With the Kids

Partrick’s Candy Store makes candy on site every day. renee THoPMson

Humboldt keeps parents well supplied with family fun that encourages learning everywhere. Even at the candy store. Tell the kids to put down that solidifi ed corn syrup amusingly known as candy and take them to Eureka, stat! Partrick’s Candy (537 F St., Eureka, 707-4420382) will introduce them to real confections made with the real stuff . They’ll never be the same aft er a smooth chocolate fi lled with their favorite fl avor, be it orange or raspberry. The delightful art deco store uses a machine resembling old bike pieces to pull real saltwater taff y (yes, it tastes salty) and wraps it up with a machine built in the 1890s. Pass up that convenience store candy bar and choose a dark chocolate butt ercream and a few English toffees. You can’t pass up chocolates made daily by Kevin and Debbra Sweet (best example of nominative determinism ever) using the same recipes since Partrick’s opened in 1941.

Spark the imaginations with educational toys that are fun from Rocking Horse Toys/ Threadbare Dancewear (791 Eighth St., Arcata, 707-822-7894). Teach your child about plastics with a bright recycling truck aptly made from old milk jugs. The cool fl at-pack wood rocker and a good book will keep your tyke occupied for hours as they learn to love reading. The natural face paint will probably be used for a cat face complete with whiskers on an understanding aunt. New this year is shopmate Threadbare Dancewear, where you can fi nd the right leotard for your budding Misty Copeland or tap shoes for the aspiring Fred Astaire. Check the Facebook page for sales and seasonal hours.

Who says you have to choose between the arts and sports? Not us. And here is the proof: REBOUND basketball court murals. Is it time for your teen to work off some steam? Visit Valley West Park (Hallen Drive, Arcata) to use a sweet basketball court with an arty twist. REBOUND transformed the faded court with a stunning mural right in the paint. Maybe that middle schooler wants to sharpen up their free throws on the vibrant court at Shay Park (1301 Foster Ave., Arcata), painted in 2021. Keep up with where REBOUND’s murals can be found at r-e-b-o-u-n-d.net, or follow them on Instagram @r_e_b_o_u_n_d.