Blog Posts by Red Tricycle

It's back to school season! That strange time before summer officially ends and fall begins. At the top of your back to school essentials shopping list is a backpack that is stylish, functional, and makes a statement (because all kids know that a backpack is way more than just something to carry their lunches and assignments in). But trying to see your child through a haze of oncoming kindergartners, all wearing Princess and Star Wars backpacks can be a bit of a drag. Seriously, how can so many children fall for Yoda so quickly? If you've had it with store-bought, commercial characters, give these backpacks a spin:

If they're in pre-K or Kindergarten try:

Send your kiddo into their first big school adventure well-stocked with these awesome character backpacks.

Hoo has the Coolest Pack?
This owl backpack is perfect for your kid's first foray into school (or even beforehand). It's cute, but unique enough to stand out from the crowd, just like her! Get it at Target

When was the last time you took your kids to the park and wished that you were still able to monkey around on the playground equipment without pulling out your back? While your days of playground romping may be a thing of the past, kids nowadays are lucky to have some awesome play structures at their disposal. Check out these jaw-dropping playgrounds that really make us wish we were kids again.

toshiko horiuchi macadam crochet knit playground playscape1

Open-Air Museum, Hakone, Japan
This brightly colored netting was hand-handcrafted by by artist Toshiko Horiuchi Macadam and is suspended within a dome comprised of over 500 timber logs. Designed to imitate animal nests, the Rainbow Nest Dome offers tons of room to climb around like a spider. Scattered throughout the enclosed space are large cushions and even a maze.

toshiko horiuchi macadam crochet knit net playground playscape8

The Blue Whale, Gothenburg, Sweden
Designed and built by the Danish company Monstrum, this 50 foot blue whale has a netted "baleen" mouth that little shrimp can crawl through and explore the pink and

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A note from the Editor: While Red Tricycle mama Allison Ellis can only dream of having it all (hey, we're all allowed to dream of George Clooney, right?), apparently some women can indeed have it all. Take Marissa Mayer, the former Google exec turned CEO of Yahoo, who not only hit headlines for her new role, but also for the fact that she's pregnant and due in October. Apparently, nothing is standing in Marissa's way from having a fulfilling career, family, and personal life. What's the secret, Marissa? Are you really super woman?

Ever since the Atlantic Monthly posted Anne-Marie Slaughter's July cover story, Why Women Still Can't Have it All, I've been racking my brain trying to come up with women (or anyone) I know that "has it all." Hmm . . . let's see: How about her? Well . . . almost, not quite. Those two? Nope. Totally faking it. What about . . . oh jeez, definitely no.

"Having it all" is an elusive concept, don't you think? A moving target. I mean, what does "it" even

Who doesn't love sitting by the pool with a fruity cocktail on a hot summer's day? It's hard for us to imagine a better afternoon, but it's pretty much impossible to have a yummy-looking drink in hand without the kids begging for a sip. Make everyone in the family happy by creating one of these delicious mocktails. From smoothies to sangria (all virgin, of course!), we've got you covered.

Summer Pineapple Strawberry Cooler
This yummy drink balances the sweetness of pineapple juice and fresh strawberries with tart limeade concentrate and fizzy club soda. With a fresh fruit garnish and your feet in the pool, this cooler will get you into Hawaii relaxation mode in no time.

pineapple cooler

Watermelon Slush Smoothie
Not only does this smoothie take advantage of one of the season's tastiest fruits, but it also provides health benefits galore. The watermelon cleanses and detoxes the body (read: clearer skin!), and the addition of almond milk provides tons of vitamin E and

toes

This weekend you can choose from something old (Old Fashion Day) or something new (Rocket Fever). You can head to the beach for culture (the kid-friendly Salty Shakespeare) or clean-up (at Toe's Beach). You can bang a drum or learn the science of sound. Or if you're feeling peckish you can sip sodas or have the kids do the cooking. It's summertime in Los Angeles - the possibilities are endless!

J.A.M. Sessions: Drum Circle
Everyone can join in the drum circle and learn how to create music with family and the whole community; no experience or drums necessary (one comes with time, the other will be provided!). Fri., 6:00 pm. East L.A. Free. All ages. Event details.

Summer Soda Tasting
Move over ice cream, there's another cold, sweet treat in town - and you get to taste some inventive flavors at the family-friendly event featuring soda samples, tasty treats, live music and comedy. Sun., 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm. Highland Park. $12. All ages. Event details.

Is school back in session yet? Not to worry parents! San Diego has lots to do this weekend with food, art and nature appearing as the event themes. Start off the first official summer weekend with an outdoor movie at Santee Lakes. Spend the day at the Ocean Beach Street Fair and Chili Cook-off Festival (kids will love the Children's Wonderland area). Sample the cuisine in Kensington, North Park and Normal Heights at the annual Taste of Adams Avenue. Celebrate FUNbelievable Play's first birthday with cake and playtime. Take the kids to learn about friendly insects at the Birds and Bees Festival. And do some summer shopping at a Family Swap Meet in Carmel Valley. Whether you want to spend the weekend indoors, outside, eating or enjoying nature, there's something for every family in San Diego this weekend. OB3

Ocean Beach Street Fair and Chili Cook-off Festival
Take the family and head to the 33rd Annual Ocean Beach Street Fair and Chili Cook-Off Festival. There will be

Spend some time outside this weekend on a camping trip, learning about animals, and even seeing some exotic cars! Pack up your sleeping bags for the Great American Backyard Campout, and enjoy a hike and sitting around the campfire. Go on a pony ride and visit a petting zoo at Family Fun Day. See some vintage cars at Palo Alto Concours d'Elegance.

If There Weren't Any Trees
Luckily you don't have to imagine a world without trees, as you take a short hike along the Ecology Trail. Get to know the various trees that shape the Presidio, and find out how they got there. Sat., 10:00 am - 12:30 pm. San Francisco. Free. All ages. Event details.

Family Dance Class
Dance instructor Britt Van Hees will get the entire family moving and having fun. Learn some new moves to start your own family dance night at home! Sun., 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm. San Francisco. $5 per person. $20 per family. Ages 3 & up. Event details.

Great American Backyard Campout
Enjoy

If you're anything like us, we have a love/hate relationship with summertime in the city. On the one hand, the city is brimming with fun family events and there's certainly nothing like a refreshing dip in the Atlantic (or if we're lucky, a weekend away in the Hamptons). Our excitement for summer is only tempered by the throngs of tourists clogging our sidewalks and the totally unbearable train platforms (the word ventilation clearly meant nothing to the subway planners). So in an effort to re-invigorate your excitement for summer (after all, the city is truly a mecca for fun events during these warm months) we've come up with 50 of our favorite summer family activities. From free outdoor movies to the 411 of New York's floating pool, there is plenty for you and the kiddos to do, both indoor and out.

Pier-6-Waterpark-Brooklyn

1. From "Cars" to "The Wizard of Oz", you won't want to miss all the free outdoor movie showings this summer.

2. There's no better way to combat the blazin' heat than with