 30­-Nov. 1: Sat., Sun, Wed. & holidays. Make sure to check the zoo website for other activities, programs and events taking place throughout the year.

To maximize your visit, keep a few things in mind.  Zoo staff say getting there early will help you avoid crowds, and if you want to start your visit at the Children’s Zoo, it’s best to enter through Gate C at Southern Blvd., where parking is also available.  Single and double strollers are available for rental at $10 and $15.

The bathrooms closest to the Children’s Zoo are just to the south at the Madagascar exhibit, and the Terrace Café — where you can also find tables for boxed lunches — and a small gift shop are on the north side of the Children’s Zoo entrance.  Go a bit further north, and you will find a zoo shuttle station and the large Dancing Crane Café.

Wednesdays, zoo general admission is free with the opportunity to donate, but you will have to pay an extra $5 for the Children’s Zoo and more for other premium exhibits. Total Experience tickets, which include all premium exhibits and activities, may be purchased at the gate or ahead of time at a 10% discount online at bronxzoo.com/tickets.  General Admission tickets are only available at the gate.


Bronx Zoo / Julie Larsen Maher

The Bronx Zoo
2300 Southern Blvd.
Bronx
Hours: Apr.3-Nov.1, 2015, Mon.-Fri, 10a.m.-5p.m., Sat., Sun. & holidays, 10a.m.-5:30p.m
Tickets: General Admission, at gate only: adults 13-64/$19.95, kids 3-12/$12.95, seniors/$17.95, kids 2 & under/free
718-220-5100
Online: bronxzoo.com

Have you checked out the new zoo yet? Tell us what you thought of it in the comments below!

—Gretchen Kunz

 

Whether you’re designing your own nursery before baby’s arrival or just want to spruce up your little one’s pad, Amazon’s Nursery Store is the place to discover everything you need to make your nursery look fab. With their newest feature, Shop the Room, you can browse entire nursery looks and easily add any or all the pieces within the set or room to your cart!

And to help upgrade your baby’s digs, we’ve worked with Amazon to give away babyletto’s modern and luxurious Tranquil Woods Collection nursery set. Enter now to win this super cool prize package (valued at $1134) by clicking here.

Scroll down to check out what you could own.

babyletto Play Blanket, $59
Designed for tummy time and active play, the reversible tranquil woods play blanket is perfect for cuddling up. Finished with fog grey piping, the facing side features a tranquil woodland scene while the reverse displays a kaleidoscope of petit flora and fauna.

babyletto Stroller Blanket, $25
Stroll securely with the bold print of the tranquil woods stroller blanket. With a soft flannel backing and signature ties that attach to stroller or baby carrier, the tranquil woods stroller blanket is a perfect companion piece, for the mom on the go.

babyletto Wall Decal, $20
The tranquil woods wall decals are the perfect touch to complete your modern Babyletto nursery. Designed to pair with the tranquil woods bedding collection, the tranquil woods wall decals feature friendly flora and fauna in soothing tones, and you can reposition them throughout the room.

babyletto Hudoson 3-in-1 Convertible Crib With Toddler Rail, $379
Delight in mid-century modern appeal with the Hudson 3-in-1 convertible crib. Stylish rounded spindles bring a simple charm, and give the Hudson crib an open, radiant feel. The all-spindle sides let you keep an eye on baby from all angles, while four adjustable mattress positions allow you to maximize comfort and safety for both you and baby. The Hudson 3-in-1 convertible crib converts to both a toddler bed (rail included) and daybed, and is solidly built from sustainable New Zealand pine wood. Whether you prefer a contemporary or time-honored palette for your nursery, Hudson has you covered. Choose between a modern grey crib, clean white, or a new take on family-friendly white/espresso two-tone.

babyletto Hudson Changer Dresser, $399
Get more from your nursery furniture with the versatile Hudson Changer Dresser. Combining a changing table, three drawer dresser and storage cabinet all in one solid, practical package, the Hudson Changer Dresser is a modern space-saving convenience. Complementing the mid-century modern-inspired Hudson 3-in-1 Convertible Crib, the dresser comes in three chic finishes including two new takes on two-tone for the nursery. Truly built for baby, the removable changer tray’s raised sides help keep your little one safe, and an anti-tip kit is included for further security. Keep baby’s clothes and necessities organized in the smooth-opening drawers, while stop mechanisms prevent them from being pulled all the way out. The storage cabinet closes gently and includes an adjustable shelf, perfect for keeping diapers and wipes handy.

babyletto Pop Mini Chevron Chair, $169
Give your toddler a modern throne with the Pop Mini Chair. With pocket spring support, extra foam for squishiness, and playfully sophisticated grey or turquoise chevron upholstery, the Pop Mini Chair is a perfect place for your mini me to relax.

babyletto Fitted Crib Sheet, $19
Petite flora and fauna dot the miniature forest landscape of the tranquil woods fitted crib sheet. Our machine washable sheets fit standard crib mattresses and are constructed from 100% poplin, a lightweight durable cotton weave.

babyletto Crib Skirt, $39
The fog grey tranquil woods crib skirt brings a balanced contrast to the bedding collection. Featuring clean lines, minimalist panels, and a 12″ drop, Babyletto crib skirts are designed especially for your modern nursery.

babyletto Countour Changing Pad Cover, $25
With a soft easy to clean terry top and bold side print, the tranquil woods contour changing pad cover is a perfect finishing touch for your nursery. Side print detailing features a tranquil woodland scene.

Want to score these awesome items? Click here to go to the giveaway entry page. Share the Ultimate Baby Nursery with your friends and family using the “share” buttons on the thank you page to get an extra entry.

Often missed by families cruising along Highway 6 on their way to and from the Oregon coast after a day at the beach, the Tillamook State Forest Center is a great place to stop and stretch your legs while (unintentionally) learning a wealth of local history. We’re all about sneaking in a little education on our family vacations, making this more than a worthwhile pit stop. With nature-based programs that cover everything from the local birds to plants and fungi, the Tillamook State Forest Center boasts a little something for the naturalist in everyone. Once you’ve absorbed your fill, head outdoors and hike along the easy trails where you can spot the very wildlife you just learned about. The surrounding woods are teeming with local fora and fauna, so bring a camera to capture everything that your mini John Muirs can spy with their little eyes.

When to go: Their hours are seasonal based on the following schedule:

Spring: Wed – Sun, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Summer: 7 days a week, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Fall: Wed – Sun, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Winter: Closed

The center has been known to close early on account of weather, so we highly suggest calling to confirm before you make the trip. They can be reached at either 503-815-6800 or 866-930-4646.

Travel time: An hour drive west of Portland on Highway 6.

What to see/do: The Tillamook State Forest Center was built to help educate the public about the Tillamook Burn, a series of forest fires that destroyed over 350,000 acres of old-growth timber from the 1930s to the 1950s, as well as to promote stewardship of local forests. Kids can learn about the forest plants and animals with hands-on exhibits.

Let your elementary-school-aged kids use magnetic cut-outs to match animals to their native habitat or play a computer game that puts them in the boots of a forest district ranger. There are authentic animal pelts to touch, and exhibits of plants and flowers that are not only pretty to look at, but also tell us about the age and the health of the forest.

Toddler and babies have their own place in the back corner of the center, with a hollowed-out tree begging to be explored, blocks and books. There’s also a tunnel that gives little tourists a mock-up underwater view of salmon run.

In the middle of the center, visitors can learn about the pioneers who settled in the Tillamook State Forest and the people who helped replant the forest after the fires. The center also shows a film at regular intervals giving a history of the fires and describing how the community came together to heal the forest.

The journey continues outside, where those with strong legs can climb the 40-foot replica of a forest fire lookout tower at the center’s entrance. Behind the center is a 250-foot suspension bridge that takes hikers over the Wilson River to easy, kid-friendly trails that lead into the forest and along the river.

Need to know: The Wilson River trail does eventually lead right down to the river, so be sure to keep little ones close to you. The center also rents out a banquet room for events, which can make the parking lot a bit busy during summer weekends. The film includes footage of the fires and the devastation, and can be a bit dramatic if your little one frightens easily.

How to dress/What to bring: Wear comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes if you plan to go hiking. It’s Oregon, so it’s also a good idea to bring a rain jacket unless you are going in the middle of the summer. If there is sunshine, you’ll definitely want to slather on sunscreen. There’s also a certain amount of overgrowth along some of the trails, so you may want to consider wearing long pants, even in the summer. While there are a few vending machines at the center, there’s no snack bar and the closest restaurants are several miles down the road. So, pack a lunch and plan to have a picnic at one of the chairs or benches around the center, or travel down the road into Tillamook for a proper meal.

Cost of trip: Admission to the center is free, though donations are gladly accepted.

Tillamook Forest Center
45500 Wilson River Highway
Tillamook, Or 97141
tillamookforestcenter.org

What was the highlight of your last visit to the State Forest Center? 

–Tamara Miller

Phone credit: Tamara Miller & The Tillamook Forest Center Facebook page