With Easter just around the corner, chances are you’ll soon have some extra egg cartons on your hands. Put them to good use with these simple egg carton crafts for kids of all ages that extend far beyond Easter. From flowers to colorful chicks, these crafts that use egg cartons are a must this spring.
How cute is this egg carton craft from Red Ted Art? Not only are they easy to create, but they make great decorations for the kids’ Easter dinner table too.
This adorable idea from Jumbletree is so fresh and fun, and kids will love using it to play with their bunny pals. Making the burrow is simple, and making rabbits requires a few supplies you probably already have. Get the tutorial to make the rabbits here.
Candy-Filled Egg Carton Chick
This candy-filled chick from One Little Project is a project and a fun treat all in one! Fill it with your or your kiddo's favorite Easter sweets.
Create whimsical jellyfish puppets when you use this adorable design from The Art Kit. Egg cartons, paint, yarn, and googly eyes are pretty much all you need to create these under the sea creatures!
This craft uses a different part of the egg carton—the pointy part that touches the lid. All you have to do is cut out that piece, fill it with soil, and then top it with an adorable and tiny succulent. Attach string and hang for your very own hanging planter. You can find all the details at Journey Into Creativity.
Let your little Picasso get creative by making egg carton flower prints! This craft from Meaningful Mama is simply fun and perfect for some Spring crafting. Put these works of art in a frame, or get the kids to make some cards for grandparents—you can't go wrong!
A perfect craft for big kids, these Dancing Fish from Brainy Beginnings Network involve painting and a little sewing. Once assembled, make these gorgeous fish dance or hang them up as a super cute decoration.
Turn your old egg cartons into adorable ladybugs with this tutorial from One Little Project. Gather pipe cleaners, pom poms, and googly eyes, and get crafting.
Crafty kids will love making this flower bouquet canvas from Mod Podge Rocks. With brightly colored paint, a little glue, and a layer of sparkly Mod Podge, it’ll come together in an afternoon.
These cute chicks from Typically Simple can double as an Easter project—and they’re a super fun way to make use of egg cartons. They’re also easy to make with items you probably have on hand.
Thanks to Let's Do Something Crafty, your kids can snap the perfect pretend photo. Though this egg carton craft may need a bit more grown-up involvement, the kids can help out with painting, braiding the camera strap, or arranging the different elements of the "camera."
Create an entire underwater world with just four supplies. You’ve got the egg cartons; find out what else you’ll need at Fantastic Fun and Learning. One down, three to go!
Using egg cartons as building blocks? Pure genius. Once you’ve cut up your stash, have the kids paint it all in bright hues. After that, the possibilities are endless. Take a peek at the great tutorial for this craft that uses egg cartons at The Pinterested Parent.
These little guys are more cute than creepy and use up plenty of egg cartons. Parents, you'll probably have to handle the task of arranging the pipe cleaner legs just right. Get the how-to over at Pink Stripey Socks.
It’s a project that requires help, but your kiddo will be the queen or king of spring if you decide to tackle this cool flower crown. You can handle the glue gun, they can design their flowers. Find out how to make this egg carton craft over at Hello Wonderful.
Who-who-who's up for transforming an egg carton into a feathered friend? This clever craft from Art and Soul Preschool is super easy. If you have a decently stocked craft drawer you likely have the googly eyes, feathers and paint ready to go.
This egg carton mask craft from Teaching Every Day is great fun for a masquerade dress-up bash. You only need a few supplies, and it's easy enough that younger crafters can handle most of the steps. Customize with the kids' favorite colors or add feathers for additional panache.
How cute are these penguins from Green Owl Art? They're just the right size for little hands and don't require a lot of materials or time. Couple the activity with a viewing of Happy Feet, and you've got one eggcellent afternoon.
Here's a smile, crocodile! This green grinner from My Kid Craft is a lot of toothy fun. Best part? It requires three egg cartons—ideal for using up a big supply.
These adorable little robins are made from recycled egg cartons, and as a bonus, they have a little treat inside! Not only are they filled with your favorite candy, but they're also super easy to make. Check out the step-by-step tutorial from Almost Unschoolers here.
Let your kids learn their imagination is as deep as the ocean with this fun egg carton ocean craft. Use the container as a vignette, where little ones can paint with colors of the sea, then fill it with ocean creatures and plants. Get the details from The Imagination Tree.
—with additional reporting by Taylor Clifton and Karly Wood
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.
We promise that these pirate jokes won’t make you want to walk the plank
Talk Like a Pirate Day is September 19 and we’ve got all the best pirate jokes for kids to get your day off to a hilarious start. These kid-friendly jokes are full of puns and will have you laughing all day! Be sure to check out our collection of the best jokes for kids, summer jokes, corny jokes, and even knock-knock jokes.
1. How much does it cost a pirate to get his ears pierced? About a buck an ear.
2. Knock knock.
Who’s there?
Interrupting pirate.
Interrupting pir—yarrrrrr!
3. What’s a pirate’s favorite letter? Arrrrrrrrrr
No, it be the C! (Sea).
—A hilarious 6-year-old reader.
4. What is a pirate’s favorite body part? The booty!
—C.J., age 9
5. How do you save a dying pirate?
CPArrrrrrrrr
6. What’s a pirate’s favorite fish?
The Swordfish.
7. What’s a pirate’s worst enemy?
Termites.
8. What do you call a pirate who likes to skip school?
Captain Hooky.
9. Why does it take so long for pirates to learn the alphabet?
Because they spend years at C.
10. Where do pirates buy their hooks?
The second hand store.
11. What did the pirate say when he left his wooden leg in the freezer?
Shiver me timbers!
12. What do you call a pirate with two legs and two eyes?
A newbie.
Why does the ice cream always get invited to the party?
Are we there yet?! Whether you’re hitting the road or staying around the house, summer 2023 has arrived. Be sure to print out these summer jokes for kids and beach jokes at your next pool party or cookout; share them with your crew and laugh on! If you need more giggles, check out our collection of knock knock jokes,cheesy jokes, and the ultimate list of jokes for kids.
24 of the Best Summer Jokes for Kids
1. What is brown, hairy, and wears sunglasses?
A coconut on vacation.
2. What kind of water cannot freeze?
Hot water.
3. What happens if you throw a red sun hat in the water?
It gets wet!
4. Why does ice cream always get invited to the party?
It’s cool.
5. What did the little corn say to the mama corn?
Where is pop corn?
6. What animal is always at a baseball game? A bat
7. What do ghosts like to eat in the summer?
I Scream.
8. And where do sharks go on vacation?
Finland!
9. Why did the robot go on vacation?
He needed to recharge his batteries.
10. What did the reporter say to the ice cream?
“What’s the scoop?”
11. Where do math teachers like to go on vacation?
Times Square
12. Why did the elephants get kicked out of the pool?
They kept dropping their trunks.
13. Where do ghosts like to boat on vacation?
Lake Eerie.
14. Why did the teacher jump into the pool?
He wanted to test the water!
15. Why are mountains the funniest place to vacation?
They are hill-arious.
16. What should a toddler wear to go swimming?
Pool-ups.
17. What did the kid say when the instructor told him he’d missed summer school?
“No, sir. I didn’t miss it at all.”
18. What do frogs eat in the summer?
Hopsicles!
19. Why didn’t the sun go to college?
He already had a million degrees.
20. What do you call a cantaloupe in a kiddie pool?
A watermelon.
21. What has ears but can’t hear?
A cornfield.
22. How does a cucumber become a pickle?
It goes through a jarring experience.
23. Why can’t basketball players ever go on vacation?
They would get called for traveling!
24. What did the pig say on a hot summer day?
I’m bacon!
19 of the Best Beach Jokes for Summer
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1. What did the ocean say to the lifeguard?
Nothing, it just waved.
2. What part of the fish weighs the most?
The scales.
3. Why does a seagull fly over the sea?
Because if it flew over the bay, it would be a baygull.
4. How do we know that the ocean is friendly?
It waves!
5. What kind of tree fits in your hand?
A palm tree!
6. Where do sheep go on vacation?
The Baaa-hamas.
7. What do you call seagulls that live near the bay?
Bagels.
8. What did the beach say to the tide when it came in?
Long time, no sea.
9. What does a mermaid use to call her friends?
A shell phone, of course.
10. What do you pay to spend a day on the beach?
Sand dollars.
11. Why did the detectives show up at the concert at the beach?
Something fishy was going on.
12. What is the difference between a piano and a fish?
You can tune a piano, but you can’t tuna fish.
13. What’s the best kind of sandwich for the beach?
Peanut butter and jellyfish.
14. Why don’t oysters like to share their pearls?
Because they are shellfish.
15. Why did the banana wear sunscreen at the beach?
It refused to peel.
16. Why do people swim at saltwater beaches?
Because pepper beaches would make them sneeze.
17. What does Sonic the Hedgehog wear at the beach?
A Speedo
18. What’s the most common insect found at the beach?
A beach buggy.
19. What’s the best day of the week to go to the beach?
These Earth Day books for kids are perfect for getting them excited about taking care of our planet
April 22nd is Earth Day! And if you’re ready to start teaching your kids about “climate change” means or what to do about trash in the park to celebrate, reading a book to inspire them is a great step in becoming global citizens! These Earth Day books for kids don’t just highlight problems: they offer actionable solutions that kids of any age can implement in their homes, schools, and communities and demonstrate that one person can have a huge impact on the planet. From books about recycling to stories about endangered animals, these books are sure to educate and entertain your little ones. And they’re all written by award-winning authors and illustrators, so you know they’re good!
Be the Change: Rob Greenfield’s Call to Kids―Making a Difference in a Messed-Up World
Amazon
Every day, we contribute to the pollution and environmental issues in our world; now what? Rob Greenfield's actionable book tells the story of his own commitment to saving the planet, and gives tangible and realistic ways every person can work towards reducing our carbon footprint and changing our habits for good. Ages: 8+
While our world hosts billions of people, plants, and animals, there's only one Earth for us to take care of. Young environmentalists will thoroughly enjoy this journey from Earth's birth to the exploration of galaxies, continents and more! Deborah Hopkinson and Chuck Groenink do a wonderful job incorporating eye-catching illustrations with straightforward facts that all readers can understand.
We may be one of billions of Earth's inhabitants, but that doesn't mean we can't make a difference! Philip Bunting breaks down the history of waste—what it is, where it comes from, and why we keep making so much of it. After a few whimsical stories comes the good stuff: how to save the earth. Creative illustrations and simple how-to's make this book a must for everyone, not just kiddos. Ages: 5+
No words are needed for this sweet tale that follows a young marmot who witnesses a forest fire. Shared with gorgeous illustrations by Pam Fong, little readers will walk away with the message that we can all do our part to help save and restore the earth, no matter our size! Ages: 4-8
A tree is more than just leaves and a trunk: it's a home to wildlife that everyone can learn from. Kate McMullan weaves a story that not only shows how one small action can produce a big result, but will inspire kids to become nature lovers, too! Ages: 4-7
Beautifully illustrated by Charles Santoso, this story by Sarah Thomson follows animals in the Australian forest as they live peacefully only to encounter a dangerous wildfire. Told in a way that educates young children on climate change, this story co-mingles lessons on compassion, the environment, refugees, and coming together under times of turmoil.
This classic by Todd Parr takes on the topics of environmental protection and conservation in a book for very young readers! Printed on recycled materials and using non toxic soy inks, this picture book has been in print since 2010 and is both an homage to our beautiful planet and a young Earth activist's guide to understanding why caring about the environment is so important. Ages: 3-6
In this gorgeously illustrated book by author-illustrator Lara Hawthorne, we meet Alba, a fish who loves to collect objects that fall down to the ocean floor. The beauty and diversity of color and life in the ocean are showcased and then contrasted with the ever-increasing presence of trash. Ocean plastics are taking over: but what can Alba (and you) do to help? Read an enchanting story followed by actionable ways to save the ocean’s vital ecosystems! Ages: 3-7
Forest bathing comes naturally to children and Kallie George’s new nature book for kids reminds us all how the sounds of nature can be restorative to our minds and bodies. The forest has a lot to say if you listen! From the creaks of the trees to the nibbles of the squirrels, the forest is forever revealing secrets to those willing to listen. Read this book and head out for a hike. Carmen Mok’s illustrations are both whimsical and realistic, making you wish you were napping on a forest floor right now. Ages: 3-7
A devastating tornado leaves Rodrigo and his family homeless. But through his community and a strong connection with nature, Rodrigo finds a way to build a new life. He begins a farm where he can grow food to not only feed his family, but others like him. The book is printed on the publisher Cuento de Luz’s signature stone paper, and all of author Cristina Expósito Escalona's income from royalties will be donated to the Homeless Garden Project. Illustrated Miguel Ángel Díez. Ages: 4-8
Crossings: Extraordinary Structures for Extraordinary Animals
Amazon
Katie S. Duffield’s forthcoming collaboration with Illustrator Mike Orodán celebrates nature through the wildlife crossings that exist around the world. From a bridge over a Canadian interstate to monkeys on rope bridges to bears under an overpass, Crossings teaches kids what happens when the non-natural world and the creatures of nature collide, celebrating both the ingenuity of animals and encouraging conservation and awareness. Ages 3-8
In this exquisite book by Sam Hutchinson, children are taken on a journey through seven different habitats to learn about the animal kingdom’s challenges. Children explore more than 70 different animal species that are endangered or threatened due to climate change and pollution as well as species that are thriving thanks to conservation efforts! The format is unique—illustrator Sarah Dennis uses her collage style to create seek-and-find and monochrome images, inviting children to explore further. The book also contains lots of tips about how we can help the species. Ages: 6-9
The “A Kids Book About” series takes on challenging topics (racism, death, being transgender, and more) and and breaks them down into easy-to-read kids’ books that help both kids and their grown-ups have frank, honest conversations together. In A Kids Book About Climate Change, youth activists Zanagee Artis and Olivia Greenspan take the overwhelming topic of climate change and explain it in understandable terms offering facts about the current state of our planet, how we got here, and how to fight for our future. Ages: 4-8
Luna & Me: The True Story of a Girl Who Lived in a Tree to Save a Forest
Amazon
Author-illustrator Jenny Sue Kostecki-Shaw brings the story of Julia Butterfly Hill’s famous protest to life in this exploration of what it means to be an activist! Julia Butterfly Hill lived in a redwood tree for over 2 years to protect it from being cut down. The tree became affectionately known as Luna. Julia refused to come down from the tree until the lumber company who wanted to cut it down agreed not to. An inspiring reminder for kids of what just one person can do to make a difference! Ages: 5-9
The Brilliant Deep: Rebuilding the World's Coral Reefs
Amazon
If you like the kind of book that makes you want to literally dive into its pages, this is the book for you! With dreamy illustrations by Matthew Forsythe, it's the powerful story of Ken Nedimyer’s quest to rescue the world’s coral reefs. Written by Kate Messner, it reminds kids everywhere that “it starts with one.” Not only will you be enchanted by the layout of the book, but you’ll also be inspired by Ken. Includes a coral-reef glossary and ways kids can help. Ages: 6-9
Walking for Water: How One Boy Stood Up for Gender Equality
Amazon
In this inspiring story, artfully told by Susan Hughes with beautiful, graphic-novel style illustrations by Nicole Miles, we meet young Victor and his twin sister, Linesi, two Malawi kids who love going to school. But when they turn 8, Victor learns that because Linesi is a girl, she is no longer allowed to attend school. Instead, she walks to the river to get water each day. Soon, Victor begins to understand what gender equality means and comes up with a plan to change things.
This is not just a story about gender equality, though. It is about unequal access to education. It is also about access to clean water, and how there are people in the world who don't have it. Your kids will not only learn how one person can make a difference, but they will also understand the importance of a global mindset. Includes a glossary of Chichewa words. Ages: 7-10
An excellent gift to any class, this book shows kids the huge impact they can have on the environment and immediate, actionable steps they can take to protect it! It’s full of great ideas that teachers can implement in their classroom (making paint from dry markers!) or kids can do at home. It’s a positive way to approach climate change, with solutions that are completely doable, helping parents and kids talk about something that can feel daunting and scary for kids. Buy one for your kiddo’s class today! Ages: 4-10+
How to Make a Better World: For Every Kid Who Wants to Make a Difference
Amazon
This guide by Keilly Swift comes with a foreword by Jamie Margolin, a Columbian American climate activist, which sets the tone for the upbeat and inspiring book. While the author does not shy away from the grim reality, she offers tons of solutions, ideas, and advice for becoming an advocate for climate justice! Going beyond the lists of “what you can do to save the planet,” this book takes on the subtitles of what it really takes to help the Earth every day. She even discusses how to handle tricky situations when people aren’t always nice or empathetic to your cause. Ages: 7-9
You Can Change the World: The Kids' Guide to a Better Planet
Amazon
Author Lucy Bell has a message for kids of the world: you can make a difference! This illustrated book is packed with colorful images designed to present solutions to children in a way they relate. From reuse (mending clothes, compost), recycling, and reducing (avoid single-use plastics and make conscious consumer choices), this is the practical guide for any family to make significant changes in their household starting today. Ages: 8-12
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Did you hear the one about the fish who moved to Hollywood?
We’re not laughing at L.A.; we’re laughing with it. From jokes about earthquakes to jokes about LA traffic, these kid-friendly jokes will have your little one laughing out loud.
What did the angry pepperoni say? What museums do NY comedians love?
Kids and jokes are a match made in heaven. (We find the sillier, cornier, and punnier, the better.) Take your family’s joking up a notch with these NYC-centric goofs that hopefully won’t make you gag! (See what we did there?)
1. What's a New Yorker's favorite storm?
A Cyclone.
2. How do the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges communicate?
In span-ish.
3. Why was the bagel store robbed?
The lox were broken.
4. What did the angry pepperoni say?
You wanna pizza me?
5. Where do New York chefs get their broth?
The Stock Exchange.
6. What do you call a barber in the Bronx?
A Yankee Clipper.
7. What did the Atlantic Ocean say to the sand?
Nothing, it just waved.
8. Where’s the best place to charge your phone in NYC?
Battery Park.
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9. Where did the rooster live?
In a co-op.
10. How do New Yorkers show affection?
They’ll give you a hug and a knish.
11. How did the sailor get around the city?
He took Ocean Parkway.
12. What’s the best street for moving trucks?
Broadway.
13. What is the landscaper’s favorite museum?
Mow-Ma.
14. Where do the Rolling Stones love to perform?
Rock Center.
15. What museum do comedians love?
The Wit-ney
16. What’s the coziest spot in New York?
Snug Harbor
17. Where did the math teacher like to hang out?
Times Square
18. Who do kids in Chelsea hang out with?
Their piers.
19. Can a kid jump higher than the Statue of Liberty?
Of course, silly. The Statue of Liberty can't jump!
Let’s face it, keeping teens entertained throughout an entire family vacation is easier said than done–and should be an Olympic sport if you ask us! While they’d much prefer spending time with friends or glued to TikTok, getting together as a group without the usual daily distractions makes for wonderful memories.
Enter Destin-Fort Walton Beach. A stunning destination located along the Florida panhandle that’s known for its sugar-white sand beaches and crystal Gulf waters. Not only does it feel like you’re on an island, but it offers plenty of adventure too.
To help you plan an unforgettable trip that your 13 going on 30 will actually enjoy, we’ve compiled a surefire list of activities that’ll remove “I’m bored” from their vocabulary.
Scuba Diving
Sure, swimming in the ocean is fun but it doesn’t compare to witnessing the beauty of what lies beneath. With an introductory course to scuba diving in Destin-Fort Walton Beach, your kids over age 10 can learn the basics of exploring the wonders of the ocean and leave with a new skill.
They’ll be able to try on diving equipment and can take their first shallow dive in calm waters near the Destin Jetties. For parents looking to make this a regular excursion, the course counts as an open water dive towards getting scuba certified, so they can continue on with their newfound passion.
Step aside paddleboards, kayaks and canoes, eFoils are here! The electric-powered hydrofoil surfboards can go up to 25 mph, allowing the daredevils in your family to roam the ocean water. eFoils are also steered with a wireless hand controller that turns off when a rider loses their balance, so you don’t have to worry about anyone getting hurt.
Lessons are available for teens age 13 and up, which can be booked from March through October. Don’t forget to bring a waterproof camera for some Instagram-worthy photos.
Tucked away in Santa Rosa Sound, Spectre Island is a pristine, white sandy beach that serves as home to many different species of birds and sea creatures. Your older children can explore the undeveloped island and surrounding turquoise waters in a single or double kayak where they may catch a glimpse of dolphins, bald eagles and osprey to name a few.
Whether they’re a beginner or a pro kayaker, they’ll love the breathtaking views and challenge of navigating on their own.
Charter Fishing offers not only the chance to reel in the catch of a lifetime, but also quite the scenery with amazing views and the potential for dolphin sightings. Book a half or full-day private charter where your first-timers will have the chance to fish the Gulf–and take home their catch.
Receive one-on-one instruction with the boat captain and first mate, who’ll ensure everyone in the family reels in a prize. At the end of your trip, bring your catch to a local restaurant to have it grilled, blackened or fried for dinner.
Remember the sheer excitement your once-little experienced riding a wave with just their tiny body? Now you can see that sparkle in their eyes again with a surf lesson that’s certain to give them an adrenaline rush.
Head to Destin-Fort Walton Beach for manageable waves that your beginner surfer can tackle–and that won’t end in a wipe-out! With a personal instructor, your teen will learn a variety of skills, from standing up on a surfboard and maintaining balance to making surf wax their best friend. All supplies are included, just make sure to pack towels, sunscreen and snacks.
Break out those boogie boards, and this winter, check out these slippery beach sledding spots in LA
There may be snow on the mountains in the distance (and if you want to play in the cold, white fluffy stuff, check out our kid-friendly guide to snow play in LA), but if you want to give kids a fun, only-in-LA sledding experience this winter without having to travel far, head to the beach for some sand dune sledding. Sand berms are man-made sand hills built up by the city to protect the beaches from eroding from winter storms and rough surf. They are a popular spot for sledding in Los Angeles and a beloved activity for locals—and good to know? Boogie boards are great sand sledding devices. Sand berms provide a great way to enjoy the beach during the winter when the weather is typically too cold or windy to enjoy otherwise. These are our favorite spots to climb and slide our way down to the bottom and one of our most-favorite winter activities in LA—most of which can be done for free.
1. Zuma Beach Sand Sledding
Up the coast in Malibu, Zuma always makes for a beautiful beach day, whether you're crashing in the waves or sledding in the sand. It is a bit more of a trek, so you may want to pack up a picnic along with your sleds and make a day of it. The berms at Zuma are long and much less trafficked than Venice and Hermosa, which also means they aren't as smooth and slick. For a better ride, have the grownups in the group take a few trips down the slope first, to carve out a nice pathway for the little ones—yep, it's a perfect excuse to get a turn on the new sled.
Zuma isn't as busy in the winter, so you should have no trouble grabbing a parking spot in the lot directly behind the sand dunes.
The Hermosa Beach sand berms stretch out from both sides of the Hermosa Pier providing plenty of ocean-front real estate for your little sand bunnies. These hills are a little less steep making them the best spot for the youngest (or most cautious) sledders.
Good to Know: The closest places to park are the two public metered lots on Hermosa Ave. at 11th and 13th St.
Just south of the Venice Beach Pier is one of the most popular sand sledding spots on the coast. The Venice berm stretches from the pier all along the length of the south parking lot, so despite being a hotspot, there's always plenty of room for everyone. These slopes are usually the biggest of the berms on the coast, making them the go-to spot for young sledders (and grown-ups) looking for the best thrill ride. Late Dec. or early Jan. is usually the best time to visit, as the sand has gotten packed down, making for a smoother, faster ride.
Good to Know: Parking in the lot can cost more on the weekends. You can also look for a spot on Washington Blvd., but it can be a bit of a walk.
Catch some sand in the Santa Monica Mountains! While the sledding here is prime, there's more at this location that will easily occupy you and your crew for the day—miles of sandy beaches with rocky bluffs, rugged hills and uplands, two major river canyons, and broad grassy valleys dotted with sycamores and oaks along with 70+ miles of hiking trails.
9000 W. Pacific Coast Hwy. Malibu Online:parks.ca.gov
5. Manhattan Beach Sand Dune Park
At the north end of this park, there’s a 100-foot high slope covered in deep sand that kids can climb up and jump, roll, or run down. If your brood grows tired of the sand, there’s also a children’s playground with other facilities including picnic areas, restrooms, and drinking water. The rest of the park includes trails and flora in Manhattan Beach Sand Dune Nature Preserve.
Good to Know: This spot does require reservations, so make sure you secure them before heading here.
If you are looking for a new (and free!) adventure, take your kids to explore our local tide pools—it’s a fantastic way to get outdoors and learn about sea life at low tide. Grab your ground-gripping shoes and head out to nimbly navigate our rocky shores to get close looks at crabs, sea stars and other ocean dwellers. Parenting Pro Tip: Check the tide charts before you visit so you can time your adventure (nothing worse than a tide pool day ruined by high tide). PS: The next California King Tides (the highest and lowest tides of the year) will be December 23-24, 2022 and January 21-22, 2023. Mark your calendars to explore the coastline during the lowest tide of the year—exposing sea life that is normally hidden.
Come for the tide pools, stay for the photo-ops. The Point Loma tide pools at Cabrillo National Monument surround you with breathtaking views. Located on the windy ocean-side of the point, little adventurers will spot a large and diverse amount of sea critters in this multi-leveled tidal zone area. Bonus: Sometimes docents are available to answer questions.
Good to Know: To reach the tide pools you must travel 1/4 to 1/2 miles down a dirt path with approximately 100 feet of elevation change.
Cost: $10/per vehicle
1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr. San Diego Online: nps.gov
2. Shell Beach
Grab the crew and head down to Shell Beach during the low or minus tides and you're 'shore' to find giant sea anemones and skittering crabs. Even more, you’ll see plenty of seals here too. Also, good to know that if low tide occurs near sunset, this is the spot to be to catch a magnificent view!
You’ll need to hike down a long set of stairs to access this beautiful beach––before finding tons of sea critters at low tides. Look for the 45 million year-old oyster fossils in the rocks (which is called tabletop by the locals). You’ll spot starfish and hermit crabs, sea hares and cucumbers. Head down at minus tide to explore! Note: there's a small parking lot that’s free and also street parking.
New to tide pooling? This winter, connect with the Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institute to search for sea life at Dike Rock, or if you can't wait, you can explore on your own. Crouch down and be still to see scampering hermit crabs and gently touch a sticky sea anemone. If your timing's right and you hit the extreme low tides, you may get a glimpse of sea stars and sea hares ensconced in the rocks. To access this spot, park near El Paseo Grand St., then start walking north on the beach (just past the pier).
Good to Know: The closest bathrooms are at La Jolla Shores Beach parking lot.
Park along Pacific Coast Highway (just South of Cannon Rd.) and go down the stairs, located at the last house. Once on the beach, head one block and you’ll find this hidden gem of a tide pool (only viewable at extreme low tides). Free to park, no restrooms, but worth the trip to find loads of hermit crabs, sea anemones and other critters skittering around in the water.
A quiet little gem in La Jolla to find sea anemones and other little creatures. To get to the rocks at low tide you’ll need to go down a steep staircase. You’ll see hermit crabs and sea anemones, sea urchins and lobsters (if lucky!). The best time to go is during a minus tide. The rocks are slippery, so remember to put the crew in the right shoes to navigate this terrain.
You’ll love the fact that this small surf beach is easy to get to and has a laid back vibe. Your little sea stars can spy cute critters from snails and star fish to barnacles and limpets. The parking lot is a breeze to find, and there are basic beach bathrooms. Head north of the surfing area to find the tide pools, then, stay and watch the surfers and the sunset.
Although it's a pay parking lot, it’s just a few steps to this sandy shore that's full of treasures. Seaside Beach (the South end of Cardiff State Beach) is a sweet tide pool spot at low tides. So grab the stroller, pack a lunch, leash up the dog and soak up the sunshine while exploring the creatures this coast reveals. This tide pool has quick and easy access, with restrooms in the parking lot. Bring cash for the parking fee.
South Parking Lot Pacific Coast Hwy. Cardiff-by-the-Sea Online: parks.ca.gov
What You Need to Know about San Diego Tide Pools Before Going
According to the National Park Service, "Late fall and winter are the optimum times for a visit to the tide pools. Unlike the summer months, when low tides occur in the middle of the night, the good low tides—including the outstanding negative low tides—in fall and winter occur during daylight hours. A general rule of thumb is that the tide pools can be visited approximately two hours before low tide time (when the tide is receding) and two hours after (when the tide is coming back in)." This doesn't mean that tide pooling during the summer is for naught—you will still be able to explore the wonderful coastline and its creatures—you may just have to adjust your expectations.