Board Games: Where to Get Schooled & Stoked About Skateboarding

by Yuliya GeikhmanAugust 11, 2021

It’s active, builds core muscles, improves balance, and gets kids excited to head outdoors. That’s right: It’s time to hit the decks! Whether your kid has been skateboarding since they were in diapers, or they’re a total newb, we found an NYC skater spot for them. Read on for NYC’s best skateboarding lessons and classes for kids, skate shops in the city and NYC’s best skate parks where kids can test their skills.

Where to Deck Out: Uncle Funky Boards (and others!)

While there are lots of totally rad places to shop for that perfect board, there's one place that really caters to the groms, or young skaters, especially those that are just starting out. That place is Uncle Funky Boards in Manhattan.

The shop prides itself on helping not just the pros, but also those who are new to the sport. For basic “suiting up,” suggestions from the staff include helmets, knee, elbow and wrist guards to protect from any spill. You’ll also need a complete skateboard, which consists of a deck, two trucks, four wheels and eight bearings.

Besides Uncle Funky Boards, other NYC shops with devoted clientele include Skate Brooklyn at 78 St. Marks Pl, Labor in Chinatown and Sideshow in Middle Village.

Uncle Funky Boards
128 Charles St.
West Village
646-895-9943
Online: unclefunkysboards.com

For a Full Season of Learning: Skate Yogi

Skate Yogi is both a shop where you can buy everything you need for your skateboarding adventures, and a space for learning and practicing your skills. You can register your kids for a series of weekly lessons.

Students are taught in groups of about 8-10 kids with two instructors per group, and same ages are generally grouped together (within the age groups of 5-7, 7-13 and 12-17). You can sign up for 60-minute, 90-minute, or three-hour lessons. Want an even longer session? Skate Yogi suggests that students simply sign up for consecutive time slots. While a majority of every lesson takes place outside, Skate Yogi also has a well-ventilated indoor space.

Kids are required to bring pads and helmets (though you can also purchase them directly at Skate Yogi) but you don't need a skateboard — boards will be provided to students who don't have their own skateboard.

If you enjoy learning with Skate Yogi, they also offer summer camps and private one-on-one and group lessons.

$49 and up per session
Skate Yogi
140 Empire Blvd
Franklin and Bedford Aves
Prospect Lefferts Gardens
718-484-9777
Online: skateyogi.com

For Drop-in Shredding: Substance Skatepark

Substance Skatepark is an indoor skating facility built by people passionate about the sport. The vast 15,000 square feet of the park span across two indoor spaces and feature a ramp, halfpipe, indoor street course, and other courses that are regularly updated. Substance is someplace you can go if you just want to skate.

A $20 day pass allows you to come and go as you please in its two spaces. But if you want something more regular for your kids, Substance also has camp and afterschool options. Camp is held every year and spans from 8 p.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays, while afterschool is available 2-6:30 p.m. either on a pay as you go basis, or in batches of 12 weekly sessions.

Depending on the group size, both camp and afterschool are taught by 2-6 instructors, to ensure that every child gets individual attention throughout the session. One-on-one and group classes are also available (though group classes must be booked via email).

And best of all, you can give a bit back to the environment as your kid learns to skate — Substance Skatepark donates 1% of their sales to plant trees.

$80 for a private lesson, $65 for a group lesson (purchase via email); $20 for a day pass; prices vary for afterschool and camp
Substance Skatepark
314 Scholes Street
Williamsburg
917-721-5707
Online: substanceskatepark.com

For an Empowering Experience: Skate Everything School

Can't find a skating option near you? No problem! Although Skate Everything is based in Harlem, their lessons take place across the entire city, from Central Park to Domino Park in Brooklyn, Macombs Dam Park in the Bronx, and many more locations.

The school places an emphasis not just on teaching kids to skateboard, but also on empowering them to stay fit, both physically and mentally. The school teaches different types of skating, and customizes lessons for each child's individual needs, ensuring that every child gets the most out of every lesson. Students are also taught about the different parts of a board, safety procedures, and generally everything they'll need to know if they want to continue skating on their own.

One-on-one lessons are available to purchase in packs for kids ages 4-17, and you don't even have to own a board—just let Skate Everything know prior to your lesson. But all students must bring their own knee and elbow pads, wrist guards and helmet. It's also possible to set up group lessons if your kids want to learn to skate with their siblings or friends.

$50 per hour for a 1-on-1 lesson
No centralized location: Skate Everything meets at multiple locations throughout the city
Online: skateeverythingschool.com

”For Intermediate Skaters: Homage Skateboard Academy”

”

When your kids have mastered the rookie stage but aren’t quite yet vets, Homage Skateboard Academy is a great place to continue working on honing those board skills. Homage runs a skateboard academy that offers programs for kids in an indoor training facility that’s challenging, but not too intimidating. The space has stationary and movable ramps that can be adjusted for different levels of learners.

Recent safety precautions require everyone to bring their own equipment, including the skateboard. This means that, although Homage offers lessons for all levels, it’s a good option for kids who already have their own boards. In addition to skateboards, helmets are mandatory for all students, while pads are required for kids 6 and under.

During lessons, teachers show kids how to control the boards and introduce special methods to help kids gain confidence on the board quickly. Private, group, weekend and after-school lessons are available, as is a summer camp and the option to create private pods.

Homage also has an online shop, so if you don’t have a skateboard yet, you can get one now. (In fact, at the time of this writing, Homage is celebrating its 15th year with a special collaboration with USA Olympic Pro Skateboarder Alexis Sablone!)

$95 and up per session, plus $50 for each student (up to 3 people can sign up together for a private lesson)
Homage Skateboard Academy
615 Degraw St.
Gowanus
718-596-8151
Online: homageskateboardacademy.com

”

For a Test Ride: SURE Skateboard

SURE stands for “Skateboarder’s Urban Riding Environment,” and promotes skateboarding as a way to get around the city. SURE offers open group skateboard lessons in various locations in Manhattan.

If you have a little one who just wants to give skateboarding a try, they also have drop-in Sunday classes — just bring a helmet and skateboard. These open group lessons consist of no more than 12 students, and are for all levels, from the newbie who is getting on a board for the first time to the skater that wants to brush up on some skills.

Private lessons are also available by request via email.

$20 for group Sunday lessons, $30 for all others; private lessons can be scheduled via email
Various locations in the West Village, TriBeCa Skatepark, and Seward Park
SURE Skateboards
917-538-4084
Online: sureskateboards.com

For Riding the Streets and the Waves: Locals Surf School

Did you know that skateboarding has its origin in surfing? Well, Locals Surf School is keeping the link alive by offering surfing and skateboarding lessons! The school's youth skate camp provides a three-day instructional experience for kids ages 7-14 at the beginner to intermediate level. Every day of the program from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., kids will be introduced to the fundamentals of cruiser or trick skateboards. Groups are no larger than nine students each, with one instructor for every three kids.

The camp makes it easy to join and partake — all equipment, including skateboards pads and even sunscreen — are provided. The school also ensures that kids aren't baking in the sun all day, by setting up umbrellas and other cover for shade. Skateboarding lessons will be broken up by fun games and activities, to keep things fresh and interesting.

Locals Surf School
Beach 69th St.
Rockaway
Online: localssurfschool.com

For Vibin Indoors: 5050 Skatepark

5050 Skatepark is a custom-built 8,000 square foot facility for skaters to expand their skills in a creative and safe environment. The owners ask for kids' input on designing the ever-changing landscape of ramps and courses. It's also a haven for hard-core celeb skaters; you can often find Little Wayne flipping and popping during one of the park’s regular sessions.

All visitors must sign a waiver and have a helmet, and kids under 11 must have a parent accompany them.

The park is currently closed to the public due to covid. We've reached out to the park for a projected reopening date and will update this post once we have more information.

Daily sessions starting at $14, $20 for an all-day pass; lessons, camps, private parties, and more available at various prices
Currently closed due to covid
5050 Skatepark
354 Front St.
Stapleton
347-857-6007
Online: 5050skatepark.com

Best Skateparks for a First Official Run: Astoria Skate Plaza (and more!)

When your skater is ready to hit a skate park, the Astoria Skate Plaza is a great place to give it a shot. Located right under the RFK Bridge, this 21,500-square-foot concrete park features enough open space for skaters of all skills to stay out of each other’s way. However, skaters say the best time for kids to get in some practice without crowds is a weekday morning.

Other beginner-friendly skateparks are the Pier 62 Skatepark in Chelsea, Owl’s Head Millennium Skatepark in Bay Ridge, LES Skate Park in the Lower East Side (Two Bridges area), Golcanda Park in Downtown Brooklyn and Cooper Park in East Williamsburg.

The largest skatepark in the city is in Highbridge Park at the northern tip of Manhattan. Built in 2014, it is located under the Hamilton Bridge and constructed on a hill to provide extra momentum to skaters.

Find a full list of public NYC skate parks here. To use the skate park, visitors are required to bring a signed liability waiver available at the NYC Parks website, a helmet, knee and elbow pads, and wristguards for anyone under 18 years of age.

Astoria Skate Plaza
Astoria Park South
21st St., Hoyt Ave., Ditmas Blvd., East River
Astoria
Online: nycgovparks.org

Bonus: Tony Hawk's MasterClass lessons

Ok, this isn't a local option. But beginner-friendly video lessons from the name synonymous with skateboarding in the mainstream? It was too good not to mention. This course has 16 (short) lessons on everything from the basics, to nailing an ollie, to a glimpse at the future of skateboarding.

Starting a $15 a month (for all lessons on the site)
Online: masterclass.com

—Yuliya Geikhman

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I Tried the New Family Setup Feature on Apple Watch & Here’s What I Really Think

by Amber GuetebierMarch 11, 2021

The pandemic has been hard on parents, there’s no doubt about that. But it’s also been really hard on kids: not only have they had to adjust to unique school experiences, they’ve also lost a lot of the freedoms they’ve had to just…well…play. I never thought an Apple Watch would be a way to give my kid some of that freedom and independence back but I recently tried one out and I’m here to say: this thing is the bomb. Let me explain…

Three main things have changed dramatically in our lifestyle in the last year:

1) After nearly a year of school closures, our district reopened elementary schools.

School hours and how and where parents pick kids up is quite different than non-COVID times. In addition to school changes, this year my son is a Crossing Guard/Patrol, which means that every two weeks his afterschool schedule changes. I work full time (I’m the Managing Editor for Red Tricycle, obtw) and have a lot on my plate, so his schedule changing can throw things off for me, like meeting times and deadlines.

Plus, parents are essentially not allowed in the school unless it’s an absolute emergency. Running late? Your kid is waiting for you outside (they will bring the kids in if it’s super cold). And with the added responsibility of Patrol, his pickup time changes slightly depending on how many kids are crossing, how fast he checks in his equipment, etc. In short, the time is a little different EVERY. DAY.

2) We live in Minnesota, so “afterschool/outside school activities” means hockey. The “no parents” rule is similar for hockey practices and even most games. Parents are only allowed in the rinks if you need to help your kid get his gear on (my son is a goalie, so he still needs a little assist sometimes). You just drop them off outside or come in at the very last minute if they need help. This is very different than years past, where hockey culture frequently includes parents hanging out and helping out at practice (at least at this younger age).

3) Grandma moved into town.

I don’t believe my son is old enough to have a phone (he’s in 4th grade) but increasingly we found that we wanted him to be able to let us know when he was ready to go. He also started asking if he could walk to (his now fully vaccinated) Grandma’s house after school sometimes.

WALK?? ALONE??? I don’t consider myself to be a helicopter parent, and we live in a pretty safe community, but I also listen to a lot of true crime podcasts and occasionally panic about horrible potential scenarios. How do you balance that line between fear and teaching your kids fear, between safety and independence?

As it happened, right around this time of internal, moral debate, Apple Watch reached out to me to see if I could try the Family Setup feature. So they sent a (loaner) Apple Watch for us to try and, honestly, it really was transformative.

Features I Love the Most

Schooltime: From my phone I can set Schooltime hours, which makes the Apple Watch essentially only functional as time-piece during those hours. It does still track activity, but the majority of the features on the Watch go dormant. They can be accessed only temporarily during schooltime, for such things as emergency text or updates, but overall are “disabled” allowing for fewer distractions.

I was hesitant to send him to school with this watch on, but was actually thrilled to hear that my son’s teacher didn’t even notice he was wearing an Apple Watch: this meant it was not a distraction in class for him or anyone else.

Texting & Calls: As the parent, you control the contact list entirely. This is critical. With Family Setup your child cannot add any contacts to their list on their own. It is all controlled by the parent. I added friends and relatives we trust, not just for emergencies but so he could keep in touch on his own. He’s an only child, so having a cousin to “chat” with now and again is a lifeline.

He can also text via WiFi, but we found calls didn’t work great on WiFi to non-Apple numbers. You’ll want to add the Apple Watch to your cellular plan, which typically sets you back about $10/month when tacked onto an existing plan.

Emergency contacts are also an option: whomever you put on for emergency contacts can be contacted and called for under one minute without requiring a cellular plan.

Handwashing: There is actually a tracking device that shows if the kids have washed their hands long enough! WUT!

So, for the first time in his life, my son walked a few blocks on his own to his Grandma’s apartment after school. And, yes, I was using the tracking feature to see where he was.

Features My Son Loved the Most

I asked my son what his favorite parts of the watch are, beyond having more independence and he, like the kid he is, said:

I like the activity tracker. It’s fun to try to have a goal to reach for activity and get rewards when you complete certain things. There’s a cool planetary alignment feature where you can track the movement of the planets. And I like the easy communication with my family. Today, my dad was late picking me up and I was able to text both my parents, “Where are you?” Also, Memojis are cool. You can even have your Memoji wear a mask.

Calls and texts with family and friends: My mom put people like my grandma, aunts and uncles and even my cousins in California, on my contact list so I can check in with them sometimes without having to make a call on. my mom’s phone.

Conclusion

We’ll reluctantly send back this trial Apple Watch and I have to say, we’re putting it on the birthday wishlist now. Just a few weeks giving this new Family Setup a try and we are happy to see how much it’s allowed us to stay in touch, but not too in touch with a device that doesn’t distract with lots of screen-time. Unlike a phone, this watch isn’t heavy on the screen/game features (there are some) which for us is a win. Yes, the price-tag is higher than what you’d consider for a kid, but I do think it’s actually worth paying for, and the cost to add it to our plan is way more affordable than adding an additional line. Definitely worth considering for any parent who wants the right balance between freedom and worry.

Family Setup is supported in Apple Watch Series 4 or later with cellular, including the new Apple SE

Learn more at apple.com/watch

Special thanks to Apple for loaning us a watch to try out! All opinions expressed here are my own.

—photos and words by Amber Guetebier

The First Day of School Made Me Call My Mom and Tell Her This

By Stephen Chrabaszcz

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

March 29, 2020

This past week, both my ladies went back to school: Preschool for Harper and law school for Lacey. Originally, I was writing a hilariously witty column about how Lacey and I were so busy that we forgot to take a picture of our daughter’s first day of preschool (yes, this is true). But, then, I realized that if we’re THIS busy, then so were our parents . . .

Which, of course, never crossed my mind until I experienced it for myself. So, I asked my mom, “How did you do it?”

“You just . . . do.” She replied. My mom isn’t exactly Socrates.

As a kid, the first day of school arrives and you’re equipped: New clothes, supplies, lunch . . . check, check, check.

Children, whether entering preschool or finishing high school, just don’t have the experience to appreciate the efforts their parents go through to make sure they have the things they need, or think they need, to succeed. At least, I didn’t.

Whether it was a marble composition notebook or “mechanical” #2 pencils, it was in my backpack. I never asked myself, or my mom, what lengths she had to go through to meet my need or request, nor did I ever entertain what kind of day she had and whether she wanted to go shopping for it.

And, just in case you’re wondering . . . I totally rocked an LL Bean backpack with my initials stitched into it, just like every other kid. Until it wasn’t cool anymore . . . then, just like every other kid, I asked my parents to buy me a JanSport backpack.

If I had a need, from school supplies to an afterschool ride, my parents saw to it that it was met.

Maybe I was spoiled. Maybe I was a brat. Maybe I was just the son of two educators . . . I don’t know.

I just know that, while I probably gave the obligatory “thank you” back then, I never fully appreciated how much my parents did. Likely, neither did you.

What makes it even worse: Back then, life was so much less convenient.

My mom couldn’t just order my school supplies on Amazon with Prime shipping. My dad couldn’t send an Uber to pick me up if he didn’t want, or wasn’t able, to give me a ride somewhere. Forget texts or emails—cellphones and tablets didn’t exist.

Parenting was done old school. And, we didn’t appreciate our parents’ efforts any more then than our children appreciate ours now.

So, while you’re preparing for your kid(s) to go back to school, raggedly running around town and feeling entirely unappreciated, take a second from being annoyed or overwhelmed and acknowledge . . . this is what parents “just do.”

Actually, take a second and give your mom or dad a call to say, “thank you.”

You’ll likely hear a chuckle on the other end. Parents always find it humorous when you can finally relate to their suffering. At least mine do.

Don’t worry, you’ll let out a chuckle, too, when your son or daughter gives you a ring in 25 years saying, “thank you” for all you did . . . and all we’re doing is ordering things on Amazon and grabbing Ubers.

It’s just what we “do.”

Thanks, Mom.

Your Friend and My Favorite,

Stephen

Stephen Chrabaszcz

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Raised in New England; raising mine in L.A. Aspiring screenwriter; practicing attorney; work-in-progress father.

Keep Your Kids Engaged and Entertained with These Boredom Busters from L.O.L. Surprise

by Jennifer SwartvagherMarch 23, 2020

If you are looking for something fun for your kids to do in the afternoon, L.O.L. Surprise has your back. Offering a welcome break during the homeschooling day, L.O.L. Surprise will be posting #BBsBoredomBusters every at 1 pm PT to their Facebook and Instagram channels. Keep your kids engaged and entertained with different activities including videos, trivia, challenges, activity sheets and more.

View this post on Instagram

📣 Calling all parents! 📣 We know you’re looking for some extra activities for your B.B.s right now, and we’re here to help! Every day we will be sharing a new #BBsBoredomBuster on our page. Check our Instagram Story DAILY at 1pm PST for a fiercely fun afterschool activity.

A post shared by L.O.L. Surprise! (@lolsurprise) on Mar 19, 2020 at 1:00pm PDT

On their Instagram page, L.O.L. Surprise posted that fans should check out their Instagram story every day for a “fiercely fun afterschool activity.”

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: L.O.L. Surprise

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NYC’s Best Coding Classes for Kids

by Yuliya GeikhmanAugust 28, 2019

Turn idle technology time into active learning by introducing your kids to the wonders of coding. Teaching kids to code helps them develop critical thinking, problem solving and STEAM-related skills, gives them the pride of creating their own content, and is a skill that might just come in handy later in their lives. Luckily, this is a great time for children interested in how their favorite apps work under the hood: New York City has a great selection of coding classes for kids. Below are some of our favorites.

Pixel Academy

Pixel Academy wants kids to get creative with how they look at technology. Students are encouraged to ask questions and stay focused on projects, all with a safe and encouraging environment. The afterschool program teaches kids to code through games they love, like Roblox, Minecraft, and Fortnite, or even through modern-day tech like Alexa and Virtual Reality.

Along with the actual coding lessons, Pixel Academy will also instruct students in 3D model creation, video-game media and marketing, and how to be respectful to other players (and each other) — in other words, all the skills they'd need to make their own games from start to finish.

Kids ages 7-14 can enroll in an afterschool program, join the seasonal camps, or visit during the one-day camps, which take place during nearly every public school closing — though these mini-camps are oriented more around the actual playing of video-games, not making them. There's also the option to book a birthday party at the space.

163 Pacific St.
Cobble Hill

256 West St.
Tribeca

Online: pixelacademy.org

The Coding Space

Nicole K. via Yelp

The Coding Space is directed at kids ages 8-14 and uses kid-oriented programs to move up to rea-world languages. Coding is taught using the Socratic Method: by allowing students to ask meaningful questions, instead of lecturing them on what to do. Kids start coding from Scratch (literally — a program designed for kids at MIT), then branch off to specialize in more focused areas of coding. Classes are kept small (four kids per instructor) and lessons are project-oriented and self-paced.

Along with seasonal camps and an afterschool program, The Coding Space has programs that last from 14-17 weeks. You can also enroll your child in a single class to try it out if you're not sure it's right for you.

Although most classes are co-ed, the GirlCode classes specifically cater to girls and young women, aiming to encourage and empower them in the field.

165 E. 88 St.
Upper East Side

1 W 88th St
Upper West Side

461 6th St
Park Slope

Port Washington & Roslyn
Long Island

Online: thecodingspace.com

Apple

Free Apple Desktop via Flickr

Yes, that Apple. The company's been offering Hour of Code programs and other coding opportunities for kids for years, usually for free. Every summer, kids can participate in Apple Camp, a free three-session program that takes place in local Apple stores. As you can imagine, spots fill up quickly, so sign up to be notified of when registration opens here.

In addition to the camp, Apple also hosts workshops throughout the year where kids can dip their feet into coding. These workshops teach kids 12 or older to code for Apple products, and introduce 6- to 12-year-olds to programming using programmable Sphero robots.

Best of all, if you own an iPad, you can turn your own home into a coding academy using the free Swift Playground app. This kid-friendly app teaches Swift, the programming language used by iOS developers, in a way that's approachable for kids.

Online: apple.com/today

Sylvan

If your child thrives in a more school-like environment, Sylvan might be the right choice for them. Here, kids in elementary through middle school meet for an hour per week and work on a predetermined project. Classes are less self-directed and more instruction-based, teaching an assortment of skills that align with school curriculums as well as Common Core.

Kids learn to code using the child-friendly Tynker system. Although there's no shift to real-world languages, the program serves as an excellent starting point for thinking through coding problems and scenarios. In addition, kids are taught world-building and character creation, audio and special effect application, and problem solving. The end goal of the full session is to create a playable game.

2579 E. 17th St., Unit 2A
Sheepshead Bay

3132 East Tremont
Parkchester, Bronx

297 Livingston St
Downtown Brooklyn

200 W 86th St.
Upper West Side

Online: sylvanlearning.com

Visit the Sylvan website to choose your location or click on the link above for a course description.

Robofun

Although Robofun offers many types of STEM learning like, of course, robot making and programming, kids can also take coding classes here. In fact, Robofun uses MIT-developed Scratch to instruct kids, Robofun boasts having Dr. Mitchel Resnick — who created the language along with his associates — as a board member.

In the coding program, which is intended for kids in 3rd-6th grade, students will learn how to make different types of games, including adventure, maze, and platforming games. Instruction is highly personal as Robofun knows that everyone learns differently, and instructors will personalize their teaching to fit every child's needs.

Children can sign up for a full afterschool program or attend a one-off drop-in class or workshop. As an added bonus, if you decide to bring your child back for lessons again after completing the afterschool program once, you're assured that they'll learn brand new things and will never have to repeat material. There are also other interesting options here, like learning how electricity works through Minecraft and stop-motion animation.

2672 Broadway, Loft A
Upper West Side

Online: robofun.org

Game-U

Gordon Wrigley via Flickr

Developed by actual professionals from the game industry, Game-U provides comprehensive, project-driven instruction on making games and everything that goes into that. In addition to coding in languages like C++ and Javascript, the program also teaches level design, animation, 3D printing, and even robotics.

Classes, afterschool programs, and camp are all available for kids ages 6 and up, or you can drop in on a lesson online via the live-stream service.

195 Montague St., 14th Floor
Brooklyn Heights

315 W. 36th St., 7th Floor
Midtown West

4442 Arthur Kill Rd.
Staten Island

Online: game-u.com

iD Tech

iD Tech Camp

Did you know that your local college may have coding classes for kids? And chances are, if it does, it's through iD Tech. The program over 50 different courses running at various college campuses, including NYU, Pace University, Queens College, and more.

Classes are available for kids starting at 7 years old and include fun offerings like Scratch learning, Java coding with Minecraft, Python with Cozmo, game design, Roblox world building, and much, much more. Kids can even enroll in a course that'll allow them to build their own laptop (and take it home!).

Instruction is less self-paced here than in other programs, and drives kids to learn and complete specific tasks in each class, leading up to the completion of their predetermined projects. Many classes also let kids take home their creations along with useful extras like course transcripts, a certificate of completion, and sometimes even the tech they were working with.

Online: idtech.com

Girls Who Code

Governor Tom Wolf

This well-known nonprofit organization aims to close the gender gap in STEM fields by giving girls the opportunity to learn coding and related skills. The organization brings free coding classes to libraries and other community locations across NYC for girls from 3rd through 12th grade.

Classes are led by "Clubs" — in fact, parents, teachers and librarians are able to start their own Club if they have the means and want to contribute to the movement and community. The program also offers paid courses and a summer immersion program if your little one(s) get into it and want to take their learning further. Girls in grades 3-5 learn on and off the computer, honing their thinking skills to prepare them to think like a programmer, while 6th-12th graders get hands-on with the tech.

You can find a class near you on the website but not all programs run year-long so contact the location to see what's available at the time.

Online: girlswhocode.com

—Yuliya Geikhman

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3 April Fool’s Day Podcasts to Listen with the Kids Today

by Erica LoopApril 1, 2019

Get ready to add some deep, deep belly laughs to your day. Or rather, to your kiddo’s day. Pinna’s new April Fool’s Day podcasts are here and they’re complete comedic genius—in a totally age-appropriate, child-friendly way.

If you haven’t heard of Pinna, it’s an on-demand audio network that brings your kiddo podcasts, audio books and more. Along with the existing library of for-kids audio media, the new comedy-centered podcasts will engage your child’s mind and entertain them pretty much all day long.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BvVQ2FiB_s0/

Pinna’s new original comedic podcasts include “Don’t Break the Rules” (a weekly improv sketch comedy podcast), “The Furry Tones” (a weekly musical comedy podcast for kids ages three through six) and “HiLL-LaRRy-uS” (daily jokes, 365 days a year for kids ages six and up).

Amy Kraft, Director of Development and Children’s Programming at Pinna, said of the new podcasts, “We are pushing the boundaries of what a typical podcast is and we think about listening opportunities for kids throughout the day as we develop and acquire new podcasts, audiobooks and music.” Kraft also added, “Kids can listen to HiLL-LaRRy-uS in the morning so that they can tell the funny joke later that day on the playground, while Don’t Break the Rules can inspire afterschool improv play. Of course, all our shows can be listened to anytime, anywhere – alone or with friends and family.”

Try it before you buy it! Get a free 30-day subscription to the service. After the trial is over stream Pinna on all iOS and Android devices for $7.99 per month or $79.99 per year.

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: snsforyou via Pixabay

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Check the Halls: Holiday Party Scavenger Hunts

by Melissa HeckscherDecember 1, 2018

While the lights and cookies can make any event enchanting, sometimes holiday parties can be hit or miss for little kids. Keep meltdowns to a minimum with a handy scavenger hunt, perfect for hosting a crew of kiddos or keeping in your bag as a pleasant surprise. We’ve got three checklists for festive occasions—winter fun, Christmas and Hanukkah— and we’ve even included a printable version you can click and print. You just need the pencil! Scroll down to see the lists.

photo: jillblacktown via flickr

Hanukkah Party Hide & Seek

This pleasant hide and seek game can lead to laughs and a little mingling, too. Click here to get your Hanukkah Hide & Seek printable, perfect for any night of Hannukkah!

Holiday Party Hunt

Use this list as the perfect ice-breaker for kiddos getting to know each other or as a means to keep all the visiting cousins busy while you’re making dinner. Grown ups can get in on the fun, too. Click here to get your Ho Ho Holiday Hunt printable.

Winter Themed Scavenger Hunt

This one can last beyond the December holidays to use any time when winter doldrums set in. Use it as a perfect pick-me-for an afterschool adventure or bust it out on New Years Day. Click here to get your Wonderful Winter Scavenger Hunt printable.

—Melissa Heckscher
photo: Ashley Webb via flickr

5 Tips for Organizing a Successful Carpool

By Angel Rutledge

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

October 24, 2017

As a parent, you spend hours behind the wheel chauffeuring your kids to and from school, soccer practice, dance class, school clubs and more. And the more children you have, the more hectic the schedule.

Setting up a carpool with other parents can bring some much-needed relief. Trust me, with four teenagers of our own, my husband and I could never have survived parenting this long without them. Follow these tried and true tips, and establishing a carpool can be an easy process that gives you more free time.

1. Form a Group

Parents usually spend the most time driving to and from school, so ask your circle of friends or turn to a neighborhood social media group to find other families at your school. To coordinate rides for extracurricular activities, you can chat with parents at practice or after meetings to see if there’s a match for an afterschool or weekend carpool. You might not find someone in the same neighborhood but looking within a few miles is doable. For any carpool, see if families have similar schedules and decide if you would feel comfortable with your children sharing rides with them.

2. Create a Schedule

Once you have a group of potential carpool parents, narrow down the list to candidates who work best for your location and schedule. Host a brief meeting with the families in case some don’t know each other well. Use this time to ask questions and plan a driving rotation. Openly discuss expectations so there will be no confusion down the line. Some parents might only be able to do drop off or pick up, so designate those responsibilities when making the schedule. Use an online sign up sheet if you have a large carpool group or inconsistent schedules. This makes coordinating drivers simple and minimizes confusion by sending automatic reminders and digital calendar integrations.

3. Set Driver Rules

Create rules to keep everyone on the same page — and make sure they are consistently enforced. For example, establish regular pick-up and drop-off locations and emphasize that carpool is just that — no running errands. Other things to consider: Make it clear that only parents can drive the group (no teen siblings). Ensure that all children are buckled up and that any child who needs a booster seat has one. Ask your children (delicately) after the first week about other parents’ driving practices to make sure the kids are in a safe environment.

4. Keep an Open Dialogue

Kids (and parents) get sick, work schedules change and sometimes emergencies happen that can alter the carpool schedule. Establish a plan to let other parents know if you are running a few minutes late or won’t be able to make the pickup or drop-off time. A child being left behind can be a traumatic event, so err on the side of over communication with this one.

5. Create Passenger Rules

Establish rules for the kids in the carpool. Children should be respectful, use inside voices and keep their hands and feet to themselves. If parents agree, allow kids to have a healthy snack in the car, but do not try to be the fun parent and give out candy. Be aware of any allergies in your carpool and avoid those food groups. And don’t forget to have fun! Make the ride enjoyable by allowing the kids to choose songs or car games to play.

Carpool is usually a relaxed time for kids to connect with each other after their activities and a great time for parents to hear how their kids are doing in social situations. Plus, a well-organized carpool can be a lifesaver for busy parents.

Angel Rutledge

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Angel is a former middle school English teacher and the mom of four teenagers. She is currently the COO and CMO of SignUpGenius, which helps millions of people each month manage volunteers and organize responsibilities and events such as class parties, sports team snack schedules, group fundraisers and business events.

Inside Illumination Learning Studio with the Totally Awesome Awards 2016

by writerredtriAugust 31, 2016

Illumination Learning Studio engages and enlightens young minds through their interactive learning, music, and arts programs. Owner, Molli Piper recently took the time to speak with us and tell us what makes them totally awesome!

Red Tricycle: Congrats! Your community recently voted you the Most Awesome Afterschool Program in Seattle. What do your customers value most about your business?
Molli Piper: The opportunity for their children to learn each day through the amazing cultural arts classes we offer.

RT: What do you want people to know about your business that they don’t already know?
MP: We are a family owned and operated business.

RT: How did your business get started and what was the motivation?
MP: We had talked about starting a family business for many years. One day our son called and explained how he waited in line outside of a school at 4:30 in the morning to get our granddaughter into an after school program. He explained that there was such a big need out here for quality after school programming.

RT: Tell us, what do you start your morning with: 1. coffee 2. tea 3. mimosa 4. water 5. all of the above.
MP: Coffee, kids smiles, and hugs!

RT: What is the most awesome thing a customer has ever done for you?
MP: When we first opened our business I wore many hats, one of which was cleaning lady. I was cleaning one Saturday morning and a family from our program stopped by to help me clean! They said they wanted to give back to us for making such a wonderful difference in their community.

RT: What is your biggest pet peeve as a business owner?
MP: Wanting to be able to provide programming to all of our neighboring areas who want it (West Seattle, Magnolia, Queen Anne). We currently have 4 locations and lots of determination to reach as many families as we can. It won’t be a pet peeve for long.

RT: How you keep your stress levels down?
MP: Breathing, breathing and more breathing…

RT: What’s your secret superhero power as a business owner?
MP: I am a Social Butterfly! I love people and will say hello to everyone!

RT: Tell us, what is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received (as a parent or business owner)?
MP: You have to be able to laugh at yourself!

RT: How about the worst piece of advice you’ve ever gotten?
MP: You’re the child’s teacher, not the other way around.

RT: Is there a special offer you’d like to include for Red Tricycle readers?
MP: We would like to offer readers who have children interested in music to come for a complementary music evaluation.

Check out Illumination Learning Studio and Like them on facebook.

Today Is Afterschool Fun Day

by Tinybeans TeamJuly 20, 2016

Daily

Today Is Afterschool Fun Day

Let’s get this party started.

Beat the afterschool doldrums with a dozen activities you can do to keep the kiddos engaged, having fun and learning.

Avoid the afterschool hangries. Need ideas for easy, healthy afterschool snacks? We’ve got you covered!

How many times have you asked, “How was your day?” Go deeper and get more creative with these 10 questions to ask your kids after their school day.

Today’s #TakeBobAnywhere theme: Run or Bike! Take a photo and share your pics with us on social media. Don’t forget to tag #TakeBobAnywhere.

{ Today’s ideas brought to you by Bob’s Red Mill }

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