The best ice rinks in San Diego are full of razzle dazzle thanks to epic locations, sweet treats, and sometimes, nearby shopping

If you love to ice skate, pull out those skates and find your favorite ice rink! Ice skating is one of the best ways to have winter fun and the kids will love it too. Make a whole day of it and visit a holiday light display before gliding off to a cool nearby ice rink for wintry fun this season. Don’t forget to warm up afterwards with some hot cocoa!

1. Viejas Outlets Ice Rink

Viejas Outlets Ice Rink

With the giant tree aglow and the holiday lights twinkling, the largest outdoor ice rink in SoCal is a must-do this season. Get ready to do the bunny hop and swizzle. Grab a cup of cocoa (or pizza slice) from the ice rink’s snack shack, then lace up your skates for festive fun. Don't forget to bundle up for the chilly winter nights. Bonus? Viejas ice skating is open Christmas day from 5-10 p.m.

5000 Willows Rd.
Alpine
Online: viejas.com

2. UTC Ice

https://www.instagram.com/p/CH8pZRmne-d/?hidecaption=true

One of San Diego's best indoor ice skating locations, UTC Ice is "the only ice skating rink in San Diego that is located inside the Westfield UTC Shopping Centre" making it not only fun for the holidays but the spot to catch up on your Christmas shopping. 

4545 La Jolla Village Dr.
La Jolla
Online: utcice.com

3. San Diego Ice Arena

An oldie but goodie, this ice rink is home to 'The Ice Qub' mascot. Novice skaters should go during the "Skate Hero" program where there are friendly staff to help skaters, ice games, dances, a DJ booth at the center of the rink with, disco lights, and a visit from Ice Qub himself.

11048 Ice Skate Pl.
San Diego
Online: sdice.com

4. Kroc Center Ice

This year-round indoor ice arena is busy but fun—a perfect spot for the tinier tots. It has a great little cafe out front as well. 

6845 University Ave.
San Diego
Online: sd.kroccenter.org

5. Icetown Carlsbad

https://www.instagram.com/p/B9pYg7aHyat/?hidecaption=true

If you live in North Coastal San Diego, this is a great, year-round ice skating rink.

2283 Cosmos Ct.
Carlsbad
Online: icetowncarlsbad.com

6. The Rinks in Poway

This popular ice rink is a great place for all ages to learn to skate. After all that hard work, chill out in their cafe and enjoy a gourmet coffee drink and a great view of the rink. 

12455 Kerran St., #100
Poway
Online: powayice.therinks.com

Here are all the scary-fun Halloween events Portland families need to check out this year

If there’s one holiday Portland families totally love, it’s got to be Halloween. We love to get weird with the kids (aren’t family costumes the best?) and head out into the city in search of goodies and the coolest carved pumpkins around. Lucky for us, Halloween events Portland kids love happen pretty much all month long. So plan to take that costume out for a spin at the zoo, OMSI, and even the symphony before your little pumpkin dons it for the main event on Halloween.

parents dress up for halloween pose with a costumed baby during howloween a halloween event in portland oregon
Michael Durham/Oregon Zoo

Howloween at the Zoo
You don't want to miss this Halloween event Portland families come back for year after year. The zoo provides a fun and safe setting for this local tradition, where costumed trick-or-treaters learn about healthy habitats for wildlife in a fun scavenger hunt throughout the zoo. Your little animal lovers will enjoy seeing the animals and learning all about conservation while filling their buckets, too. This event is included with your zoo admission, and you can grab a treat bag for an additional fee (or bring your own from home). The best part? All goodies handed out are made by companies that have committed to using deforestation-free palm oil.

Dates: Oct. 22, 23, 28-31, 2022

Oregon Zoo
4001 S.W. Canyon Rd.
Portland
Event details

See Hocus Pocus in Concert
See the Halloween favorite Hocus Pocus on the big screen with the Oregon Symphony performing the soundtracks live. Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy star as three wild witches who return from seventeenth-century Salem for a night of zany fun and comic chaos. Filled with bewitching laughs and magic, this hilarious film is perfect for the entire family.

Dates: Oct. 29-31, 2022

Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall
1037 S.W. Broadway
Portland
Event details

Do the Monster Mash
This Portland Halloween event starts at the Sellwood Middle School for the Monster March parade and ends with a party where kids can enjoy games, music, food, a photo booth, and face painting for Halloween. Wear your costumes, and register in advance for food and admission to this family event.

Dates: Oct. 29, 2022

Sellwood Community House
1436 S.E. Spokane St.
Portland
Event details 

Spirit of Halloween
The sleepy community of St Helens comes alive every October as it re-imagines Halloweentown, the spooky movie filmed there in the 1990s. You can find a celebration all month long, and they mean business—tickets are required for entry every weekend. You’ll be able to go on a self-guided haunted tour, check out the vendor village, and admire the storefronts in the historic downtown—look for special effects and great displays! You’ll find world class street performers, dance lessons, an alien exhibit, a costume contest, and a myriad of photo ops.

Good to Know: You'll find weekend Parking at 471 Plymouth Street.

Dates: Sep. 17-Oct. 31, 2022

Courthouse Plaza at The Historical Riverfront District
275 Strand St.
St. Helens, OR
Event details

Ride the Pumpkin Train
Kids of all ages will love this festive train ride around Flower Farm. Why? Because it's led by a pumpkin engine. A trip around the farm is worth the visit, but the kids will love meeting farm animals and checking out the farm store too. Just beware, this ride runs rain or shine. Psst...looking for a frightfully fun ride? Check out the Flower Farm Boo Train (not recommended for kids under 6) that rides after dark.

Dates: Oct. 8-31, 2022

2512 N. Holly St.
Canby, OR
Event details

Related: This Pumpkin Train Ride Is Worth the Drive from PDX

carved pumpkins glow from within during Halloween, fall festivals
Boophotography via iStock

Make a Witch Hat
Bring your little witch or wizard to this parent/child crafting event. Registration includes all the materials you need to make your own custom witch hats, plus two hats you don't have to craft. It's a great event to get you in the spirit of things.

Date: Oct. 29, 2022

Venino Art Studio
13329 S.E. Misty Dr.
Happy Valley, OR
Event details

 

Trick or Treat at Gresham Station
Bring your costumed kiddos to Gresham Station for a fun Halloween event the whole family will love. Grab tricks or treats from the Gresham Station retailers, make crafts, and even get a chance to meet and greet some of Mountain Peaks Therapy alpacas when you visit.

Date: Oct. 29, 2022

Gresham Station
649 N.W. 12th St.
Gresham, OR
Event details

 

Get Halloween Goodies at the Farmers Market
Hey, ghosts and goblins, superheroes and princesses! Come celebrate Halloween with a trick or treating opportunity at the Market a day before the main event. Dress up in your costume and trick or treat at the vendors booths.

Date: Oct. 30, 2022

Rotary Plaza
12345 S.W. Tigard St.
Tigard, OR
Event details 

 

See Cool Carved Pumpkins
West Linn's annual pumpkin display will be back this year with 200 intricately carved, mind-blowing pumpkins, a kid-friendly laser light display, glow pumpkins, and a flaming jack o' lantern. Another fun option in West Linn? The Boo Pumpkin Patch (Oct. 21-22) at Mary S. Young Park where you'll see more pumpkins on display and the Portland Ghostbusters too. Both are fun alternatives to scary haunts that not all kids can handle, and an easy win for parent with tots and babies.

Dates: Oct. 15 & 16, 22 & 23, 28-31, 2022

2885 White Salmon Ct.
West Linn, OR
Event details

 

Experience a Junior Haunt
Halloween thrills that aren’t too scary wait for families at the Canby fairgrounds this year. Harken back to Halloween’s past as you survive ‘80s horror films, 1950’s atomic Cold War bunkers, clanking damp castles, raven-haunted graveyards, and more. This Junior haunt is aimed at guests 12 and under and their families. It’s a more brightly lit, quieter, and friendly attraction to provide only laughter and delight. Tickets required.

Dates: Oct. 8-29, 2022

Clackamas County Event Center
694 N.E. 4th Ave.
Canby, OR
Event details

 

Attend the Kids Monster Fest
The Kids Monster Fest is a special matinee haunted house experience for children 12 and under and scaredy cats of all ages. Guests will be allowed into the largest Underhill Haunted House nighttime haunts: Underhill Manor. Upon entering young guests will receive a magic wand that will frighten any ghouls, monsters, or creeps away. Also, guests should try and find Harry, the very cute resident bat. If you do prizes await. Join us for Kids Monster Fest for a fun, scary-but-not-too-scary time.

Dates: Oct. 22 & 23, 2022

Veterans Memorial Coliseum
300 N. Ramsay Way
Portland
Event details

Related: Our Favorite Places to Take Kids Trick or Treating in the City, Day or Night

a baby sits open-mouthed in a pumpkin patch field wearing a witch hat
iStock

Experience Laser Halloween
Spooky lasers, eerie scenes, and ghoulish dances are what this party is all about. Get into the Halloween spirit with frighteningly good tunes provided by OMSI. All you need to bring is your best dance moves for this chilling good time.

Dates: Oct. 1-30, 2022

OMSI
1945 S.E. Water Ave.
Portland
Event details

Trick-or-Treat on the Trail
Pack up the car and bring the kids for tons of cute photo ops around the Dolan Creek Farm. Dress in your costumes and plan to enjoying trick or treating on the farm’s nature trail, too.

Date: Oct. 30, 2022

Dolan Creek Farm
13490 S.E. Orient Dr.
Boring, OR
Event details

Go to a Spooky Storytime
Come celebrate Dia de los Muertos and Halloween with North Portland Library. Join with friends for a very special, very spooky storytime, a costume parade, crafts, snacks, and giveaway books.

Date: Oct. 30, 2022

North Portland Library
512 N. Killingsworth St.
Portland, OR
Event details 

Oaks Park Scare Grounds
Portland's only Scream Park returns to one of the oldest amusement parks in the country, the historic Oaks Amusement Park. The Event features three horrifying haunted walkthrough attractions: House of Horrors Scarezone, Graveyard Pumpkin Patch, Last ‘Scream’ Photo Op. There are also Oaks Park thrill rides, games, and concessions. But we know you want to know about the not-so-scary option for little kids. Little ghosts and goblins are invited to join for Midway Trick-or-Treating during select hours. Get a trick-or-treat bag from any game booth, then stop by the carousel, train, mini golf course, and each Midway game for goodies.

Dates: Sep. 30-Oct. 31, 2022

7805 S.E. Oaks Park Way
Portland
Event details

Bella Organics Haunted Corn Maze
Open every Friday and Saturday night through October, this Halloween activity starts at dark. Get lost in acres of corn with the kids. Creatures stalk you as you make your way through the Haunted Corn Maze. This year the Sauvie Island Haunted Corn Maze will be inspired by suicide prevention, a theme we can all get on board with. If you're wondering which option to take with kids, try the earliest time available.

If you kiddos are too young for such a scare, Bella Organics has a far less scary corn maze to be enjoyed earlier in the day. It's open on Halloween and includes access to hay rides a cow train and even a petting zoo with lots of animals your little ghosts will love getting their hands on.

Dates: Sep. 15-Oct. 31, 2022

16205 N.W. Gillihan Rd.
Portland
Event details

Related: Get Lost! Corn Mazes to Visit This Fall

mom-child

Photo: The Althaus Life Blog

I remember it like it was yesterday. I was over-exhausted. Overwhelmed. Underpaid. (I kid). Vivi was teething and Whitman was out of control. We were waiting for occupational therapy. I was bouncing Vivi on my hip and chasing Whit. Our stroller was full of Panera bags, cups, and cookies because we had no time between school that was on the second floor and OT which was on the first floor.

Whitman wanted a candy bar and was doing his nonverbal grunts and points at the vending machine. I was trying to coax Whitman away from the vending machine with a sugar cookie and brownie. I was failing at both things. Then a woman with messed up hair, a walker, and reeking of B.O. and cigarettes walked up to me and she said it. I

knew that one day I would be faced with adversity because of Whitman’s lack of language. I thought my first time would be at Target or Wal-Mart. But I never pictured it would happen in the rehab facility. The woman said: “You know he’s a R*** right?! And why in the hell would you bring another into the world?!” She pointed at Vivi. I stood stunned. I didn’t know what to say and I could feel the tears streaming down my face. Thankfully, Whit’s occupational therapist came out and the situation was defused. I told her what happen, pointed out who the woman was from the hallway, then drove home a sobbing mess from therapy that day. I questioned every move I had made as a mom. Was it my fault?! Should we not have had Vivi?! Am I not handling this the way I should be handling this?!

In therapy, Whit’s OT reminded me that Whit wasn’t any of what that woman called him. We have had the IQ tests. Whitman is reluctant to show you what he knows, but trust her, he knows. I saw the woman the following week and felt sick when I did. Her daughter walked up to me and apologized for her mom’s behavior—she had seen it all while she was trying to check her mom in and was mortified. She didn’t make up an excuse for why her mom said it, she said just said how sorry she was. Then added that my kids are cute. It helped a little but the wound is still there two years later.

That word takes away your security. That word makes you feel things as a parent that you should never have to feel. It reminds you of what a cruel place this world is. It makes you wonder what kind of human takes out their anger on a child and his mother who are simply trying to get through the day. We need to stop the stigma that this word is ok. In the dawn of a new era in America’s history, we need to take away that word and replace it with inclusion. We need to teach our kids that being different is fine. That being mean isn’t. That even if the quiet kid in their class doesn’t say “Hi” back you still say “Hi.”

If you see a friend struggling, you help. We need to stop criticizing and blaming parents because their child has special needs. Whitman isn’t the way he is because I did anything. He’s programmed differently and as much as I grieve about that it’s not because he is who is. He’s the best human being. He is a walking miracle. It’s because the world isn’t ready for him and what he can offer. It’s a tad better but not there yet. We have to start teaching our kids to advocate for those who need it. Kindness starts in the home. Hate starts in the home. Letting the R-word fly like confetti starts in the home.

Instead of putting our prejudices that we were raised with, let’s make 2021 the year of kind. The year where rude terms are put to bed. Let’s make 2021 the year where we stop judging other mom’s for doing it a different way than you. Let’s be grateful for our upbringings because it made us the people that we are. The people that our children need us to be. Let’s help others no matter what, without blame, or judgment. Let’s just be decent human beings.

Can we please just make 2021 the year of a new beginning where we don’t have to worry about what society is going to say about our kiddos or us? I will never forget my first encounter with that word. That day fueled a fire in me to be kind. Even if I disagree with the person, we are all different we are all going to have different opinions, even if the person was rude to me earlier. I’m choosing to be a person that my kids would be proud of it and it starts with being kind to everyone.

We as special needs parents need to know that kind is our superpower. We need to be the example for re-educating society if we have any hope of eliminating the hurtful words. Let’s set the bar high this year for ourselves. Let’s get out there in the community and educate the people around us, let’s be kind in our education, and show grace to the broken system that got us here. Let’s move forward with pride that maybe we can be the generation that changes the world, but in order to change the world we have to start at home and in our communities. Baby steps.

This post originally appeared on The Althaus Life Blog.

 

Lindsey is a mom, wife, and blogger at The Althaus Life. She lives in Ohio with her husband and 2 children. Lindsey is grateful all things and to be able to chronicle her beautifully broken laugh til you cry cry until you laugh life.

While Disney California Adventure Park is not accepting guests for attractions, starting in November you’ll be able to access Buena Vista Street for holiday shopping and dining. Shopping and eating while the park is closed? This could be a once in a lifetime experience!

Disney officials have announced that Buena Vista Street will open starting Nov. 19––and we couldn’t be more excited! Some of the shops scheduled to open include, Elias & Co., Julius Katz & Sons and Kingswell Camera Shop which offer apparel, home decor and photo-centric gifts.

photo: Courtesy of Disney

At times, Disney may utilize a mobile wait list system at retail locations to manage the number of Guests shopping when the location and/or queue are at capacity. Guests will be able to give their their name and mobile number to receive a text message when they are able to return.

Dining options slated to host guests are Trolley Treats, a variety of vending carts, Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Cafe, Carthay Circle Lounge and Smokejumpers Grill. As of now, guests will need to place orders via mobile order on the Disneyland App.

All guests will be expected to practice social distancing rules while visiting both the Downtown Disney District and Buena Vista Street.

––Karly Wood

 

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This week, Walmart released its highly anticipated Top Rated by Kids Toy List. Packed with 36 toys that have all been tested and chosen by kiddos, the list is perfect for making your 2020 holiday wish list!

From tech savvy and surprise toys, to outdoor gear and screen-free entertainment, there’s something for everyone on this year’s list.

Character Inspired

These film and TV-inspired toys are perfect for your streaming kiddos.

Frozen 2 - Magic in Motion Elsa Doll ($59.00)

Blue's Clues & You Peek-A-Boo ($24.84)

Paw Patrol Dino Patroller ($59.00)

The Child Bop It ($14.88) - Walmart Exclusive

LEGO Death Star Final Duel ($89.00) - Walmart Exclusive

Star Wars Dark Saber ($29.84)

Tech Savvy

Let your littles express their creativity with a few techy gifts.

Sensory FX ASMR Mega Bar ($19.88) - Walmart Exclusive

VTech KidiZoom Creator Cam ($59.00)

Instax Mini 7S Seafoam Green ($59.00) - Walmart Exclusive

onn. 8” Tablet Pro ($99.00) - Walmart Exclusive

Interactive Play

Whether it's role playing or interactive, these toys will keep kids happy and their creative juices flowing.

Disney Princess Vanity ($49.88)

Gotta Go Flamingo ($28.82)

FurReal Mama Josie Kangaroo Pet ($67.00)

Squeakee ($58.00)

My Life As Hello Kitty Dolls ($35.00) - Walmart Exclusive

Barbie Farm Barn Playset ($74.00) - Walmart Exclusive

L.O.L. Surprise OMG REMIX Dolls ($34.88, available mid-September)

Surprise, Surprise!

Surprise-loving kids can't wait to tear open these secret gifts.

The Animal ($34.88, available October 1)

Treasure X - Sharks Treasure ($19.87)

Hatchimals Crystal Flyers ($29.77)

Na! Na! Na! Ultimate Surprise ($69.00)

L.O.L. Surprise Clubhouse Playset ($49.88)

Ryan’s World Vending Machine ($39.82) - Walmart Exclusive

Outside Fun

Burn off some energy with these outdoor-worthy activities and toys.

Jetson Mars Light Up Kick Scooter ($34.94) - Walmart Exclusive

Semi-Truck and Trailer Ride On ($249.00) - Walmart Exclusive

Jetson Plasma Light Up Hoverboard ($148.00) - Walmart Exclusive

Razor Black Label E100 Electric Scooter ($128.00) - Walmart Exclusive

Nerf Fortnite https://brandcycle.shop/8ewsbDG ($29.97) - Walmart Exclusive

Screen Free & Simple

No screen necessary for this interactive toys.

Tic Tac Tony ($9.97) - Walmart Exclusive

Kinetic Sand Sandwhirlz ($19.82)

Spark Puppy Piano ($19.82) - Walmart Exclusive

Little People Launch & Loop Raceway ($49.44)

VTech Helping Heroes Fire Station ($39.82)

Hot Wheels Sky Crash Tower ($44.68)

Beybladhttps://brandcycle.shop/ttzzie Burst Rise Hypersphere Set ($49.67)

Megalodon Storm RC ($43.88)

––Karly Wood

All photos: Courtesy of Walmart

 

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The “I Spy” game is a perfect puzzle to amuse the kids any day. Consider it your secret weapon for long road trips or traffic jams. Here’s a new item for your “I’m bored!” arsenal: a do-it-yourself I Spy jar. This easy, sensory craft is low- to no-cost and as added bonus puts to use some of those miscellaneous toys and odds and ends you’ve been meaning to recycle. Scroll down for tips on making your own.

I-Spy toy supplies

You will need:

Filler. You are limited here only by your imagination and the size of the jar. Look for small toys, dice, dominos, pencils, broken watches, cool coins, earrings, broken hair clips, spools, old keys or similar items. Here’s your excuse to round up all the goody bag/vending machine toys and those game pieces you lost the rest of. Avoid anything too heavy (rocks) that could potentially break the jar if shaken.

Jars. Any size jar will do, but how much or how little you put in will depend on your jar. For little kids who might shake the jar more vigorously, try a jar with a screw-top lid like a Mason jar.

Pencil and paper. You can either make your child a check-list to try and find certain things or have them write (or say out loud while you write) the things they spot.

toys for I-Spy Jar
Gather round. First, hunt down your items, preferably while the kids aren’t looking. This is an easy craft to do with the kids, but it’s also fun to make sure they don’t know what’s going in the jar.

I-Spy Jar up close

For the littles. For toddlers or younger, you can add fewer things to the jar or multiples. For example, if you want to teach about the number 3, put 3 red beads, 3 small dinosaurs, 3 plastic swords, etc. Remember, you can use any item that fits and even if it is a beloved toy, you can just take it out at the end of play.

I-Spy Jar

Switch it up. If you want more of a challenge, make the check-list you create for your kids a puzzle, too. Ask them to find something that opens a door, or something that meows. You can also save some room and then add one item to the jar a day and see if they can figure out what it is.

—Amber Guetebier

 

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How to Break Up with Bad Spring Break Food Habits

Photo: Rebecca Bloom via Website

Nothing says eating on the run quite like Spring Break: trains, planes and automobiles, hotel rooms and vacations rentals. Isn’t it amazing (and irritating) the way everybody’s hungry all the time when they’re out of their regular routine? Unless you’re one of the lucky few who is poolside sipping something cold and grazing on something that somebody made for you while the kids play “Marco Polo” or weave with banana leaves, you’re probably in snack production mode all day.

Even if you have a kitchen on the road, you’re not going to buy a kitchen full of food for a short stay. So, what are you going to do to make sure all that off-schedule munching isn’t just about sugar, carbs and processed foods?

Without further ado, we present 18 food items that are key to snacking responsibly on the road. If you’re in a hotel, call ahead and ask for a fridge and microwave in your room. And gather up a few knives and spoons for slicing and eating.

  1. Tortillas
  2. Shredded Cheese
  3. Yogurt
  4. Baby carrots
  5. Hummus
  6. Cucumbers
  7. Instant oatmeal
  8. Almonds or walnuts or pecans or pine nuts
  9. Rice cakes
  10. Nut butter
  11. Jam or jelly
  12. Granola
  13. Couscous
  14. Chocolate chips
  15. Raisins or dried cranberries
  16. Raspberries, blueberries or grapes
  17. Bagged, pre-washed salad greens
  18. Box of cereal

If you’ve stocked up on these babies, you can make some healthy magic happen. Here are just a few combinations that work:

  1. Yogurt with granola, chocolate chips and berries.
  2. Rice cakes with peanut/almond butter and chocolate chips.
  3. Couscous with raisins and nuts.
  4. Cheese quesadilla.
  5. Hummus with carrots and cucumber.
  6. Snack mix with nuts, dried cranberries, cereal and chocolate chips.
  7. Oatmeal with dried fruit, nuts, grapes and berries.
  8. Hummus and salad roll-up.

Get the picture? Mix, match and avoid bad pizza. Kids…back away from the vending machine!

The Anti-Cookbook Easy, Thrifty Recipes for Food-Smart Living
Tinybeans Voices Contributor

We're Shelley Onderdonk and Rebecca Bloom. A veterinarian and a lawyer-turned-writer walk into a kitchen… We aren’t chefs and that’s exactly the point. We have a lot to share about food-smart living with our own young-adult children and other people and their children, too. Together, we wrote The Anti-Cookbook: Easy, Thrifty Recipes for Food-Smart Living.

Where can kids go to bang away at a construction site, keep the peace in the park as a police person, or build sandcastles at the beach or just play with the water? Pretend City Children’s Museum in Irvine has all this and more. Located about one hour north of San Diego and south of Los Angeles, Pretend City is a huge indoor play space where kids can let their imagination run wild. Here’s all you need to know about this sweet retreat for indoor fun.

Photo: Jordan Wong

What’s New: Taqueria De Anda Café
Get ready for Taco Tuesday every day! Future chefs can cook up terrific tacos (with all the fixins) or bake big burritos, and pretend to eat them, too. Not only is the new Taqueria De Anda Café at Pretend City a creative way to get a bite to eat, littles will love to play for hours in the mini-city after their restaurant shift. The Mexican Consulate in Santa Ana and the “real life” Taqueria De Anda are sponsoring this imagination cafe so kids can learn about Mexican cuisine and culture.

Photo: Jordan Wong

Buy Groceries and Grow Your Own Food
Grab your basket and pull-out your list, it’s time for grocery shopping. Your super-shopper will let out a squeal of delight when weighing out fruits and veggies. Next it’s time to grab some snacks (for later of course), stand in line, pay for the food and then head-out-the-door to make dinner.

If your little is not a big shopper and prefers to get down and dirty (not really, of course), planting and digging their own fruits and veggies in the village farm may be their sweet spot. Not only can you pick the oranges from the trees, your tot might also belt out a little “yee-haw” when hoeing and growing some great vegetables.

Photo: Nikki Walsh

Head to the Seashore
If fun in the sun or wild water play is what your tot fancies. Not only can they make sandcastles at the seashore, but also play in real water too (raincoats provided for use). Boats, fishing poles and many things that float will keep your little fisherman swimming in fun. Who knows there might be other little pals to play with?

Photo: Nikki Walsh

Calling Future Firefighters, Police People and Builders
Your little peeps can feel like a hero fending off the fires, or don a police uniform and put the bad guys in jail. Is a little banging more what your tot likes to do? Then head on over to the construction site and knockout a new building. Whatever role your kiddo likes to star in, this is definitely the place for imagination and pretend play.

Snack Attack
Feeling hungry? Pretend City’s Real Café includes vending machines with healthy choices like sandwiches, salads, fruit snacks, milk and bottled water. There’s also a microwave and single coffee maker in case you need a little jolt of caffeine.

Hours: Tues.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Mon. 10 a.m.-1 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Cost: $12.50/person; Free/Under 12 months

Pretend City
29 Hubble
Irvine, Ca
949-428-3400
Online: pretendcity.org

Have you been to Pretend City? What’s your favorite part of this mega children’s museum?

— Monique Walsh

When our Editor found her recycling bags overflowing (and regular pickup a week away) she decided to enlist her son for a little assist. Like most kids, he’s naturally helpful and was keen to bring the bottles and cans to a nearby grocery store where a recycling vending machine was waiting for action. They came out with $6.25 (wow!) all of which he got to keep to make a purchase. Check out his sweet compass watch ($3.99) he proudly chose with his own money. (Mom won’t fess up to what happened to the remaining $2.26 but we suspect it went for a coffee).

Are your kiddos into recycling? What kind of fun ways have you come up with to recycle? 

Often missed by families cruising along Highway 6 on their way to and from the Oregon coast after a day at the beach, the Tillamook State Forest Center is a great place to stop and stretch your legs while (unintentionally) learning a wealth of local history. We’re all about sneaking in a little education on our family vacations, making this more than a worthwhile pit stop. With nature-based programs that cover everything from the local birds to plants and fungi, the Tillamook State Forest Center boasts a little something for the naturalist in everyone. Once you’ve absorbed your fill, head outdoors and hike along the easy trails where you can spot the very wildlife you just learned about. The surrounding woods are teeming with local fora and fauna, so bring a camera to capture everything that your mini John Muirs can spy with their little eyes.

When to go: Their hours are seasonal based on the following schedule:

Spring: Wed – Sun, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Summer: 7 days a week, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Fall: Wed – Sun, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Winter: Closed

The center has been known to close early on account of weather, so we highly suggest calling to confirm before you make the trip. They can be reached at either 503-815-6800 or 866-930-4646.

Travel time: An hour drive west of Portland on Highway 6.

What to see/do: The Tillamook State Forest Center was built to help educate the public about the Tillamook Burn, a series of forest fires that destroyed over 350,000 acres of old-growth timber from the 1930s to the 1950s, as well as to promote stewardship of local forests. Kids can learn about the forest plants and animals with hands-on exhibits.

Let your elementary-school-aged kids use magnetic cut-outs to match animals to their native habitat or play a computer game that puts them in the boots of a forest district ranger. There are authentic animal pelts to touch, and exhibits of plants and flowers that are not only pretty to look at, but also tell us about the age and the health of the forest.

Toddler and babies have their own place in the back corner of the center, with a hollowed-out tree begging to be explored, blocks and books. There’s also a tunnel that gives little tourists a mock-up underwater view of salmon run.

In the middle of the center, visitors can learn about the pioneers who settled in the Tillamook State Forest and the people who helped replant the forest after the fires. The center also shows a film at regular intervals giving a history of the fires and describing how the community came together to heal the forest.

The journey continues outside, where those with strong legs can climb the 40-foot replica of a forest fire lookout tower at the center’s entrance. Behind the center is a 250-foot suspension bridge that takes hikers over the Wilson River to easy, kid-friendly trails that lead into the forest and along the river.

Need to know: The Wilson River trail does eventually lead right down to the river, so be sure to keep little ones close to you. The center also rents out a banquet room for events, which can make the parking lot a bit busy during summer weekends. The film includes footage of the fires and the devastation, and can be a bit dramatic if your little one frightens easily.

How to dress/What to bring: Wear comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes if you plan to go hiking. It’s Oregon, so it’s also a good idea to bring a rain jacket unless you are going in the middle of the summer. If there is sunshine, you’ll definitely want to slather on sunscreen. There’s also a certain amount of overgrowth along some of the trails, so you may want to consider wearing long pants, even in the summer. While there are a few vending machines at the center, there’s no snack bar and the closest restaurants are several miles down the road. So, pack a lunch and plan to have a picnic at one of the chairs or benches around the center, or travel down the road into Tillamook for a proper meal.

Cost of trip: Admission to the center is free, though donations are gladly accepted.

Tillamook Forest Center
45500 Wilson River Highway
Tillamook, Or 97141
tillamookforestcenter.org

What was the highlight of your last visit to the State Forest Center? 

–Tamara Miller

Phone credit: Tamara Miller & The Tillamook Forest Center Facebook page