CNN & Sesame Street Will Hold a Second Town Hall About COVID-19

by Jennifer SwartvagherApril 22, 2020

CNN and Sesame Street will join together for a second very special Town Hall this Saturday morning to help children and parents deal with issues surrounding the coronavirus. The ABC’s of COVID-19 will be hosted by Dr. Sanjay Gupta and CNN anchor Erica Hill and Big Bird on Sat., Jun. 13 at 10 a.m. ET on CNN, CNN International and CNN en Español. The 90-minute special will provide information and tools for families, and answer the big questions both parents and kids have.

This new special will cover the latest additional issues surrounding coronavirus, including staying safe in the summer months, going back to school and how to manage big feelings. This second hour-long special will again be hosted by CNN’s Dr. Sanjay Gupta and Erica Hill, along with Sesame Street’s Big Bird, with special appearances from Elmo and Abby Cadabby.

The ABC’s of COVID-19 builds on Sesame Workshop’s new Caring for Each Other initiative, which provides free content designed to help parents provide comfort and manage anxiety as well as creating routines, fostering playful learning at home, and staying physically and mentally healthy. This free resource is powered by the nonprofit’s Critical Needs Response Fund. Viewers can support this crucial source of flexible funding, designed to meet the urgent needs of children and families, by visiting SesameWorkshop.org/response or texting SESAME to 51555 during the broadcast.

The ABCs of COVID-19 will stream live for subscribers on CNN.com’s homepage and across mobile devices via CNN’s apps for iOS and Android. It can also be viewed on CNNgo (at CNN.com/go on your desktop, smartphone, and iPad, and via CNNgo apps for Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire, SamsungSmart TV, Chromecast, and Android TV). The special will also be available on demand to subscribers via cable/satellite systems, CNNgo platforms and CNN mobile apps.

Additional Caring for Each Other resources addressing everyday challenges like missing friends and feeling worried were made possible by AT&T.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: Sesame Street Workshop

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Celebrities Rally Behind No Kid Hungry in Support of School Breakfast

by Jennifer SwartvagherMarch 3, 2020

Many kids do not receive enough fuel to get through the school day. Breakfast powers kids to reach their full potential, but many kids start off the day on an empty stomach. No Kid Hungry, a national campaign to end childhood hunger in America, is raising awareness around the power of school breakfast to help change that.

This week (March 1-7) is National School Breakfast Week and No Kid Hungry is teaming up with celebrities to launch their annual “Powered by Breakfast” initiative. No Kid Hungry is rallying support around breakfast served during school hours, and its benefit to the 1 in 7 kids in the US living with hunger.

No Kid Hungry is encouraging individuals across the country to sign an open letter to America’s children urging our nation’s leaders to help change the way school breakfast is served. The letter will be printed in a national publication next month for visibility among key decision makers.

A number of celebrity supporters have joined No Kid Hungry in raising their voices by signing the open letter; among current signatures are award-winning recording artist P!NK; actors Jeff Bridges and Kristen Bell; celebrity chefs and TV personalities Andrew Zimmern, Curtis Stone, Duff Goldman, and more. To join the list of supporters, anyone can text ‘SIGN’ to 877-877.

“My girls are fortunate; they get to start each day with full bellies, but it’s not the same reality for all kids. How can we expect kids to grow up healthy and strong, and do well in school if they don’t get the nourishment they need?” said Kristen Bell. “I signed No Kid Hungry’s open letter to children because I’ve gone into the classroom and seen the impact of school breakfast firsthand—by the simple act of serving breakfast in the classroom, kids are ready to learn! Kids can focus on just being kids, not the rumbling in their tummies. A healthy breakfast can make all the difference.”

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: Wokandapix from Pixabay

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There’s a Singing Baby Shark Toothbrush & Brushing Just Got Fun

by Karly WoodFebruary 14, 2020

Getting your kiddos to brush their teeth just got a whole lot easier! If your little is a fan of the Pinkfong phenomenon then the new Brite Brush Baby Shark toothbrush from Target is right up their ally.

The $20 cordless, battery-powered toothbrush is perfect for ages three and up, and comes with tons of features that not only make brushing fun, but ensure a good brush job, too.

To start, the Baby Shark toothbrush comes with lights and audio that keep kids engaged and brushing the recommended amount of time––including the famous Baby Shark song. Additionally, the interactive brush comes with two games that offer tips on brushing as they “play” the game.

––Karly Wood

All photos: Courtesy of Target

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These Are “Time for Kids” World’s Coolest Places for Families 2019

by Erica LoopDecember 11, 2019

Time for Kids recently announced its 2019 top 50 fun places for families list. Whether you’re looking for a place to play, learn, explore or eat, this list has it all.

So which global attractions and spaces for kiddos made the list? Check out the highlights of the top 50 winners and get the full list here.

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Play

If you want to stay state-side, Time for Kids suggests Seattle, Washington’s Artists at Play. Like the name implies, this super-artsy play area is all about creativity and fun! With a 38-foot curly slide and a human-powered carousel, this artist-designed space is filled with all kinds of imaginative awesomeness. Families headed out of the country, may want to try out some of the international picks, including CopenHill in Copenhagen, Denmark, Escape in Penag, Malaysia or the LEGO House in Billund, Denmark.

Learn

Go back in time thousands of years at Los Angeles’ La Brea Tar Pits or explore modern agriculture at Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Other winners in this coolest category include the Apollo Mission Control Center at NASA’s Johnson Space Center and Moat Brae in Dumfries, United Kingdom.

Explore

Your fam can get in touch with nature in some of Time’s coolest picks for places to explore. Cherry Springs State Park in Cloudersport, Pennsylvania, the Children’s Eternal Rainforest in Monteverde, Costa Rica, Neuschwanstein Castle in Hohenschwangau, Germany and The Lion King Adventure in Kenya are just a few selections in this category.

Eat

Are you on the search for a “cool” place to eat? Forget about fries and buttered noodles, these foodie finds are on a whole new level. The winners in this category include Creator in San Francisco, California, PBJ.LA in Los Angeles, California, Saint Pierre in Singapore, The Kinderkookkafe in the Netherlands and SafeHouse Milwaukee in Wisconsin.

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: PBJ.LA via Instagram

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These Sam’s Club Exclusive Holiday Toys Are Sure to Be at the Top of Every Wishlist

by Shahrzad WarkentinOctober 29, 2019

It’s barely November, but the holiday shopping season has already begun. There are plenty of deals and exciting items to be found, especially Sam’s Club’s selection of exclusive holiday toys.

Here are a few of the must-have items kids will be clamoring for this holiday season that you can only score at the warehouse club. Grab them while you can.

My Lovely Unicorn

This powered ride-on is a unicorn dream come true. It features a light-up musical horn and brushable hair.

Available in clubs and online, $179.98.

Ryan's World Mystery Adventure Play Set

This exclusive set based on YouTube sensation Ryan's World comes in one of three mystery themes Red Titan, Combo Panda and Astro Ryan.

Available in clubs and online, $34.98.

LOL Surprise Fashion Pack

This LOL Surprise pack features a whopping 25 surprises including 6 fashion crushes and a tot.

Available in clubs only, $26.98.

Fortnite 4-Pack

The Fortnite Victory Series features four 12-inch figures based on some of the most popular outfits from the game.

Available in clubs, $29.98.

Blume Friendship Playset Bundle

This Blume playset includes an ultra-rare collectible Blume doll along with a two-story house.

Available in clubs only, $29.98.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

All photos: Sam’s Club/Feature image: Walmart via Flickr

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Now You Can Shop Toys”R”Us Using Target

by Erica LoopOctober 9, 2019

In a totally epic shopping collab, Toys”R”Us and Target have paired up to bring you the toy collection of your kiddo’s dreams!

The iconic toy store recently launched its new site—and it’s powered by Target. With 10,000 new and exclusive items, the big red bullseye retailer-Toys”R”Us partnership is everything your kiddos want, need and just have to have.

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So how can you shop the newly relaunched Toys”R”Us? Just visit ToysRUs.com for toys, toys and more toys. Along with everything from action figures to outdoor play picks, the site also features reviews, top toy trends, activity ideas and printables.

When you’re ready to buy, click on the item to purchase it through Target. Not only can you get a super-sized selection through the new website, but your purchase also comes with all the Target.com benefits you’ve come to expect. These include Target Circle loyalty program savings, same-day store pick-up, free two-day shipping and same-day delivery with Shipt.

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Along with online ordering, Toys”R”Us will open experiential retail stores this fall in Houston, Texas and Paramus, New Jersey!

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Mike Mozart via Flickr

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These Spooktacular Halloween Neon Lights Are Just $5 at Target

by Shahrzad WarkentinSeptember 10, 2019

If the Dollar Spot is your first stop when you go for a Target run, then you’ll be excited to see that it’s now filled with Halloween decor. You’re going to want to make room in the basket because these awesome neon Halloween lights at Target are the perfect accent to any collection.

These cool, glowing lights are small and battery powered so you can fit them just about any where in your house that could use a little Halloween glow. They come in a variety of designs, like a pumpkin and a witch’s hat.

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There’s also a multicolored bat.

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As well as a wrapped candy and a ghost.

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You’ll find the lights in the Dollar Spot for five dollars each, but don’t wait if you’re hoping to grab one––these are sure to fly off the shelves as fast as they’ve landed.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Featured photo: Charla McCrory via Instagram

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Now You Can Bring Disneyland Home with This Incredible Disney LEGO Train Depot Set

by Shahrzad WarkentinAugust 13, 2019

All aboard for Disney LEGO fun! A brand new LEGO Train and Station Set is pulling in for play time with your Mickey-loving master builders.

This incredible replica of the Disneyland Main Street Train Station features a motorized steam-style locomotive that resembles a mini version of Walt’s famous train. On the inside of the station you’ll find a ticket counter, café corner, a ceiling chandelier and a tower room. Aboard the train, LEGO minifigures can ride in style inside the parlor car complete with armchairs and tea service.

The new LEGO Train and Station Set is part of LEGO’s Hidden Side collection, which means it also has some exciting interactive features. The train and sound effects can be controlled via a smartphone using the LEGO Powered Up app. The set comes with a 20-piece oval track so you can take your passengers for a ride.

Speaking of passengers, the 2,925 piece set also comes packed with five minifigures including Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Chip, Dale and Goofy.

The new set will be available in stores and online Sep. 1 (Aug. 21 for LEGO VIP members) and is priced at $329.99.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

All photos: Courtesy of LEGO

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This Baby Shark Toy Swims & Sings All Bathtime Long

by Erica LoopAugust 7, 2019

As if the YouTube video, fingerlings, books, dolls and Play-Doh set weren’t enough, now you can get a Pinkfong Baby Shark bath toy for your kiddo too!

Bathtime just got better for your tot. As they sing the doo, doo, doo, doo, doo’s over and over and over again they can splash around with this soon-to-be fave water toy.

photo: Amazon

The battery-powered “Sing and Swim” Baby Shark plays the now-epic ear worm and swims with water-activated power. Just drop the shark into the bath and off it goes! And don’t stress about the batteries fading out after one super-long use. The toy has a power save mode that shuts it off after four minutes of inactivity.

You can gift your child (ages three and up) with a bathtime Baby Shark for just over $31 on Amazon.

—Erica Loop

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This 2-Year-Old Took a Wild Ride to the County Fair

by Erica LoopAugust 2, 2019

One Minnesota toddler just couldn’t get enough of the county fair. After leaving the festivities, the two-year-old took it upon himself to make a triumphant return—sans mom and dad.

So how did the little boy get back to the fair? On his very own battery-powered John Deere toy tractor!

According to the Chisago County Sheriff’s Office, on Facebook, “First call of the night at the county fair was a missing 2 year old who drove his tractor from home, to the fair.”

Luckily the boy was perfectly fin, with the Sheriff’s Office adding, “He was reunited with Dad who promptly suspended his son’s license by removing the battery from it.”

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Markus Spiske via Unsplash

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