Theme Park Attractions Your Kids Can Ride Virtually

by Jennifer SwartvagherMarch 26, 2021

Theme parks are gradually starting to reopen, but if you’re not comfortable heading to one just yet, that doesn’t mean your kids can’t get the same experience at home.

Courageous fans have uploaded ride experiences on YouTube so your kids can virtually ride their favorites from Disney, Universal and Busch Gardens to name a few!

photo: Disney

Break up your day with a virtual ride on some of these crazy coasters:

Incredicoaster- Disney

Frozen Ever After- Disney

Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway- Disney

Pirates of the Caribbean- Disney

Journey to Atlantis- Sea World

Space Mountain- Disney

Cheetah Hunt- Busch Gardens

The Seas with Nemo and Friends- Disney

Peter Pan’s Flight- Disney

Solar Vortex- Adventure Island

Slinky Dog Dash- Disney

It’s a Small World- Disney

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: Sharp Productions via YouTube

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DockATot’s New Lineup Is Stylish Parent Goals

by Karly WoodJanuary 29, 2021

DockATot is not just about making world-famous baby docks anymore. The company is branching off into accessories and product that make parents lives easier––and more stylish.

You can now shop a handful of game changing products that include on-the-go totes and clutches, in addition to the most gorgeous nursing pillows we’ve ever seen. Keep scrolling to see the newest goodies DockATot has to offer.

DockATot Clutch Changer

The DockATot Clutch Changer ($50-$60) is that all-in-one portable changing clutch you need so you won't have to carry anythingn else. Coming in two options, the Luxe and the Signature, each one is designed to be water resistant, can be wiped clean, has a removable changing pad, stay-wet wipes pouch, zippered exterior pocket, open interior pocket for diapers, two zippered interior pockets and is BPA free!

DockATot Getaway Totes

It's time to hit the road with DockATot's Getaway Totes ($90-$130). Available in "Luxe" (camo) and "Sport" (blue), the oversized totes are water resistant, have a large zippered interior pocket, three open interior pockets made of durable mesh, perfectly sized for the Clutch Changer, two detachable zippered pouches, removable cross-body strap with shoulder cushion, exterior luggage strap and a coordinating luggage tag.

DockATot's La Maman Wedge (Nursing Pillow)

DockATot's nursing pillows ($90) are probably the prettiest in the pack. Doubling as a stylish cushion, it comes in four patterns: "Strawberry Thief" (Morris & Co. print), "Navy Night Falls," "Bronzed Cheetah" and "Carrara Marble." Each one is made from an easy clean velvet and has a concealed zipper

––Karly Wood

All photos: Courtesy of DockATot

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New Cheetos Crunch Pop Mix Blends Two Fan Favorites

by Jennifer SwartvagherJanuary 11, 2021

Crunchy or Popcorn? Easy, combine the two! Chester Cheetah did just that with the launch of the new Cheetos Crunch Pop Mix — a delicious and cheesy combination of Cheetos Crunchy and Cheetos Popcorn.

Unlike any ordinary snack mix, Cheetos has unleashed its new Crunch Pop Mix — a mischievously cheesy combination of traditional Cheetos Crunchy and the immensely popular Cheetos Popcorn introduced during last year’s Super Bowl LIV. Sure to be the most coveted snack in the pantry, Cheetos Crunch Pop Mix is so deliciously tantalizing that it comes with its own mock advisory, warning fans it may be snatched by others’ Cheetle-coated fingers.

Chester even rolled out a survey to back his theory: According to an upcoming Frito-Lay Snack Index Survey, nearly half of Americans (48%) admit to stealing snacks from friends or loved ones, and among those, one-in-four (25%) even admit to doing it with some regularity.

“2020 was a year unlike any other in that we saw the incredibly popular introduction of Cheetos Popcorn in January, quickly followed by world-changing events that affected every industry differently,” said Rachel Ferdinando, SVP and CMO, Frito-Lay North America. “For our brands, we saw trends like Cheetos recipe searches skyrocketing 190%. So now we’re thinking with that lens through everything we introduce to the world. Hopefully Cheetos Crunch Pop Mix can provide a small moment of joy and bring a few smiles this year.”

Cheetos Crunch Pop Mix is available in a 7 ounce bag retailing for $3.99 and 2.25 ounce bag for $1.89.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: Cheetos

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The New Cheetos Holiday Popcorn Tin Comes with Two Cheesy Flavors

by Jennifer SwartvagherNovember 4, 2020

Popcorn tins are a classic gift for the holidays. People of all ages love to open up a tin filled with assorted flavors. The Cheetos Holiday Popcorn Tin is being offered exclusively at Walmart this holiday season.

This cheesy Cheetos Holiday Tin will be available for a limited time only now through December. Each festive tin features two flavors – Flamin Hot and Cheddar – together in a perfectly giftable tin complete with Chester Cheetah dressed up as Santa.

Just fill out the accompanying gift tag and this delicious gift is ready to put under the tree or give as a hostess gift.

The 14 ounce Cheetos Holiday Popcorn Tin can be found in stores now exclusively at Walmart and retails for 7.98.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: Walmart

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Entertain Your Kids with Google’s 3D Animal Feature

by Jennifer SwartvagherApril 1, 2020

For the time being, zoos and aquariums are closed. Many have virtually opened their doors to let your kids experience virtual field trips. Now, you can bring the animals home with you.

Using your phone, search for any animal on Google. Next to the Wikipedia description, you will see a 3D picture of the animal. You will be given the option to “View in 3D.” Click that and the animal will appear on your screen against a white background. Below the 3D animal you will see a “View in your space” option. Click on that to give Google access to your phone camera. Now, the 3D animal will be inserted in your space.

The list of available animals includes:

Lion
Tiger
Cheetah
Shark
Hedgehog
Duck
Emperor penguin
Wolf
Angler fish
Goat
Rottweiler
Snakes
Eagle
Brown bear
Alligator
Horse
Shetland pony
Macaw
Pug
Turtle
Cat
Octopus
Dog

Happy animal spotting!

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: Jennifer Swartvagher

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Now You Can Match Your Mini-Me with New Limited-Edition Little Birdies

by Karly WoodNovember 8, 2019

Slipper-turned-shoemaker Birdies is doing something special for the holidays. The company has created four limited-edition styles based on their best-selling Starling flat and they’re for your pint-sized fashionista!

Little Birdies launch Nov. 12 and will come in four options including black, two glitter shades and cheetah. They will correspond with the same style for women and are the perfect footwear for the upcoming festive season.

If you’ve never tried Birdies, you’re missing out. Started by two moms tired of wearing frumpy slippers or going barefoot at home, the duo developed stylish slippers that are built for comfort. Little Birdies was created with some help from their own kiddos and feedback from customers.

Perhaps the best part of the Little Birdies line (and Birdies, in general) is how easy they are to wear. No laces or buckles make them great for slipping on and off.

You can shop the new Little Birdies line for kids in sizes 13 to 4, with prices ranging from $40 to $60. Don’t forget the matching pair for mom! Coordinating women’s styles will range from $95 to $140 and are available on birdies.com.

––Karly Wood

All photos: Courtesy of Birdies

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The Rachel Zoe x Janie and Jack Part Collection Brings Holiday Sparkle to Your Kiddo’s Wardrobe

by Erica LoopSeptember 23, 2019

Rachel Zoe doesn’t just style designer duds for grown-ups––the entrepreneur and mama is partnering with children’s brand Janie and Jack for an all-new collab.

What can you expect from the Rachel Zoe x Janie and Jack Party Collection? The line features 38 pieces for girls and boys, all featuring Zoe’s signature style. Look for plenty of gold elements, sparkle and textures.

photo: Courtesy of Janie and Jack

The collection, which comes in sizes 12-18 months to 12 years, includes metallic pants and jumpsuits, gold maxi dresses, cheetah print booties, wool tuxedo suits, neckties, a fedora and more. The line (from $18 to $169) is available online at JanieandJack.com and in select New York City, Los Angeles and Miami Janie and Jack stores in November. One hundred percent of the Party Collection net proceeds will go to the charity, Baby2Baby!

Not only is Zoe teaming up with Janie and Jack for the Party Collection, the brand pairing will launch a second kids’ collection just a few short weeks after the first. The second fab collab will include a 45-piece resort wear line in sizes 3-6 months to 12 years (from $15 to $109).

Learn more about Zoe’s line with Janie and Jack or get updates here.

—Erica Loop

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Lisa Frank Phone Cases Are a Thing & Be Still Our ’90s Hearts

by Shahrzad WarkentinSeptember 3, 2019

Wishing you could channel that same fabulous flair that made your Trapper Keeper so awesome in sixth grade? Now you can with new Lisa Frank-themed phone cases from Casetify.

The newly launched Lisa Frank x CASETiFY collab includes twenty different iPhone case designs all featuring the signature bright colors, adorable animals and rainbow cheetah print you knew and loved from your childhood.

The cases start at $49 and come in a variety of sizes to fit different iPhone models from iPhone 7 to iPhone Xs.

The collection also includes some other tech accessories to jazz up your style, like vegan leather Apple Watch Bands, iPad cases, laptop cases, wireless charging pads, phone ring holders and vegan leather pockets. All the items are emblazoned with the same colorful Lisa Frank designs. You can shop the full collection here.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

All photos: Casetify

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The World’s First Launched Water Coaster Is Opening Soon

by Shahrzad WarkentinAugust 8, 2019

Next year Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari theme and water park in Indiana will open Cheetah Chase, the world’s first launched water coaster!

What is a launched water coaster? Launched coasters are nothing new. They use force to shoot riders out of the station in order to reach extreme speeds before even reaching a big drop. The new Cheetah Chase will combine that concept with a water slide.

The cat's out of the bag. Cheetah Chase is coming in 2020! pic.twitter.com/lrbYQzLFj8

— Holiday World (@HolidayWorld) August 7, 2019

Instead of climbing an exhaustingly tall set of stairs like on most large water slides, riders will simply hop aboard their ride vehicle, which in this case will be a three-seat, toboggan style raft, at the top of a low hill where they’ll be blasted off and uphill at speeds of up to twenty miles per hour.

The other unique feature of this launched water coaster will be side-by-side tracks which allow riders to race each other. “This thing is really unique because you’re really going to have a true race…right from the start,” explained Ray Smegal, chief commercial officer with ProSlide the company that designed the coaster. “So, they’re going to shoot across the surface and get up to about 30 feet per second, and then climb a tall, steep hill with the water. The intensity of the race and that competition is going to really start from the beginning.”

The Cheetah Chase will be constructed in the Splashin’ Safari section of the park located in Santa Claus, Indiana, joining two other existing water coasters. The ride is set to open sometime in 2020.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

All photos: Courtesy of Holiday World

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Things to Do with Kids in Tampa

by Kate LowethJune 19, 2019

Whether you are there for a beach vacation or just to see the sights, Tampa is the ultimate Florida city for families looking for a good time. With attractions for kids from amusement parks to outdoor spaces, this list has all of the things to do when you are in Tampa. Get some inspo below and visit our Tampa events calendar for all the info on what’s happening in Tampa!

photo: Jeremy Thompson via flickr

Busch Gardens
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is the ultimate family adventure, combining world-class thrill rides, live entertainment and more than 12,000 animals. Challenge a 335-foot drop tower, Falcon’s Fury, or race like a cheetah on Cheetah Hunt. Busch Gardens’ newest attraction, Cobra’s Curse, puts a spin on family thrills with this one-of-a-kind spin coaster.

10165 N McKinley Dr.
Tampa, FL
Online: buschgardens.com/tampa

Horse Power for Kids and Animal Sanctuary
This animal sanctuary has exotic and livestock species. Families can enjoy farm animals, pony rides, train rides, hayrides, horseback riding all in a farm setting.

8005 Race Track Rd.
Tampa, FL
Online: horsepowerforkids.com

Lettuce Lake Regional Park
Lettuce Lake Park opened in 1982 and quickly became a hub of activities. The 240-acre site offers something for everyone—wooded picnic areas and a playground are family favorites. A 1.25-mile bicycle path/jogging trail, complete with a fitness course, meanders through the park.

6920 E Fletcher Ave.
Tampa, FL
Online: hillsboroughcounty.org

photo: Todd Van Hoosear via flickr

Glazer Children’s Museum
Glazer Children’s Museum is a 53,000-square foot facility in the heart of Downtown Tampa. Created specifically for children 10 and under, the Museum is a place where parents and children can learn through play and shared discovery. It offers 170 “interactivities” in 12 themed areas for families to explore and connect while having fun along the way.

110 W Gasparilla Plaza
Tampa, FL
Online: glazermuseum.org

TECO Line Streetcar System
The TECO Line Streetcar System is a 2.7-mile line serving the dining and entertainment destinations in Ybor City, the Channel District (including the Port of Tampa and Channelside Bay Plaza) and Downtown Tampa. Operating until late on Fridays and Saturdays, the TECO Line Streetcar features 11 stations, each equipped with ticket vending machines. The TECO Line Streetcar is a fun, historical trip that is more than just getting you to your destination!

1201 E 7th Ave.
Tampa, FL
Online: tecolinestreetcar.org

Tampa Riverwalk
The concept of a river walk along the downtown Tampa waterfront has been around since the mid-1970s. Attend a community event or spend some time exploring the city.

Ashley Street
Tampa, FL
Online: thetampariverwalk.com

photo: birder62 via pixabay

ZooTampa at Lowry Park
ZooTampa at Lowry Park is home to more than 1,300 animals and famous for having one of the most beautiful, tropical zoological settings in the world. Check their schedule before going as the day at the zoo is filled with loads of opportunities for animal encounters if you plan your day wisely.

1101 W Sligh Ave.
Tampa, FL
Online: zootampa.org

The Florida Aquarium
Go from tree level to sea level while being entertained and educated at The Florida Aquarium! With thousands of animals and plants including sharks, alligators, seahorses and more, you’re sure to have an amazing aquatic experience. Bring a change of clothes as the Splash Pad is perfect for hot days.

701 Channelside Dr.
Tampa, FL
Online: flaquarium.org

Hillsborough River
Just minutes from downtown Tampa, this diverse park offers a refuge from city life with its seven miles of nature trails and ample places to cool off in the water. Visitors can kayak or canoe class II river rapids, rare in Florida, hike seven miles of nature trails and swim in an ADA-accessible swimming pool.

1101 E River Cove St.
Tampa, FL
Online: floridastateparks.org

The Best Upcoming Events for Kids in Tampa
If you’re looking for events and activities, don’t miss our local Tampa events calendar, which has everything from story times to seasonal activities like apple picking, pumpkin patches and Christmas tree farms.

—Kate Loweth

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