Summer is here, and that means lots of long afternoons trying to keep everyone happy and cool. Enter: the backyard waterslide. The perfect departure from the repetitive visit to the neighborhood pool, these waterslides will up your summer playtime in a big way.
From amped-up slip ‘n slides and baby-friendly pools, these outdoor inflatables turn your backyard into a hot-weather paradise. Keep scrolling to see our faves.
Rave 20-Foot Sports Turbo Chute
Target
This slide is for serious riders. Stretching 20 feet, each section is extra slipper and measures 46" wide x 9" high. You can attach it to another section of the slide for a super long ride, use as a traditional slip 'n slide or even use on a lake.
Little Tikes Rocky Mountain River Race Inflatable Slide
Amazon
There are plenty of surprises in this bright water slide! The two slides allow for up to four kiddos at once, and the climbing wall and surprise bucket means lots of summer fun.
Who needs a fancy water park when you have this in your backyard? This deluxe water slide boasts a climbing wall in place of steps, shower pump at the top and water gun at the bottom. With eight stakes and an air pump, you have everything you need to let the fun begin.
Want another super long slide for your space? This 25 foot long slide by WOW Watersports fits the bill. It has a zig zag spray pattern sprinkler system the entire length of the slide to ensure maximum sliding, connects to your backyard hose and has eight inch high sides so riders stay on track.
What goes better than summer and candy? Slide into the sweet zone with this kiddie-perfect water slide that is great for littles three to four. It comes with six balls and hooks up to your house for endless fun.
H2OGO! Inflatable Backyard Outdoor Mega Obstacle Cours
Target
Can you handle all the fun this inflatable brings? The huge inflatable water park comes with everything you need, including a blower, a repair kit, sprinkler sprayer hose, 10 ground stakes, PVC ball sprinkler, 6 small flags and a storage bag. Kids will love the extra-large pool, integrated flag relay race game and slides.
A short flight or a road trip from the Bay Area, Mission Bay is best known as home to SeaWorld but is also an ideal family beach vacation destination. The protected bay with calm, still waters is perfect for sandy play while nearby Pacific Beach and its boardwalk is within walking distance. Nearby attractions San Diego Zoo, LEGOLAND, San Diego Zoo Safari and the brand new Sesame Place makes Mission Bay a great springboard for day trips. From windsurfing and jet skiing to lying on the beach, we loved our time in Mission Bay and think your family will, too!
Play
Christine Lai
Action Sport Rentals Want to SUP, jet ski (minimum height 36”), paddle boat or kayak? Action Sports Rentals has you covered and with multiple locations in Mission Bay, is the go-to rental spot. For those who prefer to stay dry and on land, they’ve got bikes (even for kids and trailers for the littles!) and surreys for rent. We tried jet skiing as a family for the first time and our thrill-seeking kids absolutely loved it. Not only was it an adventure, but we got a unique tour of the Bay from the water.
Belmont Park This oceanfront amusement park is a quintessential family beach vacation must! Kids will love the pay-as-you-play coasters, carousel, bumper cars, zipline, climbing wall, go karts and more.
Christine Lai
Bahia Belle Sightseeing Cruise Hop aboard this Mississippi-style, sternwheeler boat for a tranquil one-hour cruise at sunset for views of Mission Bay that you can’t find anywhere else!
Kendall-Frost Marsh Reserve Nature enthusiasts will love the peace and quiet of this saltwater marshland with its raised platforms for birdwatching. Come for a walk at dawn or dusk for breathtaking views.
Bayside Bonfires Chairs, tables, bonfire set up and clean up (say no more) and of course, s’mores are all included in this full-service experience. This means a perfect end to a family beach day is guaranteed while roasting marshmallows under the stars—as a bonus, dazzle the kids with the magic flame add-on!
Eat!
Christine Lai
Oceana Coastal Kitchen California cuisine at this elegant bayside eatery is the name of the game and families will love the tabletop fire pits and live music on the weekends. Enjoy pre-dinner craft cocktails while the kids play nearby in the sand—it doesn’t get much better than this!
Barefoot Bar & Grill This casual waterfront restaurant at Paradise Point (more below) serves up a mean happy hour and we loved diving into their avocado toast and eggs benedict. Bonus: Kids will love playing by the lagoon while waiting for food and checking out the stingrays and leopard sharks.
Los Panchos Tacos and Cantina Since going to San Diego and not having tacos while on a family beach vacation is a sin, we sussed out the best-rated taqueria in the area. This spot is a short drive from Mission Bay and we took advantage of Taco Tuesday and got to try (and loved!) the carne asada, baja fish and cabeza (cow cheek!).
Christine Lai
Sushi Ota This unassuming hole-in-the-wall sushi joint is tucked in a strip mall but don’t let looks fool you; we had some of the freshest and tastiest sushi ever (the toro was out of this world good)! Udon and beef/chicken teriyaki is also available for the non-sushi inclined crowd.
Ramen Ryoma After a long beach day, slurping down oodles of noodles (the shoyu ramen was a winner here) and savory Japanese tapas is my family’s idea of a great end to the day. But save room for…
Handel’s Ice Cream Is it even a family beach vacation if you don’t have ice cream? We didn’t think so either. Handel’s has a bit of a cult following and it's not unusual to see long lines at this walk-up counter which is fine as you’ll need every minute to wrestle with which flavor(s) to get as they have a LOT.
Stay
Paradise Point Resort and Spa A tiki torch-lined driveway transports you to San Diego’s island resort where gorgeously manicured lawns, lush foliage and lagoons teeming with wildlife will make you wonder if you accidentally ended up in Hawaii. An iconic observation tower offers a bird’s eye view of the resort and its surrounding areas including the five (heated) pools and mini-golf course.
The kids zone activities (on select days) offer a break from the sun with rock painting and tie-dye arts. An island treasure hunt, tennis courts, bike tour/rentals and skateboarding lessons means kids here will be busy…and happy!
Bayside bungalows open right to the sandy beach where families can enjoy lazy days in the sand and calm waters by simply walking through the back door. The convenience of getting kids on/off the beach without lugging a ton of equipment (and sand!) into the car will give you more time to relax and enjoy the glorious sunsets with the family on the beach—you are in Paradise after all!
Editor’s note: This trip was sponsored by Discover Mission Bay and Paradise Point Resort, but all opinions expressed here belong to the writer.
Hiking is always fun but throw in hidden staircases and gorgeous murals, and you’ve got yourself a real adventure! Explore the city on foot and soak in the beauty of the stairs, the views from the top and our Bay Area’s very own local artists. Here’s a guide to a few of our favorite spots!
Staircases
Nicole Findlay
The Hidden Steps on 16th Avenue
You'll find the Hidden Garden Steps at 16th Avenue and Kirkham Street in the Inner Sunset. The steep staircase, adorned with beautiful mosaic tiles, depicts colorful flowers, plants, insects and more!
At the top, turn right and follow 16th Avenue through the Golden Gate Heights neighborhood. Here, you'll reach another set of beautifully tiled stairs where you can climb from the sea (at the bottom) to the stars (at the top).
And when you get to the top of that staircase, why not turn right, and catch a third set of stairs? This not-as-pretty concrete set leads you to the tip-top of Granview Park. The views of the Pacific Ocean, the bay, and the entire city below are jaw-dropping. Pat each other (and yourself!) on the back. That was quite an urban climb!
The Steps to Macondray Lane
Have you seen "Tales of the City?" You know, the 1993 miniseries (with a sequel in 2019) featuring Laura Linney, Olympia Dukakis, Paul Gross and Barbara Garrick? Well, Macondry Lane was the inspiration for Barbary Lane in "Tales of the City." It's a secluded, greenery-lined pedestrian walkway in Russian Hill between Leavenworth and Taylor Streets. At the Taylor side, there's a set of wooden stairs, and from the top, you can see the beautiful bay.
At the top of Solano Avenue in North Berkeley starts the most unexpected urban stroll through parks, streams, volcanic boulders, and traditional Ohlone Indian sites. You'll even find chickens to feed on the route! From Solano Avenue at The Alameda, go straight on Indian Rock Path, a narrow lane cutting between houses with a dead end on Indian Rock Park, a climber's Mecca. Look for stone steps carved on the right side of the rock and walk to the top. The 360-degree view of the bay is breathtaking. Continue up Indian Rock Avenue and turn onto San Diego Road. On your left, you'll discover John Hinkel Park with its lush canyon and stone amphitheater. Go down into the park to Somerset Avenue and turn right onto Arlington Avenue, then left into Yosemite Road. This is where a clever resident set a chicken coop at street level with a bubble gum dispenser filled with chicken feed and treats for good dogs. Get your quarters out! After Great Stoneface Park, find Indian Trail at the south (left) corner of San Fernando Avenue and walk down Berkeley's wild side. Turn left on The Alameda, left (up) Yosemite Steps after Capistrano Avenue and down Contra Costa Avenue back to Indian Rock Path. Turn right to Solano Avenue.
Scale South San Francisco's Sign Hill
We bet you've seen this place hundreds of times as you've zoomed up 101 toward San Francisco: A hill covered with white letters, reading "SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO THE INDUSTRIAL CITY," —it's the Hollywood sign's way-less-glamorous, NorCal cousin.
But did you know that this city park situated on the face of San Bruno Mountain is also a rare grassland habitat with endangered animals, stairs, and kid-friendly hiking trails? Getting to the letters is easy from Grand Avenue, just a short, uphill walk through a quiet suburban neighborhood. The Letters Trail is quick and takes you right up to the big white signs. (If you're looking for something longer, there are three other trail options to choose from: Ridge, Seubert and Iris Hill). Three-year-olds should be able to walk this trail on their own.
Dipsea Stairs
This staircase is not necessarily urban, but it's hidden in Mill Valley—and one of our favorites in the Bay Area. For the more experienced hiking family, this 3.70-mile loop tackles 680 stairs—but wow! How amazing are you going to feel when you reach the top? This trail takes an average of 1 hour and 53 minutes to complete, and feel free to bring your furry four-legged family members (as long as they stay on leash).
Climb Telegraph Hill
Paper streets may sound tame but they’re a guaranteed workout! Go down Sansome Street three blocks to a concrete-and-steel stairway called Filbert Steps where you start your ascension. Wooden cottages, rose bushes, and sculpted gardens line both sides of the stairs. Kids will love the “Teacup poodle OK” mural around a water hydrant on your right. Continue the stairs up to Coit Tower—enjoy the view—and come back down the Greenwich steps. These turn into Greenwich Street, leading you to Levi Plaza’s park, a zen place with fountains to splash in and rocks to relax on.
Balmy Alley: Located between 24th and 25th Streets, this block-long alley is one of the best spots to see murals. The murals began in the mid-1980s to express anger over human rights violations and political corruption in central America. Today, new murals pop up all the time and can include gentrification and government injustice.
Clarion Alley: The Mission of Clarion Alley Mural Project (CAMP) transformed Clarion Alley into a space filled with murals. There's been over 900 since 1992.
Walking around the Mission District is like stepping into an outdoor art gallery. If you'd like to see even more murals and learn about each piece—take a walking tour.
Murals from the Works Progress Administration era cover the entire first floor of the Beach Chalet building. Enjoy the free art show before grabbing a bite to eat. The Beach Chalet restaurant (upstairs) and Park Chalet (downstairs and outside) are both delicious. The beach is just across the street, too! What could be better? Gorgeous murals, a delicious lunch, and a family frolic in the sand!
North Beach, San Francisco
Tucked into alleys on Columbus Street, you may have to search a little to find the murals in this neighborhood. But when you do, it's worth the effort. Our favorite, though, is not hard to spot. Stand on Columbus and Broadway and look above the New Sun Hong Kong Restaurant. We promise you can't miss it!
Chinatown, San Francisco
More and more colorful murals have popped up in Chinatown in the past decade. Take a stroll through this lively neighborhood and see how many you can spot! Our favorite is the giant blue dragon On Trenton Street and Pacific Avenue.
Two murals inside the station are almost identical. Can your family find the differences? What do you think the murals look like? Peacock feathers, hot air balloon, a symbol of diversity? The beauty of art is that it's up to your interpretation.
Downtown Oakland
The walk between the 12th and 19th Street Bart Stations has some really striking artwork. You'll find murals honoring the lives of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, John Lewis, the Oakland skyline and more!
Flax Art & Design, 1501 Martin Luther King Jr Way, Oakland
The kids will surely get excited when they see the huge T-Rex dinosaur painted in rainbow hues.
Jack London Square, 4th and Webster, Oakland
The giant Oakland Dreams mural is definitely Instagram-worthy. It represents youth holding on to their dreams. Beautiful and inspirational!
Heading to Target with a tot in tow can be a blast for them; especially if everyone makes a pit stop for a cake pop (and a latte) at Starbucks. But for one lucky three-year-old, these two iconic stores took on a bigger role in her life. Read on to see how this little girl from Milwaukee got a big playroom makeover.
Ariah, an adorable 3-year-old from Milwaukee, loves her trips to Target so much that her mom, Renèe Doby-Becht decided to create a shopper’s paradise in her playroom. Complete with a Target checkout station, stocked shelves, and even a pint-sized shopping cart, this retail wonderland even has its own Starbucks.
Doby-Becht did not expect the photos of Ariah’s playroom to go viral when she posted them on Facebook.
“Ariah’s favorite store is Target and of course Starbucks are in most Target stores. Although this gift was really late, I wanted to do something different for Christmas this year,” Doby-Becht wrote in the post.
Since Doby-Becht shared the photos a little over a week ago, the post on her personal Facebook page has gotten more than 5,000 comments and over 9,000 reactions and shares.
Choo, Choo! Santa coming through! Christmas traditions are back on track this year and this is one of our favorites! After Ol’ St. Nick’s famous red sled, trains are Kris Kringle’s favorite way to travel. NOW is the time to book! These magical holiday rides sell out quickly, so make your reservations soon. Scroll down for the best places to catch the holiday spirit on the rails. All aboard!
Spend 90 minutes with the Jolly Guy on this excursion that explores the Chester Creek Valley in PA. There are plenty of chances to fill your Instagram feed, from the historic station to candid meet-and-greet snaps on the rails. Be sure to bring your wish list to give Santa. West Chester Railroad also offers a Christmas Tree Train on Nov. 28 and Dec. 5, 12; hop aboard for a scenic trip to Wiggins Tree Farm for a unique pick-your-own tree experiences (trees are tagged and loaded on to the train's flat car).
Cost: $30/adult, $25/child ages 2-12, $10/infant, children under 9 months are free When: Nov. 20, 21, 26, 27, 28 and Dec. 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19 at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and Dec. 4, 11, 12, 18, 19 at 5 pm. Where: 230 E. Market St., West Chester, PA Online:wcrailroad.com
Hop a Ride on a Historic Train
Strasburg Railroad's Santa Paradise Express
Strasburg Railroad
Share in this 60 year tradition on America's oldest operating railroad. Climb aboard a vintage rail car for a 45-minute journey with Santa himself on Santa's Paradise Express. You can even hop aboard on Christmas Eve! Before you depart, don't forget to visit Mrs. Clause at the North Pole Annex. Want get cozy on a train in your PJs? Come listen to The Night Before Christmas from story tellers dressed in old fashioned nightcaps and gowns. Santa makes a brief appearance on this train, as well.
Editor's Note: To ensure everyone's safety, all Team Members will be wearing masks during you visit. The rail line asks that guests also wear a mask when not eating or drinking.
Cost: $23/adult, $17/child ages 2-11, Free/infant ages 0-1 When: Nov. 20, 21, 26, 27, 28, 29 and Dec. 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 24; departure time varies by date Where: 301 Gap Road, Strasburg, PA Online:strasburgrailroad.com
Get your camera ready for this Insta-worthy trip on the Walkersville Southern Railroad. Santa will make his way through rail cars, being sure to greet each passenger with his hearty signature welcome and a special small gift for all children. After the trip, be sure to grab your free hot chocolate and cookies in the museum.
Cost: $18/adult, $17/child ages 2-12 and seniors, Free/2 & under When: Nov. 27 & 28 and Dec. 4, 5. 11. 12. 18, 19; departing at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Where: 34 West Pennsylvania Ave., Walkersville, MD Online: wsrr.org
All aboard at the B&O Railroad Museum’s roundhouse, which, we might mention, is chock full of trains. The museum is open daily, but you can take a special trip on the Polar Express on select dates in Nov. and Dec. Character actors bring this beloved book to life through songs and interactions. Get you golden ticket punched while Chefs dance to the hot chocolate song and guests receive a special gift: a silver bell.
Lace up and let your little ones loose for some classic fun (and fitness!). Roller skating is as popular as ever at these seven rockin’ Bay Area roller rinks. Never tried it? No worries—most locations offer lessons, skate rentals and snacks. Throw in some lights, music, games and even a little mini golf and you’ve got the perfect way to spend a day.
If you’re not ready to roll with indoor crowds yet, this outdoor skating area in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park is where you'll want to get your groove on. Skaters have been frequenting this outdoor funscape since the disco days of the late 70s. Bring your own skates if you have them or rent some in the small shop across from the park entrance on Fulton Street (between 6th and 7th Avenue). The area to the north of the “glide lane” is reserved for inexperienced skaters and small children.
6th Avenue and Kennedy Drive Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA Online: skatingplace.htm
Only in San Francisco can you spread “rolligion” by skating in a church. Kids of all ages can join the Tuesday Night Roller Disco (4:00 to 5:30 p.m.) and the Friday Night Roll Out (5:00 to 6:30 p.m.). 60-minute group lessons are available on Saturdays and prearranged private lessons are also available upon contact (see website for details).
With pre-registration, kids can skate for free at Paradise Skate (see website for details). For those looking to advance their skills, there’s a four-week Super Skater Program where skaters will learn things like backwards skating, crossovers, jumps and spins. Educators will love the STEM field trip which involves an hour of STEM-related education and two hours of physical fitness on the rink.
NEW!! Aloha Roller Rink in Emeryville Offering roller skating, rentals, an arcade, snack bar and eventually birthday parties, it will be a rollin' good time at Aloha's newest East Bay location
At The Golden Skate, you’ll find public skate times throughout the week as well as plenty of time slots for private birthday parties. Lessons are offered on Saturday afternoons and the rink has a variety of games as well as Old Western-themed seating areas. On your marks, get set, skate!
Located next to the Eastridge Mall, Aloha is now open for public skating everyday except Mondays. Lessons are available for ages 6 and up on Saturdays and indoor mini golf, an arcade and snack bar add to the fun. Want the party to come to you? Aloha has a mobile skate rental trailer with 250 pairs of skates ready to be delivered to the smooth surface of your choice.
Open since the 1950s, the Santa Cruz Roller Palladium is a mellow change of pace from the busy boardwalk. The summer schedule features a Tiny Tots session every Wednesday from 11:15 to 12:30 p.m. for kids 8 and younger. A $3.50 admission fee includes a warm-up, instruction, games and quad skate rental.
Open daily for public skating, Cal Skate features an arcade, snack bar, disco lights and more. Private and group lessons are available as well as bookings for birthday parties. During lessons on Monday and Thursday mornings, parents and guardians are allowed to walk on the floor to assist with younger beginners. Do you have a child who is more racer than casual roller? Try the inline speed skating classes on Wednesday afternoons.
6100 Commerce Blvd Rohnert Park, CA Online: calskate.com
Ready or not, Christmas shopping is right around the corner! Target has just released the annual Bullseye’s Top Toys list for your making-a-list inspiration. This year features the most exclusives ever, with new 22 toys and games you can only buy at the massively popular retailer.
You’ll find 50 top toys to choose from and Target has even broken it down into categories like “Inspiring New Stories” and “Inspiring Active Play” to make shopping easier. Top brands Disney, LEGO, FAO Schwarz and L.O.L. Surprise! all have exclusive Target offerings for the holiday season. Better yet, many are available to buy now!
Some of the exclusive Target products to look for:
Prices start at $19.99 and Red Card holders can get 5% off Top Toys purchases all through the holiday season. Need it fast? Take advantage of the same-day fulfillment options like Drive Up or Pick Up in store!
––Sarah Shebek
Featured image courtesy of Daniel O’Donnell, Unsplash
Are you a big time botanist? LEGO’s new set is for you!
A fresh addition to the LEGO Botanical Collection, the Bird of Paradise makes for the perfect relaxing activity plus a fabulous centerpiece. With repositional flowers and leaves, the building set is as close to a lifelike plant as you can get-no watering required.
Joining the collection alongside the LEGO Flower Bouquet and the LEGO Bonsai Tree, the Bird of Paradise measures 18 inches tall and sits in a five inch wide black flower pot. The set is geared for adults, or builders 18+ and contains 1173 pieces.
LEGO went above and beyond with this set that includes fun building elements like purple swords that make up the stamens. In the piece de resistance, the leaves even slightly sway when placed in a light breeze!
Spring has sprung and the flowers aren’t only in your garden. Vera Bradley and Crocs recently teamed up—and the result is a perfectly pretty pairing of fab florals and functional footwear.
The current collection is the third line from the brand-to-brand collab. This time Vera Bradley and Crocs are back with a paradise-inspired line of stylish, yet completely comfortable, shoes.
Look for springy prints, Rain Forest Canopy Pink and Rain Forest Leaves, in the styles you’ve come to know and love from Crocs. These include the Classic Clog and Kadee Sandal.
Along with the floral footwear, the Vera Bradley x Crocs collaboration also features Jibbitz charms. Adorn your spring-time Crocs with the flowers and leaves limited edition Tropical three-pack ($9.99) of charms or a trio of tropics-themed birds (also $9.99) Jibbitz!
Nab a pair of Crocs Classic Rain Forest Canopy Pink Clogs or Crocs Classic Rain Forest Leaves Clogs for $49.99 each online at verabradley.com. You’ll also find Crocs Kadee Rain Forest Canopy Pink Sandals and Crocs Kadee Rain Forest Leaves Sandals for $29.99 on the Vera Bradley website. You can also find the footwear on the Crocs website here in mid-May.
After a long year of closure, Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park are finally reopening. The resorts announced they would both welcome guests beginning Apr. 30, with limited capacity.
Guests will need to adjust to some big changes, including a new reservation system and enhanced safety measures, but the magic has definitely returned. Keep reading to get all the details before you book your trip.
photo: Joshua Sudock/Disneyland Resort
Due to California regulations, theme park capacity will be significantly limited. In response, Disneyland Resort will manage attendance through a new theme park reservation system that requires all guests to have a reservation beforehand.
To get in, you’ll need both a park reservation and valid admission for the same park on the same date. These reservations will be limited and for now, only for California residents. There will be more detailed info available on the new system in the coming weeks.
photo: Disneyland Resort
Once in the park, you’ll be able to experience all the attractions and food you love––with a few changes. For now, experiences like parades that draw large crowds will return at a later time. Avengers Campus will open later this year and Disney highly recommends using the Disneyland app for mobile ordering of food and drinks.
Not only will the amusement parks open their gates wide, but the Hotels of Disneyland Resort will also be welcoming park-goers starting Apr. 29, with a phased reopening starting with Disney’s Grand Californians Hotel & Spa. Disney Vacation Club Villas at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa will plan to reopen May 2 and Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel and the Disneyland Hotel will reopen at a later date.
If you are staying at a Disneyland Resort hotel, make sure you still make those theme park reservations! A hotel stay does not guarantee a park reservation and hotel capacity will be limited.
Stay up to date with all the news leading up to the big reopening of Disneyland and Disney California Adventure at the Disney Parks Blog.
