ML Interest Tag: volcano

49 Hilariously Sweet Valentine’s Day Jokes for Kids

by Kate Loweth

Got a little comedian in your household? These Valentine’s Day jokes for kids are sure to crack a smile sweeter than any chocolate. Let the kids memorize a few to share with friends, or write them on a note for V-Day lunches. Either way, you’re sure to get a laugh, a hug, and probably at least one eye roll. If your kiddo needs more joke material to work with, try out our other jokes for kids. If you’re looking for other Valentine’s Day fun for kids, check out these DIY gifts they can make for friends or loved ones, and Valentine’s Day-themed food and treats they’ll love.

Valentine's Day Jokes for Kids
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1. What do you call the world's smallest Valentine’s Day card?
A valen-teeny.

2. What did the stamp say to the envelope on Valentine’s Day?
I’m stuck on you!

3. What did one volcano say to the other?
I lava you!

4. What did the cucumber say to the pickle?
You mean a great dill to me.

5. How did the phone propose to his GF?
He gave her a ring.

6. What did the one sheep say to the other?
I love ewe!

7. And how did the other sheep respond?
You’re not so baaaaaa-d yourself.

8. What did the farmer give his wife for Valentine’s Day?
Hogs and kisses.

cute kids with paper hearts smiling at Valentine's Day jokes for kids
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9. And what did the tweenager give his mom? 
Ughs and kisses!

10. What did one light bulb say to the other light bulb on Valentine’s Day?
I wuv you watts and watts!

11. What do you say to an octopus on Valentine’s Day?
I want to hold your hand, hand, hand, hand, hand, hand, hand, hand!

12. What do you call a ghost’s true love?
Their ghoul-friend.

13. What do you write in a slug’s Valentine’s Day card?
Be my Valen-slime!

14. Knock Knock
Who's there?
Luke
Luke who?
Luke who got a Valentine!

15. Why is Valentine’s Day a good day for a party?
Because you can really party hearty!

16. What kind of flowers should you NOT give on Valentine’s Day?
Cauliflowers!

17. What do owls say to declare their love?
Owl be yours!

18. What did one bee say to the other? 
I love bee-ing with you, honey!

Valentine's Day Jokes for Kids
Obi Onyeador via Unsplash

19. Knock Knock
Who's there?
Olive
Olive who?
Olive you!

20. Why do skunks love Valentine’s Day?
They are very scent-imental creatures.

21. What’s the best part about Valentine’s Day?
The day after when all the candy is on sale.

22. What did the painter say to her sweetheart?
I love you with all my art.

23. What did Robin Hood say to his girlfriend?
Sherwood like to be your valentine.

24. Why did the sheriff lock up her boyfriend?
He stole her heart.

25. What do you call two birds in love?
Tweethearts!

26. What shade of red is your heart?
Beat red! 

27. What did one cat say to the other cat on Valentine's Day?
Don't ever change, you're purrrfect.

28. Why would you want to marry a goalie?
Because he (or she) is a real keeper!

Valentine's Day Jokes for Kids
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29. What type of shape is most popular on Valentine's Day?
Acute triangle. 

30. Have you got a date for Valentine's Day?
Yeah, it's February 14th. 

31. What did Frankenstein's monster say to his bride on Valentine's Day?
Be my Valenstein! 

32. What flowers get the most kisses on Valentine's Day?
Tulips (two-lips). 

33. Who always has a date on Valentine's Day?
A calendar. 

34. Knock knock! 
Who's there?
Atlas!
Atlas who?
Atlas, it's Valentine's Day! 

35. What kind of candy is never on time?
Choco-LATE.

36. Why was the rabbit happy?
Because somebunny loved him!

—Joshua Y., age 9

37. Why don't you ever date a tennis player?
Because love means nothing to them.

—Joshua N. 

38. What do girl snakes write at the bottom of their letters?
With love and hisses.

 

Valentine's Day Jokes for Kids
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39. What did one squirrel say to the other squirrel on Valentine's Day? 
I'm nuts about you!

40. What did the raspberry say to his valentine? 
I love you berry much. 

41. What's the most romantic utensil? 
A fork because it has Valen-tines. 

42. What Valentine's message was on the honeycomb?
Bee mine.

43. What did one oar say to another? 
"Can I interest you in a little row-mance?" 

44. What are artichokes known for? 
Their hearts. 

45. On Valentine's Day, what did the calculator say to the pencil? 
"You can count on me."

46. What kind of candy is always late on Valentine's Day? 

Choco-LATE

47. What does a Jedi Master say on Valentine's Day?

Yoda one for me.

48. What did the magnet say to the paperclip?

I find you very attractive. 

49. What did the scientist say to their sweetheart?

"You must be made out of oxygen and neon because you are the ONe"

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10 Totally Cool Dry Ice Experiments for Kids

by Erica Loop

Frozen carbon dioxide, a.k.a. dry ice, is frozen at a temperature of negative 109 degrees Fahrenheit

Experimenting with ice is cool. But dry ice experiments are even cooler! Unlike the ice cubes in your freezer, dry ice doesn’t melt into liquid. Instead, these blocks sublimate, which means instead of transforming from a solid to a liquid, dry ice goes from a solid to a gas. With the proper precautions, this type of science experiment for kids is safe—so grab gloves and tongs, open a window or take the CO2 outdoors, follow these guidelines from the National Weather Service, and check out these awesome dry ice experiments. 

Blow Up a Balloon

dry ice science experiment from Science Kiddo
Science Kiddo

The air from your lungs isn’t the only way to blow up a balloon. This chilly experiment from Science Kiddo helps your budding scientist explore the properties of dry ice. 

 

Build a Volcano

dry ice science experiment from Life with Moore Learning
Life with Moore Learning

Check out this awesome overflowing dry ice volcano experiment from Life with Moore Learning! As if this isn’t enough fun, you'll also get a step-by-step guide to help your kids compare regular ice with dry ice and other freezing explorations.

Plan a Potion

dry ice experiments
iStock

Whether you want to make a witch’s brew for your family's Halloween monster bash or you just want to mix up a cool (literally) concoction, Our Best Bite’s Mad Scientist Potion has everything you need to make a mocktail that’s overflowing with fog.

Related: 70+ Easy Science Experiments for Kids to Try at Home

Find Fog—Magically

Jeff Kingma via Unsplash

Make your own at-home outdoor fog machine with two ingredients—dry ice and hot water. Remember, dry ice doesn’t melt into a liquid. Instead, it sublimates or turns into a vapor. Place blocks of dry ice into a glass or bucket of hot water and then stand back and watch as the fog pours across your yard!

Put Out a Candle

put out a candle as part of a dry ice experiment
Sixteen Miles Out via Unsplash

Can dry ice help extinguish a candle quickly? Your littles can easily blow out their bday cake candles, but have they ever used dry ice to make a flame go away? Head over to Life with Moore Learning for the how-to steps to this easy science exploration.

Make a Bubble Ball

Aaron Burden via Unsplassh

How can your kids make a crystal ball? Gather a few pieces or pellets of dry ice, a bowl, dish soap and a kitchen towel. Put the dry ice into the bowl, add hot water and watch the fog show begin. Even though this is exciting, it’s not where the experiment ends. Dip the dish towel into a soapy solution, and spread it around the rim of the bowl. Gently pull the soap-soaked towel across the bowl and watch as a ball-like bubble emerges in front of your eyes. 

Compare and Contrast

Dry Ice Experiments
Erica Loop

How does dry ice melt? The answer isn't regular ice. While you might already know this, your child doesn’t. Freeze water, juice, soda, milk, and any other liquid you want. Put the frozen liquid cubes on plates and create a comparison plate with dry ice. Watch each ice option carefully. Your child can jot down what happens to each piece of ice and when. 

Related: It’s Alive! Gross (But Cool) Science Experiments for Kids

Inflate a Glove

Diana Polekhina via Unsplash

If you have boxes of plastic or latex gloves hanging around your home, forget about cleaning. It’s time to put these gloves to scientific use, as they are a great substitute for balloons. Drop a shred of dry ice into the glove, tie the end and watch it magically grow. Hint: Don’t use too much dry ice for this experiment. A pellet will do. Overdoing it with the frozen CO2 might create too much gas, causing the glove to burst.

Bubbles and More Bubbles

Cristian Palmer via Unsplash

You’ve covered dry ice with water and watched it fog. But what happens if you put the frozen CO2 into a bath of bubbles? Use your kiddo’s paddling pool or fill the sand table with a water and bubble solution or dish soap mix. Ask your child to predict what will happen as the dry ice sublimates. Observe the bubbles as the CO2 gas fills the water and moves into suds.

Magical Disappearing Ice

dry ice experiments
iStock

When regular ice melts it leaves behind a puddle, but the same isn't true for dry ice. Again, the sublimation process causes it to turn into a gas state. Help your child learn more about the states of matter with easy observation-based science exploration. Place a piece of dry ice in a bowl outside on a warm day or in the sun. Ask your child to predict what they think will happen to the dry ice. Go back later in the day and take a look at the bowl. Like magic, the ice is gone, and nothing is left behind. Discuss what happened. Your child can hypothesize where the ice went and why there is no water in the bowl. 

Related: 6 Incredibly Easy Rainbow Science Experiments

 

 

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9 Scenic Spots to Watch the Sunset in Portland

by Annette Benedetti

Show your kids the meaning of “magic hour” by taking them to one of the best sunset spots in all of Portland

With summer in full swing, a sunset viewing party is something you need to get on the calendar—pronto. It’s quite possibly our all-time favorite free summer family activity. And although we know many of your favorite city picnic spots and hiking trails easily double as sunset-viewing destinations, we think you’ll be surprised by a few of the best places to see the sunset in and around Portland. Head to the waterfront or up to the mountains to see some of the best sunsets Oregon has to offer. Really want to make the most of the evening out with your little ones? Pack some popcorn and all your stargazing supplies to see what you can glimpse in a galaxy far, far away once the sun has said “good night” and a blanket of sparkling stars fill the night sky.

Mt. Tabor

The Eastside’s favorite dormant volcano, Mt. Tabor, offers plenty of hillside space for picnics, fun, and exploration. But when it comes to dusk, it's definitely one of the best places to watch the sunset. Hike the trails, play at the playground, or stroll to the top, then settle in to watch the sun put on a show over the city skyline and the west hills. Just remember that although the park is open until midnight, it's closed to motor traffic after 10 p.m. and all day on Wednesdays.

Insider Tip: The top’s views can be somewhat limited, so spread a blanket out on the west slope over the reservoir. You’ll get to sit and relax and still enjoy the view.

S.E. 60th St. & S.E. Salmon St.
Online: portlandoregon.gov

 

Mocks Crest & Skidmore Bluffs

This simple park on a hill offers tree-shaded areas, grassy open spaces and views of the beautiful Willamette River. You might have to come early to get a spot at this locals' favorite, but the views on the hillside are worth the effort. The bluffs tower above a steep drop down to Swan Island, and the views just can't be beat. This classic picnic site runs for miles above the Willamette River. This may be the best spot North Portland has to offer for killer sunset views.

2206 N. Skidmore Terrace
Online: outdoorproject.com

 

Stonehenge in the Gorge

Cross the veil at twilight and find an otherworldly vista at Stonehenge, Washington. Rather than an ancient Druidic worship site, this replica was built in 1918 as a WWI memorial, but you can still look for a few witches and goblins between the massive stones. Three miles west of the Maryhill Museum of Art, just off Highway 14, the perfect replica is perched on the edge of the Gorge, offering stunning views both ways. It’s the more affordable (and maybe more beautiful) way of visiting Stonehenge.

35 Maryhill Museum Dr.
Goldendale, WA
Online: maryhillmuseum.org

Related: Celebrate Summer at These Amazing Picnic Spots

Pittock Mansion

Built in 1914, the mansion on the hill is a popular destination in Portland. You can take tours inside as late as 5 p.m., but arguably the best attraction is the view of the city. The best views actually face east, but if you weren’t up for the sunrise, you’ll still catch a beautiful scene of the alpenglow on Mt. Hood as the sun sets behind you, casting purple and pink light on the snowy slopes. Also, the extensive grounds of the mansion are a great place for a picnic.

Insider Tip: If a pre-sunset mansion visit is on your list, you can score tickets online to make the trip easier. It's free for kids under 6.

3229 N.W. Pittock Dr.
Online: pittockmansion.org

 

Cathedral Park

Catch the last of the rays between the cathedral-like buttresses of the St. John’s Bridge. Whether you picnic down by the edge of the Willamette or higher in the park, you’ll see the sun dip slowly behind the trees of Forest Park on the west side of the river. It’s debatable whether it’s better under the bridge or above, so come back and test them both out. 

N. Edison St. & Pittsburg Ave.
Online: portlandoregon.gov

 

Council Crest Park

Nestled in the southwest hills, the top of Council Crest offers stunning 360-degree views of the city. You’ll catch the sun setting in the west, and if you turn around you can enjoy the light reflecting off the mountains in the east. It’s a 3.3 mile hike up the top (you can also drive, if that's easier), where you’ll find picnic tables and a vista viewing point with all the best views.

S.W. Council Crest Dr.
Online: portlandoregon.gov

Related: 6 Family Forest Park Hikes You Can Do Now

Eastbank Esplanade

Stay close to home by simply heading to the river for the nightly views. Sit behind the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) on the pier, take an evening stroll or ride bikes up the esplanade and enjoy the glow. The 1.5 mile path includes sections on the water, benches and plenty of place to sit and gaze. Head to the canoe launch and dip your toes on a hot night, or stay up on the main section and watch the sun set behind the Hawthorne Bridge.

S.E. Water Ave. & Hawthorne Blvd.
Online: portlandoregon.gov

Related: Free & Cheap Museum Days at Portland's Best Museums

 

Powell Butte Nature Park

The rocky volcanoes of Powell Butte are home to wide meandering trails through a surprising variety of landscapes—wildflower meadows, old-growth forest and cottonwood groves. Many trails are paved, making them an easy stroll, and at the top, markers point to surrounding mountains like Mt. Hood, Mt. Adams, Mt. Jefferson and more. At 600-feet high, it’s a spectacular spot to watch the sun dip. And dusk is the best time to look for the park’s normal residents like bats, raccoons, gray foxes and deer.

16160 S.E. Powell Blvd.
Online: portlandoregon.gov

 

Angel’s Rest

For a spectacular view of the entire gorge, challenge yourself to the Angel’s Rest hike. This is best for older kids who can handle the five-mile round trip hike up a steep slope or kids young enough to be carried. The natural amphitheater offers an incredible perspective once you reach the top. There’s a field of boulders on the west side before you reach the ‘summit,’ which is likely a better place to watch the sun go down. Give yourself plenty of time to reach the top before sunset and bring flashlights and headlamps for the hike down.

Insider Tip: There are no guardrails, so be mindful of safety and keep your little ones close!

Bridal Veil Exit #28
Online: stateparks.oregon.gov

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The Easiest Volcano Science Projects for Kids

By Mike Adamick

Here’s what all those bubbles and foam really mean

As schools start to let out for the summer, parents everywhere are starting to mentally prepare themselves for occupying their kids at home. Get started early with this fun demo video for the beaker volcano science project from The Dad’s Book of Awesome Science Experiments.

The science behind, “But, why?”

Don’t get caught off guard by your kids’ science questions! You and your family can learn about chemistry with this amazing beaker volcano science project! Best of all, this experiment can be tossed together with just vinegar, baking soda, red dye, a baker, toilet paper, and string. This is a science experiment that also expertly mimics what happens under the earth’s crust to create volcanic eruptions.

Volcano Time!

If you grew up watching endless Brady Bunch reruns you’re probably familiar with Peter Brady’s volcano—a mud-spewing, steep-sided science project that sent showers of muck and sludge all over Peter’s sister, Marsha, and her snooty friends. It was the coolest thing ever.

There’s a good chance that this one episode alone launched our love affair with kitchen-sink volcano projects—an experiment so simple that you and your lab partner can most likely do it right now with stuff you already have in the kitchen. All you really need is vinegar, baking soda, and a bottle to mix them in, but it is much cooler to use good ol’ fashioned backyard dirt to construct a volcano model around the bottle first and then conduct the experiment. Either way you do it, this is a science experiment with serious thrills. But it also expertly mimics what happens under the earth’s crust to create volcanic eruptions.

Here’s Why the Volcano Science Project Works

When the solid baking soda (sodium bicarbonate—a base) mixes with the liquid vinegar (acetic acid—a weak acid), a chemical reaction occurs and forms a gas (carbon dioxide). All those bubbles and foam? They’re evidence of gas, and as the gas expands, it looks for an escape route for all that built-up pressure. So the foam and bubbles rise until they flood out of your bottle’s opening. Pretty much the same exact thing is happening under the earth right now. The earth’s crust is made up of many sections of super thick shell—65-plus miles thick!—called tectonic plates that are always moving, very slowly, over the much, much hotter inner earth. Most of the world’s volcanoes are found where two or more of these tectonic plates meet one another. Sometimes those plates shift and sometimes they collide, forming escape routes in the earth’s crust for molten rocks and gas, called magma. Much like the carbon dioxide in your baking soda–vinegar experiment seeks the quickest escape route to relieve pressure, the gases in the underground magma do the same thing before erupting out of a volcano.

Not all eruptions are alike, however. Sometimes the gases in the magma are easily released from the earth’s crust and the result is a slow, oozing spread of superhot lava. But sometimes the gases stay trapped beneath cooled magma and rock building up pressure until they erupt in violent explosions that can send ash and boulders flying up to 20 miles high. In fact, airplane pilots keep track of volcano activity around the earth, just to be sure they don’t fly into clouds of dangerous ash.

Here’s What You Need for a Volcano Science Experiment

Baking soda
Vinegar
A bottle (a good vase with a wide bottom and slender top also works well, but use whatever you can find)
Red food dye String Toilet paper

Here’s What You Do

1. First add the vinegar to your bottle and dye it red with food coloring. Then, rip out a few sheets of toilet paper and make a pouch for the baking soda. Use your string to tie the pouch and then insert the pouch into your bottle, using the bottle cap to hold the other end of the string so that the pouch dangles above your “lava.” (See Fig. 1.)

2. If you’re feeling super science-y/crafty, let your lab partner shape a volcano model out of backyard mud and dirt around the bottle. Note: you don’t have to do this, but go big or go home, right?

3. When your volcano model is ready, lift the cap and watch the pouch drop into the lava. It will foam up slowly, mimicking the slow buildup of earth’s gases, until the vinegar fully soaks the tissue paper. Then, the fun really begins, as the foam begins to climb the bottle, looking for an escape route. Just stand back, and watch the foam erupt. It’s really that easy!

Want More?

There are many, many ways to perform this experiment, so don’t be afraid to get creative. Try mixing the vinegar and baking soda in a bottle, and then quickly place a balloon over the bottle opening. While this doesn’t create a lava explosion, the gases will inflate the balloon. Pretty cool, right? Or, put baking soda in a small snack-size zip bag and seal it tightly with a bit of air in the bag. Place the baking soda bag in a larger zip bag that is filled with vinegar and seal that bag tightly, with as little air as possible in the big bag. Now use your fist to smash the tiny baking soda bag and stand back. You just made a sandwich bag bomb, using the same chemical reactions as your volcano.

Related: 60+ Science Experiments for Kids to Try at Home

Mike Adamick is the author of The Dad's Book of Awesome Projects, The Dad's Book of Awesome Science Experiments, and The Dad's Book of Awesome Recipes, and a stay-at-home dad who writes for the Adventures in Learning science blog at PBS.org, the San Francisco Chronicle, KQED Radio, Disney's parenting website, Babble.com, and the Daddy Issues column on Jezebel.com.

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The 8 Best Hikes around Portland with Kids

by Katrina Emery

Discover moss-covered trails, storied forests, and jaw-dropping lake views with our favorite hikes around Portland

Portland, Oregon is a beautiful city with plenty of outdoor opportunities for families with kids—and getting kids into nature can be as easy as a ten-minute drive, especially in a city like Portland, with parks and natural areas at every turn. And there’s no better way to take in nature than with a long, easy hike on the trails that run through and nearby Portland. We’ve rounded up the best hikes for families with kiddos of all ages an abilities. Be sure to pack plenty of water, snacks, and sunscreen, and have fun exploring the great outdoors with your family.

The 8 Best Hikes in Portland with Kids

1. Reed Lake

This spot is a true hidden gem and an easy, close-in option that the whole family can enjoy. This 1-mile loop behind the Reed College campus, through Reed Canyon and around Reed Lake, is a jaw-dropping find that will have you feeling like you are wandering through a private oasis. The unpaved trail is open to the public, and even when school is in session, it’s a lesser-known hike that usually remains uncrowded. Spot the ducks in the lake, tramp across the footbridge, and admire the the spring blooms and baby animals floating and scampering about.

Good to Know: Parking at Reed is free, and the closest to the trail head is the East lot off of Woodstock. Or, take the bus and extend the adventure!

Reed College
3203 SE Woodstock Blvd.
Portland
Online: reed.edu/canyon

2. Wapato Greenway Loop on Sauvie Island

One of Portland’s favorite playgrounds is Sauvie Island, full of berry picking and beach-going in the summer and pumpkin patches in the fall. You’ll also find a great hike at Wapato Greenway, which features a wetland lake, meadows, grassland, and oak trees. Kids will love hunting for snakes (harmless garter varieties), frogs, ducks, and more on the trails. The loop around the pond is 2.2 miles total.

18846 N.W. Sauvie Island Rd.
Portland
Online: oregonhikers.org

3. Powell Butte Nature Park

Hike around a giant extinct volcano at this park in the city limits. Powell Butte is a beautiful place for a hike, with wooded paths, meadows, and perfect views of surrounding peaks on clear days. Starting at the small visitor center kiosk it’s an easy trek to the top on the paved path. There you’ll find a viewing platform pointing out the nine different mountains encircling you, including Mount Jefferson, Adams, St. Helens, and even Rainier. From there, you can follow the hiking trails around the back of the park into the forests or turn around and wind through the grassy meadows instead. The summit is a 0.7 mile hike, and the whole loop is about 2.9 miles. Spring sees wildflowers galore on the hills, and with them comes the buzz of bees and flutter of butterflies.

16160 Powell Blvd.
Portland
Online: portlandoregon.gov

4. Oak Bottom Wildlife Refuge

It’s not a long trail or hike, but for a quick afternoon out in nature, it’s a perfect escape. Start on the bluffs at the small parking lot, then wander down the bluff—turn right to head around the pond for the 2.3 mile loop. The path is well kept, with bridges, boardwalks, and viewing platforms that extend over the wetlands. In the small loop at Tadpole Pond kids will find plenty of places to look for the little creatures along with salamanders and birds.

Good to Know: The park is near the Springwater Corridor, Sellwood Riverfront Park, and Oaks Bottom Amusement Park if you need to extend your day of fun.

SE Sellwood Blvd. & SE 7th Ave.
Portland
Online: portlandoregon.gov

5. Camassia Nature Trail

You want to time this trail right—in April through June it comes alive with wildflowers of all colors like trillium, the namesake Camassia, and more. It’s a short trail and easy to follow—meaning kids can lead the way with confidence through the forests and meadows.

The rocky ridges here were created by an ancient flood that left giant boulders behind—learn all about the unique geology from volunteers on guided hikes and at signposts along the trail. You’ll come across creeks and ponds hiding frogs and newts, oak and aspen trees welcoming woodpeckers and bluebirds, and even a radio tower with an osprey nest! The loop is a pleasant 1.5 miles with much of it on a boardwalk.

4800 Walnut St.
West Linn, OR
Onilne: westlinnoregon.gov

6. Mt. Tabor Park

One of the best urban explorations is on the slopes of a dormant volcano. Start at the trailhead by SE 64th and Lincoln, near the reservoirs, then wander at will through the paths and roads. Dirt trails, paved paths, stairs and more wind around the cinder cone volcano, until you arrive at the very top, with fabulous views of downtown Portland. A playground is on the north side-access it from Salmon St or Yamhill, or make your way there by foot.

6220 SE Salmon St.
Portland
Online: portlandoregon.gov

7. Hoyt Arboretum Trails

Try to count how many different trees you can find in Hoyt Arboretum, we dare you! With 2300 species and over 12 miles of trails, it’s quite the challenge. Here, you’ll find plenty of easy hikes on the hills near the Oregon Zoo and Children’s Museum. Some of our favorites? The 0.3 mile Magnolia Trail between Wildwood and Oak Trails for a great view of the flowering trees in the spring There’s also cherry blossoms, dogwood flowers, and Japanese snow-bells. Don’t forget to look down for early trilliums! Start your visit in the parking lot (it’s a pay lot, avoid the hunt and cost by taking the Max or even biking), then head to the trails.

4000 SW Fairview Blvd.
Portland
Online: hoytarboretum.org

8. Cooper Mountain Nature Park

Situated just outside of Tualatin, Cooper Mountain offers 3.5 miles of kid-friendly trails in a stunning natural area. You’ll get views of the distant Chehalem Mountains while enjoying trails under the canopy of white oaks. The nature park playground offers a play area inspired with natural materials like boulders, tree trunks, a sand pit, and more. From the playground, the Little Prairie Loop makes for a great short outing, or extend it up to three miles by connecting to the Cooper Mountain Loop.

18895 SW Kemmer Rd.
Beaverton, OR
Online: thprd.org

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7 Best Parks with Fun, Unique Activities

by Bonnie Taylor

Not all parks are created equal—these parks in San Diego are hiding some of the best kid-friendly activities and we’re spilling the beans

Playgrounds and parks can quickly run their course which is why we’re dishing about these 7 parks with hidden gems around San Diego where your kids can up the ante on playtime. From a musical garden with real xylophones to volcano hiking and nature scavenger hunts, here’s where you can discover new adventures for kids both big and small.

1. Musical Garden at Briercrest Park in La Mesa

Bring music to your ears during a visit to this sensory park at Briercrest Park. You’ll find four mallet percussion instruments that have the sound quality worthy of an orchestra. This park also has a cute mosaic butterfly labyrinth for kids to follow, an herb garden, frog and lizard sculptures to climb on, and our favorites: the bridges and gently rolling grassy hills to run on.

9001 Wakarusa St.
La Mesa
Online: cityoflamesa.com

2. Volcano Hiking at Lake Calavera in Carlsbad

If you’re looking for a little more adventure, take a hike on a volcano. Don’t worry though, it’s considered extinct as it last erupted over 20 million years ago. There are lots of easy and well-maintained trails crisscrossing all over this volcano. The loop trail up and around the lake and over the dam is almost 2 miles, but getting up to the top might be a bit too much for little legs to do on their own. Consider an out-and-back trip that starts on the easy flat foothills. The main entrance is on Tamarack where the bathrooms are and quick access to take the trail over the dam.

Secret Tip: If you get to the top, you’ll see a chain link fence, and just beyond that is a really cool rock labyrinth and other rock art that others have left behind.

Tamarack Ave. near Strata Dr.
Carlsbad
Online: carlsbadca.gov

3. Pump Track at Pacific Highlands in Carmel Valley

Pump it up at this rad pump track. It’s open to all wheels, so bring scooters, skateboards, and bikes to roll over these bumps. Don't forget the helmets and pads! There are two tracks, the one on the right is a bit easier for littles or beginners since the one on the left has slightly deeper dips to get up and over. Both tracks have a one-way route that is clearly marked so everyone rolls in the same direction. Bathrooms are about a 5-minute walk across the soccer fields, so plan ahead.

Good to know: It’s a little tricky to find once you’re at the rec center. Park in the smaller lot closer to the main street on Village Center Loop Road. Walk towards the left of the soccer fields where you’ll find the exercise stations, then walk all the way down towards the bike park.

5977 Village Loop Rd.
Carmel Valley
Online: sandiego.gov

4. Fishing at Santee Lakes

You don’t need a boat to take the kids fishing here. There are seven different lakes to choose from but most fish from the shoreline. You’ll need to buy a fishing permit from the Gatehouse as you enter or from outside park staff. No fishing permits are needed for children under 7, but they must be with an adult who has one. Check the website for details about other ages and permits, as well as fishing limits and catch & release rules.

9310 Fanita Pkwy.
Santee
Online: santeelakes.com

5. Skateboarding at Linda Vista Skate Park

Grab the boards and your little skaters and head to the skate park. There are so many skate parks in San Diego that I’m sure you’ll find one in your neighborhood. The Linda Vista Skate Park is the largest and one of the newest in San Diego. There are plenty of areas for all skill levels to practice tricks or just to learn how to ride.

Good To Know: Helmets and knee & elbow pads are required at all skate parks. Some have a nominal entry fee, while others are free.

7064 Levant St.
Linda Vista
Online: sandiego.gov

6. Splash at the Waterfront Park in Downtown San Diego

Splish splash the day away at the always fun Waterfront Park downtown. Kids love to frolic through the fountains as they spray into the pool area. This is great for littles because it has a zero entry and the depth is just a couple of inches. There’s a playground just behind the splash area and a large grassy field for kids to run around. Sometimes the snack shop is open and there are bathrooms closer to the playground. There's no shade so bring your own tents or pop-ups as there’s plenty of grassy areas to set them up.

Insider’s Tip: There are actually two splash areas. The main one is in front of the playground on the South side of the County Administration Building, but if you walk North of the building you’ll find another large splash park that’s usually less crowded.

1600 Pacific Highway
Downtown
Online: sdparks.org

7. Nature Scavenger Hunts at San Dieguito County Park in Del Mar

Just one more reason to love San Dieguito County Park are all the interactive self-guided kids programs they have. Once you pass the entry ranger station, look just beyond the booth and you’ll find a little information stand. It’s filled with pamphlets to grab for Scavenger Hunts, Nature Hide & Seek and a Sensory Challenge. You’ll find this cute Butterfly Garden to the right of the entry ranger booth next to the bathrooms. When you’ve found everything on your scavenger hunt, head over to Activity Hill where you’ll find the most amazing swinging bridges, climbing walls and staircase lookouts.

1628 Lomas Santa Fe Dr.
Del Mar
Online: sdparks.org

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Space Trivia for Kids That Is Totally Out of This World

by Amber Guetebier

Space trivia for kids is perfect for a night under the stars

Whether you’ve got a would-be astronaut in your household or are just looking for quirky or interesting facts for kids, there’s no denying that space is a fascinating topic. From the moon and stars to space exploration, here’s some of our favorite space trivia for kids.

1. The moon is very hot (224 degrees Fahrenheit, average) during the day but very cold (-243 degrees average) at night.

2. Venus spins clockwise. It’s the only planet that does!

3. One teaspoon of a neutron star would weigh six-billion tons.

4. Sally Ride was the first American woman to fly in space, on June 18, 1983.

5. One million Earths could fit inside the sun!

6. Even in an airplane, a trip to Pluto would take about 800 years. 

7. Ham the Astrochimp was the first hominid in space, launched on Jan. 31, 1961. 

8. Neptune’s days are 16 hours long.

Astronaut in space
NASA via Unsplash

9. It takes eight minutes and 19 seconds for light to travel from the sun to Earth.

10. The footprints on the moon will be there for 100 million years. 

11. A neutron star can spin 600 times in one second. 

12. Jupiter is the fastest spinning planet in the solar system (it only takes about 10 hours to complete a full rotation on its axis). 

13. Sound does not carry in space. 

14. The Earth's core is as hot as the surface of the sun. 

15. The very first animals in space were fruit flies...they were sent up in 1947 and recovered alive. 

16. In 2011, ten-year-old Kathryn Aurora Gray discovered a supernova (a star that has run out of energy, explodes and then collapses before it dies) that no one else had seen before. 

Chabot Space & Science Center

17. Europa, one of Jupiter's moons, has saltwater geysers that are 20x taller than Mt. Everest. 

18. Saturn's rings are made from trillions of chunks of orbiting ice. 

19. Alpha Centauri isn't a star, but a star system. It is 4.22 light years away. 

20. One day on Venus is almost 8 months on Earth. 

21. Golf is one of only two sports ever played on the moon. In 1971, Alan Shepard hit a ball with a six-iron while on the moon as part of the Apollo 14 mission. The other sport was a javelin toss, during the same visit. 

22. Jupiter's Great Red Spot is the Solar System's longest raging storm: it has been observed for more than 200 years. 

23. Mercury and Venus do not have moons. (They are the only two planets in our solar system that don't!)

24. There are more stars in the universe than there are grains of sands on Earth. 

 

space trivia for kids
NASA via Unsplash

25. Mars has the biggest volcano (so far) ever discovered in the solar system. 

26. Jupiter's red spot, which scientists have been observing for 150 years, is changing shape and might be shrinking. 

27. Since there is no atmosphere in space, it is completely silent. 

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10 Shady Summer Hikes to Take Now

by Allison Sutcliffe

While we know there are tons of things to love about Portland, one of our favorite things is its easy access to nature. Whether you’re enjoying a sunset from a hilltop or lounging in a city river, the great outdoors is always just a hop, skip and a bridge crossing away. Let’s make the most of these sunny days (because the rain will be back before you know it) with a family hike. Our picks for the best hikes near Portland for kids include everything from simple forest strolls to winding rock climbs to waterfalls you’ll want to find right away. Grab your water bottles and load the day pack with snacks—these summer hikes are all short, fun, easy and come with great payoffs. 

via Instagram

Tryon Creek

When it comes to the best hikes near Portland for kids, you don't have to look further than Tryon Creek. Just 15 minutes from downtown, eight miles of trails can be found in this 660-acre park. Summertime means lots of woodland creatures for your kids to spot, and the shade you'll find walking beneath the dense forest trees gives everyone a bit of a reprieve from the sun. We love the paved trails that allow folks of all abilities to enjoy the great outdoors, and make is easy for parents who are looking for a great place to roll with their strollers. If easy is what you're after, it doesn't get any easier than the Trillium Trail that starts at the visitor's center. Add mileage to your outing when you break off along the Old Fir Trail.

11321 S. Terwilliger Blvd.
Portland, OR
Online: stateparks.oregon.gov

 

Wapato Greenway, Sauvie Island

One of Portland’s favorite playgrounds is Sauvie’s Island, full of berry picking and beach-going in summer and pumpkin patches in fall. And, you’ll find a great year-round hike at Wapato Greenway, which features a wetland lake, meadows, grassland, and oak trees. Kids will love hunting for snakes (harmless garter varieties), frogs, ducks, and more on the trails. The loop around the pond is 2.2 miles total and is great for kids.

18846 N.W. Sauvie Island Rd.
Portland, OR
Online: oregonhikers.org

Related stories: Everything You Need to Know about Getting Away to Sauvie Island

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Mt. Tabor Park

One of the best urban explorations is on the slopes of a dormant volcano. Start at the trailhead by S.E. 64th and Lincoln, near the reservoirs. Then wander at will through the paths and roads. Dirt trails, paved paths, stairs and more wind around the cinder cone volcano, until you arrive at the very top, with fabulous views of downtown Portland and the mountain. A playground is on the north side-access it from Salmon Street or Yamhill, or make your way there by foot.

6220 S.E. Salmon St.
Portland, OR
Online: portlandoregon.gov

 

Cooper Mountain Nature Park

Situated just outside of Tualatin, Cooper Mountain offers 3.5 miles of kid-friendly trails in a stunning natural area. You’ll get views of the distant Chehalem Mountains while enjoying trails under the canopy of white oaks. The nature park playground offers a play area inspired with natural materials like boulders, tree trunks, a sand pit and more. From the playground, the Little Prairie Loop makes for a great short outing, or extend it up to three miles by connecting to the Cooper Mountain Loop.

18895 S.W. Kemmer Rd.
Beaverton, OR
Online: thprd.org

Related stories: 9 Scenic Spots to Watch the Sunset

https://www.instagram.com/p/5K94nYCLUJ/?hidecaption=true

via Instagram

Oxbow Regional Park

The gentle current of the Sandy River flows through Oxbow Park, offering great swimming, fishing or floating. It’s a popular place in summer, but the 12 miles of hiking trails will allow you to beat the crowds. Two big loops wander through the 1,000 acres, with the southern part being the more developed campsites and day-use area, and the northern being less well known. Head to the visitor center for park info and maps. Whichever route you choose, you’re likely to see river bends, meadows, old-growth forests, wildlife and more.

Good to know: Parking is $5 per car. Check the Free Metro Parking Days to save some money (hint: the next one is Aug. 18).

3010 S.E. Oxbow Pkwy.
Gresham, OR
Online: oregonmetro.gov

 

Scouters Mountain

This easy, mile-long trail is beautiful in the summer. It's hard to deny its place as one of the best hikes near Portland for kids when you're walking through old-growth forests with Mt. Hood peeking in and out of view. A strict no-dog policy means that while you can’t take your pooch, you can enjoy seeing plenty of wildlife along the trail. Water breaks at each art bench along the way will delight the kids on this hike. The small park is located in Happy Valley, and isn't very busy even in summer, so it’s a nice out-of-the-way place to explore.

S.E. Boyscout Lodge Rd. & S.E. 147th Ave.
Happy Valley, OR
Online: oregonmetro.gov

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Latourell Falls

While everyone else heads to Multnomah Falls, you and the kids can take the trail less traveled—it leads to Latourell Falls. Depending on what the kids are up for, you've got two options here. Take a short walk under the old bridge to get to the falls and take some great photos, if you're short on time. But if the family is up to a bit of a challenge, the two-mile loop hike is the way to go. There are some rocky areas you need to cross (as well as four bridges) to get to the upper falls, but if everyone is up for it, the payoff at the end is totally worth the work.

Historic Columbia River Highway
Corbett, OR
Online: stateparks.oregon.gov

 

Powell Butte

Best hikes near Portland for kids should always include a giant extinct volcano, right? When it's in the city limits, even better. Powell Butte is a beautiful place for a hike, with wooded paths, meadows and perfect views of surrounding peaks on clear days. Starting at the small visitor center kiosk it’s an easy trek to the top on the paved path. There you’ll find a viewing platform pointing out the nine different mountains encircling you, including Mount Jefferson, Adams, St. Helens, and even Rainier. From there, you can follow the hiking trails around the back of the park into the forests, or turn around and wind through the grassy meadows instead. The summit is a 0.7-mile hike, and the whole loop is just under three miles.

16160 Powell Blvd.
Portland, OR
Online: portlandoregon.gov

Related stories: Spectacular Waterfall Trails to Hit Now

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Beacon Rock State Park

If you’re not set on ending at a waterfall, one of the best hikes near Portland for kids in the Gorge is on the Washington side at Beacon Rock. The unique monolith stands tall above the Columbia and offers amazing views of the river and Gorge. The hike is a fun one, too, with lots of twists and turns, stairsteps, railings and a finish that feels like you’re on top of the world. If your little one is likely to bolt, this may not be the hike to try. But for older kids who can stay on a trail (and have some stamina), they’ll love the twisty climb to the top, 850-feet high. At a mile each way, it’s very manageable, even with the elevation gain. Plus, this hike is just a 50-minute drive from Portland along Highway 14 in Washington.

Good to know: You'll need a Washington state Discover Pass to hike here. It's $12 per day or $35 for the annual pass.

34841 WA-14
Stevenson, WA
Online: parks.state.wa.us

 

Ridgefield Wildlife Refuge

The Wildlife Refuge is a great place to catch the migration of birds in the spring and fall, but in the summer you can still see plenty of wildlife along a beautiful wetland area. In the northern Carty Unit, the Oaks to Wetlands Trail is an easy 2.4-mile loop that passes through oaks, near ponds and around the wetlands. The best sight along the way is the authentic Cedar Plankhouse, a modern interpretation of a traditional Chinookan one. In the summers it’s open most weekends with many special events. The refuge is about 30 minutes north of Portland, near Ridgefield, Washington.

Good to know: The entrance fee here is $3.

1071 S. Hillhurst Rd.
Ridgefield, WA
Online: fws.gov

Related stories: Getaway: The Unplugged Family Vacation (for When You Need to Recharge)

—Allison Sutcliffe & Annette Benedetti

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5 Tips for Teaching Kids Resilience

By Denise Daniels

It’s been a time, hasn’t it? So much change, confusion, fear, isolation, loss, grief. Adults are exhausted—and while people take it on faith that “Children are resilient,” it’s actually not that simple. According to the CDC and the American Psychological Association, self-harm, depression and anxiety, and ER visits for mental health issues are all on the rise in children as young as six. Younger children are experiencing outbursts and regressive behaviors.

Fortunately, resilience skills can be learned and grow over a lifetime—and it’s never too early to start teaching! (In fact, we adults may even learn something in the process.)

Research shows that children who are resilient benefit from improved mental and emotional well-being and experience less stress. They are curious, courageous, and trust their own instincts. Resilience helps kids stay calm, learn from their mistakes, and remain optimistic. In short, resilience helps kids not just bounce back from adversity, but bounce forward, better than before.

So how do we teach young children to be resilient? Start with these 5 tips:

1. It only takes one loving grownup to make a difference—be that grownup.
You’re open to conversation with your child, and you listen without judgment. You reassure your child that all feelings are okay (even those outsized feelings that are so difficult for grownups to deal with!); it’s what you do with those feelings that counts. When you provide a loving, safe space for a child, this gives them a head start on resilience.

2. Model the resilient behavior you want your child to learn.
Children sometimes find this hard to believe, but let them know that you, too, make mistakes all the time! And when you do, you take a deep breath and try again. Let them see you remaining calm in a stressful or emotional situation—and talk about how you find productive solutions. Encourage them to ask questions and give them age-appropriate answers. Getting honest answers in a loving environment can help a child feel less helpless or scared.

3. Help children identify their feelings—and demonstrate strategies that put them in charge of their emotions.
Sometimes young children seem like a volcano of emotions: roiling and out of control. It can feel like that to them, too! Help them put names to these big feelings: anger, frustration, sadness, disappointment, fear; even excitement or unbridled joy can sometimes go overboard! Use pictures in kids’ books to help them recognize facial expressions and body language that signal different emotions. Recognizing and labeling their own emotions and those of others is a key step toward developing empathy, which is critical for socialization.

Now teach them strategies for managing big emotions—let them know that they’re in charge and they can control their feelings! Take slow, deep breaths. Count to 10. Use positive self-talk in stressful situations: “I’m feeling calm,” or “I’m brave, I’m BRAVE!” Finally, if they’re feeling upset or afraid about terrible world events, teach them to “Look for the helpers”—every situation brings out the good people who want to help make it better.

4. Foster kids’ ability to solve problems for themselves.
There may be no better gift you can give a child than to offer a few problem-solving tips and then step back and let them figure out their own solutions. First, think positively: “I can do this!” Then, try breaking the problem into smaller, more manageable chunks. Have to tidy up a messy bedroom? Don’t try to tackle it all at once; first, put the clothes away, then the toys, then the books. Each completed mini-task creates a sense of accomplishment. Think about one good thing you’re learning from this problem (“I left my lunch at home today, but I won’t do that again: I’ll put up a sticky note tomorrow”). And remember: You can always ask for help if you need it!

5. Finally, encourage children to set goals for the future—and identify the steps it will take to get there.
Having a dream or an ambition is an important way for a child to learn to be resilient. By keeping their “eyes on the prize,” they can pick themselves up after stumbling because they have something to work toward and look forward to. Do they want to learn a new sport, improve existing skills, be a good artist, learn all about dinosaurs? Let them know they have the power to make that happen! Explain that each goal requires a series of smaller steps—just as when you read a book, you read one page at a time. Help them write down their goal and the steps they’re going to take to achieve it (take lessons, practice, take out books from the library). It will give them something positive to strive for.

Children have been through a lot these past couple of years—and they may not even realize how resilient they’ve already been. A great way to illustrate the power of resilience is to have them write or draw “The Story of Me”: telling the story of a hard time they endured and how they got through it.

This way, children can see their resilience in action, and know that they have the strength to get through any future challenges!

For additional helpful resources, please visit themoodsters.com

Image: courtesy of Moodsters

—Denise Daniels newest workbook, Bounce Forward With The Moodsters: A Guide for Kids on Finding Your Strong, Resilient Self (2021) features age-appropriate guidance and engaging interactive exercises to help preschoolers identify their own strengths and develop resilience as they prepare for a school year like no other.

 

Denise Daniels,RN, MS and creator of the groundbreaking children’s brand The Moodsters is a Peabody award-winning journalist, author, and parenting and child-development expert dedicated to putting young children on the path to positive mental health. She created The Moodsters—five quirky little feelings detectives who solve the mysteries of emotions. 

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