In September, Smithsonian Magazine will celebrate its 18th annual Museum Day! That means hundreds of museums, zoos and cultural centers across the country will wave their admission fees for a day, giving families free entry.
Over 1,000 museums nationwide are expected to participate in this year’s Museum Day, which will take place on Saturday, Sep. 17. Families will be able to take advantage of free admission and a special curation of exhibits related to this year’s theme.
The theme of the free event will be “The American Experience,” and will focus “a spotlight on wonderful arts, culture, sciences, innovation and history exhibits across the country” reports Travel+ Leisure. “We are so thrilled to be able to bring Museum Day to the public for the 18th year and to once again be able to highlight many of the museums and cultural institutions that make America so special,” says Amy Wilkins, the chief revenue officer at Smithsonian Media.
Not sure which museums are included? You can head to the Smithsonian Magazine website and search by location to find a participating museum near you. According to USA Today, museums are still signing up to be included as part of the free day, so continue to check if more locations are added in your area.
While the event makes museum entry free, you still need to register for a ticket. You can register for a ticket starting on Aug. 15. A single ticket provides entry for the ticket holder and one guest and only one ticket is permitted per email address. Check out the full list of participating museums and download your free ticket at the Smithsonian Magazine website.
From learning a different language to solving mysteries, there’s something for every interest
Is your kid at the beginning of a summer slump? You know, where they (might) be over the lazy days but not ready to gear up for the classroom just yet? If so, it could be the right time to give them a little something extra to fire up their brains and bodies. Outschool offers dozens of different classes for ages ranging from toddlers to teens. From learning a different language to solving mysteries, there’s something for every interest. To help you decide which ones you want to check out, we’ve curated a list of our favorite classes from Outschool for kids.
Superhero Fitness Plus
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A one-time class that lasts 35 minutes, Coach Eurico will lead students through a series of interactive workouts inspired by superheroes! Best for ages 3-7
Smartest Artists: Art Class With A Touch of History, Math, Lit and Science
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This semester-long Outschool class has students creating a new piece of artwork every week, and as a bonus, they'll learn about history, math, science and literature along the way. This is a flexible class, which means there are no live video sessions. Best for ages 4-9.
Elementary Explorers: Rocks, Fossils, and Crystals
Outschool
This multi-day course is perfect for budding geologists. Kids will learn about rock cycles, how to identify different rocks and testing common materials. Best for ages 5-8.
This eight-week course is conducted like a real dance class, students will get an introduction to Hip Hop as well as learn choreography to their favorite Disney movies! Best for ages 6-10.
This class meets for 35 minutes and kids will get instruction on how to break codes! The class is recorded, so students can come back for referencing because learning these skills take time. Best for ages 7-11.
Kids will get an intensive lesson on how to speak Spanish! This course runs for eight weeks and meets once a week, for 50 minutes. There are only 3-7 kids per class. Best for ages 8-12.
This Outschool class meets once a week for weeks and teaches skills like basic first aid, how to build a fire, foraging for food and more. Best for ages 9-12.
Students will learn how to work with aperture, shutter speed, and ISO to create beautiful images. This is a 10-week, once-a-week course. Best for ages 9-12.
Combine your kids’ love of Minecraft with a lesson on the history of Architecture that ranges from ancient times until now. This Outschool class runs for six weeks, and there are no scheduled video chats, instead, participants have discussions via a classroom forum and private teacher chats. Best for ages 9-14.
While this seems like just a game, participants that sign up for this one-time session will be using logic, learning about fact vs. opinion and using their problem solving skills. Best for ages 11-16.
Fireworks, parades and festivities! Sounds like the Fourth of July is back on for Seattle families, even if summer has been slow to start. If you’re in the market for kid-friendly ways to celebrate Independence Day, we’ve got the scoop on hot local events, from the Emerald City to the Eastside and beyond. So grab your best red, white and blue gear, prep some celebratory snacks, and get to a nearby parade or wow-worthy fireworks display with your crew. Read on for our top star-spangled celebrations this year.
Seafair Summer Fourth If your family’s endurance is high and you don’t mind crowds, Seafair Summer Fourth is the big show in town, and it's back in-person this year. The folks at Seafair promise to make this Independence Day celebration (a Seattle tradition at Gas Works Park for more than 25 years) one to remember. The gates open at 3 p.m., and starting at 5 p.m., families can enjoy a variety of entertainment, including field games and inflatables in the Kids Zone, live music and fantastic food. Plus, everyone will love the glow-in-the-dark dance party that leads up to a spectacular fireworks show over Lake Union.
Good to know: Seafair Summer Fourth offers several free and reserved seating options and multiple vantage points to enjoy the show, Lake Union for an overhead view, Gas Works Park for a hilltop view, and Lake Union Park for a darker sky view. Each location offers its own unique experience.
Bellevue Family 4th For over 30 years Bellevue Family 4th has been a fave for Eastside kids and families, and this year is no exception. Make a beeline for the Kids Zone where you'll find entertainment, activities and a kids area when the party starts at 5 p.m. After the sun goes down, settle in for a spectacular fireworks show set to the sounds of the Bellevue Youth Symphony Orchestra and plan to stay late for the post fireworks show concert.
Good to know: Parking is free after 5 p.m. at The Bellevue Collection properties.
Red, White & Boom Fireworks For a night your family won't soon forget, head to Snoqualmie for the annual Red, White & Boom fireworks display. One of the newer displays (the tradition started in 2016) it grows more spectacular each year, as the event organizers add something new with each passing 4th. Expect vendors, food trucks, attractions and so much more, with an explosive fireworks show starting around 9:45 p.m.
Fourth on the Plateau The City of Sammamish invites families to join in some red, white and blue fun on the fourth with this year's fireworks show and festivities. We're talking food trucks, kids activities, outdoor yard games and giveaways, plus live music by Sway. Finish off your evening with a special fireworks show happening at 10 p.m.
Tacoma Summer Blast Tacoma's signature 4th of July celebration is back, with a blast. And families can choose from two locations to celebrate. Head to Cummings Park for music, food, booths and a Family Fun Zone, or set your sights on Dune Peninsula Park, just down the way. In addition to a killer playground and splash pad, the 4th of July will bring live music, food trucks and more to this grassy area where families have plenty of room to roam, shop and generally enjoy the day. Fireworks will be launched over Commencement Bay just after dark, and you can enjoy them from either park.
Renton's 4th of July Head to Gene Coulon for a fantastic fireworks show put on by the City of Renton. There will be a live DJ starting at 6:30 p.m., and of course you can explore the beach, play on the playground and enjoy the day before the fireworks show at 10 p.m.
Let Freedom Ring Celebration The Puyallup Chamber of Commerce is bringing the 4th to families… on July 3rd, with a spectacular celebration. Bring the kids to the Washington State Fairgrounds between 3 and 9 p.m. to enjoy food trucks, vendor markets and a classic car show. Then it’s on to the Red, White & Kaboom fireworks display. Watch it from your car and make it extra special for the kids with funky add-ons like special effects glasses ($3) or a star-spangled swag bag ($10). You’ll need tickets for the fireworks show.
4th of July Children's Parade The 24th annual 4th of July Children’s Parade in West Seattle is back this year! It features local kiddos riding on decorated bikes, wagons and tricked-out strollers with their families. Trust us, it’s the cutest family-friendly event of the summer. After the parade, enjoy old fashioned gunny sack races, arts and crafts and various activities at Hamilton ViewPoint Park.
98th Annual Independence Day Parade Celebrate the 4th of July with a parade in downtown Burien. Line the streets to watch floats, marching bands and more pass by as community members gather to celebrate America’s birthday.
Grand Old 4th of July Want to get out of town this Independence Day? Take a ferry to Bainbridge Island and enjoy the annual Grand Old 4th of July parade and community celebration. The fun starts early (at 7 a.m.) with a traditional pancake breakfast and continues throughout the day with the BYS fun run, a car show, street fair, kid’s zone, live music and, of course, the mile-long Hometown Parade at 1 p.m.
Celebrate Kirkland 4th of July “Celebrate Kirkland, Together Again” is the theme of this year’s 4th of July celebration in Kirkland. After a hiatus this popular Eastside event is back, so bring your favorite "ride" (think trikes, bikes and strollers) to the Marina Park Pavilion at 10:30 a.m. to get them decorated for the kid's parade that follows. The main parade starts at noon; you'll have just enough time to find seats to enjoy it.
Down Home 4th of July & Heritage Day Issaquah's Down Home 4th of July & Heritage Day is a favorite summertime tradition for Eastside families. It's a chance to settle into summer with old-fashioned fun with a pie eating contest, sack races, pony rides and all kinds of hands-on activities kids adore. The Kids, Pets 'N' Pride Parade starts at 11 a.m. at Rainier Boulevard North and Northwest Dogwood Street.
Great Carnation 4th of July Celebration After two years of the pandemic, the Carnation 4th of July Celebration is back! Head to this small town to enjoy the Kiddy and Grand Parades along Stossel Street, where you'll also find live music and food and booths to wander. Then it's off to nearby Remlinger Farms to watch the fireworks light up the night sky just after 10 p.m. It'll be a blast!
4th of July Parade & Pancake Breakfast Head north for Bothell’s biggest annual event that starts early in the morning with a piping hot, free pancake breakfast at Bothell Landing. Eat your fill (or sleep in) before heading to the Children’s Parade at 11 a.m. The Grand Parade that's been a tradition for over 100 years starts at noon.
An Edmonds Kind of 4th Downtown Edmonds is hosting lots of family-friendly events downtown to make your Fourth of July a memorable one. If running is your thing, register for the Baby Brackett 1K or see if you can beat Ol' Man Brackett in the timed, 5K race that morning. Strollers are allowed for this race, but dogs are not. The hometown races are followed by a sweet Children's Parade at 11:30 a.m. and the main event at noon.
Good to know: Lots of advance registration is required, so make your plans early. Also, there won't be a fireworks show happening in 2022.
4th of July Splash! Kent Parks' Splash is back just in time for the sunshine. Find the festivities at Lake Meridian Park where you and the kids can listen to live music, sample food from local vendors and play games and activities that were made for families and kids.
Good to know: There will be a free shuttle running from Fire Station 75 (15635 S.E. 272nd St.) and Kentwood High School (25800 164th S.E.) from 11:30 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.
Seattle Civic Band Concert Bring your blankets and low backed chairs to this special 4th of July outdoor summer concert at the Locks. The Seattle Civic Band will play for all to enjoy.
For the fifth straight year, Target is honoring veterans with its annual Military Appreciation Discount, and this year its better than ever!
From Oct. 31 through Nov. 13, the retailer is offering a 10 percent discount off two purchases (some exclusions apply) for eligible services members. In order to qualify, guests will need to register at Target.com and once they are deemed eligible, they will be issued a two-time use Target Circle offer to use in-store and online. photo: Courtesy of Target
Guests can also add a veteran or military family status to their Target Circle profile, which makes them eligible for bonus offers and vote on where Target’s community giving funds will go through the end of 2021.
What’s better than kids and pets? A party where they can all hang out! The Los Angeles area’s premier place for pet adoptions and animal education, the Wallis Annenberg PetSpace, is throwing a doggone good party, and you’re invited!
On August 28, 2021, from 11 a.m.- 4.p.m., join Annenberg PetSpace for their annual DOGust event. DOGust is a special celebration in honor of all those shelter pups whose birthdays are unknown. They deserve a day just for them, and you and your family can join in the fun. Bring along your dog (you don’t have to have adopted from Annenberg PetSpace) and get in on the one summer party you won’t want to miss.
Expect tasty treats for both humans and pets, plus photo ops (puppy and me selfies anyone?), pet-friendly activities, and more. And if you don’t have a pup of your own yet, that’s okay too! You might just meet your new best friend.
Thinking of bringing a party gift? Annenberg PetSpace will host a donation drive for pet supplies to support dogs who are still waiting to be adopted while in the care of the County of Los Angeles Department of Animal Care. You can also check out the county’s Amazon wishlist for shelter pups waiting to be adopted or make a donation online or day-of directly to the Annenberg PetSpace. Visit the registration page to learn more.
All you have to do is register here to attend this free event. There ain’t no party like a DOGust party! Register today so they know just how many friends will attend.
When: August 28, 2021, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Where: Wallis Annenberg PetSpace
12005 Bluff Creek Dr.
Los Angeles, CA 90094
Things people never tell you about parenting #303: your kid might be more interested in eating bubbles than playing with them. Fortunately, there’s a new product on the market that makes that activity safe and fun! BubbleLick comes in a variety of flavors and it was invented by a pediatric allergist for peace of mind.
Adults might want to get in on the fun too with flavors like Milk Chocolate Chip, Cinnamon Roll and Watermelon Splash. The bubbles are manufactured with FDA-approved food additive ingredients and made in a FDA-registered and allergen-free facility in the U.S.
Founder Jason Tiger worked at the world’s largest bubble toy company and observed that most mass-produced bubbles are created in unmonitored manufacturing facilities, with chemicals that aren’t safe for cosmetic play. Tiger’s goal is to “reinvent and disrupt the bubble industry.” Parent company Bubble Universe also partners with Children’s Hospital Los Angeles to give back with every purchase.
If your curiosity is officially piqued, you can buy BubbleLick online. It’s currently available in a four pack of flavors with free shipping over $50. Snag your pack to make summer a little sweeter!
Are your littles major LOL fans? Well, get ready for the biggest virtual concert ever!
MGA Entertainment, the makers of L.O.L Surprise Dolls, wants to give a big thank to all its fans with the ultimate immersive experience. Complete with dancing, trivia and tons of surprises throughout, the event will also announce the biggest U.S. fans!
Pressley Hosbach, TikTok star, will host the event with That Girl Lay Lay and other special guests like Big Will and his crew. In addition to awesome trivia and surprises, 100 Superfans will get $500 to support a cause of their choosing.
The free event is happening on Jul. 7 at 9 a.m. PST/12 p.m. EST. You can register for free tickets at LOLSurprise.com/LOLDay to receive a one-use link to watch on-demand.
As a first-time mom, I was clueless about what to get for my baby girl before she arrived. I read through countless blogs trying to figure out the best products to register for but began to feel overwhelmed with all the new gadgets on the market. I wanted to make sure that we had some of the best products to hopefully help aid in getting our baby to sleep better, eat better and ultimately be as comfortable as possible. Did my baby really need a $1,200 bassinet or some device that she wore at night to register her vitals? Again, feeling so clueless, I decided to do some major research to find the best products so I could feel reassured bringing her home the first night.
After trying out tons of different baby products first hand, which I am hoping may help at least one new mama (or maybe even a second or third-time mama!), I am rounding up the top five products that were the holy grail of our household, and that I would suggest everyone with a newborn has in stock before bringing the baby home. These products succeeded in helping us feel like we knew what we were doing, even when we had no idea.
ChiccoDUO Bottles
While these bottles weren’t around (yet) when my baby was born, I sure wish they would have been! It took me a long time to find a bottle that both my baby loved, and that I felt good about giving to her and the ChiccoDuo bottles check both of those boxes. These bottles are the first-ever hybrid baby bottle that combines the purity of glass and the convenience of plastic. This means that the milk never touches the plastic, but the bottle can still be thrown in the dishwasher and won’t break or crack if dropped. The nipples also have a 9/10 acceptance rate and breast-like flow!
We used ours so much. And when I say so much, I mean pretty much every day. I really loved the Solly baby wrap over other ones because it’s really just a soft piece of fabric that ties around your body and holds the baby in place. Some of the other wraps I tried were so bulky and uncomfortable. My baby seemed to love this one best as well, as she’d always fall asleep when being carried in it.
Getting the baby to sleep and stay asleep can be a daunting (and exhausting!) task, so having a good swaddle is a must. This one is slightly weighted and rests against the baby’s chest, so they feel nice and secure, just like they did in the womb. They also can be used for baby’s up to 30” tall, meaning you can use them for a generous amount of time without having to invest in any other type of swaddle.
These bamboo pajamas are so incredibly soft and feel like butter on your skin. They’re especially perfect for babies who tend to get overheated or have sensitive skin, as they are hypoallergenic and actually good for the environment! It’s a win-win knowing that your baby is wearing something that’s not only good for their skin but good for the future of the planet as well! (P.S. They come in adult and toddler sizes too!)
After having one of these in our bedroom when our baby was sleeping in the same room as us, we went out and bought the adult version because we couldn’t sleep without it! This machine is perfect for providing the baby (and adults!) with white noise (and blocking our other distractions such as dogs barking, traffic, etc.) for sleeping. We noticed our baby slept way longer and way better when we had the rain sound on.
About 51,000 units are under recall and were sold with the Kolcraft Cuddle ‘n Care 2-in-1 Bassinet & Incline Sleepers and Preferred Position 2-in-1 Bassinet & Incline Sleepers. Read on to see all the details.
To see if your product is affected, check the model number located on the metal bar between the legs of the bassinet. Model number starting with KB063 and model number starting with KB061 have the sleeper insets under recall.
The bassinet was sold at various mass merchandisers from 2011-2017 for about $140. So far, no incidents have been reported with the Kolcraft product, but infant fatalities have been reported with similar inclined sleep products from other manufacturers.
If you have a recalled sleeper inset, stop using it immediately. You can contact Kolcraft for a $35 voucher to be used online or a $20 refund. Kolcraft is also contacting all registered users and known purchases directly via mail. You may continue to use the bassinet without the accessory.
While this last year for many parents has meant taking kids “to work” pretty much every day thanks to school and work from home, you might find yourself laughing at the idea of celebrating this day. But hear us out!
This year, Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day is going virtual for 2021 and is adapting to current times by creating a virtual career day for parents and kids to experience together. They’re hosting an online event geared toward elementary and middle-school-aged kids. Each program will include keynote speeches, interactive polls, video programming that focuses on diversity and inclusion, and an up-close look into more than 15 workplaces from industries such as the Arts, STEM, Health Sciences, Marketing, and Business.
photo: iStock
Whether you currently work from home, are back in the office in a hybrid model, or are a full-time in-person employee, this special day is a way to celebrate your career with your child. Starting in 1993 daughters and sons have enjoyed learning more about what their parents do for a living. To carry on the excitement of this career-centric day, the Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Foundation is transforming the previously all in-person events to cyber fun.
Tune in to the virtual event on Thursday, Apr. 22, 2021 at DaughtersAndSonsToWork.org. All participants should register before the event begins. Visit the Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Foundation website here to register.
Catch the broadcast at one of two times—either 9:00 a.m. ET or 12:00 p.m. ET. Entrepreneur and author Ellen Langas will host the 9:00 a.m. event, along with her daughters Stephanie and Veronica Campbell. Activist and icon Gloria Steinem will also make a special appearance, answering questions gathered from children before the event day. Courtney Carson, beauty and lifestyle TV personality, will host the 12:00 program. Gitanjali Rao, TIME Magazine’s first Kid of the Year will also make a special appearance.