Have a preschooler? Then you know all about PAW Patrol and how much your kid is, dare we say, obsessed! What’s not to love? The PAW Patrol is heroic, has each other’s backs and knows how to have a good time! We approve. Of course, kids want to keep the adventure going with their favorite pups through imaginative play long after the episode is over. Just in time for crossing off holiday wish lists, PAW Patrol has new toys that will send them on epic rescue missions with cool new gear like a spinning helicopter, motorized ride and a dual race super-speed track!

Read on to learn why these three imaginative, inventive and innovative toys will be on every kid’s wish list! 

PAW Dino Rescue Patroller

Well, this is cool: the Dino Patroller is the first-ever motorized PAW vehicle! With the touch of a button, this powerhouse patroller is on the move with oversized wheels to conquer any terrain. Before you head out, load the projectiles into the launcher and get ready for adventure. Push T. Rex's tail to make its mouth open to help the PAW Patrol spot a dino in trouble, then launch the rescue nets and save the day!

This all new, motorized all-terrain vehicle features room for the whole pup squad (All six! But you knew that...) and includes an exclusive and collectible Chase figure in his Dino Rescue uniform and a T. Rex dinosaur, with moving mouth and tail—now you can create your own prehistoric missions! 

 

PAW Patrol Ultimate Cruiser

An XL, extra-special 5-in-1 cruiser is made for our hero Chase, but roomy enough that the crew can join to do the “Pup, Pup, Boogie!” The whole squad will be ready for action and equipped to handle any emergency, whether it’s on dry land, in the air or at sea.

What’s the 5-in-1 all about? More than just a hot ride for cool pups, you can launch the helicopter that’s tucked away inside with the push of a button, spin the propellers by hand and you’re off! This ultimate cruiser features dual motorcycles that pop off with a button—now you’re ready for that high-speed chase! They thought of everything for this majorly awesome ride, including flashing lights and sound effects that bring the excitement of a PAW Patrol mission to life!

PAW Patrol Adventure Bay Rescue Way

PAW Patrol is really on a roll with this action-packed lookout tower! It features two different tracks to send vehicles racing around the tower in a corkscrew, or flip the diverter to send them down the drop ramp—boom! Craving even more action? Use the dual garage launchers in corkscrew mode to send two more vehicles flying—launch up to six true metal vehicles at the same time! Push the periscope and watch the pups race to the rescue while you cheer them on! 

Bonus points: This high-speed track is equipped with exclusive True Metal die-cast Chase and Marshall vehicles—perfect for kiddos who love PAW Patrol and fast cars! Speed to the rescue and put out the fire with your favorite pups!

 

All three new toys are available in stores and online at Amazon, Target and Walmart.

 

 

—Jamie Aderski

 

We sussed out the best low-key beaches that boast big coastal charm so you don’t have to socially distance your family from the sea and sand this summer. Grab your swimsuitssunscreen and sunglasses and head to one of these 7 beaches that are packed with family-friendly fun without being so, well, packed!

Betterton Beach
Located under two hours from the District on the Chesapeake Bay, Betterton Beach in Kent County, MD offers five acres of sand and shore along with a boardwalk, picnic area and fishing jetty. Once you get to Betterton – population of about 350 – you can head to the mouth of the Sassafras river for a quick, uncrowded getaway.

Ericsson Ave.
Betterton, MD
Online: kentcounty.com/betterton-beach

Assateague Island
Looking for a beach getaway where wild horses share the sand with you? If so, Assateague Island (in MD) are for you! You access Assateague and its 37 miles of beach through either Ocean City, MD or Chincoteague, VA.  Be sure to pack these kid cameras so they can capture the abundent wildlife. This island features tranquil beaches, wild horses and at less than four hours away, is a great choice for an off-the-beaten-path beach vacation.

Assateague, MD
Online: assateagueisland.com

Elk Neck State Park
Elk Neck State Park has a pristine sandy beach and warm waters to float and play in. Don’t forget the life jackets; this beach has a kayak and canoe launch. There are also campgrounds and hiking trails throughout the park and a lighthouse to explore. While some of the trails remain closed, the beach is open. Located only two hours from DC, Elk Neck is a great option to get away while still staying close by.

4395 Turkey Point Rd.
North East, MD
Online: maryland.gov/elkneck.aspx

photo: Stock

Calvert Cliffs State Park
Less than an hour and a half from DC, Calvert Cliffs has 24 miles of shoreline on the Chesapeake Bay. The cliffs that dominate the landscape were formed 20 – 30 million years ago, and fossil hunting is another popular activity throughout the park. Prehistoric sea creatures, shark and whale fossils have all been found in the cliffs.

10540 H. G. Trueman Rd.
Lusby, MD
Online: maryland.gov/calvertcliffs.aspx 

Sandbridge Beach
Virginia Beach typically doesn’t come to mind when people think of “off the beaten track” beaches. And it’s true that the boardwalk area of Virginia Beach is usually jam packed. That’s not the case for Sandbridge Beach. Located 15 minutes south of Virginia Beach, Sandbridge is quieter, calmer and less crowded than its more well-known neighbor.

Sandfiddler Rd.
Virginia Beach, VA
Online: virginia.org/SandbridgeBeach/

Chic’s Beach
This idyllic beach situated on the Chesapeake Bay is where Virginia Beach locals go to avoid the crowds of the busier oceanside sun, surf and sand destinations. Giving off a relaxed, family-friendly vibe, Chic’s Beach has calmer waters that are perfect for kids to enjoy with the serenity and views that grown-ups are looking for. Be sure to pack the bodyboards and enjoy these gentle waves.

Virginia Beach, VA
Online: visitvirginiabeach.com/chesapeake-bay/

Cape Henlopen State Park
Delaware’s beaches can get crowded during the spring and summer months – and with good reason. They’re not far from DC, Baltimore, Philadelphia and New York. With several different beach towns each with their own personality, there’s something for everyone, which is why… they can get so crowded. Luckily, you can still find quiet places to wander and a sliver of beach to call your own at Cape Henlopen State Park. Enjoy listening to the waves and the shorebirds from the beach or hiking to the end of the point and feel like you’re standing on the edge of the world. You would hardly know that Rehoboth, Dewey and Bethany beaches were all a very short, crowded drive away.

15099 Cape Henlopen Dr.
Lewes, DE
Online: visitdelaware.com/cape-henlopen-state-park/

—Chris McGurn

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If you have a dinosaur obsessed kid, then you need to keep reading. National Geographic today reports that Paleontologist and National Geographic Explorer, Dr. Nizar Ibrahim, has discovered unique swimming adaptations in a dinosaur. This is the first conclusive evidence that any dinosaur lived mostly in an aquatic habitat.

Spinosaurus

An international team of researchers, supported by the National Geographic Society, has reported the discovery of evidence that the Spinosaurus, the longest predatory dinosaur known, was aquatic, and used tail-propelled swimming locomotion to hunt for prey in a massive river system. 

A kid-friendly version of this breaking news alert is available on National Geographic’s free digital hub to support families and educators during COVID-19. 

You can find the new content, along with additional stories National Geographic Kids has put together for kids who love exploration and may be fascinated by dinosaurs here:

What new discoveries reveal about the amazing Spinosaurus: Fossils tell us a lot about how dinosaurs lived. Find out how in this interesting and educating article about dinosaur fossils and the Spinosaurus.

Prehistoric Animals: Dinosaurs lived more than 65 million years ago. Scientists study fossil remains of bones, tracks, and dung to learn about dinosaurs and you can too! Get facts, photos, videos, and games here.

Dino Road Trip: Join dinosaur pals Ali the Ankylosaurus and Sean the Iguanodon as they time travel on a Dino Road Trip! Tour guide Simon takes them back millions of years to meet crazy prehistoric animals that once roamed the land, air, and even the sea! Along the way, Ali and Sean take selfies and collect fun facts about each animal with their mobile tablet.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: National Geographic

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Your go-to Easter egg decorating kit has gotten a major upgrade. Instead of the classic wax crayon and bunny stickers, now there are a slew of crazy-unique options out there, including unicorns, dinosaurs and even emojis. Take a peek at our favorites below, and grab them before they’re gone! 

Cute As a Bug Kit 

Besides the standard dye tablets, the Cute as a Bug Kit comes with 80 foam stickers, and 12 googly eyes, to make insects like bumblebees, ladybugs and more.

Buy one here, $3.

Emoji Kit

Happy, goofy, laughing. You can create these emoji eggs (among others) with the 100 stickers that come with this kit. There’s also six dye tablets, eight egg stands and one egg dipper.

Grab it here, $3.

Unicorn Eggs

This kit is pure magic, with a variety of different unicorns (we also spotted a special guest star, the llama!) from funny cartoons to embellished eyelashes and horns. 

Get yours here, $3.

Dinosaur Egg Decorating Kit 

Any din-obsessed kid will love making Easter eggs covered with her favorite prehistoric creatures. There are 12 dino egg wraps and five dye tablets! 

Grab the box here, $1.98.

—Gabby Cullen

 

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Does your kid’s curiosity sometimes surprise even you? Is he more interested in exoskeletons than X-box?  If you’re searching for the perfect venue to celebrate your little explorer’s birthday where she can step into a bug’s shoes, party with dinosaurs and mummify her friends, look no further. Read on to find out how Chicago’s Field Museum offers a birthday party experience that’s as special as they are.

 

How ’bout those birthday parties?
We all know that Field Museum is home to SUE, the largest and most well-preserved T-Rex ever found, but it’s a little known fact that they also host birthday bashes for kids from one year to pre-teens, using different spaces within the museum to make each party age-appropriate.

What’s included in my package?
All-day admission is included for up to 25 kids, as well as access to the super-cool “Underground Adventure” exhibit where you can step into a bug’s (12) shoes and learn about the ecosystem under our feet. You’ll get two hours in a reserved space, where the kids can enjoy doing a craft and, of course, the usual birthday festivities (cake and ice cream, anyone?). All this AND a free parking space for you, which almost makes it feel like your birthday too!

Also included is a “personal party host,” who will work with you to create an unforgettable and seamless day for you and your special adventurer. This birthday party fairy will meet you at your car to help transport items to the party space, set up, decorate, assist with the craft, answer any questions you or your guests may have and remain with your party until every last leftover paper cup is loaded into your car.

Field Museum Birthday Party 2

What if I want to feed these animals?
For an additional cost, the museum’s on-site caterer will work with you to create a meal package that includes a snack, main course, drinks and something sweet. Alternatively, you can bring in your own dessert or work with their caterer to create a custom birthday cake. Mummy – er, yummy!

Field Museum Party Sue

Supersize the fun
Want more? The museum offers enhancement activities to make sure no stone is left unturned by your future archaeologist. Add tickets to one of the museum’s temporary exhibitions or book a special presentation by a Field Museum bug expert if the birthday boy or girl is into creepy crawlies (and you have the stomach to sit through it).

To make the most of your all-day admission, you can choose to enhance your experience by taking a guided tour through the museum’s permanent exhibits or make a game of it with a fun self-guided scavenger hunt. Done solo, in pairs or as a large group, the 1-1.5 hour hunt takes guests through the museum’s permanent collections and is a fantastic way for kids and adults alike to learn something new about a lot of old things.

Field Museum Birthday Party

Sounds good. How much?
Parties are offered daily with two time slots to choose from: 10 a.m.-noon or 1 p.m.-3 p.m. (but remember, all-day admission is included). Base cost for a small party package is $600 and enhancement costs vary. Bonus: Museum members get 10% off the cost of the party!

The Field Museum
1400 S. Lake Shore Dr.
312-665-7300 or birthdays@fieldmuseum.org
Online: fieldmuseum.org

— MaryKate Hickey

photos: courtesy of Field Museum

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Baby bottles are nothing new. At least, according to science.

Odd clay vessels found at archaeological sites in ancient European villages have stumped scientists for decades. Were these vessels pots? Were they cups? Did they have some sort of medicinal use?

It looks like scientists may have finally figured out what these ceramic cups were: baby bottles! Found in Bronze and Iron Age infant graves in Bavaria, the cups had long, thin spouts and were also decorated with geometric patterns or shaped like animals.

If this pattern-happy, animal-esque decor sounds familiar, it is. Like modern baby bottles, which are often covered in pretty prints and adorable little animals, it seems like ancient Europeans also enjoyed decorating their kiddos’ cups too.

To determine the use of these cups, scientists examined what was left inside. After studying the carbon isotopes from two vessels they found that the ceramic containers once held either cow, sheep, goat, human or pig milk.

So what exactly does that mean? According to the research, published in the journal Nature, this may confirm that prehistoric infants were either fed milk or parents used the option to wean them.

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Rawpixel via Pexels 

 

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If your living room floor is littered with dinosaur books and a stuffed triceratops or two, your budding paleontologist is in for a big treat. We’ve hunted all around the DMV and found the best local spots for dino-obsessed kids (and their families). Scroll down to see where to go for a rawr-ing good time.

Dino Summer at the National Zoo

C. Waits

Little zoo visitors can travel back in time during an interactive, dino-sized show and outdoor exhibit of dinosaurs that roar and move. Watch out for the life-sized replicas that spray water, your little ones might get wet! Don't forget to check out the live show where your kids can interact with realistic dinos. Be sure to plan your visit before the dinosaurs become extinct (again!) on September 2, 2019.

3001 Connecticut Ave., NW
Woodley Park
202-633-4888
Online: nationalzoo.si.edu

Dinosaur Land

Toddlin' Across America

A roadside gem, Dinosaur Land invites tiny paleontologists to step back into prehistoric times. After 50 years of family fun, you might meet a parent that visited when they were little and are back with the next generation. Dinosaurs are the main attraction, but you can also get up-close-and-personal with a big shark, King Kong look-alike and a giant octopus. On your way out, your dino-lovers might go nuts over the rows and rows of dino toys.

Insider tip: There are $1 grab bags next to the register 

3848 Stonewall Jackson Hwy
White Post, VA 22663
540-869-2222
Online: dinosaurland.com

The Smithsonian's Hall of Fossils–Deep Time

Bryant Olsen via Flickr

This newly redesigned dinosaur exhibit is the result of years of work by scientists and volunteers alike. As your little dinosaur lovers wander around the room, they’ll learn new facts and exciting details about the 3.7-billion-year history behind these majestic monsters. Unlike many similar exhibits, the Smithsonian’s dinosaur fossils look like they could leap off their displays. 

10th St. & Constitution Ave. NW
National Mall
202-633-1000
Online: naturalhistory.si.edu

Dinosaur Park

Erin Blatzer via flickr

Are your dino-loving kids ready to meet a real-life Paleontologist?  Then this preservation site is the place to go. This is such a cool spot to explore Maryland's prehistoric days. Not only can your kiddos walk where dinosaurs walked, but they can also chat with the men and women still making epic discoveries today. Who knows?  They might even make a discovery of their own. 

13100 Mid-Atlantic Blvd.
Laurel, MD 20708  
301-627-1286
Online: pgparks.com/3259/Dinosaur-Park

Maryland Science Center in Baltimore, MD

Shashi Bellamkonda via Flickr

Your kiddo will get to walk over, under and through Dinosaur Mysteries at this touch-and-explore museum. Their little feet can follow the dinosaur tracks.  Their little hands can work in the dig pit and field lab. Their little faces will light up at the sight of full-sized dinosaurs on display.

601 Light St.
Baltimore, MD 21230
410-685-2370
Online: mdsci.org

Worth the Drive: Dinosaur Kingdom II

Amy Meredith via Flickr

This wooded, walking adventure is totally weird and wildly fun.  Here, dinosaurs meet Civil War soldiers with a few silly movie references thrown in for a giggle. Think Stonewall Jackson meets snarling Spinosaurus. They even allow dinosaur lovers to host their birthday parties at the kingdom. You’ll need a camera handy to capture all the crazy photo op fun.

Insider tip: Fur babies are welcome too!

5781 S Lee Hwy.
Natural Bridge, VA 24578
540-464-2253
Online: dinosaurkingdomii.com

Worth the Drive: The Dinosaur Discovery Trail

Toddlin' Across America

The Dinosaur Discovery Trail features 16 dinosaurs of all shapes and sizes. Once a month, your Littles can line up for the walking T-Rex’s parade. Come for the dinosaurs, and stay for over 250 species of animals found in Virginia.  The museum is a sanctuary for animals in need.

524 J Clyde Morris Blvd.
Newport News, VA 23601
757-595-1900
Online: thevlm.org

—Angelica Kajiwara

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We’re about ready to say goodbye to winter and look forward to warmer weather. Lucky for us, the new Crate & Barrel Kids’ spring collection has already hit the stores!

If you’re ready to embrace some spring style, then keep reading to see our picks for some of the most adorable kid’s decor you’ll want to snag for yourself.

Prehistoric Pals Dinosaur Bedding

Spring is the perfect time for a bedding refresh and dino-lovers will more than approve of Crate & Kids new design line, Prehistoric Pals ($16-$209). This set includes styles for quilts, duvets, sheets and adorable pillows that can't help but make you yell "rar!"

Storagepalooza II Adjustable Toy Organizer

It's the perfect time for spring cleaning! Crate & Kids classic Storagepalooza (on sale for $160) just got a facelift, that includes a new design and functional, moveable dividers to fit all your needs. This is one storage unti you'll never need to replace, and it comes in tons of fun colors to match your decor.

Waves Rug

Sail into the open sea with this sweet new Waves Rug (starting at $300). It's made from 100% wool and is oh so soft and cozy. It's neutral enough to fit almost any style but has just enough design to make it super classy.

Nifty Moden 3-Leg Lamp

Add some major style when you add this Nifty Modern 3-Leg lamp ($69) to your kiddo's space. The bold color and obviously mid-century modern style will carry this lamp from childhood through the teenage years, and beyond!

All You Need is Love Canvas Wall Art

Introduce the younger generation to the magic that is the Beatles, with this All You Need is Love canvas wall art ($299). The special-edition line with Crate and Barrel is bringing the art and style of the fab four straight to your home with this classic piece.

White & Yellow Taxis Removable Wallpaper

Instantly update a space without fear when you use removable wallpaper! This design with yellow taxis ($40) is whimsical and adds a nice pop of color to any room. Not into taxis? Then check out the other options that include bunnies, geometric prints and speckled designs.

Alphabet Letter Throw Pillows

You'll nail the ABC's of design when you toss in a few of these pillows ($19). The white throws with primary colored-letters are done in a fun font and perfect for a boy or girl.

 

––Karly Wood

All photos courtesy of Crate & Kids.

 

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Who’s ready for Disney Junior’s new show, Gigantosaurus? Um, your dino-loving kiddo is, that’s who. This new kids show features four young dinosaurs and all their adventures. So if you have a pint-sized paleontologist at home, you need to check this out!

If the name sounds familiar, that’s because “Gigantosaurus” it’s an actual dinosaur. (Or at least, it was.) It’s also the name of the bestselling book by Jonny Duddle, on which the series is based.

The series follows four young dino friends named Rocky, Tiny, Mazu and Bill as they set out on prehistoric adventures in search of the ever so enormous Gigantosaurus. No scary dinos here: these CGI dinosaurs are perfectly preschooler-friendly.

You won’t have to wait long for the show’s debut. Gigantosaurus hits the small screen on Jan. 18 on Disney Junior.

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Disney Junior via YouTube

 

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With Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom arriving in theaters everywhere this week, there’s never been a better time for your dino-obsessed kid (there’s one in every family!). With prehistoric creatures at the top of the 2018 toy trend list, we’ve seen everything from dino eggs to the coolest explorer playset around. Scroll down to see our favorite dinosaur gear for kids of all ages.

Explorers Hidden Temple

New from Playmobil comes the Explorers line! Journey to the Hidden Temple, and join the explorers as they navigate the temple ruins, and use it as a research lab before exploring the rest of the island. Watch out for the T-Rex, whose arms and legs actually move! There are tons of other tiny accessories, and some are interactive! There are glow-in-the-dark features (the ruin’s eyes, the test tube and the jungle plants all glow when using the included UV flashlight), the treasure map reveals hidden secrets when rubbed, the freight pulley is pivotable and much more.

For ages 4 & up.

Available at playmobil.us, $59.99.

You don’t have to be a preschooler to love dinosaurs. This new board game from Ravensburger will take you back to where it all began—on the island of Isla Nublar. Choose to be one of the original, iconic characters or be all the dinosaurs and attempt to gain control of the park to win!

For ages 10 & up.

Available at target.com, $29.99.

T-Rex T-Shirt

Let your kid put his love for the most famous dino of them all on display. This adorable t-shirt from Boredwalk T-Shirts comes in six different colors, are unisex and are hand-printed in Los Angeles.

Sizes: 2T - Large (10-12)

Available at boredwalktshirts.com, $25.

Jurassic World Mini 3-Pack

There’s nothing quite like model dinosaurs. These new Jurassic World mini dinos feature realistic sculpting, are compatible with matchbox cars for hours of fun, and one of the figurines is a metallic action figure inspired by the new movie.

Ages: 3 & up.

Available at amazon.com, $9.99.

I Dig It Dinos! Dino Egg

Combine the red-hot reveal with dinosaurs and what do you get? The new I Dig It Dino Egg from Thames & Kosmos! There are 12 prehistoric buddies that need to be excavated from their fossil shell, and all the tools your little paleontologist needs are included.

Ages: 5 & up.

Available at thamesandkosmos.com, $2.95 each.

Dino Tego from Magformers

Add a little prehistoric fun to your magnetic play time with the new Dino Tego from Magformers. The 20-piece set comes with squares, rectangles and accessories that allow kids to create a moving dinosaur. There are two other sets: Dino Rano and Dino Cera!

Ages: 3 & up.

Available at amazon.com, $39.99.

— Gabby Cullen

 

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