Latest news with #familytime
Arab News
2 hours ago
- Arab News
Where We Are Going Today: Amazonia Nursery Farm
RIYADH: A few kilometers outside the Kingdom's capital, between the hills of Al-Amaaria village, one can explore and learn about various plants while spending time with loved ones at Amazonia Nursery Farm. For the latest updates, follow us on Instagram @ Plant lovers can explore and shop a variety of herbal plants, vegetables, fruits and flowers, including roses and Japanese houseplants. Several seating areas are available where you can enjoy a cup of coffee and pastries. Along with a coffee house nearby, there is a bakery that serves Lebanese pastries such as manakish and stuffed flatbread, as well as other options such as burgers and fried items. During my visit with my family, I liked how the place was spacious and relaxing. The food options were also not bad or too oily. However, although Amazonia Nursery Farm is a family-friendly location, it might not be ideal for larger groups. We cut our visit short because the seating area was not the best; we couldn't find a suitable table except for one, especially since there were elderly people in the group, and it was difficult for them to sit on the ground for too long. Another disadvantage was that the food took from 15 to 20 minutes to prepare so we had to wait a while for our order. Regardless, the place is worth a visit at least once, and is suitable for families with children who enjoy nature and a good overall atmosphere. It opens daily from 4 p.m. until 1 a.m.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
The "Cool" Neighborhood Feature You'll Never Regret
This article may contain affiliate links that Yahoo and/or the publisher may receive a commission from if you buy a product or service through those links. The first time I brought my kids to our neighborhood pool, a mere two days after our interstate move to Knoxville, Tennessee, I had no idea how much this space would impact our lives. We were moving from Tallahassee, Florida, where so many households have their own pools that neighborhood pools aren't necessary. But Knoxville's milder climate means a shorter pool season overall, and fewer homes with private pools. Although our summers in Florida revolved around going to our neighbor's pool every day (sometimes more than once!), I didn't give much thought to the pool situation in our new home. We're now on our fourth summer in Knoxville, and pool season is our favorite. The neighborhood pool I initially took for granted has turned out to be one of the best things about our new place, so much so that, if you're looking for a home in a similar type of area, I'd tell you that a pool needs to be at the top of your must-have list. What My Neighborhood Pool Has Meant to Me A neighborhood pool is great for all the obvious reasons. It keeps my kids busy, it's a great place to invite friends for hangouts, and it's a reliable summer activity. I can take the kids to the pool, sunscreen them up, and relax on a lounger while they play for hours. There are almost always a few kids there that my kids know and play with, and they have since forged meaningful and lasting friendships there, too. Last year, my teen son met several other boys at the pool and they've become a close-knit, year-round group of friends who work out together, run on the cross-country team, buzz and bleach each other's hair, and hangout at each other's houses. These boys have come over for carrot cake, root beer floats, movie nights, and freshly baked cookies; gotten in trouble for playing too loud and waking up my little kids; pranked us with their Halloween bush costumes; and been there with their arms around my son (literally and figuratively) through some adolescent heartache. It's a mother's Leave It to Beaver dream and it wouldn't have happened without the pool. But it's not just my kids who've found connection. With school years that are so busy, many parents (*raises hand*) can hardly come up for air. The summer pool scene offers a low-key, no-planning way to foster connections with other women in the neighborhood. Over time, the repeated contact the pool has allowed has turned these connections into friendships and community that I most definitely do not take for granted. Being able to chat with other moms and get to know new families — without having to find a time that we're all free or host — is invaluable. It staves off loneliness (this isn't talked about enough) and makes me feel woven in with a group of people nearby who I can count on to let me borrow a cup of sugar or bring a package into the house when I'm out of town. Are Neighborhood Pools a Rising Real Estate Trend? I feel like I discovered a special secret with our pool, but I know I'm not the only one who has experienced the impact of these neighborhood gems. I reached out to the Realtor who helped us buy this house, Kelly O'Connor of Wallace Real Estate, to find out more about both the history and current trends of neighborhood pools. Turns out that O'Connor, who grew up in the same town we live in now, has her own fond history with neighborhood pools. 'I spent every summer from sun up to sun down at the pool, which resulted in amazing childhood memories with all of the neighborhood kids,' she says. O'Connor shared that a neighborhood pool was on her list of must-haves during her house search so that her children could experience the same childhood summers she had. But do others feel the same? I asked O'Connor whether neighborhood pools are on the rise or fading away. 'During the pandemic we saw a large uptick in private backyard pools being installed,' she says, 'but neighborhood pools, especially in the South, are certainly not a thing of the past. They bring a great sense of community to subdivisions.' And it's not just about the pool itself. In newer subdivisions, it's all about the amenities surrounding the pool, too, O'Connor adds, such as splash pads, firepits, nice clubhouses, and even pickleball courts. Additionally, O'Connor says that pools themselves are getting modernized — with eco-friendly and lower maintenance options available (saltwater and solar-heated pools) — and current design trends ranging anywhere from plunge pools to resort style pools. Do Neighborhood Pools Impact Home Value? While we find tremendous personal value in our neighborhood pool, I wondered about whether this is a feature that reliably translates to home value. O'Connor weighs in: 'Community pools can absolutely be an added value when it comes to home sales,' she says. However, she suggests a few things to keep in mind when it comes to assessing how much of a value-add a community pool offers. Specifically, she suggests considering how well the pool is maintained, and whether the HOA fees are the end, 'having nice, well-kept amenities in a subdivision will always add value to your home,' O'Connor said. 'We have seen a lot of buyers moving to Tennessee from out of state, so choosing a subdivision with a community pool has been a fantastic way for new owners to meet their neighbors in a laid-back and fun environment.' Further Reading We Used Our New 'Room Plan' Tool to Give This Living Room 3 Distinct Styles — See How, Then Try It Yourself The Design Changemakers to Know in 2025 Create Your Own 3D Room Plan with Our New Tool Sign up for Apartment Therapy's Daily email newsletter to receive our favorite posts, tours, products, and shopping guides in your inbox. Solve the daily Crossword
The Guardian
2 days ago
- The Guardian
‘It's the low-key moments that stay with us': the secret to happy summer holidays with the kids
On a walk with my children, now in their mid-20s, I asked them what they remembered best from their school summer holidays. I expected to hear about the fiesta we witnessed in the heat of Tarifa, Spain, or be berated for the time I booked early flights to Crete, leaving us sitting in the waiting room of a resort from 4am until check-in time. The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more. I was greatly amused (and slightly relieved), then, to hear my son say: 'Our summer books – that time we collected all those random things, took them home and stuck them into a book.' He was delighted that we've kept them. My daughter said: 'Soup on the beach.' We'd stayed on the Isles of Scilly (one of our favourite destinations), and had promised them a bonfire next to the sea on our last night. Of course, by the time we got around to it, night was falling – and with it the temperature – and poor four-year-old Lulu got tired and cold. We wrapped her in a blanket, propped her on a rock and gave her a mug of bonfire-heated tinned soup – and watched as the colour sprang back into her cheeks. The point of this (rather sentimental) reminiscing is to show that you don't need expensive foreign holidays or trips to amusement parks for your children to have a good summer. It's the low-key moments that tend to stay with us – and they can be as simple as a fun craft activity or a makeshift meal under the stars. Sure, lazing on a beach in the Algarve for a week or two is what keeps parents going through the winter months, but the 4am start for the ferry or the queues at passport control can start to undo the benefits of a holiday. If you're looking for ways to entertain your children during the holidays but sadly can't just down tools and take the day off, read our guide to the summer holidays. It includes lots of ideas for inexpensive activities to do around your home or garden, from den-building to arts and crafts, as well as short and longer days out. We've also rounded up the best garden games for children of all ages. Don't ever feel guilty about not being with your children for the entire school summer holidays, nor for amusing them with low-cost activities. Sometimes, the simplest activities turn out to be their most memorable. The best wedding gifts in the UK: 13 ideas that couples will actually want The best moisturising lip balms to hydrate and protect your lips The best gins for G&Ts, martinis and negronis, from our taste test of 50 'Unbelievably terrible': the best (and worst) supermarket vanilla ice-cream, tested and rated 'It's hard to know what to wear when the sun comes out,' says fashion and lifestyle editor Morwenna Ferrier, 'so it always seems strange just how little thought we give to it.' But we've done all the thinking for you in our bumper guide to summer dressing, with 69 ideas for women, men and the kids. From a spicy marg T-shirt and a purse for your beach change to perfect men's shorts and a bag charm for grownups, there's something here to suit every summer style. Monica HorridgeDeputy editor, the Filter If you've ever planned to spend the evening outside only to be tempted back on to the living room sofa, it may be time to upgrade your garden furniture. Whatever the size of your outdoor space, there'll be a sofa, bistro seat or bench to suit in design expert Claudia Baillie's guide to the best garden furniture. There are also tips for buying vintage or secondhand furniture if you'd rather avoid buying anything new. Have you made an eco-friendly swap that's stuck? Maybe you found a microfibre cloth that transformed your skincare routine, plastic-free cleaning products that actually work, or a shopping tote that finally broke your addiction to plastic bags. Let us know by replying to this newsletter or emailing us at thefilter@
Khaleej Times
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Staycation deals in UAE: 'Kids go free' this summer at these hotels
Spending the summer here? While it may not be feasible to enjoy the outdoors, there is an abundance of activities that can keep residents busy in the scorching heat. Hotels across the UAE are offering deals so you can bring your children along to enjoy some family time away from home. Here are some hotels that allow kids to go free: 1. Staycation at Rixos Bab Al Bahr, Ras Al Khaimah Nestled on the shores of Al Marjan Island, this ultra-all-inclusive resort provides a combination of five-star amenities, family-friendly activities and entertainment. From now until September 30, families can enjoy an ultra-all-inclusive summer escape starting from Dh799 per night for a Deluxe Room and Dh1,599 for a Kids Escape Suite, with two kids under 12 years of age staying for free. Guests booking a three-night stay also receive a complimentary upgrade to a Premium Garden Room, ideal for families seeking extra space and comfort while taking in the lush scenery. 2. JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai Valid until August 23, 2025, and applicable for kids under 12, the 'kids go free' offer is the perfect opportunity to make memories at the world's tallest five-star hotel. Whether indulging in the hotel's award-winning dining venues, unwinding at Saray Spa, or exploring Business Bay and Downtown Dubai, this offer ensures a truly special Eid celebration with the family. For further details on the packages, contact 04-4142000. 3. Novotel World Trade Centre Just a few minutes from the top tourist attractions and only five minutes from the metro station, Novotel World Trade Centre is offering stays, starting from Dh149 per night. This summer, kids under 12 can stay for free and enjoy complimentary access to the Novotel's Kids Club. All guests will also receive a 30 per cent discount on food and beverages at all in-house dining outlets across Accor hotels in Dubai World Trade Centre, including the international all-day dining Entre Nous and Café Cream at Novotel World Trade Centre, pan-Asian restaurant Wok & Co at ibis One Central, and the Mediterranean restaurant Twine at ibis World Trade Centre. 4. The H Dubai Book your next getaway with The H Dubai and get treated to up to 20 per cent off room rates, free breakfast, and more. Plus, make cherished family memories with the 'Kids Go Free' offer, where your kids get to stay and dine for free. Early check-in is available from 11am and late check-out up to 4pm (subject to availability). The hotel also offers complimentary shuttle services to Dubai Outlet Mall and Yas Island. 5. Staycation at JA Ocean View Hotel Enjoy quality time over a complimentary buffet breakfast in your spacious one-bedroom suite or create unforgettable memories with a visit to Ain Dubai — the world's tallest observation wheel, all included in your stay. Make the most of your time with a 24-hour stay and flexible check-in and check-out, giving you the freedom to sleep in, take a late swim, and truly savour every moment. From July to September 2025, this experience is available from just Dh900 per room, per night, inclusive of taxes and service charges. Your stay includes a range of family-friendly perks: complimentary breakfast and dinner for the whole family (including up to two children under 12), 50 per cent off the second room for children — ideal for families needing more space — and a free upgrade to a one-bedroom suite with a balcony and sea view. 6. Voco Dubai The Palm — Beach Day pass The hotel has introduced a 'voco Beach Day Pass', a curated daycation experience inviting non-resident guests to soak up the sun with full access to the private beach and redeemable credit on food and beverages. With a focus on comfort and culinary charm, the experience includes all-day access from 9am until sunset, with sunbeds available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you're dropping by midweek, prices start at Dh150 per adult from Monday to Thursday with Dh130 redeemable on food and drink, and Dh200 per adult on weekends with Dh150 back to spend, the pass allows full access to the private beach from 9am until sunset. Children under 12 can join their parents free of charge, though sunbeds are not included.
Yahoo
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Why These Parents Decided To Take One Kid on Vacation and Leave the Other Home
Fact checked by Sarah Scott Parents with multiple kids have likely asked themselves this question too many times: how do I give each child quality one-on-one time? It can sometimes feel impossible. Different ages, behaviors, and abilities may mean one kid requires more than the other, at least at some point. Guilt can set in and so can fears that one child isn't getting enough attention. One couple found a solution that worked for them. They took their infant on vacation while leaving their 2-year-old at home with family. 'You leave your first baby at home to take your second baby on their first holiday where it can be all about them and not their big sibling,' the mom, Georgia Brown, shares in a viral TikTok video that shows her and her partner enjoying drinks outdoors with the baby in tow. In the caption she explains that she was initially unsure of the idea but ultimately is glad they decided to go through with it. 'It was so amazing to make those 1-on-1 memories with our second,' she says. It seems sweet, right? Not according to many commenters who bashed the parents for their decision. 'What a horrible idea! Can't imagine anything worst! [sic] Memories are to be made as a family,' writes one person. Another says, 'I would never take one without the other.' The negativity went on. Although some commenters were on this mom's side. 'Both kids deserve 1 on 1 time,' shares one commenter in part. 'After having kids, I totally understand to give the same respect to all children,' another shares. 'I think this is pretty thoughtful.' Not that a family's decision like this needs to be explained to others, but the couple told U.K. based publication What's the Jam that they had taken their first on a trip to Italy when he was a baby and they wanted to give their second a similar experience. They also explain the realities of having a toddler, including constantly needing to chase after them. That takes away attention from their baby. Plus, the trip allowed the dad to bond more with the infant who has been more attached to mom because of their nursing schedule. The parents' decision also doesn't mean there won't be family vacations all together. As the mom shares in the comments, the family went away together three weeks after. No one wants to be left out, but quality one-on-one time with each kid is important for their development and well-being. So enjoying an activity (or a trip) with each kid separately can be beneficial. And that's the case even if your child won't remember it. A constant theme in the comments was the fact that the baby is too young to retain this memory. That's due to childhood amnesia, or the inability for adults to remember much from the first few years of life. But parents should still engage in special experiences with their kids. It helps with connection but also encourages kids to pick up important skills. As Rachael Elward, PhD, an expert in the cognitive neuroscience of memory, previously told Parents, "Sharing experiences is important for bonding and helps your child learn about the world around them. While they might not remember a specific visit to the zoo, they will remember things like what a zoo is and the names of the animals." Bottom line: if a separate vacation is your idea of bonding with one of your kids, don't feel bad about it. As the TikTok mom said when responding to a commenter: 'Everyone is entitled to their own way of parenting.' Read the original article on Parents
