Discover new ways to enjoy the outdoors! The National Park Service’s Junior Ranger motto is “Explore. Learn. Protect.” And that is exactly what your 4 to 13-year-olds get to do! Explore national parks in the Bay Area; Learn about the park’s natural wildlife, landscape and history; and Protect those parks so we can trek through them for years to come! After completing a series of activities (like counting rings on a fallen tree, word games and deciphering secret codes), kiddos can earn an official Junior Ranger patch and a Junior Ranger certificate. Keep reading to find out exactly which parks offer this cool program. And we’ve included a few virtual options as well!
How it Works
It’s simple! Go to one of the parks listed below. Pick up the Junior Park Ranger book at the visitor center (or sometimes you can download and print from home). Have fun doing all the activities and then turn in your completed book to a park ranger and get your badge and/or certificate. And the best part is that it’s FREE and available year-round.
Where to Go!
Muir Woods National Monument
Spend time in the forest! Follow the directions in your book and then chat with a ranger about your time in the park. Discuss what you learned and what you’re still curious about. And then Wala! Your kiddo gets a badge and a certificate and you are now the proud parent of a Junior Park Ranger! Get the book here!
Best for Ages: 4-11+
Website: Muir Woods National Monument
Marin Headlands
Travel just north of the Golden Gate Bridge and explore the wonders of nature in the Marin Headlands. Learn about ocean ecology, the history of the inhabitants of years past and how to study animal scat! Get the book here!
Best for Ages: 6-12
Website: Marin Headlands Visitor’s Center
photo by Alcatraz Cruises
Alcatraz Island
Explore one of the most iconic prisons in the United States. Dive into the mystery and unique history of this national park. Are you ready to become an Alcatraz Jr. Ranger? Get the book here! Follow the map and complete the exercises along the way! Books are also available on Alcatraz Island at the Dock Information Station. And if you can’t make it to Alcatraz, don’t worry. You can visit virtually using the Jr. Ranger Photo Gallery and an Alcatraz Ranger will send your little one a badge!
Best for Ages: 4-12
Website: Alcatraz Island
Fort Point National Historic Site
Explore the fort. Learn about its incredible history. And protect the fort’s beauty and environment so that generations can enjoy it for years to come! Try a scavenger hunt, interview a ranger and learn about the day in a life of a soldier (Fort Point defended the Bay after the Gold Rush and through World War II). Get the book here!
Best for Ages: 4-11+
Website: Fort Point National Historic Site
Photo: annie-spratt via unsplash
China Camp
This Junior Ranger program searches for birds that live and visit China Camp’s shorelines and oak woodlands. You might find hummingbirds, raptors, shorebirds and waterfowl. Kiddos will also get an up-close peek at nests and feathers. Don’t forget your camera! The program will be guided by naturalists/educators Suzanne Mirviss and Paula O’Connell. And good news! All kids must be accompanied by an adult—so you can join in on the fun as well! Register Here
Best for Ages: 7-9 Date: April 9, 2022 Time: 10 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Location: China Camp Ranger Station
Website: China Camp
*Pro-tip: Weather can be temperamental—layers work best! Snacks are welcome and water is encouraged.
San Francisco Maritime Park
Pick up your Junior Ranger activity book at one of three locations. Learn about a fleet of historic vessels and visit the maritime museum. At the same time, complete the activities and then find a park ranger who can review your kiddos hard work and award them with a well-earned Junior Ranger badge. Books are also available for download here for 5-8 yeard olds and 9-12 year olds.
Best for Ages: 5-12
Locations:
Hyde Street Pier, Foot of Hyde Street/2905 Hyde Street
Municipal Pier (Aquatic Park Pier)
Aquatic Park Bathhouse Building (Maritime Museum), Foot of Polk Street/900 Beach Street
Website: San Francisco Maritime Park
Photo: toki-doki via creative commons
Point Reyes Junior Ranger
Come to Point Reyes and pick up your Junior Ranger book at one of the park’s visitor centers. Explore the history of the Coast Miwok (people who call this area home) and learn about marine life (especially elephant seals and gray whales). When you finish your Junior Ranger book, return it to one of the visitor centers to get sworn in as an official Junior Park Ranger and receive your Junior Ranger patch. Too much time exploring to finish the book while you are in the park? Complete it later and mail it here: Bear Valley Visitor Center, Point Reyes National Seashore, 1 Bear Valley Road, Point Reyes Station, CA, 94956.
A ranger will check your work and mail the book back to you with a patch! Can’t make the trip to Point Reyes? Become a Virtual Junior Ranger!
Best for Ages: 5-12+
Website: Point Reyes National Seashore
Virtual Opportunities
Dual Language
Initiated in the summer of 2020, close to 10,000 people participated in Virtual Junior Ranger Programs. Because they were so successful, the staff decided to continue the programs. And now—a dual language Junior Ranger program is available online. Check it out for yourself! And click here to access six different modules to complete at your own pace.
Beach Buddies Junior Ranger Book
The Beach Buddies Jr. Ranger book features Petey Plover, a cute little bird with a brown Ranger hat. Petey guides you through fun activities that teach you how to keep your beaches clean and safe in fun and easy ways. Get the book here!
Best for Ages: 6-10+
Virtual Junior Ranger Railroad Explorer
Ready to become a railroad explorer? Learn more about the transcontinental railroad, which helped link the United States from coast to coast! Complete this book, check your work and complete the pledge in the back of the book.
Junior Ranger Sounds Explorer
Meet Lucy, the listening owl. Follow her as you explore the sounds of the park, learn the science behind those sounds and appreciate why we need to protect those sounds. Complete this book, check your answers with this key, have a parent sign the certificate to become a Junior Ranger Sounds Explorer. To find out more about natural sounds and why sounds matter, check this out!
Best for Ages 5-10+
Junior Ranger in Space
Co-designed with NASA, click here to access the Spaceflight Explorer Jr. Ranger book. Complete with math and matching puzzles, thinking questions, spot the difference photos, scrambled words and anagrams, children will learn about the Moon, space vehicles and national parks. Take the pledge, make your own badge, and show off your certificate proudly!
Best for Ages: 5-8
Junior Ranger Angler
Let’s go fishing! Get your booklet here! Learn about fishing, aquatic life and safety while you meet fish, learn about different types of fishing and get to know the gear. Parents, check their work and then scroll to the bottom of this page to print a badge.
Best for Ages: 5-12+
Junior Ranger Scientist
Explore magnificent caves, learn what cave scientists actually do and start protecting our natural environments and the things that make caves special! Complete this booklet and send it to this address: Jr. Cave Scientist, GRD-Academy Place, PO BOX 25287, Denver, CO 80225. Via mail, you will receive your booklet, a badge and a personal letter to your little explorer.
Best for Ages: 5-12+
Junior Ranger Night Explorer
Here’s the booklet! Try the “exploring with your Senses” and the “Take a Planet Walk” sections. Complete as much of the book as you can. Sign the book and take a look at your well-deserved virtual high-five.
Best for Age: 5-12+
A superhero squad today, a band of bandits tomorrow, you never know where your kids’ imaginations are going to lead them. In order to help you be fully prepped, we’ve pulled together the ultimate list of kids’ dress-up clothes. Filled with supplies and props (most of which you probably already have) that will keep their minds engaged and active, keep reading to find out what should be in your dress-up box.
Glasses & Sunglasses Put on the perfect pair for instant rock star status!
Scarves & Ties Tie one on, add Dad's old vest, and you've got a professor or school teacher.
Jewelry All those old Mardi Gras beads will look great dangling around their necks.
Sports Jerseys What's an impromptu game without the proper sports attire?
Formal Wear When your kids want to host their fancy ball, old bridesmaid dresses (you'll NEVER wear it again), short dresses, suit jackets, white gloves and bowties fit the bill.
Shoes & Boots There's just something awesome about wearing Mom and Dad's shoes.
Toys If you don't already have them on hand, a doctor or veterinarian kit, a toy microphone, a cash register or any other open-ended play items are best bets.
Hawaiian Leis & Feather Boa No dress-up box is complete without one (or both) of these. We love these affordable options for leis and these colorful boas.
Jump Rope They'll use it to harness their horses, turn themselves into a train, or even rope imaginary cattle. Snag one here.
Cardboard Boxes Probably one of the most awesome and free props of all time, a big box transforms into a spaceship, a boat, or an eight-wheel truck. See our favorite ideas here.
Linens & Tapestry Sheets, pillowcases, and towels make for super-easy capes and ballgowns. Also, you can set the stage by throwing sheets over chairs and furniture to make a fort or cave for little explorers. Or, drape colorful tablecloths and tapestry to make exotic locales.
Play Money Pull from the Monopoly game for free!
Backpacks, Purses & More Old wallets, handbags, and last year’s school backpack are all perfect for stashing treasures.
Office Equipment Your CEO-in-training will have her startup business running in no time with old calculators, briefcases, staplers, keys, and computer keypads.
Other Props Other items, such as phones, baby bottles, kitchen utensils, mixing bowls, yardsticks, stethoscopes, old notepads, office stamps, and old passports are great additions to the dress-up bin; you never know who your kids will feel like being today!
Make your holiday season merry and bright—even if you are celebrating virtually or socially distant from loved ones—by keeping your holiday celebrations alive. With the help of Evite it’s all possible. They have a holiday invitation for every occasion, from snow day parties with your pod to virtual holiday cookie soirees and Christmas dinners with your quaran-fam. Check out our fave holiday and Christmas party invites below and then let the celebrations begin!
My oldest child is graduating from high school this month. At age 18, she is considered an adult and mostly exhibits a maturity that will serve her well in college next Fall. I hope we’ve done a good job raising her, that we’ve given her the tools she’ll need to be happy, to make a positive impact on the world, to take care of herself. It goes without saying, but I’ll say it anyway—the time has gone by much too quickly.
My youngest child is eleven years old, and is solidly in her pre-pubescent “tween” phase. She is funny, a little moody, confident. She’s a resilient, easy-going youngest child who has had the benefit of birth order: older siblings to emulate and experienced, calmer parents who sort of know what they are doing, most of the time.
These two girls, born seven years apart (with a brother wedged in between), represent the book ends of our parenting journey. Every milestone that one experiences reflects either a bittersweet memory of the past or a foreshadowing of the future. Navigating the intricacies of these two very distinct stages, simultaneously, is as interesting as it is exhausting.
Our first time down this road, our older daughter mastered every rite of passage while I stumbled along beside her, trying to keep up. She weathered the tumultuous phases of puberty, handled mean girls, figured out social media, successfully completed the college placement process, met her first boyfriend, and created a social life, complete with parties, drinking and pushing the boundaries of curfew. Together, we’ve managed to survive these years relatively unscathed, although I assure you there have been tears, tantrums and raised voices (hers and ours) along the way. Parenting a teen, and being one these days, is not for the weak of spirit. Overall, it’s been a pleasure raising her and we’ve enjoyed a closeness that we’ll surely miss when she leaves home. I’ll call this part of the journey a success and hold my breath until college move-in day in September.
Meanwhile, during these waning days of Senior Spring, our younger daughter has started blossoming into a “tween”, straddling that very fine line between child and teenager. She still sleeps with her beloved blanket and stuffed animals, but begged for a phone so she could text friends. She follows memes and YouTube celebrities but still enjoys cartoons. When we drive through New York City and she spots a mounted police officer through the car window, I’ll hear her whisper softly, “horsie”. She asks me (or my husband, or one of her siblings) to lie in bed with her for a few minutes each night as she drifts off to sleep. She’s still – luckily, mercifully – very much a little girl, but I know these days are strictly numbered.
While watching the little one on stage during a tap recital, the same recital her older sister performed in many times at the same age, it’s impossible not to feel the passage of time. We stand in the theater courtyard after the show, taking the same posed photographs we’ve always taken, and it’s like Ground Hog Day. It’s such a bittersweet joy to enjoy these moments, knowing that as quickly as the time has passed since my big girl clutched the bouquet in this spot, the coming years will fly by, as well. And I’ll still be standing here holding the camera.
The younger child will certainly benefit from the fact that her sister has blazed many trails before her, leaving behind a little scorched earth and plenty of collective earned wisdom. The onset of puberty won’t feel so overwhelming, the changes in her body won’t feel so scary and permanent as she’ll recall her sisters’ transformation from girl to woman. She’ll understand that all of the friendships that seem so important in this moment may not last – but the special ones, the people who earn her trust and care about her feelings, will. She’ll know that the “B-” in that all-important class really doesn’t matter in the grand scheme of things, and everything truly does work out for the best in the college process. Maybe, if we’re lucky, she’ll appreciate that the advice we give her, on these issues and so many others, may actually have a little merit.
Of course, I’m a different parent now than I was eight years ago. Mistakes were certainly made along the way, and I hope I’ve learned from them. I could have been more patient, I could have listened more and lectured less. My oldest and I were breaking each other in, testing, challenging, figuring out the map together. She was a worthy companion and teacher. I’m grateful to her for the lessons, for making me a better parent for her brother and sister.
When I stand at pre-prom, senior dinner and graduation this year, as overwhelming as it will be to watch her experience these milestones, I’m sure I’ll see tiny flashes of her little sister moving through these scenes someday, too soon. Present, past and future, all dancing around each other, reminding me to slow down, lower the camera, look, listen and savor. The journey will of course continue, through all the many phases and stages yet to come, each with their own unique memories to be made, and cherished.
Natalie Silverstein, MPH, is the NYC coordinator of Doing Good Together. She is a writer, speaker and consultant on the topic of family service. Her first book Simple Acts: The Busy Family's Guide to Giving Back was published in 2019 and her second book for teens will be published in 2022.
There is a girl in my past that I loved. She was me, or rather, the ballet-dancing version of me.
When I was 6, I decided that I needed to be a ballet dancer. A lot of six-year-olds feel that way, but by the time I was 16, I was dancing at the School of American Ballet in New York City for the summer. At 17 I was accepted to the highest level of training at the Pacific Northwest Ballet School and moved from Texas all the way to Seattle, Washington—by myself.
I did fabulously, but just when I expected everything to go right, a stagehand made a mistake. Scenery moved when it should have stayed still and I fell 5 feet onto the stage. I haven’t done a proper arabesque since.
Life continued, like it does.
I fell in love. I made babies.
For the most part, I tried to distance myself from the dancing life I had. Every time I came close to it, I burned. I burst into flames of so many names: fear, desire, regret, anger. But, being a creature of the stage, I cannot help but tell my story.
I always felt like that girl—The Ballet Me—died. I didn’t know how I could be a dancer without a body that could dance. I finally faced the loss and gave myself credit for enduring it. Dancing will be a part of me forever.
Then my children learned that I was a “ballerina.”
By the time Hazel Belle was 3 or so, I’d accepted my loss enough to frame and hang some beautiful photos of me dancing. My daughter took to pointing them out to guests by saying, “That’s mommy when she was flying.” I blushed every time and took a minute to enjoy her beautiful perspective.
I have always been afraid of living out my fantasies through my children. We’ve seen Gypsy. You and I have met those kids and the grownups those kids become. People have asked me for the last 20 years: “Are you going to put your kids in dance?”
I speak out-loud about 20 percent of what I’m thinking: “I want them to do what they love.” Because here’s the truth: If I could put DANCE in my KIDS, then I would. In spite of my years of pain, in spite of my tragedy, I’d do anything to help my children experience that kind of love that I have known. I motivated myself when I was dancing. I pushed myself. I formed dreams for myself.
I cannot put dance in my kids, but I can watch for what they put in themselves.
Hazel Belle enjoyed ballet camp when she was little. They watched Tinkerbell movies and made wands. But when she was old enough to start really learning ballet, her sensory issues emerged.
Tights and ballet slippers became a burden to her. We both cried when she “quit,”—though I shed my tears in private.
It killed me that her love for freedom of expression and movement of her body were limited by a silly dress code. Thankfully, our dance studio is just the right combination of empowerment, flexibility and tradition. “Modern,” her teacher said. “Modern dance could be just right for her.” I told Hazel Belle, and she couldn’t wait to go to modern dance class in her shorts and t-shirt.
At 6 years old, dancers get to be in the recital. Hazel Belle and I marched into that theater, hand-in-hand. I didn’t tell her, but I was thinking, “Days in the theater have been some of the happiest in my life.”
She went to join her group, and I sat down to try to manage 35 years of emotion.
At her performance the next day, my daughter was good, but not great. Don’t get me wrong; to me, she was the loveliest creature to ever grace the stage. I swelled so huge with pride I almost screamed, “THAT’S MY BABY!” But the professional dancer I can never turn off could see that dancing might not be her thing.
“Mama, I don’t want to break your heart,” my daughter told me.
“Oh, baby, you’re not in charge of my heart. Tell me anything you need to say.”
“Well, I tried because I know you love it,” she began. “But dancing is not my thing.”
“No problem, Cute-iful. And what a wonderful girl you are for knowing how to be gentle with me AND telling me the truth.”
Hazel Belle sighed with relief—and so did I, inside.
My three-year-old son still loves his Mommy and Me dance classes, but I’m not holding my breath. This summer, my daughter attended clay camp and I think we may be on to something. My ten-year-old son is deep into Dungeons and Dragons and regularly wears a crushed velvet cape to school. My eight-year-old plays the guitar, and I’m pretty sure that one day a 40-something Harry Styles will cry himself to sleep over the young buck who takes his place.
I cannot put my kids in dance or dance in my kids. But I can love what they love and free them from the burden of my expectations.
Go, babies! Love—and even lose. I’ll be right here.
Jessica danced at the Pacific Northwest Ballet and since has become a mom, doula and writer. She and her husband have four children but not a single rule follower! She has a forthcoming ballet memoir and collection of parenting essays titled, Today I Bought a Hamster (and other mistakes).
If you’ve got a little diva, rocker or rapper in the house, you’re gonna want to know about this. This week, The Chord Club powered by Billboard, a state of the art recording studio, recreational music school and private event space opens on the Upper East Side, and it’s ready to help your budding musician (or DJ or producer) rock out no matter how young, whether it’s at a class, lesson or off the hook birthday party.
photo: Andreas Poupoutsis
The Chord Club Basics The brainchild of NYC mom Theresa Scotto, The Chord Club started as a pop-up party planning service in a Midtown Manhattan recording studio. Now Scotto and music industry mag Billboard have teamed up to launch The Chord Club.
This is no kiddie version of a recording studio; it’s the real deal. Designed under the creative direction of professional sound engineers, the 5,700-square-foot facility contains two large recording studios, private classrooms and a sun-lit event space. While the venue will be hosting classes for kids as young as five months old, it’s also where adult musicians could cut a track if they so desired.
photo: Andreas Poupoutsis
Just for Babes & Toddlers The Chord Club will offer classes for kids of all ages and commitment levels, taught by professional New York City musicians and child educators. Its version of “Mommy & Me” music classes, “Chord Club Early Rockers” are offered for kids ages five months to five years old, and explore a new genre of music each week (as found on the Billboard charts) such as pop, rock, country, heavy metal and beyond. Billboard Babies Unplugged features singlongs to acoustic tunes of the kiddie classic and Hot 100 variety; Shake, Rattle & Roll introduces movement to the singing of Billboard classics, and Little Rockers Jam finds a live band backing the tiny musicians. Free trial classes are available the week of October 5 and classes start the week of October 12! Read more about Chord Club Early Rockers here.
photo: Andreas Poupoutsis
For the Bigger Kids For budding MCs, DJs, divas and singer/songwriters, The Chord Club is ready to help them take things to the next level. DJ classes are available for 7-17 year olds; kids five and up can take learn guitar alongside other players and play together in “Guitar Jam”, and budding singer/songwriters eight years old and up can learn the basics of crafting a tune, vocal technique and stage presence in the singer/songwriter club. Many classes include a final show or recital at the end of the semester. For ages 10 and up, Pop Star Studio 101 can help aspiring Taylors, Nickis and Drakes develop and refine solo and group live performance.
(If your child is more the Quincy Jones/Lucious Lyon impresario-type, The Chord Club offers classes in Foundation in Music Business and Music Production.) Find info on classes for older kids here. Free trial classes are available the week of October 5, and classes start the week of October 12.
photo: Andreas Poupoutsis
Lessons from Beginner to Pro The Chord Club also offers good old fashioned lessons for those just starting out or more accomplished musicians. Lessons 45 or 75 minutes in length are available for guitar, bass, voice and piano for both individuals and groups.
photo: Andreas Poupoutsis
Party Hard at the Chord Club Maybe it’s just us, but we think even the most jaded of New York kids would think a party at The Chord Club is pretty cool. With party packages starting for kids as young as five years old, themes include “Mini Pop Star”, “Girls Rock”, “Hip-Hop Blowout” and “Open Mic.” Parties find kids in the studio recording favorite songs with vocal coaches and engineers, and then reveling in the Party Lounge after.
All the basics of a kids’ party are included, such as pizza, balloons, decor, paper goods, custom water bottles, and more, and add-ons ranging from adult food options, a step and repeat red carpet set up (!) and cakes, to a graffiti artist, face painter and spray-on tattoos are available as well. Rates are for 15 guests and celebrant. Read more about parties here.
Which party would your kid love to throw at The Chord Club? Tell us in the comments below!
So they think they can dance? If you are looking for something beyond the barre, read on for five alternate dance classes where kids can get their groove on.
Children’s Jazz/ Hip-Hop Studio Dionne is a well-known and much loved studio that offers a variety of dance classes for kiddos from the age of 2½ and up. Here you will find dance classes in all sorts of varieties: ballet, modern, tap and even musical theater. Check out the Jazz and Hip-hop combo where kiddos (7 and up) will be busting a move with a mix of African, Latin, hip-hop and jazz styles!
The Inside Scoop If one of your tots is more of a singer and a strummer then a mover and a groover, Studio Dionne has plenty of music classes to explore, too!
Athletic Movement for Boys Have a little boy who loves to dance, but scoffs at the idea of tutus and pink shoes? Well, this class at Good Moves Dance Studio was specially designed for boys! This one combines athletic training with the creative nature of dance. Perfect for developing strength, discipline, fostering creativity and, of course, introducing dance.
The Inside Scoop Tucked away in Inman Park, Good Moves is not just a dance studio, but a non-profit dance organization on a mission to bring dance to individuals and communities. This unique program introduces your kiddo not just to dance, but to a creative community of artists.
Ballroom and Latin for Kids Does your tot have the ballroom bug? Look no further then Academy Ballroom’s kids classes. Offered several times a week, this vibrant studio teaches that there is more to Ballroom and Latin classes than lots of spins and sequence. We’ve all heard that dance develops strength, coordination and confidence, but Ballroom dance has the added bonus of teaching tots a skill they can show off for a lifetime.
The Inside Scoop Remember all those weddings and special events where you were begrudging the fact you never learned to slow dance beyond the “hold and sway”? Sign your little ones up now, and they’ll give you a big thank you later!
Acrobatic Dance Does your kiddo crave cartwheels? The Acrobatic Dance class offered at Foot Notes Dance Studio may be perfect for your tiny dancer. Recall those super fun floor routines during the Olympics? This is similar! It is a high energy performing art that focusses on basic tumbling and movement. Kiddos can start as early as age 4 and beginners are welcome.
The Inside Scoop Parents can’t say enough good things about the instructors here. The words, warm, friendly and family are thrown about freely. Foot Notes is well worth checking out, especially if your little one is on the shy side.
Creative Movement Tap, ballet, or jazz? Not sure? Sometimes the tiniest twinkle toes just need to get grooving. Enter the Dan & Company studios and their Creative Movement class. Designed for 3 and 4 years old, this class is all about movement and fun. No pressure here, just a relaxed place for your little one to let go and twirl around with scarfs and lummi sticks. Kiddos will get the chance to perform in one recital, and get this—the costumes are provided!
The Inside Scoop If your little one loves to boogie, why not consider a dance themed birthday party? Dan & Company studios put on fun and original birthday parties. Parties last two hours, with two dance instructors and of course, tons of music and dance.
These classes not a fit? Click here for our list of other ballet and dance studios we love for the littles, or here some spots where they can learn an Irish jig!
Have you noticed your little ballerina using the blank television screen as a mirror to practice and perfect her twirls? If you’re thinking it’s time to get you budding dancer to a real dance studio (before she spins into the coffee table), we’ve rounded up the best schools the Eastside has to offer. From baby sensory dance to ballet to tap to hip hop, grab a chair for the next performance. The show is about to start!
Backstage Dance Studio
Can’t wait to get those adorable baby feet tapping? Backstage Dance Studio offers sensory dance for infants that will encourage sensory development, foster bonding, and get you grooving with your tiny sidekick. Older kids will jump for joy over the variety of dance styles available including ballet, tap, hip hop and creative movement. Bonus: Dancers four and older get to sparkle in a spring show, while tots perform in a special in-studio recital.
Cost: Prices depend on class length and start at $35/month plus a registration fee.
Insider’s Tip: Dads that think they can dance don’t have to be left out of the spotlight. If your tyke is a studio member you can join the Dancing Dads troupe and show off your stuff for the spring show.
13420 S.E. 32nd St.
Bellevue, Wa 98005
425-747-5070
Online: backstagedance.org
Elizabeth’s Dance Dimensions
There ‘s something about playing dress-up that transforms even the shyest kiddos into little performers. Elizabeth’s Dance Dimensions is the perfect place to prepare your little starlet for the stage with preschool and Kinderchild classes that incorporate exciting props, rhyming songs, and costume play into their teaching techniques. Dancers will have the opportunity to perform both a tap and ballet routine for the annual recital.
Cost: Tuition depends on class length and starts at $40/month plus a registration fee.
Insider’s Tip: New students will only be accepted until January 20, 2015 (based on availability) in preparation for their year-end show.
Evergreen City Ballet
Is there a dancing star with big dreams in your family? Then let her shine with Evergreen City Ballet’s Angelina Ballerina Dance Academy. Your prima ballerina will love this storybook introduction to dance using themes and music based on the PBS television show. Mommy and Me and creative movement classes are also available for tots as young as 20 months. Performance opportunities include the Nutcracker (ages 5 & up) and a year-end show.
Cost: ECB offers open enrollment and registration can be done online. Prices start at $60/month plus a registration fee.
Gotta Dance
Gotta troupe with a busy schedule and you’re not sure when dance will fit in? Gotta Dance Studio has a full line-up jammed with your favorite formats, including jazz, ballet, tap, creative movement and hip hop, making it simple to find something for everyone at a time that fits your calendar. Dancers have the opportunity to perform in a holiday production and an end of year show.
Cost: Registration is now available for creative movement (ages 2-3) while enrollment for all other formats re-opens December 1, 2014. Cost depends on class length and starts at $48/month plus a registration fee.
Insider’s Tip: Check here for specific parking instructions before you go.
Issaquah Dance Theatre
Issaquah Dance Theatre doesn’t miss a step with their selection of dance styles to channel your jumping bean’s energy. Classes such as Together Time and Happy Feet plus all the faves will encourage the development of large motor skills while delighting your tiny twirler with songs, games and playful props. Dancers get to shine on stage in a year-end show.
Cost: Registration is open year round and can be done online. Rates depend on class length and start at $42 plus a registration fee.
Insider’s Tip: Try it before you sign up! Trial classes cost $17 and if you register the fee can be applied towards the first month’s tuition.
1575 N.W. Mall St.
Issaquah, Wa 98027
425-391-2632
Online: issaquahdance.com
photo: Rachael Brandon
Ballet Academy
Moms and dads will get a standing ovation for making their dancer’s dreams come true with International Ballet Academy’s Children’s Program. Kiddos will have a blast developing skills in movement, rhythm, and musicality while learning ballet or tap, then light up the stage in a year-end performance.
Cost: Classes follow a 19 week semester and the next session starts late January. Cost is $420-$440 plus a registration fee. They do not prorate if you sign up mid-semester, but make-up classes are offered.
Insider’s Tip: A new Dance with Me class for toddlers (20 months-3 years) begins January! Call ahead to get on the list for this sensational introduction to dance for you and your little one.
Pacific Northwest Ballet
Seattleites consider the nationally recognized Pacific Northwest Ballet as a staple in our arts community. But did you know their Eastside school offers a curriculum for tots? Learning the fundamentals of movement couldn’t be more exhilarating than in one of the PNB’s classes suited for the Littles. Caregiver and child Duet classes (ages 2-3), PNB Tots (age 4) and creative movement (ages 5-6) are offered as well as a boys only class (ages 5-6).
Cost: The school year started in September and most classes are full, but there are wait lists. A 9 week quarter costs $210-$220 plus a registration fee, and the next session begins late January.
The Francia Russell Center
1344 N.E. 16th St.
Bellevue, Wa 98005
425-451-1241
Online: pnb.org
Do you have a favorite Eastside dance school? Has your tot taken a dance class at one of the studios we mentioned? Tell us about your experience in a comment below.
Jeans and a tee is the classic kid uniform. But when special occasions strike — weddings, holiday tea, a trip to “The Nutcracker,” or anywhere you want to put your dressiest foot forward — it’s good to have some essentials in the kiddie closet. Here are 9 things to have on hand.
1. A killer bow tie. Where to wear it: Fall and winter weddings. Your dapper lil’ dude might not be ring bearer, but he’ll vie for the spotlight with a bright, patterned clip bow tie. Where to buy it: The coral double gingham clip tie shown here is from Etsy seller Divine Domestication. $15 at etsy.com.
photo: Divine Domestication
2. Graphic tights Where to wear them: The school play or a class recital. Whether starring role or pretty place in the choir, a girl needs a little drama. Pair a skirt with a tights pattern that pops. Where to buy them: You could go to a department store, but we’re partial to the multitude of styles from Oakland, California-based Luna Leggings. $32 at lunaleggings.com.
photo: Luna Leggings
3. Patent leather shoes Where to wear them: They are more versatile than they seem! Get them in a fun color, wear them with bobby socks and a skirt and you can trot off to school. Or, be dressier with classic black, paired with tights and a dress and you’ll have the perfect outfit for your mommy-and-me date to “The Nutcracker.” Where to buy them: Zappos has great deals. We also love the pair in this photo in Mary Jane style from Bella Bliss. $70 at bellabliss.com.
photo: Bella Bliss
4. A tweed vest. Where to wear it: With a timeless tweed vest, your small wonder can make like Sherlock Holmes (if he was pint-sized and loved skateboarding). If the little fella has to tag along to Mom or Dad’s holiday office party, this is a sweet look. Where to buy one: Support a mom-run small business and browse the handmade styles on Etsy. We fell in love with this lil’ tweed number offered by Maggie Bogart. $44 at etsy.com.
photo: Maggie Bogart
5. A tulle dress Where to wear it: Holiday tea. Whether at an upscale hotel or at American Girl Place, it’s a great excuse to get dressy. Remember, pinkies up! Where to buy it: The cotton and tulle confection shown here is from Little Hands and is available on Amazon. Around $20 at amazon.com.
photo: Little Hands
6. A colorful shrug. Where to wear it: Go for a walk and check out all the holiday lights. Or pick a main drag and do some window shopping. When the wind whips and it gets chilly, you can have one at the ready. Where to get one: Get crafty (or tap into the talents of a crafty friend) and knit one from scratch. You’ll get the color of your choice — and bragging rights. In this photo is a beautifully textured one from Craftsy. Pattern available for digital download for $3.25 at craftsy.com.
photo: Addiesma Designs
7. Dark black jeans. Where to wear them: The question is … where not to wear them? Black jeans are great anywhere, anytime. But they’re especially great for family photos when you want to bump it up a notch from the usual faded blues. Where to get them: Finding them won’t be trouble. And, oh, the options — pick from straight-leg, boot cut, loose fit or skinny. The ones shown here are classic skinnies from The Children’s Place. $7.80 at childrensplace.com.
photo: Children’s Place
8. A fedora. Where to wear it: Pop on this topper for a big family gathering — grandma and grandpa will melt. Plus, a fedora makes your kiddo will instantly look more laid-back (even if he is having a public meltdown). Where to buy it: Kid fedoras don’t exactly grow on trees, but there is a nice selection (including this preppy straw option) at Melondipity. $19.99 at melondipity.com.
photo: Melondipity
9. A headband with bling. Where to wear it: It’s the season of sparkle and even a little hint will do. Jazz up a trip to see Santa with a sequin-, rhinestone- or pearl-adorned headband. Where to buy it: Claire’s is everywhere and has several choices. If you’re feeling ambitious, do like blogger MayDae did in this pic and make your own (she used faux leaves from the craft store). Click here for the tutorial.
photo: MayDae
What is YOUR go-to fashion essential for a dressy occasion? Let us know in the Comments!
