ML Interest Tag: teacup

The Best Tea Kettles, Accessories, and Leaves for When You’re Feeling Fancy

by Kate Cartia

This one isn’t for the coffee lovers. Unless you’re a coffee lover who also happens to love tea, then stick around. Tea is making a major comeback—if it ever really left—and we’re noticing. Americans aren’t notorious for tea drinking, but with more focus on wellness and overall general health, these lovely leaves (and herbs and flowers) are in the spotlight. Not only are the classics still well-loved, but new blends, accessories, and tea kettles are gaining some serious popularity and we’ve gotta admit; we’re feeling pretty fancy.

No shade to coffee. But there’s just something about the ritual of tea that’s relaxing in and of itself. Add to it the health benefits (heart benefits! antioxidants! detoxing!) and the sheer zen of it all, it’s really not shocking that si many people are getting on the tea train. In honor of the de-stressing moments of brewing up a cup, we’ve put together some of our favorite tea-party-for-one (or two or ten) goodies to make your routine even more special. From the absolute gold standard in tea kettles (there is one. Trust us.) to beautiful cups and saucers and blends, your Alice in Wonderland era is here. Minus the hallucinations and grinning cats and stuff.

Butterfly Pea Flower Tea by Anima Mundi

glass mug filled with butterfly pea flower tea on a wooden table
Anima Mundi

How stunning is this blue? While the aesthetics of Butterfly Pea Flower Tea are definitely a bonus, the real magic is the health-promoting compounds, including antioxidants (such as anthocyanin), and contributing to healthy-looking skin, hair and eyes. Its rich blue color is utilized as a natural dye and it's sometimes combined with water plus an acidic ingredient, such as lemon, which changes the pH of water, so its color changes from blue to violet! 

Butterfly Pea Flower Tea by Anima Mundi ($35.00)—Buy Here!

Baristan Electric Gooseneck Kettle by SAKI

black gooseneck electric tea kettle
SAKI

Modern. Minimalist. Sleek. And, of course, supremely practical whether you're a tea lover or a coffee connoisseur. Of course, it's not just about the aesthetics with this one from SAKI. The Baristan has a unique plastic-free interior, ultimate temperature accuracy, a ring light indicator, fast heating time (you'll be ready to pour in 5 minutes!), and a ton of other features we didn't even realize we'd need in a kettle. Turns out, we definitely do. This one is an investment you'll use every single day.

Baristan Electric Gooseneck Kettle by SAKI ($110.00)—Buy Here!

Honey-Bathed Blooming Tea Ball on a Spoon

Etsy

If there's anything we've learned, it's that the tea experience is just as much about the visuals as the taste. These honey-bathed, bound blooming tea balls are dusted with organic honey and adhered to a gold leaf tea spoon. Just add boiling hot water to your tea cup, unwrap your tea ball pop, and submerge into the water. Stir slightly, and your tea ball will open up to reveal a lovely, whole blooming tea flower. We were unprepared for this level of tea magic.

Honey-Bathed Blooming Tea Ball on a Spoon, Set of 4 ($36.74+)—Buy Here!

2-in-1 Kettle and Tea Maker by Teabloom

Teabloom

A modern twist on a classic style, this glass teapot allows you to see your tea steep—something especially cool when you use blooming teas! You can use any loose leaf blends, though, since it comes with an infuser to make your tea time ultra-relaxing.

2-in-1 Kettle and Tea Maker by Teabloom ($29.99)—Buy Here!

Teabloom Flowering Tea

blooming tea sachet product image
Teabloom

Speaking of flowering teas, these Teabloom teas are handcrafted by artisans with high-quality green tea leaves and edible flowers. They're especially made for glass tea pots since the display is so beautiful, but they also taste wonderful. Each flower makes a full pot of tea, and this set comes with 12 different varieties, including 'Sunset Love' and 'Shooting Star'. Who wouldn't want to drink a shooting star?

Teabloom Flowering Tea ($19.95)—Buy Here!

Jubilee Tea Collection by Tea Forte

box of pyramid tea open around flowers
Tea Forte

Inspired by Tea Forte's 5 years of partnership with The New York Botanical Garden, this collection brings together all 4 collaborations. Packaged in the tradition of original artwork created from the Garden's library, Jubilee pays includes the Jardin, Fleur, Soleil, and Paradis collections. The 20 pyramid set includes drool-worthy blends like Vanilla Rose and Cherry Blossom.

Jubilee Tea Collection by Tea Forte ($38.00)—Buy Here!

Whistling Tea Kettle by Caraway

4 colored tea kettles on display stands
Caraway

One of Caraway's best bestselling pieces, the Whistling Tea Kettle looks as good on your stovetop as it does as a centerpiece on your brunch table. Available in multiple colors, it's nontoxic, so your water stays clean. 

Whistling Tea Kettle by Caraway ($195.00)—Buy Here!

Frosted Teacup & Saucer Set

a peach colored tea cup being filled
Urband Outfitters

The vintage look of this set is just so perfect, and the saucer is icing on the cake. It also comes in a very fresh minty green. We're grabbing both (they're dishwasher safe!).

Frosted Teacup & Saucer Set ($14.00)—Buy Here!

Cuzen Matcha Maker Starter Kit

white cuzen matcha maker machine on kitchen countertop
Cuzen

Passionate about matcha? So is Cuzen. With this kit, you can make a shot of matcha to create your favorite latte, cocktail, mocktail, or just to sip on its own. The machine mimics the traditional stone mill and bamboo whisk, and there's even a grind only function for powder you can bake with, use as a garnish, or integrate into your beauty routine. The Cuzen Match Maker is designed to work with their signature tea leaves.

Cuzen Matcha Maker Starter Kit ($299.00)—Buy Here!

Everything Nice Bowls, Set of 2

Hawkins New York

Whether it's brown and white sugar, spices, or q-tips, this bowl set from Hawkins New York is the perfect way to add a little whimsy to your life. (We mentioned the Alice in Wonderland thing, right?)

Everything Nice Bowls, Set of 2 ($100.00)—Buy Here!

Lady Lady Teaspoons, Set of 4

four decorated tea spoons
Anthropologie

Dreaming of spring? It's right around the corner, thankfully, but these sweet little spring bugs celebrate all year on these teaspoons.

Lady Lady Teaspoons, Set of 4 ($36.00)—Buy Here!

Fellow Clyde Stovetop Tea Kettle

West Elm

We don't usually think 'chic' when we think about tea kettles, but this one warrants it. For the minimalist in you, this unique kettle is a seriously stunning addition to your kitchen.

Fellow Clyde Stovetop Tea Kettle ($105.00)—Buy Here!

Organic Ceremonial Grade Matcha Powder

eco heed

Organic, stone-ground matcha from Uji -Kyoto, Japan makes for a smooth cup  without any bitterness. Plus, that green hue would make anyone happy.

Organic Ceremonial Grade Matcha Powder ($22.49)—Buy Here!

'The Home Café: Creative Recipes for Espresso, Matcha, Tea and Coffee Drinks'

The Home Cafe book
Amazon

You have your matcha powder; now put it to even more creative use. For both coffee and tea lovers alike, this book helps you take your regular grind (pardon the pun) and switch it up into something a little more fun.

'The Home Café: Creative Recipes for Espresso, Matcha, Tea and Coffee Drinks' ($19.39)—Buy Here!

Tupelo Honey Spoons

package of 6 honey dipped spoons for tea
Melville Candy

Tea and honey go together like...tea and honey. Just use one of these dipped spoons to stir your favorite tea and add the perfect amount of sweetness as the honey dissolves.

Tupelo Honey Spoons ($12.14)—Buy Here!

Pink Poppy Teapot

glass teapot embossed with red and pink floral design
Etsy

Absolutely swoon-worthy, this stunning glass teapot is hand painted with poppies in rich pink hues. It includes a removable infuser, too, and is available in 2 sizes.

Pink Poppy Teapot ($76.41+)—Buy Here!

Horoscope Tea Variety Pack by DAVIDsTEA

box of horoscope themed tea
DAVIDsTEA

Get a glimpse into the future—which looks a lot like a steaming cup of tea inspired by the stars. Each zodiac sign is represented here, so you can try the whole sky.

Horoscope Tea Variety Pack by DAVIDsTEA ($12.00)—Buy Here!

All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.

All images courtesy of retailers.

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Make Magic with Your Very Own Fairy Garden for Kids

by Amber Guetebier

Celebrate the beauty of spring by making a magical fairy garden all your own

Your little one is no stranger to enchantments: from peering under rocks to fashioning wings and wands, the kingdom of the fairy is a magical place perfect for budding imaginations. What better way than to combine a love of the fae with a little small-scale gardening, of the little people, by the little people, and for the little people! We’ve got an easy tutorial on how to make a fairy garden for kids right here. For more seasonal fun, try a different gardening project for kids or giggle at a few spring jokes.

What You Need to Make a Fairy Garden for Kids

a succulent fairy garden for kids
Sara Olsher

A garden pot. Preferably one that is wide and/or bowl-shaped, so you have more room for all the tiny things, but any will do. Don’t forget the potting soil!

Plants. You can use annuals like lobelia, violets, or marigolds, or use succulents/sedum or other dwarf ground covers. If you want to get elaborate, get some bonsai trees. If your garden is indoor-only, look for teeny-tiny house plants, which you can pick up at a garden center for only a few dollars. Be sure and water the plants when you bring them home and before planting.

Shortcut: no plants or place to really grow them? Try a little florist moss for a woodland effect without the woods!

Little Things. Here’s where you can get creative. Decorate your fairy garden with little items found or created. Pinecones trees, stick teepees, and stones for benches or garden paths all give the fairy garden an au naturel feeling. Many nurseries now carry miniature “fairy house” items, but you can scour your toy boxes for the just-right accessory: a petite teacup could become a fountain or reflection pool, little flags from hors d’oeuvres designate fairy territory, large marbles become garden globes. We love this popsicle stick house (and table and chair set). Also, try aquarium stores for tiny castles and similar structures. And don’t forget LEGO bricks! 

Create Your Fairy Kingdom

a jeweled fairy garden for kids
iStock

Fill your pot with soil. If you have any larger “structural” items, such as a tiny house, put that in place before you plant. Designate an area where you will put your garden path. Most of the smaller items can be added after, or in some cases, on top of the plants.

Make sure your plants have been watered but aren’t still soaking wet.

Tip: Layout your plants and larger garden decor in the pattern you’d like before you remove the plants from their pots. That way, you can rearrange them a bit before deciding exactly where they’ll go.

Plant your plants with enough space in between them for them to grow. As a rule of thumb, plant the largest plant you have first (i.e. the bonsai tree) and anything that might trail over or creep a bit closer to the edge of the pot. Before you accessorize, be sure you are happy with the placement of your plants. You can move them a bit after planting if necessary, but it’s best to avoid this too much as it will traumatize the plants and they may not thrive.

Tip: If you aren’t using live plants, you still need to create an elevated surface in your pot. If you prefer to skip the dirt, you could try using small pebbles to create a relatively flat surface on which to create your garden.

Now place in an area where fairies are sure to visit: garden, deck, porch, bedroom windowsill, or dresser near a window.

 

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Perfect Powder: Portland’s Top Family Ski Destinations

by Allison Sutcliffe

Bring the kids to these ski resorts near Portland so they can learn the ropes—make that slopes—this season

Winter is here, and while Portlanders know that means rain in the Rose City, it also means snow in the mountains. That’s why now is the perfect time to take the kids skiing or snowboarding at a nearby Portland ski resort over a long weekend or whenever you’ve got time. Offering everything from lessons on the gentlest bunny hills around to expert black diamond runs your kids can aspire to conquer, these spots top our list for winter family fun. We’ll keep wishing for more of the white stuff so you can hit the slopes with the kids all the way through March.

Fantastic Places to Ski near Portland

Mt. Hood Skibowl

two kids ski down a mountain doing pizza wedges with trees in the background ski resorts near Portland
Shutterstock

With close to 1,000 acres of terrain, 69 day runs, and over 300 inches of snowfall each year, there are hours of fun to be had at Skibowl. And the short drive from Portland makes it a great starting point for Portland families interested in a ski day. Beginners have lots of choices at this ski mountain, including runs at Skibowl East near the snow tube and Adventure Park, plus kiddie snowmobiles, a kiddie carousel, Frosty’s Playground, and an indoor play area when they need a break. Lessons are available for kids as young as 4 (including snowboarding), and it's easy to sign up when you get there. But Skibowl isn't just for beginners. This ski area also boasts more black diamond runs than at any other ski resort in the state.

Good to Know: Night skiing is definitely a thing at Skibowl; their 36 lighted runs easily tell that story. Part of the nighttime mountain fun? Cosmic tubing.

Drive time from Portland: Just under 1 hour

87000 U.S. 26
Government Camp, OR
Online: skibowl.com

Related: Snow Much Fun! 8 Places to Go Sledding & Tubing

Mt. Hood Meadows

Meadows offers varied terrain that challenges skiers at all levels on over 2,150 acres. From Heather Canyon to South Canyon, and from Buttercup to Show Off, there’s something for everyone. For children between the ages of four and fourteen, camps, lessons, and clubs are available. You can purchase your lift ticket or season pass online in advance. 

Insider Tip: For something a little different, try a snowshoe tour at Mt. Hood Meadows. They're family-friendly (although usually best for older kids) and some run through March, so you've got plenty of time to plan one this year.

Good to Know: If lessons aren't something your kids are up for, you can drop them at the Meadows Daycare. One of the only ski resorts in the nation to offer state-certified care for kids as young as 6 weeks, parents can sign kids up for the day or for a run of days so they can get in all the runs. Just be sure to get your reservations ASAP as spots are limited.

Drive time from Portland: About 90 minutes

14040 Hwy. 35
Mt. Hood, OR
Online: skihood.com

Timberline Lodge

The fact you can ski for 10 months out of the year, and the addition of Summit Pass (formerly Summit Ski Area), makes Timberline an easy choice for Portland families on the hunt for a ski resort they can return to year after year. Get to know the 1,685 acres of skiable terrain at both Timberline and Summit Pass with the kids. Summit Pass is a great spot for beginning snowboarders and skiers alike. It's also where you'll find the snow tubing lanes. It's a great option for families looking for lessons and affordability. Six high-speed quads, two doubles, and one surface lift get families where they need to go. And although the two terrains aren't yet lift connected, there are plenty of shuttle options so you can try their both on your trip. 

Insider Tip: Timberline's terrain parks offer everything from the Schoolyard (perfect for beginners) to Conway's big jumps. Even if the kids aren't ready for it yet, it's fun to watch others tackle the snowy jumps and rails.

Good to Know: Beginning ski lessons are available for kids as young as 4 on weekends (and holidays) only.

Drive time from Portland: About 90 minutes

Online: timberlinelodge.com

Related: 9 Easy Weekend Getaways Your Family Needs This Winter

Cooper Spur

Located on the north side of Mt. Hood this historic ski area (it's one of the oldest in North America) offers lots of rideable terrain for first time skiers and boarders. An affordable option for families, this ski area is on the smaller size. The double chairlift will bring you to the top of the runs where you'll find gentle blues, a few greens, and one black diamond. Kids ages 7 and up can learn the ropes on the tow rope when they sign up for a group or private lesson. No matter which option you choose, the price is hard to beat.

Drive time from Portland: About 90 minutes

10755 Cooper Spur Rd.
Mt. Hood, OR
Online: cooperspur.com

Hoodoo Ski Area

an adult and kid at a ski resort near portland with snow and a lift in the background are going down a hill side by side
Lex Valishvili via unsplash

For a full day or better yet a family weekend trip, Hoodoo Ski Area in Sisters, just outside of Bend, is a worthy destination. You'll find it at the summit of Santiam Pass, drawing visitors from all over the state, thanks to its central location. The mountain has five lifts and 34 runs that are a nice mix of green, blue, and black, so no matter how many times you've taken to the slopes (one or 100 times), you'll have plenty of powder to explore. 

Insider Tip: The Autobahn Tubing park is currently closed due to staffing shortages.

Good to Know: Winter weekends here offer up a little something extra, like mountain mascot Harold the Hodag's birthday on February 18, Winter Carnival the following weekend, Ski Bike Fest in March, and more. Be sure to check their calendar for upcoming extras that are worth the drive.

Drive time from Portland: About 2.5 hours

Online: skihoodoo.com

Where to Go Cross-Country Skiing

Teacup Lake

J G D via unsplash

Escape the speed demon crowds, and enjoy downhill’s quieter winter kin—cross-country skiing. Enjoy 24 kilometers (that's about 12 miles) of groomed trails, relative solitude, and a spectacular view of Mt. Hood once you pass frozen and snow-covered Teacup Lake in the Mt. Hood National Forest. There are groomed tracks and a skating lane, and all are groomed Mondays, Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Teacup’s pristine trails stay that way because dogs and snow shoes are not allowed; that plus a friendly emphasis on a particular standard of trail etiquette. When you need to warm up, head to the Ray Garey Cabin to shake off the cold.

Insider Tip: If you're a family a first-timers, Teacup offers an array of learn-to-ski classes for kids as young as 6.

Good to Know: An Oregon Sno-Park permit is required to park here. Only pit toilets available on-site.

Drive time from Portland: Just over 1 hour

Online: teacupnordic.org

Related: 8 Wondrous Hikes That Are Best in Winter

a family skis at a ski resort near portland during winter, snowy background with mountains
Shutterstock

Tips for a Successful Ski Day with Kids:

1. Expect shorter skiing days, especially if naps are still part of your family routine. Runs open early, so you can make the most of your day by getting up and at 'em as early as possible. Then heading back down the mountain around afternoon nap time. There's no doubt the kids will be tired after a day on the slopes.

2. Snacks and water are a must. No matter where you're eating on the mountain, everyone always seems to be hungry at the same time. Avoid meltdowns by packing extras for hungry kids, and avoid wait times by eating around peak times.

3. When it comes to buying gear, kids' growth spurts make buying a little frustrating financially, so renting is a great option. Although the one piece of gear to purchase (according to experts) is a good helmet.

4. It’s always a good idea to check weather and road conditions at ODOT's Trip Check before heading out for the day. Snow conditions on the mountain are a must too. All of these resorts have condition cameras that livestream so you can plan your day to go as smoothly as possible.

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5+ Wonderful Snowy Winter Adventures to Take with the Kids

by Annette Benedetti

COVID turned 2020 into the year of constant cabin fever. But you don’t have to continue the trend into 2021, especially during the winter season. Portland families have access to an abundance of winter adventures that get them out of the house and keep them active all through the colder months. Get your calendars out and get ready to schedule out the family fun with some of our favorite winter activities. Read on to find out more.

Sledding & Tubing

Mt Hood Territory

Get out the winter wiggles with a day on Mt Hood! Sledding and tubing are great options for including even the youngest in some winter wonderland adventures without the price or complications of getting skiis or snowboards. Grab your inner tube, sled, or snow disc and head to the slopes! Some of our favorite spots include Mt. Hood Ski Bowl, Snow Bunny and Summit Ski Area, and White River Snow Park. Check out more spots here. Put on your warmest clothes, fill up your gas tank and get ready to slide. 

Snowshoeing

sarowen via flickr

Some families love the thrill of bombing down fresh powder together on a bluebird day. Others like to take things a little bit slower, pausing to inspect the tiny frozen details of a wintry landscape, or to fall backwards to create the perfect (or not-so-perfect) snow angel. Snowshoeing is a multi-sensory, meandering way to explore Portland's neighboring Mt. Hood this winter! Some of the best places for you and your family to go include Mirror Lake, Trillium Lake and Frog Lake. To find out more about these and other locations that are perfect for your family snow shoe adventure, check out this article.

Winter Road Trips

Black Butte Ranch via Yelp

One of the best ways to kick COVID Cabin fever, is by hitting the road for your winter fun. Portland's proximity to Oregon winter adventures makes it the perfect launching pad for epic winter road trips. Pack your family's bags and load them in the SUV and head to Depot Bay for whale watching, or Sisters, Oregon for a horse ride. For more awesome winter getaways, check out our favorite spots here. We've rounded up the best destinations for your crew's Oregon family vacation. 

Hit the Slopes

Christine G. via Yelp

It's a snowy season and there is big powder on the mountain. It’s time to head to Portland ski resorts! Finding incredible places to go skiing near Portland, Oregon is easy to do as our city has some of the best ski areas within a short drive. Mt. Hood Meadows, Mt. Hood Ski Bowl and Teacup Lake are just a few. Grab the kids, grab your  Sno-Park pass, and enjoy epic adventure PNW-style. Find out where you can purchase tickets, rent gear, and more here.

Go Glamping

Sunriver Resort

Winters in Portland can get pretty darn cold and wet. While your family may not be down for camping during the Pacific Northwest's chilliest season, chances are they'd love to go glamping! Take your crew's winter adventures to the next level and head to one of these fantastic luxury cabins where you can spend your days playing outdoors and the evenings warming up in style. Some of our favorite spot include Sun River Resort Vacation Rentals and Dancing Bear Lodge at Mt. Rainier. Get ready for the great outdoors combined with hot tubs, fully stocked kitchen's and more!

—Annette Benedetti

RELATED STORIES

Fun Winter Activities in Portland

Portland Party Venues Perfect for Winter Birthdays

Great Places for Tubing on Mt. Hood

 

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The Disney Princess Dinnerware Collection Gets New Royal Additions

by Jennifer Swartvagher

This collection is fit for a queen. Toynk has officially announced two new additions to its Disney Princess Collection. Get ready to dine like royalty with the Disney Princess 16-Piece Ceramic Dinnerware Collection #3 and the Disney Princess 13-Piece Ceramic Tea Set. 

Disney Princess 16-Piece Ceramic Dinnerware Collection #3

Disney Princess Dinnerware Collection #3 features the same ornate gold flourishes as collections one and two. The complete 16-piece set includes four 12-ounce mugs, four 2-cup capacity bowls, four 10.75-inch dinner plates, and four 7-inch dessert plates. 

Disney Princess 16-Piece Ceramic Dinnerware Collection #3

The new collection is inspired by four new Disney Princesses in a beautiful pastel color palette: 

  • Moana (Moana) in coral
  • Snow White (Snow White and the Seven Dwarves) in yellow
  • Pocahontas (Pocahontas) in pink
  • Merida (Brave) in mint green 

Disney Princess Ceramic Tea Set

Make all your childhood tea party dreams come true with the 13-Piece Disney Princess Ceramic Tea Set. Tea Set Pieces: 34oz Teapot, Sugar Bowl with lid, Creamer, four 7-oz Teacups, and four 6-in Saucers.

Elegantly decorated in a pastel color palette with gold filigree, each teacup and saucer features a unique Disney Princess theme, including chic designs inspired by Ariel, Belle, Cinderella, and Jasmine. The teapot, creamer, and sugar bowl feature exquisite designs based on Aurora from Sleeping Beauty.

Disney Princess Ceramic Tea Set

Both sets are made of durable ceramic material, and perfect for everyday use. Previous installments in the Disney Princess Dinnerware Collection have sold out multiple times, making this set a must-have gift for the Disney Princess in your life. All products are officially licensed and Toynk.com exclusives. 

The Disney Princess Collection Dinnerware and Tea Set will enchant your guests for years to come. Both are now available for pre-order for $119.99.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of Toynk

RELATED STORIES

Now You Can Eat Like a Princess with This Disney-Themed Dinnerware Set

Pottery Barn Kid’s Disney Princess Tea Set Is a Must-Have for Your Next Tea Party

Choose Your Fave House to Represent with These “Harry Potter” Dinnerware Sets from Target

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9 Ways to Entertain Your Child During the Coronavirus

By Catherine Meisner

Parents around the globe are facing unprecedented challenges juggling home and work since the schools have closed because of the coronavirus pandemic. Here are 9 ways to pass the time and get some work done with your kids at home:

1. Online Kids Parties. Many children’s party entertainers are launching online classes and children’s shows for families to enjoy. You can find many options for online parties on social media. Check out the Captain Fantastic parties in the UK, where they are hosting free 24-hour kids parties, allowing families from all around the world to tune in. They include a whole range of activities, like magic, nursery rhymes, superheroes, yoga, puppetry and lots more. Their first few sessions were enjoyed by thousands around the world.

2. Baking. Baking is an activity that the whole family can enjoy and has lots of psychological benefits like promoting family bonding, learning and reducing stress. “Picking up a few recipes and skills that you can use will be helpful for the rest of the lockdown and when life goes back to normal,” says Hilary O’Donovan, a mom blogger. “You don’t need to just make sugary treats. Try healthier options as well, like bread, banana muffins or courgette cake.”

3. Read. It’s time to dust off all those books that you have sitting on the shelf. You’re going to be stuck inside the house for weeks, so what better way to spend the time than reading? Reading is proven to reduce stress and will improve your child’s vocabulary and memory while building a stronger bond between you.

4. Play Board Games. Board games can be great fun but also have a huge range of benefits for the whole family. Playing together gives the family a chance to bond and laugh together. Studies have also shown that board games help you to bond, lower blood pressure, reduce stress and even boost your immunity. You could even try a jigsaw puzzle. Not everyone has the patience for them, but if you can persuade the whole family to work together, it can be a great way to spend the hours.

5. Try the LEGO Challenge. To add a bit of structure to play, and keep the kids entertained, try the thirty-day LEGO challenge that has been going around the internet. This 30-day plan lists daily challenges that you can give the children, from “design a space rocket” to “build a park”. By thinking about LEGO in a new way, children will be encouraged to think creatively. Hopefully they will become so engrossed that you may get a bit of peace and quiet too!

6. Enjoy Yoga. “If you’ve spent more time on the sofa than your feet, you might want to try some yoga to stretch those limbs,” says Rose May, a parenting writer. “There are loads of health benefits—improved mobility, greater strength and more balanced breathing, which all helps reduce stress.” Lots of yoga teachers are live streaming free sessions for the whole family to enjoy, and kids will especially enjoy Cosmic Yoga on YouTube that has themed yoga sessions based on Minecraft, Frozen, Pokemon and much more.

7. Visit a National Park. Google has created a program called The Hidden Worlds of National Parks. This means that families across the globe can stay entertained. The program covers five of the national parts across America and includes footage of landscapes and animals, which the children will love spotting.

8. Go to the Zoo. The San Diego Zoo is helping children to “visit” virtually through their network of animal cameras set up across the zoo. Popular highlights include the koala, polar bear and tiger cameras. The zoo’s website also has lots of activities, crafts and coloring pages for the children to download and do for free, which makes it an activity that can fill the whole day.

9. Create a Mini Tornado. The Scouts have created a whole host of over 100 indoor activities online that can help keep children occupied during lockdown. One of the most popular has been the “storm in a teacup” exercise, which helps teach children how tornadoes are made using washing up liquid, water, and sand.

Catherine Meisner writes articles for both Luckyassignments.com and Gumessays.com. She shows an interest in social media marketing and loves writing about topics related to health, food, and beauty.

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Splash Your Winter Blues Away at These 9 Indoor Pools

by Annette Benedetti

Are you and your crew tired of wearing rain boots and snow coats and fighting off bouts of the winter blues? If your family has been dreaming about swimsuit season don’t dismay! Portland has a bunch of indoor swimming pools—some even have waterslides—that will make you forget what season it is as soon as you start to splash and play!

photo: Bobby Edwards via Flickr

Conestoga Community Center
With a fun slide that twists and turns and plenty of sprinklers and fountains, this exciting west side community center’s pool will provide your little swimmers with hours of fun. The facility also features lap pools that give the older swimmers in the family a chance to get some laps in while the kids play.

Mon.-Thurs., 5:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Fri., 5:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Sat., 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sun., 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

9985 SW 125th Ave.
Beaverton
503-629-6313
Online: thprd.org

East Portland Community Center
This pool has it all for the little water adventurers in your family including a shark slide that your tadpoles will never tire of and a big pool with a waterslide that provides hours of squeals. There is also a leisure pool with additional water slides, a lazy river and even a vortex pool. If you our your teens are interested in getting some exercise, there is a pool with lanes for laps and a heated pool for recovery.

Mon.-Fri., 6 a.m.- 9 p.m.
Sat., 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.Sun., 11 a.m. – 6:20 p.m.

740 SW 106th Ave.
503-823-3450
Online: portlandoregon.gov

Mt. Scott Community Center
Full of colorful water features, this pool is perfect for your little splashers. Imagine a zero entry depth pool that has a swirly waterslide and tons of room to play. Don’t worry, there’s a lap pool for caregivers so everyone will be exhausted when time to go home rolls around.

Mon.-Fri., 5:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Sat., 7 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Sun., Noon – 9 p.m.

5530 SW 72nd Ave.
503-823-3183
Online: portlandoregon.gov

photo: Christine Urias via Flickr

Southwest Community Center Pool
If you are tired of the cold get ready to warm up in this center’s heated pools. There’s a shallow play area with plenty of room for splishing and splashing and your clan will not be disappointed by the plethora of water features designed to shoot and dump water from buckets down into the pool.

Mon.-Fri., 5 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Sat., 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sun., 9 a.m. – 6:25 p.m.

6820 SW 45th Ave.
503-823-2840
Online: portlandoregon.gov

Firstenburg Aquatic Center
If you are looking for a pool that offers open swim most of the day on the weekends than this is the aquatic center for you. There is even a special preschool specific aqua play time Mon.-Thurs. Your kiddos will love spending their day playing on the aquatic playground, floating in the lazy river, sliding the water slide, and sliding down the longest water slide in Clark County.

700 NE 136th Ave.
Vancouver, Wa
360-487-7001
Online: cityofvancouver.us/

photo:Eli Duke via Flickr

North Clackamas Aquatic Park
There aren’t enough hours in the day to take in all the fun that this aquatic park is serving up. There are several swimming pools including a wave pool with 4-foot waves, a twenty five yard six-lane competition lap pool, a thirteen foot deep diving well with one-meter diving board, an interactive area with fountains and water features, a kiddie pool with Sammie the Seal slide for kids under six and a hot tub for parents with aching muscles. There are a number of slides that vary in length and intensity, each providing it’s own unique adventure. If your little swimmer gets board, there’s also some fun to be had on dry land with a twenty nine foot rock climbing wall and a cafe to feed your tribe once you’ve worked up an appetite.

Big Surf! Play time: Sat., Noon – 5 p.m.; Sun. 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Cost: $8/non-resident or $5/resident 3 & up, 2 & under are free. Family rate is 2 adults and 4 kids for $24/non-resident family or $12/resident family
7300 SE Harmony Rd.
Milwaukie
503-557-7873
Online: ncprd.com/aquatic-park

Shute Park Aquatic Center
This full service aquatic center boasts a 117 foot slide that will thrill both young and old. But it also offers three full pools, a spa pool and dry sauna—something for everyone. Your littlest swimmers will easily navigate the beginning depth of only 18 inches and expect lots of giggles when playing with the yellow teacup water feature.

Mon. – Fri., 5:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Sat., 7 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Sun., 8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

953 SE Maple St.
Hillsboro
503-681-6127
Online: Hillsboro-oregon.gov

photo: Eric Prado via Flickr

Evergreen Wings and Waves Water Park
This indoor waterpark has ten waterslides—each designed for adventurers of varying age, ability, and boldness.Your little aquatic fanatics won’t be able to get enough of the slide that shoots out of a real Boeing 747 aircraft! When you and your kiddos aren’t sliding you can enjoy the wave pool and the museum designed to inform visitors about the power of water. An added bonus? The whole place is totally ADA accessible, and they offer discounts for museum members and if you purchase a multi-month pass.

Fri., 11 a.m.- 7 p.m.
Sat. – Sun., 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Cost: $27/guest under 42″ tall with limited access, $32 for guests 42″ and up with full access.
500 NE Captain Michael King Smith Way
McMinnville
503-434-4180
Online: evergreenmuseum.org/waterpark

photo: Shawn Collins via Flickr

Great Wolf Lodge
Great Wolf is the water park every child has dreamt of. Plan for at least and overnight stay, if not a full weekend, at the lodge because there is so much to do and you don’t want to miss out on any of it! Only an hour and a half from Portland, this water wonderland transports you to another world. Check out Fort Mackenzie, a multi-story treehouse with tons of interactive components and slides to exit. Try each of the  8 big water slides  which include fast slides that shoot you down the fort, tunneled family trips on River Canyon Run, and slides that snake around for four stories. After you’ve run from adventure to adventure, hit up the warming pool before calling it a day.

Daily, 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.

20500 Old Hwy 99, SW
Centralia, Wa
800-640-9653
Online: greatwolf.com

Did we miss a great indoor pool that your family loves to visit? Share it with us in the comment section below.

—Annette Benedetti

 

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