Whether it’s your kids’ sugar intake you’re looking to minimize or your own, the new Nestlé Tollhouse Mini Ice Cream Sandwiches are the perfect solution.
These miniature versions of Nestlé’s regular ice cream sandwich feature vanilla-flavored frozen dairy dessert between two thick, chewy chocolate chip cookies. They are perfect for a small treat when you’re craving something sweet without overdoing it.
photo: Courtesy of Nestlé Tollhouse
Each box comes packed with 12 mini ice cream sandwiches just right for a bite-sized snack. Toll House Mini Vanilla Sandwiches will be available at most major grocery stores and mass merchandisers in the coming months.
Soccer super-star Hope Solo is pregnant—with twins! The former U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team goalkeeper recently revealed her baby news (times two) while co-hosting the beIN SPORTS Weekend Winners show.
According to Solo, she and husband former NFL player Jerramy Stevens, will have a boy and a girl. During the announcement, Solo told fans, “Miniature soccer team on the way.”
The couple’s sweet baby news comes months after Solo suffered a miscarriage, also with twins. Last February Solo miscarried what she thought was a single pregnancy. Still in pain a week later, the soccer star went to the doctor only to find out that she had a second, ectopic pregnancy.
In an interview with Elle, Solo said, “The doctor said I was hours from dying. They ended up having to remove my fallopian tube.” Despite the devastating setback Solo and Stevens kept trying, via IVF. Now it looks like the couple’s determination has paid off—and Solo will soon become a true soccer mom.
Even though the holiday decor at your local mall and the faux fir display at the big box outlets may make it seem like Christmas is here, it’s still autumn. With that in mind, Milky Way has a tasty treat that will remind you of a fall fave—caramel apples!
Milky Way Caramel Apple Minis combine the chocolate-y malt nougat and caramel you know and love with a red delicious apple flavor. Think of these miniature chocolate bars as a candy-coated fruit-packed version of the original.
Whether you’re still in full-on sweater weather mode or you’re already planning for the winter season, these pint-sized picks are the perfect way to treat yourself (or your kiddos) to a different sort of tasty sweet.
So where can you buy Milky Way Caramel Apple Minis? Snag an 11.5-ounce bag on Amazon for just under $14 or get a two-pack on Walmart.com for under $8. If you’re even considering trying this fall flavor, pick up a bag/pack quickly. This seasonal chocolate is a limited-time treat!
My daughter. She’s a wily one. Born smack in the middle of two boys with a mom who cares more that she gets in a good run than a good manicure, my tender bloom is equal parts girly-girl and gunslinger.
By birth order alone, she inherited a basement full of action hero costumes, dinosaurs, trains, and LEGOs. In this jungle of—like it or not—stereotypical boy-ness, for years my daughter never knew that there were princess palaces and pink cheerleading outfits to contemplate. And even after the floodgates of pink, purple, and sparkly opened, I still find her sifting through her brothers’ stash, often looking for just the right prop for whatever drama she’s acting out. She learned early on to take what she has and make it work.
Just. Like. A. Girl. Can I get an amen, anyone?
Consider her adventures with LEGOs for a moment. While my son is a stickler for following the instructions and playing along with whatever theme comes plastered on the box (grateful to have at least one rule follower), my daughter takes the mismatched sets and works miracles. The chassis of a Ninja Turtles sixteen wheeler? That’s a stage for her ballerina police officer. Darth Vader in miniature? Nope. He’s a ninja warrior who fights red legos that she’s planted all over the playroom floor (oh, joy!). Her structures, while elaborately created from imagination instead of the blueprints we lost ages ago, matter less in the grand order of LEGO playtime. It’s her plot—the story and the drama and the interactions between her characters—that matters more.
Now, before you start feeling too sorry for my little LEGO lover, I should tell you that we’ve supplied her with plenty “girl” sets of her own. But the same thing happens. We build the set to specifications, and by the next afternoon Elsa has become a cowgirl on Sven’s back, Anna is a sled-driving horse thief, and Olaf is Sherif. The trading post we spent an hour building is snapped to the top of her brother’s LEGO X-Wing, and the Death Star is in jeopardy from an ice cube slinging Kristoff. It’s the plot that matters more.
At night, when I worry about my kids—or more honestly, about my parenting skills—I comb through the remnants of the day, searching for signs that I’m doing something right. And when she’s been on a LEGO kick, it’s easy to find what I’m looking for. Because if there’s any skill that a woman needs in this world, it’s her ability to pick up the mismatched pieces in the LEGO drawer of life and build something beautiful, exciting, and exactly right for herself out of it.
Shelley Massey is a writer and editor for family travel, fitness, and lifestyle publications. She enjoys exploring with her four kids ages 10 & under, running, good food, entertaining, and great stories. And though she and her family live happily in Atlanta, their hearts are in Tennessee.
Ready to take your little railroad conductors on a train ride near you? We’ve got ten local train rides to tell you about––from a quick zip on a rare, antique model G16 to a day trip adventure along the coast––that will thrill kids of all ages. Read on to see where to get on the right track for an unforgettable excursion.
The Pacific Surfliner
Kerry Cushman
Climb aboard the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner for a scenic ride that is sure to please train aficionados of all ages. The Pacific Surfliner extends from San Diego to San Luis Obispo and many SoCal spots in between. Plan a day trip to a nearby beach town or make it a car-free overnight staycation. Either way, the stunning views along the Pacific Ocean will make the journey just as fun as the destination.
Check train schedules online to plan your adventure and look for special deals and discounts.
Located right outside the entrance of the world famous San Diego Zoo, hop on board for a 3-minute ride on a model G16 (a rare antique -- there are as few as fifty currently remaining)! It’s a half-mile mini tour of the San Diego region through four acres of Balboa Park, with signs letting you know what part of town you're traveling through (such as “East County”). Cuddle up to over-sized stuffed animals who ride on the train and enjoy the view. Your little conductor will enjoy spotting zoo animal sculptures and going through a long tunnel before the train ride ends.
Hours: Fri., Sat. & Sun. (and holidays) 11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Tickets: $3/person; Free/1 year and under
LEGOLAND Express Train
Beth Shea
While there's so much to see and do at this theme park, a true train enthusiast won't pass up an opportunity to ride a train, even at LEGOLAND. The LEGOLAND Express is located in Duplo Playtown and it makes two laps on a circular track through a farm with LEGO brick crops, including carrots and corn. Unlike many other LEGOLAND rides, there are no height requirements to ride the LEGOLAND Express! However, kids under 36”, must be accompanied by a responsible rider who's 36" or taller.
LEGOLAND California 1 LEGOLAND Dr. Carlsbad, CA 92009 Online: legoland.com
Although their Steam Loco is currently out of service, kids can still climb aboard the cable car or speeder train at Poway-Midland Railroad. The narrow-gauge railroad operates only on Saturdays and Sundays, making it the perfect weekend activity for your little train operators. The Depot Store sells train tickets in addition to Thomas & Friends merchandise.
While the train ride is approximately a 5 minute, 2-lap route around Old Poway Park, it's just the right amount of time to decide what to explore next. There’s something fun for everyone at Old Poway Park: good eats at the Hamburger Factory restaurant or Farmer’s Market as well as craft shows, local history and year-round family fun. Plus, it's a great place to take family photos!
Old Poway Park 14134 Midland Rd. Poway, CA 92064 Online: powaymidlandrr.org
Hours: Sat.: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. & Sun. 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. CLOSED: Second Sunday of each month and from the second Sunday in December until the first weekend in January for winter break.
The COASTER is a commuter train that runs north and south along the San Diego County coast from the Santa Fe Depot in downtown to Oceanside. Plan to stop in one of the coastal communities and pack a picnic to enjoy at the beach. Or, just enjoy the view of the Pacific Ocean along the route.
Begin by planning a trip by checking out the COASTER's online schedule. It should be noted that fares vary from start-to-end zone. For example, an adult round-trip fare from downtown San Diego to Oceanside (through 3 zones) is $13. Kids under age 6 ride for free with a fare-paying passenger.
A club of railroad hobbyists called the Chula Vista Live Steamers run miniature steam and diesel engine trains on various weekends. No train fare is required, but donations are greatly appreciated. The miniature trains typically run on the second weekend of the month from noon-2:30 p.m., but be sure to check the schedule and online calendar in advance.
Your rail buff will be on cloud nine at the Pacific Southwest Railway Museum located in Campo, East County San Diego. The Golden State Limited rides through the back country scenery of San Diego County and along the Mexican border, crossing the Campo Creek Viaduct and entering into International Tunnel #4. It's a 12-mile round trip ride that lasts about 45 minutes. You can also treat your train fan (age 6 and up) to a cab ride in the locomotive with the engineer by making reservations in advance for $40 for a round trip. Only two riders are allowed in the cab at one time.
After your train ride, visit the train museum and view a large collection of steam and diesel locomotives, passenger cars and cabooses.
You'll board this trackless train on the mall’s level 3 near the Dining Court. After your train ride, your little engineer will be thrilled to shop the nearby Totally Thomas’ Toy Depot stocked from floor to ceiling with Thomas & Friends toys, games and art supplies! If you need to find a limited-edition Thomas train or a perfect birthday surprise for your train collector, this is your store.
Westfield North County 272 East Via Rancho Parkway Escondido, CA 92025 Online: westfield.com/northcounty
Train hours: Mon.-Sat.. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sun. noon- 7 p.m. Tickets: $4/per person/per ride. Kids 6 months and younger are free.
Catch this trackless train on the first floor of the mall near Macy’s. After your train ride, the whole family will enjoy the nearby John’s Incredible Pizza Co. featuring a tasty all you can eat buffet, rides, games and attractions. And pay a visit to the Disney store upstairs, where your little ones will love to see their favorite characters including Mickey Mouse, the Disney Princesses, Pooh and so many more.
Westfield Plaza Bonita 3030 Plaza Bonita Rd. National City, CA 91950 Online: westfield.com/plazabonita
Train hours: Mon.- Fri. noon to 8 p.m. Sat. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sun. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tickets: $4/per person/per ride. Kids 6 months and younger are free.
After scoring deals at nearby Disney Store and Kate Spade outlet, it's time to reward your patient train crew with a well-deserved train ride on a mini steam locomotive replica: The Choo Choo Express located right off center court between Aeropostale and Calvin Klein. Tickets cost $3 per train ride and $2 for an adult to accompany a kiddo (and kids under 3 must be accompanied by an adult). At the end of your ride, head to the Disney Store Outlet, Baby GAP, Carter's and OshKosh B'Gosh to shop.
Don't forget that this outlet mall is close to many other family favorite attractions in the area including The Flower Fields, LEGOLAND and Museum of Making Music.
Carlsbad Premium Outlets 5620 Paseo del Norte Carlsbad, CA 92008 Online: premiumoutlets.com
If you’re a succa for succulents, you’re going to love Target’s new Halloween-themed mini succulents––especially at the low, low price of four dollars or less.
The miniature planter collection is part of Target’s Hyde & EEK! Boutique and features six different adorable and somewhat spooky designs. The best part is, these little succulents are totally faux, which means you can box them up with your Halloween decor at the end of October and enjoy them again and again each year! Here are all the cute designs you can choose from.
The LA County Fair offers way more than carnival rides and fried food on a stick—though there’s plenty of that too. As one of the largest county fairs in North America, it’s chockfull of family fun. From mini horses to giant train cars, read on for our guide to everything to see and do with kids at this year’s extravaganza.
Tickets! Get Your Tickets!
Linnaea Mallette via publicdomainpictures.net
Dates & Times: The fair kicks off on Fri., August 30 (noon to midnight) and goes through September 22. After Labor Day weekend, it's open Wed.-Sun. On weekdays, gates open at noon; while on weekends, they open at 10a.m.
Cost: Admission to the fair on weekdays (Wed.-Fri.) costs $14 for adults (ages 13 and up) and $8 for kids ages 6-12. Kids 5 and under are free—woohoo! On weekends and holidays (ahem, Labor Day Monday), ticket prices jump to $20 for adults and $12 for kids ages 6-12. Be prepared to pay for parking—general parking is $15, VIP is $25, and valet is $30.
Insider Tip: Visit any participating Ralphs Grocery store Aug. 21-Sept. 22 and you can score single-day admission tickets for just $12 for adults and $6 for kids.
Let's Eat!
Laura Green
Of course, there's plenty of cotton candy, corn dogs, deed-fried everything (even watermelon) and even buffalo chicken and mac 'n' cheese in a waffle cone (yep, that's a thing). But you can also find fare that's, well, less fair-y. Past options have included vegan tacos, fruit smoothies and fresh grilled veggie flatbreads right from the farm. If none of those sounds good to your little ones, there's always the Rainbow Pop Grilled Cheese, which you can find at The Dog House for $6.50.
Insider Tip: Find more meal option that are part of the $6.50 value menu.
RailGiants Train Museum
Courtesy of RailGiants Train Museum
All aboard! Locomotive-loving kids will love a stop at this museum on the Fairplex grounds. Step inside some of the largest steam engines and diesel locomotives in the world, plus explore authentic sleeping and dining cars, and a historical train depot built in 1885. Added bonus: Kids can even blow the whistle in a giant engine!
After checking out RailGiants, chugga-chugga on over to this miniature railroad that's been a Fair exhibit since 1924. With more than 10,000 feet of operating track, it's one of the largest public garden railroads in the U.S. Choo-choo!
Farm Fun
A county fair isn't a county fair without plenty of livestock to visit and pet. At the Big Red Barn, you'll find the Rawhide Dude Ranch where kids can learn to lasso a cow, ride on rocking horses and visit the resident horse Copper and her friends.
There also the Little Red Barn, home to all sorts of miniature critters like pint-sized horses, pigs, cows and more! Get a moo-ve on!
Kiddie Carnival
Courtesy of LA County Fair
If your kids are adamant about trying out a few rides, make your way to the Kiddie Carnival (Behind the Garden Railraod) with rides specifically for the under 4-foot set. From mini bumper cars to a carousel, there's a little something for everyone.
What better way to start your fall day than with a bowl of spooky cereal? Funko is launching a line of Disney villain breakfast cereals featuring Nightmare Before Christmas and Little Mermaid characters, and you’re going to want to try them all.
The first two villains getting the cereal treatment are Oogie Boogie from The Nightmare Before Christmas and Ursula from The Little Mermaid. The cereal itself will consist of colored rings (think Fruit Loops), which will be a neon green for the Oogie Boogie cereal and dark purple for Ursula.
Currently, there’s no word on what they will taste like, but each box will also come packaged with a miniature Funko Pocket POP! toy of the characters.
According to Insider, Funko plans to roll out more cereals based on other famous Disney villains, but there’s no information yet on which characters those will be or when the cereal will be available.
The Oogie Boogie and Ursula cereals will be sold exclusively at Spencer’s and Spirit Halloween stores nationwide starting Sep. 11. If you just can’t wait, however, you can pre-order the cereals online for $10.99 a box at Spencer’s and Spirit Halloween.
It’s been half a century since the grim grinning ghosts took up residence at the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland and it’s time to celebrate with a ghoulish bash and of course, plenty of spooktacular souvenirs.
Guests at both Disneyland and Disney World will have the chance to commemorate this very special anniversary beginning Aug. 9 with an incredible limited edition collection featuring apparel, accessories, collectibles and more. If you just can’t get enough of those hitchhiking ghosts, you can start by taking one home with you in a jar.
The Host A Ghost! glass jar allows you to conjure up your ghoulish pals at home thanks to a little magic from Madame Leota. The ghost selection includes Constance Hatchaway, Professor Phineas Plump, The Hatbox Ghost and more.
It wouldn’t be a Disney Parks event without special ears and you can score from a selection of commemrative ear hats and headbands. They’ll pair perfectly with Haunted Mansion Anniversary t-shirts and a Dooney & Burke collection of handbags.
You’ll also find jewelry collections by PANDORA and ALEX and ANI, commemorative pins, a toy replica of a doom buggy and so much more. One of the best pieces by far, however, is a FunkoPop collab featuring a miniature version of the all knowing Madame Leota inside her crystal ball.
Guests will also be treated to sweets like the Host-A-Ghost chocolate cupcake made with a dark chocolate truffle filling, crispy pearls, buttercream icing and milk chocolate decoration. You can also take home a special ghostly photo with Disney PhotoPass Magic Shots.
All of the merchandise will be available at select retailers at Disneyland and Disney World beginning Aug. 9 as long as supplies last.
—Shahrzad Warkentin
Featured photo: Courtesy of Joshua Sudock/Disneyland Resort
June is national LGBTQ Pride Month and New York hosts one of the biggest Pride Parades in the country, so it’s only fitting that it should also be home to the world’s smallest Pride Parade.
At the LEGOLAND Discovery Center in Westchester visitors are invited to attend the world’s smallest Pride Parade through the streets of a miniature New York City, all made out of your favorite plastic bricks.
To commemorate the fifty years since the Stonewall riots that brought LGBTQ rights to the public eye, the LEGOLAND Discovery Center in Westchester has transformed its MINILAND Times Square streets with rainbow flags, “Pride” and “Love is Love” floats and a ‘Stonewall 50’ billboard.
The parade and rainbows will be marching through MINILAND Times Square streets all month long until the real NYC Pride Parade on Jun. 30.
—Shahrzad Warkentin
All photos: Courtesy of LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester
