ML Interest Tag: maze

Celebrate National Superhero Day with PJ Masks

by Jennifer Swartvagher

If your little ones love superheroes then they’ll be happy to know there is a day dedicated to honor them. National Superhero Day is Apr. 28 and there are many ways to mark the occasion. PJ Masks has created a celebration kit filled with activities to make it a day to remember.

PJ Masks - Superhero Day

For families looking for ways to celebrate National Superhero Day at home, they can use the National Superhero Day Celebration Kit which includes the following printable activities and costumes:

  • Superhero Name Generator
  • Superhero Training Exercises
  • Coloring
  • Maze
  • Hero Certificate
  • Amulets
  • Masks

 Families can also stream the first two seasons of PJ Masks on Disney+.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: PJ Masks

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Making Memories in IKEA

By Jessica Beal

Photo: via Yelp

Oh, IKEA. My 13-year-old anxiously awaited her chance to wander the aisles of the furniture store after her younger sister, some weeks back, took approximately 547 photos of items she wanted to add to their future she-shed. We arrived early, eager to check in the 5 and 6-year-olds we brought along (given no other option), to the amazing kid zone so we could go through IKEA as quickly as humanly possible before having to retrieve the younger siblings. After the disappointing realization that the kid zone was not open, we reluctantly took the youngest kids with us on the maze of adorable room inspirations and wallet shrinking adventure.

We passed through the seven layers of the wood furniture forest and into the farthest reach of the store when the 6-year-old gives me the look of desperation and says ” I have to poop!” I exclaim, “Can you wait a few more minutes?” She assures me she cannot absolutely wait at all, not even one more tiny second. I give instructions to the teenager to stay in the adorable modern living room design #24 and wait for me while I retrace the many miles back to a bathroom. IKEA, why are there no bathrooms in the showroom??? I’ve never played football, but I imagine I am a linebacker pushing through crowds of people as I run the opposite way of those IKEA arrows with my 6-year-old whining in tow.

If you know me, directions are really not a strong suit for me. It is sort of like a foreign language. In fact, my husband has threatened multiple times to revoke my passenger seat privileges or send me to “map school” if I cannot be of more help to him while he is driving. So inevitably, I get lost. I pass every single layer of IKEA; from odd children toy department to plastic plant paradise to furniture that functions as a bed, desk, and closet all in one before finally finding the registers. I shove my way through crowds and discover the line that has formed outside of the bathroom. Oh wait, I think to myself there are more restrooms by the entrance. I can see the entrance now, but how do you get over there? You have to follow the yellow brick road of torture all the way around the store again to get to it.

My child is sweating and near tears. I do not help the situation as I yell-whisper that this is her fault as she didn’t give me decent notice of her predicament. I channel my inner husband and his direction skills and make it in record time through the arrow maze and reach the oasis of a bathroom. My child feels instant relief and smiles up at me wondering what the big deal was and why her mom reacted like a crazy person.

I have time to calm down, feel that familiar pang of parent guilt about the yelling and vow to do better the next time. Thankfully kid zone is now open. I beg the lady to save me two spots while I rush back through the maze to find my teen angel and 5-year-old still waiting patiently for me. We drop the children off, plan our 45 minutes of bliss and begin the trek through the store again!

It feels like I’ve run a marathon both physically and mentally, but we survived. The teen found many suitable items for her she-shed all nicely packed in tiny boxes. “Why is everything in boxes?” she innocently asks. It’s IKEA, dear, so yes, everything is packed in nice little boxes with impossible directions, one tiny wrench and a promise to never you’ll never fall victim to this again.

But I know I will do it again. The lure of tiny rooms will bring me back once again with hope the trip will go smoothly and be filled with memories. Memories that make me smile, laugh, give us stories for years to come. Until next time, IKEA.

I am a part-time teacher, CHP wife, mom to 5 kids biological and adopted, ranging in ages from 14-5. I love friends, trailering, fun dinner parties, booze, exercising ( because booze) and being with my family. In my spare time....ha ha ha ha!

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Boston’s Best Indoor Play Spaces

by Kate Loweth

When the temps dip and you’re all cooped up, don’t worry! We’ve gathered up this list of Boston’s best indoor playgrounds for kids that are perfect when you want the kids to get moving. Pick your fave and head out for some fun for the whole family!

photo: Alex A. via yelp

Imagine Playspace
This drop-in play space is open 365 days a year and we could not be more thrilled! You’ll find two vast halls brimming with fun, educational, interactive play opportunities including a kid-sized Play Town and Active Play (bounce house, ball pit, swings, slides, climbing, and ride on toys). When the weather behaves, head to the outdoor Shipyard Playground.

23 Bay State Rd.
Cambridge, MA
Online: imaginecambridge.com

Jump n’ Slide
With five inflatables ranging from a huge obstacle course with a steep slide to a Dragon Inflatable for the younger ones, every kid will enjoy the Jump n’ Slide bouncy houses. You can also head to the arcade that’s decorated like a castle or build your own stuffed animal. They offer laser maze challenges, date night drop offs and arts and crafts events throughout the year.

145 Wells Avenue
Newton, MA
Online: jumpandslideboston.com

photo: Donna A. via yelp

PlayTown Express
This spt is an indoor playground with the addition of drop-off care. The play center offers state-of-the-art equipment suitable for children up to age 12. Children can climb on the netted climber, bounce in the train bouncy or fuel their imaginations as they ride on the play cars through town. The older kids can zip down slides, run up the Slippery Slope or race through the obstacle course. There is a separate matted area so infants can play too.

150 Cordaville Rd.
Southborough, MA
Online: playtownexpress.com

Monkey Joe’s 
This spot is every kid’s bouncy house heaven. Climb and slide on the giant inflatables in the 15,000-square foot facility that’s guaranteed to leave everyone tired.

10 Newbury St.
Danvers, MA

1360 S Washington St.
Ste 1-A
North Attleboro, MA
Online: monkeyjoes.com

photo: Kate Loweth

Billy Beez
Take a ride down the rainbow slides and spend the day climbing through tunnels in this massive indoor play space. Honeycomb Village is the perfect size for tots with lots of pretend play opportunities. Your admission gets you in-and-out privileges or you can enjoy a snack at the cafe located inside.

101 Kingston Collection Way, Unit 110A
Kingston, MA
Online: billybeezus.com

Cedarland aMAZEment Action Play Center
This is Cedarland’s year round indoor interactive play space where children up to age 12 years will enjoy climbing, crawling, bouncing, swinging, sliding and overall playing in the giant indoor play MAZE. They also offer a separate toddler play area with a giant sand room, a chalk table, a four-seat bouncer, and pretend store and house. In addition, aMAZEment features token-driven skill games and a redemption center for prizes.

888 Boston Rd.
Haverhill, MA
Online: cedarland.net

—Kate Loweth

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Sophie the Giraffe Bead Maze Recalled Due to Choking Hazard

by Jennifer Swartvagher

Parents of little ones, be sure to check your toy box because there’s been a recall of the Sophie la Giraffe Bead Maze. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, the wooden triangle shape piece fails to meet the mandatory federal standard for small parts, posing a choking hazard to young children.

Sophie The Giraffe Recall

The recall includes a round wood-based bead maze toy in the shape of the Eiffel Tower with a Sophie giraffe figure and three wooden shapes:  Orange triangle, red heart and green star, that sort into the wood base. The gray Eiffel Tower stands 8 inches tall on a green circular base measuring 6 3/4 inches in diameter.  This recall involves the following batch numbers:

Recalled Batch Numbers:

9321/J09504/022019

9474/J09504/042019

9549/J09504/052019

The batch number is found on the bottom of the base of the packaging above the barcode.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled Sophie la Giraffe Bead Maze toy and check the bottom of the toy for the recalled batch numbers.  If the toy matches the recalled batch numbers, consumers should destroy the triangle piece and contact Juratoys to receive a free replacement triangle piece.

This toy was sold at specialty toy and gift stores nationwide from February 2019 to November 2019 for about $25.

—Jennifer Swartvagher  

Featured photo: Janod

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Epcot’s Space 220 Restaurant Is Set to Open Soon

by Erica Loop

Changes are coming to Epcot! Along with a new Mary Poppins attraction in the Great Britain pavilion, a Moana-themed water maze, a Guardians of the Galaxy ride and so much more, Walt Disney World will unveil an out of this world eatery in 2020!

Space 220 gives guests the chance to dine among the stars. The all-new restaurant is an extension of the park’s Mission: SPACE pavilion and set to open this winter.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B5oe3oSg4mk/

So what can you expect from this other worldy foodie attraction? To start with, you won’t enter the eatery simply by walking through the front door. Instead, guests will magically travel 220 miles above the planet (not IRL, of course) to dock with the Centauri Space Station.

The awesomely immersive experience includes panoramic outer space views and an all-too-real feeling of flying high above the Earth. Even though you’ll feel like you’re floating in space, the food isn’t exactly alien. According to the Walt Disney World website, the menu will feature modern American cuisine for the fam and more than 1,000 bottles of wines and craft beer for grown-ups only.

Patina Restaurant Group’s (the company behind Space 220) Nick Valenti said in a press statement, “I look forward to welcoming guests to Space 220, an immersive culinary journey intended to celebrate the wonders of our solar system and transport guests 220 miles above Earth’s surface to experience the height of dining.”

As of now, there’s no word on specific menu items or an opening date.

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Courtesy of Disney Parks

 

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Merry & Bright: The Best Christmas Light Displays in DC

by Meghan Yudes Meyers

Nothing warms a cold night like the sparkle and glow of a holiday light display. Get out the hats and gloves and prepare to bundle the babies for an illuminating night of Christmas wonder. Take in the largest light maze in the world or stroll through the free display at the National Zoo. Read on for the best places to be LED-dazzled in the DMV.

photo: Dani Burnett via Immortal Beloved Photo

Enchant
Billed as the largest light maze in the world (the. world!), this holiday spectacular boasts over 90,000 square feet of sparkling lights. Get lost in a labyrinth of holiday cheer while you search for Eddie the Elf and his sidekick, Sparky! While you’re there, take a moment to snap a pic with Old St. Nick at Santa’s Landing, cross off your holiday shopping to-do list at Christmas Market and don’t forget to take a spin on the Ice Skating Trail.

Cost: $14.99-$33.99; kids 3 & under are free.
Date: Daily from 4:30-10:30 p.m. now through Dec. 29
Where: Nationals Park, 1500 S. Capitol St SE
Online: enchantchristmas.com/dc

Ice & Lights: The Winter Village at Cameron Run
Take a stroll through a tunnel of rainbow lights, walk under sparkling arches and around illuminated trees and—if you catch a chill—be sure to pop in a heated igloo. After you walk through the 20′ tree, be sure to test out your skating skills at the near-by rink.

Cost: $5
Dates: Daily 5-10 p.m. now through Jan. 5
Where: 4001 Eisenhower Ave., Alexandria, VA
Online: novaparks.com

 

photo: William Folsom via NovaParks

Winter Walk of Lights
This Vienna garden becomes a twinkling wonderland at dusk when a half-mile walk becomes illuminated with animated lights. After you’ve toured the property, be sure to roast marshmallows by the fire. Timed tickets are required for entry.

Cost: $8-14.50
Date: Daily from 5:30-9:15 p.m. now through Jan. 5 (including holidays)
Where: Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court, Vienna, VA
Online: eventbrite.com/e/meadowlarks-winter-walk-of-lights

photo: Brookside Gardens/Montgomery Parks 

Garden of Lights at Brookside Garden
While there are plenty of places to see lights for free, the dazzling display of over one million bulbs makes the entry fee at Brookside totally worth it in our book (you pay per vehicle, so bring the minivan and pack ‘em in!). In keeping with the botanical theme, Brookside offers a colorful parade of animals, flowers and more. After you’ve enjoyed strolling from garden to garden, be sure to check out the model train display inside the Conservatory.

Insider tip: on weekends the wait time can exceed an hour, so try to go during a weekday.

Cost: $25 per car ($30 on Fri.-Sat)
Date: Daily from 5:30-9 p.m. through Dec. 31 (closed Nov. 25-28 and Dec. 24-25)
Where: 1800 Glenallan Ave., Wheaton, MD
Online: montgomeryparks.org

photo: Smithsonian’s National Zoo

ZooLights at the National Zoo
For eco-friendly festivities, head to the National Zoo where more than 500,000 LED lights are on display along side a new exhibit of glowing lanterns depicting everyone’s favorite zoo animals. Each evening, guests can also visit the Small Mammal House and the Reptile Discovery Center.

Cost: Free
Date: Daily from 5-9 p.m. now through Jan. 1 (closed December 24, 25 & 31)
Where: 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW
Online: nationalzoo.si.edu/events/zoolights

Lights on the Bay
Grab your footed pajamas and a thermos of hot chocolate; this light display is a drive-thru attraction that features over two miles of lights along the Chesapeake Bay. Lights on the Bay boasts over 70 animated and stationery exhibits. For an additional fee, guests can purchase 3-D glasses for a truly unique experience.

Cost: $20 per car
Date: Daily from 5-10 p.m. now through Jan. 1
Where: Sandy Point State Park, 1100 E College Pkwy, Annapolis, MD
Online: lightsonthebay.org

 

photo: LaDonna G. via Yelp

Festival of Lights at the DC Mormon Temple
Over 650,000 lights illuminate the grounds of the temple, making this one of the largest light displays in the DC area. Guests can also view internationally-inspired Christmas trees and nativity scenes. Nightly performances require a free event ticket, which are handed out on a first-come basis starting 60 minutes prior to performances.

Cost: Free
Date: Daily 10 a.m.to 9 p.m.now through Jan. 1
9900 Stoneybrook Dr, Kensignton, MD
Online: churchofjesuschrist.org

photo: Georgetown Glow DC 

Georgetown Glow DC
You won’t find illuminated snowflakes or walk-thru Christmas trees at this light art exhibit. For one month, bright lights and neon colors brighten up the streets of historic Georgetown with a curated outdoor installation that is sure to dazzle and delight. If you’re looking for some Santa-free time that still has some seasonal sparkle, be sure to take a stroll down M St.

Cost: Free
Date: Dec. 6 through Jan. 5
Where: Throughout the commercial district of Georgetown
Online: georgetownglowdc.com/map

Baltimore’s 34th Street 
Fondly referred to as the Miracle on 34th Street, the residents of the 700 block (between Chestnut Avenue and Keswick Road) of 34th Street in Hamden have been decorating their homes since 1947 (the same year the movie by the same name was released). Decoration themes this year include: compassion, unity, love and kindness.

Cost: Free
Date: Daily from 5:45 now through Dec. 31
720 West 34th Street (Baltimore, MD)
Online: christmasstreet.com

—Meghan Yudes Meyers

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Your Newest Fall Family Tradition: Get Lost in LA’s Best Corn Mazes

by LeTania Kirkland Smith

You already know about our favorite pumpkin patches. Now it’s time to discover another fall favorite: super-cool corn mazes for the whole family! Get ready to lose yourself in the stalks at these nearby destinations. Read on for all the details on the best corn mazes in and near LA.

Tapia Bros. Farm

Aerial B. via Yelp

If it's a challenge you're looking for, Tapia Brothers Pumpkin Patch offers a huge corn maze (it's housed in its own lot across from the pumpkin patch and farm stand), complete with a map and trivia questions. In addition to the corn maze, little ones can enjoy a play area, bounce houses, a wagon ride, fresh-roasted corn and, of course, plenty fresh pumpkins to bring home. The corn maze and other fall festivities kick off Sept. 28 and go until Oct. 31. There are also weekend-only horse rides, starting Oct. 5. 

5251 Hayvenhurst Ave.
Encino
818-905-6155
Online: facebook.com/Tapia-Bros-Farm-126868084034172

Underwood Family Farms

Shannan Rouss

Get ready for an adventure as you enter the corn maze under the rainbow at this Moorpark farm. The well-manicured maze is just the right amount of challenging for kids. Expect to spend  about 20-25 minutes making your way through the stalks of corn—and don't fall for signs along the path intended to trick the family. At the end, there's a hay pyramid for corn conquerors to climb. Besides the maze, Underwood's Fall Festival is full of fun activities including a pumpkin patch, food vendors and play areas. The weekends welcome extra activities: ring the family for lives bands and a tractor drawn wagon ride. Also check out their website for special events including an Antique Tractor Day and Western weekend. 

3370 Sunset Valley Rd.
Moorpark
805-529-3690
Online: underwoodfamilyfarms.com

Forneris Farms

Forneris Farms

Forneris Farms in the San Fernando Valley prides itself on being the "original" corn maze of Southern California. These folks take their corn maze seriously with four acres of corn stalks that tower of your head and encourage everyone to "get lost on the farm." This year's maze has a "Country Farm" theme and if your family is feeling energetic and witty you can also try to solve the 12 riddles along the way; they call them the CORNundrums at Forneris Farms. If your witty sidekicks solve all 12 they can enter their riddle card for a chance to win a grand prize. Besides the corn maze, there's also a mini hay maze for little ones to wind their way through. 

15200 Rinaldi St.
Mission Hills
818-730-7709
Online: fornerisfarms.com

Cal Poly Pomona's Pumpkin Festival

Maybe you didn't know it, but Cal Poly Pomona boasts one of the largest pumpkin patches in Southern California as part of its agricultural program. There are over 70,000 pumpkins in this patch and every one—no matter the size—is just $5! On October 5 and 6 the pumpkin patch will host its annual Pumpkin Festival, which includes a must-visit corn maze with corn stalks over 12 feet high. Once your family makes it out, everyone will receive a button naming them a "maze magician." The festival also includes a petting farm, horse rides and lots of fun, interactive play that revolves around the notion of celebrating California agriculture. 

4102 S. University Dr.
Pomona
909-869-2780
Online: cpp.edu/~pumpkinfestival

Tanaka Farms

Lei S. via Yelp

The farm's fall pumpkin patch is a Hello Kitty fan's paradise. The adorable cat is event there to greet you at the corn maze, which is open through October 31 and is included with admission to the pumpkin patch. Little farmers can roam free, get a bit lost (with your supervision) and then make their way out in the end. Afterwards, reward them with a trip to the petting zoo. In addition to the corn maze, Tanaka Farms hosts a Harvest Festival every weekend where the family can enjoy pumpkins cannons, ATV rides and voting in the scarecrow contest. The Tanaka Farm Pumpkin Patch and Harvest Festival runs through October 31.

5380 3/4 University Dr.
Irvine
949-653-2100
Online: tanakafarms.com

Big Horse Corn Maze

SoCal Sparky via Yelp

If you're looking to go big, Head to the Big Horse Feed and Mercantile down in Temecula and get lost in an 11-acre maze—the largest in Southern California. The corn maze and pumpkin patch are open every day of the week and the Harvest Festival is full of family activities every weekend. Besides the massive corn labyrinth, your fall-crazed adventurers can enjoy a hay ride, face painting, a corn cannon and more. Just remember that Temecula can be hot all through October, so bring a hat and sunscreen—those corn stalks don't offer much shade. 

33320 Temecula Pkwy.
Temecula
951-389-4621
Online: bighorsecornmaze.com

—LeTania Smith & Shannan Rouss

featured photo: Alanbatt via Pixabay

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Tickets for the “Dr. Seuss Experience” Are on Sale Right Now & Here’s How to Get Them

by Erica Loop

The upcoming “Dr. Seuss Experience” is a 15,000 square-foot interactive adventure that just got even better! As if the previously announced rooms based on Seuss faves such as The Lorax and Horton Hears a Who! weren’t enough, Kilburn Live! and Dr. Seuss Enterprises recently announced a few can’t-miss additions.

As previously announced, the “Dr. Seuss Experience” features plenty of play-time based on the iconic author’s epic tales. The experience, which opens in Toronto on Oct. 26, will center around a fantastically fab Oh the Places You’ll Go!-themed balloon maze—but that’s not all.

The production company behind this Seuss-tastic creation has added to the experience (even before the opening day). Along with the other themed attractions, look for How the Grinch Stole Christmas and The Sneeches rooms.

Susan Brandt, president of Dr. Seuss Enterprises, L.P., said in a press release, “Our goal from the beginning was always to create a space where visitors could step from one book into another, and this experience will make that dream a reality.” Brandt continued, “This type of attraction wouldn’t be Seussian without these iconic books inspiring every aspect of the Experience, and we still have a few fun surprises left that guests will only be able to see in person.”

So how can you get tickets to this amazing interactive experience? Tickets are on sale right now at experiencesuess.com. If you’re a procrastinator, don’t wait to snag these coveted tickets. Last week’s pre-sale tickets sold out quickly!

—Erica Loop

Photos: Courtesy of Kilburn Live!

 

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Here’s How You Can See the World’s Largest Christmas Light Maze

by Erica Loop

Even though the fall leaves are still green and on the trees, we’re already thinking about Christmas! If you’re a fan of the winter-time holiday and all the decor that goes with it, here’s the scoop on how you can catch a glimpse of the “World’s Largest Christmas Light Maze.”

So how can you visit? Luckily, you have three options in the United States.

Enchant Christmas, a magic-making organization, operates three Christmas light mazes—in Seattle, Washington, D.C. and St. Petersburg, Florida. If you think your neighborhood light display is grand, it’s nothing in comparison to what Enchant Christmas has to offer.

Each light maze takes up one Major League Baseball stadium. According to Enchant Christmas’s St. Petersburg location website, you can expect, “A luminescent land of larger-than-life sculptures, a stunning ice skating trail and decadent delights as snow gently falls around you.” That’s right, even the Florida location has snow!

The massive light maze/market/activity attractions take place from Nov. 22 through Dec. 29. Visit Enchant Christmas’s website here for tickets (adult prices start at $19.99, teens 14 through 17 start at $16.99, kids 4 through 13 start at $14.99 and tots under 4 are free).

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Enchant Christmas via Instagram

 

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