ML Interest Tag: alka-seltzer

11 Magic Potions for Halloween That Kids Will Love

by Nikki Walsh

From witches brew to fairy potions, grab those wands and pick one of these magic potions for Halloween that you can make at home

Part classic science experiment, part Harry Potter, the following concoctions are safe for kids and totally fun to mix up. From fizzing and foaming to bubbling and bewitching, these magic potions for kids can be whipped up in no time. Looking for even more spooky fun? Try your hand at some Halloween crafts, tell kid-friendly ghost stories, and read these witch books that are only a little bit wicked!

Fizzy Fairy Potion

This fairy potion can be made with any color, glitter (if you dare), and the tall glass in the middle will have kids bubbling with excitement.

Magic Pumpkin Potion

Perfect for the spooky season, we love the cute mini pumpkins! Easy to set up and, if you keep it contained, a breeze to clean up, this potion for kids is magical.

Love Potion Lava Lamp

lava lamp love potion for kids
Agnes Hsu via Hello, Wonderful

Part love potion, part lava lamp, we're crushing on this concoction from Agnes at Hello, Wonderful. Using simple ingredients you probably have in your pantry, you can whip up your version in no time. 

Related: 6 Glow-in-the-Dark Science Experiments to Try Tonight

Mad Scientist Potion for Kids

potions for kids
Mama.Papa.Bubba

This simple outdoor session is just lots of good (not so) clean fun. Find out what you need to set it all up over at Mama.Papa.Bubba

Witches Brew

a dry ice potions for kids
Upstate Ramblings

White clouds of witches' brew make these colorful drinks other-worldly. Dry ice is the key to this cool effect (with parent supervision, of course); hot water and soap can thicken the spell. Bubble over to Upstate Ramblings for the tutorial.

Related: 20 Sidewalk Science Projects to Try Outside Today

DIY Lava Lamp

potions for kids
Hands on as We Grow

A little more effervescent than the lava lamp of the '60s, this potion made from oil, water, and Alka-Seltzer will get your kiddos all bubbly. These elixirs are easy-to-do and exciting to watch. Jamie from Hand On As We Grow has the instructions.

Rainbow Potion

this rainbow sugar water density tower can be used as a fun potion and magic spell for kids
Little Bins for Little Hands

Sweet and colorful, this sugary brew makes the gradient with sugar, water, food coloring, jars, and a dropper. Your little wizard will be amazed at these layers, so pop over to Little Bins for Little Hands for directions.

Related: Mason Jar Science: Slimy, Squishy, Super-Cool Experiments

Glow-in-the-Dark Potion

potions for kids
Ana Dziengeli via Babble Dabble Do

Just glow with it. Potion-masters-in-training will need a little help from parents on this one, but the effort is worth the glow-in-the-dark effect. Ana Dziengel at Babble Dabble Do mixes corn syrup, baby oil, and water with a few "magic" ingredients for a luminous potion that doubles as a science experiment. 

Glittering Galaxies Potion

this nebular jar is a fun potion for kids
Trisha Hass via MomDot

Easy to make with minimal mess, little mix-masters can craft their own swirling nebulas with a mason jar, cotton, water, glitter, and paint. You can thank Trisha over at MomDot for this mystical potion that just might get your little magician calm for her afternoon nap. 

Related: 10 Science Experiments You Can Do at the Beach

Have a Potion Party

Bar Rucci via Art Bar

Potion-making is as easy as mix, whisk, color, and create! Have your little wizards gather half-bottles of household items like shaving cream, and shampoo, then add spice and dabble-e-doo! You’ve got a magic potion party. This fanciful fest was the inspiration of Bar Rucci over at ArtBar. 

Garden Soup

potions for kids
Jackie Currie via Happy Hooligans

Is there anything more natural than kids whipping up a little garden-centric potion on a warm, sunny day? Probably not, which is why we love the setup from Jackie over at Happy Hooligans. With just a few ingredients, your kids can get their dose of outdoor play in a cool setting. 

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Must-Book Kids Birthday Party Venues in San Diego

by Nikki Walsh

Looking for the best kids’ birthday party spot in San Diego? From retro eats to animal encounters, these venues know how to celebrate

Even in San Diego we occasionally need a break from the cooler temps outside. If you’re looking beyond the trademark pool party, backyard barbecue, or park picnic we’ve rounded up some of the best indoor spaces for your child’s next birthday party—and these venues are sure to keep even the littlest party guests busy and comfortable inside! In fact, these San Diego kids party venues (some of which just so happen to be world-class museums!) are destined to make the event a fantastic celebration for young revelers: There’s a theme for every interest—from rocket ships and pirate ships to trampolines and giant hammocks. Read on for birthday ideas in San Diego sure to make your kid’s big day the absolute best!

The New Children's Museum

Spend your birthday boy or girl's special day at the coolest museum for kids downtown. Guests of your party get museum entry and two hours in the special party room. A dedicated party concierge will help parents throughout the party, and special activities can be added on for an additional fee. Your kiddo's crew will love all of the museum's exhibits––especially hanging out in their super cool art installation: Whammock!—a giant rainbow hammock they can swing and climb through. Be sure to book this popular spot two weeks in advance!

Age: 1-12

200 W. Island Ave.
Online: thinkplaycreate.org

Related: Animal Birthday Parties for Creature Loving Kids

 

Corvette Diner

Let your little one rock and roll their way through a birthday celebration at the '50s style Corvette Diner. Birthday guests are treated to serenades from the beehived servers. Themed party packages include a party space, choices from a pre-set menu, and either time in the very popular arcade, crafts, or a dance-off! Many add-ons are available, including a popcorn cart, cupcake buffet, and balloon artist.

Age: all

Liberty Station
2965 Historic Decatur Rd.
Online: corvettediner.com

San Diego Children's Discovery Museum

Calling all young explorers! The San Diego Children's Discovery Museum is the perfect party spot for little tykes, and it's easy to plan for the big day. They offer themed parties like Dinosaur Discovery, Future Farmers, or Little Chemists. You also get a party assistant and your own parking spot on that special day. Also good to note, the museum offers mobile birthday parties, which include some of their traveling exhibits and workshops.

Age: 1-10

320 N. Broadway
Escondido, CA
Online: sdcdm.org

CeramiCafe

Party-goers get to have their cake and eat it too at CeramiCafe. The best part about this venue is that you don't have to be an artist, yet you get to paint a great piece of pottery. The popular cupcake party includes a party host and cupcakes and lemonade for all guests. But, most importantly, the birthday artist enjoys creative time with friends.

Age: 5+

3425 Del Mar Heights Rd.
Online: ceramicafe.com

Rockin' Jump

Take your little ones' birthday celebration to the next level by jumping the day away! Rockin' Jump is an indoor trampoline park filled with foam pits, dodgeball courts, and a ninja challenge course to keep your tykes moving and grooving. Party packages include a private party room where guests can relax and take a break from the high-flying fun before chowing down on pizza and refreshments.

Age: all

8190 Miralani Dr.
Online: rockinjump.com

San Diego Air and Space Museum

Shoot for the moon at this birthday spot that budding astronauts will love. Each party blasts off with a super scientific activity like Balsa Gliders, Alka-Seltzer rockets, or foam Rovers. Then, guests get a personalized museum tour with lots of good facts about the airplanes and rockets. You supply the food and they will take care of the rest! However, kids will leave with a goody bag perfect for the whole flight crew.

Age: 5-12

2001 Pan American Plaza
Online: sandiegoairandspace.org

 

Related: 7 Unique Birthday Ideas For Your Party Animal

Pump It Up

A bounce-it-out party that's also private, clean, and safe sounds great to us! First, there are plenty of party themes to choose from including a glow theme, pirate quest, and even superhero training. Kids bounce 'til their heart's content then head into a private party room for snacks, pizza, drinks, balloons, and party bags. Also, the birthday boy or girl gets to sit on a giant throne to unwrap presents. The Pump It Up crew sets up, cleans up, and packs the presents up, too.

Age: kids over 34 inches tall

12760 Danielson Ct. St. J
Poway, CA
Online: pumpitupparty.com

Helen Woodward Animal Center

Hands down, this is the best place to have an animal birthday paw-ty because the nonprofit expertly pairs education with the festivities. Further, they include themed party decorations, set-up, hosting and clean up. Plus, you'll get an animal encounter, face painting, and private backroom tour. We love the Bow-Wow Party for little ones and the Jammin' Jungle theme for bigger kids who crave a reptile encounter.

Age: all

6461 El Apajo Rd.
Rancho Santa Fe, CA
Online: animalcenter.org

https://www.instagram.com/p/Ch-loyGOM2f/?hidecaption=true

Kid Ventures

Capture the imagination at this birthday hot spot. With creative dress-up from princess to fire person and great attention to detail, party planning is easy and fun. So, bring your ideas and let them get to it. Even more, kids love to slide down the castle, climb the pirate ship and ride the bright red fire truck. Plus, at party time, bubbles and a giant parachute keep the kiddos entertained.

Age: 1+

Multiple locations
Online: kidventurespreschool.com

San Diego Botanic Garden

This oasis hosts a blooming marvelous birthday fete for the littles. Set-up in a private picnic spot and explore the Seeds of Wonder garden. Budding green thumbs can pot plants, easel paint, create bubbles and paint rocks. Plus, there's also a train mountain, dino dig, and an epic treehouse to play in. Here you'll find that nature is nurture.

Age: 1-5

230 Quail Gardens Dr.
Encinitas, CA
Online: sdbgarden.org

Related: Wheel Come to You! 12 Mobile Birthday Parties That Rock (and Roll)

Maritime Museum of San Diego

Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate party for me! All aboard the Star of India for a three-hour pirate party. Ye little mateys learn Swashbuckling 101 including the secrets of ship plundering. Even more, they raise the sail and lower the anchor. And finally, divide the gold amongst the crew. Also, you bring the cake and goody bags—which little pirates find on the treasure hunt.

Age: 5+

1492 North Harbor Dr.
Online: sdmaritime.org

Additional reporting by Beth Shea

 

 

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Blast Off into Spring With These STEM Activities

By Kristen Denzer

Spring has arrived and warmer weather is here which means it’s time to get the kids outside and away from their screens. But what can we do to keep kids entertained while still learning and innovating?

Check out these stimulating and fun outdoor STEM activities that can be made with materials you have at home.

Tiny Rocket
This activity is out of this world.

Test different amounts of water and Alka-Seltzer and see how high your rocket can go! When you mix these effervescing tablets with water, a chemical reaction takes place between the citric acid and sodium bicarbonate contained in the tablet and the water. This chemical reaction creates many, many bubbles of carbon dioxide gas. When the lid can’t hold all that gas anymore, the canister goes shooting off! This action can be explained using Newton’s Laws of Motion.

Materials:

– Film canisters

– Alka-Seltzer

– Water

Instructions:

– Fill your film canisters with varying amounts of water.

– Drop ¼ to ½ of an Alka-Seltzer tab into your water and quickly replace the cap and turn it upside down.

– Test different ways to make your rocket go off, just keep faces clear of the exploding canisters!

Exploding Bags 
A new kind of baking soda and vinegar activity.

Watch as your bag explodes! Popping the inner bag releases the vinegar and mixes with the baking soda causing the solution to quickly make bubbles and gas until the bag can’t take it anymore! Try this activity with different measurements and record your findings!

Materials:

– 1 medium to large zip bag

– 1 small to medium zip bag (this bag needs to be smaller than your other bag)

– Baking powder

– Vinegar

Instructions:

– Pour some vinegar into the small bag and zip closed. Make sure there’s some air left in the bag.

– Pour some baking soda in the larger bag, add the smaller bag of vinegar, and close the bag making sure to get out as much air as possible.

– Lay your bag on a flat surface and smack it until you pop the inside bag, shake, and watch as your bag inflates and eventually pops!

Lemon Juice Balloons 
Ever needed a new way to blow up a balloon? 

How big can you make your balloon? When the acidic lemon juice mixes with the baking soda base, it rapidly creates carbon dioxide and blows up the balloon! What combinations make the biggest balloon?

Materials:

– Balloon

– Lemon juice

– Baking powder

– Bottle or jar (the mouth needs to be small enough for a balloon to fit over it)

– Funnel (optional)

Instructions:

– Add lemon juice to your jar.

– Add baking soda to your balloon using a funnel.

– Stretch the opening to your balloon and fit it over the mouth of the bottle. Tip the balloon up and let it fall into the lemon juice.

– Watch the chemical reaction blow up your balloon!

This post originally appeared on Tierra Encantada.
Tierra Encantada is a warm, community-oriented Spanish Immersion Daycare and Preschool headquartered in Minneapolis, MN and currently expanding nationwide. We offer quality child care for children ranging from 6 weeks – 6 years of age. We focus on the growth of the whole child and believe children learn best by doing. Our award-winning bilingual education program fosters early cognitive development and teaches a respect for diversity.
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