Every summer, my daughter, Stella, and I rejoice when the playground sprinklers come on
When Stella was a baby, I dangled her over the glittering, piercing cold spray as she squealed with laughter. Soon she learned to walk, staggering through them, bucket and shovel in hand. Every year I could step back a little more from her, eventually watching from the park bench with the other parents. Before I knew it, she was biking through them with the other big girls.
Then, the summer before Stella entered first grade, we arrived at the park on the first hot day, as always. “Where is everyone?” I asked another mom, looking around. Where were the scooters and bikes, the jump ropes, the chattering, the hand-clapping games? “Avocado, avocado, is the name of the game, if you mess up I will change your name!” The park had been taken over by nannies and parents with babies sleeping or drooling on their shoulders.
“So where’s Maddie?” I asked Maddie’s mom.
“Camp, of course.” Maddie’s mom laughed.
“You didn’t sign up Stella?” another dad asked.
I soon learned that parents in my neighborhood didn’t choose just one camp. They piled them like wedding cake layers, one atop another. The first week of July brought Mandarin immersion mornings with synchronized swimming afternoons. Then followed two weeks of zoo camp, a ballet program with gymnastics, Mathnasium every Tuesday and Wednesday, a week of cooking school, and then two weeks of horseback riding. One mom sent her daughter to join a circus. She really, truly did.
“So what’s Stella doing?” Maddie’s mom leaned over to observe my daughter peering down a disgusting drain clogged with leaves and hair. “She’s just doing more of… this?”
“This, yes!” I nudged my kid’s hand away from the dirty drain, washing it in the sprinkler. “And field trips!”
If working at a school has prepared me for anything, it’s managing a field trip. (That I’m a librarian is just a bonus.) The build-up of anticipation, the meticulous coordination of details, and…coming home to reflect on the experience and make a project. Anything could be a field trip, even the hardware store! And I didn’t even have to bother with permission slips and emergency numbers.
That night, I stayed up late googling museums and free activities—there was hip-hop dance in the park!—and penciling in library craft activities at branches within ten miles. There was no reason we had to go to our local branch; we could travel anywhere and check out books with our three different library cards. We’d officially start our “sprinkler summer” filled with a sprinkling of activities.
For the first couple of weeks, I dealt with my anxiety and competitive streak by telling myself and others, “Stella has a coding class at the library tomorrow. On Friday, she does tie-dye.” We registered for all the free classes—our safety net—but we didn’t show up when the sprinklers beckoned.
We invented new routines, like frozen yogurt Thursdays, or writing illustrated letters to grandma once a week and mailing them ourselves. We scheduled all playdates for 4 p.m. when Stella’s friends finished camp. We carried a bulging blue Ikea bag to the playground and filled it with chalk, biodegradable water balloons, soap bubbles, a parachute, and pail and shovel, and spilled it out for everyone to share. We made friends of all ages. We became known as the family that always had chalk. We even got 3-D chalk that you wore special glasses to see in its vibrating neon glory.
If this makes it sound like I did every single thing myself homemade and by myself—I didn’t. I hired babysitters and asked for help from grandmas and my partner. I used the TV in times of need.
Was our first sprinkler summer a success? I still had doubts that summer before first grade. Then one August day, Stella and I sat outside the Natural History Museum finishing our peanut butter sandwiches. Three yellow school buses pulled up, and a counselor marched dozens of kids off the bus. The first busload wore red shirts; the second busload, orange; and the third, green.
“Do you wish you could be with them?” I asked.
“No,” she said. “Or maybe just for three days or five minutes.”
I laughed.
“What color shirt should we wear for our camp, Mama?”
“Whatever design you want,” I said. “It’s all yours.”
When it comes to meeting furry and feathered friends, there’s nothing like getting up close and personal with primates, pups, pigs and more. Luckily, LA (and the surrounding area) offers plenty of exciting, educational animal encounter opportunities—you could even spend the night at these California farm stays. Whether it’s you that loves to love on llamas or your animal-obsessed kid, here are the best places—from sanctuaries and rescue centers to farms—to interact with animals in the Los Angeles area.
Have you ever hugged or kissed an alpaca? This might be your best chance! Southeast of Santa Barbara, this easy day trip (1.5 hours from DTLA) is worth the drive once you see all the alpacas (plus llamas, horses, sheep, buffalo and now chickens!) on this farm. Advance reservations required for the 1-hour tour.
PS: Carpinteria is known for the annual avocado festival that takes place annually in Oct.
Hours: Fri.-Sun. Rates: $30 for adults; $25 for kids, under 2 are free
Best Place to Milk a Goat & Try Archery: Gilchrist Farm
Your little farmer can milk a goat, ride a pony, tour the farm by wagon or barrel train, or try their hand at archery and axe-throwing at Gilchrist family farm tucked into the hills of Santa Clarita. The menagerie of friendly critters includes goats, ducks, chickens, peacocks, geese, pigs, sheep, cows, bunnies and an African tortoise—and all of them are available for visits.
Hours: Sat. & Sun. from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; Goat milking takes place at 10 a.m. & noon Jun.-Dec. Cost: $5 and includes meet-and-greets with the farm's menagerie of animals (including the petting zoo). All other activities must be booked separately, and prices vary. Archery and axe throwing are $15 each; Wagon & train rides are $5 each; Pony and horse rides are $7-25 (ponies and horses are not available if it's too hot out).
Calling all Fido and feline fans! Wallis Annenberg PetSpace is filled with animal fun. There's an education center, kids can observe training demonstrations, visit the Health Center, meet adoptable pets Wed.-Sun. as well as read to furry friends Sat. & Sun. at noon.
Don't miss Critter Corner—a special spot that highlights animal friends like rabbits, hamsters and birds that also need forever homes.
Hours: Wed.-Sun. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Cost: Free admission although some programs may have a fee and require advance reservations.
Best Place to Peep a Porcupine: Wildlife Learning Center
If feeding a giraffe or getting up-close with a porcupine is on your bucket list, now's the time to check off those boxes. The sanctuary houses more than 50 different species of zoo-born and rescued animals, from a Bermese python and an American alligator to a bald eagle and two-toed sloth.
Want something more personal? Book the "Zoofari Tour" which includes a 45-minute guided walk around the grounds plus the chance to have at least one special encounter with an animal (you get to choose between touching an armadillo or feeding a giraffe or porcupine). The pricier 90-minute "Adventure Tour" offers a guided walk plus the chance to do all of the above experiences and more (sloths are involved!). Both tours are led by one of the center's biologists.
Good to Know: The Wildlife Learning Center recently re-opened to visitors Tues. & Thurs. Advanced reservations recommended but not required.
Hours: Tues. & Thurs. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Cost: Adults $15; Children $13; kids under 3 are free
Best Place for a Playdate with Ponies: Peter Weber Equestrian Center
If you're in the South Bay and you've got a little one who loves horses (or goats, pigs, alpacas, tortoises, bunnies, and sheep!), a visit to Peter Weber Equestrian Center makes the perfect playdate.
You can hang with a menagerie for $50 for up to three kids. For that, you'll have the entire petting zoo area all to yourselves for 30 minutes, which means your little animal-lovers can pet the goats and sheep, feed the bunnies, touch the tortoise—then play in the enclosed play area that includes a small slide perched on bales of hay, two giant rocking-horses, and a make-believe Wild West jail facade that's perfect for Instagram (#Jailbirds).
Hours: Open by appointment only, seven days a week Cost: $50 for three kids to mingle with the farm animals in the petting zoo for 30 minutes; $50 for a pony ride for up to three children
6401 Crenshaw Blvd. Rolling Hills Estates Online: pwecent.com
Best Place to Whisper with Wolves: Shadowland Foundation
Shadowland Foundation, a sanctuary dedicated to preserving and honoring wolves and their contribution to the environment, and what one of our editor's called, "life-changing"—includes a personalized tour and an opportunity to meet, pet and take pictures of (and with!) one or more of Shadowland's nine Alaskan Timber wolves.
Hours: Advance reservations for private sessions, which take place at 10 a.m. on Tues., Wed. and Thurs. Cost: $300 for five people (additional guests, $60 each). Recommended for children 8 and up due to the length of the tour/talk.
Best Place to Linger with Lorikeets: Aquarium of the Pacific
At the Aquarium of the Pacific, kids can explore exhibits like the Shark & Ray Lagoon, Seals & Sea Lion habitat, the Lorikeet Forest and the June Keyes Penguin Habitat. Kids will love the close encounters and you'll love watching the joy on your child's face when, for example, a colorful (and hungry!) Lorikeet lands on their arm, making it all worth it.
Best Place to Lounge with Lions: Moorpark Teaching Zoo
Calling itself "the living, breathing classroom for the Exotic Animal Training and Management program," the zoo (a part of Moorpark College) exists to educate its students on animal husbandry, training and care. Purchase advance reservations to be able to see more than 200 animals live at the 5-acre zoo, including alligators, geckos, monkeys, tigers, camels, snakes, lions and more.
Hours: Sat. & Sun. 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. with special live presentations at noon, 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Cost: $9 for adults, $7 for kids, under 2 are free
The Gentle Barn offers private tours along with cow hug therapy in addition to their virtual tours. The two-hour private tours will give you and your household a close-up look at all the animals that live at the Barn (as well as sharing their stories of rescue and recovery). Visitors will also learn about the history of the organization and its goals of teaching kindness and compassion to animals.
Hours: Open to the public on Sun.; Tickets much be reserved in advance Cost: Adults $22; Kids $12; children under 2 are free
Best Place to Sit with Sea Lions: Marine Mammal Care Center
The Marine Mammal Care Center in San Pedro is a hospital with a very different kind of patient: Inhabitants here are mostly baby seals who have lost their moms and cannot feed themselves, along with other sick or injured sea mammals. Your little animal lovers can see (from behind the fence line) a plethora of adorable harbor seals and California sea lions, learn how they are cared for and how helpers here prepare to return them to the wild. A docent leads a 15-minute tour of the center, tell you about the animals, and answers any questions that come up. Advance reservations, face coverings and social distancing will be required during your entire visit and there is a maximum of 8 people in each party per 15 minute tour.
Hours: Sat.-Sun. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Cost: Admission is free but $5+ per person donations are encouraged
Best Place to Giggle with Gibbons: Gibbon Conservation Center
The Gibbon Conservation Center is a nonprofit center dedicated to the study and conservation of gibbons, small apes from the forests of Asia. More than 40 gibbons live here in family groups, which allows kids to see up close how these animals live and take care of their young. Please note there is no physical contact with the animals allowed.
Hours: Guided tours are available on Sat. & Sun. at 10 a.m. Cost: Adults, $18; students & teens, $15; kids 3-12, $7; Children under 3 are not allowed at this time.
Visit the 26-acre Farm Sanctuary to meet rescued cows, pigs, turkeys, and other farm animals. Tour reservations are currently required, and visitors can expect to learn about the importance of humane treatment for farm animals and the effects of animal farming to the world's ecosystem during the hour-long tour.
Hours: Fri.-Sun.; 11 a.m-2 p.m. Cost: Adults, $15; kids $8; kids under 3 are free
Best Place to Pal around with Pythons: STAR Eco Station
Meet parrots and pythons and piranhas—oh my! Kids, from babies to teens, can tour Eco Station to see a host of exotic rescued wildlife. Tours are required for admission, and each is led by an expert Eco Station staff member who explains the habits and history of hundreds of rescued exotic animals. The tour also features exhibits on the current challenges facing the environment and offers tips on how to help save the planet through small changes at home and at school.
Hours: Tours start every hour on Sat. & Sun. from 10 a.m. with the last tour starting at 3 p.m. Cost: Adults, $12; Kids, $10
10101 Jefferson Blvd. Culver City Online: ecostation.org
Winterland at Gallagher Way has gotten a major upgrade this holiday season—and, for the first time, visitors can step inside Wrigley Field to take part in the festive fun
Whether you’ve never been to Winterland at Gallagher Way or it’s a key spot on your Chicago holiday circuit, this year has big changes (and a much bigger footprint!) that both new and returning visitors will be experiencing for the first time. For those unfamiliar, Gallagher Way is the park right outside the west side of Wrigley Field, the home of the Chicago Cubs. On game days, it acts as an entryway into the stadium, as well as an area in which ticket holders can spread their legs and watch the game on the 40-foot video screen. On non-game days and outside of baseball season, it acts as a town center with activities and events for all ages throughout the year—from free movie nights, fitness classes, and musical performances.
And for several winters now, this popular section of the Wrigleyville neighborhood has transformed into a beautiful, bustling, North Pole right here in the city.
Historically, the centerpiece has been the Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville. Christkindl markets throughout Chicago (the flagship location is at Daley Plaza) are known for their German traditions, including wooden hut structures occupied by vendors of diverse hand-crafted gifts, scrumptious food, and seasonal drink options. Make a bee-line to the raclette stand for the best melted cheese sandwich of your life. Also be sure to pick up a commemorative mug filled with Gluhwein (hot spiced wine) or hot cocoa. You can bring your mug back year after year for a discount on refills, or start a collection of mugs from every year.
Up until this year, the Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville has been set adjacent to a sizable ice rink. New this year however, Gallagher Ice Rink has been moved into Wrigley Field along with a number of other fun activities. In its place, a carousel now thrills kids of all ages as it circles under the twinkling lights of the market. The carousel being considerably smaller than the ice rink allows more breathing room for shoppers as they browse through all the stands, take pictures by the imposing Christmas tree, or enjoy the live music and performances just below it.
Winterland at Gallagher Way
Winterland at Gallagher Way is technically located within the hallowed walls of Wrigley Field. You know that feeling you get when you enter a stadium from the dark concourse tunnel . . . when you are momentarily blinded by the light, then happily overwhelmed by all there is to take in, and can just taste the excitement of the crowd? That is the feeling you get walking into Winterland. As you enter from left field, immediately on your right are holiday-themed carnival gaming stations. Straight ahead is the Infield Express train that travels the same baselines as baseball's greats, and a Hot Cocoa Cup ride (akin to a more classic teacup ride) for small children. To the left you'll find a Tilt-a-Whirl (Winter Whirl), a tubing hill (Wintertube), and of course the ice rink.
Ice Skating
The Gallagher Ice Rink is as big as ever, but it's sectioned off for ice bumper cars. Just behind the rink is where you can pick up your rentals and sign a waiver.
Insider Tip: Everyone in your party must get in this line, whether they are getting rentals or not. You still need to sign the waiver and get a bracelet that will allow you on the ice. It's here that you may also obtain an assigned time slot for ice bumper cars. If people in your party have their own skates, they can work on putting them on while someone else waits in line, but they must come back to the line to have their bracelet put on them by a staff member.
Although the ice bumper cars give assigned time slots, plenty of visitors don't realize this and instead line up alongside the arena. Therefore, at your assigned time, you should check in with the attendant to see if you still need to get on the line, or if they can get you on the ice right away.
It's not all ice sports at Winterland: there's even a Santa! Santa's Workshop, located in the lobby of the Premier Entrance (under the marquee) is open through Dec. 18 on Fridays from 3-8 p.m., and on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Meeting Santa and taking pictures with your own camera is free, and professional photos are available for purchase.
Along the left field wall, private chalets are available for rent, and just above third base there is The Lodge for purchasing food and drinks or warming by the fire pits. Bathrooms are located back in the main concourse. (Christkindlmarket bathrooms are located in the Cubs building next to The Lucky Door.)
Winterland, as a whole, is enveloped in holiday decorations and blaring holiday music. On Thursday nights from Dec. 1-22 at 6 p.m., you can enjoy a free outdoor holiday movie on either the Gallagher Way or Wrigley Field video boards while you walk (or skate!) around.
The combination of Winterland and the Christkindlmarket hits every festive note. Holiday lights? Check. Holiday music? Check. Shopping? Check. Fun activities? Check. Seasonal food and drinks? Check. Santa? Check, check!
Does this all sounds too good to be true?
Costs and Crowds
Well, it isn't without cost. While the Christkindlmarket is still free to walk around, entry into Winterland does cost $5 per person (children under three are free), and each activity, including the carousel in the market, requires additional tickets. Whereas ice skating used to be free if you brought your own skates, it is now $12 to skate and and additional $8 to rent.
An activity ticket costs $4. All the rides and games (except for the ice rink and ice bumper cars) cost one ticket. Rink access is three tickets, skate rental is two tickets, and ice bumper cars are four tickets (that's $16!) for a five-minute session.
Buy tickets online or at the Wrigley Field Box Office on Clark Street. Activity tickets can also be purchased online or once inside the ballpark. Carousel tickets can be purchase with a credit card while standing in line from the attendant, or in the ballpark for use after you leave Winterland.
However, your best bet is to purchase the Peppermint Pack online in advance. This bundle costs $30 and includes your admission into Winterland as well as 10 attraction tickets (a $45 value.)
Interestingly, the cost does not seem to be keeping anyone away. Be aware that it can get exceptionally crowded on the weekends, particularly with mild weather. It is also very important to note that while you can stay inside Winterland as long as you like, there is no re-entry if you leave!
Dates
Winterland runs through Sunday, Jan. 8. Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville runs through Dec. 31.
With the temps dipping and kids going a little stir crazy (parents too), now is the perfect time to bust out those virtual exercise programs. Yoga with music, Gyminny Kids and classes from the YMCA are a few of our favorites. Keep scrolling to get some great ideas on indoor exercise resources for kids.
photo: Yo Re Mi
Yo Re Mi
Looking for a positive screen time solution with no ads? The Yo Re Mi app keeps your children active, engaged and learning without stress. These fun and exciting kids’ yoga adventures encourage daily movement, music and mindfulness. Sing, stretch and breathe together at home, at school or on the go!
Rising New York Road Runners’ Active At Home
Parents, students and teachers can access individual and family activities to keep active with Rising New York Road Runners’ Active at Home. Kids can also download activities that include photos and instructions in addition to videos from Olympic Medalist Jenny Simpson.
HomeCourt
This app allows kids to master skills for sports like soccer, basketball, football and more, all from your own home. Practice inside, in the garage or backyard, and get feedback from real coaches. You can choose exercises based on different categories like agility drills, ball handling and skill challenges. Find out more over at HomeCourt.
The Little Gym at Home
Missing your Little Gym time? Head online where littles can still enjoy the “Hello Song,” warm-up, movement activities, balls and bubbles, the “Goodbye Song” and more. Check out a few options at The Little Gym.
Gyminny Kids
Check out daily live streams on Gyminny Kids’ Instagram and Facebook pages, where kids (and parents!) can enjoy fun classes like dancing, gymnastics, art and story time
YMCA 360
The YMCA is offering free classes to anyone, membership or not. The classes available include the Y’s most popular group exercise classes like Boot Camp, Barre, Yoga and low impact programs for seniors. Click here to see the entire list.
Cosmic Kids Yoga
Cosmic Kids Yogavideos are specifically designed for kids ages three and up. They are sorted by age and activity level, so an easy beginner video would be suitable for younger children whereas a more advanced video would be a good fit for your active older child.
Go Noodle
Go Noodle videos keep kids active with silly songs that get kids up on their feet.
Jack Hartman Music Channel
Jack Hartman Music Channel videos incorporate learning activities, such as sign language, math and science with exercise.
The Body Coach
The Body Coach offers videos for all ages and activity levels.
Circletime
Circletime is a site designed for kids ages 0-6. There are a variety of lessons available from sing-alongs to yoga.
Alo Yoga
Alo Yoga offers free 5 minute yoga and meditation videos for kids.
Moovelee
Moovelee videos are perfect for toddlers who need to get moving while they are stuck at home. Adorable animated monkeys will entertain them and encourage them to get up on their feet.
Family Fun Cardio
Family Fun Cardio offers fun videos that will get the entire family up and active together. Featuring challenges with incentives, such as who gets to choose what to have for dinner that night, the kids will be excited to workout.
Yoga Ed
Yoga Ed offers a variety of videos from 10 to 30 minutes in length focusing on different yoga practices.
Little Sports
Little Sports features 15 minute videos that incorporate a variety of exercises.
Enjoy livestream mediation for kids from Vibras Meditation on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Great for kids four to 11, classes take place via Zoom and include new routines every class.
We took a cue from Mr. Rogers and looked for the helpers, and when we did, we found some truly inspiring parents. Theses local moms and dads remind us that simple ideas really can make a big difference in the lives of others. Read on to discover Seattle parents who are making a difference and keep the good vibes rolling!
It wasn’t the pandemic that inspired Alison Scott to try her hand at entrepreneurship. It was her years of experience as a pediatrician, watching parents share the same questions and concerns that lead her develop babydocbox. This northeast Seattle mom of two launched babydocbox in November. It’s a thoughtfully curated subscription box that puts a pediatrician’s expertise at parents’ fingertips. Each themed box focuses on a different first-year developmental milestone, like sleep, feeding and illness to name a few. The boxes are filled with high-quality, safe, practical and fun products from local small businesses (and a few big ones too), alongside practical tips and advice straight from the pediatrician’s mouth. There’s a little something for moms in there too. (As a doctor, Scott realizes the seriousness of postpartum depression and includes postpartum resources and information in each box.) A year’s subscription includes six boxes, but parents can jump in any time during those first twelve months to get in on the action.
When the pandemic first hit, Tara Clark decided to call three friends each day just to check in on them. It was the call to her friend Vikki Cha that set things in motion for these three Seattle moms. Vikki was concerned about the impact the Pike Street Market’s closing would have on her parents, both farmers who sell their flowers there. So Tara offered to help, imagining she could sell the famed flowers on the sidewalk outside her Capitol Hill home. She spread the word through her social network and within five hours had pre-sold 50 dozen flowers to be picked up the next day. The next day she sold 100 dozen…then 200 dozen… then 250 dozen…and things blossomed from there.
Vikki, Tara and Xee worked non-stop those first few months coordinating with the Hmong farmers, and they saw first hand how excited people were to support the growers. As Tara explains, things came together organically, from the Mercer Island friend who sold over 100 dozen flowers on the island in a day, to a man who volunteered to build the group’s website, to connecting with Matt Galvin, co-owner of Pagliacci Pizza, who helped them set up pick-up spots in Madison Park, West Seattle and on Mercer. In the end, 53 Hmong growers sold with them and the season isn’t over yet.
Extra impact: Tara is also the force behind the Believe Love Unite signs you’ve probably seen (and possibly have) around town that start,“In this house, we believe…” Since she started selling the signs just three short years ago, she’s donated over $75,000 to non-profits like KUOW, The Village of Hope Seattle, Planned Parenthood, International Rescue Committee, It Gets Better Project and more.
Connect:Order flowers from the Pike Market growers through the end of the fresh flower season and get your Believe Love Unite merch here.
Donte Felder
courtesy Donte Felder
Award-winning teacher and father of four, south Seattle dad Donte Felder is the force behind the innovative South End Stories arts program. Funded by a Best Start Kids grant, the program focuses on engaging kids in four-dimensional learning experiences through the arts. Kids in the program make films, write poems and produce plays that are culturally-relevant and meaningful to them. Now going in to its third year, the program started at Orca K-8. It has since expanded to include partnerships with Pathfinder, Center School and Chief Sealth High School, and this summer it included free classes open to everyone. The programming was an invaluable resource for many kids during the pandemic, as they learned the basics of music production, how to create great characters and even got to deconstruct Hamilton, the musical. The team behind South End Stories’ innovative trauma-informed arts practice will offer another iteration this fall when students are engaged in distance learning.
Connect: Learn more about South End Stories, its programs and how to support it here.
Jane Park
Jane Park
When Jane Park, Queen Anne resident and mom to two teens, started Tokki in October of 2019, she had no idea where her next entrepreneurial adventure would take her. Then Covid hit, and in April she got a call from fellow entrepreneur Lisa Sun, CEO of Gravitas, saying her frontline worker friends were in need of fabric masks. Jane and Lisa put two and two together—Lisa’s sewing and design resources, and Jane’s 100% tight weave quilter’s cotton fabrics—and started making masks. Within a few hours, they had hundreds of orders. As Jane explains, they “wanted to do some good in these crazy times,” so the pair decided to donate one mask to a frontline worker in need for every mask purchased as a way to give back. To date, over 14,000 masks have been given away, many to the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance.
Extra impact: Everything about these masks is made is the USA, and the cotton fabrics are eco-friendly. They biodegrade in five months, compared to synthetic fabrics that take 20-200 years. Find out more about Tokki’s commitment to reducing their carbon footprint and being socially responsible.
The day the statewide school closures were announced, South Park resident and mom to two teens, Lashanna Williams got things together to cook hot breakfast for the kids in her community. As the Covid safety measures evolved, Lashanna realized she needed a way to feed people outside, where they could stay socially distanced. This is how the Neighborhood Pantries came to be. Lashanna and four neighbors—Shawna, Robin, Brad and Tim—got to work. They set out tent-covered tables in four different spots, started taking donations and planned buying trips using Tim’s truck to make deliveries. Each Pantry is stocked with food and other necessities, like soap, menstrual products and masks. For over 200 days the group has kept the tables going using 100% community-donated funds. Lashanna, working with organizations like Food Lifeline and Urban Fresh Food Collective, has also arranged food box pick-ups (about 300 each Friday) and hot meals for kids (about 400 weekly) at the South Park Community Center. Although the Neighborhood Pantries will scale back their offerings at the end of this month, the South Park Community Center efforts will continue.
Connect: Contribute to the Neighborhood Pantries and Fridge by Venmo-ing Lady Lashanna or help with area rent-assistance efforts online.
Erin Ashe & Rob Wiliams
Jackie Hildering
If you and the kids tuned in to the Virtual Marine Biology Camp last spring, you’re probably familiar with Seattle-based whale researchers, Erin Ashe and Rob Williams. When schools closed, they wanted to do something fun and engaging for their six-year-old daughter and her friends, so Rob texted 10 families asking if they wanted to join their virtual marine biology camp. And that's where it all started. When the camp ended in May, over 30,000 kids had tuned in twice weekly on the Elevenses, from at least 10 different countries, to learn with Erin, Rob and their colleagues. The scientist parents loved connecting with curious kids and found their enthusiasm for all things whales and dolphins to be a bright spot in the early days of the pandemic. When the research season started, they had to close up camp, but they have plans to bring it back this fall.
Extra impact: Erin and Rob’s friend and colleague, Karen Sinclair spent hours transcribing episodes and combing through kids' questions to create this downloadable ebook everyone can enjoy.
Connect: Support Erin & Rob’s marine conservation efforts and get caught up on episodes of the Marine Biology Camp online. You can also follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to see where and what they're studying around the Sound. Psst... they'll be at the Ballard Locks until September 14 using a cool underwater sound device to protect the salmon, if you want to stop by.
Parents of the West Seattle BLM Mural
Erik Bell
In the heart of West Seattle you’ll find the collective work of this group of parents who are concerned about racial justice and are working for change. From the artists and organizers, to the volunteers, financers and vendors, the West Seattle Black Lives Matter mural is truly a group effort. One of the group’s organizers, Mary, noted that the mural is a way to amplify the voices and value the work of the artists who painted it (they were paid to work on this community project). It’s also, as art often is, an accessible point where anyone concerned about racial justice can reflect, interact and share their thoughts using a QR code. The group hopes the mural continues to be a focal point for racial justice and community building. They plan to keep up with the mural’s maintenance and will host a commemoration next year, with some community activities in between.
It was while on a walk in his West Seattle High Point neighborhood, passing signs congratulating graduating seniors, that Andrew Mead had an idea. He wanted to do something to help launch the neighborhood kids into their next life chapter, and he knew from experience that something as seemingly simple as a $500 scholarship could do just that. So Andrew is organizing a $10,000 fund to be divided into 20, $500 scholarships for High Point’s class of 2020. His scholarship goal is inspired in part by the High Point community vision that strives to “foster the development of a vibrant and caring community in High Point, committed to service, inclusiveness, lifelong learning and well being” and in part by the Martin Luther King, Junior scholarship, offered through the Mount Baker Community Club. Andrew and his wife, both local business owners, are parents to three young kids, and they want the seniors to know the community has their backs. His hope is to make this an annual award, and he plans to hand out this year’s scholarships in early October.
It was on a trail in upstate New York that Elisabeth Lepine stumbled upon a StoryWalk with her daughter. She was instantly struck by how engaged her kiddo was, running excitedly from sign to sign to see what happened next. When she returned home, she knew she needed to bring this same exciting literary outdoor adventure to her local community. She recruited friends Jasmin Thankachen and Beth Yost, and together these Eastside moms started PopUp StoryWalk. They see the PopUp StoryWalk as a way to bring the community together. From working with local publishers, writers and illustrators, to highlighting local indie bookstores on each book’s end panel, these moms are thoughtful in their approach to making literature accessible and equitable. This fall (and beyond) families can find PopUp StoryWalks at nearby parks and libraries in Seattle and on the Eastside.
Connect: See where the PopUp StoryWalk will be next or make a donation online.
Ming-Ming Tung-Edelman
courtesy Ming-Ming Tung-Edelman
Ming-Ming Tung-Edelman, who calls the Laurelhurst neighborhood home, has always been passionate about fashion and about helping refugee and immigrant women. An immigrant herself, this pharmacist mother of two teens was able to bring her passions together in 2016 when she started the non-profit Refugee Artisan Initiative. The program gives women artisans the chance to use their sewing skills to earn money and support their families, with the end goal of helping them become entrepreneurs. When Covid hit, Ming-Ming knew the RAI could help. She started a Go Fund Me and was able to raise enough money to make 75,000 masks for healthcare providers in the PNW.
The group has also started sewing BLM and Vote masks so people can wear what they believe. Twenty percent of these sales go to support the ACLU. Other innovative mask designs include the window mask, designed with people who are deaf and hard of hearing in mind, and the newly launched Sip ‘n’ Snack mask that will allow people to eat and drink without removing their masks.
For more than seven years, Redmond resident, Dhaarmika Coelho has been actively working to spread kindness in her community. She’s the mom of two daughters and the founder of Camp Kindness Counts, an Eastside non-profit working to “empower kids and families to embrace kindness as a core value to community building.” The program started as a summer camp for 15 kids in 2012, and has grown to include camps, family service days, partnerships with local school districts and more. It also led her to partner with University of California Berkely’s Greater Good Science Center to develop the Kind World Explorers guidebooks. Part of the Families Building Communities of Compassion initiative, these guidebooks bring research-based practices to parents, with a focus on fostering specific character traits like gratitude, generosity, forgiveness, authenticity and flexibility. In the time of Covid, Dhaarmika has continued the kindness summer camps virtually.
Extra impact: Families can download the free kindness curriculum developed by Camp Kindness Counts to enhance distance learning.
Connect: Learn more about Camp Kindness Counts or make a donation here.
When Seattleite Julie Keegan, mom of three, set out to start a leotard company over two years ago, she knew very little about the fashion and manufacturing industry. What she did know was that if she was going to bring a product to market, it would have to follow ethical practices, use organic materials and be sourced locally. Thus Beautiful Uproar was born. Julie’s company makes adorable striped leotards (sizes 2-14), with as little impact on the environment as possible. She’s considered everything about this product, from the California-grown cotton and 100% organic liners, to the eco-friendly packaging that’s fully compostable and recyclable (psst…even the backing on the sticker labels can be recycled). To further reduce the environmental impact, Julie uses a family-owned, Seattle business to manufacture the leotards, and that’s good for our local economy, too. What’s up next for this mom-prenuer? Giving back to the community through charitable donations.
Connect: Get your organic leotard from Beautiful Uproar online.
Ivan Kerbel
Ivan Kerbel
Like many parents in his Mount Baker neighborhood, Ivan Kerbel, father of two young kids, found himself in a familiar rock vs. hard place situation when schools shut down in spring—how to support kids' social, emotional and educational needs while trying to work. So he sat down and created the Nano School Project, aimed at connecting families based on geography, interests and kids’ ages as a way to solve this overwhelming problem. Since he started, he’s had more than 1,500 families fill out the group’s basic survey. With the help of a couple of UW computer science professors, he’s recently been able to pair families into nano groups of three to five kids. His model relies on things like safety, scheduling and pay for tutors being coordinated and decided hyper-locally. It’s here that groups are also addressing issues of equity, with many groups including one student in need and absorbing the cost. For Ivan this is about setting the right frame of mind around a real problem, understanding that doing something, whatever that may be, and using technology to bridge distances and gaps, is an important legacy we leave for our kids.
Need a hand keeping the kiddos entertained at home? It takes a village––and luckily for San Diego parents, there’s a loving village offering support via caring local museums, businesses and individuals. Your kids can enjoy free classes from the San Diego Zoo, a bunch of fun activities from the San Diego Padres, online classes like gymnastics with Gyminny Kids, virtual field trips with Helen Woodward Animal Center, concerts and radio shows from kid-fave band Hullabaloo, art lessons from San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum, an epic online learning experience from the good folks at Disneyland and so much more! Read on to see how help has arrived!
San Diego Padres: Compadres Kids Activities
The Padres are offering an array of family-friendly activities kids will enjoy while everyone is stuck indoors. There are FriarFit workouts, baseball-themed games/math problems, jokes, custom baseball card designs and a bunch of other fun activities for the whole family!
North County Gymnastics & the Gyminny Kids
Leap on over to Gyminny Kids’ Instagram page for virtual gymnastics classes via their live stream. Daily schedules are posted on Instagram and kids can participate in classes like kickbox cardio, floor skills and beam skills in addition to enjoying storytimes and learning boredom cures.
Helen Woodward Animal Center
Take a virtual field trip with Helen Woodward Animal Center. These excursions will include fun facts about their animal ambassadors and awesome STEM educational activities. Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
San Diego Zoo
For the next eight weeks, as part of San Diego Zoo Global’s effort to support the community during the ongoing pandemic, middle and high school teachers and students can gain access to 22 free, self-paced online courses covering a variety of taxonomic groups and individual animal species. Offered by San Diego Zoo Global Academy, these fun, fast-paced, interactive courses are designed to be completed by students in as little as one to two hours. They include video, images and quizzes to teach students about mammals, birds, primates, bears, reptiles, monotremes, marsupials and more. New San Diego Zoo Global Animal Species online learning modules will be made available each week—and they will remain online through May 24. The first week of free courses begins with an overview of cats and lessons on cheetahs, lions and tigers. Stick around through Week 8 to learn the difference between a wallaby and a kangaroo, and find out what on earth a pademelon is—hint: it’s not a fruit!
Students and teachers can click here to create an account and start learning.
Additionally, The San Diego Zoo offers a wealth of online opportunities. Kids can peruse their user-friendly A-to-Z guide on the most-asked-about species, many of which call the San Diego Zoo or the San Diego Zoo Safari Park home. This online resource offers an opportunity to learn more about familiar favorite plants and animals, as well as equally fascinating species that are lesser known. Middle school and high school students should check out the Zoo’s Science Blog which has intriguing posts like “The Scoop on Rhino Poop.” Readers can also access San Diego Zoo Global’s ZOONOOZ magazine, ZOONOOZ Online, which includes fascinating stories about wildlife and ongoing conservation projects around the world. New articles are posted on the website each week. San Diego Zoo Kids also has a YouTube channel where families can watch videos and learn information about animals, see fun stories, and experience hands-on activities and games. Here you’ll also find links to live wildlife cams and information about how to be a superhero to help save species.
San Diego Museum Council
While San Diego’s beloved museums and cultural institutions are currently closed due to COVID-19, the San Diego Museum Council has dozens of enriching virtual museum events, experiences, tours, educational resources and fun activities that San Diegans can enjoy from the comfort and safety of home. Whether you’re looking for educational resources to supplement home schooling, online lectures or events to break up the day, or fun DIY activities that kill boredom and inspire creativity, you can find options from an extensive list from 30+ local cultural institutions. Follow the San Diego Museum Council on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for daily tips and ideas from our member museums to explore #SDMuseumsatHome.
ZenTotz
The ZenTotz Program: Mindfulness, Meditation & Yoga for Youth! will provide free guided meditations, story-times and mindfulness lessons during the school closure. Follow @zen.totz on Instagram and tap their profile picture to view the live feed. Here’s their schedule of upcoming activities.
Hullabaloo
Head to Hullabaloo’s Facebook page to sing and dance with San Diego’s favorite kid-friendly band! Steve Denyes recently performed an hour-long concert you can see on March 20th of his Facebook feed. Mr. Steve also uploaded a good, old-fashioned Hullabaloo radio hour for the kids to listen to as well! Stay tuned for Steve’s weekly livestream show sponsored by Del Mar Highlands on Thursdays at 10 a.m.
Disneyland
Walt Disney Imagineers are inspiring creativity, curiosity, and innovation with “Imagineering in a Box.” This one-of-a-kind learning experience gives families a chance to dream, create, and build… right from home. Learn more about this free online program on Disney Parks Blogand share your fun with #ImagineeringinaBox!#Disney #BetterTogether.
Disneyland also has a fun series of Learning & Activity Sheets from Disney, Pixar and National Geographic. These make reading fun, and teaching easy! Crafted to use alongside your favorite books, the worksheets and guides engage kids in ways that are fun and enriching.
San Diego Public Library
People of all ages can register for the San Diego Public Library’s Spring into Reading program. Click here to visit their online library and see links to extensive resources to keep your kids enjoying books and stories. We think your kids will love BookFlix, a literacy resource that pairs classic children’s video storybooks with related nonfiction eBooks from Scholastic. This is an interactive way to build a love of reading and learning.
The New Children’s Museum
The New Children’s Museum’s Facebook page is full of fun art ideas for kids. They’re now offering coloring pages inspired by the Museum’s installations and spaces. Each week they’ll be releasing a few new coloring pages for kids to creatively color at home. This coloring page is inspired by their entry bridge mural, SMILE by artist PANCA, “because everyone could use a cheery smile right now.” Download and print the PDF here. Additionally, their Facebook page offers other artistic activities from making kaleidoscopes out of empty toilet paper rolls to DIY Marbling. Don’t miss their Toddler Time at home! Their Toddler Time programming will be available via their social media channels (Instagram, Facebook and Twitter) every Friday at 10 a.m.
It may seems a ways off, but summer is coming, and with that, time by the pool and at the beach. Which means now is the time to make sure your kid knows how to swim! Finding a place for swimming lessons for kids in NYC is not as easy as you might think. (Classes fill up fast around here!) That said, there are many options and pools around town offering both group and private swimming lessons for kids from qualified instructors. We’ve rounded up our favorites, from tried-and-true, to affordable, to brand new!
For a New Pool That's Always 90 Degrees: Goldfish Swim School
Goldfish Swim School
There's a new pool in town, and it's in the Gowanus section of Brooklyn. Goldfish Swim School's brand new, state-of-the-art pool will open on March 10. If your kid gets chilly in the water, never fear: this pool is kept at 90-degrees to ensure shiver-free swim lessons. (And parents can stay comfortable in the climate-controlled viewing area.) Weekly swim lessons are 30-minutes long and offered year-round with a low 4:1 maximum student-to-teacher-ratio to ensure that your child receives the most patience, supervision and guidance. Small group lessons are $140 month and are booked perpetually; you are auto-charged at the beginning of each month so you don't need to continually re-enrolling for sessions. Head to Goldfish's Swim Assessment to get a recommendation on what class your child should take, and signup using the handy Parent Portal. In addition to swimming lessons offered year round, Goldfish Swim School hold Family Swim, and they will also host your child's birthday party.
Penguin City Swim is one of the most relaxed businesses in this roundup, thanks to year-round rolling admission with monthly billing. If you’ve missed the sign-up deadline at a larger swim center, it’s worth getting in touch with Penguin City Swim. Owner Gordon Miles founded swim school Take Me To The Water, and then left to start Penguin City Swim to offer more specialized classes for both kids and adult. You'll find Penguin City Swim in four locations across the Upper East Side of Manhattan where classes are offered Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at various times. Private, semi-private, small group lessons are available, with 30-minute private lessons starting at $81 and small groups (1:4 ratio, starting at $55.) Penguin City Swim also has a 30-minute Water Babies/Aqua Tots class for $45. Unlike fancy “destination pools,” Penguin City Swim uses apartment complex pools—you can find descriptions of each on the company's site— and the flexibility factor is high: you can start and stop lessons at any time. The only catch: Maximum flexibility means fluctuating enrollment numbers, so Miles will only enroll students seven days in advance (to make sure he has space and an appropriate spot.
Four Upper East Side locations 212-717-2000 or 917-909-7946 Online: penguincityswim.com
For a Cool Pool & Community: Marlene Meyerson JCC
JCC Manhattan
The Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan is a bit of an urban oasis. The gorgeous 14-story complex is equipped with an amazing pool of varying depths that's heated and clean as a whistle. The goal of the JCC's aquatic program is to create confident, safe, strong swimmers, which it does with an extensive range of skill-tiered group classes and private lessons for children from six months to 14 years old. There's also an adaptive aquatics program that offers special needs group learn-to-swimclasses, private lessons, and water-based therapy options. The JCC is known for creating a feeling of community, so perhaps it’s no surprise that its swim lessons take place over six-month semesters, which allows swimmers to really get to know not only their teacher, but also their fellow swim students.
Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan 334 Amsterdam Ave. Upper West Side 646-505-4444 Online: jccmanhattan.org
For a Preschool Slant to Lessons: Imagine Swimming
Imagine Swimming is at a lot of pools around town, and they just opened a new flagship location on the Upper West Side at 752 West End between 96th and 97th. The new facility at the Paris building is custom built with busy families in mind, with a 90-degree pool, stroller parking, multifunctional private changing facilities and a comfortable lounge and viewing areas. Classes are personalized and rooted in play, with no more than four students per instructor. Each class is organized by age an ability. In addition to classes for infants, toddlers, children and adults, Imagine offers special programming during school breaks, holidays, and the summer months as well as an array of competitive swim teams, water polo and synchronized swimming. Imagine Swimming has rolling admissions so you can start at any time.
Numerous locations in Manhattan and Brooklyn 212-253-9650 Online: imagineswimming.com
More native New Yorkers have learned to swim at the Y than anywhere else. Convenience probably has a lot to do with it: With 24 locations spread throughout all five boroughs, it’s easy to find a nearby pool. Registration is open now, and lessons run for six to eight weeks and are organized according to skill and age, with students as young as six months and as old as 18. (Parent and baby classes happen here, too.) The potential downside to the Y?: Class size. At 10 to 12 kids, the classes are definitely are larger than many of the more expensive swim school offerings, but the price is very competitive. However, you can take private lessons at your local Y; inquire with your branch's aquatics director for info on pricing and availability.
Tip: A YMCA membership will shave 10% to 30% off your swimming class fee, and will give you an early edge when it comes to registration (members get early access), a big plus because classes do fill up fast.
Locations throughout the five boroughs Online: ymcanyc.org 212-630-9600
For an Old Standby: Asphalt Green
Asphalt Green
The granddaddy of NYC swim programs, Asphalt Green’s warm water and Olympic-size pools, highly trained instructors, and performance-based curriculum make it a favorite of kids and parents. The curriculum was developed in partnership with world-renowned coach Milt Nelms, who has worked with Olympic gold medalists Ian Thorpe, Natalie Coughlin, Dana Vollmer, and Missy Franklin. Classes run once a week per session and are broken down by age group: 0-36 months, 3-5 years, 5-8 years, 9-14 years and 15-17 years. In each of these age categories, there are classes for beginner, advanced, and intermediate swimmers. Specialty classes include lessons for children with special needs and clinics on specific strokes. Asphalt Green is also home of one of the top competitive swim teams in the Northeast. Classes are offered every day, and private lessons are scheduled based on pool availability. You must pay up front for the full session.
Tip: Downtown families may want to look into Asphalt Green’s Battery Park City facility at 212 North End Avenue.
555 East 90 St. Upper East Side 212-369-8890 x2082
For Free Lessons: New York City Department of Parks & Recreation
NYC Parks
You may already know that the oversees several free public pools located throughout the five boroughs. But did you know that it offers free, weekly, eight-week session group swimming lessons for children ages six through 17? Yep, it’s true. Surprise: Only a certain number of spots are available at each pool, and competition for these is fierce. The only way to secure a place in one of these free classes is through an online lottery. Classes are year round, but spring classes start March 21. For more information, go here.
Tip: These are large “general ed” style group swim lessons for children ages 6 through 17. If your child has special needs, doesn’t do well with crowds, or you prefer they learn with children near their own age, these lessons aren’t for you.
Being a parent in San Diego is great. There’s never a shortage of things to do and always great weather to do it in. But let’s face it, it is NOT cheap to live here! As a mama on a budget, I am always looking for fun, cheap or even better free ways to keep my toddler active. I have a compiled a list of FREE things to do with your kiddos this summer that I think you should check out. So let’s beat that summer cabin fever!
Waterfront Park
Located downtown San Diego on Pacific Highway, the park is open daily 8am – 6pm daily, the North and South fountain jets are on daily 11am – 7pm daily and the North and South reflection pool hours are 10:30 am – 7pm daily. This is where you take the kids to beat the heat and run them out for nap time! They can splash through the sprinklers, go to the park play area, have a picnic and get a sweet view of the ships in the harbor. The park play area is totally modern and funky, kids will love that it is designed slightly different than traditional parks. So pack up the fam on the hottest day and let them splish splash through the fountains and run wild in the park! Hopefully, they come home worn out and give mommy a much needed break! There is meter street parking surrounding the park and paid parking below.
This travelling, interactive folk music is a favorite amongst kids. The duo’s set have won tons of awards over the last 10 years. We’ve seen this concert a handful of times and my son loves it more each time. They generally do about a half hour set of children’s classic songs and the kids can totally engage with shakers, scarves and dancing. You can find their schedule up on their website. They travel all around San Diego to lots of different venues, we’ve personally seen them at two different libraries, at the park after Stroller Strides and the farmer’s market. All concerts are free!
Libraries throughout San Diego offer a variety of free classes and programs for kids of all ages. Our favorite is story time, aka “Babies & Books”, at the North Park Library. Every Friday at 10am we gather with other babies under the age of 2 to listen to a few stories being read, play with friends and toys, and of course, bubbles! The half hour is just perfect enough for the little’s attention span and they are very laid back and let you stay for a while after to play. I love taking my son here to interact, it is easily one of the best activities I found to stimulate his learning and social skills. Some of the other programs they offer for your littles include: “Yoga Story Time” and “Signing Story Time”.
Family movie night just got an upgrade! On Friday and Saturday nights at various park venues (and sometimes super cool places like the USS Midway) throughout San Diego, they show kid friendly movies for free! Some venues you do have to pay to park. A movie calendar schedule is posted on the website and you can decide if the time and the movie works for you and your family. There are even pre movie activities to engage in. Many parks will have concessions and food trucks, but you can bring your own snacks, some even allow you to bring the pup!
Mission Bay is one of the most beautiful and serene places in the city. I lived there for 5 years a different lifetime ago, pre kids. It’s also pretty big, if you didn’t know. I like bringing my son over by Fanuel Street. There is a large grassy area you can picnic or play around, bring the dog, bathrooms, a park and of course the bay. Kids LOVE sand, as I’ve learned. So with the bay, park and grass, this spot is the trifecta of fun. There’s also lots of areas for them to climb – your favorite as a parent, I know. There’s also plenty of shade to escape the beating sun. You also get to see all the fun things that go on at the bay – boats, jet skis, yoga paddle boarding and tons of people watching. There is a small parking lot or street parking.
I am born and raised in Brooklyn, New York and have been living in sunny San Diego since 2010. I have a beautiful son Bryson who is 18 months and his little brother is joining us in October 2018. I keep it real about parenting and believe in all things wellness.
In recent years, the city has become more and more bike-friendly. Re-establishment of bike lanes in NYC streets, convenient CitiBike stations slowly but surely expanding into the outer boroughs, and the occasional free helmet fitting and distribution events from the DOT have helped bikes regain their popularity as a way to get some exercise, move from one place to another, and just have fun! As you plan your summer trips and events, don’t forget to fit in some family bike-time at one of the many wonderful and kid-friendly biking spots in NYC. We’ve highlighted the best below!
Brush up on Your Skills with Bike New York and CitiBike
Before you take to the big-kid trails, you may want to refresh your memory — or learn to ride a bike in the first place. Luckily, a few of NYC's bike-loving groups have free classes and events for beginners to get the handle on biking, whether it's your kid who needs a lesson, or you. Learn to ride a bike from scratch with CitiBike's small group lessons, held every month in various locations. Click here for upcoming adult classes, and check out this list for kid classes. Or you can stop by any of Bike New York's bike Education Centers spread out around the boroughs for a free lesson. Click here to see a map with center locations.
Central Park is a fantastic place to start, since it's such a central location (pun intentional, sorrynotsorry). The park has paved bike trails that wind around the entire park, with entrances at different points for easy access. Bikers under age 14 are required to wear a helmet (although all riders are encouraged to wear one as well), and must obey the rules of the road since at various points bikes either share the path with pedestrians, or are intersected by pedestrian crossings. Since there are no cars, however, this is a perfect opportunity to learn the rules and practice your riding in a safe location.
Follow the trail map, which also highlights park bathrooms and key points of interest, to plan your path ahead of time (and maybe make some time to stop for a picnic). Don't have your own bike? No problem — bike rentals through BikeRent NYC are available at the SouthEast and SouthWest corners of the park.
Location: Manhattan. Bike rentals are located at East Dr. at 74th St., or Central Park West at 59th St. (Columbus Circle). If you BYOB, enter at any park entrance (refer to the bike map for entry and exit points).
For a much shorter, but just as refreshing ride, bring your bikes to Prospect Park's 3.35-mile cycling loop. Bikes are also allowed on the park's drives, Park Drive, Center Drive, and Wellhouse Drive, though families will want to stick to the quieter path around the lake. During the spring, you can rent bikes at the LeFrak Center at Lakeside.
Location: Brooklyn. Bike rentals are located at 171 East Dr. Enter at any of the park's entrances.
The Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway is a bike path that connects Brooklyn's waterfront with a 26-mile bike route. While every part of the route is accessible, some spots are more kid-friendly (and more scenic) than others. The most family-friendly location along the route is the biking trail through Brooklyn Bridge Park, where you can stop to enjoy some waterfront ice-cream or to ride Jane's Carousel. CitiBike rentals and bike racks are available at various points through the route, so you can enjoy the trip without having to lug your bikes around.
Location: Brooklyn. Various bike rental spots and entry locations are scattered around NYC's waterfront.
Need a respite from the city? Bring your bikes or rent some on location to enjoy the car-free bike paths on Governor's Island. In addition to a safe, completely traffic-free route, the path offers bikers stunning waterfront and city views. CitiBike has two stations located by the ferry landings on the island, or you can rent from Blazing Saddles near Liggett Terrace (which also allows visitors to borrow a free bike for an hour every Mon-Fri from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.) With amazing photo-ops, thrillingly high slides, relaxing hammocks, delicious food trucks, fun children's climbing park, and so much more make sure you plan this one to be a full-day adventure. Governor's Island is open May through September yearly.
Location: Accessible via Ferry from Manhattan at 10 South St. (Battery Maritime Building) and from Brooklyn at Brooklyn Bridge Park's Pier 6.
Enjoy the beautiful waterfront route along this path dedicated to non-motorized vehicles. This is truly a bike-friendly spot — bike racks, rest stops, and mile markers are located along the length of the route. Along with the views, you can stop at various family-friendly spots along the path, like the Pier 51 Play Area.
Location: Manhattan.The path stretches along the Hudson River between Battery Place and W. 59th St.
Want to get away from paved city bike paths and get a feel for the real deal? Check out the 6.5-mile cycling track in Fresh Meadows. The path is split into thirds by difficulty, with space available for any biking level. If you're feeling adventurous, check out the beginner and intermediate dirt jump park (even if it's just to watch others attempt it!). Ensure you stay on the right path for you by following the difficulty markings on the trail map.
Ready to take on some more challenging trails? The bike trail at Wolf's Pond provides another opportunity for mountain biking with the older kids. Follow the natural trail down the unpaved path and try your hand at various obstacles intended for different skill levels. As you bike, enjoy the beauty of the park — and make sure to leave some time for relaxing on the quiet beach after all the excitement.
Location: Staten Island. Entrances at Holton Ave., Chisolm St., Luten Ave., Arbutus Ave., and Raritan Bay.
We have been taking Dahlia to swim class for a little more than six months now and I can’t stress how much she’s learned since she’s started going. Classes are 30 minutes and repetitive, but trust me, at this age, their brains are like sponges and you’ll want them to retain what they learn in class.
It became very apparent to me last week that Dahlia was retaining everything from class when she mimicked what we do in class at home and finishing all the songs we sing as well. The classes aren’t cheap, but I know we’re getting our money’s worth. (You can also do a free trial class if you give them a call and sometimes they have free classes specifically for babies under a certain age).
Listed below are the seven benefits of going to a baby/toddler swim class. These benefits are also true for adults too! It’s never too late to start swimming!
1. Safety. This is an obvious one & though we don’t have a pool at home, we do have a bathtub, shower, sink, or maybe a friend does or maybe the hotel does if we go on vacation – you get the picture. Whatever the case may be, water is everywhere!
Drowning is the third leading cause of unintentional death in the world according to the WHO. What better way to protect your child then to practice safety. Safety, by-the-way, is the number one thing stressed in these classes.
2. Building Strength. Doing all the Safety drills gets tiring for a little one and that’s all right by me. Anything to get her to nap and sleep well at night, right?
She’s much stronger. Dahlia can now pull herself out of the pool using her elbows & knees. The best part about it, she actually tells me where her elbows and knees are. In addition to that, she’s developed her leg muscles. She used to not be able to do the running & jumping in the water but now she can and even enjoys it.
3. Building Confidence. Not only do I think the classes help build strength physically, I think it helps build her confidence mentally.
Children are very impressionable at a young age & the more you build them up, the more confidence they will have. Praise is very important in this class & positive vibes only.
4. Overcoming Fears (for the Kids and for the Parents). We were very hesitant at first to take Dahlia to swim classes because we thought she’d be too young, but the face that one of us has to be in the water with her has eased our fears. Not only is she comfortable in the water and submerging herself but we are too! She also used to be scare of having water poured over her head at bathtime, but not anymore.
I’ve asked a lot of parents why they take kids to swim classes and surprisingly, a lot of them tell me that they, themselves, can’t swim so it’s reassuring to know that they are establishing this life skill for their kids.
5. Establishing a Routine. Everyone loves a routine, so what better way to get your baby/toddler started than a class like this one.
Dahlia knows that every Thursday morning, we get into mommy’s car to go to swim school. I can tell she looks forward to it whenever I pack the bag the night before. She also sees the same kids and gets familiar with them as well as her surroundings. After class, we shower & get ready in the locker room and she knows she’ll see the same baby in the class after hers and say, “hi’ to him.
All of this will come in handy when we start getting her into sports or when school begins.
6. Getting them used to Wearing Funny Things. It’s true! Putting on goggles, fins, and an inner tube can be a bit challenging with a baby/toddler but you’ll reap the benefits later on in life, I am sure.
Also, getting them used to wearing the protective gear means they’ll learn what they are specifically used for. They also look darn cute in these things too!
7. Lastly, it’s fun! Overall, Dahlia has so much fun in the class and that’s what matters most. She’s making friends, she smiles & sings a long when we sing, gets a kick out of the fun exercises we go through and lastly, she gets to bond with mom or dad individually. What more could a kid want?
I’m glad we started going to these classes and it also gives us as parents piece of mind to know that she is comfortable in the water. My husband and I both love swimming and hope that she does too!
I love to make things, see things, do things + eat things while raising my daughter + 2 Shiba Inu dogs with my husband. I am a Full-Time Health Professional, Blogger at night & a Full-Time Wife & Mother. I live in the SF Bay Area & created my blog for my dear daughter, Dahlia.
