Your go-to guide for trick-or-treating in Los Angeles—plus where to go see spooky-fun yard haunts and over-the-top decor
Whether your littles will be parading the streets as Barbie and Ken or Taylor and Travis this Halloween, we’ve got the scoop on the most fang-tastic neighborhoods in town to take them trick-or-treating. These spooktacular spots have everything – oversized candy bars, animatronic monsters, homemade haunted houses, mazes, and more witches than you can shake a broomstick at. And, if you want to get an early jump on all the frightful festivities, we’ve included some tricked-out yard haunts to get you in the Halloween spirit.
The Best Places to Trick-or-Treat in Los Angeles
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Trick-or-Treating Near DTLA
1. Silverlake
The popular Silver Lake Halloween street party takes place along Armstrong Ave., and the best part is it’s closed to vehicle traffic, so you can feel safe gathering goodies. If you prefer a less crowded stroll, head to North Coronado St. between Sunset Blvd. and Scott Ave. Several houses level up the Halloween theatrics, yard haunts, and special effects. The rest of the neighbors also love to gussy up and greet the trick-or-treaters. Note: Parking is snug in the hills, so park on Sunset and walk up. Where: Sunset and Coronado.
2. Angelino Heights
Trick-or-treating on tree-lined streets filled with historic Victorian homes? Sign us up! Residents love getting into the fun while handing out impressive treats from their decked-out houses. It’s a parent’s photo op dream. You can also swing by the mansion used in the “Thriller” music video at 1345 Carroll Ave. And obviously, you have to do the zombie dance—we won’t judge. Where: Carroll Ave. and Douglas St.
Westside Trick-or-Treating
3. Santa Monica
Our fave spot for little goblins who tire quickly (read: complain endlessly) is Gillette’s Regents Square, where you can spare tiny feet a long trek and still load up on candy and costume compliments. Another swell spot (and another celeb haunted locale) in Santa Monica is 16th St.—north of Montana between Alta and Georgina. It can be a bit spooky for tots, so maybe save this one for older kids. Where: Gillette’s Regents Square
4. Pacific Palisades
This Palisades neighborhood is overflowing with parents, kids, and beautifully decorated Halloween houses. Some residents even get into the “spirit,” handing out wine and hot toddies to parents. We have your attention now—do we? The narrow Alphabet Streets north of Sunset (also known as North Village) are the most trick-or-treat friendly blocks, with street names that go in alphabetical order—perfect for remembering where you started and how many streets it will take to get back. Where: Monument and Bashford St.
5. Brentwood Glen
This pocket neighborhood just west of the 405 Fwy is ideal for toddlers enjoying their first trick-or-treat experience. The community is filled with lovely family homes located very close to one another, most of which have fab decorations. There are also several kid-friendly ‘haunted’ houses and very few cars. Plus, you can pop by the nearby Brentwood Country Mart for dinner before or after. Where: The ‘Alphabet’ Sts. between Church and Beloit.
6. Beverly Hills
One look at the famous Spadena House (the “Beverly Hills Witch House”) at 516 Walden Dr., and you’ll know you’ve come to the right place for Halloween. We highly recommend getting there 5-5:30 p.m. to beat the crowds. The flats of Beverly Hills make walking easy breezy, and big homes mean even bigger candy bars and smiles from your sugar-crazed brood. Where: Walden Dr.
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Where to Trick-or-Treat in Mid City
7. Hancock Park
This picturesque neighborhood is known for its over-the-top decorations and extraordinary candy hauls, so it usually draws busloads of trick-or-treaters. These homes are seriously spookified from top to bottom, with homeowners treating Halloween like an Olympic sport. You may even catch an occasional celeb handing out candy here as well. Where: North of Wilshire Blvd.
8. Melrose
This sidewalk-friendly neighborhood south of Third St. and west of Fairfax is bustling on Halloween with plenty of doorbell ringing, candy-giving, and oohing and aahing over yard décor. Have a friend in the neighborhood? Hang at their house for pre-party shenanigans, then gather your loot in big groups. And most importantly, don’t forget an extra Reese’s for your darling parents—seriously. Where: Sweetzer Ave. and Drexel Ave.
Where to go Trick-or-Treating in The Valley
9. Sherwood Forest in Northridge
Not only can you take your little Robin Hood trick-or-treating in a mythical-sounding place, but this neighborhood usually goes all out with unique features, including a front lawn haunted maze and a Hogwarts-esque castle, complete with gargoyles. Where: Near the Valley Performing Arts Center, south of Nordoff and west of Balboa.
10. Burbank
This quiet neighborhood is home to many Disney folks who take Halloween very seriously. The homeowners here tend to go all out with decorations worthy of a movie set, and a few even set up haunted houses and shows on their lawns. But most of all, the friendly folks and swell candy make for a wonderful Halloween. Where: Mariposa and Valleyheart.
11. Studio City
This modest neighborhood, just west of Laurel Canyon, is the go-to spot for families living in the surrounding hills. It’s like one big block party featuring homes decorated to the hilt with pumpkins galore, haunted scenes, and witches’ brews. Residents say that more than 700 little candy-gobbling goblins routinely make their way down these streets, so it’s a lively and fun atmosphere. Begin your pilgrimage on Mound View and fan out to the surrounding streets. Where: Laurel Terrace and Mound View.
12. Toluca Lake
Toluca Lake is the stuff of legends when it comes to trick-or-treating. Supposedly, Bob Hope used to personally give out full-sized candy bars at his home in the tiny neighborhood just off the 134 Fwy. We can’t vouch for the story’s authenticity, but Toluca Lake has jumped on the idea that they do Halloween better than anyone else. It’s hard to argue with that once you realize the neighborhood is closed to traffic, filled with tricked-out homes (loads of industry folk live here and love to show off their prop and set design skills), and there’s plenty of candy. Where: Toluca Estates Dr. and Valley Spring Lane.
13. Sierra Madre
We love this spot for its small-town vibe and gorgeous craftsman-style homes that always understand the assignment regarding elaborate Halloween décor. Also, being in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains means lots of trees and a chance for kids to scuffle through crunchy leaves as they make their way down the streets—providing a much-needed dose of nostalgia to East Coast and Mid-West parents. Where: Baldwin and Alegria.
Where to Trick-or-Treat in Pasadena
14. Old Pasadena
While the festivities in Old Pasadena can’t be topped with all the shops handing out candy, costume contests, and more, check out these two neighborhoods for some good old-fashioned trick-or-treating. Families are out in full force, pulling little ones in wagons while older tykes charge safely from house to house, filling their bags. Where: Monterey Rd. between Windsor Pl., Diamond Ave., Marengo Ave. and Fair Oaks.
Visit-Worthy Halloween Haunts in Los Angeles
If you’re looking for a little appetizer before the main course on Halloween, may we interest you in a deliciously sinister yard haunt? These homes and locales are tricked out to the nines when it comes to spooktacular decor and homemade haunted house fun. Whether you drive by or stroll through them, they’re worth the trip. Make sure to check them out online beforehand to gauge each location’s scare level—some are fab for all ages, while others have freaky clowns…and we’ll just leave it at that.
One word—clowns. Like waaaay too many of them. And man, do they have issues. This year’s Circus of Nightmares presents “Spectre,” which might be their creepiest event yet. Stop by this family-friendly(ish) display filled with evil clowns and other circus spookiness if you dare. Organizers promise to provide “extra frights” on weekend nights, so you’ve been warned.
Where: 113 S Brighton St., Burbank When: Oct. 18-31 with live shows on 20, 21, 27, 28 and Halloween, Sunset-10 p.m. Online: instagram.com/circus_of_nightmares
2. Rotten Apple 907 Haunt in Burbank
This private home Halloween attraction started as a child’s birthday party and has grown to become a destination that has drawn in thousands of visitors for the past 30 years. On average, over 4,000 people walk through the haunted house doors yearly! This year’s attraction, titled “Let’s Go to the Movies,” is bound to garner stark raving mad reviews. Admission is free, but donations are requested to support the Volunteers of Burbank Animal Shelter.
Where: 907 N. California St., Burbank When: Oct. 21, 22, 28, 29, 31 from 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Online:rottenapple907.com
3. Beverly Hills Witch House
If Real Housewitches of Beverly Hills was a thing, there’s only one place the gals would park their blinged-out broomsticks—the Spadena House, a.k.a. the “Beverly Hills Witch’s House.” The fabled Tudor-style house was built in 1920 as a set for silent films, including Hansel and Gretel. With its steepled brown rooftops, exposed stone, and ramshackle shutters, it doesn’t need decorations; it’s Halloween-ready year-round.
Where: 516 Walden Dr., Beverly Hills
4. Yard Haunts in the Venice Canals
This four-block area goes all out for Halloween with pumpkins and twinkle lights strung along the canals and even some boats sporting ghoulish displays. The narrow walkways get crowded come Halloween, so you may want to check it out during the week when there are fewer people.
How to Get to the Canals: Park in the parking lot at the end of Venice Blvd. and walk south on the boardwalk to 25th Ave. From there, you’ll see a sign and a walkway for the canals leading you into the area.
This mind-blowing Halloween walk-through display is run by multiple computers and control panels and features animatronics, atmosphere effects, and theater-grade light fixtures. Entry is free but donations are welcome. On Halloween, the house will be handing out candy.
Double, double toil and trouble; fire burn and cauldron bubble. Witches abound at Santa Clarita’s Witch City yard display. This year’s show is more extensive and spookier than ever, with 13 custom witches, loads of animatronics, and creepy props.
Where: 25420 Via Jardin, Santa Clarita When: Sept. – Nov. 1, 7 p.m. – 11 p.m. nightly Online:witchcityhaunt.com
7. Sombras Cemetery in Santa Clarita
The residents of this forgotten cemetery are restless and disturbed. They could use a little company and are waiting just for you. (cue Vincent Price’s laugh here). This family-friendly graveyard display features lights, sound, moving props, and fog.
Where: 26041 Sombras Ct., Santa Clarita When: Oct. 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28, 31. Weekdays and Sun. leading up to Halloween are lights only, while all other days feature full effects.
Make sure to capture all the fall fun—and share them with your family and friends near and far—with the Tinybeans app. The secure platform puts parents in total control of who sees and interacts with photos and videos of their kids.
When it comes to the best Christmas lights Portland has to offer, these displays are totally lit
The City of Roses should be renamed the City of Lights during the holidays, as far as we’re concerned. Starting right after you finish up Thanksgiving dinner, running throughout the month of December, Portland is ablaze with fun and unique light displays that will brighten up anyone’s day. So after you’ve picked out the perfect tree for the season, fill your thermos with hot chocolate (maybe a hot toddy for the parents), bundle up the kids, and check out these holiday light displays that will brighten your season.
Portland International Raceway Christmas Lights - Winter Wonderland
If you're looking for drive-thru Christmas lights in Portland, head down to the Portland International Raceway for a one-of-a-kind holiday experience. Recognized throughout the Pacific Northwest as the “Largest Holiday Light Show West of the Mississippi,” the 30th annual Safeway Winter Wonderland is unlike any light show you’ve ever seen. Spectators become part of the show as they drive through the track, taking in more than 250 set pieces and animated displays along the course. Plus, all proceeds from the event will benefit Sunshine Division's year-round hunger relief efforts.
Good to Know: Tickets range from $48 - $155 depending on vehicle size
'Tis the season to check out one of Portland’s most popular light experiences: ZooLights at, you guessed it, the Oregon Zoo. This larger-than-life display has more than a million and a half lights, plus all your favorite animals, too! You can take it all in two ways: on a classic walk through the grounds or from the comfort of your car during their drive-through experience.
Good to Know: All tickets are timed-entry and must be purchased in advance online. They range from $21-$29, and drive-thru tickets are $65. Remember, Zoo members receive discounted admission.
Dates: Nov. 23, 2022-Jan. 5, 2023 (Closed on Christmas Day)
The Christmas ships are coming! A fleet of ships have sailed down the Willamette and Columbia Rivers every year for 67 years. Grab a perch with a view (restaurants along the route book up quick), pack your thermos and blankets, and watch the floating lights go by. This is a great parade, and the best part is, you can catch it almost every night in December for free. Be sure to check online for when they’ll be closest to you, as the route changes. It's the perfect winter evening activity for tiny boat enthusiasts (and their parents).
The Grotto’s Christmas Festival of Lights features more than two million lights and is the largest Christmas choral festival in the world. Enjoy the amazing sounds of local schools, churches, and civic groups as you explore the beautiful property. Concerts are scheduled each evening and families can also enjoy outdoor caroling, puppet shows, and storytimes.
Good to Know: Kids 2 and under are free at this display.
8840 N.E. Skidmore St. Portland Online:thegrotto.org
Christmas on the Campground
Drive by or stroll through the Apostolic Faith Church’s campground to enjoy thousands of lights with the kids this year. The lights are on from dusk to dawn at this free display, and music plays at two different times throughout the night. In addition to the life-size nativity scene, the coolest part of the display is hands down the ginormous Christmas tree at the heart of the display. It's the tallest in Southeast Portland, and it's one reason to bring the kids to see this festive display.
Add Lightopia in Hillsboro to your light tour this year. Families can take in all the beautiful sights as you drive along a half-mile winter landscape. This free display is open for visitors on Sundays through Thursdays, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and on weekends until 10 p.m. One thing to note, you'll need a reservation to drive through, so snag one while you can.
Dates: Dec. 3-31, 2022 (Closed Christmas Day)
Gordon Faber Recreation Complex (Hillsboro Stadium) 4450 N.E. Century Blvd. Hillsboro, OR Online:hillsboro-oregon.gov
Clackamas County Winter Fair
Head over to the Clackamas County Event Center for the 3rd Annual Winter Fair and Holiday Market. Not only can you enjoy more than 200,000 lights and scenes, but the kids can meet Santa while you check off people on your Christmas list. Admission to the experience is just $10 for adults and $5 for kids ages 3-12. Bring your 3 and unders for free.
One street you absolutely cannot skip is Peacock Lane—known as Portland’s Christmas Street. Located in S.E. Portland, each house on this little street has been taking Christmas cheer to the next level since 1932. From nativity scenes and rotating trees to re-enactments of your favorite holiday characters and movies, Peacock Lane continues to delight visitors from near and far. You can find this super sweet displays along S.E. Peacock Lane between SE Stark and Belmont Streets.
Insider Tip: Families can walk the display without car congestion on pedestrian-only nights. This year they're scheduled for December 15-17.
Nearly anywhere you drive in Portland, you are likely to see stunning and creative light displays by local families. Holding true to our city's reputation for creativity, you are guaranteed a bright and magical holiday when you live in the City of Roses. Don't forget to pack some hot chocolate and candy canes, to add to the seasonal magic when you head out to one of Portland's many neighborhood light displays. Pile everyone into the car and head to these neighborhoods to see some of the best home grown displays in town. Some of our favorite areas include the Pearl District, Downtown Portland, Alberta, and the Sellwood/Moreland area.
We searched every borough to bring you the complete list of family-friendly events and exhibits happening this month, and they have one key thing in common: they’re all free!
November might mean cooler temps and fewer outdoor activities, but that doesn’t mean the adventures have to stop. In this list, you’ll find dozens of free and low-cost events in November 2022 for families and kids throughout the five boroughs of NYC.
Join NYC as it transitions from fall into winter with beloved seasonal events and fun one-off activities: Visit the yearly winter markets, most of which are returning in November, see the lighting of the famous Rockefeller Christmas tree, celebrate Thanksgiving by giving to the community, and much more. Plus, check out fun and free events for kids and families in November that will educate, engage, and entertain everyone in the fam. And as always, discover all the museums in New York City that offer free admission to visitors, whether it’s all the time or on special days.
Drag Story Hour for Neurodiverse Kids at Bronx Library Center Nov. 5: Drag artists read to kids in an extra-special readalong designed specifically for kids with autism and other disabilities. The event aims to introduce kids to the idea of gender fluidity, and generally put on a fun and bright performance they’re sure to enjoy. Event details.
Bronx Night Market at Fordham Plaza Nov. 26: Good food and a friendly atmosphere make an evening at the Bronx Night Market a fun experience for the whole family. Purchase noms from local food vendors, or check out the kid zone, educational booths on food and nutrition, and a Instagram Wall-O-Fame. Event details.
Free Soccer Sessions at Williamsbridge Oval Throughout Nov.: Head to the game room at the WBO for free soccer sessions for kids. The sessions are beginner-friendly and teach everything from footwork, passing, and basic drills to teamwork and a positive attitude. Event details.
Brooklyn
Bulb Planting on West Street Nov. 5: Help beautify the new Greenway at West Street and Greenpoint Avenue in this volunteer event. Plant bulbs next to the new trees and bring even more green to the street. All tools and gloves will be provided—just bring yourself, some water, and layers in case of a chill. Event details.
FAD Market Fall Pop-up at Empire Stores in DUMBO Nov 5 and 6: Over 30 artists and small businesses make the FAD Market a great place to browse for unique gifts—after all, it’s almost time for the holidays! While you’re there, you can explore the parks under the bridge, go for a spin in Jane’s Carousel, or stick around in Empire Stores for lunch at Time Out Market’s 20+ food vendors. Event details.
Thursgiving Holiday Giving Event at the Brooklyn Navy Yard Nov. 17: Give back to the community by bringing coats and clothes, and wrapped, unopened gifts for kids this holiday season. The donation event is a whole party, complete with a DJ, snacks, and raffles. The more gifts you bring, the more the community gets, but there are also prizes given out for donations, including a private tour of the Yard for families, groups, or businesses that donate 25 items. Event details.
Weekend Nature Exploration at Prospect Park Sat. and Sun. throughout Nov.: The Audubon Center is leading kids on weekend adventures through the wild side of Prospect Park. Every weekend in November, stop by 10-12 to borrow a discovery pack—a backpack filled with tools like binoculars and nature activity ideas, 11-12 for live animal encounters, and 12-1 for a volunteer cleanup session. Event details.
BAM Kids 2022 Throughout Nov.: Foster a love for movies, music, and the arts at the annual BAM Kids festival. Join the Brooklyn Academy of Music for kids concerts and animations. Featured this year are the music and performance of Fyütch, and the whimsical animated movies “Joyful Adventures” and “Follow Your Dreams.” While the BAM kids festival isn’t completely free, most tickets are either pay as you wish or very affordable. Event details.
Manhattan
Jazz at One at Trinity Church Nov. 1, 8, 15, and 22: Catch the final three jazz performances of the season at Trinity this month. Featuring performers The Coleman Hughes Sextet, Samara Joy, Theo Walentiny Trio, and Edmar Castañeda Quartet. Visit the space in person at 1 p.m., or watch for free online on the website. Event details.
Image from 2021 Mexico Week courtesy of Tishman Speyer and Rockefeller Center.
Mexico Week: Día De Muertos at Rockefeller Center Leaving Nov. 2: Rockefeller comes alive with the colors and artwork of Mexican culture during Mexico Week for this year’s Day of the Dead. The event, which is leaving on November 2, will feature sculptures by Cesar Menchaca, including a huge jaguar and Quetzalcoatl, as well as some very well-dressed (and familiar!) skeletons. For more Day of the Dead fun, check out our list of Día De Muertos events in NYC this year. Event details.
Concert at One: ChamberQUEER at Trinity Church Nov. 2: Part of their “Performances at One” series, this extra-special performance features ChamberQUEER. The artists will highlight queer figures from the history of classical music. As with their other performances, this one can be watched in person or online. Event details.
Image courtesy of Chris Lee and Carnegie Hall.
Carnegie Hall Family Day: String Fling
Nov. 5: Kids ages 3-10 are invited to get up close and personal with string instruments. Billed as a “musical adventure,” this hands-on event lets participants create a small performance, relax to peaceful music, jam along with an Afro-Brazilian capoeira band, learn about West African stringed instruments, and more. Event details.
The Rink at Rockefeller
Nov. 5: The rink at Rockefeller is reopening on November 5, officially ringing in the winter season. While a spin on the rink isn’t free (tickets start at $11), watching the skaters on the ice is a cozy winter activity for the family. Explore the area—make sure to stop by the family-favorite Nintendo Store—or get a hot chocolate from La Maison du Chocolat and sit by the rink and people-watch. Event details.
Wellness in Harlem Nov. 5: Sample free food at this party, held at La Placita (at 116th and Park). The event will feature music, giveaways, drinks, and free food from beloved restaurants and brands, including vegan donuts from Planet Back, a Caribbean version of Caesar Salad from YAYB, and much more. Event details.
Breakaway Hoops Trial Class in Harlem Nov. 5: Breakaway Hoops is offering a free trial class for kids ages 8-12. Get a sneak peek at what you can expect from the program, and have some fun with drills and fundamental skill development. All participants must bring their own basketball. Event details.
Seaport Kids: Pumpkin Decorating and Pumpkin Arch Nov. 5 and 6: Drop in and decorate some pumpkins for Thanksgiving. Led by Private Picassos, this free crafty workshop will have foam pumpkins, markers, and plenty of pom-poms for kids to get creative with their pumpkin creations. While you’re there, check out the Pumpkin Arch on Pier 17, which is leaving on November 7, for a seasonal photo-op. Event details.
Sensory-friendly Mornings and Evenings at the Intrepid Nov. 5 and Nov. 18: The Intrepid is opening its doors early for young kids on November 5, and closing them late for teens and adults on November 18. These special openings are designed specifically with people with autism in mind, and feature sensory-friendly activities led by experts. This month, the children’s program will introduce them to airplane design, while the teen and adult program will focus on the museums’ exhibit, “Women Astronauts of the Space Shuttle Era.” Event details.
Garden Volunteer Session at Jefferson Garden and Mad Fun Farm Nov. 5 and 19: Join other volunteers from Concrete Safaris in making the gardens and parks around the city even more beautiful. Activities vary, but some things you may find yourself partaking in include weeding, planting flowers, fruits, herbs, or veggies, shoveling topsoil, spreading mulch, picking up trash, and more. Event details.
Closing Day at Hester Street Fair Nov. 6: Hester Street Fair is leaving until next year, and they’re going out in style: with a shopping party! The event will have a live DJ, and will be your last chance to check out local vendors, delicious food, and more fair fun. Event details.
Silent Clowns Film Series: Charlie Chaplin at NYPL for the Performing Arts Nov. 12: The New York Public Library pays tribute to the great star, Charlie Chaplin. Catch a screening of Chaplin’s movies from 1915, with a live piano accompaniment by Ben Model from MoMA and an intro and Q&A by film historians Model and Steve Massa. This event is free, but seating is on a first-come, first-serve basis so show up early if you want to sit. Event details.
ConEd Family Day at the Morris-Jumel Mansion Nov. 12: Visit Manhattan’s oldest house-turned-museum for their monthly family day. This month, visitors will make their own colorful suncatcher ornaments. Note that masks are still required for attendees ages 2 and over. Event details.
Adventures from The Shed at 14th Street Y Nov. 12 and 19: Kids 2-5 years old are invited to Liondown’s Birthday—but first, they’ll need to help Mary-Jo and her friends come up with a present for him in time for the party. This puppet adventures feature singing, dancing, and storytelling that’ll have kids singing along and participating in the experience. Event details.
Poster Kids: Junior Fashionistas at the Poster House Nov. 13: The Poster Kids is taking on Air-India’s Maharaja mascot, and this time the focus is his wonderful fashion sense. Kids ages 5-11 are invited to learn about the Maharaja’s style, and make their own art that they can wear using recycled textiles. Event details.
Architecture for Animals at The Skyscraper Museum Nov. 19: The city might be home to humans, but it’s also home for many animals. In this family program from The Skyscraper Museum, participants will learn about architecture in the animal world, like beehives, dens, and bird nests. Then, kids will design an apartment with one animal’s needs in mind. This program is recommended for ages 4-8 and RSVP is required. Event details.
Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade Nov. 24: Whether you plan on attending or you prefer to watch it from the comfort of your own home, no list of free events in NYC in November would be complete without the world-renown Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Joining the lineup for the first time this year will be the Baby Shark family (don’t get the song stuck in your head!), Bluey the dog, and Geoffrey the Giraffe, in celebration of the return of Toys”R”Us in Macy’s stores. Plus, walk by the area in the days leading up to the parade to see the floats being inflated. Event details.
Eldridge Arts & Learning: Stained Glass at the Museum At Eldridge Street Nov. 27: Learn about the beautiful stained glass windows at the museum, as well as the history and purpose of stained glass windows. Then, make your own design for a window by creating a collage. This event is free for holders of a Cool Culture Pass or a SNAP benefits card. Event details.
Tree Lighting at the Rockefeller Center Nov. 30: The spectacular Christmas Tree is making a comeback to Rockefeller Center Plaza. Standing at close to 100 feet tall and topped by a nine-foot Swarovski Star, the lighting of the tree is a huge event every year. Visit to watch over 50,000 lights light up in a spectacular display. Event details.
Canstruction NY at Brookfield Place Nov. tbd: The annual Canstruction exhibit is coming back to Brookfield Place this year. The event features spectacular structures made from cans, as well as a chance for visitors to donate canned goods for charity. Stay tuned to the website for dates and more details as they become available. Event details.
Queens
Making Music With Friends at Church in the Gardens Nov. 19: Learn how friends make music together and join in the fun with this 45-minute interactive concert for kids. Kids of all ages are invited to hear chamber music and engage with the performers. If you want to attend the paid concert after this event, you can present your free ticket to get 50% off the ticket price. Event details.
Hands on History: Queens Hip-Hop at King Manor Nov. 19: Celebrate national Hip-Hop Month at this month’s free family day at King Manor. Learn about some key 90s rap and hip-hop legends, with a special emphasis on those who come from Queens. Then, make your own trading cards and microphone for your future performances. Event details.
Buckets for Blue: Volunteer Cleanup Sat. and Sun. throughout Nov.: Help clean part of the Raritan Bay’s shoreline by collecting the trash and plastics that litter the shore. Visitors can borrow buckets and grabbers from the park’s visitor’s center. Event details.
Tues. throughout Nov.: Bring your toddler (ages 0-4 are best suited for this activity) to the nature center at Clay Pit Ponds for a morning of fun and exploration. The The day begins indoors, as kids explore a different nature theme each week. Then, if the weather’s nice, the group moves outside for a short hike. Event details.
Various and Other Locations
Pumpkin Smash Events Do you have leftover pumpkins from Halloween? Bring them to a pumpkin smash! This is chance to destroy your old pumpkins before they go bad in a fun way, but also recycle them for fertilizing! Check out all the places that are hosting pumpkin smash events.
Libraries Around the City Throughout Nov.: Libraries all around the boroughs have something going on basically every day! Stop by your local library and enjoy their free programming. There’s something for everyone, from baby singalongs and toddler craft times to teen tech time, and more.
A few highlights for November include the Children’s Film Series at the NYPL for the Performing Arts on Nov. 10, where you can watch a classic children’s movie on a 16mm projector, and the Solar Race Cars workshop at Allerton Library, where kids will build their own solar-powered vehicles, then race them against each other (if there’s time):
November might bring in the cold, but it’ll also bring in the welcoming warmth of the city’s holiday markets. These holidays feature vendors from the city and beyond as well as delicious and comforting food. Check out these seasonal markets arriving in NYC for the winter this month:
Seeds (Manhattan) Leaving Nov. 1: Just one final day in November to see this massive roots transformed into a seed sculpture by artist Jaime Miranda-Bambaren. You can view this statement on humanity encroaching on nature at Thomas Paine Park.
The Great Debate (Manhattan) Leaving Nov. 13: Standing at 16 feet tall, this fiberglass sculpture depicts artist Hebru Brantley’s character, Flyboy. The character is a take on the superhero genre by the artist, who drew inspiration from the Tuskegee Airmen—WWII’s first African-American military pilots—to create his vision of what a black superhero might look like. Flyboy stands proudly at The Battery.
The Giving Tree (Queens) Leaving Nov. 23: The colorful Giving Tree by Haksul Lee, located at Flushing Meadows Corona Park, is more than just an art piece: It’s a functional piece of architecture. The installation uses wind power to generate electricity, which has powered some of the lights in the park and allowed visitors to charge their devices. It’s departing from the park in November, but hopefully its message stays on.
Going Back to The Meadows (Queens) Leaving Nov. 23: This tribute to Queens native LL Cool J by Sherwin Banfield is fun and functional, as well: The speakers are solar powered. Visit the piece before it leaves at Flushing Meadows Corona Park.
Faces of Harlem (Manhattan) Leaving Nov. 30: This community-centric outdoor photo wall in Morningside Park takes a look at Harlem residents private indoor spaces, highlighting the themes of connections and isolation. There are over 100 photos to look at, taken by 10 modern artists as well as three youth photographers.
Good Neighbors (Manhattan) Leaving Nov. 30: This photo wall commemorates community members from around the Anibal Aviles Playground, by displaying their images along with short interviews. Created by J Maya Luz, this installation shares a wall in the playground with a number of other artworks, inclkuding a memorial for the park’s namesake.
The Bronx Museum of the Arts
Located a stone’s throw away from Yankee Stadium, this museum displays modern art with a focus on urban experiences and culture. Explore what it means to be a part of the NYC community, and specifically the demographic in the museum’s neighborhood.
The museum is always free, and has a permanent collection as well as rotating special exhibits.
1040 Grand Concourse
Concourse Village Online:bronxmuseum.org
Wave Hill
This gorgeous garden has 28 acres of carefully cultivated plants, flowers and woodland. Take a stroll through the indoor Alpine House, stop for a photo-op of the Hudson River and the Palisades at the Pergola, or sit and relax by the Aquatic and Monocot Gardens. The space frequently hosts family-friendly programs so be sure to check their calendar before you head out.
New York Botanical Garden
With over 250 acres to see, the New York Botanical Garden can definitely be a whole-day affair. The Garden is open rain or shine, and has a mix of indoor and outdoor gardens to explore. See seasonal flowers and native plants, a peaceful rock garden, an entire forest, and much more. The Garden also conducts research, hosts family and child-oriented events, and has online seminars — including one where experts will answer your questions about why your potted plant is looking a little droopy.
Free admission is available for NYC residents on Wednesdays.
Brooklyn Children’s Museum
The Brooklyn Children’s Museum is like an educational playground for kids. Find exhibits created specifically for little ones to view and learn with, as well as many hands-on activities that teach through fun and play. Don’t miss the NEST, an organic playground located on the museum’s roof, the water-based play space, or the newly opened Jurassic Mini-golf.
The museum’s Amazon Free Hours grant free admission to all visitors on Thursdays from 2 to 5 p.m.
American Folk Art Museum
The American Folk Art Museum explores the joys of self-taught artists from the 1800s all the way through today. These artworks symbolize authentic American culture and experience through time and provide a snapshot of life in different time periods. Along with beautiful photographs and arts on canvas and board, the museum has some unique collections like weather-vanes. The museum has a number of coloring and activity pages that kids can enjoy from home, as well.
National Museum of the American Indian
Part of the Smithsonian Institution family, this museum honors American Indians. It displays modern and classic art by people of American Indian heritage, and teaches visitors about their cultures and traditions. It also frequently has performances, educational programs, and more.
The Skyscraper Museum
Look to the skies at the Skyscraper Museum where NYC’s iconic skyline is explored and celebrated. The museum’s exhibits look at the architecture of the city’s buildings, the literal rise of skyscrapers in NYC, and all other things related to the city’s buildings and their history. The museum also often hosts free family events both at the museum and in different locations around the city.
Admission to The Skyscraper Museum is free through December.
The Jewish Museum
View a celebration of Jewish culture, heritage and artwork at this museum. Exhibits highlight art and photography by Jewish artists, from modern artists working today to key historical figures who helped shape the way art and Jewish culture intersect. The museum also hosts free special events, from museum tours for people with memory loss, to art-making workshops for children and families.
The Morgan Library and Museum
The Morgan Library, which was started by Pierpont Morgan and is now continuously growing, hosts a collection of rare and unique books. While the books in the library itself aren’t available for visitors to browse, you can marvel at the beauty of the library and visit the exhibits, which often show old books, newspaper clippings, and other historic artifacts.
Entry into the Library is free on Tuesdays and Sundays from 3 to 5 p.m., no reservation required. Free Friday programs take place every Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. and these do need a ticket, which are released for reservation a week in advance.
Museum of Jewish Heritage
This museum examines the history of Jewish people, the hardships they’ve overcome, and the hope for a brighter present and future. The museum has exhibits that discuss the history of the Holocaust through artifacts and accounts of the time, as well as artwork and sculptures by Holocaust survivors.
You can visit this museum for free on Thursdays between 4 and 8 p.m. A ticket is required, which you can get by choosing the Thursday 4 p.m. slot on the museum website.
Edmond J. Safra Plaza
36 Battery Place
Financial District Online:mjhnyc.org
Museum of Modern Art
The MoMA is an iconic institute, displaying modern artworks, sculptures, and media / performance pieces created from the 1880s and beyond. The art here will make you feel and think — and, although most exhibits aren’t interactive, the many bright and striking colors and interesting shapes make a great entry point for kids to talk about and explore art.
Thanks to a sponsorship by UNIQLO, the MoMA grants NYC residents free admission on the first Friday of every month, from 4 to 8 p.m.
11 West 53 St.
Midtown
Admission to the MoMA PS1 is always free to New Yorkers, thanks to The Horace W. Goldsmith Foundation.
9/11 Memorial Museum
This museum is a tribute to the lives lost in the September 11, 2001 (as well as the February 26, 1993) attacks on the World Trade Center. Visit to learn about the horrific event through media, personal narratives, and a collection of artifacts telling the many stories of that day.
Free admission is offered on Mondays from 3 to 5 p.m.
Children’s Museum of Manhattan
This museum encourages exploration and learning through hands-on exhibits. These often mix fun movement and bright colors with conversations about serious topics like women’s voting rights. Kids can also go on quests featuring their favorite characters like Dora, use their imagination by pretending to be superheroes, discover new cultures through interactive experiences, and much more. Exhibits change often, so stop by at various times of year to see what’s new.
The Children’s Museum of Manhattan is free to enter on Fridays from 5 to 8 p.m.
Queens County Farm Museum
Get away from the city for a farm visit! Meet and greet farm animals (and even get to pet some at the petting zoo), engage with the sensory wonders of the children’s garden, embark on a cute scavenger hunt for the smallest tots, and more. For a small fee, visitors can go on a hayride, and parents can browse the Farm Store for farm-fresh produce, eggs, teas, wool, and other goods created and harvested right on the farm.
The Farm Museum is free to enter every day, except on special ticketed days.
73-50 Little Neck Parkway
Bellrose Manor Online:queensfarm.org
Socrates Sculpture Park
Founded in 1986, this park is a place where visitors can have a picnic among incredible sculptures. The artwork on display is always changing, so this is a place you’ll find yourself coming back to. Currently on viewing are sculptures like “Steel Bodies” by Maren Hassinger and “Broadway Billboard” by the park’s teen group, Socrateens.
The Socrates Sculpture Park is a public park and admission is free.
Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden
Snug Harbor is a must-see if you’ve never been. It’s a beautiful, sprawling grounds have a collection of gardens and plants, while special locations like the Chinese Scholar’s Garden and the Newhouse Center for Contemporary Art have their own atmosphere (as well as hours and admission prices).
The Scholar’s Garden is free for Staten Island residents, and the main outdoor grounds and gardens are always free to the public from dawn to dusk.
When the temps dip and the trees turn all shades of orange, it’s time to hit the trails
Leaves are changing color, and there’s a fresh autumnal smell in the air—what a good excuse to explore the great outdoors! Pull on your hiking boots, grab plenty of water, and perhaps a sweater too—because fall is the perfect season for hitting the trail with your little adventurers. From mountain rambles and forested strolls to historic walks and more, you can discover them all this fall.
Teeming with natural beauty and wildlife all year, Cascade Springs is especially nice in the fall. Boardwalk trails lead you over bridges and around the artesian springs, with waterfalls tumbling down limestone terraces into pools. Aspens, maples, and oaks provide the fall color. Watch out for moose!
Insider Tip: You’ll enjoy the journey as well as the destination—it’s a scenic drive up American Fork Canyon to get to Cascade Springs.
Mt. Rainier National Park | Pierce and Lewis County, WA
This dormant volcano erupts with color in the fall. Drive to Sunrise, the highest point you can reach by vehicle, in early fall and take the Mt. Rainier Gondola (with the whole fam, including pooch) to the summit of Crystal Mountain. You can hike along the ridge for beautiful views of Mt. Rainier amid snowmelt and fall sunshine (accessible only through September). Later in the fall try the Alta Vista, Naches Peak Loop, and Moraine trails. There’s lots of wildlife to spot, including friendly mule deer.
When you first think of Breckenridge, chances are you think of it as a premier destination for skiing and other winter sports. We actually think that the fall is really the ideal time to head to Breckenridge as its elevation makes it one of the first spots in the country to welcome autumn. The town itself sits at just over 9,000 feet in elevation and there are numerous hiking options nearby. We particularly liked driving up Boreas Pass Road to the Black Powder Pass trailhead. This hike takes you above the tree line and is perfect for seeing the whole area from above. Keep your eyes peeled for mountain goats and moose while you are there!
On a high ridge in the Santa Cruz Mountains, Castle Rock State Park boasts amazing rock formations (called “bosses” by geologists). The best hike for families is the Castle Rock Loop which takes you through a mossy madrone forest. There’s easy bouldering for kids along the trail (no equipment needed) and you can take a short detour to Castle Rock Falls.
Insider Tip: After your hike, explore the nearby little town of Los Gatos.
Slip off your shoes, and go for a hike along one of the quietest and most beautiful beaches on the Oregon coast. Skip rocks, and explore caves, coves, and waterfalls. Be sure to come at low tide—there’s more underwater life to see, tide pools to be discovered, and you can walk further down the beach. Low tide also reveals an old stagecoach trail (stagecoaches used to “hug” the edge to avoid the tides, hence the name of the beach). In the Portland area? Check out our recommendations for where to see fall colors.
Insider Tip: Dogs can slip off their leashes too! This off-leash beach means freedom for Fido and the kids.
Palomar Mountain State Park | San Diego County, CA
A nice escape from the bustle of the city, the cool forests and meadows of Palomar Mountain have a similar climate to the Sierra Nevada Mountains many miles to the north, making it a welcome change from the hot temps of this region. Start out on the easy Doane Valley Nature Trail—there are many forks on the trail (make sure you don’t get lost) connecting to other trails and more adventures. If you take the fork to the French Valley Trail you'll wander through woodlands and meadows to a waterfall. If you want to start the littles out on something easier first, check out Best San Diego Hikes for Kids under Five.
Insider Tip: The unusual climate means that some creatures here are unique to Palomar Mountain. Look out for the Palomar Banana Slug—sure, you can find their relatives in Northern California and the Pacific Northwest but these guys are the only banana slugs to survive in SoCal!
Arizona’s red rock country is breathtaking year-round, but it explodes with color in the fall. There are some beautiful hikes around Sedona, including the West Fork of Oak Creek Canyon which takes you along the canyon floor by a stream and across stepping stones, and the Broken Arrow Trail which will lead you up to the Devil’s Dining Room sinkhole, Submarine Rock, Mushroom Rock, and more gorgeous vistas.
Insider Tip: Fall is the perfect time for hitting the trails in Sedona, as temps cool down, making hiking more pleasant.
Your fam, including your four-legged kids, can hit the trails in the Santa Monica Mountains. The Solstice Canyon Loop is a cool shaded canyon hike. Populated with local deciduous trees, you’ll be sure to spot some falling yellow and red leaves through the beginning of December. You’ll see the Keller House (the oldest stone building in Malibu), and the Solstice Waterfall and creek. There's lots to explore including the ruins of a 1950's ranch. Look out for alligator lizards on the trail! For other fall color hikes in the Los Angeles area, take a look at where to see fall colors.
Insider Tip: If you scramble up the rocky trail to the top of the waterfall in Solstice Canyon you’ll find some awesome pools, but please be careful!
Bats and bison make their home in Caprock Canyons State Park. Fall brings cool temps, perfect for hiking with the family, and if you can stay up late, there's amazing stargazing too. Try the one-mile Mesa trail, or take in a small section of the Caprock Canyons Trailway, which spans 41 miles, and crosses 46 bridges and a railroad tunnel.
Insider Tip: If you visit in early fall, you can catch the Mexican Free-Tailed Bats of Clarity Tunnel before they migrate south for the winter.
Each fall, the Smokies are awash with bright colors—this mountain range is home to over 100 native species of tree, many deciduous—making the Smokies one of the best places in the country to view fall foliage. Kid-sized hikes include Baskins Creek Falls and Schoolhouse Gap. You can see the sweep of color making its way down the mountains, as fall changes come first to the higher elevations, then gradually reach the foothills.For more Georgia fall color, check out: 3 Places to See Fantastic Fall Foliage
Insider Tip: Head over to the Smokies' fall color website to find the best time to hit the trail.
Mid-September to Mid-October is a great time to visit Montana's glorious Glacier National Park—the summer rush of visitors is over, and the leaves of the larch trees are turning a beautiful shade. Rob Taylor, of 2 Travel Dads blog, recommends the Avalanche Lake trail in Lake McDonald Valley or Redrock Falls in the Many Glacier Valley. Avalanche Lake is a short hike where you'll cross over streams and walk through woods to the lake. Redrock Falls is a little more challenging, but you'll be rewarded with amazing views of the mountains.
Insider Tip: Rob says hikers may be able to paddle in some of the lower levels of Redrock Falls, but use caution, of course!
This Ohio park is full of history; the Portage Path running through it was once the western border of the United States. Today, you can follow that historic route, or take one of many other trails in the park. Look out for the plentiful wildlife (including screech, barred, and great horned owls and red, gray, and fox squirrels). You'll also spy some awesome fall colors.
Insider Tip: Take part in Summit Metro Parks Fall Hiking Spree, which will take you to some amazing parks and trails—from caves and marshes to steep valleys and waterfalls. This annual event has been going since 1964 and encourages families to explore the many trails in their community.
So named because it was chiseled through the rocks by a river—this state park has lots of activities for the whole family year-round but is especially lovely in the fall when leaves are painted with red and gold. There’s a lot of wildlife to be seen, including deer, fox, muskrat, beaver, and woodchuck (perhaps you can find out how much wood a woodchuck can chuck). There are a few easy hikes in the park including one that loops around a lake. Nearby, you’ll find the town of Rockford—the place where pioneers once forded the fast-moving Rock River in their wagons. Here are some more colorful spots for fall family strolls in the Chicago area.
Insider Tip: Your little hikers can do a spot of bird watching in this park. See if you can spot a Great Blue Heron and a Ruddy Duck. If you're REALLY lucky you may see the elusive Snow Goose!
15 miles of colorful sandstone give the towering cliffs of Pictured Rocks their name. You’ll find caves, arches, and unusual rock formations, all naturally stained by minerals from Lake Superior. This National Lakeshore has wonderful fall hikes that capture the beauty of both the cliffs and the changing of the seasons. The Chapel Trail Mosquito Falls Loop is a great hike for families with big kids; it takes you past two waterfalls and along part of the 42-mile Lakeshore Trail with spectacular scenery. It’s not recommended for the littles as the trail goes along the clifftops. Families have several nature trails and day hikes to choose from including hikes to waterfalls, shipwrecks, dunes, and the Au Sable Lighthouse.
Insider Tip: After your hike, hop on a boat cruise to get a good look at the cliffs from a different vantage point.
One of the six original state parks that opened in 1936, Staunton River has a variety of terrain—from woodlands and meadows to the sandy shoreline of Buggs Island Lake. Much of the landscape is unchanged from the times when Revolutionary and Civil War troops camped here. There are several hikes to choose from but the best one to try with mini-hikers is the easy Tutelo Trail.
Insider Tip: Staunton River State Park is certified by the International Dark-Sky Association. This means the night skies are very dark there and minimally impacted by city lights. The park hosts Star Parties throughout the year.
You’ll hike through a forest of sugar maple, American beech, and yellow birch to get to one of Maine’s highest and most spectacular waterfalls. Angel Falls gets its name from the shape the cascading water makes—some say it looks like an angel’s wings. This short hike follows mountain streams (you’ll have to scramble over boulders and do a bit of wading to cross them, but it's still family-friendly). Depending on how much water is flowing at the time you’re there, you may be able to make it to the base of the falls. If you do, look up for amazing views.
Insider Tip: “There’s gold in them thar hills” ... people used to pan for gold up here but the real gold in this forest is maple syrup‚ these sugar maples make syrup that's double the usual sweetness!
Wawayanda State Park Sussex and Passaic County, NJ
There are many easy trails along the wooded shoreline of this park (and one very challenging one—the Appalachian Trail). The Cherry Ridge Trail travels alongside Lake Wawayanda, across a stone bridge, by beaver ponds to a rare swamp of White Atlantic Cedar. The Cedar Swamp Trail will take you across the swamp on boardwalks and through rhododendron tunnels.
Insider Tip: Civil War buffs, look out for the ruins of a charcoal blast furnace used to produce iron for the Union armies. You might also spot mine shafts belonging to the abandoned Wawayanda Mine.
Hiking is always fun but throw in hidden staircases and gorgeous murals, and you’ve got yourself a real adventure! Explore the city on foot and soak in the beauty of the stairs, the views from the top and our Bay Area’s very own local artists. Here’s a guide to a few of our favorite spots!
Staircases
Nicole Findlay
The Hidden Steps on 16th Avenue
You'll find the Hidden Garden Steps at 16th Avenue and Kirkham Street in the Inner Sunset. The steep staircase, adorned with beautiful mosaic tiles, depicts colorful flowers, plants, insects and more!
At the top, turn right and follow 16th Avenue through the Golden Gate Heights neighborhood. Here, you'll reach another set of beautifully tiled stairs where you can climb from the sea (at the bottom) to the stars (at the top).
And when you get to the top of that staircase, why not turn right, and catch a third set of stairs? This not-as-pretty concrete set leads you to the tip-top of Granview Park. The views of the Pacific Ocean, the bay, and the entire city below are jaw-dropping. Pat each other (and yourself!) on the back. That was quite an urban climb!
The Steps to Macondray Lane
Have you seen "Tales of the City?" You know, the 1993 miniseries (with a sequel in 2019) featuring Laura Linney, Olympia Dukakis, Paul Gross and Barbara Garrick? Well, Macondry Lane was the inspiration for Barbary Lane in "Tales of the City." It's a secluded, greenery-lined pedestrian walkway in Russian Hill between Leavenworth and Taylor Streets. At the Taylor side, there's a set of wooden stairs, and from the top, you can see the beautiful bay.
At the top of Solano Avenue in North Berkeley starts the most unexpected urban stroll through parks, streams, volcanic boulders, and traditional Ohlone Indian sites. You'll even find chickens to feed on the route! From Solano Avenue at The Alameda, go straight on Indian Rock Path, a narrow lane cutting between houses with a dead end on Indian Rock Park, a climber's Mecca. Look for stone steps carved on the right side of the rock and walk to the top. The 360-degree view of the bay is breathtaking. Continue up Indian Rock Avenue and turn onto San Diego Road. On your left, you'll discover John Hinkel Park with its lush canyon and stone amphitheater. Go down into the park to Somerset Avenue and turn right onto Arlington Avenue, then left into Yosemite Road. This is where a clever resident set a chicken coop at street level with a bubble gum dispenser filled with chicken feed and treats for good dogs. Get your quarters out! After Great Stoneface Park, find Indian Trail at the south (left) corner of San Fernando Avenue and walk down Berkeley's wild side. Turn left on The Alameda, left (up) Yosemite Steps after Capistrano Avenue and down Contra Costa Avenue back to Indian Rock Path. Turn right to Solano Avenue.
Scale South San Francisco's Sign Hill
We bet you've seen this place hundreds of times as you've zoomed up 101 toward San Francisco: A hill covered with white letters, reading "SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO THE INDUSTRIAL CITY," —it's the Hollywood sign's way-less-glamorous, NorCal cousin.
But did you know that this city park situated on the face of San Bruno Mountain is also a rare grassland habitat with endangered animals, stairs, and kid-friendly hiking trails? Getting to the letters is easy from Grand Avenue, just a short, uphill walk through a quiet suburban neighborhood. The Letters Trail is quick and takes you right up to the big white signs. (If you're looking for something longer, there are three other trail options to choose from: Ridge, Seubert and Iris Hill). Three-year-olds should be able to walk this trail on their own.
Dipsea Stairs
This staircase is not necessarily urban, but it's hidden in Mill Valley—and one of our favorites in the Bay Area. For the more experienced hiking family, this 3.70-mile loop tackles 680 stairs—but wow! How amazing are you going to feel when you reach the top? This trail takes an average of 1 hour and 53 minutes to complete, and feel free to bring your furry four-legged family members (as long as they stay on leash).
Climb Telegraph Hill
Paper streets may sound tame but they’re a guaranteed workout! Go down Sansome Street three blocks to a concrete-and-steel stairway called Filbert Steps where you start your ascension. Wooden cottages, rose bushes, and sculpted gardens line both sides of the stairs. Kids will love the “Teacup poodle OK” mural around a water hydrant on your right. Continue the stairs up to Coit Tower—enjoy the view—and come back down the Greenwich steps. These turn into Greenwich Street, leading you to Levi Plaza’s park, a zen place with fountains to splash in and rocks to relax on.
Balmy Alley: Located between 24th and 25th Streets, this block-long alley is one of the best spots to see murals. The murals began in the mid-1980s to express anger over human rights violations and political corruption in central America. Today, new murals pop up all the time and can include gentrification and government injustice.
Clarion Alley: The Mission of Clarion Alley Mural Project (CAMP) transformed Clarion Alley into a space filled with murals. There's been over 900 since 1992.
Walking around the Mission District is like stepping into an outdoor art gallery. If you'd like to see even more murals and learn about each piece—take a walking tour.
Murals from the Works Progress Administration era cover the entire first floor of the Beach Chalet building. Enjoy the free art show before grabbing a bite to eat. The Beach Chalet restaurant (upstairs) and Park Chalet (downstairs and outside) are both delicious. The beach is just across the street, too! What could be better? Gorgeous murals, a delicious lunch, and a family frolic in the sand!
North Beach, San Francisco
Tucked into alleys on Columbus Street, you may have to search a little to find the murals in this neighborhood. But when you do, it's worth the effort. Our favorite, though, is not hard to spot. Stand on Columbus and Broadway and look above the New Sun Hong Kong Restaurant. We promise you can't miss it!
Chinatown, San Francisco
More and more colorful murals have popped up in Chinatown in the past decade. Take a stroll through this lively neighborhood and see how many you can spot! Our favorite is the giant blue dragon On Trenton Street and Pacific Avenue.
Two murals inside the station are almost identical. Can your family find the differences? What do you think the murals look like? Peacock feathers, hot air balloon, a symbol of diversity? The beauty of art is that it's up to your interpretation.
Downtown Oakland
The walk between the 12th and 19th Street Bart Stations has some really striking artwork. You'll find murals honoring the lives of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, John Lewis, the Oakland skyline and more!
Flax Art & Design, 1501 Martin Luther King Jr Way, Oakland
The kids will surely get excited when they see the huge T-Rex dinosaur painted in rainbow hues.
Jack London Square, 4th and Webster, Oakland
The giant Oakland Dreams mural is definitely Instagram-worthy. It represents youth holding on to their dreams. Beautiful and inspirational!
The next time you travel by airplane with kids in tow, be sure to prep the carry-on bag (and your mindset) for just about anything—including delays. We came up with a list of entertaining ideas for tiny travelers that are perfect for the airport; having enough snacks is up to you. Read on for 17 activities to keep kids busy until you hear the words “now boarding.”
2. Play I spy. This game is one of the best ways to pass time, and an airport is filled with interesting things to spot, so this classic game can potentially take up a lot of time.
3. Explore the food court. Make it a progressive dinner. Have apps at the first place, the main course at your second stop, and try dessert at a third and final restaurant.
5. Watch the planes. Watching planes take off is exciting, and it'll get your budding pilots pumped for their aviation adventures.
6. Make a new pen pal. Families from all over the world pass in and out of airports daily. If you wind up stuck with other folks toting little ones (solidarity, people!), strike up a conversation and maybe exchange info. Who knows how many lasting connections you might make?
8. Check out all the artwork at the airport. You didn't have time to hit up the local museum? Well, you're in luck because many airports have rotating exhibits and permanent pieces displayed for everyone's viewing pleasure. If you ask an employee, chances are they will have a map and be able to point you in the right direction.
10. Go on a scavenger hunt. If you've got paper, a pen and eager kids, then you have what you need for an airport scavenger hunt. It's easy to prep this activity ahead of time, but it's also a cinch to do it on the fly (pun intended!). If you want to leave this idea to the pros, check out this free printable from Playdough to Plato.
11. Have a thumb-wrestling tournament. 1, 2, 3, 4... I declare a thumb war! If there's an easier way to pass the time, we haven't found it. You can create brackets, try two-out-of-three, or challenge other travelers. One thing's for sure—there are giggles to be had any way you play.
12. Make a paper fortune teller. Do you remember making paper fortune tellers as a kid? Check out this tutorial, grab paper and a pen, and be on your way to seeing the future (Does it say when the flight will leave?).
13. Create motor skill challenges. Kids don't need too much space to take on motor skill challenges like "stand on one foot," "jump up and down ten times," "touch your toes five times,'' and whatever other ideas you have. If there aren't too many people in your waiting area, consider using your iPhone to play freeze dance, too.
14. Take a walk. With moving walkways, food courts, escalators, interesting people and shops filled with goodies, taking a walk through the airport is an easy way to pass the time. It's also a great way to find items on that scavenger hunt list!
15. Challenge your kids to a few (hundred) games of Tic Tac Toe and Hangman. Adding a few more easy pen and paper games to your arsenal is a must.
16. Play flick football. Make your paper football. and divide your family into teams for an epic game or three. If it's been a while since you've flicked a football, check out our play-by-play tutorial right here.
17. Get a mani/pedi. If the situation calls for one-on-one time with your princess, see if the airport has a nail salon on the premises. There's nothing like a little primping before going on vacation or ending your big trip with a bang.
If your family is experiencing the Jurassic Era at home, marked by dinosaurs everywhere, T-Rex facts at the dinner table, and playground dates that inevitably include you reminding Junior to “make sure they know you’re a nice dinosaur, not a scary one,” then we’ve got the perfect playbook for your next summer adventure. From digging for dinosaur bones to marveling at life-size replicas, Atlanta dinosaur activities abound. Keep reading for our favorite ways to please your pint-sized paleontologist.
Fernbank exhibitions and programming about natural history are hard to beat, but its permanent exhibitions—including Giants of the Mesozoic that has a 123-foot long Argentinosaurus and a Giganotosaurus—comes pretty close. The permanent exhibition, A Walk Through Time in Georgia, tells the twofold story of Georgia's natural history and the development of the planet, including the era of dinosaurs in today's Georgia.
Extinct from Earth for millions of years, some Jurassic giants have made their way to Stone Mountain Park. This captivating creature collection features 20 life-size dinosaurs with special effects allowing them to move and roar just like their ancient ancestors. Begin your adventure with a trip through a time machine portal to find yourself among some of your pre-historic favorites including the giant T-Rex, Allosaurus, Stegosaurus, Triceratops, Brachiosaurus, and more. Families will also enjoy interactive paleontology tents, fantastic photo ops, and a dinosaur feeding wall.
1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd. Stone Mountain, GA 800-401-2407 Online:stonemountainpark.com
Stare into the mouth of a Tyrannosaurus Rex, catch a glimpse of a saber-tooth cat and discover how life on Earth began in the Tellus Fossil Gallery. This walk through history will take visitors past millions of years of dinosaurs, reptiles, and giant mammals that dominated the land, sea, and air before becoming extinct. Follow up a tour of this gallery with a visit to the Fossil Dig. For an enhanced learning experience, download and print your own Fossil Hunting License and bring it with you to identify your finds.
100 Tellus Drive Cartersville, GA 30120 770-606-5700 Online:tellusmuseum.org
Invite your favorite flower- and plant- loving friend, mom or grandma to escape with you into these secret gardens for Mother’s Day or any day! The solitude and splendor you’ll find on these magical walks is worth the drive. They’re all kid-friendly with some having playgrounds, alphabet gardens or sensory touch & smell gardens. All are stroller/walker friendly and perfect for taking a slower pace, while allowing bigger kids to run ahead. Read on to find which one you’ll stroll over to first!
Insider’s Tip: 3 of these gardens participate in the American Horticultural Society (AHS) reciprocal membership program. Buy a membership to one of the three gardens, and you’ll get reciprocal admission to all three of them, as well as to 330+ other public gardens across North America.
Jump across the rocks in the stream, walk over the bridges and admire the Japanese culture from this beautifully landscaped garden. The flat gravel trails will take you all the way down to the bottom of the canyon and back up again. Along the way you’ll see all the koi fish ponds, waterfall, bamboo water fountains and sculptures. Afterward, stop at the Tea Pavilion next door to choose from over 50 kinds of tea, noodle dishes or Japanese snacks.
Membership: Get a membership here for reciprocal admission to other AHS gardens.
Bathrooms: yes, at the top and bottom of the trails
Japanese Friendship Garden 2215 Pan American Rd. E, Balboa Park 619-232-2721 Online: niwa.org
Wander through this little cactus and succulent garden near the small parking lot before you head down to the trails for an easy hike. It’s a 3 mile path out and back, so only go out half as far as little legs will walk before they get tired. Just across the street is Discovery Park with a shaded playground and bathrooms.
Cost: Free
Bathrooms: not here, but you’ll find some across the street at Discovery Park
Stop and smell the flowers in this horticultural wonderland featuring exotic plants from all over the world. There are 37 acres of plant species and 4 miles of trails from which to enjoy them all. There are 2 children’s gardens here that you don’t want to miss. Hamilton Children’s Garden has a big treehouse to climb inside and up to the top, a musical garden, a large sand pit and a stream to play in. The Seeds of Wonder Children’s Garden has dinosaurs, a playhouse and running model trains. Kids will also love the ABC garden with a plant labeled for each letter of the alphabet.
Special Event: The Oceanside Museum of Art has a current exhibit inspired by nature that complements the botanical setting. You’ll find 13 different works of art displayed throughout the Botanic Garden until Aug. 1.
Membership: Get a membership here for reciprocal admission to other AHS gardens.
Bathrooms: yes
San Diego Botanic Garden 300 Quail Gardens Dr., Encinitas 760-436-3036 Online: sdbgarden.org
Enjoy the simplicity and quietness in this native plant garden tucked away in a residential neighborhood. You’ll likely have this place all to yourself because it’s not very well known and a little tricky to find. But once you get there, the kids can run ahead to explore while you catch a few beautiful moments to yourself.
Cost: Free
Bathrooms: no
Parking: Street parking only at Greene St. + Mendocino Blvd.
Learn how to create your own backyard oasis with the water conservation ideas you’ll find here. Even if you’re not planning to overhaul your own backyard, anyone can enjoy these gardens. This has been our favorite spot for years because the kids can wander at their own pace, watch the turtles, drive the concrete cars, play in the children’s dinosaur garden and clubhouse, dig in the sand box, look for butterflies in the butterfly pavilion and run through the spray misters.
Tip: Check their website for Butterfly Releases in May & June
Cost: $8/adults; $5/seniors 55+, students & military; $4/kids 3-17; Free ages 2 and under
Membership: Get a membership here for reciprocal admission to other AHS gardens.
Bathrooms: yes
Water Conservation Garden 12122 Cuyamaca College Dr. W., El Cajon 619-660-0614 Online: thegarden.org
Get lost in over 16 different gardens within this garden! The fun children’s garden and discovery trail is just inside the front gate where you’ll find whimsical sculptures, crawl-through tunnels and flip over trivia question boxes. Meander past this as far as you want to go before looping back around to the front.
Cost: $5/non-members, $3/children ages 3-12, Free for ages 2 and under
Explore the wild flowers at this volunteer-managed garden in Mission Valley. The river is pretty overgrown so you can’t actually see it and the freeway noise is noticeable, but once you start wandering around you won’t even notice it while you’re there. The trails are well marked and will lead you around several loops down and back. You’ll likely have this place all to yourself because the large gates out front are locked so it looks closed. But it’s a public garden, so you can park in front of the gates and walk through the easy to miss side gate to start exploring.
Walk through this small water conservation garden with flat gravel trails that will loop around through recycled art sculptures. My kids favorites are the ones made out of car parts. You’ll find painted car hoods transformed into a tall flower and other car parts turned into a bull. Picnic tables and open grassy fields are behind the rec center for kids to run around.
Tip: You’ll find a playground tucked behind the rec center building.
Cost: Free
Bathrooms: yes
Azalea Park Water Conservation Garden 2596 Violet St., City Heights 619-235-1162 Online: sandiego.gov
Designed after the gardens of Alcazar Castle in Seville, Spain, you’ll marvel at the intricate garden, ornate Moorish fountains and vibrant flowers year round. Take a few slow walks around while the kids have fun dipping their hands in the water fountains. Grab some take out from nearby Panama 66, or sip some coffee from Prado Perk or Daniel’s Coffee as you spend the rest of the day walking around Balboa Park.
Challenge: Try to find all 13 other gardens at Balboa Park!
Cost: Free
Bathrooms: yes
Balboa Park Alcazar Garden 1363 El Prado, Balboa Park 619-239-0512 Online: balboapark.org
Another boy will meet the world, because Danielle Fishel is pregnant! The former Boy Meets World star turned 40 today and had a sweet announcement ready to celebrate. She’s expecting her second son with husband Jensen Karp.
“I couldn’t be more grateful to enter my 40’s with my amazing husband and son, excitedly expecting the arrival of baby boy #2. My birthday wish is for all of you to tell someone how much you love them and walk through today with more patience than you normally might,” Fishel noted in her caption on Instagram, accompanying a glowing bump photo.
Fishel and Karp married in 2018 and their first son, Adler Lawrence, was born a month before his due date in June 2019. The infant faced some health scares and spent 21 days in the neonatal intensive care unit, after being diagnosed with chylothorax. Today he’s healthy, happy and on his way to big brother status.
Proud dad Karp also posted a sweet tribute on his Instagram, penning “Happy 40th birthday to my life partner, a team captain and the greatest mom to our now soon to be 2 boys. She believes in our squad and even when I held a newborn Adler like he was a fragile piece of china for the 4 first months, she had the patience and care of a saint.” We’re looking forward to watching the Fishel Karp family grow!
It’s officially time for a trip to the Mall of America: Mars Wrigley just opened it’s newest store! The 24,000 sq. ft. will open on May 1 and packs more excitement than a fresh bag of M&M’S.
M&M’S Mall of America store will feature free immersive experiences, digital downloads, personalization station, M&M’S, “Wall of Chocolate” and exclusive in-store merchandise. So where, in the vast land that is the Mall of America, can you find the store?
Head to Level 1, East near the Rotunda of Mall of America if you want to visit in person. Not close to Minnesota? You can visit virtually! Visit MMS.com to “walk” through the store and purchase M&M’S products using a 3-D virtual experience.
The second store to open in 2021, this M&M’s location offers unique experiences. Shoppers can check out M&M’S Sweet Moves and show their their personality through color, sound and movement and head to Peanut Peak to view the beauty of Minnesota.
This particular location also pays a special honor to Minnesota culture with decor that is unique to the region. The Mars Candy Factory was opened in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1920 and has a special place in the legacy of the company.
