Sure, they know you as the star of breakfast and master chauffeur, but do your kids know about your family heritage? These 15 starter questions are aimed at kids interviewing their parents, grandparents, aunties, uncles or anyone they’d like. For older kids, you can play it as a guessing game: what did you name your first pet? Read on for more ideas.
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1. Where were you born?
2. What year did our first family member come to this country?
3. What was your favorite candy as a child?
4. Tell us one story about your father.
5. Who cooked the most in your house?
6. What is the name of the street you grew up on?
7. What is your favorite color?
8. Did you have a childhood pet?
9. What’s your favorite memory of your mother?
10. What does our family last name (or last names) mean?
11. What is your favorite childhood memory?
12. What was your favorite toy as a child?
13. Tell us your favorite traditions you grew up with.
Keep Portland Weird! It’s the slogan locals have come to know and love dearly. But why is Portland considered to be so weird? We’ve put together Portland trivia that will drop jaws, elicit gasps and make your young Portlanders giggle. Read on to find out exactly which Portland facts have earned our city the reputation we’ve all come to embrace.
Located near the Willamette River in downtown, Mills End Park is the smallest park in the world according to the Guinness Book of Records. Tell your kiddos not to expect a swing set or slide, this grassy area has a diameter of 0.6 meters and a total area of 0.29 square meters. The park was originally intended to be the location for a light pole, which fell through so Oregon Journal columnist Dick Fagan planted flowers in the hole. It was recognized as an official city park in 1976.
Portland also has the largest urban forest in the country
Unlike Mills End Park, Portland's Forest Park, just northwest of downtown, offers families tons of room to run and play. Stretching for more than 5,200 acres and offering visitors breathtaking views of the Willamette River, Forest Park is the largest urban forest reserve in the US within the limits of a city. This beloved park is perfect for hiking, with more than 70 miles of trails.
There is a dormant volcano in the city
Portland is one of only two cities that has a dormant volcano within the city limits. Mt. Tabor is located in SE Portland and one of Portlander's favorite spots for picnics, hikes and watching the sun rise and set. It even is home to a park where kids can play and an outdoor amphitheater.
Portland holds an annual World Naked Bike Ride
Our beloved city is all about body positivity and biking, so it's no wonder that it holds it's annual naked bike ride as a part of a worldwide protest against oil dependency every year. There's no clutching of pearls as decorated bikes, and dressed up moms and dads make their way through the city streets on two wheels in an effort to save the environment. This event is almost 16 years old!
The sidewalks of Portland are peppered with metal rings. As a part of the "Portland Horse Project," people leave tiny toy horses attached to themso they can be used as a catalyst for people to realize the beauty in the details of our city. Your kids will love finding them around town. Buy some toy horses that your little one can attach to a ring for someone else to find!
Portland is home to the largest independently owned bookstore in the world
Chanced are you've visited Powell’s City of Books in the Pearl District. But did you know that it has been named the the largest independently owned bookstore in the world? Families and children of all ages love walking through this giant shop, and even spending time flipping though their favorite books, while they decide which ones to buy.
The Rose City's name was decided by a coin toss
Asa Lovejoy and Francis Pettygrove, two of Portland's founders, couldn’t agree on how to name the land they had acquired, so they decided to flip a coin. The winner got to name the place after their hometown. Pettygrove, a native of Portland, Maine, won the toss. Had Lovejoy won, the city would be called Boston, like his Massachusetts hometown.
Portland is ranked one of the best places in America for vegans and vegetarians to live
Portland has always been know for being health oriented (it's often been rated the most bikeable). It's also famous for its fantastic eateries and top-notch chefs. So it should come as no surprise that in 2020, Forbes rated it the best city in America for vegans and vegetarians. You can find a list of some of the best vegan restaurants here.
The International Rose Test Garden has over 500 types of roses
This four-acre garden is home to some of the most beautiful roses in the world. Its four acres holds over 500 types of roses? Who even knew there were that many types?
The Simpsons was born here (kinda)
Matt Groening, the creator of The Simpsons, was born and raised in Portland and attended Ainsworth Elementary School and Lincoln High School. Groening began animating The Simpsons in 1989 and named several of the characters after famous Portland streets and landmarks, including Flanders, Lovejoy, Powell, Quimby and Kearney. Now is the perfect time to start watching with your kids!
Home to the Wiley Unipiper
Chances are, you've likely heard of the Unipiper. He rides around on a unicycle dressed as Darth Vader (and most recently, other characters from Game of Thrones and Pokémon), playing flaming bagpipes! Brian Kidd, also known as The Unipiper, is a unicyclist, street performer, musician and local celebrity who calls our city home!
Portland has the largest roost of Vaux's Swifts in the World
If you head up to Chapman Elementary School in September expect to see a sight that will take your breath away. As the Vaux's Swifts migrate, the fly into the school's chimney to nest for the night
It’s happened: Amazon and Disney have joined forces to bring the world a brand new kind of voice assistant! The duo has just announced “Hey, Disney!,” to launch next year in homes and at Walt Disney World Resort hotels.
Working just like the Alexa you already know and love, families will get special Disney storytelling experiences, jokes, fun facts, trivia, interactive adventures and special surprises, all brought to you by Disney characters. If you’re staying in a WDW Resort hotel, you’ll be able to use “Hey, Disney!” for hospitality service (ordering towels finally got fun!), play music, check the weather and news and much more.
“Hey, Disney!” is the first time an Alexa Custom Assistant will be available on an Echo device. Extra magical, the new product has over 1,000 interactions, original character voice recordings, audio and a brand-new character created as a guide called the Disney Magical Companion.
You’ll have to wait a little bit to access the new skill, which will be available in 2022 on select Echo devices. When enjoyed at home, it will be a paid option, but complimentary at WDW Resorts. You can head to amazon.com/HeyDisney to sign up to be notified when the skill becomes available. While you wait, you can already pre-order the adorable Mickey Mouse OtterBox Den Series stand for the Echo Show 5 for $25.
Whether you live here or are visiting, it’s easy to see that Boston is steeped in history. It’s everywhere you turn. So we thought it would be fun to round up some Boston trivia you might not know. Impress your friends and stump your kids with these little-known Boston facts. How many do you know?
1. We’re number one. Boston is home to lots of firsts. The city boasts the first public beach—Revere Beach in 1896, the first subway—Tremont Station in 1897 and the first public park—Boston Common. In 1634 Bostonians paid six schillings each in taxes to purchase William Blackstone’s farm, now Boston Common. Two other fun firsts include the first lighthouse on Little Brewster Island and the first formal fire department in 1679.
2. Record-setting heights. We’re sure your kids recognize the John Hancock Building along the city skyline. But do they know the building is also the site of the greatest grape catch in history? In 1988, Paul Tavilla caught a grape in his mouth that had fallen 788 vertical feet from the top of the building.
3. World’s biggest burglary. If you’ve visited the Isabella Steward Gardner Museum you and the kids have probably noticed the empty frames—evidence of 13 paintings stolen from the museum in 1990. Thieves posing as police officers cut them directly out of the frames, making the heist the largest property theft in the world! So what’s with the blank frames? Before Gardner’s death, she insisted that the museum remain exactly as she had arranged it—that means no replacement paintings or moving things around.
4. Bowled over. Candlepin bowling was first played in Worcester in 1880; the sport is a true Boston original. And families and friends have been rolling strikes and spares at the Shelburne Falls Bowling Alley since 1907, making it the second oldest candlepin alley in the U.S.
Karin Hansen
5. Don’t cry over this. The story behind the giant milk bottle outside of the Boston Children’s Museum is an interesting one. It was donated to the Boston Children’s Museum in 1977 when it sailed aboard a barge through Boston Harbor to what’s now Children’s Wharf. How much could it hold you ask? If it were real, the bottle could hold 58,620 gallons of milk.
6. A sticky situation. Next time the fam is in the North End neighborhood, tell your kids the story of the Great Molasses Flood that happened along Commercial Street, near Keany Square in January 1919. A 50-foot high tank, filled with molasses exploded unleashing the viscous substance, moving at 35 m.p.h., through the neighborhood streets. The giant wave crested at 25 feet high and left streets flooded with anywhere from two to three feet of syrupy mess.
7. Nope, it’s not a pineapple. Although it may look like a pineapple, the gilded object on top of the Massachusetts State House is actually a wood pinecone. It symbolizes the importance of the lumber industry in the state during colonial times.
8. An H2O-mazing law. It may sound more like an urban legend than an actual law, but apparently this one’s still on the Boston books. In Boston, it’s illegal to go to bed without having a bath. Pull this one out and make your case the next time your kids need a little extra incentive at bath time.
9. Play ball. You probably know that the Red Sox have played in 13 World Series and won nine titles. And that the Red Sox have a patent on the "Fenway Green" paint color. But not everyone knows about Fenway’s rooftop garden, Fenway Farms. Located on the third base side of the park, it was planted in 2015 and can produce over 6,000 pounds of organic produce each year.
10. What’s in a name. Boston goes by many names: Beantown, The Athens of America, even the Cradle of Liberty. But before it was any of these it was called Tremontaine by the Puritans.
Are you watching the Tokyo Summer Olympics? At Xyza: News for Kids we’re watching along and sharing some Olympics trivia with families around the world. Ready to test your knowledgeabout the biggest sporting event in the world? Race ya to the finish!
1. Which of these sports is making its debut in the 2021 Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo?
A. Skakeboarding
B. E-sports
C. Cricket
D. Rollerskating
Answer is A: Skateboarding, surfing, sports climbing, and karate will make their debuts at the highly-anticipated Tokyo Summer Olympics. Fans of skateboarding will be cheering on their favorite athletes such as thirteen-year-old Sky Brown from Great Britain and twelve-year-old Kokona Hiraki from Japan, two of the youngest athletes to compete at the Tokyo Olympics.
2. What did Japan introduce to the world the last time they hosted the Olympic games?
A. Robots
B. Bullet trains
C. Jet Planes
D. Vending machines
Answer is B: Bullet trains. In 1964, Japan became the first country in Asia to ever host an Olympic Games and the first to introduce a high speed train called the Shinkansen, or bullet train. The bullet train took passengers between Tokyo and Osaka, a distance of 247 miles, in approximately two hours and thirty minutes. When the first bullet trains began operating, they traveled at a speed of approximately 125 miles per hour. Now, bullet trains can travel at speeds of over 200 miles per hour and Japan Railways, the company behind these speedy trains, is building trains that will go even faster! Zoom!
3. What did the Tokyo Olympic Committee recently send to space in preparation of the games?
A. Mario and Luigi figurines
B. Nintendo Switch
C. Robots Gundam and Zaku
D. Mascot Miraitowa
Answer is C: Robots Gundam and Zaku. In March of 2020, two of Japan’s most popular animated robots, Gundam and Zaku, rocketed to outer space in a mini satellite named, “G Satellite Go To Space.” The reason for their trip? Japan wanted to welcome the world to the Olympic Games both on Earth and from outer space! The idea was that the two robots would transmit images and messages about the Games back to Earth in English, Japanese, and French during the Olympics!
4. What sport did Japan introduce the last time they hosted the Olympics?
A. Karate
B. Volleyball
C. Basketball
D. Swimming
Answer is B: Volleyball. In 1964, Japan hosted its first ever Olympic Games and introduced two new sports: judo and volleyball. Although volleyball was invented in 1895 by William G. Morgan, the sport wasn’t added to the Olympics until 1964. In fact, two-person beach volleyball wasn’t added until 1996. Shocking, we know! Bump, set, spike, anyone?
5. In what other year was the Olympics postponed?
A. 1916
B. 1940
C. 1944
D. None of the above
Answer is D: None of the above. Recently, the International Olympic Committee announced that the 2020 Summer Olympics would be postponed until the summer of 2021 due to the novel coronavirus pandemic. It’s a big deal because, believe it or not, no other Olympic Games have ever been postponed before. What?!?!? Nooooo … Yes! That’s not to say, however, that the Olympics have never been canceled before. We’re sneaky, we know. 🙂The Olympics were canceled in 1916, 1940, and 1944 because the world was fighting in World Wars I and II.
We're two perfectly imperfect moms who have five very different kids between the two of us. We believe that topics in news are a fantastic way to spark conversations in families. That's why we started the Dinner Table Conversation series here at Xyza: News for Kids. Won't you join us in the conversation?
Calling all book lovers! Imagine the Scholastic Book Fair taking a virtual, interactive twist, where you can meet your favorite authors, play games and win prizes, all from your living room. It’s the Family Book Fest and it’s coming to your screen live on July 31!
You can sign up for the free event now, which will take place the last Saturday of July from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. ET. Participants will enjoy five unique sessions along the way:
“Because It’s All Good — A Sing-Along with Eric Litwin” at 11 a.m. He’s the mind behind the super popular Pete the Cat books and you’ll have a chance to win a copy of his new book, Groovy Joe: Ice Cream and Dinosaurs.
“Get Drawn into Summer Reading with Graphix Chapters” at noon. It’s a live drawing game with authors behind hit graphic novels for late elementary school kids. You’ll have a chance to win one of the novels and a Graphix Chapters sampler!
“Wings of Fire with Author Tui T. Sutherland” at 1 p.m. She’s the author of the New York Times bestselling series and will answer your dragon world questions live. You can compete in a trivia game to win a signed book set!
“The Great Klutz Craft Off” at 2 p.m. The crafty creators behind Klutz will face off in an online contest and you can win the Klutz Craft Kit of the show.
“Inside Harry Potter: 9 ¾ Questions with MinaLima Design” at 2:30 p.m. The legendary design duo will reveal the secrets behind the special edition of Harry Potter and you’ll have the opportunity to win a Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, MinaLima edition sampler!
You can shop the Book Fest now to prepare for the festivities. When you sign up, you’ll also get updates and reminders about the event. Get reading and get excited for July 31!
Are your littles major LOL fans? Well, get ready for the biggest virtual concert ever!
MGA Entertainment, the makers of L.O.L Surprise Dolls, wants to give a big thank to all its fans with the ultimate immersive experience. Complete with dancing, trivia and tons of surprises throughout, the event will also announce the biggest U.S. fans!
Pressley Hosbach, TikTok star, will host the event with That Girl Lay Lay and other special guests like Big Will and his crew. In addition to awesome trivia and surprises, 100 Superfans will get $500 to support a cause of their choosing.
The free event is happening on Jul. 7 at 9 a.m. PST/12 p.m. EST. You can register for free tickets at LOLSurprise.com/LOLDay to receive a one-use link to watch on-demand.
Children often ask their parents questions that can make them feel uncomfortable and unprepared to answer. And they often come up at times when you least expect it to.
They may hear certain words or terms such as LGBTQ at school or on TV, but not know what it actually means. Social media has been a catalyst for social change, acceptance and inclusivity among preteen and teenage youth. Many children already see that families in our world can look different from their own—whether it’s on television or when they are with you in the community.
As a parenting expert, licensed educational psychologist, board-certified behavior analyst, and author of Winnie & Her Worries, my advice? The best thing you can do is to explain to your kids that families can have different cultural traditions, religions, and values.
As parents, you want to be there to introduce and answer questions since children turn to us for many answers. Remember even at an early age you can teach the value of empathy and respect for others, as well as open the door for any future conversations regarding their own identity. Here are my tips on how to speak with your children about LGBTQ:
1. Start discussions early and be matter of fact. Use the words sometimes and if your child asks why another child wants to wear a dress but he looks like a boy, that is your opening to have the discussion on choice, inclusion and belonging. Remember that society created the theme stereotypes that boys play with cars and girls play with dolls.
2. Don’t be afraid to use words that describe sexual orientation as gay, lesbian, or bisexual, especially if the person you’re talking about uses this to describe themselves.
3. Actively listen to your kids. This will help you make sure you understand what your child is asking and what they already understand about the topic.
4. Be honest with your children. It’s ok to not have an answer. Encourage your child to continue to ask questions. Do keep your responses developmentally appropriate.
5. This is not a one-and-done conversation. Use media and/or life experiences as opportunities to continue and discuss the topic. Especially after they develop further understanding after processing what they learned themselves.
6. Remember to reinforce that although some families may look different, they’re really not that different. They love each other just like we love just like your own family does.
7. Talk about what a sense of belonging means. How to be inclusive and demonstrate kindness. Having these conversations with our children helps create a safer, more inclusive community for everyone.
Reena B. Patel (LEP, BCBA) is a renowned parenting expert, guidance counselor, licensed educational psychologist, and board-certified behavior analyst. Patel has had the privilege of working with families and children, supporting all aspects of education and positive wellness; recently nominated for San Diego Magazine’s Woman of the Year
1. Talk about the History of Pride
Why is June Pride Month? In the United States, Pride Month is celebrated in the month of June to remember the Stonewall riots, a series of riots that erupted throughout New York City in June and July of 1969. These riots were a response to the police raid of the Stonewall Inn in New York City’s Greenwich Village, a popular gathering place for the young LGBT community during the early hours of June 28th, 1969. The police arrested employees for selling liquor without a license and roughed up the many patrons inside the inn. As police dragged patrons out of the bar and into police vans, people outside the bar watched and grew increasingly enraged. A riot soon ensued and continued for the next five days. Historians mark the Stonewall riots as a turning point in the gay rights movement.
2. Test Your Pride Trivia: Learning = Winning
How many countries have legalized same-sex marriage? Why is the rainbow flag a symbol of LGBTQ pride? What do the colors in the Pride flag mean? Which country hosts the largest Pride parade in the world? Which U.S. Presidents have acknowledged Pride month in the past? Answer trivia questions and learn a little more about Pride Month here.
3. Learn about How LGBTQ Rights Have Shifted around the World
In 2019, Ecuador became the fifth South American country to legalize same-sex marriage, Taiwan the first in Asia, and Northern Ireland the last of the countries of the United Kingdom to do the same. In 2020, Nepal announced that residents will have the option of declaring themselves female, male, or other gender in the next census. This was a big step towards acknowledging the fact that the LGBTQ community exists and that resources should be allocated to this minority population. These are just a few stories about the ongoing fight for LGBTQ equality happening around the world. For more news about LGBTQ rights, click here.
4. Get to Know People of Pride
Denise Ho is the first mainstream female singer from Hong Kong to declare herself lesbian, almost twenty years after she gained popularity. Kasha Nabagesera is a gay rights activist who continues to lead the fight for LGBTQ rights in Uganda. Did you know that New Zealand’s parliament is the queerest in the world, with twelve out of 120 members identifying as LGBTQ? Read about the people of Pride here.
5. Stay Informed: Changing Laws, Change Lives
What does the law have to do with the LGBTQ community? A lot! With one signature, the governor of Florida brought a new law into effect that barred transgender females (or those assigned male at birth who later transition to being female) from playing on girls’ teams in public schools. Read more here.
When President Biden took office, one of the first things that he did was to overturn a ban that would no longer allow transgender Americans to serve in the military. Read about why he overturned the ban here.
In February, the House of Representatives passed the Equality Act. This act would make it illegal for businesses to discriminate against people who identify themselves as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer. Now, it’s up to the Senate to review and vote on the act. Read more here.
We're two perfectly imperfect moms who have five very different kids between the two of us. We believe that topics in news are a fantastic way to spark conversations in families. That's why we started the Dinner Table Conversation series here at Xyza: News for Kids. Won't you join us in the conversation?
It’s been a big year for Friends fans. With the reunion special finally airing, it’s time to start looking for ways to get your next fix, and we’ve got the answer!
Travel agency Fana World Travel has just announced the Cruise with Friends vaycay. Setting sail May 15 to 21, 2022 on the Celebrity Equinox, the getaway offers the perfect atmosphere for uber fans to mingle with each other as they travel to Key West, Grand Cayman and Cozumel, Mexico.
Cruise with Friends will be limited to 500 Friends fans and will be a complete experiential trip. You’ll get to compete in a themed costume contest, trivia game and more!
Prices start at $1648 per person for an inside stateroom, with a double occupancy requirement (or double your rate if you’re flying solo). You’ll also get unlimited surf Wi-Fi, $150 shore excursion credit and a premium beverage package included with your fees.
Make sure you’re ready to cruise, as all fees are non-refundable. One last tidbit: despite being a Friends-themed cruise, the OG actors will not be aboard this summer getaway.
