Frozen carbon dioxide, a.k.a. dry ice, is frozen at a temperature of negative 109 degrees Fahrenheit
Experimenting with ice is cool. But dry ice experiments are even cooler! Unlike the ice cubes in your freezer, dry ice doesn’t melt into liquid. Instead, these blocks sublimate, which means instead of transforming from a solid to a liquid, dry ice goes from a solid to a gas. With the proper precautions, this type of science experiment for kids is safe—so grab gloves and tongs, open a window or take the CO2 outdoors, follow these guidelines from the National Weather Service, and check out these awesome dry ice experiments.
The air from your lungs isn’t the only way to blow up a balloon. This chilly experiment from Science Kiddo helps your budding scientist explore the properties of dry ice.
Check out this awesome overflowing dry ice volcano experiment from Life with Moore Learning! As if this isn’t enough fun, you'll also get a step-by-step guide to help your kids compare regular ice with dry ice and other freezing explorations.
Plan a Potion
iStock
Whether you want to make a witch’s brew for your family's Halloween monster bash or you just want to mix up a cool (literally) concoction, Our Best Bite’s Mad Scientist Potion has everything you need to make a mocktail that’s overflowing with fog.
Make your own at-home outdoor fog machine with two ingredients—dry ice and hot water. Remember, dry ice doesn’t melt into a liquid. Instead, it sublimates or turns into a vapor. Place blocks of dry ice into a glass or bucket of hot water and then stand back and watch as the fog pours across your yard!
Can dry ice help extinguish a candle quickly? Your littles can easily blow out their bday cake candles, but have they ever used dry ice to make a flame go away? Head over to Life with Moore Learning for the how-to steps to this easy science exploration.
How can your kids make a crystal ball? Gather a few pieces or pellets of dry ice, a bowl, dish soap and a kitchen towel. Put the dry ice into the bowl, add hot water and watch the fog show begin. Even though this is exciting, it’s not where the experiment ends. Dip the dish towel into a soapy solution, and spread it around the rim of the bowl. Gently pull the soap-soaked towel across the bowl and watch as a ball-like bubble emerges in front of your eyes.
Compare and Contrast
Erica Loop
How does dry ice melt? The answer isn't regular ice. While you might already know this, your child doesn’t. Freeze water, juice, soda, milk, and any other liquid you want. Put the frozen liquid cubes on plates and create a comparison plate with dry ice. Watch each ice option carefully. Your child can jot down what happens to each piece of ice and when.
If you have boxes of plastic or latex gloves hanging around your home, forget about cleaning. It’s time to put these gloves to scientific use, as they are a great substitute for balloons. Drop a shred of dry ice into the glove, tie the end and watch it magically grow. Hint: Don’t use too much dry ice for this experiment. A pellet will do. Overdoing it with the frozen CO2 might create too much gas, causing the glove to burst.
You’ve covered dry ice with water and watched it fog. But what happens if you put the frozen CO2 into a bath of bubbles? Use your kiddo’s paddling pool or fill the sand table with a water and bubble solution or dish soap mix. Ask your child to predict what will happen as the dry ice sublimates. Observe the bubbles as the CO2 gas fills the water and moves into suds.
Magical Disappearing Ice
iStock
When regular ice melts it leaves behind a puddle, but the same isn't true for dry ice. Again, the sublimation process causes it to turn into a gas state. Help your child learn more about the states of matter with easy observation-based science exploration. Place a piece of dry ice in a bowl outside on a warm day or in the sun. Ask your child to predict what they think will happen to the dry ice. Go back later in the day and take a look at the bowl. Like magic, the ice is gone, and nothing is left behind. Discuss what happened. Your child can hypothesize where the ice went and why there is no water in the bowl.
Fall science experiments are perfect for when the weather cools off
It’s that time of year again! Your kids can’t wait to skip, jump, and hop into the Mount Everest-worthy pile of leaves that’ll soon be collecting in your backyard. And, with the start of the new season comes the chance for a whole new lineup of kids’ activities and fall science experiments. If your little explorer loves Halloween slime, falling fall leaves, and pumpkins, we’ve got the ultimate list of fall science experiments, and even a few fall science experiments for preschoolers. And bonus—they’re an educational (but still entirely entertaining) alternative to screen time. And, when you’re done with these, try out these fun potions just for kids.
Ever wonder why apples don’t stay the same color? Us too. Have your kids take the steps to find out how and why this happens by checking out this experiment.
This fall science experiment is one of the prettiest we’ve tried. With simple instructions and gorgeous results, preschoolers especially love this one. Get the tutorial here.
What could be easier than going outside and taking a walk? The fall season means that there are plenty of changes to see outdoors. Bring a pad and a pencil to take notes or a sketchbook to draw. Ask your child a few open-ended questions about what they see and the season (such as, "Why do you think the trees look different now?" Along with the leaves in the trees, encourage your child to look for autumn animals or insects—or ask why they don't see as many critters and creatures as they would have a few short months ago.
Slime science is always welcome with the pint-sized set. Try this recipe from Mini Monets and Mommies to make not-so-spooky Halloween slime, add glow-in-the-dark glue for a creepy type of cool or make a ghoulishly ghost version that shimmers with a hint of silver glitter.
Insider tip: if your kids love slime as much as ours do, kick the fun up a notch with this recipe for DIY boogers (yep, you read that right).
This kind of spooky science experiment is magic milk. That's right—magic. If your kid wants to make have a good time, head over to Learn Play Imagine for the how-to.
These color-changing leaves from Mini Monets and Mommies are more than just seasonal decor. Use tissue paper to test how the color moves from one surface onto another, creating red, orange, or yellow leaves in a magical moment—all while your little investigator is exploring the scientific process. Soak a paper leaf (that your kiddo draws) with water and place the non-colorfast tissue paper on top.
What happens next? Your child can make a prediction, test it, and compare the results to what they thought would happen. Afterward, encourage your child to talk about how the tissue's color ended up on the paper and why other types of objects might not produce the same effects.
Pumpkin Seed Science
Erica Loop
This sensory activity is ideal for little scientists who are into making hands-on discoveries. When you carve your family's jack o'lantern, let the kiddos close their eyes and describe what the inside of the pumpkin feels like. Then, clean and dry the seeds and have your child add a few drops of red, orange, or yellow food coloring into a bag, toss in the seeds and coat them. When they're dry, the seeds are perfect for making mini mosaics or other types of seasonal art. Not only is this sensory exploration an artsy adventure, but it's also a lesson in the plant life cycle. Save a few seeds and plant them in indoor pots, creating a second fall science activity!
By now you've probably parented for long enough to have tried the good ol' baking soda and vinegar volcano more than a few times. This fall-themed take on the classic from Little Bins for Little Hands is a scientific exploration that will make a mess in the most magnificent way possible!
Why do leaves change color in the fall? That's a tricky one to explain to your child. That is, without the help of a hands-on experiment to do the "talking." If you're not sure where to start, check out this simple exploration from How We Learn.
With this imaginative experiment from Fun At Home With Kids, your kiddo can combine the sensory science of the fall season with a creative craft. Encourage your child to ask questions about the senses and talk about how people can explore through them (including the sense of sight, taste, smell, touch, and hearing). As your child mixes, mashes, stretches, and smashes the scented dough, ask open-ended questions, such as, "How does the dough feel on your hands?" and, "What can you smell?" Your child can even create an accompanying chart, comparing the play dough scent to different foods.
The tastes, scents, and sights of fall are here! And your child is ready to explore what the season has to offer. Try a sensory science exploration with this apple-tasting activity from Mama Papa Bubba.
Insider tip: if you're looking for great apple recipes, click here.
This STEM idea from Lemon Lime Adventures takes autumn engineering to the next level. Your little learner can explore the art of building, getting hands-on with concepts such as form vs. function, balance, and weight distribution.
Editor’s Note: As of press time, all the information in this story was accurate. But, as we know, things with COVID-19 can change rapidly. Please be sure to check directly with the camps concerning cancellation and refund policies or any changes to programming prior to registering.
With the current temps it seems unnatural to even think about summer camp signup. But, not unlike holiday decorations popping up months in advance, the camp chatter starts earlier and earlier each year. Some camps began registrations already and while you’re not too late to the game, it’s definitely time to start doing your research. From a focus on films to learning new sports, read on to find a few picks for camps to sign up for now.
Morton Arboretum
Morton Arboretum, credit Maria Chambers
Kids get totally immersed in nature and outdoor adventures with more than 100 camps planned among 1,700 acres of trees. The Arboretum's woodlands, ponds and prairie become one big classroom where campers learn about the natural world through science experiments, STEM, art and creative play.
Avid4 Adventure is new to Chicago, but they've been hosting camps in Colorado and California for years that focus on building confidence, decision-making skills and cultivating a sense of adventure in the outdoors.
Their two-week Adventure Camp takes kids in grades 2-7 to local settings for thrilling outdoor experiences like mountain biking, hiking, canoeing and kayaking, or SUP. When younger kids first attend camp, the focus is on getting comfortable with new activities. As they get older, the attention is shifted to teamwork and deepening technical competence.
SUP Camp allows kids to get out on the water where they can experience the fun of paddling while developing balance. Trained instructors teach campers basic strokes, rescue techniques and water safety.
Explorer Camp gets kids in grades K-1 outside hiking, paddling, learning solid biking skills and engaging in creative pursuits like yoga, art and music.
Dates: Adventure & Explorer Camps; (4) 2-week sessions, Jun. 6-Aug. 5; SUP Camp, (5) 1-week sessions Ages: Grades K-7 Christ Church of Lake Forest, 100 N. Waukegan Rd., Lake Forest Online:avid4.com
Hi-Five Sports Camp
Hi-Five Sports Camp Chicago
Top priority for this camp that's a dream come true for active kids is FUN! It's a total bonus the programming keeps your child active, healthy, smiling—and perhaps ready for early bedtimes from happy exhaustion. Hi-Five Sports Camp Chicago is about so much more than winning or losing, it's about teamwork, playing hard and fair, making new friends and learning the power of camaraderie. The staff is filled with professional coaches, high school and college athletes, as well as experienced P.E. teachers who are ready to guide kids through a positive, self-esteem building experience.
Dates: West Loop camps running Jun. 20-Aug. 12 Ages: Grades Pre-K-9 City-based camps hosted at either Chicago Hope Field/Quest Multisport or Whitney Young Magnet HS. Locations also in Naperville, Northbrook, St. Charles, & Mt. Prospect Online:hifivesportsclubschicago.com
In the meantime: Schedule a Hi-Five "Housecall". You gather 3-10 kids for 1-2 hours at a location of your choosing, and Hi-Five handles the planning and supplies the equipment. Also, check their website for day-off camps throughout the school year.
FAME Center
FAME Center Fine Arts Summer Camp offers two-week sessions of full-day, in-person camp. Each session explores a different theme culminating in a special celebration on the final Friday. Campers participate in 4, one-hour music, visual art or theater classes facilitated by FAME Center teaching staff. On Fridays, kids are treated to a Fine Arts Masterclass with local Chicago artists. Alongside fine arts classes, campers fill the rest of their days with fun, creative group activities, playing games and spending time outdoors.
Dates: (3) 2-week sessions, Jun. 20-Aug. 5 Ages: 6-12 Willow Creek Community Church, 1347 S. State St., Dearborn Park Online:famecenter.org
Chicago Botanic Garden
Chicago Botanic Garden
No way kids will suffer from summer break boredom at Chicago Botanic's camp. They'll be one with nature exploring a range of themes including science, nature, art, ecology and cooking. Each day offers a different adventure.
In the meantime: The Chicago Botanic garden grounds are open for Chicagoans to enjoy. Please register for a timeslot prior to visiting. Check their website for day-off camps throughout the year.
Camp Galileo
Camp Galileo
This camp is really the perfect combination of learning and fun with weekly themes like Dinosaur Dig, Amusement Park Adventure, Castle Quest and Counselor in Training. Camp Galileo presents art, science and outdoor activities on a daily basis. They can provide before and aftercare if you need to extend the day.
Dates: Jun. 20- Aug. 12 (dates vary by location) Ages: Grades Pre-K-10 (grades vary by location) Camps offered in West Loop, Lincoln Park, Wicker Park, Lincoln Square, Evanston, LaGrange, Winnetka, Deerfield & Arlington Heights Online: galileo-camps.com
The Kids' Table
The Kids' Table
The Kids' Table offers hands-on cooking fun all summer! Guided by chef instructors, kids get to chop, grate and roll their way to different delicious dishes each day. Registration is all week-by-week, so kids can join for as many weeks as they'd like. Best of all, these camps will inspire your kiddo to play a more active role in the kitchen (even cleanup!).
Dates: Camps running Jun. 6-Sept. 2 Ages: Full-day, ages 5-10; Half-day, ages 11-14 2337 W. North Ave., Wicker Park Online: kids-table.com
Where “playing like a girl” is a form of praise, this specialized camp is focused on empowering girls in a positive and spirited environment. This camp is well-known amongst parents as being a confidence booster for daughters and is a great way to introduce new sports in fun and exciting ways. They offer basketball, softball, soccer, tennis, volleyball and lacrosse, just to name a few.
Game on Sports Camp is also launching a sports camp for boys this summer in Glencoe. They believe adding programming for boys allows them to make an impact on all kids to ensure they show respect for each other on and off the field and empower all to speak up and stand up for themselves.
Located at Naper Settlement, a 12-acre living history museum in Naperville, Camp Naper offers kids the opportunity to explore, create and imagine. Each week offers a different theme and adventure to embark on.
Steve & Kate Camp is perfect for the camper that needs a flexible schedule, pick a day, a week or a month. S&K really lets kids just be kids. Your camper can sing, bake, sew, make a movie, dance or even code their own computer game in one of the several studios scattered throughout. Want to get outside? Jump in on a constant game of hockey, basketball or soccer likely happening all day long. Need some fuel? They provide daily lunch options from a variety of local restaurants and caterers. Sounds amazing — can parents sign up?
Dates: Weeklong camps, Jun. 20-Aug. 19 Ages: 4-12 Locations in Lincoln Park, Lakeview & West Loop Online:steveandkatescamp.com
Bubbles Academy
Bubbles Academy
Bubbles Academy's has a year-round preschool program that offers a summer semester for kids ages 2.5-5. The best thing about this arts-integrated preschool format is its flexibility—you can choose to send your child 2, 3 or 5 days a week. Bubbles Academy’s educational philosophy of arts-integration combines content and skills taken from arts practices including dance, music, theatre and visual arts, with developmentally appropriate, early childhood learning standards and socio-emotional skills.
They will also host an in-person STEAM-focused summer camp for kids going into grades 1-2. Campers will run, play, create and get messy while they explore the interdisciplinary magic in science, tech, engineering, art and math.
Dates: Jun. 7-Aug. 27 (for camps & pre-school) Ages: 2.5-5 for preschool; Grades 1-2 for summer camp 2184 N. Elston, Bucktown Online:bubblesacademy.com
Much like the kind of summer camps you see in the movies, Banner has it all. There’s a 3 to 1 camper to counselor ratio, which gives your little ones access to extra special attention while participating in all the activities they could ever ask for. Banner offers swimming, yoga, a climbing wall, arts, fishing, archery, dune buggies. . . you name it, they have it. While Banner Day Camp is in Lake Forest, they do offer supervised round trip bus service for city dwellers.
Kids will have an unforgettable experience climbing, rappelling, slacklining, ziplining, conducting search and rescue and exercising their creativity with arts and crafts. Each day of the week-long program offers a new fun theme. Summer camp registration is 20% off through Mar. 31.
During Conservation Camp, Lincoln Park Zoo educators will lead campers through a variety of activities that explore the fun and fascinating world of animals. Each day, campers will participate in movement activities, games, and crafts. They will get to see animals at the zoo and meet zoo scientists doing important conservation work.
Dates: Week-long camps, Jun. 21-Aug. 27 (currently a waitlist) Ages: Grades pre-K-4 2001 N. Clark St., Lincoln Park Online: lpzoo.org
In the meantime: Visit the zoo anytime in person!
Facets
Facets
Don’t let the venue fool you, this camp is much more than sitting around watching movies all day. Campers will get an intro into the art of film with a mix of offerings like editing, animation, intro to filmmaking and camper-favorite Film 101, which combines film criticism with basic filmmaking skills. They have both in-person and virtual camps and have expanded their offerings to include a broader range of ages.
Dates: Camps running Jun. 27-Aug. 12 Ages: 8-17 1517 W. Fullerton Ave., Lincoln Park Online:facets.org
In the meantime: Kids can stream age-appropriate film shorts via Facets Kids.
Shedd Aquarium
Shedd Aquarium
Shedd Aquarium is happy to welcome kids to Camp Shedd: Summer Splash, where campers enjoy five straight days of aquatic exploration. Kids will dive into various habitats and ecosystems, come eye-to-eye with incredible animals and participate in hands-on science activities that uncover some truly remarkable animal behaviors and adaptations.
Dates: Weeklong camps Jun. 20-Aug. 5 Ages: Grades K-5 1200 S. Lake Shore Dr., Museum Campus Online:sheddaquarium.org
Shedd's Summer Road trip camp explores the wonders of the Great Lakes. Using the Aquarium as home base, campers will set out on a new adventure every day full of outdoor activities, environmental investigations and unexpected discoveries that will spark compassion, curiosity and conservation for the aquatic world. The week will end with an overnight stay at the aquarium.
Dates: Weeklong camps Jul. 11-16 & Aug. 8-13 Ages: Grades 6-8 1200 S. Lake Shore Dr., Museum Campus Online:sheddaquarium.org
In the meantime: Keep up-to-date on the daily lives of the aquarium’s animals on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, create learning experiences for early learners through their Sea Curious YouTubeseries, check out live viewsfrom the Underwater Beauty special exhibit and dive deep with 360-video viewsto Keep Sharks Swimming.
Lookingglass Theatre Company
Lookingglass Theatre Company
Lookingglass Theatre Company creates performance magic in a 4-week immersive experience in theatre, movement, music and art. Young artists will receive training from professionals in the core values of Lookingglass Theatre: collaboration, transformation and invention. Campers will create and perform an original piece of theatre.
Dates: Jun. 27-Jul. 22 Ages: Entering grades 3-8 Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts, 915 E. 60th St., Woodlawn Online:lookingglasstheatre.org
In the meantime: Take a circus-infused trip down the rabbit hole with Lookingglass Alice, Apr. 30-Jul. 31. This signature production has toured the country, enchanting audiences of all ages, painted each time with a fresh coat of magic.
Chicago Fire
Chicago Fire
The Chicago Fire Soccer Club hosts summer camps at various Chicagoland locations, making their camps convenient no matter where you live. These camps offer mini soccer fans the opportunity to learn from professional and experienced staff, regardless of their soccer ability.
Raven Theatre's Take Flight Summer Camp features training sessions in theatre arts. This camp is great for beginners looking to learn the basics of performance or more advanced actors looking to hone their skills. Raven's team of teaching artists will help kids feel the confidence to contribute to the artistic process and the courage to try something new.
Dates: Jul. 5-15 & Jul. 18-29 Ages: 6-14 6157 N. Clark St., Edgewater Online:raventheatre.com
Instituto Cervantes of Chicago
Daily lesson plans are created for campers to achieve linguistic, cultural and educational goals. Children will have the unique opportunity to learn Spanish in a playful and enriching environment through total immersion of language while highlighting each student’s creativity and capacity to learn with projects, songs and activities.
Dates: Week-long camps offered Jun. 27-Sep. 2 Ages: 4-15 31 W. Ohio, Near North Side Online:chicago.cervantes.es
Old Town School of Folk Music
The Old Town School of Folk Music’s mission is to create a summer experience where campers develop new skills, build friendships and have the freedom to explore their creativity. They’ll spend their days thinking independently, collaborating with peers and discovering their place in the arts. In-person Summer Mini-Camps have themes like percussion, characters & storytelling, dance, guitar, make believe, sketch comedy, singing and more.
Dates: Week-long camps available Jun.-Aug. Ages: 5-12 4545 N. Lincoln Ave., Lincoln Square Online: oldtownschool.org
In the meantime: Sign up for ongoing classes, ages 0-4 love the Wiggleworms programming. Many of their classes are now offered online, so you don't need to miss a beat with your kid's musical education.
PLANNING IN PROGRESS
Pedalheads Bike Camp
Pedalheads
Want your kids to know the joy of bombing around on a bike all summer? Pedalheads Bike Camps can get your kids up and riding in one week! The camps are held at various locations throughout Chicago and teach your kids all the basics of balance and road rules to make sure they're riding with confidence.
Dates: Week-long camps scheduled Jul. & Aug., dates for camps & sign-ups are TBD Ages: 2 & up 12 locations throughout Chicagoland Online:pedalheads.com/bike/illinois
Ah, Valentine’s Day! It’s a time to give kisses, cuddles and, of course, Valentine’s Day science experiments! Combine this love-ly holiday theme with science experiments kids can do at home! They can learn to make pink glitter slime, love potions and heart-shaped crystals. Read on for cool science experiments with tons of heart.
Our friends at Tierra Encantada shared this cool science experiment just in time for Valentine's Day:
This awesome activity teaches recrystallization and chemical reactions! Recrystallization happens when a solution of compounds can be dissolved in hot water and then cooled. As it cools, one substance crystalizes (the Borax) and can be removed from the rest of the liquid, which holds the other compound.
Materials:
- 3 cups of water
- 1 cup of Borax
- Pipe cleaners (red and pink)
- Clear jars or cups
- String
- A stick to hold up your creation (a pen, popsicle stick, etc.)
Instructions:
Boil your water. Add Borax and stir periodically until completely dissolved. Set aside to cool slightly. While the water/borax combination is cooling, make your heart shapes out of pipe cleaners. You can do this from memory, drawing a heart shape and following the edges of a sheet of paper. Tie a piece of string to the top of your creation. Pour the water combination into your jars. Put the pipe cleaner heart shape into the filled jar leaving the string outside of the water. Tie the string to your stick. Keep in a safe location for 1-2 days and watch as your pipe cleaner grows crystals!
Explore the science of your child's fave Valentine's Day candy. Save a few of those cute conversation hearts, toss them into warm water and wait (and watch, of course) to see what happens. Repeat the science experiment with cool water, veggie oil, milk or any other liquid.
Put a Valentine's twist on this classic project by putting the candy into a heart shape. Your kiddo can even use only the pinks, purples and reds to make it even more festive. All you need is a plate or dish, your coated candy (such as Skittles) and some water. Put your candies in whatever shape, pour a splash of water on the candies and watch the colors melt!
Invisible Heart Reveal
Erica Loop
What happens when you mix oily petroleum jelly with watercolors? Let your little one find out when they finger paints a heart using petroleum jelly. Not only is this a super-cool sensory experience (exploring texture) but it's also the first step in a discovery-based Valentine's Day science experiment for kids. While the heart's still sticky, have your child paint a wash of watercolors over it. Whoa. The paint won't stick! Now it's time for your child to figure out why!
Part love potion, part lava lamp, we're totally crushing on this concoction from Agnes at Hello, Wonderful. Using simple ingredients you probably have in your pantry, you can whip up your own version in no time. Click here to get started.
The red tissue paper that your tot is using to decorate their Valentine's Day card box isn't staying put. That is, the color isn't the staying put. What's going on here? Use the tissue paper's amazing ability to transfer color as the starting point for a cool science experiment. Cut non-color-fast red tissue paper into heart shapes. Have your child drop the hearts into a cup or bowl of water. Now watch what happens. Ask your kid why the water is suddenly red. After exploring the color transfer process, use the red water to paint hearts or other Valentine's pictures onto construction or drawing paper.
A fizzing eruption experiment may not seem like it could possibly have a Valentine's Day theme, but it can. Try this simple fizzy eruption activity from Mama Papa Bubba. But instead of a rainbow of hues, only use holiday colors such as red and pink. This beginning chemistry experiment helps your child to understand reactions on a basic level.
Get messy ... um, or clean. This soap foam science exploration activity from Hands On As We Grow is sensory fun for your child. Add holiday-themed colors to make this into a Valentine's Day soap-stravaganza.
What happens to crayons when you heat them? Um, you can make stained glass! Sort of. You'll need to do the heating part. But your child can do the prediction, observation and coming to conclusions part—as they figure out how this magic is happening. Get the how-to here.
Sensory Soap
Erica Loop
Decorating a valentine with glitter, paints and markers is the norm for this heartfelt holiday. But that doesn't mean you can't throw in a science experiment too. Forget about the usual suspects and help your kiddo to dress-up their handmade cards with sensory soap. Microwave plain Ivory soap in 10-second increments and ask your child to predict what will happen. Stand back and don't let your child touch the hot soap (psst: It will grow, loop and flow into an awesomely puffy cloud when heated). When the soap cools, flake into pieces. Cut out a construction paper heart, add glue and sprinkle the sensory soap flakes on top.
Instead of giving a dozen red roses, your child can give friends and family a bouquet of super-scienced-out ones! Check out this color changing flower science experiment from Little Bins for Little Hands. And then give them rainbow-hued products as Valentine's Day gifts.
With the rainy season on the horizon in Portland, planning an outdoor birthday party becomes a bit of a challenge. But don’t fret. Our city knows how to keep birthdays popping year-round with a multitude of indoor birthday party places Portland kids and parents love. Trust us, they promise to make your birthday babes feel like the sun shines just for them. Each one is packed with tons of fun offerings for that very special day, and many make it super easy for parents too. If you’ve got a birthday party to plan, we’ve got just the spot.
There are a lot of great options out there for parties for older children but parents of little ones are left with very few choices. Thankfully, The Wiggle Room has helped to fill a void for birthday locations built for little-ones and their parents to enjoy. This cool spot provides exclusive access to The Wiggle Room for a full two hours. The host gets an additional 30 minutes on either side of the party for decorating and breaking down. But, Wiggle Room staff do final cleanup! The rate is $325 for a 2 hour party for up to 15 kids. Adults are free. Outside food is always welcome. Contact The Wiggle Room for pricing for your unique event.
Exploration and discovery of the unknown make for a fantastic time for all involved. Mad Science brings the excitement that only science can bring to your child’s birthday party. Basic science parties in the lab begin at $235 for up to 12 kids with themed and outdoor-friendly options available. Diverse packages, optional add-ons and ready-to-go goody bags, loaded with multiple science-themed toys, are just some of the perks! The Mad Science Lab even offers virtual parties for parents that want to keep it extra safe.
Bike riding doesn’t have to be a summer-only activity. If you have a little mountain biker in the making, perhaps a party at the giant 70,000-square-foot indoor and outdoor North East Portland Lumberyard Bike Park is in order. The Bike Park has hosted gangs of 3-year-olds on balance bikes all of the way up to 50-year birthdays and even a wedding. Party packages at the Lumberyard include a two hour ride time, a reserved table and great food. There is an arcade for additional entertainment options and plenty of add ons to consider. table in the Fox Event Room, a party hostess, paper goods, personalized Happy Birthday card from Lumberyard Staff, a water bottle for each rider, and a snack for each rider. Starter packages begin at $100 for reservation of the room.
Do you have a future chef on your hands? Celebrate your child by giving them a gift that will continue to give (perhaps even to you in the future) by hosting a cooking lesson party at Merry Kitchen in North East Portland. A party at Merry Kitchen can be any theme from their website or one of your own creation. The two hour class may include the creation of an entire meal that can be eaten at the end. You can even choose to bake the birthday cake in class. The Merry Kitchen will also host events in your home. Party pricing starts at $40/person. See The Merry Kitchen website for full list of pricing options and to book your party.
Want high-flying fun for your little one? Parties at Echo Theater include trapeze, acrobatics, and physical theater class. The space offers several party packages, but are also happy to stretch imaginations to include a specific vision! Echo Theater Company parties are enjoyed by attendees from ages 3 – 100 (no really)! All parties include a creative and fun imagery-based warm-up, theater and creative movement games, acrobatics, and single-point dance trapeze. Trapezes are hung low enough that students can push off the mat with their feet to swing or spin and can climb up onto the bar to sitting, standing or hanging upside down! Acrobatics can be adjusted to the skill-level of the students and usually includes partner and group trick. Great for photo ops! Party packages start at $200.
Good to Know: All students/guests 5-17 years of age will be required to provide proof of at least one dose of a vaccine against COVID-19 in order to enter the building by Jan. 17. All students ages 5+ years are required to provide proof of being fully vaccinated by Feb. 28.
The appeal of indoor skating rinks did not die off in the 90s. Skating birthday parties are just as popular, and fun, as ever. Oaks Park has brought the fun since 1905 so they know how to throw a party. Birthday party packages are available during Open Skate Sessions Saturday and Sunday only and packages include open skate admission, skate rentals, a reserved table, themed table ware, food, drink and more. . Packages start at $190/per hour.
7805 S.E. Oaks Park Way Portland Online:oakspark.com
Giving your guests an opportunity to be creative and work their imaginations is a gift in itself. The Craft Factory is a craft studio and birthday party specialist located in the heart of Multnomah Village in SW Portland. At a Craft Factory birthday party you and your guests will enjoy a one of a kind celebration! Your private event includes birthday decorations, serving-ware, party hosts and a craft for each guest. Make a choice of over 20 crafting opportunities and endless embellishments for decorating it. See the website for pricing and crafting options. Birthday packages start at $200.
Creations of Lego bricks and mini-figures (mini-figs) seems to transcend the ages and is still a popular interest for children of today as well as the young-at-heart. Make your lego-loving kiddo’s day by hosting their birthday at Bricks and Minifigs in Beaverton, Oregon. Birthday packages start at $175 and include 90 minutes in the Minifig Hideout Room, plenty of Lego bricks to play with, a birthday certificate and shirt for the birthday child, and a favor option of either a container of Lego pieces or 2 build-your-own-minifigs. Want to make it even easier on yourself? You can hire a Party Host for an additional $50 and they will run all the activities and games for the first hour of the party.
Good to Know: Bricks and Minifigs also has a NE Portland location, as well as several locations throughout Oregon.
The classic pizza party will never get old. But, hosting a pizza party at Pietro’s Pizza in Beaverton or the Milwaukie location will still set your party apart. Party package are $7.50 per child and include a Kid’s one-topping pizza, soft drink, four game tokens, ice cream cone, and themed table decorations. Add mini golf, laser tag, or a swashbuckler-pirate to make your party even more enjoyable.
Sometimes you just need the party to come to you. Game Truck Portland offers a variety of mobile party entertainment that can come to your location. Give your little gamer a party of a lifetime when a a big-rig truck shows up filled with high-definition TVs and over 200+ age appropriate video game titles. Have access to a large space and want something more active? Laser Tag and Bubble Soccer are other popular Game Truck party options. Call for party package pricing.
Editor’s Note: As of press time, all the information in this story was accurate. But, as we know, things with COVID-19 can change rapidly. Please be sure to check directly with the camps concerning cancellation and refund policies or any changes to programming prior to registering.
Who knows what the summer holds, really, but if you’re feeling like you’ve been in camp counsellor mode since, oh, maybe March of 2019? This list’s for you. Atlanta’s summer camp scene is always stellar, and this summer is no different. You can find everything from sports and science to circus and safari—and more—to suit every interest. So while the situation can always change, we’ve checked in on the status of some of Atlanta’s favorite summer camps so you can get your ducks in a row for when (and if) the time comes. Keep reading for our roundup of favorites and their statuses, below.
Club SciKidz is committed to offering programming that demonstrates how science works in the real world. Camps are filled with activities in veterinary medicine, robotics, forensics, video game creation, food science, paleontology, engineering, chemistry and biology, astronomy, oceanography, emergency medicine, and special effects.
Dates: Registering now for camps to begin June 1, 2021 Ages: Pre-K-8
In the meantime: Get awesome experiments and projects delivered to your door by Club SciKids with their monthly science and tech subscription boxes for kids.
You may recognize them from your kids' favorite days at in-person school (back when that was a thing). High Touch - High Tech is known for their curriculum enriching experiments and activities in the classroom, and now you can set up camp in your home, clubhouse, park, community center, or even basement. Customizable for morning or afternoon programs, you can also opt for even a POD-style day camp option.
Dates: Flexible
Ages: Elementary & Middle School
In the Meantime: Check out their offering of "come-to-you" camps here, and start planning! They also offer at-home summer camp kits, which you can watch for on Facebook.
Camp Invention's nationally-acclaimed STEM summer camp provides in-person and at-home opportunities to take on fun, hands-on challenges that build confidence, collaboration and creative problem solving.
In the meantime: Made for kids with big imaginations and a love of tinkering, Innovation Exploration Kits™ deliver some of the best Camp Invention® activities for at-home fun and learning.
If you're looking for a camp where you can drop your kids off in the morning and pick them up at the end of the day sweaty, dirty, and happy, this is the old-school style summer camp for you. With woodworking, cooking, crafts, swimming, and more, Haverty Hollow has been churning out summer memories since the '70s.
Ages: 5-10
Dates: Starting June 1
In the meantime: Registration is underway for Frog Hollow Camp, for ages 5 – 10, held at the East Beechwood location. Use the Contact Us page to request registration forms. A preschool camp that's traditionally held at the Garden Hills Recreation Center is still up in the air, and availability will depend on whether city facilities can open or rent their space.
Looking for summer adventure for all? In addition to traditional camp programs like hiking, canoeing, and swimming, campers at Camp Kingfisher get immersed in the beauty of nature and wildlife with hands-on experiences. Activities and themes encourage personal growth, teamwork, and environmental stewardship in campers. Camp Kingfisher’s 7 session themes determine the content of live animal encounters, science exploration activities, and educational hikes.
Ages: 4 year olds to 9th grade
Dates: Starting June 1
In the meantime: Current 5-year-olds to 7th graders can get to enjoy spring time at CNC at the Camp Kingfisher 5-day outdoor spring break camp experience. Registration begins for spring break camp on March 2.
Explore the amazing living resources of the Zoo! Campers will be immersed in hands-on learning about nature leading to a deeper connection to wildlife and wild places, all while having fun and making friends. Safari Camp provides an immersive, educational experience in a unique setting. It’s more than a camp; it’s a personal exploration of our place in the natural world.
Ages: 4-14
Dates: Starting June 1
In the meantime: Keep up-to-date on important camp dates by checking on Zoo Atlanta's Facebook page.
Roots & STEMs offers nature immersion camps to help kids get Back To Earth through nature exploration, farming, outdoor play, and nature appreciation.
Ages: 5-15
Dates: TBD for 2021
In the meantime: Check their Facebook page for Summer 2021 announcements, and to see pictures from summers past.
5110 Jekyll Rd. Cumming, GA 30040 813-789-6942 Online:rootsnstems.com
Junior TreeKeeper Camp
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Camp will be onsite and in-person based out of Tree Atlanta's Kendeda Center building. Campers will learn about their natural world and explore the outdoors. Kids will spend time doing hands-on activities in environmental science, biking along the Atlanta BeltLine, taking field trips to local attractions, and more.
Ages: Grades 1-6
Dates: Registration is open, and camps align with Atlanta Public Schools' calendar.
In the meantime: Kids can learn about the urban forrest anywhere with Tree Atlanta's virtual youth programming.
Dive into art this summer at the High! Young artists will explore the Museum’s galleries, create original artworks, and showcase their masterpieces in a special exhibition each week. Campers will learn about the Museum’s collection and special exhibitions while honing their skills in drawing, painting, and design.
Ages: Rising 1st through 8th
In the meantime: To sign up for a membership and receive 25% off Art Camp registration, visit The High's Membership page.
1280 Peachtree St NE Atlanta, GA 30309 404-733-4400 Online:high.org/camp
Circus Camp
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One of Atlanta's most unique summer camps has gone virtual! When you register for a 3-month Circus-In-A-Box series, your children are sent a box full of supplies, surprises, props, projects, and more. A series of 10 videos encompasses many of the activities taught at Circus Camp since 1992.
Price includes instruction, fabric, and supplies. The number of projects each student finishes during a week of camp will depend upon the skill level of the student and the difficulty of the projects they choose. There will be six students maximum per classroom.
Ages: 8-17
Deets: Drop-off is from 8-9 a.m. Sewing is from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. with breaks to play and eat lunch.
This summer, let them bounce off someone else's walls at LEAP parkour camp. Parkour is moving through any given environment using efficient movements. At camp, you'll learn to perform vaults over obstacles, scale walls, and jump over long spaces.
3580 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Rd. Suwanee, GA 678-650-9763 Online:leapparkour.com
Atlanta Falcons Flag Football Camp
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The Atlanta Falcons Summer Camps offer young players the unique opportunity to learn new skills through the official Atlanta Falcons flag football curriculum and get closer to the team they love!
Note: This camp is facilitated by the Atlanta Falcons organization, but the camp itself is held at various sites throughout the metro area.
Braves Baseball Camps presented by Mizuno offer young ballplayers the unique opportunity to learn new skills through the official Braves Camp curriculum while getting closer to their favorite team than ever before! Join us for nonstop baseball fun with an emphasis on teamwork, attitude, and healthy competition.
In the meantime: Camp runs from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Optional extended day programs are available before and after camp beginning at 7:30 a.m. and running until 6 p.m. You can also register for semi-private lessons which run after camp until 4 p.m.
Each EnviroVentures Summer Camp session features outdoor sports and recreation, exploration of the Park’s wetlands and lake, Wheels Day Fridays (bring your bike or scooter!), arts and crafts, park stewardship, special programs and much more! During our EnviroVentures Summer Camp all full day campers participate in daily swimming at our Aquatics Center.
Ages: 5-13, and counselor in trainers from 11-13
In the meantime: Assuming it is allowed under any state and city guidelines that are in effect in the summer, camp will happen at Piedmont Park. Please check the website for an update on registration in February.
1071 Piedmont Avenue NE Atlanta, GA 30309 404.875.7275 x326 Online:piedmontpark.org/camp
Summer campers enjoy hands-on activities, from horse bathing to bareback riding, and are full of team playing where students are able to develop confidence, leadership, and friendships.
Ages: 4-8
Dates: TBD
In the meantime: Beginners through advanced students can take private lessons for fun, competition and the love of the horse. With over 20 school horses and ponies, CHP has animals for all abilities and personalities. The minimum age is 6 years old.
The food coloring in your kitchen cabinet can do more than turn vanilla frosting into a magical unicorn-esque rainbow hue. While creating crazy colors of pancakes, baked goods and more is always welcome by your fam, you can also use food coloring in science experiments for kids. From how to tie dye with food coloring to dying eggs (and everything in between), check out these easy science experiments for kids!
What happens when you drip a few drops of food coloring onto a coffee filter? Before you add the food coloring, ask your child to predict whether the drops will stay put or move. Drop one hue onto the edge of the filter and watch what happens (the color will magically move). Repeat with other colors, letting them mix and turn into new hues.
Fill a shallow dish with a thin layer of milk. Add a few drops of different colored food coloring. Make sure the colors don’t touch. Dip the end of a cotton swab into dish soap. Press the soapy swab into the milk and hold it there. Watch as the colors magically swirl through the milk; even though the colors look like they’re moving on their own, it’s really science at work! The soap reduces the surface tension of the milk and makes the fat molecules move. The addition of food coloring makes this process easy to see.
Your child explored what happens when you put food coloring into a shallow dish of milk. Now it’s time to add a liquid-to-solid experiment to the mix. Drip a drop of food coloring into each compartment of an ice cube tray. Use the primary colors or choose a rainbow of hues. Fill the tray with milk and mix the color in each compartment. Freeze the tray. Repeat with food coloring water. Compare the ice and ask your child to guess why the colors are different in the two trays. Hint: The white milk lightens each color! Drop the pastel milk cubes into a fresh glass of milk and observe the colors as they melt.
How can your child make glowing paints? All you need is tonic water—and a black light! Add in food coloring to take this science experiment for kids to the next level. Pour the tonic water into a clear plastic cup or freeze it. Bring the liquid or ice into a completely dark room and turn on a black light. Watch as the bubbly water glows. After your child observes the glow, add a drop of food coloring into the cup or freeze a colorful tonic water cube to see what happens next.
Take color mixing science one step farther with this artsy idea! Make red, yellow and blue ice cubes with food coloring and help your child to hypothesize what will happen when they mix, blend, and splash each one in a cup of primary-colored water.
Your creative kid has already made food coloring ice cubes. But what happens if you replace the water with oil? Compare and contrast the two different liquids with colorful science exploration. Get the easy-to-follow how-to steps here.
Check out this easy rainbow ice-making how-to. After your kiddo makes the colorful cubes, they can line up a rainbow (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet) and race each one. Even though the cubes can’t move on their own, your child can push them across a piece of white card stock paper. As the cubes move, they’ll leave behind a colorful pattern. Ask your child to explain where the colors come from. Add on to the science experiment and coat the bottom of the cubes in salt. Observe or time the cubes to see if they melt at the same rate as plain (unsalted) ice.
Did your child use the primary colors to mix secondary ones? Now that you have six plastic cups filled with custom colors, it’s time to break out the hard-boiled eggs. Dying eggs with food coloring is an easy way to explore and experiment. Before you dunk or dip the eggs (with the shell on) in the colorful water, ask your child to predict what they think will happen. Dip one egg in each color, wait 10 seconds and pull the eggs out. Put the eggs to the side and repeat, dunking a new set of eggs for one minute this time. Repeat the experiment—but wait five minutes or more. Compare the eggs and ask your child to explain the differences they see.
Yellow and blue make what? Help your little learner to explore the primary colors—red, yellow, and blue. Pour tap water into three clear plastic cups. Add three to four drops of each primary color into each cup. Now it’s time to mix the colors. Use additional clear plastic cups to blend the primaries into secondary hues (green, orange, and purple). Pour part of the yellow water into an empty cup, add blue, and watch what happens. Repeat with the other colors.
How can your kiddo turn a white flower blue, pink or purple? This experiment allows your child to see how water moves through a flower. Fill a clear cup half-way with water. Add a few drops of your child’s favorite food coloring hue. Cut the end of a white carnation’s stem and place it into the water. Repeat with different colors in different cups. Watch and wait! Ask your child what they think will happen to the flower. As the flower sits in the water, the food coloring will make its way through the step and to the petals—changing the flower’s color.
Yes, tie typically means adding fabric-ready pigments from the craft store to plain white tee’s, tanks, socks, and more. But you can also use food coloring. Ramp up the experimental aspect of a seemingly simple tie dye craft and compare the differences between fabric pigments and food coloring from your kitchen’s pantry. Try each of these dye crafts with both color options, hypothesize what will happen and observe the similarities/differences.
Calling all Sid the Science Kids and Miss Frizzle fans: It’s time for science fair projects! Whether this is your kiddo’s first time showing off her Bill Nye side or if he’s a seasoned pro, they’ll need a fresh crop of science experiment ideas for this year’s fair. So nab a tri-fold poster board from the craft store, stock your home with plenty of supplies, and help your creative kid start hypothesizing as you check out these easy science fair projects that are easy for kids of all ages to explore.
Make a Volcano Explode
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The quintessential science fair project, you might want to check with classmates to make sure there won't be five volcanos on the big day. Even so, there's a reason why this one is so popular. Not only is it fun to make the volcano, but the overflow of baking soda and vinegar is exciting for everyone. Get a great step-by-step tutorial from The Dad’s Book of Awesome Science Experiments. by clicking here.
How can your child make ice glow? Hint: It involves tonic water. If a chemistry exploration is on your child’s to-do list, check out this light-based learning idea. For more fun, check out our glow-in-the-dark science experiments.
What happens when you gradually add food coloring to water as it freezes? The answer is in this kids’ science experiment. If you’re looking for science fair projects that are easy, this one is a simple STEAM activity for kids in pre-k and up.
Light is more than just something that comes from kiddo’s star-shaped IKEA wall lamp. This science exploration from Hands On As We Grow helps your child to explore and experiment with the sun’s rays (or at least, the artificial version).
Your curious kid constantly asks why the colorful candy shell on their favorite sweets melts away in their sweaty little palms. With this experiment from Mama.Papa.Bubba. your child can explore the science dissolving Gobstoppers.
Sometimes there’s nothing better on a hot day than a cold drink—but what happens if it hasn’t been chilling in the refrigerator? This experiment helps kids test the quickest way to cool a can.
Most kids love apples, but so many of them won’t touch the fruit once it’s turned brown. So how about an experiment that keeps apples from turning brown? This easy, and fantastically fun, idea from Teach Beside Me has all the answers your child is looking for.
How does evaporation happen? Explore the way liquid turns into a gas with this awesome evaporation experiment. Get the full details, including materials and how-to steps, here.
How can your little learner create brightly-hued celery stalks? Check out this science experiment from Tinker Lab for a how to! Not only will your child dazzle with their new ability to turn the otherwise green veggie into pink, blue or purple pieces, but they’ll also learn about plant science.
Grab a handful of pennies (or other coins if you have them) sitting around and see which cleaning solution make them shine the best. Kids can use liquids such as baking soda with water, orange juice, toothpaste, lemon juice and dish soap. Use a toothbrush (not yours!) to clean each penny with a different solution, and then little scientists can write down what each coin looked like before and after the cleaning.
How, oh how, do gummy bears grow? Simply add a gummy bear to water and wait. This sweet experiment from Tinker Labs gives kids the chance to make comparisons and explore what happens to their favorite tasty treat when it takes a bath.
Are yellows the dominant color in the M&M bag? Why does it seem like there are so few green pieces? This project is an easy experiment for even the youngest of kids. Buy a few packages of M&Ms, and then have kids sort the colors and count them. Then they can create a chart to track each color.
If your kiddo has Hot Wheel cars sitting around, this experiment is an easy way to test force and motion. With a few books and your child’s fave Hot Wheels, your pint-sized physicist can determine if the slope of the tracks affect the speed of the cars with this experiment from Librarianism Chronicles.
This project is a great experiment if your family is a fan of microwave popcorn. Head to the store and buy three to five boxes of microwave popcorn from different brands, and then find out which one pops the best. Add variety to the experiment by testing butter vs. plain, or organic vs. regular. Get the full how to from Must Have Mom! here.
Did you leave your heart in San Francisco? Whether you’re planning a trip to the city by the Bay or playing tourist for a few days, max your time out with CityPASS and save some money while you are at it. Visiting premier attractions at a discounted rate without having to wait at ticket lines makes this a real San Francisco treat. Read on to find out more about what it is and how you can make it work for you!
CityPASS What? CityPASS is a booklet/mobile passport containing VIP admission tickets to some of the city’s main points of interest. You’ll skip the lines, go straight to the main entrance and save a chunk of change in the process.
California Academy of Sciences
Explore science in the heart of Golden Gate Park. Relax in front of the deepest indoor coral reef on earth, interact with butterflies in a four-story indoor rainforest, research nearly 40,000 different creatures from around the world, study the planets in a 75-foot planetarium, visit a living roof with spectacular city views and so much more at the Cal Academy.
Upgrade it: Add on an Academy and Aquarium behind-the-scenes tour, (cost for CityPASS holders ages 8 and up is $24.95, subject to availability). Purchase day of or book online.
Insider Tips: Stop by the planetarium kiosk when you first arrive to secure a showtime (it’s right next to the gift shop). Download the free Academy Insider iphone app to help plan your visit and get the most out of your day and don’t forget. Show your CityPASS booklet at the Academy store to receive 15% off your purchase.
Golden Gate Park
55 Music Concourse Dr.
San Francisco, CA
Blue and Gold Fleet Bay Cruise Adventure
Depart from renown Pier 39, enjoy a one-hour narrated cruise with sweeping views of locations such as San Francisco’s historic waterfront, Alcatraz and a breathtaking sail underneath the Golden Gate Bridge. Tours are available in other languages via personal WiFi-enabled device. There is indoor and outdoor seating on a first come, first served basis, as well as a snack bar and restrooms onboard.
Upgrade it: Go for a 1-1/2 hour Escape from the Rock Cruise where you’ll learn Alcatraz’s history and snatch epic up-close photos. Children 5-11 receive one complimentary pair of 5x magnification souvenir binoculars with upgrade. Cost to upgrade for CityPASS holders is $5/person.
Insider Tips: Bring a hooded jacket as winds out on the Bay are strong with an occasional splash if you’re seated outdoors. Consider the morning and late afternoon cruises for less crowded options. Be sure to check in with the ticket booth as schedule is subject to change depending on weather and visit the nearby, famous Pier 39 sea lions on K-Dock.
Hours: Available 7 days a week; frequent daily departures. Times vary by day and season and special holiday hours apply.
PIER 39
San Francisco, CA
Aquarium of the Bay
Surround yourself with native San Francisco Bay marine life and get up close views of sharks, bat rays, Garibaldis and more, as you walk through 300 feet of glass, underwater tunnels. Study the giant Pacific octopus and catch an animal encounter and more at one of the many daily programs. You and your little marine biologists will love touching and learning about sea stars, anemones and the friendly bat rays at Touch the Bay (Bay Lab). Watch the playful otters in their panoramic, watershed exhibit and learn all about ocean conservation.
PIER 39
The Embarcadero and Beach Street
San Francisco, CA,
photo: The Exploratorium
Exploratorium
Experience over 650 hands-on exhibits at this family-friendly hub of science exploration. Strike a pose at the popular Shadow Box, where a bright flash illuminates a phosphorescent wall capturing your shadows. Make beautiful paintings with soap and water at the Soap Painting exhibit. Test your groups trust for one another at the two-person water fountain—Sip or Squirt. Be amazed by Rolling Through the Bay, artists Scott Weaver’s replica of San Francisco made out of 118,423 1/2 tooth picks! Have some fun talking to each other from several feet away at the iconic Archimedes, in the entrance plaza.
Upgrade it: Add on Tactile Dome and take an interactive excursion through total darkness. Must be 7 years or older, $15 for CityPASS holders.
Tip: Exploratorium After Dark is every Thursday night 6-10 p.m., enjoy one-of-a-kind activities, guest speakers, music and cocktails. Additional $19.95 per person, adults only.
Hours: Tue-Sun, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Open Thursday evenings 6-10 p.m., adults only. Closed most Mondays, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Pier 15
San Francisco, CA
photo: SFMOMA
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
Wander through seven floors of modern and contemporary art that will interest all ages. One of the largest museums in the United States and one of the city’s most treasured, SFMOMA features works by Andy Warhol, Ruth Asawa, Frida Kahlo and many others. Stroll through the sculpture garden, explore the impressive 30-foot living wall and enjoy breathtaking views of the city. Check out the fun, bright-colored restrooms on every floor and savor several gourmet dining options.
Upgrade it: Special Exhibition upgrades/purchases can be made while presenting your mobile tickets, booklet or voucher at the ticketing desk.
InsiderTips: Bring headphones and download the free SFMOMA Audio app and listen to celebrities and curators give their take on the exhibits. Stop by the ticketing desk to lean more about the daily public tours. Size is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis. Be sure to walk across the oculus bridge on the fifth floor and take in the views on the seventh floor terrace.
Hours: Fri-Tue, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Thu, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Through Labor Day, enjoy later hours until 9 p.m. daily. Closed Wednesdays, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
151 3rd St.
San Francisco, CA 94103
Other Options
As of March 1, 2020, the new San Francisco CityPASS program will cover prepaid admission to the following attractions:
The California Academy of Sciences
A Blue and Gold Fleet Bay Cruise Adventure
A choice between Aquarium of the Bay OR The Walt Disney Family Museum
A choice between the Exploratorium OR San Francisco Zoo and Gardens
The San Francisco CityPASS C3 ticket lets shorter-stay and weekend travelers experience the benefits of the original San Francisco CityPASS program—deeply discounted prepaid admission to premier visitor sights—with a customizable mobile ticket that allows entry to three top sites. The three chosen attractions do not need to be selected in advance and can be visited in any order.
As of March 1, attraction options will include:
California Academy of Sciences
Blue and Gold Fleet Bay Cruise Adventure
Aquarium of the Bay
Exploratorium
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art—SFMOMA
The Walt Disney Family Museum
Bay City Bike and Parkwide Bike Rentals
de Young Museum + Legion of Honor
San Francisco Zoo and Gardens
photo: Kate Loweth
Show Me the Money!
There are two ways to explore the city with CityPASS , both can save you up to 45% on your adventure.
San Francisco C3 costs $69/ages 12+, $54/ages 4-11, and kids under may be eligible for free or discounted admission at some of the locations. C3 passes are available in mobile form only.
Purchase
Purchase online and choose to receive mobile ticke or have a booklet shipped to you. You can also purchase a booklet once you arrive in the city at the first attraction you visit.
Visit the CityPASS FAQ page for further detailed information and answers to your questions.
—Nella DuBon-Koch
Photos by author except where otherwise noted.
Editor’s note: Passes were provided by CityPASS but all opinions belong to the author.
Girl Scout Cookie season has officially arrived and along with it comes a brand new cookie to tempt your tastebuds.
Girl Scouts USA has just announced the new Lemon-Ups cookie, the newest addition in form of a crispy lemon cookie baked with inspiring messages. “I am a go-getter” and “I am an innovator” are among the eight different phrases the cookies feature. The Lemon-Ups are replacing Savannah Smiles, a different lemon cookie which was retired last year.
The Lemon-Ups are not to be confused with Lemonades, which are a shortbread cookie with lemon-flavored icing. Each variety is available in select regions across the country along with the rest of the cookie line up, which still includes fan favorites, like Thin Mints and Samoas.
In addition to the newest cookie, GSUSA also revealed a brand new look to the cookie packaging for 2020. The updated boxes feature new images of real Girl Scouts taking part in activities like camping, canoeing and space science exploration.
“Everyone loves Girl Scout Cookies—but the program is about so much more than cookies,” said GSUSA CEO Sylvia Acevedo. “Girls learn about entrepreneurship as they run their own cookie businesses. The important business and financial literacy skills girls learn through the program are proven to build their leadership skills and position them for success in the future. When you purchase cookies you are helping girls power their Girl Scout experience and you’re supporting female entrepreneurs.”
With cookie season kicking off for 2020, be on the look out for a Girl Scout near you or use the official Girl Scout Cookie Finder app to get your fix.
