Bundle up in your warmest winter weather gear and head to these nearby snowy destinations with the kids

The outdoor fun doesn’t slow down when winter rolls around. Whether you’re craving a winter hike near Portland or seeking a full weekend getaway in the area, there are plenty of opportunities to get out and breathe the fresh, cold air.  Fortunately, it’s just a short drive away to Mt. Hood, where families with kids of all ages can enjoy snow tubing. But if you’re looking to stay closer to home, we’ve got hot spots to go sledding near Portland, too. So, grab your tube, sled, or snow disc and get ready to slide because we’ve put together an amazing list of all of the best places to ride.

Snow Tubing: Mt. Hood Hot Spots

1. Mt Hood—Skibowl

This is Portland’s favorite sledding destination and for good reason. There’s a lot to love, with specially designed tubes and well-groomed slopes. A conveyor lift makes the ride to the top of the hill almost as fun as the tube ride down. Plus, come back at night for Cosmic Tubing, where LED lights illuminate the slopes for even more downhill exhilaration.

Dates: Through April 2, 2023
Cost: Day Tubing is $30-$36/adult & $25-$31/kid; Cosmic Tubing is $35-$39/adult & $30-$34/kid

87000 US 26
Government Camp, OR
Online: skibowl.com

2. Cooper Spur Resort

For a great introduction to snow tubing, head to this resort for full-service fun. With a cozy lodge and snow tubes included with your tubing ticket, the whole family can enjoy a full day of frolicking in the snow. Kids under 42” should try out the Children’s Snow Carousel, a merry-go-round that pulls children around in the snow, while taller kids can head out to the hills. When your crew is tuckered out, take a break in the lodge with a mug of hot cocoa. Be sure to leave personal sleds and snow discs behind—they aren’t allowed on the hills—and check the website for weather conditions that might temporarily close tubing lanes.

Dates & Times: Sat. & Sun., Dec. 17, 2022-March 5, 2023; 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Cost: $39-$49/adults; $29-$39/kids, 7-14; Free, kids 6 & under

10755 Cooper Spur Rd.
Mount Hood, OR
Online: cooperspur.com

3. Mt Hood—Snow Bunny & Summit Pass (formerly Summit Ski Area)

Since 1927, the Summit Pass area in Government Camp has been providing consistent, family-oriented fun for both beginners and more experienced winter-sport aficionados. Pick up an all-day pass for the dedicated tubing hill, which includes the use of a snow tube, and enjoy a full day of fun. Or, take a short drive east to Snow Bunny, which also offers tubing on weekends and holidays. It’s a little smaller than Summit so it’s a good option for younger kids. Call ahead for conditions.

Dates & Times: Opens Dec. 16; 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Cost: $27/person

90255 Government Camp Loop
Hwy. 26 at Government Camp
Online: timberlinelodge.com

Related: 9 Easy Weekend Getaways Your Family Needs This Winter

 

Take the Kids Sledding near Portland When the Snow Flies

A child in blue winter gear sleds down a snowy hill near Portland followed by his two friends
iStock

4. Trillium Lake 

This area provides amazing views of Mt. Hood and is known for its family-friendly recreation opportunities in the summer time. In winter, it offers steep chutes that you'll find tucked away at the end of the parking lot and makes a nice alternative to Snow Bunny (across the highway). There are enough variations in slopes to please the most beginner or advanced sledder in your crew. Please remember to check road conditions here before heading over.

Cost: $10/vehicle

Off Hwy. 26
Government Camp, OR
Online: fs.usda.gov/recarea

5. Sellwood Park

With mellow slopes that are great for beginners, families who want to sled (but don't want to commit to a long drive) love this park and sledding spot south of downtown Portland on the banks of the Willamette River.

S.E. 7th Ave. & Miller St.
Portland
Online: portland.gov/parks/sellwood-park

6. Gabriel Park

Well known in the warmer months for its skateboarding, Gabriel Park invites you to sled down the half-pipe or shred gnar on one of its many rolling hills when (or better yet, if) snow falls in the city.

S.W. 45th Ave. & Vermont St.
Portland
Online: portland.gov/parks/gabriel-park

A happy boy slides down a snowy hill near Portland on a blue sled
Unsplash

7. White River Sno-Park

Pick a spot, any spot, on this unregulated hill between Mt. Hood Meadows and Timberline, about a half mile uphill from the parking lot. It’s free and offers a variety of terrain, but be sure to choose a spot well away from the river, and watch for exposed rocks when snow is low. With beautiful views of Mt. Hood, it’s also a popular destination for snowshoeing. Get there early on snowy weekends to grab a parking spot.

Dates: Through April 30
Cost: Free; $4 daily Sno-Park Pass

Oregon Highway 35
Approx. 4 miles north of US Highway 26
Online: fs.usda.gov

8. Little John Sno-Park

A few extra miles down the road, this unregulated sledding spot is great for free, old-fashioned fun. Bring your own tube or disc (no sleds, toboggans, or skis, please), and be prepared to trek back to the top once you’ve slid down one of many hills (there’s no conveyor lift here). But that’s part of the fun, right? To make sure the good times keep rolling for your gang, be sure to read safety information posted near the play hill and consider bringing along helmets for kids.

Dates: Through April 30
Cost: Free admission, $4 daily Sno-Park Pass

Oregon Highway 35
30 miles south of Hood River
Online: fs.usda.gov

Related: The Best Places to Snowshoe with Kids

Snow tubing & sledding tips for a successful trip:

1. Most places on the slopes require a Sno-Park Permit, available in daily, 3-day, and annual increments. Pick one up at your local DMV or at many Bi-Rite and outdoor stores.

2. Check the road conditions before you head out—Mt Hood can get snowy and stormy very fast. Pack tire chains in addition to cold weather gear, food and water, and other comforts to keep you happy on a day in the cold.

3. Also be aware that some locations require tickets and gear rental on-site (no personal equipment allowed), while other slopes just provide the snow.

Additional reporting by Dhyana Levey

Spring is here and the fish are jumping. Now is the perfect time time for your kids to experience their first catch! If you are looking for the perfect way to get your family out of the house and into nature, heading to a nearby fishing hole is the perfect way to spend a couple of hours or an entire day. There are spots in the city limits and spots a short drive away, depending on how much time you have to try to catch supper. If you aren’t sure where to drop your line, or just just need somewhere new to explore, read on for some of our favorite spots.

istock

Haldeman Pond

A small 2-acre pond that makes a great spot for kids to fish. It’s got good bank access with plenty of spots for little ones to try their lines. Hidden away in the middle of Sauvie Island makes the pond feel much further away than it actually is, giving you the illusion that you’ve truly escaped the city. It’s stocked around mid-spring, and can be fished all summer long. A parking permit is required for Sauvie Island.

Featured Fish: trout, crappie, bass, catfish.
Location: 17 miles from Portland, off Oak Island Rd on Sauvie Island
Online: mapcarta.com

Henry Hagg Lake

This sprawling lake outside Gaston, Oregon has plenty of room to stretch out! Try your luck at the fishing pier or from any bank, or jump in a boat and explore the deeper waters. Experts recommend fishing the “arms” of the lake either from a boat or the bank for the best chance to catch something. When the kids tire, they’ll find picnic grounds, restrooms, and the chance to swim, too.

Featured Fish: trout, bass, crappie, perch
Location: 34 miles from Portland, past Forest Grove
Online: recreation.gov

Commonwealth Lake

Within Beaverton City limits, this stocked lake offers kids a great chance to practice close to home. A flat paved trail circles the lake, and an ADA fishing platforms makes a perfect spot to cast on. You’ll also find a playground, a picnic area, and restrooms. License required.

Featured fish: trout, bass, bluegill, and crappie
Location: 8 miles from Portland, off Highway 26 in Beaverton
Online: thprd.org

Blue Lake Park

Stocked with a variety of species, this lake offers bank fishing or an ADA accessible dock along with beautiful views. Rent a boat to get out on the water, and when the kids are done fishing they can cool off in the swim area or the splash pad.

Featured Fish: trout, largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, catfish, sunfish
Location: 14 miles from Portland, off NE Marine Dr.
Online: oregonmetro.gov

Canby Pond

Another spot reserved just for young anglers, Canby Pond is open to fishers 17 years old and younger, as well as those who have a Disabled Hunting and Fishing Permit. The pond is stocked and is popular in summer, though fishing is available year-round. Check online for a rotating schedule of events aimed at family fun.

Featured Fish: trout, largemough bass, crappie, bluegill
Location: 25 miles from Portland, Off Highway 99E in Canby
Online: bestfishinginamerica.com

via Pexels

Barton Park

A prime spot for fishing on the Clackamas River, this park offers good bank access and a boat ramp. Camping spots are available for an all-weekend excursion, and there are a few hiking trails to explore. The easy waters here make a great introduction to river fishing for beginners, and the gorgeous scenery doesn’t hurt, either!

Featured Fish: salmon, steelhead, fin-clipped trout
Location: 26 miles from Portland. Off Highway 224 in Clackamas
Online: clackamas.us/parks/barton

Bethany Pond

An easy to reach lake in Beaverton, this makes a great quick stop when you don’t have the whole day. The small pond is stocked with trout, bass, and more with warmwater species added year-round. While it won’t trick you into thinking you’re in the wilderness, it’s a sweet little spot that makes an easy trip for the little ones.

Featured Fish: trout, largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and bullhead
Location: 12 miles from Portland, off Highway 26 in Beaverton
Online: thprd.org

Rainbow Trout Farm

This beautiful location east of Sandy covers 30 acres and includes 10 fishing ponds. Everything is there to make it the easiest start for any beginner: poles, tackle, and tips. Afterward, you can clean it yourself at their facilities, or have them do it for you and put it on ice. No extra charge! The best part for beginners is that it’s practically impossible to *not* catch a fish at these ponds, so everyone will leave feeling great.

Ponds are dotted between meadows, trees, picnic grounds, and are wheelchair accessible. All stocked with rainbow trout-- no license required.

Featured Fish: Rainbow Trout
Location: 52560 E. Sylvan Dr, Sandy, OR
Online: rainbowtroutfarm.com

Commonwealth Lake Park

Nestled in the Cedar Hills neighborhood, between Walker Rd. and Hwy 26, 20-acre Commonwealth Lake Park surrounds man-made Commonwealth Lake. This stocked lake in neighborhood park great for kids who want to experience their first, second or 50th catch. . Fishing platform that is ADA accessible. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife stocks the lake with trout, so your kids are likely to have a successful experience.

Featured Fish: Trout
Location: SW Foothill and SW Huntington
Online: thprd.org

 

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As I waved my firstborn son off to school on his 13th birthday, he flashed a grin before trodding through the snow to the bus stop. I spied through the window as the other kids greeted him on the corner. None of them wore jackets on the balmy 20-degree morning, although zero-degree Minnesota mornings still fail to motivate the middle school crowd to don a parka.

Watching the friendly banter unfold, I whispered a prayer, a plea, to God to wrap my son in holy arms and never let go.

Then I watched him go.

His long legs climbed onto the bus, his hands tucked in his hoodie pocket, hood covering his swath of long hair. It’s wild, watching a child grow. I never imagined it would be like this, like standing in front of the ocean day after day as the sun rises and sets over majestic waves, never knowing entirely what swims inside. I’ve learned motherhood is a tightrope, a thin line where ocean meets sand. If I’m extra careful, not too pushy, not too distracted, the ocean invites me in.

I love those moments; a story shared, a tidbit released about who said what in math class, or who is dating who. I try to play it cool, act causal without peppering my kid with the questions simmering on the tip of my tongue; Are you dating? Do you like anyone? Would you tell me if you did? Would I get to see their face? Have you ever kissed someone? What do you do all day? Please tell me everything!!! It burns not to blurt it out, demanding answers I know he’ll never release on command. So I hold them in, trying not to scare him away.

A year ago, he started sitting in the front seat of the car with me, finally old enough to graduate to shotgun, and I reveled in the side-by-side conversations. But within a few weeks, he started hopping in the back again, and I was confused.

“You always want to talk about stuff when I sit up there,” he said. “Too many questions, Mom.”

“I just want to know about your life!” I whined, and I watched a grin hit his lips in the rearview mirror. “Tell me something, child. I’ll take anything!”

When your kids are babies, you tell yourself you’ll be so fun and nice that they’ll listen to everything you say and be your best buddy forever. It’s a humbling role, lapping up drips and drops of information about the conversations and relationships your kid experiences every day that you don’t even know exist. Then suddenly, you’re asked for a ride to the movies, and you’re dropping them off with people you’ve never met before, stealing glances through the theater windows, and wondering if you’ve lost your damn mind to be leaving your child somewhere in public without you. Is that allowed? What are the rules? What would a parent say? Oh wait, I’m the parent. I’m supposed to know the rules. But can someone seriously tell me what the rules are here? I’m more of a rule-breaker than a follower, so this part of parenting is a struggle.

Uncertain if something terrible could happen, or worse, my kid might cause trouble left to his own devices, I considered sitting outside the theater in my car until the movie ended just in case he needed me.

He didn’t.

“Mom, my friends say you’re so strict. Why won’t you let me walk to the grocery store afterward? That’s where everyone is going,” he said when I picked him up. (I didn’t really sit in the parking lot the whole time. It seemed like a more significant time commitment than I wanted to make.)

“Wait, what? I’m the strict parent?” Shock and disbelief washed over me. Slight embarrassment that I suddenly wreaked of being “uncool” pricked at my ego, but then I realized I’d been given a compliment. “That is great! I thought I was slacking a little bit, but maybe I’m actually doing something right here,” I said more to myself than to my son.

He rolled his eyes and shifted dramatically in his seat in a display of frustration. “Mom, everyone else gets to go.”

I smiled back at him as I heard the one line I have learned throughout my thirteen years of experience that tells me I am on exactly the right track. “You can invite your friends over, but no loitering at Cub past dark.” Cue another eye roll.

Thirteen feels like a new ballgame, though. Like somehow I have passed into a different realm, an alternate universe where the sand is constantly shifting beneath my feet, and the waves roll without warning, then lay placid and low with no excuse or indication they will rise anytime soon. Then alas, a new wind blows, and the cycle begins again. It’s exhausting and terrifying and beautiful. I don’t know what each day will bring, what next year will be like, or who my son will become as he grows. But I’ll keep walking the line, peering through windows like a creepy stalker mom and biting my tongue. I’ll keep lighting up like a Christmas tree every time he walks in a room or flashes his gorgeous grin, rolling his eyes at me, saying, “Love you, Mom.”

Happy birthday, kiddo. Love you, too.

Now please come back and sit by me in the front seat. I’ll only ask a question…or two.

 

Photo: Guillaume de Germain via Unsplash

Krissy Dieruf is a licensed marriage and family therapist. She lives in Minnesota with her husband and three children, loves to sing and dance around the house and has a soft spot for rebels and crazy hair. 

Mother Nature blessed NYC with some snow? Be prepared to hit the slopes with the kids and check out our list of the best sledding hills in New York City. We found slopes in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Staten Island, and hills for little kids and bigger daredevils. (P.S. you might as well read up on where to grab one of NYC’s top hot chocolates  for an apres-sledding treat!)

Manhattan

Shannon Mcgee via flickr

Pilgrim Hill
The unanimous city favorite seems to be Pilgrim Hill at 72nd Street and Fifth on the East Side in Central Park. It offers a perfect incline, very few rocks or sudden drops and a smooth, level glide that evens out at the bottom. Unfortunately, being deemed the best sledding spot in the city also means it gets very, very crowded.

Cedar Hill
For a more mellow round of sledding with smaller kids, head to Cedar Hill on the East Side, between 76th and 79th Streets.

The Great Hill
Another popular hill for sledding in Central Park, the Great Hill is further north, inside the park on the west side. Enter the park at between 103rd and Central Park West. 

Carl Schurz Park
Don't want to wait your turn? Head a few blocks north and east to Carl Schurz Park on 89th Street and East End, on the lawn north of Gracie Mansion. Bonus: there are two separate dog runs here as well.

Riverside Park
Over on the Upper West Side, some swear by Riverside Drive from roughly 90th Street to 103rd, with a particularly good hill near Hippo Playground on 91st Street. But, the Urban Rangers have been known to host snowball fights, snowman-building contests and pass out hot chocolate at the hill on 103rd Street, so take your pick. The area’s biggest drawback is that being practically atop the Hudson River leads to some frigid winds sweeping in across the water. Bundle up!

Kristine Paulus via Flickr 

96th Street/The Children’s Gate
Enter Central Park at 96th Street for another great Upper West Side spot that offers hills of various inclines, plus benches where you catch your breath. The biggest challenge here is to avoid those benches mid-flight — the ability to bail at the last possible moment is imperative.

Inwood Hill Park
Inwood Hill Park is a choice spot for sledding in NYC, especially kids with a need for speed. It's also less-crowded than spots in Central Park, and offers a nice view as well. Enter at Dykman Street or Payson Avenue. 

Inwood's Fort Tryon Park is another northern Manhattan spot for good sledding. Head to Billings Lawn, entering the park from its southern end on Margaret Corbin Circle where Cabrini Boulevard and Fort Washington Avenue meet.

More Upper West Side Sledding Options
Two other choices on the UWS are Morningside Park, from 110th to 123rd Street and Morningside Avenue, and St. Nicholas Park on 135th Street, the latter known for its gentle hills and being ideal for beginners.

Brooklyn

Allison Meier via Flickr

Prospect Park
Head for the hills near Prospect Park's Long Meadow near the entrance at Prospect Park West and 9th Street. Other favorites include the Long Meadow near Grand Army Plaza and behind the Picnic House at 3rd Street and Prospect Park West. However, if you have younger kids, you can find plenty of bunny hills throughout the park that are good for beginner sledders.

Fort Greene Park
You'll find four sled-worthy hills of varying height and intensity in Fort Greene Park between Myrtle and Dekalb Avenues.

Hillside Park
If you live in DUMBO or Brooklyn Heights, your closest spot is the tiny park that's technically in Columbia Heights. As its name suggests, Hillside Park is home to a respectable slope, and provides ample space to glide to a stop. (You'll likely see dogs romping in the snow as well, as the park is a very popular place to bring four-legged friends year-round.)

Darren Mehl via Pixabay

Sunset Park
Home to the highest point in Brooklyn, Sunset Park naturally provides some good sledding. The sweet spot is the interior of the park between 42nd and 43rd Streets.

Owl's Head Park
Further south in Bay Ridge, Owl's Head Park has nice rolling hills, with a good spot at Colonial Road and 68th Street. But dress warmly, as it is right on the water. Another southern Brooklyn sledding option is McKinley Park; head to Fort Hamilton Parkway and 75th Street for a good sledding spot.

Queens

Jason Eppink via Flickr

Astoria Park
Take your sleds to Astoria Park at 19th Street between Shore Boulevard off Ditmars Boulevard for a fun sledding spot in Queens.

Juniper Valley Park 
For another popular place to sled in Queens, head to Juniper Valley Park in Middle Village. Slopes can be found at Juniper Boulevard North & South near the Tennis Building at 75th Street.

Mary Whalen Playground
If you're thinking of going to Forest Park Golf Course's Suicide Hill, think again. It's dangerous and sledding there is prohibited by the Parks Department. (But yes, you will see families going there.) Instead, Mary Whalen Playground will offer a less nerve-racking — yet still fun — experience at Park Lane South and 79th Street.

Bronx

NYC Parks/Malcolm Pinckney

Crotona Park
The slope behind ballfield #3 at Fulton Avenue and the Cross Bronx Expressway in Crotona Park boasts an official, NYC Snow Day designation, which means you'll find organized recreational activities, snowman-building contests, snowball fights, complimentary hot chocolate, and even sleds you can borrow here. Call 311 to find out when the program is in effect.

St. Mary’s Park
The largest park in the South Bronx not only features hills much less crowded than the ones above, but also a recreation center. In non-covid times, this is a good place to warm up before a second run.

Staten Island

Nicki Dugan Pogue via Flickr

Clove Lakes Park
A local gem, this protected Forever Wild site isn’t exclusively about ecology. It is also a Snow Day site where the park employees put out bales of hay to soften people's landings.

Mission of the Immaculate Virgin at Mount Loretto
This South Shore hotspot for sledding in Pleasant Plains was founded as an orphanage by a priest. The orphanage is long gone, but parents may find comfort in the idea that some angels might still be hanging around looking out for daredevil kids.

For a complete list of city parks that allow sledding, visit: nycgovparks.org.

— Alina Adams & Julie Seguss

feature image: via unsplash.com

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When our editor’s son lost his first tooth she stayed up all night waiting for the elusive tooth fairy (okay, she stalked the TF. Our staff is just that dedicated). The following is the interview she managed to get despite the ever-so-slightly irritated fairy’s busy schedule.

photo: Daniel Kempe via Unsplash 

RT: Tooth Fairy, sorry to spring this on you but you are a difficult fairy to reach. I mean, do you even have a phone or an email?

TF: It’s really alright, it’s just that you caught me off guard and you know I’ve got several more [children] to visit before daybreak, but I’m happy to answer a few questions. No, I don’t carry a cellphone. I operate on the Pixie Network. Oh, hey, shoutout to this Michigan mom who made me a mask. It fits perfectly!

RT: Okay, we have to ask. What is the Pixie Network?

TF: Every time someone says “Tooth Fairy” I get a little alert—not a text or anything drab like that. I have a crew of pixies with amazing hearing, and they scan the globe for phrases like “loose tooth” or “tooth fairy” and make note. They actually have created this giant global map for me in my office where they chart potential lost teeth, so that I can plan ahead. I never used to have that luxury and let me tell you: it is waaay nicer to end up in Barbados with a swimsuit than in a parka because you had to dash down from the North Pole at the last minute. And pixies are so uniquely qualified for the task because not only are they really good at being nearly invisible, they travel like a whisper on the wind. And they are very loyal.

RT: That’s amazing. We had no idea. Do you only attend to the lost teeth of human children?

TF: I mean, if your dog loses its tooth and doesn’t manage to swallow it I guess I can answer a very polite and hopeful plea but that’s not my job, really. I don’t oversee animals. I do, however, reward children of other species: gnomes, fairies, dwarves, elves, pixies (obv.) and the like. Trolls, however, are another matter. They don’t get their teeth at all until they are adults and there’s not enough gold in the world to get me near an adult troll’s pillow. I may be magical, but I have my limits.

RT: We’ll take your word on the trolls. So tell us, is your name actually Tooth Fairy or is that your job title?

TF: Well, at this point my job title is my name. I mean, I answer to it, regardless. My full name at birth (although records are spotty at best, having been recorded hundreds of years ago using the ink of elderberries, which is NOT age proof) was: Esmeralda Asteria Bonvecchio Fee Fee Dientaris. Few people know it or can pronounce it correctly, so generally, I just answer to Tooth Fairy or “Tee-Eff” for short.

RT: Is there anything our readers’ kids should know about their teeth and the exchange of teeth?

TF: Well, every household and child is different, but I’ve found over the years there is no one common denomination for a single tooth. I do love the current trend of making a neat little pillow or pouch to put the tooth in: makes it easier for me to find it. And I never mind when a little snack or note is left. Kids should know that teeth that are in better condition of course get a premium: free of cavities, well-brushed, low plaque, a nice sheen. These are all qualities that I look for and will leave a leeetle bit more under the pillow. I work closely with the Switch Witch, who works just after Halloween, to exchange candy for prizes. This helps improve the quality of baby teeth around the globe. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I really must get back to the grind. 

RT: Thanks again, Tee-Eff. We really appreciate your taking the time to talk with us. Next time, we’ll find you through the Pixie Network.

TF: Yes, errrr…do that. I’ll be sure and get back to you right…ahem…away. Ta ta! 

Shortly after saying this TF gave a little wave and poof! disappeared in a cloud of what looked like glittery smoke or baby powder, though it smelled as minty as toothpaste. 

—Amber Guetebier

Featured image: Pexels via Pixabay

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This holiday season looks much different than previous years, forcing people to find new ways to celebrate long standing traditions and even miss out on celebrations altogether. Hefty is stepping in to keep the festive spirit alive by introducing the Hefty Party Cup Parka and Mitten Koozie. Each comes in three unique, over-the-top designs that take “ugly” to the next level.

Hefty ugly holiday Parka and Mitten Koozie

The parka even offers fun features like Bluetooth speakers, holiday lights and a fold down drink holder for your Hefty Party Cups and Hot Cups. The Party Cup Parka will keep you festive for socially distanced outdoor celebrations, while the Mitten Koozie will keep your hand warm as you sip from your Hefty Party Cup or Hot Cup.

Hefty ugly holiday Parka and Mitten Koozie

“Just because we’re celebrating the holidays differently this year, doesn’t mean we can’t still have fun!” said Mary Kay Killoren, senior marketing communications manager at Reynolds Consumer Products. “We know that the ugly holiday sweater party is a staple tradition for many people, so we designed the Hefty Party Cup Parka to help you stay festive and safe this year as you bring the holiday spirit to your outdoor and socially distanced gathering!”

Hefty ugly holiday Parka and Mitten Koozie

On Nov. 20 at 9 a.m. CT only, the limited-edition Hefty Party Cup Parka and Mitten Koozies will be available on a first-come, first-served basis at www.HeftyPartyCupParka.com for just $2.99—the same price as a 20-count pack of Hefty Party Cups The Hefty Party Cup Parka and Mitten Koozie fits most adults and comes with a pack of Hefty Party Cups and Hot Cups.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of Hefty

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You know you’re a Chicago parent when. . .  you can’t resist reading this list. You for sure have a black parka in your closet, you’ve endured outdoor sporting events in weather so cold even penguins would be begging for layers and. . . wait, we can’t give them all away just yet! Curious? Read on.

1. Your baby's wardrobe consists mostly of apparel from Chicago sports teams—but hardline loyalties are drawn between Cubs and White Sox.

2. No. 1 also applies to your pets. . . which, also have Chicago-sports-themed monikers (i.e. Wrigley, Benny, Kane, Tillman, Banks, Ditka—you get the point). 

3. You began debating private versus public schools and learned the meaning of magnet, cluster and charter when your child was in utero. 

4. The Starbucks baristas start making your drink as soon as you roll up in your black parka (we know you have one) with your stroller and Chicago-sports-apparel-wearing dog (that's some version of a doodle) and know each of your kids by name.

5. Running through the fountain at Millennium Park counts as bath time—or any neighborhood splashpad, for that matter.

6. You've been brought to anxiety-induced tears trying to sign your kid up for the team they want for park district sports.

7. You don't pack the family's winter clothing away until July. . . just in case (and even then, you hold back a few winter essentials).

8. Even your three-year-old knows the Cubs likely have another 100 years, but he’s still hopeful.

9. Thankfully you’ve never needed them in an emergency, but you’ve spent a considerable amount of time hanging out at the fire department.

 

 

10. You've won something squeal-worthy at a Bump Club & Beyond event.

Kelly Aiglon

11. Your kid's back-to-school photos have city dumpsters in the background.

 

12. MamaTribe means something to you and you've definitely fallen down a rabbit hole reading through Facebook post comments way past your bedtime. 

13. You signed up for the daycare waitlist as soon as the pregnancy test revealed a positive.

14. Your preschooler has taken more music, art and dance classes in three years than you have in your lifetime.

15. You've skipped dinner in favor of a shared sundae at Margie's Candies.

16. Your school has an uber-cool, Insta-worthy mural painted on its facade. 

17. School playgrounds count as backyards if you live in a four-block radius.

18. Winters are so cold, you believe this could actually happen—or maybe your kid has even been successful and you've had to unstick their tongue from a pole. (Our Editor slowly raises her hand.)

19. Your child had noise-canceling headphones for Lollapalooza and Pitchfork before he could walk.

20. You drop your gym membership because you figure you've toned your biceps by dragging your stroller up the stairs to your front door.

21. You follow Chicago kindie-rockers like hippies followed the Grateful Dead. 

22. You've dressed your kid for all four seasons. . . in the same day.

23. You plan your summers around the street fest schedule.

24. Your kids have been taught that ketchup has no business being anywhere near a hot dog.

25. Indoor playspaces like Purple Monkey Playroom and Little Beans Cafe are your go-to spots for catching up on coffee and chats with your mom friends. 

— Written by Maria Chambers, Joanna Aaron, Tabitha Green, Selena Kohng, Samantha Lande, Heidi Moore & Kelly Aiglon

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Weekend days in the summer are for relaxing, letting the kids run wild on the grass and trying out that new BBQ sauce on the grill. But hanging out in the back yard can get boring. Hit the town to spread out your gear, and explore the city with these great outdoor grilling options around town. Click through the gallery to find out where they are and what they have to offer.

 

Laurelhurst Park

A large sprawling park in SE Portland, home to dog parks, a duck pond and plenty of space! One of Portland’s oldest parks. Enjoy grilling with the family with five great reservable spots, and plenty of places to spread a blanket.

 
SE Cesar E Chavez Blvd & Stark St
Portland
Online: portlandoregon.gov
 

photo credit: Ryan Harvey via flickr

 

Insider tip: Portland Parks and Recreation runs most of the parks in the city—all the covered picnic shelters and BBQ grills can be rented through them. Outside of that, all parks have tables that are first-come first serve. Day-use fees notes where applicable. Get out there and chow down!

What’s your favorite place to do some summer grilling? Tell us in the comments below!

—Katrina Emery

 

Babywearing is great, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges in varying degrees, particularly in cold weather: making sure the baby stays warm and cozy, making sure you stay warm and cozy, and, you know, looking relatively pulled together. A local mom and business woman is bringing the secret weapon of Eastern European mothers (and mothers-to-be) to NYC and beyond: a functional and stylish three-in-one maternity, babywearing and “civilian” coat that’s ethically manufactured and free of materials derived from animals. Carry on!

photo: Tasku Babi

Back in the U.S.S.R.
A native of Ukraine, Sunnyside mom Kat Dunams was back home visiting one winter when she first spied the type of coat she now is bringing stateside. Even in the harsh eastern European winter, mothers kept both themselves and their kids warm in a convertible, fashionable parka made for babywearing, pregnancy and the years beyond.

When she returned home to the land of less elegant cold weather babywearing solutions (and eventually became pregnant with her second child) Dunams decided to take action and import the coats herself. After meeting with vendors, suppliers and manufacturers from Moscow to St. Petersberg and beyond, as well as considering dozens of colors and designs, Tasku Babi was born. (“Tasku” means “pocket” in both Estonian and Finnish.)

photo: Tasku Babi

How Does it Work?
All Tasku Babi babywearing garments come with two middle panels that zip in and out — one to be used during pregnancy, the other, which contains an additional microfiber insulator for extra warmth, for babywearing. (Without the panels, the products function and look like normal winter coats.) Tasku Babi sells a variety of styles — some coats come with hoods or faux fur trim, and a lightweight fleece option for layering or warmer weather, and a raincoat are also available.

The coats achieve that mix of insulation and a streamlined silhouette (i.e. you won’t look like the Michelin Man) thanks to a filling made from thin microfiber sheets similar to Thinsulate, which function like down feathers. Features to keep baby comfortable and secure include hoods, elastic bands for custom fit, and zippered openings for when baby wants his or her arms free on warmer days. (Note: you still need to wear a carrier with these coats; any type works.)

photo: Tasku Babi

How is Tasku Babi Different?
While Tasku Babi coats aren’t the first or only cold weather babywearing coats on the market, they do offer some unique features. Perhaps most significantly, is the product’s use of two panels for “conversion” instead of one, which ultimately makes for a better fit in each incarnation/stage. No animal products are used to make the coats, so no fur, feathers, leather — they’re completely vegan (aside from one coat that incorporates some merino wool.) On the cosmetic side, the coats come in a wide range of colors beyond black and grey, such a olive, “sugar plum” and “raspberry swirl.” And while not cheap (around $300), they’re less expensive than other similar coats.

Plus: they’ve even got a coat just for dads, with more dude-friendly styling.

photo: Tasku Babi

Take it to the Next Level with Tasku Babi
So, you’re a hardcore baby-wearer? Kick it up a notch with the Whole Mama or the Whole Papa coat, the babywearing coat made a reality by a Kickstarter campaign! (Dunams crowd-sourced the R&D for it, and now it’s a reality.)

This double duty coat enables both mom or dad to carry kids in the front, back, or both! (We’re looking at you, multiples parents…)

Perhaps the Best News: Dunams will come to you!
Tasku Babi products are available at the shop online, as well as at a few brick-and-mortar stores (Baby Mama in Bay Ridge and Baby New Paltz upstate). But Dunams is happy to provide individual consultations at home or office, during which potential customers can see how the pieces look and work first hand.

917-960-3380
Online: taskubabi.com

How do you keep warm while babywearing in the winter? Tell us in the comments below!

—Mimi O’Connor

 

If you’re looking ahead to a summer vacation that’s packed with fun (and a little sun), head to Southern California for the family getaway of your dreams. With warm weather and theme parks with something for every age and interest, the region promises a memorable trip. The best part? You can visit without breaking the bank thanks to CityPASS. Flip through the photo gallery to discover four must-visit attractions in SoCal and why you should grab a CityPASS (it’s available as an admission ticket or e-ticket) before embarking on your adventure.

Disneyland® Park and Disney California Adventure® Park

A trip to Southern California wouldn’t be complete without a journey to the Magic Kingdom. Zoom through a desert landscape in Cars Land, meet your favorite characters like Cinderella and Mickey, and head into space in a 3-D, motion-simulated flight in Star Tours - The Adventures Continue.

CityPASS Perks
Your CityPASS will get you a 3-day Park Hopper® ticket with unlimited back-and-forth access to both Disneyland® Park and Disney California Adventure® Park.

photo: © Disney • Pixar

CityPASS Details and Cost:
Click here to save $136 off combined admission to Southern California’s family-friendly theme parks with CityPASS. The cost is $341 for adults (a $477 value) and $311 for children 3-9 years old. Buy yours now.

What is your favorite SoCal theme park? Do you have any tips for navigating these destinations with a family? Leave a comment below!

— Erin Lem