Trust us. Oregon’s Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival is as family-friendly as it gets
If you are thrilled that spring is here, then you’ll want to celebrate with Portland’s epic Annual Wooden Shoe Tulip festival!This month-and-a-half-long family-friendly event kicks off on March 17, and offers tons of exciting activities like hot air balloon and cow train rides as well as special events and activities for families to attend. Read on for your guide to this beloved spring event.
The Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm puts on the Wooden Shoe Tulip Fest in Woodburn, Oregon. This Oregon farm is home to 40 acres filled with various tulips that come in stunning colors. The fields get rearranged into new patterns each year, so the annual celebration never fails to stun attendees—a big reason they return again and again. But the tulips aren’t the only thing your crew has to look forward to at this spring event. There are incredible views of mountains, nearby vineyards, and onsite food, drinks, and fun for the whole family to enjoy. Kids in particular love the play area, and there are hay rides and special weekend events you should start planning for now.
When is the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival?
The Festival is held annually in Woodburn, Oregon. This year you can get tickets to the festival from March 17 to April 30, 2023. Advance tickets are a must and online ticket sales start March 1, 2023. As you consider dates that work well for your family, remember that Mother Nature is in charge of when the tulips bloom. So if you’re heading out to get pictures to send to the grandparents, it’s best to avoid the first week (or so) of the blooming season.
When is the Best Time to Visit the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival with Kids?
We’ll let you in on a little secret—crowds are smaller during the work week, so this is an ideal time to come if you have busy little ones or don’t like negotiating space with others. The gardens are open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays, so you’ve got plenty of time to make it down from the city, explore, and still be home in time to make dinner.
What to Expect During a Weekday Visit
The festival is open daily throughout the week. During the weekdays you can wander through the tulip fields, and check out the four-acre garden bursting with over 100 varieties of tulips. Take the kids on a tulip train ride, a leisurely, cushioned ride around the tulips with plenty photo stops—better make room on your phone. The train runs from noon to 5 p.m. during weekdays and is an extra cost. Or just let them run in the children’s play area on a lovely spring day. The play area includes play structures kids of all ages will love, the famous duck races, and even old-fashioned tire swings to catch air on.
The weekends bring extras to the fest that make it worth navigating the eager crowds. Plus weekend hours are a little longer (8 a.m.-7 p.m.) so you’ve got more Your kids can watch wooden shoe-making or steam tractor demonstrations, or you can wander through the crafter marketplace and peruse the offerings from various vendors. Up the excitement with a balloon animal or let your little athletes get their energy out in the jump tents or the rock wall. For adrenaline addicts, there are even carnival rides. It’s easy to spend a whole weekend playing and relaxing on the farm.
But if you ask us, the got air balloon rides (available only on the weekends) are the big draw. If you are interested in seeing the tulip fields from above, there are a number of balloonists you can call directly and book flights with. Please remember, the rides are weather dependent.
Where to Eat at the Festival
One of the things that makes this festival family-friendly is that families can pack their own picnics and eat onsite with the kids. It's a great way to save money. But if you'd prefer to head out the door without a ton of prep time, there are plenty of tasty options available at the festival. Alotta Wood Fire Pizza will sell you a slice, Real Mexican Food will be available, and who doesn't want something from Gimme Some Sugar? You will also find coffee and smoothies and so much more.
Wine Tasting & Tours
Whether you're looking for a date idea or you've got grandparents or a friend who wants to come along and watch the kids, you don't want to miss the Tulip Fest's wine tasting and tour opportunities. Enjoy a glass of one of the estate-grown wines or a glass of local beer or cider at the vineyard, or go on a wine farm tour at the scheduled ticket time. There are three different tours you can go on: The Estate Wine Tour, the Light Wine Tour, and the Red Wine Tour. All are worth it.
Other Things to do in the Area
Extend your fun beyond the fest by joining one of the festival-related events. Check out the Wooden Shoe Vineyards for some wine-tasting fun. There are also a number of fun runs to check out including the Tulip Trail Run.
Make sure you get the most out of your Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival experience by showing up prepared. Spring is wet in Oregon so bring boots and a raincoat in case you get caught in a downpour. It’s also wise to bring a dry change of clothes for the kids or at least dry socks if you want to keep your diaper bag uncluttered. Snacks are a must. If you have little ones, pack the stroller. It’s bound to come in handy. Don’t forget your camera! You will get some incredible shots no matter what the weather does.
Insider Tip: This is a dog-friendly event. Your pooch must be leashed, but is bound to love the event as much as you do.
Dates: Mar. 17-Apr. 23, 2023
Cost: $10-$40/weekday pass; $15-$55/weekend pass; $60/season pass; all tickets include parking
Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival
33814 S. Meridian Rd.
Woodburn, OR Online:woodenshoe.com
Mother’s Day is the perfect opportunity to shower Mom with love, appreciation and gifts. This year, why not celebrate the mother figure in your life with a gift that’s good for mom and the world? Our list of eco-friendly gifts are guaranteed to make mom smile, plus they’re good for the community. Show the mom, grandma, aunt or other special person in your life how much she means to you with a sustainable product from a local Seattle shop this Mother’s Day.
A beautiful scented candle signals a serene moment even on the busiest of days. Seattle born and raised, Sukie turned her candle-making passion into a business in 2018. Today, Sukie’s Candle Co. produces non-toxic, vegan, eco-friendly candles with 40-plus hour burn times in exotic fragrance collections including citrus, fruity, floral and spice/woody. Sukie’s uses 100% pure soy wax, derived domestically from American farmers. Plus, all of her candles are infused with natural essential oils (phthalate-free!) and individually hand-poured in reusable glass containers. Shop online or visit a local retailer to purchase a little serenity for Mom.
For over 20 years, woman-owned bumble B design has curated themed gift baskets, bags and boxes. Surprise Mom with a basket full of her favorite goodies collected by bumble B design. It will include high quality, eco-friendly products that are creatively packaged into gifts suited for every taste and interest. Choose from a variety of themes including Champagne Cheers, Seattle Snacker Basket or Chocolate Gratitude Box (featuring organic, Fair Trade certified, Fran’s Chocolates). Eco-friendly features include reusable drinkware and bags, locally-sourced products and recycled packaging whenever possible. bumble B design hand delivers to most Seattle locations, or you can pick up from its local gift studio. Shipping is available for gifts that don’t contain alcohol.
It’s always a good time for pampering! Eco Collective offers an extensive selection of sustainable self-care products that make the perfect gift for Mother's Day. This Seattle-based online shop offers skin care, bath and body, hair care and wellness products including sun care, facial masks and more. Eco Collective’s products are responsibly sourced, plastic-free and kind to people, animals and the planet. All packaging is recyclable, compostable or reusable to help reduce the company's carbon footprint. Take care of a special mom in your life while taking care of the planet.
Not sure what to get Mom, but want to find a special Mother's Day gift with a purpose? Look no further than Fair Trade Winds. From felt flowers to bird houses, jewelry to food products, you’ll find the perfect gift. Bonus: Fair Trade Winds has put together a Mother’s Day Gift Guide if you need some inspiration. Purchasing fair trade products supports positive change by emphasizing equality and sustainability, helping artisans, families and communities become self-sustaining. At Fair Trade Winds, a significant percentage of your purchase goes directly to the creators, all over the world. Check out their extensive online catalog or stop by their Ballard gift shop to find that just-right gift.
5329 Ballard Ave. N.W. Seattle, WA 98107 206-743-8500 Online: fairtradewinds.net
Take a tasty treat up a notch with an eco-friendly glass drinking straw from a Granite Falls-based glass studio. This local Etsy shop handcrafts glass straws and carrying cases that aim to reduce plastic straw pollution and add a touch of fun to your iced coffee or seltzer. Choose from a plain straw or add a one-of-a-kind custom accent (coffee mug, animal, music note) to personalize it. Carrying cases are created from organic cotton and come in a wide variety of colors. Straws are dishwasher and microwave safe, and each purchase includes a cleaning brush. We'll drink to that.
Comfortable activewear can also be earth-friendly. Who knew? Seattle-based online retailer Girlfriend Collective’s clothing offers a high-end fit using sustainable, recycled materials. Vibrant colors, chic designs and ultimate comfort make Girlfriend Collective’s pieces a go-to part of any wardrobe. Tees, tanks, rompers, leggings and bras are made with cutting edge products like recycled polyester, recycled post-consumer bottles, ECONYL yarn (made from recycled fishing nets and other waste) and more. All packaging is 100-percent recycled and recyclable. From the raw materials sourced to create the pieces to the facilities producing the clothing, Girlfriend Collective values sustainability, fair trade and ethical labor practices, making it easy for you to do the same.
Nothing says “I love you, Mom” like a classic, colorful bouquet of flowers. Select a distinctive floral arrangement from Seattle’s Terra Bella Flowers. This local florist specializes in custom floral designs, houseplants and botanicals and supports local and global growers who celebrate organic, sustainable growing methods and human equality. Terra Bella Flowers can create something beautiful to suit anyone’s preferences. Add on a little extra something (like a candle or chocolates) and include a gift with delivery. Located in the heart of the Greenwood/Phinney Ridge neighborhood, Terra Bella Flowers offers daily delivery throughout Greater Seattle and some Eastside neighborhoods to make it easy for busy families.
For the outdoor enthusiast, consider one of Metamorphic Gear’s rugged, yet stylish totes, crafted with recycled sailing materials as a Mother's Day gift. Founder Lindsay Lawrence is a sailor and outdoorsman who wanted to design stylish and reliable eco-friendly products. Using his sailing experience, he recognized the durability of sail material and upcycled it into tote bags. Metamorphic Gear’s best-selling totes contain more than 90 percent upcycled materials with a truck tarp base, sailcloth top and climbing rope handles. One percent of every sale goes to support clean oceans. Retailers around the Puget Sound carry Metamorphic Gear totes so you can pick one up for Mom’s next outdoor adventure.
Ecologically and ethically-conscious fashionistas love to fill their closet with Prairie Underground’s functional, contemporary designs. Since 2005, Prairie Underground has made sustainability a top priority, honoring social, environmental and economic resources and respecting human rights and the natural world. Hemp and organic cotton is incorporated in every collection of tops, pants, hoodies and outerwear. Limited production reduces waste and shifts the focus to uniqueness. All clothing is manufactured here in Seattle, supporting local garment production in an ethical manner. Shop online or make an appointment to shop at their local boutique. If you're not sure what mom wants, why not get a gift card?
Spring is the best season in Portland. This year (finally!) Easter celebrations are back and in full swing this spring throughout the Portland metro area. Check out a variety of festivals, tulip farms, animals, and Easter egg hunts (one is even underwater). Some egg hunts require online advance registration so plan ahead!
Lee Farms
Hunt your eggs this year at Lee Farms! An extremely family friendly event, this well-planned hunt offers plenty of fun for ages 0-12 and they offer multiple dates and time to ensure a safe, limited occupancy events with lots of room to roam and a fun time for your family. Once your child has found all 12 of their eggs, they can pick their special prizes to fill them! There is also play time on the Slide and Haymaze and a sugar cookie to-go to take home and decorate (with white buttercream frosting and rainbow sprinkles). And be sure to check out the animals.
Pre-registration is required for this hunt—and tickets are going fast—so be sure to sign up online before heading out, and know that this happens rain or shine.
The hunt is on at this annual event which supports the community and local businesses. The hunt takes place for two hours in the afternoon. Strict COVID safety guidelines are enforced, so remember your social distancing. Participating retailers will have marking for families to follow. Don't forget to support local and grab a bite or pick up a treat while you are out!
Apr. 16, 2-4 p.m. Bethany Village 4720 NW Bethany Blvd, Portland, OR Online: here
Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm
The Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival and farm is open on Easter and your kids will love wandering the tulip fields (bring your camera for pics!) Stop in the kids play area and let them run themselves silly. There's a tulip tour train and a hay ride. It's the perfect way to work off the sugar high from all of that Easter candy. All tickets must be purchased online for 2022. There is also an Easter sunrise service at 7 am.
Mar. 18-May. 1 33814 S Meridian Rd Woodburn, OR Online: here
Underwater Egg Hunt
This unique hunt is all underwater! Gather your little fishes, get the goggles, and register now for a splashing fun time. Kids from 6 months to 13 years will get the chance to hunt for colorful eggs at the bottom of the pool (or just splash around for fun). The time slots will be separated by age to let everyone have the most fun. But that’s not all-- on land you’ll find lots other activities like a cupcake walk, bunny bingo, a bouncy house, and crafts.
Apr. 9 12:15 - 3:45 p.m. Conestoga Recreation and Aquatic Center 9985 SW 125th Ave., Beaverton, OR Online: here
Packer Orchards Flyover Egg Drop
Gabe Pierce via Unsplash
Don't miss the 5th Annual Family-Friendly Easter Egg Hunt at The Packer Orchards Farm Place. There will an exciting "flyover egg drop" for kids at 1 p.m. (A quieter egg hunt is available at 10:00 a.m.) Bring your basket and search the Hood River farm for eggs with the Easter bunny! When you purchase your tickets online your child will receive an invitation to the Easter Egg Hunt from the Easter Bunny himself! The event includes a hunt and prizes, cookie decorating, egg decorating, rainbow chicks and more. You can also meet and feed the farms baby animals.
Check the website for times and availabilities. The store will be open and full of delicious Easter treats, drinks, snacks, and our Famous Hot Apple Cider Donuts all day!
April 9, 10 & 16 at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. 3020 Thomsen Road, Hood River, Oregon Online: here
Spring Egg Hunt At Cedar Hills Recreation Center
Help the Easter Bunny find all the eggs he lost! They are scattered all over the park at Cedar Hills Recreation Center! And if your eyes are especially sharp you just might find a special egg with a prize! Besides the hunt, lots of games, activities, treats and rain or shine fun is planned! This hunt takes place at different times throughout the day depending on age and ability. Check to see which hunt is appropriate for your little bunny.
Signs of spring are popping up all over Seattle, but the surest one of all is the return of the popular Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. This month-long celebration has miles of tulip farms to explore, and with events running throughout the season, it’s not only fun, it’s totally kid-friendly. So load up the car, get your tickets and make your way to Skagit Valley’s fields of dreams. Read on to make your plans.
photo: Allison Sutcliffe
When to Go
The festival officially kicks off on April 1 and runs through April 30, when the flower fields in the Skagit Valley will be in full bloom. You should see color in the fields by the first week of April, and fields fully blooming by the second week, give or take. Tulip Town and Garden Rosalyn will open on April 1, and RoozenGaarde, open year-round, will start charging for admission March 25. Since blooms can change in a short amount of time, check the bloom status or bloom map so you know what to expect, or call the bloom hotline at 360-428-5959.
Just like last year, families will need timed tickets to visit the tulip fields in 2022. All three growers are encouraging folks to purchase them in advance, but Tulip Town and RoozenGaarde have confirmed they will be selling tickets at the gate, if space is available. Bottom line, it’s best to plan ahead, especially if a weekend visit is part of your flower gazing plan.
Good to know: Saturdays are the busiest days to visit the gardens, followed by Sundays, Fridays and Mondays. If you’re looking to avoid crowds and traffic, and you’ve got flexibility for your visit, a mid-week plan is best.
photo: courtesy Tulip Town
Where to Find the Flowers
Tulip Town will be open everyday from April 1 to May 1, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and offers a few different ticketed experiences. For families with young kids, the General Admission tickets should do the trick. It includes parking, entry to the fields and indoor exhibits and a ride on the tulip trolley, weather permitting. It’s all you need to get the kids in the field for those Insta-worthy photos on a beautiful spring day. General admission tickets are $15 for anyone over the age of 12, $6 for kids ages 6-11 and free for kiddos 5 and under. If spontaneity is your family jam, consider purchasing the Anytime ticket for $25 (ages 6 & up). You get the same perks as the General Admission without being tied to a specific time frame. To get your tickets, simply choose your date and a three-hour window (arrive anytime in between). Sorry, no pets.
Good to know: Due to last year’s regional flooding, there may not be as much color in the fields this year, but Tulip Town will strive to provide an amazing experience for visitors.
photo: Allison Sutcliffe
RoozenGaarde has a colorful five-acre display garden (including a 25-acre tulip field and a 22-acre daffodil field) with over one million bulbs and an authentic Dutch windmill. Stroll the garden and see your favorite flowers, including over 150 varieties of tulips. Each year, RoozenGaarde redesigns and replants its garden with a new layout featuring brilliant color combinations, spectacular floral designs and flowering rivers of deep blue muscari. This year they’ll be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on the weekdays and 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.on the weekends. Advance tickets are highly encouraged. It’s $15 per person and kids two and under are free. Sorry, no pets permitted in the garden.
photo: Allison Sutcliffe
Garden Rosalyn is Skagit Valley’s newest tulip farm, and it’s the only one that welcomes well-behaved, leashed dogs. Playful designs are part of what makes visiting this field fun for kids, but so are the geese and ducks that call the little lake on the property home. They plan to host food trucks on site this year and have picnic benches out to enjoy your meal. The farm will be welcoming visitors daily, from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. starting April 1. Tickets are $12 per person and kids 5 and under are free.
Good to know: If driving isn’t in your plan, Shutter Tours offers a motor coach tour that departs from the Downtown Seattle Sheraton with stops at the big tulip farms and downtown La Conner. The tours run April 2-24, 2022 and have limited availability.
photo: Kylie Kirkland
Possible Lunch Spots
The waterfront town of La Conner is a charming small town that’s bustling with activity during tulip season. It’s also a great spot to stop and eat once you’ve had your fill of flowers. There are lots of restaurants to check out, including the very popular Calico Cupboard Cafe & Bakery, a from-scratch cafe that serves all-day breakfast, hearty lunches and some of the largest cinnamon rolls this side of the Cascades. La Conner Brewing Company is another family-friendly spot, as is Waterfront Cafe, where you can watch the boats go by when you dine dockside.
You’ll also find plenty of options in Mt. Vernon, no matter what you’re in the mood for. Check out the Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce site for some ideas. Calico Cupboard Cafe & Bakery also has a Mt. Vernon location, and a local favorite, Whidbey Island Bagel Factory, serves New York style bagels that are some of the best in the state. For an extra special treat, stop by Snow Goose Produce for a scoop of specialty ice cream from Lopez Island Creamery. Served in a homemade waffle cone, these generous scoops will fill the kids up for the car ride home. Note: Remember to bring cash if you plan to stop at Snow Goose Produce; they do not accept debit, credit or checks for ice cream.
We’re glad to report the popular Kiwanis Salmon BBQ at Hillcrest Park Lodge is back this year. On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays it’s the spot to get a plate of delicious grilled salmon ($20-$23/plate) and support local and global Kiwanis projects. Note: Online tickets are not available this year.
photo: Eric Riddle
How to Dress
It’s best to dress in layers, and wear waterproof clothing in case there are April showers. Bring a change of shoes, socks and pants (especially if it’s a muddy weekend), and sun hats and sunscreen if it’s sunny. Depending on the rainfall, the fields may be mucky and uneven making even experienced toddlers a little wobbly on their feet.
What to Bring
You will definitely want to pack some snacks and items to keep the Littles busy in the car. Since the photo ops are endless, you’ll also want to bring along your fully charged smartphone (and maybe a backup). If traveling with babies or just-walkers, we recommend bringing a backpack rather than a stroller, and if a stroller is how you roll, make sure it’s got rubber tires. Older kids can walk the paths around some of the fields and put those cute rain boots to use!
Garden Etiquette
The fields are generally not for “picking,” just admiring and taking pictures. Often there are paths around the fields, but generally they don’t want you walking in the rows of flowers, as the bulbs are fragile. Tulips are usually for sale at the entrances, so you can take some home.
photo: Tanya Hayes
Special Events
There are all kinds of special events in honor of the festival happening throughout April. On April 9, the 35th Annual Kiwanis Club of La Conner Not So Impromptu Tulip Parade will begin at 2 p.m., starting at the Port of Skagit complex in LaConer. Grab a curbside seat and expect to see lots of wacky, impromptu participants—from farm animals and mascots to your favorite pets.
The 37th Annual Street Fair in Downtown Mt. Vernon is scheduled for April 15-17. Arts, gourmet foods, kid’s toys—you’ll find lots of goodies at this masked, outdoor event that’s fun for everyone.
If your kids are older or they just love being fancy, consider attending the English Tea at Willowbrook Manor. Reservations are available every Friday and Saturday in April, from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. for $40 per person.
Bonus Activity
Because children’s museums are always a hit with kids, plan to check out the Children’s Museum of Skagit County. It’s located inside the Cascade Mall in Burlington and has lots of fun exhibits to explore. The Museum is open with limited hours Tuesday through Saturday, with ticked, two-hour long sessions starting at 10 a.m. (although this may change come April.) Reservations are recommended. Admission is only $8 for kids and adults and $7 for military and seniors; babes under 12 months are free.
photo: Anika Blake
Travel Time & Getting There
Depending on traffic, it should take you 60 minutes from Seattle. If possible, try to go during the week. The traffic can be a bit of a zoo on the weekends, although that may not be the case because visiting the fields is now a ticketed experience. Whenever you travel, bring along some car activities and a dose of patience for the adventure.
It’s easy to get to the Skagit Valley. Travel north on I-5 for approximately 60 miles. The tulips are generally grown in a 15-mile triangle bordered by Highway 20, the Skagit River and the Swinomish River Channel. Note: The festival is designed as a driving tour as many events and attractions are miles apart, scattered throughout the lower Skagit Valley.
Spring has sprung in NYC, and that means the city is soon going to be full of flowers. From cherry trees in Central Park and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, to displays of daffodils, tulips and more at parks in every borough, Mother Nature is giving us lots of reasons to get out of the house with kids and soak up some sun. Read on to find out where, and when to catch the best spring flowers in bloom in NYC.
Manhattan
Central Park
Samuel Stone Pixabay
Central Park's massive size and diverse topography provides a wide variety of places to see flowers in bloom.
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir Bridle Path: In early and mid-April you'll find a stunning display of cherry trees in bloom along the reservoir. Enter at 90th and Fifth at the Engineers' Gate and walk north.
Pilgrim Hill: Popular with sledders in winter, this spot at E. 72nd and Fifth is also a prime place to see Yoshino cherry trees in bloom in mid-April.
Swedish Cottage (Marionette Theater): This famous venue is charming any time of year, but in April and May, when the surrounding landscape is dotted tulips, daffodils and other spring bulbs, it looks straight out of a fairy tale. Find it on the Park's west side near 79th Street.
Cherry Hill: A gentle slope named for the trees that bloom delicate white and pink flowers Cherry Hill overlooks the park's lake. It's mid-park at 72nd Street.
If you're looking for something specific, check out the Central Park Conservancy's Bloom & Tree Guide, which you can search by plant, type, month and more.
Riverside Park
Janet Lombardo
This large park along the west side of Manhattan runs from 72nd Street up to 158th Street, and you can find lots of fabulous displays at various points. Check out:
Sakura Park at 122nd St: Named for the cherry trees you'll find in bloom here, usually in mid-April
83rd Street: near Mt. Tom and Warsaw Ghetto Memorial
91st Street, at the Promenade: The Garden People’s Garden is a community garden that has been maintained by volunteers for decades And if you keep walking north, you’ll come up to Crabapple Grove, which has gorgeous blossoms in the spring)
Hudson River Park
Max Guliani for Hudson River Park
Spanning 550 acres along the west side of Manhattan (from the northern end of Battery Park City to W. 59th Street in Hell's Kitchen), Hudson River Park offers four miles of waterside recreation.
Find out what's in bloom at any given time in the park with the Hudson River Park Conservancy's Bloom Guide, which you can find here.
March typically brings Star Magnolias and Saucer Magnolias, and cherry trees should be blooming in early April, along with tulips. (You can see 2021's bloom timetable here.)
Another spot to catch some cherry trees in bloom is Randall's Island. The island's display is so impressive there is a Cherry Blossom Festival here, as well. (No plans for a 2021 fest though.) The cherry trees of different species start blooming in early April and continue through the month and into May. You can see a guide to the Island's cherry tree bloom here.
Sprawling over 600 acres, this Olmsted & Vaux urban green space includes open spaces, woodsy enclaves and waterside spots. (Not to mention lots of places to play.)
You can see what's in bloom in Prospect Park thanks to the Prospect Park Alliance's spring bloom guide.
Highlights include:
Grand Army Plaza: Early spring brings early-blooming cherry trees, tulips and daffodils; later you'll see Eastern redbuds, and pink, late-blooming cherry trees.
LeFrak Center at Lakeside: Find an early spring display of bright yellow and orange Witch Hazel here. With warmer temps in April comes a profusion of white blossoms from Serviceberry, Chokeberry, Witch Alder, and Foxglove Beardtongue. Late spring brings a final act of flowering dogwoods and dewberries.
Litchfield Villa: In front of this stately pre-Civil War era mansion on Prospect Park West, you'll find Carmen’s Garden, which features an impressive tulip display in April. May brings pink and white blossoms of crabapple and hawthorn trees, with an assist from colorful annuals. In back of the building you'll find Korean dogwood trees with cream-colored flowers.
Long Meadow: A popular spot for lounging, sunbathing and picnicking, the Long Meadow is also home to several kids of fragrant flowering trees. At the north end, peach and white magnolia and dogwood trees bloom in early spring, and later lilacs bloom along with hanging yellowwood blooms.
Not too far from Prospect Park is the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, home to one of the biggest cherry blossom festivals in the city, which takes place in mid-April. No word on if that is happening in 2022, but hours are extended from April 15-May 15 to allow extra time to enjoy the cherry blossoms. (Want to know when the trees will bloom? It's not an exact science, but this may help. Many continue into May. For the latest on what trees have bloomed check out this bloom tracker which is updated daily.)
Early spring brings lots of other gorgeous blooms though: the garden's display of magnolia trees is gorgeous and luxurious, and you can see many, many spring bulbs here, such as daffodils, crocuses, snowdrops and tiny dutch irises. Also in April, the tulip display around the garden's central pool is striking.
Lilacs start in April and go through June, depending on the variety.
990 Washington Ave. Crown Heights 718-623-7200 Online: bbg.org
Green-wood Cemetery
Amy Nieporent
Founded in 1838 and now a National Historic Landmark, Green-wood Cemetery welcomes the public seven days a week. Its 478 acres are filled with natural beauty in the form of towering trees, flowering shrubs, blooming perennials and returning bulbs. It is another place you'll find gorgeous cherry trees in bloom in April and May; look for them in the areas of Valley Water and Battle Hill. To make navigating the cemetery easier, download the Green-wood app, which includes maps and lots of info and media (video, audio) on the history, nature and art of the Landmark.
500 25th St. 718-210-3080 Windsor Terrace Online: green-wood.com
As one would expect, the New York Botanical Garden is a spectacular place to see spring (and summer!) blooms. (The Garden's annual Orchid Show, featuring Jeff Leatham's Kaleidoscope, is also on display until May 1.)
The Garden's impressive collection of daffodils numbers is literally the hundreds of thousands, and you can find the yellow flowers in several places here. and don’t miss In April, Daffodil Hill is covered with them, and you'll find many antique cultivars that were planted in the early 20th century. The Rock Garden is home to tiny species of daffodils no more than three inches high, still more varieties can be found on the Daylily/Daffodil Walk, and Daffodil Valley is where the Murray Liasson Narcissus Collection is located. See how far along the daffodil bloom is with the Garden's Daffodil Tracker.
You'll find all kinds of spring-flowering trees here, including crabapple, magnolia and cherry trees, and Mother's Day is about when the NYBG Azalea Garden puts on an amazing display. (You can follow the azalea bloom with this tracker.)
The lilac collection, which blooms in early and late spring thanks to a wide variety of plants, dates to 1896 and has been a popular draw for more than a hundred years. It was expanded in 2016.
This public garden and cultural center in the Bronx has extended its hours for spring from 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday. It's a pleasure to visit any season, but spring highlights are tulips, magnolias, trillium and glory-of-the-snow.
Wav Hill hosts many programs for kids and families including weekly family art projects, bird-watching, and more.
Note that you must reserve tickets in advance to visit Wave Hill.
Spring at The Queens Botanical Garden brings blooming cherry trees on Cherry Circle, magnolias on Magnolia Path, vibrant displays of daffodils and tulips, viburnum, dogwood, eastern redbud and more. To see what's blooming when, click here.
Not too far from the Queens Botanical Garden is Flushing Meadows Corona Park, the former site of the 1939 and 1964 World's Fair. The park's impressive Unisphere is surrounded by scores of flowering trees throughout April, and there's lots more to explore once you've taken in the display. Check out the New York Hall of Science, the Queens Museum, the Queens Zoo,
This 83-acre campus on Staten Island is home to numerous cultural institutions and gardens, including The New York Chinese Scholar’s Garden (NYCSG), one of two authentic classical outdoor Chinese gardens built in the United States. Built entirely with architectural elements created in Suzhou, China, the NYCSG puts on a beautiful show in spring with flowering magnolias, cherries, mahonia, jasmine, and redbud. Much of Snug Harbor is free to explore, but admission to NYCSG is $5 per person, with kids under five admitted for free. (Staten Island residents are free the first Saturday of every month.)
Another must with kids is the Connie Gretz Secret Garden, an enclosed space with a shrub maze and three towers that resemble castle turrets. It is inspired by the book The Secret Garden and admission is $3 for kids and free for adults accompanied by a child. (It recently has only been open on Sundays.)
Need more to explore? Check out the Staten Island Museum, the Staten Island Children’s Museum and the Noble Maritime Collection, all of which are also at Snug Harbor.
1000 Richmond Terr. 718-425-3504 Staten Island Online: snug-harbor.org
It’s time to suit up for outdoor fun, whether that means a kiddie pool in the yard, the lake or a day at the beach. Read on to find the cutest bathing suits, including swim diapers and rash guards, from popular kids clothing brands like MORI, Janie and Jack and Tea Collection. And get ready to make a splash!
Pictured in the style Boho Rainbow, this swim bundle from the Sarah-Jane Collection covers all the basics: It comes with a swim diaper, a matching hooded towel and a wet bag for holding wet swimsuits, diapers, snacks or sunblock. Little ones grow so fast (they need to stop doing that!), and these diapers will grow with them. These swim diapers fit from the infant stage through toddlerhood. By the time your baby outgrows these, they'll be potty-trained!
We love these unisex swim diapers from Primary for their cute style and comfortable, snug fit. They boast UPF 50+ to keep baby's bum safe and are free of more than 300 chemicals commonly found in garments. Keep your baby's skin free from irritants with swimwear that doubles as a diaper (like most swim diapers, they only contain waste, not liquid).
Keep it simple with this sunshine-print diaper cover from Pottery Barn Kids that lets your baby keep routine in their favorite diaper underneath. Add a monogram to make this simple nylon accessory more snazzy.
Australian children's wear company Cheeky Chickadee makes clothes with cute, vivid prints. Bonus: They ship free worldwide with orders over $45. We adore these board shorts dotted with hand-drawn cockatoos. They are lightweight so they dry quickly, and they come in larger sizes so siblings (or dad & son!) can go full twinsy at the beach or pool.
These swim shorts from MORI sport a snug fit so they stay put when your little paddler makes a splash. Made from recycled nylon and elastane for stretch, they offer UPF 50+ protection. Pair these adorable trunks with a matching rash guard ($34) for extra protection against the sun's rays.
Tiny little sailboats and a billowy silhouette with a tiny ruffle detail keeps baby cute and comfy (and also does a great job of hiding a bulky diaper). This one-piece from Janie and Jack also keeps your little bundle's skin safe with a UPF 50+ fabric. We love that older sibs and cousins can find coordinating prints.
If you're looking for solid protection from the sun, check out this line of swimwear from Snapper Rock that blocks 98% of the sun's harmful rays. We love this playful number that features one of summer's favorite fruits along with a sweet, pink skirt.
We're a sucker for a seersucker, and this two-piece set from SwimZip couldn't be cuter. With no seams or tags and adjustable straps, it's the perfect suit for a fuss-free afternoon in the water. It comes in pink, peach and navy gingham; each fabric blocks out 98% of the sun's harmful rays.
A two-piece bathing suit makes diaper changes a cinch. This sweet set from Ruffle Butts features a UPF 50+ seersucker fabric with (naturally!) a ruffled bottom and a chic tulip back (meaning it's slightly open at the waist to show off those ruffles). You can also monogram this swimwear for a super-cute customized look.
When you want all-over protection from the elements, a full-body rash guard is in order. UV Skinz offers an extra layer of protection with a fabric that is certified UPF 50+. This guard comes in three adorable prints: Hibiscus Floral Geo, Peony Pink Geo and Pink Flamingo Dot. For head-to-toe protection, you can also order a matching sun hat.
This multi-floral suit from the Gap really adds a pop of color to a sunny day. A rash guard offers extra protection with long sleeves, but this two-piece option comes with the convenience of a separate bottom.
This rash guard from Tea Collection features an adorable ruffle leg line and an 80% nylon/20% spandex blend that provides UPF 40+ protection. A front zipper means you don't need to wrestle baby out of a wet suit when it's time for a change.
Mother’s Day will be here before you know it, so it’s the perfect time to help your kiddos make a craft to show Mom how much they love her. We’ve rounded up a list of easy paper crafts that kids can make themselves, from tissue paper flowers to patterned notebooks. Read on for some serious crafting inspiration.
Grab some dried flowers and put together this sweet card from Make and Takes. Finish it off with white glue and a little drawing. To get all the details on this DIY, click here.
How cool is this personalized notebook from Sisoo?! Grab a simple notebook and origami paper, and you’ll have the perfect gift ready in no time. Best of all, it’s something Mom will happily use. To get the details on how it’s done, click here.
If you don’t have time to make an elaborate craft, this cute questionnaire from Lil’ Luna will fit the bill. Your little one can fill out facts about Mom, and then they can draw and color a one-of-a-kind picture of her. To get the printable, click here.
This kid-made book from Hello, Wonderful is guaranteed to melt Mom’s heart. The printable template includes prompts for them to write their favorite things about their mom. Get all the details by clicking here.
Professional silhouettes can be expensive, but you can actually DIY one that looks just as good, thanks to Homemade Ginger. You’ll be surprised by how easy it is—click here to get the step-by-step instructions.
We’re obsessed with this colorful and creative idea from Hello, Wonderful. Just head outside and collect spring flowers and foliage, then use them to decorate a special portrait of Mom. To get the details, click here.
We love this craft idea from B-Inspired Mama—it’s a gift that can be put to good use as a candy bowl or a trinket holder. Find out how it’s made and print out the colorful flowers by clicking here.
If you’re not the crafty type, that doesn’t mean you can’t still surprise Mom. Just print out The Bird Feed NYC’s cute card template, then let the tots fill it in with all the things they love about their mom. Grab the printable by clicking here.
Break out the paper plates to make these cute suncatchers from Kids Craft Room. With a bit of paint and some sparkles, your little artists will make a keepsake that will melt Mom’s heart. Click here to get the instructions.
Take inspiration from The Best Ideas for Kids to transform your kiddo’s handprint into a pretty butterfly card. They’re super easy to make with construction paper and a little glue. To get the instructions (plus a cute poem to include with the card!), click here.
Remind Mom she’s the best with these adorable medals from Chica Circle. You’ll have these done in no time thanks to the handy printable. Click here to get the instructions and the templates (there’s a template for the Best Grandma Ever too).
If Mom is a tea drinker, she’ll love getting a fun card inspired by In the Playroom. Made with egg cartons, pipe cleaners and her favorite tea bag, this card is sure to be a hit. Click here to get all the details.
Break out the crepe papers to make a bouquet of colorful flowers like this one from The Art of Simple. You can use pipe cleaners instead of floral wire to make it easy for the kids to take over. Click here to see the step-by-step instructions.
Try out Fun Littles’ cool and colorful take on painting for Mom. Three-pronged forks become painting utensils, so you’ll have a pretty tulip garden in no time. Get the details by clicking here.
Little ones will love making woven paper hearts like this one from Maya*Made. You can experiment with different types of material, from vintage maps to newspapers to burlap. To get all the details, click here.
For a last-minute gift, we love this easy idea from Buggy and Buddy. Kids can decorate a card with tissue paper flowers, then fill in the inside with drawings or notes for Mom. Click here to get the instructions and free printable.
The coronavirus pandemic is a strange animal. One moment we can feel the frustration of having to watch Frozen 2 for the 47th time this week, and the next we can feel grateful for extra time with the kids. For times when those feelings are overwhelming, there are things that Seattle families can do to help others and in return give ourselves a little peace of mind. From writing letters to seniors, to paying it forward with cupcakes and ice cream, to adopting a furry friend, here’s how you can make a difference in Seattle now.
Write Letters of Love
Tinte Cellars
This is a project that will not only keep everyone in the family busy, but also serves as a creative outlet and a way to think of others. Join Teresa Spellman Gamble and Tim Gable, owners of Tinte Cellars is Woodinville, with their Letters of Love for the Elderly project. During this time of isolation, senior citizens may be feeling more isolated than ever. The Gables are encouraging families to pick up a pen (or crayon as the case may be) and create a homemade greeting card that can make someone’s day. Working with Northshore Senior Center, these cards are being distributed to senior communities in Woodinville, Bothell, Kenmore, Mill Creek and Kirkland. Learn more about the do’s and don’ts of this project here.
Mail your completed Letters of Love to:
Corey Lowell, Director of Senior Centers Northshore Senior Center 10201 E. Riverside Dr. Bothell, WA 98011
Send Emergency Cupcakes
Trophy Cupcakes
Trophy Cupcakes are not only spreading frosting, but they are also spreading love to hospitals, first responders, families without enough and lonely seniors in the form of delicious cupcakes with their Pay it Forward program. Here’s how it works: you buy the cupcakes, they do the delivery. Plus, when our world gets back to (somewhat) normal, Trophy vows to continue to donate a dozen cupcakes for every dozen purchased through this Pay It Forward program. You’ll be supporting a local business and underserved communities at the same time. Doubly delicious.
Adopt a Baby...Gorilla
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren/Woodland Park Zoo
If you thought your kids were wild, wait until you become a Digital ZooParent to a baby gorilla, Humboldt penguin or red panda. Families interested in supporting Woodland Park Zoo’s relief fund, that provides much-needed daily care to the zoo's many animals, can donate $40 to make their adoption official. In return, you'll receive a PDF adoption certificate, desktop wallpaper of your newest addition (can you say new Zoom background?), bragging rights in the form of a Facebook frame and online recognition too. The best part? No diapers to change this time around.
Now is a great time to check on neighbors you haven’t seen in a while and find out if they need any assistance. Perhaps they are short on a few groceries or would really like someone to walk their dog. Or maybe they need their lawn mowed. Leaving them a gift of flowers on their doorstep or sending the troops over to pick weeds in the garden can help curb boredom and show them that you care.
Share a Meal
Atrium
As Chef Traci from Atrium Kitchen watched her booked events cancel due to COVID-19, she made up her mind to use this time to do something good for others by making fresh-prepared, nutrient-dense, nourishing meals and delivering them to home-bound seniors who are unable or fearful of leaving their homes. She has been making two “meal drops” every week since March 15 to home-bound seniors in Seattle, Queen Anne, Capitol Hill and Ballard, as well as to two shelters feeding the homeless. Here's how you can help. To start, if there is a home-bound senior in need, please connect Atrium Kitchen and they will add them to their delivery schedule. Second, if you are in a position to do so, they would value your contribution, as every bit helps.
Give a Little Kindness
glassybaby
A generous pledge to glassybaby's white light foundation means that over the next few weeks, when you purchase a glassybaby, $10 will go to support frontline COVID-19 efforts. The plan is to donate $70,000 to hospital worker relief efforts and food banks supporting our community. Sounds like the perfect time to add to your collection or send a hopeful message to a friend, right?
Seattle families can also act as a beacons of hope by participating in glassybaby's #littlelightsofgratitude, a nightly light display happening in homes around the Sound. Simply light a glassbaby or another candle at 8 p.m. and place it in your window for everyone to see. Light your candles on April 23 to honor nursing home staff and on April 26 to honor teachers and school support staff.
Give a Little Bliss
Bliss Small Batch Creamery
Another local institution thanking local health care workers is Bliss Small Batch Creamery. They are letting our first responders know that they are seen, and that they care about them and appreciate all that they are doing every day. Bliss is doing that by packing up containers of ice cream and delivering them to local medical facilities, who get them to the amazing workers there. Here’s how you can help: buy a gift card for a friend or for yourself on Bliss’ website to redeem for ice cream in their shop at University Place, and Bliss will donate 50% of the sale of that card for those health care workers.
Send the Tulip Festival to Others
Tulip Town
COVID-19 has impacted lots of local traditions and events, including Skagit Valley's annual Tulip Festival. Turning lemons into lemonade, Tulip Town is currently offering tulip deliveries to local hospitals, nursing homes and other courageous members of the community with their Color for Courage program. For $15, you can send a bunch of tulips to help brighten a stranger’s day as they recover from this horrible virus.
Some have estimated that local spending is down about 75%. So many local restaurants are operating on a shoestring budget in hopes of staying in business. They need our patronage more than ever before. Consider supporting a local business by buying a meal or two this week at one of your favorite restaurants. Many are offering free delivery too. You can also purchase a gift card now to use later when that restaurant opens up its doors again. The Pay Forward Project offers a variety of restaurant gift cards at one website location.
Blood donation levels are low all across the country right now. The good news is that potential blood donors are exempt from stay-at-home orders in Washington. You have some time on your hands, right? Schedule an appointment with Bloodworks Donor Centers or the American Red Cross. Even those who have recovered from COVID-19 may be eligible to help those who are currently sick. Locations are pretty much everywhere, so it's easy to find one nearby.
For 30 years now, FareStart has been “helping people transform their lives through food” and escape the poverty cycle. FareStart teaches life skills through their restaurants and meal-serving programs giving people practical work experience while giving back to their community. That includes a variety of social programs and schools, and just because schools are no longer in session, the lunch programs continue. “Your contribution is not just a gift to transform a person's life, it is an investment in a model for real social progress.”
During these crazy days of COVID-19, local hospitals can really use our help to fight the pandemic. Donations given go toward medical supplies and critical equipment. Here are some local foundations that will put your donation to good use:
Is it really even April in Washington without the Tulip Festival? Coronavirus or not, Seattle families need their tulip fix. So if you’re jonesing for vibrant blooms, growing in muddy fields, set against blue skies, read on to find out how to recreate the tulip festival experience at home.
Tiptoe Through the Tulips Virtually
Kalyn Gustafson
You won’t be able to feel the muddy ground beneath your boots at the Tulip Festival this year, but you can still experience its sights and sounds. Wander the fields and hear updates about the flowers with Tulip Town’s daily Facebook live tour. Tune in to see what’s blooming!
Enter the Tulip Festival Coloring Contest
Kylie Kirkland
Break out the crayons because it’s time for a coloring contest. Print out the 2020 Tulip Festival coloring page and let your kids bring it to life, with the bright colors of spring. Put your kiddo’s name, age and phone number on it and then drop it in the mail before April 20th for a chance to win a gift basket. Here’s where you need to send it:
La Conner Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 1610 La Conner, WA 98257
Order Fresh-Cut Tulips or Bulbs
Elizabeth Park
Brighten your day (or someone else's) with an order of fresh-cut tulips delivered straight to your door from RoozenGaarde or Tulip Town. Now is also the time to order bulbs to plant this fall. When they bloom next spring, they’ll be a beautiful reminder of this unusual time.
Spread the Love
Tanya Hayes
Take part in Tulip Town’s Color For Courage campaign to help spread joy during this tumultuous time. For $15, you can donate a tulip bouquet to hospitals, nursing homes and other community organizations to say thanks and take care. We’re not crying, you’re crying.
Cook Calico Cupboard Comfort Food
Meredith Browand
If you look forward to getting oversized baked goods at Calico Cupboard after viewing the tulips almost as much as you look forward to seeing the blooms, we’re right there with you. That’s why we’re stoked Calico Cupboard is sharing comfort recipes families can recreate at home. Find the recipe for Calico’s Tasty Tomato Soup and Parmesan Crusted Grilled Cheese on their Facebook feed. Then, follow it up with a pan of their Fudgy Wudgy Bars you can find on the Love La Conner’s Facebook feed. (Psst… you'll need to scroll through to find them.)
Brighten Your Decor
Carla Gawthrop
Add bright colors to your at-home days with this year’s 2020 Tulip Festival poster, designed by artist Jennifer Bowman. It’s an easy way to celebrate the festival when you can’t be there.
Take Prize-Worthy Photos
Anika Blake
While you won't be able to snap the cutest ever pics of your kids posed in front of the tulip fields, muddy boots and all, North Coast Credit Union is sponsoring a Skagit Valley Tulip Festival photo contest, open to amateur photogs everywhere. With fun categories like Celebrating the Tulip Bloom While Social Distancing and Beauty & the Tulips (close-up shots), you've got all the excuse you need to find spring blooms in your yard, garden or neighborhood. So snap away and be sure to submit your entries via email before April 30.
It’s April Fools Day, which means nothing can be trusted on the internet until the clock strikes midnight. If there’s one thing internet humor craves, it’s a good prank—and the web is rife with them today. Even though some of these internet hoaxes are too good to be true, honestly, we still kind of wish they were!
This prank is perfect for springtime. According to the video above, a Dutch research university partnered with Google to discover how to talk to plants. Google Tulip is supposedly the company’s first venture into human-plant communication—and the results are pretty hilarious.
Pupbucks Is Starbucks—for Dogs
In a tweet, Starbucks announced its newest concept store, Pupbucks. “We see how much our customers love dogs, so we wanted to offer an experience just for them,” a weary but loyal barista explains in the video above.
While this prank didn’t come from IKEA itself, the execution by VegNews magazine is almost too convincing. Definitely had to do a double-take on this one to realize that nope, IKEA is not in fact, selling CBD-infused meatballs.
The Girl Scouts Are Building a Girl Scout Cookie Theme Park
According to a press release from Girl Scouts USA, America’s iconic Girl Scout Cookies will take on a new life with their very own theme park, called Girl Scout Galaxy, set to “open” in 2021. Rides include the Coconut Cruizer (a lazy river with floats shaped like Samoas), the Thin Mint Thrill-a-Coaster, the Trefoil Funhouse and Mission: Lemon Liftoff—where passengers blast off to outer space.
Honda Introduces New ’90s-Inspired “Pastport” Package
Break out your rollerblades and Hammer pants, because Honda has turned ’90s retro chic into a whole new style of its own. Dubbed the “Pastport” trim package, Honda transforms the interior of its Passport SUV with all of your faves from ’90s cars: digital clock, coin holder, a mount for your pager and even a sweet tape deck.
HelloFresh Now Offers a Unicorn Box
From licorice noodles to frosting-covered pizza, recipe-kit delivery service HelloFresh has served up one tasty-looking April Fools Day prank this year!
Shutterstock Has Opened a Brick-and-Mortar Library So You Can Browser Photos IRL
Stock image provider Shutterstock had a big announcement on Apr. 1, that it’s building the world’s largest library. Whether you’re looking for the perfect photo of happy millennials holding sparklers or portraits of disgruntled ostriches, Shutterstock’s new library will have whatever you need, in full, watermarked glory.
McDonald’s Now Offers Shake Sauces That Taste Like Milkshakes
Raise your hand if you dip your french fries in your milkshake? McDonald’s sees you—and knows what’s up.
Logitech Renames Wireless Mouse to “Hamster”
After seeing a petition online asking for a renaming of wireless mouse devices, computer peripheral maker Logitech has decided to go with a name that more accurately reflects these helpful tools: hamster! And honestly, it really does make more sense than wireless mouse.