Grab your sled and snow tube because these city hills and nearby resorts are the best spots for your family’s next downhill adventure

One of life’s simplest thrills is soaring down a snowy hill on a cold winter day. Whether you prefer a toboggan, a snow tube, or a simple sled, the rush of a steep slope can be enjoyed by nearly everyone. Better yet: if you’ve got sledding enthusiasts in your house, you don’t have to wait for it to snow to hit the hills! We found the best nearby resorts for all-winter fun, two indoor spots where you can sled all day no matter the weather, and—for when it actually does snow—the top-rated hills in the city. From a winter road trip to the largest snow tubing track in the country to the steepest hill in the city (as well as our favorite gentle slope), here are the best places to toboggan, sled, and snow tube near Washington, DC.

The Best Sledding Hills in Washington, DC

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The U.S. Capitol

When it snows, the West Lawn welcomes sledders from dawn to dusk. The AOC (Architects of the Capitol) offer a list of tips to make sure your snowy adventure is a safe one. At times, sledding on Capitol Grounds may be restricted for a number of reasons, including construction and heightened security. Please check the Capitol website before you go

First St SE
National Mall
Online: aoc.gov

Battery Kemble Park

Battery Kemble Park is one of the city's best kept, tourist-free secrets. This small patch of undeveloped land sits neatly tucked away in a residential area. Coast down a Civil War battery used by Union Soldiers for an afternoon of fresh-air fun!

3035 Chain Bridge Rd NW
Wesley Heights   
Online: nps.gov

Book Hill Park

Located in Georgetown, this steep slope attracts (a huge number of) enthusiastic sledders looking for high-speed thrills. If you've got little ones in tow, we suggested skipping this park that requires maneuvering around trees, bushes and crowds. If you've got experienced sledders, enjoy!

Wisconsin Ave. NW & Reservoir Rd. NW
Georgetown
Online: bookhillparkdc.com

Washington Monument

This famous hill offers a gradual slope for pint sized sledders. While not a popular at the Capitol Grounds, it does offer a gentle ride for new sledders. If it's not fast enough for your little ones, walk up to the Capitol for more speed.

2 15th St NW
National Mall 
Online. nps.gov

Fort Reno Park

Climb Fort Reno's hill and you've reached the highest natural point in DC! This slope is known for it's longer-than-usual ride. While this is a popular spot to sled, sledders can usually space out for a safe experience. Tenleytown is a quick walk from the park; warm up at Steak n' Eggs diner with a  hot chocolate and all-day breakfast.

4000 Chesapeake St NW
Tenleytown
Online: nps.gov

Indoor Sledding (and Sliding!) for All-Weather Fun near Washington DC

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ICE! featuring A Christmas Story

Suit up in a blue parka to explore this exhibit chilled to a freezing 9 degrees Fahrenheit. Over 2 million pounds of brightly colored ice is hand-carved to depict larger-than-life scenes from the beloved holiday movie, A Christmas Story. Famous scenes from the movie are reimagined as ice carvings, including the famous department store Santa scene. Your parka acts as a wearable sled while you zip down this slide made completely of ice.

Cost: $27.99-44.99
Dates: Now-Dec. 31

201 Waterfront St.
National Harbor, MD
Online: gaylordnational.com

Snow Flow Mountain

Rip down Snow Flow Mountain at thrilling speeds on bumper-safe icy terrain. At Gaylord National Harbor, you can hop in a tube and safely race down an entirely ice-covered hill where, if you pick up enough momentum, a cushy bumper will end your ride. You must be at least 42-inches to ride and tubers are single occupant lanes only. Purchase a ticket and go with the flow (of snow!) all day!

Cost: $24.99
Dates: Now-Dec. 31

201 Waterfront St.
National Harbor, MD
Online: gaylordnational.com

The Best Resorts for Snow Tubing near Washington, DC

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Bubly Tube Park at Liberty Mountain

Liberty Mountain is one of the closest slopes to DC, and the lodge provides shuttle buses straight from the parking lot to the tube track so you don't have to waste energy trekking to the mountain. Bubly Tube Park has 15 lanes available for visitors to shoot down. Translation? Long lines are non-existent. And if you're lucky, you and the fam will have a slide all  to yourselves! Younger families can head over to the Kiddie Tubing area where kids smaller than 41" can tube safely.

Cost: $12/41" & under; $40/ 42" & up
Dates: Dec. 23-Mar. 12

78 Country Club Trail
Carroll Valley, PA
Online: libertymountainresort.com

Whitetail Resort

Located just over the border in PA, Whitetail Resort is a great place for first time snow tubing adventures. Families with children over five-years-old can make the runs down the hill together and for those with littler tubers, Whitetail’s kiddie section is smaller and less scary than the big hill. Sessions are first-come, first served and sold in two hour time slots online.

Cost: $10/41" & under; $37/42" & up
Dates: Dec. 17-Mar. 12

13805 Blairs Valley Rd.
Mercersburg, PA
Online: skiwhitetail.com

Roundtop Mountain Resort

This family-friendly mountain features 800' runs with an 80' ft vertical drop. If that's too much zip for your little, they can cruise at a slower speed on the kiddie hill. Thanks to the snow makers, you can always bet on snow at this mountain!

Cost: $10/41" & under; $36/42" & up
Dates: Dec. 26-Mar. 12

925 Roundtop Rd.,
Lewisberry, PA
Online: skiroundtop.com

Bryce Resort

Just a two hour drive from downtown DC can have you and your family on the Bryce Resort tubing track for some fast paced fun. Tubers over 4-years-can spend 90 minutes zipping down these slopes; kids over 8 can hit the tubing track alone while mom and dad catch some quality time by the fire at the resorts Copper Kettle or the Fireside Grill restaurants.

Cost: $33/person
Dates: Dec. 12-Mar. 5

1982 Fairway Dr.
Basye, VA
Online: bryceresort.com

Massanutten Resort

 
Just a quick 2 hr. and 28 minute from downtown DC, Massanutten Resort has earned a reputation as one of the best tubing spots near DC with its 900 ft. hill  and 120 ft. vertical drop. Due to its popularity, this tubing spot has been known to sell out on weekends and holidays. Go mid-week to skip the crowds and score discounted tickets. New this year: a conveyor belt that transports guests quickly up the hill for more downhill action.
 
Cost: $25-40
Dates: Dec. 17-Mar. 5

1822 Resort Dr.
McGaheysville, VA
Online: massresort.com

Worth-The-Drive Sledding Destinations near Washington, DC

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Camelback Resort

With over 40 lanes to tube down, Camelback Resort wins the "biggest snowtubing park" award in the country! A Magic Carpet whisks you up the steep side of this mountain so you can enjoy 2 fun-filled hours of tubing. Nab tickets for an evening slot and the snow is aglow with vibrant colors for a Galactic experience. Kids must be 44" tall to ride alone. When you've had enough of the winter weather, head indoors for America's #1 rated indoor waterpark.

Cost: $50/person
Dates: Season TBD

193 Resort Dr.
Tannersville, PA
Online: camelbackresort.com

Penguin Slides Tubing Park at The Omni Homestead Resort 

Make a weekend out of winter activities at The Omni Homestead Resort. Reservations for one-hour time slots on the Penguin Slides Tubing Park hill must be made in advance (must be 5 & up and over 48" tall). This Park makes tubing a relaxing activity; a conveyor belt transports guests back up the hill so they don't have to exhaust themselves on the climb. Other resort activities include mini snowmobiles JUST for kids (ages 6-12), ice skating and (for beginners) there is the 9-trail mountain for budding skiers.

Cost: $27 ($22/resort guests)
Dates: Seasons starts Dec. 22

7696 Sam Snead Hwy.
Hot Springs, VA 24445
Online: omnihotels.com

Blue Mountain Resort

If you're looking for a change of scenery, head to the PA for winter thrills. There are over 10 resorts to tube (and ski) in the Pocono Mountains. and Blue Mountain offers the fastest and longest lanes in the region—and the state! This resort has 46 lanes, so you never have to wait long for another run (fun fact: they are now the largest snow tubing park in the country!). And 3 running lifts means you spend more time sledding than toting that tube back up the hill (and with over 1,000 feet of sledding, you're not going to want to walk). Stay at near-by Woodloch Resort and snow tubing—while not as "extreme" as the Blue Mountain experience—is complimentary with your stay.

Cost: $20
Dates: TBD

1660 Blue Mountain Dr.
Palmerton, PA
Online: skibluemt.com

Lots of people can take a great picture. Maybe even you. But it’s the true photographer that can balance color, composition, light and more — and also manage to capture the spirit of his or her subject. That’s never more important than when shooting a family, siblings, newborn, etc. We went in search of the best NYC family photographers and found pros for different styles, specialties, and budgets—but all of them create work you’ll cherish for years.

For a Fun Family Shoot & More

Nadia Leon Photography

Nadia Leon specializes in capturing your kid or family in relaxed and fun moments. (No stiff poses or weird lighting here.) Nadia is happy to come to you, or meet you at a location of your choosing. A $400, 90-minute Family Shoot (which includes the opportunity to change outfits and settings) gets you 20 to 30 professionally-retouched photos in an online gallery for download. Turnaround is five business days. Leon also does maternity, engagement and wedding photo sessions in a similar style. During the pandemic, Nadia also launched the Front Steps Project in Queens, photographing families in front of their homes from six feet away. Her mission was to capture the joyful moments of life, even as everyone faced challenges. Her work from that project can be found here

Online: nadialeonphotography.com

For Editorial Photographer Who Also Does Portraits: Julie Hassett Sutton

Julie Hassett Sutton

Brooklyn-based photographer Julie Hassett Sutton has worked with The Wall Street Journal and the organization Global Kids (for whom she photographed a visit from Michelle Obama!). And yes, you can also snag a sitting with her. You can choose a 30-minute ($150) or 60-minute ($300) session that can be done in your home or at a location of your choosing.

917-747-7765
Online: photosforyour.life

To Capture the Little Details: Deer Baby

Deer Baby Photo

Deer Baby is all about storytelling. Their photographers will document your new arrival with natural shots with a candid feel — and they'll do it in NYC and Nashville. The Deer Baby shutterbugs frequently shoot in a subject's home, but they're happy to head out to the park, the streets or any location of your choosing. Got a fuzzy member of the family? Deer Baby loves including pets. Starting rate is $550. 

Online: deerbabyphoto.com

For the Out of the Ordinary: Stylish Hip Kids

Stylish Hip Kids Photography

For a truly uncommon snap of the clan, check out Stylish Hip Kids, the studio of photographer Mariliana Arvelo. The Venezuelan native shoots both outdoors and in, as well as at her Brooklyn HQ, and her work is fun, filled with color and energy, and the essence of her subjects. (Sometimes, she even adds some fun illustrated accents in post-production.) Starting rate is $400 for a mini-session.

347-225-4869
Online: stylishhipkids.com

For A Photog Who's Shot for Goop, Cup of Jo & Parents: Ana Gambuto

Ana Gambuto

Ana Gambuto will literally get down on your kid's level to get that perfect shot. (See her website for video of a shoot and the resulting pics to see what we mean.) She describes her style as polished but authentic, bright and full of life, and tells clients to drop any assumptions they might have about family photo shoots. "Mine are fast-paced, and a bit of a cardio workout. You've got to let your kids take the lead to get those real smiles!" She works in NYC and the Hamptons. Hour-long sessions are $925 and include all the high-res JPGs. 

Online: anagambuto.com

For the Classic Central Park Shoot: Ruby Photography

Ruby Photography

Yes, Samantha Ruby does all kinds of photo shoots, but she's got a knack for a great Central Park family portrait. (Check out her site to see what we mean.) Sessions last 45 minutes to an hour and cost $750 for 35 images. She works throughout the city and will travel 90 minutes to you as well. 

Online: rubyphotographynyc.com

For Capturing Moments Big and Small: Michelle Rose

Michelle Rose Photo

With a degree in art photography, Michelle Rose brings years of experience to portrait and family shoots. Her mission: Capture your family's most joyful moments with beautifully styled photos. You can book her for maternity, newborn, family, cake smash shoots and more. Scheduling is easy— just head to her website to set up a consultation and, once a date is locked in, she'll share her very helpful photoshoot and outfit guides to help you best prepare for the session. After the photoshoot, Michelle will share a private album for you to peruse. You can take a peek at Michelle's work on her Instagram account to get a sense of her style. Packages start at $1,180.

Online: michellerosephoto.com

For When You're Not Sure Your Kid Will Smile for a Photo: Shoott

Shoott

Every parent knows the struggle of trying to take a family photo and your children refuse to smile. Introducing, Shoott, a totally risk-free photography service. To set up a session, pick a date and select a location from one of 30 locations in and around NYC. (Bonus: there's no fee for booking.) Meet up with a professional photographer for a 30-minute photo session, and afterward, you'll get 40 lightly edited shots from which to select your faves. Only pay for the photos you love.(Shoott photos are $30 each, $15 per photo when you buy 10 or more or $295 for all 40.)
Book right here in NYC, or in any city in the U.S. 

Online: shoott.com

 

For a Low-Cost, Last-Minute Photo Shoot: Snapped

Snapped

Yes, now you can order up a professional photo shoot on demand. Created with the goal of making it easy to find qualified and experienced photographers on short notice (in as little as two hours!), Snapped promises high quality shots and fast delivery from a small team of vetted photographers. It's relatively low risk, and definitely low cost. A 45-minute Snapped session will set you back just $179, soup to nuts. As a bonus, if your little one is under the weather or you have a schedule conflict, you can reschedule or cancel with no fee. Plus, you'll get all your photos within 24-hours so you don't have to wait. Have we tried it? Not yet. Do we want to? You betcha!

Online: snapped.us

 

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Family photos to Dallas families are like Tex-Mex cuisine—sacred. With the holidays on the horizon (get in while you can!), we decided to make a list of some of our favorite photographers in the metroplex. From studio portraits to outdoor mini sessions, keep reading to discover 10 photographers ready to capture your memories.

Brittney Fort

Brittney Fort

A Denton-based photographer, Brittney will travel to you and does everything from family photos to senior portraits. She loves scouting out unique locations, and her passion drives her to learn more and more about the art of capturing memories. 

See her work here

Consider the Lilies 

Focusing on North Dallas (Richardson, Allen, Plano, Dallas, McKinney and Frisco), Jordan Haney does in-home and on-site sessions. 

See her work here.

Miette Photography

Recently named “Best Family Photographer in Dallas” by D Magazine, you can’t go wrong with the exquisite work of Jayme Okerblom. She has a studio but will do on-site sessions as well.  

See her work here.

Ryan O'Dowd

Ryan O’Dowd

Ryan is based in McKinney and is a full-time professional photographer. He’ll do family, weddings, corporate and more! 

See his work here.

Alyssa Reyes Photography

Fort Worth-based Reyes will come to you, and as a mom herself, she knows how important memories are! 

See her work here.

Fly Hippie Photography

Robin Thompson is a member of Dallas PPA (Professional Photographers of America), and she’s been taking photography classes at Collin College for over a decade. She even has a dark room and offers workshops! 

See her work here.

Tonia Laferriere

Photography by Tonia

Flower Mound-based Tonia Laferriere fell in love with photography when her teenage boys were young, and that passion drove her to start her start capturing precious memories of families all across the metroplex. 

See her work here.

 

Jenny Havens Photography

Award-winning photographer Jenny Havens serves the DFW metroplex, and as a mother, understands how important it is to capture every milestone. 

See her work here.

Tammy Molnar

Molnar is a Rockwall-based photographer, mom and teacher. Her experience with kiddos comes in handy when she’s capturing your family’s memories! 

See her work here

Rachel Friedman Photography

Rachel is a Plano-based photographer whose work has been featured in Modern Luxury and People magazine, among other locations. She specializes in newborn, maternity, child and family portraits, so you’ll be in good hands. 

See her work here.

—Gabby Cullen

 

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Are you itching to be a Soccer Parent? You don’t have to wait for the wonderful world of weekend tournaments, pizza parties and participation trophies—the fun can start as early as age 12 months! All your tiny kicker needs is their first pair of cleats (or at least comfortable sneakers) and the happy smiles will soon follow. Scroll down to find a great list of Bay Area spots for the tiniest ones to get in on the world’s favorite game.

SFF Soccer Juniors

SFF Soccer

Top-quality coaches (including current and former collegiate players) lead soccer-based games to promote physical activity, develop confidence and improve coordination. Saturday morning classes are divided into four age groups with the youngest class helping kiddos become comfortable with a ball at their feet by using imaginative fun games, including obstacle courses. Heard of Tough Mudder? Well, at SFF Soccer, your kids can do a soccer-based Tough Toddler, wander through a soccer rainforest or go on a soccer treasure hunt. As kids get older, classes introduce fundamentals, build on basic skills and improve understanding of the game and team play.

Fun Fact: Kids can’t run off! All classes are held on a private gated field made of top-quality FIFA grade synthetic grass. After class, why not sip on a coffee (or maybe a beer or sangria?) and grab a bite to eat at one of the many food trucks at Spark Social SF.

Where: 701 Mission Bay Blvd., San Francisco
Age: 18 months to 6
Website: sffsoccerjuniors.com

Super Soccer Stars

Super Soccer Stars

Small class sizes at Super Soccer Stars ensure each child gets individual instruction. Age-specific programs, starting with a Parent & Me class for children 12-24 months, features adorable puppets (Mimi & Pepe!) and allows tots to balance, run, kick and play. As kids age, they advance to dribbling and shooting activities using fun imagery. For example, one week, your child will help plant a garden, while the next, they may travel to space or have a firetruck adventure. By age 4-5, classes focus on body movement with the ball while the concepts of teammates and teamwork are also introduced.

Fun Fact: Super Soccer Stars also offer private sessions where coaches come to you, anywhere and anytime to fit your schedule.

Where: Various locations throughout San Francisco, East Bay, North Bay and South Bay
Age: 12 months to 12
Website: supersoccerstars.com

SF Tots

Nicole Findlay

Locally owned with various locations all over San Francisco (sometimes even at the Zoo!), SF Tots teaches a variety of age groups. Classes start at 18 months and teach fundamental motor skills, socialization and coordination through story-based games, including props (think colorful scarves, hula hoops and pool noodles). Kids progress into advanced motor skills, gain independence and learn basic soccer skills like dribbling and kicking. Eventually, they move to scrimmages and the rules of soccer.

Fun Fact: SF Tots also run a basketball program for children 2 1/2 to 6

Where: Various locations in San Francisco
Age:18 months to 6
Website: sftots.com

Lil' Spurs

Spurs FC

As a Lil' Spurs player, youngsters are introduced to soccer, develop a love for the game and understand the importance of being a healthy athlete. Young players also have a unique opportunity to grow within a club through a recreational or pre-competitive soccer pathway.

Fun Fact: Within the Spurs FC family, current Spurs FC players assist Lil' Spurs classes, thereby creating mentorship opportunities for older players while giving back to the community and ensuring a low coach-to-player ratio for the youngest players.

Where: Tassajara Park, El Cerrito
Ages: 3 to 5
Website: spurssoccer.com

Soccer Shots

Soccer Shots

This national organization has soccer programs in over 200 territories across 37 states and Canada. Soccer Shots focuses on skill-building, a healthy lifestyle and character development. One week, the focus may be respect, while the next—teamwork or confidence. Three programs are offered: Mini (2-3), Classic (3-5), Premier (5-8).

Fun Fact: The business is consistently recognized by Entrepreneur Magazine as the #1 Children’s Fitness Franchise in the U.S.

Where: After a successful summer at Cedar Rose Park in Berkeley, Soccer Shots expanded to Montclair Park in Oakland and will soon serve sites in Marin and San Francisco.
Ages: 2 to 8
Website: soccershots.com

Soccer Kids

Peter Idowu on Unsplash

Whether you've got a youngster who wants to play soccer like their older sibling, or an older sibling not quite ready for a competitive team, SoccerKids’ year-round classes are just what you need. With a maximum class size of 15 kids, plentiful dates and times to fit any schedule and coaches' bios to check out, SoccerKids makes it easy to inspire your future Cristiano.

Fun Fact: SoccerKids also offers TeeBallKids and BasketballKids! Why not try all three?

Where: Various locations throughout San Francisco and Marin
Ages: 2 ½ to 7
Website: soccerkids.com

Lil' Kickers

Pabak Sarkar via Creative Commons

This program wants kids to be good teammates—on and off the soccer field. With three locations in the Bay Area, Lil’ Kickers truly focus on child development by using soccer to help kids tackle key developmental milestones. At 18 months, your little one will start in the Bunnies class, where they'll learn balance and coordination while also running, playing as a group and kicking the ball. Micro classes are offered at age four, and while they are non-competitive, they are geared towards intermediate players and progressively introduce proper soccer skills.

Fun Fact: The curriculum at Lil’ Kickers was created by child development experts who tailor classes to match how kids learn at different ages.

Where:
Bladium Sports & Fitness Club
800 West Tower Ave., Bldg. 40, Alameda

Burlingamer
864 Rollins Rd., Burlingame

East Bay Sports 2411 Old Crow Canyon Rd., San Ramon

Age: 18 months to 7
Website: lil’kickers.com

Kidz Love Soccer

GraceFamily via Creative Commons

Winning and losing are a big part of American culture. Kidz Love Soccer offers an unconventional approach to sports based on sportsmanship, effort, learning and fun! Not interested in producing the next Lionel Messi or Mia Hamm, as their name suggests, Kids Love Soccer want their players to love  and be good at sports. Kidz Love Soccer teaches the fundamentals of the game through imaginative play and age-appropriate curriculum. The program starts with a Mommy/Daddy and Me class (2 to 3-year-olds) and progresses to pre-soccer and tot soccer. At age 5, classes focus on techniques, teamwork, skills and scrimmages.

Fun Fact: At Kidz Love Soccer, the score is always Fun to Fun!

Where: Brentwood, Milpitas, Santa Clara, Dublin, Mountain View, Pleasanton, Palo Alto, Newark, Concord, San RAMON, Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill, Castro Valley, Lafayette
Ages: 2 to 12 
Website: KidzLoveSoccer.com

—Nicole Findlay

featured photo by the author

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Kid’s yoga is a great idea in theory, but in practice it can be a predicament. Maneuvering your own body into Warrior Two is an adjustment, let alone expecting a squirmy three-year-old to pull it off. That’s where the Chi Universe Yoga mat comes in!

This ingenious mat is designed with universal symbols that help kids move their body into the correct poses: rain drops, hearts, stars, triangles and a couple fun twists. Each product comes with a game poster, free videos, a yoga game app and colorful style. It’s currently available in a kid’s size, as well as an adult size for family yoga sessions.

Better yet, the mats are recyclable, easy to clean and pass the prop 65 test for children’s health and safety. You can buy them on Amazon for $36.97 for the kid’s mat and $38.97 for the tween/adult size.

Chi Yoga makes yoga more playful, using the symbol system as a universal language. The company also plans to offer a free class on June 12 at 11 a.m. PT, in celebration of Global Wellness Day. Get your kids excited about moving their bodies all summer long!

—Sarah Shebek

Images courtesy of Chi Yoga

 

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After securing her historic win for Vice President of the United States, Kamala Harris heralded, “I may be the first woman to hold this office. But I won’t be the last.” Long before Harris, countless brilliant women throughout history have been paving the way for future generations. In honor of Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day, we’re highlighting 10 women who made history in San Diego. These exceptional women helped shape our vibrant and beloved city through their work in science, philanthropy, education and so much more. Read on to be inspired.

Sally Ride

Wikipedia

Going where no other American woman went before is an accomplishment only a few own. Sally Ride is one of the few. In 1983, astronaut and astrophysicist Ride became the first American woman in space aboard the space shuttle Challenger after beating out 1,000 other applicants to earn her spot in the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) astronaut program. Born in Encino, California, Ride moved to La Jolla after her tenure at NASA and became director of the California Space Institute at the University of California, San Diego, as well as a professor of physics at the school in 1989. Wanting to share her passion for science and math with young girls throughout the county she created her own company in 2001 known as Sally Ride Science. Through this company she created educational programs and products to help and inspire girls and young women to pursue their own interests in the field of science and math. 

Ellen Browning Scripps 

Wikimedia Commons

A philanthropist at heart, well before she had money to share, Ellen Browning Scripps believed in promoting the welfare of others from her earliest years. It was this belief that led her to contribute a significant amount of her fortune, which was derived from the Scripps family's newspaper empire, to local causes throughout San Diego. One of the first women to attend college in the United States, she completed her studies in 1858 at Illinois’ Knox College. After graduation, she took a position as a school teacher earning just $9 a month. Ellen joined her brother at the newspaper he started, writing a column, “Matters and Things”, which enabled her to tap into her great intellect and share her progressive thoughts on subjects like women's suffrage and prohibition. One of few women to ever grace the cover of Time magazine, Scripps did so in 1926 at age 89, being named "most beloved woman in Southern California." Her gifts to San Diego are far-reaching and ever-lasting, from the Scripps Institute of Oceanography to the La Jolla Public Library and Scripps Memorial Hospital and Metabolic Clinic — schools, hospitals, churches and history societies throughout the county were all recipients of Ellen's inspiration and bountiful contributions. 

Audrey Geisel

Instagram

Horton Hears a Who!, The Cat in the Hat, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Green Eggs and Ham — these are books we all love and share with our children. They're also just a sampling of the 48 books that Theodor Geisel, affectionately known as Dr. Seuss, would write while living in La Jolla. Theodor died in 1991 and it was his wife Audrey Geisel who was appointed as the the overseer of his estate and guardian of his legacy. Audrey faithfully did that job and created her own legacy along the way. In 1993 she founded Dr. Seuss Enterprises, whose stated mission was to “protect the integrity of the Dr. Seuss books while expanding beyond books into ancillary areas.” In addition to running Dr. Seuss Enterprises, she devoted herself to philanthropy, supporting dozens of charitable organizations. She gave $20 million and thousands of her husband’s drawings and manuscripts to the University of California, San Diego, where the Geisel Library is named for both of them. Known as a strong businesswoman and advocate for causes she cared deeply about, Geisel's contributions to the area of San Diego are immeasurable. 

Lucy Killea

Melissa Jacobs

Known as a "titan of public service in San Diego," Lucy Killea tops the list of most respected elected officials for her integrity and fearlessness while in office. She tirelessly advocated for women and was a role model for standing up for your beliefs and being effective in bringing change. She was inducted into the San Diego County Women’s Hall of Fame in 2002.

Joan Kroc

Instagram

Often dubbed "St Joan of the Golden Arches, Joan B. Kroc of Rancho Santa Fe, Ca was the widow of Ray A Kroc, the founder of The McDonald's Corporation. Joan Kroc parlayed his fortune to become one of the greatest philanthropists of the 20th century. She was unconventional about her philanthropy and supported causes that were dear to her heart. Kroc also broke with tradition by giving away extraordinarily large amounts to social service organizations like the Salvation Army and National Public Radio upon her death. In total, Kroc donated more than one billion dollars. 

Kate Sessions

San Diego National History Museum

Walking through Balboa Park you'll see a sculpture of Kate Sessions near Laurel Street Bridge. The sculpture honors her legacy as Sessions is best known as the "Mother of Balboa Park" and was instrumental in the planning and planting of Palm Canyon and The Aloe and Agave Garden. However, her seeds were planted literally and figuratively throughout San Diego County. A successful and tireless business owner, Kate operated nurseries in Coronado, Pacific Beach, Mission Hills and other locations throughout San Diego. In 1892 she contracted with the city to plant 100 trees a year for `10 years. As a matter of fact we have Sessions to thank for much of the exotic plants that we see throughout the county today such as jacaranda, poinsettia, bougainvillea and bird of paradise as she was the first to introduce them to the area. 

Mabel Bell

courtesy of Charley Buchanan

We stand on the shoulders of those who came before us. Mabel Bell broke barriers and fought for the right of future generations of San Diegans. She was the first black resident to purchase property in La Jolla, a place where black people had previously been prevented from owning homes. An activist through and through, Bell founded the non-profit organization (SOFA) which stands for Strongly Oriented For Action, and campaigned for the creation of affordable housing in La Jolla. She used an alleyway near her home to help sick people and her humanitarian efforts led to her being acknowledged by her community after her death and naming the street Mabel Bell Lane. 

Margaret Wood Bancroft

San Diego Natural History Museum

Margaret Wood Bancroft lived a full life before passing away at the age of 93. From silent actress and socialite to naturalist and explorer, Bancroft had a strong work ethic and endless curiosity. In 1935, Bancroft led a small expedition to search for the legendary lost mission of Santa Ysabel in the Sierra de San Pedro Martir, Baja Califonria. She discovered cave symbols that contributed to archaeological study of the migration of ancient Native American tribes. Margaret was one of the original members of the Junior League and served as director of the Red Cross for many years. She was actively involved with the San Diego Natural History Museum, the San Diego Museum of Art, and the San Diego Museum of Man. She leaves behind an enduring legacy in the social and political life of San Diego County and the advancement of natural history and archaeological research in southern California and Baja California.

Ethel Bailey Higgins

San Diego Natural History Museum

Following your passion and forging a new career sometimes happens later in life. This was the case for Ethel Bailey Higgins who combined her photography skills and plant studies to launch a long scientific career at the age of 67. She had an interest in botany from her early years living in New England and her studies intensified when she moved to California. Higgins was named curator of botany at the San Diego Natural History Museum in 1933. She is believed to have initiated the first accession records for the plant collections. Known for her energetic and fearless spirit, Higgins worked at the museum well into her 90s. A life-long learner with a keen sense of both humor and curiosity, Higgins' vast contribution to San Diego botanical science is unmatched. 

Judith Keep

Wikipedia

Judge Judith N. Keep was a trailblazer for women in San Diego’s legal field. At a time when few than 5 percent of lawyers were women, Keep graduated valedictorian from the University of San Diego School of Law. She was nominated to become the first female District Court Judge for California’s Southern District, and later she became the District Court’s first female Chief Judge. Known in San Diego as much for her work as a mentor as she was for her work in the courtroom, Keep always made time to give back to her community and pass along her wisdom and experience to the next generation. 

––Aimee Della Bitta

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Did you or your partner get pregnant during the pandemic? Looking to stay safe but hoping to capture your pregnancy or newborn with a photo shoot? No problem! NYC area family photographers are stepping up to help your family capture these important events while you’re keeping close to home. Book a virtual photo shoot via Zoom, FaceTime, etc. Read on to learn how it all works, and see actual pictures taken via remote sessions!

Pivot!

Michelle Rose Photo

Like so many other businesses, photographers have taken things online. The modified professional photo shoot involves a pro serving as a consultant and guide to a client before, during and after a photo session."We plan out the shoot from top to bottom: decorations, outfits, locations you name it!," says Michelle Rose of Michelle Rose Photo, who launched her remote milestone shoots in April of last year. "They send photos of their space for me to take a look at and I point out where the best spots would be to take photos, just like I do when I enter a clients apartment for the first time."

Yes, in most cases you are the one taking the actual photo (probably with your phone), but it's with the input of a professional via Zoom, Facetime, etc. Perhaps not the ideal situation for your big shoot, but the good news is that probably not surprisingly, rates are significantly less than those for in-person sessions. 

In addition to guiding you during the actual shoot, these photographers will help you style your shots, recommend colors and/or props and retouch your favorites to make them super pro. Sessions are typically about 30 minutes to an hour, and basic tech needed is a phone and a wifi connection. 

Karen Haberberg Photography

Karen Haberberg Photography

Karen Haberberg is doing maternity, birthday and infant shoots virtually, providing a portfolio of three to five retouched photos from the sessions.  For her photo shoots, she is the one actually taking the photo, capturing frames via FaceTime, while she coaches parents on elements such as angles and lighting. 

Haberberg was also moved to do pro-bono portraits for essential workers and their families over the last year as a way of saying "thanks." Learn more about that project here.

Online: karenhaberberg.com

Michelle Rose Photo

Michelle Rose Photo

For her remote shoots, Rose schedules the sessions to take advantage of when an apartment is receiving the best natural light. And, she makes sure you're prepped. "The day before the session I send over a checklist for each client individually so they have everything they need the next day for the shoot. Nothing is out of the ordinary and should already be in the home, except for maybe some cake smash decorations and the cake." (Order in, folks!) 

Contact Rose for rates, which are significantly reduced from those for IRL sessions.  

Online: michellerosephoto.com

Stylish & Hip Kids Photography

Stylish Hip Kids

This photo from Stylish & Hip Kids Photography proves the yes, you can get a lovely newborn shot (with an assist). For all remote sessions, owner Mariliana Arvelo consults with the parents about outfits, lighting in the home, and the basics of setting up a camera; she also provides a gallery of images to use as a reference. Sessions are 30 minutes and produce a gallery of 10, retouched photos. The cost is $300, a significant break from the standard rate of $900 for an in-person session. 

Online: stylishhipkids.com

Featured image: Karen Haberberg Photography
—Mimi O’Connor

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