It’s summertime, and the parties are easy—especially birthday parties! With great weather, water, and a little creativity, you can have plenty of fun in the sun. We’ve gathered the best outdoor birthday party ideas for your summer kiddo, from messy art parties to twists on water play. Sit down, grab a popsicle, and prepare to take your party to the next level with the inspiration we found from the best party planning pros out there.
Take that drippy, messy, delicious treat outside with an ice cream sundae-themed party. This fun party kit adds a festive touch and kids can enjoy the rest of the event by playing outdoor games. Eat up the best ice cream sundae tips here.
Magic Rainbow Party
What’s waiting at the end of the rainbow? A fantastic outdoor birthday party. Rainbows make for a natural outdoor party theme that’s easy to pull off with brightly colored decor, Skittles-sprinkled desserts, and a rainbow pinata.
With a few blankets, picnic snack ideas, and balloons, you can set up a perfect outdoor birthday! What we love about this is that you can find a park with a playground and keep your party activity planning to a minimum. See our other favorite picnic party ideas here.
While it’s true you can have a big top-themed party any time of year, in the summertime, it’s your chance to be a little extra. Know anyone who can juggle or make balloon animals? This is their time to shine.
Field Day Fun Party
Take a cue from everyone’s favorite day in elementary school and host a field-day-themed party. Tug-of-war, relay races, and wheelbarrow races: it’s easy to put together fun activities for this party. It practically plans itself! If you need more ideas and want to add to the classic field day events, check out our favorite classic yard games that are easy to repurpose for a field day birthday party.
Add an extra dose of color with an outdoor art party. Set up big canvases like the ones shown above—or just tape butcher paper to the fence—and let your guests' inner Picassos come out. Some other supplies that are perfect for throwing an artsy bash include mini canvases, paintbrushes, and lots of washable paint.
Popsicle Fun Outdoor Birthday
Buckets of frozen treats and bins of water toys in Giggles Galore’s popsicle party go a long way with the kiddos on a warm (birth)day with this simple outdoor birthday party idea.
With flowers blooming, summer is the perfect time for an outdoor tea party. Add a whimsical activity and turn the party into a fairy garden with a fairy house craft. Check out The Garden Spot for more fairy tale tea ideas and find our fave tea time snacks here.
Get out into the great outdoors with a summer-camp-themed birthday party complete with a delicious s'mores cake. We love the clever merit badge activities that Alison of Just Add Confetti dreamed up for her son's fifth birthday. Bonus: you can use her free printable for your party. Find out all the details at Just Add Confetti.
Score loads of points with a soccer-themed birthday party. Get inspired by this soccer-themed party over at Catch My Party—jerseys double as decoration and plastic trophies are full of munchies. Plus, the activity is a total no-brainer. Up for a game of soccer, anyone?
Kori Clark transforms soft blooms in coordinating colors into a fresh, beautiful take on the standard princess party. Pick a color palette and just add (lots of) flowers, homemade and otherwise.
One of our favorite outdoor birthday party ideas is to have a luau! Not only are the colors fun, but you can serve plenty of fruit, and pulled pork sliders, do the limbo, make a tropical mocktail for kids, hand out plastic leis and sand buckets for party favors, and so much more.
Bloom Designs starts with colorful tickets as invites and adds a booth of the kiddos’ favorite game day snacks, and TBH, we can’t think of a better excuse for nachos and cheese puffs. Throw a few inflatable balls onto the lawn, and you’ve got an outdoor birthday party home run.
Under the Sycamore’s clever-themed party uses boxes, tires, string, and other obstacle-worthy props to create the ultimate outdoor birthday challenge. Bonus: parents will thank you at the end of the night (think pooped-out kids falling straight into slumber!).
A family-friendly flick, munchable sides of popcorn, and a basket of blankets for when the night cools down complete the ingredient list for an awesome outdoor birthday movie night. Wondering what you’ll need? Check out our favorite outdoor movie night ideas and our favorite movie night snacks!
This easy homemade bubble recipe by Happy Hooligans is sure to cause some bubble mania (with the most gigantic bubbles ever!) amongst the littles. Pair the recipe with different kinds of wands, have towels on hand, and let the suds take over.
This outdoor birthday party idea might just be the perfect opportunity to introduce the kiddos to your favorite '70s playlist (Bee Gees, anyone?). Plus, partygoers get to take home a fun “to dye for” party favor that lasts longer than candy or trinkets from your standard goody bag. Chaotically Creative gives inspiration for helping party-goers get their groove on.
A market full of fresh fruit in vibrant ripe colors is the perfect inspiration for your (organic) farmers-in-training to celebrate a birthday—or at least an excuse to nosh on something other than candy, as Eye Heart Pretty Things beautifully demonstrates.
Summer is berry season, so it's natural to throw a sweet berry-themed bash. Bright red touches make this party fabulous and will put a smile on any fruit lover's face. Hello Wonderful will show you just what to pick to throw your own berry bash.
Los Angeles has always been a town of lights, but during the holiday season, the displays get even brighter. From Marina del Rey to the OC and as far east as Indio, here are the most dazzling holiday light displays around LA that are worth your time and money
There’s something about twinkling lights that gets us in the holiday spirit—that is, after we’ve picked up the best Christmas tree and made an initial pass through LA’s best toy stores for gifts. And while Los Angeles may not have the winter weather charm of those cities that actually see a white Christmas, our palm trees sure can prop up Christmas lights just as magically as their evergreen cousins can. From the sprawling sea of bulbs at Descanso Gardens to festive local neighborhoods layered in all things merry and bright, LA’s got its share of impressive holiday light displays.
This article is sponsored by Kidspace Children’s Museum, a children’s museum located in Pasadena, CA with over 40 unique hands-on exhibits that engage for kids 10 and under emotionally, intellectually, and physically. Now through January 7, Kidspace is transforming into a winter wonderland with the return of “Kidspace Winter Frolic,” where little ones can enjoy imaginative, cold-weather activities—without the snow!
Where to See the Best Holiday Lights in Los Angeles
For a different take on the traditional light display, check out the shimmering boats of the Marina del Rey boat parade—a moving spectacle that kicks off with a spectacular fireworks show! Be sure to bring a blanket and some hot chocolate so you can get nice and cozy while you take it all in. The boat parade features 70 boats adorned with holiday light, all vying for top categories, which include Best Power, Best Lights, Best Spirit, and Best Yacht Club. Recommended viewing areas are Burton Chace Park (3650 Mindanao Way) and Fisherman’s Village (3755 Fiji Way).
Good to Know: Marina Lights will cast a festive glow on Burton Chace Park throughout Dec., nightly 4–10 p.m., and the family-friendly GLOW party returns to Burton Chace Park on Dec. 31, from 7 p.m.-midnight along with fireworks over the water at 8:59 p.m.and 11:59 p.m.
Dates: Dec. 9 from 5:55-8 p.m. Fireworks kickoff at 5:55 p.m.; the boat parade is from 6-8 p.m. Cost: Free
Walk beneath a canopy of lights as you make your way through an illuminated Third Street Promenade to admire the 24-foot Christmas tree. Santa Monica's annual "Winterlit" celebration lights up the street of downtown Santa Monica with tens of thousands of colorful lights and holiday decor. The celebration also includes a special tree-lighting ceremony on Dec. 1 with Santa...and snow! Add to that a pop-up ice rink (located at Fifth & Arizona Ave.) that's open through Jan. 15.
Dates: Nov. 10- Jan. 15 Cost: Free to walk through the display; ice rink is $20 for skate rental and all-day admission
Third Street Promenade (between Broadway & Wilshire) Santa Monica Online:downtownsm.com
L.A. Zoo Lights
Your munchkins will be dazzled by the glow around every part of the L.A. Zoo. The annual light show transforms the daytime zoo into a parade of colorful light displays, which will enchant your littles all night long. Guests will experience spectacular lantern sculptures of animals as well as flowers and trees adorned with lights. Go on a weekend for additional entertainment and activities for the whole family.
Good to Know: For sensory-sensitive guests, the zoo offers a "Sensory-Inclusive Night" on Dec. 5 that will feature smaller crowds, quieter music, available sensory bags with noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, verbal cue cards, and weighted lap pads (supplies limited, first, come, first served), and an online Social Story (coming soon) that provides a preview of what to expect while enjoying the event.
Dates: Nov. 17-Jan. 7; 6-10:00 p.m. Cost: Tickets start at $29 for adults (13+); $18 for children
This expansive Pasadena neighborhood gets transformed into a Winter Wonderland every year, with block after block having its own holiday theme. Established in 1951, this neighborhood's annual extravaganza dazzles with its extensive light displays. We’d recommend driving through as there is a lot to see.
No trip to Hastings Ranch would be complete without visiting the Harbeck Christmas Light Show (1215 Tropical Ave.), featuring an animated Christmas light show synced to fun tunes on 99.1 FM. Check the website for the most up-to-date information. And keep an eye on your TVs! The Harbeck light show will be featured on ABC's Great ChristmasLight Fight—a decoration competition that's bound to be enlightening, airing on Mon., Dec. 5 at 8 p.m. either on ABC7 or Hulu.
Dates: Nightly from Dec. 9-31 (lights go on at 6 p.m. and turn off at 10 p.m.) Cost: Free
Sierra Madre Blvd. & Michillinda Ave., Hastings Ranch Blvd. & Riviera Pasadena Online:upperhastingsranch.org
Holiday Light Festival Ride at Griffith Park & Southern Railroad
What’s even more fun than a train ride? How about a train ride dressed up with thousands of lights and festive details? The Holiday Light Festival Ride takes passengers on a one-mile loop for approximately ten minutes at Griffith Park and Southern Railroad. Your kids will enjoy making choo-choo and ho-ho-ho noises as they embark on this night train ride.
Dates: Nov. 24-Jan. 7, Mon.-Thurs. 5-8 p.m.; Fri.- Sun. 5-9:00 p.m. Cost: $7/person, (18 months and under are free). In-person tickets can be purchased from the ticket booth at Griffith Park & Southern Railroad; online tickets (plus a convenience fee ) is available via the website
The people of Altadena come together to light up their neighborhood for all to rejoice in the holiday season. Set among the 135-year-old Deodar trees that line Santa Rosa Avenue (Christmas Tree Lane) in Altadena, this tight-knit community celebrated the Centennial lighting of Christmas Tree Lane in 2020. In fact, in 1990, Christmas Tree Lane was included in the National Register of Historic Places and became a California State Landmark.
Dates: Lighting ceremony is Dec. 9, then the street lights up nightly from 6 p.m.-midnight through Christmas Cost: Free
Stroll by glorious pine trees adorned with bright lights along one block of San Marino St. Albans’ Ave. The neighborhood has gorgeous stately homes with plenty of room to walk on the sidewalk with your little elves holding your hand. If you fancy staying in your car, the traffic flows nicely so you can get a nice view while you cruise by.
Dates: Nightly the entire month of Dec. Cost: Free
Saint Albans Rd. & Huntington Ave. San Marino
8. Lightscape at the Arboretum
Sony Music
A light extravaganza like no other, Lightscape brings sound, color, and art to the lush 127-acre Arboretum—and this year it's promising a show that's "bigger, bolder, brighter." Look for the U.S. premiere of three installations: Will-o’-the-wisp, Whole Hole, and the biggest and best Laser Garden. The Lightscape experience includes 15 other new displays as well as the fan-favorite Winter Cathedral. This is a fully-walkable event that gets you and your little elves close to the lights, with a newly expanded trail lighting up even more of the San Gabriel Valley destination. Originally from London, this fully-immersive glow experience will bring smiles and lots of oohs and ahhs throughout the night.
Dates: Nov. 17-Jan. 2; 5:30-8:45 p.m. in 15-minute intervals (closes at 10 p.m.)
The best part about the light show at Six Flags Holiday in the Park is that it's not the only thing there to dazzle you—all the rides are open during the event, too! Meander through tunnels of light and festive forests as you make your way across the park among millions of twinkling lights. The event also features a slew of tasty holiday sweets and treats (Peppermint bark! White chocolate candy apples! Holiday turkey poutine!), a Santa's cottage where good little boys and girls can rattle off their Christmas wishes to the Big Guy, and a holiday market filled with handcrafted trinkets made by local artists.
Dates: Nightly Nov. 23-Dec. 31; Times vary Cost: Included with park admission
This immersive walking trail takes you through a dazzling winter wonderland featuring larger-than-life holiday-themed installations. Kids will get to meet Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the elves. A pre and post-show area let you grab yummy bites from various food trucks, sip a seasonal cocktail (or nonalcoholic drink) at the full bar, buy some holiday gear, and take photos against an array of photo backdrops.
Good to Know: The walking trail is two-thirds of a mile long and strollers are welcome.
Dates: Nov. 24-Dec. 27, 5-10 p.m. (last entry at 8:00 pm) Cost: $25 & Up
King Gillette Ranch 26800 Mulholland Hwy. Calabasas Online:holidayroadusa.com
Lilley Hall in Toluca Lake
On a quiet street in the heart of Toluca Lake, you'll find the most enchanting 1927 Tudor revival home named for musical composer/arranger/director Joseph J. Lilley. This festive home pulls out all the stops with holiday decorations galore, including the most magnificent toy soldier tree lighting ceremony on Thanksgiving! Once in the neighborhood, venture around with your family to explore the surrounding streets as they all get into the holiday spirit with an extra dose of merry.
Dates: Nightly, Thanksgiving night to Christmas Day Cost: Free
Located on the 7300 block of Yolanda Ave south of Valerio, this unique celebration of lights features an expansively lit tunnel shining on almost the entire block on both sides of the street. The kids will love to walk (and run too!) through the tunnel again and again to soak in all the beauty of the holiday-decorated neighborhood.
Dates: Nightly from Thanksgiving night through New Year's Eve Cost: Free
The whole family will love this interactive one-mile walk through Descanso's sprawling annual glowing garden. Popular returning favorites include an entire town of magical “stained glass” built in the Rose Garden by contemporary sculptor Tom Fruin, sparkling geometric installations from HYBYCOZO on the Main Lawn, Flower Power on the Promenade, and exquisite lighting effects in the "Ancient Forest."
Dates: Nov. 19-Jan. 7, 5:30-10 p.m. Cost: $34–$40 for non-members
Join the Grinch and the people of Who-Ville as they turn on the lights of Universal’s topsy-turvy Christmas tree as a part of the park’s annual “Grinchmas” celebration. Watch as the Grinch’s heart grows a few sizes bigger and he gives in to the spirit of the holidays to light the 65-foot-tall tree. Expect more than just a lighting ceremony: There's a whole story here, with the Grinch himself telling his tale along with snowfall, songs, and plenty of seasonal Grinch-themed snacks, and merchandise (unlike The Grinch's heart, your wallet may grow a few sizes smaller by night’s end).
The Grinch and his faithful dog Max (a real dog actor!) will be available for photo opportunities throughout the day. In addition, littles can gather round as Cindy-Lou Who leads daily story time for young visitors looking to learn “How the Grinch Stole Christmas." And, the Who-ville post office will be accepting postcards with holiday messages
When you're all Seussed out, head over to the Wizarding World, where the holidays are in full effect with special seasonal performances and treats. Plus, enjoy a spectacular nightly spectacle in which the massive Hogwarts Castle comes to life in a dazzling light projection show featuring stunning imagery, music, and sounds from the Harry Potter film series.
Dates: Holidays Shows & Activities start Nov. 24 and run through Jan. 1
There are some houses that are just worth the drive to visit because they’re that fantastical. This Newburgh Lights Show House in Glendora is a single home that puts on a majestic display of lights and sound. With over 20,000 lights meticulously choreographed to traditional holiday music, you and your little ones will be enthralled by the light show while you enjoy the 14-song concert. The website lists the complete playlist so you can listen on your drive to Glendora and jam out holiday-style!
Dates: Nov. 26 through Christmas; Opening night, the show lights up at 7 p.m. after that, the show starts at 5 p.m. Cost: Free
This celebrated winter wonderland display has been lighting up this historic hotel landmark for 30 years. Voted "Best Public Lights Display" by USA Today, the holiday celebration will be even bigger this year with 400 animated figures, including angels and carolers; the world’s largest man-made mistletoe, and an animated Christmas tree light show programmed for a four-minute magical animated display. New additions include a nativity scene; the Anton Clock in the Spanish Patio featuring a new show that rotates every 15 minutes; as well as a new North Pole Walkway dotted with Santa’s Elves playing in the snow and leading to Santa’s Workshop, elves filling Santa’s sled with toys, and a life-size gingerbread house. All of the decorations can be enjoyed even without being a hotel guest (though it's a great spot for a staycation!).
This epic walk-through begins with Speedway’s Christmas Village and continues in a series of jaw-dropping, Instagrammable sites. Here, you'll encounter displays with 30-foot tall ornaments, a lighted statue of Santa on a rocking horse, and a tunnel of lights that delivers you into a land, filled with Christmas sweets and illuminated lollipops. Of course, the best part (besides the record-setting free-standing light tree, measuring 110 feet and constructed out of twelve miles of 100,000 programmable LED lights) is at the end—when you get to pose with Santa himself.
Nestled near the airport in the quaint town of El Segundo, this quiet stretch of Acadia Avenue has been lighting up for the holidays since 1949—and we mean, really lighting up! The neighborhood is so full of Christmas spirit that people come from all over the area to admire the views, and you'll almost always find a crowd mulling. Park your car and walk the streets (you can't drive up and down the streets during the event), stopping to admire each home's unique display, which includes moving reindeer, Peanuts characters, motorized trains, and hundreds of twinkling bulbs blanketing every surface, bush, and tree. You'll also usually find local carolers mingling among the crowd, belting out holiday songs to make things even merrier. Don't be surprised if you see Santa's sleigh parked at the end of the street; he loves this little piece of Winter Wonderland, too.
When: Dec. 9-Dec. 24 Cost: Free
The 1200 block of Acacia Ave. El Segundo
The Best Holiday Lights near LA That are Totally Worth the Drive
What if you could walk amongst the stars? That's the question asked by Moment Factory, the visionary multimedia company (they do visuals for Billie Eilish!) behind Astra Lumina, a luminous night walk that uses projections, lasers, and sounds to immerse visitors in a celestial world where the stars "descend to Earth." You'll walk through dark forests bathed in twinkling lights, see stars seemingly rise and fall from the sky, and set out on a trail that features 10 distinct areas to explore, with names like "Starlit Lanterns," "Falling Stars," and "Starburst Rays." At each stop, guests are invited to mingle with the lights as they are blanketed in the projected stars.
This is the 17th of Moment Factory's Night Walk series—and the fourth American incarnation. If this walk is anything like the ones before it (Travel and Leisure called Night Walk "unlike any hike you’ve ever been on"), it's sure to wow you and all your little stargazers.
Dates: Dec. 8-Jan. 15, 6-10 p.m. Cost: Tickets start at $29 adults; $20 for kids age 4-12. Parking on-site is $20; parking off-site with short shuttle to event is $8
Homeowners pull out all the stops for this annual neighborhood Lights Extravaganza (which also calls itself Candy Cane Lane), where you'll see everything from soaring lights across rooftops to simple nativity scenes set on yards. Every house has its own unique theme, and you'll want to see them all. Consequently, it will take at least an hour to walk the network of neighborhoods that encompasses the event (the sidewalks are safe, and strollers are welcome). You can drive through the area, but make sure your kids use the restrooms before you get there, because traffic is usually at a slow crawl throughout (you'll appreciate this when you want to take in the view—not so much when you have a toddler who has to go potty).
Hungry? Stop at one of the many front yard bake sales, where you and your kids can nosh on cookies and cocoa (bring at least 10 bucks for a family of four, as most items are $1-2 each).
Insider Tip: Start at Roberts Rd. in Torrance (entrance at Pacific Coast Hwy.) and walk or drive around adjacent streets (including Doris Way, Carol Dr., Linda Dr., Reeese Rd. and Sharynne Ln.). If you plan on walking, park on Pacific Coast Hwy., Calle Mayor or Prospect, and walk toward Roberts Rd.
Dates: Nov. 16-Dec. 31, 6-10 p.m. Cost: Free
Hikari Festival at Tanaka Farms
Tanaka Farms has become the holiday family destination in Southern California, and with more than a million twinkling lights on display during the months of November and December, it does not disappoint! Take a wagon ride through the sea of lights to the "Land of a Thousand Lanterns," then get off to wander through the glittering displays. After the ride, make your way down to the festival grounds, where you can visit with the barnyard animals, grab some food from the Tanaka Grill, take advantage of photo opps, and meet Santa (all activities are priced individually). There is live music on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights.
Dates: Nov. 24 through Dec. 30, 4:30 p.m.-10 p.m. Entry gates close at 8:30 p.m.
It's hard to talk about holiday lights in Los Angeles without mentioning Disneyland. Sure, the Happiest Place on Earth is already sky-high in "wow factor," but the resort ups its merriment ante big-time over the holidays. From a wintery light projection that makes Sleeping Beauty's castle look like it's dripping in high-def icicles to the "It's a Small World" facade transformed into a wall of colorful twinkling lights (and its insides adorned to reflect the season), Disneyland shines in a whole new way this time of year! Everywhere you turn, you'll experience holiday joy, with decor and lights strewn all over the park and the"Believe in Holiday Magic" fireworks display ending the night with stirring music, snow showers, and a spectacular light show.
The lights also dazzle at California Adventure, where the streets are similarly adorned. And it's not just for Christmas: Across the park, you'll find tributes, cuisine, and activities related to the season's other holidays, including Navidad, Hanukkah, Diwali, Kwanzaa, and Three Kings' Day. Several rides are totally done up for the season (including a transformed Cars Land featuring Luigi's "Joy to the Whirl" and a decked-out Mater's Jingle Jamboree. And the nightly World of Color light show also changes for the holidays with the "Season of Light" show using music to captivate park-goers.
If you’re searching for a neighborhood as excited as you are that Santa Claus is coming to town, visit the Brea Eagle Hills neighborhood in Orange County to get all the holiday feels. Drive or leisurely stroll through the hood, which is packed with glistening homes and plenty of Christmas cheer. It is a popular destination so plan for larger crowds and some traffic as you make your way through. Parking is available at the Brea Sports Park just east of the lights on Birch St.
Dates: Dec. 1-Dec. 30; Sundown to 10 p.m. Cost: Free
If you're headed to Palm Springs with kids and seeking some holiday spirit, take a drive to the Empire Polo Club, where the Magic of Lights celebration is transforming the 1,000-acre site into a vibrant drive-through holiday-themed light display. From the comfort of their cars, guests can tune in to the Magic of Lights’ classic holiday playlist while they drive through various light structures, including a 200-foot-long tunnel of lights, a Blizzard Light Tunnel, the Snowflake Tunnel, and a Candy Cane Light Tunnel. Other displays include a 32-foot-tall animated waving Christmas Barbie, "Prehistoric Christmas," featuring life-sized dinosaurs celebrating the season, and BIGFOOT® Monster Trucks.
Dates: Nov. 17-Dec. 31, 6-10 p.m. Cost: $15 per vehicle on weekdays; $20 per vehicle on weekends
The New York Times featured Lights at Sensorio as one of the top 50 places to visit and there is a glowing reason why. This garden made of bright bulbs is home to two installations by internationally acclaimed artist Bruce Munro. With a 15-acre immersive walk-through experience, this Field of Light contains more than 58,000 stemmed spheres (lit by fiber optics) shining colorful lights on the expansive landscape that one has to see in person to believe. Additionally, there are 69 illuminated Light Towers composed of more than 17,000 wine bottles all nestled in the vibrant vineyards combined with a musical score.
Rollercoasters, rides and... snow! Knott's Berry Farm becomes "Knott's Merry Farm" during the holidays, with thousands of twinkling lights, miles of themed garland, and the songs of the holidays ringing out through the park. To get your dose of holiday spirit, pronto, head to Ghost Town, where a magical "Snow and Glow" experience features thousands of lights dancing to the beat of Christmas music while snow gently falls down. Guests can also watch as old-time carolers gather round the giant bedazzled Christmas tree and sing holiday favorites before (and after) the lights flick on to welcome the season.
Other holiday happenings include a Snoopy On Ice Christmas show, a Christmas Crafts Village, and Santa's Christmas Cabin where kids can meet the Claus couple themselves.
Dates: Knott's Merry Farm runs Nov. 17 through Jan. 7
These toys and gift ideas for kids ages 6-9 include must-have items like the Bitzee Digital Pet and a Roblox gift card
It’s gift guide season, and today we’re tackling the elementary-age crowd (for younger kiddos, check out our preschoolers’ gift list and for the older crew our tween guide is a must-read). The 6-9 age group is so fun because they’re old enough to appreciate a thoughtful gift, yet still young enough to be wowed by the magic of it all. From the never-go-out-of-style gifts like LEGO sets to one of the hottest holiday toys of 2023, we’ve got a covetable selection of toys and gift ideas for kids ages 6-9 at a variety of budgets.
Air Hogs Zero Gravity Sprint
Zip, zoom, and drive this race car on any smooth surface, including the walls and ceiling.
The LeapFrog® Magic Adventures™ Telescope features up to 110x magnification and lets kids zoom in on the moon at night or nature during the day. Capture and save what you see, and explore out-of-this-world discoveries and more through 100+ NASA videos and images on the 2.4” screen.
If your grade school kiddo hasn’t been swept up in Minverse madness yet, here’s the perfect introduction. The kitchen comes with the UV-light oven needed to ‘make’ their treats, and two bonus recipes and oven mitts are also included.
The paper fortune cookie tellers of our youth are back and better than ever. This book is filled with tear-out pages to fill in and fold up (in gender-inclusive designs!).
Two toys for the price of one? We're there. This super durable set both light up and make sounds (but not overly annoying ones, we swear), plus they're collector's items. Hurry, though. They will sell out; they do every year.)
woom Bikes are designed specifically for kids and their needs. The woom OFF 4 Bike is a 20" bike that provides off-road capacity in a kid-friendly lightweight frame. Also available in black.
One of the coolest new toys we’ve seen in 2023, kids can pet, feed, and play with up to 15 3-D digital pets. The more they play, the faster they level up!
Create Like Frida Self-Portrait Mirror Painting Kit
Creative kids will be inspired by the world’s most famous self-portrait artist with their own art set that includes three pre-printed and one blank decal.
One of the hottest gift ideas for kids in 2023, little scientists can combine all the ingredients they need to create their very own beast. The sounds, lights, and mist actions give this kit an authentic lab vibe.
This brand-new game isn’t just fun for Barbie lovers! Design gurus will enjoy picking wallpaper and decor to create the ultimate home for the iconic doll and her friends.
Indiana Jones doesn’t have anything on your curious kid. There are six molds that look like iconic historical items like the pyramids, a Viking helmet, and the Great Wall of China. Using excavating tools, kids will dig for treasures in each one.
We love how Pair offers magnetic frames to customize your base frames, and we know kiddos will, too. Keep their sensitive eyes protected with a ton of color and lens options, so they can enjoy the sun in style.
Speedsters can create their own course with over nine feet of starter track, and you can incorporate materials you find around the house to create obstacles, tunnels, and more.
All of the fun of a pet without the cleanup! This interactive pup is ready for love and care and even comes with six games, like Fortune Teller and Ultimate Nose Boop.
Get your elementary school kids talking with three different sets of questions: Would You Rather? Family Edition, Would You Rather? Made You Think!, and Would You Rather? Christmas Edition.
In the latest installment of Dav Pilkey’s popular elementary school series, Piggy is back! Who will stop him from attempting to put his diabolical plan into action?
The ‘90s called, but we’re not giving these back! As fun as ever, kids can design their own line of clothing with this kit that now includes a set of cool stickers.
Open through Mother’s Day, the Flower Fields are fun for the whole family
Need an instant mood booster? Take your little “buds” to see the amazing colors of the ranunculus bloom at The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch. You’ll have a bushel of farm-related fun on a wagon ride through a sea of blossoms (on a clear day you can see the ocean from your wagon ride, which is pretty spectacular) and at the sweet pea maze and U-pick blueberry field. Read on to learn how to get the most flower power out of your visit and where to go for the best food and shopping near the Fields, which are open through Mother’s Day, May 14.
Kate Loweth
Blooming Flower Fields From March-May The nearly fifty acres of Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers are the showstopper at The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch. They’re in bloom for approximately six to eight weeks each year so a visit during this annual burst of color is such a treat. Introducing your kiddos to nature’s official way of announcing the arrival of spring in Southern California can help them appreciate the beauty and bounty of Mother Earth. In addition to the ranunculus flower, roses, orchids, poinsettias, petunias, sunflowers, and petunias are planted in stages so there is never a shortage of blooming plants. Kids can run around the spacious garden checking out the fields of flowers, visit the artists’ gardens, and find their way through a living maze of sweet peas.
Insider’s Tip: Tickets are only available online so make sure you snag those before you head over. Wear close-toed, comfortable shoes to make it easy to walk on the dirt pathways, and be sure to check out the full event calendar for other happenings (ahem, sunset wine tastings!) going on throughout the season.
Wondrous Wagon Ride
Make sure you bring pocket money for an open-air wagon ride through The Flower Fields. The tractors will take you and the kiddos right through the gorgeous flowers. Rides are $4 for little ones (ages 3-10) and $8 for adults. This is truly the best way to experience the rainbow of blooms right in front of you and a view of the Pacific Ocean in the background. Tickets can be purchased after you enter The Flower Fields on a mobile device or with a credit card. Cash will not be accepted.
Insider’s Tip: Don’t leave without checking out the full-size American Flag created completely out of red, white, and blue petunias. It’s hidden from the main flowers, but worth the view.
Photo: Aimee Della Bitta
Activities for Kids
"Eight Flags" Treasure Hunt Boredom will not be a complaint when you take the kids to The Flower Fields. Aside from the thrill of a tractor ride, little explorers should make sure to pick up a copy of their Flower Fields passport when they enter the site. They will then embark on a "treasure hunt" to find eight flags hidden throughout the Field. At each flag is a stamp that goes into the passport.
Carlsbad Mining Company The Flower Fields is also home to the Carlsbad Mining Company. Kids will love using the miner’s old method of sifting sand in water to find polished gemstones.
Butterfly Garden Wander and wonder in the renovated garden celebrating the butterflies that help make flowers bloom. Be sure to get a photo on the colorful butterfly bench.
U-pick Blueberry Field This year, the U-pick blueberry field is available. When open, you can purchase your 1-pint baskets for $8 each at the blueberry stand to enjoy the U-Pick experience.
Sea of Sunflowers Escape in the 5-acre sea of sunflowers. The test patch features all colors, shapes, and sizes. Some are as big as small moons and others over 12’ high! The best time to visit and see the sunflowers is mid-April.
Photo: Leah Singer
The last stop of the day should be Santa’s Playground. Yes, we said Santa! Nestled in The Flower Fields is a playground that’s home to whimsical playhouses and gigantic mushrooms that were part of Santa’s Village in Lake Arrowhead years ago. Come see the dollhouse and crooked treehouse, and play on the structures to get those last-minute wiggles out.
Insider’s Tip: The Flower Fields is family-friendly with plenty of restrooms, picnic areas, and lots of free parking.
Where to Eat and Shop-In and Around the Flower Fields
There are plenty of food and drink options in and around The Flower Fields. If you’d like to stay within the fields you can start your day with a lavender latte from Rollin’ Beans Coffee Co. located right at the ranch and then enjoy lunch at The Pizza Trolley. The Pizza Trolley serves only the best authentic artisan pizzas and fresh salads. Everything is made from scratch on the trolley from dough to sauce. Close out your day with a cool treat from The Strawberry Shack which serves soft-serve ice cream, strawberry shortcake, and strawberry cannolis. Yum!
Or you can walk a short distance to the Carlsbad Premium Outlets where you’ll find lots of great places to eat and shop. We love Blaze Pizza, the perfect restaurant for families who have picky eaters and/or a variety of preferences. Each person orders their own inexpensive pie and can pick their own perfect toppings. There’s also a gluten-free pizza crust option.
Another family favorite is the 1940s-themed Ruby’s Diner. Kids will be captivated by the trains that move overhead and they’ll marvel at the airplane models hanging throughout the restaurant. Each young diner also receives a cardboard train or automobile they can assemble and decorate at the table.
After lunch or dinner, indulge in some retail therapy at The Disney Store Outlet, Carter’s, Baby Gap, Sketchers, Stride Rite, OshKosh B’gosh, and more.
Insider’s Tip: Carlsbad Premium Outlets offers stroller rentals and has clean bathrooms with changing tables.
The Flower Fields
5704 Paseo Del Norte
Carlsbad, CA Online: theflowerfields.com
From bunny hats to tulip forks, these Easter paper crafts are perfect for springing into your Easter celebration
Your completely creative kid is ready for a paper craft, and you can practically smell the spring in the air. Yup, it’s time to get artsy with Easter paper crafts for kids! We found some of the best, so between bouncing bunnies and fun flowers, there’s definitely an easy art activity here for everyone.
Surprise family, friends, and neighbors with these adorable DIY easter cards with pop-out breaks. An easy-to-make easter paper craft that announces spring is on its way. Simple enough for all ages! Check out The Mad House for the full tutorial.
How about these adorable bunny party hats? Perfect for lightening up Easter lunch, buy some pastel cardstock and head over to the House that Lars Built to get started.
Who says your crafty kid needs a brush to paint? This paper art activity celebrates spring with a paint print and a fringe of green, green, green grass. Learn how to make these oh-so-cute tulips with Growing Up Gabel’s easy tutorial.
Paper crafts don’t always happen on a flat 8x10 piece of cardstock. Nope. Sometimes they’re round, and still other times, they pop off the page. These paper plate bunnies from The Best Ideas for Kids are easy Easter crafts that your littles can transform into stick puppets (add a craft stick to the back). Decorate for the holiday with the bunnies, or use them for hours of pretend play.
Ah, the art of origami. Don’t worry about this Easter craft being too tricky for your young child. With the printable template from Easy Peasy and Fun, your child will fold a sweet spring bunny like a champ. Or at least like a little artist.
Peek-a-boo. Um, wait. Make that peck-a-boo. That’s what the cute chick in this paper card-making activity says. Your crafting kid can give this card to grandma, grandpa, aunts, uncles, big sis, little bro, or anyone else to whom they want to send a holiday greeting. Get the how-to from Teach Me Mommy.
Make sweet sheep with paint, paper, and a few of your child’s favorite art materials. This spring-time Easter craft is perfect for preschoolers. And as a bonus, it’s easy to adapt to your toddler or grade school kiddo. Get the details on how to get artsy with DIY stamping from Buggy and Buddy.
Doilies don’t just belong under your grandmother’s tea set. Your kid can transform the lux paper lace into a completely cute Easter chick with this creative craft. Check out Crafts on Sea’s tutorial for the full how-to.
Your child can explore and experiment with color, texture, and negative space in this Easter art activity. They can practice scissor skills or keep the fine motor fun going by tearing the tissue. Add glue to a card stock paper cut-out, and you have the recipe for a really cool rainbow rabbit. Get the details on how to make the tissue paper bunny from Mini Monets and Mommies.
Sponge painting might not sound like a paper craft, but… well, it’s not. But this Easter art activity from Buggy and Buddy is actually all about the paper. Learn how to craft a construction paper basket and then have your kiddo continue with the crafting and fill it with ‘eggs’.
Making paper Easter eggs isn’t just artsy, it’s also educational. At least, this activity from Kiddy Charts is. Not only can your kids decorate pretend eggs, but they can use their cute creations as part of a memory-building game!
As if a bunny hat isn’t enough awesomeness for one artsy kid, your little one can also craft a crown that looks like a spring rainbow. Forget about the traditional Easter bonnet. This paper egg carton craft from Having Fun at Home is a creative way to dress up for the holiday.
Easter is a time for bunnies, chicks, chocolate, and spring! Celebrate the season with this flower power tissue paper art activity from Mini Monets and Mommies.
These Easter paper craft eggs are a great way to use up some old tissue paper that doesn't need to go to waste. Find the how-to at Fireflies and Mudpies.
International Women’s Day is coming up, so it’s the perfect time to highlight and support exceptional women-owned businesses in San Diego. These amazing females have built successful careers based on their passions, and our community reaps the rewards of their daily determination, creativity and desire to make the world a better place. Read on to be inspired by their stories and to support their businesses.
Talk about flower power! Natalie Gill established Native Poppy in 2015 to create joy by making art with her friends. She started her flower-arranging business in her backyard alongside Meghan Blancato who became a partner in the business in 2018. Their business grew into a brick-and-mortar flower shop with two locations: South Park and Solana Beach. In their own words, they “believe in taking care of the environment and drinking champagne, in stopping to cuddle and befriending every animal we see. We believe in singing while flowering and in always challenging ourselves and our peers to be better, all the while affirming each other for where we are today.” What a great place to bloom and find the best blossoms.
Game of pickle, anyone? It’s no secret that Pickleball is America’s sport du jour right now. In the past two years, you’ve either talked to someone who is raving about how much they love the game, or you’ve caught the bug yourself. Aubri Steele, mother of five, not only saw how the sport united her family and their community but also an opportunity in the marketplace. The game was hot, but the apparel needed an upgrade. Civile launched in early 2021 offers luxury high-performance athletic apparel for the modern ‘Pickler’ that is versatile and stylish.
3. Gluten Free Baking Company
Roanna Canete has a diverse background as a consultant turned self-taught gluten-free baker to Netflix star to bakery owner. She holds a master’s degree in organizational leadership and an MBA in entrepreneurship. Today, she owns and operates a dedicated gluten-free bakery in San Diego, California. In 2015, Roanna opened a Licensed Cottage Food Operation out of her home kitchen in Coronado, California. Word spread quickly and soon enough Roanna’s gluten-free baked goods were being sold to cafes, coffee shops and restaurants throughout San Diego. With wholesale business booming, Roanna moved the kitchen from her house to a production kitchen and in February 2020, she opened her first retail shop in North Park.
Owned by not one but two brilliant women, this San Diego-based marketing firm is dedicated to amplifying the social impact of non-profits doing good in the community by elevating their image and marketing. Angel Mason Broadus and Kristine Mason Broadus lead a diverse team that is strategically creating a ripple effect of good, positive change.
Azúcar is the fulfillment of a life-long dream for Vivian Hernandez-Jackson. She combines her classical French training with her Cuban roots to develop a unique product line of desserts and pastries that combines traditional favorites with new flavors and designs is her passion and it shows.
What do you get when you mix passion, purpose and purple? Kathryn the Grape! Kathryn Cloward, aka “Kathryn the Grape” to children, is a native San Diegan who made her childhood nickname into an integrated media series to help children have social and emotional personal development tools for understanding and expressing their feelings, making kind and compassionate choices and being brave in new life experiences. To date, Kathryn’s earned over 60 awards for her inspirational and creative work. She is a Contributing Editor of motivational content for Guitar Girl Magazine and relishes her role as a speaker and mentor for women in business—drawing from over two decades as an entrepreneurial trailblazer. She’s also the founder of Kandon Unlimited, Inc., a heart-centered mindful media company intent on creating and publishing positive and empowering media.
Lovely Leaps dance studio teaches love of movement and inclusion one leap at a time. Lovely Leaps owner Lisa McCabe, an African American engineer turned dance instructor, focuses on making dance fun and developing key motor skills for kids ages 10 months-10 years by growing their confidence and comfort in their own bodies. More than just a dance studio, Lovely Leaps is a movement of its own. Studio founders Lisa and Ricky McCabe started Lovely Leaps when their daughter was just five months old. Lisa's goal as a dance instructor is to offer a whole-child approach to help kids blossom. She believes dance should focus on fun instead of perfection and she stresses inclusion.
Katie Farina of Katie's Healing Kitchen offers award-winning vegan cooking classes in San Diego. When her mother was diagnosed with cancer, Katie took a special interest in evoking the healing power in healthy foods and nutrition. She graduated from the Natural Epicurean Academy of Culinary Arts, a Professional Chef Training Institute in 2013 and she has been a proponent of "harnessing the power of food to heal disease." She teaches cooking classes and in her own words, her "lifelong goal is to inspire others to make the connection between the food they eat and its effect on their body, the environment and the world." Be sure to check out Katie's amazing cookbook, and sign up for her cooking classes.
Sünje O’Clancy, MA, E-RYT, RCYT founded Yoga Rascals in 2007. She has been dedicated to enhancing children’s lives through yoga by creating a nurturing, fun environment while supporting development and learning so that they may realize their fullest potential. She shares, “I founded Yoga Rascals because of my love for children and my passion for yoga. Sharing the joy of movement, the calming effects of relaxation, and the many other benefits of yoga with children can have a big impact on how they develop their sense of self in a positive way." She adds, “I am very grateful to own my own business. It has allowed me to find balance between being a mom and raising my children while doing what I love professionally.”
Grace Martin founded Edens Garden as part of her dream to share high-quality, affordable essential oils and make them easily accessible to everyone. Edens Garden’s story is rooted in natural and conscientious living. As a woman and family-owned company, Edens Garden is inspired by their loved ones to put safety, quality and sustainability at the forefront of their goals. With customers always at the core of what they do, Edens Garden has expanded product offerings to include synergy blends and hand-crafted body and home care products.
Julie Rais Ellis is the mother of two and the founder of Rais Case, which started as a bags and accessories collection and has since expanded and grown into a movement. She's passionate about designing the highest quality products that cultivate community and culture around locally handmade goods. Ellis offers, "Our relationship with our community is where magic happens. Our mission is simple but focused. It is to make quality goods that create community & support well-being." Made with the highest quality materials available, all bags are designed, manufactured, and shipped from San Diego, CA.
Maya was looking for the perfect vegan cookie: crispy-on-the-outside and gooey-on-the-inside. Unable to find it, she created a cookie recipe herself. Soon, she was a local celebrity with moms and kids––which inspired her to open Maya’s Cookies. Voted San Diego's Best Vegan Baked Goods in 2017 and 2018, Maya's decadent cookie flavors range from chocolate chip and caramel pecan to funfetti and gluten-free s’ mores. You’ll love them all! Maya's Cookies is now America's #1 Black-owned vegan cookie company.
A trio of sisters, Martiza, Sativa, and Kaya founded Dirt Don't Hurt in 2017. These conscientious moms have six kids between them and during their pregnancies, they started to become more aware of what ingredients were in their personal care and cleaning products. Their line Dirt Don't Hurt was born when they decided to create the safe and natural beauty products they were looking for. Their plant-based products are 100% vegan and cruelty-free and include skincare and oral care. Try their popular All-Natural Activated Charcoal Tooth Powder.
Starr Edwards, founder of the delicious Bitchin' Sauce, a vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO almond dip available in a variety of flavors, started her company in 2004 at the young age of 16! She started selling her "creamy concoction" at local farmer's markets and it was a huge hit. Bitchin' Sauce became so wildly popular that she needed to open a commercial kitchen. Costco discovered her brand and now it is distributed nationally and sold in supermarkets, at Costco and Target. Bitchin' Sauce is headquartered in Carlsbad and is family-owned and operated.
If you’re like us, you’re eyeing the vivid leaves outside and thinking it’s been way too long since our families had an official photoshoot. The autumn atmosphere makes for the perfect (and super easy) stage for shots, and whether you’re hiring a professional or setting the timer on your phone, creating coordinated fall family photo outfits can be easier than you think: just leave it to us! We’ve put together a list of our fave looks for the most memorable photo collection yet – from ultra-matching to creative coordinating – so you can stress less and smile more. With these fall family photo outfits, there’s a style for your whole crew!
Fall plaid will never go out of style (not that we'd ever want it to!) and these coordinating pieces for the whole family have us ready for our close-ups! The warm gingerbread-vibey print couldn't be more perfect, and with options from button-downs to dresses, from adults to infants, you'll want to wear this print well beyond picture day!
Team Cider and Team Pumpkin Spice can come together and agree that this apple jumper set is beyond cute! With warm fall hues and the most adorable little tights, this one will easily pair with denim and solid sweaters for the rest of the family.
Fun, flattering, and fall-inspired, this gorgeous dress will pair with tights and tall boots, or ballet flats and a denim jacket. Either way, the vintage print and natural hues will be easy to coordinate with the rest of the fam! (TIP: Amp this piece up for a night on the town with a long duster vest and funky booties!)
Oh, hello, seasonal layering! Photos or not, this lightweight shirt + jacket = shacket can be thrown over anything, from the floral mini dress to your favorite tee! We're also really digging the gender neutral aspect of this one, as well as the khaki and panther grey color options that can go with whatever the rest of the family wears!
Make a day of it! These family tees are going to be a cute and comfy hit for photos, and using the orchard as a backdrop before an afternoon apple pick packs the day with fun. We also love the 2022 graphic, so we can make a new tradition of it all! Rock these with jeans, or elevate your look with a plaid shirt or a puffer vest and rugged boots.
We know. We can't stop swooning, either. Cozy and absolutely precious, this 3-piece set for the littlest ones match a whole collection from Gap that range from infant to adult sizes! And no, we can't get enough of the tee-tiny hooded flannel, either.
Celebrate the last fall season before your family grows wearing this chambray maternity top! Chambray is oh-so-versatile: wear this one with faux leather maternity leggings, a maxi skirt, or use it as a lightweight layer over a tank top or under a cardigan!
Pumpkins and fall go together like...well, pumpkins and fall! We love the idea of pairing this little tee with a pair of corduroy pants and a knit beanie. Wrap the rest of the family in spicy orange and chocolate hues for a gorgeous autumnal palette.
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There are tons of great wall murals and Instagrammable spots in Seattle—Pike Place Market’s Gum Wall and Post Alley probably top the list. But if you’re on the hunt for lesser-known wall murals in Seattle, check out our picks. You won’t find crowds here, but you will find other fun things to do with the kids near these street art hot spots. Here’s where to find your next frame-worthy photo op.
Stay Fresh on Pike
Betty Rose
Off of Pike Street Press Letterpress Print + Design is a hip wall mural full of words describing Seattle. You can spot it from the Seattle Aquarium as you look towards the city. Find the stairs to the right heading up to Pike Place Market. If you've got a larger group to shoot, this is a great spot to hit—there's plenty of room to spread out.
Originally called the Sun Mural, this bright wall art installation was updated to include the Ballard Bridge, mid-span over the ship canal. Find it on the corner of Shilshole and 17th Avenue, on the south end of Ballard Avenue N.E. Our suggestion? Map to the Canvas Supply Co. or Hemispheres in Ballard, then can drive to the back of the building where you'll find this smile-inducing mural in the parking lot.
On the Eastside in Bellevue families can find an oversized wall of the largest flowers in the area. It's on the side of the Doxa building. Down the block you'll find the Bellevue Arts Museum and plenty of great places to grab a bite or a cup of coffee to make it a day. This mural is located in a church parking lot, so expect weekends to be full and busy.
620 106th Ave. N.E. Bellevue, WA 98004
Neon '80s Vibe
Betty Rose
In south Seattle, kids will love this wall off the plaza that brings out the colors and graphics of (arguably the best decade) the '80s! Find this wall on the right side of the community church, just off the backstreet. A few doors down is Lucky Donuts, and on the next block over, you'll find the Town Square and local library. Aim to visit on Thursdays when the Farmer's Market pops up there.
152 S.W. 152nd St. Burien, WA 98166
Every Day I'm Trufflin'
Betty Rose
While this might not be a traditional wall mural, it's definitely worth a mention because it's literally a wall of chocolate. These Truffles light up the Seattle Chocolate Factory, and there a few other Instagrammable moments in the shop, too (hint: the Forever Ferns Wall is a dream). Have your pick of chocolates and book a tour of the factory before you go. It's definitely a great way to spend an afternoon with the kids for a treat.
1180 Andover Park W. Seattle, WA 98188
Wall of Honor
Betty Rose
In Seattle's Central District just down the way from Historic Washington Hall are two large walls of murals representing work by local artists that showcase the cultural and social diversity of the city. Kids will enjoy the vivid and colorful animals and the community garden down the street.
If you're looking for a full alley of street art, head to Burien, between 152nd Street and 153rd Street. It showcases graffiti art that tells a story. A serious plus about visiting this alley? 152nd Street is lined with restaurants, and 153rd Street is lined with international grocery stores. Your kids can enjoy some European treats, Hispanic foods and Islander snacks after the photo shoot. To get there, map to Bakery Nouveau, grab a treat, then find the alley.
425 S.W. 153rd St. Burien, WA
Insider tip: Looking for more Insta-worthy walls around town or other interesting Seattle spots for photo ops? Check out the Seattle Blog Salon, where local bloggers and influencers have mapped out more places to go. The map was created by Hayley Howells and can be updated with your photo and instagrammable location anytime of the year—just fill out the form.
Signs of spring are popping up all over Seattle, but the surest one of all is the return of the popular Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. This month-long celebration has miles of tulip farms to explore, and with events running throughout the season, it’s not only fun, it’s totally kid-friendly. So load up the car, get your tickets and make your way to Skagit Valley’s fields of dreams. Read on to make your plans.
photo: Allison Sutcliffe
When to Go
The festival officially kicks off on April 1 and runs through April 30, when the flower fields in the Skagit Valley will be in full bloom. You should see color in the fields by the first week of April, and fields fully blooming by the second week, give or take. Tulip Town and Garden Rosalyn will open on April 1, and RoozenGaarde, open year-round, will start charging for admission March 25. Since blooms can change in a short amount of time, check the bloom status or bloom map so you know what to expect, or call the bloom hotline at 360-428-5959.
Just like last year, families will need timed tickets to visit the tulip fields in 2022. All three growers are encouraging folks to purchase them in advance, but Tulip Town and RoozenGaarde have confirmed they will be selling tickets at the gate, if space is available. Bottom line, it’s best to plan ahead, especially if a weekend visit is part of your flower gazing plan.
Good to know: Saturdays are the busiest days to visit the gardens, followed by Sundays, Fridays and Mondays. If you’re looking to avoid crowds and traffic, and you’ve got flexibility for your visit, a mid-week plan is best.
photo: courtesy Tulip Town
Where to Find the Flowers
Tulip Town will be open everyday from April 1 to May 1, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and offers a few different ticketed experiences. For families with young kids, the General Admission tickets should do the trick. It includes parking, entry to the fields and indoor exhibits and a ride on the tulip trolley, weather permitting. It’s all you need to get the kids in the field for those Insta-worthy photos on a beautiful spring day. General admission tickets are $15 for anyone over the age of 12, $6 for kids ages 6-11 and free for kiddos 5 and under. If spontaneity is your family jam, consider purchasing the Anytime ticket for $25 (ages 6 & up). You get the same perks as the General Admission without being tied to a specific time frame. To get your tickets, simply choose your date and a three-hour window (arrive anytime in between). Sorry, no pets.
Good to know: Due to last year’s regional flooding, there may not be as much color in the fields this year, but Tulip Town will strive to provide an amazing experience for visitors.
photo: Allison Sutcliffe
RoozenGaarde has a colorful five-acre display garden (including a 25-acre tulip field and a 22-acre daffodil field) with over one million bulbs and an authentic Dutch windmill. Stroll the garden and see your favorite flowers, including over 150 varieties of tulips. Each year, RoozenGaarde redesigns and replants its garden with a new layout featuring brilliant color combinations, spectacular floral designs and flowering rivers of deep blue muscari. This year they’ll be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on the weekdays and 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.on the weekends. Advance tickets are highly encouraged. It’s $15 per person and kids two and under are free. Sorry, no pets permitted in the garden.
photo: Allison Sutcliffe
Garden Rosalyn is Skagit Valley’s newest tulip farm, and it’s the only one that welcomes well-behaved, leashed dogs. Playful designs are part of what makes visiting this field fun for kids, but so are the geese and ducks that call the little lake on the property home. They plan to host food trucks on site this year and have picnic benches out to enjoy your meal. The farm will be welcoming visitors daily, from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. starting April 1. Tickets are $12 per person and kids 5 and under are free.
Good to know: If driving isn’t in your plan, Shutter Tours offers a motor coach tour that departs from the Downtown Seattle Sheraton with stops at the big tulip farms and downtown La Conner. The tours run April 2-24, 2022 and have limited availability.
photo: Kylie Kirkland
Possible Lunch Spots
The waterfront town of La Conner is a charming small town that’s bustling with activity during tulip season. It’s also a great spot to stop and eat once you’ve had your fill of flowers. There are lots of restaurants to check out, including the very popular Calico Cupboard Cafe & Bakery, a from-scratch cafe that serves all-day breakfast, hearty lunches and some of the largest cinnamon rolls this side of the Cascades. La Conner Brewing Company is another family-friendly spot, as is Waterfront Cafe, where you can watch the boats go by when you dine dockside.
You’ll also find plenty of options in Mt. Vernon, no matter what you’re in the mood for. Check out the Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce site for some ideas. Calico Cupboard Cafe & Bakery also has a Mt. Vernon location, and a local favorite, Whidbey Island Bagel Factory, serves New York style bagels that are some of the best in the state. For an extra special treat, stop by Snow Goose Produce for a scoop of specialty ice cream from Lopez Island Creamery. Served in a homemade waffle cone, these generous scoops will fill the kids up for the car ride home. Note: Remember to bring cash if you plan to stop at Snow Goose Produce; they do not accept debit, credit or checks for ice cream.
We’re glad to report the popular Kiwanis Salmon BBQ at Hillcrest Park Lodge is back this year. On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays it’s the spot to get a plate of delicious grilled salmon ($20-$23/plate) and support local and global Kiwanis projects. Note: Online tickets are not available this year.
photo: Eric Riddle
How to Dress
It’s best to dress in layers, and wear waterproof clothing in case there are April showers. Bring a change of shoes, socks and pants (especially if it’s a muddy weekend), and sun hats and sunscreen if it’s sunny. Depending on the rainfall, the fields may be mucky and uneven making even experienced toddlers a little wobbly on their feet.
What to Bring
You will definitely want to pack some snacks and items to keep the Littles busy in the car. Since the photo ops are endless, you’ll also want to bring along your fully charged smartphone (and maybe a backup). If traveling with babies or just-walkers, we recommend bringing a backpack rather than a stroller, and if a stroller is how you roll, make sure it’s got rubber tires. Older kids can walk the paths around some of the fields and put those cute rain boots to use!
Garden Etiquette
The fields are generally not for “picking,” just admiring and taking pictures. Often there are paths around the fields, but generally they don’t want you walking in the rows of flowers, as the bulbs are fragile. Tulips are usually for sale at the entrances, so you can take some home.
photo: Tanya Hayes
Special Events
There are all kinds of special events in honor of the festival happening throughout April. On April 9, the 35th Annual Kiwanis Club of La Conner Not So Impromptu Tulip Parade will begin at 2 p.m., starting at the Port of Skagit complex in LaConer. Grab a curbside seat and expect to see lots of wacky, impromptu participants—from farm animals and mascots to your favorite pets.
The 37th Annual Street Fair in Downtown Mt. Vernon is scheduled for April 15-17. Arts, gourmet foods, kid’s toys—you’ll find lots of goodies at this masked, outdoor event that’s fun for everyone.
If your kids are older or they just love being fancy, consider attending the English Tea at Willowbrook Manor. Reservations are available every Friday and Saturday in April, from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. for $40 per person.
Bonus Activity
Because children’s museums are always a hit with kids, plan to check out the Children’s Museum of Skagit County. It’s located inside the Cascade Mall in Burlington and has lots of fun exhibits to explore. The Museum is open with limited hours Tuesday through Saturday, with ticked, two-hour long sessions starting at 10 a.m. (although this may change come April.) Reservations are recommended. Admission is only $8 for kids and adults and $7 for military and seniors; babes under 12 months are free.
photo: Anika Blake
Travel Time & Getting There
Depending on traffic, it should take you 60 minutes from Seattle. If possible, try to go during the week. The traffic can be a bit of a zoo on the weekends, although that may not be the case because visiting the fields is now a ticketed experience. Whenever you travel, bring along some car activities and a dose of patience for the adventure.
It’s easy to get to the Skagit Valley. Travel north on I-5 for approximately 60 miles. The tulips are generally grown in a 15-mile triangle bordered by Highway 20, the Skagit River and the Swinomish River Channel. Note: The festival is designed as a driving tour as many events and attractions are miles apart, scattered throughout the lower Skagit Valley.
As spring rolls in and the weather warms up, flower power takes on a literal meaning as colorful wildflowers pop up all over the great outdoors and in cultivated gardens. Share Mother Nature’s seasonal beauty with your budding botanists by visiting some of our favorite places for peeping blooms throughout the Bay Area. Take time to stop and smell the roses on a walk or hike with your brood today and make plans to join a Wildflower Festival!
San Francisco
SF Botanical Garden
At the center of this 55-acre urban oasis is the wildflower meadow where kids will find narrow, winding paths to frolic among the petals. The Children Garden’s Bean Sprout Days invites budding gardeners to explore crafts and practice garden care. Pack a lunch and catch a concert with Charity Kahn or join story time to make a day out of it!
Free for members and San Francisco residents, for public 7:30 – 9 a.m. every day and 2nd Tuesday of every month otherwise $10 adults; $7 seniors; $3 children ages 5-11
Twin Peaks The informal trails that wind around Twin Peaks not only offer stunning views of San Francisco, but they also sport many a wildflower. Kids can keep on the lookout for the Mission Blue butterfly, a native species that has adapted to the high winds. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes and a thick jacket to ward off the wind. For a great view, go from peak to peak in a 0.7 mile hike by taking the trail South from the Christmas Tree Viewing Area toward Eureka Peak.
Presidio With Golden Gate views at every corner, that eucalyptus smell and pretty flora and fauna, the Presidio is one of the best choices to catch wildflowers in the city. Lobos Creek Valley Trail, an 0.8-mile hike, is an easy, quick option offering a splash of colorful wildflowers. Park on Lake Street at 15th Avenue and walk up Wedemeyer Street to get to the trail head. Check out other trail maps online at presidio.gov.
East Bay
Check out the East Bay Regional Park District’s wildflower photo guide so you know what you’re looking at (and impress the rest of the family with your botanical knowledge!)
Sunol Regional Wilderness, Sunol Just outside of Fremont, you can join a guided hike through this beautiful valley or take a ride on the historic Niles Canyon Railway for a view of abundant blooms. To explore the Sunol Regional Wilderness on foot, start at the Old Green Barn Visitor Center and hike 1.39 miles on the Canyon View Trail which winds its way to Little Yosemite through grasslands full of wildflowers as well as oak woodlands. $5 parking fee.
Note: there is no swimming in the creek and boundary signs need to be obeyed as the land is a lease agreement.
Black Diamond Mines Regional Park, Antioch A lovely display of wildflowers, history and mine tours (kids seven and up), Black Diamond Mines Regional Park should be on your to-do list this season. Picnic spots, camping, and more than 65 miles of trails make Black Diamond an easy, fun choice for exploring with the kids. Check out the Chaparral Loop Trail that starts at the Great House Visitor Center. Of moderate intensity (there are some stairs), it’s a fun way to spot spring blooms while getting some exercise. $5 parking fee applies.
Note: It can get hot so pack hats, sunscreen and plenty of water.
Mt. Diablo State Park Get ready for some color at Mt. Diablo State Park! You’ll see tons of wildflowers without having to hike very far, but those who make it to the mountain top will be rewarded with spectacular views. Popular trails for wildflowers include Mitchell Canyon, Falls Trail, Back Trail and Summit Trail. Be sure to check out Rock City where kids can climb on rock formations and explore small caves.
Anthony Chabot Regional Park, Oakland A mere 20 minutes from downtown Oakland and with both grasslands and dense forests to explore, Anthony Chabot Regional Park has plenty of spring wildflowers for the whole family to identify. Looking for a quick hike? Try the 3-mile round trip Grass Valley Loop, check out the fishing and boating scene on the lake and pack a picnic to refuel.
Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve, Oakland Oakland’s very own round-top volcano rises above the region and offers impressive wildflowers as well as year-round beauty that feels miles away from the hustle and bustle. The 31-mile East Bay Skyline National Recreation Trail runs through this park, connecting Wildcat Canyon and Anthony Chabot Parks. Drive up to Round Top and take the easy, breezy Round Top Loop Trail for some amazing sights.
South Bay and Peninsula
Photo by North Delta Reporter
Edgewood Park & Natural Preserve, Redwood City Just a short skip off I-280, the 467 acres of woodlands and grasslands are home to an abundance of wildlife, wildflowers and plants. The park’s proximity to the coast means wildflowers bloom throughout spring and into June. Try the Franciscan Trail for an easy-to-moderate 1.4 mile hike through wild, rustling grasslands and rest at one of the many benches along the way to soak up sweeping Bay views. The 3.5-mile Serpentine Trail is flatter, moderate in difficulty and fab for viewing spring blooms. Check out Friends of Edgewood for info on their docent-led wildflower walks on the weekends March through May. Parking is limited on the weekends; go early
San Bruno Mountain State Park, San Bruno Bordering Brisbane, Daly City, and Colma, this total-escape from the city is less than 15 minutes from downtown San Francisco. The Summit Loop Trail, which is a moderate 3.1-mile hike, offers wonderful views of wildlife and native plants, including occasional reports of the endangered Mission blue butterfly sightings. Grab your magnifying glasses and have the kids keep their eyes peeled!
Almaden Quicksilver County Park, San Jose This spot boasts one of the most spectacular wildflower displays in the South Bay. More than 30 miles of hiking trails make for a grand adventure, but the real highlight is the 5.1 mile Historic Trail near the Hacienda entrance. With 15 different significant spots like the Casa Grande historic home, several mines, former town sites and a view of San Jose, this hike has it all. Be sure to stop by the Mining Museum for a unique local history lesson. $6 parking fee.
Good to know: Bring drinking water. You can fill up at the Hacienda Entrance, but there is almost no other potable water in the park and it can get warm in late spring and summer months.
Photo by Colin G. via Yelp
Henry W. Coe State Park, Morgan Hill California’s second largest state park at 87,003 acres is one that many haven’t even heard of! Rugged, varied and beautiful, Henry W. Coe State Park has a wide range of areas to explore and native plants to uncover. If you’re after spring colors, take the Springs Trail/Forest Trail Loop and rangers recommend any walk along the Manzanita Point Road to see an incredible array of nature’s blooms. $8 parking fee.
Calero County Park, San José Located in San José’s most southern edge and surrounding the Calero reservoir, you can take an easy and brief hike by simply strolling to the Los Cerritos Pond, less than a half-mile from the trailhead. A longer 2.6-mile hike that includes the Figueroa, Vallecito, Peña and Los Cerritos trails is another option for families seeking a bit more of a challenge while seeking out the best blooms. $6 parking fee.
Point Reyes National Seashore, Point Reyes Station Stunning views over the Pacific Ocean, wildflower hikes that knock your socks off, whale spotting opportunities AND a lighthouse seal the deal at this family favorite locale. Wildflower hot spot Chimney Rock is a short 1.75-mile round trip complete with lighthouse views. Another great option is Abbotts Lagoon, a 2-mile hike over coastal bluffs and along the lagoon and includes almost every single variety of coastal wildflower you can name.
Tennessee Valley, Mill Valley Nestled within the Marin Headlands, Tennessee Valley and beach is less crowded than some of the other headland destinations. An easy breezy 1.7-mile hike one way through the wildflower-peppered valley to the beach at low tide rewards you with views of the SS Tennessee shipwreck peeking out among the surf and spray. California poppies and pretty wildflowers scatter the hills and trails, and make for a fantastic display of native blooms.
Photo by Kath S. via Yelp
Mount Tamalpais State Park, Mill Valley Redwood groves, towering oaks, fantastic views of the sea—oh, and an abundance of native wildflowers means your family can hike, camp, bike and wildflower hunt to your heart’s content. Print out their wildflower guide then check out these self-guided loop hike recommendations that start at 1.4 miles.
Rush Creek Open Space Preserve, Novato Bordering a rich wetland, this 522 acre preserve provides a beautiful backdrop for hikes, walks and picnics. Its diversity, which includes marshland, broad-leaf forests and Marin County’s largest stand of blue oaks, is showcased in the springtime display of wildflowers. The Pinheiro Fire Ridge Trail offers a moderate hike and amazing views, and the small circular loop that circles round Cemetery Marsh is the perfect stomping grounds for little feet.
Ring Mountain Open Space Preserve, Tiburon With an entire hillside carpeted by wildflowers in spring, this preserve offers a gorgeous backdrop for scenic views of the Bay, Mt.Tam and San Francisco. Check out this iNaturalist guide for an exact idea of what type of wildflowers you are likely to spot. Large boulders and even Native American petroglyphs add to the allure of this spot and families will love the large, flat fire roads at the top of Ring Mountain that are stroller-friendly.
Photo: Leah Singer
