Keep baby cool and entertained this summer with sweet outdoor water play ideas they’ll love

When it comes to water play with babies, it’s easy to fall back on tub time. What’s not to love about bubble parties, paint parties, and letting your little one play with their favorite bath toys in a totally contained environment? It’s an easy way to keep kids cool (and clean) on a hot summer day. But it’s time to think outside the tub and leave the house for some creative outdoor water play with your little fish. Whether your child is scooting, crawling, cruising, or still working on tummy time, there are activities in this guide for them to enjoy. Just remember, splashing (and parental supervision) are required.

Water Painting

No Time for Flash Cards

Kids painting with no mess? Yes, please! Fill a tray with water, grab some brushes and sponges, and put your budding artist to work painting deck boards, rocks, driveway, or walls. Allison at No Time for Flash Cards suggests introducing different painting tools when attention starts to drift. Head over to her blog for more playtime tips.

DIY Car Wash

Design Mom

Upgrade from sprinklers by taking your little one through their very own car wash. Perfect for early walkers, they’ll love pushing their favorite “vehicle” through the water. Plus, you’re guaranteed some adorable photo ops. Visit Design Mom for a list of materials and assembly instructions.

Tummy Time with Water

Messy Motherhood

A little water transforms tummy time into a full-body sensory experience. Expect lots of giggles as your little one moves the water around and discovers the cause and effect of splashing. Check out how the resourceful mom over at Messy Motherhood set up this splash-tastic activity with items from around the house.

Giant Frog Pond

Asia Citro via Fun at Home with Kids

This giant frog pond provided hours of excitement for the tiny tadpoles over at Fun at Home with Kids. Hop over to the blog for instructions and sources for creating your own pond world.

Five Little Ducks Sensory Tub

The Imagination Tree

Attention, mama ducks! By adding an aquatic element to the classic children’s story, even the littlest ducklings will love taking the rubber ducks in and out of the bucket or tub as you sing the song. It’s a great way to work on numbers, counting, and music. Set the scene with instructions from The Imagination Tree.

Kiddie Pool Play

Learn Play Imagine

Your little one will have a ball splashing around in a kiddie pool filled with vibrantly colored plastic balls. Allison at Learn Play Imagine set up the pool for her 13-month-old twins, who loved—you guessed it—tossing the balls out onto the grass.

Baby Waterbed

Meri Cherry

A mini version of the popular water blob, these colorful “waterbeds” are perfectly sized for baby play. Great alone or when filled with bouncy balls and other objects, your little one will love pushing the water around inside. Visit Meri Cherry to learn how to make your own.

Water Scooping

Tinker Lab

Just water, a bucket, and colorful scooping tools can keep baby busy for a good long while. Using measuring cups, they'll practice how to pour, empty, and fill and will be captivated from start to finish. Get tips for play from Tinker Lab.

Tray Play

The Imagination Tree

Does your baby like water? Do you have a high chair or a baby plate with a suctioned bottom? Then you have everything it takes to try this. Babies will splash, trickle, pour, and go wild with just a little bit of water. Add a blast of color using food coloring to keep things interesting. Find out more from The Imagination Tree.

Gelatin Bath

Growing a Jeweled Rose

When you put blue Jell-O in the bathtub (try four boxes' worth, spread evenly on the bathtub floor), you get an awesome ocean adventure. Add plastic fish, boats, and duckies to keep with the theme. Learn more from the master of creative play at Fantastic Fun and Learning.

Bowls of Bubbles

The Imagination Tree

Sometimes the best toys are right in your kitchen cabinet. Anna at The Imagination Tree grabbed some measuring cups, plastic bowls, and dish soap and headed outside with her child for some bubbly fun. Her little one loved transferring the sudsy water from one container to another.

Cubes on a String

Dukes & Duchesses

Are you familiar with soap on a rope? Make an ice cube version of it by placing a piece of yarn throughout your ice cube tray and freezing colored cubes of water. The coolest part? The ice cubes, being attached, won’t slip away from your baby. Get the details from Dukes & Duchesses.

Rainbow Bath

Growing a Jeweled Rose

Babies love color and bubbles so why not combine the two? The blogger mama at Growing A Jeweled Rose throws food coloring and bubble bath in the sink for some rainbow water play.

Small Bowl, Big Fun

Childhood 101

A plastic bowl and a few baby-safe items are great for water play. Just a little bit of water is all you'll need, along with a few simple items such as large smooth rocks, spoons, and cups. This activity guarantees a wet baby so it's best on warm, sunny days. For more on this simple but effective experience, check out Childhood 101.

Baby-Safe Water Beads

Fun at Home with Kids

Water beads for baby? Yes, provided you make these mini, edible water beads. Follow this tutorial from Asia at Fun At Home with Kids. With just basil seeds, food coloring, and water, you’ll be on your way.

A Simple Sprinkler

MI PHAM via Unsplash

One of the easiest ways to let wee ones get some water action is turning on a sprinkler in the yard, set on low, of course. Any sprinkler head will do the job, but a kid-friendly one will add a little something extra to playtime.

Additional reporting by Gabby Cullen

Get all the fun of Great Wolf Lodge without the cost

Are your kids jonesing for a day at the waterpark? Did you know that you can visit one of the many Great Wolf Lodge locations across the US without staying the night? The Great Wolf Lodge day pass is a great way to get the fun of the water park, restaurants, activities, and more.

Purchase your day pass online before you head over. Kids 2 and under do not require a pass but all other guests entering the facility will need a pass (even those not planning on swimming). Pick up your passes at the front desk when you arrive.

family at Great Wolf Lodge
Great Wolf Lodge

Here are some other tips for your visit:

  • Guests are strongly encouraged to bring their own towels.
  • Coolers and outside food are not permitted in the water park.
  • Lockers are available at a nominal fee on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • You are welcome to bring your own life jacket. Great Wolf provides Coast Guard-approved life jackets on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Parking fees apply at our Southern California location.

Dry-land attractions and dining outlets are available at an additional cost. You are not able to add on a dining package to your day pass.

For those worried that day pass might cause crowds and wait times for the pools and slides, Great Wolf Lodge promises to maintain capacity restraints. “Families love knowing that when they come to the waterpark at Great Wolf Lodge, they won’t need to wait in long lines for their favorite slides, struggle to find a deck chair, or swim shoulder to shoulder in our pools,” Murray Hennessy, chief executive officer for Great Wolf Resorts said in a press release. “By managing capacity levels at our waterparks we will continue to offer a stress-free waterpark experience, just as we have from the onset of Great Wolf Lodge.”

With summer rolling in, it’s time to scout out some great sandy spots by the water.  Head to a river or the beach for an afternoon filled with splashing, sand castles and nature adventures. It’s the stuff a kids’ summer dreams are made of. There are tons of beautiful beaches near Portland that are just a short drive away from the city and we’ve rounded up our favorite spots for kids together for you. Read on to find out more.

two moms with kids on shoulders on beach vacation
iStock

Glen Otto Community Park

These sandy stretches along the appropriately-named Sandy River make excellent summer destinations. The wide river banks offer slow moving and shallow water, and further back you’ll find picnic grounds, barbecue pits, and a playground. The easy access from Portland means that this spot is popular (read: gets really busy), but the water’s always fine!

Online: outdoorproject.com/

Walton Beach

For a classic beach day without the drive to the coast, Walton Beach on Sauvie Island is the ticket. Spend a day on the river watching for eagles, counting cargo ships, and splashing the sand away. It’s a popular spot that doesn’t usually feel too crowded—there’s still plenty of room to fly a kite! Keep in mind that it’s still 9 miles once you get to the island, and roads can be busy on sunny weekends. A $10 daily parking pass is available at the Cracker Barrel Store right off the bridge to the island.

(If you’ve heard rumors of a nude beach, they’re true: Collins Beach is also at the north end of the island, but it’s much further north—there’s no risk of accidentally ending up there if you don’t want to.)

Online: sauvieisland.org

Sellwood Riverfront

Decades ago you might never have thought to swim in the Willamette, but it’s a favored spot that Portland families head to for fun. One of the closest access points is the Sellwood Riverfront. The beach is more of a pebble-sand thing, and you might have to share it with some pooches, but for a quick afternoon dip’n’splash, it can’t be beat.

Online: portlandoregon.gov/parks

Oxbow Regional Park

On the banks of the Sandy River, Oxbow has plenty of sandy areas to enjoy. Because of the wide swaths of beach and the calm, shallow river, it’s a great choice for kids who want to play and splash. Combine a trip with some of the trails through the nearby forest, or cast off your kayak for a float. No dogs allowed, day use fee is $5.

Online: oregonmetro.gov/parks

iStock

Cannon Beach

Cannon Beach is one of the most popular beach towns on the Oregon coast. People travel from all over Oregon to hang out on this gorgeous stretch of beach. Just offshore, the glorious Haystack Rock is a magnet for beachgoers, providing great photo opportunities and tide-pooling possibilities, and the wide, sandy beach stretches for miles. Spend a day, or stay over night or for an entire weekend! It's a great location for a summer getaway.

Online: cannonbeach.org

George Rogers Park

This wide Lake Oswego beach on the Willamette River keeps very popular with families on the hottest days of the year. While it’s not huge, there’s plenty of space to fit in, and the nearby park with amenities like a playground, restrooms, picnic areas, and sports fields means there’s something for everyone. Check the website for specific restrictions due to COVID-19.

Online: ci.oswego.or.us

Dabney State Park

Downriver from Oxbow, Dabney makes a fun day trip with kids. Sand dunes, clean water, and a small river offshoot that makes for fun explorations with the little ones. Because it’s such a calm spot on the river, it’s very popular to launch inner tubes from, and can get crowded on a hot summer day. But you can always escape to the rest of the park, with an old orchard, ponds, disc golf, and forest hikes waiting. $5 day use fee.

Online: oregonstateparks.org

Henry Hagg Lake/Scoggins Valley Park

A man-made lake with lots of beaches to choose from, Henry Hagg is surprisingly big, and the water is pleasantly warm! Tucked outside of town on the west side, it’s a beautiful area. The beaches are well-used and offer grills and boat ramps, as the lake is a popular boating destination. If your first beach choice is too crowded, you can drive around the lake until you locate your perfect spot. $7 entrance fee.

Online: recreation.gov/camping/gateways/1146

Andrew Dawes

Broughton Beach

Located off Marine Drive in the north of Portland, this popular beach offers unparalleled access to the Columbia River as jets fly by overhead. The beach may fill up with families on hot days, but as it stretches 1.3 miles, there’s plenty of space to share. It makes an excellent option for an easy, nearby day at the beach. $5 day use fee.

Online: oregonmetro.gov/parks

Honorable Mentions

Their sandy spots are a bit smaller, and no kids under 5 are allowed in the waters, so these places are not quite top picks but still great for other reasons.

Blue Lake Regional Park

A beautiful vibrant lake popular with the whole family! Explore the wetlands, reserve a picnic shelter, rent a paddleboat, or play on the sports fields. While the littlest can’t swim in the lake, they can enjoy the nature discovery garden or play in the gushing, dumping, spraying, splash pad. $5 day use fee.

21224 NE Blue Lake Road
Portland, OR
Online: oregonmetro.gov

Battle Ground Lake State Park

Nestled amid a Washington state forest, Battle Ground Lake is a bit colder than it’s river counterparts, but beautiful. It’s surrounded by trees, picnic spots, restrooms, a few hiking trails, and you can even fish for trout in the lake! Requires Washington Discover Pass ($11.50/day, $35/annual).

18002 N.E. 249th St.
Battle Ground, WA
Online: parks.wa.gov

—Annette Benedetti

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When people refer to our city as Hotlanta, they are not kidding. It can get downright scorching in the spring and summer months. And while private pools or country clubs can cost a pretty penny, we’ve scouted out some family-friendly places where you can cool off with the kiddos on the cheap. Grab your goggles and read on for the low down on our five favorite Atlanta community pools.

Chastain Park Athletic Club

iStock

Nestled inside Chastain Park you’ll find Chastain Park Athletic Club, a perfect place to take your little minnows for a day of swimming. The club has three pools: a deep pool, a family pool and a lap pool. The family pool is 3 ft. 6in. deep and has stairs that run along one entire end, making it a perfect spot for splashing with ‘lil swimmers. At this well-maintained community pool, you’ll find bathhouses, a snack bar, picnic tables and lots of shady places to camp out with the kiddos.

Details:  Visit the pool for free from 12-1:30 p.m. on weekdays, and for $5 for all ages from 2-4:30 p.m.; check the website for more info.

Hint: If you are looking to beat the crowds, try heading over on a weekday. Monday through Wednesday are usually the least crowded.

235 Chastain Park Ave. NW
Buckhead
404-255-2762
Online: teamunify.com

McKoy Pool

iStock

Ah, the city of Decatur. They do so many things right and McKoy Pool and Park is no exception. McKoy Park has a giant play area that is relatively new with slides, swings and climbing structures. You‘ll also find a nice picnic area, as well as a skate park. McKoy pool features a zero-entry (beach style) pool and splash fountains which are a big hit with the little ones. You’ll also find lounge chairs and oversized umbrellas for lots of shade.

Details: Daily swim is available Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., and will close for weekday swimming on August 1. It will remain open on weekends through Labor Day. Admission is $5 for each person older than 2.

Hint: This is a fun and well-maintained pool, but be prepared for plenty of company. This pool is very popular with Decatur's small set because of the zero-entry pathway.

534 Mckoy St.
Decatur
404-378-8084
Online: decaturga.com

Roswell Area Park Pool

iStock

The Roswell Area Park Pool is situated in the huge forest-like setting of Roswell Area Park. With plenty of great walking paths, ball fields, tennis courts and several nice playgrounds this park really has it all. The pool itself is Olympic-sized with eight lanes, two diving boards and a children’s wading pool. And of course, no kid-friendly pool is complete without the beloved mushroom waterfall!

Details: Roswell residents pay $3.00 and non-residents pay $4.50. It's closed Thursdays, and generally opens at 11 a.m. on all days but Sundays, when it opens at 1 p.m. Hours will change as the season continues so check the website before you go.

Hint: If you’re looking for more than casual splashing, check out some of the many programs offered at the pool, like aquatic exercise, or swim lessons for the kiddos.

10495 Woodstock Rd.
Roswell
770-641-3822
Online: roswellgov.com

Garden Hills Pool

Atlanta labor day weekend events
iStock

Snug in the beautiful Garden Hills neighborhood, this pool has been popular with residents and guests for years. Enjoy its concession stand, updated bathrooms and an indoor party room—not to mention the shady playground just outside its front door, and the playing field adjacent to the pool. 

Details: Admission is $5 per person and free swim hours are from opening to closing, with the exception of from 12-2 p.m. and 2:15-4:15. Member-only hours begin daily at 4:30 p.m.

Hint: Stay in the loop on Garden Hills Facebook page for updates on fun events like The Garden Hills Pool dog swim and movie nights!

335 Pinetree Dr. NE
Buckhead
404-848-7220
Online: gardenhillspool.com

Piedmont Park Aquatic Center

Jeff Dunham on Unsplash

Last but not least, the most well-known park in the city of Atlanta is also home to what we think has got to be one of the prettiest pools city! With beautiful views of the park and Lake Clare Meer, fountains, a large deck and even a lazy river this pool makes for a great day of pool fun with the little ones.

Details: Free swim hours are Monday through Friday from 3-5 p.m., and $5 per person during all other hours (Monday - Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday & Sunday from 12-5 p.m.) They also have lockers available to store your belongings and a fun concession stand for midday snacks.

Hint: This year, there will be no available seating or furniture on the pool deck due to Covid precautions, but guests may bring their own chairs.

1320 Monroe Dr. NE
Midtown
404-875-7275
Online: piedmontpark.org

Featured photo courtesy of iStock.

—Shelley Massey

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The weather is warm and the sun is shining. Get some fresh air and catch some vitamin D while checking out one of these parks with creeks and rivers for some splashing fun with your whole gang. Pack up a picnic blanketsunblock and towels for a fun day in the great outdoors.

Editor’s note: Due to COVID-19 regulations, park access and closures are subject to change. Check park websites for updates before planning your visit.

Catoctin Creek Park & Nature Center

three children creek stomping in Virginia
Toddlin' Across America

Take a leisurely hike down to Pebble Beach, and get ready to do some old fashioned creek stomping. Stop by a shade-drenched picnic table for a quick snack on your way down to the water. When your kiddos are all splashed out, head over to the musical instrument garden and play a few tunes.

2929 Sumantown Rd.
Middletown, MD 21769
Online: recreater.com

Elizabeth Mills Riverfront Park

three children climbing on rocks near river in Virginia
Toddlin' Across America

Just try and keep your little ones from climbing the rocks sprawled across this riverfront locale. Or don't, because this wading area is fun for all ages. Don't be put off by the stroll through the golf course. It is worth the walk to enjoy some time in the chilly river water.

44105 Heron Way
Lansdowne, VA 20176
Online: loudoun.gov

Blue Ridge Center for Environmental Stewardship

LocowithKids

Step back in time as you step into a flowing stream. Take the Farmstead Loop, the center's signature hiking trail. Just over a mile long, the path is perfect for the whole family. Once a road through a 19th-century farming community, this scenic trail passes by multiple historic structures, Wortman Pond (great for splashing), and Piney Run.

11661 Harpers Ferry Rd.
Purcellville, VA 20132
Online: blueridgecenter.org

C&O Canal Towpath

Toddlin' Across America

What is the towpath, exactly? The towpath is the dirt and stone path that runs 184.5 miles along the C&O Canal, where families can walk, run, or bike the distance between Georgetown and Cumberland, MD, but we prefer the stop in Point of Rocks, MD. The Potomac River's view is beautiful, so beautiful that you won't be able to resist a little toe-dipping.

Point of Rocks, MD
Online: nps.gov

Terrapin Nature Area

Amazon

You won't want to miss these spectacular views of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and some prime splashing on the sandy beaches. This award-winning 276-acre nature park features a 3.25-mile oyster chaff walking trail that meanders through wildflower meadows, wetlands, tidal ponds and woodlands. Keep an eye out for lots of creatures and critters too.

191 Log Canoe Circle
Stevensville, MD 21666
Online: qac.org

Potomac Heritage Trail

Jodie P. via Yelp

About a mile in, you'll discover an awesome pool and little waterfall perfect for some afternoon water fun. Enjoy a few creek crossings along the way too. This is a great option when you don't want to travel too far out of the city.

The Mouth of Pimmit Run & Pimmit Run
and Chain Bridge Historical Makers
McLean, VA
Online: nps.gov

Worth the Drive: Cool Spring Preserve

LocowithKids

Consider crossing state lines for this one because it is worth the extra miles. The crystal clear creek isn't the main attraction here. Your little ones will be all about the natural playspace before the splashing begins. Head to the stream to cool off after some tree stump and spider web rope climbing.

1469 Lloyd Rd
Charles Town, WV 25414
Online: potomacaudubon.org

—Meghan Yudes Meyers, Angelica Kajiwara and Nella DuBon-Koch

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As soon as kids can reach a faucet, it seems they are drawn to splashing around in the water—much to the chagrin of your kitchen floor. Turn your little bit’s intrigue into intellect with these simple water-based science experiments for kids that you can do at home

.

Cloud in a Jar

What you need: A jar with a lid, 1/3 cup hot water, ice, hairspray.

How to: Pour hot water into jar. Place lid upside down on top of jar. Place a handful of ice cubes on the lid and let sit there for approximately 20 seconds. Remove the lid and quickly spray a spritz of hairspray into the jar. Replace the lid with the ice on top back onto the jar, and watch as a cloud forms inside the jar. When a good amount of condensation forms, remove the lid and watch as the cloud escapes.

How it works: Some of the warm water in the jar turns to water vapor as it rises to the top of the jar and comes into contact with cold air. Water vapor condenses as it cools and a cloud forms when the vapor has something to stick to (i.e. pollution...or hairspray).

photo: Gift of Curiosity

Have you tried any cool water science experiments with your kids?

—Ayren Jackson-Cannady

 

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Your family vacation time is limited, and it can be challenging to figure out what you want to do with your precious days off: cruise or family resort? A stay at the Seadust Family Resort in Cancun gives your crew the best of both worlds. This ship-like locale offers travelers luxury accommodations, access to awesome activities and some much-needed family time on the Riviera Maya in Mexico. Read on to find out why you should book your next family getaway at the Seadust Family Resort in Cancun.

photo via Seadust Family Resort

Your Stay

You’ll set sail on the white, sandy beaches of Cancun when you book your stay at the Seadust. Designed to look and feel like an enormous cruise ship, this elegant family resort provides visitors with luxury accommodations, tons of onsite entertainment, access to a beautiful beach front, and some of the best dining you’ll find in Cancun.

Accommodations
The Seadust’s Family Suites are designed to provide comfort and space for each member of your family. You can choose between a king-size or double beds in the main area of the room. And your kids will be thrilled to find bunk beds in a separate area where they can relax and play without mom and dad looking over their every move. All of the suites have beautiful views with partial ocean views. And the amenities include a fully  furnished balcony, a Smart TV with children’s programming in the kids space and a flat screen TV in the adult’s area. You’ll also enjoy round-the-clock room service, so you can dine in, and even enjoy a midnight snack.

Do

This resort takes family fun seriously. You’ll want to spend a good amount of time playing in the turquoise waters and on the stunning white-sandy beaches, but there’s so much more available to your crew. Seadust features three infinity pools with breathtaking views of the ocean. Your kids will love splashing and playing, while you relax and soak up the sun. There’s even and adults-only pool for mom and dad to enjoy when the kids are in the kids club. After a day packed with play, you may also choose to soak in one of the whirlpools.

The onsite Treasure Island Waterpark, takes water play to the next level with slides and a pirate ship made just for the little guys. When they are done getting wet, the opportunity for fun doesn’t end. There is a miniature golf course that makes putting extra fun. For the little monkeys in your clan, a rock climbing wall provides just what they need to get their wiggles out. There’s even something for the adrenaline junkies in the family! Kids can soar over the golf course on a zip line designed just for them!

photo via Seadust Family Resort

Parents haven’t been forgotten. The athletes in the family can enjoy hitting the courts: tennis or basketball. And you don’t have to miss your regular workouts, because this resort has an impressive, well-equipped fitness facility with everything you need to work off all of the all-inclusive meals and drinks you’ll be enjoying. You’ll find  relief from the sore muscles that result from all your active play a Seadust’s Spa facilities where you can choose from a variety of relaxing body treatments. We suggest  the hot stone massage, or add a little romance with a couples massage.

If you decide to venture offsite, we suggest checking out Xenses Park for a unique experience. This cool park plays tricks with your mind as each attraction uses, and sometimes fools, your five senses. Walk the streets of an authentic Mexican town where you won’t be sure if you are going up or down. There’s a slide and a zip line, and an opportunity to discover, in pitch black darkness, different ecosystems perfectly represented by the flora and the sound of fauna of each one. You’ll leaving the park feeling more in love with mother earth than ever before.

When the evening rolls around, head to the theater where you can catch unique shows that include dancing, music and a whole lot of local flair.

The Kids Club

As much as spending time with the whole family together is a top priority on any trip, a little downtime for mom and dad doesn’t hurt. The Seadust has a kids club your kiddos won’t want to leave. Open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., this well-staffed child care runs aprogram complete with activities that include treasure hunts, water games, painting, cooking, sports, movies, and more.

There’s even a baby club for the tiniest of tots. This program is set in a magical area packed with toys and equipped with cribs and everything needed to properly pamper the babes (ages 18 months to four years eleven months old). The program includes  supervised care and activities like splashing in the baby pool, the magic story time, water gymnastics, coloring time, and much more.

Dine

Food is a common complaint about all-inclusive resorts. The quality of the dining establishments at the Seadust, is truly next-level so be prepared for some serious over-indulgence. Savor mouth watering French cuisine at Le Maison De Michelle where you’ll dine on dishes like magret of duck in raspberry sauce, beef stew “bourguignon”, and escargots with wild mushrooms and bacon.

El Maguey offers guests authentic Mexican dishes. You’ll love their tacos and traditional sopas. At Samurai you can savor a traditional Japanese meal and get your Sushi fix. For Mediterranean Italian fare, head to The Lighthouse where you can choose from a variety of seafood and pasta dishes. We suggest the fresh lobster. There’s even an onsite steakhouse that transports you to London.

For a super casual, buffet-style breakfast, lunch and dinner, head to the Food Gallery. Here you can choose from dishes from around the world without having to worry about your kids making too much noise or being wiggly. There is literally something for everyone in the family and then some.

Family vacation time is limited and important. Choosing a destination that allows everyone in your crew to have fun and feel comfortable is important. The Seadust Family Resort in Cancun is the perfect place to spend your precious time away from work together. Every aspect of this resort is designed to meet the wants and needs of family while providing next-level fun and the sensation that you are exploring the sea.

—Annette Benedetti

Special thanks to Seadust Family Resort for assistance with accommodations and entertainment. All opinions here expressed are the writer’s own. 

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The SpaceX Dragon capsule successfully took off from Cape Canaveral this week with a massive load of supplies headed for the International Space Station. Among the scientific instruments, food and other important supplies for the astronauts, the 5,500 pound load also contained Nickelodeon Slime.

That’s right, the same neon green slime that has been splashing kids and celebs for years is headed to outer space for educational purposes. Scientists aboard the ISS will be conducting experiments to see how Double Dare’s famous green goo performs in microgravity, but the real purpose of the special slime promotion is to get kids excited about STEM research and education.

“We’re going to slime a couple of astronauts and put it through a couple demonstrations,” said Andrew Machles, a vice president of public affairs at Viacom, which owns Nickelodeon.

In addition to the Nickelodeon slime, the supply load also contained an Adidas soccer ball. “Observing and measuring the motion of soccer balls in microgravity improves understanding of the general behavior of free-flying objects,” NASA explained. “This could contribute to better design and use of free-flying objects such as small robots in spacecraft.”

Sounds like the six astronauts aboard the ISS will be having a pretty fun time for the next few weeks!

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Featured photo: Nickelodeon via Twitter

 

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To rinse or not to rinse, that is the question. Your chicken, that is. The great foodie debate is raising concerns with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention—putting iconic chef Julia Child’s position (to wash) on the back-burner.

Child famously “fought” (more of a friendly disagreement) with fellow chef Jacques Pepin on their PBS series Julia & Jacques Cooking at Home, insisting that poultry required a rinse before roasting. Pepin took the “hot oven kills the germs” stance, nixing the notion of washing chicken before cooking it.

So which position is the right one? Celeb chef Ina Garten sides with Pepin. But she’s not the only one. Like Pepin and Garten, the CDC is also an advocate for the not-washing stance.

Why shouldn’t you wash your chicken before cooking it? According to a recent tweet, the CDC says to not wash your poultry products. The reason being, “Washing can spread germs from the chicken to other food or utensils in the kitchen.”

There you have it! Rinse raw chicken and you run the risk of splashing germ-infused water onto your broccoli, cauliflower, spoons, forks and everything else that’s nearby. And that’s a major no-no. Instead of washing chicken, the CDC recommends cooking your poultry thoroughly to an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

—Erica Loop

Feature photo: Wow Pho via Pixabay

 

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Is your little one a water baby? Finding the perfect pool to take tiny tots can be tough, but we are here to make it easier. Grab those swim diapers! The following Portland metro pools offer low (or no) chlorine for sensitive eyes, shallow depths for little legs and warmer temps for sensitive skin. Read on to discover our favorite places for babies and toddlers to splash around when the weather heats up.

happy pool baby: photo by M Sundstrom via flickr

Columbia Park Pool
Come on in, the water’s fine. The shallowest part of this pool is 1.5 feet, perfect for coaxing reluctant dippers, or just for sitting and enjoying the water with mom or dad. The water’s heated to a reasonable 86 degrees, and the locker rooms and decks are kept warm, too. That might make it a bit steamy for those not in a swimsuit, but there won’t be a shock to baby’s system when they get out of the water. If that means there’s a smaller chance of a meltdown, we’re on board.

Cost: $4.75/adults and seniors, $3.75/kids, 2 & under free
7701 N Chautauqua Blvd.
503-823-3669
Online: portlandoregon.gov

Kennedy School soaking pool: photo by Pui S. via Yelp

Kennedy School
Minors are welcome in this low-Chlorine option. The pool doesn’t get too crowded, thanks to a limit on the number of soakers at once. Note that this is a soaking pool, not a splashing pool. Kids are very welcome, but the relaxing atmosphere calls for a laidback floating session with a babe, not a splashfest. Check on the temperature to make sure it’s not too hot for those sweet chubby legs. Kids are ok until 6 p.m. After that, it’s time for the adults in the hotel or ‘hood to have some kid-free time.

Cost: $5/person. Free for those from immediate neighborhood, with ID.
5736 N.E. 33rd Ave.
503-249-3983
Online: mcmenamins.com

Pier Pool
Neighbors can’t wait for this favorite spot to open for the summer in early June. You’ll find two 25-foot pools here: a shallow pool, perfect for splashing with the whole family, and a deeper lap pool heated to 84 degrees. Just outside the fenced pool area are towering evergreens, keeping the poolside area shady, and avoiding some of that harsh concrete glare.

Cost: $4.75/adults & seniors, $3.75/child, 2 & under free
N Seneca St. & St Johns Ave.
503-823-3678
Online: portlandoregon.gov

East Portland Community Center pool: photo by Jim A. via Yelp

East Portland Community Center
The East Portland Community Center is a hot spot for families looking to cool off. Family changing rooms and a clean locker room make changing time easy. A 3-lane 20-yard lap swim section heated to 88 degrees, just about right in a warm indoor pool. Check out preschool swim from on Fridays from 9:30-11:30 a.m., when only the littlest kids are allowed. It might not be calm, but at least those toddlers are in arms-length of their parents. (Preschool parent swim is also available at several other community centers, like Wilson Pool, Grant Outdoor Pool, Mt. Scott, and Matt Dishman.)

Cost: $6/adult, $4.75 senior/teen, $4.25/children (3-13), 2 & under free
740 SE 106th Ave.
503-823-3450
Online: portlandoregon.gov

Harman Swim Center
This westside indoor pool is kept at a comfortable 88-89 degrees to keep all ages swimmers happy and comfortable. Babes ages six months & up can take American Red Cross swimming lessons here, too. Open swims are currently held at a different time every day, so you should be able to find at least one that jives with your little splasher’s nap schedule.

Cost: $5/adult, $4/military, $3.50 youth & seniors, $4.50 out of district, under 1 free
7300 SW Scholls Ferry Rd.
Beaverton
503-629-6314
Online: thprd.org

 

North Clackamas Aquatic Park: photo by Eli Duke via flickr

North Clackamas Aquatic Park
Whew, there’s a whole lot to do at North Clackamas Aquatic Park, and a lot of water fun being had. Bigger kids will be living it up in the wave pool and waterslides, while parents with babes splash around in the wading pool, heated to a comfortable 88 degrees. North Clackamas is a great choice for when the whole family wants to go out to swim. The older kid(s) can go get their thrills and swimming lessons with one parent, and the other can take it slow and easy. Or, take baby to one of the lowkey and affordable preschool swims for kids 8 & under.

Cost: $6:50. See website for details.
7300 SE Harmony Rd.
Milwaukie
503-557-7873
Online: ncprd.com

Firstenburg Community Center
Firstenburg’s zero-depth pool entry lets little ones dip their toes in. Your baby probably isn’t walking in, but it does allow a gradual introduction to the water for curious or cautious kiddos. Baby swim lessons are available, and if you would like to work out while you’re here, there’s a “child watch” program available. You could drop off the kiddo for half an hour, then pick them up and go on a family splashing session. Win-win!

Cost: $7/adults, $5/seniors, $4/kids ages 4-18, 3 & under free
700 NE 136th Ave.
Vancouver
360-487-7001
Online: cityofvancouver.us/firstenburg

—Annette Benedetti

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