ML Interest Tag: kid

Alexa Games & Jokes Your Kids Will Love

by Shahrzad Warkentin

Looking for something to keep the kids entertained on a rainy day or maybe to add a fun twist into the family game night? Alexa has your back with tons of fun ways to play. These are our favorite Alexa skills and games for kids.

Brain Teasers

Amazon

“Alexa, play Beat the Intro.”

It’s “Name That Tune” in a whole new format. How quickly can you guess these popular songs—and their artists?

“Alexa, play Would You Rather for Family.”

Ah, the game of impossible choices—now in a totally family-friendly version.

“Alexa, open Kids Categories.”

Players are given a category and given 30 seconds to name as many things as possible replaced to the topic.

“Alexa, launch Guess the Number.”

Alexa will “think” of a number between 1 and 100 and your kids have to guess it while she directs them “higher” or “lower.”

“Alexa, start the spelling game.”

Your future Scripps’ Spelling Bee champion can brush up his or her spelling skills with this fun spelling bee Alexa skill.

“Alexa, open Hinky Pinky.”

Players are given a silly clue and have to solve the riddle by coming up with a pair of words that rhyme before time’s up.

“Alexa, play Jeopardy.“

What is, “How to keep my kid occupied while I cook?” for 100, Alexa? You can also ask, “Alexa, play Teen Jeopardy” for your teenaged aspiring game show stars.

Favorite Characters

LEGO

“Alexa, play Justice League Adventures.”

Team up with Superman, Wonder Woman, Batman and more as you work your way through this choose-your-own-adventure style game and save the day!

“Alexa, open Sesame Street.”

Use the clues to find out where Elmo is hiding.

“Alexa, start SpongeBob Challenge.”

This voice-activated memory game tests your wits as you try to take meal orders at the Krusty Krab from the residents of Bikini Bottom.

“Alexa, start Loud House challenge.”

Help Lincoln Loud navigate his chaotic household while you gather supplies for an epic sleepover, remake a birthday cake that fell on the floor, and get the youngest Loud family member to take a nap.

"Alexa, open LEGO DUPLO stories."

Alexa will launch a story game designed for kids ages 2-5. The game invites kids to use their DUPLO blocks to help tell an interactive story where they choose all the pieces (literally). Toddlers can choose between five vehicle or five animal stories, and define the route of the story, while guided by Alexa.  

The Classics

Amazon

“Alexa, open Speak Spell.”

Modeled after the classic toy, down to the original word lists, players can win by mastering commonly misspelled words.

“Alexa, open Simon Tap.”

Like the classic game from Hasbro, following the right pattern is the name of the game. Instead of the study stream of beeps, however, you’ll hear Alexa naming colors in a pattern to repeat. (You’ll need four Echo Buttons to play.)

“Alexa, open Battleship Tap.”

Play against another player or Alexa while you try to sink those battleships by guessing their locations. (You’ll need four Echo Buttons to play.)

“Alexa, play Twenty Questions.”

This one is just as much fun for parents as it is for the kiddos. See how smart Alexa really is as she figures out what you’re thinking. It’s uncanny.

"Alexa, open Bingo."

You'll need to go online to print out free BINGO cards, but then all you'll need is a pen to mark off your BINGO cards when Alexa calls out each square, one by one. 

Family Fun

Amazon

“Alexa, play Head’s Up!”

Now you can play the popular game from The Ellen DeGeneres Show with your Alexa-enabled app. As Alexa gives you clues, try your best to guess from superstars, celebrities, movies, fictional characters and more.

"Alexa, open Smarty Pants trivia."

Test your family’s knowledge on Movies, Places, History, Music, TV, Superheroes and Disney.

“Alexa, open Trivial Pursuit Family Edition.”

More trivia fun perfect for family game night.

“Alexa, play Would You Rather for Family.”

Ah, the game of impossible choices—now in a totally family-friendly version.

“Alexa, start Kids Court.”

Have a sibling or family argument you need to settle right now? The Kids Court Alexa skill takes the kids to court, where they can duke it out within the structure of the U.S. judicial system in a manner that’s surprisingly fair.

Get Moving

Laura Fuhrman

"Alexa, open freeze dancers."

Alexa will ask your kids try different silly dance moves and freeze when the music stops.

“Alexa, open Animal Workout.”

Ever wanted to do jumping jacks with a kangaroo? Push-ups with an alligator? This fun workout skill gets kids up and moving.

"Alexa start Simon Says game."

Just like the game you grew up with, this one will keep kids playing and moving for as long as Simon says.

Just for Laughs

Alicia Jones via Unsplash

“Alexa, tell me a knock-knock joke.”

Lighten the mood with a joke! Your kids will love interacting with Alexa, and she’ll wait for them to say “Who’s there” before spilling the silly punchline. You can also ask, “Alexa, tell me a joke” but be prepared for some pretty terrible puns.

"Alexa, open Kiddie Jokes."

You'll find a wide variety of family-friendly jokes that will give kids and parents a good chuckle.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Featured photo: Amazon

 

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Here’s the Science Behind Why Kids Totally Need a Pet

By Ruth MacPete

As the mother of two young children and someone who grew up with animals, I have always believed that pets are good for kids—and there’s a growing body of scientific evidence proving what I have always known to be true. Yet despite this, most of us with kids and pets have experienced “the look.”

What I am referring to, of course, is “the look” you get from one of your friends who doesn’t have animals, when they see your dog lick your kid’s face or worse, the absolute terror on their face when your dog licks their kid. We all have those friends: the “non-animal” people who just don’t get it.

As a veterinarian and animal lover who has always had a household full of pets, I have endured many looks and comments. “You let the dog in the house around the kids?” “The cat sleeps in the bed?” “Aren’t you afraid the dog is going to give them something?” Not only are most of these concerns unfounded, it turns out that having a pet around kids is actually good for their health.

So how are pets good for our kids? In addition to teaching them empathy, responsibility and love, pets can make great friends and companions for children. Pets also show kids how to express love by petting, being gentle, hugging and kissing. Pets have been shown to help children overcome shyness, develop trust and enhance their social skills. As if that wasn’t enough, science has shown that pets also offer health benefits to children.

A study by Dr. James Gern from the University of Wisconsin-Madison found that infants who grew up with pets were less likely to develop asthma and allergies. He evaluated blood samples from infants shortly after birth and after their first birthday and looked for changes in their immune system or evidence of allergic reactions. His research supported previous studies that have shown that allergies, eczema and asthma occur less frequently in children with pets. In addition, animals have been proven to help with stress, anxiety, depression, autism, ADD and other psychological issues.

Our course, there are caveats. As much as I love and adore pets, I recognize that they are animals and they could harm a child if provoked or because of food or toy aggression. Even if you “know” your pet, supervise their interactions with kids to ensure that your pet doesn’t show ANY signs of aggression.

Likewise, teach your children to respect animals: never allow them to tease or take away food or toys from pets. Finally, exercise common sense. Even the most mild-mannered Labrador Retriever could inadvertently hurt an infant if they get too rambunctious. When it comes to children and pets, my maternal instincts always trump the animal lover in me. I always choose what is safest for my kids.

Besides having a well-behaved pet, you want to make sure they are healthy. Take your pet to the veterinarian for regular veterinary visits and yearly parasite checks (fecals). Keeping your pet on year-round parasite preventatives will protect your pet from external and internal parasites and can help protect your household from zoonotic diseases (diseases spread from animals to people).

Making sure your pets and kids know how behave with each other and knowing that your household is protected against zoonotic diseases is worth the effort when you consider all the great benefits that your kids can reap from having pets in their lives. So the next time someone without pets gives you “the look,” just smile and know that your pets are actually good for your kids.

Dr. Ruth MacPete is a veterinarian, media correspondent, writer and most importantly, mom to two young kids and five furry four-legged children. She has appeared on The Doctors, GMA, Fox&Friends, The Weather Channel and other TV news shows. She has written for several magazines and recently published a children's book, Lisette the Vet. 

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Should I Take My Kid to LEGOLAND or Disney World?

By Sandy Fritzer

Photo: LOCK + LAND, Chip Litherland for LEGOLAND Florida Resort

As the home of Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and Sea World, the city of Orlando, Florida welcomes approximately 68 million visitors each year—yet only 1.5 million visitors take the hour-long drive down to LEGOLAND Floria Resort in Winter Haven. I’ve read several reviews indicating that LEGOLAND Florida simply isn’t worth the time or money to visit. However, I would argue that LEGOLAND is a great break from the bustle of Orlando.

If you drive down to LEGOLAND expecting a mini Disney World or Wizarding World of Harry Potter, you will be disappointed. While I wouldn’t recommend LEGOLAND for teenagers (they’d be bored silly) I would advise parents with children ages 3 to 8 to take a look at what LEGOLAND has to offer. This is especially true if you have children who enjoy the LEGO brand.

If your kiddo has watched The LEGO Movie on repeat, can quote the NINJAGO or LEGO Friends shows by heart and have been known to shout in agony as a LEGO piece impales their foot; you should absolutely make the time to visit LEGOLAND Florida. Here’s what you need to know before you go.

LEGOLAND totally caters to kids.

The LEGOLAND Hotel is a castle and has rooms that absolutely rival Disney World with themed décor. With only about 50 rides and attractions you truly don’t need more than a day to see the park. However, if you have kids that want to ride things more than once (something that rarely happens at the larger parks) and want to explore the hotel then go ahead and stay the night.

Dance to the disco music in the elevator, get your photo taken with Lego characters at breakfast and try not to cringe as kids throw LEGO pieces around in the lobby. This vacation is for your kids.

Kids will love it.

The rides aren’t as dramatic as you will find at Disney or Universal, but kids don’t care. They love riding on the jousting horse ride and the safari ride with LEGO built animals. The NINJAGO ride doesn’t have the smooth intros of some of the larger parks, but it’s a great ride and very fun.

Just walking around is a lot of fun, too.

There are spaces in LEGOLAND to simply roam: take in the sunshine and warm weather while walking through gardens and LEGO displays. Children are amazed by the full size LEGO creations spread throughout the park. There is absolutely something for everyone from Daytona International Speedway, Las Vegas, Pirates, LEGO Friends and more. Especially entertaining are the scenes with Star Wars and famous landmarks that have interactive elements, watch out for the ones that shoot water at you!

You can build and play with LEGO bricks.

LEGOLAND offers everyone a chance to build with Master Builder classes in the hotel and at Imagination Zone in the park where they can explore different building elements and games. There are building blocks in multiple locations within the hotel lobby including a room off the lobby restaurant with a TV and several tables with LEGO bricks. Parents can enjoy a drink and meal while the kids build.

The hotel pool even has floating bricks that kids can use to build rafts. You’ll find the same bricks in the wave pool at the water park within LEGOLAND.

Oh yeah, LEGOLAND has a water park, too!

The main component is the Joker Soaker where kids can climb up and down the three level structure and enjoy multiple water slides. The main concern here for parents—keeping track of the smaller kids in your party. However, I found that life guards were plentiful all around the water park and they do provide vests for your convenience. Definitely have a meeting place in case you get separated and put your phone in a water proof case!

In summary, LEGOLAND offers a place for kids to enjoy being kids. A land where there are plenty of opportunities for children to explore their own imaginations instead of simply being led through someone else’s.

Daughter, sister with all brothers, wife and mom of four: two human and two furry. Disney nerd and Harry Potter fanatic.

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Toys “R” Us Is Officially Back with a Whole New Look & a New Name, Too

by Erica Loop

Don’t cry for Geoffrey anytime soon—because Toys”R”Us is back. The toy store of our childhoods is returning, but with a whole new name.

By now you already know the sad saga of the toy giant. After decades of catering to kids (and their parents’ wallets), Toys”R”Us was forced closed its doors for good after declaring bankruptcy. Following the closures in 2018, reports and rumors swirled about new potential buyers.

Photo: Mike Mozart via Flickr

Last holiday season we all got a sneak peek into the could-be future of the toy retailer with Geoffrey’s Toy Box—a partnership with Kroger that brought beloved Toys”R”Us brands back to select store shelves for a limited time. But don’t expect to see a Geoffrey’s Toy Box as a stand-alone store anytime soon.

Instead, the new “Toys”R”Us is now Tru Kids. So what, or rather who, is Tru Kids? With former global chief merchandising officer of Toys”R”Us, Richard Barry, at the helm, Tru Kids is now the parent company of both the Toys”R”Us and Babies”R”Us brands. Tru Kids also owns the rights to Geoffrey the Giraffe and many of the store’s original brands.

While Tru Kids hasn’t announced specific plans for opening U.S. stores (don’t worry, reportedly these will come eventually), the new Toys”R”Us reported has 70 stores across Asia, Europe and India in the works.

When Tru Kids does hit the U.S. market, don’t expect it to look like the Toys”R”Us you remember. Instead of competing with other big box stores, Tru Kids will reportedly focus on e-commerce, using technology to improve in-store customer experiences and different types of retail approaches, such as pop-ups shops and partnerships with other brands.

—Erica Loop

 

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Star Trek Plans to Live Long & Prosper with New Animated Kids’ Show

by Shahrzad Warkentin

The animation universe is about to expand as the voyagers of the Starship Enterprise get ready to seek out new life and new civilizations—in cartoon form! Nickelodeon has just announced a new animated Star Trek series for kids and beam us up, Scotty!

While there are no details on the plot or style of the show, it will likely feature plenty of laughs as it is being written by Kevin and Dan Hageman whose credits include The LEGO Movie and Hotel Transylvania. This actually won’t be the first animated adaptation of the epic franchise. Star Trek: The Animated Series ran for one season in 1973.

The details on the new series are sparse, but like many of the animated Star Wars spin-offs it will be tailored for younger audiences to air on Nickelodeon’s networks. No word yet on when the series will premiere.

We hope this new show will live longer and prosper than its 1973 counterpart!

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Featured photo: CBS via YouTube

 

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Best Theater Shows for Kids This Winter in NYC

by Mimi O'Connor

Baby it’s cold (or slushy, or wintry mix-y) outside! One solution for winter weekend woes is to head to a show. New York City is a theater town, and there are lots of theaters here that cater just to kids. Plus, you’ve got Sesame Street Live rolling in to town for a giant run. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite shows for kids this winter, including big musical productions, more than a little bit of magic, puppetry, and more. Snap up some tickets today for a guaranteed weekend plan!

For an Immersive Adventure: Pip's Island

Pip's Island

Pip's Island, the interactive and immersive show that premiered back in 2016, has returned to New York City! The fantastical production, designed for kids ages 4 -10, begins previews March 11, and opens March 21. Audience members move through imaginative environments, help characters along the way, and play a part in helping save the day. (Lots of positive messaging is throughout the show as well.) Pip's Island is in a new home on 42nd Street, and while it maintains much of the original story, sets, and characters, it’s been updated and improved. Take the kids on a special date, or book the best birthday ever for up to 50 kids! Tickets are $49 online, and $59 at the box office. Read our full review from its first NYC run here! 

Starting March 11
Tickets: $49 in advance; $59 at box office
400 W. 42nd St.
Midtown West
212-609-1372
Online: pipsisland.com

For Artful Puppetry with a Green Message: Ajijaak on Turtle Island

Richard Termine

In this show from New York City company IBEX Puppetry, kites morph into soaring birds and branches transform into a gentle deer. Puppetry artist Heather Henson and Grammy Award-winner Ty Defoe bring together an ensemble of North American First Nations Peoples to tell the tale of Ajijaak, a young whooping crane who must face her first migration south. Indigenous songs performed live, languages and dance weave together in a spectacle of artistry to create an affecting fable about the dangerous effects of climate change on animals and Mother Earth. Recommended for ages seven and up. 

March 1-10
Tickets: $17 and up
New Victory Theater
209 W. 42ndSt.
Times Square
646-223-3010
Online: newvictory.org

For a Tale As Old As Time: Beauty and the Beast

Symphony Space

This classic tale is performed by one of the oldest, continually-running marionette theater companies in the country. The National Marionette Theatre presents the story of The Beast and Fiona with meticulously-crafted marionettes. Recommended for kids ages four and up, the show is 60 minutes long. 

March 9, 11 a.m. & 2 p.m.
Tickets: $17/non-members; $14/members
Peter Jay Sharpe Theater 
2537 Broadway at 95th St. 
UpperWestSide
212-864-5400
Online: symphonyspace.org

To See Kids' Words Come Alive (Hilariously): The Story Pirates

Story Pirates Facebook page

As Lin-Manuel Miranda (allegedly, and probably) likes to say, "Have you not seen Story Pirates yet? Get on that." This troupe of comedians, performers and teaching artists takes kids' ideas, stories, and words, and acts them out to pretty much everyone's delight. These shows, which do sell out, support their work of Story Pirates Changemakers, which brings life-changing literacy programs to kids in low income schools, homeless shelters, and the foster care system. PS: Have you heard? The Story Pirates have a new book out, Digging Up Danger!

Sat., Feb. 16, Noon-1 p.m.
Tickets: $35
Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre
555 W. 42nd St.
Midtown
Online: eventbrite.com

For Little Laurie Berkner Fans: Pillowland

New York City Children's Theater Facebook page

For the youngest of theatergoers (ages 2 to 5), Pillowland, produced by New York City Children's Theater, is inspired by kindie rocker Laurie Berkner's song of the same name. Kids are encouraged to wear their pajamas to this 30-minute interactive show that takes them on a trip to the titular destination. Kids get a primo spot in the small performance area, and parents can join them or hang back and sit in chairs. Note: shoes off before entering the theater. Hang out after the show for photos with the cast! 

Through April 14
Tickets: $27
Peter Theater at the Flea Theater 
20 Thomas St. 
Tribeca
212-226-0051
Online: nycchildrenstheater.org

Become a Jedi Master (and Laugh While Doing It): Jedi Academy

Symphony Space/Just Kidding

Calling all Star Wars fanatics who like to laugh! Young intergalactic adventurers are invited to learn the ways of the Jedi with Panniken Moonjumper, a true Master of intergalactic fun and adventure. During this comedy variety show, little Jedi Warriors, Princesses and Darth Vaders will feel empowered to discover the great Force within their hearts. The all-ages show, from the brain of kids' entertainer David Engel, involves comic antics, exciting physical challenges, magical mayhem, lightsaber lessons and a visit from our space hero’s furry alien sidekick. Bonus: audience members are invited to come in costume!

March 16, 11 a.m.
Tickets: $17/non-members; $14/members
Leonard Nimoy Thalia Theatre
2537 Broadway at 95th St. 
Upper West Side
Online: symphonyspace.org

—Mimi O’Connor

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A Stellar Temporary Adler Exhibit: What Is a Planet?

by Maria Chambers

Why is Pluto no longer a planet? Thanks to the International Astronomical Union (what a mouthful!) declassifying Pluto as a planet in 2006, this is yet another question our kids can ask that some of us might not know how to answer. This is when it’s good to be a Chicagoan because we have places like Adler Planetarium to turn to when we need our kids to think we’re all-knowing. Read on to hear how their temporary exhibit What is a Planet? is providing simple answers to a big question.

Our definition of a planet has changed a lot in the past 500 years. Actually, there wasn’t an official definition until 2006—can you believe that? The word itself has been used along the way to describe the Sun, the Moon and asteroids. And Earth, our most favorite planet of all, wasn’t even considered a planet at one point.

The mission of the exhibit
Who knew people were so passionate about Pluto? They are. And scientists found that out when they demoted Pluto, the last planet to be discovered, from a full-fledged planet to a dwarf planet. People, kids in particular, felt Pluto was being picked on because of its meager size. Letters were written to the voting body who made the decision in defense of this little guy, but its label remained the same – dwarf planet. The purpose of the What is a Planet? exhibit is to explore the reasons behind developing the new definition of what makes a planet and explain why Pluto just didn’t fit the bill. We could give you the answers, because of Adler we know them, but we’ll let you explore the exhibit yourself to find out.

Why we love it
You can walk in virtually clueless about how astronomers classify planets and within minutes have a pretty solid understanding of the definition. And, more importantly, be able to explain it to your littles when they ask. What’s also cool is you can walk in with very little interest in the topic and walk away with a newfound appreciation for the world of astronomy—which, the same could be said with any exhibit you visit at Adler. It’s a pretty fantastic resource we have at our fingertips.

Things to look for
Visitors can cast a vote on how they feel about Pluto’s demotion in an interactive voting poll that shows results in real time. Also, explore artifacts from the Adler collections that illustrate the ever-evolving definition of a planet.

Don’t miss out!
Take note! What is a Planet? is only on display from now through August 18, 2019, so pencil in time soon to check it out!

 

While you’re there
Save time for a visit to the Community Design Lab. Visitors can test different materials to find out which would survive the journey to 100,000 feet above Earth’s surface, build a DIY telescope-mount for smartphones and become an instant astrophotographer by testing it on real telescopes and explore daily scientific challenges developed by Adler experts. With 600 ounces of marshmallows, 10,000 popsicle sticks, 12,000 yards of duct tape, 120 ounces of shaving cream and a steady supply of bubble wrap and cardboard, the design possibilities are endless!

Other ways to explore Adler
Take your fun to the next level by scheduling an Astro-Overnight where kids can participate in hands-on activities and see sky shows. Your kids will be over the moon if you sign them up for summer camp to discover new worlds, engage in eye-opening experiments and play next to Lake Michigan.

What are you waiting for? Show your kids science can be fun!

Adler Planetarium
1300 S. Lake Shore Dr., Museum Campus
Online: adlerplanetarium.org

— Maria Chambers

Photos courtesy of Adler Planetarium

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Oh Hello, Free Tickets to LEGOLAND (Here’s How to Get ‘Em)

by Erica Loop

How can you get free LEGOLAND tickets? Save some serious cash on your family’s next vacay with this can’t-miss deal.

Kids ages 3 through `12 can get free admission to the LEGOLAND California Resort, LEGOLAND Florida Resort, LEGOLAND Discovery Centers and more. Yep, with one paid adult ticket, you score a free one for your kiddo. And this awesome offer applies to Hopper passes too.

Whoa! A free ticket to LEGOLAND?? Wondering how you get yours? It’s super-simple: LEGOLAND’s BOGO deal requires a promo code. Current deals include the Honest Kids promo code (189900) and the McDonald’s promo code (199902). Just visit the LEGOLAND promo code sites, choose your attraction and start planning your adventure! Of course, there are other promo codes available, just google “kids get in free to LEGOLAND” (or similar) and a bunch of results will come up.

Don’t forget to check out the “Kids Stay & Play Free” offers for LEGOLAND’s resorts. If you plan to stay at the park, these limited-time offers are beyond amazing. Book a LEGOLAND California vacation hotel package before Feb. 28, with travel dates through Mar. 31 (blackout dates apply) and get two free kids tickets with two paid adult LEGOLAND + SEA LIFE Hopper tickets. You’ll also get exclusive park early access and a special welcome gift for the kiddos.Visit the LEGOLAND website here for more information.

—Erica Loop

Featured Photo: Chip Litherland for LEGOLAND Florida/Merlin Entertainments Group Inc.

 

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