| Daily |
| Today Is Magic Day |
| Abra-abra-cadabra! |
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Let them hypnotize the family using a few magic tricks just for kids. |
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Mix up a Potter-worthy potion or two to pass the crafternoon away. |
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| Keep the illusion alive every day with these books about magic. |
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{ Today’s ideas brought to you by Deck of Cards }
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The best thing about performing magic tricks for kids? You don’t have to be a pro to effectively blow their little minds. We’ve rounded up three special (and especially simple) card tricks and fun games to get their wheels spinning. Scroll down for the how-tos.
Starter Magic and Slight of Hand
This simple trick requires just a few minutes of practicing before you can unveil your act to the littles. The key here is to really play up the “nothing strange here” presentation.
Go Fish
This classic game is how all kiddie card sharks got their start. Easy rules makes this game perfect for kids four and up, and you can play with any number of people. Basically, everyone is aiming for four of a kind, and each player takes turns asking the others for the suite they are searching for. If they don’t have what you are looking for, you guessed it, you Go Fish! Find the full rules from the pros, as in the Bicycle Playing Card company, right here.
Slapjack
This is another classic card game perfect for family game night, and ideal for littles with lots of energy who may not be keen to sit on the sofa for too long—the race to slap the pile will definitely keep them engaged! Basically, everyone the cards are all dealt out, no one peeks at their own hand, and each player takes turns flipping a card over into one central pile. As soon as a jack it revealed—SLAP! The players all race to be the first to slap it and win the pile. See the full, official rules right here.
Do you have any favorite family card games or tricks? Tell us in the comments below.
—Erin Feher
It’s no surprise that kids love magic. Ever since they were babies playing peekaboo with mommy, every day is a new adventure full of mystery and surprise. If your kiddos have ever expressed an interest in performing magic tricks, we’ve got you covered. Join your budding magicians and introduce them to a world of wonder with these local San Diego magic shops and shows. They’ll be amused and delighted faster than you can say “Abracadabra!”
Photo credit: PhotoAtelier via Flickr Creative Commons
Seaport Village Magic Shop
Seaport Village is a great way to spend the day. And it’s even better when you visit the Seaport Village Magic Shop. Kids will love browsing this fun shop, which is filled with tons of magic tricks, unique card decks and gag gifts. The helpful and knowledgeable staff is on hand to help amateur magicians hone their craft. Ask them to show you a trick or two – and prepare to be amazed! This shop also carries a nice selection of professional magic props.
817 W. Harbor Dr.
San Diego, Ca 92101
619-458-9015
Online: seaportvillage.com
Photo Credit: Josh B. via Yelp
3 Generations of Magic
This family-owned store in Vista is, you guessed it – three generations of magicians who know their stuff. They have an awesome selection of tricks and props for all levels of difficulty, so it doesn’t matter if your kiddo is a total beginner, or on his way to becoming a Vegas professional. The owners are particularly helpful when it comes to choosing which tricks are right for you and your kiddos. If you’re unsure of which tricks to buy, don’t be afraid to ask for a demonstration! Be sure to ask about educational lectures by magic coaches that they host from time to time. There is also an impressive selection of playing cards lining the walls, as well as teaching DVDs so you can ensure that the learning doesn’t stop once you leave the store.
741 B Olive Ave.
Vista, Ca 92083
760-842-1552
Online: magicshopsandiego.com
Photo Credit: Salomon B via Yelp
Abney’s Magic Shop
Venture down to Old Town and seek out this cool little magic shop! Here you’ll find magic for all ages and abilities. And if you need other items like balloons, facepainting supplies, gag gifts or kendamas, they’ve got you covered. Plus, with every magic purchase they do a one-on-one training so you can rest assured that your kiddos will leave with confidence.
If you want even more training, sign up for a magic workshop and learn from the professionals to fine tune your skills. Better yet, sign the kids up for youth magic summer camp! You can choose from a half day or a full day and you can sign up online or in person. You can even watch a magic show at the store! Kids magic shows are available by reservation on Saturdays and Sundays.
3985 Harney St.
San Diego, Ca 92110
619-291-1955
Online: abneysmagicshop.com
Photo Credit: Red Spade Theater via Yelp
Red Spade Theater
While you’re in Old Town, be sure to check out one of the magic shows at the Red Spade Theater! This theater offers a unique opportunity to see a magic show in an intimate setting. Kids ages 5 and up will love the family magic show. Every third Sunday, Derek, a member of the Magic Castle, presents an engaging show that involves everybody in the audience. Kids will be amazed by the up-close miracles being performed right before their very eyes. You can even rent the theater out for birthday parties!
2539 Congress St.
San Diego, Ca 92110
619-865-2973
Online: redspadetheater.com
Have you visited any of these magic shops or seen the shows? Which ones are your favorites? Let us know in the comments!
-Marissa Mullen
We love Candy Crush, Angry Birds, and YouTube as much as the next family, but if you’re looking for some birthday party entertainment that doesn’t require an outlet then read on. We’ve found the hottest puppet shows in the DMV, and they’ll have the kiddos giggling from now until the next iPad release.
Photo: Jodimichelle via Flickr
Carousel Puppets
If you can’t take another jump house or fight over the piñata stick, fear not because Carousel Puppets will have your birthday gal and her friends so entranced they won’t even think about been-there-done-that birthday games. Little ones will jump for Teddy and Friends, as frogs and dogs dance around on stage. Older kids will love Bob the Bunny Show and Bob’s penchant for performing magic tricks. If you add a puppet making workshop to your show, each party goer makes and takes home his very own finger puppet favor!
703-444-9426
Online: carouselpuppets.com
Kaydee Puppets
With Kaydee Puppets, your miniature audience gets two plays in one. Kids select their two favorite stories (from a list) and then sit back, relax and enjoy the production! Since each show is just 30 minutes long, even the littlest party goer can stay focused for its duration. Kiddos who love animals, nursery rhymes, mysteries and fairy tales will all look on starry eyed as Mortimer, Clara Clam, or the Fish Twins tell their tales, and even come out to greet them.
Cost: $275
703-385-4543
Online: kaydeepuppets.com
Photo: Black Cherry Puppet Theater
Black Cherry Puppet Theater
Whether you want to take your kids to a show, or hire an awesome puppeteer for Junior’s birthday, Black Cherry Puppet Theater has you covered. Each puppet is hand crafted, and shows spin original stories and classic tales for a modern audience. Fans of princesses, swash buckling heroes, dinosaurs and crafty cats won’t be able to stop laughing, even as they’re piling into the car to head home.
410-752-7272
Online: blackcherrypuppettheater.com
Horn’s Punch & Judy Show
Fans of Punch & Judy will be delighted to introduce their kiddos to Professor Horn’s Punch & Judy Show at their next birthday party. Between magic tricks, Monty the Dancing Rabbit, a music box, and of course Punch & Judy, even the grown-ups at the shindig won’t want the fun to end. Rascally kids will identify with Mr. Punch and his hilarious antics, even when they get him in trouble.
Cost: $350
410-638-6114
Online: hornspunch.com
Photo: Blue Sky Puppets
Blue Sky Puppet Theatre
Your little puppet-aficionado will have no idea she is learning during a Blue Sky Puppet Theatre show. She’ll be too busy laughing with Professor Bunne to realize he was talking about saving the planet. Other little gigglers will get a kick out of the Professor’s friends, Suzy, Buster and Chester—three little pigs who attend the Rinky-Dinky-Dink School. There’s also Rufus the Rednosed Raindog, and The Barker of Seville. Whether your little one is a tree hugger, dog lover or fan of the circus, Blue Sky Puppet Theatre has something to thrill them.
Cost: $250
301-927-5599
Online: blueskypuppets.com
Has your birthday kid had a puppet party? Tell us how it went in the Comments section below.
—Hilary Riedemann
If you’ve got a pint-sized Recess Monkey fan, step right up for this all-new, out of this world show. Big Top Rock: Curious Circus combines the rocktastic music of Recess Monkey’s latest album WIRED with performances from Teatro ZinZanni’s renowned dinner show and acts from Seattle’s circus stars of tomorrow. Throw in some silly inventions, a bit of magic and a flying machine and you’ve got an unforgettable hour of family entertainment. Let the show begin!
Photo: Bob Suh
Step Right Up
As soon as you enter the circus tent, you’ll behold an exciting stage complete with lights and a disco ball. Little fans can grab a front row seat in the kiddie mosh pit (don’t worry, you won’t find any pushing or crowd surfing here, just the best seats in the house). To kill time before the show, begin practicing your dance moves or have your little spectators see if they can spot Waldo.
Photo: Bob Suh
Now For The Main Attraction
Come one, come all and join the Mother of Invention as she invites you to her Exhibition of Ideas and Inventions. You will see magic tricks by Alexander the Great, trapeze arts, inventions of Professor Loco, and Dr. Aeroflot’s flying machine all while listening to Recess Monkey play songs from their newest album, WIRED. We won’t give away the ending, but be sure to watch what happens when a giant cake is wheeled out. We couldn’t think of a better way to end an awe-inspiring show. Psst… Be sure to sneak a few glances at your little showgoers. We guarantee their eyes will be plastered to the stage, mouth open in wonder as they take everything in, making you feel like the coolest parent in town.
photo: Bob Suh
The Incredible Cast
There are some amazing people who make this show possible and they deserve a shout-out. The always-popular trio, Drew, Jack and Korum who make up Recess Monkey, will have your kiddos dancing and singing from the moment the show starts. Other performers include Charly Castors, Terry Crane, Ian Green, Jude Sack, and Téa Kazitova, Cara Hunter, and Alana Richardson from the Scoil Rince Slieveloughane School. Don’t even get us started on all the work and planning that goes on behind the scenes!
photo: Bob Suh
Snacks and a Show
If your crew needs a mid-morning pick-me-up, you’ll be glad to know you can order snacks such as popcorn, Top Pot Donuts, Trophy Cupcakes, fruit cups, cookies, water, and sodas when you arrive. The menu even includes adult beverages… Mimosas anyone? Best part? You can take everything inside the tent and nosh while you watch.
photo: Bob Suh
Browse the Boutique
Be sure to take some time to browse the boutique located inside the front doors. This is where you’ll find glitzy masks complete with feathers and jewels, colorful hats, jewelry, pins, boas, beads, bangles, and more. All items are one-of-a-kind pieces only available at Teatro ZinZanni. Psst… Be sure to shop quickly, the boutique is only open for a brief time before and after the show.
Zinzanni Institute for Circus Arts
If your little one can’t stop talking about the show long after it has ended, it might be time to think about enrolling him or her in Camp Zinzanni. During camp, little circus buffs (ages 5-17) will be taught the basics of circus arts by some of the world’s greatest circus artists. Hint: This is an awesome way to get your kids away from the TV and to work out their bodies and minds. Check the website for all the details and upcoming camp dates.
photo: Bob Suh
Good to Know
While it’s okay to take pictures before and after the show, it’s a no-go during the main event, a fact they will kindly remind you of before things get rolling. If you are attending with a group of eight or more, be sure to contact the box office for discounted rates. Also, most importantly, don’t forget to don your feather boas, masks, and hats. All things silly are welcome and encouraged.
photo: Bob Suh
Teatro ZinZanni
222 Mercer St.
Seattle, Wa 98109
206-802-0015
Online: zinzanni.com/seattle/shows/family
Tickets: tzseattle-tickets.zinzanni.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=39
Dates: Now through Dec. 28, 2014
Hours: Doors open at 10 a.m.; show runs from 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Cost: $19/person for booth seating; $22/person for chair seating; babes under 1 are free
Will you be attending Big Top Rock: Curious Circus? Let us know about your experience in a comment below.
—Allison Rasmussen
