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Pillsbury’s New Pokémon Sugar Cookies Are So Cute, We’ve Gotta Eat ’Em All

by Shahrzad Warkentin

Get ready for the perfect snack to pack on your next Pokémon GO outing. The new Pillsbury Pokémon cookies have just hit store shelves and we’ve gotta have ’em all!

These tasty new pre-cut, round cookies come in a 24-pack and feature a Poké ball (of course) and a silhouette of Pikachu that’ll have you gleefully exclaiming, “Pika! Pika!”

The box even comes with a built-in game of Elemental Hide-‘N’-Seek, a memory-style with element-themed tiles to help you master the elements and pass the time while you wait for your cookies to bake—because a Poké Master always plays to win.

The new Pokémon cookies, which join several other themed Pillsbury sugar cookies like Frozen, Marvel’s Avengers and Justice League, are reportedly available to purchase at Walmart locations across the country.

Better catch ’em all—before they’re gone.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Featured photo: Courtesy of Pillsbury

 

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Playing Pokémon Go Is Good for Your Kids Health, According to Study

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What I’ve Learned by Playing Pokemon Go with My Kids

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Chuck E. Cheese Just Made Play Time So Much Easier—& Wallet-Friendly

by Karly Wood

Chuck E. Cheese’s has just announced its new All You Can Play gaming experience, and your kids are going to love it. Starting at just $9 for 30 minutes of play, parents can now purchase time instead of tokens to play on any game––no exceptions!

The program brings lots of bonuses, including more play time that’s not hindered by running out of tokens or play points, more tickets to purchase prizes and a better controlled experience set by parents. That’s right, no more “…but I have 10 tokens left to play!”

Getting set up under the All You Can Play experience is simple. When you arrive at Chuck E. Cheese’s you can purchase time and it will be linked to a gaming card. Kids can use their card to play any game with no restrictions. Each block of purchased time allows for 2 pauses which you can activate at a kiosk for those bathroom trips and mealtimes. Then you can resume play!

The new program is available any day of the week and any game can be played as many times as your kiddos want. It’s also easy to add time to gaming cards for additional playtime, and the card will automatically stop working once time has run out. Parents rejoice!

While we are sure kids will thoroughly enjoy the new program, the best part is that parents now have tools to plan their family outing and how long it will be. The affordability of All You Can Play means everyone can have fun without feeling like you spent your entire paycheck on tokens, siblings won’t squabble over who has play points still left, and when time’s up, it’s time to go home!

 

––Karly Wood

Feature Photo: Mike Mozart via Flickr.

RELATED STORIES

Sensory Sundays Come to Chuck E. Cheese & It’s Great for Kids with Special Needs

Nostalgia Alert: Chuck E. Cheese Just Got Rid of It’s Animatronic Band

Chuck E. Cheese’s Has a Candy Corn Pizza, and It Might Not Be What You Think!

 

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Everything You Need for a Picnic Perfect Outing

by Erin Lem

Spread out your blanket and get ready for a picnic perfect day in the sun. From a bag that converts to a blanket to water bottles that will keep your drink cold for 24 hours, we’ve found 14 family picnic essentials for your next outing. Click through the photo gallery to get your picnic party started.

Better Than a Brown Bag

Your kids will never want a brown bag lunch after toting their picnic eats in this lunch box that is oh-so neat-oh! Unzip the lunch box and find a ready-to-use placemat. When used as directed, the lunch box will keep your food cold for up to 7 hours.

Available at Neat-Oh! for $12.99



Did we miss your must-have picnic product? Tell us below what else you’d add to our gallery.

– Erin Lem

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Let’s Go to the Mall: 4 Fun Play Spaces

by Marianne Walters

The secret to a successful mall outing with kids is simple, really: play areas! These Portland malls keep mini shoppers in mind and offer up safe, enclosed play areas with puzzles, soft climbing structures, and plenty of room to run around. You can even take advantage of decked-out family lounges, snacks for kids, or nearby grown-up fuel (hello Starbucks!) as you watch your youngsters play. Your family shopping spree just got a whole lot easier!

photo: Washington Square by Marianne Walters

Washington Square
West-side families flock to Washington Square for a giant selection of shops, services, restaurants, and the fantastically popular play space (designed for kids under 42 inches tall). Located right next to JCPenney (park there for an easy entry and exit), this large, circular space has plenty of seating around the edges for parents to keep a close eye on their young ones. Shoes are removed and the soft play structures are completely safe for even the newest walkers.

Nearby shops include Crazy 8, Build-a-Bear Workshop, Lego, GameStop, Stride Rite, and Gymboree. (Psst… Jamba Juice, Starbucks, and Cinnabon are right around the corner if you need a pick-me-up while watching them play.) The play area is closed each day for cleaning from 1-2 p.m., so you can rest easy knowing that the space is clean and ready for play.

9585 SW Washington Square Rd.
503-639-8860
Online: shopwashingtonsquare.com

photo: Lloyd Center Play Area via Yelp

Lloyd Center
Northeast families can get all their shopping done at Lloyd Center, where a variety of large department stores complement the smaller shops and services in this bustling shopping center. The play area is tucked away from the general flow of foot traffic (on the lower level between Ross and the ice skating rink), which keeps it from getting too crowded. In the immediate area you’ll find restrooms with baby changing tables, an elevator for easy stroller access to the other floors, and (in case of a sudden need for fuel) a vending machine with chocolate milk.

The Lloyd Center play area is best suited for the smaller tykes (less than 48 inches tall), but that’s ok because there is plenty for the big kids to do as well. Go upstairs to Barnes & Noble for some book browsing, then walk across the foot bridge over the ice rink to watch the impressive ice skaters (or better yet, treat the fam to a quick ice skating session). Then head to the food court on the 3rd level for lunch at a local favorite, Bridge City Cafe. There is even child-sized seating for the youngest members of the family.

2201 Lloyd Center
503-282-2511
Online: lloydcenter.com

photo: Westfield Vancouver

Westfield Vancouver
Just over the Columbia River you’ll find a shopper’s paradise at Westfield Vancouver–and a great space for mini shoppers, too. Look for Cinetopia and you’ll see the PlaySpace, where parents and caregivers can kick back and children can run and climb (just stash those shoes in the cubbies first). Then skip over to Old Navy, The Children’s Place, or Gymboree to stock up on essentials. Snacks can be found at Wetzel’s Pretzels, or head right upstairs for lunch options.

In addition to the PlaySpace, families get the royal treatment in the family lounge, where you’ll find rest-worthy seating for grown-ups and little ones, baby changing stations, private nursing areas, and kid-friendly TV programs. Put the shopping bags down and take a load off! Two family lounges can be found on Level 1 in the Dining Court and Level 2 near JCPenney.

8700 NE Vancouver Mall Dr.
Vancouver
360-892-6255
Online: westfield.com/vancouver

photo: Clackamas Town Center

Clackamas Town Center
If you’re looking for a rainy-day outing that will keep the family dry, hop on the MAX Green Line and take it all the way to Clackamas, where you can get off right at the Clackamas Town Center. Locate Sears (or park there if you’ve driven) and you’ll find an outdoor-themed, ever-popular play space for children up to 48 inches tall. Parents love this play area because of the convenient restrooms and nursing room–and the whimsical logs, trees, and tents are always a hit with the kiddies.

If playtime got you prepped for shopping time, head to nearby babyGap and GapKids, The Children’s Place, Disney Store, and Gymboree. Check out Young Art for art classes and birthday parties!

12000 SE 82nd Ave.
Happy Valley
503-653-6913
Online: clackamastowncenter.com

Which indoor play space is your family’s favorite? Let us know in the comments below!

– Marianne Walters

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On Tap: Seattle’s Sweetest Spots for Root Beer Floats

by Chelsea Lin

As the story goes, the first float was made out of necessity: a very wise man decided to use ice cream to cool his drink when he ran out of ice cubes back in 1874. Now, though, it’s pure summertime fun at its very simplest. Sure, you can make it at home, but why bother when these six spots make root beer floats so delightfully delicious and accessible? Throw in some retro decorations and an old school vibe and you’ve got yourself a sweet summertime outing.

Triple XXX Root Beer

No trip to or through Issaquah is complete without a visit to XXX and its giant orange barrel sign. The kitschy decorations and gigantic, drip-down-your-elbows burgers make it the quintessential drive-in, but the real reason to stop is right in the name: the old school, house-made root beer concocted from the original 1930s recipe. You can order a frosty mug on its own, but it’s even better with the scoops of vanilla ice cream—and sprinkles atop the kiddie version. Go for the super float if you want one big enough for the whole family.

98 N.E. Gilman Blvd.
Issaquah, Wa 98027
425-392-1266
Online: triplexrootbeer.com
Hours: Mon.- Sat., 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m.; Sun., 8 a.m.-9 p.m.

photo: Chelsea Lin

What’s your favorite brand of root beer? Share your sweet addiction in the Comments below!

— Chelsea Lin

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Have a Boatload of Fun On a Family Ecology Sail

by rtkimsunshine

The new Family Ecology Sails at the South Street Seaport Museum really do offer something for pretty much every member of the household. History buffs will dig the 19th-century schooner that serves as the vessel; boaters will love hoisting the sail of the ship and those who enjoy creatures of the deep will see more than a few hauled in from the waters of New York Harbor. (Parents will love that it’s interactive, fun and educational — no kiddie rides and long lines involved.) And the views? Also not too shabby.

photo: Lian Chang via Flickr

All Aboard!
The historic vessel alone that’s used for the maritime excursion is impressive. Constructed in 1885, the schooner Pioneer has wrought-iron hull, and was the first of only two iron-hulled cargo ships built in the U.S. Now, it’s the only iron-hulled American merchant sailing vessel in existence! 

First thing’s first: guests get a quick lesson in the right way to stand (subway surfing experience comes in handy here), where to sit and all the nitty gritty of the mighty ship. In no time at all, you and the kids are helping to capture the water that will eventually be used to hold any fish caught on the expedition.

Both children and adults help raise the sails of the Pioneer, learning the terminology used by the crew for when to go, stop and let go of the rope. As an amazing bonus of the journey to the fishing grounds of Bay Ridge, passengers take in spectacular views of downtown Manhattan, Governors Island, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. (We’ll venture to say the view of Lady Liberty from the Pioneer is actually far superior to the one you get when you visit the statue herself, in part because you have an up close view without having to crane your neck.)

photo: South Street Seaport Museum

Go Fish! 
With the help of nearly every child on the boat (and some adults, too) a trawl net is set up with the hope of bringing up a variety of sea creatures. Because this is nature, not Disneyland, it’s never certain what will be caught, and staffmembers make no promises. (But, there’s also a chance you might snag a seahorse!)

On our outing we were lucky enough to catch Porgy, Blue Crabs, Flounder and even a Moon Snail. Crew members explain how each creature moves in the water, what they eat, and possibly most interesting, why they look the way they do. It was great to see kids of a variety of ages ask and answer questions about the fish, and the South Street Seaport Museum educator kept the trip interesting at every turn.

photo: South Street Seaport

Know Before You Go
We’d recommend this outing for both locals and tourists alike, and while it’s recommended for those ages 5 and up, the four-year-old  we brought along (who happens to be fascinated with sea life) was fully-engaged the entire time. Keep in mind that the excursion takes place during prime lunch time (noon-3pm) so bringing water and non-messy snacks to keep everyone satiated is advised.

FYI: South Street Seaport Museum members receive a $5 discount per ticket.

When
The remaining dates of this unique excursion are August 21 and September 25, 2016 from Noon -3pm. If your child is into the sea, sea life, sailing or sightseeing and you can’t make these dates, you can inquire about how to possibly plan a school trip.

South Street Seaport Museum Family Ecology Sails
Aug. 21& Sept. 25, 2016, Noon – 3 p.m.
Tickets: $45/adults; $40 children 12 and under
12 Fulton St,.
South Street Seaport Museum
Pier 16
(212) 748-8600
Online: southstreetseaportmuseum.org

What’s your favorite NYC boating trip to take with the kids? Let us know in the comments!

— Kim Sunshine

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Awesome Ways to Welcome Summer in D.C.

by rttriciamirchandani

Celebrate the end of an era – the school lunch prep era that is – with a fun family outing around D.C. With summer on the horizon, slow down and take the time to peruse Kramer Books, wait for the weekend and head out for a casual day trip or finally take the outing you’ve been eyeing all year. Whether it’s kiddo playdate or movie time, we’ve listed local and awesome low-key ways of “partying it up” with your munchkins below.

Make mealtime sparkle
Now that you’re in no rush for an early bedtime, add a little sparkle to dinner by allowing your kiddos to pick where to eat. Choose a location that feels a bit more special than the average like the Georgetown Waterfront, where many restaurants offer waterside seating.

Head to Union Station for long time favorite options like Shake Shack or Kabuki Sushi. If staying away from downtown is more your speed, check out Clarendon Blvd in Arlington or Woodmont and Bethesda Avenues in Bethesda fwhere ice cream shops are plenty. Nothing screams summer like walking down a sweet little street with an ice cream cone in hand.

photo: Geoff Livingston via flickr

Create a giant playdate
Though chock full of lazy days, summer also brings a feeling of random busyness that makes planning playdates a bit tricky. Use Facebook  Events (perfect for an easy headcount) to get your kids’ friends together. Host the party at your house or venture into the city. Meet up at the National Zoo or retreat from the hot sun and wander around Roosevelt Island. Explore the monuments on the Mall before the tourists come in. Let loose at Cabin John Regional Park. Just remember to keep the invitation casual and open-ended, just like summer should be, and then celebrate with whomever can be there!

photo: usoceangov via flickr

Get away in the city
Break out of winter hibernation and wander the city. Revisit your favorite spots, take a slow walk around your favorite parts of the city, and see what’s changed since it was last warm enough for this kind of stroll. Or maybe you want to check out an area that you haven’t spent much time in before. Penn Quarter doesn’t make the top list of places to visit with kids very often but with the Spy Museum, nearby Chintatown, and loads of shops and restaurants, it’s a great place to sneak away to. Georgetown is always changing and fun to explore and there is no better place to wander and stroll than Eastern Market on the weekends.

photo: Tim Evanson via flickr

New season, new book
For the days that are all about relaxing, indulge in some words instead. A book, especially one that your child has wanted to read but didn’t have time to during busy school days, can be the perfect gift to cap off a great year. Head over to the great selection at Kramer Books, or bring your child with you and spend an hour browsing the shelves together.

photo: Chris Staley via flickr 

Because there’s no school tomorrow…
… make time to take in a movie! Options are endless when it comes to figuring out what to put on the screen (and which screen to watch). If you want to go big, there is always the IMAX at the Smithsonian. For a more low-key time, choose a family favorite and watch the film from the comfort of your own couch. Import a few treats from local shops like Georgetown Cupcake. Try unique candy from across the pond over at It’Sugar. Don’t have the means to make popcorn? Try Stella’s Pop Kern – they have mystery flavors.

How will you celebrate the end of school this year? Let us know in the Comments below! 

— Tricia Mirchandani

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Fun and Games: Book-Inspired Activities that Make Reading Come to Life

by rtemmasmith

What’s better than you and your kiddos cozying up to a stack of new books? Using the pages as your blueprints to some awesome real-life adventures! We’ve paired up a collection of new children’s titles by local authors and illustrators with nearby activities for you and your family, ripped right from the stories.

This month, we went straight to the good stuff: fun and games. We’ve matched each book, which features kids playing, creating, imagining, and building, with a parallel outing. From taking in a flick at an old-timey movie house to digging a hole to China, these adventures speak to the child in all of us.

Catch a Flick!

Read this:  Ivy and Bean Take the Case, by Annie Barrows. Illustrated by Sophie Blackall. In the tenth installment of this popular chapter book series, the dynamic duo is inspired by watching a classic film noir to hang out a private detective shingle of their own. Although simple sentence structure and frequent illustrations make this a good choice for beginning readers, kids will also enjoy having it read aloud.

Then do this:  Are you an old film buff? Bring your kids into the fold with a Saturday morning viewing at the classic Balboa Theater in San Francisco. Bucking the trend of neighborhood theaters closing, the Balboa has managed to stay in business by offering creative programs, such as its kid-friendly matinee Popcorn Palace. $10 buys you a ticket, popcorn, and drink. Movie choices tend toward '80s classics like E.T. and The Princess Bride.

3630 Balboa St.
San Francisco, CA
415-221-8184
Online: cinemasf.com/balboa/pocorn-palace/

Do you have any other suggestions pairing great books with real-world fun? Tell us in the comments below! 

—Emma Bland Smith

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Ready To Roll: Kennesaw Skate Park

by Phebe Wahl

If you have a budding boarder in your brood, do them a solid and skate over to Kennesaw Skate Park. The recently opened, Street League certified skate plaza is housed in beautiful Swift-Cantrell Park, and is one of the largest skate parks in the Southeast. With 40,000 square feet of street, bowl and flow elements—as well as nearby play areas for younger tots and furred friends—it is an outing your whole family will be stoked with. Here’s the wheel deal about this awesome skate park.

When to go: Drop by anytime basically from dawn to dusk.  The park’s hours are 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Where to find it: 3140 Old 41 Highway, Kennesaw, Ga

What to see/do: Make a day of it; Swift-Cantrell Park also features two play areas packed with equipment perfect for the little ones. You can also bring fido! There’s a dog park suited for both big and little furry friends.

Where to have lunch: Take off your gear and head to one of the covered picnic tables. Or find a nice grassy spot to sit and chow down.

How to dress: Protection is paramount here. Make sure you’re decked out in your skateboard safety gear.

Bonus: Ready for a run? Why not utilize one of the park’s two paved walking trails?

Cost: Parking and admittance to the park is free.

Online: www.skatekennesaw.com

Is your little grommet looking for lessons? Click here to check out a skate school in Atlanta!

—Jessica Obenschain

Photos courtesy of Kennesaw.com

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