Explore Together | Jane's Carousel

Nicki Sebastian (a Zooey contributor) and her daughter Cami spent their afternoon at Jane's Carousel, a once historical Ohio-based installation that now sits in the Brooklyn Bridge Park. It's such a magical location that serves as a perfect family adventure. Plus, it doesn't hurt that the carousel has endless photo opportunities.

Have you been to the carousel or plan to this summer? It's surely a piece of history that you can't part without ever experiencing! 

Best hours to visit with kids: 

Anytime during the hours of operation! Although the golden evening light reflects beautifully on the glass-enclosed carousel just before sunset, making it a particularly magical time to go.

Location Favorites:

The entire waterfront has been built into one continuous, gorgeous park—walk along the East River boardwalk for stunning views of Manhattan, skip rocks at Brooklyn Bridge Park Pebble Beach, stop for some sweet treats at One Girl Cookies in Dumbo, have dinner at Shake Shack (for the best burgers and fries) or Luke's Lobster under the Brooklyn Bridge, or grab a famous slice or pie at Grimaldi's or Julianna's Pizza.

Also, be sure to stop at Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory at Fulton Ferry Pier for delicious, made-in-Brooklyn ice cream

Address: Dock Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201

Parking: Visitors who drive can park on Front Street, between Dock & Main Street or at 45 Main Street (corner of Front & Main Street). The carousel is also easily accessible by subway (take the F, A/C, or 2/3 trains)

Business Hours: 

Summer Hours - 
5/11/2015  to 9/20/2015
Open 6 days, closed Tuesdays 
11:00 AM - 7:00 PM 
Winter Hours - 
9/21/2015 to 5/8/2016 
Thursday to Sunday 
11:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Photography by Nicki Sebastian

Clothing Credits:
Cami's Dress: Muny Shop.

Day in the Life | The Sanchez Family

Every year, the Sanchez Family ventures to Barthel Fruit Farm in Wisconsin. This time, we headed out with them. Stephanie Sanchez (mother of 3 and also a Zooey Magazine contributor), tells us:

This farm gives you a break from the city with a genuine feel for community. As the kids (Madelynn, Noah, and Story) are getting older, they are becoming even more familiar with the farm. They always get excited to pick their berries under the heat of the summer sun and among the sound of laughter from all of the other families there. Once we finish our strawberry picking, we immediately come home and make smoothies. This year, we decided to also make strawberry muffins, which were a huge hit. 

We sat outside together on our porch devouring our treats with the kids radiating happiness. This simple tradition is one I look forward to every year. 

What is your outdoor summer tradition? Please share in the comments, so we can gather inspiration for our next adventure! 

Explore Together | Lavender & Honey

Our next adventure with the Vuong family takes us to Pasadena's "Lavender & Honey." A flavorful café that offers quick bites for both parents and kids. We stopped by this sweet shop to enjoy delicious toasts, a glass of milk for the kids, and iced coffee for the parents. It's a perfect refreshment for these hot summer days (the temperature was in the triple digits today in Los Angeles!). 

Menu Favorites: The kids loved the birthday toast, but Lavender & Honey has a lot of other things to offer too! Some favorites off the kids' menu are:

  • Milk & Cookies
  • Birthday Toast (Frosting w/ Sprinkles)
  • Nutella & Banana toast
  • Petit Parisian Sandwich (Ham & Cheese)
  • Little Italiano Sandwich (Salami & Cheese)
  • Hot Chocolates
  • Frozen Hot Chocolates
  • Lavender & Honey Milk Steamer
  • The Cream'wich from Manhattan Beach Creamery

What's Neat:

Lavender & Honey has a quaint/boutique feel, so it's the perfect stop for a quick snack and drink. It's light and airy, and the space itself has beautiful rustic decor. There is a convenient indoor and outdoor seating, free wifi, and a dog-friendly patio. And most of all, it's in a perfect neighborhood!

Address: 

1383 E. Washington Blvd. Pasadena, CA 91104

Parking:

There is a large parking lot next to the shop and also plentiful street parking with little-to-no restrictions.

Store hours: 

Mon - Sat: 7 AM TO 5 PM 
Sun: 8 AM to 4 PM

Best hours to visit with kids:

Early lunch: 10 AM to 12 PM
Afternoon snack: 2 PM to  4 PM

Photography by Lucia Tran

Assisted by Crystal Rivera