Make sure your kiddos know that Martin Luther King Jr. Day is about more than a day off of school
Your little dreamers naturally understand the power and importance of having hopes and wishes, so learning facts about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his “I Have a Dream” speech is a tactile way to help kids understand the significance of who MLK Jr. was. Help the kids learn more about this chief spokesman for nonviolent activism, civil rights, and the end of racial segregation.
1. Martin Luther King Jr. was born on Jan. 15, 1929. His birth name was Michael but was changed to Martin by his father (who also changed his name) in 1934 (after Martin Luther, the leader of the Protestant Reformation in the 1500s).
2. At 14 he won a contest with a speech about civil rights.
3. He started college when he was just 15.
4. He worked for a newspaper as one of his first jobs.
5. Stevie Wonder wrote his song "Happy Birthday" to help build on the campaign to make Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday a national holiday. He asks a simple question throughout the song, “Why has there never been a holiday where peace is celebrated throughout the world? The time is overdue.”
6. According to the King Center, Martin Luther King, Jr. was jailed 30 times for charges such as civil disobedience.
7. MLK Jr. was awarded 20 honorary degrees.
8. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was instrumental in getting the Civil Rights Act of 1964 passed. This act outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. It made it illegal to segregate based on race in schools, the workplace, and public accommodations (or facilities that serve the general public including hospitals and libraries). It may be hard for your kiddos to believe that there was once a time when children could not drink from the same drinking fountain or use the same bathroom because of the color of their skin. MLK fought to end that.
9. He was awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace in April 1964.
10. Martin Luther King Jr. married Coretta Scott on June 18, 1953. The ceremony was performed by his father, Martin Luther King Sr. Coretta had the vow "to obey" removed from the vows, which was almost unheard of at the time.
11. MLK Jr. and his wife had four children: Martin Luther King III, Bernice King, Yolanda King, and Dexter King.
12. His "I Have a Dream" speech was not his first at the Lincoln Memorial. He gave a speech there on voting rights in 1957.
13. He survived an attempt on his life in 1958. He was stabbed with a letter opener by Izola Ware Curry. He underwent hours of emergency surgery. Surgeons said one sneeze could have punctured his aorta and killed him.
14. Martin Luther King Jr.'s mother was killed six years after his murder. She was shot while playing the organ at church.
15. One of the best ways kids can understand what he was all about is by listening to his famous "I Have a Dream" speech, which he made on Aug. 28, 1963. Kids of any age can listen and read along through this link.
Celebrate the beauty of spring by making a magical fairy garden all your own
Your little one is no stranger to enchantments: from peering under rocks to fashioning wings and wands, the kingdom of the fairy is a magical place perfect for budding imaginations. What better way than to combine a love of the fae with a little small-scale gardening, of the little people, by the little people, and for the little people! We’ve got an easy tutorial on how to make a fairy garden for kids right here. For more seasonal fun, try a different gardening project for kids or giggle at a few spring jokes.
What You Need to Make a Fairy Garden for Kids
Sara Olsher
A garden pot. Preferably one that is wide and/or bowl-shaped, so you have more room for all the tiny things, but any will do. Don’t forget the potting soil!
Plants. You can use annuals like lobelia, violets, or marigolds, or use succulents/sedum or other dwarf ground covers. If you want to get elaborate, get some bonsai trees. If your garden is indoor-only, look for teeny-tiny house plants, which you can pick up at a garden center for only a few dollars. Be sure and water the plants when you bring them home and before planting.
Shortcut: no plants or place to really grow them? Try a little florist moss for a woodland effect without the woods!
Little Things.Here’s where you can get creative. Decorate your fairy garden with little items found or created. Pinecones trees, stick teepees, and stones for benches or garden paths all give the fairy garden an au naturel feeling. Many nurseries now carry miniature “fairy house” items, but you can scour your toy boxes for the just-right accessory: a petite teacup could become a fountain or reflection pool, little flags from hors d’oeuvres designate fairy territory, large marbles become garden globes. We love this popsicle stick house (and table and chair set). Also, try aquarium stores for tiny castles and similar structures. And don’t forget LEGO bricks!
Create Your Fairy Kingdom
iStock
Fill your pot with soil. If you have any larger “structural” items, such as a tiny house, put that in place before you plant. Designate an area where you will put your garden path. Most of the smaller items can be added after, or in some cases, on top of the plants.
Make sure your plants have been watered but aren’t still soaking wet.
Tip: Layout your plants and larger garden decor in the pattern you’d like before you remove the plants from their pots. That way, you can rearrange them a bit before deciding exactly where they’ll go.
Plant your plants with enough space in between them for them to grow. As a rule of thumb, plant the largest plant you have first (i.e. the bonsai tree) and anything that might trail over or creep a bit closer to the edge of the pot. Before you accessorize, be sure you are happy with the placement of your plants. You can move them a bit after planting if necessary, but it’s best to avoid this too much as it will traumatize the plants and they may not thrive.
Tip: If you aren’t using live plants, you still need to create an elevated surface in your pot. If you prefer to skip the dirt, you could try using small pebbles to create a relatively flat surface on which to create your garden.
Now place in an area where fairies are sure to visit: garden, deck, porch, bedroom windowsill, or dresser near a window.
What was the original filling in the Twinkie? How fast can an L train go?
Breathtaking skyline with never-ending Lake Michigan views, freakishly unpredictable weather, sports-hungry locals. . . these are some of the obvious well-knowns about Chicago. But what about the lesser-known or forgotten facts? From super helpful or delicious inventions to fascinating Chicagoans, here’s a Chicago history lesson to share with the family over dinner.
1. Chicago got its name from the French translation of the Native American word shikaakwa, known in the plant world as allium tricoccum. Which is a reference to the wild garlic that grew in abundance in the area. Yikes! Anyone have a mint?
2. How about some gum? While gum has been plentiful for thousands of years, the first to sell it flavored and packaged the way we know and love was Chicago-based Wrigley's. The originals were Wrigley's Spearmint and Juicy Fruit in the 1890s.
3. When we get one of those beautifully clear days in Chicago, shoot to the tippy-top of Willis Tower (Sears Tower to the loyalists). You can see Lake Michigan and 4 states Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Indiana. Hi-de-ho, neighbors!
4. The Ledge at Willis Tower's Skydeck is the highest observation deck in the United States, standing 1,353 feet in the air and extending 4.3 feet from the Skydeck.
5. The L train travels at speeds of up to 55 miles per hour and carries over 800,000 people per day.
6. Kids likely never heard of Josephine Cochrane, but their lives are made easier by her existence. Frustrated that her circa 1600 heirloom China kept getting chipped while being hand-washed, she threw her brains into developing a cleaning mechanism that used water pressure and was safe on dishes: a.k.a. the dishwasher. Thank you much, Josephine!
7. Our city's skyline wouldn't be the same without the Ferris Wheel at Navy Pier. Designed by George Washington Gale Ferris to rival the majesty of France's Eiffel Tower, the first Ferris Wheel in the world debuted December 16, 1892, as part of the 1893 Chicago World's Fair. While the original was destroyed by dynamite in 1906, we get to enjoy Navy Pier's nod to the wheel's original Chicago roots.
8. Speaking of the Eiffel Tower, a time capsule at the top of the building formerly known as John Hancock contains a piece of the Tower.
9. This lil tidbit is for the parents. Pabst's Blue Ribbon used to be Pabst's Best Select until it won an actual blue ribbon at the Chicago World's Fair in 1893. In a show of marketing genius, Pabst's started selling their bottles with silk blue ribbons attached, and the name PBR stuck.
10. The Chicago World's Fair is the gift that just keeps on giving. Do you know that zipper on your pants, your jacket, your backpack? Came from the Chicago World's Fair and was originally called a "clasp locker". Glad they went with zipper.
11. Okay, maybe don't share this one with the kids, but Chicago was also home to the first serial killer, H.H. Holmes, and he opportunistically used the Chicago World's Fair to lure his victims by building a hotel with soundproof rooms. We recommend reading Erik Larson's The Devil in the White City for all the fascinating details and a healthy dose of Chicago history.
12. Not only is Barack Obama the first Black President in U.S. history, but he was also previously an Illinois State Senator who laid roots with his family in the Hyde Park neighborhood.
13. The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 destroyed over 17,000 buildings and 2,000 square feet and many locals like to hold on to the utterly tall tale that it was caused by Catherine O'Leary's cow knocking over a lantern in her barn. But the fact is, the true cause has never been determined.
14. At the point of the Great Chicago Fire's origin now appropriately sits a training facility for Chicago firefighters and a bronze sculpture entitled Pillar of Fire.
15. As a show of sympathy and kindness for the Great Chicago Fire, Londoner A.H. Burgess suggested England present a free library to Chicago. The first Chicago Public Library opened on January 1, 1872, in a circular water tank that survived the fire at the southeast corner of LaSalle and Adams Street and consisted of 8,000 books. Cheerio, England!
16. Grant Park, a.k.a. Chicago's front yard, is home to big-time notables Millennium Park, Buckingham Fountain, Art Institute of Chicago, and the Museum Campus and plays host to some of our most-attended fests. It was named after the 18th President of the United States, Ulysses S. Grant, who along with former President Lincoln, led the Union Army to a victory over the Confederates in the American Civil War.
17. The centerpiece of Grant Park, Buckingham Fountain, uses up to 15,000 gallons of water per minute and runs Apr.-Oct. Visit after sunset and you'll be treated to a spectacular light and music display that runs every hour on the hour.
18. Many a joke is made about the longevity of a Twinkie. But, did you know, they were invented right here in Chicago in 1930? They were first filled with banana cream, but that was replaced with vanilla flavor during WWII when you couldn't slip on a banana peel even if you wanted to because of the scarcity of the yellow fruit.
19. A researcher at Schaumburg-based Motorola was the first to successfully develop the cell phone. The first brick-sized phone weighed close to 2 1/2 pounds and 10 hours of charging bought you 30 minutes of talk time. Next time your kids complain about how fast their devices lose power, drop that little info nugget on their brains.
20. Born in the Lakeview neighborhood, Jane Bryne became the first female elected to the office of Mayor in the U.S. in 1979, at a time when Chicago was the second largest city in the country. Absolute legend!
21. Chicago Bulls mascot "Benny" the Bull is one of the longest-tenured and most recognized mascots in sports history, getting his name from Ben Bentley, the Bull's first Public Relations Manager and Stadium Announcer.
22. The Chicago River runs right through the city and is one of the reasons Chicago is of geographic importance, as it is a link between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River Basin, and ultimately the Gulf of Mexico. It has a place of honor on the Flag of Chicago represented by two horizontal blue stripes. It's also a feat of civil engineering, as the direction of its flow was reversed in 1900 in an attempt to protect the city's water supply.
23. Black Chicagoan and physician, surgeon, and medical researcher Charles Drew worked with Red Cross on critical discoveries around blood transfusions and played a major role in developing the first blood banks and blood plasma programs.
24. My bologna has a first name, O-S-C-A-R! German immigrant, Oscar Mayer made his way to Chicago and laid the groundwork for one of the most well-known names in the food industry on the near-northside. And, blessed the USA with hot dogs, the super dope Weinermobile and the longest-running tv commercial to date that starred a 4-year-old singing about bologna. Just don't forget to ALWAYS forgo the ketchup on your hot dog, please.
25. Not only did Chicago gift the world with the hot dog, but we're also responsible for deep-dish pizza. Thanks to Pizzeria Uno for your contribution to the history of deliciousness.
26. The beloved brownie was invented in Chicago at Palmer House Hilton. And, good news! We have the recipe.
27. The Field Museum is home to SUE, the most complete T-Rex skeleton in the world. And, SUE got a new home at Field a few years ago to help make room for Máximo. At 122 feet across and 28 feet tall, it's modeled after a titanosaur (the largest animal that ever lived) excavated in Argentina. Fun tip: If you go to the second story of the Field, you can snap a selfie with the remarkable Máximo.
28. M-I-C-K-E-Y, M-O-U-S-E! The pioneer of American animation who holds the record for most Academy Awards won by an individual at 22, Walt Disney was born in the Hermosa neighborhood.
29. Lake Michigan is the third largest of the Great Lakes (when measured by surface) and the only Great Lake located entirely in the U.S. It touches 4 states: Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Michigan, and is sometimes referred to as the "third coast", behind Atlantic and Pacific Coasts.
30. Chicago has a ton of nicknames (some of which highly annoy the natives): The Windy City, Chi-Town, City of Big Shoulders, The Second City, The White City, The City That Works—just to name a few—but our favorite name to call it is: HOME! (Insert block of cheese emoji.)
As the temperature continues to creep up this summer, there are number of ways to beat the heat—kayaking with kids in Portland is one option, escape town and hang out in Sauvie Island, or you can find your way to one of Portland’s popular natural swimming holes nearby. But if your looking for a quick way to beat the heat, head to one of these local splash pads where little and bigs can cool down for free! Fortunately, Portland Parks have loads of interactive fountains and splash pads throughout the city that are just begging to be splashed around in—and guaranteed, no matter what quadrant you’re in, one is bound to be nearby.
Jamison Square Fountain: The cascading waterfalls of the Jamison Square Fountain are mesmerizing, and a much-needed respite on a hot day. The water pools into a shallow area before receding again and recirculating. Kiddos love climbing the rocks and sitting in the water streams. Once the kids have had their fill of cooling off in the fountain, head across the street to Cool Moon Ice Cream—one of our favorite ice cream shops for a home-made ice cream cone or sorbet.
Fun fact: the 30-foot-tall sculptures along the park, which cover streetcar poles, are called Tikitotemoniki Totems.
Essex Park: This cute hidden park near Holgate Library has a splash pad, playground, picnic tables and a basketball court. For a great day, first stop by the library to browse a large selection of children's books at the Multnomah County Library, then enjoy a picnic at the park while your little adventurers splash away.
Earl Boyles Park: Here, you’ll find a splash pad at this outer southeast park, as well as a playground with a colorful climbing structure, picnic tables, walking paths and a horseshoe pit. There's even a volley ball court for the more competitive members of your family.
Irving Park: This spacious park has it all, from shady trees and a baseball field to basketball courts and a popular playground. Adjacent to the playground your water lovers can wet their tiny toes in the refreshing sprayground, with a splashing fire hydrant and other fun water structures.
Grant Park: Fans of Beverly Cleary books will love seeing their favorite characters come to life at this Ramona-inspired fountain. While splashing their feet in the water, kids can check out the sculptures of Ramona, Henry Huggins and Ribsy the Dog. The park also has an adjacent playground and tennis courts, so it’s the perfect spot to spend a full afternoon enjoying the summertime sunshine.
Khunamokwst Park: This fun little park in the Cully neighborhood features a nature-based stream, complete with interactive hand pump and river rocks to wade along, leading to a shallow pooled area. This is perfect for a young child who loves to explore. After wading, be sure to check out the pinecone sculpture near the playground, which represents the Native American story of the Douglas Fir and the Mouse. Kʰunamokwst Park is the first Portland Parks and Rec park to have an indigenous name, respecting the history of this land.
Peninsula Park: On a hot day, enjoy the respite of the 16-acre shady, tree-lined Peninsula Park. The splash pad is located in the heart of the park, near the two playgrounds (one for younger children, one for older), and adjacent to the public restrooms. The water-spouting “flowers” are a kid-favorite.
Fun fact: Peninsula Park was Portland’s first public rose garden.
Columbia Park: The gigantic flower fountains and movable jet sprays make the sprayground at this beautiful tree-shaded park a Portland favorite. With water play, plenty of picnic tables and a playground that kids love, Columbia Park will quickly become your summer play date meetup spot.
Farragut Park: Kiddie “car wash” structures, bubbling fountains and water sprays are some of the fun splash pad fixtures at this 14-acre park. You’ll also find basketball courts, walking paths, picnic tables and a play structure that will keep the kids busy until they tire out on those perfect summer days.
McCoy Park:The interactive fountain at McCoy Park is a family fave! Children of all ages will love chasing the dancing fountains, which shoot upwards of 12-feet high, in spurts of unpredictable aquatic excitement. While drying off, take a stroll toward the playground on a quest to find the squirrel and salmon sculpture benches, and walk the circular pathway showcasing different phases of the moon. There is also important Black History in Portland here: McCoy Park is named after Bill and Gladys McCoy, local African-American political leaders. In 1970, Gladys McCoy was the first African-American to serve on the Portland School Board.
Elizabeth Caruthers Park: For tiny tots just getting ready to test the waters, this simple yet delightful round stepping stone splash pad is a treat. For those who are tired of the water, there's a bocce court and unpaved paths to explore.
Salmon Street Springs at Waterfront Park: If you want to hear shrieks of summer happiness, head down to the waterfront and let your kids catch the spray at Salmon Street Springs. A computer controls the three changing patterns of water, named “misters,” “bollards,” and “wedding cake.” Kids will have a great time trying to guess which is which. With an impressive 185 jets of water and riverfront views, this is one spot that you’ll want to add to your summer bucket list.
Teachers Fountain at Director Park: Located in the heart of downtown Portland, this cheery plaza offers shady seating, a giant chess board, and a fun interactive fountain area. Kiddos will love chasing the arcing jets that splash into a shallow pool area. Adults will enjoy sitting along the wall to soak tired feet in the refreshing water. If you get hungry or thirsty, Flying Elephants Deli is located across the street, which is open weekdays from 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Spring Garden Park: Located in this picturesque Multnomah Village park, the interactive water feature at Spring Garden Park provides hours of fun. Also onsite are musical instrument installations, a large lookout tower play structure, and the intriguing “nest” sculpture by Hannes Wingate. The playground meets all current ADA requirements.
Earl Boyles Park: Bring along some horseshoes to work up a sweat in the horseshoe pit before hitting up the splash pad at Earl Boyles Park. Located in the Powellhurst-Gilbert neighborhood, the park also features an accessible spray feature, a volleyball court, and has an accessible Portland Loo onsite for potty breaks. Fun fact: Earl Boyles was a well-loved janitor at the former Powellhurst Elementary School for nearly 20 years in the 1930s and 40s. The park was named after him.
Colonel Summers Park: One of the newer splash pad installations in the Portland Parks system is at Colonel Summers Park, which features small climbing rocks and sitting areas. The park also hosts a playground, basketball court and tennis courts, so there’s something for everyone! Grab some picnic fixings at Market of Choice on your way over to make a day of it.
One good thing about hot summer days is warm summer nights. And, in DFW, that means perfect weather for outdoor live music! And there’s nothing we like more than a family-friendly spot to listen to some tunes. From Concert by the Lake in Rockwall to Cool Thursdays at the Dallas Arboretum, we’ve gathered our favorite summer concert series that offers some of the best live music in Dallas. See them all below.
A popular summer music series held at the outdoor auditorium at The Harbor in Rockwall, fun cover bands like Def Leggend, Infinite Journey and Memphis Soul. Held on Thursdays from 7:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m., you can bring in your boat, enjoy music from the lake, and eat at one of the restaurants while listening or setting up on the lawn. There’s a fun fountain for the kids, too.
Sounds of Summer Concert Series in Highland Village
Head to The Patio Courtyard for free concerts at Highland Village. On Thursdays from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., you can bring chairs and blankets, grab a bite from a nearby restaurant and let the kids splash in the interactive splash pad.
Every second Saturday through Sept., Denton Drive Live! offers a family-friendly concert (two bands each night) with all types of music including salsa, rock, blues, pop and more. There are activities for the kids and plenty of food and drinks for purchase. Be aware that pets are not allowed at the concert series.
This fun summer music series will feature several local or Texas musicians on the rise. Every other Thursday, head to Winters Park where you'll find food vendors and an activity area for kids.
This is one of the best places to see live music in Dallas! Cool Thursdays at the Dallas Arboretum brings you to one of the most beautiful spots in the metroplex, overlooking White Rock Lake.
Levitt Pavilion Summer Concert Series in Arlington
This impressive venue offers family-friendly free concerts every weekend during the summer. It’s BYOB and okay to bring your own summer picnic. They also have ticketed events that are perfect for a date night.
This popular food hall has concerts running most of the year. They start late, so while it might be a better fit for older kids, they are still family-friendly events!
Head for the Dallas Zoo on Saturday nights to enjoy live music, food, and of course, your kids' favorite animals! The show starts at 7 p.m., but you can arrive earlier.
Every Tuesday night there's a free concert held in Old Town Lewisville, at Wayne Ferguson Plaza. There are two bands, and the show starts at 7 p.m. Dogs are welcome, and you can bring your own food, but there are food vendors like Righteous BBQ, TM Ice Cream and more.
Atlanta summers are for real. Stay cool at these Atlanta splash pads and sparygrounds
Summer is starting to sizzle in Atlanta, y’all. Thank goodness for a super selection of Atlanta splash pads and spraygrounds where your little firecrackers can cool their jets. Read on to find out which spouts of refreshing water are our favorite spots below. And in these ever-changing times, check for hours of operation and seasonal availability before you load everyone up and slather on the sunscreen.
Swift-Cantrell Park’s splash pad offers cool, wet fun in a 3,200-square-foot motion sensor-fueled water amenity. You’ll find a fountain spray, ground geyser, jet stream, magic mist and multiple sea silhouettes.
For fountains that will keep the kids entertained while you have a semi-adult conversation while dining on one of the local restaurants’ patios around downtown Alpharetta, head to the Town Center with a change of dry clothes in tow.
40 S. Main St. Alpharetta
Wills Park Recreation Center
Wills Park is Alpharetta’s Downtown Park and includes a 60-acre equestrian show facility, ten baseball fields, the newly renovated Wills Park Pool, three playgrounds—including a splash pad perfect for toddlers—six tennis courts, an 18-hole disc golf course, and plenty of green space on 120 acres.
This Norcross splash pad is at the bottom of a cool multi-story waterfall feature that cascades down several steps. Bonus points for being near the Thrashers Stadium and Dreamland BBQ; this is a great reason to take a day trip to Norcross.
This Roswell splash pad is—as the name suggests—right on the bank of the Chattahoochee River, with a nearby playground for the kiddos when they need to dry out. There is also a large field, trails for strollers, and always plenty of people to play with at this spot.
Located in downtown Duluth, this spray fountain shoots water two stories into the air and is surrounded by smaller, gentler spouts around the main event. This spot is perfectly positioned near Duluth’s Town Green—don’t miss Fridays in Duluth for food trucks, movies, and more—this spot is convenient, fun, and cool.
Whether it’s the dining, the shopping, or the Braves that’s taken you to Battery Atlanta thus far, we’re pretty sure it’ll be the fountains that keep you heading back there all summer long. Located just outside the Terrapin Taproom and across from the green space, this water feature is the perfect place to cool your jets.
Six Flags Over Georgia Hurricane Harbor, Paradise Island
With a pirate ship, a gigantic climbing structure complete with nets, water cannons, dunking buckets, and slides, this colossal water feature inside Six Flags is the perfect remedy to a hot day at the amusement park (park guests get in free with park admission). And while Hurricane Harbor is a legit water park, Paradise Island is pure splash pad fun.
Located on the BeltLine, this park includes a new playground, a splash pad with a commissioned work of public art at its center by artist Robert Witherspoon, and a large pavilion that provides a break from the sun and a spot for a picnic.
Perfect for the peanuts who tire quickly of the same activity, this spray pad is located in the middle of a nearly 40-acre park that features a natural playground, a tot-lot for children age six and under, two pavilions, and a 1-mile walking trail.
This spray pad is perfect for your littlest party people with an entirely fenced-in perimeter and someone at the gate. There are two shaded areas inside the fenced area, but be sure to bring your chairs, or you’ll wind up on the rubberized surface (and a potential water obstacle by the frolickers).
After they work up a sweat on the nearby playground’s climbing structures, slides, swings, and rock walls, they’ll love hitting the adjacent splash pad. Jets emanate from the ground and overhead, and there are plenty of benches for caregivers and parents to watch while the littles get wet and wild.
The Legacy Fountain features more than 70 jets—reaching up to 30 feet in the air—that shoot from the ground with varying degrees of height and power. Perks include the spectacular city views, clean restrooms, and frequent food trucks to the park. For closest access to the splash pad, park in the parking deck off Monroe (near the Botanical Gardens).
Centennial Olympic Park delivers a Fountain of Rings music and water show four times a day. Water spouts will delight your little one as you jam out to tunes like Chariots of Fire and Under the Sea. Situated in the trifecta of downtown attractions—the Aquarium, the Children’s Museum, and the World of Coca-Cola—it’s easy to add a run through the rings into your itinerary for maximum fun.
The Children’s Fountain at Atlanta Botanical Garden
Among the improvements to the Children’s Garden at the Botanical Garden is a larger splash pad—twice the size of the previous area—with additional seating for parents and caregivers.
Amazon is famous for being the go-to place for everything. The online retailer already has plenty of programs that meet our household, grocery and personal needs, but hiding amongst the ordinary lie quite a few surprising and amazing products. Keep scrolling to see some of the most interesting and useful things to buy on Amazon that you might not have known were there.
Whether you're looking for a backyard retreat, in-law suite or a vacation home, you can find just what you need in the shape of a tiny home! With several sizes and styles to choose from, adding a mini mansion to your shopping cart has never been easier. For a cool $8,560, this Allwood Somersby Garden House can be all yours––free shipping included!
Kids love ladybugs? Or are you just trying to get your garden in check by ridding it of aphids and moths? Either way, Amazon sells live ladybugs and they are guaranteed to stay that way upon delivery! For just $6, you can snag 1,500 of these adorable bugs that are bound to make your kiddos and garden happy.
Tired of having your water bottle be slightly too big to fit in your car cupholder? The Joytutus Cup Holder Expander makes it so you don't have to worry about how big your water bottle is. Your put the expander in the cup holder, and any bottle will fit!
There's nothing quite like the taste of fresh guacamole but you can't always eat an entire batch in one sitting. Luckily, the Guac-Lock is here to keep that pesky browning at bay. Pack the container, use the attachment to push up the base and squeeze out excess air and enjoy brown-free guac whenever you want.
Winter brings lots of smelly and cold doggies, but the Puff-N-Fluff makes drying a breeze. Just pop your pup in the suit and attach your hairdryer to the hose to give your furry friend the total spa treatment. The genius contraption is also great for dogs who are scared of hairdryers!
Rather than vet out tons of house cleaners to get your home spick and span, just trust Amazon Home Services! The online marketplace offers home installation services, and it couldn't be easier to book. They have all sorts of services to meet your home installation needs.
Shaving your legs in the shower always proves to be a dangerous fete, but no more! The Safe-er Grip Foot Rest simply suctions to your shower wall, providing that much-needed support when you don't have a built in ledge or stool. Who knew?
Why bother with a hand shovel or trowel when you can just dig in with your own Gardening Claws? Your unruly weeds have met their match when you slip on a pair of these Marvel-esque gloves that guarantee a fit like a second skin and claws that don't dare fall off.
Holding a pot at the right angle so you pour your pasta and hot water into the right spot can be such a strain! This handy Snap N Strain Pot Strainer makes it much easier with no lost noodles in the process.
Make your own drinking fountain at home with the Tapi! The BPA-free rubber slip-on contraption slides over most taps and with a simple squeeze turns any faucet into an instant fountain! Cut down on last minute "I need water" requests and senseless dirty cups. No promises that this fun gadget won't become a water squirter!
They said it, you listened. This thoughtful Gift of Nothing requires no extra wrapping and is perfect for friends and family who refuse to give you gift ideas.
Cutting watermelon will be a challenge no more with this Watermelon Cube Slicer! This tool is designed so you get the perfect cube every time and it's absolutely kid safe.
Take a chill pill, ’90s kids! We’ve gathered your favorite foods of yesteryear into one nostalgic roundup of ’90s candy and snacks. Some are discontinued, and some are downright dated (hello, Bubble Beeper!), but they’re all guaranteed to inspire a few choice cravings.
Sure, these were just a smaller version of Butterfingers, but there was an irresistible Simpsons tie-in. And if Butterfinger BBs were good enough for the Bartman, they were good enough for us '90s kids.
The '90s elixir known as Cherry Coke was the cherry-flavored soda of choice. It had the taste of a classic fountain drink and the rad packaging that was quintessential 1990s.
Sure, Fruit by the Foot is still around today—but the '90s version was extra psychedelic and almost 50% sugar, which may account for about a decade of sugar highs.
Dunk-a-roos were basically the currency of the '90s playground. Bite-sized cookies that you could dunk into super sweet frosting? It was a kid's dream-come-true.
We're not sure where the "fruit" factors into these jelly candies that explode neon goo, but we know that Fruit Gushers were responsible for many a blue tongue in the 1990s.
The answer to all your yogurt mobility problems of the 1990s! Since this snack can still be found in lunchboxes today, it's clear Gogurt was the yogurt of the future.
Ring Pops were the most popular bling of the '90s and the very best reason to eat your jewelry. Why would you want a boring ol' lollipop when you could have a Ring Pop?
From stuffed crust to pizza rolls, the 1990s were kind of a big deal for pizza. And nothing topped Totino's, or the feeling of victory when you found them in the freezer after school.
What '90s kid could resist the rainbow-in-a-cup that was Trix Yogurt? Per Trix rules, it was "just for kids," so if the exclusivity didn't get ya, the flashy commercials sure would.
It's a tried-and-true fact that the way to a kid's stomach is with brightly colored, weirdly-shaped snacks. That's why it should be no surprise that Cheetos Paws were such a hit.
Ah, PB Max, we hardly knew ye! This peanut butter-and-chocolate candy bar (with a cookie thrown in!) wasn't around for long, but it'll always have a place in '90s kids hearts.
Real talk: Kudos were supposedly a healthier alternative to candy bars. All we remember is that they were chock-full of chocolate and topped with candy.
Few things make parents happier than finding free entertainment, especially when it involves water play on a hot summer day. Gather your pennies — so, um, we guess it’s not totally free — because we rounded up water fountains worthy of your wishes. Some you can actually play in! From the world-famous and massive to the tiny and refreshing, these fountains in Chicago will put a smile on your face and a click in your camera.
You'll find it hard to find a spot to throw your wishful pennies, but Crown Fountain at Millennium Park should top your bucket list of must-see Chicago fountains. Completed by Spanish Artist Jaume Plensa in 2004, this fountain is unique because of its use of modern mixed media (light, LED display and water). Pack a swim diaper and change of clothes because the fountain's two 50-foot glass-brick towers joined by a 232-foot long granite pool invite visitors to ditch their shoes and take a respite from the summer sun. The faces appearing on the towers were taken from a cross-section of 1,000 Chicago residents and are modern interpretations of traditional gargoyles in fountains from which water, a symbol of life, flows from an open mouth. The fountain is open daily mid-spring to mid-fall.
You might know it as the “Storks at Play” fountain. Officially, the fountain is named for its donor after he bequeathed money making its 1881 installation possible. Tiny visitors will enjoy the whimsical bronze birds spewing water from their beaks and will be in awe of the half-boy, half-fish creatures holding large fish that appear to come alive, splashing in the water. Tall bronze reeds and cattails protrude from the center of this stunning fountain that serves as the centerpiece for the formal garden just south of the Lincoln Park Conservatory.
East of N. Stockton Dr. & South of Lincoln Park Conservatory, Lincoln Park; Online: chicagoparkdistrict.com
A list isn't complete without mentioning this Grant Park gem, arguably the most well-known fountain around. Open to the public in 1927, architect Edward H. Bennett designed it to be a focal point for Grant Park without obstructing views of Lake Michigan, in which it was designed to symbolize. The enormity of the lake is embodied by the 15,000 gallons of water re-circulated every minute and the water displays that shoot as high as 150 feet from the ground—something that’s guaranteed to impress the kids! The four states that border Lake Michigan are represented in the four sets of Art Deco-style sea horses in the massive lower basin. The fountain runs from 8 a.m.-11 p.m. daily from May to mid-Oct. and a 20-minute water show begins every hour on the hour.
Make this a must-see on your next trip to The Art Institute. You'll have to pay general admission to enter the museum to see it — however, children under 14 enter free and Illinois residents get free admission every Thursday evening from 5-8 p.m. A calming sight, it was designed by famed Swedish sculptor Carl Milles and was dedicated in 1931. It's the centerpiece of the 11,000-square-foot McKinklock Memorial Park, located off the museum cafe and flanked by beautiful Dutch Elm trees. The park is open for dining in the summer and offers plenty of space to stretch little legs.
Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S. Michigan Ave., Loop; Online: artic.edu
Simply known as "Time", artist Lorado Taft's creation is thought of as the most monumental piece of art in Chicago's Public Art Program and was the first to be completed using concrete. It was created in 1920 as a monument to the first 100 years of peace between the U.S. and Great Britain. Across a reflecting pool, Father Time looks over 100 figures representing birth, the struggle for existence, love, family life, religion, poetry and war. If you want to leave the deep, philosophical discussion aside, just take in its beauty, toss some pennies and snap a few pics. The sheer mass and intricacy of the 110-foot-long sculpture will make this visit to Washington Park a treat.
This bubbling beauty is photo opp gold. It was dedicated in 1982 by Chicago’s first female mayor, Jayne Byrne. Moved from its original location on Upper Wacker Dr., you'll now find it just south of the Chicago History Museum. Turn a trip there into a game of I Spy. Can you spot the frolicking children, musical instruments and arching cranes? Adults will simply appreciate its artfulness. It stands four tiers tall and has a scallop-shaped granite basin as the base. Shapely stairs lead to the fountain where you’ll find a plaque dedicating the fountain to all Chicago children who take from our past to better our future.
North of W. North Ave. & East of N. Clark St., Lincoln Park; Online: chicagoparkdistrict.com
We’ve shown you where to toss your wish-carrying pennies and dip your toes, but how about where to wet your whistle? Lincoln Park Zoo has a trio of sculptural drinking fountains that put the old-school drinking fountains to shame. Just west of the Kovler Lion House, you’ll find “Lion Fountain” which depicts a lion pride — an adult male, adult female and three small cubs mounted on a bronze podium where they appear to be sharing a drink with their human friends. North of the Regenstein African Journey near Conservatory Gate is the home to “Elephant Fountain". A bronze mama and baby elephant wait patiently for visitors to supply them with a cool drink. Lastly “For the Young at Heart” at the Pritzker Family Children’s Zoo features a rabbit, dear, raccoon and nut-carrying squirrel frolicking near its three spouts.
Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N. Clark St., Lincoln Park; Online: lpzoo.org
Three acres at the Chicago Botanic Garden are dedicated to more than 150 varieties of roses, almost 5,000 roses altogether! The shades of these blooms get lighter as visitors near the focal point of the rose garden, the Rose Petal Fountain, a cast-concrete bubbler in the shape of a Tudor rose. Streams of water in varying shapes and heights shoot from its center. Neighboring the fountain, kids can rest their legs and find shade amongst the fragrant climbing roses on the Cedar Arbor.
Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe; Online: chicagobotanic.org
Mickey’s Toontown is about to get a makeover. Disney shared the exciting news this week that the beloved area of the park will close in March 2022 to undergo a major upgrade.
The reimagined Mickey’s Toontown is set to reopen in early 2023 and will be the home of new attraction, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway. Not only that, but Imagineers plan on creating new play experiences and lots of open place spaces for fun and relaxation.
Toontown will be packed with new sights, sounds, and sensations where kids can enjoy active and tactile play where they can play, slide, spin, splash and touch.
Families will also get to enjoy CenTOONial Park with two interactive play experiences, including a fountain with water tables and dreaming tree with sculpted tree roots ready for play.
Plenty of more news awaits leading up to the reopening so stay tuned!