ML Interest Tag: hippo

Are Your Kids Scared of the Dentist? This App Can Help Ease Their Fears

by Shahrzad Warkentin

Kids scared of the dentist? There’s an app for that! This new dental app for kids can help with those dental office fears in one clever—and dare we say it, fun—new way.

The Mimi the Hippo app is designed to prepare kids for a trip to the dentist’s office by introducing them to what the experience looks like and what they can expect. It combines footage of the actual dentist’s office that the child is going to visit and recordings of their dentist into an interactive virtual tour hosted by Mimi, a friendly animated purple hippo.

photo: Courtesy of Yonder

Mimi guides kids through the dental office at a kid’s eye level showing them all the sights, including dental tools and a friendly, smiling dentist.

Dr. Teresa Fong, a pediatric dentist with Metropolitan Pediatric Dental Associates, tested out the app on several patients and found success with all of them. The biggest change she noticed was that all of her patients were willing to open their mouths wide for an exam.

Here’s a demo of the app in action:

“We sit at the intersection of education and entertainment to drive better health outcomes,” said Adam Choe, co-founder of Yonder. “By blending those two things together, we think we can have a perfect platform to help prepare kids for better health outcomes.”

As of now, Mimi the Hippo is only available in the greater Minneapolis, Minnesota area—but the app developers hope that more dental practices will join their network of providers to help more kids.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Featured photo: jarmoluk via Pixabay

 

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9 Instagrammable Spots for Crazy Cool Kid Pics

by Jennifer O'Brien

If you have to pose your precious babes in front of one more oak tree or babbling brook for a decent holiday card photo or gift for Granny and Gramps, you’re going to tear your hair out. And you have such lovely hair! Instead, up your insta-game and take advantage of LA’s coolest spots for killer photos that will totally wow. We’ve rounded up 9 kid-friendly street art gems to check out ASAP.

photo: Jennifer O’Brien

#lovewall
Hamilton creator, Lin Manuel Miranda, said it best, “Love is love is love is love is love.” Talk about the most perfect mural to pose your munchkins in front of for family photos, holiday gifts, or even cool prints blown up for the wall at home. Curtis Kulig’s “Love Wall” is located right outside Smashbox Studios in Culver City.

Smashbox Studios
8549 Higuera St.
Culver City

photo: Meghan Rose

#someoneyoulove
One of our favorite children’s book authors, Dallas Clayton (he wrote the amazing An Awesome Book of Thanks! and An Awesome Book of Love!) has painted a fabulous “Stand here and think of someone you love” mural in Silverlake.  So seriously, put the kiddos between the open arms and tell them to think of someone they love.  Then send that person this snap.  Maybe tucked into one of Clayton’s books…

Dangerbird Records
3801 Sunset Blvd.
Silverlake

photo: Jennifer O’Brien

#dreambig
If you’re anything like us, for holiday gifts or at the end of the school year, you aimlessly troll the aisles of random craft stores and floral shops in desperate search of thank you gifts for your tykes’ teachers. Instead, why not shoot a gorgeous pic of your darling rugrats in front of Marisable Bazan’s “Dance of the Butterflies” mural emblazoned with the words “dream big.” After all, inspiring your kids to “dream big” is exactly what teachers do. Since the mural is conveniently located in the parking lot of John & Pete’s Fine Wine and Spirits, you could even grab your fave teacher a nice bottle of wine while you’re there too. So much better than an apple.

John & Pete’s Fine Wine and Spirits
621 N. La Cienega
West Hollywood

photo: Jennifer O’Brien

#madeinla
We’ve all received the token baby in a basket, baby in a flower pot, baby with a crochet hat birth announcements. Snoozefest! Why not up your baby announcement game by posing LA’s newest (and tiniest) citizens in front of Cisco Home’s “Made in LA” mural. And if your pint-sized Angelenos are older, it’s still an uber cool photo spot to show off their hometown pride.

Cisco Home
8025 Melrose Ave.
West Hollywood

photo: Jennifer O’Brien

#bleeding hearts
All you need is love—on a wall that is. For a totally funtastic photo that pops, swing by James Goldcrown’s colorful Love Wall/Bleeding Hearts mural at Greenleaf Gourmet Chopshop on Abbot Kinney. Just imagine turning this photo into a Valentine for loved ones or your little’s classmates at school. Creative, personal and easy!

Greenleaf Gourmet Chopshop
1239 Abbot Kinney
Venice

photo: Jennifer O’Brien

#angelwings
If you have eyeballs, chances are you’ve spotted some of artist Colette Miller’s Angel Wings murals around town. Part of her Global Angel Wings Project to “remind humanity that we’re all angels of this Earth”—yes, even your little devils—it’s become a game tracking down these winged wonders in hidden spots throughout the city. We especially love the angelic pair in the arts district downtown, with spots for two little angels of your own.

5th St. and Colyton St.
Downtown
(just around the corner from Urth Caffe)

photo: Jennifer O’Brien

#mondrianwall
Got a pint-sized Picasso at home? Cruise over to the the Mondrian wall at Artist & Craftsman Supply on La Cienega. With vibrant primary colors as your backdrop, you’ll have no trouble nabbing a swell pic or two of your Cubist cutie-pies that will stand out in the crowd.

Artist & Craftsman Supply
1600 S. La Cienega
Los Angeles

photo: Jennifer O’Brien

#pinkwall
Weho’s Paul Smith store is known for many things – chic clothes, attentive service and trendsetting fashion. But it’s the store’s infamous pink exterior that really takes center stage. With a flamingo-colored hue that makes anyone look model ready and oodles of negative space to perfectly frame your subject, it’s a smize-worthy backdrop for tots to show off those back-to-school clothes you’ve just spent your mortgage on. Be prepared though, this is one of the most Instagrammed spots in the country, so you’ll be competing for wall time with fashion bloggers and tourists.

Paul Smith
8221 Melrose Ave.
West Hollywood

photo: Jennifer O’Brien

#chrisuphues
Located in the alley behind Pygmy Hippo Shoppe on Beverly Blvd. is a beautiful burst of street art happiness by Chris Uphues. We ask you, how can even the most stubborn kiddo not smile for a photo with this as their backdrop! Full disclosure—like we said, the artwork is in an alley so you may have to crop out the dumpster nearby, but the pic will be perfection nonetheless.

Pygmy Hippo Shoppe
309 N. Stanley Ave.
Los Angeles

Any of your family’s favorite Instagram go-tos we missed? Let us know in the comments below!

–Jennifer O’Brien

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Only in Portland: 8 Free Hidden Gems in the Rose City

by April Hasson

We Portlanders don’t need the “Keep Portland Weird” slogan to remind us that our city has plenty of unique and fun places to explore. Whether your curious cutie is a budding artist, a voracious reader, or even a movie buff, read on for a list of free sights to check out inside, outside and all over town.

 

photo: April Hasson

Movie Madness
Not only is visiting a brick and mortar movie rental store a novelty in and of itself, Movie Madness is unique in that it offers movie fans a rare glimpse at actual film props and costumes. Budding actors and designers will love seeing pieces from their favorite movies, such as costumes worn by Jennifer Aniston, Julie Andrews and Jennifer Lopez. Future film directors and special effects hopefuls will love viewing the xenomorph head from the movie Aliens, or a model building from Blade Runner and Ghostbusters. Along with an impressive collection of monsters at the checkout counter, Movie Madness is a fun place to visit on a rainy Portland day, even if you aren’t there to rent a movie.

Daily 11:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m.
4320 SE Belmont St.
503-234-4363
online: moviemadnessvideo.com

photo: jpelgen via flickr

The Portlandia Statue
Second to only the Statue of Liberty as being the largest copper repousse statue in the United States is Portland’s very own Portlandia statue. Take a walk downtown to gaze upward at the 35 foot tall statue. Little artists and explorers will especially love finding the mini versions of Portlandia scattered throughout downtown. Additional “maquettes” can be found at the Heathman Hotel, the Wells Fargo Building, and the World Trade Center (at Salmon St. and Naito Parkway). Travel up to the second floor of The Portland Building to view plaster molds, including the model used to cast the statue’s face in bronze. Grab a map of the city and plan a downtown Portlandia scavenger hunt!

1120 SW 5th Ave.
503-823-4000
Online: www.portlandoregon.gov

photo: April Hasson

Hippo Hardware
Looking for a unique rainy day activity for your little handy fixer? Visit the kid-friendly Hippo Hardware store, where accompanied children are welcome to touch anything and ask the friendly staff questions about the variety of doorknobs, keys, hooks and plumbing parts. With 30,000 square feet to explore, your future engineer or electrician will leave with a whole new set of ideas and interests.

Mon.-Thur. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Fri.-Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Sun. Noon-6 p.m.
1040 E Burnside St.
503-231-1444
Online: www.hippohardware.com

photo: Kitty Baby Love via flickr

The Belmont Goats at Lents Town Center
What could be more “Portland” than an urban goat herd? Bring your junior veterinarian to visit the furry friends, now located at 91st and Foster. Named “The Belmont Goats” after their original SE Belmont location where they cleared brush, this friendly family of 14 goats are available for petting on weekend afternoons and Wednesday evenings. The Belmont Goats volunteers are happy to introduce you to a few members of the herd, including their pet hen, Juniper.

Sat.-Sun. 11 a.m.- 2 p.m.
Wed. 4-6 p.m.
5808 SE 91st St.
Online: thebelmontgoats.org

photo: April Hasson

Gleall Castle
Do you have a princess or prince who loves all things royal or medieval? Portland has its very own castle located in the SW hills. The structure was originally named Mount Gleall Castle, after the names of the children (Gladys, Earl and Lloyd) of the builder, Charles Piggott. The 124 year-old castle is a quick drive (or urban hike) up Buckingham Terrace, but remember not to disturb the current residents.

2591 SW Buckingham Ter.
Online: facebook.com/charleshenrypiggott

 

photo: Heidi De Vries via flickr

The Portland Horse Project
Combining both a touch of history with Portland-esque whimsy, are the mini horses of The Portland Horse Project. The community-led project began 10 years ago, after one Portlander tied a toy horse to one of the metal rings commonly found in local sidewalks. These rings, which were once used to tie up real horses in the 1900s, are now homes to many mini horses (or pigs, lions and other animals), placed by the people of Portland. To find one near you, or to replace or place your own, visit The Portland Horse Project Facebook page.

Online: 39forks.com/

Photo: Lance and Erin via flickr

Beverly Cleary Sculpture Garden at Grant Park
For the little literary lover in your life, take a trek to the Beverly Cleary Sculpture Garden at Grant Park, which features statues of Ramona Quimby, Henry Huggins and Ribsy the dog. With author Beverly Cleary turning 100 this year, now is a great time to introduce, or reinvigorate, excitement in the popular Ramona Quimby children’s book series. After visiting the statues, take a stroll to nearby Klickitat and Tillamook streets, which are both featured within the books.

NE 33rd Ave. and Grant Pl.
Online: www.portlandoregon.gov

photo: Pui S. via Yelp

Multnomah County Central Library, lobby stairs
Continuing on the Beverly Cleary theme, take a trip to the Multnomah County Central Library, home of the Beverly Cleary Children’s Library. While there, take a self-guided tour of the granite staircase leading upstairs from the lobby. Named the “Garden of Knowledge Stairs”, this structure by artist Larry Kirkland is both functional and an adventure. Climb carefully and pause to see the hidden etched symbols, along with inspiring words, such as “create,””discover” and “imagine”.

801 SW 10th Ave.
503-988-5123
online: multcolib.org/library-location/central 

What are your favorite Portland sites to visit with your children? Tellus below in the comments section!

—April Hasson

 

 

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Hop To It! Where to Get Your Jump on in Atlanta

by Phebe Wahl

Rain, rain, go away. Mama really needs the kids to go outside to play. When they are bouncing off the walls, break out of the house and take them to one of these Atlanta-area, indoor play spots. Go grab the socks, and read on to get a jump on what you need to know before you bounce.

Monkey Joe’s
With two locations in Roswell and Cumming, Monkey Joe’s wins points for its toddler area (for ages 3 and under), overall sanitation level and friendly staff. Try this spot on hump day (Wednesdays) when admission is discounted.

Address: 700 Holcomb Bridge Rd. Suite 200, Roswell; or, 5055 Post Rd., Cumming
Phone: 678-381-0400, 770-887-5678

Leapin Lizards
Pick this spot for a playdate so you and your pack of parents can sit in their lounge area and still see your tots. Don’t miss their BAM (Bust A Move) dance classes taught by former Miami Heat dancer, “Miss She She,” as well as their awesome party packages.

Address: 185 Sams St., Decatur
Phone: 404-537-3030

Hippo Hopp
Hit Hippo Hopp if you want a larger spot that serves up more bounce for your buck. Stay for a snack at their bistro-style cafe that serves up organic foods and gluten-free options. Although parking at this popular spot can prove problematic during busier weekend times, it wins accolades for its eco-friendly philosophy, cleanliness and healthy menu offerings.

Address: 1936 Briarwood Ct. NE
Phone: 404-634-4964

Skyzone
Beware that this indoor trampoline park is geared towards older kids and you will have to shell out $2 for their SkySocks. Big kids will love their dodgeball programs and camps—and that they can literally bounce off the walls. Pricing runs by time so arrive ready to spring into action.

Address: 1425 Market Blvd., Roswell
Phone: 678-745-9900

Catch Air
As one of the newest play spaces on the block, Catch Air has a lot to offer. With locations in Midtown, Sandy Springs, Snellville, Cumming, Johns Creek and Marietta, this biz thinks beyond the bounce house with ball pits, interactive dance floors and merry-go-rounds. Although the whole spot is aimed at the under 12 set, there is a special “Tiny Town” area sectioned off for smaller tots.

Address: Click here to see a list of locations

Where does your brood like to bounce? Share your spot with us below!

—Phebe Wahl

Photos courtesy of Monkey Joe’s via Facebook, Leapin’ Lizzard via Facebook, Hippo Hopp via Facebook, SkyZone Roswell via Facebook, and Catch Air Midtown via Facebook

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Weekend Warriors: 5 Spots for Saturday Drop-in Classes

by Phebe Wahl

While the week whizzes by as a blur of work and regular routines, the weekend brings an opportunity to relax and regroup with some old-fashioned family fun. While many classes require advance planning, several spots allow for single drop-in sessions for the small set. Gather up your group and gear up for a good time before hitting one of these Saturday drop-in classes—no reservation required.

Purple Hippo Art Studio
Designed for ages 2 and up, a trip to Purple Hippo Art Studio’s open studio is perfect for your petite Picasso.  Walk-in hours on Saturdays are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and $15 gets you two hours of studio time. Watch the kids get creative as they enjoy access to oodles of art supplies. The best part? The mess stays there! There is always an art teacher on duty, and don’t forget to stop by the gift shop to pick out a “ready-to-decorate” craft—feel free to take it home or use open studio materials to jazz it up.

Address: 5517 Chamblee-Dunwoody Rd., Dunwoody
Phone: 770-730-0605
Online: purplehippoartstudio.com

Atlanta Botanical Gardens
Looking for some garden variety fun? Check out the Atlanta Botanical Garden’s Drop-in Family Programs for some educational outdoor fun. Saturday’s drop-in classes are normally held twice monthly and change topics every month. The program cost is $6 per child plus admission to the garden. For members, the cost is just $5 for each little sprout. Before you head out, make sure to take a look at their website for specific dates, times, and program information.

Address: 1345 Piedmont Ave. NE
Phone: 404-876-5859
Online: atlantabotanicalgarden.org

Barnes & Noble
A trip to the bookstore can be a fun family outing, why not coordinate around Children’s Story Time.  Your little bookworm will thank you!  Most Barnes & Noble locations offer a free Saturday story time at 11 am. When you arrive head to the Children’s Department to participate. Stories are normally accompanied by a craft related to the theme for the week.  On occasion, special guest readers have been known to drop by! Check out their website for the specifics on each location.

Address: Click here to find a location nearest you.
Phone: 770-396-1200
Online: barnesandnoble.com

Chattahoochee Nature Center
The Chattahoochee Nature Center is beautifully positioned on the Chattahoochee River with 127 acres of native plants. They are also home to over 50 species of wildlife that is non-releasable.  The kiddos will love the Creature Feature and Feeding Time drop- in activities.  Creature Feature starts at 2 p.m. and will have you up close and personal meeting a resident animal with a CNC Naturalist. Then stop by Feeding Time, at 4 pm, where you can catch a detailed look at a naturalist while they’re feeding wildlife. The theme changes every month, so be sure to come back often. The activities are included in the price of admission which is $10 for adults and $6 for kids age 3 and up.

Address: 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell
Phone: 770-992-255
Online: chattahoocheenaturecenter.org

Kids Dance 411
If baby likes to bust a move, then Kids Dance 411 drop-in classes are for you. They offer a diverse selection of classes including a Ballet/Tap Combo, Hip Hop, Creative Movement and Breakdance.  Refer to the website for class times and appropriate ages for each class. The cost is $15 for a single class, or buy a fifteen class card for $180.  Don’t forget your camera to capture your little one’s new moves!

Address: 475 Moreland Ave. SE
Phone: 404-622-4110
Online: kidsdance411.com

Did we miss a spot? Tell us what drop-in weekend activities you enjoy with your kids in the comments section below!

—Jessica Obenschain

Photos courtesy of Atlanta Botanical Garden via Facebook, Purple Hippo Art Studio via Facebook, Dance 411 via Facebook and Chattahooche Nature Center via Facebook

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Two’s Company: Six Mommy and Me Classes for You and Your Babe

by Phebe Wahl

Let’s be honest. Other than sharing a body for 40 weeks, we just don’t have that much in common with our littlest littles. He likes drooling and refuses to sleep when you want; you’re into saliva control and getting as much tummy time (under a down comforter, preferably) as possible. She prefers an all liquid diet to your sushi (again! finally!). The list goes on and on. But rather than get hung up on all the mismatched pieces of motherhood, find a common cure and go with it. Check out these six Mommy and Me classes for your prescription to bond with that cute but demanding stranger who’s crash landed into your life.

Oh Baby! Fitness
Want to make sure your instructors know what they’re dealing with when it comes to post-natal fitness challenges? Look no further. All instructors at Oh Baby! Fitness are nationally certified to help you adapt a normal workout, build strength, and lose weight. Hit one of their Mommy and Me Fitness classes (cardio, strength training, and ab work), or put those yoga pants to the test in a Mommy and Me Yoga or Pilates class. They won’t mind the formula stains or the crusty peanut butter on the knee. These are our people.

Details: Oh Baby! Fitness, Multiple locations (click here to see today and tomorrow’s schedule), Prices vary by class

Atlanta Ballet
Can your 2 year old shake it (like a Polaroid picture)? Thinking about channelling those gyrations into something a little more, well, classical? Both the Buckhead Studio and the Atlanta Ballet headquarters offer Mommy and Me classes, but don’t be intimidated. This is an introductory class aimed at acclimating the tiny tots to movement and music. You can keep your Nutcracker costume in its box in your closet. For now.

Details: Atlanta Ballet, Michael C. Carlos Dance Centre, 1695 Marietta Boulevard NW, Atlanta, GA 30318, 404-873-5811 and Buckhead Centre, 4279 Roswell Road, Suite 703, Atlanta, GA 30342, 404-303-1501, One session (roughly two months of weekly 45 minute classes) is $168

The Music Class
Are your kids miraculously soothed when they hear November Rain playing on the radio while stuck in traffic? Does your lullaby CD collection include both the musical adaptations of U2 and Dolly? If you’ve answered yes to either of these questions (or just have a kid who digs a good tambourine), then step right up for the nearest Music Pups Mommy and Me class. Suitable for infants through four year olds, this 45 minute session comes with take-home CDs for cruising tunes, plus plenty of ideas to enrich your child’s life with music when you’re not rocking in The Music Class together.

Details: The Music Class, Multiple locations (Click here to find one near you), 4 week sessions $72 or 10 week sessions $165 (discounts apply for siblings)

Purple Hippo Art Studio
So you’re a creative type who also happens to keep a really, really clean house. Pack up the kids (ages 2 through 4) and head to the Purple Hippo Art Studio to get your creative juices flowing (and glue sticking, and glitter sprinkling, and quick- get me a paper bag to breathe in!). Every Thursday at 10:00 a.m. from February 6 to March 27, you and your littles can enjoy an artistically themed story time, followed by a guided art project. Glue, paint, splatter, and cut to your heart’s content, then head home to a clean house.

Details: Purple Hippo Art Studio, 5517 Chamblee-Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody, Georgia 30338, 770-730-0605, $160 for 8 Sessions

Buckhead Gymnastics
2 year olds and their moms (or dads, or caregivers) can hit the mats for a 45 minute Mommy and Me session dedicated to beginning strength, balance, and movement (and rolling, skipping, and playing together). Not to be confused with parallel bars for babies, this class will ease your tyke into the world of physical awareness and ability at their own pace, and with you right beside him to help.

Details: Buckhead Gymnastics, 2351 Adams Drive, Atlanta GA 30318, 404-367-4414, Thursdays at 11:15 and Fridays at 10:00 a.m., $140 per session (February 17 – May 24)

Sarah’s School of Fish
Saturday mornings with kids ages 3 months to 2 years old aren’t getting any shorter, so why not head to one of the indoor winter swim sessions at Sarah’s School of Fish to guarantee a golden afternoon nap hour (and increase your kiddo’s comfort in the water, basic water safety, and early swimming skills)? New sessions begin in March and are available some weekdays, in addition to the Saturday classes.

Details: Sarah’s School of Fish, 1318 Concord Road, Smyrna, GA 30080-4361, 770-434-6914, $40 one-time family registration fee, $198 two month session

Where do you and your baby go for some mommy and me time? Share with us below!

—Shelley Massey

Photos courtesy of Oh Baby! Fitness via Facebook, The Music Class via Facebook, Purple Hippo Art Studio via Facebook, Buckhead Gymnastics via Facebook, Sarah’s School of Fish via Facebook, and the author

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A Retro Arcade Where Games Cost Nickels

by liz overson

Arcades are scarce nowadays as our little ones are growing up in the age of PlayStation and Xbox. But have no fear! There is a special little place where you can still hear the ping, zings and tokens oozing from the change machine. An arcade that is just as cool as you remember ‘em to be, fully equipped with air hockey, skee ball, pinball…all begging for your high score. Even the pricing is retro with most games taking two to four nickels per play. Yes! Nickels. So, grab your little ones and take a trip back to your glory days at Electric Castle’s Wunderland.

Need to Know
Wunderland charges admission but hey, it’s so worth it. Adults admission is $2.75 and kiddos $2.25 (ages 5-11). After entering the arcade, your first mission is to buy your baggies of nickels you and your little ones before you can play the neon, noisy, pingy, crane-y, driving game delights.  And just as you remember from rainy summer days at the beach arcade, you get tickets as you play that are redeemable to for cool prizes your little tykes will love.

At Electric Wunderland, you can teach your little ones the ins and outs of air hockey or help them land a 100-pointer in skee ball and transform them into mini pinball wizards. Afterwards, jhop on a motorcycle or speedboat and drag race with your tiny tots. And after all that high-speed adventure, step right up to your first arcade loves – Pac Man, Donkey Kong, target action and bonking hippo heads. It’s all as it used to be and it’s still crazy fun.

If We Had a Nickel for Every Time…
Some Wunderlands even come attached with a movie theater showing $3 movies. And we’re not talking older flicks but the most current films playing in theaters everywhere. Some offer stadium seating, some offer 3D action and all offer tasty popcorn, candies and other yummy treats and a chance to sit back and enjoy the show.

No Wooden Nickels
The well-trained and ever-present gang at Wunderland could not be nicer or friendlier, always willing to help you and the family out with broken or jammed games. Plus, they will help you make choices about where and what to play, how many nickels to buy and most important of all – how to spend those tickets! The staff is also extremely dedicated to safe, clean and friendly arcades so no worries here.

Electric Castle Wunderlands are available for parties and groups. For the diehards, check out the web site for Club Wunderland details, coupons and newsletters. Currently, this awesome arcade is open Sunday to Thursday from 12:00 pm-11:00 pm, Fridays from 12:00 pm-midnight and Saturday from 11:00 am- midnight. It’s a cool way to spend a rainy afternoon with the ones you love and it’s THE best spot around to rub two nickels together!

Locations:

Milwaukie Cinema and Wunderland
11011 SE Main Steet
Milwaukie, OR 97222
503-653-2222

Gresham Cinema and Wunderland
140 NW Burnside Road
Gresham, OR 97030
503-328-8496

Gateway Wunderland
10306 NE Halsey St
Portland, OR 97220
503-255-7333

Beaverton Wunderland
4070 Cedar Hills Boulevard
Beaverton, OR 97005
503-626-1665

Salem Wunderland
1657 Hawthorne NE
Salem, OR 97301
503-399-9410

Tell us about your trip to Wunderland in the comment section below!

— Liz Overson

Thanks for the photos Electric Castle’s Wunderland Facebook page!


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Summer’s Best New Kids’ Books

by Kelly Aiglon

School’s out for the summer. But that doesn’t mean Captain Smartypants can’t hit the books. Between trips to the playground and ice cream shop, ramp up imaginations with quality story time. Get started with these 10 new picture books that are worth cracking open on even the sunniest of days.

I Am Not a Copycat

A hippo and bird are besties in Ann Bonwill's story of friendship. When the little winged guy mimics everything his bigger buddy does, he learns it's more fun to be original than to copy. Simon Rickerty's illustrations are cheeky-cool. Available at amazon.com, $10.50.

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New Kids’ Books by Seattle Authors

by writerredtri

With back-to-school in the air, there’s no better time to stock the shelves with some new books. Here’s a handful of new titles for kiddos of all ages, all written or illustrated by Seattle-area authors. (P.S. Be on the lookout next week for our roundup of new books for parentals!)

Washington Doodles by John Skewes
Best known for Larry Gets Lost in Seattle, John Skewes has now created a super-fun sketch book about Washington withWashington Doodles: Over 200 Doodles to Create Your Own Evergreen State.  It’s filled wth artistic brain teasers, cut outs, connect-the-dots and pictures to complete of familiar sights. Kids can draw climbers on Mount Rainier, or draw boats going through the Ballard Locks.  Our fave is the requisite Pike Place Market scene, where kids sketch the salmon being thrown from one vendor to another.  Doesn’t get more Seattleish than that!

Edsel McFarlan’s New Car by Max Holechek and Darrell Toland
Two Seattle dads are behind this entertaining book geared to the  4 to 8 year old set who are passionate about cars. The story follows young Edsel, who builds a model car and gets his whole neighborhood involved in a wild ride. Toland’s illustrations are action-packed and seem to jump off the page.

Before You Were Here, Mi Amor by Samantha Vamos
Anyone who has had a second child will love Vamos’s bilingual picture book, which shows what a family does to welcome a new babe into the flock. Spanish phrases are woven through the text and it’s especially heart-warming to read about all the members of the large Latina familia, from parents and siblings to aunties, uncles and grandparents. (Note: Look for Vamos’ second children’s book The Cazuela That the Farm Maiden Stirred coming out this fall.

Who Hoo Are You? and What is Green?  by Kate Endle
Endle’s two new board books feature playful ,collage-style illustrations in a smorgasbord of color. In Who Hoo Are You?, little ones will love the cheerful gang of animals, including the curious calico kitten, the hugely happy hippo and the pretty prancing pony.  What is Green? helps kids recognize familiar shapes and creatures that come in a rainbow of colors. (A fun little tid-bit: Endle is the wife of Seattle kiddie rocker Chris Ballew, aka Caspar Babypants!)
Mama, Is It Summer Yet? by Nikki McClure
Granted, it’s a bit late to be reading this to the kiddos considering we are at summer’s end.  But what a fun way to keep summer on the brain even when the rain starts falling again. Olympia-based McClure’s sweet tale is about a boy and his mother who follow the seasons looking for clues of summer, and is filled with her delightful paper-cut imagery (where each image is made from a single piece of black paper using an x-acto knife).

-Kavita Varma-White

 

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