Spring is on its way, and it’s time to grab your picnic baskets and camera because Southern California is about to be blanketed in a sea of color! With the perfect amount of rain in fall and winter, we may be in for a super bloom.

Mid-February marks the beginning of the wildflower bloom, and it’ll last until mid-May, but don’t be surprised if you see some blooms lingering into June or July. To make sure you catch the best of the best, we’ve put together a list of the top locations for spring wildflowers in Southern California. Get ready for a flower-filled adventure!

We highly encourage you to contact each location before starting your journey to check on the status of the blooms. You can also check the status of the wildflowers on DesertUSA.

Wildflower Wonderlands: Southern California's Best Blooms to See!

When is the best time to see Spring Wildflowers in Southern California? 🌷

The best time to see wildflowers in Southern California is usually from mid-February to mid-May, but this can vary based on local weather conditions such as rainfall and temperature. It’s important to check the status of the blooms before visiting, as the timing and intensity of the wildflowers can change from year to year. In some years, with the right combination of rainfall and warm temperatures, the wildflowers can bloom into June or even July. To have the best chance of seeing a wildflower display, it’s recommended to visit during the peak bloom period in late February to early March.

What are the first wildflowers to bloom in spring? 🌼

The first wildflowers to bloom in spring in Southern California vary based on location and weather conditions. However, some of the common early-blooming wildflowers include:

Desert sand verbena: a vibrant purple flower that can cover vast areas in the desert.

Fiddlenecks: a yellow flower that often covers hillsides in early spring.

Sky lupine: a blue flower that grows in open fields and hillsides.

Cream cups: a yellow flower that grows in meadows and along roadsides.

Globe gilia: a small, deep blue flower that grows in large clusters.

California poppies: the state flower of California, with bright orange petals that can carpet hillsides.

These are just a few examples, and the specific wildflowers that bloom first can vary based on location and weather conditions. Keep in mind that the timing of wildflowers’ blooms can be unpredictable, so it’s best to check the status of the blooms before visiting.

Point Mugu State Park

9000 Pacific Coast Hwy.
Malibu, CA 90265
(310) 457-8143

Pack your hiking boots and get ready for a wildflower extravaganza! Point Mugu State Park is a nature lover’s paradise with 70+ miles of scenic trails and breathtaking ocean views. The park boasts stunning rocky bluffs, pristine sandy beaches, towering dunes, rolling hills, lush river canyons, and sprawling valleys dotted with towering trees.

But the real showstopper is the incredible wildflower display along the Backbone Trail in spring. With jagged peaks of the Boney Mountains State Wilderness Area in the backdrop, you’ll be surrounded by a sea of vibrant colors and fragrances.

Griffith Park

4730 Crystal Springs Dr.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 913-4688

Griffith Park in Los Angeles, California is a great destination for viewing spring wildflowers. In the spring months, visitors to the park can see scattered patches of wildflowers including poppies and other blooms in shades of yellow, orange, blue, and purple.

The best way to see the wildflowers is to park at the Greek Theater (Lot G), cross the street, and start up the clearly marked Riverside Trail. From there, turn right onto the Hogback Trail and continue towards Dante’s View (1 mile) and the Mt. Hollywood summit (1.2 miles). There are also offshoot trails, which are a bit steeper with some scrambling, along nearby ridgelines that offer additional opportunities to see wildflowers.

It’s important to note that the wildflowers at Griffith Park vary from year to year, and the best time to see them is typically in the spring months.

The South Coast Botanic Garden

26300 Crenshaw Boulevard
Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274
(424) 452-0920

The South Coast Botanic Garden in Palos Verdes, California is a stunning destination for viewing spring wildflowers. The garden, which covers 87 acres, is home to over 2,000 species of plants, many of which bloom in the spring, creating a colorful display of wildflowers.

Visitors to the garden can expect to see a wide variety of wildflowers including California poppies, lupines, and other blooms in shades of yellow, orange, blue, and purple. The best time to see the wildflowers is typically from late February to early May, depending on the rainfall in the area.

In addition to the wildflowers, the South Coast Botanic Garden also features a number of other attractions including a lake, a bird sanctuary, a palm grove, and a cactus garden. The garden is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and admission is charged.

Visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic and enjoy the beauty of the garden and its wildflowers. Guided tours and educational programs are also available for visitors who would like to learn more about the plants and wildlife in the garden.

Palos Verdes Peninsula

916 Silver Spur Rd, #207
Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274
Email: info@pvplc.org
(310) 541-7613

With blooms year-round, March and April are the best time to witness a spectrum of colorful flowers in full bloom at this location. From fiddlenecks, poppies, and deerweed on the east side of the Chandler Preserve where monarch butterflies love to flutter, to lupines at White Point Nature Preserve, you’ll be surrounded by nature’s beauty.

Take a walk on the wild side and hike the Mariposa, Flying Mane, and Basalt trails in Palos Verdes Nature Preserve, where you’ll find red paintbrush and more. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for California bush sunflowers, mariposa lilies, and wild hyacinth scattered across the peninsula.

Antelope Valley Poppy Preserve

15101 Lancaster Road
Lancaster, CA 93536
661-946-6092

Get ready for a wildflower extravaganza this spring! The Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve is ready to burst into bloom with a sensational display of colors and scents from the Mojave Desert Grassland. Every year is different, with the wildflower season usually kicking off in mid-February and lasting until May. The variety of blooms changes every day, making each visit a unique and unforgettable experience.

With 8 miles of trails, including a smooth and accessible paved path, you can choose to hike, explore, or simply soak in the peace and quiet of the countryside. Listen to the melodic tunes of the birds and watch in awe as hawks glide silently overhead. Take a break on one of the many benches along the way and keep an eye out for wildlife sightings. You might just spot a meadow lark, a darting lizard, or even a sneaky gopher snake! And if you’re feeling lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of a coyote or a bobcat. And let’s not forget about the amazing creatures that call the burrows along the trails home, like mice, gophers, kangaroo rats, beetles, and even scorpions!

If want to check on the progress of the bloom at the Poppy Reserve, you can monitor the wildflowers via their live webcam.

Hungry Valley SVRA

Gold Hill Road near N Peace Valley Road
Gorman, CA 93243
661-248-7007

Get ready for a wildflower party like no other at Tejon Pass! These hillsides are famous for their eye-popping displays of color and are covered in a dazzling carpet of wildflowers each spring. From vibrant orange California Poppies to sunny yellow Goldfields, brilliant purple Lupine, and playful Tidy Tips, these flowers transform the rolling hills into a rainbow of hues. Take a stroll on the self-guided tour route starting at the Visitor Center, marked by cheerful blue and white flower signs, and immerse yourself in a world of nature’s beauty. (Download the PDF version of the wildflower tour map.)

Chino Hills State Park

4721 Sapphire Rd.
Chino Hills, CA 91709
951-780-6222

March (and sometimes early April) is the best time to witness the spectacular display of bright California poppies and other blooming flowers. Want to take in the full beauty? Check out some of the park’s most popular wildflower trails like Aliso Canyon, Bane Ridge Trail, Bovinian Delight Trail, Telegraph Canyon Trail, and Little Canyon Loop. It’s a nature lover’s paradise!”

Keep your eyes peeled for curious coyotes, graceful deer, sneaky bobcats, and other fuzzy creatures that call these woodlands, scrub, and grasslands their home. You can check out the best 30 Chino Hills State Park trails here.

Saddleback Butte State Park

East Avenue J and 170th Street East
Lancaster, CA 93535
(661) 946-6092

Get ready for a wild and colorful adventure at Saddleback Butte State Park! Spring is the prime time to witness the breathtaking display of wildflowers (from February to May). And if you’re lucky, you might spot some amazing desert creatures like coyotes, kit foxes, tortoises, jackrabbits, bunnies, ground squirrels, kangaroo rats, slithering snakes and lizards, and even the rare badger or skunk!

For the status of the bloom, follow their Facebook page.

Carlsbad Flower Fields

5704 Paseo Del Norte
Carlsbad, CA 92008
760-431-0352

This 50-acre wonderland is one of the most popular places to see wildflowers and the blooming of ranunculus flowers is simply unforgettable! Mark your calendars, as The Flower Fields will be open for visitors starting March 1, 2023.

Take a leisurely ride through the fields on an open-air wagon and listen to the fascinating audio commentary on the history of The Flower Fields. And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not try your hand at picking your own blueberries in the U-Pick Blueberry Patch.

With tickets starting at just $18 for adults, $16 for seniors, and $7 for kids (prices vary on weekdays and weekends), it’s the perfect opportunity to make memories with your family! Also check their 2023 activity calendar for upcoming events.

Carrizo Plain National Monument

17495 Soda Lake Rd.
California Valley, CA 93453
805-475-2035

Carrizo Plain National Monument is one of the best-kept secrets in California. Only a few hours from Los Angeles, the Carrizo Plain offers visitors a rare chance to be alone with nature. When conditions are right, numerous wildflowers can carpet the valley floor; although short-lived it can be breathtaking.

For more information about the status of the blooms, please visit their website or contact the park at 805-475-2035, or you can hear weekly recorded wildflower reports at 818 768-1802 ext. 7. New reports are released every Friday, March through May!

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

200 Palm Canyon Dr.
Borrego Springs, CA 92004
760-767-4684

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is known for Desert Gold Poppies, Phacelia, and a variety of tiny belly flowers, which start making their appearance near the Visitor Center and on low rocky hillsides. For information on this year’s blooms, you can call Wildflower Hotline at 760-767-4684. The Visitor Center is open Saturdays and Sundays only, from 9 am to 5 pm.

If you are visiting with kids, NARROWS EARTH NATURE TRAIL is the easiest one. This gentle one-half-mile walk is short but sweet. In 30 minutes you can fully explore the many geological processes taking place in this small canyon. Access from Highway 78.

Paramount Ranch

2903 Cornell Rd.
Agoura Hills, CA 91301
805-370-2301

Take a walk on the wild side at Paramount Ranch! Get ready to explore miles of easy to moderate scenic hikes that take you through stunning landscapes, including chaparral, riparian, and valley oak savannah plant communities. Keep an eye out for some amazing wildlife, like red-tailed hawks, acorn woodpeckers, blue herons, and deer, as well as beautiful wildflowers.

When you’re done with your hike, step back in time and visit Western Town. Enjoy a relaxing picnic in the shaded area, surrounded by a real-life movie set that’s constantly changing (but always keeping its western charm). Whether you’re an adventure-seeker or a history buff, there’s something for everyone at Paramount Ranch! For more information about wildflower blooms, please call 805-370-2301 or visit their website.

Joshua Tree National Park

74485 National Park Dr.
Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
(760) 367-5522

Get ready to witness nature’s vibrant colors come to life in the Pinto Basin! The lower elevations are the first to showcase their wildflower magic in February, followed by the higher elevations in March and April. If you’re feeling adventurous, head up to the desert regions above 5,000 feet and enjoy a bloom extravaganza that may last until June! So, pack your bags and get ready to be surrounded by beauty at every turn.

Before visiting, please check the status of the blooms here.

Death Valley National Park

328 Greenland Blvd.
Death Valley, CA 92328
(760) 786-3200

Get ready to be awestruck in Death Valley! This magnificent park is famous for its breathtaking wildflower displays, which happen about once a decade and are known as super blooms. It’s an ultra-rare event, but one you don’t want to miss! Even in non-super bloom years, the early spring months bring splashes of colorful flowers to the desert floor, before spreading to the mid and high elevations. So buckle up, it’s time to witness nature’s amazing display!

You can check the status of the blooms here.

Catalina Island Conservancy

708 Crescent Ave.
Avalon, CA 90704
(310) 510-2595

This island off the coast of Long Beach is a treasure trove for plant lovers, blooming or not. During the months of February to May, the island transforms into a stunning display of wildflowers. And even when the wildflowers aren’t in full bloom, there’s still plenty to explore. As one of only a few Mediterranean regions in the world, Catalina boasts a rich and diverse plant life, including some rare and unique species.

The best way to explore the plant life on Catalina is by scheduling a naturalist guided open-air Jeep Eco Tour by calling (310) 510-2595 ext. 108.

Channel Islands National Park

1901 Spinnaker Drive
Ventura, CA 93001
(805) 658-5730

This park is a botanical playground, boasting over 800 plant species! When the rain showers are plentiful, the islands transform into a lush green paradise, where wildflowers dance in the sunshine. Don’t miss the showstopping yellow coreopsis flowers that light up the place from late January to March. The best place to catch this breathtaking display is on Santa Barbara, Anacapa, and San Miguel Islands!

For more information about specific island wildflower viewing, click here.

Pinnacles National Park

5000 Highway 146
Paicines, CA 95043
(831) 389-4486

Spring has never been so colorful! Get ready to be surrounded by a breathtaking sea of blooms at Pinnacles National Park! From March to May, over 80% of the park’s plants burst into bloom, bringing the place to life. Depending on Mother Nature’s mood, the flowers may stick around until June or, in a super wet year, all the way to July!

January and February bring the early birds like Manzanita, Milkmaids, Shooting Stars, and Indian Warriors. But by March, the Bush Poppies and Buck Brush take center stage, surrounded by a chorus of California Poppies, Fiddleneck, Peppergrass, Filaree, Fiesta Flower, Monkeyflower, and Baby Blue-Eyes. Don’t miss this spectacular show of nature!

Walker Canyon

Lake Elsinore, CA
(951) 674-3124

This wildflower wonderland is a top pick for those seeking a burst of color and beauty in the spring months. With fields of cheerful orange California poppies and an array of other wildflowers, the hills of the canyon come to life with a breathtaking display. Though the amount of wildflowers varies from year to year, you can usually expect to see a stunning variety of blooms from late February to mid-April.

To join in on the fun, simply park along Lake Street and take a short hike to reach the wildflowers. The best part? There’s no entrance fee! Just make sure to visit early in the day to avoid crowds and secure a parking spot, especially during peak blooming season. Click here to see the status of the poppies.

Figueroa Mountain Recreation Area

Santa Barbara County, California
805-925-9538

Just a 30-minute drive north of Los Olivos lies the Figueroa Mountain recreation area, where you’ll be treated to a panoramic view that’ll take your breath away! From the San Rafael Wilderness to the Santa Ynez Valley, you won’t be disappointed. And let’s talk about the wildflowers! During springtime (February to April), Figueroa Mountain transforms into a floral wonderland. Early March is when the Purple Shooting Stars make their grand entrance, and as the months go by, more and more beautiful blooms join the party – think Chocolate Lilies and Scarlet Indian Paintbrush! Don’t miss this eye-catching extravaganza!

The Wildflowers on the Figueroa Mountain Area web page showcases the wildflowers of Figueroa Mountain.

Mojave National Preserve

2701 Barstow Road
Barstow, CA 92311
(760) 252-6100

Escape the hustle and bustle of the big city and venture to the peaceful and serene Mojave! This 1.6-million-acre park, located between Los Angeles and Las Vegas, is a true gem, featuring singing sand dunes, cinder cone volcanoes, a massive Joshua tree forest, and, of course, a colorful carpet of spring wildflowers!

Every few years, the Mojave gets a little extra love from Mother Nature in the form of rain. And when that happens, get ready for a wildflower extravaganza like no other! Every inch of sand and gravelly soil will be blanketed in a sea of blossoms – it’s truly a magical sight! While it’s not an annual event, with a few well-timed showers, you’ll be treated to a memorable spring wildflower bloom that’ll make you feel like you’re in a fairy tale!

You can check the status of the blooms here.

Madrona Marsh Preserve

3201 Plaza Del Amo Torrance, CA 90503
(310) 782-3989

Step into a hidden gem in Los Angeles County – the Madrona Marsh Preserve! This unique spot is believed to be one of the last remaining vernal freshwater marshes around, providing a temporary home to a variety of distinctive plants and animals.

Come March, the seasonal wetland transforms into a lush oasis, bursting with water and wildflowers. Look out for the bright yellow Bush Sunflowers, tiny bunches of Golden Poppies, and the cheerful Yellow Deerweed. And the fun doesn’t end there! Across the street, you can take a tour of the Native Garden, where you’ll spot Bushy Black Sage in bloom, along with Cactus Flowers, Deerweed, Flannel Bush, and other local species. Don’t miss this unique and vibrant destination!

Fresno County Blossom Trial

2629 S Clovis Ave.
Fresno, CA 93725
(559) 600-4271

Get ready for a mesmerizing experience! Each year in mid-February, a driving path of nearly 70 miles transforms into a fairy tale wonderland with stunning bursts of pink and white fluttering petals. This stunning sight is known as the Fresno County Blossom Trail! From mid-February to the end of March, the trail will be a dreamy display of nature’s beauty. And to celebrate this magical moment, there are tons of festivals and special events to enjoy, like the 10k run and the Kings River Blossom Trail Bike Ride.

Take selfies or professional family photos with an almost make-believe backdrop, walk through the ocean of color, sit back and enjoy the leisurely drive with nothing but petals in sight, or enjoy the view from one of the several stops along the trail—including Simonian Farms, and Circle K Ranch.

Blossom Trail At Hillcrest

6943 S. Reed
Reedley, CA 93654
559-638-2762

At Hillcrest farm, you can ride a blossom trial train that operates the first three weekends of March from 10 am to 5 pm. Train tickets are $5 per person for ages 2 and up. (Stand by for the exact dates for 2023).

Tips for viewing Wildflowers

We recommend planning your visit during a weekday, especially if you’re visiting in the peak month of March.
Consider booking a hotel near where you will be viewing wildflowers so you can take your time and enjoy the beauty of the Spring.
Wear comfortable and closed-toe shoes or hiking shoes.
Take sunblock, sun hats, and sunglasses with you.
If you are viewing with little kids, consider taking child carriers so if they get ted you can carry them easily.
Don’t forget to take a camera with you or make sure your mobile phone is fully charged to take awesome photos.
Pack lunch and be sure to bring plenty of water.
A pair of binoculars may also come in handy.
Take a Wildflower Identification book to identify the flowers.

🌺Quick Links to Spring Wildflowers Near Me 🌺

Wildflowers Near Los Angeles

Wildflowers Near Palos Verdes

Wildflowers Near Lancaster

Wildflowers Near Chino Hills

Wildflowers Near Carlsbad

Wildflowers Near California Valley

Wildflowers Near Joshua Tree

Wildflowers Near Agoura Hills

Wildflowers Near Death Valley

Wildflowers Near Catalina Island

Wildflowers Near Ventura

Wildflowers Near Santa Barbara

Map to Spring Wildflower Fields in Southern California

ICE CREAM & MORE

à la Minute (Orange) – made with nitrogen
Afters Ice Cream (Costa Mesa, Fountain Valley, Tustin, Chino Hills & Long Beach) – home of the famous Milky Bun

Churned Creamery (Tustin)
Cloud Poke and Snow (Fullerton)
Cream (Aliso Viejo & Irvine) – unique ice cream sandwiches
Coldstone Creamery (Multiple Orange County Locations)
Creamistry (Anaheim, Brea, Cerritos, Irvine, Mission Viejo, Tustin & Corona ) – made with nitrogen
Dad’s Donuts & Ice Cream (Newport Beach) – Famous Balboa bars and chocolate dipped bananas
H2 Snow (Orange)
Honey & Butter (Irvine)

Honeymee (Buena Park, Cerritos, Irvine & Westminster) – natural milk ice cream with pure honeycomb
La Michoacana Premium (Santa Ana) – Mexican Ice Cream Treats
Milky Snow Bar (Garden Grove)
Nitrolado (Garden Grove) – made with nitrogen
Scoops N Scoops (Irvine & Chino Hills) – made with nitrogen
Shaved Ice Ice Baby (Lake Forest)
Snow Heaven (Lake Forest)
Snow Monster OC (Huntington Beach, Tustin, Westminster, Long Beach & Mini Monster at Anaheim Packing House)
Snow Station (Anaheim, Los Alamitos, Tustin & Westminster)

Snowy Village (Buena Park)
N2 Creamery (Villa Park) – made with nitrogen

DONUTS & MORE

Crafted Donuts (Fountain Valley)
Dad’s Donuts & Ice Cream (Newport Beach) – Famous Balboa bars and chocolate dipped bananas
DK’s Donuts of Orange (Orange)
DK’s Donuts of Tustin (Tustin)
Dunkin Donuts (Garden Grove, Irvine, Santa Ana, Villa Park, Westminster & Yorba Linda)
Krispy Kreme (Orange & Mission Viejo)
Poqet Donuts (Irvine) – customize your own donuts

The Donuttery (Huntington Beach)
Sidecar Donuts (Costa Mesa)
U Jelly (Fountain Valley)
Zombee Donuts (Fullerton)

BAKERIES & CUPCAKES

Beverly’s Bakery (Fullerton & Yorba Linda)
Blackmarket Bakery (Costa Mesa & Santa Ana)
Creme & Sugar (Anaheim Hills) – Known for their lavender cake, lavender lattes and cookie butter lattes.

Cream Pan Bakery (Tustin)
French’s Pastry (Costa Mesa, Irvine, Mission Viejo & Orange) – Since 1965
Hapa Cupcakes (Fullerton)
Nothing Bundt Cakes (Mission Viejo)
Porto’s Bakery (Buena Park)
The Sugar Me Bakery (Orange) – Giant cupcakes
The Great Dane Baking Company (Huntington Beach & Los Alamitos)

Rockwell’s Bakery (Villa Park)
Simply the Cupcake Store (Mission Viejo)
Sunmerry Bakery (Irvine) – Asian Fusion style
SusieCakes (Costa Mesa, Laguna Niguel & Newport Beach)
Sprinkles Cupcakes (Newport Beach)
Wonderland Bakery (Newport Beach)
85ºC Bakery (Buena Park, Cerritos, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Irvine & Chino Hills) – Taiwanese fusion

COOKIES & MORE

Cookie Connection (Irvine)
Cookies by Jess (Orange)
Honey & Butter (Irvine)
Kelly’s Kookies (Brea, Costa Mesa, Irvine Newport Beach & Stanton) – known for their shortbread and lemon cookies
Stax Cookie Bar (Irvine)
The Cookie Element (Yorba Linda)
The Dirty Cookie (Tustin) – Cookie shots!
The Sweet Shot Company (Irvine) Cookie shots!

CHOCOLATE

Luisa Chocolatiere (Laguna Niguel)
Too Sweet (Newport Beach) – Chocolate dipped bananas and Balboa Bars

FROZEN YOGURT

Ice Cap (Placentia)
Menchies (Newport Beach) – fresh made waffle cones
Yogurtland (multiple Orange County locations)

FROZEN CUSTARD & ITALIAN ICE

Confetti Italian Ice & Custard (Costa Mesa)
Frostbites Crepes & Frozen Delights (Cypress)
Joe’s Italian Ice (Anaheim)
Kups (Westminster)
Rita’s (multiple Orange County locations) – frozen ice with frozen custard
Stickland’s (Irvine)

GELATO

Eiswelt Gelato (Westminster)
Mochilato (Irvine) – Japanese fusion – gelato, mochi, macarons, shaved ice and more.

SHAVE ICE

Bahama Bucks (Huntington Beach)
Haole Boys Shave Ice (Huntington Beach)
Hula Girls Shave Ice (Huntington Beach) – fresh made syrups with no preservatives or high-fructose corn syrup

Oahu Shave Ice (Yorba Linda)
Snow 2 Go (Mission Viejo)
Snowy Village (Buena Park)
Sticky Fingers (Irvine)
Wiki Wiki Shave Ice (Tustin)

POPSICLES

Dee-lite Distribution (Fullerton) – Wholesale to the public
Front Porch Pops (Santa Ana & Tustin)
Neveria La Flor De Mexico (Stanton) – yummy paletas
Pop Bar (Anaheim & Huntington Beach)
Paloma’s Paletas (Corona Del Mar)

CANDY STORES

Balboa Candy Store (Newport Beach at the Balboa Fun Zone)
B.Candy Store (Corona Del Mar)

Marceline’s Confectionary ( Anaheim in Downtown Disney) – They have Disney treats!
Powell’s Sweet Shop (AlisoViejo)
Rocket Fizz (Irvine & San Clemente)

PIES & MORE

The Pie Hole (Orange)
Marie Callender’s (Multiple Orange County locations)

ALLERGY-FRIENDLY TREATS

Sensitive Sweets (Fountain Valley & San Clemente)

UNIQUE & SPECIALTY TREATS

Bagels & Brew (Aliso Viejo, Lake Forest & Mission Viejo) – known for their rainbow unicorn bagels
Cha2O (Fullerton) – Tea House, Java, Smoothies, Specialty drinks and more
Hello Kitty Cafe Pop-Up (Irvine)
7 Leaves Cafe (Cypress, Fountain Valley, Garden Grove, Huntington Beach & Irvine)
The LOOP (Westminster) – handcrafted churros

Get ready to feast as Lunar New Year is coming! Following the lunisolar calendar, Lunar New Year officially starts on January 22 this year. This holiday is celebrated by many Asian countries such as Vietnam, Korea, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Malaysia, and is commonly known as Tet, Seollal, Chinese New Year, and Spring Festival. Within each, there is some variation in traditions. For instance, this year marks the Year of the Rabbit for those following the Chinese zodiac, but for Vietnamese, it is the Year of the Cat. The cuisine from each country differs slightly, but with one commonality; it’s always in abundance.

We’ve rounded up 10 dishes for you to try during this Lunar New Year celebration. Check out which local businesses are serving them in your area on Yelp!

Banh Tet or Banh Chung

A Vietnamese savory cake offered to the ancestors at Tet that is sticky rice filled with mung beans and then wrapped in leaves to boil to perfection. Banh tet and banh chung are distinguished by the South and North Vietnam with subtle differences such as their shape (cylindrical versus square) and the type of leaves they are wrapped in (banana versus la dong). This dish is known to be extremely versatile as you can sweeten the cake by adding sugar on top or pair it with pickled veggies and fish sauce for a more piquant taste.

Photo from Banh Mi Oven (San Jose, CA) by business

Tteokguk

This Korean rice cake soup is a staple among Seollal feasts. This bowl signifies becoming a year older, good health, and a bright year ahead. It’s filled with rice cakes (that resemble the old Korean coin currency), vegetables, eggs, and sometimes mandu (dumplings) mixed into a bone broth.

Photo from Marrizzang (Flushing, NY) by Steven L

Longevity Noodles

As the name suggests, longevity noodles are eaten during joyous celebrations to bring a long life and prosperity. These hand pulled noodles are commonly stir fried with other veggies and proteins.

Photo from Slurp Slurp (Chicago, IL) by Francis R

Galbijjim

Galbijjim, a braised beef short rib stew, is a hearty dish to share amongst friends and family around celebrations. The fall off the bone, tender ribs are commonly served with carrots, potatoes in a sweet and savory sauce, and served on a hot skillet to keep warm.

Photo from Sun Nong Dan (Los Angeles, CA) by Annie W

Whole Fish

Eating a whole fish on Lunar New Year signifies more abundance, prosperity, and surplus of fortune. The Chinese pronunciation for fish, Yu, is similar to that of abundance, hence the correlation. The dish is generally steamed and based with a light soy sauce blend, then topped with a tower of herbs.

Photo from Fishman Lobster Clubhouse Restaurant (Toronto, Canada) by Chris C

Poon Choi

Also called the treasure pot or Chinese casserole is filled to the brim with a number of ingredients—seafood, meat, and vegetables. Options may include pork belly, abalone, shrimp, turnip, taro, napa cabbage, and more. Originating from Hong Kong, this dish is of true abundance with a long preparation. The term directly translates to “basin vegetables.”

Photo from Kirin Seafood Restaurant (Vancouver, Canada) by Angela L

Yee Sang

Also known as yusheng or lo hei is a common Singaporean/Malaysian dish. The dish is encompassed with a blend of colorful salad ingredients and raw fish, typically salmon. The ingredients are all nicely divided until you are ready to eat and commence the ‘prosperity toss.’ This dish symbolizes togetherness and the reunion of friends and family for celebration.

Photo from Kopitiam (New York, New York) by business

Jeon

AKA the Korean pancake is commonly eaten as a side dish or appetizer for Lunar New Year. A savory pancake-like dish filled with green onions and sometimes seafood or kimchi, then lightly fried until golden brown.

Photo from Korea House Restaurant (Orlando, FL) by John C

Che Troi Nuoc or Tangyuan

These sweet chewy balls in a sweet syrup are common in both Vietnamese and Chinese celebrations. Tangyuan are mini mochi balls in a brown sugar blend, while che troi nuoc are glutinous rice balls filled with mung bean paste and dunked in a ginger syrup. Toppings can vary to add extra creaminess or crunchiness like coconut milk, ginger, sesame seeds, and peanuts. Eating this dish symbolizes togetherness and completeness, ending the new year celebration on a sweet note.

Photo from Thach Che Hien Khanh (Garden Grove, CA) by Ngoc H

Nian Gao

Another sweet glutinous treat roughly translates to new year cake. This treat also symbolizes prosperity and a symbol of growing each year. These can be served lightly fried or steamed.

Photo from Jade Garden (Seattle, WA) by Eva M

Which dish have you tried? Did we miss any that you typically feast on? Let us know! Tag us at @Yelp in any of your celebrations!

Happy Lunar New Year!

San Nin Faai Lok (Cantonese)

Xin Nian Kuai Le (Mandarin)

Chúc Mừng Năm Mới (Vietnamese)

Sae Hae Book Mani Padu Seyo (Korean)

From Blog: Bucket List Journey

Some people love it, some would rather have a sunny day of beach activities. Either way, I think we can all agree that the rain can stop us from doing some things we want to do. But, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t a ton of fun rainy day activities, whether you’re a kid or an adult!

If you look at it another way, you can think of it as an opportunity to do the activities that you might have been putting off for a long time. More importantly, it can also be a chance to tick off ideas from your bucket list.

Let’s seize the chance to turn the frown upside down with this list of fun things to do on a rainy day!

Rainy Day Bucket List: Fun Activities & Things to Do Indoors

1. Bake Something Delicious (Like Pie & Cookies)

For all you pie lovers, there’s an art to making the best homemade pie. It’s all about the fruit inside, creating the perfect pie crust and making it with a touch of love. It doesn’t matter if it’s apples, lemons or peaches — choose whatever is sure to make your mouth water.

Get yourself The Perfect Pie cookbook or use one of these popular recipes to help you with your pie:

Maybe cookies are more of your ideal treat for a rainy day? Baking cookies can get a little messy, but who doesn’t like a home filled with smiling faces and the smells of fresh-baked cookies? It doesn’t matter whether it’s snickerdoodles, oatmeal raisin or simple chocolate chips, spend an entire day just baking. The one who does the most work gets to lick the spoon!

For some delicious cookie ideas see the Epicurious’ 113 Favorite Cookie Recipes (and send me a dozen of the spiced molasses cookies!). Don’t forget the cookie sheets! The Rachael Ray Yum-o! Nonstick Pans are amazing, or at least get yourself some silicone baking mats that make the process so much easier!

2. Belt It Out at a Karaoke

If you’re brave enough and there’s some equipment available, or you happen to be at a karaoke bar, singing your lungs away to your favorite tunes, alone and together with your friends, is another fun way to spend a rainy day. Choose your favorite tunes released in the year, and make them yours. Doesn’t matter if you’ve got a great voice or not, so long as you are having fun!

There’s plenty of great songs to choose from, but for some help see these epic 150+ Best Karaoke Songs of All Time

3. Binge Watch a New TV Series

This is the perfect thing to do on a rainy day! Cook up some popcorn, cozy up under a blanket and find the perfect TV series to binge watch. I have happily and obsessively watched all the seasons of The Good Place, You and Schitt’s Creek. They were all fantastic! You can easily find something fun and entertaining on-demand or there’s plenty of options if you are an Amazon Prime member. If you are struggling to find a show , then the 33 best TV shows to binge-watch will help you out.

4. Break Out of an Escape Room

An escape room is known to offer live games where participants are locked in themed rooms for an hour and left to solve puzzles in order to find their way out. They offer an immersive, fun, and entertaining way of engaging your brain as you compete with other participants.

5. Brew your Own Beer

It has been claimed that beer is the most consumed alcoholic beverage in the world. No matter where you are, you’ve probably noticed craft breweries popping up with uniquely named flavors — the industry has grown way beyond the simple Coors Light! Why not try your hand at creating your own flavor profile that fits your taste buds? It’s easy to do with the perfect beer making kit and a few award-winning home brew recipes.

6. Build a Model Airplane or Car

With hundreds of little pieces, building a model is one of those rainy day activities that takes a lot of time, effort and dedication. Choose from these best selling model airplane kits or these top car models, and then put your patience to the test.

7. Indoor Camp in the Family Room

How fun would it be for the whole family, kids and all, (or just the two of you) to have an evening camping in the family room? Move the furniture out of the way and set up a pop up tent right in the middle of the room. Then gather up your pillows, blankets, snacks, books and any other for activities you want to do while you are disconnected.

8. Check Out an Indoor Skating Rink

Going to an indoor skating rink for some is just a cute date night idea, but it’s also a terrific opportunity to sneak in some exercise without even realizing it.

This can also be a chance to learn how to skate on the ice if you haven’t done this before. And though it may look similar to roller skating, you’ll feel the difference once you’re in the ice rink, so give it a shot!

9. Clean Out & Organize Your Closet

It is surprisingly rewarding to be able to purge some clothes, plus it is purely a bonus that you can donate or consign them! If you are anything like me then it’s pretty hard to decide what to keep and what to give away, so use these 17 Invaluable Tips For Anybody With Too Many Clothes.

10. Complete a BIG Jigsaw Puzzle

This is one of those fun things to do on a rainy day that most of us haven’t done since we were children! You don’t find too many opportunities where you can concentrate on one thing, so be present and let everything else in your mind go. That alone will be worth every minute.

Not sure what puzzle to complete? Check out the best 1000 piece jigsaw puzzles for adults (& tips to complete one) or just buy one of these popular ones:

SunsOut: Ele-Fantastions
White Mountain Puzzles: Things I Ate As a Kid
Chicago Puzzle Company: Panorama Collection
Buffalo Games: Hummingbird Garden
White Mountain Puzzles: Neon Signs

11. Create a Blog

Both Blogger.com and WordPress.com offer free blogs with easy setup, all you have to do is come up with something creative to talk about. Some of the most popular blog topics are Money, Travel, Food, Mommyhood, Technology and Celebrity Gossip. Put a new spin on any of these things and start writing!

If you want to start a bucket list blog (that makes me all tingly inside), then read my post on How to Start Your Own Successful Bucket List Blog in 6 Easy Steps. Follow these steps and your blog will be up and running in just a couple of hours! But, make sure to know the top beginner blogging mistakes to avoid (& how to fix them).

Annette writing a blog while on a vacation

12. Create a Family Recipe Book

During rainy days, you will have a lot of time cooking, and what better way to incorporate your love for food than creating your own family cookbook that you can pass on for generations.

Family cookbooks are a traditional handcrafted gift. Make yours extra unique by incorporating a little family history and honoring the individuals and places that inspired the recipes you enjoy.

You can check this if you need help creating your own cookbook: How to make a family cookbook, filled with recipes from your favorite people.

13. Create a Scrapbook

Creating a scrapbook is a great way to be able to look back and reminisce about all the adventures and good times you have had. You can preserve all your experiences in the form of pictures, ticket stubs, pressed flowers or just about anything else. And if you get the entire family in on this beautiful project, it will be something you cherish for a lifetime. PS: Here are some cute layout ideas!

14. Create the Perfect Rainy Day Song Playlist

Music is a great way to get you geared up for any day, especially one made for spending it chillaxing indoors at home. Having a hard time thinking of songs? Spotify has made it easy with its hundreds of playlists to choose from, one of my favorites is the Best Chill Music.

15. Create Your Own Cocktail

Become your own mixologist by concocting the perfect cocktail. The best part about this bucket list goal is that you will have to do a lot of sampling before coming up with your own perfect harmony of flavors. Practice makes perfect! If you’re not the best at creating drinkable concoctions, you can check these 10 tips on how to make a great cocktail. Or base your drink off of one of the Great Classic Cocktails.

After many trials and errors, my signature cocktail creation was a Lemon-Basil Fizz made with prosecco, coconut rum, raspberries, basil and lemon sorbet (see the video below and get the recipe here).

16. Jump at an Indoor Trampoline Park

You might get stuck out with the youngsters and their never-ending energy on rainy days. The Indoor Trampoline Park is a fantastic location for children and the young at heart!

Though it might be tempting to perform backflips and stuff (unless you’re a professional), it’s better to exercise caution for a fun and safe jumping experience.

17. Finish a Crossword Puzzle

Select a challenging crossword to attempt and don’t cheat! No dictionaries or assistance allowed! Finishing a crossword puzzle can take many hours, but if you don’t want too much of a challenge buy the New York Times Light & Easy crossword puzzle book and make it a challenge to see how many inside the book you can complete.

Finish a Crossword Puzzle

18. Get Ordained

Have you ever wanted to officiate a wedding ceremony? Then think about becoming an ordained minister — it’s easier than you think. Simply Google “get ordained” and a slew of websites will come up that offer free ordination. On my last birthday, I got ordained with the American Marriage Ministries. It was super simple, free, and only took mere minutes. Get started now with this article on How to Get Ordained Online: 5 Easy Steps to Ordination

Be aware that each state has different laws on who can marry someone, check with Marriage Laws to find the rules in your state.

19. Go 24 Hours without Internet, Radio or Television

Now, I know, this is a tall order and may not be easy for some. We use the internet for everything nowadays. But think about it. When was the last time you went for two hours without your phone? Try going 24 hours without internet, radio or TV. Read a good book, talk to your family or use the time to complete some of the other ideas on this rainy day bucket list. Soon enough you will wish you had these quiet and peaceful moments more often.

20. Go Bowling

Yes, you can go bowling anytime of the year, but bowling during a rainy day is a great way to escape the weather outside. You can enjoy putting on those oh-so-cute shoes and taking your best shot at getting a strike. Bonus bucket list points if you bowl a turkey—three strikes in a row!

21. Have a Dance Party

Of all the things that we have on this list, this is one of the activities you can enjoy, rain or shine. You can invite your family, friends, neighbors, anyone!

There is no limit to what type of dance you can do. It can be a Zumba dance party, ballroom, or even freestyle. If you don’t know how to dance, it’s okay, it’s a rainy day activity just for fun!

22. Have a Board Game Night Marathon

Stay in for the evening, get cozy in your jammies and have a board game night marathon. There are different games for all ages, but Bingo and Scrabble are favorites for almost everyone in the family (this bingo set comes with everything you need!). You can make it even more fun by adding prizes for the winner, like store gift cards, candies or extra TV time for the kids.

Unsure of which games to play? Check out this list: Board Games Bucket List: 50 of the All Time Best Ones to Play

23. Have a Movie Marathon (Watch all the Oscar Winning Movies)

One of the most enjoyable things to do on a rainy day is to watch some old and new movies. Yes, it’s perfectly acceptable to spend a whole day inside vegging out and watching movies.

Keep a warm blanket on hand to snuggle under, prepare a bowl of popcorn, and settle down to watch the shows!

24. Have a Pajama Day

What kind of luxury would it be to spend all day in your pajamas?!? Put on your most comfy pair and lounge for a full 24-hours.

Don’t have a comfy pair of PJ’s? Try J. Crews dreamy cotton pajama set or the cozy ones from PajamaGram.

Have a Pajama Day

25. Have a Spa Day

It’s entirely up to you whether you invest in a treatment at a high-end spa or create your own at home. In any case, a self-care day will leave you feeling completely revitalized. Put on a moisturizing face mask (I love this one!) and let the rain’s pitter-patter serve as your personal white noise machine.

26. Have an Arts and Crafts Session

Bring out your inner craftsman at home by doing some arts and crafts projects. You can set up your materials on a kitchen table and try out some things, like coloring or painting, doing origami butterflies or flowers, anything!

Doing arts and crafts can also serve as an opportunity for discovery. It can be the start of finding a new pastime for the hobby bucket list that you will love or rekindling an old one that you used to do when you were a kid.

27. Have an Indoor Picnic

Picnics aren’t just for the outdoors—clear a space on your living room floor and recreate a memorable dining experience. You can even pack a traditional wicker basket with your favorite picnic foods and enjoy the feast without going too far. Real Simple magazine can help you out with their Picnic Packing Checklist. If you want to set up an Instagrammable picnic, here’s a cute red checkered picnic basket.

28. Have an Indoor Treasure/Scavenger Hunt

Are there any children in the house? A treasure hunt will keep them occupied indoors on a wet day, but it’s a fun rainy day idea for adults too. Make one set of clues for each player (for added fun, rhyme the clues), with each clue leading to the next and, eventually, the treasure. Seal them in envelopes with a clue number to make it easier for the treasure hunters to track them down. Of course, having a prize at the end will help motivate them even more.

29. Eat Breakfast in Bed

Start your rainy day morning in a truly relaxing way, with a tasty breakfast in bed. The easiest way to complete this goal would be to order room service at a hotel, but don’t cancel out the opportunity to do it in your very own home too. How dreamy does it sound to indulge in some waffles, eggs and mimosa’s while still cozied up in your bed.

30. Head to the Mall

There are many things to enjoy about a trip to the local mall, whether it be window shopping, eating food, or even just people-watching. Plus, you may find some hidden gems that you realize you need or want.

31. Hit Up a Local Brewery

You don’t need the sun to enjoy a cold local brew, it’s a fun thing to do on a rainy day too! Most of them also provide behind-the-scenes tours, so you can spend an afternoon learning all about how they make beer while enjoying a pint or two of beer.

32. Host a Tea Party

Throwing a tea party is one of the most traditional things to do on a rainy day. Put on your most formal attire (or pajamas!), prepare the table with fine china, and put on your most eloquent demeanor (remember to extend your pinkie and sip on your tea politely).

33. Host a Video Game Tournament

Even if you’re not a big gamer, having a few friends around (or online) to compete for the title of ultimate champion is a lot of fun. It doesn’t have to be something like Fortnite or Call of Duty. Even with classic games like Tetris or Mario Kart, the friendly competition will make everyone hyped! So, get that gaming console out, pick a few favorite games, and get your competitive spirit on!

34. Keep a Gratitude Journal

Start by listing five things you are grateful for. In the beginning it will probably be a struggle to come up with a mere five, being wrapped up in a world full of fear can disguise the good in your life. Think hard. Did you just drink a deliciously warm cup of coffee? Or did you connect with a friend by text? Or enjoy a heartwarming movie on television? There is always something to be grateful for—always.

Need help with coming up with things to be grateful for? Read the article Being Grateful: 100 Things to Be Thankful For Today

35. Knit a Scarf

Go to the local craft store (or order online) and pick out your favorite yarn to knit yourself a cozy scarf. You can find different How-To videos on YouTube or even learn from family or friends if you don’t know how to make one.

You can also check out this step-by-step video on How to Knit a Scarf for Beginners.

36. Learn a Magic Trick

Bring on the abracadabra! Everyone can appreciate the good old vanishing coin trick or pulling a flower bouquet out of your sleeve. If your whole family is bored, you can even have each member in the household learn a different trick and then put on a show!

You should be able to find an illusion to attempt within these 10 easy magic tricks, or simply buy a Card Magic Kit that includes tons of tricks to try. By the way, if you want to perform a card trick, but no ordinary deck will do, then step it up a notch with some sparkling gold foil cards.

37. Learn a New Language

You can learn a new skill at any age, so why not learn a new language? It can be a fun and interactive experience for the whole family. Perhaps you can learn the language of a dream destination where you hope to go on a vacation someday? Dream big!

Rosetta Stone and Duolingo are two great programs to get you started.

38. Learn Calligraphy

I have always been wowed when I see a perfectly calligraphed letter—it truly is an art form! You can start with faux calligraphy that uses a standard ballpoint pen or buy a simple lettering set that includes a brush pen!

39. Learn How To Cook

It doesn’t matter if you’re already a Chopped champion in the kitchen or if you can barely boil water. Cooking classes are all about learning to make delicious food and then eating it, so they’re ideal for a rainy day!

There are several online cooking classes to pick from, where you may learn from the finest chefs how to cook new recipes or even techniques to improve your cooking.

40. Learn to Juggle

You’ve got some time to kill at home? Grab a few oranges (or apples) and perfect your juggling skills. This video says that you can learn in 10 minutes—let me know how that turns out for you!

41. Try to Meditate

Meditation is much more than sitting in a lotus position chanting “om” over and over again—it is a way of life. Clearing your mind through meditation has many benefits, like lowering blood pressure and anxiety levels. Plus, it can give you a brighter outlook on life! Having an “empty mind” for even a few seconds can seem like a challenge, but this 10-minute guided meditation will help you along the way.

42. Learn to Play a Song on an Instrument

It’s time to channel your inner rock star and learn a song on the instrument of your choice. Pick something like a guitar, keyboard, ukulele or even a harmonica for your musical gadget then pop onto YouTube to find a class.

Learning a song of the harmonica has been on my bucket list and this harmonica and lesson guide will have you playing When the Saints Go Marching In in no time at all!

43. Learn to Use Chopsticks

Not very many adults know how to do this and even fewer kids can comfortably use chopsticks. Do you want to seem sophisticated and well-cultured, then learn how to use chopsticks. It can even be a fun way to eat your favorite bowl of noodles, and you can impress your friends when you are all out for sushi.

44. Make a Bucket List

If you don’t have a bucket list yet (why the heck not?!?!?!), take this opportunity at home to create one. Don’t worry if you don’t know how to start—you’ve come to the right place—here are some articles to help you:

45. Make a YouTube Video

We are all gifted with unique natural skills like dancing, singing, drawing, acting and so on. To showcase your skills or creativity and to get a chance to see just how many people find that impressive, why not create a YouTube video? Just create your first YouTube video showcasing your natural flair and upload it. It’s a brilliant way to tap into your creative side and you just might make money out of it. Plus, it can be simple and free!

46. Make an Origami Animal

Origami is a big part of Japanese culture and it truly is fascinating how little tiny pieces of paper can be crafted into beautiful pieces of artwork. The crane is one of the most popular shapes and you can fairly easily learn how to make one. There are countless videos and instructions online and below are two that worked for me.

It’s perfectly okay to use a simple piece of white paper, but you can also buy traditional Colorful Japanese Origami Washi Paper online.

47. Make Fresh Pasta

One of my fondest memories as a child was helping my Italian grandmother make fresh pasta on the kitchen table. It didn’t matter what shape it was, the handmade pasta always tasted better. There is nothing like the taste of fresh pasta and it is fairly easy to make, using only 3 ingredients you can make fettuccine, pappardelle or tagliatelle. This pasta recipe is the one I use at my restaurant.

At my Italian restaurant we use the red Marcato Atlas Pasta Machine every single day and love it! They have a bunch of other cool colors too.

48. Make Homemade Pizza

People can be picky little eaters, but almost everyone loves pizza! From kneading the dough to adding your favorite toppings and sprinkling hearty amounts of cheese, everyone in the house can have fun making their own personal pie.

Get started with this easy pizza dough recipe and these 20 homemade pizza recipes.

49. Make Ice Cream

Instead of going to the grocery store to buy your favorite ice cream flavor, set up shop and make some at home. And making your own is not as hard as it may seem. The trick is to perfect the basics, then expand on it by adding different flavors. If ice cream seems too complicated, try making fun flavored popsicles, like Blueberry Vanilla Yogurt. Yum!

This is the ice cream maker and popsicle molds that I use for my sweet treats.

50. Take a Bubble Bath

One of the best rainy day pleasures for people is to dip into a calming hot bath filled with your favorite (or homemade) moisturizing soap blend. After a long day, a tub full of bubbles is the ideal tonic to unwind, release tension, and disconnect from the outside world.

51. Master Your Favorite TikTok Dances

Is there a popular dance or two in Tiktok that you’ve always wanted to learn? Well, now is your chance to do so! You can check out some dance tutorials on how to perform these, or you can also make your own dance choreography for those songs.

52. Mend Old Clothes

Do you have a pile of old garments that you’ve wanted to mend but haven’t gotten around to it? A day spent indoors is the perfect opportunity to rummage through your closet and pull out all the items that require repairs. Grab your emergency sewing kit and start mending up those rips, snags, or tattered ends!

53. Plan a Vacation

When you’re stranded at home due to the weather, you might be dreaming of getting tanned by the beach or going on a beautiful mountain getaway. Now is the perfect opportunity to start organizing your trip!

Make a cup of coffee, open your laptop, and plan your trip, including where you want to go (maybe our ultimate travel bucket list can help?!?), when you might be able to take time off, and how you’ll fit it into your budget. You can also check out our printable packing lists to help you on your trip!

54. Play a Round of Mini Golf

If you love golfing or would want to try it out but can’t because of the weather, then go on a game of minigolf or putt-putt instead! Not only is it beginner-friendly, but it is also a great rainy day activity for kids and adults.

From pirate islands to castles to the craziest courses, you will have a fun yet competitive experience playing minigolf!

55. Play Cards

Card games are a fun and entertaining way to bond with family or friends. It only takes a deck of cards, your wits, and just a bit of luck to play.

You can have a game of the classics like Old Maid or Poker, even ones like Uno (which has its deck of cards.).

Need more ideas? See our Card Game Bucket List that has 100+ fun ones to play with family & friends.

56. Read Some Books (Read a Classic)

I know, this doesn’t sound like the funnest thing to do when you’re bored, but have you ever read ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ by Harper Lee? How about ‘Diary of a Nobody’ by George and Weedon Grossmith? The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien? Well, the movies are more entertaining but the novels are pretty sweet too and more detailed. The point is, you can learn more when you read these wonderful classics than you typically do playing Candy Crush on your phone.

If you love the classics then check of the Classic Books Bucket List: 25 of the Best Must-Read Novels. You can easily download many classics to your Kindle for free. Find a ton of free classics on Amazon.

57. Research your Family Tree

It’s getting easier to find out your roots, so spark up an interest in genealogy and start researching your family tree. You can start your search at My Heritage who offers a 14-day free trial or Ancestry.com who gives you a free starter account.

58. Indoor Climbing Gym

Are you a fan of spelunking or climbing? You will surely enjoy scaling the walls at an indoor climbing gym! Not only is it challenging and fun for all skill levels, but it is also a great way to work up a sweat during the rainy season in the comfort of the gym. You’ll also get to meet new friends with the same interest in the process.

59. See a Foreign Film

Sometimes those darn subtitles keep us from watching a foreign film—this time, don’t let them! There are masterpiece flicks made around the world and here are 25 of the best.

60. Splurge on a Solo Meal at a Fancy Restaurant

It’s okay to treat yourself to some fancy food every now and then, so dress up, wear that bow and tie or dress and head to the finest restaurant in your area.

Though dining at a fancy restaurant alone might make you feel uncomfortable, trust me when I say that eating out alone can be an empowering experience.

61. Stay Up All Night

Do you remember when the two of you just started your relationship or you just got some news to share with your BFF? You would spend the wee hours of the morning just talking on the phone. Try to replicate that special period of time by planning an all-nighter that may include chatting, laughing, cooking together or dancing in the kitchen.

Need some ideas for this all nighter? You can ask your friend these 365 thought provoking questions to get to know them even better or check out the top 20 stay-at-home date night to share with your spouse.

62. Visit a Museum

It is always interesting to learn something new about something, whether from a loved one or even the town you were born in. Museums let you travel back in time with their fascinating exhibits and discover their history, even if it’s just for a couple of hours.

63. Volunteer—Virtually!

You no longer have to be onsite to do the good deed of volunteering—you can help right from your comfy couch! Many organizations need help fostering dogs and the United Nations online volunteering program needs everything from researchers to designers to content editing.

64. Write a Haiku

A Haiku is a traditional form of Japanese poetry that consists of only three lines and a total of 17 syllables. The first and third line has 5 syllables and the second has seven. The lines do not need to rhyme, actually most of the time they don’t.

On one of my birthdays, I wrote this one:

A plane flies over,

you dream of being on it.

Ideas flourish.

Want to write your own haiku? The how to write a haiku article will help, and it includes 15 examples!

65. Write a Letter to your Future Self

Writing a letter to your future self can help to lead your life in the right direction. Share your current thoughts on love, family, career, finances, aging, etc. and also your hopes for each of these things in the future. Tuck your letter away and do not open for at least five years!

On my 40th birthday I wrote a letter to my future self. It is a beautiful piece about exactly how I felt at that point in my life. After not reading it for five years, I have now vowed to visit it on every birthday.

Make your letter even more special by picking some pretty paper (like this Japanese Stationary) and handwriting it.

66. Write a Thank You Note to Someone Who Deserves It

So often people want to tell a company or friend how they feel when they are not satisfied, instead write a thank you to show your appreciation for a job well done.

Writing your note on a simple sheet of paper is fine, but stocking up on blank greeting cards may be a good idea instead. I literally just bought these bird greeting cards which would be perfect for a simple thank you.

. . .

You see, there are plenty of things to do on a rainy day to make it worthwhile. Instead of being cooped up at home scrolling through your phone, why not make fun and lasting memories with these ideas, even when you are indoors!

So the next time you wake up and the skies are gray, I hope this bucket list of rainy day activities will come in handy.

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through my links, I earn a commission that helps to keep this blog running—at no extra cost to you. You can read my full disclosure here.

The start of a new year is a great time to help your children focus on forming good habits. Making New Year’s resolutions can be a fun way to do this!

As a pediatrician and mom of three kids, I know how important it is to set healthy goals with kids – and to be realistic about those goals. Kids also love having something to work toward. They can have fun keeping track on sticker charts or getting praise or rewards as they reach these goals, depending on their age.

Making resolutions together

I encourage you to sit down with your kids and, together, pick maybe one or two goals they want to set as their New Year’s resolutions. If it’s too overwhelming to think of them as resolutions, then just talk about them as goals and make it fun.

Keep it fun

If your 8-year-old meets that goal of reading every day for a week, maybe they get to pick the family movie during the weekend. Maybe your preschooler can eat more vegetables by drinking them in smoothies that the whole family enjoys. Involving kids in the decision-making and making these fun for the entire family can help turn these resolutions into long-lasting habits.

Here are some healthy and positive goal-setting resolution ideas you can suggest to your children, depending on their age:

New Year’s resolution ideas for preschoolers

New Year’s resolution ideas for kids (5 to 12 years old)

New Year’s resolution ideas for teens (13 years old and older)

Remember

Talk with your child’s pediatrician about other important habits that can help ensure a happy, healthy and safe new year.

From family-friendly to couples-focused, there are so many options this year! Whether you want to get dressed up or just have a low key night with the kids, we’ve got you covered. This list includes all of our favorite spots and what they’re doing on December 31st. Happy New Year!

Go to these websites for a full list of events!

This trivia game is a great mixer for holiday parties of all ages and generations! Play as teams or individually. Make sure you prepare fun prizes for the winners! (Do a Google search for the answers.)

1. Add Some Sparkle & Fun

Hungry Happenings has a great tutorial on how to create a colorful and sparkly turkey out of pie dough to add to the top of your pie.

2. Gorgeous Whipped Cream Topping

For the truly adventurous and artistic out there, there’s the whipped cream rose topping from i am baker. I’m still swooning over how beautiful this is. You can even simply pipe those roses on top of a regular pumpkin pie, skipping the sides.

3. Decorative Crust

The leaves and pumpkins decorating the crust on this pumpkin pie from Wild Wild Whisk made my jaw drop the first time I saw it. It has the right amount of rustic elegance for the holiday table.

4. Autumn Leaf

Lovely Little Kitchen has a ridiculously simple decoration that will take you seconds and will also use up any extra pie dough. Simply cut out a large leaf from the leftover pie dough and place it in the center of the pie!

5. Leaves and Vines

If you’re making a slab pumpkin pie like this one, or are merely looking for a less pie crust heavy decoration for your pie, try decorating with dainty leaves and vines made from pie dough.

6. Nuts about nuts!

It can be as simple as a topping of chopped walnuts to take a plain ol’ pumpkin pie to the next level, like this one from Midwest Living. Plus the extra crunch is a great surprise, especially when served with extra whipped cream.

7. The Best of Both Worlds – Pie Crust and Whipped Cream

I’ve saved the best for last… Why not go with both whipped cream AND pie crust decorations? Primal Palate’s pie boasts a two-topping knockout of a pie! I know there are many of you looking to one up the other pies on the dessert table and this is the way to go.

8. Pastry Leaves

This beautifully decorated pumpkin pie from Lemon Blossoms is topped with perfect fall pastry leaves.

Pastry leaves made out of pie crust are is my go-to pumpkin pie decoration year after year. They are simple to make and look so pretty. You can also see them on my Vegan Pumpkin Pie, though they don’t puff up as nicely with almond flour pie crust.

9. Turkey Decorated Pumpkin Pie

Take the fall leaf pumpkin pie decoration idea a step further and make a turkey! This Turkey Crust Pumpkin Pie from Kudos Kitchen is just too cute!

10. Sugared Cranberries

Sugared cranberries are one of the most festive holiday treats. They are tasty and beautiful and a wonderful pumpkin pie decoration. We used them on our Vegan Pumpkin Cheesecake, pictured above, along with some pomegranate arils and fresh mint leaves.

11. Nuts & Seeds

For a natural aesthetic, you can’t beat nuts and seeds. Toasted pecans and pepitas are a natural fit for pumpkin pie decoration. Candied pecans or almond brittle broken up into little pieces is tasty too.

12. Chocolate

Alternatively, but also with chocolate, dark chocolate shavings could be piled up in the center of a pumpkin pie or over freshly whipped cream.

13. Edible Flowers/Leaves

Loria Stern uses edible hibiscus leaves on her Maple Fall Cookies. To use this idea for pumpkin pie decorations, top your baked pie with a few of these cookies, or top the pie with pressed edible hibiscus leaves.

14. Piped Whipped Cream and Coffee

Addicted to Dates topped this lovely vegan pumpkin custard pie with whipped coconut cream sweetened with maple syrup with instant coffee. Cocao powder or cinnamon would work well for dusting too.

15. Freshly Whipped Cream

Pile pillowy freshly whipped cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free) on top of your pie for a beautiful contrast in color. This lovely Pumpkin Pie From Scratch is from Flavor the Moments.

HOW TO MAKE FALL LEAF PUMPKIN PIE DECORATIONS

The trick to making beautiful pastry leaf pumpkin pie decorations is to use cutters that are made for this purpose. You can find them at cooking stores such as Williams-Sonoma, or get them delivered quickly with Amazon Prime.

Simply roll your pie crust out as usual, then use the cutter to cut out your fall shapes. Brush lightly with an egg wash and sprinkle with sugar if desired.

Place on a cookie sheet lined with parchment and bake at 350°F for about 10 minutes until golden. Top your pie with the pastry leaves after it has baked and cooled, or serve them separately to place on whipped cream. Learn How to Store Pumpkin Pie first.

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