ML Interest Tag: fire-safety

How to Throw an Epic Bonfire Party This Fall

by Oz Spies

It’s officially sweater weather, ya’ll. This means it’s the perfect time to plan a bonfire party with friends

A bonfire party is a perfect way to welcome fall. Create a fun, festive air that makes the most of cool nights with flickering flames, cozy conversation, and fall crafts. Think of it as camping without leaving the comfort of your own home! Whether you have outdoor space or not, you can easily host a bonfire party. Combine the best fireside desserts with not-too-spooky stories, the warm glow of a fire, and fall decorations, and you’ll be ready for an easy, fun family night.

Start by setting the scene

iStock

Part one? The bonfire!  You don’t need a big outdoor fire pit. Use an indoor gas or wood-burning fireplace and keep things cozy in your living room. Or, add ambiance with a tiny portable fire or a cluster of battery-operated candles. We love this mini portable bonfire that can be used indoors or out. You can toast marshmallows over even the smallest flames. If you don't have a fire pit in your outdoor space, consider getting a smokeless fire pit from Solo. Available in all different sizes, they're an easy and safe way to have a backyard fire. Add a few camp chairs around the portable stove and you’ll be set. If you've got really tiny kiddos, opt for a few safe, bonfire-themed toys, like a toddler-friendly felt bonfire.

Decide on your menu

Good food is a key ingredient for a bonfire party. Snack on s’mores-inspired treats like oven-made s’mores.  Or, set up a big spread with all the s’mores ingredients, and swap out chocolate for a peanut butter cup or peppermint patty to give your s’mores a memorable twist. Pick up a few extendable kid-friendly roasting sticks. To drink, add festive crock pot apple cider. If your party is at dinnertime, treat your guests to fondue or a decadent charcuterie board.

Plan activities perfect for a bonfire party

Games

If you have a bigger outdoor space or a yard to use, bring out oversized lawn games, and when it gets dark, turn out the lights and play fun flashlight games. For small or indoor spaces, plan on classic card games like Uno, your favorite board games, or easy tic tac toe.  Put together an epic mix to encourage dancing around the fire. Add fire-themed songs like Great Balls of Fire, Firework, or This Girl is on Fire.

Crafts

If you’ve got more of an arts-and-crafts crowd in your house, plan a bonfire-themed craft like making food coloring or glitter fireworks in a jar or creating a tissue paper fire. For the easiest project ever, put marshmallows on the end of sticks to use as paintbrushes—a fun tactile craft that’s super easy to put together. Stamping with marshmallows makes interesting dot patterns.

Cozy Activities

When the stars are bright and the flames are flickering, snuggle up under blankets and share some not-too-spooky ghost stories. Or, have a cozy conversation around the fireplace with clever conversation starters sure to get everyone giggling like “If you had to eat a worm, how would you cook it?” Finally, you can choose a movie the whole family will enjoy, like one of these Pixar movies ranked for parental enjoyment, kids’ movies parents love too, or one from our ultimate list of movies for kids.

Things to Consider When Hosting a Bonfire Party

family at a bonfire party
iStock

To keep everyone safe around the fire, make sure your kids know about fire safety: never, ever play with matches, don’t touch the fire itself, and keep a safe distance. Outdoor fire pits should be at least three feet away from anything that can catch on fire.

Be sure to douse all the flames at the end of the night, and check local guidelines before lighting an outdoor fire pit. Air quality restrictions or fire warnings might mean outdoor fires aren’t an option in your area.

If your kids aren’t quite ready for a real fire, substitute a cluster of battery-operated candles for flickering flames. You get all the glow and zero worries about burns.

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17 Hidden Gems in New York That Even Residents Don’t Know About

by Yuliya Geikhman

Cat cafes, taxidermied animals, secret parks, and a museum dedicated to the NY Fire Department are just a few of our top picks

Sure, everyone’s heard of Central Park, Rockefeller Plaza, and Times Square. But New York City hides many facets just under the surface. If you look beyond the popular attractions and tourist traps, you’ll find everything from perfectly preserved historic houses to quaint fishing villages. Read on to uncover hidden gems NYC has to offer to families who look beyond the obvious—places that even some local New Yorkers might not know about! These largely unknown spots might not get all the tourists and attention, but they’re well worth a visit for families with children who are looking to see another side of NYC.

Hidden Gems in Manhattan

Escape into a Fairy Tale Garden: The Conservatory Garden
Central Park has many popular attractions you’ve probably heard of. The Conservatory Garden, tucked into the side of the park across the street from El Museo del Barrio, is one of the park’s hidden treasures. The Conservatory Garden is Central Park’s formal garden (shoutout to the more informal Shakespeare Garden by Belvedere Castle, another gem) and consists of six acres of tulips, lilacs, crabapple trees, chrysanthemums, and more. The garden is gorgeous year-round—which makes it a popular choice for wedding photo shoots—but is especially delightful in the spring when the beautiful flowers are in bloom and it’s visited by many different kinds of butterflies.

1233 5th Ave.
Central Park
Online: centralparknyc.org

Visit a Hidden Indoor Park: Ford Foundation Atrium
Step inside the Ford Foundation building in the middle of the bustling city and find yourself in a lush tropical jungle. No, you’re not imagining things—you’ve just stumbled into one of the city’s hidden parks. And the Ford Foundation Atrium is one of the most magical, consisting of over 40 species of trees, vines, and shrubs, as well as a reflecting pool.

This garden is open to the public and also strives to be accessible to as many people as possible: a sensory section encourages people to touch, smell, and interact with the plants (and includes signage in braille) while a wheelchair path winds around most of the garden.

Does this secluded little oasis make you yearn for more? Check out the other hidden parks in NYC, like Amster Yard and Greenacre Park in Midtown and the Elevated Acre in the Financial District.

320 E 43rd St.
Murray Hill
Online: fordfoundation.org

Peek into a Cabinet of Curiosities: Mmuseumm
Mmuseumm—no, that’s not a typo—is a tiny museum housed in an elevator shaft that takes inspiration from old-style cabinets of curiosities. The museum displays found and made objects of modern origin on floor-to-ceiling displays along three walls. What’s on display varies by season but you can expect to find objects that define the current times.

The Mmuseumm is closed in winter and keeps sporadic hours, but you can stop by any time during its open season to take a peek at the displays—literally, through peepholes made exactly for this purpose.

4 Cortlandt Alley
Chinatown
Online: mmuseumm.com

Shop for Books Under the Stars: Albertine
Located just south of Museum Mile, Albertine is a one-of-a-kind bookshop. The space, which is part of the Cultural Services of the French Embassy, boasts the largest collection of French-language and translated-from-French books in the United States. This is cause enough to visit if you’re interested in or speak French, but the other real draw is the absolutely gorgeous interior. Head up the stairs to the second floor to find a celestial painting on the ceiling, with deep blues for backdrop and shining gold stars. History buffs, here’s another reason to visit:

The bookstore is located inside the historic Payne Whitney House. Albertine frequently hosts events, talks, and workshops, making it a popular destination among the locals, but often overlooked due to being just outside of the more well-traveled path of the museum mile.

972 5th Ave.
Upper East Side
Online: albertine.com

Check out Vintage FDNY Artifacts: NYC Fire Museum
New York City is well known for its many excellent museums, and the NYC Fire Museum is one of the lesser-known gems. Head over to see artifacts from the history of the FDNY from the late 18th century through today. In addition to these displays, the museum has a mock household that walks visitors through fire safety in an interactive way.

278 Spring St.
Hudson Square
Online: nycfiremuseum.org

Discover the Whimsical Sculptures of Tom Otterness: Real World Sculptures Park
You may have seen Tom Otterness’ sculptures in the 14th St., 8th Ave. train station. These little round-headed bronze creatures add a touch of whimsy to the space and are a delight to discover around the station. But few people know that you can find even more of Otterness’ sculptures in this little hidden gem of a park. Part of the larger Rockefeller Park, the Real World Sculptures Park is chock-full of more whimsical sculptures, in displays that seem to paint a picture of a whole different world. It’s a wonderful place for kids to explore and parents to relax in a park in the shade.

River Terrace and Chambers St.
Battery Park City
Online: tomotterness.net

Hidden Gems in Brooklyn

Play in a Super Sweet Playground: Domino Park
Domino Park’s name hints at its history: The park stands on the site of the former Domino Sugar Refinery. The style is also a nod to its history, featuring one of the most unique playgrounds in NYC with an industrial feel and huge slides. The whole family can enjoy the space, too, thanks to an elevated walkway that offers waterfront views and a peek across the river at Manhattan. In the summer, the park has two water features to help keep cool, while ongoing development has more fun planned for the future of the site.

15 River St.
Williamsburg
Online: dominopark.com

Fight Crime in Style: Brooklyn Superhero Supply Co.
This superhero supply store is a must for any crime fighters, both aspiring and current. You’ll find everything a hero might need here, from costumes and cool shirts to superpowers and gadgets! This store provides a fun treasure hunt for any superhero-loving kid or kid-at-heart. And by shopping here, you’re actually contributing to a good cause: The store is run by 826NYC, a nonprofit dedicated to helping kids ages 6-18 boost their writing skills and empower them to utilize their creativity.

372 5th Ave.
Park Slope
Online: superherosupplies.com

Marvel at Taxidermied Animals and Jewish History: Torah Animal World
The Living Torah Museum is an appointment-only museum that serves up a unique experience, to say the least. Inside this small residence, you’ll find artifacts from Jewish history and the Torah. It contains a wealth of information and history and is definitely a must-visit if you want to learn more about the culture and history of Jewish religious texts.

But it’s also a chance to step into Torah Animal World, a collection of taxidermied animals that were mentioned in the Torah. The experience includes an explanation of where these animals can be found in the religious texts, and a chance to see lions, zebras, snakes, and other real animals up close and personal.

1601 41st St.
Borough Park
Online: livingtorahmuseum.com

https://www.instagram.com/p/CJrOcxOBaW4/?hidecaption=true

Eat Insta-worthy Toast Art: Davelle
Davelle’s name and location don’t give away its true nature: a Japanese-style kissaten (cafe). At Davelle, the presentation is part of the meal. From a beautifully hand-drawn menu to Instagram-worthy gorgeous toasts and meals, this is one of those rare times that the dish you get will look exactly like the pictures on the menu! This makes eating here a feast for both the stomach and eyes.

The space isn’t widely known but it’s beloved by locals so you may need to show up early to snag a seat.

102 Suffolk St.
Lower East Side
Online: davellenewyork.com

Hidden Gems in the Bronx

Eat Authentic Italian Dishes: Arthur Avenue Market
When you hear the name “Little Italy,” you might not immediately think of the Bronx. But the Arthur Avenue Market is one of the best places in NYC to find authentic Italian meals and goods. Dubbed “the Real Little Italy,” Arthur Avenue is the place to go for Italian baked goods, fish and meats, pasta, mozzarella, and so much more. Plus, head into the Arthur Avenue Market for a real treat: an indoor market full of vendors selling fresh and baked goods.

2396 Arthur Ave. and the surrounding area
Belmont
Online: arthuravenuebronx.com

Explore a Fishing Village: City Island
This one might not be a hidden gem, per se—you may have at least heard of it. But it’s certainly not at the top of people’s lists to visit when heading to NYC, and many New Yorkers have never actually been to the island. This little fishing island is a stone’s throw away from Pelham, but it has a completely different atmosphere. Head there for fresh seafood—fished up and cleaned right in front of you! Explore boat and yacht clubs, eat at a delectable seafood restaurant, or just settle down on a bench and enjoy the calm atmosphere and water views.

Island in the Long Island Sound
Accessible by bridge at City Island Rd
Online: cityislandchamber.org

Hidden Gems in Queens

Enjoy Authentic Vegetarian South Indian Foods: Temple Canteen
The Temple Canteen is housed inside a Hindu temple, which is worth a visit simply to bask in its absolute beauty. Head downstairs to find this informal food hall, whose menu consists of authentic vegetarian and vegan South Indian meals and treats at ridiculously affordable prices. While you’re there, stop by the gift shop, or order some food to go and bring the goodness home with you!

45-57 Bowne St.
Flushing
Online: canteen.nyganeshtemple.org

Hidden Gems in Staten Island

Sample Grandmother’s Cooking from Around the World: Enoteca Maria
Have a hankering for some of grandmother’s cooking? Enoteca Maria can fill that hole in your heart with real at-home cooking. Every weekend, they bring in a different grandmother from around the world to present their culture’s cooking. (During the week, they have their own resident Nonna cooking up down-home Italian meals). This means that every time you stop by, you’ll have a chance to sample a different culture’s authentic meals, with a frequently rotating and changing menu.

You can even bring some of this wholesome goodness to your own kitchen thanks to the Nonnas of the World project, which is a virtual cookbook of grandma’s cooking, put together by the community.

27 Hyatt St.
St. George
Online: enotecamaria.com

All Around the City!

Visit New York’s Historic Houses Through the Historic House Trust
From Edgar Allan Poe’s cottage in the Bronx to the last remaining lighthouse in Manhattan, the houses and landmarks under the protective umbrella of the Historic House Trust are maintained in their original historic states. While some are more interesting for hardcore history buffs, others hold special family days and children’s events that introduce kids to history in approachable ways.

For instance, the King Manor in Brooklyn holds a free family program on the first and third Saturdays of each month. This program, called Hands-on History, uses historic-themed arts, crafts, and storytelling to see current events and holidays from a historic lens.

Online: historichousetrust.org

Snuggle up with Some (Adoptable!) Kitties: NYC’s Cat Cafes
Did you know that NYC has cat cafes? Yep—three of them! These provide a purrfect family getaway whether you can’t have pets in your building, you want the benefits of petting a warm purring creature without the stress of caring for them full time, or you just feel like a change from your own cat (don’t worry, we won’t tell him!).

Plus, all the cafes work in collaboration with animal shelters, which means that if you find yourself bonding with a particularly friendly feline, you can apply to adopt her!

NYC currently has three operating cat cafes:

Meow Parlour
46 Hester St.
Lower East Side
Online: meowparlour.com

Koneko
26 Clinton St.
Lower East Side
Online: konekonyc.com

The Brooklyn Cat Cafe
76 Montague St.
Brooklyn Heights
Online: catcafebk.com

Seek Out All the Space Invaders
If you are a fan of street art, you may know about the French artist who goes by the name Invader. He’s responsible for dropping tile mosaic Space Invaders throughout the world and there are quite a few in New York. These often get removed so you can’t totally guarantee where you’ll find them but there’s a good list here and you can even sign up for a custom walking tour to check them out! Download the FlashInvaders app and get points for finding these around the city.

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15 + Free (& Fun!) Things to Do in LA

by Andie Huber

Inflation is a budget-killer so here are all the free things to do in Los Angeles with kids so you can save your cash

From exploring the Hollywood Walk of Fame to taking a scenic drive along the Pacific Coast Highway, there are plenty of ways to experience the City of Angels without breaking the bank. Whether you‘re a longtime resident or just visiting for a few days, these free things to do in LA will make sure you don‘t miss out on the best the city has to offer. And for what it’s worth, our free things to do list in LA list is by far the most fun one yet.

What Museums in LA Are Free?

1. California African American Museum

The California African American Museum (CAAM) is the premier museum dedicated to African American art, history, and culture. Located in the heart of Los Angeles, CAAM has been a leader in the exhibition and interpretation of African American art, history and culture for over 30 years. Through its permanent collection and dynamic special exhibitions, CAAM provides visitors with a unique opportunity to explore the rich and diverse contributions made by African Americans to the culture, history and art of California and the United States. The museum also serves as a platform for emerging and established African American artists to showcase their work. CAAM is a vital resource for students, scholars and the general public seeking to understand African American history and culture.

600 State Dr.
Los Angeles
Online: caamuseum.org

2. Roundhouse Aquarium

This always-free-to-enter aquarium, located on the Manhattan Beach Pier, is home to over 100 different species of marine life (most of whom call Santa Monica Bay home), has four galleries where kids can explore and learn about sea life and home to our favorite animal encounters in LA where kids can get up close and personal with moray eels, rays, and octopi—not to mention get hands-on experience with starfish in the touch pools. The Roundhouse also offers summer beach camps and on-site classes for budding marine biologists (or any kid that just loves the water and all the animals that live in the sea).

2 Manhattan Beach Blvd.
Manhattan Beach
Online: roundhouseaquarium.org

3. The Broad

Giant teacups, massive balloon animals, Alice in Wonderland-esque splashes of color and the Infinity Room will convince any kiddo that contemporary art is where it’s at. The museum "For Families" guide offers a "scavenger hunt" and fun art-themed activities. For older kids, they can also download and listen to a free audio tour which includes family-friendly information about the art. Tickets are released on the last Wed. of each month at 10 a.m. PT for admission the following month.

221 S. Grand Ave.
Los Angeles
Online: thebroad.org

4. The Hammer Museum

In addition to offering free admission, this UCLA art museum regularly hosts pop-up art studios for little ones, family-friendly movie screenings and guided tours-plus-games for kids ages 7 and up. A visit to the relatively small yet impressive (and manageable!) museum will expose kids to a range of artwork, from 17th century Rembrandts to the more contemporary work of Kara Walker.

10899 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles
Online: hammer.ucla.edu

5. LACMA

Right in our home town is a world class museum that wants you to bring your kids so much that they created a fabulous program: LACMA NexGen membership where kids get in free along with one adult. It's a pretty amazing deal, especially when you realize that at LACMA, there are art exhibits that appeal to kids like rad modern art sculptures, a giant suspended rock and of course, every kid (and grown-up kids’) favorite, Metropolis II. There is also a painting studio in the Boone Gallery where your inspired little artists can create watercolor masterpieces and listen to story time. Tickets must be reserved in advance. 

5900 Wilshire Blvd.
Miracle Mile
Online: lacma.org

6. The California Science Center

Where else can you see a space shuttle and a shark tank, not to mention play in one of three kids-only Discovery Rooms, explore rotating science exhibits and watch as baby chicks hatch? And all for free? Rainy days, hot days, vacation days, or just “I’m bored” days, the California Science Center is here for you. And, if you have a few extra bucks, you can round the day off with a spectacular 3D IMAX show. 

700 Exposition Park Dr.
Los Angeles
Online: californiasciencecenter.org

7. Cabrillo Marine Aquarium

Start your Aquarium visit with the sea stars in the simulated “tide pool touch tank” then spend your time winding through the thirty-eight aquaria. Don’t miss out on the favorite aquatic babies exhibit and let the little ones learn a little something at the research station. Be sure to look up and meet the giant whale skeleton hanging from the ceiling.

The museum is free for all but they do suggest a donation to help keep this wonderful community resource going. Parking is free and easy on the street or you can pay $1 per hour to park it right out front. The aquarium hosts loads of kid friendly activities and events, including the fabulous spring time grunion runs—a SoCal tradition.

Check out these other noteworthy Los Angeles aquariums, many of which are also free! 

3720 Stephen M. White Dr.
San Pedro
Online: cabrillomarineaquarium.org

8. La Brea Tar Pits

Next door to LACMA are the famous La Brea Tar Pits. While the Page Museum at the center will cost you an entrance fee (unless you visit on the first Tues. of the month when admission is free), there is plenty to explore around the tar pits and gardens that surround the museum.

Check out Ice Age plant life in the Pleistocene Garden, roll down the grassy hills and learn all about being a paleontologist with a peek inside Pit 91 and Project 23, which are still actively being excavated. No visit would be complete without snapping a selfie with those perpetually stuck elephants in the bubbling tar pit. Advance timed tickets are required.

5801 Wilshire Blvd.
Miracle Mile
Online: tarpits.org

9. The Griffith Observatory

Spend a day at the Griffith Observatory, poking through the exhibits, figuring out your weight on Jupiter, looking through the telescopes, having lunch in the cafeteria and gazing out from the terrace, where you can see the whole city below. Free public star parties are held monthly, where kids can meet professional and amateur astronomers. And don’t forget about the Planetarium! There are currently two live shows scheduled every 60-90 minutes daily, for just $3-$7 (it’s the only thing at the Observatory with a fee, and kids under 5 can only attend the first show of the day).

If the kiddos need a break, there are beautiful hiking trails behind the Observatory with breathtaking views of the Hollywood sign.

If you want to avoid the parking lot, which fills up fast on weekends, hike one of our favorite trails, Ferndell. Then when you hike back, reward yourself with coffee and pie.

2800 E. Observatory Rd.
Griffith Park
Online: griffithobservatory.org

Shahrzad Warkentin

10. Travel Town

Every mini engineer and trainspotter will have a blast exploring this outdoor transportation museum dedicated to all things trains. You can climb around on real steam locomotives, check out wagons and other antique vehicles in the barn and even go for a ride on a mini train that circles the park for just $3.

Pack some snacks and grab a seat on the lawn where you can wave at the train as it drives past. 

Don't miss their docent-led tours are available by reservation. Check their events calendar for more great activities.

Insider Tip: You can throw birthday parties at Travel Town or hit the gift shop for an awesome gift for a train-themed birthday party or just because. 

5200 Zoo Dr.
Griffith Park
Online: traveltown.org

11. LA's Central Library

If you have a budding bookworm at home then a visit to your local library is always treat and LA is full of some really special kids collections. Come for the books and stay for the free story time at dozens of Los Angeles Public Library branches, but the coolest by far is the Central Library downtown which houses a massive children’s literature department and hosts story times, puppet shows, and music.

Our other favorite spots are the Santa Monica Main Library and Beverly Hills Library, both of which have awesome collections and kids activities.

LAPL
630 W 5th St.
Downtown LA
Online: lapl.org

Santa Monica Library
Online: smpl.org

Beverly Hills Library
Online: beverlyhills.org/exploring/beverlyhillspubliclibrary

How to Explore More LA Museums for Free

With your LA County Library card, you can reserve family passes to local museums and cultural institutions for free through Discover & Go.

How to Reserve a Pass:

  1. Visit the Discover & Go portal and log in using your library card number and PIN.
  2. Browse by museum or date.
  3. Make a reservation by selecting a date and venue.
  4. Shortly before your visit, print out your pass. Note: You cannot cancel your passes once they have been printed.
  5. Enjoy your visit!

And another way to explore LA Museums for free? Check out these LA Museums & Botanical Gardens with Free Admission Dates!

Outdoor Activities around LA That Are Always Free

1. Investigate a New Playground

best playgrounds for kids in LA
LA Parks

We've got a running list for the most fun playgrounds around LA—some may even be hiding in your own neighborhood. Check out these gems and never hear "I'm bored" again...almost.

RELATED: Durable Playground Shoes You Can Buy Online

2. Spend the Day at Grand Park

There's always something fun happening here! Home to one of our favorite fountains and splashpads (when it's open for waterplay), playgrounds and outdoor art exhibits makes Grand Park a fun and easy destination for everyone in the family to spend the day.

200 N Grand Ave.
Los Angeles 
Online: grandparkla.org 

3. Explore a New Neighborhood around LA

LA is about as diverse as you can get and there's no better place to explore all the different museums, street art, playgrounds, (and ice cream shops!) than in a neighborhood near you.

Related: Visit Visalia before the Rest of LA Discovers This Hidden Gem

5. Kid-Friendly Hikes Near LA

Leave Runyon to the tourists. Instead, take your little trekkers to one of these lesser known trails where the views are still Instagrammable, but the crowds won’t overwhelm you. From a hidden 58-acre park in Culver City to a natural preserve in Pasadena, here are our favorite, easy-to-moderate hikes the whole family will enjoy.

6. Easy Bike Trails for Families

So your two-wheelings tots have maxed out on riding around the block? Fortunately, LA’s beach bike paths—along with a few other car-free paths and trails—are open. Finally, kids can feel the wind in their hair, practice their pedaling and enjoy a change of scenery. If you’re looking to avoid crowds (um, yes please), we recommend visiting these routes during the week or early in the a.m. on weekends. Check out all of LA's best kid-friendly bike paths.

RELATED: The Best Kids Bikes & Tricycles for Every Kid & Stage

7. Dine at Hidden Picnic Spots

There’s no better time than now to dine outdoors with your family—and any other members of your quarantine pod. Spread out a blanket and enjoy a meal al fresco at these hidden LA picnic spots. 

 

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The Best Free (Or Nearly Free) Family Events in February

by Maggie Grainger

Love and free things to do in Portland is what February is all about

We’ve almost made it through the rainy months, parents. If your kids are like ours, we know they’ve spent plenty of time at indoor playgrounds trying to kick cabin fever and along the trails on a scenic winter hike with the fam. Maybe you’ve even made a day trip to find sun in the mountains and some amazing ski runs too. As we wait for the sun and the bulbs to start up in March, we’ve got tons of ways you and the kids can make it through until they do. From making Valentine’s Day crafts to experiencing winter lights Portland-style, there’s no shortage of fun and free (or very, very cheap) things to do in Portland this February.

The Best Free Things to Do in February for Families

8th Annual Winter Light Festival

See the city in a whole new light during the 8th Annual Winter Light Festival. This year’s event will feature dynamic anchor art sites in the City Center and pop-up art installations throughout Portland. So bundle up, grab the hot cocoa, and see Portland shine during this must-see event. Feb. 3-11. Event details.

Celebrate the Lunar New Year

There’s still time to visit Lan Su Chinese Garden to catch the tail end of its 16-day Lunar New Year celebration. The festival features cultural performances, festival decorations, craft activities, audio tours, Year of the Rabbit scavenger hunts, and more daily. Be sure to also check out the Lunar New Year lanterns during your visit. Through Feb. 5. Event details.

two kids with cut out hearts over their heads celebrate at a valentines day party, free things to do in portland
iStock
iStock

Valentine’s Day Activities

Make a child’s Valentine’s Day by joining the Ronald McDonald House Charities Send Love challenge. Help them reach their goal of sending 10,000 homemade Valentine’s to sick kids by decorating cards together as a family. Mail your cards by Feb. 10 so families can enjoy them for the holiday.

Need some inspiration for your Valentine’s Day cards? Head to Scrap Creative Reuse for all your heart day craft needs.

Don’t miss the Valentine’s Day Market at Helvetia Farms in Hillsboro on Feb. 11. Browse local vendors, snuggle up around the bonfire, and make free Valentine’s Day mailboxes at their craft table. The fun begins at 10 a.m. and goes until 2 p.m.

So Many Free Kids Concerts

Ready to rock out? Head down to Hammer + Jacks REC Room to watch a rotating marquee of some of Portland’s most popular kid entertainers every Monday morning at 10:30 a.m. Explore music with Zazzy Zoe every Thursday at 10:30 a.m. Concerts are on sliding donation scale ($5-$15).

Mr. Ben, Mr. Hoo, and Red Yarn also play various shows around town throughout the week, at family-friendly spots like community centers and pizza joints. If your kiddo loves to dance it out, be sure to follow these tiny tyke superstars on socials to see where they’ll pop up next.

Drop-In Crafts

Stop by the Craft Factory every Saturday morning for Open Studio time. Watch your little one’s imagination run wild as they browse barrels and bins of fun crafting materials. An added bonus? There’s also story time with the Literacy Lady. Be sure to check out other fun (and affordable) weekly events here.

What better way to start your day than with coffee and crafts? Head over to Awake Coffee & Art on S.E. Milwaukie for drop-in art and a cup of Joe. They also hold weekly story and art sessions for little ones on Monday and Wednesday mornings (limited spots, $8), after school classes, and more.

Free Indoor Playspaces

Your little one will burn some energy, make new friends, and (most importantly) stay warm at Sellwood Community House’s Indoor Play Park. Come up to the gym every Wednesday from 10:15 a.m. to noon and play with balls, make forts, and ride around on scooters, wagons, and other fun toys for free.

Free Storytimes

Storytime is back and more popular than ever at your neighborhood library. Space is limited at most locations and attendees are admitted on a first-come basis. Times vary depending on location so make sure to plan ahead.

The Literacy Lady loves spreading her love of books all around town. You’ll find her at Playforest in Sellwood every Monday at 10:45 a.m., Fridays at 10:30 a.m. at Hammer + Jacks (suggested donation $5), and every Saturday morning at 10 a.m. at Craft Factory.

Green Bean Books on Alberta Street hosts weekly story times on Tuesdays at 11 a.m. on their outdoor covered deck. This independent bookstore also hosts a variety of monthly events for free so be sure to check in to see what’s coming up.

Get ready to go on a wild ride with Portland’s favorite literary clowns, Olive and Dingo. Expect sing-alongs, stories, and balloon art at their donation-based story time on Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m.

Sunrise Books on N.E. Fremont hosts free baby storytimes every Tuesday at 10 a.m. and toddler storytimes on Thursdays at 10 a.m. Slots fill up fast so be sure to sign up early.

Free Nature & Science Programs for Kids

Did you know the Washington Park free shuttle is now operating daily? The shuttle gets you within walking distance of all major attractions in the park including the Oregon Zoo.

Head over to Hoyt Arboretum on Mondays at 10 a.m. year round for a story and guided walk on the nearby trails. Tree Time! Preschool Walk is a safe and fun way to get outside with your little one and learn about the plants, trees, insects, mushrooms, and more found at Hoyt Arboretum. These walks are geared toward kids ages 2 to 6 years old and pre-registration is required.

Learn all about Oregon’s diverse animal population, climb aboard a Timberjack Harvester, and get a deeper understanding of why it’s important to protect our forests at the World Forestry Museum. Admission is only $5 per person and kids 2 and under are free.

As part of their commitment to uplift and support the community, Airway Science for Kids is proud to offer free after school programming for kids ages 11-14. The Aerospace Training Center (ATC) offers drop-in after school programs for students Monday through Friday, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. during the school year. Flight simulators, Kerbal Space Program, STEAM activities, and homework help are available.

These Events Are Free Today in Portland

Free Museums & Free (or Discounted) Museum Days

From the tiniest tots to grandparents, and every age in-between, there’s something fascinating for everyone at the hands-on, interactive exhibits at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry. Explore the Physics Lab and the Science Playground, or hop aboard the USS Blueback Submarine. On the first Sunday of every month, admission at OMSI is just $2, and Submarine tours, Planetarium shows and the theater are also discounted.

Kids 17 and younger are always free at the Portland Art Museum, where families can get inspired in the enormous galleries full of art. Let kids take the lead by chatting about the colors and shapes they see, or which pieces they particularly like. The museum also participates in the Blue Star Museums Program, which offers free admission to active-duty military personnel and their families.

If you’ve got little train lovers, be sure to make a stop at the Oregon Rail Heritage Center. Railroad enthusiasts can check out historic trains and browse the latest exhibit. Admission is always free, although donations are accepted and appreciated. The center is open Thursday through Sunday from 1 p.m.-5 p.m.

At the Historic Belmont Firehouse, families can explore hands-on exhibits, stories and history while learning fire and safety education. Kids will love checking out the fire pole and the emergency response simulator, as well as all of the firefighting tools and equipment. Every Wednesday is Open House, and families are welcome to come and visit free from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. The firehouse also offers Safety Saturdays on the second Saturday of each month.

For history buffs, the Oregon Historical Society awaits you. Located downtown, and always free for Multnomah County residents (with proof of residency), the museum houses a variety of exhibits designed to bring Oregon’s history to life. The permanent History Hub exhibit delves into the topic of diversity, with hands-on activities and displays.

Related: Your Guide to Free & Discount Days at Portland Museums Is Here

Discounted & Free Movies

Ready to unwind with popcorn and a movie? At Kennedy School, families can enjoy second-run movies while relaxing on comfy couches and snacking on pizza, burgers and salads from the menu, along with wine, beer and ciders for those over 21. Movie tickets are $5 for adults, and just $3 for kids age 11 and younger.

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The Best Museums for Kids in DFW

by Kate Loweth

One of the best things about living in DFW is that in an area with over seven million people, there are a ton of museums for families and kids. Whatever your kid is interested in, there’s a museum for that in the metroplex. From the iconic Perot Museum to hidden gems like the Dallas Heritage Village, we’ve listed a few of our favorite spots to take curious kids in and around Dallas and Fort Worth.

Perot Museum of Nature and Science

Gabby Cullen

At the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, you can race a T. rex, challenge friends in robot competitions, explore the astonishing links between dinosaurs and modern-day birds, experience a simulated earthquake, journey through the universe, and test what it means to “be human”. Everything from dinosaurs to DNA to diamonds is packed into five levels of hands-on discovery and adventure. There's even a special children's museum on the bottom floor of the museum where the littlest visitors can discover science. Don't forget to try the earthquake simulator or dance with the dinos! 

2201 N. Field Street
Dallas, TX
Online: perotmuseum.org

 

The Dallas Museum of Art

Gabby Cullen

The Dallas Museum of Art is one of the 10 largest museums in the country and has been engaging people in art since 1903. The museum has a slew of family-friendly programming from open studio events to a family mystery night. One spot in particular that families need to visit is the Center for Creative Commons. From hands-on projects to Arturo's Nest, this is where the children's programming happens, and it's a place where kids can experience art on their own level. It's also right across the street from Klyde Warren Park, so be sure to head over there to sample the daily food truck offerings before heading home.

1717 North Harwood
Dallas, TX
Online: dma.org

https://www.instagram.com/p/CCuDK_Lnwjr/

 

National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame

This museum in Fort Worth is the only one of its kind anywhere!! Dedicated to the women who made their way through the blazing trails of the West, you'll find artifacts, photographs and exhibits on pioneer women, cowgirls, ranchers, rodeo stars and more. 

1720 Gendy Street
Fort Worth, TX 76107

Online: cowgirl.net

 

The George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum

The Museum houses approximately 43,000 gifts given to President George W. Bush and the First Lady by people around the world as well as other artifacts gathered during their time in the White House. Using artifacts, documents, photographs and videos, visitors learn about the Nation's triumphs, struggles, people and culture during President Bush's administration. Kids especially enjoy the Life in the White House exhibit where they can learn all about the First Pets and what it takes to put on a state dinner.

2943 SMU Boulevard
Dallas, TX
Online: georgewbushlibrary.smu.edu 

 

Museum of the American Railroad

Located in Frisco, this museum is ideal for little train lovers! You can get a guided tour of the big trains or check out the model train exhibit, plus this is your go-to location for Day out with Thomas! 

8004 N. Dallas Pkwy
Frisco, TX 75034

Online: historictrains.org

 

Dallas Firefighters' Museum

The Museum preserves the history of firefighting in Dallas through professional quality restoration and the display of vintage tools, apparatus, and memorabilia. The Museum also teaches safety through an interactive hands-on educational experience targeted for children in the second grade and older. 

3801 Parry Ave.
Dallas, TX
Online: dallasfiremuseum.com

COVID-19 Update: The museum is currently closed. 

In the meantime: Learn about fire safety by viewing the digital resources here. 

 

Dallas Heritage Village

This living history museum is located in Dallas' first park and is filled with historic buildings and exhibits that represent the years between 1840-1910. There are special events throughout the year, including the holiday event Candlelight at Dallas Heritage Village, Jazz Age Social Sunday and the Slave Dwelling Projects.

1515 S. Harwood
Dallas, TX

Online: dallasheritagevillage.org

 

National Videogame Museum

For a museum of a different variety, head to the National Videogame Museum where you can learn all the history of video games. Explore the early days of videogaming by playing some PONG and then see the evolution of game consoles throughout the years. Guided tours happen on Sundays and you can even have your birthday party here. 

8004 North Dallas Parkway
Frisco, TX
Online: nvmusa.org

 

 

Frontiers of Flight Museum

Located in a 100,000-square-foot airplane hangar at Love Field Airport, this museum is a must-visit for aviation buffs of all ages. The museum is home to over 35,000 artifacts showcased in 13 galleries detailing the history of space and aviation. Expect to find around 30 types of aircraft and space vehicles, including a full-size model of the 1903 Wright Flyer, a replica of Sputnik I and a Chance Vought V-173 Flying Pancake. You can also watch aircraft taking off and landing at Love Field.

6911 Lemmon Ave.
Dallas, TX
Online: flightmuseum.com

 

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Hot Firefighting Destinations for Little Firefighters

by jen arrow

Kids screams of delight at the sight of a fire engine tearing down the street can give the fire sirens a run for their money!  And sometimes you would love to take a morning to get your kids up close and personal to one of these urban wonders on a non-emergency basis.  Luckily, Los Angeles is chock-full of firefighting museums that will stoke the flames of your child’s interest. Pick one that suits your family, and spend a superfun day learning about the heroes who protect our city from fire, smoke and so much more.

redtri-lafdoldtruck-10770867475_5ff0c47fc1_o

Los Angeles Fire Department Museum & Memorial
If you only visit one fire museum in Los Angeles, let it be the Los Angeles City Fire Department Museum and Memorial in the heart of Hollywood. The biggest station west of the Mississippi when it was opened in 1930, Old Fire Station 27 has been turned into an absolute showpiece for the department. A great collection of old-time trucks, the Fallen Firefighters Memorial, a fire safety education facility, room after room of memorabilia and vintage equipment, a children’s play area and a lovely little gift shop make this the premiere fire museum in town.

Open every Sat. and staffed by retired LAFD volunteers, each little firefighter gets a fire hat and a warm welcome from an old-timer. Admission is free, but tourists are encouraged to sign the guest book and consider a $5 donation to support the museum’s work. Kids can play and explore here all day, and parents enjoy the vintage details in the building’s architecture (the bathrooms are gorgeous!) and the views of Hollywood from the second-floor windows. If you have the time, do pop into the current Hollywood Fire Station next door, where firefighters who aren’t out fighting fires are happy to give kids a tour and let them sit in the real trucks.

Hours: Sat, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Cost: Free but a $5 donation is suggested

1355 N. Caheunga Blvd.
Hollywood

Online: lafdmuseum.org

Los Angeles Fire Museums, Long Beach Fire Museum

Long Beach Fire Museum
The Long Beach Fire Museum is a total hidden gem! Staffed by retired LBFD firefighters and local history aficionados who do all their own maintenance and upkeep on the vintage fire trucks, the Long Beach Fire Museum is absolutely worth the trip. Located near the Little Cambodia neighborhood of Long Beach, the LBFM has a veritable catalog of great old fire vehicles, including one built from a Model T and a vintage hose truck donated by TV legend Larry Hagman. You and your kids can chat with some wonderful old-timers and if you show up on the right day, they might even take you out for a spin in one of the fire engines.

The museum doesn’t have a dedicated sign, but look for the currently in-use Long Beach Fire Station 10; the museum is housed in the neighboring building with Engine 10 inscribed above the door. Parking is available in the small lot to the right of the building, and if that’s full, there are usually spots on the street.

Hours: Second Sat. of the month, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. (Visitors may also drop by the museum on Wed. from 7:45 a.m.–11:45 a.m. when volunteers assemble to do maintenance on the trucks.)
Cost: Free

1464 N. Petersen Ave.
Long Beach

Online: lbfdmuseum.org

Los Angeles Harbor Fire Museum, San Pedro

Los Angeles Harbor Fire Museum
San Pedro and Wilmington’s fire history is on display for the public to enjoy inside “Old Fire Station 36,” located within San Pedro’s old city hall, across from the famous Ports O’ Call Village. Trucks from the 1920s are the highlight of the collection, as well as several displays highlighting the special problem of firefighting on the water, including marine firefighting equipment, old-fashioned scuba gear and information about the historically significant Ralph J. Scott fireboat, which is on display two blocks away on the waterfront at working Fire Station 112. Yep, you’ll be wanting to walk down and check that out, too.

Hours: Sat. 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Cost: Free but donations appreciated

630 Beacon St.
San Pedro

Online: lafdmuseum.org/museum_sanpedro

African American Firefighter Museum, Los Angeles Fire Museums, Interior

African American Firefighter Museum
Located kitty-corner from the Streamline Moderne Coca-Cola Building, this museum is a monument to the history of civil rights in Los Angeles as much as a fire museum suited for siren-crazy kids. They have one vintage truck downstairs, and the exhibits upstairs document notable African-American firefighters in Los Angeles. This smaller museum is a great stop during a visit to downtown LA.

Note to parents building up their dress-up collections: Most fire museums have red plastic fire hats on hand for little visitors, but the AAFM hands out black fire hats to kiddos who stop by.

Hours: Tues. & Thurs., 10 a.m.–2 p.m.; Sun. 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Cost: Free but donations are appreciated

1401 S. Central Ave.
Los Angeles

Online: aaffmuseum.org

8:00 – 12:00 AM

Los Angeles County Fire Museum in Bellflower
2nd Saturday
Los Angeles County Fire Museum
Not to be outdone by the fire museums of Los Angeles city, the county fire department also has a dedicated fire museum. Open to visitors once each month, the museum is located in southeast Los Angeles county near the intersection of the 605 and the 91. The Bellflower location is known as the museum’s main “showroom,” but there is a huge archive of trucks located off-site in a Southgate warehouse, as well as a engine from 1941 parked at the Artesia Historical District’s Old Fire Station 30. For most parents, the highlights of the museum’s collection are the “Squad 51” and “Engine 51” vehicles from the 1970s NBC series Emergency!

Hours: Wed.-Sat., 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Cost: $5 donation requested

9834 Flora Vista St.
Bellflower

Online: lacountyfiremuseum.com

Old Plaza Firehouse, Los Angeles Fire Museums, Interior

Old Plaza Firehouse
Next time you’re downtown enjoying the sights and sounds of Olvera Street, be sure to step inside the Old Plaza Firehouse to see what life was like in a Los Angeles firehouse over 100 years ago. This charmingly restored attraction is California Historical Landmark No. 730. The one-room museum includes the original stalls for the fire horses, an ancient horse-drawn fire engine and a collection of vintage fire hats.  Definitely a photo-op spot.

Hours: Tue.–Sun., 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Cost: Free

501 N. Los Angeles St.
DTLA
Online: discoverlosangeles.com

 

Firefighters Memorial, Los Angeles Fire Museums, LAFD Hollywood

L.A.’s Annual Fire Service Day
Don’t forget that the second Saturday in May is always Fire Service Day in Los Angeles. Most fire departments organize station open houses where you can chat with local firefighters, see equipment and trucks, and even enjoy a pancake breakfast. Check in with Los Angeles Fire Department and other local departments on their social media channels for updates in the spring.

Online: lafd.blogspot.com

-Jennifer Arrow.

Los Angeles County Fire Museum image via LACOFD HISTORICAL MUSEUM on Flickr, Los Angeles Harbor Fire Museum image via ATOMIC Hot Links on Flickr, all other photos by Jennifer Arrow.

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These Kid-Friendly Live-Streams Can Help Beat the Boredom

by Jennifer Swartvagher

Parents are working from home and are growing tired of hearing the same kids movies on repeat playing in the background. Along with trying to maintain a home school calendar, families are looking to bring some normalcy back into their lives. Now that we’ve had some time at home, our daily calendars are being filled up with at-home art classes taught by artists we love, live performances, museum tours, virtual field trips and bedtime stories read by some of our favorite celebrities. 

girl on computer

Laurie Berkner – Free Live-Streamed Concerts

Weekdays 10 am ET

Families can join Laurie, direct from her house, for live “Berkner Break” concerts, streamed most weekday mornings at 10 am ET on her Facebook page. Laurie offers an abundance of songs, playful movement activities, stories, and more, performing such well-loved favorites as “We Are The Dinosaurs” and “The Goldfish (Let’s Go Swimming),” plus educational earworms like “Waiting For The Elevator” and “Look At All The Letters.” 

Additionally, each weekday on Laurie’s social media, she’s posting a video of one of her songs for a morning Berkner Breakfast (7 am ET), an afternoon Berkner Break (3 pm ET), and an evening Berkner Bedtime (7 pm ET).

 

Alastair Moock – Virtual Concerts and Writing Contest 

Grammy-nominated Boston songwriter Alastair Moock performed multiple online concerts for families and students last week, and  he will continue to host shows in the coming weeks for quarantined families. 

Tuesday, Mar 24. at 10:30 am ET  Family Concert (all ages)

Friday, Mar. 27 at 1:30 pm ET  Family Concert (all ages)

Also available for streaming at any time are these previously recorded “virtual assembly programs:”

Playing with Tradition (ages 5-10)

Music and Social Change (ages 11-16)

Finally, Alastair has also announced an essay contest for students in grades K-8 based on a new video for a song called “Be a Pain” from an upcoming album of the same name. For the essay contest, kids are encouraged to pick a name of one of the many historical and present-day leaders featured in the video (from Malcom X and Cesar Chavez to Greta Thunberg and Malala Yousafzai), do some research and write a page about what this person did and how their work affects the world we live in today. Entries are due by Sunday, Mar. 29 and can be emailed to moockmusic5@gmail.com. 

 

Budsies Live Sessions

Budsies is going live on their Facebook page every day this week at 10 am ET. 

Join us at 10 am ET:

Mon., Mar. 23: Virtual field trip to learn about monkeys

Tue., Mar. 24: Reading with Molly the Fire Safety Dog

Wed., Mar. 25: Dancing with Ms. Danielle

Thurs., Mar. 25: Learning to paint

Fri., Mar. 26: Yoga for kids

 

L.O.L. Surprise Boredom Busters

L.O.L. Surprise will be posting #BBsBoredomBusters every day at 1pm PT, to their Facebook and Instagram channels. A tool for parents to help spark inspiration, different activities will include videos, trivia, challenges, activity sheets and more!

 

Brick Loot – LEGO Challenges

Brick Loot has partnered with Tyler Clites of LEGO MASTERS to bring you a daily build challenge. After you finish the challenge, post a picture to Facebook or Instagram #bricklootchallenge. Winners will be picked randomly every day. Build all the challenges and be entered to win the Grand Prize – the new LEGO Fiat set.

 

Cincinnati Zoo – Live Safari

The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden will highlight one of their amazing animals each weekday at 3pm ET. Don’t worry if you can’t tune in every day, all of the safaris will be posted on the zoo’s website and on their YouTube page.

 

Mo Willems – Lunch Doodles

Every day at 1 pm ET, the Kennedy Center’s official YouTube account will post a new lesson centering on Willems’ beloved characters.

 

LEGO – #letsbuildtogether

Daily play challenges, new play ideas and live build-a-longs will be shared on social media using the hashtag #letsbuildtogether and at www.lego.com/letsbuildtogether.

 

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: Hal Gatewood on Unsplash

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Denver’s 7 Best Museums for Kids

by Kate Loweth

When the weather doesn’t behave or the kids are getting antsy, head out to one of these kids museums in Denver, Colorado. Kids can learn about fossils and dinosaurs, climb aboard a real fire engine and create art to take home with them. The possibilities are endless so get out there and explore!

Children’s Museum of Denver

Ask any parent—local or visitor—and Children's Museum of Denver in Downtown Denver is high up on their must-visit list. Expect tons of engaging, hands-on play areas like the fire station, box canyon and altitude where your kiddo will scale three stories to a glass-capped peak with 360 degree views of the city.

Online: mychildsmuseum.org

WOW! Children's Museum

WOW! Children's Museum

WOW! Children’s Museum engages all families in educational, hands-on experiences that connect curiosity, creativity and discovery. Kids will love checking out the pirate ship and then seeing if they can hoist themselves up in a chair using a pulley system. The museum offers special baby and toddler events as well as sensory-friendly days.

110 N. Harrison Avenue
Lafayette, CO
Online: wowchildrensmuseum.org

The U.S. Mint

After a free, guided tour of the U.S. Mint, your kids will be able to make heads and tails of where money actually is made. Denver’s U.S. Mint produces billions of coins each year. Find out how at this tour, which is best suited for kids seven years old and up. Same-day tickets for tours are released at 7 a.m. each morning, Mon.-Thur. until tickets are “sold out.”

Online: usmint.gov

Forney Museum of Transportation

Christian B. via yelp

For an outing that’ll please visitors of all ages, head to Forney Museum of Transportation where you’ll find over 600 artifacts related to transportation (think old cars, stage coaches, trains, water vehicles, planes, bicycles and more!). Ring the real bell from an old train and climb on an old model T for a photo opp. Don’t forget to stop at the map where your kids can place a pin to show where they live.

Online: forneymuseum.org

Denver Museum of Nature and Science

Just adjacent to the zoo is the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, where visitors can explore fossils and dinosaurs, ponder the mysteries of space, discover Egyptian mummies and watch larger-than-life films at the Phipps IMAX 3D Theater. The Discovery Zone has dozens of hands-on activities for kids of all ages, from archaeological sandpits to moving water features. 

2001 Colorado Blvd.
Denver, CO
Online: dmns.org

Denver Firefighters Museum

Explore the history of the Denver Fire Department and learn about fire safety and prevention through a dynamic mix of exhibits, hands-on activity stations and educational programs. 

1326 Tremont Place
Denver, CO
Online: denverfirefightersmuseum.org

Denver Art Museum

Not only do kids get in free to the Denver Art Museum but they offer tons of family programming to get your crew excited about art. Join in gallery games, family-friendly theater and Create-n-Takes during school breaks.

100 W 14th Avenue Pkwy
Denver, CO
Online: denverartmuseum.org

—Kate Loweth

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How to (Really) Create Peaceful Sleep Rituals for Your Family

By Jennifer Cohen Harper

Photo: Jennifer Cohen Harper

We all want to offer our children a peaceful transition to sleep each night. But in real life, bedtime can feel anything but peaceful, as power struggles take over and leave everyone feeling irritated and disconnected instead. 

It is possible to shift this dynamic and make bedtime a sweet spot of the day, but it takes some effort, mindful reflection, and a bit of time to adjust.

There’s no one way forward that’s perfect for every family, but there are some aspects of creating nighttime routines that we all can benefit from considering. As you find the ones that work best for your family, the benefits will be reduced nighttime anxiety, a greater sense of connection and, crucially, better sleep. 

1. Shift Your Bedtime Goal to Prioritize Connection: At the end of the day, it’s normal to want to get our kids to sleep as fast as possible. But the paradox of peaceful sleep is that the stronger our “go to sleep” message is, the more desperately our kids work to stay awake! When kids go to bed, they are entering a period of disconnection. In order to feel good about that, they need their love well filled up. In fact, you may want to start calling bedtime family time or snuggle time instead.

2. Have a Portable Routine: Sleep has to happen in many places. Don’t set yourself and your kids up for stress with a routine that can only happen at home. Consider if there are aspects of what you do at bedtime that won’t travel well. If so, how can you shift them to accommodate nights you’re not at home.

3. Make a List, and Use it Playfully: Every parent has experienced the frustrating assortment of needs kids have when the lights go out. Take a pro-active approach and make a list of everything your kid needs before bed: pj’s, teeth brushed, potty, water, closet monster check, and anything else you can think of. Make two columns of checked boxes after each—one for “done” and another for “no thank you”. The “no thank you” column is great if one night your kid doesn’t need a monster check, or isn’t in the mood for hugs. Laminate your list, tie a crayon to it, and hang it up near your kid’s bed. Use it playfully like a scavenger hunt each night. It will teach your kids the valuable lesson of prior preparation while offering a routine that has both predictability and flexibility built-in. 

4. Honor Fears and Work to Create Safety: Sleep is a vulnerable time. Kids naturally have fears around bedtime. Often our tendency is to minimize fears in an attempt to assuage them, but it doesn’t really work. After all, how can someone who doesn’t see the problem possibly help solve it! It’s more effective to listen, ask questions, and honor your child’s concerns. Then work together to create solutions. When my daughter started sleeping in her own room, she was afraid of the house catching fire. Saying “that’s not going to happen” was dismissive. Working together to create a fire safety map, letting her check the smoke detectors, and practicing setting them off and going through the emergency plan made her feel powerful and prepared instead. 

5. Read For Engagement: I love reading. And yet at a certain point with my kids I noticed myself trying to make bedtime books as boring as possible. Seriously! I was trying to lull them to sleep like a bad hypnotist, and it sucked all the enjoyment out of one of our favorite activities. A better strategy is to read for engagement and connection. Read with curiosity, ask questions, encourage dialogue. The connection created as a result will help the child’s nervous system settle, and peaceful sleep will come much more easily. 

6. Cultivate Gratitude: The human brain has a negativity bias. It’s great for surviving, but not so good for thriving. Bedtime is the perfect opportunity to reflect with our kids on what good is happening in their world. Ask them to linger over a good experience, describe what it felt like, hold it in their memory. This practice of “taking in the good” as Rick Hanson describes in “Hardwiring Happiness,” can help our brain re-orient to the world and counteract the negativity bias we are all born with. Doing this regularly can help ease bedtime worries. 

7. Use a Body Scan to Move Into Rest: A body scan is a simple way to check in with our needs and invite our body to rest. When kids practice a body scan, it naturally builds self-awareness and helps them relate to and connect with their body in a healthy way. Start with the feet, thank each part of the body for the work it did that day, and invite it to rest. This is a great practice for adults too, and can be done anywhere!

8. Consider Staying a While: The idea that we need to teach our kids to sleep on their own makes a lot of parents feel guilty about staying in the room as their kids fall asleep. We don’t want our kids to need us so much that they can’t ever sleep without us. But there’s another way to think about this. What would it feel like for you to consider staying, not because they need you, but because you want to be with them? This doesn’t create a trap, or lock you into doing it every night, or send them a message that they can’t go to sleep on their own. It just shows them that you like them, and want to be near them when you can. Being wanted for who they are may be the deepest longing of your child’s heart. In the quiet time, when we have so many other things to do, choosing our kids over and over again, night after night, gives them an extraordinary gift. One that just may shape how they see themselves for a lifetime.

Jennifer Cohen Harper
Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Jennifer Cohen Harper is an educator, author and mama of two girls, working to support children in the development of strong inner resources. She is the founder of Little Flower Yoga + Mindfulness, and author of many books and resources including her newest, Thank You Body, Thank You Heart. 

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21 Ideas for Free Indoor Fun in NYC

by writerredri

Whether it’s too hot or too cold, too rainy or too sunny, sometimes it’s just better to stay inside. But being indoors with the kids in NYC doesn’t mean no fun—quite the opposite. We’ve rounded up 21 places where you and the kids can head when you need to play and have fun inside, for free!

Greenlight Bookstore via  Facebook

1. Read Along with Author and Bookseller Storytime at Greenlight Bookstore: Join Greenlight staff in reading their top kid picks on Sundays or visit on Saturdays for author readings, often accompanied by themed arts and crafts activities (recommended for kids 3-8). Older readers have some time for themselves here, too, at the Greenlight Young Readers Book Group, where children aged 9-12 gather on the first Tuesday or Wednesday of each month (depending on location) to discuss books over fresh pizza. 686 Fulton St., Fort Greene and 632 Flatbush Ave., Prospect Lefferts Gardens

2. Take Part in Yoga Storytime at Karma Kids: Exercise the mind and body with yoga storytime, a free drop-in class for kids up to 6 years old. Get a workout while enjoying a story with other families!

25 West 23rd St.
Midtown

3. See the Original Winnie-the-Pooh in Central Library: Visit the Children’s Center for a rotating collection of kid-friendly materials, free children’s programming on a regular basis and, of course, a glimpse of the original Winnie-the-Pooh toys that provided the inspiration for the stories!

Ground Floor Room 84
Fifth Ave. at 42nd St.
Midtown

Jazz Guy via Flickr

4. Experience the Magic of Grand Central Terminal: Whether you’ve been here a hundred or a handful of times, Grand Central is always a fun place to explore. Check out the whispering gallery, eat good food, or just marvel at the artwork all around. Seasonal events happen throughout the year, like the famed train show in the winter, so check the website to see what’s happening now.

89 E. 42nd St.
Midtown
Online: grandcentralterminal.com

5. Explore Belvedere Castle in Central Park: You might have seen it from the outside, but have you ever stepped foot inside? See Central Park from a different perspective in this castle, that gets its name from the Italian word for “beautiful view.” At the time of this writing, the castle is undergoing restoration with plans to reopen to the public newly fixed up and improved sometime in 2019.

Mid-park at 79th St.
Central Park

6. Visit the Audubon Center at Prospect Park: If you need to take a breather while exploring Prospect Park, the Audubon Center provides a nice respite full of information about the birds and other animals of the park. Free family-friendly events are held throughout the year so stop by to see what’s happening.

Lincoln Road/Ocean Ave. entrance
Prospect Park

photo: Central Park 

7. Play Chess and Checkers in Central Park: Stop by the Chess and Checkers House for a game of, well, chess or checkers! Games are available to borrow on good weather days, as well as a few other board games.

Mid-Park at 64th St.
Central Park

8. Relax with a Book at Barnes and Noble: For when your kids want to curl up with a book but you’re tired of reading the same thing over and over, had to a Barnes and Noble for a change of pace. Find a new favorite or check out the play areas with toys and LEGO tables for younger kids. Something is always happening so check the schedule for free upcoming kid-friendly.

Various locations

9. Watch a Show at Scandinavia House: While many of the events and shows here do have a cost attached, there are regular family events as well that are often free of charge or low-cost. For a great free kid favorite, check out the monthly storytelling sessions with The Hans Christian Andersen Storytellers.

58 Park Ave. (near Grand Central)
Midtown East
Online: scandinaviahouse.org

10. Make and Discuss Art at the MoMA: Introduce your kids to art early with free workshops at the MoMA. Programs use existing exhibitions to get inspiration for themed crafts and workshops for kids of various ages. Although workshops are free, advance registration is required. For a change of pace, try out the MoMA’s “Family Films” series, which includes a screening and discussion of a short family-friendly film. Tickets for the film workshops are first-come first-serve.

11 W. 53rd St.
Midtown West

photo: Posman Books at Chelsea Market via Facebook 

11. Wander Around Chelsea Market: The atmosphere at Chelsea Market makes it a great place to pop in to wind down. Check out the unique shops like kid-friendly Posman Books bookstore or the wonderful wares of Pearl River Mart. As a bonus, if you get hungry there are plenty of options all around you!

75 9th Ave. (between 15 and 16th St.)
Chelsea

12. Learn Fire Safety at the FDNY Fire Zone: Located inside Rockefeller Center, this fire safety hot-spot is open every day and free for inquiring young minds. Kids can climb around on a model fire truck, put on firefighter gear, learn how to crawl under smoke in case of emergency, and meet a real firefighter. For $5, you can take part in a fire-safety presentation.

34 West 51st St.
Midtown

photo: Kids Hour via Apple

13. Learn to Code at the Apple Store: Kid Hour is a special program by Apple that introduces kids ages 6 to 12 to coding through the Sphero robots program. Advance registration is recommended, as these tend to fill up. Various locations

14. Learn About Your World at Brooklyn Bridge Park: The Ed Center at Brooklyn Bridge Park is an excellent educational spot for kids who are curious about their environment. Open Tuesdays, Thursdays and weekends for only a few hours at a time, the center is worth a visit for a crafting session, to read some books, or to take part in any of the activities the place has planned for the day.

334 Furman St.
DUMBO

15. Escape to Nature at the Ford Foundation Atrium: Get some peace and quiet with this hidden gem: a lush indoor garden free for everyone to enjoy. Sit and relax in the tranquil atmosphere while the kids explore this impressive indoor “jungle” of real plants.

320 East 43th St.
Midtown East

16. Build and Play at the LEGO and Nintendo Stores: Some stores are just perfect for kids, and these two are loads of fun without even having to buy anything. The Nintendo Store at Rockafeller lets kids try out cool new games, see life-sized figures of their favorite Nintendo characters, and check out a mini-museum dedicated to the company’s consoles. The LEGO stores around the city and its boroughs are equally fun to explore, loaded with miniature world, giant creations, and the occasional building event.

Nintendo Store
10 Rockefeller Plaza
Midtown

17. Dance and Sing at Lincoln Center: Introduce your kids to the vast world of music through the Free Saturdays at the Atrium program. Recommended for kids ages 2-5, this program occurs on select Saturdays at 11 a.m. in the David Rubenstein Atrium and has guests playing music from all over the world, in an interactive blast fun for the whole family.

61 West 62nd St.
Upper West Side

photo: Home Depot

18. Build Your Own Crafts at Home Depot: You might not think of Home Depot as a kid-friendly place but stores around the city host free building workshops where kids can apply STEM skills to crafts like making little wooden boats, heart-shaped boxes for Valentine’s Day, and other themed fun. Kids get to keep their craft and receive a certificate of completion they can proudly display. Various locations

19. Wiggle It out at Brookfield Place: Bring the kids to the Saturday Morning Show at Hudson Eats between 10 and 12 for a live children’s music performance where they can dance, sing, and participate in the show. This event is seasonal from January to April, but there’s always something going on at Brookfield Place so visit anytime for fun exhibits, shows, and events or just to wander around amid the indoor palm tree forest.

230 Vesey St.
Battery Park City

20. Visit Your Local Library: One of the best places to head for a good time indoors is your local library. Not only is is a good way to encourage reading, but most libraries host regular free children’s programming, crafts, storytimes, singalongs, game nights, and so much more. Check out the library websites for Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan/Bronx/Staten Island.

Various locations

21. Explore a Museum: Many of NYC’s museums are either pay-as-you-wish or offer free hours — and some offer free admission for kids at various ages. Check out a list of museums free and donation-based offerings at NYC-Arts.

Various locations

—Yuliya Geikhman

RELATED STORIES: 

Our Favorite Spots to Play Indoors in NYC

Inside Story: Brooklyn’s Best Indoor Play Spaces

Crowning Glory: Queens’ Best Indoor Play Spaces

 

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