Inflation is a budget-killer but some of our favorite Bay Area activities for kids are totally free!
Welcome to San Francisco, one of the most beautiful(and most expensive) cities in the world! San Francisco is home to an array of interesting and unique activities, many of which are free (or cost very little). From exploring the Golden Gate Bridge to visiting the world–renowned Fisherman‘s Wharf, there‘s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you‘re looking for a free outdoor adventure or a fun night out, this guide will provide you with the best free activities in San Francisco (and the East Bay and South Bay as well!). So grab your friends and family, and get ready to explore this incredible area without busting your budget.
1. Walk or Bike across the Golden Gate Bridge: A quintessential activity for Bay Area residents is walking across the Golden Gate Bridge. You can do that from the Marin side at the water level by parking at Fort Baker (near the Bay Area Discovery Museum) and walking the steep climb a mile uphill to get to the bridge. Another alternative is to park at the North Tower Golden Gate Parking lot (or nearby along Conzelman Road if the lot is full). Don’t miss a walk to the Ridge Battery for some of the best views.
3. Play in the Presidio: This former military base turned National Recreation Area has a prime location at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge and tons of free options you can explore. The visitor center is a great starting point as it will give you all of the area’s history. Then check out Mountain Lake Park or the abandoned batteries at the north end of Baker Beach. If you time your visit right, you can enjoy some eats at the Presidio Picnic (Sun. from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.) that includes food trucks and fun activities like free bike-riding lessons (first Sunday of the month) and cultural dance performances (fourth Sun. of the month).
4. Visit the Sutro Baths: This super-cool spot over at Land’s End offers visitors a glimpse into a past era of San Francisco history. Here you can explore the ruins of the massive indoor baths that burned to the ground in 1966 and then hike the beautiful coastline above. When you are down by the ruins, there’s even a cave to explore! Some of the paths to get down to the ruins are pretty steep but you can view them from above if you wish. The NPS has a great visitor center in the parking lot above the ruins that has photos that show the history of the area. Bonus for hungry hikers: there’s also a cafe and bathrooms inside!
5. Hike to Kirby Cove: For a totally gorgeous walk with the smell of eucalyptus in the air, hike down to Kirby Cove Beach. You can park at the trailhead near Ridge Battery where you’ll find awesome views of the Golden Gate as well as public restrooms. The hike down to Kirby Cove and back is about two miles and most of it is paved. You’ll reach the Kirby Cove Campground at the bottom where you can check out Battery Kirby before you proceed to the beach. Here you’ll find some of the best views of the Golden Gate in town and if you’re lucky you might even spot some whales offshore.
6. Explore Tilden Farm: It’s almost a Bay Area rite of passage for a child’s first introduction to farm animals to take place at the Tilden free farm. Bring lettuce and celery for the ducks, cows, sheep, chickens, and more, and check back every spring to see if there are any new baby animals crawling around. Afterward, the kids can take a ride on the merry-go-round ($3/ride) or the stream train ($3/ride, under 2 are free) and swim in Lake Anza.
7. Splash Down at These Splash Pads: If your crib doesn’t have a pool and your crew wants to cool off, there’s no better way to do it than at a splash pad. You can frolic in the fountains at Stanford (yep, it’s true!) or check out one of these local gems where the water is on!
8. Explore McLaren Bike Park: This gem of a bike park opened in SF’s Excelsior neighborhood and there are plans underway to expand beyond its current footprint. Bring the kids and the helmets to try out the pump track and the skills course. Perfect for mini BMXers looking to increase their skills, the park is open daily from 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
9. Go on a Sea Safari: Check the tide schedule and pick a time when the tide is super low before heading out to one of your local tide pools. Kids will love searching for the colorful sea stars, quick-as-lightning minnows, and clunky sea snails. The James Fitzgerald Marine Reserve in Half Moon Bay is an ideal spot for tide pool novices as they often have docents on the weekends to point out all the critters to the kids.
10. Explore a New Playground: It seems like there are new playgrounds popping up all the time around here. Now is the perfect time to pack up some snacks and set out to explore a new spot in your ‘hood or a new area altogether. Check out this list of 30 of our favorite parks in SF including the brand-new duo of climbing and swinging structures at the Civic Center. Up for exploring an East Bay park? Spend some time at Oakland’s Frog Park or cool off at San Ramon’s Central Park. The Peninsula is home to our very favorite all-abilities playground, Magical Bridge. Or head south to check out the pirate-themed Seven Seas Playground (perfect on a hot day) or one of these other South Bay faves.
11. Tour the City with SF City Guides: Whether you’ve been itching to explore Chinatown or the Palace of Fine Arts, SF City Guides has a tour for you. All of the walking tours are free and you don’t have to reserve a spot in advance, just show up with your kid crew at the meet-up time and you’re off! Tours like the Ferry Building and Market Street are especially stroller friendly, those like Nob Hill and Chinatown have hills that could be more challenging. The majority of the tours offered are kid-friendly, if they are not it will be stated in the tour details.
12. Tour the Nike Missile Site: During the tense years of the Cold War, from 1953 to 1979, the United States Army built and operated close to 300 Nike missile sites in the United States. These sites were designed as the last line of defense against Soviet bombers. Today, volunteers work in partnership with the Golden Gate National Recreation Area on the continuous task of restoration at site SF-88L, the only fully restored Nike missile site in the country. This museum is an enduring reminder of the Cold War and allows visitors to reflect upon the realities of the Cold War and their influence on today’s society.
13. Visit Adventure Playground: For kids who are into painting, building, hammering, painting, climbing, jumping, ziplining, getting dirty and running wild, Adventure Playground is one of the few places left in the world just for them. Disclaimer: it’s not recommended for the youngest ones, and nervous and overprotective parents will have a hard time letting their kids work with real saws and nails. But it can be really empowering for kids who are ready.
14. Hikes Galore: With gorgeous weather pretty much year-round, it’s always a good time to head out and explore a new trail. In the spring you can check out all of the local waterfall hikes. Even the youngest walkers will enjoy these hikes that are perfect for them. Or, strap the kids in the stroller and set out on one of these paths that are perfect for stroller hikes.
1. Free Admission to Museums & More with Discover and Go: Did you know that you can get free passes to museums, aquariums, zoos, and more, right from your local library? With your library card, you can log in to your library’s Discover and Go website, pick a date and find out what free passes are available to check out that date. Some attractions offer free admission and others are heavily discounted.
You can have up to two active reservations at a time and reservations can be made up to three months in advance. New passes are released on the first of the month (ex. on January 1st, passes for March are released). You can cancel a reservation as long as the pass has not been printed. Some attractions limit you to one pass per calendar year so check out the details when you log in.
2. Visit the de Young and Legion of Honor Museums: While youth 17 and under have always gotten in free to the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco (which include Golden Gate Park’s de Young as well as the Legion of Honor), these museums have upped their game and added additional free day initiatives. Bay Area residents now get in free every Saturday! The museums also joined the Museums for All program to offer free admission to individuals receiving food assistance (SNAP benefits). They will continue to offer their free first Tues. admission program.
3. Visit the Palace of Fine Arts: Just a short walk from Crissy Field and the Presidio, you’ll love spending the day at the Palace of Fine Arts. There are a few great climbing trees, shade, and lots of wildlife watching. Can you spot the red-eared sliders sunning themselves on the logs? If you are looking for a picnic, we love grabbing a pizza from A 16 and bringing it over here to eat.
4. Hang Out in Golden Gate Park: Whether your idea of fun is joining in a drum circle, enjoying a cascading waterfall, or spending some time walking through a Japanese tea garden, Golden Gate park is the place to be. It has over 1,000 acres to explore. Check out our handy list of all the free and fun things to do in Golden Gate Park.
5. Explore the Batteries: The Marin Headlands house an amazingly-rich history, which you can see if you visit any of the area’s many batteries. While at Cavallo Point, take the cellphone tour of Fort Baker and then head over to check out Battery Yates and Battery Cavallo. All these spots have informational placards that will give you details about how the area was used in the past.
6. Explore the Bay Model: Kids with an interest in science and the environment will love the Bay Model Visitor Center. Constructed by the US Army Corps of Engineers to illustrate and understand the water flow of the Bay, this large-scale working model, complete with replicated tides, is a perfect way to expand your kid’s knowledge of water, waves, and beaches. Starting at the northern end and then working the way down to the south bay, then over to the delta, your child can watch the daily tidal changes take place in just a few minutes. Bonus: the boats docked just outside make for even more fun.
Explore the Ferry Building: This spot along the Embarcadero is a fun spot to visit if you are hungry but also to explore with the kids. They will love checking out the ferries coming and going, playing at Sue Bierman Park across the street and trying to make their way through the Vaillancourt Fountain without getting wet. The San Francisco Railway Museum is always free and the SF fireboat dock just a short distance away.
Sign Up for Your Free Pre-K Pass to Great America: Kids ages 3-5 can get free admission to California's Great America including The Great Pumpkin Fest and WinterFest. Register online and activate at the park. When signing up for the first time you must bring a birth certificate or passport to the park with you to validate your child's birth date.
Free Animal Encounters: Get up close to a giant pig or pet a bearded dragon at your local nature center. We have this list of local nature centers and many of them offer free admission and hours of animal entertainment.
Summer isn’t too far away and these summer camps Portland families love are filling up quickly
Spring bulbs may still be sleeping, but it’s time to start planning your summer, Portland families. In fact, many summer camps (and Portland overnight camps) are already open for enrollment. Portland has an array of summer camp options for your intrepid explorer, your prolific artists, your energetic athlete, or your thoughtful scientist. Many camps have options where kids can choose from all these activities—in one spot. Ready to plan the summer of your kid’s dreams? Here’s what you need to get started.
One of the most popular Portland camps, Trackers is for the outdoorsy Portland kid, and is one of the only camps that serves pretty much all ages. They run day camps all over town, with drop off locations to buses which take kids to locations for adventures or drop offs at the location itself (basecamp).
There are many options when it comes to theme and activity with Trackers, so long as your kid is okay being outside all day. This is also one of the only camps that has options going up to September, should you need it. One of the major perks of these camps is that your child will get to bring a large stick to camp and will probably be allowed to use a knife and/or bow and arrow.
Dates: Jun. 19-Sep. 1, 2023 Times: varies per camp, before and aftercare options Cost: $375-425 Ages: Gr. K-12
Several camp location throughout the city. Online:trackerspdx.com
2. Audubon Society
Audubon Society in beautiful Forest Park is a great nature exploration camp for kids and is one of the only camps that meets all the way until September. They’ve named their nature camp this year after the iconic Portland favorite bird, the SWIFT, which stands for Science, Wildlife, Imagination, Friendship, and Taking a Stand.
Something fairly unique about this camp, that runs the usual school-day length (from 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m.) and does offer aftercare, is that they have a sliding scale fee that you can choose for yourself without having to apply or show proof of income. So, you can pick what works best for your family and, if you’re able, pay above the asking price to help support families in need.
Dates: Jun. 26-Sep. 1, 2023 Times: Mon.-Fri., 8:30 a.m-3 p.m. (until 2 p.m. on Fri.). Aftercare is available until 5:30 p.m. Cost: Sliding scale fee, $42-$420/week Ages: Gr. 1-8
Oregon Children’s Theatre delights young audiences with their colorful, musical, engaging performances throughout the year, but their camps let young people take the stage in a variety of programming opportunities all across town.
With a wide age range and full or half-day camps running all summer in four different locations, your dramatic camper and your commute really has no limits when it comes to options for dramatic play and imagination. Unfortunately no aftercare options with OCT, but good flexibility when it comes to matching up half and full days. full and half day options:
Your artistic camper can spend a week immersed in visual art, music, theatre, and dance in either the gorgeous World Forestry Center, surrounded by trees, or in the impressive downtown Newmark Theatre. Campers learn how to collaborate with other artists, work together to put on a show, and express their creative sparks.
Note that the camp accepts children as young as six but they need to be able to read and write at a first grade level. The camp says they help build reading and writing skills with younger campers and allow older campers to try their hand at being “counselors in training.” The final day of camp culminates in a performance for families to show off the campers’ hard work.
Camp locations at Newmark Theatre or World Forestry Center. Online: metroartsinc.org
5. Grace Art Camp
Every year, Grace Art Camp chooses a different cultural focus so students can learn about regions of the world they might not otherwise focus on in school or camp. This year, Grace has chosen to celebrate the arts of India. Through multiple mediums including visual and performing arts, fused glass, ceramics, fiber arts, and storytelling, campers come together in an inclusive and vibrant community of artists to tell one cohesive story in many types of art forms.
Because this camp is in high demand and only focuses on one story all summer, campers are limited to one camp a summer. That said, it is a special experience. The songs filling the tent and community building make for a uniquely Portland experience. There is a family celebration at the end of the week where campers can show their families what they’ve been working on.
Let your child’s love of science and industry come alive at OMSI. These camps span a wide range of ages and interests and go all summer long out of the museum’s east waterfront location. With themes like animation, forensics, and “junior veterinarian,” your camper has plenty of choices, even if they are not a self-described mini-scientist.
There are also more specialized groups like a girls gaming camp and LEGO spike robotics. If you have a kid with a special science or tech interest, you’re likely to find something that suits them. They also offer overnight summer camp for older kids,
If you have a future coder living in your house (or just a kid who plays Minecraft from time to time) and they want to learn more about what makes these computer games tick, they can do a coding camp with Coding with Kids. These camps offer in-person and online options, but for in-person camps, there are several themes, either by game or activity.
You can do half-day options or string two themes together into a full day. Kids can learn the basics of programming or continue to build on skills they already have. This is one of the only “big kid” camps around, too, with classes going up to age 18.
Camp locations at Warner Pacific College and Experiment PDX. Online: codingwithkids.com
8. Oregon Episcopal School
If you know you’re going to need coverage from 8-6 or anywhere in between, the camps at Oregon Episcopal School have you covered. This all-inclusive camp has a myriad of activities for kids pre-K-12 all over the luscious campus, from sports, to language, to arts. In the afternoons, the activities are more of a “choose your own adventure” style but still with plenty of options for enrichment and play.
Another perk of the OES camps is that lunch is included in your tuition price, so you don’t have to worry about packing lunches and losing lunch boxes and camp. The camp has a sliding scale price that does require proof of income, but the instructions are straightforward.
Dates: 6/26-8/11 Times: 8am-6pm Cost: Sliding scale, up to $525/week Ages: 4-12
Campers choose between Spanish, Japanese, or Mandarin and spend two weeks being immersed in the language. If your camper has never experienced learning a new language or wants to brush up on skills learned during the school year, they can practice at this camp.
The camp isn’t all “school” though. With fun activities, games, and crafts, this camp has been voted one of Portland’s top camps for years, with families loving the central location, high-quality staff, and fabulous programming. It’s also one of the only camps for “lowK” aka 3-4 year olds, so you can start your bilingual child early.
Dates: Jun. 26-Aug. 4, 2023 Times: 7:45 a.m.-3:45 p.m.; aftercare available until 5:30; half day option Cost: $545-$665/two weeks Ages: Age 3 through 5th grade
Kids Community Learning Center (KCLC) provides themed weeks and field trips for elementary-aged students out of their NW Portland location. They emphasize hands-on learning and integrative activities in art, science, nature, building, group games, and more.
KCLC has a big emphasis on values of respect, safety, responsibility, and community, and try to model this in their PDX community. The hours are “working parent” friendly and they have a good reputation for being an inclusive and enriching camp.
At Zenger Farms everyone has a chance to get their hands dirty. Kids have hands on experience practicing how to plant seeds, harvest fruits and veggies, and then prepare meals from their bounty! They learn to cook and prepare delicious snacks, explore the bugs, birds, and bees that live on the farm, and make healing herbal remedies! Head to their website to find your child’s age group and then select your desired camp theme! Camp Zenger offers a sliding scale that is open to anyone.
At Catlin Gabel’s summer programming your child will be a part of their structured learning activities and outdoor play. Camps are divided into groups with options for kids ages 4-10, 11-13, and 14-18. All of the camps are age appropriate and range from the Summer Beehive program where kids learn through imaginative play and stories to on-site digital photography classes. The camp schedules vary by program so be sure to browse the website for more information. Extended care is available for an additional charge.
Dates: Jun. 26-Aug. 11, 2023 Times: vary based on camp week Cost: $255-$430 Ages: 4-13
If you have older kids at home, this camp is something you should check out. This four-day overnight workshop called The Career Summit to helps high school students figure out their professional path and build job readiness skills. This includes finding your professional purpose, getting hired, building a fulfilling career, and pursuing education-advancement opportunities.
Dates: June 29 to July 2, 2023 Cost: The event is free but contributions are appreciated. Ages: 16-26
The company has just released its Countdown to Christmas Lineup and the festivities start as early as Oct. 21! Not only that, get ready to settle in for a new batch of Miracles of Christmas Hallmark Movies and Mysteries Lineup, too!
Here’s the complete list of all the upcoming movie and their descriptions (thank you, Hallmark Channel!) so you can start planning all those festive movie nights.
Countdown to Christmas Lineup
(All premieres are at 8PM EST unless otherwise noted.)
The Christmas CEO, 2021 (Hallmark)
Friday, October 21: Noel Next Door
Starring: Natalie Hall (Charmed), Corey Sevier (Immortals)
A hard-working, single mom gets into a war of words with a neighbor who she feels is ruining Christmas, only to find that this misunderstood grouch just may steal her heart.
Saturday, October 22: We Wish You a Married Christmas
Starring: Marisol Nichols (Riverdale), Kristoffer Polaha (Jurassic World Dominion)
Becca and Robby are a married couple having a hard time connecting with each other as the holidays approach. Just before Christmas, they head to a cozy Vermont inn at the advice of their marriage coach so they can recharge. Their weekend away gets unexpectedly extended when a mishap puts their car out of commission and just may put them on the road to a very happily married Christmas.
Sunday, October 23: A Kismet Christmas
Starring: Sarah Ramos (Parenthood), Carlo Marks (Chesapeake Shores), Marilu Henner (Taxi)
Sarah is a children's book author who returns to her hometown, where she reconnects with her family and Travis, her teenage crush. She soon discovers that a long-held family legend might actually be true.
Friday, October 28: A Cozy Christmas Inn
Starring: Jodie Sweetin (Fuller House), David O'Donnell (In Search of Fellini)
Real estate exec Erika, travels to Alaska during Christmastime to acquire a bed and breakfast, only to discover that it's owned by her ex. While there, she finds herself falling in love with the town and quite possibly him.
Saturday, October 29: Jolly Good Christmas
Starring: Reshma Shetty (Blindspot), Will Kemp (Christmas Waltz)
David is an American architect who recently moved to London for a prime opportunity in a prestigious firm. With just three days before Christmas, he crosses paths with Anji, a professional shopper, who raises an eyebrow over his choice of a gift card for his girlfriend. David ultimately decides to hire Anji and, thanks to a series of unexpected events, finds himself on a wild adventure across Jolly Old London as Anji helps him search for the perfect present.
Sunday, October 30: Ghosts of Christmas Always
Starring: Kim Matula (LA to Vegas), Ian Harding (Pretty Little Liars), Beth Leavel (This Is Where I Leave You), Lori Tan Chinn (Awkwafina Is Nora from Queens), Reginald VelJohnson (Die Hard, Family Matters)
Katherine is a Ghost of Christmas Present and she must help one soul, Peter, rediscover his Christmas spirit. But this year has something unusual in store.
Friday, November 4, 2022: A Magical Christmas Village
Starring: Alison Sweeney (Days of Our Lives), Luke Macfarlane (Bros), Marlo Thomas (That Girl)
When Summer's mother Vivian moves in with her and her young daughter Chloe, her orderly existence is upended. Upon arrival, Vivian sets up an heirloom miniature Christmas village resembling their town, and tells Chloe it grants Christmas wishes. As Chloe begins setting up the figurines, real-life events seem to mimic the scenes she creates. With a little help from the magic of the Christmas village, the family will be brought closer together and just maybe, Summer will learn to open her heart to love again.
Saturday, November 5, 2022: Lights, Camera, Christmas!
Starring: Kimberley Sustad (Travelers), John Brotherton (Fuller House)
When a holiday rom-com movie shooting in her town needs a costume designer, Kerry, a local shop owner, steps into the role. While working on the movie, she rediscovers her passion for costume design and finds herself falling for Brad, the film's famous leading man.
Sunday, November 6, 2022: All Saints Christmas
Starring: Ledisi (Selma), Roger Cross (Murdoch Mysteries)
Lisette is a popular R&B singer who's getting ready to travel home to New Orleans for Christmas. When the media mistake a photo of her with her music producer ex as an engagement announcement, her family insists that he join her on the trip.
Friday, November 11, 2022: In Merry Measure
Starring:Patti Murin (Frozen, Chicago Med), Brendan Penny (Chesapeake Shores), Jennifer Robertson (Schitt's Creek)
When pop star Darcy returns home to spend Christmas with her sister and niece, she unexpectedly finds herself coaching the high school choir with her one time rival, Adam.
Starring: Rachel Skarsten (Batwoman), Dan Jeannotte (Star Trek: Strange New Worlds), Greta Scacchi (The Terror)
Claire is an MI5 agent who goes undercover as the royal nanny. She must overcome the challenges of her assignment, like resisting the charms of Prince Colin, while keeping the family safe at Christmas.
Sunday, November 13, 2022: Christmas at the Golden Dragon
Starring:Kara Wang (Good Trouble), Osric Chau (The Flash), Sara Canning (Nancy Drew), Antonio Cupo (Blood & Treasure), Barbara Niven (Chesapeake Shores)
When Romy and Rick's parents surprise them with the news that they will be closing the Chinese restaurant they have owned and operated for decades, the siblings each find themselves reevaluating their futures. Also impacted by the news are the landmark restaurant's loyal patrons and staff, who have all come to depend on the restaurant over the holidays.
Friday, November 18, 2022: Inventing the Christmas Prince
Starring: Tamera Mowry-Housley (The Santa Stakeout), Ronnie Rowe Jr. (The Porter)
Shelby is about to quit her job as a rocket engineer when her daughter becomes convinced that her Scrooge-like boss, Evan, is the Christmas Prince from a story Shelby invented years ago.
Saturday, November 19, 2022: Three Wise Men and a Baby
Starring: Paul Campbell (Turner & Hooch), Tyler Hynes (Letterkenny), Andrew Walker (Merry & Bright), Margaret Colin (Chicago Med)
Three brothers get the surprise of their lives when they are forced to work together to care for a baby over the holidays. As they slowly get the hang of things, they find themselves on unexpected journeys of self-discovery and begin to rebuild their relationships as brothers, as well as the damaged romantic and professional relationships in their respective lives…all while rediscovering their love of Christmas.
Sunday, November 20, 2022: When I Think of Christmas
Starring: Shenae Grimes-Beech (The Detail), Niall Matter (The Predator), Beth Broderick (Sabrina the Teenage Witch)
Sara Thompson returns to her hometown to help her mother move and is surprised to find her ex-boyfriend Josh Hartman is back home. The two had once planned a life in music together but Sara left to study law. The former flames slowly reconnect and try to heal wounds, both old and new. When Sara makes a surprising discovery, she and Josh forge a bold plan for the upcoming Christmas concert that will lead them all back to their musical roots and make this a holiday to remember.
Thursday, November 24, 2022: My Southern Family Christmas – premieres at 8p ET/PT
Starring: Jaicy Elliot (Grey's Anatomy), Bruce Campbell (Ash vs Evil Dead), Ryan Rottman (Guidance), Moira Kelly (The Cutting Edge,), Brian McNamara (Magnum P.I.)
Under the guise of a journalist, Campbell has a chance to get to know her biological father for the first time – without him ever knowing who she really is. As she spends time with him and his family, as well as with the town's record keeper, she realizes that families are messy, wonderful things. In the end, Campbell must decide if she's going to keep her identity a secret or reveal the truth to her father – a decision that will change their family Christmas forever.
Friday, November 25, 2022: #Xmas – premieres at 6p ET/PT
Starring: Clare Bowen (Nashville), Brant Daugherty (Pretty Little Liars)
When Jen gets the chance to enter a brand's design contest, she poses as a family influencer, enlisting the help of her best friend, Max, and her baby nephew. When her video is selected as a finalist, Jen is torn on whether to go on with her perfect "family" or reveal the truth.
Friday, November 25, 2022: A Royal Corgi Christmas– premieres at 8p ET/PT
Starring: Hunter King (Life in Pieces), Jordan Renzo (The Spanish Princess)
Reluctant Crown Prince Edmond returns home just before Christmas in anticipation of being named successor to the throne. To ingratiate himself to his mother the Queen, he gifts her with "Mistletoe", a rambunctious Corgi in need of some serious training. After several doggy disasters, Edmond turns to Cecily, a canine behavior expert from America for help –but to his great surprise, Cecily demands that he take an active part in the daily dog training sessions. Sparks fly between them as the pair work together to get Mistletoe ready to present at the annual Christmas Ball. Just as the precious pup captures their hearts, they discover that love can grow in the most unexpected places, leading them to question what they really want.
Saturday, November 26, 2022: A Tale of Two Christmases – premieres at 6p ET/PT
Starring: Kat Barrell (Wynonna Earp), Chandler Massey (Days of our Lives), Evan Roderick (Arrow)
Thanks to some Christmas magic, Emma gets to experience two different Christmases – one where she stays in the city and celebrates with a new crush and his friends, and one where she returns home for all the traditions with her family…and Drew, a longtime friend who may have feelings for her. Emma's double holiday ultimately helps her discover what will truly make her happy in life as well as in love.
Saturday, November 26, 2022: Haul Out the Holly – premieres at 8p ET/PT
Starring: Lacey Chabert (The Wedding Veil), Wes Brown (Sweet Pecan Summer), Ellen Travolta (Charles in Charge), Peter Jacobson (House), Melissa Peterman (Reba), Stephen Tobolowsky (One Day at a Time, Spaceballs)
Emily arrives home, hoping to visit her parents, only to discover that they are leaving on a trip of their own. As she stays at their house for the holidays, their HOA is determined to get Emily to participate in the neighborhood's many Christmas festivities.
Hallmark
Sunday, November 27, 2022: A Christmas Cookie Catastrophe – premieres at 6p ET/PT
Starring: Rachel Boston (SEAL Team), Victor Webster (Workin' Moms)
Annie Cooper has big shoes to fill when she takes over as CEO of her late grandmother's smalltown cookie company and is doing her best to help their struggling business get back on track. That task gets more daunting when her grandmother's secret recipe is stolen during the Christmas party. As Annie tries to crack the case and uncover the culprit she works with Sam, the owner of a local bakery, to recreate the recipe in the hope of saving the company and her job. As Annie and Sam bake batch after batch in pursuit of the perfect one, they begin to learn that their lives go together like milk and cookies.
Sunday, November 27, 2022: A Holiday Spectacular – premieres at 8p ET/PT
Starring: Ginna Claire Mason (Wicked), Derek Klena (Moulin Rouge! The Musical), Eve Plumb (The Brady Bunch), Ann-Margret (Bye Bye Birdie, The Kominsky Method) Featuring the Radio City Rockettes
In 1958, Maggie is an heiress from Philadelphia who puts her high-society wedding plans on hold in order to sneak up to New York City and make her secret dream come true: dancing live on stage in the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall.
Friday, December 2, 2022: A Big Fat Family Christmas
Starring: Shannon Chan-Kent (Woke), Shannon Kook (The 100), Tia Carrere (Wayne's World), Jack Wagner (When Calls the Heart)
Liv is a photojournalist eager to make it on her own. To get a dream assignment – shooting the Chang family's annual holiday party for a cover story – she doesn't reveal that they are in fact, her family. When she finds herself growing close to Henry, the coworker covering the story with her, she wants to confide in him but doesn't want to jeopardize her big break.
Saturday, December 3, 2022: A Fabled Holiday
Starring: Brooke D'Orsay (Royal Pains), Ryan Paevey (General Hospital)
Talia and her childhood best friend Anderson unexpectedly reunite in a curiously familiar looking town full of Christmas spirit that restores its visitors when they need it most.
Sunday, December 4, 2022: Undercover Holiday
Starring: Noemi Gonzalez (Selena: The Series), Stephen Huszar (Tribal)
When returning home for the holidays, newly minted pop star Jaylen tells her protective family that Matt is her new beau, when in reality, he's her overzealous security guard.
Friday, December 9, 2022: The Most Colorful Time of the Year
Starring: Katrina Bowden (30 Rock), Christopher Russell (Day of the Dead)
Ryan is an elementary school teacher, who learns that he is colorblind. Michelle, an optometrist and mother of one of his students, helps bring color into his life in time for the holidays.
Saturday, December 10, 2022: Christmas Class Reunion
Starring: Aimee Teegarden (Friday Night Lights), Tanner Novlan (The Bold and the Beautiful)
High school classmates, who once dubbed themselves the "cursed class," reconnect at Christmas for their 15-year reunion. Over the course of their time reconnecting, the classmates challenge each other to remember who they were, who they are, and who they want to be.
Sunday, December 11, 2022: The Holiday Sitter
Starring: Jonathan Bennett (The Christmas House, Mean Girls), George Krissa (Road Trip Romance), Chelsea Hobbs (Poisoned in Paradise: A Martha's Vineyard Mystery)
Sam is a workaholic bachelor who babysits his niece and nephew before the holidays when his sister and her husband have to go out of town. Completely out of his element, he recruits help from their handsome neighbor Jason and finds himself in an unexpected romance.
Friday, December 16, 2022: Holiday Heritage
Starring: Lyndie Greenwood (Sleepy Hollow), Brooks Darnell (The Young and the Restless), Holly Robinson Peete (Our Christmas Journey,)
Ella returns to her hometown to mend fences with her fractured family. With the help of Griffin, her ex-boyfriend, she encourages her family to celebrate Christmas and Kwanzaa and to heal their past wounds before it's too late.
Saturday, December 17, 2022: 'Twas the Night Before Christmas
A former actress trying to break into directing tests her skills with a town's annual Christmas Eve courtroom production in which the true authorship of the famous poem "A Visit from St. Nick" is debated.
Sunday, December 18, 2022: Hanukkah on Rye
Starring: Jeremy Jordan (Supergirl), Yael Grobglas (Jane the Virgin), Lisa Loeb
A matchmaker connects Molly and Jacob, but their new romance is put to the test when they realize that they are competing deli owners. Will a Hanukkah miracle keep them together?
Miracles of Christmas Hallmark Movies & Mysteries Lineup
(Premiere times are 10:00pm ET/PT)
A Christmas Treasure, 2021 (Hallmark)
Saturday, October 22: We Need a Little Christmas
Starring: Erica Durance (Supergirl), Patrick Sabongui (The Flash), Lynn Whitfield (Greenleaf)
Julie is adjusting to being a single mother to a grieving child while facing her first Christmas without her husband when she develops an unexpected friendship with her older neighbor Irene.
Saturday, October 29: Christmas Bedtime Stories
Starring: Erin Cahill (Every Time a Bell Rings), Steve Lund (Schitt's Creek), Charlie Weber ("How to Get Away with Murder)
When Danielle's husband goes missing in action during his deployment, she is left to raise her daughter on her own. Three years later, as she acclimates to life without him, she begins to tell her daughter bedtime stories of her father.
Saturday, November 5, 2022: A Maple Valley Christmas
Starring: Peyton List (Star Trek: Picard, Mad Men), Andrew Walker (Dying for Chocolate: A Curious Caterer Mystery)
Erica is a rancher who has spent her whole life working the family farm with her mother and sister. When Aaron arrives and disrupts her plans, she starts to question what it is she actually wants.
Saturday, November 12, 2022: Our Italian Christmas Memories
Starring: Sarah Power (Good Witch), Beau Bridges (The Fabulous Baker Boys)
The Colucci siblings, in an effort to jog the memory of their grandfather who is struggling with dementia, set out to recreate their late grandmother's legendary pasta sauce.
Saturday, November 19, 2022: Long Lost Christmas
Starring: Taylor Cole (Making Spirits Bright), Benjamin Ayres (Burden of Truth)
Hayley is an interior designer who plans to surprise her recently widowed mother Patricia with the perfect holiday present: the extended family she knows her mom yearns for.
Saturday, November 26, 2022: Time for Him to Come Home for Christmas
Starring: Holland Roden (Mayans M.C.), Tyler Hynes (Letterkenny), Tenille Townes (The Lemonade Stand) From Executive Producer Blake Shelton
Four days before Christmas, Elizabeth Athens receives a voicemail from a number she doesn't recognize. In his message, a man she doesn't know makes one final plea to the love of his life for a second chance. This is the fifth installment of the popular movie franchise, based on Blake Shelton's song "Time for Me to Come Home."
Saturday, December 3, 2022: The Holiday Stocking
Starring: Nadine Ellis (Our Kind of People), B.J. Britt ( Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.), Karon Riley (The Black Hamptons), Tamala Jones ( Castle), Mykelti Williamson (Fences, Law & Order: Organized Crime)
In this Hallmark Mahogany presentation, RJ is a new angel, who is given the chance to address his one regret, that he didn't help his sisters reconcile while he was still alive. Returning to earth as a stranger, he gets each of them to revive The Holiday Stocking, their parent's old tradition to encourage charity at Christmas.
Saturday, December 10, 2022: The Gift of Peace
Starring: Nikki Deloach (Five More Minutes), Brennan Elliott (UnREAL)
Artist Traci is a once-devout Christian who has stopped believing in God after her husband tragically died despite her prayers. As her second Christmas without him approaches, she tries going to a support group for inspiration and comfort.
Saturday, December 17, 2022: Five More Minutes: Moments Like These
Starring: Ashley Williams (Sister Swap: Christmas in the City), Lucas Bryant (Haven)
The second holiday story inspired by Scotty McCreery's song "Five More Minutes," a young widow's Christmas wish for her son is answered in unexpected ways when she returns to their old home for the holidays.
Father’s Day is almost here. While you and the kids are busy cranking out a super sweet DIY card or thoughtful gift, we’ll work on finding fantastic Father’s Day activities to make your weekend special. Since we know the Dad’s Day vibe is all about having fun (and maybe a beer or a backyard barbecue), we’ve come up with 21 ways to honor the dads, grandpas, uncles and other father figures in your life with all things he loves to do. Here’s where to have a happy Father’s Day around Seattle with your top pop.
Festival season is in full swing. And over Father’s Day weekend there’s no shortage of outdoor fairs welcoming families around Seattle. Kick it off with the Fremont Fair happening Saturday and Sunday at the Center of the Universe. Over 300 vendors, art cars, beer gardens and let’s just say colorful parades make this one of the city’s most memorable events of the year.
Wash all the parading down with a frothy pint for Pop at the Washington Brewer’s Festival. Held at King County's Marymoor Park in Redmond, this festival is open to all ages on Saturday and Sunday (Friday night is reserved for the 21 & older crowd). Dad can go with his dad buddies on Friday night, and then you can go as a family on Saturday or Sunday for some fun. Kids under 12 are free, and they will love the root beer garden, face painting, balloon animals and inflatables (for an extra cost) that’ll keep them entertained all day long.
Father’s Day falls on Juneteenth this year. Combine your Father’s Day activities with a Juneteenth Celebration hosted by LANGSTON along the waterfront. Featuring local artists, a live DJ, food trucks and more, it’s a chance to honor Black excellence in Seattle. Keep that focus all weekend long when you visit Festival Sundiata Black Arts Fest at Seattle Center on Saturday. If Dad can think up an art form, it’ll be there, plus more, like a Children’s Village and intriguing exhibits at the Unspoken Truths Museum.
Art-loving dads will find tons of things to see and do at the annual Edmonds Arts Festival. In addition live entertainment, Dad can take in the juried gallery art exhibition and sale while the kids participate in hands-on art activities.
One last festival to put on your father’s radar is the Washington State Summer Con, happening all weekend long at the Mattress Firm Showplex on the state fairgrounds. Dress in your con best and take your real-life hero to meet some of his pop culture heroes.
Father’s Day Car Shows
Allison Sutcliffe
Naturally, Father’s Day weekend is full of car shows—it’s really the only weekend they can get away with convincing the entire family to walk around ogling at cars! And lucky for dads who have the need for speed, there are a few ways to feed that need in the Seattle area over Father’s Day Weekend.
Dads on the south end of Seattle can flock to the Father's Day Car Show in downtown Burien, which will featuring vintage lean, mean, cruz’n machines. Expect vendors and food trucks where you can grab a little nibbly. Speaking of food, before or after the car show cruise by Strawberry Days at Town Square Park for lots of strawberry goodness, carnival games and live music.
Fenders on Front Street located in downtown Issaquah is great for dads on the Eastside. Stroll down Front Street oohing and ahhing at the collection of vintage and classic cars before grabbing a curbside seat to watch the Cruise to the Triple XXX at 3 p.m. There will live music, food trucks and family activities throughout the event. Also on the Eastside is the special Father’s Day Weekend Steam Train Ride through the Snoqualmie Valley.
Our last pick for car-loving dads is a trip to LeMay-America’s Car Museum in Tacoma to see Reclaimed Rust. These jaw-dropping cars are more works of art than anything. But for many dads, the fact that they’re part of Metallica frontman, James Hetfield’s collection will be the real draw here. Rock on!
Museum Events on Father’s Day
MoPOP
Black Panther. Do the Right Thing. Selma. These are just a few of the movie titles celebrated costume designed Ruth E. Carter has worked on. Take dad to see her fantastic creations at the Afrofuturism exhibit, opening at MoPOP over Father’s Day weekend. More than 60 of her costumes will be on display, so you can admire her attention to detail and undeniable talent up close. When you’re done, bring pop to the Sound Lab to jam together.
The Museum of Flight is honoring dads with free admission, making it the perfect place to go (even if you have to go to brunch first). The Museum is open from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. on Father’s Day, and a visit is especially a good idea if you have grandparents or family members in town to celebrate—it appeals to every age and you don’t have to be obsessed with planes to enjoy yourself here.
Thanks to an unseasonably cool spring, strawberry u-pick season was a bit delayed this year. Bad for farmers, but good for dads, as many of the area’s best u-pick farms open right before Father’s Day weekend. You can simply take dad strawberry picking and whip up something sweet with your ripe, red berries at home. Or you can bring dad to Baby Animals & Berries at Swans Trail Farms in Snohomish. Not only will kids get to cuddle the farms most adorable babies, but all of the playground perks will be open too—we’re talking giant slides, cow train rides, haymazes and more.
They say the kitchen is the heart of the home and that’s why we love family cookbooks. To help freshen up your recipe repertoire and get the kiddos excited to help in the kitchen, we’ve rounded up the best in new family cookbooks. From step-by-step recipes to creative cakes for kids, these family cookbooks will guide you through everything from breakfast to dinner, with make-ahead tips and recipes for even the pickiest of eaters.
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We try to steer clear of villains like Mother Gothel, but her recipe for Hazelnut Parsnip Soup sounds beyond delicious. In this new enchanted-themed recipe, budding bakers can whip up everything from Royal Soufflé and Tournament Fruit Pie to Mad Hatter's Muffins. It makes the perfect gift for Disney enthusiasts, too!
Snackable Bakes: 100 Easy-Peasy Recipes for Exceptionally Scrumptious Sweets and Treats
Have you ever had a moment where you really just needed to satisfy your sweet tooth, but didn't have the patience to go on a baking extravaganza? Enter: the snackable bakes. This fabulous cookbook is packed with 100 "easy-peasy recipes" that are fun and beyond delicious. It makes the perfect, quick activity for families since most recipes are done in under an hour, many of which don't even require an oven.
Food Network Magazine The Recipe-A-Day Kids Cookbook
With 365 recipes and a photo for each one, kids will immediately love this cookbook that brings major cooking inspo. Arranged by month, small chefs can either follow the day of the year or pick and choose what to make. There's plenty to be whipped up: from drinks and desserts to dinner and snacks.
It's pinkies up with this new Disney cookbook! With over 50 recipes inspired by your favorite princesses, little chefs will have everything they need to throw the perfect tea party. Choose from fancy sips like Under the Sea Pineapple Punch, tiny sandwiches that include Moana Toasted Coconut-Banana Toast and sweat treats like Flynn Rider Blondie Bites. With stunning accompanying photos, adults will love digging into this book just as much as kids.
Get ready for a kitchen takeover as this fun cookbook from America's Test Kitchen will definitely inspire the next generation of chefs. It starts them off with some kitchen fundamentals like why it's important to read a recipe all the way through before trying it, and then sends them off to try recipes like Shiitake-Beef Ramen, Cheeseburger Sliders and Esquites. Recipes are ranked by difficulty and there are quite a few vegetarian options for Meatless Mondays.
Chewy Blue Goo, Boxed Gox, Lorax Leaves, oh my! Any Dr. Seuss fan will love the 50+ recipes that embrace the whimsical nature of the famed author, while also sneakily serving up healthy grub.
Everyone has spent more time reading the last year than ever before, so why not update your bookshelf with a few fresh finds? This year brought us plenty of gorgeous picture books, historical tales and feel-good reads for audiences of all ages. Keep reading to see our picks for the best kids’ book of 2021.
Mommy Goes to Work Jossy Lee creates the perfect book for families with working parents. While kids go to school, Mommy goes to work! With adorable illustrations by Nila Aye, kids of all ages will find this story reassuring and a positive take on career-minded parents. Ages: Baby+
Courage Is Courage looks like a superhero or a firefighter, but it also looks like a lot of every day things. Jason and True Kander's new board book explores how everyone can have courage everyday––and be scared, too! Ages: Baby to 3
DC Super Heroes: Diversity Is A Superpower & The Power of Kindness Julie Merberg is back with two new titles in the DC Super Heroes series and they're all about diversity and kindness. The DC Universe is packed with people from all over, with unique traits and qualities that lend a hand to others in need. With bright illustrations and simple narrative, these board books for baby are just as fun to look at for adults. Ages: Baby-3
Little Observers On the Farm & In the Park Claire Beaton's two board books introduce baby to the big world around them. Simple narratives take readers through the farm and park, pointing out the beauty along the way. Each story ends with two pages dedicated to search and find, where everyone can make sure they caught all the details. Ages: Baby+
B is for Bison Greg Paprocki's introduces young readers to 26 National Parks. Each letter of the alphabet shares something that can be found in each park, with beyond adorable illustrations. Ages: Baby+
Trees- A Count & Find Primer Count to 10 and learn all about trees along the way with Greg Paprocki's new primer. This book ends with plenty of fun facts about each tree and a search and find component. Ages: Baby+
Words of the World: Ocean Animals & Birds Beautifully simplistic collages by Motomitsu Maehara come together in these multilingual board books. Each one comes with over a dozen animals, each one translated into seven languages that include English, Chinese, Hindi, Spanish, French, Arabic and Esperanto. Ages: Baby+
Glow The duo from Curls is here with a new board book for baby. Ruth Forman and Geneva Bowers bring Glow, which highlights the beauty of Black Joy and tells the story of a little boy who uses the moon to celebrate his lovely skin. Ages: Baby+
Rise and Shine From legendary children's musician, Raffi comes a new board book with the lyrics of his song, "Rise and Shine." Accompanied by adorable illustrations, your youngest reader will love this addition to the Songs to Read collection that encourages kids to wake up and start the day with a smile. Ages: Baby+
Return of the Underwear Dragon The Underwear Dragon is back! This time, Sir Cole wants to help learn how to read, so he can't wreak havoc ever again. Ages: 3-7
Lila Lou's Little Library Lila Lou has too many books––or is her house just too small? Maybe she can make a library where she can share with her friends! Written by Nikki Berggstresser, this book comes with helpful tips on learning while reading. Ages: 5-7
Home Britta Teckentrap is back with another peek through picture book. Told with stunning illustrations, this story demonstrates how everyone needs a place to call home. Ages: 3-7
What's That? Jax and Meena don't have typical school lunches, thanks to their unique cultures. Karen Chan's poetic story follows the two on a journey told through food and imparts that mealtime is so much more than just eating. Ages: 3+
The Capybaras Alfredo Soderguit's capybara creative story is a tale of acceptance. When the hairy creatures encounter the local hens when they're looking for a place to stay, can they open their hearts to the foreign creatures? Ages: 3-8
Little Narwhal, Not Alone Based on a true story of an unlikely friendship between a narwhal and a beluga whale, this sweet tale from Tiffany Stone is fun for readers of all ages. Adorable illustrations from Ashlyn Anstee accompany the whimsical story. Ages: 4-8
Goodbye, Old House Moving house can be sad and scary, but exciting too! Margaret Wild and Ann James share a sweet story of saying goodbye, but hello at the same time. Ages: 3-7
Cat & Dog: A Tale of Opposites Is there anything more opposite than a cat and a dog? This sweet book of differences from Tullio Corda shares that opposites don't mean enemies. Ages: 3-6
Mister Fairy Fairies are usually smiling and happy, but Mister Fairy just isn't a morning person and has a hard time enjoying his job. When he decides to leave the forest, his adventure takes him on a journey where he learns his role and how amazing it is to bring joy to others. Ages: 4-8
Teatime Around the World Many people enjoy teatime, but did you know it's celebrated differently around the world? Follow along on a trip across the globe and have po cha in Tibet, afternoon tea in England and matcha in Japan in this gorgeous book by Denyse Waissbluth. Ages: 3-7
See the Dog That's not a dog, that's a cat! This silly tale from David LaRochelle follows Baby Cakes, a cat on dog duty. How will this furry pal handle all the duties of a dog? Ages: 4-8
Right Now!: Real Kids Speaking Up for Change Do you want to be a change maker? Miranda Paul's book shares real kids making a difference, no matter their age. With illustrations by Bea Jackson, learn all about Jazz Jennings, Greta Thunberg and more. Ages: 4-7
ABC of Feelings From Anxious to Zany, feelings are a curious thing! Written and illustrated by Bonnie Lui, this simple book helps kiddos identify their emotions and learn what to do with them. Ages: 3-7
Maybe... Three little monkeys are getting into some mischief! Christ Haughton's bright tale about maaaaaybe pushing boundaries proves a fun and delightful message to young readers. Ages: 3-7
Cat Problems Cat lovers will fully appreciate this hilarious tale from Jory John. With perfectly textured illustrations from Lane Smith, this fun book follows the completely difficult life of a house cat as he navigates his day. Ages: 3-7
Trick or Treat, Crankenstein Crankenstein is back! Samantha Berger and Dan Santant follow the lovable character as he navigates his fave holiday. But will a toothache, pumpkin carving issue and terrible costume nightmare take out all the fun? Ages: 4-8
Archer Otters: Megalodon Outbreak The Archer Otters are out to save the day. When seaweed starts to run low, threatening their food supply, the trio heads to the ocean to find more. Can they battle the evil submarine and scary megalodon and find the seaweed they seek? Ages: 4-8
Sonny Says Mine! The first book in a new series by Caryl Hart and illustrator Zachariah Ohora introduces little readers to Sonny and his friends. When the little fox finds a new toy bunny at the playground, he's thrilled! It's the best toy ever––until his friend Boo tells Sonny it's HER toy. It's up to Sonny to say he's sorry, but can he do it? Ages: 3-6
Stick and Stone Best Friends Forever! Beth Ferry and Tom Lichtenheld are back with the second installment of Stick and Stone. The two have set out to find Stick's family tree, but encounter some scary things along the journey. This sweet tale helps readers see the importance of family, whether its blood or found in friendship. Ages: 3-7
The Perfect Plan Maya is headed to the forest to build her dream fort! Leah Gilbert's beautifully illustrated and written tale shares the adventures of her protagonist as she relies on her forest friends to work together, share creativity and exhibit perseverance. Ages: 3-6
Dozens of Doughnuts LouAnn is prepping for winter by whipping up dozens of doughnuts. But, uh oh! Tons of friends are stopping by and she gives out all her food! In this sweet story by Carrie Finison, kids will learn the basics of counting, sharing and being a good friend. Ages: 3-7
Dakota Crumb: Tiny Treasure Hunter Tiny mouse Dakota is on a mission. Late at night, she scurries through the museum with her treasure map on the hunt for artifacts she can share at later at the Mousehole Museum. Young readers will love the followup activity that has them flipping back through the pages to find their own treasures in Jamie Michalak's book. Ages: 3-7
Paletero Man Latin Grammy winner Lucky Diaz brings a bright and colorful story that follows our young narrator on the hunt for his friend Paletero José. Only the sweet treat will cool everyone off on such a hot day. With Spanish throughout, the story is a celebration of kindness and the Latin culture in Los Angeles. Ages: 4-8
Dozens of Dachshunds Is there a cuter pup than a Dachshund? How about when there's a dozen of them? Stephanie Calmenson explores the whimsical and adorable nature of the famed "wiener dog," with sweet illustrations by Zoe Persico. Count along in this fun poetic tale that will have you woofing and wagging. Ages: 3-6
Wolfboy Andy Harkness’ artistic skills come alive in his second book, Wolfboy. When Wolfboy gets hungry, he gets growly and drooly and just wants rabbits! With unique images that were made by clay and then photographed, this taunting tale is delightful for the whole family. Ages: 2-5
How to Apologize Do you know how to apologize? David LaRochelle takes a rather humorous approach in explaining not only the importance of apologizing, but how to do it sincerely. With whimsical illustrations by Mike Wohnoutka, even adults will learn a thing or two about the art of the apology. Ages: 3-7
That’s Cool, Tallulah! Stella Bella has a special doll and they have a magical friendship. Tallulah causes her share of mischief and one day Stella Bella hears a voice in her head that tells her to do the right thing. Written by the voice of Rugrats Angelica Pickles, Cheryl Chase and illustrated by Giulia Iacopini, this sweet story demonstrates the importance of listening to rules. Ages: 2-5
Wishes Inspired by actual events in the life of author, Muon Thi Van, Wishes is the story of one Vietnamese family’s search for a new home. Victo Ngai’s beautiful illustrations further the gentle approach taken to make a story of fear and the unknown approachable and relatable to the youngest of readers. Ages: 4-8
Send a Girl! Jessica M. Rinker and Meg Hunt join forces in this true story about how women joined the Fire Department of New York. Brenda wanted to become a firefighter more than anything, but the FDNY made it near impossible. When she refused to give up, Brenda ended up changing the course of female firefighters forever. Ages: 3-6
Fluffy McWhiskers Cuteness Explosion Fluffy McWhiskers can't get any cuter. When her cuteness causes people to explode, she escapes to an island, where she meets an equally cute pup. Ages 4-8.
My Daddy Can Fly! Principal ballet dancer for the American Ballet Theater Thomas Forster shares a sweet story of a little boy talking about his father. With traits that include strength, gentleness and speed, this story shows the wide range of talents that accompany a professional dancer and daddy. Ages 4-8.
Hope at Sea Hope doesn't want her father to leave on his clipper ship. Unless...she can stow away and go too? Told with simple prose and stunning illustrations by Daniel Miyares, this book will inspire young seafarers. Ages 4-8.
a kids book about your microbiome This last year, kids want to know about germs more than ever. But what about all those healthy microbiomes? Follow along in Ara Katz's word-focused book on the goodness living within your body. Ages 6+.
It Fell from the Sky A mysterious object fell from the sky and everyone wants a peek. Told with stunning illustrations from The Fan Brothers, this tale shares the woes of keeping beauty for yourself, when it could be shared with everyone. Ages 4-8.
Make Your Bed with Skipper the Seal Written by former Navy SEAL Howard McWilliam, this sweet story about Skipper the Seal shares his journey in the Navy. Perseverance and courage, along with the ability to overcome obstacles are just a few things Skipper learns as he becomes a SEAL. Ages 4-8.
Goodnight Ganesha Told with stunning illustrations by Pooam Mistry, Nadia Saloman's bedtime story explores the rich beauty of an Indian night. Children will follow along with the rhyming prose as grandparents and grandchildren get ready for bed. Ages 3-7.
Beautifully Me Author Nabela Noor tackles issues of body positivity as readers follow main character Zubi. She's never thought of her size as a bad thing, but when she hears others complaining about their bodies, she begins to question: "is there something wrong with me?" Ages 4-8.
Walter Does His Best: A Frenchie Adventure in Kindness and Muddy Paws Sing Who's a good boy? Walter! Well, kind of. Walter tries to be good but sometimes, he makes a mess of things. Eva Pilgrim's fun tale of a dog's adventure in NYC demonstrates that you don't have to be perfect, so long as you're kind. Ages 4-8.
Make Meatballs Sing, the Life & Art of Corita Kent Matthew Burgess' picture-book biography of Corita Kent shares the story of the famed artist in alluring color and detail. With gorgeous illustrations by Kara Kramer, young and old readers alike will be challenged to notice to the details in everyday life. Ages 6-12.
I Hear You, Forest Head into the forest in Kalle George's newest book. Follow a child into a magical place as she listens to the sounds of the forest. Accompanied by Carmen Mok's illustrations, readers will feel transported into another world as they read along. Ages 3-7.
My Dog Banana Roxane Brouillard's hilarious tale of a boy taking his "dog" for a walk will have you chuckling. When Banana is out and about, no one takes him seriously. With sweet illustrations from Giulia Sagramola, this book will have you questioning whether or not a banana really can bark. Ages 4-8.
Animal Architects The world is a construction zone, and we're just living in it! Amy Cherrix dives deep into the wonderful world of architecture and how our fellow animals and insects are constantly building around us. With beautiful illustrations by Chris Sasaki, you just might be inspiring an architect of the future! Ages 3-8.
The Longest Storm Hitting close to home in the wake of the pandemic, Dan Yaccarino's gorgeous and heartfelt tale of navigating a seemingly never-ending storm provides the perfect narrative for discussing difficulties with children. With simple illustrations and story-telling, parents will find this book perfect for talking loss, family conflict and more. Ages 4-8.
Prehistoric Pets Perhaps the greatest pop-up book on the topic of prehistoric animals, Paleontologist Dr. Sean Lomax takes kids on an adventure exploring seven of the world's favorite pets. Using vibrant pop-ups with the help of illustrator Mike Love, kids will follow fossil clues to unveil ancient animals and fun facts. Ages 5-9.
Indelible Ann Late governor of Texas Ann Richards inspired women everywhere and she's back in Meghan P. Browne's book to encourage young readers. The Carlynn Whitt-illustrated book follows Richards early life and rise to political prowess where she went on to inspire the likes of Hilary Clinton and take on the "boys club" of politics. Ages: 4-8
Except Antarctica Todd Sturgell's debut children's book is hilarious and educational for young and old alike. What would happen if animals didn't like what the narrator had to say? That's where this sweet book kicks off, as Turtle decides he wants a visit to the coldest spot on the planet! Ages: 4-8
Lala's Words Little Lala doesn't like to stay inside––she loves to escape to her garden where her kind words help plants grow! Though her mother doesn't understand her, Lala knows that the power of kindness can cause everything around her to flourish. Ages: 4-8
A Most Clever Girl The ultimate tale of girl power, Jasmine A. Stirling’s A Most Clever Girl is a must for every children’s bookshelf. Beautiful illustrations by Vesper Stemper accompany this inspiring story about how Jane Austen used her love of words to define her life, becoming one of the most celebrated authors of all time. Ages: 5-9
Kindness is a Kite String It’s easy to spread kindness, you just have to try! With illustrations by Claire Laforte, Michelle Schaub pens a lyrical approach to starting the day off with kindness and demonstrates how it ripples throughout the day to everyone around you. Ages: 5-7
Faraway Things They were called faraway things, the things that Lucien would find washed up on the shore below his home with the lighthouse. Written by award-winning novelist Dave Eggers and accompanied by Kelly Murphy's detailed illustrations, this lovely picture book tells the story of a young boy who finds a cutlass after a storm. He takes it home, and for a short time, calls it his own. When he meets the cutlass's owner, he must make a trade for another treasure, and when he does, what he gets in return is even more important. Ages: 5-8
Words to Make a Friend You don't have to speak the same language to be friends! This sweet tale by Donna Jo Napoli and Naoko Stoop shares the story of two little girls, one American and one Japanese who don't let language stop them from friendship. Ages: 9-12
War What is war? This stunning story uses creative illustrations and little verbiage to share the origins and stealthiness of war and how to share the difficult concept with kids. Ages: 9-12
Where Snow Angels Go Have you ever woken up in the middle of the night for no reason? Sylvie awakens one evening to find her very own angel––could it be the same one she made in the snow last winter? Maggie O'Farrell's tale follows the relationship between Sylvie and her protector when she needs him the most. Ages: 7-10
The Great Whipplethorp Bug Collection This adorable book by author Ben Brashares is a story about a boy named Chuck, who, while insisting he's bored and his stay-at-home-dad is "boring," comes to learn about his ancestors and their great contributions to the world. Determined to make his own mark, Chuck looks for a mountain to climb, an ocean to explore, bugs to collect. When things don't turn out as he'd hoped, Chuck ends up doing something completely new and cool. A wonderful addition to your kids' book collection. Ages: 4-8
Jenny Mei Is Sad This sweet story by Tracy Subisak just might hit you deep down with its profound yet simplistic exploration of friendship when one friend is sad. It's not our place to always cheer up our friends. Being there is what is important. Ages 4-8.
Dad, the Man, the Myth, the Legend He can wrestle pythons to the ground, he can fly to the hardware store, he's a certified genius: he's dad! Written by Mifflin Lowe with stunning illustrations by Dani Torrent, this all about dad tale praises the amazingness of fathers and even has a special place in the back to brag about your own padre. Ages 4-8.
Sharky McShark Sharky is a bully. All the fish in the sea swim furiously away when she approaches. But when a tiny crab enters her world, all things change. You'll love this story from Alison Murray that delves into themes of bullying, vulnerability and the importance of friendship. Ages 4-8.
Dragonboy Follow along on a day of adventure with Dragonboy in this colorful story by Fabio Napoleoni. You'll love how Dragonboy treasures the differences of his friends and has empathy for their struggles. Ages 4-8.
Jonah's Adventures in the Enchanted Garden You'll love diving into this delicately illustrated story of a boy who spends the summer with his grandparents and discovers a land beyond the confines of their garden. Author Rodica Niculescu penned this lovely story for her grandsons and you'll be immersed in the story from page one. Ages 1-11.
Sharp Eye the Eagle Series If you are looking to impart some lessons into your reading time, this series is perfect for you. Each of the seven stories in the series has Sharp Eye the eagle imparting wisdom like why too much screen time is not a good idea, or why sharing benefits us all.
Make Your Bed with Skipper the Seal This clever story by Admiral William H. McRaven shares the story of how Skipper goes from being a seal to becoming a Navy SEAL (and why making the bed is always important!). Ages 4-8.
Little Messy Marcy Su Author Cherie Fu brings us this lovely tale of a tired mom and her exuberant child who come together to get their house ready for the grandparents' visit. Lovely rhyming with Chinese words interspersed gives us a glimpse into this family's everyday life. Ages 4-8.
I Am an American, the Wong Kim Ark Story This story by Marth Brockenbrough is an important picture book that introduces young readers to the young man who challenged the Supreme Court for his right to be an American citizen and won, confirming birthright citizenship for all Americans. Ages 4-8.
Bravo Anjali Young readers will enjoy the story of Anjali as she struggles with friendship and owning her exceptional talent in the tabla world where she is the only girl. A follow-up story to Always Anjali, this story inspires young readers to never dim their light and to never let anyone make her feel bad for being good at something.
A New Harvest You'll love this sweet tale by Cristina Expósito Escalona (that's available in both English and Spanish). It tells the story of a farmer, devastated by tornados, who bring his field back to life and receives support from homeless people in his community, who are then able to be supported by the land and the work. Bonus: this book is sustainably made using stone paper. Ages 4-8.
The Secret of the Magic Pearl Elisa Sabatinelli and Iacopo Bruno's story will take readers on an adventure. Told in long-form and with stunning illustrations, follow young Hector along as he searches for the illusive magic pearl. Ages 6-10.
Lotería Karla Arenas Valenti's debut middle grade novel is packed with action. Combining Día de los Muertos imagery, Mexican folklore and the game of Lotería, readers will follow Clara on an adventure of fate. Ages 8-12.
The Other Side of Luck Perfect for young fantasy readers, Ginger Johnson's tale explores the relationship between Princess Una and Julien, a pauper in the kingdom. When both enter a contest to find the illusive Silva Flower, can the two find a sense of belonging in their otherwise lonely worlds? Ages 8-11.
The Gumazing Gum Girl! Stick Together! Gum Girl, aka Gabby Gomez, returns in this fifth book of the series. Fresh off a trip meeting her uncle, Gabby must now take on an overgrown hamster alongside friends new and old. Ages 6-10.
Stolen Science Ella Schwartz and illustrator Gaby D'Allessandro are setting the record straight when it comes to inventions, science and who should receive credit. The two explore underrepresented communities, immigrants, women and more who made strides in science but went unnoticed over the last few centuries. Ages 9-11.
The Kids of Cattywampus Street Meet the kids of Cattywampus Street! This delightful 11-chapter book dedicates a story to each of the unique and whimsical children on the block. Perfect for lovers of Sideways Stories from Wayside School, this book also has carefully placed black and white drawings throughout to keep young readers entertained the entire way. Ages 7-10.
Mightier Than the Sword Rochelle Melander's collection is a must for budding writers. With illustrations by Melina Ontiveros, Mightier Than the Sword shares the stories of writers from diverse cultural backgrounds who changed the world with the pen. Not only does this new book details stories like Frederick Douglas and Helen Keller, but it includes robust writing tips and activities, too. Ages 8-13.
Starfish Lisa Fipps debut novel faces off against the world of fat-shaming with her lead character Ellie. Follow along as the young protagonist finds new friendship that will take her from wanting to blend in, to becoming comfortable with who she is––no matter her size. Ages 10-13.
A Total Waste of Space-Time! Book two of the Space-Time series is here! Get back on the potato with Jide and Petra as they travel to the planets of their friends. Jeffrey Brown's graphic novel is the perfect, can't-put-down read for middle graders. Ages 8-12.
How to Win a Slime War Author Mae Respicio is back again with a darling story that middle-grade readers will love. Twelve-year-old Alex Manalo and his dad have recently moved back to Sacramento to help with the family's Filipino market. In his free time, Alex loves to make slime and a friend at his new school encourages him to sell his concoction, sparking a battle with a girl who previously enjoyed a slime-opoly on campus. To make matters worse, Alex's dad thinks Alex should be focused on more traditional "boy" pastimes, like sports, which Alex hates. How to Win a Slime War is filled with heart and hope as it explores the fun and hard work of being an entrepreneur, navigating family and boyhood expectations, and discovering what it means to win. Ages 8-12.
Kitty Quest What happens when two kitties who need cash team up to become monster slayers? They head out on a Kitty Quest! This debut graphic novel by Phil Corbett follows Woolfrick and Perigold as they awaken ghosts and battle monsters––without any experience! Ages: 8-12.
Mellybean & the Giant Monster, Mellybean & the Wicked Wizard Meet Melly, a lovable pup who just wants to play with her feline friends. When a prank goes awry, Melly finds herself falling down a magical hole in the backyard! Join her as she takes on monsters and witches in the first two graphic novels by Mike White which are equally fun for kids and adults. Ages: 8-12.
The Islanders Themes of environmentalism and conservation permeate this debut middle grade novel for author Mary Alice Monroe. When Jake is forced to spend a screen-free summer with his grandmother on an island nature sanctuary, he befriends two other kids and they bond together to save loggerhead turtles from predation. Ages: 9-12.
Unforgotten: The Wild Life of Dian Fossey and Her Relentless Quest to Save Mountain Gorillas Without any formal training, young Dian Fossey embarks on a journey to Africa to study and protect the few mountain gorillas left on Earth. This book creatively tells Dian's story, inspiring young readers to follow their dreams. Ages: 8-12.
Ways to Grow Love Ryan Hart is back in Renée Watson’s second installment of her series. The young heroine is headed off to sleepaway camp, where she’ll meet a new camper that requires her to share her best friend. Follow along as our leading lady navigates tons of changes, including the birth of her baby sister. Ages: 7-10
EINSTEIN – The Fantastic Journey of a Mouse Through Space and Time You'll love Torben Kuhlmann’s brilliant new picture book that bends time and imagination through the adventures of a clever mouse. When this mouse misses the world's largest cheese festival by only one day, he is determined to travel back in time to experience all the Emmental and Gruyere he desires. He enlists the help of a mouse clockmaker and together they delve into Albert Einstein's notes as they set about on their adventure. Ages: 8-12
The Cardboard Kingdom #2: Roar of the Beast This sequel to the Eisner Award-nominated The Cardboard Kingdom follows the kids as they solve the mystery of a new neighborhood monster. Through a unique collaboration of 10 authors, each character is given an individual and authentic voice that makes this vibrant, profound, and utterly moving children’s graphic novel series truly shine. Ages 9-12
Gamora and Nebula: Sisters in Arms Author Mackenzi Lee is back with the second installment of this highly-popular series that's full of the Marvel Universe characters you love. Find out what happens when Gamora arrives on Torndune―a once-lush planet that has been strip-mined for the power source beneath its surface―with a mission to collect the heart of the planet. Ages: 12+
She Persisted: Sally Ride Award-winning author Atia Abawi brings young readers the story of Sally Ride, the first American woman in space. As she broke barriers in space, this amazing woman went on to change the face of NASA and developed engineering programs that would enable women of the future to follow their dreams. Ages: 6-9
The Firebird Song Fans of Shannon Hale will thoroughly enjoy this new novel by Arnée Flores. Travel to the Kingdom of Lyrica, where the Firebird has vanished. Once the protector by its song and feather, its absence is felt strongly as the evil Spectress reigns. Can Young Prewitt and Princess Calliope solve the mysterious message found on the castle wall and bring back the Firebird for good? Ages: 8-11
Dead Wednesday It was anything but a typical school day when Worm Tarnauer hopped out of bed on "Dead Wednesday." It was the day he'd been looking forward to his whole school career, when eighth graders were assigned a teen who had died over the past year, donned their black shirts and became invisible. Worm didn't anticipate that his journey with Becca Finch (age 17, car crash) would take him where it did. This book by Jerry Spinelli will have you thinking about what it means to truly live.
The Wild Ones This one's all about feminist power when a group of teenage girls must band together and use their special powers to save the life of the magical boy who saved them all. This is the second novel from author Nafiza Azad and the deep character development will have you reading well past bedtime. Age 14+.
Daughter of the Deep Fans of Rick Riordan will love this new release that pays homage to Jules Verne in this exciting modern take on 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. Young readers will be enthralled with the characters as they dive deep into the action and humor that are Riordan signatures.
Paradise on Fire Author Jewell Parker Rhodes is back with her follow-up novel to critically acclaimed book Black Brother, Black Brother. Paradise on Fire is inspired by the devastating Camp Fire that devastated the town of Paradise, CA in 2018. Addy is haunted by the fire that killer her parents and spends the summer at a wilderness camp learning new outdoor skills. But mostly they learn how to rely on each other. This poignant story has themes of environmentalism, racism and activism and is a must-read for teens and parents alike.
Dust & Grim Bestselling author Chuck Wendig comes through again with this charming tale of two rival siblings who must bond together to save their family business, a mortuary for monsters. Ages 8-12.
The Hawthorne Legacy In Book 2 of the Inheritance Games series, you'll find heiress Avery Grambs sorting out the pieces that come after Tobias Hawthorne left his entire fortune to her, a complete stranger. With nonstop action, aspirational jet-setting, Knives Out-like family intrigue, swoonworthy romance, and billions of dollars hanging in the balance, The Hawthorne Legacy will thrill Jennifer Lynn Barnes fans and new readers alike. Ages 12+.
The Land of the Pines In her debut novel, author Summer Pines teaches readers about the gift of empathy and how friendship can help us through trials. Lush illustrations capture the magic found in the Piney Woods of Nilsson’s East Texas hometown and bring the cast of creatures vividly to life.
Black Boy Joy: 17 Stories Celebrating Black Boyhood From seventeen acclaimed Black male and non-binary authors comes a vibrant collection of stories, comics, and poems about the power of joy and the wonders of Black boyhood.
Mermaid Tears Susan L. Read’s debut novel helps young readers understand struggles with their mental health and provide essential resources to help them. Sarah is a hard-working student, a good friend, a kind daughter, and a creative soul. Lately however, maintaining her grades and friendships has become harder than usual, and nothing brings her much joy anymore. With the help of her family, friends, trusted teacher and mental health professionals, Sarah learns that there is a name for what she is dealing with. She develops tools, not only for coping, but for thriving. In learning about her condition and gaining the support she needs for managing it, she begins the long journey back to her life. Ages 8-12.
Rea and the Blood of the Nectar This story by Payal Doshi chronicles the journey of Rea as she goes on a quest with her friend Leela to find her missing twin brother Rohan after a fight on their 12th birthday. Rea must solve clues that lead to Rohan while experiencing many hurdles, challenges and unexpected encounters along the way. Ages 8-12.
Little Jagadish and the Great Experiment This book by Ajali Joshi chronicles the journey of a young boy named Jagadish who sets out to find solutions to unanswered questions using the scientific method. Inspired by the life and work of Indian physicist, botanist, and author Jagadish Chandra Bose, this story encourages young readers to embrace their curiosity and unleash their inner scientist.
The Girl from the Attic When a mysterious black cat leads Maddy Rose into an unknown attic, she meets Clare and his very sick sister Eva. Together Maddy and Clare jump into a money-making scheme in his uncle’s dangerous soap factory to buy a cure for Eva. But an unexpected tragedy befalls them before Maddy is pulled back into her own time to confront the premature birth of her own sister. Will the skills she learned in the past help her solve the problems of the present? Can the strange shape of the house make a difference? Age 11+.
Tristan Strong Keeps Punching Young readers have been eagerly awaiting the third and final book of the Tristan Strong trilogy by author Kwame Mbalia and the time has come! Will Tristan be able to make his way north to his home in Chicago, or will the ghosts and evil spirits of the south, known as the haints, stop him along the way? You'll need to read to find out!
National Geographic Kids World Atlas Where should your family vaycay next? Let this comprehensive atlas help! Packed with maps, facts and tons of photos, inspire the wanderlust in your fam, stat.
Skygazing Two books in one, this exploration of both the night and day sky covers everything from ancient beliefs and spiders, to creatures of the forest.
It Takes Guts What exactly is the science behind barfs and burps? And what about poop? Dr. Jennifer Gardy gives up all the juicy details on the magnificent human body.
Palm Trees at the North Pole Perfect for young environmentalists who want to learn about climate change, Marc ter Horst's book is all about inventors, scientists, activities, volcanoes and more. Alongside Wendy Panders' illustrations, adults will learn just a much as kids in this detailed work of art.
The Ultimate Art Museum Ferren Gipson is ready to take you on adventure. Travel through time and all over the world finding the most famous art of all time in this perfect coffee table book. With over 40,000 years of art, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Wild Child: Adventure Cooking with Kids Sarah Glover, the James Beard Award-nominated author of Wild: Adventure Cooking, brings us this lovely book that will definitely motivate you and your kids to get cooking outdoors. From campfire bananas to food cooked in coconut, this book will definitely up your camping food game.
Guide to the National Parks of the United States, 9th Edition If your family is planning a National Parks visit this year, you need to pick up a copy of this great reference book. It gives you road trip routes, hiking suggestions and lots more.
Birds: Explore Their Extraordinary World Stunning illustrations by Angela Harding abound in this nonfiction compendium by Miranda Krestovnikoff. Young learners will explore the vast world of birds, from the coldest regions and beyond. Perfect for a coffee table or a keepsake, this gorgeous book has something to teach everyone.
Summer travel season is here and it’s time to turn your California Dreams into weekend warrior reality! We have a massive list of California road trip ideas that will have you exploring National Parks, castles, wine country, the gorgeous Highway 1 coastline, the redwoods, desert delights and more. Read on for our top picks for California family road trips you’ve simply got to take with your kids NOW.
Northern California
Mendocino
Mendocino Grove
Miles of gorgeous coastline, redwood forests galore and even some wine tasting for the grown ups make Mendocino the ideal spot for your next long weekend. Ride a horse along the shore or feed some giraffes at B. Bryan Preserve. Beaches like Bowling Ball Beach and Glass Beach are unlike anything you've seen before. Be sure to stop by Frankie's Ice Cream and Pizza for a slice of mushroom pizza followed by a cone topped with candy cap mushroom ice cream when you are in downtown Mendocino. Reserve a cottage at the Point Arena Lighthouse to hear the waves crashing or go for glamping at Mendocino Grove.
Read all about this gorgeous area of CA coastline here.
Mammoth Lakes
Josh Wray Photography
The Eastern Sierra is an epic family destination any time of year. Get a bird's eye view of this gorgeous area via SkyTime Helicopter Air Tours. Or, pack the snacks and hike one of these trails (Heart Lake is particularly kid-friendly). Ride the scenic gondola to the top and enjoy lunch on the summit (bonus: kids ride free!). The Sierra Nevada Resort offers a quintessential mountain town lodging experience or stay in the Village at the Westin where you can easily access all the shops and restaurants in the area.
If visiting the state capital was on your bucket list, now you have good reason to go. Sacramento offers lots of family friendly adventures for folks who’ve got train lovers, plane flyers and fairy catchers in the family. The Sacramento History Museum walking tour takes you back in time to the mid 1800s when gold was plentiful and women were scarce. Fairytale Town is the ideal stop for toddlers where they can run the crooked mile, slide down the Old Woman’s shoe, sit on King Arthur’s throne and pet the farm animals. And the perfect way to end the day? At one of the many confectioner’s shops. Aww, sweet Sacramento.
For more information on what to do and where to stay, click here.
Our Managing Editor grew up in this quaint little town in the foothills of Northern California, located only about an hour and a half from Sacramento. A true Gold Rush town, Nevada City still maintains its Victorian-era charm thanks to the entire downtown being zoned a historic district. This keeps chain restaurants and shops away creating a diverse array of food, sweets and artisanal wares. Don't miss Mountain Pastimes, just off the main drag, a toy store that has been in operation since our editor was a kid, and the gift shop at Bonanza, the local market's gift shop stocked with colorful Chinese merchandise including tea, lanterns and more. Wander up one side of Broad St. and down the other, sampling wares along the way.
Nevada CIty hosts scores of events, including the annual Victorian Christmas and the Nevada City Classic Bicycle Race—closing off the streets for cars and allowing pedestrians a European-worthy promenade. In the summer, you'll find purple skies full of stars, farmers markets, camping spots and swimming. Autumn brings radiant colors and countless trails to explore. All year round, you'll find a town full of artists, aging hippies rubbing elbows with conservatives, great coffee and a new generation of forward-thinking artisans and entrepreneurs.
Whether you live in the Bay Area and are looking for some time in the snow, or you head there in summer for some gorgeous hikes and lake time, Lake Tahoe is definitely a destination that all CA kids need to check out. Summer brings bike rides along the East Short Trail at Incline Village that just opened last year, as well as loads of live music opportunities on both the North and South Shore. When winter is here it's all about snow sports with Tahoe Donner a favorite for tubing and sledding. The Ritz-Carlton and Resort at Squaw Creek are some of our North Shore favorites for lodging, while the Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel provides a prime location on the South Shore.
From the Redwood Forest. . . this land was made for you and me! Kids must see our most famous tree sometime before you head off to college. Muir Woods National Monument is one of the last old-growth redwood forests on the planet and one of the only native salmon runs in California. Plus, there’s more than a few opportunities for your tiny treehugger to duck into a massive tree hollow and ham it up for your Instagram feed. Sequoia Sempervirens are the tallest—and one of the oldest—living things on earth. Fun fact: the tallest tree in Muir Woods is over 250 feet and most trees are between 600 to 800 years old. The oldest tree is thought to be about 1,200 years young, which is merely middle-age for redwoods. This outing may inspire your family to take your next trip to the Gulf Stream waters and really explore our whole country.
Gorgeous views, hikes galore, dark skies for stargazing and tons of interesting history await your visit to Lassen Volcanic National Park. Stop at the Visitor Center when you enter the park to watch the short video about the area's volcanic history and to learn what trails are open for business. Then make your way farther into the park to stop at the bubbling mud pots with the very distinct (and horrible) smell of sulfur. Don't forget that all fourth graders get free access to the national parks for a whole year through the Every Kid Outdoors program.
If you want a cabin camping experience inside the park, book a spot at Drakesbad Guest Ranch. Here you can go horseback riding, hiking and swimming in the hot spring-fed swimming pool as the sun goes down.
Head north past Redding and you'll make your way to the tranquil county of Siskiyou that extends to the California-Oregon border. Here you'll find gorgeous hikes like the Hedge Creek Falls Trail in Dunsmuir and the McCloud Falls Trail. Spend some time fishing for trout and exploring all of the outdoor adventure that the area has to offer. When you want to stay the night, we love the vintage cabooses turned into sleeping compartments at Railroad Park in Dunsmuir.
San Francisco is unlike any other California city you'll come across. You'll find a densely-populated metropolis full of amazing dining experiences, parks around every turn, the epic Golden Gate Bridges, beaches for exploring and so much more. Head to PIER 39 to see the sea lions and eat some chowder, ride the Cable Cars to Chinatown for dim sum and then cross the bridge to the Marin Headlands to see the city from the other side.
Wine Country may sound like romantic parent getaway, but it also has loads to offer families. TrainTown in Sonoma and the Epicenter Sports and Entertainment Complex in Santa Rosa are two kid destinations that you can't miss in between the sips. Sign up for a safari and stay the night at Safari West. Grab some delicious grub at Boon Fly Café in Napa. And oh, yeah, there are plenty of wineries that are ready with some grape juice, crayons and lawn games to keep their smallest patrons entertained. There are even kid-friendly eateries and lodging if you are looking to make it a long weekend or even a week-long getaway. In other words, you don't have to wait until the wee ones are otherwise occupied for a wine getaway.
Yosemite National Park is one of the oldest nature preserves in the US, and also one of the most majestic. If you’ve never been, it may be hard to know where to start your visit, but we know where to find the best trails for small hikers, which activities will thrill the most and which lodging is best for tired little toes. There are miles of valley to explore but the most kid-friendly paths are near the bottom. We recommend starting with the Sentinel Meadow Loop for amazing views of Half Dome reflected in the Merced River. It’s a 2.25-mile walk, great for strollers and offering lots of bathrooms, and a snap to stop off at Yosemite Valley Store for snacks before or after the trek. Looking for a little more of a challenge with a huge payoff? The Bridal Veil Falls hike may only be ½ mile out and back and stroller accessible but it is a little steep. A huge bonus is that the waterfall runs year-round, unlike many others which dry out in mid to late summer months.
When you’re ready to rest your head, there are options for every price point and rugged-loving level. Evergreen Lodge is pretty much our favorite spot (ever) as it has all of the kid-perks you look for and tons of relaxation opportunities for the parents. The splurge-worthy Ahwahnee Hotel is a world-renowned, four-diamond hotel, but for families, we love Tenaya Lodge, located just outside the park's Mariposa Grove South Entrance. Get rustic at Curry Village with a tent or enjoy a cabin or private room equipped with electricity, bathrooms and maid service.
This mesmerizing stretch of the California coast is the perfect addition to your California road trip. Camping spots along here have epic views and you can wake to the sounds of the crashing waves without having to turn on your sound machine. Julia Pheiffer Burns State Park is a great destination for a picnic and some hiking to waterfalls. As long as you don't have any car sickness-prone kids, Highway 1 is a gorgeous drive and an excellent choice for CA road trips.
A Central Coast adventure has many animals to delight young nature lovers. Start at the Piedras Blancas elephant seal rookery, which covers over six miles of beach near Point Piedras Blancas. The viewing areas are open daily, are wheelchair and stroller accessible and are free. You can see elephant seals mating and pupping and then see the (relatively) tiny babies. Don’t forget jackets, as the best time to see babies is January & February, and if you’re warm enough, you can spend all day here.
Nearby is Hearst Castle with 165 rooms and 127 acres of gardens, terraces, pools and walkways. On the tram up to the castle, keep an eye out the window for zebras! Last stop is down to Pismo Beach (a great little beach town with many family and budget friendly hotels, not to mention amazing cinnamon buns) and the largest Monarch Butterfly Grove in the state. Docents are available for talks, as are telescopes to better spot the insects chilling in clusters in Eucalyptus trees. Look closely. At first glance, the butterfly tree clusters look like dried leaves, but then they start to move and you realize the trees are actually made of butterfly wings!
Dubbed the ‘Danish Capital of America,’ Solvang (which means sunny field in Danish) is in the lush wine country of Santa Ynez Valley. Located just 125 miles north of Los Angeles, this quaint town has a vibe and aesthetic reminiscent of a European fairy tale. Kids will love the whimsical Danish heritage that infuses downtown—which is complete with Danish style architecture, thatched roofs, and windmills.
While the town still has plenty of kitschy charm worth checking out (like Paula's Pancake House and a Viking-themed playground), there are also plenty of top-notch restaurants, boutique hotels, tucked-away tasting rooms and carefully curated shops to explore. On your way in or out of town, you'll also want to squeeze in a stop at Ostrichland USA, where kids can feed the big birds.
Santa Barbara, also known as 'The American Riviera,' is a gorgeous locale that makes you feel like you're a world away in paradise. From the pristine beaches to the serene mountains and lush vineyards, there's plenty to explore. Families can have the best of both worlds relaxing and unwinding as well as taking in city life. Book a stay at the oceanfront Four Seasons The Biltmore Santa Barbara for first class accommodations. Visit MOXI,: The Wolf Museum of Exploration and Innovation to inspire and educate kids. Don't miss the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center and the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden to delve deeper into the flora and fauna that make Santa Barbara so special. You'll also find plenty of delicious dining options throughout the city. We like Helena Avenue Bakery for lunch and Monkeyshine for a delightful dessert. Save time to bask in the sun at Butterfly Beach and to enjoy some water activities like whale watching or kayaking.
Called the 'Alps' of Southern California, Lake Arrowhead is perfectly poised in the mountains of the San Bernardino National Forest. This idyllic mountain locale offers families respite from big city life, via a return to nature complete with adventures like water and snow skiing, hiking, biking and fishing amidst glorious scenery. Stay at Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa for the best Lake access. It's the perfect retreat in any weather. You'll find Lake Arrowhead to be a wonderful escape during all seasons, depending on your preference of snow skiing or enjoying water activities.
Carlsbad has it all when it comes to a family-friendly vacation destination. LEGOLAND is poised to open LEGO Movie World this spring, which will make the beloved theme park even more awesome! You can't beat South Carlsbad State Beach for swimming, surfing, picnicking and picturesque views. The Flower Fields come alive with rainbow blooms as far as the eye can see from Mar. 1-May 10 and Carlsbad Village offers local shopping and dining experiences the whole fam will love.
There's nothing like roaming among sky high, towering trees to give you a new perspective on life. And isn't that what traveling is all about? Take your little sprouts to explore Sequoia National Park for the ultimate immersion into nature. Book a stay at Wuksachi Lodge in the heart of the Park and you'll enjoy easy access to all of the area's attractions including the Giant Forest Grove of the Big Trees and Giant Forest Museum, Big Trees Trail and Wolverton Recreation Area. Walk among the world's largest trees and spy the creatures that call this forest home. You can also opt to camp among them at Bearpaw High Sierra Camp®.
Ojai is a quaint and charming town set in a valley in the Topatopa Mountains 75 miles north of Los Angeles. It's just a quick car trip, but you'll feel you've left city life far behind. Unplug and bask in nature with all the creature comforts by staying in one of the modern bohemian Airstreams at Caravan Outpost. Grab lunch at Hip Vegan Cafe and bike along the car-free Ojai Valley Trail. Let kids be kids at Libbey Park located in the center of town, and then browse the cute local boutiques and galleries. You can also visit Ojai for the day and go a little further north to stay in Santa Barbara.
Renowned for being a righteous skiing & snowboarding destination in the winter, Big Bear is also beautiful (and a lot less crowded) during the fall, spring and summer. Nature fans and lovers of the great outdoors will be spoiled for choice in this scenic locale. Ride the Alpine Slide, or hop on the Miss Liberty for a boat tour of Big Bear Lake, get up close and personal with animals at the Big Bear Alpine Zoo or go ziplining or mountain biking. This small town has a ton to offer in way of adventurous fun.
More details on a fabulous family itinerary may be found here.
The twisty tree shapes, Cholla cactus forests, and blobby boulders in Joshua Tree make wonderful Dr. Seuss-style memories for your kiddos on this desert adventure. For a quick day trip from the incredibly kid-friendly Palm Springs, stick to exhibitions along the main roads; for a hike, the one-mile loop trail through Hidden Valley is a good introduction for little ones. Start your adventure at the West entrance, then work your way along the road exiting the park at the South. The most scenic sections will be located close to the road at the beginning of the trip. If you really want to immerse yourself in the beauty of the place for several days, think about staying at these little private pods at the Bonita Domes.
This quaint, old-fashioned mountain town and historical district is as American as apple pie––which it's famous for too. Julian was put on the map during the gold rush in the 1870's and the nostalgic vibe is what continues to make this locale a charming throwback to the simpler times of yesteryear. Families can pan for gold at Julian Mining Company, sip apple cider while exploring the many bakeries and shops that line Main St., or go off the beaten path to hike or go fishing. If you're in town during apple picking season, head to Apple Starr Orchard for bushels of fun. There are year-round festivities and festivals in this bucolic locale, from Grape Stomps and Apple Days to Country Christmas and Gold Rush Days––as well as impromptu entertainment that crops on Main St. like gunfight skits on Sundays! Don't leave without an apple pie or two to-go from Julian Pie Company and some candied or caramel apples from Candied Apple Pastry.
Get even more details on what to do in Julian here.
The Channel Islands
Meghan Rose
Cruise across the sunny sea through a shroud of fog to emerge on your own Galapagos-like sanctuary; one of the pristine Channel Islands. Santa Cruz is probably the best island for a first visit, as it’s the largest and offers the most amenities. But if you’re traveling with bigger kids, Anacapa is a beautiful and wild adventure. Either island turns into a pristine nature visit for kids of all ages where on the boat over you can see dolphins and whales and when you get to the island you can see the mice and dwarf fox that call the island home. When you get to Santa Cruz, which is the only island with running water and a visitor center, you can take a hike with the naturalist volunteer who takes the boat ride over with you, and learn all about the history of the island from the Chumash settlers to the ranchers who raised cattle here as well as the island’s new life as a National Park. If your family is adventurous or has been to the islands before, consider booking a kayak tour or camping on the island.
Word is getting out about all the good things this up and coming sleepy town nestled in the San Jacinto Mountains has to offer, so plan a trip before the crowds get 'wild.' A go-to destination for hikers and rock climbers, visit the Idyllwild Nature Center to find the excursion that's best for your family. Idyllwild also offers great glamping and bed and breakfast options and respite from the hustle and bustle of city life. Be sure to dine amongst the trees at Gastrognome or head to Cafe Aroma for a sophisticated and comforting meal made with local ingredients and play a game of checkers on the checkerboard tables while fueling up at Higher Grounds Coffee. The town also boasts charming shops including Sky Island Organics local marketplace and Candy Cupboard.
With its slew awesome kid-friendly museums (including favorites like Kidspace, The California Science Center, LACMA and Getty), plus miles of beaches, iconic restaurants, and can't-miss tourist spots (we're looking at you Rodeo Dr.), Los Angeles is the kind of city you could spend a few days in and still only scratch the surface. It's a city you can keep coming back to again and agin—which is why we've got a long list of things to do with kids in LA that you can start making your way through, one unforgettable experience at a time!
A true oasis in the desert, the celebrity playground of the '60s has become a popular destination for families seeking sunshine and stunning hotel pools, plus natural beauty (hello, Joshua Tree and the can't-miss Living Desert Zoo and Gardens), and a dose of mid-century style. During the winter months, you can also experience snow by way of the Palm Spring Aerial Tram that climbs 2.5 miles up into the San Jacinto Mountains. Throughout the year, you can also visit the Children's Discovery Museum of the Desert and the Palm Springs Air Museum. These air-conditioned spots are the perfect place to beat the heat in the afternoon.
We could all use a little adventure right now and an escape within driving distance fits the bill! Whether it’s heading to a spot you’ve never been to or just a change of scenery and making family memories, we have just the place. Springfield, Missouri is the gateway to the great outdoors and so much more. Located in the heart of the Ozarks, Springfield is a city with a small-town feel. It’s the perfect mix of great city amenities and access to outdoor activities, excellent food and family-friendly activities, all at an affordable price (not to mention loads of free activities!). Read on for five reasons why this should be your next family getaway!
Looking for a wild adventure? Dickerson Park Zoo is a local zoo with big heart and even bigger animals! Get up close and personal with creatures from around the world—there's even a train ride you can hop on and a petting zoo, too! Not only will you have so much fun discovering more about animals of all kinds, but your visit also plays a part in the zoo’s mission to protect the animals in their care and worldwide.
Visit the largest immersive wildlife attraction in the world! Exciting exhibits include This Land Is Your Land, where you'll step into the wild with state-of-the-art 4D dioramas that surround you with the sights, sounds and smells of the planet’s most striking wildlife habitats. Meticulously recreated environments transport you to the wild! And, Make a Splash in Nature, where you'll get up close to hundreds of species in their unique habitats. Bring your family on this one-of-a-kind aquatic expedition expanding the globe's oceans, lakes and streams.
As if all of these great activities weren't enough reason to make the trip, from April 1-June 27, Springfield, Missouri is running an ultra-special promotion! Visit three attractions, three food and drink establishments and stay at least two nights in a hotel and they'll pick up the tab for one night in the hotel.* You definitely don't want to miss out on this limited-time deal—book now and start planning your trip!
*Restrictions apply. Check their site for more details.
A castle in Springfield?! That's right, and this one is not only beautiful but offers loads of activities. Go on a guided history tour of the castle, test your survival skills in one of their Escape Rooms, and for the older kids, muster up the courage to join a ghost tour of the castle—spooky fun. They even offer live murder mystery dinners and all types of special events throughout the year.
Car lovers, unite! Located on historic Route 66, this "garage" features over 70 American and European automobiles. Take a walk through history as you check out "Brass Era" cars (i.e., some of the first!), classic cars, sports cars and celebrity rides, like the Batmobile! Even if you're not car-obsessed, your jaw will still drop and the beauty and history behind some of these unique vehicles.
You may feel like your house is a zoo, but it’s still not as wild as the real thing. If your kids are starting to think tigers only exist in memes…it’s time to break free!
The San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park are back with a roar and thrilled to welcome you again! Their top priority is the safety and well-being of their guests, team members and their wildlife—which they’ve kept safe for over 100 years. Read on to learn more about safety measures in place, meet the newest additions to their family and to get excited about planning your trip!
After the zoo’s longest closure in its history, the team members and animals are excited to welcome you back! Visit old friends and meet some new ones, as you stroll through the zoo, getting up close and personal with your family’s favorite animals. With over 3,500 animals and 650 species and subspecies, you know you’ll be in for a wild adventure!
Two words: baby animals! While the San Diego Zoo was closed, they got a few adorable new additions. Akobi, a pygmy hippo calf (the first born at the zoo in more than 40 years!) and Agapito, an Andean bear cub are two of the not-so-little ones that your kids can see. The zoo also welcomed two Amur leopard cubs (an endangered species) and twin ring-tailed lemurs!
Get up close to your favorite wildlife at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park! With a diverse array of habitats, including Africa, Asia, Australia and North America, you’ll feel like you’ve traveled the world! The Safari Park’s expansive grounds give your family freedom to roam and explore at your own pace—meaning you can spend as much time with the giraffes as you’d like!
The Safari Park also welcomed a few new friends! Come meet the babies: an adorable cheetah cub, two porcupine pups (aka “porcupettes”) and an already-famous giraffe calf whose name, Zahara, was chosen by her online fans. You can also meet one-horned rhino calves, a zebra foal and the park’s first-ever echidna baby, which is also called a puggle!
Get Close to the Animals–Not Other People
Now you can always skip the crowds and experience the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park like never before. Capacity is reduced to less than half of full capacity to allow for social distancing, meaning you get to spend more time watching your favorite animals, all with a front-row view.
In order to keep people at a safe distance, the zoo has also modified how guests move through the park. The changes include posted signs, some one-way direction routes, ground spacing markers to indicate six feet of separation and socially-distanced seating.
Plus, they’ve got extra cleaning covered, with additional and more frequent cleaning and disinfecting throughout the facilities on an ongoing basis each day. Hand sanitizer and handwashing stations are readily available in the parks for guests to use, as well.
Hours, Tickets & More
The San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park are open every day, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Hours are subject to change, so check their zoo and safari park websites for the most up-to-date hours and information. Due to limited capacity, tickets in advance are recommended.
Travel to Costa Rica without having to board an airplane. Families are invited to join Visit Costa Rica and CAMP on a virtual, wild adventure this Tues. Jul. 21 from 2 p.m. to 2:45 pm. ET. Tickets are free and all are welcome!
CAMP
You and your family will be treated to a fun virtual vacation filled with a scavenger hunt, “name that animal sound” game and sustainable DIY craft. To get ready for your trip all you will need to do is grab a few supplies. Each craft project requires a recycled toilet paper roll, paper, glue and scissors.
Also, check out the fun digital activity book.
To register your family for this free virtual experience, please click here.