ML Interest Tag: learning-curve

14 Digital Tools That Will Turn Your Kid Into a Game-Designing Genius

By Common Sense Media

When you look at your kids playing video games, you might worry they’re wasting time and energy passively staring at a screen and pressing buttons. But what if their play time was actually a creative outlet that fostered their imaginations? More and more games, apps, and websites are letting kids as young as kindergartners create anything they can think of — and it doesn’t have to take a ton of time. Even better, most of these tools don’t require kids to be skilled programmers or computer experts to design and build creative, entertaining experiences.

Whether your kids enjoy creating fun new game elements, editing existing game content, or fully designing their own games from scratch, these programs can help bring their ideas to the screen.

Create Fun Stuff

Blox 3D Junior, age 5. Although Blox 3D Junior is considered to be a modeling toy, players can create, destroy, and animate pixelated 3-D objects at will. The design elements are easy to pick up and understand, and anyone from kids to adults will enjoy building and breaking apart digital creatures in a matter of seconds. Good for: Kids interested in building and breaking 3-D models like digital Legos. Good to know: Players can control and make models by tapping on a tablet screen with one finger.

3-D Dot Game Heroes, age 10. 3-D Dot Game Heroes, which is both a spoof and homage to the Legend of Zelda series, gives players the flexibility to create wacky heroes (such as Santa Claus … or an accountant) as well as the main weapon they’ll use throughout their adventure. The pixelated character models are clearly a throwback to the 8-bit days, and since the tone of the game is lighthearted, players enjoy designing and uploading their characters — the sillier the better — online for other fans. Good for: Fans of classic adventure and Nintendo games — and humor. Good to know: Some downloadable user-created content might be objectionable.   Lego Worlds, age 10. Lego Worlds lets you construct virtually anything, from intriguing stories to rousing adventures — with as much complexity and detail as you can imagine — using plain old Lego bricks. Additional content packs, like the Classic Space Pack and Monsters Pack, give players a constant supply of inspiration.  Good for: Lego fans Good to know: Players can quickly hop between the sandbox mode and the adventure mode to explore worlds from other creators.

Edit Existing Games

Toca Builders, age 6. If your kids aren’t ready for Minecraft yet, Toca Builders is a great alternative. The sandbox-st‌yle game lets kids create anything they can think of, without having to worry about the combat or the monsters Minecraft is known for. The game also comes with a set of characters who have separate jobs, which will help users build and create their new game worlds — perfect for the young designer starting out. Good for: Kids interested in sandbox-st‌yle play and who aren’t ready for Minecraft. Good to know: Anything created is automatically saved, giving kids freedom to work as much or as little as they want in a play session.

Drawn to Life, age 7. Unlike games that use drag-and-drop-st‌yle customization, Drawn to Lifegets players to draw to define and edit their game worlds. That means that everything from the characters as whom you play to their weapons are defined solely by your imagination. Few games offer such wide-ranging flexibility. Good for: Young artists and kids with vibrant imaginations. Good to know: This game can be used on phones, tablets, handhelds, and consoles.

Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS, age 7. Super Mario Maker gives kids the chance to create their own adventures in the Mushroom Kingdom. In-depth tutorials and hints on the best ways to create levels ensure that kids can learn as they go. Once finished, levels can be shared with nearby friends. Good for: Mario fans who want to put their own stamp on Mario’s world. Good to know: The game’s 100 Mario Challenge will test players’ gaming skills while providing ideas for level creation.

Minecraft, age 8. Few games exemplify the concept of editing an existing game better than Minecraft. The ability to make physical changes to a randomly created world has helped the game retain its longevity and legions of devoted fans. In fact, the main goal of the survival mode is making players alter the landscape to simply collect the tools needed to survive. Not many games can challenge Minecraft for its in-game editing play. Good for: Thanks to its deep play, virtually anyone interested in games. Good to know: Players can get editor tips for their creations through numerous websites and YouTube channels.

Trials Fusion, age 12. Trials Fusion maintains the popular racing game’s focus on outrageous motorcycle stunts, crashes, and speed. But Fusion stands out by providing a deep track editor that allows players to create levels that are challenging and complex. These can easily be uploaded to game servers for user testing and feedback, and players can download loads of new courses to expand their own game experience. Good for: Racing fans who like pushing the envelope of physics with their tricks and on their tracks. Good to know: More than a million tracks were created for the previous game in the series, and at least as many are expected for this racer.

Total Game Design

LittleBigPlanet 3, age 8. As with Project Spark, LittleBigPlanet 3 lets players design whatever they want with a robust level creator. However, much of its design revolves around trial and error, so players can quickly diagnose what worked and what didn’t in their creations. LBP3comes with in-depth tutorials and has an incredibly active player community that has produced more than 10 million levels or mini-games with its creative tools, so new designers also can learn from other creators using the editing tools on a daily basis. Good for: Kids and kids at heart who like playing with dolls and stickers. Good to know: Designers have made everything from pinball machines to racing games to space shooters with the LBP tools.

Nintendo Labo Toy-Con Vehicle Kit, age 8. This kit lets kids turn cardboard into objects including steering wheels, joysticks, and other controllers for games. Then you can program your creations using a full suite of tools on the Nintendo Switch. Nintendo offers a variety of Labo kits that let kids create things such as robots, instruments, and vehicles. Good for: Kids interested in hands-on building and computer programming. Good to know: Videos of people making instruments, electronic locks, and other devices out of cardboard are available on the Nintendo site and YouTube.

Tynker, age 8. The Tynker website uses visual blocks of code to explain to kids programming concepts developed at MIT. Through videos, programming tutorials, quizzes, and self-driven work, kids learn the basics of game design. Tynker provides several free games for users to play and disassemble to figure out how they work, and interested designers can pay for lifetime access to programming courses if they want additional instruction or refreshers on topics. Good for: Kids with a dedicated interest in learning programming and design. Good to know: Lessons aren’t cheap, but they are designed to teach key concepts that can be used in any designed game.

Gamestar Mechanic, age 10. Gamestar Mechanic celebrates game design and coding by putting players in a sci-fi world where designers are superheroes. The Web-based game introduces different genres of games via play samples and provides backgrounds and characters for players to create their own levels. With each design section they work through, players unlock further elements that can be used for future projects. Plus, created levels can be shared and reviewed by others in moderated forums. Good for: New designers who enjoy the feeling of power from creating cool projects. Good to know: With site time limits and moderated content, this is one of the safest design communities for kids.

Roblox, age 10. If game design is about creating an imaginary game world and bringing it to life, then Roblox wants to be the universe in which all these worlds exist. With this Web-based creation site, users can design their own games and experiences or explore previously uploaded games for ideas. The site’s tools and game elements are constantly being updated, ensuring that players never find themselves with stale or outdated elements. Plus, Roblox is accessible on phone, tablet, and computer, so kids can constantly make changes to their designs as they see fit anywhere they are. Good for: Designers who always want the latest tools at their fingertips. Good to know: There’s a gentle learning curve; users can start as players and transition to being designers when they feel ready.

Codea, age 13. If your kids are really into checking out the latest and greatest apps on the iPad, why not give them the chance to figure out how to make their own? Codea uses the Lua programming language and provides sample programs and tools to help create programs. It’s touchscreen-friendly for tablets, and it provides instant feedback for any possible errors that may be in your code. Plus, it comes with a tutorial and step-by-step guide for beginners interested in trying to learn Lua basics. Good for: Tablet fans who want to learn more about how their device works. Good to know: Visual cues provide instant feedback, which helps reinforce what newly learned commands do in the Lua language.

— Jeff Haynes, Common Sense Media

This post originally appeared on Common Sense Media.
Common Sense Media
Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Common Sense Media is an independent nonprofit organization offering unbiased ratings and trusted advice to help families make smart media and technology choices. Check out our ratings and recommendations at www.commonsense.org.

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

I Gave Up on Breastfeeding & It Was the Smartest Thing I Did as a New Mom

By Katie Lemons

“Breastfeeding is hard!” That’s what I heard over and over again before I gave birth. I knew this and I believed it, but I figured that after a steep learning curve, I would get the hang of it and it would happen as naturally as it was designed it to be.

I took multiple breastfeeding courses and read everything I could about it online. I was familiar with the cradle hold, the football hold, the side-lying hold, the crossover hold. Months before my due date, I was fully prepared with a nipple shield, nipple cream, breastfeeding cover (for modesty), a support pillow and nursing pads. I had my breast pump set up and ready, for when I would need to pump at work, and I washed all of the bottles, to prepare them for holding expressed breast milk.

I knew there was a chance that I wouldn’t breastfeed for whatever reason—and I had no qualms about supplementing or using formula. But I had no doubts that my baby and I would have an amazing and beautiful breastfeeding journey together.

After a very positive birth experience, my brand new baby got a quick wipe-down and then was plopped on my chest, specks of blood still visible on his head. I stared down at this tiny stranger that I had been carrying for over nine months. It’s a strange sensation to feel like you know a person better than anyone else yet not know anything about him at all.

After some skin-to-skin time, the nurses encouraged me to start breastfeeding. At first, baby Elijah was not very hungry and extremely sleepy, so his breastfeeding attempts were half-hearted at best. I was concerned that he wasn’t getting anything to eat.

The next time we tried breastfeeding, the nurse helped to make sure the latch was correct, which didn’t take too long. However, every time he sucked, I felt a sharp, shooting pain in my breast. It happened on both sides, but it was worse on my left. That night was miserable. Eli was starving and angry and would cry every time I took him off my boob. But he wasn’t getting anything out, and I couldn’t stand to keep going because of the excruciating pain. Finally, the nurse asked if I wanted to feed him formula or donated breast milk. We gave him an ounce of donated breast milk, which he ate ravenously and eventually went to sleep.

When my pediatrician came to do his first checkup, she noticed that Eli had a moderate tongue tie, which is essentially a small piece of tissue that tethers the tongue to the bottom of the mouth. This can restrict the range of motion of the tongue and affect breastfeeding, eating, and speaking later in life. It can be fixed with a fairly simple procedure at an ear, nose, and throat specialist. I made an appointment for him to get it done at 6 days old, but before then, I couldn’t bring myself to try breastfeeding again, so I exclusively pumped.

After the procedure was done, I waited a few hours and decided to give breastfeeding another try. The pain was no longer there (thankfully), but it seems that Eli had grown accustomed to the faster flow of the bottle. It would take awhile to get him latched on deep enough because he didn’t open his mouth very wide, and after a few seconds, he pulled off and cried. He was angry and frustrated and probably hungry.

I tried many more times over the course of the next few days, but I started to lose hope that I would be able to successfully breastfeed my baby. I was exhausted and hormonal, and all I wanted to do was give up.

So I did.

What that meant was that I would have to exclusively pump, eight times a day, in order to increase my milk production. When you add up my 30-minute pumping session every day, I was devoting a total of four hours a day to pumping. This did not include time spent washing pump parts and bottles. This was four hours a day I had to plan strategically. During these hours, I couldn’t hold my baby. I couldn’t feed my baby. I couldn’t sleep. I couldn’t do housework. I couldn’t go out—unless I brought EVERYTHING with me. I was tied to my pump for those four hours every day.

I did this for the first three months of Eli’s life. I was still having to supplement with a few ounces of formula everyday because I was not producing enough milk to feed my baby. Whether it was because I was a low-producer or because the pump wasn’t as efficient at removing all the milk from my breasts as a baby, I’ll never know. But it was disheartening to spend all of that time pumping and still not being able to make enough.

I knew that the breast milk I was able to give him was better than nothing. But I still wanted to boost my supply. I tried everything I could: power pumping, lactation cookies, oatmeal, mother’s milk tea, Gatorade, fenugreek, lecithin, moringa—just to name a few. I didn’t see any significant improvements in my milk production.

The first time I got a clogged duct, I had no idea what was going on. My breast felt like a hard lump, but they weren’t expressing much milk. I looked online for more information and realized that I probably had a clogged duct. I got in the shower and used a vibrating toothbrush to try to massage the offending spot. After about 30 minutes, it seemed to get better.

I assumed clogged ducts were more rampant among women who had an excess supply of breast milk, but apparently, the small amount of milk produced by my breasts also liked to create a blockage. After the clog cleared up, it took that particular breast a few days to get back to its normal milk production level. The experience was unpleasant but not unbearable.

A few weeks later, I knew immediately that I had a clogged duct in my other breast. The symptoms were the same and I jumped in the shower right away. Except this time, even after what seemed like hours of massaging and vibrating, the obstruction persisted. In addition, when I got out of the shower, I began feeling feverish, exhausted and had chills all over my body. I knew that I had mastitis and had never felt so DEPLETED in my life. I immediately went to Urgent Care, where they prescribed me antibiotics. My symptoms were alleviated immediately, which was a big relief.

But I still had full-time motherhood to go back to. I couldn’t take sick leave from my newborn.

The mastitis episode took another hit to my already low supply. I was getting more and more discouraged. I told my husband that I was considering stopping pumping. I was spending hours a day pumping, losing sleep and stressing about how little milk I was making. I was also going back to work soon, so pumping would be even more of an ordeal than it already was. He was supportive and told me that I needed to do what was right for me.

The feelings of mom guilt came on strong. I knew I was lucky that my son tolerated formula well. I knew he would be able to thrive without my breast milk. Yet I couldn’t shake the feeling that the decision I was making was selfish and neglectful of my baby. As I came to terms with my decision, I started pumping less and used the cabbage leaf method to stop milk production. The last bottle of expressed breast milk I fed to my son was a very emotional experience.

With every person I told about my decision, I had to quickly follow up the statement with my reasoning, more for my own sake than for theirs. I felt like this wasn’t a decision I could make without proper justification. I received very little judgment from others, but it took me a long time to let go of the unnecessary shame I had put on myself in not being able to feed my baby.

The additional sleep and time I was able to gain from not being tied to the pump was such a gift. I was a more sane and well-rested mama for my little boy and I know that makes a much bigger difference to his well-being than breast milk does. Once I let go of the shame and judgment that I had put upon myself, I was finally able to live in the moment and be the best mother I could.

Original: Hot & Sour

I am a first generation Chinese-American wife, mother, scientist and writer. I started my blog, Hot & Sour, to create a space that is honest and relatable. I write about the reality of motherhood, a multicultural identity and all the things that define my life and who I am.

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

The 5 Most Important Things Every New Mom Should Know

By Joan Lowell

Women need to build each other up and share some love along this journey called motherhood. When a woman becomes a mom, she needs support even more than she did the day before. Today’s society lends itself to self-judging and self-loathing. Moms (and dads) need to be shown some love in the form of positive encouragement. If you find yourself in a support role to a young or new mom, here are some real things you can say or suggest to help.

You’re Doing a Great Job (Even If You Feel Like You Aren’t)

Yeah, they actually do make books you might call a manual for the job. In this case, experience really is the best teacher. Like anything worth the struggle, parenthood is work. Welcome to the learning curve!

It May Not Get Easier, But You’ll Get Better

Challenges will change, but parenthood will always have its moments. Every stage holds joy and pain. Once you get your feet wet, you’ll get the hang of things. You may never get it perfect, but as long as you keep trying, you’ll improve, or at least adjust.

Accept Help from Others

(I should probably listen to this one more myself!) You are only one woman, yes you! You don’t need to be SuperMom or WonderWoman; perfection is not required and highly unlikely to be achieved. Let others (your spouse or significant other, babysitter, nanny, in-laws, neighbors) help. If help is available or offered, take it! Don’t feel guilty – you can do the rest of the work.

When in Doubt, Call Someone

Good parents try to learn new stuff when needed. Great parents trust their instincts, listen to their guts when it comes to their kids. You can’t know it all, so when you’re not sure about something, don’t hesitate to call the pediatrician or other experts. Pediatricians are usually more knowledgeable than your mom, sister or best friend who has a kid.

Give Yourself a Break

You deserve it! Allow yourself some down time, or a small pity party, if that’s what you need. Don’t forget to nurture yourself, eat, drink and rest. Remember to take time with your partner to have a night or afternoon away from parenthood. Avoid burnout. Make every effort to set aside time each week for yourself to rejuvenate and recharge your battery.

You could also offer to cook a meal for her, wash a load of laundry, or do the dishes piled down the countertop. Moms, especially new moms, will love and appreciate the help. What you should not do is offer unwanted advice or tell all the horror stories of your experience as a mother. New moms might hesitate to let you babysit, but you could offer words of wisdom and support or just some simple encouragement. A kind word can uplift a new mom full of questions and doubt.

Featured Photo Courtesy: shutterstock via pixaby

Go Au Pair representative, cultural childcare advocate, Mom to six great kids, I earned my BS at RI College and MEd at Providence College. My hats: educator, tutor and writer of local blog for Go Au Pair families and Au Pairs. Baking, gardening, reading and relaxing on the porch are hobbies.

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

No Gym? No Problem! Alternative Ways to Burn off the Winter Stir-Crazies

by Jeff Totey

Between the end of the major winter holidays and spring break, Seattle kids (and adults) can get pretty antsy waiting to go outdoors and play. And while playing “lava” with sofa cushions in the living room can be mighty fun, it can also try a parent’s patience. If you’re looking for creative ways to work off the winter stir-crazies, scroll down for nine energy burnin’ ideas.

iFLY

iFLY

Okay, so maybe you do have to be a little crazy to jump out of a perfectly good airplane, but iFLY offers you to experience the sensation in a totally safe environment. The crazy thing is that kids as young as 3 can try this out. There’s no parachute or jumping, but then again, there is nothing tethering you to the ground either. You’ll actually fly inside a giant see-though tube with a certified flight instructor by your side the entire time. Half the fun is watching others try this out. And although not the cheapest activity to do as a family, it is one that your kids will never forget. For first-timers, $69.95 will give you personalized instruction, flight gear rental, two flights and a personalized flight certificate.

Out-of-the-Cabin Tip: A 2-for-1 coupon for iFLY is available in this year’s Entertainment Book!

iFLY
349 Tukwila Pkwy.
Tukwila, Wa  98188
206-244-4359
Online: iflyworld.com/seattle

Flying Circus

Mon. L. via Yelp

This new activity center takes the concept of an indoor trampoline park and raises it up a few notches with 50,000 square feet of different activities to wear you and your kid crew out, including 60 trampolines. In addition to traditional trampolines, you’ll find angled wall trampolines, launching decks and foam pits. Dodgeball is so much more fun on a bouncy surface and playing “AirDunk” is a great twist to playing basketball. You’ll also find the unique Ninja Obstacle Course (inspired by TV’s American Ninja Warrior) and stations for circus-related activities like the slackline, aerial silks and the trapeze! Kid under the age of 6 will enjoy the KidJump section (open every day from 9 a.m.-10 a.m.) While walk-ins are always welcomed here, it is recommended that you schedule a "flight” ahead of time. Prices start at $13 for kids age 6 & under and $17 for adults.

For Mom and Dad: Did you know that you can burn up to 1,000 calories per hour and strengthen your core using the trampolines? Flying Circus will soon be offering fitness classes for adults, so you can enjoy a unique, one-of-a-kind workout alongside other parents. Call for more details.

Out-of-the-Cabin Tip: Bring your entire family for an hour of jumping on Monday nights for $55. Also, check-in on Facebook or Instagram for $1 off your flight ticket.

Flying Circus
455 Andover Park E.
Tukwila, Wa 98188
425-669-9707
Online: flyingcircus.us

Sandbox Sports

Mantie Z. via Yelp

If you've got a crew of kids under age 5, what could be better than playing in a giant indoor sandbox? That’s what little dirt diggers will find through May 24, 2018 at Sandbox Sports. Play time comes complete with shovels, pails and trucks and the “box” is open for kids on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays with two sessions from 9:30 a.m.-11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Admission is $8 per child (one adult free per child).

For Mom and Dad: The Sandbox offers adult volleyball leagues in the evenings ($560/co-ed 4’s and $360/coed 2’s for 8 weeks of play), but if you’re not willing to commit to a team just yet, you might want to try out a "Drop In Friday” event. Scheduled late-night drop-in volleyball games are offered at 10 p.m. for $15/player.

Out-of-the-Cabin Tip: Get 10 play sessions for the price of 7 with a kids’ play time punch card.

Sandbox Sports
5955 Airport Way S.
Seattle, Wa 98108
206-624-2899
Online: sandboxsports.net

SANCA: School of Acrobatics & New Circus Arts

Meridian S. via Yelp

Here is one school that nobody will complain about having to go to. SANCA is the largest circus school in the US, offering experiences that are physically challenging as well as socially enriching. SANCA offers many classes for every age range from tumbling toddlers to adventurous adults. Perhaps the most surprising offering is that their two-hour trapeze class is open to anyone age 6 and up! The two-hour class is $60 per person ($50 for members) and is offered at various times every week.

Out-of-the-Cabin Tip: Drop in between 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. on Fridays and pay $10 for your first turn and $5 for each additional turn.

SANCA
674 S. Orcas St.
Seattle, Wa 98108
206-652-4433
sancaseattle.org

Great Wolf Lodge

Great Wolf Lodge

If you need more than a few hours to burn off some energy and get out of the same four walls, then the Great Wolf Lodge Resort in Grand Mound just might be the ticket for you. This huge resort is almost completely indoors. While the star attraction is the water park, there are plenty of other activities to keep the kids busy including the "Howl at the Moon Glow Golf” mini golf, video game arcade, character appearances, “Wake Up with Wiley and Friends,” afternoon activities, PJ parties, story times and “The Great Clock Tower Show.” The resort is set up so that you’ll never need to leave the premises. The catch is though, no day passes are offered. In order to take in everything, you’ll need to spend the night in one of the resort’s rooms. The accommodations are great and for such a busy place, is surprisingly quiet inside the rooms. The resort offers a number of restaurants and gift shops, too.

Bonus: The Grand Mound Great Wolf Lodge is home to the Howlers Peak Rope Course. This outdoor attraction (open Memorial Day through October) will allow you to take your family on an invigorating aerial adventure that will have you balancing on ropes, crossing bridges and climbing through obstacles: all from the safety of a climbing harness! The Ropes Course offers high-flying fun that will elevate your family vacation to a whole new level.

For Moms and Dads: If you’re adventurous, you’ll appreciate the water park’s “Howlin’ Tornado,” “River Canyon Run” and “Alberta Falls.” If not, then the Iron Horse Fitness Center or the Elements Spa Salon is for you.

Out-of-the Cabin Tip: Check out the Great Wolf Lodge website for current discount offerings. During the winter, they offer a Cabin Fever Sale.

Great Wolf Lodge
20500 Old Highway 99 S.W.
Centralia, Wa 98531
800-640-9653
Online: greatwolf.com/grand-mound

For other great indoor pools and parks in the area, click here.

Laser Quest

Laser Quest Facebook page

Even Laser Tag has received an upgrade at places like Laser Quest. Here, you’ll have three different types of experiences to burn off energy. First, there is the regular game where the concept is to try to tag as many people as you can without getting tagged by others. The 15-minute game play will fly by young ones, but is just long enough to wear out out-of-shape adults. The Iron Man game mode is twice as long and includes swirling fog and energetic music to keep you going. Then, there is the Key Quest which combines laser tag with an escape room. You’ll need to find clues, solve a series of puzzles and find the missing key to let yourself out! Regular games are $9 per person; Iron Man games are $12 per person and the Key Quest Experience is $15 per person.

For Mom and Dad: While you might enjoy any of the three activities, the Key Quest Experience involves less running around and is geared for those ages 12 & up.

Laser Quest
2210 S. 320th St., Ste A4
Federal Way, Wa 98003
253-946-4500
Online: laserquest.com

Family Fun Center

Kristina Moy

The Family Fun Center has always been a destination fun haven during the summer months with its many outdoor activities, but you’ll find a number of indoor activities to do there as well, including the new VR Challenge where you’ll wear a VR headset and walk through a physical building with a vibrating motion floor and many virtual worlds. Also, the Family Fun Center is home to the brand-new 16-lane Bullwinkle Lanes. Other indoor attractions include the XD Theater (a multi-seat 6D motion simulated thrill ride theater), Lazer Xtreme (which includes music, fog and strobe lights), a four-level soft play area known at Kidopolis and a huge video game arcade as well as bumper cars and the Drop and Twist and Frog Hopper rides.

Out-of-the-Cabin Tip: Discount coupons can often be found on Groupon as well as in this year’s Entertainment Book. 

Family Fun Center
7300 Fun Center Way
Tukwila, Wa 98188
425-228-7300
Online: fun-center.com/tukwila

While not as extensive as its Tukwila brethren, the Edmonds Family Fun Center still offers a lot of undercover fun including the Cowabunga Play Area for kids under 58 inches tall, Lazer Runner (where “virtual reality comes to life”), bumper cars, Max Flight (a roller coaster simulator ride), Frog Hopper and nine batting cages (open if the playing field and lower level of the cages are dry).

Family Fun Center
7212 220th St. S.W.
Edmonds, Wa 98026
425-774-4263
Online: fun-center.com

Whirlyball

Helen Green

Described by some as "the world’s only totally mechanized team sport,” Whirlyball will get your juices flowing! Kids must be 8 years or older, but the learning curve is easy enough so that just about anyone can play regardless of size or athletic ability. The game itself has been described as a combination of basketball, hockey and Jai-Alai played while riding an electrically powered machine, similar to a bumper car, called a WhirlyBug, which is said to be quicker, stronger and far more maneuverable. In order to play, you’ll need to gather up some friends and make a reservation. The cost is $198 per hour of play for up to 25 players.

For Mom and Dad: This is a great alternative to your usual Bunco game.

Whirlyball
23401 Hwy. 99
Edmonds. Wa 98026
425-672-3332
Online: whirlyballseattle.com

Does your family have another go-to place to burn off excess energy? Tell us in the comments below! 

—Jeffrey Totey

RELATED STORIES:

Splash Down: 13 Indoor Pools to Hang Out at Until Winter Ends

Take It Inside: 16 Active Birthday Party Spots for the Winter Months

15 Places to Play on Non-School Days

50 Awesome Things to Put on Your Winter Bucket List

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

It’s Time for You Time at the New XO: Cross Over Fitness

by Meghan Rose

Even if you know how important it is to take “you” time, your busy schedule (and selfless mama brain) says no way. So classes at the new XO Fitness in Sherman Oaks are just what you need: it’s amazing for your body and brain and simultaneously benefits your family, because not only will you increase your overall fitness, but also your endurance, posture and attitude. You’ll come back from a class so happy and energized, your family will beg you to go back!

So Zen, So Pretty, So Clean
You walk in and it’s gorgeous. Clean, minimal, looks like the design of a hip new restaurant. Relaxing. Well, take a deep breath and enjoy a zen moment, because that’s about to change. For the next 50 minutes, you’re going to have your butt kicked, in the best possible way.

Meet Sara Lewis, Your New Inspiration (and Friend!)
Founder/Creator Sara Lewis started out as an athletic yet uncoordinated and unfitness-y kind of gal. So you can relate to her, and she can relate to you. After struggling to find a class that would address cardio needs while also making sure to strength train the core, upper and lower body, she came up empty. After trying everything: Pilates, barre, bootcamp, Cross-Fit, yoga, boxing, rowing, dance and ballet, she realized that class didn’t exist. So she’d better invent it.

One Class To Rule Them All
This is why we love her. She gets that busy moms need everything all at once. We can’t take 8 different classes a week. And we’re used to multi-tasking. We bore easily. So she opened her first studio with this in mind, and has now expanded with an even larger new place, XO: Cross Over Fitness. The format here includes boxing and cardio, reformers, springboards, weights, rowers and heavy bags. It’s the ultimate, full body experience. One 50-minute class to rule them all.

Let It Be Hard
Sarah is currently pregnant with her second child, and can help you adjust your workout for wherever your body is in motherhood: pregnant, post-natal, or even “Oh my god, the kids are getting older and I haven’t been in a gym in years.” But don’t think she’ll take it easy on you. She says, “My philosophy is: Let it be hard; it already is. Let’s not deny that what we are doing is tough, but instead, let’s embrace that this is hard and we are stronger and better for it.”

And you will be. Stronger and better.

Three Strikes, You’re In!
There are three good reasons why it’s easy to avoid the gym. And XO Fitness knocks out all of them.

One: Gyms and classes are dirty, with all those sweaty bodies sharing equipment. Nope, this place is the cleanest we’ve seen. Spotless. Cleaned thoroughly between classes, there are new boxing gloves and wipes readily available for you to use.

Two: It’s too hard figure out the equipment or moves. Not the case here. Yes, there’s a learning curve. The first class you figure out what to do (and when you want to do it—we always want to end with the boxing at Station A, FYI). But by the third class, you got it. And the unbelievably nice and helpful instructors will give you pointers if you’re confused.

Three: No time for classes. Well, this takes less than 50 minutes, and frankly the mix of pilates, abs, and core strengthening will help your posture, bone density and other pains (like back) that you’ve been picking up as you pick up baby. So, really, you’re saving time now and in the future…

No excuses left.

5 Quick LA Mama Fit Tips From Sara:

  1. Here’s an easy change everyone can make that will change your life. One of the best pieces of advice I received when I was first getting certified in Pilates was while sitting at desk laptop, keep elbow to your ribs.  I had never realized I was slouching so much at my computer—the place I was sitting 2-3 hours a day!
  2. A (Realistic) Key to Daily Sanity in 12 Minutes:  Do 1 minute plank in the morning, give yourself 10 minutes of alone time midday (sitting in your car/at your desk/while you’re nursing/napping your baby etc.) to close you eyes and just breathe, and 1 minute plank in the evening.  It will change your life.
  3. My favorite place to exercise outdoors is hiking Runyon Canyon. They just renovated it and you can bring kids and dogs.
  4. If you’re pregnant, you can and should continue your fitness routine, what you have been doing leading up to your pregnancy, as long as you have the OK from your Doctor.  Try not to be intimidated by rules.  Listen to your body, YOU know it best!
  5. My favorite post workout snack in LA is the Acai bowls at Juice Crafters.  The day I went into labor, I was eating 2 of them a day.

Classes are offered daily, and you can find a time that fits your schedule from 6 a.m.-9 p.m.  You can pay for a single class at a time ($25) or buy class packs to save money.  Your first month is only $95 for unlimited classes.

And finally, here’s why you have zero excuse not to go; the first class is free. So, go do something for you. We’re giving you permission. In fact, consider it mamma’s orders.

XO: Cross Over Fitness
13950 Ventura Blvd.
Sherman Oaks
818-506-8411
Online: thecrossoverxo.com

What’s your favorite get and stay fit tips?  Share them in the comment section!

—Meghan Rose, photos by Meghan Rose and XO: Crossover Fitness

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

Why I’m Now OK With Diapers Even If She’s Four-Years-Old

By Annabella Abalo
Photo:PRO

190.arch

I haven’t been successful with my kids’ potty-training.Whenever I hear unsolicited side comments about my daughter’s inability to stick her butt on the toilet bowl even if she’s four-years-old, I feel bad not just for myself but also for my little child. I’ve tried training and explaining to her why she shouldn’t be using diaper anymore, but I guess every child has its own learning curve. It just so happened that hers was not an impressive one.

Good if your child was able to cope up right away with this potty stuff. While you’re beaming proudly about your child’s accomplishment, it would also be nice if you don’t compare yours to mine, especially in front of my child. You’re a parent, you’d probably know the reason why (does psychological effects ring a bell? Good!).

I’ve learned to understand how my child just can’t do it in one go and I’m ok with her SLOWLY getting away with wearing that “D” thing.

Screaming out in frustration, harsh talking, shaming, comparing her to others – I’ve done that (on top of the traditional way of potty-training). But when I saw how my daughter has struggled with it, I felt guilty and I hated myself for not being able to understand her when I should be the very first soul to do so. I gave up and instead allow her to learn on her own.

Here are the reasons why I am OK (just recently) with my pre-schooler to still depend on a diaper.

1. I don’t want to bombard my daughter with harsh words every time she opts not to drop her bomb in the toilet. I love her so much that I choose not to be pushy over things that she should work on as a growing child. Let her learn on her own and now I’m happy seeing improvements from her.

2. I want my daughter to be spared from embarrassment when in school. Familiar with uncontrollable bowel movement? I don’t know about you, but I’ve grown up hearing (experiencing, maybe?) embarrassing stories when early school-aged children just suddenly dropped it anywhere, anytime when they can’t hold on too long for it. Such incidents sometimes result to absence from school for a week and some would even quit a school year.

3. Let’s be honest, mommies are also spared from frequent changing and washing of bed sheets. Don’t forget the nasty smell when pee dries on your sheets. For longer sleep (at night time), a diaper is a must for your little ones whether you like it or not. Need to mention that awkward feeling of floating in the sea when in fact its a pond of pee in your bed?

4. I love her and I want her to be damn confident even with a diaper on her butt. Every child is unique and special. I want her to feel that despite some of her inabilities, she has tons of things to be proud of. Who says learning to poop in the toilet is a race? She’ll definitely throw her diaper off at the right time.

For the record, she wears it when she goes to school, away from home and during night time. But still, you get this nasty look from people who usually equates successful potty-training to successful parenting (BOO!!).

I don’t care if she’s not consistent with her toilet training. I don’t care if she still wears a diaper on. I don’t care if we still have to stock some diapers. I know she’s trying and she’s improving. It doesn’t need to happen in a snap of a finger. Her inability to “un-diaper” her cute butts won’t make me love her less. I want her to know that, so I’m allowing her to wear diaper even if she’s four.

I am a proud mother of two adorable little stinkers who wrestles with me in bed and almost everywhere in the house. Motherhood is a great journey packed with sweet, fun, crazy moments paired with endless rants and more blunt stories. Hence, the birth of zkbuzybuzz.com.

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

These Viral Videos of 2015 Will Make Your Heart Melt

by Christal Y.

When it comes to viral videos, 2015 was the year for families to take the spotlight. From funny kids to adorable excited grandpas, these videos warm our hearts so quickly we’ve forgotten it’s winter in December. Watch these laugh out loud and “Aw…”-inducing moments below.

Big Brother Tells It Like It Is
This big brother’s dead pan delivery is so on point he should consider becoming a comedian. If only we could remain as unfazed as him when our mini-me’s tears are unstoppable. Watch this short clip from America’s Funniest Home Videos for a quick laugh.

Dog Says “Mama” While Baby Can’t
What do you do when your trained pup learns to talk faster than your baby? Uploaded to Youtube by Sam Giovanini, this video shows an Australian Shepard dog jumping the learning curve much quicker than his little human counterpart. Hope he got more than a gold star for his amazing accomplishment!

Watch LEGO Get Taken to Another Level
Your kid’s favorite toy? LEGOs. Your kid’s new favorite food? LEGOs! We’re not talking about accidentally swallowing plastic bricks. These wiggly, wobbly jello blocks actually fit together like a charm and are totally DIY-doable thanks to YouTuber Grant Thompson. If you can make jello, you can make LEGO bricks (the molds can be easily found on Amazon for $6-50)! Check out the totally awesome video below.

Baby (Almost) Fakes Sleep Like a Pro
Everyone’s told you it’s the teenage years that you’re supposed to dread. But, for these twins, hiding from mom and getting caught red-handed started before they were even out of diapers. Watch the funny video to see what these babies do when they hear their mom’s voice.

The Sweetest Couple You’ll Ever See
It’s no surprise this video has 3 million views. The concentration of cute is so high that it has resulted in a collective Internet “aww!” We feel surprisingly calm watching this beautiful baby and kitty stretching it out after a nap. It’s basically how we want to feel all weekend.

This Grandpa-to-be Tries to Hide His Reaction
Dance like no one’s watching… is probably the motto for this granddad-to-be. Luckily for him (and us), Justin Hall placed a hidden camera to capture his in-laws’ expression when they found out there was a little one two months along the way. This adorable and hilarious reaction is so close to making the case for hidden cameras at every surprise event.

Six Brothers Welcome Their First Sister
For 13 years, the Lair family had boy after boy. . . until their seventh child turned out to be a girl. In this video, the six brothers meet their new baby sister – and their reactions range from adorable to amusing. Five-year-old Houston, for example, is worried about his sister’s potential affinity for pink: “I don’t like pink because it’s a girl’s color,” he said. Click the photo to watch the sweet video at Sacramento Bee.


Source: Sacramento Bee

Want more laughter? Catch the funniest videos from 2014 here!

— Christal Yuen

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

Must Watch: Dog Says Mama and Baby Can’t

by Christal Y.

What do you do when your trained pup learns to talk faster than your baby can? Uploaded to Youtube by Sam Giovanini, this video shows an Australian Shepard dog jumping the learning curve much quicker than his little human counterpart. Hope he got more than a gold star for his amazing accomplishment!

How do your pets and kiddos get along? Share your funny stories in the comments below!

— Christal Yuen

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

4 Local Domestic Services That Save the Day

by Marianne Walters

Ever find yourself wishing for elves to take care of your household chores while you sleep? We’ve got the next best thing here in Portland! While you go off to work or play chauffeur from soccer practices to piano lessons, these handy helpers will cook, clean, organize and generally make your life easier back at home. Breathe a sigh of relief and enlist one of the following local businesses to lend a very capable hand.

photo: We Got This, LLC

We Got This, LLC
This dynamic duo does the cooking and cleaning in one fell swoop. For a single fee, you’ll have the house cleaned and dinner cooked by the time you arrive home at the end of your day. You get to choose the meal from the menu on their website, and they’ll do the grocery shopping (they’ll even pick up your favorite bottle of wine). In addition to their standard cooking and cleaning gig, they have additional services available such as green cleaning, walking the family dog, helping you prep your house for a party and their “romance” package, which includes fresh flowers.

We Got This, LLC currently serves Portland and Happy Valley. Their fees are based on the size of your home and the number of residents, pets and rooms. Cooking is available as a stand-alone service if requested, and they have a $25 referral reward.

We Got This, LLC
503-680-9762
Online: wegotthispdx.com

Tidy Gnomes
Imagine handing off your to-do list to someone else to complete. The Tidy Gnomes work by the hour on whatever it is that has been nagging you. It may be the regular housecleaning, chopping veggies or other dinner prep, pulling weeds, organizing the closets and pantry or cleaning out the fridge! They’re all about flexibility and doing whatever they can to make your life a little more Zen. They also offer their services for set-up and clean-up of weddings and other events, like birthday parties.

The Tidy Gnomes are available mainly in Inner Portland, but they do have a general service area map. Fees are typically calculated by the hour except for a few services that have flat rates. Rates are available on their website.

Tidy Gnomes
503-308-8439
Online: tidygnomes.com

 

photo: Domestic Details, LLC

Domestic Details, LLC 
It’s all in the details for this professional, highly-skilled team. They start with your standard housecleaning services, offered on three different levels. Their Basic service is a quick and efficient cleaning and ranges to the Deluxe, which includes things like fresh linens on the bed, washing and folding laundry and sweeping the porch, depending on your needs. Their personal errand services will tackle your simple errands or your special projects, everything from waiting for the cable guy to planning your next party.

Services are offered in the Portland metro area, but locations outside of their standard distance can be arranged for a mileage fee. Cleaning services average $35/hour and all other services are dependent upon a pre-arranged package with a minimum monthly commitment.

Domestic Details, LLC
971-258-2950
Online: domesticdetailspdx.com

Lucky Larder
Is food preservation (also known as canning) on your list of things to try? Whether you’d like to learn how to preserve or would rather enjoy the year-round benefits without the learning curve, the folks at Lucky Larder are your new best friends. Hand over the fruit from that prolific tree in your backyard or visit a u-pick farm for your goodies, and they will either preserve them for you or teach you how to do it yourself in a group class or one-on-one session.

Visit the Lucky Larder website for a schedule of classes and events, or contact them directly for information on individual instruction and complete preservation services.

Lucky Larder
503-200-9219
Online: luckylarder.com

Have you found a housekeeping service that has made your life easier? Let us know in the Comments below!

— Marianne Walters

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement