Math can be fun, and these free printables prove it! We’ve rounded up math worksheets for kids, from kindergarten math worksheets and math worksheets for 1st grade to early elementary level math problems. Whether you’re homeschooling or just want some extra math practice for the kids, check out these free printables.
Work on telling time with this clock printable. You'll have to cut out the hands and attach them to the face for nonstop time-telling practice! Get your copy from 2ndGradeworksheets.net here.
Have your tiny mathematicians practice finding the place values of the underlined numbers in this printable from 2ndgradeworksheets.net. You can grab your copy of it here.
Your kindergartener will love matching the numbers to these fun pictures. And Math-Salamander.com has tons more to choose from. Find this printable here.
This intro to word problems from Dadsworksheets.com is perfect for elementary schoolers. Having a visual to help with addition helps kids find the solutions. Get your copy here.
Preschoolers will love the fact they can color and count these fun pictures. Math-Salamanders.com has a bunch of printables to choose from. Get this one here.
Little Dots makes it super easy for kids to break down different shapes, like with this circle practice sheet. Find other shapes on their site to round out the lesson.
Math-Salamanders.com helps the littlest students practice number sequences with these fun sheets. Count to five and download your copy of this sheet here.
Every kid loves getting something addressed to them in the mail, but what if they received correspondence from a real astronaut? Thanks to NASA’s pen pal program, they can write and receive answers from real, live astronauts. It’s a great way to keep kids interested in science, and if a letter does come back, it’s a pretty cool item for the family “brag board.”
Step One: Pick an astronaut
Have your kids look through the list of astronauts on at NASA’s website and read through their bios to see what each one does. Maybe your kids want to know what it’s like to live on the Space Station. Maybe they are more interested in the engineering and problem-solving that goes into making a rocket fly. Picking an astronaut who deals with exactly your kid’s interests makes the NASA pen pal program process even more fun.
Step Two: Decide what to ask their astronaut of choice
Once you’ve picked your lucky astronaut, you should help your kids compose their letter (or have them write it on their own if they’re old enough). The best bet is to ask a specific question that an astronaut can answer. (Check out this amazing two-page letter one four-year-old received after her dad helped her write a letter to NASA scientist Dr. David Williams with a question about a probe headed to Jupiter’s moons.) Kids can think about what they’ve learned in school to help draft their questions. You can also make a request for an autographed photo from current astronauts who are in training or are assigned to an upcoming flight.
Step Three: Address and mail the letter to the NASA office
Any mail and photo requests can be sent to:
NASA Johnson Space Center
CB/Astronaut Office
Houston, TX 77058
You can make it easier on the astronauts by including a self-addressed and stamped return envelope.
Space trivia for kids is perfect for a night under the stars
Whether you’ve got a would-be astronaut in your household or are just looking for quirky or interesting facts for kids, there’s no denying that space is a fascinating topic. From the moon and stars to space exploration, here’s some of our favorite space trivia for kids.
1. The moon is very hot (224 degrees Fahrenheit, average) during the day but very cold (-243 degrees average) at night.
2. Venus spins clockwise. It’s the only planet that does!
3. One teaspoon of a neutron star would weigh six-billion tons.
9. It takes eight minutes and 19 seconds for light to travel from the sun to Earth.
10. The footprints on the moon will be there for 100 million years.
11. A neutron star can spin 600 times in one second.
12. Jupiter is the fastest spinning planet in the solar system (it only takes about 10 hours to complete a full rotation on its axis).
13. Sound does not carry in space.
14. The Earth's core is as hot as the surface of the sun.
15. The very first animals in space were fruit flies...they were sent up in 1947 and recovered alive.
16. In 2011, ten-year-old Kathryn Aurora Gray discovered a supernova (a star that has run out of energy, explodes and then collapses before it dies) that no one else had seen before.
17. Europa, one of Jupiter's moons, has saltwater geysers that are 20x taller than Mt. Everest.
18. Saturn's rings are made from trillions of chunks of orbiting ice.
19. Alpha Centauri isn't a star, but a star system. It is 4.22 light years away.
20. One day on Venus is almost 8 months on Earth.
21. Golf is one of only two sports ever played on the moon. In 1971, Alan Shepard hit a ball with a six-iron while on the moon as part of the Apollo 14 mission. The other sport was a javelin toss, during the same visit.
22. Jupiter's Great Red Spot is the Solar System's longest raging storm: it has been observed for more than 200 years.
23. Mercury and Venus do not have moons. (They are the only two planets in our solar system that don't!)
24. There are more stars in the universe than there are grains of sands on Earth.
If there’s one thing parents can count on, is that kids usually love one of these: dinosaurs, trains or planes. And if you find yourself with an airplane fanatic at home—you know, a mini Maverick who feels the need for speed? Roger that—we’ve rounded up the best spots in SoCal to see planes up close, learn about aviation history and even where to take a thrilling flight. So buckle up and put your tray table in the upright and locked position because these high-flying ideas are ready for takeoff!
This airplane-themed restaurant is absolutely one of the best places in town to bring kids who are super into flying. Indoors, there’s a great food bazaar with plentiful family-favorite dining choices like Bludso's BBQ, burgers, chicken and waffles, Asian selections, pizza, healthy farmer’s market options and a swell kid’s menu. Outside is truly where it’s at though—with a fab playground, spacious grassy area and plenty of incoming flights making their way into LAX one after the other—it may just blow your kid’s mind.
Insider Tip: Competition for a good spot on the patio or around the fire pits is fierce on summer evenings so you may have a better shot getting an outside table during the week rather than on the weekend.
Hours: Wed., Thurs. and Sun. 11:30 a.m. - 7 p.m., Fri. and Sat. 11:30 a.m. - 8 p.m.
What’s better than downing a delicious Double-Double from In-N-Out? Enjoying it while planes soar overhead at LAX! The In-N-Out on the northwest corner of 92nd St. and Sepulveda Blvd. is one of the prime spots in town for die-hard plane lovers. Located right next to the arrivals runway, this is an incredible place to watch incoming airplanes land. There are tables outside the restaurant as well as a grassy park directly across the street where you can picnic.
Hours: Vary daily for dine-in and drive-thru.
9149 S. Sepulveda Blvd. Los Angeles Online: in-n-out.com
Vista Del Mar Park
This tiny park along the coast is one of the premiere locales to catch planes taking off from LAX. Vista Del Mar Park sits directly under some of the airport’s main runways, giving onlookers a stunning view of planes taking off over Dockweiler Beach. There's also a small playground and picnic tables, making it an ideal spot for sunset picnic.
Clutter’s Park is one of the very best places for watching planes take off from LAX’s south runways—just 1,500 feet away. The park features a few benches to rest your duff for some serious plane spotting, but it may be wise to bring a chair or two from home as well. It gets especially crowded on weekends, so for the best views, early weekday outings are a better bet.
Van Nuys Airport has a public observation area open daily that features permanent displays, special children's exhibits and live broadcasts of air traffic controllers in the airport's control tower. Because airport tours are still suspended at the moment due to COVID, kids are invited to take a virtual tour that gives little ones an insider’s look at the aircrafts, history, activities and people at the airport.
Hours: Open daily, 8 a.m. - dusk.
Woodley Ave. and Waterman Dr. (East Side of Airfield) Van Nuys Online: iflyvny.com
As the only aviation museum at a major airport, the Flight Path Museum is truly one of a kind. The museum hosts an impressive collection of airline artifacts, including a display of over 600 airline uniforms from 68 airlines around the world, and walks you through the history of LAX. Other must-sees include the DC-3 Exhibit, Space Exploration Exhibit, Flying Tigers Exhibit and Fire Fighting Vehicle Exhibit. Another bonus to coming here is being able to watch the planes taxi, take off and land at adjacent LAX. Free parking is available and advanced reservations for these one-hour visits are required.
Hours: Fri. and Sat. 12 p.m. - 4 p.m. Cost: $5 per adult and $3 per child.
The Museum of Flying in Santa Monica invites plane fans to explore the fascinating aviation history of its beachside city. The venue features tons of interactive exhibits and memorabilia from the Donald Douglas Aircraft Company, as well as recreations of the Douglas Aircraft Company Executive Boardroom and office of Chairman and Founder, Donald W. Douglas. But the real star of the show here are the myriad aircrafts on display including a replica of The Wright Flyer, a North American Navion, a Douglas A-4 Skyhawk, T-33 Cockpit and many more. There is lots of free parking and awesome views of from Santa Monica Airport’s observation deck nearby.
Hours: Thurs. - Sun. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Cost: Adults are $12, kids aged 3-12 are $6 and littles 2 or younger are free.
Filled with interactive exhibits from head to toe, the California Science Center never disappoints. And when it comes to aircrafts, the same holds true. Whether it showing kids the 1902 Wright Brothers Glider, a F-20 Tigershark fighter plane, the Velie Monocoupe, an A-12 Blackbird or tons of other artifacts, little ones will love learning how scientific principles affect aircraft design. Children can even pretend to be a pilot for the day in the Flying Club Simulator. No slouch to the airplanes, kids will also love checking out the Space Shuttle Endeavour during their visit as well. Timed-entry reservations are required.
Hours: Daily, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Cost: General admission is free with a small service fee for online reservations. Featured exhibitions and simulators are available at an extra cost.
The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum is a must-see for so many reasons, but the Air Force One Pavilion will be what your kiddos remember most. Guests are invited to step aboard the same Air Force One that flew President Reagan over 660,000 miles during his time in office. The exhibit offers visitors a real sense of what it was like to fly in this iconic plane, including a vibration and tilt that make it feel as though you're getting ready to take off down the runway. Also featured at the museum are the F-117 Nighthawk Stealth Fighter and F-14 Tomcat, as well as the Marine One helicopter that Presidents Johnson, Nixon and Ford flew during their time in office.
Tomorrow’s Aeronautical Museum in Compton is actively inspiring the next generation about the world of aviation. Museum highlights include an exhibit on the Tuskegee Airmen, a T-33 and T-38 Talon, a UH-1 Huey Helicopter, a T-28 Trojan and a replica of the Spirit of St. Louis, among others. Kids will also love a harrowing turn in the Top Gun flight simulators – F-16 style cockpits outfitted with state-of-the-art fighter jet simulators which can be set up for team dog flights and airfield or carrier landings.
Hours: Daily, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. Cost: Museum tours are free, but flight simulator costs vary.
Just a quick drive to Torrance and you'll land a the Western Museum of Flight—well-worth the trip for plane lovers. Dedicated to preserving and displaying Southern California’s aircraft history and heritage, the museum features several incredible items that kids can both see and touch, including Warbirds, aircraft and target drones, piston and jet craft engines, aircraft components, ejection seats, World War II instruments, aircrew accessories and an extensive model aircraft collection.
Hours: Fri. - Mon. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Cost: $5 per person and kids 10 and under are free.
If you don’t mind the trek to the OC, Flightdeck may be right up your alley as it features incredible flight simulators in both fighter jets and Boeing 737s. The minimum age for kids is 11 years old so this a better outing for the tweens and teens in your brood. Amateur pilots are invited to experience the thrill of aerial maneuvers at 600 knots and air-to-air combat in an authentic military flight simulator. Or you can take the controls of commercial airliner in their Boeing 737 flight simulator. Classroom training and in-flight instruction are provided. Your wingmen who may not wish to participate are welcome to watch all the action on large LCD screen inside the Officer’s Club. Be sure to wear light clothing as you will be putting on a flight suit over it during your simulation.
Cost: Fighter jet simulations start at $59 and Boeing 737 simulations start at $109. Reservations are highly recommended.
Launched in 1992, the Young Eagles program has made it its mission to help inspire kids in the world of aviation and give them firsthand experiences in flight. Through the generosity of EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) volunteers, the organization has dedicated 25 years to giving area youth ages 8-17 their first free ride in an airplane. During the 15-20-minute flight, pilots walk kids through the various parts of the airplane and answer any questions about flying or aviation. Parents are invited to find a Young Eagles event or pilot near them and fill out the necessary registration online.
As the leading provider of airplane tours for both tourists and locals in LA, Corsair Aviation takes guests up, up and away in a luxurious Cessna over some of LA’s most iconic landmarks—whether it's soaring over downtown and the Hollywood sign or cruising high over Santa Monica and Malibu, every passenger on board gets a window seat for the best view. Tours start at 30 min. in length and go up from there.
Indoor Skydiving:iFly Hollywood has a vertical wind-tunnel waiting for flight fanatics. Jump into a tunnel of air with an instructor and feel the thrill of skydiving without being 10,000 feet in the air. Prices start at $75. Flyers must be over 3 years of age and kids under 18 must have a parent sign their waiver.
Parasailing over the Ocean: Strap into a seat side-by-side with the kids while parasailing off the Marina Del Rey harbor. The minimum age to parasail is 6 years old and kids under 18 must have a parent to sign their liability waiver. Rates start at $105 per person.
Zip-Lining as a Family: Zip with views of the ocean in Catalina ($139 per person during the spring and summer). Participants aged 10 and up and weighing at least 80 lbs. may ride solo. Kids between ages 5- 9 must ride tandem with someone age 18 and older who will act as the child’s guardian during the trip. Littles under 5 are too young to zipline. If you want to make a whole weekend of adventure, here’s our awesome guide to spending the weekend in Catalina.
Our children’s natural sense of curiosity has lead many a parent to discover more about the world around us—especially when we don’t know the answer to that pressing “why” question! Foster that sense of wonder and discovery with these children’s books that encourage those questions, from books about space and opposites, to the language of the sky, learn some of those answers yourself, too.
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Explore space in a new way: through Haiku. Told in a simple and straightforward style, Sally Walker's journey through the galaxy is expertly told using Matthew Trueman's illustrations. Perfect for both kids and adults. Ages: 7-9
The only children's book by Neil Armstrong has arrived. Kids will delve deep into the story of Bok, a moon rock who traveled space and time until he was discovered by the first men to walk on the moon. With beautiful illustrations by Grahame Baker Smith, young explorers will be captivated by this story. Ages: 4-8
In this book by the beloved Mo Willems, best-selling author and illustrator and friend to all the pandemic children with his weekly drawing lessons, Willems uses colors, shapes, and textures to demonstrate the concepts of opposites—which are, to quote the Pigeon, "a matter of opinion." The book encourages discussion with children and those around them when the author asks questions like, "Is this soft?" and "Is this light?" in regards to the abstract art. An instant classic. Ages: Baby-2
We're not sure what is the best part of this amazing book; the original story based on mythology from the artists' native Mombai or the stunning illustrations created by Hari & Deepti, two paper-cut artists who bring the words to life. Both elements combine to make hands-down one of the most beautiful and unique books, one that inspires curiosity and wonder with the artwork and narrative alike: our heroines are two children who will soon learn that Silver Fox and Fire Wolf are anything but myths. Ages: 4-8
The story of one small child and one big idea, that grows with the child’s confidence, until something amazing happens. This story is for all the dreamers, big thinkers, and inventors in our families, and encourages children to believe their idea is worthy and curiosity is a strength. Written by Kobi Yamada with illustrations by Mae Besom. Ages: 3-7
Walter Wick is known for his photographic find-and-seek books, encouraging curious kids everywhere to look beyond their first impressions. In A Ray of Light, Wick's stunning images are combined with easy-to-understand text. Kids will learn all about the speed, color, the spectrum, and all the other complex secrets to light. Ages: 6-8
She Stitched the Stars: The Story of Ellen Harding Baker's Solar System Quilt
For any of those kids who look up in wonder at the night sky, this book is a beautiful bedtime addition and is sure to inspire. Discover the magical story behind Ellen Harding Baker's quilt, which she began stitching in 1876, and which is an accurate depiction of our solar system. Today, the quilt hangs in the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. Lovingly told by Jennifer Harris and illustrated beautifully by Louise Pigott. Ages: 4-8
As Annie prepares for career day at her school, she talks to her family about their hopes for her future as she plans her future career as an astronaut. Suzanne Slade's book will satisfy your curious kiddos with bonus material about famous female astronauts and facts about the moon, all accompanied by enchanting illustrations by Nicole Tadgell. Ages: 4-7
Feed their brains with this beautiful compendium of children from around the world, with hand-painted illustrations by artist David Dean, discover countries and cultures across the globe. From holidays to hats, big ideas and little moments, this collection co-authored by Katie DePalma and Tessa Strickland will foster the global citizen in every child. Ages: 5-8
Britannica All New Kids Encyclopedia: What We Know & What We Don't
This hardcover encyclopedia is the book every curious kid will devour for years to come. Teeming with fascinating facts from everything we know about the universe to history to renewable energy, all on 424 full-color, heavily illustrated pages. Editor Christopher Lloyd interviewed experts in their fields to bring the most factually accurate info right to your kiddo's curious minds. Ages: 7+
This awesome series, which includes other books like From an Idea to Google, and From an Idea to Disney, is basically like a "How I Built This" for kids, in book form. We learned so many amazing things about LEGO including the beginning concepts and hardships, fun facts and so much more. The perfect book for little LEGO lovers who want to go beyond sticking bricks. In short, Lowey Bundy Sichol's books are brilliant and inspiring for inventors and innovators everywhere. Ages: 8-12
Kiki Prottsman doesn't just know all about coding, she knows how to foster curiosity and creativity in kids by encouraging, teaching and getting kids excited about learning to code...by reading. No small feat, getting kids to learn about greats like computer science pioneers Katherine Johnson and Alan Turing along with gleaning new skills, this impressive (and very colorful) book from DK is sure to be a hit. Ages: 7-9
The Book of Ingeniously Daring Chemistry: 24 Experiments for Young Scientists
Take a trip through the periodic table with the ultimate STEM book from Sean Connolly. With 24 hands-on experiments (which you can try again and again) and easy-to-follow instructions, kids can learn about chemistry by doing things like using ultraviolet light to locate bad cat smells, making “hot ice” by crystallizing vinegar and baking soda and so much more. Ages: 9 and up
Looking for fun and free ways to bring excitement to your child’s day? Have some joy delivered straight to your mailbox! Kids will love seeing their local postal carrier arrive with free samples by mail, and there’s good news for parents: our list is full of items that encourage kids to learn about themselves and the world around them. From books to free stickers by mail, scroll down to see how to request free stuff for kids by mail today.
The Wildlife Conservation Society has been preserving wildlife and their natural habitats since 1985 through education, conservation and encouraging people to join in their cause. Recognizing the importance of inspiring children from a young age to be a part of these efforts, the WCS offers of range of learning resources, as well as free stickers by mail, featuring amazing animals that kids will love.
Chances are your little ones love to play in the dirt, dig for worms, and make mud pies. A group of some big kids (ahem, adults) that love dirt as much as yours got together to start the Soil Science Society of America so that they could study and support this super important part of our natural ecosystem. The SSSA wants everybody to learn and get excited about soil so much that they mail free I LOVE SOIL stickers straight to your home.
Do you have a little animal lover in your house? If you do, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) will send free stickers by mail so your child can show off their love of animals while inspiring others to show kindness to all of our furry (or furless) friends!
Books & Magazines
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) might be a go-to for COVID-19 facts and updates, but did you know that they're always looking for ways to help teach children about the health of themselves and their communities? Since books are always a hit, the CDC will mail free ones to kids when their adults request them here. Our favorite one, Amazing Me: It's Busy Being 3, that the CDC is currently offering follows Joey the kangaroo and friends along a developmental milestone journey.
Dolly Parton founded Imagination Library in 1995 to encourage the love of reading and literacy among children. Today the organization mails free books to kids from birth to when they begin school. Check here to see if your child is eligible to receive free high-quality books from Imagination Library.
PETA is on our list again, this time with their Kids’ Guide to Helping Animals’ Magazine. The magazine includes puzzles, stickers, and quizzes that aim to help kids learn about animals and how they can protect them. Want a free magazine mailed to your child today? It’s as simple as filling out this quick online request form.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) wants to get kids excited about protecting their environment. That’s why they offer free activity books by mail such as Planet Protectors Club: Follow That Trail, which takes kids through a fun-filled mission to protect their environment. You can request one here.
LEGO bricks are the ultimate imagination-building toys around so it’s no wonder that kids around the globe are passionate about their colorful creations. But sometimes, children need a little bit of inspiration to help kickstart their LEGO builds. Your kids will never run out of ideas with the free LEGO Life Magazine mailed to them four times a year.
Letters
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If your child dreams of getting mail from their favorite Disney character, encourage them to write to them. Follow this guide for tips on where to mail your child’s letter and which characters are most likely to respond.
The White House receives all kinds of mail, and you guessed it, a lot of that mail comes from children eager to share their thoughts on everything from the environment to White House pets! Does your child have something important to share? While they may not receive a personalized response, The White House secretary diligently attempts to mail a reply on official White House letterhead when you follow these instructions.
Seeds
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The Live Monarch Educational Foundation needs your kids' help supporting monarch butterfly populations by planting milkweed. While they encourage small donations to help keep their foundation going, they are happy to send free seeds by mail when you send them a self-addressed stamped envelope.
The Rob Greenfield Free Seed project strives to help people learn to grow and share food within their communities. We think this is a fun (and delicious) way to teach children about where their food comes from and get them excited about preparing and sharing healthy meals! Check out the requirements and join their 2024 waitlist, so they know you want free seeds mailed to your child.
No matter how old you are, everyone longs to feel a little more connected these days. Email and texting connect us across the globe in an instant, but nothing quite beats the feeling of opening a hand-written letter. Whether you’re hoping to make friends across the globe, or you just want to put a smile on a lonely face, these programs that offer penpals for kids and other letter writing opportunities are a great place to start.
Are your kids curious about what it’s like to walk on the moon or what the astronauts on the International Space Station eat? They can ask an astronaut and even score an autographed photo thanks to the NASA correspondence program. Get the mailing address and all the details on how to score an out of this world pen pal here.
Is your little bookworm obsessed with their favorite author? Or maybe you have an aspiring young author of your own? Why not put pen to paper and write a letter to their favorite writer. As children’s author Mary Amato suggests, your pint-sized fiction fan can easily write a letter to an author. Simply look for the publisher’s address on the inside cover of the book and address your letter to the author care of the publishing company. While there’s no guarantee of a response, you can increase your chances of receiving a reply by including a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Get all the details by clicking here.
What better reason to write a letter than to spread peace and kindness? Kids for Peace was founded by a mom of two, Jill McManigal, and Danielle Gram, a high school honors student, with the intention of bringing kids together for a brighter future. The platform, which features over 300 chapters around the world, empowers kids across all cultures and socioeconomic backgrounds through service projects, global friendship and acts of kindness. The Peaceful Pen Pals program, just one of the many initiatives offered by Kids for Peace, is designed to connect kids through love, acceptance, compassion and kindness. Sign up to join the program here.
Globe-trotting might not be in the cards right now, but that doesn’t have to stop your young explorers from learning about other countries and cultures. Founded in 1967, the International Pen Friends Club has connected millions of pen pals across the globe. Once you sign your kiddos up and pay a small membership fee, they’ll be provided a list of four to 14 pen friends from the same age group (starting at age eight) to choose from. Pen friends are typically paired by similar interests, and you can also request specific countries you’re interested in. Your own address is also circulated to pen friends in the same age group, so you might get surprised with some international mail! Register for a membership here.
Inspiring young STEM-lovers isn’t always easy, but thanks to this innovative program, kids can build a relationship with a real scientist that's sure to leave a lasting impression. The Letters to a Pre-Scientist pen pal program pairs students or “pre-scientists” in fifth to tenth grade throughout low-income communities across the country with STEM professionals. Teachers who are interested in bringing this unique pen pal program to their classrooms can apply to the program here.
Operation Gratitude supports deployed troops, veterans, first responders, military families and wounded heroes and caregivers with care packages. Every package sent includes a bundle of letters. Your thankful tykes can write letters, make cards or draw pictures to express their gratitude for their service and dedication. Register to write letters and find more details on delivering them here.
The elderly, especially those living alone or in nursing homes, can often feel isolated. Love for Our Elders is on a mission to help fight loneliness and spread some love through their letter-writing program, Letters of Love. Simply take a few minutes to write a thoughtful letter and mail it in. While your kids won’t receive a letter in return, they will feel good knowing that their words have made someone very happy. You can check out the guidelines for letter writing and get the mailing address here.
Letters Against Isolation is another awesome program aimed at helping to spread some joy to isolated seniors. Sisters Shreya and Saffron Patel were inspired to found the program after doing their best to support their own self-isolating grandparents. They began writing letters on their own, but soon the demand grew so large that they are now looking for more penpals for seniors to help them deliver letters to care facilities across the US, Canada, the UK, Australia and Israel. Sign up to become part of their team.
Have a future leader in scouting? Join the Girl Scouts national service project writing letters to seniors and caretakers in assisted living facilities. Girl Scouts participating in the campaign can earn a special Girl Scouts Give Back patch. Check out the Girl Scouts USA site for more info for girls and their troops.
Letter writing not quite your tots’ thing? Or maybe they just prefer to draw? Put those talents to work decorating postcards to help support the U.S. Postal Service. Co-founded by musician (and Yo Gabba Gabba star) Mark Mothersbaugh, PostCARDS for Democracy is on a mission to save the postal service one postcard at a time. Simply buy some postage, decorate a postcard with some artwork and mail it to 8760 Sunset Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90069. The postcards will become part of a collective art piece, viewable both virtually and in a physical art gallery. Learn more about the campaign and check out some of the submitted postcards here.
Black Girl Magic is a powerful thing! Rebel Girls, the global empowerment brand dedicated to helping raise the most inspired and confident global generation of girls, is releasing a new book to celebrate the stories of Black women and girls. Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Real-Life Tales of Black Girl Magic is available for pre-order now!
Inside the book you’ll find women from over 30 countries featured, with plenty of familiar names: tennis player Naomi Osaka, author Toni Morrison, singer Aretha Franklin and filmmaker Ava DuVernay. You’ll also discover the stories of astronaut Jeanette Epps, journalist Ida B. Wells, Empress Tatyu Bedel and many more! Like all Rebel Girls publications, it features beautiful content, this time focusing on Black female and non-binary authors, illustrators and editors.
This is the fourth volume of the New York Times bestselling Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls series. It’s hardcover and a hefty 260 pages for hours of story time with your family. You can pre-order it now for $35 and it will ship on or after September 28.
To celebrate the release, Rebel Girls has launched a multimedia campaign that includes a book tour, new apparel and a partnership with various organizations to amplify community and give back. You can also buy an audiobook version that’s narrated by a stellar cast of Black women, including several award-winning actresses. Learn more on the brand’s website and get excited to celebrate these inspirational stories!
Your candy bar might look a little different over the next two months and you might want to stock up! CRUNCH, Butterfinger and Baby Ruth have released limited-edition bars with art supporting the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and a percentage of proceeds will go straight to CMN Hospitals.
The colorful artwork is designed by CMNH child ambassadors and there’s a different design for each brand. Ciarlo has Spina Bfida and designed the T-rex on crutches for CRUNCH. Audrey had surgery to correct scoliosis and created the serene scene for Butterfinger. Logan has muscular dystrophy and his art features an astronaut in space. All children were treated at CMN Hospitals and their art is inspired by memorable or imaginative moments in their lives.
“We’re very excited to partner with this great non-profit organization and invite our customers to join us in our journey to support all the futures made possible by Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals,” said Mark Wakefield, Senior Vice President Marketing, Ferrero Mainstream Chocolate & Nutella. “Just like Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, CRUNCH, Butterfinger and Baby Ruth aim to create moments that bring people together every day.”
To learn more about the campaign, you can visit a new online site with more info on the kids, their stories and their artwork. Butterfinger is also collaborating with Extra Life, a program affiliated with CMNH that is tied to the gaming community. On June 3, the two companies will host a fundraising stream for gamers to play Final Fantasy XIV.
LEGO has teamed up with IRL astronaut Dr. Kathy Sullivan for the launch of the all-new NASA Space Shuttle Discovery Set! The for-adults set celebrates the 40th anniversary of the first Space Shuttle flight.
Way back in April of 1981 the Space Shuttle took flight. Fast-forward 40 years and LEGO is marking the momentous event with a massive 2,354-piece set for grown-ups.
Not only is LEGO debuting the NASA Space Shuttle Discovery set, the beloved brick brand is also unveiling an informative interview with Dr. Sullivan. The interview is packed with details on the Space Shuttle’s mission and the astronaut’s thoughts on young people and STEM careers.
Dr. Sullivan said of the set, in a press release, “I was thrilled to see the space shuttle in LEGO form, and was very impressed by the amount of intricate detail they have managed to recreate from the module where we used to sleep and eat through to what we called the “milk stalls” on the telescope. Looking at the model, it was great to reminisce about my experiences in space launching the telescope for the first time.”
The former astronaut added, “Hubble is definitely the highlight of my career. This LEGO model is a great way for LEGO builders and space fans alike to get excited about space travel and learn more about the famous mission in a fun and engaging way.”
The LEGO NASA Discovery Space Shuttle set is age-rated for adults 18+. The set includes 2,354 pieces and features the Discovery orbiter with functional landing gear, payload bag doors, elevons and rudder. It also has a mini Hubble Telescope, two stands and plaques.
Get the new LEGO ($199) set starting Apr. 1, 2021 on LEGO.com. To watch Dr. Sullivan’s video interview, visit LEGO’s website here.
