No need to trek out to Muir Woods to see the majestic Redwoods

The majestic redwoods of Muir Woods make for a magical day trip, but you can also enjoy a mini adventure at one of the Bay Area’s many redwood groves for a quick nature walk and be back in time for dinner. Many of these sweet spots are close to playgrounds and cafes too, so kids can play after their hike among the tall trees. Read on for round-up of the best 13 redwood groves in the Bay Area for an escape to nature this weekend.

San Francisco Redwood Hikes

Kate Loweth

Hoover Redwood Grove, Golden Gate Park

If you can’t travel to the far north to see Humboldt County’s beautiful old-growth trees, San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park has a stunning mini-redwood forest at Hoover Redwood Grove. The coastal redwoods were planted in 1930 to honor war casualties, so the almost-100-year-old trees have grown to impressive proportions. The grassy area is perfect for a picnic, lawn games, and relaxing next to the soaring trees. As you walk through the grove, look out for native wildflowers like the colorful rhododendrons that flower in late spring.

716-808 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr.
Golden Gate Park
Parking: Park for free along Martin Luther King Jr. Dr.
Online: goldengatepark.org

Ecology Trail at the Presidio
This 1.4-mile route winds its way through Serpentine grasslands (that in springtime are full of gorgeous wildflowers in bloom) and the Presidio’s largest redwood grove. It leads to Inspiration Point Overlook with sweeping views of San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz, and Angel Island—a perfect way to reflect on an afternoon spent with those gentle giants.

The Presidio
Parking: Find directions and trail maps at presidio.gov
Onlinepresidio.gov

Redwood Park at the Transamerica Pyramid Center
Nestled between the skyscrapers of San Francisco's Financial District is a unique surprise: a mini park with a whole half-acre of (transplanted) redwoods, smack dab in the middle of the city! Kiddos will also enjoy the fountain honoring Mark Twain; you’ll enjoy the fact that you still have the whole day to explore the city and that fresh pasta and red wine in North Beach are just blocks away.

600 Montgomery St.
Parking: There is a parking structure opposite the Transamerica Pyramid at 631 Merchant St.
Online: tclf.org

East Bay Redwood Hikes

SEEC

Dr. Aurelia Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park 
Just a few miles from downtown Oakland, Dr. Aurelia Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park is a hidden gem of towering redwoods set in a 1,833-acre park. The last remaining strand of natural redwoods in the east bay was heavily logged for building materials until conservationists won a battle to protect this beautiful grove. For a peaceful, kid-friendly walk through the forest, park at Canyon Meadow Staging Area and take the Stream Trail through the trees, passing a playground and picnic area.

7867 Redwood Road
Oakland, CA 94619
Parking: Park at Canyon Meadow Staging Area, $5 entrance fee per car charged at Redwood Entrance Gate.
Online: ebparks.org

Mather Redwood Grove
You might not think of a college campus as a place to see redwoods, but there's a small grove of them at UC Berkeley's Botanical Garden, with trees varying in height to create the illusion of an enchanted forest.  

200 Centennial Dr.
Berkeley, CA
Parking: Parking is available in a lot across the street for $1 per hour. Garden admission with an advance reservation is $18 for adults, $8 for 5-17 year olds and free for four and under.
Online: botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu

Peninsula/South Bay Redwood Hikes

Three girls hike under redwood trees at Henry Cowell State park
Christine Lai

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
Just a quick drive over Highway 17 from San Jose (as long as you avoid the beach traffic) you will find Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. As the park’s name will tell you, it is full of gorgeous redwood trees. From the parking lot, head towards the Visitor’s Center (a great stop to learn about the park) and you will see the Redwood Loop Trail—a 0.8-mile flat loop that takes you on a kid-friendly tour of hundreds of massive redwoods. Be sure to check out the famous Fremont tree at the midpoint of the loop. This tree was made famous by General John Fremont who is rumored to have slept inside the burnt-out, hollow redwood tree in 1846. Grab a flashlight from the visitor’s center (or use your iPhone’s flashlight) to fully explore the inside of this massive tree. Insider Tip: Just past the Redwood Loop Trail on the River Trail, you will find access to a great creek so bring your swimsuits to cool off!

101 N. Big Trees Park Rd.
Felton, CA
Parking: Park in the day-use area for $10 per vehicle.
Onlineparks.ca.gov

Portola Redwoods State Park
Sadly, Big Basin State Park, the biggest old-growth redwood grove in the South Bay, was badly damaged during the 2020 CZU fire. However, Portola Redwoods State Park, a preserve tucked away behind Big Basin, is a beautiful alternative. Walk among towering redwoods, see waterfalls tumbling down mossy rocks, take a refreshing dip in the shallow creek, or relax in the historic visitor center lodge.

9000 Portola State Park Rd.
La Honda, CA 94020
Parking: $10 entrance fee, park in the day-use lots.
Online: parks.ca.gov

Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve
For towering redwoods and sweeping coastal views, head to this 4,000-acre open space preserve. The Redwood Trail is an easy flat route that is specially surfaced and almost completely shaded, making it perfect for the little arborists. There are picnic tables and restrooms along this meandering path, and if you’re lucky, you’ll also get a good dose of banana slugs, bubbling creeks, and butterflies.

Skyline Blvd., 4.5 miles south of Highway 92
Half Moon Bay, CA
Parking: There is plenty of roadside parking in addition to the lot.
Online:  openspace.org

Redwood Grove Nature Preserve
In addition to redwoods, this six-acre nature preserve has a boardwalk (along Adobe Creek), a rose garden, and observation decks, making it the perfect place to explore redwood groves in a family-friendly and natural setting. The preserve connects to Shoup Park, which families (and parents) love for the awesome play areas and crawl tunnels.

482 University Ave.
Los Altos, CA
Parking: Visitor parking is available on University Avenue. No motor vehicles are allowed in the park.
Onlinelosaltos.ca.gov

Butano State Park
If you are looking to combine the best of two worlds—the beach and the forest—then head to Pescadero and check out Butano State Park. Just 15 minutes from the beach, Butano SP boasts beautiful towering redwoods on miles of hiking trails. While most are not stroller-friendly, they are easily walkable and the ever-favorite banana slugs along the trail are sure to delight hikers of all ages.

1500 Cloverdale Rd.
Pescadero, CA
Parking: Park in the day-use lot, entrance fee is $10.
Onlineparks.ca.gov

Montalvo
Nestled in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Villa Montalvo is known for its gorgeous mansion and grounds where artists perform and display their works of art on the property. But just beyond the mansion are hidden hiking trails full of towering redwoods. Follow the Redwood Trail to the Lookout Trail for a view of the Bay Area like no other!

15400 Montalvo Rd.
Saratoga, CA
Parking: Free, in the parking lots.
Online: montalvoarts.org

Marin County Redwood Hikes

A family enjoys Muir Woods' redwood trees
iStock

Dolliver Park
Downtown Larkspur boasts a charming main street full of restaurants and shops.  Why not start there and then meander your way over into Dolliver Park—an enchanting little place that the locals call “Dark Park,” which means just the right amount of redwoods. The kiddos will marvel at the windy road that was designed around the redwoods' wandering roots.

Larkspur, CA
Magnolia Ave. at Madrone Ave. in Downtown Larkspur
Parking: Free street parking, but you may have to park a few blocks away as the redwoods make the road very narrow.
Onlineci.larkspur.ca.us

Roy’s Redwoods
Tucked in the middle of Marin's San Geronimo Valley is a picturesque meadow and some of the largest redwoods in the county. There are shaded trails perfect for even the tiniest of hikers, or for more of an adventure climb along Dickson Fire Road that leads to sweeping views.  (And if those things aren't impressive to your family, make sure to tell them it's also where George Lucas shot "The Ewok Adventure.")

Directions: From Hwy 101 in Larkspur, take the exit for Sir Francis Drake Blvd. west 8.6 miles, turn right onto Nicasio Valley Rd. Gate is approximately 0.5 miles up on the right. Outside of a small kiosk marking the grove, there’s no clear signage so it can be easy to miss.  Just look out for the service road off Nicasio Valley Rd. that leads to the trailhead, about a half-mile north of Sir Francis Drake Blvd.
Parking: With no parking lot, cars typically park along the road.
Onlinemarincountyparks.org

Additional reporting by Sarah McDonald & Mae Respicio

Your kids will be begging for more bricks when their breakfast is in the shape of blocks. Hammacher Schlemmer’s Building Brick Waffle Maker made its debut on Kickstarter and quickly surpassed its goal. Now it’s available for purchase!

The Building Brick Waffle Maker takes meals to the next level, literally. Create a house or a towering skyscraper made of delicious waffles, then cover it in syrup and demolish it.

Building Brick Waffles

Bake up interlocking bricks in this waffle maker that makes10 short bricks, two long bricks, and two individual bricks at the same time. The finished products can be easily stacked, making any structure you can dream of.

The Building Brick Waffle Maker is made from die-cast aluminum with a food-grade, non-stick coating that is easy to clean. It currently sells for $59.99 and the next batch will ship in January. Breakfast for dinner, anyone?

—Jennifer Swartvagher & Karly Wood

photos: Hammacher Schlemmer

 

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The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens in San Marino is now open, giving you another outdoor space to explore with kids. (These other LA botanical gardens are open, too.) Read on for details on the new safety measures along with a guide on exploring the sprawling 130-acre garden.

Safety Measures

ML via Yelp

Tickets must be purchased in advance online, and admissions will be limited to 1500 people, about a third of the average amount of visitors. Before entering, there will be a temperature check and masks must be worn at all times. Unfortunately, high-touch areas as the Children’s Garden and The Rose Hills Foundation Conservatory for Botanical Science, as well as the galleries and other indoor spaces, will remain closed at least until the fall.

Japanese Garden

Nina V. via Yelp

This 9-acre Zen garden within Huntington is open, complete with a moon bridge, koi-filled ponds and bonsai court. 

Chinese Garden

Nicholas B. via Yelp

Be sure to also check the Chinese Garden with its stunning 1.5-acre lake, stone bridges and waterfalls. Also in bloom? The stunning lotus flowers.

Jungle Garden

Lianne K. via Yelp

Escape to the lush Jungle Garden, featuring tall shaded trees, towering bamboo, climbing vines, tucked-away waterfalls and giant leaves. 

Rose Garden

Nadine C. via Yelp

Wander through the three-acre Rose Garden. With more than 3,000 individual plants, the garden is full of color and smells oh-so sweet. 

Additional Details

Charlene C. via Yelp

The Huntington will be open 7 days a week in July and August, 10a.m.–5 p.m., for more visiting opportunities! There will also be additional evening hours, from 5:30p.m.-8p.m, for Huntington Garden Strolls. See calendar for additional dates and details.

Admission: $25 for adults on weekdays; $29 on weekends; $13 for kids aged 4-11; children under 4 are free.

1151 Oxford Rd.
San Marino
626-405-2100
Online: huntington.org

–Shannan Rouss & Jennifer O’Brien

If your kid has explored every indoor jungle gym, ball pit and slide in the area, it’s time to change-up your playtime routine. Good news—there are plenty of amazing indoor play areas located in the most unsuspecting place…the mall! From play areas with fun local themes to one with a sailing ship, these six favorites are worth the drive (and are sure to guarantee quiet car rides home and peaceful afternoon naps).

photo: Springfield Town Center

Springfield Town Center
If your kid has dreams of sliding down a giant banana, this is the peel deal. Recently moved from the second floor food court to the first floor of the mall, the fruit and vegetable-themed soft playground might convince your tykes that broccoli is cool. You can even teach them how to spell “broccoli” on the giant chalkboard. And, good luck pulling them away from the touch screen computer games.

6500 Springfield Mall (Springfield, VA)
Online: springfieldtowncenter.com

photo: Arundel Mills

Arundel Mills
Located between Best Buy and the Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament, this Maryland-themed soft playground will give your kids a chance to crawl through replicas of Thomas Point Lighthouse and a towering oak tree. Take a seat on one of the perimeter benches and get your iPhone ready to snap a picture of your little one “swimming” in the birdbath with the giant Oriole.

7000 Arundel Mills Cir. (Hanover, MD)
Online: simon.com/mall/arundel-mills

photo courtesy of Dulles Town Center

Dulles Town Center
Batter up! This Nationals-themed soft playground is just what your little base runner. A visit here will give your littlest baseball fans a thrill out of sliding down a giant baseball bat or clambering over an oversized glove. Make time to check out the adjacent Island Carousel—the gold accents and low-watt bulbs just scream “photo-op”.

21100 Dulles Town Cir. (Dulles, VA)
Online: shopdullestowncenter.com

photo: Caitlin H via Yelp

Potomac Mills
While most indoor mall play areas have a height cut-off of 42 inches, this colonial Virginia-themed space allows children up to 48 inches to romp about. Keep that in mind if your wee one tends to get railroaded by older kids (or if your tall pre-schooler always feels left out of the fun!). The mini-Monticello and sailing ship are quaint, and two toddler nooks feature wall-mounted mirrors, puzzle-like manipulatives, and even a giant piano keyboard. No shame in excessive tweeting—there’s a charging station for you to juice up your phone, too.

2700 Potomac Mills Cir. (Woodbridge, VA)
Online: simon.com/mall/potomac-mills

photo: Nicholas Wang via flickr

The Mall in Columbia
This “health and wellness”-themed soft playground has great natural light thanks to a skylight overhead. Located next to JCPenney, the space has the typical collection of climbing and small slide structures, plus a few wall-mounted puzzles. Start a chorus of siren sounds as your little one “rides” the pretend ambulance, and—we dare you—get down on your hands and knees to chase your kids through the water bottle tunnel.

10300 Little Patuxent Pkwy. (Columbia, MD)
Online: themallincolumbia.com

photo: Westfield Annapolis‘ website

Westfield Annapolis
The ocean-themed Westfield play space near Pottery Barn boasts a blue whale slide and other sea creatures for climbing. A towering lighthouse is fun to crawl through, but note that it can obstruct your view if you’d prefer to keep an eye on your seafarer at all times. Wall-mounted puzzles keep little hands busy. Extra perks: a nearby Starbucks and child care (up to three hours, $5/hour).

2002 Annapolis Mall (Annapolis, MD)
Online: westfield.com/annapolis

Photo: Sokha A. via Yelp 

Tysons Corner 
Quite possibly the most popular area of the mall, this third floor, National Geographic/Save-the-Planet themed play area features animal climbing structures, plus a recycling truck, honey comb hut,and log cabin. Beat the crowds by coming early in the day or just before closing. FYI: There is a ride-on train that picks up and drops off in front of the play area; it’s super enticing for kids, so you might want to have $3 on hand in case kiddo wants a ride.

1961 Chain Bridge Rd. (McLean, VA)
Online: tysonscornercenter.com

— Katie Brown and Ayren Jackson-Cannady

 

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photo: Pexels

Your kiddo has built some of the tallest darn LEGO structures you’ve ever seen. Those towering plastic bricks seemed to reach from the playroom’s floor all the way up to its ceiling. But alas, your child’s totally tall tower is not the biggest one in the world. And probably not by far. The tallest plastic brick tower was just built — in Tel Aviv.

In recent years there have been LEGO tower building attempts made in Milan and Budapest. Even though these plastic brick super-structures were tall, the Tel Aviv version takes the cake. The joint effort between Tel Aviv City Hall and Young Engineers (a learning-based organization that helps young builders through the use of toy plastic bricks) is more than just a totally rad tower.

The Tel Aviv toy brick building was created to memorialize 8-year-old Omer Sayag. The little boy, who died from cancer in 2015, had a passion for building with blocks. And that’s what this record-breaking structure honors.

In all, the tower is made from half a million plastic bricks. And you thought that you had a lot of those little bricks floating around your house. The tower itself took thousands of people from over two dozen community organizations to build. From Dec. 12-24, the dedicated builders assembled the tower in the separate sections. The sections were then taken to Rabin Square, where they were pieced into one tall tower.

And just how tall is this tower? It measures 117 feet, 11 inches. That’s 35 inches taller than Milan’s plastic brick structure. Whoa!

What’s your child’s favorite thing to build with plastic bricks? Tell us in the comments below.

They don’t need to have seen Roman Holiday to know that dipping a few fingers (or toes) in a magnificent city fountain is a magical experience. And since this summer is already shaping up to be a hot one (and our drought has been declared over for now), it’s the perfect time to get to know these gurgling, gushing works of art. So skip the hassle of the pool and hunt down one (or all) of these majestic water features. Scroll down to learn more.

Photo: Emma Bland Smith

Halprin Fountains (Levi’s Plaza)
These two fountains may be the city’s least-known but most fun, located in a hidden park across from the Exploratorium, straddling Battery Street. Kids can run in circles over the criss-crossing concrete slabs, hopscotch across pools, and duck under branches. The faux-rural park (think streams and foot bridges) is a peaceful haven on a busy day. Combine this with a hike up the famed Filbert Steps (they begin here), a stop to look for the parrots of Telegraph Hill and to peek into the enchanted wonderland of private gardens and you’ll forget you’re in bustling SF. Hungry? Continue on past Coit Tower and down into North Beach, where you can grab a slice of pizza at Tony’s Pizza Napoletana or some top-notch Mexican grub at Tacolicious. (See our story about North Beach with kids here.)

Levi’s Plaza
1155 Battery St.
San Francisco, CA

Photo: Emma Bland Smith 

Music Concourse (Golden Gate Park)
Want to pretend you jetted off to Paris for the afternoon? Visit the Music Concourse in Golden Gate Park, located between the California Academy of Sciences and the De Young Museum. With gravel paths, stately wood-and-iron benches, shady plane trees, and three classic round fountains in the middle, there’s a serene, stepped-back-in-time feel here. On weekends artists display their wares and music flows from the band shell, creating a carnival-like atmosphere. Take a lunch break in the De Young café, which you can access without paying the museum entrance fee.

Music Concourse in Golden Gate Park
50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr.
San Francisco, CA

Palace of Fine Arts 

Redwood Park, Transamerica Pyramid Center
Truly a majestic park in the very center of the city, Transamerica Pyramid Center features two of our most famous towering icons: the Transamerica Pyramid AND Redwood trees. Amidst the grove of about 50 towering redwood trees, all transplants from the Santa Cruz mountains, is a fountain that looks as if it exploded right through the park’s pavers. The fountain commemorates a famous short story by Twain, “The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County,” and features little frogs sculpted mid leap.

600 Montgomery St.
San Francisco, CA 94111

Ruth Asawa’s San Francisco Fountain
This ode to SF narrowly escaped destruction a couple years ago, when the original plans for the new Apple Store in Union Square included its removal. But public outcry (gotta love SF) ensured not only its survival, but its restoration. The original, but priced up fountain by local artist Ruth Asawa features dozens of whimsical bas-relief scenes of the city, all done in bronze. And now, with the renovated plaza beyond, this is a lovely place to find a quiet moment within one of the more bustling areas in town.

345 Stockton St. (at Post)
San Francisco, CA 94108

Photo: Emma Bland Smith 

Mermaid Fountain (Ghirardelli Square)
This small but sweet gem sits in Ghirardelli’s beautiful brick main square. It was created by Ruth Asawa, one of San Francisco’s most famous and cherished artists, known for her sculptures. This fountain is among her more accessible and classical works, and children will be charmed by the two lovely mermaids, one of whom tenderly cradles a mer-baby. After dropping in a few pennies, pop into the two chocolate stores for your free samples (no trip is complete with them!), then let the kids explore the square.

Ghirardelli Square
900 North Point St.
San Francisco, CA

Photo: Emma Bland Smith 

Fountain of the Tortoises (Huntington Park)
Feel like a well-heeled native with a visit to Huntington Park. Perched at the top of Nob Hill, between the Fairmont Hotel and Grace Cathedral, this small park features a cozy playground (currently being remodeled), a grassy field popular with local dog-owners, and the pretty little Fountain of the Tortoises. Potty time? Step into the posh Fairmont lobby or visit the dim, cool cathedral. You can’t get more San Francisco than this! Tip: The fountain was recently lit, so try for an evening visit if your tots are night owls.

Photo credit: Google images

MLK Memorial Fountain (Yerba Buena Gardens)
There are so many reasons for families to frequent the urban center known as Yerba Buena Gardens: the bowling alley, ice skating rink, Metreon movie theater, awesome sunken playground, Children’s Creativity Museum and live theater (the Bay Area Children’s Theater puts on plays here). Add the biggest fountain on the West Coast to the list and it’s officially a must-visit. Visually, it’s stunning: a massive wall of falling water. But the real attraction is walking behind it, where you can read quotes from Martin Luther King, Jr., etched on the wall. Inspiring.

Do you have a favorite urban fountain that the kids like to splash in? Tell us in the comments below! 

–Erin Feher and Emma Bland Smith

Gingerbread Adventures at OMSI

This holiday season, celebrate all-things gingerbread at OMSI! With towering sculptures made by local architects and bakeries, sweet science demonstrations, and build-it-yourself workshops, Gingerbread Adventures is a treat for the whole family.

Do you remember when an afternoon at the playground looked a lot like the Cross Fit class you find yourself huffing and puffing through these days? If so, then you’re going to love this trip down memory lane. We’ve found the coolest blacktop equipment only kids from a generation raised on Twinkies and cheddar cheese balls can remember. From thunder-domes to wobbly rocking horses, we’ve got the retro gear you used to love to twirl around, jump on or slide down!

photo: Nels Olsen via flickr creative commons

High Speed Merry Go Round
Spin around as fast as possible and try not to throw up. To most kids these days, this may not sound like a game, but to anyone that grew up in the 70’s and 80s, it was a favorite pastime. Old school, metal merry go rounds picked up serious speed, so you needed to time your jump onto the hot metal carefully, or you’d be tossed. But, that was the fun of it. Right?

photo: Peter Griffin 

Wobbly Horse
What do you do when you don’t have an interactive iPad game to keep you thoroughly entertained? You jump on a heavy duty, totally battered, wobbly horse and pretend your’e an award winning jockey. We still remember how thrilling it was to be in the middle of the playground winner’s circle.

photo: Retro Crush

Log Crush
Back in the day, kids weren’t practicing tree pose to perfect their balance. It was all about the log crush. Jump on and move your feet and see how long it takes you before you fall. Then repeat.

photo: Bart Everson via flickr creative commons

Towering Metal Slides
Modern day slides are usually made of molded plastic, with just a faint slope and a definitive height restriction. Someone must have decided sky-high, burning hot metal might result in serious injury, but we have to admit, those towering metal slides did prep kids for a challenge. They may have also cured more than a few people’s fear of heights before they even knew to be afraid.

photo: Mental Floss

Flat Wooden Swings
If you sat on one of these flat wooden swings there’s a strong possibility your name is Jennifer, Amanda or Jessica (the top three names in 1980!). These popular 80’s swings weren’t made for softies. They didn’t curve to fit your seat and the chain-link handles could cause a nasty blister, but they did gain speed and go high. High enough that when you jumped off you could go really, really far.

photo: Scott Ackerman via flickr creative commons

Tether Ball
Tether ball was schweet! Sure you might get smacked in the face or deal with a jammed finger, but you and a friend could also have hours of fun on the playground with nothing more than a ball, tied by a rope to a metal post. It really was that easy.

photo: Sludge G via flickr creative commons

Rocket Monkey Bars
Maybe it was our obsession with NASA in the 70’s, but it seemed like every playground worth it’s salt had a version of rocket monkey bars. And, what better way to spark the imagination than climbing up, onto, and off of a rocket.

photo: haru_q via flickr creative commons

Tire Training
Got a discarded tire? Bring it to the playground. In the 70’s and 80’s if you went to the playground it seemed like at least half of it consisted of stuff made from tires. Tire swings, tire bridge, tire wall! It all worked, and provided hours of fun.

photo: Pax Holley 

Horrifying Clown Swings
Clowns are scary, especially for anyone who’s seen the horror classic, It. So, a skinny clown swing set was a double dose of creepy when it was all the rage in the 80’s. Luckily Madonna was around belting out Papa Don’t Preach to make us all feel better.

photo: Nels Olsen via flickr creative commons

Miracle Dome Whirl
It was like your very own version of Gravitron, the classic gravity-defying carnival ride. The real challenge was keeping your head down and your legs from dragging when you and your crew really picked up speed.

What long-gone piece of playground equipment was your favorite? Share with us in a Comment below. 

— Aimee Della Bitta

Who knew it only took a village to have a fabulous party? Mom of 5 year old Coco, Holly Copeland Sherlock, the mastermind behind this epic birthday party (you may remember her from this amazing Frozen party last year), didn’t even need games to entertain the young heroes and princesses. All the bash required was cardboard boxes, superb DIY skills, the perfect spot in LA’s Elysian Park and the guests’ imaginations. Scroll down to check out the stunning decorations and power of make-believe.

A Storybook Party
Remember the large tree Rapunzel swung around on her first day out of the tower? This perfect shady spot in Los Angeles’ Elysian Park resembles the forest the long haired princess lived in. Holly brought it to life by decorating the place with lanterns and a banner that appropriately said “Best Day Ever.”

A hot glue gun was Holly’s best friend when assembling the decor. The “floating” lanterns were made using a template from Krafts by Kaleigh, while the “Best Day Ever” banner took a little DIY work using a burlap runner from a craft store. Holly cut out the triangle flags, hand painted each letter on and attached them to some twine. The sun banners were bought from Julie’s Party Decorations.

It Takes A Village
We can already see parents and kiddos picking their jaws off the floor after stumbling upon this tiny village. Coco’s godfather (and Disney-artist) John Coulter helped transform simple cardboard boxes into real-life cottages. Each thatched cottage was accessible to the little ones. To really give the village a 3D effect, they used hot glue to attach flower boxes, shutters, doors, Flynn Rider Wanted posters, moss and silk flowers.

Braid Decorations and Pascal Blowers
As soon as the tiny guests arrived, they got a braid to decorate and a Pascal blower to play with. This help set the tone to the party, jumpstarting everyone’s creativity.

All About the Imagination
Surprise, surprise — who needs games? Rapunzel certainly didn’t have them! The interior of the cottages were covered in chalkboard paint so that everyone could get their art on. And judging by all the hearts with Coco’s name, it’s quite obvious how much everyone loved this activity. There were also toys, dolls, a small broom, stickers and more to keep the kids entertained through their hours of make-believe.

Towering Photo Booth
The line for this photo opp was as never ending as Rapnuzel’s hair, which took 3 pounds of yarn, silk flowers and – you guessed it – hot glue. Little ones had to climb a step-up ladder to reach the window before they could pretend that this elegant hair was theirs.

Meet and Greet with Rapunzel and Flynn Rider
Coco’s dad made the appearance of Flynn Rider extra special for his birthday girl… by dressing up as the former thief! Rapunzel also joined the party to play with the guests, take photos and share her love for adventures.

Eats from the Snuggly Duckling
Rustic-themed food came from the “Snuggly Duckling” (aka Mendocino Farms in LA) but what made the meal extra fun was the cast-iron pan plates that everyone got to eat off of. After all, Flynn Rider did say, “I got to get me one of those!”

Towering Birthday Cake
Who would resist a cake as beautiful as that? Created by Mary’s Cake Shop in LA, this colorful dessert was actually meant for the moms and pops, but as soon as Coco blew her candles out, all the little fingers dug in. Thankfully, her mom prepared ahead of time and had plenty of cupcakes, cookies, braided pretzel rods (from Cravings by Wendy) and more cake to go around. 

Pascal Party Favor
Of course the party couldn’t end without everyone getting their own best friend, a crochet Pascal! These uber cute favors were made by Happy Squid Muffin.

Thank you Holly Copeland Sherlock for sending us this amazing party to share! Want inspiration for a Frozen coronation? Check out Coco’s 4th birthday party here

— Christal Yuen

All photos courtesy of Joanne Distaso Photography