Today Is #Elf Day

by amynicosiaOctober 1, 2016

Daily

Today Is #Elf Day

Go on, elf yourself.

What’s cuter than your kids dressed up like one of Santa’s Little Helpers? An easy elf puppet you can make today!

One mom finally says what we’ve all been thinking: why elf on the shelf is a little bit, uh, creepy.

If you need a little inspiration for your Elf on the Shelf antics, check out these 25 clever ideas.

{ Today’s ideas brought to you by Stripey Knee-High Socks }

Hold onto your Hats: ‘Fraggle Rock’ is Making a Comeback!

by Red TricycleAugust 17, 2016

Don’t you love it when a show you used to watch as a kid makes a comeback? Well, the furry stars of Fraggle Rock are returning to HBO remastered, announced the Jim Henson Company this week. The series, which premiered in 1983, follows the lives of three different puppet creatures: the Fraggles, quirky cave-dwellers who love to explore, the Doozers, small, ant-like creatures who devote their lives to construction working, and the Gorgs, a large family of farmers. Fraggle Rock has over 96 episodes, 100 original songs, and the puppet stars promoted the virtues of friendship, diversity and taking care of the planet.

Photo: The Jim Henson Company

Were you a fan of Fraggle Rock? Let us know in the comments below!

H/T: EW

Adventure and Animals at Happy Hollow Park and Zoo

by Kate LowethAugust 29, 2015

If heading to the “Happiest Place on Earth” isn’t in the cards this summer, then try something closer to home! Happy Hollow Park and Zoo in San Jose has been a local favorite for kids of all ages for over five decades. With rides, animals and tons of special events to offer, Happy Hollow is a great choice for families looking for a day of fun (with a little animal education thrown in too). Read on for some of our favorite features of this fun park!

Hop Aboard the Keep-Around Carousel
As soon as you walk though the gates at Happy Hollow, you are greeted by one of the Bay Area’s best carousels. The Keep-Around Carousel features endangered species and whimsical characters like dragons that are sure to delight riders of all ages. (Insider tip: save the carousel for the end of the day as a bribe to get your wee-ones out of the park when you are ready to head home!)

Feed Some Goats at the Zoo on the Hill
To the left of the carousel as you enter the park is the Zoo on the Hill. Here you can get up-close-and-personal with all sorts of animals. Bring some quarters to feed the greedy goats or head to the barn to check out the miniature horse and dwarf donkey. Just past the barn are two of the zoo’s newest additions – Xander and Xena, the anteaters. Kids will delight to know that their tongues can grow as much as two feet long! Check out the daily schedule to see when they offer animal meet-n-greets to learn some amazing animal facts.

Climb to the Sky at the Redwood Lookout
Looking to tire out the kids? Then head to the Redwood Lookout where even the littlest guests can find some rocks to climb. This area has two structures – a big climbing area perfect for the 4+ crew and a smaller climber for the little ones. This area is pretty well shaded which is great for keeping cool while you watch your little monkeys on the rope bridge. (Insider tip: have your little one sport a bright-colored shirt for easy spotting on this big climbing structure!)

Up, Down and Around and Around!
In the back of the park past the Redwood Lookout you will find the big draw for most kids—the rides! These are not the big rides that you will find at Great America—they are geared more towards kids under 10. Thrill seekers will enjoy the park’s roller coaster, The Pacific Fruit Express, or the ever-favorite, Frog Hopper. Danny the Dragon will take you on a leisurely ride through familiar storybook tales. Or hop aboard the Mini Putt-Putts and Granny Bugs for some round-and-round good fun!

Zip on Over to the Zoo in the Hollow
Jaguars, meerkats, lemurs and more make their home at the Zoo in the Hollow. Kids love walking inside the aviary to watch all sorts of feathered friends fly overhead. Parrots are often the focus of the animal meet-n-greets that take place throughout the day. Little explorers will enjoy digging around in the Dino Dig to find bones and other treasures!

Extra! Extra!
Happy Hollow has all sorts of special programs for kids (and adults, too!). Every afternoon crowds delight in the miniature antics at the puppet theatre. Summer camps, fall camps and school break camps are great way to explore the park when school is out and get inside information on the animals there.

On October 24 the park will host the Howl-o-ween Family Sleepover. Bring your tent to camp in the Crooked House Meadow or sleep indoors in the Learning LODGE. Check the special events page for information on these events and more!

Good to Know
Admission into Happy Hollow gets you unlimited rides as well as access to all of the animals. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends. Parking is $10 in the two lots—on Senter Road by Kelley Park (lots of shady spots here) and a bigger lot on Story Road (no shade but you get to enter the park via a very cool bridge). Pick up a daily schedule when you enter as there are times when the rides will close for an hour for maintenance.

Happy Hollow Park and Zoo
1300 Senter Road
San Jose, Ca
Online: hhpz.org
Hours: through the end of August, the hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. After that, the weekday hours vary so check the schedule before heading over.
Cost: $12.95 for guests aged 2-69; guests 70+ are $9.95 and under 2 are free

What attraction do you kids run to when you go to Happy Hollow? Let us know in the comments below!

—Kate Loweth

All photos credit the author unless otherwise noted

12 Signs You’re an Andersonville Parent

by writerredriAugust 20, 2015

Indie over national chains and a fondness for diversity are signature to this easy-going North Side hot spot. If you call this neighborhood home, you already know you’ve found a sweet spot to put down roots with its stroller-friendly sidewalks, tree-lined streets and fabulous bakeries. Read on for 12 telltale signs you’re living, loving and raising kids in Andersonville.

1. You’ve had your kid’s birthday party in the back room of George’s Ice Cream.

photo: Anthony Doudt via flickr

2. When it comes to getting Mediterranean, Mexican, Swedish, Korean, Japanese, and American food all within a three block radius you’re a total pro.

3. You know that TMLMTBGB means Too Much Light Makes The Baby Go Blind and where you can catch that show.

4. Your kids have pretended to be Swedish Immigrants at the Swedish American Museum.

photo: JR P via flickr

5. You know what gløgg is!

6. When you see zombies having their own bar crawl down Clark Street you don’t bat an eyelash.

7. You have lots of opportunities to buy local.

photo: Charles Carper via flickr

8. Your farmers market is next to a Starbucks.

9. You know what a puppet bike is!

photo: garbagetime76 via flickr

10. On more than one occasion you’ve shopped for hours in the Galleria and lost track of time.

11. You know that it is Midsommarfest, not Mid-summer fest.

photo: Andersonville Midsommarfest by Scott Wyngarden via flickr

12. Your kids rave about the story time at Women and Children First bookstore.

What else makes Andersonville special? Share your thoughts below!

— Story written by the fun folks at NPN

Neighborhood Parents Network (NPN) has been connecting a diverse community of families with the resources they need to navigate parenting in the city for 35 years! NPN is essential for all expecting, new and seasoned parents.

A “Mammoth” Brand New 3-D Experience

by LeTania Kirkland SmithAugust 5, 2015

If you think you’ve done the La Brea Tar Pits and the Page Museum, think again. The iconic Los Angeles destination has revamped its old theater and is now offering an eye-popping 3-D experience. The whole family will love Titans of the Ice Age, the first film to screen here. It’s a new view of the Ice Age, the tar pits and how this LA treasure can help unlock mysteries of our past, present and future. Put on your 3-D glasses and step back in time.

photo credit: Page Museum

If you’re like us, you didn’t even realize the Page Museum had a theater! After a complete overhaul, the theater has opened this summer and the first film they’re showing is a thrilling overview of what the ancient history of the area.

Have you ever visited the Tar Pits and left without a real understanding of the place? Titans of the Ice Age will clear things up for you and the littles. First, meet some of the scientist who have dedicated their lives to unearthing this great mystery. You may leave with little paleontologists in the making. Then enter a North America covered in ice 10,000 years before modern civilization. You will be introduced to the harsh conditions of Pleistocene era and the beasts like mammoths, ground sloths, saber Tooth Cats and Dire Wolves that adapted to survive this icy fate—all up close and personal with that 3-D touch.

photo credit: Page Museum

Watch as dire wolves go on the hunt and a pack of saber tooth cats seize the opportunity for some nourishment of their own. The food chain was not the only factor to contend with; learn how many of these beasts were trapped in liquid asphalt or the “tar pits” as we know them, which provides us with so much of the information we have today.

photo credit: Page Museum

If your little explorers are obsessed with what the paleontologist are working on behind the glass at the museum they will gain a bit more insight with this film. Meet Zed, the almost complete Columbian Mammoth whose skull was recently discovered nearly whole—an exciting find. Page Scientists and volunteers sift through fossils daily to recreate these beasts and a piece of their lives.

The Pleistocene wouldn’t be complete without humans. This film provides an opportunity to see how our kind survived these harsh conditions by harnessing fire, hunting mammoths and using every piece of those great beasts to create warm clothing, weapons and other tools for daily living and trade. Humans, climate change (it’s nothing new) and the natural shift of the earth contributed to the end of the Ice Age and the beginning of the Holocene era in which we live today. These great lessons of the past are clues to the changes our planet continues to experience. Everyone will leave the theater with something to chew on.

photo credit: LeTania Kirkland

While you’re here, be sure to explore the rest of the museum…from the hour-long Excavator Tour (where kids can see the work that continues in the pits today) to the Ice Ages Encounter (on Fri.-Sun, which features a life-size adult Saber-toothed Cat puppet and live performance) to rolling down the giant hill, there’s loads of interactive explorations on the site. When you come, be sure to dress kids in old play clothes; they’ll love to really experience the tar by finding a big stick and poking in the actual puddles of tar that still bubble up all over the park. (And we can tell you from experience, this stuff does not come out in the wash!)

The film is appropriate for kids 2 & up, but Ice Age Encounters is even more realistic and immediate and can frighten kids under 5.

The Page Museum is open daily from 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. The 25 minute film screens multiple times each day. Admission to the museum is $12 for adults, $5 for kids 3-12, and $9 for 13-17 year olds. Tickets to the 3D Movie Titans of the Ice Age are an additional $3-$5. However, your NHM membership not only gets you into the Page Museum for free, it also gets you unlimited viewings of the movie!

La Brea Tar Pits and Page Museum
5801 Wilshire Blvd.
323-934-7243
Online: tarpits.org

Have you been to the new show at the Tar Pit Museum? What’s your favorite part of a visit to this “only in LA” site? Let us know in the comment section below.

—LeTania Kirkland

Bat Crafts So Easy You Can Do Them Upside Down

by Amber GuetebierJune 8, 2015

Bats have a spooky rep but they sure look cute when you hang their likeness on your wall or arrange them on your table. Put some Halloween fun into the hands of your little ghosties with one of these super easy bat crafts. Check out our top three below.

photo: CraftyJournal.com

Noreen at Crafty Journal is a maven of not-too-macabre vampire bat crafts. We love her easy-peasy bat finger puppet. Get the instructions here.

Photo: CraftyJournal.com

And when it comes to simply sweet, check out Noreen at Crafty Journal’s paper plate bat that kids of all ages can create in just a few minutes. Click here for the how-to. Tip: you can color a white paper plate with markers if you don’t have a black one available.

photo: Buggy and Buddy

Make these happy little creatures of the night for your Halloween centerpiece. We’re betting you have most if not all the materials lying around the house already! Fly over to the tutorial at Buggy and Buddy.

Did you make one of these bat crafts? Share it with us on Facebook or Instagram #redtricycle #rtbatcrafts

—Amber Guetebier

5 Shows & Exhibits You Should See NOW

by Kelly AiglonApril 21, 2015

Before your brain takes a summer holiday, check out what’s new on the culture scene. Museum and theater season is coming to a hilt and now’s the time to get your fill of fun and culture. Here are our top picks, from a Viking adventure at The Field Museum to a quirky-cool puppet show at the Chicago Humanities Festival.

photo: The Secret Life of Suitcases / Anne Binckebanck

Fantastical Puppet Show: “The Secret Life of Suitcases”
The Chicago Humanities Festival is back, and this is the must-see for the kindergarten and grade-school set. It’s a quirky puppet caper and marks the U.S. debut by Scottish puppet maker Ailie Cohen. You’ll be swept off your feet by the tale of an organized office worker, Larry, whose world gets turned upside down when a flying suitcase appears at his door. This is a collaboration with Unicorn Theatre and is best for ages 5 & up.

Held May 12-17
Tickets: $7/kids; $14/adults
Victory Gardens Biograph Theater
2433 N. Lincoln Ave.
Lincoln Park
312-494-9509
Online: chicagohumanities.org

photo: Shedd Aquarium / Brenna Hernandez

Animal Paradise: “Amphibians” at Shedd Aquarium
Tadpoles swim overhead, ribbit-ribbit fills the air, and caecilians swim and slither. This is all part of the scene at Shedd Aquarium’s big new exhibit, opening in May. “Amphibians” showcases 40 species of salamanders, frogs and rarely-seen caecilians — highlighting their diversity, unique adaptations and the serious challenges they face. In more than two dozen different habitats, you’ll see tiny frogs not much bigger than a quarter to a nearly four-foot-long giant Japanese salamander, the second largest species of amphibian in the world.

Opens in May
Tickets: Prices vary, depending on your museum package. Click here for info.
1200 S. Lake Shore Dr.
Museum Campus
312-939-2438
Online: sheddaquarium.org

High Seas Adventure: “Vikings” at The Field Museum
Did you imagine a helmut with horns on top? Yep, us too. But you won’t find one at The Field’s newest mega exhibit because no viking helmut has ever been discovered with horns! Its latest exhibit exposes the myths and explores the truth behind Scandinavia’s ancient — and infamous —seafaring raiders. Artifacts on display reveal glimpses into family and community, religion and rituals, travel and trade, aristocracy and slavery, and the roles of women. A highlight is the Krampmacken, a replica Viking ship from Sweden. You’ll also see exquisitely wrought brooches, depictions of Norse gods, gold and silver pendants, and Viking Age swords and other weapons.

Held thru October 4
Tickets: Prices vary, depending on your museum package. Click here for info.
1400 S. Lake Shore Dr.
Museum Campus
312-922-9410
Online: fieldmuseum.org

photo: Cirque Zuma Zuma

Acrobatic “Ooh”s and “Aah”s: Cirque Zuma Zuma
It has the reputation as the “ultimate African circus.” Count us in! You’ll be amazed at the wide range of African variety arts, including live music, dance, acrobatics, juggling and comedy. Expect colorful costumes and dramatic lighting that gives an air of mysticism to things. And if it all looks a little familiar, that’s because this group was a 2011 finalist on NBC’s America’s Got Talent. Appropriate for all ages.

Held April 25
Tickets: $36/ages 18 & under; $46/adults
McAninch Arts Center
425 Fawell Blvd.
Glen Ellyn
630-942-4000
Online: atthemac.org

photo: Wonderland, Alice’s Rock & Roll Adventure / Joe Mazza

Music That Mesmerizes: “Wonderland, Alice’s Rock & Roll Adventure”
Girl power! Two of Chicago’s most dynamic young actors, Isabelle Roberts and Ariana Burks, will alternate performances as Alice in Chicago Children’s Theatre’s musical romp that gets curiouser and curiouser. An eclectic live soundtrack (including everything from classic rock to punk to ska to Bollywood) will blow you away as Alice searches for her inner musical voice. Along the way, she faces challenges, fears and the Jabberwocky, a monster made of up of the dark thoughts and self-doubt that lurk inside of us all. In learning to believe in the impossible, Alice learns to believe in herself.

Held April 22-May 24
Tickets: $10-$38
Ruth Page Center for the Arts
1016 N. Dearborn St.
Gold Coast
872-222-9555
Online: chicagochildrenstheatre.org

What big plans do you have this spring? Let us know in the Comments!

— Kelly Aiglon

5 Easy Ways to Make The Cat in the Hat

by Gabby CullenFebruary 27, 2015

Is it too cold to play outside today? Do you like to cut, glue and scribble away? We’d like to think this might be a little diddy Dr. Suess might say! In honor of the author’s birthday we’ve dug deep in our hats and pulled out the most awesome ways to make that loveable (but oh so troublesome!) rainy day visitor. Scroll down to see five different and easy ideas for crafting the Cat in the Hat.

photo: Kimberly via A Night Owl

1. Paper Plate Cat Hats
Parents, you’ll love watching your kids prance and dance like that mischievous feline. Mama Kimberly of A Night Owl offers up an easy way to explore The Cat in the Hat with (what else?) mile-high cat hats. Paper plates, red and white paint, glue and eager Seuss fans are all you’ll need, as well as the complete tutorial over at A Night Owl.

photo: Wendy Piersall via Woo Jr.

2. Cat in the Hat Puppet
Grab your red, white and black pipe cleaners, googly eyes and glue–hot glue works best but Elmer’s will do the trick–and get to creating a Cat puppet. It’s the perfect prop for re-creating that rainy day tome. Got a few extra minutes? Hope over to Woo Jr, where blogger mama Wendy overs up the how-to for not only the Cat in the Hat but his partners in crime, Thing 1 and 2.

photo: Vic Saley via Obseussed

3. Cat in the Hat Pencil Cup
Vic Saley is Obseussed, as you can clearly see with a quick click over to her blog. We are obsessed with her adorable Cat in the Hat pencil cans. A Seuss worthy project, it’s also a great way to reuse old cans—the Lorax would approve! Have the kids color the cat’s hat, then work with other materials including felt, glue and marke pens. For the whole she-bang, hop over to Obseussed.

photo: via The Stuff We Do

4. Cat in the Hat Foot Prints
Footprint art anything is always a hit and we love how blogger/teacher Sherry transformed little toes into a liking of the classic Seuss character. Grab some construction paper, red and green paint, googly eyes and get steppin. For more about how to create this craft, head over to The Stuff We Do.

photo: Melissa Coleman via This Girl’s Life

5. Classic Cat in the Hat
A fine design, oh what a find! We are loving this classic Cat in the Hat paper plate craft (those whiskers!) Melissa Coleman offers up a tutorial using those go-to supplies all kids can use, including markers or paint (pick one!), pipe cleaners, googly eyes, paper and of course, paper plates. We love the extra bowtie added for a little pizzazz. Find out how it’s done over at This Girl’s Life.

What is your favorite way to make The Cat in the Hat? Share with us in the Comments!

–Gabby Cullen

Fantastic Fairy Tale Projects to Spark Their Imagination

by Gabby CullenFebruary 23, 2015

The Brothers Grimm don’t hold a candle to your kiddo’s imagination, but their stories are perfect for feeding the creative fire. Fighting dragons, hanging out in castles, finding houses made of candy–how could classic fairy tale characters not cast a magic spell? (It’s okay to admit it still happens to you, too.) Scroll down to discover what projects we declare to be worthy of your fantasy-loving little folk.

1. Little Red Riding Hood
You’d think a shoe box would be a good fit for the Little Old Lady (how does she squeeze in all those kids?) but Anna, creativity guru at The Imagination Tree had other ideas. She used hers to craft a Little Red Riding Hood story box by adding foam stickers, paint and paper. Coolest part to this project? Your kids could recreate almost any fairy tale world of their choosing. For more details on how to get started, skip over to The Imagination Tree.

Photo: Anna Ranson via theimaginationtree

2. Princess and the Frog
You’ll find it hard to resist giving your little frog a big smacker after he whips up an amphibian inspired paper plate hat. The hardest part about this project could be adorning the fly to the extending tongue. Gather up your paper plates, paint, elastic and pens and jump the pond over to My Little 3 and Me for instructions.

Photo: Emma Smith via mylittlethreeandme

3. Jack and the Beanstalk
There might not be any magic involved but the kids will still enjoy crafting a “giant” beanstalk. We love this version from Fantastic Fun and Learning, not only do you get flex those artistic muscles, but the kids can be bean counters too. Simple materials include pipe cleaners, cotton balls, paper plate and lima beans. Be sure to look for the free castle print-out provided over at Fantastic Fun and Learning.

Photo: Shaunna Evans via fantasticfunandlearning

4. The Three Little Pigs
Slightly less messy than using real straw, sticks and bricks, this easy project from Red Ted Art invites hours of huffing and puffing play. Start with those ever-so-handy TP rolls, add paint, googly eyes and go! The houses themselves are a fabulous way to introduce your crafters to the art of Origami. Find your way over to Red Ted Art for the tutorial.

Photo: Maggy Woodley via redtedart

5. Thumbelina
Teeny tiny houses for teeny tiny people? Yes, there’s something so fascinating about building fairy houses–your littles will adore setting up lodging for make-believe characters like Thumbelina and her fairy prince. We love the house created with popsicle sticks, buttons, stones and real greenery over at Musings From a Stay At Home Mom–her version is a perfect indoor activity(save it to put outdoors in warmer weather!)

Photo: via Erika Bragdon via musingsfromastayathomemom

6. Sleeping Beauty
It’s quite possibly one of the best fairy tales of all time (she gets to sleep, a lot!) and it’ll be easy for your little Prince Charming to battle his way to the castle after crafting his own shield using recycled materials, including cardboard, paper and tin foil. Green Kid Crafts throws down an awesome step-by-step tutorial.

Photo: via greenkidcrafts

7. Aladdin
We all wish we could cruise the globe on our very own magic carpet. In lieu of finding your own Cave of Wonders, consider crafting a mini-version instead. Bright bits of yarn, construction paper and glue combined with little imaginations– it’s all you’ll need to complete this project. Fly over to Elementary Art Room for more ideas.

Photo via elementaryartroom

8. The Little Mermaid
Ariel would flip over these mermaid necklaces we found over at Mama.Papa.Bubba. Craft creator Jen Kossowan provides the how-to and the list of supplies–including sea shells, glass gems, hemp string and glitter (the more the better!)–your kids will provide the creative muscle.

Photo: Jen Kossowan via mamapapabubba

9. Rapunzel
Your Tangled enthusiasts will love adorning Rapunzel’s tower with flowers, and we bet a little pint-sized Pasqual wouldn’t be out of place! Grab cardstock, tissue paper (or yarn!) for her hair, markers and color paper for constructing the tower and head over to Learn and Grow Designs for the tutorial. All that’s left is to call out “ Rapunzel, let down your hair!”

Photo: via learnandgrowdesigns

10. Hansel and Gretel
Wandering off in the woods, finding a house made of candy, making a narrow escape from being toasted up for tea? Of all the fairy tales(ahem, lessons) around, parents, this one might stick! Play out the entire story with quick-and-easy(read: printable) stick puppets waiting to be colored. Kimberley, designer over at Learn Create Love provides readers with a link to designs for several of her puppet sets, and can we say how much we are loving the homemade puppet theatre,too? Pop on over to Learn, Create, Love for the printables.

Photo: via learncreatelove

What’s your favorite fairy tale? Share with us in the comments!

–Gabby Cullen

Puppet Love: Awesome Marionettes to Hire for Your Kid’s Next Party

by Ayren Jackson-CannadyJanuary 13, 2015

We love Candy Crush, Angry Birds, and YouTube as much as the next family, but if you’re looking for some birthday party entertainment that doesn’t require an outlet then read on. We’ve found the hottest puppet shows in the DMV, and they’ll have the kiddos giggling from now until the next iPad release.

Photo: Jodimichelle via Flickr

Carousel Puppets
If you can’t take another jump house or fight over the piñata stick, fear not because Carousel Puppets will have your birthday gal and her friends so entranced they won’t even think about been-there-done-that birthday games. Little ones will jump for Teddy and Friends, as frogs and dogs dance around on stage. Older kids will love Bob the Bunny Show and Bob’s penchant for performing magic tricks. If you add a puppet making workshop to your show, each party goer makes and takes home his very own finger puppet favor!

703-444-9426
Online: carouselpuppets.com

Kaydee Puppets
With Kaydee Puppets, your miniature audience gets two plays in one. Kids select their two favorite stories (from a list) and then sit back, relax and enjoy the production! Since each show is just 30 minutes long, even the littlest party goer can stay focused for its duration. Kiddos who love animals, nursery rhymes, mysteries and fairy tales will all look on starry eyed as Mortimer, Clara Clam, or the Fish Twins tell their tales, and even come out to greet them.

Cost: $275
703-385-4543
Online: kaydeepuppets.com

Photo: Black Cherry Puppet Theater

Black Cherry Puppet Theater
Whether you want to take your kids to a show, or hire an awesome puppeteer for Junior’s birthday, Black Cherry Puppet Theater has you covered. Each puppet is hand crafted, and shows spin original stories and classic tales for a modern audience. Fans of princesses, swash buckling heroes, dinosaurs and crafty cats won’t be able to stop laughing, even as they’re piling into the car to head home.

410-752-7272
Online: blackcherrypuppettheater.com

Horn’s Punch & Judy Show
Fans of Punch & Judy will be delighted to introduce their kiddos to Professor Horn’s Punch & Judy Show at their next birthday party. Between magic tricks, Monty the Dancing Rabbit, a music box, and of course Punch & Judy, even the grown-ups at the shindig won’t want the fun to end. Rascally kids will identify with Mr. Punch and his hilarious antics, even when they get him in trouble.

Cost: $350
410-638-6114
Online: hornspunch.com

Photo: Blue Sky Puppets

Blue Sky Puppet Theatre
Your little puppet-aficionado will have no idea she is learning during a Blue Sky Puppet Theatre show. She’ll be too busy laughing with Professor Bunne to realize he was talking about saving the planet. Other little gigglers will get a kick out of the Professor’s friends, Suzy, Buster and Chester—three little pigs who attend the Rinky-Dinky-Dink School. There’s also Rufus the Rednosed Raindog, and The Barker of Seville. Whether your little one is a tree hugger, dog lover or fan of the circus, Blue Sky Puppet Theatre has something to thrill them.

Cost: $250
301-927-5599
Online: blueskypuppets.com

Has your birthday kid had a puppet party? Tell us how it went in the Comments section below.

—Hilary Riedemann

ML Interest Tag: puppet

Today Is #Elf Day

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