It’s no surprise that the grocery store is a minefield of toddler meltdown triggers, from the donuts in the bakery department to the chocolate bars somehow placed perfectly at kids’ eye level in the checkout lane. But other than resorting to Instacart for the entirety of their childhood, there’s not much we can do to avoid trips to the supermarket with the kids in tow.
Most parents lay down a few “no” statements or threats before heading in: Don’t touch anything and don’t ask me to buy anything. But parenting coach Destini Anne Davis suggests a way to reframe the experience to give your kids a purpose: “Let’s focus on what they can do rather than what they can’t do. Give them a task.”
“When we go in this store, you’re going to be the number navigator,” Davis offers as an example of a task she’d assign her child. “I need you to put your binoculars on. And when I say bread is on aisle three, you’re in charge of finding it. That is your job.” Or another option: “You’re the purple person. Every aisle we go [down], it is your job to point out two purple things.”
The sheer boredom of grocery shopping has kids looking for something to do (honestly, we don’t blame them), and by assigning them a role, you’re helping them to stay focused on a positive behavior instead of always asking for a treat. “If you have a child that experiences big feelings, rather than always waiting on the back end and trying to help them process those feelings, it is important for us to curate positive experiences as well. And the grocery store typically isn’t a positive experience,” Davis says. “So it’s okay to trick their brains into focusing on something enjoyable, on something that makes them feel empowered, autonomous.”
If you’re looking for another way to mix things up at the grocery store, let your toddler “drive” the cart by turning it around so they are facing forward instead of backward. This simple trick makes them more engaged in the task at hand and (hopefully) less likely to have an epic meltdown.
In honor of Mammoth’s record-breaking snowfall, your guide to skiing Mammoth—from which lodge is best, what to do if you don’t ski, where to stay in Mammoth with kids, and where to eat is here—plus insider hacks to make your ski experience the best one ever
“With 28-30” of snow since yesterday afternoon, we just blew through our all-time season snowfall record of 668”. We’ve received 695” of snowfall to date at Main Lodge, making the 22/23 season the biggest in our history!
To our employees, to this community, to all of you who have battled the elements this season – YOU are the stuff of legends. Thank you, thank you, thank you. 💪🏽 It’s going to be a legendary spring up here and we’ll be open daily through at least July!”
– Mammoth Mountain
Mammoth Lakes, which sits at close to 8,000 feet (if you’re keeping track that’s about 1,600 feet higher than Lake Tahoe), typically has a long ski season but thanks to a record-breaking snowfall this year, Mammoth is slated to stay open for skiing at least through July and quite possibly, as late as August. If you were waiting for a sign to finally get your family up on skis or snowboarding, now’s the time to take advantage of the best (and brag-worthy) conditions. And, as we approach spring, the mountain just gets better and better—more sun, less wind, means less layers.
From world-class ski schools, après ski experiences catered just for kids, a multitude of activities off the slope, and a variety of lodging options to suit your family, Mammoth is a world-class destination that is, lucky for California families, within easy reach.
Whether your family is new to skiing, could use a lesson or two, here are the best places to learn how to ski in Mammoth, what else there is to do off the slopes with toddlers and big kids, which nearby restaurants are kid-friendly, and of course, and which cozy hotels are best for a snow-based adventure everyone will enjoy.
Mammoth is kid-friendly and isn’t the sleepy little town you remember (there are loads of hotel and restaurant options galore—and for foodies, the Voltaggio brothers just opened Vulcania in the Village last year). Add to that a straightforward drive you can handle (it’s about a two-movie drive, with a break in between for a potty break!), or a quick flight, it should become your new winter and springtime tradition.
Everything You Need to Know about Skiing in Mammoth—Especially for Beginners & First Time Skiers
Like we said before, spring in Mammoth means mild conditions, a sunny après scene and the chance to take advantage of the season’s massive snow fall. The mountain itself is large and spread out, offering loads of options for every type of snow play.
Good to Know: On the mountain, there are three lodges: Main Lodge, Canyon Lodge, and Eagle Lodge, which means that even on busy days, the crowds disperse throughout the mountain so you never feel claustrophobic on the slopes. There are free shuttle buses between all three lodges, if you want to hit all the parts of the mountain, but for first timers, we recommend choosing one of the lodges for the day (more on which one we recommend below) and committing to the one spot for ease—especially with little ones.
If You Want Your Kids to Take Lessons at Mammoth: Mammoth Ski and Snowboard School is a stellar program, with patient pros who help the little ones become future shredders—they also offer adaptive lessons so those that may have a disability can still enjoy the rush and excitement of heading down the mountain. Kids group lessons start at three-years old and continue up through adult. Lessons are available at all three lodges.
Good to Know about Skiing with Kids
Kids 4 and under ski free at Mammoth Mountain with beginner slopes that are wide and groomed—ideal for beginners (no matter their age). All skiers/riders need a valid ticket to load the chairlifts and gondola, so visit a ticket window and show proof of age to get your little ones a free single or multi-day ticket.
A fantastic family-friendly option is to purchase the Beginner Ticket (available for purchase at a ticket window) and offers lift access to beginner chairlifts at Canyon Lodge (7 and 17), Main Lodge (chairlift 11), and Eagle Lodge (chairlift 15) (as opposed to the entire mountain of lifts) for a discounted rate.
Next-Level Ski Hack: Let’s be honest, getting fit for skis and gear can kind of be annoying—let alone carrying all that gear around from spot to spot. To the rescue? Ski Butlers—an incredibly personal service for ski and snowboarding equipment. Instead of dealing with lines at the ski rental spots around town or in the lodges (and delaying your time on the mountain), Ski Butlers will bring gear to your accommodations—boots, helmets, skis, poles, snowboards, goggles—everything you need for the slopes. Just provide them your stats (height, weight, etc…) and they’ll fit and adjust your gear on-the-spot. They’ll even pick up your gear too so you don’t even need to worry about returning it. Of course, renting gear the old-fashioned way absolutely works as well—and the friendly staff on the mountains will get you the gear you need as quickly as possible.
Good to Know: Another fantastic ski hack? Rather than carry your gear to and from the mountain, you can store your gear slopeside in lockers you can rent. For families, this is a godsend. Private lockers are available at Main and Canyon Lodge.
Canyon Lodge: For beginner skiers and first-timers to the mountain who are looking for the quickest and easiest access to the slopes, we recommend Canyon Lodge. From the Village (even more convenient if you stay here), you take the gondola up to Canyon Lodge where you are delivered to the base and have access to two beginner chairlifts. These runs are relatively short compared to Eagle Lodge’s beginner runs but the terrain varies and the crowds (at least when we were there) remained minimal throughout the day compared to the other lodges.
Good to Know: There is also infant care (newborn-23 months) just steps away from the Canyon Lodge gondola with half and full day options.
Eagle Lodge: For skiers and snowboarders that are looking to progress their skills from green to blue, head to Eagle Lodge. Not only does it have the longest green runs on the mountain, there’s also Eagle Playground, that, according to Mammoth, helps burgeoning shredders “gain confidence on freestyle terrain,” and include features like, “gentle rollers, small snow spines, mini-boxes, and jumps that get bigger and longer as you shred through the park.”
Good to Know: Because there is only one beginner ski lift at Eagle Lodge, it can get more crowded.
Main Lodge: The busiest of the ski areas, in addition to some green runs, beginners can also access Woolly’s Woods and Disco Playground—beginner terrain parks and special featured fun zones for kids looking to work on some new skills. Head to this lodge if you are also planning to take the scenic Panorama Gondola up to the top—dropping you off at 11,053 feet and where you can eat at Eleven53 Cafe and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. If you have a lift ticket, you can access the gondola for free. Otherwise, up to 2 kids (ages 12 & under) ride free with each paying adult.
If You Think You’re Going to Ski More Regularly: Right now, if you purchase the 2023/24 Ikon Pass, you can take advantage of the Buy Now, Ride Now Deal—meaning you can use your pass this season at Mammoth (ahem, this season, that will most likely, last until August) and other ski and snowboard destinations.
What to Do in Mammoth with Kids Who Don’t Ski or Snowboard (Or if You Don’t Want to Ski Every Day)
Andie Huber
1. Go Snowshoeing or Cross Country Skiing in Mammoth
Take the free, orange bus line to Tamarack Cross Country Ski Center (it’s only 10 minutes from the Village) for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. There are 19 miles of trails to explore with rentals, lessons, and guided tours available. Trails are dog-friendly and fairly flat so if you have a child who can trek it, this is a good spot for a beginner snowshoer.
2. Go Snow Tubing in Mammoth
Bomb down the slick snow lanes at Woolly’s Tube Park for a thrilling good time. For those 42” and smaller who aren’t yet tall enough to enjoy the ride, Woolly’s has a fun snow park area and heated deck serving up hot cocoa and adult beverages. Access to the snow park is easy—simply take the (free) red bus line here and you’ll be dropped off right at the entrance. Woolly’s Tube Park will be open through mid-April.
3. Mammoth Rock ‘N’ Bowl
Take the free red bus line or the town’s trolley (in the evening) to Mammoth Rock ‘N’ Bowl for a laid-back evening of bowling and eats from pizza to salads to poutine and tacos. Sit at a booth or have your food delivered to your bowling lane. You’ll also find a full bar and arcade, as well as a more upscale Brasserie upstairs for a date night-style dining experience.
Where to Eat in Mammoth with Kids
From fine dining to grab-and-go eats, Mammoth’s dining options are much more diverse than you’d expect from such a small town. Most spots have high chairs and kids menu (or dishes pleasing to a kiddo palate) at the ready, lots have table-side crayons and all won’t bat an eyelash if you walk in at prime dinner hour with a gaggle of children. Expect a warm welcome from restaurants eager to serve families—although like any restaurant, if you want to minimize your wait time for food, avoid the 6:30-7:30 p.m. dining hours. Below are our favorite family-friendly places to eat in Mammoth:
Best Places for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner in Mammoth
Andie Huber
1. Old New York Deli
One of our favorite spots in the Village is Old New York Deli—and, judging by the packed house we aren’t the only fans of this classic bagel spot. From sandwiches to traditional bagels and cream cheese to baked goods galore, Old New York Deli is a prime spot to fuel up before a day of adventuring.
6201 Minaret Rd. #105
Mammoth Lakes, CA Online:oldnewyork.com
2. Gomez Restaurant
Nosh on burritos, sizzling fajita plates and delicious enchiladas at this welcoming Mexican restaurant in the Village. Portions are incredibly generous and for those 21+ Gomez offers up 600+ different types of tequila and is home to the “Mammoth Margarita.”
100 Canyon Blvd.
Mammoth Lakes, CA Online:gomezs.com
3. Burgers Restaurant
The name of this restaurant sums up its specialty: burgers! Across the street from the Village, Burgers dishes out generous portions of their comfort food. Not into the traditional burger? You’ll also find a variety of equally filling eats like veggie burgers, buffalo burgers, pork baby back ribs and more.
A short walk from the Village, this comfort food dining spot also crafts its own beers since 1995. Burgers and waffle fries rule the menu but you’ll also find flatbreads and tacos to please a variety of cravings.
Located conveniently next to the Canyon gondola, this wine shop inside a cafe (or is a cafe that features a wine shop?) offers hearty breakfast options (eggs, bacon, and potatoes FTW before a big day of skiing, along with doughnuts, crepes filled with Nutella for the kids. They also have an online order-ahead system so you can beat the lines.
If you need your coffee (and a baked good or two), head to this newcomer coffee spot. Expect delicious coffee and amazing pastries and donuts at its new storefront in the heart of downtown Mammoth Lakes.
Delicious food and a laid-back atmosphere makes Toomey’s an ideal spot to grab lunch or dinner. Located in the Village, you’ll find dishes like their coconut mascarpone pancakes, fish tacos and a kids menu that includes chicken fingers, mini burger and fries and more.
There are 19 dining options on the mountain in Mammoth. As with any mountain resort, times will get busiest during lunch so plan accordingly.
Good to Know: You can skip the lines and order ahead online from select locations on and off the mountain via the Mammoth App (this must-download app also offers real-time alerts, weather reports, lift tickets, tracking for you and your friends, and more.)
Where to Stay in Mammoth with Kids
Condos and hotels abound in Mammoth Lakes, and with the town’s free public bus system you really can’t go wrong with your accommodation choice. Still, traveling with kids means convenience—and proximity to shops, dining and activities—can mean the difference between a happy tear-free afternoon and an epic toddler meltdown. Here are family-friendly places to stay in Mammoth:
Best for: Great views, hot tubs, swimming pool, and easy access to Canyon Lodge
Located in the Village, Westin Monache Resort Mammoth boasts mountain views from every room. Each room is equipped with a kitchenette, a small fridge, and a microwave. From the hotel, just walk down the steps to the gondola and get whisked up to Canyon Lodge. The Westin offers a ski valet so you don’t have to schlep your ski equipment back and forth every night. Like The Village Lodge Mammoth, the Westin offers a free shuttle bus service, which is built into the resort fee cost.
Good to Know: Not only are all the bus lines and evening trollies just steps outside of the Westin, if you’re staying at the Westin, they also offer a free shuttle service around town, including to Tamarack Cross Country Ski Center. Just give them a call when you’re ready to get picked up.
Best for: Ultimate convenience to shops and dining
For accommodations that feel more like home book a condo at The Village Lodge Mammoth. Options range from studio condos to three-bedroom deluxe condos. Condos come equipped with kitchens or kitchenettes stocked with coffee, tea, pots, pans, dishware, a full-size fridge, stove and more, which is a huge perk if you want to whip up food for your child or store leftovers. A swimming pool is open daily (even in winter!) with cribs available upon request.
The Village Lodge also offers a free shuttle service anywhere within a 5-mile radius in Mammoth and you’re steps from dining, shopping, most of the major bus lines and the Canyon Village gondola. For those kiddos obsessed with things that go, ask for a room that looks out to the gondola—your child will love watching them come and go all day long.
If being slope-side is your jam, stay at Mammoth Mountain Inn. Located just a few steps from the lifts at the Main Lodge, this spot offers both hotel-style rooms and condos, with the latter featuring kitchenettes. Nearby you’ll find the Yoddler Restaurant and Bar, Sierra General Store and Mountainside Bar and Grill. Because the Inn is slope-side, this area does get a bit quieter once the lifts close and the après crowds have dispersed.
If your kids are too young for ski school or you have babe you’re not ready to hand over to the slope-side childcare, here are the best things to do with young kids in Mammoth:
Bonus: It’s free and if it’s not crowded, you can easily wheel your stroller on and off it for an easy ride. How long is the scenic gondola ride? It’s about 10-15 minutes each way so the adventure can take as little as 30 minutes if you want to just go up and back down again. But we recommend staying at the top and exploring around and take in the stunning views before heading back to the base.
2. Ride Mammoth’s Free Buses
Mammoth is only four miles across, which means you won’t be lost for hours on the different routes. Bonus: This is also free and we found makes for great white noise if you have a baby who loves naps in the front pack.
3. Walk around the Village
Peruse Mammoth gear and locally-sourced products (a favorite is Busy Beez General Store) , load up on coffee at Vida Coffee, chocolate at Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, discover new toys at Trendy Tots, or grab a happy hour drink at one of the many kid- and dog-friendly patios (see above on great places to eat). The area is all paved and perfect for a leisurely stroller walk. Make sure to check out all the shops, dining options and events happening at the Village at Mammoth.
Good to Know: If you’re looking for a place to hang out slope-side, the area at Main Lodge behind Broadway Marketplace is emptier than most and is frequently used as a base camp for other families whose parents are trading off hitting the slopes.
4. Look Out for Woolly in the Village
You might catch him on the slopes or in one of the lodges handing out high-fives and hugs to his pint-sized fans. Also check Mammoth’s events calendar for more happenings.
Want to leave LA and be on the slopes in Mammoth in under 2.5 hours flat? Then Advanced Air will get you there. Advanced Air offers regional service to and from Burbank (BUR), Hawthorne (HHR) and Carlsbad (CLD) airports now through April 17. With Advanced Air, you’ll enjoy the convenience of a private air travel experience at a commercial airline cost with benefits such as private terminals and skipping security lines. Plus you can bring your well-behaved dog with you.
There are also daily flights from LAX that operate year-round and will deliver you to Mammoth from LAX. Of course, flying is optional—and you can absolutely drive to Mammoth from Los Angeles. If you opt to drive, it’s around 5 hours from DTLA (without traffic of course). For the full list of available flights, check out visitmammoth.com.
How to Get to Mammoth from the Bay Area
Families who flock to Tahoe know the headaches associated with I-80 traffic, especially when chain control is in effect. Flying from SFO to Mammoth? The flight time is a cool 35 minutes. If you decide to drive to Mammoth, it’s about 5-6 hours from the Bay Area.
Unlike some ski towns you might have visited, there isn’t just one central lodge or downtown area. Mammoth is fairly spread out in the sense that there is the Village, Main Lodge, Old Mammoth and Main St. The free buses or your hotel’s shuttle will get you anywhere you need to go. And, the fact that it’s a bit more spread out means areas won’t be jam-packed and overwhelming for the littles.
The Best Time to Go to Mammoth with Kids
There is never a bad time to visit Mammoth but if you want to introduce your kids to skiing, then springtime, according to the experts, is by far the best time to go. The weather is warmer, the sun is shining and it’s not as windy as it can be during the winter months—no frozen fingers and toes to slow your brood down.
Our Editor’s Cheat Sheet for a First-Timers Weekend Trip to Mammoth & Having Smoothest Ski Vacation Ever:
Fly into Mammoth (the flight is less than an hour).
Stay at The Westin (amazing location close to the Village & Canyon Lodge for awesome beginner trails, après ski hot tubs, and nearby dining).
Download the Mammoth App (best planning tool and up-to-the-minute information)
Use Ski Butlers to rent your gear (delivered and picked-up from your room).
For a non-ski day, go snowshoeing at Tamarack Cross Country Ski Center for an epic winter hike.
Don’t forget the sunblock! Bluebird days (sunny, cloudless days) means you’re that much closer to the sun—and it will show.
To learn more about Mammoth and everything this skiing destination has to offer Visit Mammoth.
This trip was paid for by Mammoth Lakes Tourism and Mammoth Mountain but all opinions expressed belong to the writer.
Last week, Costco had its quarterly earnings call, and while there was much to discuss regarding the organization’s success, it was the topic of a certain frank that caught everyone’s attention. The company’s chief financial officer, Richard Galanti, made it known that the company’s beloved hot dog/soda combo will remain $1.50—forever (and that’s a mighty long time).
That’s right, folks. Costco’s frankfurter—washed down with a beverage of your choice and eaten in a fast-paced fury at the food court—will never be touched by inflation. The $1.50 price has remained the same since 1985 and is basically legacy at this point. Costco President and CEO W. Craig Jelinek said that co-founder Jim Sinegal once threatened some serious harm if the price was ever increased beyond that amount.
“I came to [Sinegal] once, and I said, ‘Jim, we can’t sell this hot dog for a buck fifty. We are losing our rear ends,’” Jelinek was quoted as saying. “He said, ‘If you raise the effing hot dog, I will kill you. Figure it out.’”
If adjusted for inflation, MarketWatch calculated, this combo that has saved many a toddler meltdown would now sell for $4.11. Truist Securities’ Scot Ciccarelli inquired on the call about the deal, saying in part: “Costco tends to put a line in the sand on pricing with some items”—including the$1.50 deal—”despite today’s inflationary pressures,” and wondered out loud if Costco had other categories they are “using to maybe harvest some extra margin.”
“We really don’t look at it that way.” Galanti responded. “I think the thing I mentioned earlier about there are some businesses that are doing well with margin… those things help us be more aggressive in other areas, or as you mentioned, hold the price on the hot dog and the soda a little longer, forever.” With 583 locations in 48 states, that’s a lot of cheap dogs.
No one will ever support me like that $1.50 hotdog and drink combo from Costco
If you don’t have a Costco membership and wonder if it’s worth it, given the plans to provide the cheapest lunch on the planet for all of eternity, you will have to factor in the yearly membership fee of $60. Even if you tack that onto the $1.50, it still seems like a pretty good deal to us.
In parenting—as in most things—life’s a whole lot easier if you can be just a little bit tough. But parents of toddlers might need to get kevlar vests, because two and three year olds do not throw soft punches. This week, one dad to a “threenager” shared a post on Reddit that he titled “I’m the worst daddy,” and gave a high-level of what went down in his home recently. His post awakened a sleeping nation of “terrible parents” (at least, according to their toddlers), and it’s high comedy.
Many of the replies centered around food, and how our kids can so easily loose their minds (or recover from a major breakdown) because of food. Too hot, too cold, too red, too wet… there are infinite reasons for them to shun that horrible sustenance you’re trying to provide (shame, by the way, on you for feeding your kid). But when the meltdown is winding down, sometimes all it takes is a slice of banana or a sip of juice to clear the skies and return your toddler to a sunny disposition. The trick, it seems, is knowing when, and what, to offer. Good luck with that.
Parents commenting on the original “Bad daddy” post stood at the ready to commiserate with their own stories of epic parental failures, from their toddlers’ viewpoint, and many tapped deep into our collective fight-or-flight impulses. Toddlers, after all, can’t control much, but they sure can decide to put it in high gear when they’re ready to jettison a place that no longer pleases them. They also have opinions about where we’re supposed to be, it seems.
But for real, it must be incredibly frustrating to be working with a limited vocabulary and sense of spatial relation or time—and sense that you have zero to no control in life. Kind of like the early days of the pandemic, but we digress. Obviously, those among us (grandparents) who don’t try to coax additional information and are set on “aim to please” mode rank higher than others. Daring to elicit more information when they don’t have it to give is a fast track to demotion.
Ultimately, the Redditors sharing the occasional insanity of life with a toddler was just the refreshing sip of commiseration that many of us need to get through the very dirty job of raising humans with our dignity intact.
It seems like trampoline parks are popping up all over the Seattle area. And with each new opening, a parent smiles knowing their energetic kiddo has a brand new spot to bounce off the walls that’s not in the living room. Whether you and the kids are training to become the next American Ninja Warrior or just looking for a place to burn off some steam, these indoor adventure parks are a great afternoon outing for kids of all ages. Read on to find a new favorite indoor play spot.
With one of the best company names out there, Flying Squirrel Sports in Everett opened a few months ago. They call it a “spring-loaded, urban playground like you’ve never seen before,” and they're right. Beyond the wall-to-wall trampolines, families can challenge each other on the battle beam, dunk hoops together like they're pro ballers, spring off the air track, balance on the slack lines and generally get their bounce on. When you've worked up an appetite, swing by the Drey Bar and Café where you'll find a full menu of pizza (including gluten-free), drinks and treats. We love that there's a special spot for tots here (and pricing too). Littles will spend hours climbing, jumping and rolling around toddler soft play park. One thing is for sure, they'll nap after a visit to this new venue.
Park perk: If the kids need a change of pace, check out the on-site indoor mini golf course and arcade.
Another new kid on the block, Catapult Adventure Park might be the grand daddy of all on our list. This mega-size location offers 18 different experiences, some that are familiar and some that are totally new. Inflatables are the name of the game here with everything from the Launch Zone to the Ninja Cat Course to Mt. Catapult and the Leaping Leopard. But you'll also find ball pits, tornado twirls and oversized slides that set this park apart. We're loving Tube-Topia that mixes everything you love about winter tubing but without the snow. Rock climbing walls, zip lines and open courts that invite everyone to jump will tire the kids out whenever you visit. They'll be bouncing from one spot to the next. All you have to do is keep up.
Park perk: Fuel up with pizzas, wings, cheesy bread sticks or sweets on site.
Good to know: There are some height restriction on a few of the attractions. Kids must be at least 42" tall to try the Cat Walk, Cliffhanger, Tube-Topia and Flying Leopard. Also there's an $8 spectator fee if you don't want to jump but still need to hang with the kids.
35025 Enchanted Pkwy. S. Federal Way, WA 98003 253-517-5853 Online:catapultfederalway.com
The Air House Adventure Park
The Air House
The Air House begins with a main court featuring 2,000 feet of trampolines and thousands more fun activities. Activities range from bouldering walls and a laser tag arena to your favorite trampoline park regulars. You’ll also finds log rolls, jousting on the battle beams, a racing zip line and the Valo Jump (think Dance Dance Revolution meets trampoline park). We know your kids will be most impressed (and challenged by) the Wipeout. Inspired from the hit TV obstacle course series of the same name, kids will fall over laughing trying to avoid being knocked off this spot. While walk-ins are welcome, we recommend that you purchase tickets ahead of time. Groups are allowed to play every 15 minutes. Sorry, no outside food can be brought inside, but don't worry, the GrubHouse offers 12” pizzas, sandwiches, hot dogs, fish and chips, mac and cheese and more to satiate hungry tummies.
Park perk: The Softplay area designed for kids 48" and under. It's a multi-level climbing structure where kids can play safely under a parent's watchful eye.
Cost: $8-$30 (Airhouse grip socks are required and are sold separately.) Hours: Wed.-Thu., 5-8 p.m.; Fri., 4-9 p.m., Sat., 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun., noon-6 p.m.
1101 Outlet Collection Way, #1275 Auburn, WA 98002 253-943-6770 Online:auburn.theairhouse.com
DEFY has taken over Seattle with four locations and a keen eye for planning. These exciting trampoline parks cater to the young and the young at heart (trust us). While each spot has its own unique flair and wicked wall art, families can always count on a fantastic array of trampolines, including wall tramps, air tracks and dodgeball courts. Skills are at the center of each location too. So whether you're working on your ninja skills or your aerial trick skills, kids will find what they need here in the form of launch pads, trapeze bars and cloud swings. Your kids will have a blast trying new circus tricks at every unique play station. Think this park is just for big kids? Think again, check the calendar for Kids Jump, where Littles ages 6 and under get the whole park to themselves so they can bounce without worrying, and so can you.
Park perk: DEFY Nights are a great way to add a little flair to your typical evening routine. Blacklights shine a whole new light on the jumping experience after dark.
Cost: $13-$26
DEFY Seattle 455 Andover Park E. Tukwila, WA 98188 425-669-9707
One of Seattle's OG trampoline parks, Bothell's Elevated Sportz has been entertaining families since they opened almost a decade ago. When it's raining outside, or your kids just need a change of scenery, bring them here to experience 10,000 sq. ft. of trampolines, dodgeball courts, foam pits and ninja courses. While we know the Littles will swoon over the Kidz Adventure play area, rumor has it, big kids love this spot too. It's four stories of ball pits, slides, tunnels, bridge and mazes that'll keep them climbing all afternoon. The great thing about this park is its variety. Kids can choose trampolines, Kidz Adventure or a combo of both, depending on your kiddo's age and the time you've got to play. The park’s iJump Café is also elevated from others, offering a large menu of sharable snacks, burgers, quesadillas, salads and more.
Park perk: For a new twist, try the Laser Maze (starting at $3 for one mission). It's a chance for kids to play spy (or maybe ninja?) as they work their way through the dense laser forest. Will they have the wit and speed to get through in time? You'll have to play to find out.
In our ever-changing world, Vertex Arena wants to be a beacon of hope. A place that connects kids through the power of play, offering a space that is appealing to the eye, whether you are five or 55. Located in Redmond, Vertex Arena offers a little bit of everything with their mix of indoor trampoline park attractions. You'll find lots of trampolines, sure, but you'll also find air basketball, battle beams and a ninja course to tackle (some of these attractions have height restrictions). Big kids can try their hand at Nerf Tag (ages 8 & up) or Arrow Tag (ages 12 & up), while most kids can enjoy the head-to-head-competition of dodgeball (ages 5 & up). The Sideline Social Restaurant and Bar offers a full menu (probably the best on our list) of appetizers, sliders, chicken wings, salads, pizza, cheeseburgers, chicken strips, fish and chips and fantastic-sounding desserts.
Park perk: Check out the new pinball and arcade center that recently opened.
10700 231st Way N.E., #100 Redmond, WA 98053 425-728-7298 Online:vertexarena.com
Pump It Up
In Kirkland, Pump It Up is known as the original indoor inflatable party venue. Although you won’t find traditional trampolines here, there are still plenty of obstacles to climb in, jump on, slide down and generally bounce around on. In fact, when it comes to bouncing around with younger kids, this venue is one of the best. Both the Kirkland and Lynnwood locations are currently offering Pre-K jump sessions for preschoolers and toddlers. And kids of all ages get a kick out of the All Ages Open Jumps. Hours for both vary by location and change weekly. The upside? They're both taking online reservations, so you can plan ahead for an afternoon of off the wall fun with your stir crazy crew. Psst... Family Jump Night is back at both locations. Check the online schedules to plan your next family outing.
Park perk: Pump It Up has long been a reliable indoor birthday party spot for kids. Both locations offer birthday party packages for 10-25 kids, and are available every day from 8 a.m.-9 p.m. Prices start at $240 for 10 kids. What could be easier?
Cost: $8-$10 Hours: vary by location and week
11605 N.E. 116th St. Kirkland, WA 98034 425-820-2297 Online:pumpitupparty.com
18027 Highway 99, Suite J Lynnwood, WA 98037 425-774-2297 Online:pumpitupparty.com
Good to Know:
1. Currently, everyone over the age of five is being asked to wear a mask. Don’t leave home without it.
2. Socks are required at all locations. Left them at home? You can buy a pair at the park.
3. Many of these trampoline parks require signed waivers for kids to play, and most have an online option so you can sign before you’re even through the door. It’s a great way to save time when your kids are anxious to play.
4. Most venues offer membership packages that could save your family a heap of cash if you think multiple visits are in your future.
5. Every location on this list offers birthday party packages. So if an indoor birthday bash is on your kiddo’s wish list, any of these spots will be happy to help.
Having a child is the best and hardest thing in the world. When you double down (literally) on your parenting skills with a second child, you quickly realize that having two children is the best and hardest thing in the world…times two. Adding another little to your brood means not only having a whole new human to get to know, it also means lots of lessons coming your way. Here are 11 things every mom is sure to learn the second time around the mama-hood.
Christy Blevins
1. No two babies are alike. When you’re a mom of one, it’s easy to assume every baby is pretty much the same. And, in a sense, it's true. They eat. They sleep. They smile. They cry. But any mom who has experienced a second baby knows that while what they do is the same, how they do it can be wildly different. One baby loves to be swaddled; another prefers arms out. One baby likes a pacifier; another is team thumb. These kinds of nuances in preferences and personalities are what make each baby a totally new adventure. (Note: They may be different on the inside, but on the outside, matching outfits for the win!)
2. Your sanity is worth every penny it will cost to buy double. Sure, sharing is important—and as a mom of two, you want to instill those life skills…eventually. But for the first few years, it’s better to buy two of every toy, bowl or cup in the exact same color to avoid ending up with a ROY G. BIV-induced toddler meltdown every. single. day.
Haley Ross
3. Energy-saving mode is a thing. When you’re a mom of one, you have a whole bunch of extra energy to devote to things like battling a toddler over dressing themselves and wearing a ballerina outfit to the grocery store. When you are toting two, your now-more-relaxed self says, “Go ‘head! Rock that, tutu, girl!”
4. The eyes have it. When you have two little ones heading in a different direction, you quickly realize that popping out a second kid should automatically mean you’re gifted with pigeon-like vision, because, girl, you are going to need eyes in the back of your head to catch all the shenanigans. You won’t be able to stop every fall or prevent every mess, but as a mom of two, you know that staying alert is your first defense against total chaos.
Maddy Riddell
5. Babywearing isn’t just a cool party trick (Look, Ma, no hands!). Once you’re outnumbered two to one, carrying baby hands-free isn’t a bonus convenience that frees you up to double-fist your coffee, er, be more productive. It’s a basic necessity that allows you to hold baby close while making lunch for a hungry toddler, wiping a bum, or hiking up a mountain. Check out the latest and greatest baby carriers.
6. Life with one kid was easier than you realized. When you had just one baby, you swore you had no downtime and meant it! But now you realize those precious naptime hours with one were the stuff (sleepy mom) dreams were made of. For solidarity's sake, this one is meant to be experienced, not shared. So, please, mums the word to mums with one baby!
7. Being a baby-stuff snob is a must. With two kids in tow, having the right gear is essential. For example, when you have one baby and go grocery shopping, plopping the car seat into the cart or even schlepping baby through the store on one arm works fine, but with double the fun, you’ve gotta up your gear game. (Like with the nifty Binxy Baby grocery cart hammock!) At the same time, some gear is non-essential (wipes warmer, we’re looking at you!), so you've got to draw the line before you run out of room.
8. Two kids are twice as niceloud. Remember those sweet moments during the day when baby #1 was peacefully napping? Welp, unless you’re one of the .001% of parents to have children who nap in tandem, you can say so long to mid-day silence. But that doesn’t mean peace and quiet are gone forever; you may just have a little extra company and cuddles during your afternoon cup of coffee.
Dianne Booker
9. Mom of two=superwoman. Being a mama to two little humans has tough moments—juggling schedules and emotions (theirs and yours), for starters—not to mention when you're actually juggling both kids, one under each arm or balancing them both on your lap. You’re basically a champion multitasker and queen of productivity now, or a fun circus act. But it’s precisely those moments that show you just how strong you are.
S. Palmer
10. There's no sweeter sight in the world than watching your children love each other. Seeing your kiddos interact in a loving way (whether it's a game of giggles or a sincere hug) is the fuel that feeds a mama's heart. Suddenly, having to referee the occasional squabble doesn't seem so bad. There's no better reward to being a mom of two than watching your children's sibling bond blossom into friendship.
11. You’re an old-pro, and a newbie, too. Sure, you were already in a routine of feeding, changing diapers and doing bedtime, but a new baby—with his/her own needs and wants—entering the scene means starting over. Siblings need the same things: their basic needs met and love tanks filled. But they don’t always need them done at the same time or in the same way. It's the oldest, most important job in the world that teaches you something new every day.
As Beth Bornstein Dunnington walked through LAX, she noticed something that wasn’t totally unfamiliar. A young, seemingly pregnant, mom was trying to wrangle her toddler, who was having a very public meltdown.
You’ve been there: Your tot couldn’t care less about the flight that’s about to depart, and you’re stuck handling the flailing arms, banshee-esque screams and flying fists. And what do you do when something like this happens to you? Well, the mama in question ended up sitting on the floor crying, head in hands.
But the story doesn’t end there.
Dunnington chronicles what happened next on her Facebook page. Instead of just walking by, women started to congregate. And no, not to judge or mom shame the crying mother. Nope. These women were all about support.
She writes, “Then, this gorgeous thing (I’m crying just writing this)…the women in the terminal, there must have been six or seven of us, not women who knew each other, approached and surrounded her and the little boy and we knelt down and formed a circle around them.”
Providing as much support as possible, the women—again, strangers to this clearly overwhelmed mother—sang to the child, offered small toys, helped the mom find a sippy cup in her bag and even offered a bottle of water and a peeled orange.
Amazing. If it “takes a village,” I want to live there with these women.
Yes, other parents lust after your school district, and you live in one of the few ‘burbs served by two Metro stops. But you also have pizza, the Easter Bunny, and higher taxes. Wait, what? Here are 10 signs you’re a Falls Church parent:
Photo: Pupatella
1. You live within a toddler meltdown’s drive of two highly-favored and oft-recommended pizzeria/Italian joints (Pupatella and Pizzeria Orso). Both you and your mozzarella-smothered three-year-old feel pretty good about that.
2. When you drive past a sea of parked mini-vans at Mary Riley Styles Library, you know those parents didn’t get the inside scoop on a surprise Taylor Swift concert—it’s Story Time, and yeah…the librarians make “Little Blue Truck” THAT good.
Photo: The State Theater
3. Your kids know that, when you start singing “Manic Monday” and “Love Shack” ad nauseam, they’ve got a date with the babysitter and you and your 80s-baby spouse have a date with The Legwarmers at The State Theater.
4. Your teenagers attend the fifth best public high school in the country (George Mason High School). Did someone say college scholarship?
5. Your kids can never decide which of the 2.2 square mile-city’s 12 parks they feel like swinging on today.
6. You might as well save the chia seed oatmeal for another day and accept that, on Saturday mornings at the Farmers Market, your children will gorge on Donut Heaven’s pumpkin donuts. You might also have one.
Photo: Doodlehopper
7. You might as well send your kids’ allowance direct deposit to Doodlehopper.
8. You know that, if you want your kids to take a picture with the Easter Bunny after the egg hunt in Cherry Hill Park, you’re going to have to put on your game face, lock your elbows, and bring snacks for the wait. But it’s so worth it.
9. When your teenager wants to cover her frenemy’s lawn with pink plastic flamingos or your 4th grader is preparing for the annual science fair, you eschew Home Depot and head to Brown’s Hardware.
10. If it’s too hot outside, you bring your kids to Mobu. If it’s too cold outside, you bring your kids to…Mobu.
Here’s a novel concept: a class for kids that helps them get their wiggles out — via music and dance — while also developing physical strength and coordination (and instilling a little inner peace on the sly) — via yoga. That’s Yo Re Mi, a program developed by the husband and wife team of Rachel and Dan Costello, a certified yogi and preschool music educator, respectively. The duo has been leading classes in Manhattan in Brooklyn for two years at various after school programs and community play spaces, and now Yo Re Mi (and its team of certified yogis and professional musicians) is coming to two outposts of The Little Gym.
photo: Charles Lavoie
What it Is
Yo Re Mi is a musical yoga program that pairs poses and movement inspired by the ancient practice with both original songs and the occasional familiar tune (for example, a classic Motown song). Every class takes kids on a “journey” — to another country, around New York City, etc. — and along the way, kids and adults stretch, move, imagine and play.
The classic “Salute to the Sun” becomes the “Sun Dance” and finds kids reaching for the sky, hissing like a snake, jumping like a frog to an original song, while a child in “Tree Pose” might be decorated with artificial blooms as she unwittingly develops balance. Similarly, the discipline’s “lion breath” breathing technique (in through the nose, out through the mouth) becomes “dragon breath” and Shavasana or “corpse pose” serves as a focusing and relaxing, end-of-class ritual — along with a traditional “goodbye” song. (Rachel Costello reports that more than one parent has enlisted “dragon breathing” to help quell a toddler meltdown.)
photo: Charles Lavoie
Beyond Asana
Yo Re Mi also includes plenty of high energy activity, from jumping and freezing to a dance party at some point in every class. Familiar props of any music class — such as shakers and tambourines — are busted out frequently as well.
photo: Yo Re Mi
Who’s It For?
New classes exclusively for children three years old and younger (and their caregivers) are now available at the Brooklyn Heights and Tribeca locations of The Little Gym. Mixed aged classes for kids up to about seven years old take place at various spots in Manhattan and Brooklyn. (Check out the Yo Re Mi web site for more info.)
If you’re attending with your little one, will you have to bend like a pretzel as well? Not if you don’t want to; the only big no-no is sitting on the edge of the room chatting on the phone. (You know: just be present.)
It’s true, families don’t need an island to have an adventure. But it sure adds to the thrill! So board a ferry and make your way over to Vashon Island for your own Swiss Family experience (less shipwreck, more festivals, we promise!). From record-breaking raft ups to bio blitz bashes, we’ve got the scoop on the coolest, quirkiest summer events this little island has to offer.
Island Festivals
Low Tide Celebration
Join the party at the 9th annual Low Tide Celebration, a beach party like no other, where families celebrate the living beaches of our (totally awesome) Puget Sound. The free event, hosted at Point Robinson Park, promises a galosh-stomping good time for families, including lighthouse tours, canoe rides, and a beach walk with Odin Lonning, a traditional Tlingit carver (and Vashon resident)! All that, plus serious face-time with mysterious sea creatures? Sounds like a magical northwest day if ever there was one. And be sure to take advantage of the free shuttle bus that runs along Point Robinson Beach Rd. and Luana Beach Rd., so that the kiddos will still have energy left to explore this low tide dreamscape. Just imagine what they’ll find!
Date: June 14, 2014
Time: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Cost: Free
BioBlitz 2014
Budding biologists and curious kiddos won’t want to miss the 3rd Annual Vashon Island BioBlitz. This 24-hour event, sponsored by the Vashon Nature Center, brings together scientists, naturalists and volunteers to descend upon Christensen Creek Preserve, where they’ll catalogue the ecosystem of the area. Families will have a chance to shadow an expert or make finds of their own, all the while observing, recording and learning as they go! Science much? So dress for the weather and plan to get dirty turning over rocks, digging through mud and exploring the shoreline at this ecologically diverse area. And from what we’ve heard, it’s also a known birder hot spot so bring some binocs if you’ve got them. Families can register by emailing: info@vashonnaturecenter.org. This lets the Nature Center staff plan and space volunteers, and dish the insider deets, too. Explore on!
Christensen Creek Preserve Network
West side of Wax Orchard Rd. S.W.
Vashon Island, Wa
Online: vashonnaturecenter.org/bioblitz
Dates & Time: July 12-13, 2014 from 3 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Cost: Free
Strawberry Festival
The Vashon Island Strawberry Festival is the island’s summer bash to end all bashes. And this year is no exception. Now in its 106th year (nope, not a typo), it attracts upwards of 40,000 (still not a typo) people each year. Expect the family fun to be piled high with carnival rides, face painting, music and more. As for not-to-miss events, the Grand Parade at 11 a.m. on Saturday, the classic car parade at noon on Sunday, and the youth stage where the kiddos are in charge make our list. And don’t forget the strawberries. Many restaurants and food booths will be serving up strawberry-themed goodies to keep the kiddos running throughout the day. Party on!
Good to know: Act like a local for this event and leave the car at home, if possible (or bring a bike!). With so many people coming in from off-island there will be shuttles and buses running from the ferry docks into town. But plan to wait and pack an extra dose of patience in your pocket for the day.
Raft Up
This record-seeking event with a heart (it benefits the Vashon Youth and Family Services) is “quintessentially Vashon,” from its focus on the beauty of the island, to its “bring the kids” welcoming vibe. And it promises to be a boat floating bounty for all. Participants will raft up (line up kayaks and canoes side by side) in the hopes of blasting the 2,099 boat current world record out of the water. Register to be one of the (hopefully) 2,500 boats lining up for this benefit or just come to watch this awesome event. The boats will make their attempt at 1:30 p.m. on the second day. It’s one world record breaker you won’t want to miss!
Quartermaster Harbor
Between Neil Point & Piner Point on the south end of the island
Vashon, Wa
Online: vyfs.org/raftup
Dates: August 16-17, 2014
Cost: $25/registered boat
Vashon Sheepdog Classic
If you heart dogs, this one’s got your name written all over it. The Vashon Sheepdog Classic is a three-day, family-friendly festival dedicated to those hardworking dogs that help keep everyone together. Well, every sheep together at least. It’s a throwback–to-yesteryear type event that includes a kid’s activity center and the Skacel Fiber arts tent, where they’ll be spinning yarns and gearing up for a yarn storming (who knew fences needed sweaters?). But at its heart, this is an opportunity to watch working dogs in action, showing off their skills in serious competition. So pack a picnic (or grab food there) and watch someone else do the herding for a change. You’ll be awed!
Dates: August 22-25, 2014
Times: Dusk to dawn each day
Cost: $8/person; free for children under 10
Island Eats
While you’re on island, there are lots of great places to bring your appetite. Even the local Thriftway has tempting prepared sandwiches that are the perfect grab-and-go for a family picnic on the beach (or at one of these events). But, if you’re looking for sit down restaurants (chairs and all!) we have a few that are worth the ferry ride. The Snapdragon Bakery and Café takes the cake when it comes to oversized baked goods that taste as good as they look. Recently they’ve expanded and now serve up tantalizing meals throughout the day. Fair warning though, serving sizes are ginormous and can easily be shared, although you may want to keep this foodie goodness all to yourself.
The Hardware Store Restaurant is another can’t-miss on our list of island eateries. Categorized as upscale casual, the menu’s pleasing to carnivores, vegetarians and those that have gone gluten-free. Plus, they serve up a decadent weekend brunch, so there’s that. And if fast is your thing, as it often is with toddlers in tow, the Saucy Sisters Brick Oven Pizzeria can have a piping’ hot pie ready to go in about 5 minutes. Coincidentally, that’s just about the time it takes to stave off a hungry toddler meltdown. Order up!
Eclectic Island Fun
Vashon wears its eclectic, quirky title with pride, and it’s got the sights to prove it. Be sure to make a post-fest detour to check out these local legends before heading back to the big city. You won’t regret tracking down the bicycle in the tree, a nationally recognized oddity, live and in person off the Vashon Island Highway. Or head over to Vashon’s outdoor gym for a workout with a view. The exercise bikes at the intersection of Dockton Rd. S.W. and Portage Bay S.W. are another local attraction that’ll cause you to stop and wonder. And don’t forget the UFO over at the Vashon Municipal Airport. Real or just really cool, it’s got bedtime story written all over it. Experiencing even one of these is a great way to top off a family adventure on Vashon!
Do you plan to take a trip to Vashon Island this summer? Let us know in a comment below.
–Allison Sutcliffe
Photos thanks to: Kelly Keenan, Jay Holtz, The Vashon Chamber of Commerce, Nancy Raume Carr, Vashon Sheepdog Classic’s website
