Fans of My Little Pony and Dungeons & Dragons have something to cheer about. The highly anticipated My Little Pony X Dungeons & Dragons crossover set is now available for pre-order. Cute Marks & Dragons features five exclusive 4.5 inch pony figures with soft outfit accessories each inspired by an iconic D&D character class.
The set also includes an official D20 die with MY LITTLE PONY-inspired design and the iconic Dungeons & Dragons ampersand logo plus a 4-panel Dungeon Master’s screen featuring beautiful illustrations by artist Leesha Hannigan that will make your display complete.
This set is expected to ship this fall. You can pre-order from the following retailers, Dorkside Toys and Big Bad Toy Store.
The Cute Marks & Dragons set will also be available at Game Stop.
This little pony ain’t ‘fraid of no ghost. The highly anticipated My Little Pony X Ghostbusters figure is now available for pre-order. Ghostbusting Plasmane combines a retro My Little Pony figure wearing the iconic Ghostbusters uniform.
When “Manehattan” is overrun by ghosts Plasmane comes to the rescue. This pony has unique deco, colors and Cutie Mark inspired by the original Ghostbusters team. The 4.5 inch figure comes in collectors’ packaging and is ready for display, much to the delight of My Little Pony or Ghostbusters fans.
The figure ships this fall and will be on shelves at major retailers Jan. 2021.
If you’re not out protesting (or maybe you are) that doesn’t mean you can’t show your support for Black Lives Matter. One of the best ways is to support Black-owned businesses, many of which have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19 closures. Put your money where your mouth is and order up from one of these awesome local businesses, whether you’re in the mood for cake or BBQ or want to add some style and grace to your home, here are just a handful of the many businesses in the Phoenix area to support today and every day.
Though currently sold out for summer 2020, you can secure a Fall 2020 release right now for this quarterly subscription box that offers an array of expertly-curate, Black-owned goods. Dubbed as "the easiest way to support Black-owned businesses," this Phoenix company founded by mom and entrepreneur Talei Hornback, delivers lifestyle, bath, body and home goods right to your door.
Both a physical Buy Black Marketplace that and an online shop, you can support Black-owned Phoenix businesses from any corner of the globe. An Arizona staple, the Buy Black Marketplace typically occurs every 1st Saturday and is both a community-building event and a way to support Black-owned businesses.
Visit archwood-exchange to shop swag and this link to learn more about the mission, the marketplace and vendor applications.
Hand-poured in Phoenix, Arizona these high-quality candles are made from soy wax that is 100% phthalate free & non-toxic. Their moto? Candles that don't suck! And they mean it.
Your kids and everyone else in your house will love this delicious, non-GMO popcorn from PurpleGurls, a Black-owned and operated Phoenix-based company that can ship direct to you no matter where in the US you are. Sweet, spicy, gift tins and even vegan varieties available.
This delicious business came to us from a reader tip! On Tues.-Sun., 5-9 p.m. you can head to Goodyear to try it for yourself: rolled ice cream (Thai style) with a variety of fresh and unique ingredients, from local fruits to fruity pebbles. There's even a Vegan ice cream. As our reader told us, "Worth the drive, will not disappoint!"
Whether you want a next-level cake for a special occasion or want something paleo or vegan, you're going to find it and then some with this Phoenix-based specialty baker.
From classics to modern, this Phoenix shop has it all. Order special packages including "get well" and "thinking of you" combos along with a little something (or a dozen somethings) for yourself. They deliver or you can stop in (when they are open) to treat yourself to a delicious beverage and a cookie.
No visit to Phoenix is complete without a taste of Doc's Gelato. Doc Brown makes gelato, sorbets, yogurts, and other frozen treats using all-naturaland organic ingredients. You will not find any GMO’s, preservatives, artificial flavors, dyes/colorings or gluten here but you will find some of the yummiest cold treats in town. The physical store front is in Mesa, AZ but lots of local shops and restaurants stock Doc's goodies.
"Evolving the rustic and making it new" reads the mission statement on the website for The Larder + The Delta, a downtown Phoenix restaurant that is redefining Southern food with Southwestern produce. Chef Stephen Jones offers a diverse and exciting take on farm-to-table. Families are welcome, as you'll often see Chef Jones' family stop by to visit.
Looking for even more great places to eat and support Black businesses? Here’s a complete list of 50+ Black-owned restaurants in the greater Phoenix area.vFor ongoing events and news, especially relating to Black-business owners in the Phoenix area, check out phxsoul.com
Let summertime fun begin with the much-anticipated reopening of Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad, located only four miles from the south gate of Yosemite National Park. Starting Jun 12, visitors can once again ride the open-air “logger” on a one-hour excursion through the Sierra Nevada. The Thornberry Museum, onsite gold panning, and Kids Depot Toy Store make it the perfect destination for your family.
This year significant aspects of the operation have been updated to ensure safety for everyone. The guidelines from the CDC, State of California, and Madera County are followed strictly at this world-class attraction.
“We have reduced the number of touchpoints,” explains Scott McGhee, General Manager of Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad. “Whether it’s your first time visiting us, or you make it a regular outing, we have the staff and the safety procedures in place to help people feel confident to venture out. We’re excited to welcome everyone back as Yosemite reopens!”
The following safety protocols will be in effect at Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad:
Reservations are now required to limit the number of guests and assure safe social distancing. Trains depart daily at 9:30 A.M. and 11:00 A.M., and you can book online.
There will be health screening questions for all visitors.
Capacity is limited to 50%.
Recommending all guests wear masks.
Inside of buildings, people will be limited for safe social distancing space.
Box lunches are available to purchase online in advance.
Outdoor picnic tables allow space for social distancing or take your lunch to go.
Access to touchless hand sanitizing stations located throughout the property.
Boarding groups will receive wristbands, rather than paper tickets.
Safety barriers installed at transaction points.
Gold panning water will be treated and gold pans sanitized after each use.
There are extra cleaning and sanitization crews on-hand to ensure safety for everyone.
An air purifier will sanitize the museum displays, nightly.
Daily employee health and temperature checks.
All employees will wear masks.
—Jennifer Swartvagher
Featured photo: Yosemite National Park & Yosemite Sugar Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad
Looking for a way to make a kid smile and support a local NYC business? Get some toys delivered from your neighborhood NYC toy store. Whether the kids could use some new toys to play with, there’s a big birthday coming up or you need a LEGO kit delivered, stat, we found several NYC toy stores (and some in the Hamptons) that are delivering and offering curbside pickup. Just browse, click (or call) and wait for the fun to arrive—and if you can’t wait, go pick it up yourself!
Chelsea's go-to toy store is delivering to families within an eight-block radius, and also offers curbside pickup. This is a great spot for sustainable and wooden toys from companies like Plan, Haba and Hape, as well as cute and cuddly stuffies, PLAYMOBIL, creative kits, STEM toys and more. You can also shop by age, category and collection.
Offering same-day delivery in Brooklyn and Manhattan ($5 flat fee), as well as curbside pickup (2:30-3:30, daily), Toy Space is another Seventh Avenue toy store ready to spread some joy to NYC households. Current hot sellers include arts and crafts supplies, sidewalk chalk, The Two Bros Bows and Arrows, giant glitter beach balls and indoor stomp launchers. The business also offers a subscription box for kids with specific needs, through which you get four to six curated items picked just for your kid. Toy Space is also offering private shopping to birthday kids and their parents, keeping with all social distancing protocol and mask-wearing guidelines.
426 Seventh Ave. Park Slope 718-369-9096 Online: toyspaceny.com
Downtown Manhattan's Boomerang Toys, in business since 2002, is delivering! Just peruse the Tribeca toy store's website, which features everything from puzzles to scooters to LEGO and building kits to lots of trains and toys that go. (Plus a lot more!) the website has pictures of the actual stocked shelves so you can browse virtually. Delivery below 14th Street is free; call to inquire about areas above. Call 212-226-7650 to place an order!
That photo above is not archival. That's what's in the window of LuLu's Cuts & Toys on Brooklyn's Fifth Avenue right now! The store is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is offering free same-day or next-day local delivery for orders over $50 (zip codes 11217, 11215, 11238, 11206, 11201, 11231); for orders outside of that, it's $10. LuLu's is also offering free curbside pickup, and shipping out of state. Shop online at lulus-cuts-and-toys.myshopify.com and be sure to check out their "social distancing favorites". (Some very fun and cool stuff there.) You can also set up a birthday registry, and you get a free bunch of balloons for using the service! Know and love the LuLu's stylists? Contribute to the Go Fund Me Page benefitting them here!
For toys for the tiniest of New Yorkers, check out Piccoliny. The hip downtown store stocked with super hip NYC-centric onesies, T-shirts and baby toys (as well as lots of other cute clothes and gifts) is offering $5 flat-rate shipping, complimentary gift wrap and a 20 percent discount on the entire store. Know someone with a newborn? Here's where to go for the perfect I LOVE NYC baby gifts.
Sheltering in place in the Hamptons? Stevenson's Toys can hook you up! The store is taking order online for shipment, local delivery and curbside pickup at its Southampton location. They are stocked up with puzzles of varying degrees of difficulty, LEGO kits, board games and lots of toys for outdoor fun. (You can even order up a trampoline if you need one!)
Park Slope stalwart Little Things Toy Store is delivering throughout Brooklyn and offering curbside pickup from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. ( There is a $5 fee for toys below $25 and outside surrounding zip codes, and they'll also ship anywhere in U.S. with customers picking up any USPS shipping charges.) They've got oodles of puzzles, crafting and activity kits, games and Micro Kickboard scooters. The store also carries a wide range of LEGO—FYI, Little Things is a LEGO Gold Standard Store.)
Yet another Park Slope-area toy store (hey, there are a lot of kids there), Norman & Jules is not delivering, but they are offering curbside pickup Monday through Thursday from Noon - 4 p.m. This place specializes in chic and modern-looking toys, STEM activities and sets and wooden toys from brands like Grimm and Grapat.
If you're in Hoboken, Big Fun Toys will deliver to you for free! The New Jersey shop is stocked with everything from PLAN toys to LEGO to stuffies and gear for outdoor fun.
602 Washington St. Hoboken 201-714-9575 Online: bigfuntoys.com
Family movie night (or late afternoon, or mid-morning) is in full effect in many living rooms around town right now. And while we can’t hit the streets of the city in this time of sheltering in place, we can still see NYC in all its glory on the big(ish) screen at home. We rounded up the best kids’ movies set in NYC, so you and the family can visit new, and favorite NYC spots from the couch. (Note: we’re going for movies that feature actual NYC landmarks and locations, not Toronto or a soundstage dressed up like New York, but even we can be fooled.)
Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
We’re guessing you know the drill: Like Home Alone, but in New York City. Same kid, same bad guys, same merciless high-jinks during the holidays. But this version hits tons of New York City landmarks, past and present. Kevin McCallister arrives in the city over the Queensboro Bridge, and breezes through or past places like Chinatown, Radio City Music Hall, Chelsea’s Empire Diner, Central Park (where he meets a bird lady) and The Plaza Hotel (where he stays, and yes, briefly encounters Donald Trump). He even takes in the view from atop one of the World Trade Center’s Twin Towers.
Rated: PG
Watch on: Netflix,YouTube, Google Play, iTunes, Amazon Prime
Spider-man: Into the Spider-verse
Winner of all the awards, (Oscar and Golden Globe for Best Animated Feature Film, etc.) with apologies to Sam Raimi et. al, this is the standout movie dedicated to the crime-stopping adventures of Peter Parker and his alter ego. In addition to pushing the envelope visually and stylistically, Into the Spider-verse features a great soundtrack, a diverse cast of characters/actors and a genuinely engaging and funny screenplay. And it’s all set against the backdrop of NYC, with animators drawing the skyline from above, Midtown and Times Square, the Brooklyn Bridge, residential streets in Queens and Brooklyn and others. Plus: a jaunt to the Catskills features some lovely swinging through a landscape of Birch trees sporting striking fall foliage.
Rated: PG
Watch on: Netflix, Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play
Night at the Museum
A rookie security guard gets a big surprise, as one of NYC’s most popular and iconic museum turns out to have a lot more going on than he realized. (Hint: At night, museum founder Teddy Roosevelt, played by Robin Williams, is still ruling the roost, and the animals and skeletons get real rowdy.) Central Park and Wollman Rink also make an appearance.
Rated: PG
Watch on: Starz
Ghostbusters (1984)
Supernatural shenanigans start happening around New York City, and a trio of recently out of work (read: fired) Columbia University scientists start their own ghost-busting business. Come for the chemistry and dialogue between stars Bill Murray, Dan Ackroyd and Harold Ramis, stay for Sigourney Weaver and Rick Moranis’ mildly scary (and goofy) transformations into possessed beings and of course, the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man, who barrels down on Columbus Circle toward the end of the movie. Other recognizable NYC spots in the 80s classic?: the main branch of the New York Public Library, the Columbia campus, Tavern on the Green and “Ghostbusters HQ”, a firehouse on North Moore Street downtown.
Rated: PG
Wartch on: Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play, iTunes, Vudu
Enchanted
A fun liveaction/animation mashup, Enchanted is a spoofy fairy tale romp through New York City as only the people at Disney could do it. (In a good way.) Amy Adams is Princess Giselle, who’s been sent to the “strange and terrifying land” of reality by evil Queen Narissa (Susan Sarandon). She of course meets a handsome “prince” (divorce lawyer, played by Patrick Dempsey) and as rom-com madcap high-jinks featuring interference from the Queens and rival prince Edward ensue, we visit Times Square, Central Park, the Brooklyn Bridge and other iconic NYC spots.
Rated: PG
Watch on: YouTube, iTunes, Google Play, Amazon Prime, Vudu
The Muppets Take Manhattan
With their reliable “let's put on a show!” energy, the Muppet gang head to New York to take their original musical, Manhattan Melodies, to Broadway. And like most NYC-bound performers, they find out it’s not as easy as they thought it would be. As they work their way to a not so surprising happy ending, Kermit, Piggy and the rest of the crew are joined by famous New York faces like Joan Rivers, Gregory Hines and Linda Lavin in spots like Central Park, Bergdorff Goodman and Broadway institution Sardi’s. (You can still find Kermits portrait hung in the restaurant’s famous gallery of caricatures.)
Rated: G
Watch on: IMDB tv
Elf
A human raised by elves at the North Pole, Buddy (Will Farrell) heads to NYC to meet his birth dad. He embraces the city, decked out for the holidays, with goofy gusto, as only an elf played by Farrell can. Sites include the Empire State Building, Park Avenue, Grand Central Station, the Lincoln Tunnel, Central Park’s Bethesda Fountain, and of course Rockefeller Center, its rink, and Christmas tree.
Rated: PG
Watch on: YouTube, iTunes, Google Play, Amazon Prime, Vudu
Big
An early entry in the catalog of Tom Hanks movies, but still one of the best and most charming. Hanks plays Josh Baskin, little kid who makes a wish to be big on an enchanted “Zoltar” fortune-telling machine at now-defunct amusement park Rye Playland. It is, of course granted, and big Baskin naively fumbles through the grownup world with great success, getting career accolades and a love interest in the process. In addition to Playland, and typical New York locations (including Josh’s massive loft), the old FAO Schwarz Toy Store provides the setting for the film's memorable giant piano scene. The new Rockefeller Center store has a similar piano visitors can play. (Note that there is some adult humor and content in the movie.)
Rated: PG
Watch on: YouTube, iTunes, Google Play, Amazon Prime, Vudu, Hulu
Superman: The Movie
Of course, all Superman movies are set in “Metropolis”, and there are a few films dedicated to the Man of Steel—but the original, with Christopher Reeve in the title role, is our favorite. The Daily News building serves as reporter Clark Kent’s place of work The Daily Planet, Lex Luther constructs a glorious grotto in an abandoned subway station and Superman and Lois Lane’s night flight offers a close-up of the Statue of Liberty.
Rated: PG
Watch on: YouTube
Mr. Popper’s Penguins
Jim Carrey is a self-involved, highly successful businessman with a very nice view of the Empire State Building from his fancy Manhattan office. When he inherits a half dozen penguins (just go with it), his life, relationships and his deluxe apartment all change. (He converts the final into a chilly deep freeze pad for his new flippered friends.) Key NYC locations include the Guggenheim Museum (where its famous spiral is made good use of) and Central Park’s Tavern on the Green.
Rated: PG
Watch on: YouTube, iTunes, Google Play, Amazon Prime, Vudu, Hulu
Sleepovers of the past included movies, popcorn and endless games of Mall Madness. Put down your credit card and take a trip to the virtual mall with your kids. The Mall Madness board game is making a comeback this fall.
Cha-ching! Hasbro is bringing back the popular game 15 years after the original version left store shelves. The game requires “shoppers’ to get all the items on their list and it coached you through the entire process. It was a thrill to swipe your pretend credit card at I.M. Coughin Drug Store and 2 Left Feet Shoes. The food court had plenty of options including Aunt Chovie’s Pizza.
The new modernized version has the same feel as the original with 22 mall locations on 2 floors including a nail salon, candy store, jewelry store, arcade, shoe store, electronics store and a toy store. The talking electronic button features fun sound effects when a player buys something. It also tells players where to move, announces surprise clearance sales and more.
The new Mall Madness board game will be available on October 1 online and at most major retailers for $24.99. It can be played by two to four people and is suitable for ages nine and up. Mark your calendar or pre-order it now on Amazon.
Planning a birthday celebration can feel overwhelming, no matter what age your child is. Luckily, Portland has a variety of great locations for parties, with packages to help reduce your workload and your stress. There’s something for every age, interest, and energy level. Read on to get inspired for your kid’s next birthday!
A first birthday party is a big deal, but since the guest of honor is small, it can help to keep the guest list short and the activities simple. Head to the whimsical play area at the back of Hammer + Jacks toy store, where your one-year-old can climb the carpeted stairs to a sweet wooden castle and slide down its slide. A bank of picnic tables on the opposite wall allow for a modest group of party-goers, and there are plenty of toys, blocks, and dress-up gear to keep the littles entertained between the cake and presents. Party packages start at $175 for two hours, and clean-up’s on them. You supply the food, but add-ons can include decorations, balloons, and even a balloon drop!
With locations all over the city, community centers are a great option for a first birthday party. Keep things affordable and accessible for your child and friends by renting a party room or gymnasium for active fun. This is a great choice when a birthday falls during the winter months, or during the unpredictable transition months in late fall and early spring. You’ll have the option of hitting the outdoor playground after, but you’ll also have a festive place to party in case it rains. Party packages start at $147 for two hours, including 15 minutes before and after for clean-up. Indoor park parties include the use of ride-on toys, balls, and gymnastics equipment, and you can add-on extras like bouncy houses at select locations. Or, check out the list of themes for guided Nature Birthdays!
The Portland Children’s Museum The Children’s Museum is the perfect location for kids reaching the age of “Why?”, with plenty of hands-on play stations to satisfy their insatiable curiosity. Celebrate with cake and presents in one of the museum’s indoor party rooms, or the Outdoor Adventure pavillion, and then head off to explore the museum! Party guests receive admission to the museum for the rest of the day. Party packages start at $260 for 15-19 guests for 90 minutes, plus 30 minutes before and after for set-up and breakdown, and include mural paper and crayons for kids’ tables. Members receive 15% off!
4015 SW Canyon Rd.
Portland, OR
503-223-6500
Online: portlandcm.org
The Little Gym
Want to go all out for your kid’s big day, but outsource the work? The Little Gym does it all! For $350, they’ll take care of invitations, setup, cleanup, drinks for the children, all paper goods, and decorations. Kick things off with 60 minutes of active play in this Lake Oswego gymnasium, with activities led by a trained instructor, then celebrate with 30 minutes in the party room. Now all you have to do is bring the cake and the birthday child!
5820 Jean Road
Lake Oswego, OR
503-595-9702
Online: thelittlegym.com
Owl and Bee Clay StudioThis sweet clay studio in the Beaumont neighborhood offers a hands-on creative party experience. Guests get to make something out of clay and glaze it in their choice of colorful glaze. This 2-hour studio package includes instruction, tools, clay materials, glazes, and firings, plus space to enjoy cake and snacks. The cost is $200 plus $10 per person. Guests can pick up their finished creations later, once they have been fired in the kiln, or you can add on delivery of finished works.
Portland Rock Gym
For kids 6 and up, check out the Portland Rock Gym, where your kids can enjoy two hours of rock climbing with up to 12 friends. Two staff belayers (trained staff who help anchor, secure, and spot climbers) will be on hand to keep things safe and fun. Party guests get shoe and harness rentals, and access to the private party room to enjoy any food, presents, and party favors you choose to bring. Pricing starts at $299 for two hours.
Play Boutique
Got a pirate-obsessed kiddo or a little one who won’t stop singing “Let it Go?” Theme parties shine at Play Boutique, a Lake Oswego favorite that combines active play in a 3,000 sq ft play structure with full-service party packages. They’ll take care of party set-up and clean-up, decorate the party space, provide kid-friendly snacks and cupcakes, birthday candles, and even party favors– plus a “play specialist” to assist during the party. Enjoy unlimited use of the play structure and bounce house. You can add on things like theme-related crafts, performers, even a marshmallow bar!
464 First Street
Lake Oswego, OR
503-675-PLAY
Online: playboutique.com
Ready Set Grow
Treat your tween to a yoga party at this yoga and movement studio, with locations in Portland and Vancouver. Rent their bright 850 sq ft studio space for a ballet, dance, or yoga party– or another theme of your choosing. Kids’ birthday party packages start at $215 for three hours, with add-ons for 30 minutes of yoga, dance, or craft instruction. A recently renovated space adjacent to the studio rents for $185 for 3 hours, with the same add-ons available. Ready Set Grow also has a list of instructors for hire, who can teach yoga, dance, and movement classes at parties and parks.
The Merry Kitchen
Do you have a budding chef in the house? Plan a hands-on cooking party with Merry Kitchen, where guests create an entire meal together to enjoy, and take home recipes. You can even cook the birthday cake in class! With a variety of themes and menu items to choose from, your tween can be in charge of just about everything. Maximum attendees is 8-10, with two-hour parties starting at $30-$35/child.
Kingpins Bowling
Win points with your older child with a full-service party at Kingpins Bowling. They’ll get pizza and drinks, 90 minutes of bowling, and a “fun card” for use in the arcade. Book your party on a Saturday at noon or 2:30 p.m. to enjoy Cosmic Bowling, featuring black lights, music videos, and laser lights. Packages range from $19-$25 per guest.
3550 SE 92nd Avenue
Portland, OR
503-788-7889
2725 SW Cedar Hills Blvd
Beaverton, OR
503-646-1116
Voicebox Karaoke
For older teens, let them party in a safe space. For teens 14 and older, adult chaperones are not required, so your teen and their friends can enjoy an alcohol-free karaoke party in a private room. Food, beverages and desserts are available with special party package pricing. Packages include two hours in the karaoke suite, a dedicated server, clean-up, cake kit, party lights, and a disco ball. Group rates start at $60/hr.
On a recent outing to the Carousel in the Dumbo neighborhood of Brooklyn, my granddaughter and I were both very disappointed that the Carousel was unexpectedly closed for repairs. There is a wonderful playground in the vicinity, so we were able to quickly regroup and have some fun nearby.
But before heading off to the park, I had a brief chat with a parent whose child was not taking the closed carousel news very well. Her son looked to be about 3 and a half years old and was very forlorn. Like most people headed to a carousel, he was super excited and looking forward to a ride or two. The mom seemed just as disappointed and stuck with this feeling of disappointment as her son.
We have all been there with children, and it’s a good idea to have some tools in your toolbox for when these inevitable moments happen.
First and foremost it is important to name and acknowledge the feeling. Being sad and disappointed is okay. Sometimes we try to talk children out of their feelings, which almost never works. It’s better to model the appropriate ways to express emotions. It is okay to be upset, but a child can’t disturb other people, take their frustration out on the grown-up by yelling at or hitting them, or by running away.
Offer ideas about what the child can do, such as take a deep breath, get an extra hug, and or help think about other activities to do instead. If a child is really upset it might be helpful to allow them some time to recover and then offer a choice, ” you can do this… or this instead”. Make suggestions that help to discharge the high emotions, like play “Follow the Leader” or other physical games. Use your imagination and together make up a story about how the carousel broke down – like maybe the horses rode off in the middle of the night to dance under the moon and now have to rest up before reopening.
For some children, distractions such as this can be just as much fun as a ride on the merry-go-round. If the child is old enough, he or she can draw a picture or make a book about the carousel horses and their adventures. Be creative, have a pretend adventure yourselves or a scavenger hunt looking for “things that are red, or that go round (like the horses) or that you can ride”.
Tell your child a story about a similar experience you have had that had a positive resolution. Discuss how to avoid the problem the next time, like remembering to call or check the website. Let them in on your thinking, that’s how they learn to problem solve. If you are calm and relaxed, your child will most likely mirror those emotions.
In our case, after leaving the carousel, we actually headed next to a nearby branch of the Brooklyn Children’s Museum, but it wasn’t going to be open for two more hours. So that started a game called “Silly Nonna” about a grandmother who keeps taking her granddaughter to things that are closed! As we continued on, we thought of places that the silly grandmother could go to that would be closed, such as the ice cream store, the toy store and the swimming pool, each time repeating the refrain, “Oh, no, that’s closed too…silly Nonna!” Finally, we happily arrived at the playground, and fortunately, it was open and lots of fun!
I am a parent and grandparent with over four decades of experience in early childhood education. I share my passion, wisdom and experience, with parents and the people who care for and about children at Little Folks Big Questions, where we're out to answer the questions parents face in today's world.
If you’ve ever watched Tom Hanks dance Chopsticks on the floor piano, you’re well aware of the joys of FAO Schwarz. One hotel is taking the fun of the toy store and bringing it into the guest room.
FAO Schwarz has teamed up with the Conrad New York Midtown hotel to provide young guests a thrilling, toy-filled experience. Just for the holiday season the hotel will feature a guest suite filled with wall-to-wall toys from the famous toy store.
“We’ve always wanted to do something like this with a hotel. To imagine the joy and wonder that will captivate guests from the minute they open the door—it’s magical,” David Niggli, chief merchandising officer of FAO Schwarz, told Afar.
The 1,800-square foot FAO Schwarz Holiday Suite features a room full of toys including a toy gourmet kitchen, multiple train sets, working DJ turntables, hobby horses, 8- to 10-foot-tall stuffed animals, vintage Barbie dolls and yes, even that iconic dance-on floor piano. The room itself is essentially a private toy store because everything you see is available for purchase.
The special suite is now available to book between Nov. 18, 2019 and Jan. 5, 2020. Guests not staying in the room can still get in on the fun with the hotel’s in-room toy menu which will deliver on demand all season long. The FAO Schwarz Holiday Suite package starts at $3,000 per night. To book, email NYCCN.Sales@ConradHotels.com.
—Shahrzad Warkentin
All photos: Courtesy of Conrad Midtown/photographer Mark Weinberg
