Blog Archives - Page 21 of 25

October 1, 2018 by Makenna Sievertson

Manchester, Vermont

Best time to visit: mid September – mid October

Vermont is a fall foliage must-see thanks to their state tree, the sugar maple. Manchester, located near the border of New York and Massachusetts, is surrounded by brilliant shades of red and orange that stretch as far as the eye can see. Don’t forget a camera as you explore Hildene-The Lincoln Family Home, teach your kids how to pick apples at Mad Tom Orchard, or take a ride up the Skyline Drive for breathtaking views of three states. Manchester’s quaint, family-friendly New England atmosphere will give you plenty of opportunities for good food, quality time, and adventure.

Great Smoky Mountains, North Carolina / Tennessee

Photo credit: Romantic Asheville

Best time to visit: mid October – early November

The Great Smoky Mountains is home to over 100 native species of trees, making it one of the most colorful and popular fall destinations. Scarlet oaks, hickories, and sweetgum trees create a distinct variation of purples, reds, and golds that is sure to make your family photos the envy of your PTA group. There’s no lodging allowed inside the park, but surrounding towns like Asheville and Gatlinburg cater to the seasonal crowds. For a truly once in a lifetime view, trek up to the top of Gatlinburg’s 407 ft Space Needle for a 360 degree view of the mountain range.

Lake Superior, Minnesota

Photo Credit: North Shore Scenic Railroad Archives

Best time to visit: late September – early October

Fall is a special time for Lake Superior, with the distinct maple, aspen, and birch trees coming together to form a charming red-yellow rainbow. For the best view, hike inland along the lake, take the North Shore Scenic Drive towards Canada, or relax on the North Shore Scenic Railroad (they even have a Music and Pizza Train to keep younger passengers entertained). After a weekend of fishing or tubing along the lake, stop by the Duluth Children’s Museum for an interactive family-friendly break from the outdoors.

Garner State Park, Texas

Photo credit: Bobby Gian

Best time to visit: October

With over 95 state parks, there is steep competition for fall foliage in the Lone Star State, but Garner State Park takes the cake. The cool Frio River highlights the yellows and oranges of the oak, mesquite, and cypress trees and the reflection on the water makes for a picturesque scene. With over 1,700 acres of protected land and 11 miles of hikeable trails, Garner State Park has something for every kind of explorer. After a long day out on the water, unwind with late night mini-golf, specialty gelato, or an all-ages dance to celebrate the beginning of fall.

Grand Lake, Colorado

Photo credit: Carol Silk, Historic Rapids Lodge and Restaurant, Grand Lake, Colorado

Best time to visit: September

Grand Lake, Colorado’s largest and deepest natural lake, is surrounded by the distinct aspens of the Rocky Mountain National Park. The plentiful forests typically transition through golden-yellow shades, but if you’re lucky you can catch a rare red aspen dotted amongst the forest. When the trees change, the wildlife come out to play, and Grand Lake is a prime spot to see the majestic elk rut. Visit during the third week of September to take part in the 7th annual Constitution Week, a five-day food and fun festival to celebrate fall.

Bishop Creek Canyon, California

Photo credit: Doug Golupski

Best time to visit: late September – early October

Bishop Creek Canyon, famous for their abundant cottonwood and aspen trees, is one of the best places on the West Coast to witness mother nature’s changing hues. Golden and red shades set the valleys ablaze and the mild California climate helps you maximize your time outdoors. Enjoy a horseback ride through the trails, take a dip in one of the many rivers or streams, or hike through the Eastern Sierras for an adventure packed family-friendly weekend. For some live entertainment at the peak of fall colors check out the Millpond Music Festival or Annual Pow Wow.

September 17, 2018 by

We have some great new NAPPA winners that are all about enhancing your child’s creativity. #PlayLearnConnect

Etch A Sketch Classic

For more than 50 years, children and adults alike have been discovering the magical world of creativity and pencil-free drawing with classic Etch A Sketch. The iconic frame, easy-to-use knobs, classic magic screen and shake-to-erase feature — not to mention the endless hours of fun it provides — have made it popular all around the world! Sketch, erase, and sketch again with Etch A Sketch.
$14.99; ages 3+; http://etchasketch.com/

Sharingland Cardboard Playhouses

We’ve all seen it happen. We buy a gift for our kids, wrap it perfectly and as soon as our kids unwrap the gift, it’s the box they love the most. To capture preschoolers’ great sense of imagination, Sharingland has come up with clever idea–pop-up playhouses made from cardboard. All five of Sharingland’s cardboard playhouse models are sturdy and unique in design. And they all come ready-to-play. Select from Grand Palace, The Epic Castle, Space Odyssey, Ancestral Teepee or Windmill Farm. Made of 80% recycled and 100% recyclable materials. Great for promoting creativity and imagination.
$99; Ages 3+: http://sharingland.com/

JigglyDoos™ Party House Playset

Meet the JigglyDoos™, cute little animal friends that live in a whimsical world where everything wiggles. They love to jiggle, wiggle and roll. JigglyDoos™ are soft, squishy, and jiggly and come in so many adorable colors and shapes and they are having a party at the ultimate party house. Includes bouncing dance floor and music. At the push of a button, kids can hear music and see the JigglyDoos dance and bounce around. Additionally, kids can launch the JigglyDoos off the diving board onto the bouncing dance floor, ride up and down the spiral elevator, hang out on the swinging chair, or even end the party by hitting the piñata for some fun treats . Playset includes one exclusive JigglyDoo friend. Promotes creative play & imagination.
$19.99; For Ages: 4+; http://www.jakks.com/

Tiny Toes

Tiny Toes are teenie, tiny interactive dolls that come to life in the palm of your hand! Each doll has seven highly responsive sensors that react to touch, motion or light. Each doll blows kisses, plays peek-a-boo, burps and more, all while sitting in the palm of your hand! Kids can collect all three Tiny Toes dolls in the Animal Love assortment including Giggling Gabby, Ticklish Tess and Laughing Luna. So cute…so tiny….Tiny Toes!
$14.99 each: For Ages: 4+; https://playmatestoys.com/

Crayola Ultimate Light Board

With the Crayola Ultimate Light Board, kids can use light and dark to show off their creativity in a big, bold way. Kids can use vibrant Mini Gel Fx Markers directly on the light board surface and watch their designs shine. Turning off the lights, kids can elevate their designs using the bright LED lights in the board’s frame to see their artwork glow. Removing the back panel allows for easy tracing directly on the surface and the screen wipes clean for unlimited creativity.
$24.99; For Ages: 6+; http://shop.crayola.com/toys-and-activities/toys/ultimate-light-board-

Get creative with #NAPPAAwards #PlayLearnConnect

September 17, 2018 by Liorah Goldsmith

Now that we’re back in the fall work/school routine, having a warm meal to come home to sounds so good. But, finding the time to make it happen — that’s the challenge. As parents, we know how important mealtime can be, so we’ve collected some good recipes that bring succulent fall flavors to your dinner table in under 45 minutes. Take a break from takeout with these comforting and healthy weeknight dinners, and your whole family will be asking to eat at home every night of the week.

Butternut Squash and White Bean Soup

Taking only forty-five minutes from start to finish, this flavorful soup is sure to wow your whole family. Filled with squash, chickpeas, and white beans, this soup is fiber-rich and packed with nutrients. After a long day at work or school, you will love to cozy up with this warm bowl of Butternut Squash and White Bean Soup.

Recipe Here

Greek Turkey Burgers

Burgers are a staple American comfort food, and these Greek Turkey Burgers give them a healthy and savory twist that your kids will love. Simple to prepare, and with veggies hidden inside, you can feel good about making this delectable treat a part of your weeknight dinner routine.

Recipe Here

Pea Pesto Pasta

This pesto recipe offers a delicious way to incorporate nutrient-rich peas to a deliciously indulgent pesto sauce. Quick, delicious, and nutritious, this comforting pesto recipe will have your whole family feeling good about eating their vegetable.

Recipe Here

Honey Glazed Chicken and Sweet Potato Kebabs

Everything is more fun to eat on a skewer, so your kids will love this easy-to-eat dish with the nutritional boost of sweet potatoes. The best part? This recipe only takes thirty-five minutes to make! Switch things up with this delectable chicken dish and your whole family will be begging for more.

Recipe Here

Easy Beef and Broccoli

Cheaper, easier, and healthier than takeout, this beef and broccoli recipe makes for a tasty and satisfying dinner. Beef and broccoli complement each other perfectly in this saucy recipe, so your children won’t even complain about eating their veggies. Taking only fifteen minutes to make, you’ll wonder why you don’t make this for your family every night of the week.

Recipe Here

Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup

Traditional Mexican flavors make their way into a bowl of veggie-packed goodness with this slow cooker chicken tortilla soup. Simply throw everything in a slow cooker before work, and you’ll come home to a delicious meal that will please the taste buds of your whole family.

Recipe Here

Cheesy Quinoa

As one of the healthiest grains on the market, quinoa is a great substitute for normal refined grains. Transforming this grain into something kid-friendly is not always an easy task, but this cheesy quinoa recipe will bring out the kid in all of us. Turning this protein-rich grain into a cheesy treat only takes twenty-five minutes and a few simple ingredients.

Recipe Here

Italian Baked Spaghetti Squash

For many of us, spaghetti is on the list of our favorite foods, but squash most likely isn’t. Combining the two into something incredibly kid-friendly, healthy, and easy is something us parents can only dream of. This Italian Baked Spaghetti Squash is perfect for your family’s pasta cravings, but with less refined carbs and more nutrition, everyone will be satisfied with this simple weeknight dinner.

Recipe Here

20 Minute Healthy Chicken Parmesan

This chicken parmesan is a classic Italian dish made healthy by sitting on a bed of deliciously nutritious zucchini noodles. Making vegetables fun to eat while also serving up a crispy comforting chicken dish is a win-win. This recipe is also perfect for weeknights as it only takes twenty minutes to make.

Recipe Here

Acorn Squash Quesadillas

Quesadillas are perfect fuss-free foods that are only made better when stuffed with in-season acorn squash. You can customize these any way your family likes, as they are sure to be delicious. Simple fall flavors combine with melty cheese and a warm tortilla to create an unforgettable meal for the whole family.

Recipe Here

September 17, 2018 by Makenna Sievertson

The Napa Valley is well known for its sprawling wineries and luxurious adult getaways, but the region is also home to several opportunities for family-friendly adventure. Located about an hour north of the San Francisco Bay area, visitors of all ages can enjoy the famous California climate while exploring the protected natural landscapes, various restaurants, or a relaxing spa day in the mineral pools.

Outdoor Attractions

Calistoga’s Old Faithful Geyser is a definite family favorite and is one of only three “faithful” geysers in the world. Even the most restless kids will be entertained with a 350 degree spout of water erupting every half hour. The sprays of mist form spectacular rainbows, creating the perfect photo opportunity with a serene Napa landscape. While waiting for the eruption, families can stop by the Old Faithful Animal Farm, a petting zoo featuring Tennessee Fainting Goats, Jacob’s four-horn sheep, and Guard llamas.

For a little natural history lesson you can drive five minutes up the road to the Petrified Forest. Take a walk through the worlds largest petrified redwood trees that were turned to stone 3.4 million years ago by a massive volcanic explosion. The redwood trees, now extinct, have become fossils and are decorated with sparkly mineral quartz that are sure to catch your eye.

Food and Drink

Couple Tasting at The Calistoga Inn and Brewery, Calistoga, Napa Valley, California

Foodies on Foot is a pet and family accessible culinary walking tour highlighting several restaurants in Historic Downtown Napa. The 3-hour tour features 5-7 different eateries with picky eater friendly dishes like pizza and ice cream. Kids under six eat free, those between 6-12 are half price ($35), and the ticket price is $70 for everyone in between.

Many parents would be weary of bringing their children along for a wine tasting, but Castello di Amorosa has more than enough activities to keep your little knights and princesses occupied. The idyllic reproduction of a 13^th century Italian castle is near exact, with a moat, dungeon, and suits of armor available to explore. Peacocks, emus, and sheep roam the grounds and can keep the younger ones occupied while parents enjoy an authentic Tuscan wine or cheese tasting.

For something more hands on, The Culinary Institute of America at Copia offers Family Funday every Sunday for all ages and experience levels. Bring the whole family for an hour-long cooking demonstration that teaches both adults and children useful cooking tricks and kitchen skills. The courses always end with a taste of that day’s dish, so your family can learn and enjoy some culinary secrets from some of the best chefs in California.

Arts and Culture

The di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art is centered around the charming Winery Lake and features several educational programs and exhibitions for all ages. Two galleries and a walkable Sculpture Meadow highlight contemporary Bay Area artists on the sprawling 217 acres in Napa’s Carneros region. Admission is free for children 17 and under and the museum offers additional discounts for seniors, military, educators, and students.

Family Lodging

Carneros Inn Resort, Napa Valley, California

Silverado Resort and Spa ($) offers one or two bedroom suites with a full kitchen, private patio, and Wi-Fi access. While parents are enjoying a day at the spa or picking up treats at the Silverado Market and Bakery, children ages 6-12 can participate in a supervised eight-week Golf, Tennis, and Swim Camp (GTS).

At the Indian Springs Calistoga Resort ($$) you can choose between a room, cottage, bungalow, or full house for your visit. It is home to two swimming pools, including a temperature regulated Olympic sized mineral pool. The casual atmosphere is perfect for a relaxing getaway, and the amenities include several outdoor games and complimentary bikes to explore the town.

The Carneros Resort and Spa ($$$) offers several cottages with ample space for the whole family. The resort has three restaurants on-site, two pools, fitness classes, and a selection of dog-friendly amenities for your furry friend. Carneros also hosts Kids’ Night, June through September, with board games, ping-pong, and a kid-friendly movie.

August 30, 2018 by

We have some new winners that are perfect for Back-to-School time!

Snoozie Mat

This easy-to-pack sleeping bag is ideal for school naps, sleepovers, and blanket forts. The Snoozie-Mat is machine washable and folds into backpack. You can take the Snoozie-Mat anywhere you want by simply rolling it up and carrying it on your back.
$38.95
Ages: 2 to 6 years

Norton Core

A security focused WiFi router that also looks stylish in your home. The device not only protects your home network from malware, viruses, hackers, and cybercriminals, but also includes both network- and device-level (smartphones and tablets) Smart Parental Controls. These features allow parents to control what kids see and do across all their connected devices. The App is easy to use and can control your whole network. Parents can:

Set age appropriate content filters
Block unwanted websites
Manage screen time with daily limits
Pause the Internet – for an individual device or the entire household

$149.00
For Ages: parents with children under 15

Car Caché®

Great for the family car. It’s designed to hold your handbag so that it is accessible, upright, clean, and out of passengers’ way.
$19.99
Ages: All drivers

Our American Presidents – Their Lives and Legacies

Gives readers a concise look into all 44 Presidents of the United States. The book is easy to read and includes a listing of cabinet members from each presidency. Kids and parents will enjoy learning little known facts, the truth about many “presidential myths” and getting a glimpse into the presidents’ personal lives.
$29.95
Ages: For the entire family

Elena Epstein is a mom of two and the director of NAPPA Awards, the longest running and most respected awards program in the industry, celebrating the best in family products for 28 years. For more product reviews, visit nappaawards.com. #PlayLearnConnect

August 30, 2018 by

We have some great tunes for your whole family. Check out these great NAPPA Winners!

Howdy Do! Songs of the Urban Cowpoke

Hailing from the wilds of New York City, Hopalong Andrew populates Howdy Do! mostly with witty Western-style parody updates of old standards. He cleverly turns the old Gene Autry classic “Back In The Saddle Again” into “Back In The City Again,” and “Jingle Jangle Jingle” into “Ice Cream Dude,” for example. Most impressive is his nimble-tongued name-checking of NYC neighborhoods on “I’ve Been Everywhere In New York City (based on Johnny Cash hit “I’ve Been Everywhere”). See if you replicate his rapid-fire recitations! While Hopalong Andrew’s twangy tunes may be parodies they never cross the line into being camp hokum. Written with affection and a fun-loving spirit, his “urban cowpoke” music provides a great soundtrack for barn dances and cattle drives – or backyard parties and car rides.
$12
Ages: For the entire family

Songs for Sisters and Brothers

The songs on Songs For Sisters And Brothers are certainly for sisters and brothers, but they will entertain mothers and fathers too. Vered not only has composed a wonderful set of songs that explore various aspects of childhood and parenthood, but she has done so in an inspired variety of ways. She uses an African-style melody on the stand-out song “Little Bit Tough,” and veers into doo-wop on another highlight, “Library of the World.” Notable numbers too are “One Family,” with its “we are all brothers and sisters” message,” and “It’ll Be,” a charming duet with Walter Martin where they imagine growing old together. And parents, you will not want to miss the funny confessional “PR Agent” that closes this fantastic family album.
$10.99
Ages: entire family

Snorkel by Randy & Dave

Randy Sharp & Dave Kinnoin have established themselves as one of family music’s top duos on their first two collaborations. On album three they continue their high standards, filling Snorkel with a dozen great tunes. They are particularly expert on constructing wildly hilarious story-songs, and numbers like “Everybody’s Ignorant,” “Mr. Berschmicker,” “Oh, Wait, That Wasn’t Me,” and the title track will draw big laughs from listeners of all ages. Randy & Dave also excel here on their “maybe-not-as-zany” tunes, where they serenade you about curly cat, a berserk squirrel, a cute little dog, and the joys of having “absolutely nowhere to go.” Snorkel is a superb CD whether you have somewhere to go or not.
$14.98
Ages: 4-8 years

We Are One by Animal Farm

On We Are One, Animal Farm has assembled a marvelous menagerie of songs about animals – which probably isn’t a surprise considering the band’s name. These songs, however, aren’t your typical little ditties about lions, tigers, and snakes. There are imaginative tunes about an awesome possum and a two-headed tortoise. “Snow Bird” actually is about a penguin who longs to fly, while “Nocturnal Me” concerns a bat with a fear of the dark. Then, there’s the delightful “Ear Worm,” a funny, hummable number about getting a song stuck in your head. We Are One, in fact, is stocked with many songs that will stick in your head.
$15
For Ages: For the entire family

Move, Move, Move

Little ones will be shouting “more, more, more!” after listening to Move, Move, Move. As the CD’s title suggests, Vincent Nunes creates very active music. On his upbeat album, he sings about dancing, bouncing, walking a tight rope, moving his feet, playing guitar, and (on the “bonus track”) banging on the drums. While these tunes certainly add up to a highly enjoyable, energetic album, two other tunes are particularly worth noting: the clever alphabet song “ABC Jones” and the delightfully kooky “Fly Like A Dog.”
$15
Ages: 2-6 years

Shoebox Town by Tracy Newman

What will you find in Shoebox Town? There will be a “little bitty fish (in a) little bitty pond,” a “zilli billionaire,” and “a sticky little lollipop (and ) a little kitten curled up in daddy’s shoes.” It also has old-fashioned amusements like a “magic penny” and a merry carousel down by a pier. Tracy Newman’s follow-up to her equally excellent I Can Swing Forever reveals her gift for writing songs filled with a kid-like sense of wonder and whimsy that are dusted lightly with some gentle messages too. On the title track, for example, she lovingly sings about making her “Shoebox Town,” complete with a cereal bowl pool, while also portraying the brother as being helpful (and not destructive) to his sister’s creation. Newman makes Shoebox Town a great place to visit.

$14.99

For Ages: 0-7 years

On The Road with The Music Class

The Music Class receives high marks for their new album. Guided by Rob Sayer, the large ensemble of singers and instrumentalists takes listeners on an entertaining musical road-trip. The songs touch on some familiar kids music topics – animals, vehicles, counting – but the Music Class presents them in an impressive variety of songs and styles. Mixing originals and traditionals, the CD’s 20 tracks hold touches of African and Spanish music as well as jazzy and folky numbers. The enthusiastic performances and spirited songs make On The Road quite a fun ride.”
$9.99
Ages: 1 to 5

La Luna by 123 Andres

This is a truly lovely collection of lullabies from Latin Grammy winner Andrés Salguero and his wife Christina Sanabria. The songs basically are all sung in Spanish; however, the music has a soothing, gentle quality that is perfect for quiet times whether you know Spanish or not. They also welcome a number of guest musicians from around the Latin American world: Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, and Mexico, to name a few. While it would have been nice if the lyrics and translations were included in the CD package, they are available on the artists’ website.”
$15
Ages: 0 to 5

Enjoy the music! #PlayLearnConnect with #NAPPAAwards!Elena Epstein is a mom of two and the director of NAPPA Awards, the longest running and most respected awards program in the industry, celebrating the best in family products for 28 years. For more product reviews, visit nappaawards.com.

August 30, 2018 by

If you didn’t get the chance to see the great outdoors this summer, you certainly still have time. The incredible fall colors and crisp cool air make any autumn camping trip an incredible weekend outing for the whole family. Outdoor fun doesn’t have to be exclusive to summertime, so whether you want to take a day trip or stay overnight, these beautiful places will make fall your favorite time of the year.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park (TN)

With camping options ranging from backcountry backpacking to developed front country campgrounds, the Great Smoky Mountains offers a wonderful experience for every type of adventure. With five different forests and scenic autumn drives and hikes, camping has never been more beautiful. Offering hikes that are specifically for kids as well as guided hikes, the Smoky Mountains has scenic landscapes that everyone can enjoy and even learn from. For more relaxed vacationers, the 800 square mile park has 384 miles of road to drive down where you can experience all the beauty the park has to offer. Experiencing deep fall colors for hundreds of miles, the awe-inspiring beauty of Great Smoky Mountains National Park makes it a can’t-miss destination for any autumn camping trip.

Julian (CA)

Julian is a quaint town nestled in the Cuyamaca mountains, just a short drive away from San Diego. Famous for their apples, Julian is the perfect place to go camping during the fall season. With activities from boating and hiking to touring historic gold mines and visiting a fall pumpkin patch, Julian is a great place to experience the great outdoors in the height of the fall season. The town even has a pie baking contest this September, as well as a country fair and scarecrow display.

White Mountain National Forest (NH & ME)

With 2018 being the 100^th anniversary of the forest, you don’t want to miss camping in this incredible location during the fall. White Mountain National Forest offers a ton of camping areas accommodating RVs and tents, and they also have cabins available. You can spend time collecting minerals and rocks, picnicking with your family, or simply taking in the scenic fall views. This forest also has incredible tree canopy colors, and it has miles of roads to drive down and take in the never-ending beauty. With landmarks like historic farm houses and old stone walls, you will never know what lies around the corner in this incredible forest.

Capitol Reef National Park (UT)

With unique landscapes from cliffs and canyons to domes and even something they refer to as a wrinkle on earth, you’ll want to check out Capital Reef National Park. A bonus feature of going in September are the apple and pear fruit orchards that are available to pick through the month. Experience the park both during the day and after dark with the incredible views of an endless starry night stretching for hundreds of miles. With a range of adventurous and laid-back campgrounds, Capitol Reef National Park is a unique and incredible place to visit.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park (MI)

Sleeping Bear Dunes is an incredible place to take your family camping this autumn. You can camp on the rustic mainland with or without modern amenities, or even camp on one of the park’s islands. There are close by towns full of quaint local shops and tons of kid-friendly activities that are engaging and educational. Take your family to one of the museums or lighthouses, or take a rewarding hike on their famous sand Dune Climb. Ranger-led tours, a breathtaking drive, and backcountry serenity are all features of this historically rich National Park perfect for your next family camping trip.

August 14, 2018 by

For me, getting a locker was the most exciting part of middle school. Having my own space, no matter how small, felt mature, and it gave me a sense of responsibility. As the years went on though, having a locker became more of hassle than a perk because of how messy and unorganized it became. Here at NAPPA, we’ve discovered some great tips to share with your kids to keep their lockers organized, decorative and functional.

Use a locker shelf

A great first step to keeping your locker organized and hassle free.

Visit your locker at least once a day

Lockers are great for easing your backpack load throughout the day and visiting your locker gives you an incentive and opportunity to keep it clean since nobody likes to open a messy locker.

Don’t make your locker a trash can

Lockers can go from storage units to trash cans in a matter of weeks. Make sure to empty out any unwanted trash at the end of each day.

Personalize it

Putting up photos, posters, artwork and magnets provide a great incentive to keep lockers clean and organized. And it’s a great way to express creativity.

Keep a place for reminders

Lockers are great places to keep small whiteboards or notebooks where you can write reminders for yourself throughout the school year. Writing down which materials you need for each class can make visiting your locker a breeze, and writing to-do lists for the week can help you keep up with your assignments.

#backtoschool #PlayLearnConnect #kids #school #organize

August 14, 2018 by

Your kids will love discovering the incredible world of technology with these STEM-related games. #PlayLearnConnect

Bright Creatures Kit

The perfect introduction to STEAM learning – Bright Creatures Kit gets kids building with dough and making simple circuits to add light to their creations. Part of the Dough Universe, the kit comes with three pots of dough, a smart controller, and LED light helpers. And with the projects and games in the interactive storybook app, they’ll be exploring and inventing for months to come!
$49.99
For Ages: 4+

Botley the Coding Robot

Meet Botley the Coding Robot! With the Botley, children as young as 5 can learn to code. Botley’s advanced features will allow your kids to grow with him. Botley is ready to use right out of the box, 100% screen free and includes a 77-piece activity set. Botley can detect objects, be programmed for if/then logic, follow looping commands and take on obstacle courses.
$79.99
For kids 5+

Itty Bitty City

Created for hobbyists, makers, inventors, and tinkerers, Itty Bitty City is a fun-filled collection of Microduino mCookie modules, sensors and accessories which creators use to build eight exciting projects, including a windmill, lighthouse, night light, piggy bank, and music box. Widely used by students and teachers within schools’ STEM/STEAM programs.
$129.00
For kids 10+

Robots on the Line

You’re one of the lucky robot factory workers invited to an exclusive event. Pick refurbished or out-of-date parts to build robots that meet eager buyers’ requirements. Sell your completed robots to earn points; but hurry because other players may be building their own robot. Can you outsmart your opponents and assemble a four-wheeler robot with two heads, or a robot with six eyes and four hands before they do?
$54.95
For kids 8+

Kidlo Coding Games For Kids

Get your kids coding in no time with Kidlo Coding Games For Kids, a fun app to teach kids (5-9 yrs) basic programming concepts like sequencing, loops and functions. Includes 50+ interesting games.
Free with app
For kids 5-9

mPuzzle

Designed for children ages 5 and up, mPuzzle is a collection of easy-to-use, snap-together magnetic components that teach basic electronic circuitry concepts. With mPuzzle, children learn how things work by seeing cause-and-effect relationships and outcomes. The product offers everything kids need to construct common objects found in our everyday world, such as a street lamp that illuminates at dusk, or a TV remote control with a red LED light that shines when it’s turned on.
$99.00
For kids 5+

mPie

Designed for children ages 7 and up, mPie builds upon mPuzzle’s foundational circuity lessons and hardware components to teach kids introductory hardware coding and more advanced electronic and product design concepts. With mPie, kids discover the world of hardware coding, which helps them visualize the logical and sequential order of things in a physical and engaging way.
$99.00
For kids 7+

August 14, 2018 by

Courtesy of Kristine Foley

If your family loves museums, Smithsonian has an incredible event coming up in September! Mark September 22 on your calendar for Smithsonian’s annual Museum Day, and enjoy free admission at participating museums across the world. This is a wonderful opportunity for your family to enjoy a day filled with art, history, science and culture.

Registration opens online beginning August 15. One ticket gets you complementary entry for two people on Saturday, September 22, 2018. This event is perfect for families with kids of all ages, as there is such a wide variety of museums participating. To check which museums will offer free admission in your area, go online to https://www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/museum-day-2018/.