These trivia questions for teens might teach your older kids a thing or two
It’s not always easy to impress a teen or to tell them something they don’t “already know.” But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try. From who is the half-blooded prince to who is the oldest gamer on YouTube, we’ve rounded up some of the most intriguing trivia questions for teens (and tweens) that are guaranteed conversation starters.
Wondering what to do in Fredericksburg, TX? Here’s a hint: The food alone is worth the trip
If you’re looking for a perfect Texas road trip for families, we’ve got a solution. Head to Hill Country, where you’ll find plenty of family-friendly fun. From hiking to local history and even a kid-friendly winery or two, this popular destination has activities to keep everyone busy almost all year long. Keep reading to get the scoop on what to do in Fredericksburg, TX with kids.
See the Hill Country
Gabby Cullen
Hike Enchanted Rock Enchanted Rock is the second-largest granite dome in the country, and one of the best things to do with kids in Fredericksburg, TX. There are over eight miles of trails to explore within the park; you can spend the day hiking around the base on the loop trail. If you have older kids, hike to the summit for 360 views of Hill Country. Look for the vernal pools that are home to fragile Fairy Shrimp, let the kids do somegeocaching, or stay until the sun goes down and watch the stars. Enchanted Rock is designated as an International Dark Sky Park, and you can usually see the Milky Way on clear nights. If you are interested in rock climbing, we recommend booking something with Texas Climbing Adventures, as they offer family friendly expeditions.
Visit Pedernales Falls State Park Down the road in Johnson City lies a popular state park that's known for the river that makes its way through huge slabs of limestone. Especially fun during the summer months, you can picnic, tube, and swim in the river or simply admire the waterfalls.
Visit Wildseed Farms Texas is famous for its wildflowers, so it’s no surprise that one of the largest wildflower farms in the United States is in Fredericksburg. Open all year, Wildseed Farms is home to 200 acres of flowers. Head for the meadows, where you’ll find a stroller-accessible half-mile walking trail surrounding the trial and display gardens and the seasonal butterfly gardens. Be sure to stop by the Brewbonnet Biergarten, where you can sample locally-made jam, jelly, and salsa, grab a beer, and buy fresh peach ice cream for the kids. Admission is free.
Walk the Live Oak Wilderness Trail This easy one-mile loop, located inside Lady Bird Johnson Park, will give kids views of lakes, birds, and flowers local to the Texas Hill Country. The trail is also connected to the Vista Loop trail, which has a butterfly habitat and a geology and rock exhibit.
Go to Luckenbach This world-famous Texas dance hall is always family-friendly, according to longtime property manager Virgil. “There are folks who come here now as adults that grew up sleeping under the picnic benches and playing underneath those oak trees,” he says. Indeed, the venue is welcoming, with a General Store that sells everything from souvenirs to toys, and the Feed Lot, which offers kid-friendly fare like funnel cakes, grilled cheese, cherry limeade, and more. There’s live music every day of the year, except Thanksgiving and Christmas, and whether it’s a free show or if you need a ticket, the experience is the same—totally unforgettable.
Watch the Bats From mid-May to mid-Oct., head for Old Tunnel State Park, where millions of Mexican free-tail bats hang their hats for the season. Snag a seat in the upper deck for no charge or from Thurs.-Sun., reserve a seat in the lower viewing area for $5 per person, and wait for the bats to emerge at sunset in search of food and water.
Explore Fredericksburg
Gabby Cullen
Go to the Peach Haus One of our favorite things to do in Fredericksburg, TX with kids is to visit the Peach Haus. The original location of Fischer & Wieser (you've probably tried their flagship Raspberry Chipotle Sauce), this spot a few blocks down from Main Street is very kid-friendly. Browse the store for the marinades, sauces, and preserves they are known for, and then wander to the back, where, on weekends, you can buy a bottle of wine (from their vineyard) and a charcuterie board before you settle down in an Adirondack chair that overlooks a pod. Watch the sun go down, let your kids play, and enjoy a slice of classic Fredricksburg at this hidden gem.
Walk Main Street Fredericksburg is known for its shopping, and while many shops are probably best left for adult-only weekends, there are a few that are perfect for kids. Legendary Dooley’s 5 & 10 is filled with toys, trinkets, and other old-fashioned goodies that’ll keep little ones busy. There are also sweet shops like Lone Star Candy Bar, Big Pop’s Popcorn Co., and Clear River Ice Cream and Bakery, which serves up more than 40 flavors of ice cream and incredibly soft, chewy cookies.
Catch a live show at the Rockbox Theater Live music is back, and there's no better spot than Rockbox Theater. Located right around the corner from Main Street, its unique design makes for incredible acoustics. If you'd like to bring the kids, there are often 4 p.m. shows for fun concerts like a Beatles tribute and dueling piano show. If you don't want to bring the kids, shoot for the 8 p.m. version of any of the fun live events!
Ride the Trolley Do you want a guided tour of the city? Hop on the trolley for everything from a haunted history tour to a historic Fredericksburg tour. It’s the perfect way to get around: you can leave your car behind and not worry about parking! Prices range from $9 for kids to $20 for adults and up.
Learn the Local History
Courtesy Steve Rawls
One of the most engaging things to do in Fredericksburg, TX with kids is to visit the local museums.
The German Settlers German settlers founded Fredericksburg in 1846, and a rich culture remains. Right in the middle of downtown, at the Pioneer Museum, kids can sit at desks in the one-room schoolhouse and watch living history demonstrations. Little Pioneers, a family-favorite monthly event includes activities like blacksmithing, making ice cream, making a miniature patchwork quilt, and more. During Spring Break, something is happening every day! At theSauer-Beckman Living History Farm, located at Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site, you can watch interpreters perform household chores, cook over an open hearth, farm, and even blacksmith, just like German settlers would have done in the 1800s.
World War II Fredericksburg is the hometown of World War II Navy General Chester Nimitz. The National Museum of the Pacific War has over six acres of exhibits, including full-size planes, hands-on, interactive displays (currently closed due to COVID restrictions), and an impressive amount of curated war artifacts. Two blocks down the street from the museum is the Pacific Combat Zone, which has more planes and a boat, and a recently renovated area where live, reenacted battle scenes (recommended for kids ages 6 & up.) are performed on eight weekends throughout the year.
Eat the Food
Gabby Cullen
One of the best things to do in Fredericksburg, TX with kids is to eat! There are plenty of family friendly spots to try. Our favorite is Tubby's Ice House. It's within walking distance of Main Street and offers locally-sourced food including homemade tortillas, Texas beef and locally-grown vegetables, plus there are vegan-friendly menu options. There's also an open patio and a play space perfect for families. If it's a pizza you want, try West End Pizza. It boasts an outdoor patio and a kids' game room with air hockey and arcade games
For breakfast, a local gem is Caliche Coffee Bar & Roastery. Family-owned and operated, there's an outdoor space for antsy kids, and their menu includes yummy items like avocado toast for the parents and whole wheat bagels with peanut butter and jelly for the littles. Another great spot is Emma + Ollie, where it's all about fresh ingredients, saying no to processed foods, and serving up classics like biscuits, banana bread and more.
You can have a sit-down dinner with kids in Fredericksburg, too! At the locally-owned and operated Burger Burger, you can enjoy ample outside seating. For an incredible wine pairing experience, go to Cabernet Grill, where the on-staff sommelier will pair your meal (made with local, Texas-inspired ingredients) with Texas wines, many of them grown and made locally. The atmosphere is casually elegant, so while families are welcome, this might a good choice for when you've got older kids in tow.
Lodging and Travel Details
Gabby Cullen
If you're looking for something within walking distance of downtown Fredericksburg, we recommend the family-owned Lodge Above Town Creek. They have plenty of suites to accommodate families, and they offer a fantastic picnic basket breakfast. There's a pool perfect for the summer months, and during the cooler months, you'll be drawn to the cozy covered pavilion with couches, complimentary coffee and tea and a roaring fire.
We also recommend staying at Fredericksburg Inn & Suites. Located on five acres near Barons Creek, not only does the hotel have a pool (heated for year-round swimming) with a slide, but it also boasts an outdoor fireplace and TV area. Activities include outdoor movies, fresh cookies are made daily, and you can explore the creek and outdoor areas.
Fredericksburg is a five-hour drive from Dallas-Fort Worth, just over an hour and a half from Austin, and just over one hour away from San Antonio.
All photos courtesy of Fredericksburg Convention & Visitor Bureau unless otherwise noted.
Editor’s Note: This trip was paid for by the Fredericksburg Convention & Visitor Bureau, but all opinions belong to the writer.
These dark sky parks give you a glimpse into a galaxy far, far away
Ready to teach your kids about their place in the universe? Start by looking at the stars! From Arches National Park in Utah to Acadia Park in Maine, we’ve compiled a list of the best “Dark Sky Parks” where you and your little astronomers can go to gaze up at the heavens. So grab your binoculars, get to know your constellations, and get ready to feel the vastness of it all.
Stargazing in Death Valley National Park | California
If your kids can get past the ominous name of this gorgeous expanse of Mohave Desert, they'll be ready to gaze upon one of the darkest skies in the country. Spanning 3.4 million acres of California near the Nevada border, this park is the largest national park outside Alaska. It is also known to be the hottest, driest, and lowest point in North America—but don't let that stop you from visiting; with its glittering sand dunes, otherworldly salt flat floors, and golden peaks everywhere you turn, it's a gorgeous park to visit, even with littles in tow.
Fun fact: Death Valley was given its name by a group of pioneers lost here in the winter of 1849-1850.
By Day: From sand-surfing the dunes to watching saltwater fish popping in and out of the valley's creek, Death Valley has more life to it than its name would suggest. Don't miss Artist’s Drive, a nine-mile, one-way road where the wide expanse of sedimentary and volcanic rocks look like they've been spray-painted with unexpected hues of yellows, pinks, and greens (Psst: It's all natural!). You'll also want to take the hike to Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America, where the salt flats stretch out like hard snow floors. And, kids will love trotting down the boardwalk at the Salt Creek Interpretive Trail, where they can see the native pupfish plopping in and out of the water.
By Night: Pull off the empty roads and find a spot to look up. With its remote location and lack of many nearby cities, Death Valley's skies are famous for its glittering sea of stars. In fact, The International Dark Sky Association has said that stargazing here offers “views close to what could have been seen before the rise of cities." Even at the nearby Stovepipe Wells Hotel, one of the most renowned lodges in the area, nighttime lighting is "sky friendly" (it uses red, rather than white, light) to preserve the sky's starscape for viewing.
Best Time of Year to Go: September through March (Don't go in the summer, when it can get up to 130 degrees on a hot day!)
Known for its more than 2,000 delicate sandstone arches that tower toward the sky like magical red rock doorways, this park offers a plethora of easy to moderate hikes that visitors can explore by day—and a glorious sea of stars to gaze upon by night.
By Day: Kids will love scrambling across the rocky and sandy terrain, so make sure they've got sturdy sneakers or hiking boots. Many of the best hikes are relatively easy, according to this travel blogger (who hiked the park with three kids under three!), and the best trails for little hikers include the Balanced Rock Hike (.3 miles round trip), Sand Dune Arch Hike (.3 miles round trip), and the Double Arch Hike (1.2 miles round trip).
Insider Tip: Be sure to pick up a Junior Ranger Program from the park's Visitor Center (or download it here), which gives kids fun activities to complete for the chance to win a ranger's badge. The visitor center also sells "Explorer Packs" that contain binoculars, a hand lens, a naturalist guide, a notebook, and activities to inspire exploration.
By Night: Since it has minimal artificial lighting (there's light at one administrative area by the highway and "sky-friendly lighting" for safety at a few spots around the park), Arches offers some of the darkest skies in the contiguous 48 United States. According to the NPS, a pair of simple binoculars on a moonless night here may be enough to see even the rings around Saturn! Arches occasionally offers ranger-led stargazing events, so keep an eye on the website to find out when one might be planned. Otherwise, the best spots to see the stars include*:
*All of these spots offer parking areas, so you don't have to be camping to enjoy the views. Just pull up, turn off your lights, and look up. (You can stay by your car or walk a short distance into the park to get a more isolated view.)
Best Time of Year to Go: Spring or fall. Note: You'll see the most stars during the new moon or when the moon is below the horizon, so plan your visit accordingly. Check sunrise and sunset times and moon phases at discovermoab.com.
Famous for its thousands of pointed spires called “hoodoos,” Bryce Canyon is part of a geologic spectacle known as the Grand Staircase, layered over millions of years. While it is known as a hiking mecca by day, it's also firmly dedicated to its night skies, with what the NPS calls a "special force of park rangers and volunteer astronomers" keeping its skies dark. On a good night, you can see the Milky Way extending from horizon to horizon, with a sea of stars and planets glowing all around.
By Day: Don't miss the most iconic section of the park, the Bryce Amphitheater, which is home to the greatest concentration of hoodoos on the planet! This otherworldly vista is viewable from the main road from various overlooks where you can get out of your car and take it all in. Of course, the best way to see the park—if you're up for it—is by hike, and there are plenty of day hikes that promise amazing views— from the Rim Trail, an easy walk along the edge of Bryce Amphitheater; to the Queen's Garden Trail, which leads hikers on a moderately-easy hike through rock arches and inclines to a sweeping view of the hoodoos (this article on Traveling Dad has a great description of this hike).
By Night: Bryce Canyon’s astronomy program is considered the longest active astronomy program in the National Park Service, with dark night tours and telescope viewings offered on weekends in the summer. On a clear night, spectators can see between 7,500-10,000 stars, including a jaw-dropping view of the Milky Way. Check out the park's Astronomy Programs page to find out more.
The only official National Park in the Northeast, Acadia includes more than 45,000 acres of coastal land near Bar Harbor, Maine, as well as 20 different islands off the coast. It is best known for its breathtaking ocean vistas, sandy beaches, and pristine network of coastal trails—many of which are easy treks for little hikers.
By Day: Hike one of the 125 miles of coastal trails (here's a great guide to the best kid-friendly hikes in Acadia), or—if you'd rather see the views by car—take a drive down Park Loop Road, a twisty 27-mile drive located on the eastern half of Mount Desert Island. (Note: This road is closed from December through April.) In the summer, Sand Beach is a perfect spot for littles to splash around in the water—there are also kayaks and boats available to rent if you want the chance to spot the area's aquatic residents, including harbor porpoises, seals, and humpback whales. Horse and carriage rides are also offered in the warmer months.
By Night: With one of the best stretches of dark skies east of the Mississippi, aspiring astronomers can gather on Sand Beach for regular ranger programs to learn about the local visible constellations (this is generally offered in warmer months, but check the park calendar for more details). Other great spots to see the vastness of space include the west side of Mount Desert Island (known as Seawall) as well as the shores of Jordan Pond, Acadia's clearest lake.
Located a short afternoon's drive from Los Angeles, this urbanite's escape offers hikers a vast array of rocks to scramble across as well as desert trails that go on for miles. By night, it has some of the darkest skies in Southern California, which is why Angelinos have long used it as a place to look to the stars.
By Day: Tiny rock climbers will love climbing the boulders as they traverse the trails throughout the park. We recommend the Hidden Valley Trail, a one-mile hike that takes you past many a Joshua tree and through a massive rock valley, where kids can climb and run while they keep a lookout for chipmunks, lizards, and cacti.
By Night: If you visit April through October, you'll be able to see the Milky Way twinkling across the sky. The park offers regular ranger-led star programs; check the calendar to find more.
And while you don't need to spend the night at the park to enjoy the night skies (there are many pullouts accessible by car from the road), those who want to camp can choose from nine campgrounds (according to the NPS website, Cottonwood Campground has the darkest skies). If you're just doing a drive-in, NPS recommends parking at any of the roadside pullouts and setting up chairs within 20 feet of your vehicle. We recommend heading to Skull Rock, an imposing rock formation right near the road that's a great spot for stargazing.
Pssst: Want to stargaze in style? We love this "Bubble Hotel" which allows you to lay in luxury and gaze at the stars from the comfort of a queen bed inside a climate-controlled "bubble."
Best Time of Year to Go: Fall to Spring. Note: Stargazing is great year-round here, but if you also want to spend your days on the trails, the summers are too hot to enjoy the park safely.
With its low humidity, high elevation, and 77,000 acres of untouched wilderness, this stretch of land offers stunningly dark skies and some unique ways to view them.
By Day: Take a drive on the aptly-named "Scenic Drive," a 12-mile road that ascends 4,000 feet that passes through so many specific ecosystems that the NPS calls it the ecological equivalent of driving from Baker, Nevada, to the frozen Yukon, thousands of miles to the north. Once you're at the top, take a hike on the easy, quarter-mile Island Forest Trail, which weaves around creeks and meadows through the alpine forest.
Want to go deeper? Book a ranger-led tour of the Lehman caves, an underground wonderland that was formed millions of years ago. (You can take a virtual tour here to get a taste of what to expect). Families with small children or kids who are afraid of the dark may want to think twice since the caves are only dimly lit (and visitors are advised not to touch the cave walls, which may be tough for tiny explorers). Tip: Families may want to opt for the 30-minute Gothic Palace Tour, which offers a look inside one of the larger "rooms" (stalactites and stalagmites galore!) without the longer time commitment.
By Night:Kids can peer through telescopes during weekly astronomy programs held by the park’s “dark rangers." These star programs are generally held May through September on Saturday nights, as well as Thursday nights between Memorial Day and Labor Day. There's also a Perseid meteor shower-watching party in mid-August, where you'll be able to see hundreds of shooting stars per hour!
Want something totally different? Take a ride on the "Star Train," one of the coolest stargazing opportunities we've seen yet. This popular train travels into the park from the nearby city of Ely with rangers on board to point out all the wonders of the night sky. Passengers also get to hop off the train and take a look through telescopes to get a closer view. All trains for 2023 are already sold out (!!), but keep an eye on the website in case there are any cancellations. You can also still get a ticket on the "Sunset, Stars and Champagne" train ride, which leaves at sunset and comes back late enough at night to give riders a starry night show.
Stargazing in Badlands National Park | South Dakota
National Park Service
Known for its otherwordly mountains and canyons of layered rock—as well as the grassy prairies surrounding them—this 244,000-acre park is home to bison, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, and black-footed ferrets. Located about an hour from Rapid City, it is also a rich fossil site, and littles will love seeing evidence of the park’s long-ago residents as they make their way on the trails.
By Day: Take a drive on Badlands Loop Road, which takes you past 15 scenic overlooks to see the park’s majestic views. As for hikes, we recommend the easy 0.25-mile Fossil Exhibit Trail, a lazy walk where kids can learn about the different fossils found in the area.
Pssst: Badlands has an “open hike” policy, which means hikers are allowed to go off the trail. For kids, this means rock scrambling is totally OK! (Just keep an eye that nobody is getting near any steep drop-offs.)
By Night: The park offers special Night Sky Viewings every night in August and September. At these viewings, park rangers and volunteers use laser pointers to show and describe different constellations, planets, and other objects in the night sky. Spectators are also welcome to use the park’s 11-inch Celestron telescopes to get an even better look at the night sky.
Pssst: Be sure kids pick up a Night Explorer Junior Ranger Booklet from the Ben Reifel Visitor Center so they can complete it and earn a Junior Ranger Badge!
Best Time to Go: Late spring and early fall (summers can get hot and crowded)
Stargazing Chaco Culture National Historical Park | New Mexico
Bettymaya Foott/ NPS
Located in an isolated desert canyon about three hours from Albuquerque, this UNESCO World Heritage site was the hub for the Chacoan culture between 850 and 1150 AD. A testament to the ancestral Puebloan people's complex engineering abilities, many of the ancient stone houses, petroglyphs, and other structures still stand strong, and visitors can still meander through their ancient doorways and corridors.
By Day: Kids can play archeologist as they walk around the red stone walls and hallways that connected this ancient center. On the surrounding trails, which offer expansive views from higher mesas, keep an eye out for the area's natural inhabitants, including elk, deer, bobcats, rabbits, badgers, porcupines, bats, snakes, and lizards. Stop at the visitor center to pick up a junior ranger booklet so kids can earn a junior ranger badge by learning more about ancestral Pueblo life.
By Night: Chaco Canyon is one of only two national parks with its own observatory, offering views into deep space and a digital imaging system that gives visitors views of distant nebulas and galaxies (open weekends through the summer and on special occasions in the winter). Evening campfire talks and night sky programs are usually held April through October, and give visitors a chance to look through high-powered telescopes and learn about the stars' crucial role in Chacoan culture*. There are also full moon walks through the ruins as well as walks held on solstices and equinoxes.
Staying the night? There is no lodging within 60 miles of the park, so you'll have to drive an hour to get to a hotel, or stay at one of the park's campsites (worth doing, since this is one the darkest skies in the American Southwest!).
*As of this publication, the ranger-led night sky programs have been suspended until further notice.
This expansive stretch of desert—the 12th largest national park in the country—is located on the southwestern border between Texas and Mexico. Despite the fact that it is the largest of North America’s four deserts, it is brimming with life due to being carved out by the "big bend" of the Rio Grande river that gives the park its name. The park's menagerie of animals includes more than 450 species of birds, 75 species of mammals, 56 species of reptiles, and 11 species of amphibians. But all that's nothing to the number of stars visible on a clear, moonless night.
By Day: Hikes around the nearby canyons and within the Chisos basin range from very easy to challenging (the park is known to have an active bear and mountain lion population, so parents are urged to use extra caution if hiking up into the mountains and foothills, where these animals tend to live). We recommend the 0.3-mile paved "Window View" trail around the Basin store, which is perfect for littles.
If you've got kids over 4, consider "floating" the Rio Grande by way of raft or canoe. Trips can be arranged by outside outfitters including Big Bend River Tours and Big Bend Boating and Hiking Company. If you're adventurous and everyone in your crew has a passport, take a five-minute row boat ride across the Rio Grande to the town of Boquillos Del Carmen, a quaint village that ParenthoodandPassports calls "the safe Mexico border town a boat ride away."
Note: Be sure to stop at the Panther Junction visitor center when you arrive at the park, where rangers can help you plan your day, tell you about any road closures, and give your kids Junior Ranger activity booklets.
By Night: This international dark-sky park has the least light pollution of any park in the lower 48 states. On a clear night, visitors can see the Andromeda Galaxy, two million light years away! Consequently, the park offers several types of night sky programs throughout the year, with dedicated "night sky rangers" there to teach visitors about all things far, far away.
To stay overnight in the park, you must have a room at the Chisos Mountains Lodge, a reservation at a campground, or a permit for a primitive backcountry campsite. All of these are often booked up to six months in advance, so plan early! Go to Recreation.gov to reserve campgrounds and backcountry campsites.
Best Time of Year to Go: Late fall through early spring (the rainy season is June through October, and summer days can be too scorching hot for safe hikes).
Located just a few miles from the Canadian border, this massive park is filled with rich forests bound by interconnected waterways. At night, millions of stars light up the sky, with the occasional glimmer of the Aurora Borealis blazing through the darkness.
By Day: Much of Voyageurs is only accessible by boat. From June through September, the park offers guided boat tours or ranger-led programs that will give you an inside look at the plants and animals that call this park home—including otters, bald eagles, moose, beavers, and wolves.
By Night: With its lack of light pollution and remote location, this park is as dark as it gets, with mesmerizing views of the Milky Way, the planets, and millions of stars—as well as the occasional dance of the Aurora Borealis. Basically, anywhere you go within the park on a cloudless night will offer spectacular views, though the NPS recommends the Voyageurs Forest Overlook, Beaver Pond Overlook, and the Kettle Falls Dam as the most popular stargazing locations.
In August, the park hosts its annual Star Party, with special ranger programs, Perseid meteor shower viewing, constellation tours, and more.
Best Time to Go: Summer and early fall (when the leaves change!)
Not sure how to fill your long sun-shiny days in the Windy City? This Chicago summer bucket list has plenty of summer activities to choose from
Smile. Play. Giggle a ton. Hit up a street fest. Repeat. Good—you’ve got the basics of a perfect summer in Chicago. But, it doesn’t end there. There’s no such thing as “the lazy days of summer” when there’s this much going on in the Windy City. It’s prime time to explore all Chicago and the surrounding area has to offer, from visiting large-scale outdoor art exhibits to cheering on dragon boats. Not sure what to prioritize as the top summer activities to tackle with your kids? We’ve created the ultimate Chicago summer bucket list of activities for you to read through. Whether you challenge yourself to tackle every last activity or you plan to pick just a few favorites to add to your calendar, you’re sure to enjoy everything this warm-weather Chicago summer activities lineup has on tap.
Navy Pier's Pride Fest Honor Pride Month at Navy Pier's Pride Fest, Jun. 24. Celebrate equality, love and the LGBTQ+ community with a daylong celebration that includes live musical performances.
Dragon Boat Race for Literacy Experience a traditional Chinese Dragon Boat Race, Jun. 24, as 30 boats head down the Chicago River from Ping Tom Memorial Park. Take in the colorful sites, sounds, and smells as you learn more about the Chinese and Asian cultures.
Day Out with Thomas Thomas is pulling up to the Illinois Railway Museum—and he's big enough for kids to hop on for a ride. Along with a 20-minute train ride at Day Out with Thomas, Jul. 16, 16 22 & 23, there are themed games and activities, storytelling and the opportunity to meet Sir Topham Hatt.
Ducky Derby Watch as more than 50,000 yellow rubber duckies splash their way into the Chicago River during the Ducky Derby, Aug. 10. Put a duck in the game by adopting your own for only $5 and raise money for Special Olympics Illinois.
Chicago Air & Water Show Daredevil pilots perform aerial stunts over the lake and downtown Chicago at theChicago Air & Water Show, Aug. 19 & 20.
Of the Earth at Morton Arboretum The new exhibition features five large-scale sculptures—created from reclaimed tree branches and other natural materials gathered from various locations throughout the Arboretum's 1,700 acres—by Polish American artist Olga Ziemska. Of the Earth explores the philosophy that "we are nature."
North Shore Sculpture Park Walk. Bike. Run. Skip. Gallop. However you make your way down North Shore Sculpture Park's two-mile trail, you're sure to enjoy the sights. The paved path is lined with sculptures from artists across the world.
Ice Age Giants at Brookfield Zoo Beginning June 23, visitors to Brookfield Zoo will get to discover some of nature's most colorful creatures—butterflies! Observe as they fly around the pond and land on some flowers—or possibly even on you! The Butterflies! exhibit also features a "pupa room" where you can watch the transformation from pupa to caterpillar to butterfly!
Art of Brick at MSI Museum of Science & Industry's Mold-A-Rama exhibit helps tell the story of the beloved retro machines that make plastic figurines right before your eyes.
Boats at Chicago Children's Museum Water is the perfect plaything, and in the new Water City experience, children of all ages and abilities can determine their own experiments, narratives, and sensory explorations of the physical properties of water. The exhibit connects water play and STEM experiences for the next generation of young explorers and their families.
Bristol Rennaisance Faire Grab a sword and shout, “huzzah!” The Bristol Renaissance Faire is a full-on homage to Elizabethan England complete with costumed characters, period music, jousting tournaments, acrobatic and comedy acts, rides, games and food.
Mozart Immersive: The Soul of a Genius State-of-the-art video mapping and ground-breaking animation help to craft the 18th-century destinations of Mozart's world like never before. Unlike visually focused experiences, the Mozart Immersive: The Soul of a Genius is audio-centric and features recompositions of 17 selected works from the musician's repoertoire.
Pixar Putt Pixar Putt, the fan-favorite pop-up, returns to Navy Pier this summer. The mini-golf experience, made up of 18 fun and interactive holes inspired by the stories, characters, and icons from some of Pixar's most beloved films—like Toy Story, The Incredibles, Finding Nemo, Inside Out, Wall-E, and Coco—will take your kiddos to infinity and beyond!
Sharpen Your Tiny Pencils for Miniature Golf Mini-golf. Putt-putt. Goofy golf. Adventure golf. Shorties. No matter what you call it, you have a blast playing it. Most of Chicago’s miniature golf courses are pure, kitschy fun and are only open for a limited time each year.
Make Friends with Fireflies at an Outdoor Movie The best way to watch a flick in Chicago in the summer is at an outdoor movie theater. There are parks, nature centers, drive-ins and even rooftops reeling family favorites all summer long. (BYO chairs, blankets and maybe even your own popcorn.)
Family Time at Morton Arboretum's Arbor Evenings Unwind with family and friends on Wednesday evenings at Morton Arboretum's Arbor Evenings. Listen to live music, play lawn games and enjoy food and drinks surrounded by the Arboretum's beautiful trees.
Twilight Tunes at Brookfield Zoo Every Friday and Saturday in July, the zoo welcomes guests of all ages to Twilight Tunes, an evening filled with music, food and drinks, animal encounters and a laser light show.
Attend a Street Fest Chicagoans live for street fest season. Have a blast with art, cars, animals and music. . . and that’s just the start!
Beat the Heat at a Local Splash Pad Lazy days at the pool are a summer must. Even better? Raging days at splash pads. From neighborhood gems to all-out amusement park-style destinations, you and your tot will be happy to cool off without taking a dunk or forking over much moola.
Have Gallons of Fun at Raging Waves Treat the family to a fun day at Illinois' largest waterpark, Raging Waves. You'll find 32 water slides, a huge wave pool, three kiddie pool areas, a relaxing lazy river, 43 private cabanas and more.
Take a Family Boat Tour Break from watering holes and splash pads and add adventure to your water play this summer with help from Chicago boat tour companies. You’ll learn a bit of city and architectural history and take in a whole lotta gorgeous views cruising Lake Michigan and Chicago River.
Try a Fun New Restaurant Infuse fun into your dining this summer with themed restaurants in Chicago that let kids' imaginations run wild.
Hit Up a Hot Dog Stand Love ’em or leave ’em, hot dogs are big in Chicago. And, if your kids haven’t begged for one yet, they will soon—and they get a pass on the sacrilege of using ketchup. Grab one at a legendary Chicago hot dog spot and turn eating into an adventure.
Staycation in One of the Best Cities in the World Summer is not the time to be heading out of town, as it's the best time to be a Chicagoan. But sometimes a break from your own four walls is needed and we found hotels in Chicago that are great for families.
Have a Sleepover with Mother Nature Take your family on a glamping trip where making memories is the only agenda. Lock arms with Mother Nature while you camp in style with special touches like cozy beds, stocked kitchens, and even air conditioning. Gather ideas that'll impress the kids with these backyard camping ideas to try.
Go Adventuring at The Forge The Forge: Lemont Quarries' 300-acre adventure park includes the largest aerial adventure course in North America and gives you access to four over-water ziplines, 5 miles of hiking trails, mountain biking, paddlesports, and a dedicated kids’ zone. All summer long they have family programming like movie nights, camps and biking classes.
Watch a Chicago Dogs Home Game As of last season, there's a new baseball team in town and they're paying homage to Chicago's favorite street food, HOT DOGS! Catch a Chicago Dogs game with the family at the beautiful Impact Field in Rosemont.
Find a Bike Trail Live every nice-weather day to the fullest, shall we? On the top of the list, dust off those bikes, grease the chains, strap on a brain bucket and get those legs pumping on a bike path. From the shores of Lake Michigan to the furthest reaches of the suburbs, here are our favorite spots to cycle as a family in Chicago.
Play in the Cubs Front Yard Gallagher Way at Wrigley Field has a full line-up of summer programming. From exercise classes and markets to family movies and music.
Butterflies & Blooms at Chicago Botanic Garden Immerse yourself in a habitat filled with hundreds of winged beauties and pretty petals at Butterflies and Blooms.
Set Out on a Hike Step out of the urban jungle for fresh air, unforgettable scenery and a chance to spy on animals in their natural habitat on one of our favorite hiking trails.
Be Mesmerized by Blue Man Group Easily one of the most recognizable performance groups, the Blue Man Group performs high-energy percussive shows mixed with a little of their own brand of comedy. They’ll have you tapping your toes and laughing along as they go on a journey into sound.
Send Your Heart Racing at 360 CHICAGO Shoot 94-floors high and then lean (and squeal ... and maybe cry a little) 30-degrees over the city with 360 CHICAGO and TILT.
"Just Don't Look Down" at Skydeck Chicago If you're brave enough, walk the 4.3 feet into a glass box—The Ledge—at Skydeck Chicago, Willis Tower's heart-pumping attraction. Before you head up, check out their new museum that's packed with Instagramable photo opps and fun facts about this city we love.
Find a New Favorite Museum When you're craving something new and culture's on the menu, check out a super-secret museum that's just a mini road trip away.
Take an evening at home to learn about stargazing with the kids
Summer is the perfect time of year for stargazing, especially after school is out and the kids can stay up late. The key to stargazing is to pick a clear night and find a spot that’s away from the city lights and clear of trees. Want to leave the astronomy lesson to the experts? Plan a visit to a dark sky national park for their seasonal stargazing programs. Then check out our gear and tips to get the kids really jazzed about this outdoor activity!
Sure, any kid will jump at the chance to stay up past bedtime with the family, but it's best to get your kids interested—or at least familiar with—the stars before heading out for a night of skywatching. Luckily, there are tons of books, games and gadgets out there to get them excited:
Bring the Stars Inside - Stick constellation stickers on your child’s ceiling to get her used to looking up and seeing those familiar shapes.
Make a Star Wheel - This activity works best for older kids (8 and up), but once they make it, kids will love being able to use this homemade tool to navigate the night sky.
Make Crafts - If you're the crafty type, your kids can get some planetary know-how with this cute space mobile from Honeybear Lane.
Play Space-Themed Games - Planet-themed Bingo, anyone? Play Dough to Plato has free BINGO cards that even preschoolers can enjoy. (Note: You'll have to submit your e-mail address, but the download appears immediately).
Have Smart Screen Time - At NASA's Space Place, kids can find some fun games that'll help kids explore the solar system as well as comets, black holes, and weather systems.
Watch Storytime From Space- This may be the coolest thing ever: Astronauts read stories from the International Space Station. Sure, your kiddo may be too preoccupied with watching the astronaut's hair floating in the no-gravity environment, but that's OK; They'll be space-crazed by the story's end.
It might seem like plopping down on the grass and simply looking up would be enough—and it is if all you want is a few minutes of stargazing—but rounding up the right supplies for a night of sky-watching is essential to making your evening easy and fun. Little stargazers can get hungry, antsy, and uncomfortable, so it's best to be prepared! Here is what you'll need:
A large (preferably waterproof) blanket - Sitting directly on the ground may be scratchy and uncomfortable (not to mention you're exposing yourself to any creepy-crawlies that might be lingering below), so make sure to bring a comfy surface for the littles to lay on. Waterproof blankets help, in case the grass is wet.
Folding chairs - If you'd rather lounge than lay on a blanket, folding chairs make for comfy outdoor digs. Try to find chairs that recline, so you're not left with a stiff neck afterward.
Pillows - Lying down is, after all, the best way to get a full view of the sky, so bring along pillows to make things extra cozy!
Snacks - Little bellies need constant attention! Bring finger foods and snacks that the kids (and you!) can munch on while gazing skyward. It's best to stick to dry snacks so you won't get sticky fingers on that brand-new set of binoculars.
A Flashlight - If you're in a particularly dark spot (which is better for seeing stars), you should bring a flashlight in case you need to read a sky map, find the snacks or get your bearings. Of course, a phone works just fine, too.
Bug Spray - When the sun goes down, the bugs come out—so be prepared. For bug protection that will last the longest, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that kids over age two use an insect repellent containing (a maximum of 10%) Deet. For younger children and babies, use products containing Picardin, an odorless chemical safe for babies as young as two months; or natural products containing citronella, lemongrass, peppermint, and cedarwood (note: these usually need to be applied more frequently to be effective).
Star Apps - Easy apps like Night Sky or Skyview are great for finding the constellations, even when the sky conditions aren't ideal. Just hold your phone up and you'll get an AR, up-close look the constellations, satellites and planets in real-time.
S'mores - A strong recommendation from our writer's eight-year-old. Here's where you can find our favorite s'mores recipes.
Get Set Up with an Easy-to-Use Telescope or Binoculars
Kate Loweth
Seeing the constellations with the naked eye is fun—but it's always cooler if your kids can get a closer look. Telescopes (and binoculars, which can surprisingly offer just as good a view) are a perfect accessory to any stargazing outing.
Telescopes: There's nothing that dampens the excitement of a stargazing night than an overly complicated telescope that you're worried about the kids destroying. For stargazing with kids, we like the Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope for its ease of assembly, ease of use, and integration with your cellphone. Bonus, its $140 price tag is not too shabby. This video shows all the steps needed to get your telescope set up. When we tried it out, we found that older kids could set it up easily including focusing and attaching their cellphones so they could take photos. The telescope can also be used in the daytime for birdwatching and other activities.
Binoculars: For binoculars, look for a pair that's 7x50 (the most popular size for skywatching). These will not only get you a view of the moon's craters but may also snag you a glimpse of Saturn's rings and Jupiter's belts.
The darker the sky, the more you'll see—so it's best to get out of busy towns and cities if possible. Consider yourself lucky if you live near one of dark sky national parks, but really, any spot away from light pollution will work. State parks are usually good, safe spots to visit.
Of course, if you can't get out of your backyard, that's fine; you can usually see a scattering of stars (and the moon)—and that's a start.
Note: Wherever you go, make sure to give it time. Stargazing experts say it takes your eyes 20-30 minutes to completely adjust to the dark.
Check the Sky Forecast - While most kids are keen to get outside on any given night, not all evenings are ideal for stargazing. Check your local forecast to see when the skies will be clear. If you want to be uber-informed, you can check out Cleardarksky.com, which publishes "astronomers forecasts" to help people find the clearest, darkest sky reports for locations all around the country (It's a bit tough to read, but once you get the hang of it, you'll be able to find the best location near you to go, plus the best time to do it.).
Pick Your Night - To find specific space events in the Southern and Northern Hemispheres, check out SpaceWeather.com, which has up-to-date forecasts. Heavens-above.com will tell you when you'll be able to spot the International Space Station—as well as other bright satellites—at your location. You can download a super-cool free map of this month's night sky at Skymaps.com (Even if your kids don't understand it, the fact that it's an actual MAP OF SPACE should make it extra-cool.).
If You Can ... Look for a Meteor Shower - There's something about those sudden streaks of light ... they make you feel lucky just for seeing them. So try to schedule your stargazing outing for a night when shooting stars are in the forecast. The Perseids Meteor Shower, which takes place every year from Jul. 24 - Aug. 24, is the best night show of the year, with up to 100 shooting stars per hour during the shower's peak, Aug. 11-13. Be sure to explain to your little astronomers that meteors aren't really "stars" at all—they're big chunks of space debris (bits of broken comets and asteroids) colliding with our Earth's atmosphere. For a list of other notable meteor showers, check out Space.com.
So, you're outside. It's dark. You're looking up. Now what?
For New Stargazers
The first thing to explore is the moon. After all, it's Earth's best celestial buddy, and it's big enough to see without binoculars. Ask your kids if they can see the lighter splotches on the moon—then explain to them that those are the moon's mountain ranges and highlands, which are filled with humongous, city-sized craters.
For Intermediate Astronomers
Then, find the visible planets: Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn. To tell them apart, look at the colors: Jupiter is the brightest, Saturn is usually golden-yellow, and Mars is light orange-red. For a more detailed guide on finding what's visible in the sky week-to-week (because it changes!), check out Skyandtelescope.org.
For Future Astronauts
After that, start looking for the constellations, which can vary in visibility depending on the season. For help finding these, NPR published an easy, animated how-to guide. The simplest ones to find are:
The Big Dipper (Ursa Major)- This is usually the easiest to find, as it looks like a giant ladle in the sky.
Polaris (a.k.a. The North Star) - If you follow the invisible line formed by the two farthest stars in the Big Dipper's saucer, it will point to the North Star.
The Little Dipper (Ursa Minor) - The North Star is the top star in the handle of the Little Dipper. Just follow the stars down to see the curved handle and cup.
Scorpius
Keep an eye out for man-made space inhabitants like the International Space Station and large satellites, both of which appear as small, moving stars.
Don't know what to talk about with your kids while you're watching the stars? How about some of these amazing facts about space?
Since the light from stars takes millions of years to reach Earth, seeing a star means you are looking millions of years back in time.
There are approximately 200-400 billion stars in our Milky Way Galaxy alone.
Each galaxy—and there are estimated to be more than 100 billion of them—contains hundreds of billions of stars In all, the total number of stars in the universe is possibly as high as 300 sextillion, or 300,000,000,000,000,000,000,000!
Stars do not actually "twinkle." The twinkling appearance is only the Earth's atmosphere deflecting the light that reaches our eyes.
When you're looking at a star, you're seeing something that's about 20 quadrillion miles away.
There is no sound in space.
Venus rotates so slowly that one day there is about a year on Earth time.
There may be a planet made out of diamonds. According to research from Yale University, a rocky planet about 40 light-years away from us may have a surface made of graphite and diamond.
Some scientists believe the moon may once have been a piece of Earth that tore off when an object smashed into our planet long, long ago.
While Palm Springs gets a lot of play and attention, we’re turning our sights to its wilder neighbor to the north—Joshua Tree and Joshua Tree National Park. The acres of groomed green grass may be missing, but this desert oasis has so much to offer families, you might just join the legions of SoCal residents who have since taken a left turn off the 10, rather than a right—and never looked back. We’re breaking down all the must-see and things to do in Joshua Tree with kids—even in triple digit heat. From which hikes to take and where to stay for luxury camping in Joshua Tree to how to beat the summer temps—here’s our favorite things to do.
Joshua Tree, much like Palm Springs, has gown in popularity over the years with Airbnbs and hotels popping up all over the high-desert town but what caught our eye was the recently opened AutoCamp—a luxury camping spot that has a multitude of Airstream trailers with modern interiors, along with Vista-X suites (modern units with slightly more space than the Airstreams but offer the same luxurious glamping experience) for overnight stays.
What to Expect at AutoCamp Joshua Tree
First things first, expect to leave the car in the parking lot. This is, of course, great as it keeps dust and noise to a minimum. If you packed light, you’ll be able to carry (or roll) your bags to your trailer once you’ve checked-in. If you have more than you can carry, the friendly staff can load up a golf cart for you and drive you and your crew to your Airstream.
Take a moment, during check-in, to explore the marketplace located inside the reception area—this is where you’ll find all the drinks, snacks and food you may need—plus specialty firewood for the fire pits (AutoCamp only allows compressed, smoke-free logs for burning. You can bring your own or buy them here at the clubhouse), along with any other amenities you may have forgotten to bring. We were very excited to see Tony Chocolony (our favorite chocolatier out of Amsterdam and discovered during our holiday there), as well as pre-made sandwiches that we could grab for lunch and use for our Joshua Tree National Park adventure the next day.
Each Airstream trailer is generously spaced out—leaving plenty of room between you and other guests. And while social distancing may (eventually) become a thing of the past, part of the charm of the desert is feeling the vast, quiet, open-ness—a quality this hotel park absolutely nails.
Airstream Amenities: Being that this is a RV, albeit a luxury one—space is still a premium. There’s a private bedroom with a queen size bed in each trailer, a bathroom with a stand-up shower and a pull-out couch. While accommodations can handle up to four people, the space felt just right for three of us (1 adult and two big kids). The space would be fine for 2 adults and 2 small kids but if you have tweens and teenagers, it would definitely feel tight. There’s a handy kitchenette, complimentary waters and coffee, a mini fridge, microwave and a clever closet for stashing your luggage and clothes. There is AC for hot desert days and heat for cooler nights (read the manuals to make sure you operate both appropriately). Each site comes with a picnic table and a fire pit with grate if you want to cook your meals (proteins and more are available in the marketplace located in the lobby if you don’t want to run to the grocery store or didn’t bring supplies with you).
Property Amenities at AutoCamp Joshua Tree
The pool, located near the lobby, is absolutely lovely—loads of chairs and loungers as well as umbrellas for much-needed shade. There are also plenty of spots to cool off near here, that don’t include getting wet. There’s an outdoor lounge area with ample couches and chairs, complete with water misters (the overhead cooling system that is crucial during hot desert days), a large fire pit area if you are looking for a more communal atmosphere at night (or if you have a larger group and won’t all fit around your own private fire pit) as well as a countertop bar-area—grab a cold one from the marketplace and hang out here—or work from here if you are a digital nomad. And during colder spells, you can go hang out in the lobby around the mid-century inspired fireplace.
There are complimentary bikes on the property to use as well—and since the area is gated, kids can have free reign to explore and bike away as much as they’d like.
If you need a little extra entertainment, aside from luxury camping, the pool and fireside evenings, check out AutoCamp Joshua Tree’s Experiences—here they have a whole calendar of activities taking place—some free, some with an additional fee. We would have loved to take the Star Gazing Tour (summer is when the Milky Way can be seen the best and thanks to lack of light pollution in the park, it’s bound to be spectacular) but it was sold out by the time we had organized ourselves.
Location: The real gem that is AutoCamp Joshua Tree though? It’s proximity to Joshua Tree National Park. Because it’s located right outside the park—just a 10-minute drive—means you can go in and out of the park as much as you need. For example, to avoid the triple digit temps, we left the park after lunch (the highs usually hit around 3 p.m.), came back to the property, swam in the pool and chilled out in our Airstream. Later that day, once the sun started to set, we headed back into the park to catch some of the glorious landscape in the early evening (and slightly cooler!) hours.
The most obvious answer? Joshua Tree National Park! This 800,000 acre park, is easy-to-navigate—and offers a wide variety of landscape where no two hikes are the same. If this is your first time here, we highly recommend entering the park at the West Entrance and stopping by the Visitor’s Center first. Here you can meet Park Rangers, learn about local flora and fauna and pick up The Junior Ranger Booklet for the kids that is filled with activities that includes drawing prompts, writing, and notes about observing wildlife. Don’t forget to return later for a Junior Ranger badge and shop the super cute gift shop. Parenting Pro Tip: If you need to, use these bathrooms before entering the park!
What You Need to Know about Joshua Tree National Park:
Reserve your pass online. A 7 day park pass is $30 or you can buy a single day pass for $15.
There is no cell service in the park. Plan your route accordingly and if you have a kid that’s old enough—it’s a great opportunity to teach them how to help you navigate the roads by reading an old-fashioned paper map.
Bring lots of water with you. Bring one-gallon of water for every person in your car and more snacks and food than you could eat in a day (or two). One: Because it’s hot and kids get thirsty and hungry and you want to avoid dehydration and hanger. Two: Because getting stranded in the park is no joke—be it from a flat tire or some other reason—you’ll most likely be dependent on other travelers to get you help. We met a family who’s RV hydraulic system malfunctioned and they were stranded, in the park. And while we called the Rangers to send help when we exited the park, they wouldn’t be attended to until the next morning—meaning they were unexpectedly spending the night.
If you go in the summer, start as early as you can. Take advantage of the cooler temperatures early in the morning and the fact that the park never closes so you can start as early as you would like. We were able to get in two good hikes before we hightailed it out of the heat and back to the pool.
Download the NPS App: This free app has tons of information at your fingertips including trails, news, events, self-guided tours, and suggestions for the best places to go rock climbing, stargazing, bird watching and scenic drives.
Recommended Hikes for Kids in Joshua Tree
Joshua Tree hikes for first timers and those with young kids: We highly recommend The Hidden Valley Trail. This 1.1 mile loop-around trail is a great introduction to the landscape, has informational placards along the way (amazing as it also confirms you are on the right trail) and was fantastically quiet first thing in the morning.
If you’ve been to The Hidden Trail already, head over to Skull Rock and bang this one out first thing in the morning. By the time we got to this trail (around 11 a.m.)—it was super crowded in that annoying way—not making it worth the stop.
Boy Scout Trail: This one sounds innocent enough but this challenging one-way in, one-way out trail is 8 miles long—definitely not one to tackle during the summer but worth going back to once the temperatures are much cooler.
Keys View: Being Joshua Tree’s highest viewpoint, this .25 paved hike will give you a bird’s eye view of the park. On a clear day, you can see Signal Mountain in Mexico, located 90 miles to the south. Good to Know: This trail and viewpoint is wheelchair accessible.
Cholla Cactus Garden: Save this spot for early evening. It’s an ideal stop, just before sunset when the light of the sun backlights this field of cacti and they start to magically “glow.” Insider Tip: You actually want to get here about an hour or so before sunset because the nearest mountain will block the sun by the time the official sunset rolls around. Also Good to Know: Bees must love these cacti—and while they were friendly and at least for us, harmless, there were swarms of them. I must repeat, SWARMS. If you are bee-averse (or your crew is), maybe skip this one (sadly). PS: This spot also “glows” in the morning—so if you have early risers, take advantage by heading here first thing in the a.m. to catch the sunrise (and hopefully still-sleeping bees!).
Fun Things to Do around Joshua Tree that Aren’t Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree is an eclectic place with loads of fun shops and restaurants. Here are a few recommended places worth stopping to shop or eat:
Cactus Mart: Cacti, succulents and desert plant emporium, stop here to fill your home with desert native plants. The Crochet Museum: Free to enter, this “world famous” museum is full of an eclectic assortment of crocheted animals. Country Kitchen: Joshua Tree’s local diner, they offer breakfast and lunch all day long. Pioneertown:A bit off the beaten path, swing by for some Western nostalgia.
One night of accommodation was paid for by AutoCamp Joshua Tree, but otherwise, all expenses, photos (unless noted) and opinions belong to the writer.
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day but we often run out of breakfast ideas and there’s no sweeter way to start off the day than with a donut! We’ve done the work for you and scouted the best donut shops in the Bay Area (a tough job that we’re happy to do). From classic flavors to wacky combinations, gigantic sizes to minis, there will be something on the menu for adventurous adults to safe-betting kids.
This San Francisco staple serves up classic flavors and familiar bites satisfying donut cravings at either their Polk St store (open 24/7) or their new Baker St location.If you want to see the eyes of your kiddos light up in wonder, order the novelty gigantic donut which comes in a handful of flavors such as glazed, crumbles and chocolate. It’s bigger than an adult head and if you eat the entire donut in under two minutes Bob’s Donut will give it to you for free and will list your name on their Hall of Fame page.
Husband and wife team Joyce and Paul decided to bring their love of donuts straight to the outer sunset neighborhood. Traditional donuts are served during the week but the flavors take on a new, fun and nutty twist on the weekends with PB&J, Nutty Monkey and Milky Way Under A Salt!
For an extra special outing, head to Pier 39 to see the wharf and grab a bucket of mini donuts sprinkled with sugar for you and the kids to share. As an added bonus, when the donuts are eaten up you can use the bucket as a sand toy. Win-win kids!
If your kids have fancy palettes and a taste for adventure, check out Dynamo Donut & Coffee. With flavors like Chocolate Rose, Passionfruit Milk Chocolate and Bitter Queen, your taste buds will be popping as will your blood sugar levels. Also, check out their kiosk in the Marina on the SF Bay Trail if trekking to the Mission isn’t an option.
You definitely don't want to leave this one off your list of the best donuts in the Bay Area. Mochill Mochidonut serves up the most gorgeously-delicious mochi donuts in the land. If you haven't tried one yet, they are so crunchy and light, you'll definitely have room for more than one. Kids crave the fruity pebbles while adults opt for refined flavors like matcha.
Rainbow Donuts Ι Berkeley Donuts and croissants are made constantly throughout the day which means Rainbow Donuts serves up some of the freshest donuts in town. The wildly popular unicorn donut is a crowd favorite for kids and adults alike and their savory breakfast sandwiches are also delicious!
Kingpin Donuts Ι Berkeley This donut shop has been around since the 1930s so it’s safe to say they’re doing something right. With classic flavors made the way grandma used to make donuts, this is a no-frills and yummy donut stop in the East Bay.
Do you ever walk into a donut shop and think you’d really love to take a bite of all of the flavors? Well, now you can! Donut Savant keeps the menu tiny—referring to the size of the donut only. With an entire menu of donut holes and minis you’ll be able to indulge in all your favorite flavors. What kid doesn’t love variety?
If organic vegan donuts are what you crave, this is the spot for you. Donut Farm has been serving up this delicious treat to Oaklanders for over 15 years and we know you'll love it. Try the Mexican hot chocolate, blueberry or a straight-up plain—you won't be disappointed.
Also serving at The Ferry Building on Tues., Thurs.-Sun.
Bun Appetit Donuts Ι Fremont Its not uncommon to find a line out the door because this donut spot is so hot but we promise it will be well worth the wait! The famed Everything donut filled with cream cheese sells out regularly so consider yourself lucky if you can get your hands on one. Verve coffee is also served here along with savory sandwiches and avocado toast.
Just opened, this spot offers mochi donuts and you're going to love them. Pre-order from their website to skip the line before you head over as they offer five weekly flavors (currently black sesame, churro, cookies & cream, matcha, pandan, milk chocolate and lilikoi) with two daily specials. Complete your sugar rush with a black sesame or ube soy latte for a super charged morning to run after the kids!
Royal Donuts Cafe| Burlingame Don't let the unassuming outside fool you—this neighborhood gem is a favorite with locals. Whether you're in the mood for bacon and pancakes or a chorizo burrito and half a dozen glazed donuts, Royal Donuts cafe has your family covered.
Self-proclaimed as the Bay Area’s wackiest donut shop, they serve up a menu of unconventional flavors that are too good to be true. Kids will be left speechless with flavors such as “Cereal Killer,” a glazed donut topped with fruity cereal flakes—a customer favorite; “Fung Shui,” a donut with green tea icing, chocolate chips and a vanilla drizzle; or “Nutter Cup,” a donut with Nutella icing and peanut butter and Butterfinger dust.
Another mom and pop donut shop, this San Jose spot is a favorite for those who like their donuts classic. The friendly owners pride themselves in remembering customers' favorite orders. You'll always feel welcomed when you visit. Pro tip: don't skip out on the cinnamon rolls.
Anyone who considers themselves a donut lover will love Stan's! Old-school donuts are where it's at when you head to Stan's Donuts as they've been in business since 1959. Stan and Tina Wittmayer and their nine children started this donut shop and it has remained within the family since. Kids love sitting at the counter with their long john and watching as they make the donuts and dunk them in glaze.
Don’t be surprised after your first visit if your kids start requesting Johnny Doughnuts in lieu of a birthday cake. Or heck, that goes for mom and dad, too! These donuts are lip smacking good and are made with local ingredients. Classic donuts with a twist, like the Orange Your Glad donut, or the homemade jam and custards that are filled into fluffy fried bread, will have your kids asking for more.
North Bay Location 1617 4th St. San Rafael, CA
Marin Country Mart 2257 Larkspur Landing Circle Larkspur, CA
San Francisco (Hayes Valley) Location 388 Fulton St. San Francisco, CA
The kids will flip for this spot's signature donut, the foot-shaped long john (it's quite tasty once you get past the foot factor). Other favorites include the sugar-covered donut holes and the big donut that is 10 inches across and makes the perfect birthday donut.
This 100% gluten free cafe bakery is super popular even among those without dietary restrictions because owner Heather Hardcastle uses techniques she learned at the Culinary Institute of America to master gluten-free breads, cookies, donuts and treats. Come for the donut and pick up lunch!
Whole Foods has a sugary secret, they have some of the best vegan donuts in the Bay Area! If foraging a trip to a specialty donut shop isn’t in the cards and tummies are growling, head to the nearest Whole Foods for a special treat. Your hungry gremlins will be none the wiser with vegan choices such as maple glazed, chocolate, crumble and more.
Boasting some of the darkest skies in the world, Death Valley National Park is an awe-inspiring spot for stargazing. Kids’ imaginations will be sparked as they learn about constellations, planets and our place in the universe. If you’re looking for an educational, outdoor-based vacation this spring, then head to Death Valley in what will be an out-of-this-world experience.
The Dark Skies of Death Valley
NPS
Death Valley National Park has Dark Sky Park Gold Tier status, which means light pollution is minimal. With no orange haze on the horizon from city lights, the park's vast wilderness has some of the darkest night skies in the country, allowing you to see far more stars, planets and meteors than anywhere else. Park ranger, Matthew Lamar, says showing kids these special places is important. “As a society we know more about the night sky than we have ever known before, but as individuals most of us have never been more disconnected and less able to experience it from where we live,” he says.
Stargazing Parties
NPS
The rangers at the park offer a variety of night sky events throughout the year. Rangers plan to offer a star party in late January, where visitors can peer through a telescope and learn about the constellations. Park rangers will partner with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab and CalTech along with others to host its annual Dark Sky Festival in February. This family-friendly event will feature talks, field programs and telescope time. Keep an eye on the Park’s calendar, or ask a ranger at the Furnace Creek Visitor Center for upcoming events during your visit.
Pop-Up Star Camp
Eastern Sierra Observatory
In addition to the National Park Service events, there is another unique and fun way to enjoy the night sky with your family in Death Valley. Eastern Sierra Observatory, which runs overnight stargazing camps from Bishop, has a pop-up star party in Death Valley between March 18 to April 24. Each pod can fit two adults and up to three kids. Campsites have a picnic table and fire ring, but you must supply your own food and bedding. This set-up is perfect for parents who can stay up to stargaze after tucking up tired children in the cozy pod.
Since the pandemic, interest in stargazing has soared, says Scott Lange, owner of Eastern Sierra Observatory. According to him, springtime is a good time to stargaze in Death Valley because the Milky Way is visible and when the moon is in its darkest phase, you can see the core of our galaxy. Scott brings little geodesic cabins, beds, the eight-inch telescope and his knowledge of the night sky while you bring the family and sense of curiousity.
DIY Star Camp
NPS
Families don’t need to attend a talk, or use a telescope, to enjoy stargazing with their kids. If you want to create your own Death Valley star camp this spring break, Matthew has some tips to make the most of your experience.
Head to a dark area of the park. Although the National Park Service has made great efforts to keep light pollution to a minimum, there are brighter areas of the park. Stay away from the hotels at Furnace Creek and Stovepipe Village and seek out quieter areas for a better view. If you don’t mind driving back in the dark, Ubehebe Crater is a great spot.
Go during the new moon. Check the phases of the moon and try to pick a date when the moon is not visible, or is smaller, for a darker sky.
Take a headlamp with a red light. Whenever you use a bright light, your eyes have to readjust. Some headlamps now come with a red light option, which allows you to keep your night vision.
Take blankets to lay on, or camping chairs, and warm clothes. It can get cold in Death Valley at night, so you need to be comfortable while staring at the skies.
Grab a Junior Ranger Night Sky Explorer program from the visitor center. The Junior Ranger programs are brilliantly designed for kids and contain a lot of information. Kids are more engaged when there’s a special badge as a reward.
Download a stargazing app on your smartphone that does not require an internet connection to work, before you get to the park. Apps are a great way to figure out what you’re looking at and the stories behind the constellations. There is little to no cellphone coverage in most areas of the park, so plan ahead.
Day Time in Death Valley
NPS
Known for getting unbearably hot during the summer—in fact, the record for the hottest place on earth was set in Death Valley—winter and spring bring pleasant temperatures which makes those seasons the ideal time to visit. Make the visitor center your first stop, where you can learn about the history, unique geology and wildlife of the park in the museum. Rangers can advise you on the best places to visit and give your kids a Junior Ranger program.
Consider a self-guided tour of locations used for the Star Wars movies, which were filmed before the area became a national park. Download the National Park app and select Death Valley National Park to use offline, then add the Star Wars audio tour for a map and information on each spot, which you can listen to in the car as you drive. Even if you’re not into Star Wars, the family will enjoy exploring the sand dunes, salt flats and canyons. Let the kids slide down the dunes, climb on rocks and run on the bright white salt at Badwater.
Where to Stay in Death Valley
Sarah McDonald
Death Valley National Park is so big, you need to stay in the park at night to avoid long (hot) drives during your stay. Fortunately, there are plenty of accommodation options, from luxe to rustic.
For a resort experience, stay atThe Oasis Death Valley, located in the heart of the park at Furnace Creek, near the visitor center. The resort is split into two separate hotels, the four-Diamond rated Inn at Death Valley and the more laid-back Ranch at Death Valley. Stovepipe Wells Village, a comfortable, low-key hotel with an Old West vibe is also a great option.
There are also many camping sites in Death Valley National Park, some run by the National Park Service and others privately owned. One of the most popular campgrounds for stargazing, Mesquite Spring, is an hour north of Furnace Creek and has 40 first-come-first-served sites.
—Sarah McDonald
featured image by Jamison McAndie Jamomca via Unsplash
The poll had kids from ages 8 to 14 choose their favorite item to receive in a series of matchups and the candies with the top win percentages are perennial favorites! Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups had the best score, winning 75.9% of matchups. That’s followed by original M&Ms, the Milky Way bar, the classic Hershey’s chocolate bar and a Kit Kat. While chocolate dominated the favorites list, gummy bears snuck in for the sixth place spot. Hershey’s Kisses, Reese’s Pieces, Peanut M&Ms and Twix bars rounded out the top 10.
The candy kids are least excited to receive? Black licorice. It only won 16% of its matchups and the poll found that kids prefer almost anything else, including beef jerky, an orange or even sugar-free gum! And if you want to go the healthier route, data revealed the fruit snacks are a big hit in the pre-teen set, which won out over many candies on the list.
YouGov conducted the poll of 703 U.S. kids quite recently, between September 22 and October 1. Now you know how to stock up as you head to the store before Halloween festivities. Just leave the black licorice on the shelf!
—Sarah Shebek
Featured image courtesy of Yaroslav Shuraev, Pexels
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) recently announced a recall for 297,715 pounds of Milky Way International Trading Corp.’s ready-to-eat corned beef products due to concerns about FSIS import reinspection.
The recall includes corned beef items imported between Jun. 6, 2020 and Jan. 21, 2021 and have the words “Australia Inspected” and the number “39” on the product’s package.
photo courtesy of USDA FSIS
There are no reports of illnesses or adverse reactions The recall was made after a tip from an industry representative indicated the corned beef didn’t undergo the required importation reinspection.
For a full list of the recalled products, with affected codes, visit the FSIS’s website here. If you think you may have the affected products, throw them out or return them to the place of purchase. Do not eat the corned beef. Contact MW Polar Consumer Relations Specialist at 562-921-288 ext. 160 or email info@mwpolar.com with any recall-related questions.
