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From the must-have Paw Patrol air carrier to cool book bundles, your busy kids will love these holiday gift ideas.

Parents of preschoolers know this stage is all about curiosity, exploration, and boundless energy. If you’re on the hunt for the just-right gifts that balance and encourage this playful combo—start with this list. From books that spark imagination to a scavenger hunt game that gets them outside, these innovative holiday gifts for 4-5-year-olds hit the mark. Need something for a different age? Check out our guides to the best gifts for 6-9 year-olds, tweens, and even stocking stuffers!

With a flash of light, these whimsical fairies come to life! Kids can control their movements with their hands and they can be released again and again. 

L.O.L. Surprise Magic Flyers ($30)—Buy them here

Fat Brain Air Toobz

gifts for a 4-5 year old

Arrange and connect in just about any way, over anything! Can kids make the foam balls move from tube to tube? Can they use enough force to make them spin? 

Fat Brain Air Toobz ($140)—Buy them here. 

Melissa & Doug Wooden Deluxe Grill, Smoker & Pizza Oven

melissa and doug deluxe barbecue is a good gift for 4-5 year olds.

The ultimate holiday toy for a preschooler who loves to whip up a good meal. Whether they feel like making steak, pizza, corn, or veggie burgers, this pretend-play outdoor kitchen has what they need. 

Melissa & Doug Wooden Deluxe Grill, Smoker & Pizza Oven ($170)—Buy it here. 

VTech® Go! Go! Smart Wheels®4-in-1 Zig-Zag Raceway™

Tots with a need for speed will adore this speedy 4-in-1 Zig-Zag Raceway™ and electronic SmartPoint stunt car. They can rev up imaginative play and lessons around first words, fun tunes, phrases about feelings, and cool sound effects by cruising over three SmartPoint areas.

VTech® Go! Go! Smart Wheels®4-in-1 Zig-Zag Raceway™—Buy it here.

Disney The Little Mermaid Ariel Doll

Inspired by 2023’s live-action remake of the classic Disney animated film, this Ariel doll has a beautiful ombre tail and classic long red hair. 

Disney The Little Mermaid Ariel Doll ($11)—Buy it here

Paw Patrol Mighty Aircraft Carrier HQ 

Paw Patrol Air Craft Carrier

A must-have toy for preschoolers in 2023, they’ll love the dual vehicle launchers and Chase figure that comes with this aircraft carrier from Paw Patrol: The Might Movie. 

Paw Patrol Mighty Aircraft Carrier HQ ($99)—Buy it here. 

The Noggin Preschool Learning App

Noggin

Make screen time smarter with a kid-safe, ad-free app for ages 2-7. The Noggin Learning app is so easy, and it's the gift that keeps on giving. Build math, reading, wellness, social & emotional skills with 1000+ educational games, videos, and books starring your little one's favorite characters.

Get 50% Off an Annual Noggin Subscription or 60 Day FREE Trial—Get it Here.

JACADI Jacquard Holiday Dress

JACADI

This dress is one that they'll want to wear over and over again. And, with JACADI's heirloom-quality pieces, they'll be able to. We also love the ultra-festive bold hues that are perfect for any holiday party.

JACADI Jacquard Holiday Dress ($189.00)—Buy it here.

Sketch Pals Doodle Board

They can keep this adorable new Boogie Board attached to their backpack and use it after their school day is over.

Sketch Pals Doodle Board ($20)—Buy it here.

Hearthsong Regatta Boat Swing

Regatta Swing

An outdoor swing, but with a little sailing style thrown in for good measure. Perfect for two kiddos, it comes with adjustable, durable nylon ropes and O-rings for easy installation. 

Hearthsong Regatta Boat Swing ($170)—Buy it here

Super Mario Adventure Game DX

Super Mario Adventure Game DX is a good gift for five year olds

Your preschool kid might be a little too young for video games, but they’re never too young to love Super Mario Bros. With this board game, they get to enjoy the characters while having screen-free fun. 

Super Mario Adventure Game DX ($30)—Buy it here

Color Pop Books Being Brave Bundle

Being Brave book bundle

Encourage their love of literature with a collection highlighting the power of courage and confidence.

Color Pop Books Being Brave Bundle ($45)—Buy it here

Little Live Pets My Puppy's Home

Pet lovers will be able to pet, feed, and nurture to their heart’s content. There are 25 different sounds and the puppy reacts to touch. 

Little Live Pets My Puppy's Home ($50)—Buy it here

Crayola Imagination Art Set

Get your preschooler this 115-piece set and watch their creativity blossom. 

Crayola Imagination Art Set ($25)—Buy it here

Story Telling Shadow Puppet Theater

shadow puppet theater

Not only is this a gorgeous gift, but it gives preschool kids the chance to tell the story of Cinderella in their own way. 

Story Telling Shadow Puppet Theater ($67)—Buy it here. 

Star Wars Forge Ultimate Lightsaber Kit

With this toy, kids get three different Mandalorian-inspired weapons, including the Dark Saber, a vibro-blade, and an electro-bayonet. 

Star Wars Forge Ultimate Lightsaber Kit ($35)—Buy it here.

Hot Wheels City Ultimate Garage

The hot wheels ultimate garage is a great gift for a 4-5 year old

No preschool gift guide would be complete without Hot Wheels! This multi-level playset has dual racing tracks, a loop stunt, and pretend play opportunities on the first level of the ‘garage.’ 

Hot Wheels City Ultimate Garage ($109)—Buy it here. 

Jaq Jaq Bird Reusable Wall Decal

Give them a (safe) place to scribble on the wall with this fun chalkboard panel that can be easily applied and removed from flat surfaces. 

Jaq Jaq Bird Reusable Wall Decal ($25)—Buy it here. 

VTech Switch & Go 3-in-1 Rescue Rex

VTech Rescue Rex is a good gift for 4-5 year olds

The fire truck, police car, and rescue helicopter combine to create a 20"-long T.Rex ready to save the day! The police car makes sounds and has a driver, too. 

VTech Switch & Go 3-in-1 Rescue Rex ($30)—Buy it here. 

Flour Shop Cookie Cake Kit

Introduce preschoolers to baking with this fun kid that comes with everything you need to make a cookie that looks just like a pizza!

Flour Shop Cookie Cake Kit ($40)—Buy it here.

Magic Power Potion Necklace Kit

They can keep a little magic close to their hearts while at school with this sweet gift perfect for preschoolers. It comes with eight ingredients, a booklet with five potions, and four different necklace styles. 

Magic Power Potion Necklace Kit ($45)—Buy it here

hand2mindNumberblocks Super Secret Step Squad Headquarters

Fans of these mathematical superheroes will love this playset from the popular series. There’s a lookout, a ride-on elevator, and it comes with a Numberblock Three figurine. Get the rest of the Numberblock crew here. 

hand2mindNumberblocks Super Secret Step Squad Headquarters ($40)—Buy it here. 

Haba Animal Upon Animal Game

HABA Animal upon animal game is a good gift for 4-5 year olds

Who will be the best at stacking this colorful collection of animals? The first person to use all their game pieces wins! 

Haba Animal Upon Animal Game ($25)—Buy it here

Embroidered Icon Bag

This adorable tote has a drawstring closure so they’ll be able to store all their treasures without the fear of one going missing.

Embroidered Icon Bag ($45)—Buy it here. 

Omy Giant Games Poster

Not just a gigantic coloring sheet, but an activity sheet as well! Kids can do dot-to-dot games, wend their way through mazes, and more. 

Omy Giant Games Poster ($23)—Buy it here. 

Kinetic Sand Deluxe Sand Castle Playset

Kinetic sand is a good holiday gift for 4-5 year olds

Everyone’s favorite sensory toy got a beachy upgrade. With nine different tools, kids can make, create, and break for hours of fun. 

Kinetic Sand Deluxe Sand Castle Playset ($15)—Buy it here

Lilies & Roses Stripes Bangles

These charming baubles are the perfect accessory for when they want to get dressed up. 

Lilies & Roses Stripes Bangles ($22)—Buy them here. 

Bluey Hammerbarn Shopping Center

The Bluey Hammerbarn is a good gift for four year olds and a good gift for five year olds

The must-have for Bluey fans, this four-level playset has 45 sounds and phrases from the popular kids’ TV series, nine different play areas, and a real-working lift. 

Bluey Hammerbarn Shopping Center ($64)—Buy it here. 

Qniglo Walkie Talkies

These cuties operate on USB charge, come in several color combos, and allow kids to communicate up to three miles apart. There’s even an option to listen to FM radio. 

Qniglo Walkie Talkies ($37)—Buy them here

Learning Resources Human Body Activity Kit

The perfect way to introduce a preschooler to all the wonderful ways the body works, this fun gift for ages four and up had a 3-D model, activity books, a magic “X-ray” machine, and much more. 

Learning Resources Human Body Activity Kit ($14)—Buy it here. 

Tangrams Shape Puzzle 

With 36 wooden pieces and 60 pattern cards, preschoolers will have plenty of ways to practice their patterns. The bright colors and fun animals add to the fun. 

Tangrams Shape Puzzle  ($11)—Buy it here. 

Thomas & Friends Talking Toy Train Set

Thomas the Train talking set is a good gift for 4-5 year olds

Little engineers can use the control panel to move the trains, load cargo, and even let Percy and Thomas meet on the track to chat. 

Thomas & Friends Talking Toy Train Set ($50)—Buy it here

Magic Mixies Pixlings Doll

Magic Mixies Pixlings are a hot gift for 4-5 year olds in 2023

A hot toy for holiday 2023, these magic mixie dolls are offered as a deer, a unicorn, or a mermaid, and all come in a sweet jeweled bottle. Just say the magic words and watch the mysterious potion reveal the treasure inside. 

Magic Mixies Pixlings Doll ($18)—Buy it here

The Bad Seed 6-Book Set

You’ll love reading these food-based stories about self-acceptance to your preschool kid. Choose between The Smart Cookie, The Sour Grape, The Couch Potato, and more! 

The Bad Seed 6-Book Set ($54)—Buy it here. 

Jaq Jaq Friends Wipe Clean Activity Book

Covered in the sweetest print, this activity book is perfect for on-the-go creativity. It comes with a set of ButterStix®, is erasable and washable, and is easy for little hands to handle. 

Jaq Jaq Friends Wipe Clean Activity Book ($24)—Buy it here. 

Breyer Wooden Stable Playset

A classic addition to any preschooler’s play arsenal, there are six different horses in this sturdy set. 

Breyer Wooden Stable Playset ($25)—Buy it here.

BillieBlush Heart Print Fleece Coat

a fun coat is a good holiday gift idea for a 4-5 year old

Keep them warm this coming winter with this bright and cozy jacket. 

BillieBlush Heart Print Fleece Coat ($138)—Buy it here.

Jr. Jigsaw Supercar Racers Puzzle

A fun puzzle for kids who love things that zip and zoom. 

Jr. Jigsaw Supercar Racers Puzzle ($14)—Buy it here.

The Fantastic Bureau of Imagination

Sparky is a special figment agent, and he delivers the FBI (Fantastic Bureau of Imagination)’s mail. One day, disaster strikes when the Cave of Untold Stories is too full, and Sparky must recruit more special agents. With lovely illustrations and fun prompts, this book is charmingly interactive. 

The Fantastic Bureau of Imagination ($14)—Buy it here

Hearthsong Cabin Fantasy Fort Kit

Kids will have 32 wood-like pieces and double-sided hook and loop tape that’ll allow them to build their own play space. 

Hearthsong Cabin Fantasy Fort Kit ($99)—Buy it here. 

At the time of publication, all items were available for purchase.

All images courtesy of retailers.

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation.


Check out these amazing ways to celebrate a winter birthday in NYC

Planning a birthday party for a kid is hard enough, but one that takes place in the winter? That’s another story. Never fear: we have ideas. Whether you want to throw an outdoor party that embraces winter activities, ride horses, see a drive-in movie, or play Dungeons & Dragons, we’ve got something for everyone. If you need some decoration help, check out these popular birthday themes from the past year

1. New York Ninja Academy

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For a high-energy bash, head to New York Ninja Academy, where party guests train on ninja warrior obstacles (similar to those seen on NBC's American Ninja Warrior) with professional ninja staff. A 90-minute party includes a course run at the end, complete with lights, sound effects, and hitting the buzzer at the end of the course. Parties are $800 for 9 kids or fewer, with it being $100 more for 10-15 kids. There is a $30 charge per child after that, up to 20 children.

625 W. 55th St.
Midtown West
Online: nycninja.com

2. Watermark's Winter Wonderland

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Book your own private and heated "glass house" at Watermark's Winter Wonderland and feast on s'mores, fondue, and other goodies. This Winter Wonderland on the pier features a tunnel of lights; forty 15-foot evergreens, and even the occasional "Snow Show" thanks to a snow machine. Don't forget to get a group photo on the Watermark Sleigh with the Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Williamsburg Bridges behind you.

78 South St. 
Pier 15
Seaport District
Online: watermarkny.com

3. Skyline Drive-in

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The Skyline Drive-in is an option that often shows family movies—The LEGO Movie, How to Train Your Dragon, and Boss Baby are examples of past screenings here—and it offers a beautiful Manhattan view. Tickets are $55/car.

1 Oak St.
Greenpoint
Online: skylinedriveinnyc.com

4. Hit the Trail on a Pony Ride

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You can have a horse or pony ride at a kid's birthday party in a variety of ways in NYC. 

Rent a pony for an hour from Be Brooklyn Equine (previously known as Kensington Stables). If you can have your party in Prospect Park near the Bridle Path, it's very convienent. 
Online: prospectpark.org

The Bronx Equestrian Center offers pony rides and a party area for $300 for two hours on-site. The pony is available for one of the two hours.
Online: nychorse.com

The Jamaica Bay Riding Academy does parties for kids (minimum 12 guests). Parties are 90 minutes, with 45 minutes for rides.
Online: horsebackride.com

5. Beat the Bomb

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Beat the Bomb (the puzzle game experience that covers you with paint if you "lose") is an experience you don't want to miss in DUMBO. Check out the clean, or "no-paint" bomb, the Ballz Bomb (literally soft balls), if your party doesn't want to get messy. Kids must be 8 or older and there must be an adult present. 

255 Water St. 
DUMBO
Online: beatthebomb.com

6. Snow Tubing

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If you're willing to travel, snow tubing could be a real crowd-pleaser. The closest spot is Campgaw Mountain in Mahwah, New Jersey. Tubers must be 42 inches or taller. 

200 Campgaw Rd. 
Mahway, NJ
Online: skicampgaw.com

7. Ice Skating

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A perennial go-to for winter babies is the ice-skating party. Why fight it, especially when you have so many amazing rinks to choose from. Governors Island Skating Rink is open daily and always has events going on, food options around, and games and attractions too. This is the perfect area to rent for a winter birthday party.

10 South St. Slip 7
Online: govisland.com

Great Wolf Lodge

Yes, it's a Bucket List thing, but we just had to include it. There are varying packages beginning at $350 and going as high as $900 (depending on which add-ons you choose). You can choose to include Build-a-Bear kits, goodie bags, ice cream, candy, adult beverages, and so on. You can customize your party to be what you want it to be, but keep in mind, weekdays will be cheaper than weekends and holidays.

1 Great Wolf Dr.
Scotrun, PA
Online: greatwolf.com

8. Winter Soccer with Super Soccer Stars

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Just because it's winter doesn't mean you can't enjoy some active play and sports fun! Book a private session for a small group for an experience completely customized to you. Sessions can be booked for 45-60 minutes and will be held at a place of your choosing. If you have a favorite instructor, you can request them for the soccer party (depending on availability), and you choose the focus and level of instruction. 

At a location of your choosing
Online: newyork.supersoccerstars.com

9. The Greens at Pier 17

The Greens is yet another spot offering transparent cabins with views of the Brooklyn Bridge and East River. Expect cozy seating, a virtual fireplace, and classy decor inspired by ski lodges. Each cabin can accommodate 2-10 guests and features touchless mobile ordering from a menu of seasonal dishes.

The Rooftop at Pier 17
89 South St.
Financial District
Online: thegreens.pier17ny.com

10. Play Date at CMOM

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Take your party indoors with a private party at the Children's Museum of Manhattan. Groups of up to 25 people can rent out the museum for an exclusive hour and 45 minutes. Guests will have full run of two exhibit floors, activity kits for children to use for the duration of their visit, and CMOM educator-led activities that will get kids moving, listening to stories, and doing art. 

212 W. 83rd St.
Upper West Side
Online: cmom.org

11. Chelsea Piers 

Give your kids an active birthday party at Chelsea Piers. Groups of up to 10 children ages 5 and up will be led through sports and other movement-centric activities by trained instructors. Party sessions last two hours and there are lots of options for food. Choose a sport or activity for the party to center around from a list that includes basketball, baseball, gymnastics, and ninja parkour.  

23rd Street & Hudson River Park
Chelsea
Online: chelseapiers.com

12. Brooklyn Game Lab

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You can have a party outdoors, indoors, or online. Outdoor parties are held in Prospect Park, indoor parties are held at their location in South Slope, and online parties are held in the comfort of your own home. They have game levels from beginners to experts, so no one has to worry about their skill level. Parents provide any desired decorations, cake, food, and drinks (depending on your party package). 

At location of your choosing
Online: brooklyngamelab.com

13. American Museum of Natural History

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How's this for thinking outside the box? Take a small group to the museum, checking out the Hall of Ocean Life, the Fossil Halls (home to the dinos), and more for the cost of regular admission. Or, spend a few more bucks and see a special exhibit. You must book tickets in advance to visit the museum. 

Central Park West & 79th Street
Upper West Side 
Online: amnh.org

14. TWA Hotel

Pool party in the middle of winter!? Why not! The TWA's heated rooftop pool is open to hotel guests this winter, and it's been transformed into an Alpine-themed retreat. Visitors can eat at the restaurant or sit at the bar and sip some hot apple cider as they watch airplanes take off below. Visit the pop-up museum exhibits, created in collaboration with the New York Historical Society, and go back in time through replicas of a 1962 living room and offices of Howard Hughes and Eero Saarinen.

1 Idlewild Dr.
Jamaica
Online: twahotel.com

15. Treasure Trunk Theatre

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You don't need to travel far to embark on an adventure. Treasure Trunk Theater, which fosters drama and imagination, is available to book for a birthday party of 30 minutes (with additional time on request), where up to 30 kids will enjoy fun activities that'll get their voices, bodies, and imaginations working. The Treasure Trunk Theatre instructor will lead kids on an adventure to magical lands using only common household items. Parents and grandparents are encouraged to join in, as well. Prices start at $300.

At location of your choosing
Online: treasuretrunktheatre.com

16. Loop of the Loom

In just two hours, kids can weave their own tapestry to bring home, with instruction from Loop of the Loom! Private classes are very small—3-5, depending on the location you visit—and instruction will have kids working on their own looms within minutes.

227 E 87th St. #E
Upper East Side

197 Plymouth St.
Dumbo
Online: loopoftheloom.com

Your summer bucket list is about to get a whole lot lighter after this weekend. With a backyard campout at the Chattahoochee Nature Center, an outdoor concert in Sandy Springs, a wildlife day—complete with fishing, archery, and a free hotdog—you can take your pick from fun outdoor activities. Or, volunteer as a family to pack lunches for kids at the Agape Center, check out the futuristic bike exhibit at MODA, or do some family yoga and art in Decatur. Keep reading for all the ways to rock the weekend with kids in Atlanta, below.

photo: iStock

Camp Out at Chattahoochee Nature Center
Have you ever wanted to camp out in the great outdoors, but stay close to home? CNC offers a great opportunity to camp under the stars. Along with camping, you will go on a guided night hike, have an up-close experience with a live animal, and wrap up the evening with marshmallows roasting over a campfire. Pack a picnic, bring the camera and drive the family to CNC’s Family Backyard Campout. CNC does not provide tents or sleeping bags. Registration is required. Here is what you need to know before you go.

Enjoy a Live Outdoor Concert in Sandy Springs
Rediscover your weekends at City Springs with City Green Live. The free concert series is back and open to the public! Seating on City Green opens at 5 p.m. and the show will start at 7:30 p.m. Bring your blankets and or check out the availability of tables for sale in advance, online. Find out more here.

Set Up a Backyard Water Park
Avoid the crowds and beat the heat by transforming your back yard into your own private water park oasis. Whether you’re looking for something simple—rainbow inflatable sprinkler, perhaps?—or a DIY project, you don’t need to leave the house to have your kids slipping and sliding the day away. Here‘s the scoop.

Visit the Green Market at Piedmont Park
Voted one of the top five farmer’s markets in Atlanta by Access Atlanta, Green Market encourages sustainable communities in the most basic way – by providing shoppers with direct access to local farmers and small businesses. Walk the market and enjoy goods from local farmers, bakers, jams, preserves, and artisan goods. There is something for everyone. While you shop, you can enjoy prepared foods and drinks for breakfast and lunch. Check out the details here.

Bike to the Future at MODA in Midtown
Bike to the Future showcases the latest in bicycle design. The exhibition presents a collection of contemporary models from the new millennium, including Philippe Starck’s electric bike ‘MASS’ and Tobias Knockaert’s laser-cut bicycle, as well as prototypes and experiments made with unusual materials to serve a variety of functions. Bike accessories will also be featured, such as the magnetic bicycle light ‘iFlash One,’ designed by the Danish studio Kibisi, the ‘Hammerhead’ navigation system, and the ‘Hövding’ airbag helmets. Check out the details here.

Enjoy Family Yoga & Art in Decatur
Join Paint Love for a fun, outdoor, morning family yoga and art class at Legacy Park in Decatur, Georgia. Families will move through an all-level yoga flow together before creating art together. All skill levels and individuals welcome. All proceeds continue our mission to bring extraordinary art + social-emotional learning to kids, especially those who have experienced adversity. Find out all that you should know before you go, here.

Enjoy Twilight Tots at Zoo Atlanta
Bring your littlest ones for an evening of exploring the Zoo. Enjoy a mini-tour of the Zoo with a Zoo Atlanta Educator, stopping along the way to sing songs, hear animal stories, and dance like an animal! Observe animals after hours and make connections to wildlife. This program is designed for families with children ages 0-5, with opportunities for exploration for ages 0-2. Join us for a fun evening adventure before the sun goes down. Find more info here.

Attend Kids Wildlife Day in Covington
Best for kids ages 8-15, this free Wildlife Day gives your kids a chance to fish, play games, shoot archery, see wildlife demos (including a birds of prey show and a reptile show), and free hotdog lunch. Here are the details.

Pack Lunches for Agape in Buckhead
Each week, Agape serves more than 200 children in innovative, in-school and after-school support programs to help children and families in Northwest Atlanta. Westside Table is excited to partner with Agape to provide sack lunches for children as part of their summer enrichment program, and families are invited to join them at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday afternoon, June 27, and help prepare sack lunches for children in Northwest Atlanta. Here‘s what you need to know.

Check out our incredible virtual adventure calendar here for more options!

Featured photo via iStock.

—Shelley Massey

 

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Three cheers for spring break! While family vacations are still looking a little different right now, we’re lucky to live in paradise with a ton to explore right outside our front door. From snow-covered adventures to fun-in-the-sun, there’s plenty of ways to safely spring break around SoCal. Check out these top trips that are ideal for a socially-distanced getaway. Hip hip hooray!

Underwater Adventure at Welk Resorts San Diego

Welk Resorts

A (virtual!) underwater adventure awaits in the foothills of Escondido at Welk Resorts San Diego. Through their new INSPIRED For You activities program, guests can book a 30-minute virtual adventure in the pool and experience the City of Atlantis, the Great Barrier Reef or an exhilarating skydiving experience without leaving the resort. Book a villa with room for the whole family to stretch out while enjoying amenities like fireplaces, kitchens, private patios and large soaking tubs. 

Online: welkresorts.com

Coastal Glamping at El Capitan Canyon

Kerry Cushman

Just north of Santa Barbara is hidden glamping gem, El Capitan Canyon. Here, yurts, safari tents and cabins to accommodate all family sizes are peacefully situated in nature for the ultimate retreat. On-site, there's plenty of contactless things to do (or not!). A short hike to the resort's Llama Farm and you'll mingle with llamas, baby sheep and goats while taking in stunning ocean views. Or, take the trail down to El Capitan State Beach for sandy toes and wave jumping. When you've worked up an appetite, the resort's Canyon Market has fantastic food options, from kid-approved pizza to tri-tip kits with all the fixings (s'mores included!). Order online and have dinner delivered straight to your own private cabin paradise.

Online: elcapitancanyon.com

Desert Adventures in Palm Springs

Kerry Cushman

With ample al fresco restaurant patios, hiking trails and Airbnbs with private pools, the greater Palm Springs area is a terrific option for a pandemic-era spring vacation. For contactless things-to-do, check out Escape Room Palm Springs, where families work together in their own private room to uncover riddles and solve a themed mystery, like the popular Bank Heist and Titanic games. The Living Desert Zoo in Palm Desert also has new contactless guidelines for guest safety, including online timed reservations. While you're there, make sure to experience the new Australian Adventures exhibit where you'll get up-close to friendly wallabies.

Online: visitgreaterpalmsprings.com

Central Coast Getaway at Hotel Cerro

Hotel Cerro

The charming city of San Luis Obispo is the perfect home-base to explore California's beautiful Central Coast. The surrounding landscape offers ample opportunities for contactless things to do, like hiking one of the many mountain trails, exploring nearby beaches or toasting the area's famous (family-friendly) wine region. Stay at the beautiful new Hotel Cerro, in the heart of downtown SLO, where small-town vibes mix with relaxed, modern luxury. After a day exploring the beautiful outdoors, relax by the hotel's heated rooftop pool with picturesque vistas of the surrounding mountains. Enjoy artisan pour-over coffee in guest rooms and private balconies overlooking the idyllic tree-lined streets of downtown.

Online: hotelcerro.com

Starry Nights at Terranea Resort

Terranea Resort

Enjoy picturesque ocean views during the day and cozy nights around the fireplace with a spring vacation to Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes. Select villas have private outdoor hot tubs, fireplaces and outdoor fire pits, which means you won't need to leave the stunning property to relax in paradise. S'mores kits, stargazing kits and family activity kits will keep the whole family happily entertained. Check out their Terranea Promise for enhanced standards of care and cleanliness.

Online: terranea.com

The Mountains Are Calling in Big Bear

Kerry Cushman

Escape to the mountains of Big Bear for a spring vacation that hits the refresh button with some big-time winter fun. Get into nature, while avoiding crowds at popular attractions, by renting snow-shoes and hitting one of the many (free!) mountain trails. Try Towne Trail on the South Shore for picturesque views of Big Bear Lake and an easy 2.5 mile loop. When it's time to settle in for PJ's and hot cocoa, choose one of the many AirBnb options or book a rustic cabin with kitchen and room for everyone at Grey Squirrel. Or, opt for a tiny cabin surrounded by nature at Getaway in nearby Running Springs with contactless check-in, deep cleaning between guests and private firepits.

Online: bigbear.com

Luxury Dude Ranch at The Alisal

The Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort

Take a drive through the quirky Danish-style village of Solvang before you settle into a luxury family dude ranch experience at The Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort. Here, your family will stay in a private cottage with wood-burning fireplace and western-chic flair. Ample opportunities for family fun, while maintaining social distancing, can be found on-site. Enjoy activities such as kayaking, fishing, barnyard animal visits and over 50 miles of beautiful horseback riding trails.

Good to know: The resort has implemented UV-C disinfection technology to ensure the highest level of safety and cleanliness in guest room spaces.

Online: alisal.com

––Kerry Cushman

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It’s hot a blue blazes and so is this weekend’s activity outlook. From checking out a (very) local swimming hole to loading up for a drive-in—you’ve got both movies and music to choose from—you’re going to run out of things to do at approximately never o’clock. Keep reading for fresh ideas to make the most of the weekend in Atlanta, below.

photo: MI PHAM via unsplash

Hands-On Fun

Swim at Red Top Mountain State Park
Enjoy a sandy beach and a roped off swimming area in the southeastern part of the park, just 45 minutes from downtown Atlanta. Look for the parking area and a building that has bathrooms and a place to change. Not far from the beach, you’ll find a putt-putt golf course and a large playground area, plus a picnic area. Find details here.

Treat Your Kids (& Yourself) to a Day Camp at Oodazu
Summer Camp is now open at Oodazu. They are following all 32 state given guidelines for day camps, and welcome children ages 3 (potty trained) to preteen! With daily lunch & snack included, your child will spend their time at Oodazu Camp, climbing, jumping, playing, crafting & zenning out in a yoga class. Find everything you need to know here.

Shoot the ‘Hooch
Float, spin or just kick back in bliss as you shoot the ‘Hooch in the Georgia sunshine. While many outfitters offer custom trips down the Chattahoochee, with put-ins as far as Helen, Georgia, the Nantahala Outpost in Roswell offers two distinct in-town river float trips that make your river float easy. For more details, click here.

Hike Stone Mountain
The 1-mile Walk-Up Trail is open daily from dawn to dusk, and on a haze-free day, you can see 60 miles from the mountain. Here’s how.

Pay a Visit to Zoo Atlanta
Zoo Atlanta has re-opened, but you must purchase tickets in advance on a timed ticketing system to limit the number of guests inside the Zoo at any given time. Tickets may only be purchased online, and all transactions within the Zoo will be paperless (no cash). Expect to see all the favorite animals, but rides are closed until further notice. For more info, click here.

Drive-In to a Live Concert at Avalon
Head to Avalon for Drive-In Live, where you can safely kick back and enjoy an evening of live music from their own viewing space (think tailgate) set-up and enjoy the show. Select restaurants will be offering pre-ordered meals for pick-up so that you can get a taste of Avalon from the comfort of your car. Click here for the details.

Catch a Drive-In Movie in Roswell
Experience Movie Magic at a pop-up Drive-In in Roswell. Enjoy a classic film from the comfort of your car on a giant 40-foot screen, while listening on your FM car radio. Aurora Cineplex is serving up concession snacks—Grab-n-Go Popcorn, fountain drinks, ICEE, movie candy & more—delivered right to your car. Come early to park, and play mini golf for $5 before the show. Get all the details here.

Visit Butterflies at CNC
The year’s most popular exhibit at the CNC is back for its 7th summer. Get up close and personal with hundreds of native butterflies surrounded by colorful nectar plants. Visitors must purchase admission tickets in advance, which include a date and time to visit the center. Members will also be required to make a reservation for their visit, and guests inside the butterfly tent will be limited. Here’s the scoop.

 

Virtual Adventures

Enjoy Kids Hour Improv at Dad’s Garage (Virtually)
Check out family friendly improv and stories from Atlanta’s favorite Improv Theatre, Dad’s Garage. Programming is available every hour of every day, but for the kids, you won’t want to miss a special hour of fun from 12-1 p.m. Find out more here.

Take an iMovie-Making Class
Calling all future actors, writers, directors, and producers! Now is your chance to create your own movie, starring YOU in a live, online class that’s taught in California. Kids from around the world can join the fun. Check it out here.

Street Art & Sweet Tea Virtual Tour of Atlanta
Dive into the history behind Atlanta’s street art scene, including a look at some of the most interesting street artists in the city today and what their art means in this LIVE virtual tour. You’ll also learn how to make Southern sweet tea from a local tea shop and color ATL-themed artwork. For more info, check this out.

Check out our incredible virtual adventure calendar here for more options!

—Shelley Massey

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