ML Season Tag: winter,fall,summer

Reach New Heights: Portland Climbing Gyms for Kids

by Annette Benedetti

Do your kids need to get some energy out? Bring them to a Portland climbing gym—STAT

Let’s be honest, during the long winter months it can be challenging to get kids outside, especially on the rainiest days. And while we love Portland’s many indoor playgrounds and play spots, and consider ourselves experts in the realm of creative places to play on a rainy day, sometimes it’s fun to mix it up a bit. So the next time your kids are climbing the walls at home, lean in and let them climb—somewhere else. These Portland indoor climbing gyms are waiting to help you and your little ones get your wiggles out this winter.

1. The Circuit

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If you are nervous about your little ones scaling a wall with only a rope to keep them safe, bouldering, or climbing without ropes, is an activity that even toddlers and pre-schoolers can enjoy. The Circuit is a bouldering gym that boasts being home to the best kids' climbing space in Portland. They have kid-specific boulders that are designed with shorter climbers in mind. Even better, all of the walls were created to accommodate climbers of all ages, sizes, and ability levels.

If your child isn't in the mood to climb The Circuit also offers slacklining. Slacklines are similar to tight ropes but made of stretchy, flexible material. They provide hours of fun for your littles as they practice balancing and carefully placing one foot in front of the other without falling.

410 N.E. 17th Ave.
Portland

6050 S.W. Macadam Ave.
Portland

16255 S.W. Upper Boones Ferry Rd.
Tigard, OR
Online: thecircuitgym.com

2. Portland Rock Gym

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Located in NE, the Portland Rock Gym provides hours and hours of thrills and chills as your young climbers scale walls speckled with colorful "rocks" guiding their path. This gym offers Kids Climb which is perfect for 8-to 11-year-olds and includes a staff member who assists your child as they begin climbing roped walls, bouldering, and using the auto-belays. There are also camps and clubs you can sign your kiddo up for if they fall in love with this daring sport. Sign your clan up for the monthly family package and enjoy climbing all winter long.

21 N.E. 12th Ave.
Portland
Online: portlandrockgym.com

3. Stoneworks Climbing Gym

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Beaverton’s Stoneworks is designed to promote community and exudes "family-friendly." It boasts 34-foot climbing and lead walls, high-ball bouldering to 20 feet, top-out bouldering area, and auto belays. If you or your kids fall in love with climbing there are climbing lessons available, and Stoneworks offers fun kids' rock climbing programs that are guaranteed to keep your little ones engaged and interested. It is also home to one of the best junior climbing teams in the country that welcomes kids 9 to 19. Consider thinking ahead because Stoneworks also offers a variety of summer camps for kids aged 12 and under.

6775 S.W. 111th Ave.
Beaverton, OR
Online: belay.com

4. Movement Gym

https://www.instagram.com/p/CFcd2PSHctl/?hidecaption=true

This rock climbing gym recognizes that kids are natural-born climbers. Their walls are designed to accommodate all sizes and abilities and there are a variety of classes available for youth. From beginners to kids who are ready to compete, there is a program for everyone. 

1405 N.W. 14th Ave.
Portland
Online: movementgyms.com

5. Source Climbing

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At Source Climbing, your kiddos can take classes to start off on the right foot with climbing. Ages 6-12 can take the youth intro class before moving up and really honing their skills. Kids ages 9+ can even join a recreational climbing team to explore competitive climbing in a safe environment. Also, don't forget to check out their summer camp options!

1118 Main St.
Vancouver, WA
Online: sourceclimbing.com

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35 Amazing Hikes Every Kid Should Take at Least Once

by Kate Loweth

Families looking for scenic vistas, massive waterfalls, unique landscapes and even hikes around volcanoes should scroll through this list of hikes that are perfect for families. Grab a pair of our favorite hiking boots, pack the snacks and get ready for a day of adventure. It’s time to hit the trail!

1. Head above the tree line in Breckenridge, CO.

Kate Loweth

When you first think of Breckenridge, chances are you think of it as a premier destination for skiing and other winter sports. We actually think that the fall is really the ideal time to head to Breckenridge as its elevation makes it one of the first spots in the country to welcome autumn. The town itself sits at just over 9,000 feet in elevation and there are numerous hiking options nearby. We particularly liked driving up Boreas Pass Road to the Black Powder Pass trailhead. This hike takes you above the treeline and is perfect for seeing the whole area from above. Keep your eyes peeled for mountain goats and moose while you are there! Check out our Breckenridge favorites in this insider's guide. 

Hit the trail: alltrails.com

2. Epic Sights, Epic Hike on the Panorama Dome Trail in Mammoth, CA

Visit Mammoth

If you're looking for 360-degree, breathtaking views, the Panorama Dome Trail should be on your list. Pick up the trailhead from trolley stop 95 and hike the 0.3-mile trail uphill to the top of Panorama Dome. Just be sure to remember, you are hiking at high altitude, so you'll need to take more breaks and carry extra water. After you've had your fill of the view, head back down the way you came up.

Hit the trail: visitmammoth.com

3. Get a taste of history on Mt. Rushmore’s Presidential Trail.

Wikimedia Commons

And you thought it was all about the scenery. Add an exciting historical spot to your family hike and you’ll be rewarded with a double dose of “America is awesome” from your crew. The Presidential Trail is a short 0.6-mile loop, so it’s manageable for little legs, and they’ll love getting to see the monument from all different angles.

Hit the trail: nps.gov

4. Explore the Natural Bridges in Cody, WY

Cody Yellowstone

The small town of Cody is close to numerous hiking trails and features easy access to the east and northeast entrances to Yellowstone National Park, so hikers can also use Cody as a home base for exploring the many trails in Yellowstone. One fun hike is to head up the North Fork of the Shoshone River and hike to Blackwater Natural Bridge. This natural arch is estimated between 70 and 100 feet tall and is located at an elevation of 10,777 feet. Natural arches (some people call them natural bridges) formed when creeks eroded the softer rock and left harder layers above.

Hit the trail: codyyellowstone.org 

5. Big Waterfalls in Big Sky Montana

Audrey Hall

Ousel Falls Park Trail is a 1.6-mile out and back trail located near Gallatin Gateway, Montana that features a waterfall and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and birding and is best used from May until October. You'll find benches along the way and an amazing waterfall at the end.

Hit the trail: alltrails.com

6. Trek through Joshua Tree National Park.

nightowl via pixabay

With a lack of noticeable landmarks, desert hiking takes a little navigation know-how and a sense of adventure. Be sure to pack plenty of water and slather your little trail guides with sunscreen for this one. Then watch for cairns to find your way from one view to the next. It will be as inspiring to your tiny hikers as it was to U2.

Hit the trail: nps.gov

7. Ecology is Everything Near Lake Erie

Maumee Bay Lodge & Conference Center

Just steps away from Maumee Bay Lodge of the Great Ohio Lodges is a two-mile interpretive boardwalk hike surrounded by 80 acres of wetlands and anchored by the Milton B. Trautman Nature Center. It’s easy to forget you’re actually learning about ecology, migration, annual habitat and the fascinating world of bogs and marshes as you cruise along. 

Hit the trail: maumeebaylodge.com

8. See the Great Sequoias in Yosemite

Kate Loweth

A kid-favorite trial in Yosemite is the Tuolomne Grove Nature Trail because you are rewarded with some massive Giant Sequoias, including one you can walk through. It’s a mile downhill from the parking lot to the grove where you then take a half-mile loop to see all the sequoias. The mile climb back uphill can be a little bit challenging for little legs but the route is paved and there are info stations along the way that explain the history of this road in the gold rush days. In the fall you’ll be rewarded with all shades of reds and oranges from the Dogwood trees.

Hit the trail: yosemite.com

9. Think Lights, Camera, Action! with a hike to the Hollywood sign.

Get ready for your close up with Los Angeles’s most iconic sign when you take a hike up into the Hollywood Hills. For a kid-friendly trek, start at the Charlie Turner Trailhead and hike the Mt Hollywood Trail to get an amazing view of those 45-foot high letters.

Hit the trail: hollywoodsign.org

10. Hike through Muir Woods National Forest in Mill Valley, California.

chris18769 via pixabay

Hiking through a redwood forest is the quintessential forest hike for a reason: Being dwarfed by massive old-growth trees helps to put it all in perspective. Plus, it helps you get a kid’s eye view of things.

Hit the trail: nps.gov

11. Explore Crater Lake in Oregon.

Kate Loweth

Scoop the loop around a local lake with your little ranger. Most lakeside hikes are simple and flat, which make them great for kids. Crater Lake is the bluest lake in the world and definitely worth a visit.

Hit the trail: nps.gov

12. Climb to the Statue of Liberty's crown.

Anthony DELANOIX via unsplash

City monuments, skyscrapers and even steep thoroughfares make for great urban climbs. The views from Lady Liberty’s crown are definitely worth it, but plan ahead! Tickets need to be purchased in advance, and kids must be at least four feet tall to go all the way up.

Hit the trail (stairs): nps.gov

13. Measure Up to a Cactus in Mesa, AZ

Kate Loweth

See the Sonoran Desert in action when you stop by the Usery Mountain Regional Park Nature Center in Mesa. The Desert Hawk trail is a 0.5-mile loop that will give you tons of lizard viewing and desert landscape. Make sure you ask at the Nature Center where you can find the desert tortoise habitat as the kids will love spotting Al under a bush.

Hit the trail: hikearizona.com

14. Catch a glimpse of wildflowers in North Carolina.

Sometimes you just have to stop and smell the flowers. Lucky for you, there are wildflowers a-plenty along the colorful Max Patch Mountain trail in North Carolina. With such a picturesque mountaintop scene, don’t be surprised if you’re inspired to throw your arms wide, spin around and start singing, Sound of Music-style. 

Hit the trail: ashevilletrails.com

15. Hike a Loop around Prescott, AZ

The Prescott Circle Trail is a network of our best non-motorized trails that combine to make a 54 mile loop around Prescott, Arizona. The trail comes as close as three miles to downtown Prescott and is easily accessible with 15 trailheads along its length. A lap of the PCT has about 6000 feet of elevation gain and can be enjoyed as an adventurous one or two day trip or a multi-day trip over a period of days, weeks or months. 

Hit the trail: prescotttrails.com

Waterfall and Rain Forrest in Maui

Kate Loweth

If your hiking goals include walking through a literal jungle, then this is the trail for you. On the road to Hana, look for the signs for Twin Falls and the small parking lot there. There are tons of pools for wading, creeks to cross and waterfall to swim under. Refresh after your walk with a coconut from the snack shack on the property. 

Hit the trail: alltrails.com

18. Check Out the Range Lights in Bailey's Harbor, WI

Kate Loweth

On your next visit to Door County, head to the Ridges Sanctuary where your visit begins with a stop at the nature center. Learn about the flora and fauna that makes this area such a lush ecosystem and then join in a guided hike through the property. You’ll get to see the iconic Bailey's Harbor Range Lights (similar to lighthouses and still in use to guide ships into the harbor). Bonus for families: the boardwalks on the property are particularly stroller friendly.

Hit the trail: ridgessanctuary.org

19. Take an urban hike over the Hudson River.

You don’t always have to wander to the woods for a great hike. Take advantage of the best of what cities have to offer a fun urban hike. This former double track railroad bridge is now an enormous pedestrian walkway spanning the Hudson River. The Walkway Over the Hudson Loop Trail takes you over two bridges and through nine “Discovery Zones,” so you can make a day of it. Want to try some more urban hikes? We’ve got ideas for you.

Hit the trail: walkway.org

20. See snow in the summer at Mt. Rainier National Park.

Jill McQuade

This seasonal twist is a pure delight to kids who were just wearing shorts and swimming in the pool a few hours earlier. Altitude is key to finding snow on a hot summer day, so plan for lots of up, up, up along the way. But once you get there, it’s way worth it. And a snowball is a must.

Hit the trail: nps.gov

21. Discover a secret disappearing trail to Bar Island in Maine.

Kids will love this “magical” Bar Harbor trail that appears and disappears. Low tide reveals a walkable sandbar that takes you to the island to explore. The path is only there for a few hours, so be sure to check tide times and take a watch so you can cross back in plenty of time!

Hit the trail: barharbormaine.gov

22. Find foliage in Pennsylvania.

iStock

Incredible canyon views, overlooks and hiking trails await in the Keystone State’s Pine Creek Gorge, known as Pennsylvania's Grand Canyon. The Overlook Trail is an easy 0.6-mile hike that’s great for families with small kids and has sights that will totally impress.

Hit the trail: pacanyon.com

23. See wildlife in the Everglades.

Spotting wildlife on a hike is always a thrill, and you won’t be disappointed on the Anhinga Trail in Florida. Egrets, turtles, birds and even a gator or two might make an appearance along this spot in Everglades National Park. Paved paths and boardwalks make this one easy.

Hit the trail: nps.gov

24. Experience enchantment in Texas.

This natural area in Texas is extremely popular, and it’s easy to see why. The park has over 400 archaeological sites, and the large pink dome-shaped granite rock is steeped in history and legends. The Summit Trail will treat you to the outstanding scenery. Although it’s short, the trail is steep in some places, so might be better for older kids.

Hit the trail: tpwd.texas.gov

25. Hike the surreal landscape of the Badlands.

Anna Doogan

The spectacular terrain inside Badlands National Park is unlike anything else you’ve seen. The easy Fossil Exhibit Trail stays along a boardwalk and has exhibits of creatures that once roamed the area.

Hit the trail: nps.gov

26. Hike the Haleakala Crater on Maui.

Allison Sutcliffe

When you get right down to it, hiking into a volcano with your mini-me is as cool as it sounds. The views are unforgettable and finding one that’s hike-able usually means an awesome family vacay is in progress. Exploring this one is as close as you’ll get to walking on the moon without blasting off. #winning

Hit the trail: nps.gov

27. Waterfall Goals on Casper Mountain, WY

Located a 15-minute drive from downtown Casper is Casper Mountain. Start your hike on Casper Mountain's Bridle Trail with a visit to Rotary Park and Garden Creek Falls. The trail starts at the base of the falls, with stops along the way that include scenic overlooks of the city and Wyoming's rolling plains, the waterfall below and the opportunity to see wildlife (like deer, grouse and more) along the way. The entire loop is nearly 5 miles long and hikers go through a rock tunnel known as split rock. There's also a "west loop" for hikers looking for a shorter trek. 

Hit the trail: visitcasper.com

28. Hike to Vikingsholm Castle in Emerald Bay, Tahoe.

Send yourself back in time with a jaunt through the forest that ends at the door of a real castle. Built over 80 years ago, at the bottom of Emerald Bay State Park, Vikingsholm is an architectural wonder that will impress hikers of all ages. The trail is a straight shot down the mountain with a steep return trek and is probably best for older kids and/or kids in backpacks.

Hit the trail: vikingsholm.com

29. Hike in the Grand Canyon.

Kate Loweth

Easy hike in, tough hike out. When it comes to canyons, the Grand Canyon wins every time. Canyon hiking is the antithesis of other hiking experiences, so be sure to spend time above and in the canyon to get the full effect. You’ll find plenty of trails that showcase the canyon without being too difficult for your smallest hikers.

Hit the trail: nps.gov

30. Hike the Hoh Rainforest on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington.

Pull on your rain boots and pack a slicker for this wet and woodsy walk among the trees. Nothing beats a rainforest hike on a sweltering summer day when quiet shade and mossy trees mean refuge from the sun’s rays.

Hit the trail: nps.gov

31. Enjoy amazing views hiking Maroon Bells in Aspen, Colorado.

Hiking’s all about the journey, not the destination (or so you thought). But sometimes it really should be about the destination. Especially when there’s a stunning view that goes with it. You get two views for the price of one when you catch the mountain reflected in the lake below.

Hit the trail: colorado.com

32. Hike an interstate trail, like the Pacific Crest.

Bureau of Land Management California

Even if you don’t cross from one state to the next on your trip, hiking an interstate trail is always a blast. Spotting backpackers making their way across the country on foot is nothing short of inspiring, and boy, do they have stories to share!  

Hit the trail: fs.usda.gov

33. Explore a cedar forest at Glacier National Park.

You could spend days adventuring in Glacier National Park, but a hike definitely needs to be on your to-do list. The easy Trail of the Cedars loop is perfect for the smallest hikers. Marvel at the gigantic trees, find a waterfall and enjoy the flora and fauna. For a more challenging hike, you can continue on to the Avalanche Lake trail, or finish the loop and set off on the next adventure.

Hit the trail: visitmt.com/trail-of-the-cedars

34. Enjoy the view from Makapu'u Lighthouse Trail on Oahu.

This scenic 1.5-mile trail is paved, meaning you can take that stroller along! You’ll be rewarded with ocean views, and maybe even a whale sighting, depending on the season. If you and your crew are early birds, the morning sunrise from this spot can’t be beaten.

Hit the trail: dlnr.hawaii.gov

35. Slot Canyons and Sandstone Cliffs in Zion

little girl in zion national park
Kerry Cushman

Sandstone cliffs, slot canyons and animal wildlife are all part of the wonder of Zion National Park in Utah. Try a kid-friendly hike, like the Emerald Pool trail where you can check out the gorgeous waterfall views. For a fun way for families to learn more about Zion together, head over to the Nature Center. Daily from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day, youth programs specifically for children and families are offered, and last 30-45 minutes, so they're just the right length for your mini explorers.

Hit the trail: nps.gov

—Kate Loweth, Anna Doogan, Gabby Cullen and Allison Sutcliffe

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11 Spots for the Best Sunsets Near DC

by Meghan Yudes Meyers

Press pause on screen time and take in a show on the world’s biggest canvas; the evening sky. Sometimes all it takes is an amazing sunset to stop you in your tracks and remind you just how beautiful the world really is. We’ve got a list of spots where you can be a spectator to some of the most spectacular sunsets our area has to offer. Whether you’re in DC, VA or MD, when the sun melts across the sky in shades of red, orange, pink and gold, here are the best places to catch nature’s most beautiful light show.

WASHINGTON, DC

Top of the Gate
The restaurant and bar at the top of the Watergate Hotel offers one of the best views in the city. Watch the boats glide down the Potomac River and the lights begin to shine in Georgetown as you sip mocktails by the fire pits. Be sure to check out this hot spot in the winter when they feature a kid-friendly roof top ice rink.

2650 Virginia Ave. NW
Foggy Bottom
Online: thewatergatehotel.com/top-of-the-gate

The Steps of the U.S. Capitol
Photographers know the best vantage point for capturing beauty, and the sun setting over Washington, DC is no exception. From the steps of the U.S Capitol you can watch the sun spread across the sky behind the Washington Monument in a breathtaking display of color. This is probably one of the most photographed sunset views in the world.

East Capitol St. NE & First St. SE
Capitol Hill
Online: visitthecapitol.gov

Tidal Basin
From this site on the southern end of the National Mall you can sit on a park bench at any season of the year and watch a gorgeous sunset. From the northern side, close to the Washington Monument, you’ll see the white-domed granite of the Jefferson Memorial, which turns all shades of breathtaking pink as the sun sets behind it. This, coupled with a picture-perfect reflection in the still waters of the Tidal Basin makes for an unforgettable sunset view.

900 Ohio Dr., SW
National Mall
Online: nps.gov

Georgetown Waterfront
This 10-acre park located directly across the river from Roosevelt Island, curves along the Potomac River shoreline from 30th to 34th Street NW and features views of the Key Bridge, Kennedy Center and Memorial Bridge. In the summer, kids can splash in spray fountains while you watch shore birds and row boats on the river. It’s the perfect setting for a pastel sunset sky.

3000 K St., NW
Georgetown
Online: georgetownwaterfrontpark.org

VIRGINIA

The Point Overlook in Shenandoah National Park
If there’s a place where seeing the sunset could change your entire world view, it might just be from The Point overlook in Shenandoah National Park. This west-facing spot at mile 55.5 on Skyline Drive is located just a few miles south of Big Meadows Lodge. From the overlook, hike a short trail down about 100 feet to a rocky area and from here you’ll see the magic happen.

Insider tip: You can nab a spectacular souvenir of these hard-to-capture sunsets here.

3655 Hwy. 211 East
Skyline Mile Marker 55.5
Luray, VA
Online: https://www.nps.gov/shen/learn/nature/scenicvistas.htm

George Washington’s Mount Vernon
Grab a blanket and pick a comfortable spot on the rolling green lawn in front of George Washington’s Mount Vernon for a stunning view of the sun mixing with the clouds above the Potomac River. To make it even more spectacular, if you go in October, you can enjoy live blues music while you sip and swirl top notch wines at the Fall Wine and Sunset Tour

3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy. 
Alexandria, VA
Online: mountvernon.org

Old Town Alexandria Waterfront
An evening stroll along Old Town Alexandria’s waterfront offers some breathtaking sunset views with the lights of National Harbor across the water in the distance. The bustling streets of Old Town provide all the shopping and dining you could want, along with quaint cobblestone streets, 18th and 19th century architecture, and tons of meaningful history. The Alexandria trolley is there to cart you around, so you can make a full day of it with shopping, dinner, and a waterfront sunset stroll.

1 Prince St.
Alexandria, VA
Online: visitalexandriava.com

Fort Hunt Park
River shores, open spaces, and a clear view of the wide sky, Fort Hunt Park offers everything you need for a stunning sunset view. The park is located just two miles from Mount Vernon and serves as a local favorite for picnics and recreation. In the summer months, you can enjoy live music on Sunday evenings at Pavilion A from 7 p.m. – 8 p.m. A dinner picnic, evening concert, and summer sunset makes for a perfect evening.

8999 Fort Hunt Rd. 
Alexandria, VA
Online: Fort Hunt Park

Maryland

Summit of Sugarloaf Mountain
At an elevation of more than 1200 feet, from the summit of Sugarloaf you’ll stand high above a sweeping view of Maryland’s scenic farmland. This is a view you might have to work for with a slightly challenging hike, but the payoff is well worth the huff and puff of the climb.

7901 Comus Rd. 
Dickerson, MD
Online: sugarloafmd.com/

National Harbor Waterfront
Even without a sunset, the National Harbor Waterfront offers a beautiful setting and year-round line-up of amazing attractions. Add the colorful sun setting across the sky and you have a view worthy of Monet or Van Gogh. In the summer months, you can take advantage of group sunset swims in the river every Sunday and Wednesday evening. Throw in an ice skating show at Gaylord, or a spin on the Capitol Ferris Wheel where you’ll soar 180 feet above the Potomac River for incomparable views of area landmarks. Regardless, you’ll be making sunset memories of a lifetime.

165 Waterfront St.
National Harbor, MD
Online: https://www.nationalharbor.com/

Terrapin Beach Park
This award-winning 276-acre nature park has a 3-mile walking trail that winds you through wildflower meadows, wetlands, tidal ponds, woodlands and sandy beaches where you’ll have unique opportunities to see a variety of waterfowl and wildlife. Park yourself somewhere along the beachfront boardwalk for a spectacular view of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge beneath a sky on fire with the setting sun.

191 Log Canoe Cir. 
Stevensville, MD
Online: Terrapin Beach Park

 

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Celebrate! Celebrate! Best Birthday Venues for Every Age & Stage

by Melissa Poulin

Planning a birthday celebration can feel overwhelming, no matter what age your child is. Luckily, Portland has a variety of great locations for parties, with packages to help reduce your workload and your stress. There’s something for every age, interest, and energy level. Read on to get inspired for your kid’s next birthday!

Photo by Douglas J S Moreira on Unsplash

First Birthday

Hammer + Jacks

A first birthday party is a big deal, but since the guest of honor is small, it can help to keep the guest list short and the activities simple. Head to the whimsical play area at the back of Hammer + Jacks toy store, where your one-year-old can climb the carpeted stairs to a sweet wooden castle and slide down its slide. A bank of picnic tables on the opposite wall allow for a modest group of party-goers, and there are plenty of toys, blocks, and dress-up gear to keep the littles entertained between the cake and presents. Party packages start at $175 for two hours, and clean-up’s on them. You supply the food, but add-ons can include decorations, balloons, and even a balloon drop!

6416 SE Foster Rd.
Portland, OR
503-894-9150
Online: hammerandjacks.com

Portland Parks & Recreation Community Centers

With locations all over the city, community centers are a great option for a first birthday party. Keep things affordable and accessible for your child and friends by renting a party room or gymnasium for active fun. This is a great choice when a birthday falls during the winter months, or during the unpredictable transition months in late fall and early spring. You’ll have the option of hitting the outdoor playground after, but you’ll also have a festive place to party in case it rains. Party packages start at $147 for two hours, including 15 minutes before and after for clean-up. Indoor park parties include the use of ride-on toys, balls, and gymnastics equipment, and you can add-on extras like bouncy houses at select locations. Or, check out the list of themes for guided Nature Birthdays!

Various locations
503-823-7529
Online: portlandoregon.gov

Photo by Jorge Ibanez on Unsplash

Little Kids (2-5)

The Portland Children’s Museum
The Children’s Museum is the perfect location for kids reaching the age of “Why?”, with plenty of hands-on play stations to satisfy their insatiable curiosity. Celebrate with cake and presents in one of the museum’s indoor party rooms, or the Outdoor Adventure pavillion, and then head off to explore the museum! Party guests receive admission to the museum for the rest of the day. Party packages start at $260 for 15-19 guests for 90 minutes, plus 30 minutes before and after for set-up and breakdown, and include mural paper and crayons for kids’ tables. Members receive 15% off!

4015 SW Canyon Rd.
Portland, OR
503-223-6500
Online: portlandcm.org

The Little Gym
Want to go all out for your kid’s big day, but outsource the work? The Little Gym does it all! For $350, they’ll take care of invitations, setup, cleanup, drinks for the children, all paper goods, and decorations. Kick things off with 60 minutes of active play in this Lake Oswego gymnasium, with activities led by a trained instructor, then celebrate with 30 minutes in the party room. Now all you have to do is bring the cake and the birthday child!

5820 Jean Road
Lake Oswego, OR
503-595-9702
Online: thelittlegym.com

Photo by Joshua Hoehne on Unsplash

Big Kids (5-8)

Owl and Bee Clay StudioThis sweet clay studio in the Beaumont neighborhood offers a hands-on creative party experience. Guests get to make something out of clay and glaze it in their choice of colorful glaze. This 2-hour studio package includes instruction, tools, clay materials, glazes,  and firings, plus space to enjoy cake and snacks. The cost is $200 plus $10 per person. Guests can pick up their finished creations later, once they have been fired in the kiln, or you can add on delivery of finished works.

3506 NE 57th Ave.
Portland, OR
503-516-4837
Online: owlandbeeclaycompany.com

Portland Rock Gym
For kids 6 and up, check out the Portland Rock Gym, where your kids can enjoy two hours of rock climbing with up to 12 friends. Two staff belayers (trained staff who help anchor, secure, and spot climbers) will be on hand to keep things safe and fun. Party guests get shoe and harness rentals, and access to the private party room to enjoy any food, presents, and party favors you choose to bring. Pricing starts at $299 for two hours.

21 NE 12th Ave
Portland, OR
503-232-8310
Online: portlandrockgym.com

Photo:Lake Oswego Play Boutique via yelp

Play Boutique
Got a pirate-obsessed kiddo or a little one who won’t stop singing “Let it Go?” Theme parties shine at Play Boutique, a Lake Oswego favorite that combines active play in a 3,000 sq ft play structure with full-service party packages. They’ll take care of party set-up and clean-up, decorate the party space, provide kid-friendly snacks and cupcakes, birthday candles, and even party favors– plus a “play specialist” to assist during the party. Enjoy unlimited use of the play structure and bounce house. You can add on things like theme-related crafts, performers, even a marshmallow bar!

464 First Street
Lake Oswego, OR
503-675-PLAY
Online: playboutique.com

Photo by IIONA VIRGIN on Unsplash

Tweens (8-12)

Ready Set Grow
Treat your tween to a yoga party at this yoga and movement studio, with locations in Portland and Vancouver. Rent their bright 850 sq ft studio space for a ballet, dance, or yoga party– or another theme of your choosing. Kids’ birthday party packages start at $215 for three hours, with add-ons for 30 minutes of yoga, dance, or craft instruction. A recently renovated space adjacent to the studio rents for $185 for 3 hours, with the same add-ons available. Ready Set Grow also has a list of instructors for hire, who can teach yoga, dance, and movement classes at parties and parks.

5433 NE 30th Ave.
Portland, OR 97211
503-505-6989

605 Esther Avenue
Vancouver, WA 98660

Online: andreadysetgrow.com

Photo by Kimmi Burk, Ready Set Grow Yoga Studio

The Merry Kitchen
Do you have a budding chef in the house? Plan a hands-on cooking party with Merry Kitchen, where guests create an entire meal together to enjoy, and take home recipes. You can even cook the birthday cake in class! With a variety of themes and menu items to choose from, your tween can be in charge of just about everything. Maximum attendees is 8-10, with two-hour parties starting at $30-$35/child.

5202 NE 72nd Ave.
Portland, OR
503-946-8357
Online: themerrykitchen.com

Kingpins Bowling
Win points with your older child with a full-service party at Kingpins Bowling. They’ll get pizza and drinks, 90 minutes of bowling, and a “fun card” for use in the arcade. Book your party on a Saturday at noon or 2:30 p.m. to enjoy Cosmic Bowling, featuring black lights, music videos, and laser lights. Packages range from $19-$25 per guest.

3550 SE 92nd Avenue
Portland, OR
503-788-7889

2725 SW Cedar Hills Blvd
Beaverton, OR
503-646-1116

Online: mykingpins.com

Photo by Regina Valetova on Unsplash

Teens (13+)

Voicebox Karaoke
For older teens, let them party in a safe space. For teens 14 and older, adult chaperones are not required, so your teen and their friends can enjoy an alcohol-free karaoke party in a private room. Food, beverages and desserts are available with special party package pricing. Packages include two hours in the karaoke suite, a dedicated server, clean-up, cake kit, party lights, and a disco ball. Group rates start at $60/hr.

734 SE 6th Ave
Portland, Oregon
503-303-8220

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30 Spontaneous Ways to Play Outdoors Today

by Tinybeans Team

Studies show outdoor play time is vital to a child’s health and well-being. Thanks to these 30 sweet and simple ideas, your kiddos will be begging to get outside to enjoy the chilly winter days. Just scroll down for our ultimate list of ways to get outdoors this winter.

S&B Vonlanthen via Unsplash

1. Play tag! It doesn’t get any easier than tag when your kids need to burn some energy outside. Name someone as “it” and leave the rest up to them. All they need is an open space and some cool clothes to get this game going.

2. Camp out. Before the weather turns absolutely frigid, pitch a tent in your own back yard or head to one of these incredible camping spots around the country. Not sure you want to commit to an overnight? Set up camp during the day in your own yard or at a park, and pack it up when twilight falls.

3. Set up a science lab in your driveway or on the sidewalk. Need inspiration? Plenty of these awesome activities are perfect for cool fall and winter weather.

4. Jump in a pile of leaves. Put all that fall foliage to good use and rake a huge pile before going in for a big jump. This is one chore the kids won't mind helping with as long as they get to keep jumping!

Pixabay via Pexels

5. Go sledding. Grab your discs and sleds and head outdoors for a few exhilarating trips down the local sledding course.

6. Create beautiful outdoor art. From nature-made mandalas to colander spin art masterpieces, these outdoor art projects are easy to clean up and guarantee hours of creative fun.

7. Make nature soup. Grab a bucket or bowl, let your kids gather their "ingredients," and then hand them the hose. They'll be dishing up the goods for hours.

8. Have a winter picnic. Before the thick of winter sets in, pack up a lunch and enjoy some outside dining in the crisp weather.

Matthew T Rader via Unsplash

9. Make a snow volcano. Grab a cup, food coloring, baking soda and vinegar before heading out to the snow and creating some chilly eruptions in the crisp winter air.

10. Have a snowball fight. It's always time for a good old fashioned snowball fight when the snow starts to fall. Stockpile handmade balls and let the refreshing game begin!

11. Break out the binoculars. Make a pine cone bird feeder with peanut butter and birdseed, then find a nearby spot to spy on what comes to eat with binoculars.

12. Make Sugar on Snow. Kids will love making "maple syrup on snow candy," especially with only two ingredients: maple syrup and clean snow!

Immortal Shots via Pexels

13. Go on a nature scavenger hunt. Wondering what to look for? We've got printables right here!

14. Go ice skating. Hit up the local outdoor skating rink for a seasonal skate.

15. Hit a festival. Check our local events calendar and check out a winter festival near you.

16. Make Potato Heads in the snow. Grab your potato parts and head outdoors to make snow potatoes. Spend all afternoon making hilarious faces and don't forget to capture them in photos.

17. Go geocaching. When the wiggles hit, load up the kids for a real-life treasure hunt in the great outdoors. Follow high-tech clues left by geocachers when you download the app that tracks treasures hidden all over the world. Not sure where to begin? Try this step-by-step guide.

Victoria Borodinova via Pexels

18. Make a snow painting. Grab some markers and use the snow as your canvas! Your kids will love painting in the fresh air, especially with an endless amount of snow to go around.

19. Blow frozen bubbles. A simple mixture is all you need to head outdoors and watch bubbles freeze before your very eyes. 

20. Build forts. Scavenge fallen branches and pine tree boughs to build a teepee, or try one of these incredible (and totally doable) forts that you can build together. Or, find a bush or a tree with low-hanging branches and use its canopy as your fort roof.

21. Set up an outdoor treasure hunt. Set your kids free in the backyard to seek out hidden treasures. They’ll have a blast trying to find little trinkets you’ve hidden beforehand.

Maria Godfrida via Pixabay

22. Collect pinecones. Once your kids have a good collection, set out to catalog the different evergreen trees they came from by their bristles.

23. Make an outdoor obstacle course. Use snow, tree branches or anything else you can find to make tunnels and jumps fit for kids or dogs. 

24. Grab a book and hot chocolate. Gather your goodies and a blanket and head to the front porch for a refreshing reading sesh.

25. Make a snowcone. All you need is snow and a little flavoring to make your own refreshing treat!

26. Get some snowball target practice. Make a simple target and see who can get closest to the bullseye.

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27. Collect items for a nature book. Make a winter-themed book with seasonal finds and drawings, like pinecones, acorns and leaves from the chilly season.

28. Make a snow maze. Dig out a fun windy adventure that pets and kids can enjoy during the thick of winter.

29. Paint rocks. Want to do more than jazz up your garden path with colorfully painted rocks? Check out these reasons to paint a rock for kindness. Join a movement!

30. Build an ice sculpture. Whether you live in a snowy climate or enjoy a milder winter, you can create colored ice cubes, then build an imaginative culture that is STEM approved!

—Shelley Massey, Gabby Cullen & Karly Wood

 

RELATED STORIES:

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The Day We Quit School & Never Looked Back

By Maggie McComb

Three years ago on a day just like today, kids around Seattle went back to school after winter break. My daughter grudgingly pulled on her coat and picked up her backpack, just eight years old and already resentful. We had had a lovely two-week break full of holiday activities and baking, movie watching and general hijinks.

Going back to school seemed like a death sentence to her—and this wasn’t the first time we’d seen this story play out.

Even in kindergarten, our normally good-natured little girl was miserable. She attended an immersion school in an urban neighborhood, had many friends and participated in after-school programs. I took a leadership role in the PTA and felt I was doing everything right. My own childhood barely saw my parents, so I figured anything I did was already an improvement.

Still, crying fits ensued most mornings. My brain was so sculpted to traditional roles of parents, children and society that I couldn’t wrap my head around what could be wrong. “It will get better,” my husband would say. “She’s only in kindergarten. Next year she’ll be more used to school.”

But she wasn’t. First grade became a bigger struggle and my confusion abounded. She was a happy kid, smart and well-adjusted. No one was picking on her and her teacher was awesome. Second grade rolled around and I was hopeful in the fall we had worked out the kinks. By Christmas I was ready to throw in the towel and the day we went back after winter break—so we did.

I submitted the equivalent of a student resignation and took my baby home. I cried. She cried. We had no clue what to do.

We were lucky to be in a situation which could afford a trial homeschooling period. My husband owned his own business and I was flexible to stay home. The logistics were in our favor, but my head wasn’t in the right place. I later learned this is a crucial transition period called “de-schooling” where both parent and child step away from school entirely (similar to a summer vacation) and take a mental and emotional detox. This period can last as long as you need it to, whether it be weeks or even months.

For me, I felt like a fish out of water. This is a constant theme in the homeschooling community. Parents feel like they’re making a mistake, doing more harm than good and completely out of their league. I LOVED school as a kid. My husband and I had both been model students, yet we still felt unqualified to serve as teachers to our daughter. We truly believed a magical formula existed in schools that we could never replicate at home.

I have never been more wrong about anything. The Washington Homeschool Organization was a fantastic resource for me. Paraphrasing from its website: “You’re probably not going to get the homeschooling thing completely ‘right’ from the start… You can’t mess up your kids any faster than the schools would have. It may take a while to find the groove that works for you and yours–and that’s okay.”

Three years later, many conclusions have been made clear to me:

“School” and “education” are two completely different things. School is an institution we created for children to endure, but education goes on at each person’s own pace and happens every day for an entire lifetime.

Homeschooled children are nearly free of peer pressure. Mismatched socks and unbrushed hair? Homeschool students would rather compare their kooky habits than make fun of them.

Structure is what often kills a child’s desire to learn. Once we removed the regime from my daughter’s daily schedule, the tears stopped and she blossomed into an intelligent, active learner. Her education now is matched to her own pace, her own interests and her own learning st‌yle.

There are several learning st‌yles. My husband is a “thinker.” He can add math problems in his head and grasp difficult concepts just by imagining them. I am a “watcher.” I love cooking demos and how-to videos. I can master something on my own just by watching someone else do it. My daughter, however, is neither of these. She is a “do-er” and must physically hold objects in her hand and write things down to understand them. I failed at first because I was acting like a teacher at a whiteboard, showing how to do something instead of letting her do it herself.

I realize now the reasons my daughter hated school revolved around the common core curriculum. I’m not saying it’s a bad idea (though the Singapore Math she was being forced to learn deserves a special level of hell). The problem is how each student is expected to fit into the exact same box, without respect to the individual’s pace and maturity level. My daughter is now a 5th grader, but is easily two grade levels ahead in science and history, but two grades behind in ELA. Every child is mentally and emotionally distinct.

Many (most) parents suffer through difficult situations because they feel there isn’t an alternative. I was and still am, thankful every day we have this opportunity. My daughter is nearing an age where she can stay home and school herself if I need to find a full-time job again.

Don’t be afraid to take the plunge. Resources for homeschool families are everywhere if you know where to look and books galore are available on the subject. My favorite recent read was Dumbing Us Down: The Hidden Curriculum of Compulsory Schooling by John Taylor Gatto.

You will survive. You will adapt. Your children will be better for it. Lewis Carroll got it right when he wrote, “I knew who I was this morning, but I’ve changed a few times since then.”

Maggie and her family roost in the Pacific Northwest and share their travels, homeschool field trips, curriculum ideas and lifest‌yle tips from a city-based homestead. Maggie is a cooking enthusiast and avid student of history and science. She's also mother to an "old soul" tween daughter. 

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10 Reasons to Visit Great Wolf Lodge This Holiday Season

by Kristina Moy

The Great Wolf Lodge and its massive indoor water park is the perfect place to escape to during the cold, winter months. But did you know that during the holiday season, the hotel-water park transforms into Snowland—a magical winter wonderland complete with hundreds of twinkling lights, indoor snow showers, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus and a life-sized gingerbread house you can dine inside? We recently stopped by the Great Wolf Lodge and here’s what we discovered. Scroll down for the snow-tastic deets.

1. The Snowland Celebration

From the weekend after Thanksgiving through Jan. 4, the Great Wolf Lodge celebrates the “howliday” season with its annual Snowland celebration. In addition to hundreds of twinkling lights, Christmas trees and festive decorations in the Grand Lobby, families can participate in tons of complimentary, holiday-themed activities. From decorating cookies with Mrs. Claus and making holiday crafts in Santa’s Workshop, to writing letters to Santa and attending the North Pole University, families will have no problem filling their stay with plenty of holiday cheer.

2. Snowland-Themed Suites

Great Wolf Lodge

During the Snowland celebration, families have the option of booking a special winter wonderland suite. Each Snowland suite comes adorned with twinkling lights, glimmering garland and a fully decorated Christmas tree along with an assortment of take-home goodies and special snowflake bedding. To up the holiday ante, families who book a Snowland Suite also receive a surprise milk and cookie delivery from Great Wolf characters Wiley and Violet the Wolf. Psst…this special milk and cookie visit is arranged at the time of check-in, so you can choose the time that works best for your kids.

Good to know: Don’t want to leave your winter wonderland suite? For a small fee you can ask for late checkout (2 p.m.), giving you more time to get your stuff together. The best part? On the day of checkout, your wristband will give you access to the water park until closing. So stash your bags in the car and plan to hit the slides and pools before prying yourself and your wolf pups away from the property. Showers and locker rooms are available inside the water park along with locker rentals for $15 per day.

3. A Life-Sized Gingerbread House You Can Dine Inside

Inside the Grand Lobby is where you will find a life-sized gingerbread house—the centerpiece of Great Wolf Lodge’s Snowland celebration. Constructed by Great Wolf Lodge’s culinary team, the delectable house is made from more than 600 pounds of gingerbread dough, 1,300 pounds of sugar and hundreds (and hundreds!) of candies. With incredibly detailed gingerbread walls, candy trim and heaps of white icing snow, this ah-mazing house is what candy-filled dreams are made of. The best part? With a $10 donation to the Ronald McDonald House, you and your crew of gingerbread boys and girls can dine inside the house for breakfast, lunch or dinner! How sweet is that?

4. Visits with Santa & Mrs. Claus

If you’ve been meaning to get to the mall to see Santa, but just haven’t had the chance, you’ll be happy to know that another perk of visiting Great Wolf Loge during the holiday season is that Santa and Mrs. Claus make weekend visits (Fri.-Sun.) to good little boys and girls staying at the Great Wolf Lodge. Before Santa makes his evening visit, kids can stop by his Letter Depot and write out their Christmas wish lists and drop them in his official mailbox. Then, when the big guy in red shows up, grab your camera and check Santa photos off your holiday to-do list. It’s that easy! Psst…pictures are complimentary, but BYOC (bring your own camera).

5. Earn a Degree From the North Pole University

Great Wolf Lodge

Did you know that the North Pole University is currently enrolling for its winter 2018-2019 snow-mester? All wolf pups who visit Great Wolf Lodge during the Snowland celebration can complete a variety of holiday-themed activities and earn their official Snowploma from the North Pole University. Kids who receive their Snowploma will also receive a limited-edition Rowdy the Reindeer trading card they can only get during Snowland. Psst… during the howliday season, many of Great Wolf Lodge’s ongoing children’s activities such as the Great  Clock Tower Show, Story Time, Yoga Tails and Paws on Projects also get a dash of Christmas cheer, giving you four more reasons to book a Snowland experience.

6. Snow Showers and Story Times and Snow ‘N’ Glow Dance Parties. Oh, My!

It may be 84 degrees inside the water park, but that doesn’t mean it can’t snow inside the Great Wolf Lodge. With a little bit of Snowland “magic” and some pretty awesome technology, each night during the Great Clock Tower Show (7 p.m., 8 p.m. & 9 p.m.), families can watch the snow fall in the Grand Lobby as everyone sings “Let It Snow.” Psst…if you live in a climate that rarely sees snow during the wintertime, get ready to watch your kids’ eyes light up with delight!

During the Snowland season, families can also enjoy a special howliday story time with Wiley the Wolf and one of Santa’s special helpers. After the Great Clock Tower Show, find a seat next to fireplace and settle in for a sweet holiday story told with a Great Wolf Lodge twist. Then, get ready for the big Snowland event of the evening—a Snow ‘N’ Glow Dance Party! With the house lights dimmed and the party lights going, you and your crew can shake your tail feathers to a set of Top 40 tunes along with a few holiday hits thrown in for good measure (think: “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”) before ending the party with everyone’s favorite song from Frozen. It’s the perfect way to cap off your Snowland celebration and an easy way to tire out your wolf pups.

7. Swim, Splash & Slide at the Massive Water Park

Great Wolf Lodge has several signature attractions that you and your kids will absolutely love! The most popular attraction is Fort Mackenzie, a four-story, 12-level, interactive water fort that boasts suspension bridges, cargo nets, web crawls, more than 60 guest-activated water effects and a nearly 1,000-gallon tipping water bucket. Slap Tail Pond, a gigantic wave pool filled with more than 112,000 gallons of water and artificially generated large waves, is also another top attraction you must hit. Each Great Wolf Lodge property also boasts a plethora of toddler water features, and, of course, the River Canyon Run, a family raft ride with a raft elevator that does the heavy lifting for you.

Families with kids of different ages will love the variety found inside each Great Wolf Lodge water park. The play areas feature climbing structures, pools, several water slides and inner tube tunnels along with super-fast thrill rides for more daring water enthusiasts. For the laid-back members of your pack, the Crooked Creek lazy river is where it’s all about floating around on an inner tube. And for littlest fish in your crew, who only want to get their toes wet, Cub Paw’s zero-depth entry children’s pool is where they will find delight.

Good to know: Safety reigns supreme at Great Wolf Lodge. Lifeguards are everywhere and there’s a variety of different sized life jackets available at no extra charge. You’ll find the life jackets stationed at a kiosk between the two large pools as well as complimentary clean towels in the pool area. Water park access is available at 1 p.m. on the day of your arrival, even if you’re not able to check into your room until 4 p.m. Plus, you can stay at the water park until closing, after you check out of your room.

8. MagiQuest

No visit to the Great Wolf Lodge is complete without an introduction to MagiQuest, the interactive game that is like a scavenger hunt meets video game. But don’t be fooled, parents—there’s very little screen time and kids will get tons of exercise wandering the hotel, going up and down the stairs and battling dragons. Start your Quest at the MagiQuest store where you can procure a wand and declare your Quest name. Throughout the first and second floors, you’ll find your wands react with many of the hotel’s features and stations (called portals). Psst…if you find yourself heading to a different Great Wolf Lodge location, be sure to bring along your wand. It will work at any Great Wolf Lodge location!

Good to know: If your kids are too little for MagiQuest, or if you’re short on time, you can buy and activate a wand at the MagiQuest store, and then let your kids go around and point at the different interactive elements throughout the hotel. The wand will make squirrels teeter-totter, raccoons swing, bear rug eyes light up, treasure boxes open and sparkle and pictures on walls speak.

9. Sweet Treats & Eats Around Every Corner

Great Wolf Lodge

Great Wolf Lodge makes it super-easy for families to park their rears and not have to leave the property for anything, including food. There are several restaurants, snack shacks and treat shops around the main lobby and in the pool area. If your family is a crew of big breakfast eaters, be sure to hit the breakfast buffet at The Loose Moose Cottage at least once during your stay. Here, you’ll find everything from fruit, yogurt and cereal to pastries, bacon, waffles and eggs cooked to order. Got a sweet tooth or need an afternoon pick-me-up? Swing by Bear Paw Sweets & Eats for freshly brewed coffees, espressos and lattes as well as fresh-baked pastries and cupcakes, ice cream and delectable lodge-crafted fudge. For families who love Italian food, you can’t go wrong with a Brooklyn style, hand-stretched pizza, savory Italian and meatball Parmesan sandwich, garlic cheese bread or freshly made salads at Hungry As A Wolf.

10. Paw Passes Take the Guesswork Out of What to Do

In addition to the full-scale water park and complimentary daily Snowland activities, the Great Wolf Lodge offers a variety of activities that can be done a la carte or as part of a package. The Paw Pass ($79.99), for example, comes with a lanyard to be worn by each child and a list of activities and experiences each Paw Pass holder is entitled to during his or her stay. By purchasing a pass, you will not only save 40% off the price of adding the same items a la carte, but you’ll take the guesswork out of figuring out which activities your kids should participate in during your stay. As a bonus, you’ll also walk away with several quality souvenirs, like a MagiQuest wand, a personalized leather bracelet and a stuffed animal, and hopefully avoid any extra trips to gift shop on your way out.

Snowland Dates: Nov. 24, 2018—Jan. 4, 2019

Online: greatwolf.com/snowland

—Kristina Moy (all photos courtesy of the writer unless otherwise noted)

This trip was paid for by Great Wolf Lodge, but all opinions expressed here belong to the writer.

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Meet Leah Singer, Red Tricycle’s San Diego Editor

by Erin Lem

Leah Singer first approached us way back in December 2011 to ask if she could contribute recipes to our new food newsletter. Our editor was thrilled to feature Leah’s delicious simple eats, and as we got to know Leah, we decided we couldn’t let go of such a skilled, generous and resourceful writer. So in April 2012, Leah became our San Diego calendar editor, populating the events calendar with cool activities and events. And, today we are thrilled to announce that Leah is our first ever San Diego Editor. She will dish on the best things to do, see, eat and explore in San Diego, spearhead our social media initiatives, and continue to artfully craft and write stories and dig up the coolest family events. Learn more about Leah and her family’s life in San Diego below.

Got a tip or story idea to share with Leah? Drop her an email at Leah.Singer AT tinybeans.go-vip.net.

What’s your idea of an awesome day with the family?
On the rare occasion that my husband, daughter and I all have a day off work or school, we love to sleep in (yes, even my daughter) and then start the day at The Mission, one of our favorite breakfast spots. Then we search for used book sales and treasure hunt at Goodwill shops, local libraries and thrift stores. The day wouldn’t be complete without a walk around the neighborhood with Casey, our beagle-mix dog.

What’s your favorite San Diego neighborhood?
I love visiting our downtown Little Italy neighborhood, especially on Saturdays for the huge Farmer’s Market. We also like the smaller community of South Park, which is filled with small, independent shops and restaurants. It’s very family-friendly, and their quarterly Walkabout events make me feel like I live in a small town.

What do you love most about being a San Diego parent?
The answer will probably be obvious: the Southern California weather makes it so easy to participate in so many outdoor activities all year long. One of our favorite spots is the San Diego Zoo. And with weather that rarely drops below the high 60s, we can use our Zoo passes during the winter months. It also makes it easy to spend a few hours at local parks or attend outdoor festivals without the worry of rain or snow.

What do you love least about being a San Diego parent?
It’s the flip-side of what I love about San Diego: the weather and seasons rarely change. I wish my daughter could experience the seasons a bit more than what San Diego gives us. My favorite season is fall and I’ve always longed to visit the pumpkin patches, go apple picking, and stomp on crunchy leaves with my daughter in crisp, cool sweater weather and boots. But I don’t think we’ve had a visit to the pumpkin patch in less than 80-degree weather with short sleeves and sunscreen.

Essential can’t-live-without mom product?
It may not be considered a mom-product. But I don’t go anywhere without my iPhone – mainly for the camera. I’m a big believer in taking photos for kids to enjoy later. I’m able to capture so many of our fun outings that I probably wouldn’t have otherwise if I had to lug my big camera around. Then I go home and create collages using Picmonkey for my blog and Facebook.

What are you looking forward to doing with your daughter this year?
We are already counting down to summer vacation! I love how many amazing events, cool summer camps, and free activities take place during the summer months in San Diego. It’s already shaping up to be an amazing summer for us!

As Red Tricycle’s first ever San Diego editor, what are you most excited about?
I am really excited about spotlighting more local, kid-friendly businesses in Red Tricycle. I feel like we’ve just scratched the surface in finding these amazing places for kids and families. I want to help families find new adventures while helping the businesses find great customers. I also can’t wait to really bring Red Tricycle into the San Diego community and help people realize what a resource this publication truly is for families.

 

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