ML Interest Tag: shopping-area

10 Magical Things to Do in Dublin, Ireland with Kids

by Amber Guetebier

Hop aboard a tea tour, search for minifigs in a famous library, and find the wild deer of Phoenix Park

Arguably one of the most kid-friendly destinations in the world, Ireland offers families a low-key vacation full of history, castles, music, and endless outdoor beauty. The odds are if you’re flying in on an international flight from North America, you’ll be landing in Dublin. While you may have plans to go further afield as you explore the Emerald Isle, don’t discount Dublin for tons of family fun that is surprisingly affordable. We’ve highlighted our favorite things to do with kids in Dublin, Ireland, including many free and cheap things to do. 

Amber Guetebier

1. Take a Vintage Tea Trip Around Dublin

A vintage double-decker bus that serves tea while you drive around seeing Dublin’s major cities? Yes, please! And in case you didn’t know, this isn’t just a cuppa: it’s a full tea with sandwiches, treats, scones, and more. They even have vegetarian and gluten-free options. Enjoy your sandwiches and treats along with tidbits of Irish history and local knowledge on an utterly charming alternative to a big tour bus. The restored vintage buses are decked out like Gran’s tea room in the best way possible. This is a great way to get some food in their bellies and get off their jetlagged feet while you get the lay of the land on your first day in Dublin. Spend a little more and get the VIP upstairs seats. While this tour is a little pricey, you do get a full Irish tea, a guided tour, and an unforgettable experience. 

Book in advance at: vintageteatrips.ie

Amber Guetebier

2. See The Book of Kells & Old Library at Trinity College

Located at Trinity College, the Book of Kells and Long Room Library is usually on every visitor’s must-see list. And for good reason: the 1200-year-old manuscript is a sight to behold, and the library itself is like a magical passage into another era. It is highly advisable that you make advance reservations for this exhibit. While adult tickets run around $20 USD per person, children have reduced admission, and kids five are free. 

If you have older kids, consider combining your visit to see the library and Book of Kells with a guided walking tour of the Trinity College campus to learn about famous alumni and see some of the hallowed halls. Family tickets include two adults and two children ages 13-17. Kids under 12 are free when accompanying an adult. The rate is €65/family, which is currently around $70 (subject to exchange rate). 

Learn more: visittrinity.ie/trinity-trails

Amber Guetebier

3. Discover the Secret of Marsh’s Library  

Whether you love books and libraries or you’re looking for a more affordable, less touristy alternative to the Long Room, don’t miss the spectacular Marsh’s Library. Established in the early eighteenth century, this magical gem is easy to miss from the street. But once you know, you know. Pass through an unobtrusive archway in a stone wall, and you’ll soon be immersed in room after room of gorgeously preserved library books. Admire the rotating displays of books from the collection and chat with the knowledgeable staff about the history of the library, which was established by Archbishop Narcissus Marsh in 1707. Kids will enjoy the scavenger hunt for a “book thief” in the guise of a LEGO minfigure. The hunt takes them around the library looking for cleverly hidden minifigs of famous Irish writers and scholars and other important figures associated with the library, including a mummy and Dracula author Bram Stoker.  Admission is affordable at just €5 for adults and €3 for students and seniors. Tickets can also be combined with admission to the nearby St. Patrick’s Cathedral. 

Don’t miss the secret garden on your way out!

Visit: marshlibrary.ie

4. Stop By the LEGO Store Dublin

Speaking of LEGO minifigs, there’s a LEGO store in Dublin where you can customize a minifig all your own. The process doesn’t take long, and there are special Irish-themed choices exclusive to that store. A minifig including customizing will set you back around $15, but it’s an easy way to entertain the kids and let them make a souvenir they won’t forget. Be sure to pick up a passport you can have stamped on your way out! You can keep the passport and have it stamped at LEGO stores around the world.

The store is located in the heart of Dublin on Grafton Street, where you’ll likely find yourself at some point. This is a pedestrian-friendly shopping area where you’re sure to hear live music thanks to the wide variety of buskers. 

Learn more at: lego.com/en-ie/stores/store/dublin

Amber Guetebier

5. Dine in a Converted Church

There is no shortage of impressive churches in Ireland, where stone masonry is an art form. But an 18th-century church that has been converted into a gorgeous restaurant, one that features lively music and traditional Irish dancing, is a truly one-of-a-kind experience. About a five-minute walk from Grafton Street, The Church is a cafe, bar, and restaurant and also happens to be the wedding venue for Guinness forefather Arthur Guinness and his wife Olivia Whitmore. Much of the original architecture is in place, including stained glass windows and a Renatus Harris-designed organ. Self-guided tours are available every day between 10:30 a.m. and 5 p.m., and music and dancing take place nearly every night between 6:30 and 7 p.m. You can make reservations, but the restaurant is huge so unless you have a very large group, you can walk in. Kids are welcome until 9 p.m. Sunday to Thursday, after which it becomes a 21 and up venue. Their website states that on Fridays and Saturdays kids are welcome until 5 p.m. 

Visit: thechurch.ie

6. Pop into a Pub 

Pubs in Ireland, particularly during daylight and afternoon hours, welcome children. In the Temple Bar district, pubs often have traditional music throughout the day (and well into the evening). Generally speaking, pubs allow children to be there before 9 p.m., though some may request children leave earlier. Temple Bar does have a reputation as the rowdy, drinking neighborhood for the twentysomethings, but it’s perfectly kid-friendly during earlier hours and can be a lot of fun. We loved the Auld Dubliner. 

Amber Guetebier

7. Take a Trek to the Dublin Zoo

Yes, it’s a zoo, and it may not be that different from the zoo in your hometown, but it’s also a zoo! And kids love zoos. One of the best parts about visiting a kid-centric spot like the Dublin Zoo is that the visiting crowds are full of locals, so you’re not only mingling with other tourists, but you’re also hanging out eating snacks by the meerkats with local Irish families. This zoo has wolves, tigers, and snow leopards among many other beautiful animals. 

Visit: dublinzoo.ie

Alex Lozupone via Wikimedia Creative Commons

8. Find the Deer in Phoenix Park 

Phoenix Park has a slogan: “Where Dublin goes to breathe” and it’s easy to see why when you see it. One of Europe’s largest enclosed parks, it’s home to the Dublin Zoo, Victorian Flower Gardens, a marvelous playground and so much more. When you leave the Dublin Zoo, head for a walk toward Phoenix Monument, a giant obelisk (you can’t miss it) and keep an eye out for the famous deer herd. 

The wild deer of Phoenix Park are a species of fallow deer, first introduced to Ireland in 1244 but brought to what is now Phoenix Park in 1662 to establish a Royal Deer Park for hunting. The deer are now protected with a population of approximately 600. Visitors should not feed the deer and should maintain a respectful distance of at least 50 meters (a little over 150 feet). 

Learn more at phoenixpark.ie

National Museum of Ireland

9. See the Bog Bodies at the National Museum of Ireland

The National Museum of Ireland is actually four museums, three of which are located in Dublin: Natural History, Archeology, and Decorative Arts & History. (The fourth is Country Life, located in Castlebar, County Mayo). While they are all fabulous, kids will likely enjoy the flora and fauna at the Natural History Museum, and the impressive artifacts and preserved bog bodies at the Archelogy Museum. Admission is free, so it’s easy to wander in and out of each one without pressure to see everything. 

Visit: museum.ie/en-ie/home

EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum

10. Have an EPIC Experience at This Museum

Dublin has no shortage of museums and cultural sites, so it’s easy to spend a week just trying to see them all. However, a true stand-out is EPIC, The Irish Emigration Museum. Full of interactive and fun exhibits, children and grown-ups alike will discover the lasting contributions and major impact on the world thanks to Irish emigrants. A visit here will help gain insight into the celebrated culture of Irish heritage around the world, and basically just why Ireland is so great! 

Visit: epichq.com

Dublin, Ireland with kids is an easy place to visit and a hard place to leave. These are just a few of the amazing things you can do with kids in the city of Dublin.

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5 Stunning German Christmas Markets to Put on Your Travel Bucket List

by Karilyn Owen

Southwest Germany offers loads of festive Christmas markets with food, rides, and holiday cheer

Sparkling snow, twinkling fairy lights, and wooden huts adorned with decorated green garlands while the smell of sweet roasted nuts fills the air—it’s not just a scene from a childhood fairy tale. It is the reality all over Germany from the end of November to the days leading up to Christmas. One of the most magical Christmas experiences one can have is visiting a Christmas market in Germany.

Karilyn Owen

Germany is a large country filled with amazing Christmas markets. How do you narrow it down for a one-week family trip? Our top tip is to choose one region to focus on instead of buzzing all around the country. One of the most beautiful areas with a great number of unique markets is in the southwest region of Germany. This area includes Stuttgart and the Black Forest. This is an ideal area for family travel as the markets are all reasonably sized making them manageable for families with kids of all ages. 

Stuttgart Weihnachtsmarkt

One of the oldest and most beautiful markets in Germany, the Stuttgart Weihnachtsmarkt is a wonderful introduction to the German tradition of Christmas markets. The Stuttgart Christmas Market occupying several blocks of space in the shopping district offers the 3-4 million visitors each year a look into traditional and commercial markets all woven together in one place. The 300 wooden stalls, decorated with personality showcase a variety of items from traditional German foods to holiday decor to practical household items.

Entertainment here like the massive Ferris wheel, small ride-on train, and roller rink provides fun for the whole family. Adults will enjoy sipping their gluhwein (mulled wine with Christmas spices) while kids can have their alcohol-free version at the same time. The food on offer at this market rises above most other markets in that you can almost find anything you want from market staples to local favorites like käsespätzle (Germany's version of mac & cheese).

Esslingen Medieval Market

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One of the coolest markets in this part of Germany is Esslingen's Medieval Christmas Market. As you walk off the train making your way to the old town square you will begin to see the traditional style of buildings begin to emerge. This market is split into two sections essentially—the more traditional Christmas market with stalls selling all of your favorite items like boiled sweets, gingerbread cookies, and holiday decorations. Continuing further into the market you will find the atmosphere has changed into one harkening back to medieval times. 

One of the most unique features is the "public hot tub" where you can book a 2-hour session with your friends to soak in the middle of the market. It's not as odd as it sounds, as you have privacy if you would like. The wooden tub books out in advance so if you think you might be interested, do plan ahead.

Other than this striking feature, this market is loaded with cool stalls selling everything from medieval clothing, homewares, unique medieval games, and jewelry all while intertwined with more modern stalls selling pottery, mistletoe decorations, and holiday decorations. This market is extra special due to the children's area that has carnival-type games, all with the medieval twist—jugglers, archery, axe throwing, crossbow shooting, and catapulting. For the littles, take a ride on an all-wooden Ferris wheel or an adorable swing both propelled by hand.

For eats and treats, you will be lured in by exotic spices and smells as you pass the dried fruit and nut stalls, massive cinnamon buns, flatbread pizzas, and of course the market staple bratwurst. 

Ludwigsburg Baroque Market

Karilyn Owen

This adorable market located just north of Stuttgart can be visited on a day trip or on an overnight stay. Brightly lit angels adorn the skies above this town square set from the 18th century lined with two Baroque churches and adorable homes. The 170 stalls here are all elaborately decorated in traditional materials—stuffed (real or pretend, you can't always tell!) creatures and dazzling pine garlands strung with fairy lights while the inside is filled with handcrafted goods. 

The Ludwigsburg market feels more homegrown with locals milling about, chatting up the stall vendors, sharing mulled wine, and enjoying the festivities. The stalls sell more unique items not seen at other markets including amazingly detailed and cool hand puppets. This market also had some of the best varieties of food that we experienced at any market—try the Stockbrot (bread on a stick) in either a savory or sweet version, the langos (deep fried flatbread with toppings), knödels (a dumpling sweet and savory), as well as the traditional rote wurst on brot (red sausage on bread). There are also crêpes for the kiddos, hot chocolate, and lots of kinderpunsch options. (My 12-year-old proclaims this market to have the best kinderpunsch throughout all of Southwest Germany.)

Gengenbach Weihnachtsmarkt & Advent Building

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cl159j0L6v7/?hidecaption=true

Gengenbach, located just south of Baden-Baden and on the edge of the Black Forest is a popular tourist destination throughout the year. However, during the winter season, Gengenbach is known for having a large advent calendar displayed on 24 windows of its 18th-century town hall building. In recent years, the story depicted on the windows is from the book The Little Prince. The daily reveal occurs each afternoon at 6 p.m. for the following day's window.

In addition to this tourist draw, the medieval town center is an absolute delight to walk around. Take time away from the market itself to explore the little cobblestone lanes leading around the square to see where people live. The decorations on the front of the buildings as well as around the town give insight into the quirky arty charm of this town.

While the market itself isn't too large, it offers all the traditional food stalls you will come to expect including crêpes, sausages, and flammkuchen (flatbread pizza). Individual stalls here are much less commercial, offering unique items you will have not seen at other markets including wooden carved crafts and household decorations aimed more towards locals and German tourists.

If you have time on your itinerary we'd highly recommend staying over a night in this town to soak up the energy once the day trippers have left. 

Ravenna Gorge Weihnachtsmarkt

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The most picturesque market we visited is the tourist hotspot located deep in the Black Forest, the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market. This small market is held under the viaduct arches of the Devil's Valley Railway. If you are lucky, you will see a train cross the bridge with its windows lit up at night, while soaking up the holiday vibes hundreds of feet below.

There is little else that can compare with strolling the market with beautiful instrumental alphorn sounds playing over the speaker system, while a roaring communal fire pit beckons you under the changing lights of the train tracks above.

The market itself isn't the one to do your shopping at, as it is quite small compared to the others on this list. You get the sense from the patrons and the various stalls offering an abundance of food and drink that this market is more about hanging out amongst the wilderness and views than shopping. Rightfully so, the snowy hills in this area of Germany provide an exceptional backdrop to admire. That said, during our recent visit, we spied a local cuckoo clock maker offering a few items, a self-proclaimed professional hobbyist potter, and some beautiful woodwork among many other local artisans.

A note for visitors, you will find this market to be much more heavily touristed than other markets on this list due to its Instagram-worthy photos. Car parking requires an advance reservation as do the many shuttles dropping guests from nearby towns. This is one market you will need to plan around as it is also only open on Friday-Sunday.

+1 Bonus Market: Baden-Baden

Karilyn Owen

Known as the wellness center in Southwest Germany, Baden-Baden is the perfect place to stop off from Stuttgart as you head deeper into the Black Forest. This spa town bubbling over with thermal waters has even more to lure visitors in the winter with its adorable Christmas market. With its hilly streets, chic shopping area and fantastically laid out market, you will wish you booked even more time here. The market offers a large selection of delicious traditional foods (the best käsewurst we ate was here!), beautiful handmade crafts from locals and even snow globe bubbles to relax in! Our visit was made even more magical with a quick dumping of snow. While in town, don't forget to book into one of the amazing thermal spas for a relaxing warm soak.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cl9k4Dlugf9/?hidecaption=true 

Getting There

For US visitors, the easiest way to get to this area of Germany is to fly into Frankfurt which offers a great number of direct flights and connections from throughout the US. From Frankfurt airport, you can hop on a train directly to Stuttgart which serves as a hub for Southwest Germany and the Black Forest. Most markets on this list can easily be reached via train, however, we highly recommend hiring a car to dive deeper into the Black Forest region as trains do not reach many destinations. Driving in Germany is efficient and easy, with automatic cars accessible. And who wouldn't want the opportunity to test out their driving skills on the German Autobahn? 

Tips on Planning Your Trip to Germany for Christmas Markets

Planning a trip to Germany to see Christmas markets can be daunting and overwhelming with over 2,000 markets in the country. Below we share a few general tips to make your dream trip a success.

  • Pack for cold and wet weather with lots of layers, including warm shoes, gloves, and hats.
  • Cash is king in the markets, so hit the ATMs before you reach the market.
  • Getting around by train is extremely efficient, but to get well off the beaten path, a car is great.
  • Plan for only 2-3 hours outdoors at a time as your feet or fingers will begin to get too cold.
  • If you see something you like, buy it. You may not see it again. The same goes for food—if it looks good, try it.
  • Leave space in your suitcase for the adorable market-specific mugs offered at each market for only 3 Euros.

Whether your kids are young or old, this is a family trip worth planning for. While ushering your kids from one market to another may not sound like an ideal winter getaway, trust us there is so much on offer for kids of all ages that they will surely be sucked in even if their pre-teen angst tries to stop them.

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11 Hidden Gems around Seattle We’re Pretty Sure You’ve Never Visited

by Alaina Weimer

So you’ve done our 100 Things to Do around Seattle and perhaps you’ve even checked off every must-do with visiting grandparents. If you’re jonesing for a new type of excursion, or you’ve got visitors who can’t wait to get the nitty gritty on what the Emerald City has to offer, check out our list of Seattle hidden gems that only those in-the-know are privy to—some spots are so secret you might not even know they existed!

E. Highland & Harrison St. Beaches

Did you know our area has over 200 miles of shoreline? When that sun comes out, locals love nothing more than to bask in the brightness at their favorite community beach. This also means some get downright crowded. But, lucky for us, there are still some hidden beach treasures out there where you can avoid the bustle. Two secret beaches to put on your radar? One is at E. Highland Dr. and 42nd Ave. East, north of the Seattle Tennis Club, and the other is a little further south, above Denny Blaine Park, on 39th Ave. E. and E. Harrison St. These low-key, community-improved public beaches sit at the edge of Lake Washington and offer beautiful views and a serene place to take in the lake life. East Highland secret beach has a pebble beach, log seating and lots of trees for shade (plus a couple of parking spots). The Harrison Street beach offers a sand beach, plus a place to wade, have a picnic or watch the sun go down. For more covert street-end beaches to explore, check out this interactive map here. There are actually around 150 secret beaches just waiting to be discovered! Highland Beach E. Highland Dr. & 42nd Ave E. Seattle, WA Harrison Beach E. Harrison St. & 39th Ave. E. Seattle, WA Online: seattle.gov

The Alligator Tree

Well, if this local spot doesn’t sound intriguing, we don’t know what does! Schmitz Park Preserve is a quaint, just over 50-acre park located in West Seattle that offers an old growth forest filled with walking paths, hiking and nature galore. Sure, it sounds like many of the parks in our area, but the hidden gem in this preserve is the Alligator Tree—a fallen tree cut and painted to resemble a huge, you guessed it, alligator! It’s perfect for a photo op (stick that head inside like Captain Hook!)

5515 S.W. Admiral Way
Seattle
Online: seattle.gov

Georgetown Trailer Park Mall

This artistic little shopping area is something you won’t want to pass by. Built in 2010 and nestled among the industrial atmosphere of Georgetown, this teeny retail oasis is home to vintage travel trailers that house independent shops filled with local artsy items. Here you'll find eclectic goodies such as planters, jewelry, ceramics, art, vintage clothing, vinyl records and home decor. And come hungry! The super scrumptious Lowrider Baking Company has mouth-watering homemade cookies for purchase. The Trailer Park Mall is a peculiar, yet totally adorable, spot you’ll be glad you stumbled upon.

Hours: Open Sat. 11 a.m.- 6 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

5805 Airport Way S.
Seattle
Online: georgetowntrailerpark.com

The Shakespeare Garden

This place is downright poetic. This darling garden, located in front of the Fine Arts Building at Seattle University, is a living tribute to the many references made to herbs, flowers and plants within Shakespeare’s most famous works. Swing by to see the beauty of lavender, rosemary, thyme, roses and lilies when they're in bloom. It's the perfect secret garden to take in some rays and the words of the Bard, where we know parting will be such sweet sorrow.

901 12th Ave.
Seattle
Online: seattleu.edu

Montlake Spite House

Have you ever heard of a "spite house?" This quirky term refers to a home that is constructed for the sole purpose of irritating one’s neighbors. And guess who has one? Yep, Seattle has its very own—the Montlake Spite House. Built in 1925, this odd, tiny home is shaped like a pie. The front is about 15-feet wide and it tapers to a mere 55 inches in the back! While we know when it was built, the story behind its construction varies. One local legend says that the landowner built it after being insulted by a low ball offer for his land from his next door neighbor. But it’s also been circulated that it was built by a vengeful divorcee who was awarded the small front yard of the home she once shared with her ex. Story has it she built a house on her tiny parcel out of, you called it, spite. Plan a visit to check out this skinny, iconic domicile for yourself.

2022 24th Ave. E.
Seattle

Wedgwood Duck House

This hidden gem will quack you up! Head to the Wedgwood neighborhood to visit the abode locally known as the Wedgwood Duck House. Approximately every month, the owners of the house, Robert and LaFaye, arrange rubber duckies in the most elaborate formations in their yard. The kiddos will surely get a chick...errr...kick out of their fabulous designs. What started as one lone duck Easter decoration has now hatched into more than a thousand duck donations from all over the world that this imaginative couple uses to build the most creative designs. Psst…while you’re in the area, you might as well stop by the Wedgwood Rock, too. It is a 19-foot, 700-ton, 14,000-year-old gneiss rock in Ravenna that was left over by glacial drift during the last ice age. Go check that huge sucker out, and have a picnic while you’re there, too!

Wedgwood Duck House
West of 35th at 82nd St.
Seattle
Online: Facebook

Wedgwood Rock
7200 28th Ave. N.E. (at the intersection of N.E. 72nd St.)
Seattle
Online: Facebook

West Seattle Bee Garden

Another West Seattle hidden gem! Located in the High Point neighborhood, inside the Commons Park P-Patch, make a beeline to the West Seattle Bee Garden, an educational spot where you can have a close encounter with your favorite honey makers. The bees are viewed in their natural habitat from behind clear plexiglass walls of an adorable enclosure. Take a self-guided tour of the garden, and don’t forget to read the posted signs to learn a few new tidbits about these little stingers while you are there.

3201 S.W. Graham St.
Seattle
Online: westseattlebeegarden.com

Fourth & Madison Building

This 40-story building in the middle of downtown Seattle hardly seems to be a 'hidden' towny treasure, but it’s the seventh floor rooftop that sets this building apart from the surrounding high rises. On this clandestine rooftop sits a secret public garden! This low-key, yet lush retreat is perfect for checking out the views of downtown and taking a gander at Puget Sound. If you and your fam are in the area, it’s a great insider spot to relax and soak in the jewels of the city.

925 Fourth Ave.
Seattle
Online: www.fourthandmadison.com

Orient Express Restaurant

Ah, just when you thought the days of traveling by train and eating in a dining car have been rendered archaic, in comes a little-known Seattle fave you and your little engineers will go loco-motive over. Located just south of downtown is the Orient Express Restaurant. This unique eatery is housed in seven railroad cars, including one car that was the private travel car of President Franklin D. Roosevelt during his presidential campaign of 1944. OG fixtures, décor and photographs still fill the restaurant, so it provides a fun slice of history as well. The cuisine certainly adds to the unusual charm, too. They serve up Chinese and Thai dishes, because what else would you serve in an old-timey train car? It’s definitely a legit Seattle original.

2963 4th Ave. S.
Seattle
Online: seattleorientexpress.com

Edith Macefield House

Fondly known as the Up house, the Edith Macefield House in Ballard has quite the legendary story. Homeowner Edith Macefield, who was already in her 80s, refused to sell her farmhouse when commercial developers where building up the area. They wanted to buy her land, but spunky ole Edith refused the hefty million-dollar offer. She has since passed, but the house remains. Her whimsical, 100-year-old home still sits wedged between the looming, modern buildings that were built around her. When you visit this amazing piece of Seattle nostalgia, bring a balloon. Many people leave them on the fence in honor of the Pixar film.

1438 N.W. 46th St.
Seattle

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Ballard Corners Park

You could come to Ballard Corners Park for the walking path, the abstract jungle gym, the rain garden or the interpretive park entryway, but the real funky jewel of this pocket park is the stone living room. Built as an homage to a corner book store, this concrete couch and loveseat set is perfect for the kiddos to climb all over and it looks super cute to boot. Bet you never knew you would be encouraging your Littles to jump on the furniture, did you?

1702 N.W. 62nd St.
Seattle
Online: seattle.gov

—Alaina Weimer

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Just Opened: Indoor Playground Fairytale Island

by Mimi O'Connor

Just in time for the chilly temps of winter, a new, independently-owned and operated indoor playspace has debuted in Bay Ridge. Fairytale Island  packs a lot of fun (and food) into its 3rd Avenue storefront. Here’s our report from the indoor playground and party venue’s grand opening weekend!

A Familiar (Fairy) Tale
Fairytale Island co-owner Jimmy Wu, a father of two children, ages one and two, saw the need for an indoor playspace in his neighborhood of Bay Ridge. “Being a parent is stressful,” he says, adding that having a place like Fairytale Island — where kids can play and parents can either jump in with them, or have a cup of coffee, can help keep everyone in good spirits.

In the works for a while, the business signed a lease for the 4,000-square-foot space in June. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Fairytale Island is designed for kids ages one to eight years old.

Those who enter the playspace must sign a waiver and remove their shoes; everyone also cleans their hands with a sanitizing wipe before crossing the threshold.

Packed with Fun
Featuring play structures and toys largely sourced from China, Korea and Japan, there’s more than enough here to occupy kids of all ages and styles of play (i.e. quiet and mellow, or high impact and energy.) On the day we visited both types of activity taking place, with no issues.

Run, Jump, Climb, Slide & Swing
If your child needs to burn off some steam, there’s plenty of room for that here. A central play structure includes tunnels, swings, slides, a ball pit, and even a trampoline.

At the front of the structure, a giant, hollow plane features two levels for play — and houses bars and swings for swinging; kids can make an exit down a slide into the ball pit.

 

Scale the Wall
For climbing enthusiasts, a small, but serviceable climbing wall can be found in a tucked away in an alcove down the main corridor of the space.

Shop Til They Drop
Even further back kids will find the shopping area, where a pretend grocery store is outfitted with grocery carts and faux food displays. Appropriately, on the other side of the large space is an area featuring multiple play kitchens or various types, mercifully ensuring that there can be more than one tiny cook in the kitchen. (We admit we are glad aren’t the ones that have to keep that area clean.)

The Big Dig
But wait, there’s more. At the very front of the playspace is a faux sandbox, filled with seed-like bits that function as a play medium, but are a lot less messy than the real thing. In addition to traditional sand toys, kids can also play archeologist by finding the “dinosaur bones” hidden underneath.

Have a Seat (and a Snack)
In addition to all of this play space, Fairytale Island also features a cafe with a variety of options to sustain you or your child. Choices range from smoothies and smoothie bowls, to popcorn chicken, chicken wings and avocado toast, to ice cream, shaved ice and egg waffles with assorted tasty toppings. Drinks range from hot and cold coffee/espresso beverages and teas.

Perhaps even better, there’s room to spread out, with lots of tables and chairs, outlets for charging phones, etc.

Celebrate at Fairytale Island
Have a winter birthday baby? Fairytale Island might be your indoor celebration solution.

It currently offers two party packages: private and non-private. The private package includes pizza/popcorn chicken, goodie bags, Honest organic juice, fries, and cupcakes with two-hour private playtime, and the option to stay for open play after the party. The rate is $749 up to 16 kids (including birthday child).

The non-private package offers the same food and beverage for up to 11 kids for $349.

Parties can be scheduled from 10 a.m. to Noon, and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.; non-private parties two-hours in length can be scheduled anytime between Noon and 5 p.m.

Both options include use of Fairytale Island’s party room, which is a good size, fun and festive.

More to come!
Future development at Fairytale Island include daytime programming of storytimes, music, and crafting, as well as a morning menu for parents with early risers. Watch the Fairytale Island Facebook page for the latest news.

 

Open daily, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
7110 3rd Ave.
Bay Ridge
646-667-9096
Online: facebook.com/fairytaleislandplayground

 

Have you checked out Fairy Tale Island? Tell us about you visit in the comments! 

— Mimi O’Connor

 

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The Bridges of San Diego County

by Marissa Mullen

Admit it — you’re getting a bit tired of the regular walks around the neighborhood. Try going on a new adventure and taking the kids for a walk across a few of San Diego’s unique foot bridges. San Diego may be home to the iconic Coronado bridge, but that’s not the only bridge in town worth noting. While you may be preoccupied with getting to the other side, don’t forget to stop and enjoy the view. It’s worth the time – we promise!

Quince Street Bridge
The Quince Street Bridge is over 100 years old, making it a classic Mission Hills landmark and one of the few remaining wooden trestle bridges in San Diego County. Take your time walking across this one. The bridge overlooks Maple Canyon, which has a neat, walkable hiking trail 60 feet below. It makes for a pretty awesome view.

The entrance on 4th avenue has a Little Free Library, so you can even get a little reading in while you’re at it.

400 Quince St.
San Diego, Ca

Spruce Street Bridge
Just a short walk away from the Quince Street Bridge, you’ll find the Spruce Street Suspension Bridge, better known as the “Wobbly Bridge.” This one is hidden quite well in a residential area, and is truly a treasure to behold. It actually sways back and forth as you walk across it. While some kids love the bouncy feature, others may be a little scared so be sure to hold on to your little ones! Don’t miss the gorgeous view of San Diego’s downtown skyline from the center of the bridge as the Spruce Street bridge spans Kate Sessions Canyon. If you’re feeling especially adventurous, hike down the canyon (careful, it’s steep) and discover even more fun things to explore.

Spruce St. and First Ave.
San Diego, Ca

Vermont Street Pedestrian Bridge
The Vermont Street Pedestrian Bridge is a modern steel bridge that connects the neighborhoods of University Heights and Hillcrest. It’s pretty short, so kids love to run across it but it’s worth stopping every few seconds to check out the quotes written on panels all along the bridge. Before they run off, test your kid’s reading abilities and have them read quotes written by people like Martin Luther King, Jr., Kate Sessions, Pythagoras, and even Dr. Seuss. The bridge conveniently ends in a shopping area, so if your kids are hungry after all that running you can easily grab a bite to eat at Panera Bread right next door.

1200 Pascoe St. (Vermont St & Pascoe St)
San Diego, Ca

25th Street Musical Bridge or Crab Carillon
The Crab Carillon is an unassuming freeway over pass, which also serves as a musical piece of art created by Roman de Salvo. The secret is in the railing separating the sidewalk from the traffic on the west side of the bridge. Give your kids a large stick (trust us) or a metal rod, then let them slide it along the bars of the rail as they walk, skip or run up and down the bridge. Your little musician will soon discover he’s actually playing a song called “Crab Carillon” composed by Joseph Waters. You might think of it as a really big xylophone. The song is a palindrome, so it sounds the same no matter which direction they walk. It’s a simple, yet charming way to pass the time.

700 25th St.
San Diego, Ca

 Have you visited any of these bridges? Let us know in the comments!

-Marissa Mullen

Photos by Marissa Mullen

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Frolic and Fun at Chelsea Flower Market

by sarah choi

If you’ve got early risers and find yourself itching to get out of the house at dawn, the Chelsea Flower Market is the perfect place to get some fresh air and amuse the little ones while you sip a tall latte. Early morning activities can be hard to find in the city that never sleeps, so we’ve put together our tips for exploring the Chelsea Flower Market the next time there’s a full moon and junior refuses to go back to bed at 5:00 am.

When to Go

You’ll find the Chelsea Flower Market on West 28th Street between 6th and 7th Avenues. We think it’s best to stay out of the way of the serious hagglers who arrive around 5:00 am. These are the retail florists and event planners who visit the market for trade and not for tourism. So instead, try a visit around 7:00 am when the hardcore buyers are finishing up and before the casual shoppers crowd the market later in the morning. Some shops close around noon, so a visit during the morning hours is a must.

Visit Our Favorite Florists

The Chelsea Flower Market strip grew organically in the 1890s, when flower wholesalers began flocking to the Ladies’ Mile shopping area. There were scores of shops along 28th Street and even more along the avenues and nearby streets as well. Now there are about twenty shops where you can find not only flowers, but ribbons, fake fruit, holiday lights, seashells and a whole lot more. Below are a few of our favorites, but don’t stop there! It’s really easy and fun to check out the whole block.

Jamali Garden (149 West 28th Street) is a favorite of Martha Stewart Living creative directors and editors, and we can see why. They offer a huge selection of decorative accents – from seashells to bamboo fencing and lanterns to porcelain rabbit statues.  Restyle the whole apartment with the kids one rainy afternoon, or just get creative with some new craft supplies.

As the name suggests, PANY Silk Garden (105 West 28th Street) is a treasure trove of artificial flowers and plants. The orchids and hydrangeas look so real, we had to touch them to be sure they were not. This is the retail shop of a larger artificial flower company, so it’s easy to shop here.

If prickly cacti is more your speed, Nobla Planta (106-A West 28th Street) is the place to visit. This plant specialist seems to have every varietal of cacti, along with tons of succulents and a huge variety of green and colorful plants.

Gary Page (120 West 28th Street) is one of the finest purveyor of fresh flowers and carries a really wide selection of gorgeous blooms. You’ll find everyday petals like roses and more obscure buds like dianthus here. This is a favorite spot for high-end florists, so be on good behavior checking out this signature shop!


Insider Tips

Ditch the stroller and put on your walking shoes or baby carrier. The sidewalks can be crowded with big standing plants and decorations, so navigating them is harder than typical city streets, if you can imagine! Also, the aisles inside many of the shops are very narrow as vendors pack in all the flowers and wares they possibly can.

Bring a sweater. The Flower Market shops get chilly, as refrigeration is a must to keep the flowers from wilting and to lengthen their shelf life. If you visit during the summer, you may love the blast of AC or perusing flowers stored in walk-in coolers. But the kiddos will thaw quickly and should have an extra layer to don, just in case.

Wholesale prices are reserved for businesses that have a tax identification number. If you’re in the shopping mood, be ready to buy at the retail price – about 4 to 5 times the wholesale price. Jamali Garden and Planter Resource have been known to give a wholesale break when you spend a pretty penny, so inquire there if you find some things you like.

Visit the loo before or after your visit. Because the Flower Market is a place of wholesale business first, and a public market second, you may not find the easily accessible or fresh-scented restrooms of other retail shops. Instead, check out list below of nearby spots to visit for a bite to eat or a diaper change to make your outing to Chelsea easier.

Kid-Friendly Spots Around the Corner

Given the gentrification of Chelsea and proximity to Penn Station, dependable chain establishments abound near the Chelsea Flower Market. While rather unsexy, we admit that sometimes it’s a dream to have diaper changing tables and healthy food options in a 2 to 3 block radius. Here’s a short list of places to tuck into for a morning snack or potty break:

  • BuyBuyBaby – 270 7th Avenue (West 25th and 26th Streets)
  • Whole Foods Market – 250 7th Avenue (West 24th Street)
  • Pret A Manger – 342 7th Avenue (West 29th Street)
  • Brooklyn Bagel & Coffee Company – 286 8th Avenue (West 24th and 25th Streets)
  • Starbucks – 776 6th Avenue (West 27th Street) and 315 7th Avenue (West 28th street)

What’s your favorite shop at the Chelsea Flower Market?

–Sarah K. Choi 

Photos courtesy of specialoperations, Jamali Gardens and PANY Silk Gardens.  

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