ML Interest Tag: ancient-egypt

Fall Theater Preview: Best Shows for Kids

by Lenya McGrath

This fall the stage is set to explode with musicals, plays and performances all over San Diego. From beloved Disney princesses to a little lady with red ringlets who looks on the bright side of life all the way through, to a Technicolor coat wearing prophet in ancient Egypt, your mini theater buffs are going to be loving the theater offers this fall in our city.

Image Credit: Feld Entertainment

Disney On Ice: Dare to Dream
To celebrate 75 years of Disney Princesses, Dare to Dream is a mega mix performance on ice with some of your favourite characters and the most cherished stories of all time.  Watch Rapunzel in a live action piece from the film Tangled, travel to the enchanted forrest with Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs as she escapes from the evil queen and watch as Cinderella meets her Prince Charming with a glass slipper to boot.  Plus don’t forget about a boogie session with the story of the Princess and The Frog with Princess Tiana and Price Naveen. This show is great for audiences young and old who will love watching the magic unfolding on the ice in this compilation of of stories old and new.

Dates: Oct. 1 – Oct. 4
Ticket Price: From $29/person

Valley View Casino Center
3500 Sports Arena Blvd.
San Diego, Ca 92110
866-843-9946
Online: san-diego-theater.com

Image Credit: What’s On Wilimington

Beauty And The Beast
The Civic Theatre of San Diego are set to welcome Belle and the Beast for a musical adaptation of the classic Disney film, Beauty at the Beast! Relive the story of Belle, a woman hoping for a life more like the adventures in the book she reads who happens upon an old castle in the heart of the forest. Here she meets Beast, once a man and now condemned as a beast like creature who was cursed for his vanity and pride. Can Belle and Beast save each other and learn to love whats on the inside? You’ll have to be our guest and find out! This musical is full of your favourite songs, beautiful sets and sparkling costumes. This performance is suitable for all ages.

Dates: Nov. 24 – Nov. 29
Ticket Price: From $69/ person

San Diego Civic Theatre
1100 3rd Ave.
San Diego, Ca 92101
619-570-1100
Online: sandiegotheatres.org

Image Credit: Evergreen Players via Yelp

Annie
Get ready to sing along with your favourite curly red headed friend Annie.  Living in an orphanage, Annie is on a mission to find her parents. After being sent to stay at billionaire Oliver “Daddy” Warbucks house for the holidays, Annie injects everyone with her sunshine look at life and they help her step up her quest to find her mom and dad. But just as things like like they are trumps for Annie and Daddy Warbucks, some evil cons posing as Annie’s “real parents” come into the picture and chaos ensues! The kiddo’s will love singing along with all the classics like “It’s the Hard Knock Life” and the anthem “Tomorrow.” With a run time of over 2 hours plus an intermission, this show is best suited for musical lovers 5 and over.

Dates: Nov. 3 – Nov. 8
Ticket Price: From $25 per person

San Diego Civic Theatre
1100 3rd Ave.
San Diego, Ca 92101
619-570-1100
Online: sandiegotheatres.org

Image Credit: Disney Wiki

Mary Poppins
Introduce your mini stage buffs to thesupercalifragilisticexpialidocious adventures of Mary Poppins, the practically perfect nanny who flies in to help the troubled Banks family. With help from jack-of-all-trades Bert, Mary Poppins takes young Jane and Michael Banks on a magical adventure to bring their once disconnected family back together again. Based on the Disney classic and the original book from P.L. Travers, this winner of seven Tony Awards will have kids of all ages (and even grown ups) cheering as Mary Poppins dispels her pearls of wisdom. A spoonful of sugar anyone? This Junior Theatre performance is best suited for kids ages 2 and up.

Dates: Oct. 23 – Nov. 8
Ticket Price: From $11/ person

Casa del Prado Theater
1600 Village Pl.
Balboa Park
San Diego, Ca 92101
619-239-8355
Online: juniortheatre.com

Image credit: Flickr Creative Commons

Disney’s Alice in Wonderland Jr.
Introduce your littles to Disney heroine Alice as she journeys through Wonderland in a classic “trying to get home” story.  She meets kooky characters like the White Rabbit, Cheshire Cat, Tweedledee and Tweedledum, the Caterpillar and of course the evil Queen of Hearts in a fun-filled performance. Along with a cast of favorites your mini thespians will love hearing classic songs like “I’m late.” This is a junior adaptation, which means at just under an hour running time you can rest assured even your youngest will love watching this musical adaptation unfold!

Dates: Nov. 13 – Nov. 22
Ticket Price: From $13/ person

Roosevelt Middle School
3366 Park Blvd.
Corner of Park Blvd. and Zoo Dr.
San Diego, Ca 92101
619-239-8355
Online: juniortheatre.com

Image Credit: Flickr Creative Commons

Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat
Way way back many centuries ago not long after the bible began lived Joseph, a clever guy blessed with prophetic dreams. When he is sold into slavery by his jealous brothers and taken to Egypt Joseph is taken on an adventure of biblical proportions. After rising from a slave to the Pharaoh’s 2IC by seeing the future, Joseph is challenged yet again after reuniting with brothers and beloved dad. With lots of witty bater and a true mish mash of musical styles from a rock n’ roll Pharaoh, a broadway master name Potifar and a country western band of brothers this is one sassy show.  Given its sassy factor it would best suit audience members 8 and over.

Dates: Oct. 16 – Oct. 25
Ticket Price: From $15/ person

Creative Performing And Media Arts Theatre
5050 Conrad Ave.
San Diego, Ca 92117
619-588-0206
Online: cytsandiego.org/shows

Which of these shows do you want to see? Let us know in the Comments section below.

— Lenya McGrath

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Just Opened: The Discovery of King Tut at The NAT

by Cherie Gough

Is your house full of adventurers? Do your little ones spout off the names of more dinosaurs than you ever knew existed? Ready to walk like an Egyptian with one of the biggest exhibits opening this fall? For curious minds always ready to learn something new, The NAT offers an exciting day’s romp that is sure to spark some great family conversations.

Photo Courtesy of The NAT

The Discovery of King Tut
The newest highlight at The NAT is The Discovery of King Tut exhibit, which opened Oct. 11 and runs through spring 2015. This impressive recreation of King Tut’s tomb replicates the beauty and awe of discovering the young pharaoh’s tomb as it was first found with all its golden treasures at hand.

Families will marvel at the large, open, gilded burial chamber with intact mummy, golden masks, and stunning treasures such as statues of Egyptian gods and precious gems and learn about the young king who died at the age of 19 but who will never be forgotten. An audio tour in both adult and kid versions will enhance your understanding of the exhibit and is included in the price of your tickets.

This special exhibit is worth a visit all on its own. Entrance to the exhibit costs $27 for adults (members are $15). And to celebrate Kids Free San Diego, the first 500 kids who enter with a paid adult are admitted free. Otherwise kids under 12 are $10 during October.

Insider’s Tip: This is sure to be a popular exhibit. To ensure a speedy entry without waiting in long lines with your kiddos, we suggest purchasing advance time entry tickets online.

Photo Courtesy of The NAT

Permanent Exhibits
A big draw for little ones is the 2nd floor of the museum: Fossil Mysteries where terrific, interactive exhibits allow kids to pretend to be paleontologists with truly hands-on experiences. Starting at the South Entrance, kids turn a wheel and watch a baby dino “hatch” from an egg. Further on, school-aged museum-visitors will enjoy the interactive blocks that tell a story of a local dinosaur’s life, death and journey to the museum.

A big screen computer prompts kids with hints in sequencing the story, a hit with kids who love technology. Younger siblings can stand next to a model of an ankylosaur and touch his plates. Enter prehistoric San Diego and search for animals with a field guide, use a sifter to look for fossils, and gaze through a microscope at fossils projected onto a computer screen.

Also on this floor, kiddos can move a large map of California showing how plate tectonics are at work and also check out the animals that lived in our local waters during prehistoric times and compare them to native animals living today.

Photo Credit: Cherie Gough

Your visit includes a ticket to watch a movie in the comfortable giant screen theatre on Level 1. The film Ocean Oasis is great for kids of all ages who enjoy learning about animals and reinforces topics that they saw throughout their museum tour. Filmed in Baja California, you too may learn something new about this nearby region and relax watching the beautiful scenery.

Also on Level 1, sit in peace at a table in the atrium and savor a cup of coffee at the Dino Cafe where you can watch your little ones play in adjacent Camp-o-saurus with model dinosaurs, a tent, and campfire. Enjoy a quick walk through the water exhibit located behind Camp-o-Saurus where water conservation is reinforced in a cool demo showing how energy and water are linked. Spot some local live reptiles in the terrariums as you pass through.

Photo Credit: Cherie Gough

More Reasons to Visit
In addition to its stellar exhibits, The Nat features fun, family events that add to kids’ scientific thinking and hands-on experiences. If your kids love this museum, consider coming back for one of these fun programs that is free with admission.

For Preschoolers: Nature and Me Storytime
Every second Thursday, little ones can listen to stories and engage in fun activities that will enhance their love of nature. Upcoming themes include: bats, Ancient Egypt, and winter animals.

For School Kids: Wacky Science Sundays with Mrs. Frizzle
Every Sunday Mrs. Frizzle takes kids on an awesome adventure via her Magic School Bus. This show features Mrs. Frizzle decked in her wacky gear taking fun-loving kids through the fascinating world of science. In October explore bats, in November germs, and in December coyotes. The popular show runs every Sunday at 12:15 p.m. and 2:15 p.m.

Family Days
Each month, the NAT hosts a special Family Day on a weekend  between 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. This month explore bats and make a Halloween-themed crafts. Next month, learn more about King Tut and learn to walk like an Egyptian.

Insider’s Tip: After your visit, enjoy a picnic nearby. At the North entrance is one of the biggest fig trees in all of San Diego. Near the South entrance is Balboa Park’s renowned fountain.

Money Saving Tips 

  • If you’re thinking about visiting multiple times, the NAT offers annual membership. For $70, a family can enjoy unlimited entrance to the museum’s permanent exhibits, family shows and films. Members also receive significant discounts to special exhibits like The Discovery of King Tut, and discounts for summer camps and the museum store.
  • Kids are free to the permanent exhibits during October.
  • San Diego residents receive free museum admission on the first Tuesday of each month.

1788 El Prado
Balboa Park
San Diego, Ca 92101
619-232-3821
Online: sdnhm.org

Have you taken your little ones to the Natural History Museum? What’s your favorite thing about The Nat?

— Cherie Gough

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Your Guide to Haircut Places for Kids

by Natasha Davis

Snip, snip — it’s time for a new ‘do! Whether it’s your tot’s first cut or a fresh back-to-school style, he or she will get five-star treatment at these kid-centric salons. They make it fun when the scissors come out. And it’s not all just cool cuts: Spa services, play spaces and birthday parties are also on the menu.

photo: Kidville via Yelp

Kidville
Come for a cut; stay for play time. The salon at this huge play space/activity center is a bona fide kid-topia of DVDs, games and toys. If you love your experience, become a Kidville member and get 15% off your haircuts. After all the snipping and quaffing your child can show off his or her new look during any of the awesome classes or open play at Kidville. Create, groove, rock out or just spend an action-packed afternoon romping through the huge space.

1030 W. North Ave.
Lincoln Park
312-344-1815
Online: kidville.com

Snippet’s
There are four locations of this small local chain, each with a personality of their own. On Clybourn Avenue, you feel like you’re stepping into a jungle. On Southport, it’s all about outer space. In Lombard, you dive under the sea. And in Northbrook, you’re swept to ancient Egypt. Each forgoes the typical barber chair in lieu of seats shaped like cars and animals. Flat-screen TVs show cartoons and movies, while video games keep busy minds occupied. First haircuts get extra-special treatment with the First Cut Package: a saved lock of hair, certificate, DVD recording of the event and bottle of Weep No More shampoo.

Main location located at:
2154 N. Clybourn Ave.
Lincoln Park
773-755-1000
Online: snipkid.com

photo: Rock Candy Salon & Spa

Rock Candy Salon & Spa
For a walk on the glam side, visit this family-centered salon that has services for all ages. From styling to haircuts to ear piercing to makeup, there’s something to make every little prince and princess feel pretty. Choose ballet buns and dance ‘dos for the big recital, or settle in for a kids’ pedicure that includes a soak in green slime. The first cut includes a keepsake lock of hair, photo and certificate. Stop in on a Tuesday for half-price kids’ cuts.

4141 N. Lincoln Ave.
North Center
773-883-3000
Online: rockcandysalonandspa.com

Pickle’s Playroom
Started by a stay-at-home dad that was in a pickle about what to do during Chicago weather extremes, this hotspot solves more than a few problems. It provides a place for kids to romp around (in a large playroom complete with a six-foot-high slide) and keeps them well groomed in an adjacent salon. Kids’ haircuts include 30 minutes of playroom time, either for the haircut client or the bored sibling. An onsite cafe has free Wi-Fi and the caffeine parents need to get through the day.

2315 W. Lawrence Ave.
Lincoln Square
773-293-7747
Online: picklesplayroom.com

photo: Kid Snips via Yelp

Kid Snips
Started in 1997 by two moms, Kid Snips has expanded to nine Chicago-area locations — still operated by the same two moms. Settle into a train, taxi or police car chair and let the fun begin. Kids pick a movie to watch during their haircut. Older ones aren’t shut out of the game, because there are special services for teens and adults, including hair extensions. First haircuts include a lock of hair, photo and certificate, and every young client walks out with a lollipop and prize from the treasure chest.

Main location:
1953 N. Clybourn Ave.
Lincoln Park
773-935-9999
&
North Shore location:
3232 Lake Ave.
Wilmette
847-853-0099
Online: kidsnips.com

Rock Hair Scissors
The hidden gem in Edgebrook makes kids smile from the get-go. You first notice the gorgeous hand-painted animal murals by Chicago artist Trish Page. Then you fall in love with the rest: kids’ seats shaped like cars and trains, two teen seats, TVs with family-friendly shows, and free goldfish crackers and apple juice. Rock Hair Scissors uses its own Utopia tearless shampoo, and you can fill up your own bottle to take home. First haircuts include a keepsake lock and certificate, and every kid gets a lollipop and balloon as parting gifts.

5508 W. Devon Ave.
Edgebrook
773-774-1909
Online: rockhairscissors.com


photo: Pigtails & Crewcuts 

Pigtails & Crewcuts
With more than 20 nationwide locations and three in Illinois, Pigtails & Crewcuts is a name lots of people know. It was cited as a top franchise by Entrepreneur Magazine for five consecutive years, and Parents magazine named it one of the top chains for kids’ birthday parties. Each location offers about nine signature party packages, which can be customized to fit your needs. Look to the private party rooms for haircuts, dress-up play, and hair and nail services. First haircut packages include a keepsake lock of hair and photo.

2660 Navy Blvd.
Glenview
847-486-0700
Online: pigtailsandcrewcuts.com

ABC Cuts
Take a seat in a vintage fire truck and enjoy the ride! Anxiety will melt away when kids are in the hands of these hair cutters. First timers get a keepsake box and adorable photo, and returning clients can nab other goodies, like stick-on earrings and glitter tattoos. A B C Cuts does birthday parties, handling everything from catering to goodie bags to specialty cakes.

7 E. First St.
Hinsdale
630-654-2827
Online: abcutsforkids.com

 photo: Lilies & Spikes

Lilies & Spikes
Get a fab cut — and a manicure while you wait. The bright colors, awesome stylists and fun atmosphere will put everyone at ease. You’ll keep coming back for the spa services like Mommy & Me mani-pedis. With make up, up-dos and nail services, your “little lily” can enjoy a birthday bash fit for a princess. But that’s not to forget your little dude; birthday parties can be totally rockin’ with temporary tattoos, a faux shave and MAN-i mini manis for mini men.

1105 Chicago Ave.
Oak Park
708-613-4723
Online: kidshairsalonandspa.com 

Jack and Jill
Stylists here take baby steps with timid kiddies, making them feel comfy before putting those scissors to work. The space is bright and inviting, which gets everything off on the right foot. In the front, there’s a kids’ salon; in the back, there’s a party room. Hop into one of four car chairs or go with a big-kids chair. First haircuts are commemorated with a lock of hair, photo and certificate, and every little patron leaves with a lollipop. If you want to throw a bash here, they’ll put together custom party packages or choose one of the existing packages: princess, pop star or tea party.

70 N. Northwest Highway
Park Ridge
847-692-3550
Online: jackandjillparkridge.com

Safari Snips
The fun haircut names (“Mega Monkey,” anyone?) at this suburban haven will make you go animal. So will the TVs with Xbox. While Safari Snips does haircuts, there’s much more to it. Look to the spa room when you want to plan a private parties at which kids get pampered. The Safari Stuffer room has a machine that allows you to create a custom stuffed animal. The private theater has a runway stage for dress-up and “rockstar practice.” Lastly, the Safari Art room is dedicated to ceramics painting. First haircuts include a lock of hair, photo and certificate.

24017 103rd St.
Naperville
630-904-4386
Online: safarisnips.com

Where does your kiddo go for a haircut? Let us know in the Comments section below.

— Natasha Davis & Jessica Smith

 

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