The Barn at SALT. Photo: Courtesy of Our Kaka’ako

Celebrate summer at SALT at Our Kaka‘ako. The whole family can jam out to live music from local talents Ten Feet, Shar Carillo and Pono Kaeo; explore the neighborhood art scene and vibrant murals; and shop from unique vendors and merchants. Plus, there’s plenty of food options to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.

Keep the creative juices flowing by visiting the Hawai‘i State Art Museum. And on top of the variety of art exhibits to explore, this month’s Super Saturday is all about music! Listen to the sweet sounds of Dayton Watanabe, Hook + Line and more at this special summer program.

Benjamin Green, Assistant Manager of Fun Factory at Town Center of Mililani, shows off the huge prize redemption station at the new store, along with the company’s signature game cards. Photo: Courtesy of Town Center of Mililani

Check out the newest (and two times as big) Fun Factory location at Town Center of Mililani. To make the grand opening celebration even sweeter, expect some free cake and ice cream treats (while supplies last), as well as prize giveaways. The special occasion also kicks off the center’s annual Back to School Sidewalk Sale and School Supply Drive (July 16 and 17). Fun activities and an opportunity to teach your keiki about the importance of giving back to the community? Win-win! Suggested donations for the School Supply Drive include pencils, folder paper, crayons, notebooks and other classroom essentials, most of which can be found at shops within the center.

Photo: Courtesy of Ward Village

Spend the day at Ward Village, eating, shopping and perusing the Bloom! Garden & Art Festival. Expect handmade items, specialty products, as well as goods from local plant nurseries, the Hawai‘i Potters’ Guild, Paradise Bonsai Club, Honolulu Orchid Society and more. There will also be free workshops at the Ward Centre Courtyard between N ā Mea Hawai‘i and Logos Bookstore. Think DIY crystal necklaces, cactus and succulent starter plant care and ti leaf lei making. 

Escape to a plant-filled oasis in the heart of Kaimuk ī for this kid-focused monthly workshop. Plantoem will provide the tools and materials for your little ones to create their very own terrariums. Designed for kids 6-12 years old, the 1.5- to 2-hour workshop will expand imaginations and encourage keiki to appreciate plants, nature and Mother Earth!

Get out in nature and explore one of the North Shore’s most lush tropical gardens. For La ‘Ohana Day, kama‘ ā ina receive 50% off general admission to Waimea Valley. (If you can’t make it then, don’t forget that kama‘ ā ina 12 and under receive free admission on Keiki Day every Wednesday.) See what’s blooming during Na La‘au Hawai‘i, a guided tour led by a botanical garden staff member, or explore on your own. The trail is great for beginners, as it’s just 1.5 miles round trip, and most of the path is stroller friendly. Call ahead to see if conditions are right for swimming at the waterfall.