ML Interest Tag: roll-down

Curiouser and Curiouser: 6 “Alice in Wonderland” Crafts to Spark Creativity

by Leah R. Singer

When Alice fell through the rabbit hole to Wonderland, she had no idea she would inspire a host of crafts and activities that families can do at home. From easy mad hats to the Queen of Hearts, we’ve rounded up some crafts inspired by Alice and her eclectic friends. The best part is these six projects are simple enough that you won’t go mad when you make them.

photo: Disney Family

Cheshire Cat “Easter” Egg Craft
An “Alice in Wonderland” craft session wouldn’t be complete with the mischievous Cheshire Cat. Disney Family shows you how to make this feline out of a dyed egg (not just for Easter anymore), toilet paper roll, construction paper and markers. Kids will love creating this famous cat. Just don’t forget to put him in the refrigerator when you’re done.

photo: Making Merry Memories

Make Some Colorful Mome Raths
Alice was warned not to step on the Mome Raths when she journeyed through Wonderland. But your kiddos don’t have to be quite as cautious. Marie from Making Merry Memories has a tutorial for making these easy and adorable creatures. All you need is some tongue depressors, glue, fluffy feathers and googly eyes to make these colorful crafts. For an added touch, have your kiddo create their own “Don’t step on the mome raths” sign too.

photo: Delicious Nonsense

Queen of Hearts Card Project
All you need is a deck of cards to create the Queen of Hearts and her army of cards. Delicious Nonsense walks you through how to create this villain with a few cut-outs and a pack of cards that you can pick up at a dollar store. Once you’ve created the Queen, have your kiddos amass her army by creating more characters with the other cards and drawing their own face and background.

photo: Almost Unschoolers

Pocket Watch Craft
You won’t be late with this pocket watch that’s easy to make and educational too. This activity has you cutting out the pocket watch pattern, punching a hole in the top for the “gold chain,” and drawing the clock’s numbers and face on the inside. Attach the clock’s hands with a brad and your kiddo can practice telling time. And once they start using their White Rabbit pocket watch, they’ll never be late for any important date (well, we hope!).

photo: Leah Singer

Paper Bag Mad Hatter
This is one of the easiest Alice-inspired crafts to make, and it uses recycled materials. Recycled Toys shows you just how easy it is to make a Mad Hatter using paper grocery bags, markers, stickers and whatever else you have in your craft drawers. Simply roll down the edges of the bag to create the hat shape and then decorate.

photo: Love to Know

Painted White Paper Roses
Kiddos can paint their own roses red with this easy craft. Love to Know shows you how to cut out a perfect rose, and then use watercolor to paint it red. Cut out and fasten some leaves made from green construction paper and you’ll have a rose garden fit for the Queen of Hearts.

Do you have a favorite “Alice in Wonderland” craft? Share it with us in the comments! 

—Leah R. Singer

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Nature NOW: Bill’s Backyard Opens at the Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose

by Kate Loweth

“Go outside and play!” This sentiment is often at odds with our tech-heavy culture, especially in the Bay Area. To encourage kids to put down their devices and engage with the outdoors, the Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose recently doubled its exhibit space to add a new outdoor exhibit, Bill’s Backyard: Bridge to Nature, and it’s the tree house and dig pit of our childhood dreams. Every detail was meticulously planned from the living roof on the junior ranger station to the life-sized bronze animals hidden throughout the exhibit. Check out all these amazing features and plan your visit ASAP!

The Forest

As soon as you step outside the purple walls of the Children’s Discovery Museum you will be in awe of all that Bill’s Backyard has to offer. Named after retired Agilent Technologies CEO and museum board member Bill Sullivan, the 27,500 sq. ft. exhibit space provides unlimited opportunities for unstructured play as well as a large outdoor classroom for facilitated activities and nature investigations. A 7,200 gallon rain-harvest system is in place to irrigate the native landscape and teach kids about water conservation at the same time.

A goal of Bill’s Backyard is that it will help to reverse the trends of “nature deficit disorder” that is so prevalent among kids, especially in an urban environment like San Jose. By bringing nature to the kids, the museum hopes that this will create a spark so that children will then seek out other outdoor opportunities when they go home to their communities. The kids of today are the environmental stewards of tomorrow and what better way to create an interest in nature and our planet than through an awesome outdoor play area.

The Trees

Ten exhibit features were designed to get kids to explore and create (and maybe get a little dirty, too!). From the junior ranger station that offers maps, fossils and touchable animal skeletons to the fort building area, kids are only limited by their own creativity.

photo: Kate Loweth

The lookout tower and tunnel provide an area for kids to change their perspective and slide down the concrete slides or roll down the hill. In the tree climber, little explorers can make their way across the rope bridge or hide in the caves in the base of the trees.

photo: Kate Loweth

Explore the drought-tolerant garden and see if you can find where the nature fairies might live. Don’t miss the tree of 40 fruits – an amazing intersection of science and art where 40 different local stone fruit varieties were grafted on to one tree by Artist Sam Van Aken.

Photo: Kate Loweth

The Roots

The Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose is easy to spot from 280 and CA-87 – just look for the purple building with the giant rubber ducky on its roof. There’s a parking lot right across the street from the museum on Woz Way or you can take light rail on the Alum Rock-Santa Teresa line to the Discovery Museum station. Admission to Bill’s Backyard: Bridge to Nature is included with your museum admission.

Hours: Tues.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sun., noon-5 p.m. (opens at 11 a.m. on Sunday for members)
Cost: $15/adults and kids, $14/seniors, under 1 are free
Location: Children’s Discovery Museum, 180 Woz Way, San Jose, CA
Online: cdm.org

Have you played in Bill’s Backyard? Let us know your favorite feature below!

— Kate Loweth

Photos courtesy of the Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose except where noted.

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How To Be the Most Embarrassing School Mom in 8 Easy Steps

By Amy Stine

As school is quickly approaching (and has already arrived for some), I’ve thought of some ways that I can embarrass my 2 elementary-aged kids. I have vivid memories of my father standing outside of his 1985 Buick LeSabre waving at me in the circle drive at the middle school like he was trying to direct a Boeing 747 his direction. Let me repeat– he stood OUTSIDE of his car. Leaning against it. When you’re in middle school, that’s tragically uncool. While I didn’t appreciate it then, I think it’s hilarious now. I want to be like my father, except I want to be the most embarrassing school mom.

So, I’ve come up with a list of 10 things that can make anyone the most embarrassing school mom:

1. Skip through the parking lot hand-in-hand with your child. Make sure you skip right in front of the car drop-off line so all of their friends can see them. Do it every day for the first few weeks of school despite their protests. The older your child, the more embarrassing it is for them. Relish in it.

2. Be sure to cry loudly and wail at the front door when they walk in. If you’re lucky, you’ll get a major eye-roll in return, but most kids will just pretend they don’t know you even when another kid turns to your child and says, “Hey, isn’t that your mom? Is she okay?”

3. Make sure to shout, “Don’t forget to wipe after you go potty!” as soon as they walk in the front door. This will most likely elicit giggles from other students, but you’ll get the total stink eye from your child.

4. Show up to the school wearing a personalized t-shirt that says “Johnny’s Mom” (well, if your child isn’t “Johnny” then you may want to put a different name on there) and wave at him like a zoo animal through the classroom windows.

5. Surprise him for lunch on the first day of school with your personalized t-shirt. Make sure to ask if he wiped after going potty. On your way to the cafeteria, stop by the nurse’s office and talk to her about Johnny’s constipation issues.

6. Walk Johnny back to his classroom after lunch and meet the teacher. Remind her about his constipation issues and his irrational fear of apples. Confirm that there is no mention of “apples” in today’s curriculum.

7. Wearing the  “Johnny’s Mom” shirt, creep outside the fence where recess/PE normally is. Wave your hand made sign “Go Johnny!” outside of the gate. Relish in the embarrassment when your child spots you.

8. When it’s time for pick-up, you are already there (since you’ve been there all day embarrassing your child). However, make sure you are the first one in the car pick-up line, roll down your windows and turn on the most embarrassing music for your child. For maximum embarrassment, I like to choose Barry Manilow.

So, if being an embarrassing school mom isn’t your thing, then you probably don’t want to do any of the above things. For my the sake of my children’s future therapy bills, I’ll probably stick with just a few of the above.

I’m off to go pick up my kids from school. If they’re lucky, they’ll be hearing “Copacabana” play loudly as they walk up to the car.

I'm a full-fledged Texan that appreciates good tortillas, spunky eyeglasses and retro tennis shoes. I also love to have a good chuckle. I am somehow responsible for a fish, cat, puppy, 3 kids and a husband. My 8th grade teacher told me that I should be a writer. Now that I'm 40, I'm finally trying it. 

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A Peace Offering: Your Stress-Free Guide to Serenbe

by Phebe Wahl

Being serene when you’ve got the wee ones around can be a challenge, unless, of course, you’ve ever spent time at Serenbe. Sure, you’re more likely to achieve a Zen-like tranquility if you go there sans small set—but an easy, breezy, and peaceful (on kid scale) experience is possible even with the baggage in the backseat. Read on to get the inside scoop on day-tripping to the modern Mayberry with your houseful of mayhem.

What Is It?
Serenbe is a lot of things. It is a planned community dedicated to preserving the greenspace of at least 70% of its 1000 acres. It is a mix of residential and commercial spaces (think Rosemary Beach meets Austin, Texas). And it is an event destination for theater, the farmer’s market, live music events, corporate retreats, and private functions.  But for ATL mommies with tots in tow, it’s an easy drive, a wide open space, just the right amount of agricultural adventure, and farm-fresh fun.

Where Is It?
Located 30 minutes south of the airport, Serenbe is an easy drive from Atlanta. Because much of what you’ll want to try with the kiddos is located outdoors, you’ll want to get an early start to your day. Try to arrive between 10:00 and 11:00 a.m., and on Fridays and Saturdays, you’ll make it in time for the Serenbe Playhouse production of The Wizzard of Oz, which runs about an hour long. The kids will love the runway-style stage because every seat (in the pine straw, so be sure to bring a blanket to sit on) is a front row seat. Running until August 2nd, The Wizzard of Oz is reason enough to make a trip down.

TIP: Bring hats, water, sunscreen, bug spray, and fans (if you’ve got ‘em). Even though the production takes place under a canopy of Georgia pines, the littles will wiggle less if you come prepared for the summer heat. But even if they wiggle, you’re in the right spot. This is more Summerstock than Broadway. It can’t get any more relaxed.

What Kids Love
If you can make a trip on a Friday or Saturday, The Wizard of Oz is a sure bet for wow factor. Beyond the production, your kids will think they’ve won the lotto when they realize that there are trampolines imbedded in the hillside in The Grange green space (just in case the sandbox and perfect hill to roll down doesn’t impress them). Take a picnic or head to the Farmhouse for a farm to table fried chicken lunch (Saturdays and Sundays only) before trolling the chicken, rabbit, and hog pens.

TIP: The tree house located behind the Inn is way cool, but it’s reserved for Inn guests only. However, there are woods to explore nearby and plenty of wide open spaces to race in.

What You’ll Love
Other than a break from PBS Kids one morning? You’ll love the chance to explore something new with the littles that’s as easy as it is cool. Not sure your kids are up for a sit-down lunch at the Farmhouse (although it’s very kid friendly) but certain you can’t commit to packing a picnic on your way out of the door? Be sure to hit The Blue Eyed Daisy to eat al fresco or get it to go. Don’t leave without running into the boutiques in town center for a little retail serenity.

TIP: Resource, an eclectic boutique for hip mommas and their houses, has kids books and toys for sale so you’ll experience a little bit of retail serenity while the littles browse the shelves. And everyone will love the ice cream, candy, and chocolate covered pretzels at Selborne Sweets.

What You’ll All Love
Looking for a little shared excitement? Have a houseful of cowboys and cowgirls? Explore Serenbe with the kiddos by horseback on horses as chill as the staff who’ll guide you.

Summer Camp
In June and July, kids ages 3-12 can experience the camper’s life at Camp Serenbe during weekly sessions from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Want to make it a family experience? Family Getaway packages are available that include camp for the kids and family accommodations at The Inn at Serenbe. Imagine that, would you? Mom and dad get a little quality time together while someone else wears your littles out on the farm and returns them to you smiling and smelling like a real kid.

Have you taken the tots to Serenbe yet? Share your secrets with us in the comments section below!

—Shelley Massey

Photos courtesy of the author and Serenbe via Facebook

 

 

 

 

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This is How We Roll: Atlanta’s Best Hills

by Phebe Wahl

They say the best things in life are free—and nothing gets the giggles going like rolling down a good, grassy hill. When long lines and pricey admission tickets get you down, head to one of our favorite hilly spots for a few rounds of free fun.

Piedmont Park
It has been said that kids need wide open spaces and a little dirt to help them grow, and Piedmont Park has been growing kids for generations. While Atlanta’s backyard has plenty of hills throughout the park, head to the northwest side of The Meadow for the longest and grassiest hill around.
Hint: The Green Market on Saturday mornings is a great destination for the kids who remember to bring their bikes. After wearing them out in the grass, head over to the market to pick up a few fresh items to enhance your picnic. And don’t worry if you didn’t remember to pack a lunch. The Park Tavern, along with frequent food truck visitors, are just a pedal away on the southeast side of the park.
Northwest of the intersection of Monroe Dr. and 10th St.

Frankie Allen Park 
In the heart of Buckhead off Pharr Road, Frankie Allen Park is the central nervous system for generations of Buckhead Baseball players. Find your hilly knoll between the playground and baseball diamonds, and if you’re there on the weekend, you can plan to buy some solid concession stand food and catch a game.
Hint: Beyond the baseball diamonds you’ll find additional hilly terrain. However, this is a favorite spot for neighbors to let fido run free, so if you decide to roll down one of the alluring hills beyond the recreational areas, be sure to do a poop patrol first.
445 Pharr Rd.

Winn Park
This lovely Midtown park in Ansley has everything you need to while away a day: a playground, a stream and pond, shaded paths, green space, and one heck of a hill. To get there, park near the playground and save yourself an uphill climb. Just beyond the stone retaining wall, you and the kiddos can let it roll all afternoon long.
Hint: The afternoon dog crowd usually arrives around 4. While they generally keep to themselves in the valley and do a good job of cleaning up after their pooches, it might be a good idea to walk the swath of the hill you plan on rolling down prior to your launch. An ounce of prevention…
The intersection of Lafayette Dr. and Barksdale Dr.

Tanyard Creek Greenspace
This small neighborhood between Buckhead and Midtown on the West Side has both a green space with a paved track (perfect for bikes and trikes) and a really cool playground area rear the pond. Satisfy your hill hunt by parking on the street at the green space, and roll your way down to the flat area.
Hint: The green space also has two fenced-in dog parks (one for large dogs, and one for small). Bring Fido and wear everyone out!
The intersection of Loring Dr. and Garden Ln.

Chastain Park 
Just below the playground and across the street from the playing fields lies a sweeping vista just begging to be conquered. The terrain gently slopes toward the street, but is a long run that ensures that your littles roll to a complete stop before getting anywhere near the traffic.
Hint: Some of the trees in this part of the park have acorns (ouch!), so be sure to do a barefoot test prior to launching the kiddos down the hill.
West Wieuca Rd. between Lake Forrest Dr. and Pool Rd.

Murphy Candler Park
Located in Brookhaven, this large park boasts plenty of hilly runs perfect for letting the littles fly. For a sure thing, enter the park on West Nancy Creek. Driving along the lake, you can’t miss the paved path running beside the road, which is elevated about lake level and affords a nice opportunity for a short roll (it levels out in most places before the lake, so you don’t have to pack a change of clothes). Keep driving and you’ll spy several other likely spots for a roll in the grass in the direction of the covered picnic pavilions.
Hint: The wooded playground at Murphy Candler Park is a favorite of the littles, because it’s just vintage enough to get their adrenaline pumping. Pack a picnic, then hit the playground, and pry your kids away from the monkey bars by telling them that you know of the perfect hill to roll down (on your way out of the park).
1551 W Nancy Creek Dr. NE, Brookhaven

Do you have a favorite hill in Atlanta? Share your spot with us below!

—Shelley Massey

Photos courtesy of the author and cam knows on Creative Commons via Flickr

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