Test their keyboard skills with fun typing games (most of them are free!)

Your kids are probably really good at tapping away on a phone or iPad. But how are their old-fashioned typing skills? It matters. After all, they’re not going to be typing their future term papers on a mobile phone (we hope). Thankfully, there is a slew of fun—and free!—typing games that’ll teach them to know their way around a QWERTY keyboard. Read on to learn more about these cool online games for kids.

Tommy Q: Zombie Defender

Tommy Q: Zombie Defender is a typing game
Typing.com

There's a zombie apocalypse, and the first responders need your help! Become Tommy Q with his baseball launcher, and type the right letters in order to take out the zombies wandering through your backyard. Use the arrow keys to move up and down and line up with the approaching monsters. Type the letters to launch the balls and put the zombies down. Choose from easy to hard (zombie pace) and easy-to-challenge letter sequences (from easy to hard words, top row to bottom row). 

Play it here.

Keyman

Keyman is a typing game for kids
typinggames.com

This maze-based puzzle typing game will have your kids guiding the world's top scuba divers through three different levels. Somewhere along the way is a treasure chest, but to open it, players have to type the number they see on the screen to move Keyman in the direction indicated by arrows (think Pac-Man but with letters). You'll face letter-eating Pirhanas, red barriers that require players to think and type ahead of time, and once you grab the treasure, there's one minute left to collect all the gold coins you see. You can select different levels of difficulty, so even the youngest kids can practice typing. 

Play it here.

TypeTastic.com

typetastic has typing games

This is, in our opinion, the best typing game site available without a subscription. The site features 13 fun games, all of which were "created in real classrooms together with teachers." The approach is simple: Instead of making kids start their typing lessons using all 10 fingers right off the bat, the lessons focus on three or four keys at a time, and kids are encouraged, in the beginning, to just use one finger to type the letters. The idea is that once they know where all the keys are, they'll naturally become better typists. 

The games are split into three sections: "Let's Build a Keyboard," which focuses on showing kids where the keys are on the keyboard. The first lesson, for instance, is a construction-themed game that asks kids to type three adjacent letters at a time—QWE, for instance—then guide a crane to drop the letter blocks into the keyboard grid.

The next section, "Let's Hop on the Keys," asks kids to enter specific keys, one at a time, to make something happen (there's a ducky maze game that is super fun!).

The last section, "Keyboarding Kickstart" finally asks kids to use all their fingers to type away (each game shows kids which fingers go on which keys).

All in all—we still can't believe this site is free. 

Play the games here.

Type-A-Balloon

type-a-ballon is a popular typing game for kids

What'll keep kids playing this game (at least for a little while) is the simple satisfaction of popping a balloon. Over and over. Typists simply have to type the letter beneath the balloon before it floats away. Then—POP! There are three levels and four different keyboard regions to practice before taking on the whole keyboard. 

Play it here.

Keyboard Ninja

Keyboard Ninja is a fun typing game

Slice up fruit ninja-style by typing the letters that are shown beneath each fruit. The tricky part of this otherwise simple game is that if you accidentally hit the letter shown above a lit bomb, it's GAME OVER. So pay attention! The game has three levels of difficulty (parents, we invite you to TRY the most difficult level; it's hard!) and allows players to pick which section of the keyboard they'd like to practice. 

Play it here.

Spacebar Invaders

If you can get past the pop-up ads, this "Space Invaders"-style typing lesson is super fun! To play: Type the words shown beneath each alien invader to blast them out of the sky before they reach the ground. There are 40 variations of the game, each of which emphasizes a different skill on the keyboard. Typists won't just learn their letters, they'll also have to practice typing punctuation marks, capital letters, and numbers. Bilingual? There are also Spanish, German, and French ways to play the game.  

Play it here.

Nitro Typing Racer

You have to watch an ad before you can start the game, but if you've got kids who enjoy race car games, this will be their go-to typing training. To play, maneuver your car around other cars as fast as you can by typing the words that appear in whichever lane you want to take. It's a lot to think about in very little time so brand new typists may want to steer themselves elsewhere. 

Note: This game is made for typists who already know their way around a keyboard.

Play it here.

Dance Mat Typing

This BBC-sponsored typing program starts at the beginning by showing kids basic hand positions for typing and which fingers to use for which keys. It then lets them build on their skills slowly with the help of singing cartoon animals who act as personal coaches. At the end of each level, typists can print out a special certificate of accomplishment to reward their hard work. 

Play it here.

Alpha Munchies

The alien Alpha Munchies want to eat your food! The only way to stop them? Type, type, type! Kids will love blasting the bad guys out of the sky by punching letters on the keyboard. The simple game, which pays homage to '80s-themed arcade games, lets kids practice specific sections of the keyboard before finally using the whole keyboard as their typing progresses. 

Find it here.

Related: The Very Best Online Games for Kids

 

 

Late fall is the perfect time to go on a hike with the kids, thanks to cooler temperatures and amazing fall foliage to take in. There are plenty of kid-friendly hikes near NYC, with both easy trails and more challenging ones for more experienced or older kids. Check out our favorite day hikes near NYC, all of which are under two hours from the city. Don’t have a car? Try these urban hikes in NYC. Got a baby in tow? We love these NYC stroller-friendly hikes!

Anthony’s Nose

Rob W. via Yelp

If you’d rather spend more time hiking than driving, you can look closer to home: Anthony’s Nose is a short hike up a section of the Appalachian Trail that ends with a view of the Bear Mountain Bridge and a scenic overview of the Hudson River. Be prepared for a bit of legwork, because Anthony has a pretty steep nose. The walk is relatively short distance of about three miles round trip, but it’s a mix of climbs and straight paths. The climbs are more like a staircase thanks to the rocky layout of the inclines, but they can be tough on beginners. If you still have time — and energy! — when you finish the hike, you and the kids can take a walk across the Bear Mountain Bridge, visit the small but free zoo, or ride a carousel. All make a perfect reward for your trek up the trail!

Location: Westchester County, across from Bear Mountain

Difficulty: Moderate to hard

Drive time from NYC:
1 hr 20 min

More info:
hikethehudsonvalley.com

Arden Point and Glenclyffe

hiking trails for kids
Josh B. via Yelp

Bring a bit of history into your hike by visiting Arden Point and Glenclyffe. In this relatively easy hike, you and the kids can retrace the footsteps of Revolutionary War general Benedict Arnold as he made his escape in 1780. It's an excellent way to bring history to life for older kids who might be studying this period in American history. The trail also offers some views of the river, but if you've had enough of that there's plenty more to see, like the 1950s railroad track that is still in use today for freight, and a few historic buildings that date back to the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Location: Garrison, NY

Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Drive time from NYC: 1 hr 25 min

More info: nynjtc.org

Palisades Interstate Park

Noah K. via Yelp

Located under an hour's drive from the city, the NJ Palisades Park offers gorgeous views and scenic routes, as well as about 30 miles of trails of varying difficulty. This means there's a trail for any level of hiker, including small children. We recommend the State Line Lookout trails for their variety in terrain and difficulty. Taking the trails from the Lookout means getting views of the Hudson River and finding some hidden treasures like a tree swing that makes for awesome photo-ops, and the Women's Federation Monument. Before you go, ensure that everyone is wearing hiking shoes (not sneakers or running shoes) -- the terrain can get rocky.

Location: Alpine, NJ

Difficulty: Easy to hard

Drive time from NYC: 50 min.

More info:
njpalisades.org

Muttontown Preserve

hiking with kids near nyc
Tim C. via Yelp

The Muttontown Preserve trail is one of the easiest on our list, with winding but relatively flat trails through 550 acres of fields, woods, and ponds. The trails here are less like hikes and more like nature walks, allowing everyone to take in their surroundings without getting overtired—perfect for little feet and beginners. The trails also take you through a number of estates, as well as the curious remains of the mansion of King Zod, the last Albanian monarch. It is now in ruins, and covered in some colorful graffiti, making for an interesting sight among the trees. The trail markers can leave something to be desired here however, so come equipped with a map, a compass, and/or a GPS or you may end up spending a bit more time here than you meant to!

Location: East Norwich, NY

Difficulty: Very easy

Drive time from NYC:
50 min

More info: nassaucountyny.gov

Greenbelt Conservancy Parks

hiking trails for kids near me
Galen O. via Yelp

Sometimes we forget there is nature in our own backyard. If walking through Prospect and Central Park is not exciting enough, take a day trip to Staten Island's Greenbelt Conservancy parks. This foundation oversees 2800 acres of public park—including 30 miles of hiking and walking trails—and consists of High Rock, WIllowbrook, and LaTourette Parks.

All three are hidden pockets of nature and offer hours of leisurely hiking trails through wooded areas, marshes, ponds and other gorgeous landscapes. Both destinations are a perfect starter for the kids due to their location and the ease of the trails. They can wet their little hiking boots here, then move on to the more challenging or lengthier trips.

Location: Staten Island, NY

Difficulty:
Easy

Drive from NYC:
35 mins

More info:
nycgovparks.org

Eagle Rock Reservation

family hike near nyc
Norm R. via Yelp

The hiking at the Eagle Rock Reservation is easy enough for kids to keep up, and without much of a trail to follow you are left to blaze your own path through the woods. But the walking itself is not what will keep the family coming back: hiking here rewards you with an amazing panoramic view of Manhattan. Before you head out on your walk, make sure you pay a visit to the 9/11 memorial.

Location: West Orange, NJ

Difficulty:
Easy

Drive from NYC:
45 min

More info:
nynjtc.org

Schunemunk Mountain

hiking trails for kids
Roxx J. via Yelp

Schunemunk Mountain is another fantastic spot to take the kids. The prehistoric beach offers over 25 miles of hiking trails and varied terrain, but it's not suitable for beginners so prepare accordingly. The mountain boasts some spectacular features, like a 3,000 foot pink rock and wild blueberries ripe for picking in late spring and early summer. Some of the (literally) biggest attractions along the mountain trails are the giant megalith boulders at the top of the mountain, but be prepared to do some sweating on your way up — the diverse terrain is beautiful but it can get tough.

Location: Orange County, NY

Difficulty:
Hard

Drive time from NYC:
1 hr 40 min

More info:
nynjtc.org

— Yuliya Geikhman

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If your little ones are swinging from the rafters these days, going to the park might not be enough to burn off all that energy. Check out these obstacle and rope courses around DC, where your wild adventurers can get their wiggles out in the air or on the ground. Whether they’re traipsing on bridges, swinging free through the air, or climbing walls (literally!), these courses have something for everyone and plenty of adrenaline to go around.

Adventure Park USA

Adventure Park USA

Make it a full day of adventure by heading to Adventure Park USA’s Hang ‘Em High Ropes Course. Hang out 13 feet above the ground to navigate this fun and challenging mid-air adventure perfect for anyone at least 40-inches tall. After you’ve had your fill of aerial adventures, take off your safety harness and enjoy some of their other adventures, like the go-karts or the rock wall.

Cost: $8 for the ropes course only; $25-100 for a fun pass that gives you the rope course and other adventures
Where: 11113 W. Baldwin Rd, Monrovia, MD
Online: adventureparkusa.com

The St. James

The St. James

This Springfield-based gym has a health club with fitness classes, racquetball courts, indoor sports fields and courts, ice rinks, an Olympic-size pool, a water park – and so on. But this is focusing on obstacle courses, so we’ll put on blinders here and head straight for the 30,000-square-foot area that has trampolines, a Nerf battle zone, a ropes course, colorful climbing structures and, of course, a Ninja Warrior Course. The biggest challenge may be tearing yourself away.

Cost: $13/one hour for nonmembers, $23/two hours
Where: 6805 Industrial Rd., Springfield, VA
Online: superawesomeandamazing.com

Summit Ropes

Summit Ropes

The largest indoor ropes course in the United States boasts 16,550 square feet of courses split into a Kids Course for ages 4-9 and the Main Course for ages 7 & up. Guests wear a full-body harness and use a smart belay system so climbers can go it alone or with a partner. The course uses via ferrata, a steel cable that runs along the route and is attached to the rock every 3.3-32.8 feet.

Insider tip: Reservations are required at this time. If you make a reservation and are a no-show, you will be charged the full amount for the booking.

Cost: Ages 7 & up - $29.50 (1hr), $48 (2hr)
Ages 4-6 (combo with adult) - $47 (1hr), $65 (2hr)

Where: 44810 Old Ox Rd., Sterling, VA
Online: summitropes.com

SkyZone

SkyZone

Children and adults can test their skills on a variety of equipment, such as the Ninja Warrior Course (open to ages 6 and up), which tests balance, strength and speed; rock walls, warp walls of varying height and difficulty; trampolines (open to anyone who can walk); and dodgeball. A main attraction is the Ropes Course (for anyone 48 inches and taller), which is suspended above the facility’s floor and requires a harness to use. Check the website for special events like Glow ($25/person ages 6 and up) on Friday and Saturday from 8-11 p.m. and Toddler Time ($10/child 5 and younger) on Tuesday-Thursday, 9:30-11 a.m.

Cost: Prices vary by location
Where: 21070 Southbank St. Sterling, VA; 5325 Port Royal Rd., Springfield, VA; 7807 Sudley Rd., Manassas, VA; 15813 Gaither Dr., Gaithersburg, MD
Online: skyzone.com

ZavaZone

ZavaZone

With three adventure zones to choose from, there’s something for every goal, whether it’s scaling a warp wall, reaching new heights on a giant trampoline, winning a balance battle or swinging through the challenges of the high ropes course set about 20 feet off the floor. And if you’re tired from all that obstacle-crushing, take the 40-foot zip line from one high platform to another. The height requirement for the high ropes course and zip line is 52 inches, and the overall age recommendation is at least 5 years.

Cost: $19.50/one-hour ticket to $34/two-hour ticket
Where: 40 Southlawn Ct., Rockville, MD (reopening June 11, 2021); 45685 Oakbrook Ct., Sterling, VA
Online: zavazone.com

NOVA Ninja

Situated at CrossFit Loudoun, which is owned by a former “American Ninja Warrior” contestant, this gym has classes and drop-ins to suit every schedule. New is a weekly Family Ninja Night on Saturdays from 6:15-7:15 p.m. ($20/family). Youth programs are available for children as young as 5. The Ninja 101 class takes kids through seven obstacles, including rope swings, balance tanks and a ring row.

Cost: Contact for pricing
Where: 21531 Blackwood Ct., Sterling, VA
Online: novaninja.com

Go Ape!

Go Ape

When the kids start bouncing off the walls, it may be time to take to the trees. These obstacle courses in Springfield and Rockville take climbers to new heights. The Go Ape Treetop Journey is a good way to whet your appetite for high-ropes courses. During the hourlong trek, you’ll conquer 20 obstacles and two zip lines. For the more daring – and slightly older set – try Go Ape Treetop Adventure, which takes two-three hours to complete and sits higher in the tree canopy. The minimum height for either is 4 feet 7 inches. Note that these are open seasonally. Both locations reopen March 28.

Insider tip: They’ve discontinued the use of cash and only accept card payments due to Covid.

Cost: $37.95/ages (1hr); $64.95/16 & up or $54.95/15 & under (3hr)
Where: 7550 Reservation Dr., Springfield, VA; 6129 Needwood Lake Dr., Derwood, MD
Online: goape.com

Terrapin Adventures

With several options to choose from, it’s pretty tough to not find something challenging – in a good way. The ultimate is the Terrapin Challenge (open to kiddos 8 & up who are at least 4 feet tall and 70 pounds). It covers all 34 obstacles, including the Zip Line, Giant Swing, 43-foot Climbing Tower, Terrapin Flier and High Ropes Challenge Course. Or tackle just one or two of those. The 450-foot Zip Line starts 30 feet above ground and riders can reach speeds of 20 mph as they sail down. Take a ride on the Giant Swing – after you scale a 4-foot-high scaffolding. The company’s patented winch system pulls guests back and up almost 40 feet in the air before they release the swing and enjoy 2 G’s of force as they swing back and forth. The Climbing Tower – a rock wall – has 12 routes to the top with varying degrees of difficulty. Ever want to free fall 40 feet? You can here – safely. And no obstacle course would be complete without a high ropes course. This one has 18 challenges and reaches 40 feet into the treetops. Cost: $69/person for the High Ropes Course, Climbing Tower and Giant Swing; $29/person for the Giant Swing and Zip Line; $29/person for the Kid’s for Terrapin Explorer Ropes Course Where: 8600 Foundry St., Savage, MD Online: terrapinadventures.com

Adventure Park at Sandy Spring Friends School

Open to ages 5 & up, this location offers 13 aerial forest trails of varying difficulty. Each has a zip line but they primarily have bridges between tree platforms made of rope, cable and wood. It’s possible to create 190 unique challenges, although there are restrictions on which trails the youngest climbers can tackle.

Cost: Mon.-Fri.: $60/ages 12-adult, $50/ages 7-11, $16/ages 5-6; Sat. & Sun: $64/ages 12-adult, $54/ages 7-11, $20/ages 5-6
Where: 16701 Norwood Rd., Sandy Spring, MD
Online: sandyspringadventurepark.org

—Wendy Miller, Meghan Yudes Meyers and Stephanie Kanowitz

 

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Do you know that voice inside your head that says you “messed up,” or you “aren’t good enough?” Maybe it says other not-so-kind things, too. Most of us are familiar with the experience of having a voice inside that can be hard on us—this can be called “our inner critic.”

Adults and children alike can experience an internal battle with our inner critic. Sometimes our inner critics can get very loud, leading to feelings of anxiety, guilt or shame. Most of us don’t love feeling guilt or shame so we find strategies to avoid these feelings. One of these strategies is perfectionism. Perfectionism is when parts of us want things to be just right in order to avoid some type of negative outcome. Sometimes what we are trying to avoid is internal self-blame, other times it’s criticism or blame from others. Still, other times it’s because we are trying to avoid the disappointment of things not going as we had planned.

Perfectionism and anxiety go hand in hand. As we work to be perfect in an “imperfect” world, we are bound to hit some challenges along the way. Here are some signs of perfectionism:

  • Feeling badly about something unless over 100% effort is given

  • Difficulty starting tasks

  • Procrastination

  • Avoiding situations that could end in failure

  • Being highly critical of one’s self

  • Difficulty coping with making mistakes

  • Struggling with shame/embarrassment

  • Struggling with self-doubt

  • Struggling with appearing vulnerable

  • Focusing strongly on outcomes or end-results

The signs above can apply to both children and adults. Do you see any that you recognize? Sometimes it can be hard to pick up on perfectionistic tendencies in young children. Younger children may show perfectionism less verbally, and more in how they behave in certain situations. For instance:

  • Having frequent meltdowns when they make a mistake

  • Expressing embarrassment or shame when they get hurt

  • Working hard to avoid disappointing others

  • Struggling with making choices

  • Avoiding trying new things or starting tasks

  • Constantly asking for adult help for tasks they are able to do themselves.

To be clear these signs need to be taken into context as there are other reasons children may show these behaviors, but it can be helpful to begin to notice what is triggering to each child. If it seems like it may be along with the themes of “making mistakes” or having things be “just so,” perfectionism may be what you are seeing. If we notice these things early, we can start to support children to learn self-acceptance.

So what can you do if you notice a child struggling with perfectionism or their own inner-critic? Moving towards self-acceptance can help find ways of welcoming all parts of us, just the way they are. Try some of these ideas for supporting self-acceptance at home:

Here are some ideas for supporting perfectionist kiddos at home:

1. Celebrate strengths. Even perfectionism has its positive sides. Make sure your child understands that you appreciate them just the way they are.

2. Model positive self-talk. When you make a mistake, watch what you say to yourself. Model for your child how to be kind to yourself even when you mess up.

3. Welcome all feelings. When we welcome anger, sadness, happiness and everything in between we send the message that being human is okay! Sometimes we aren’t at our best or say things in anger, and we can work through those things.

4. Teach Repair. Sometimes shame and self-criticism can be strong for children because they don’t know “how to make it right.” Let your children know that there is always something we can try to do to make it right.

5. Try open-ended games and art. Try offering games, activities, and opportunities that don’t just have one right answer. This openness can take the pressure off and allow for more creativity, joy and relaxation throughout the day.

For even more support in tackling perfectionism, introduce Yak, a new Slumberkins creature whose story teaches the concepts of self-acceptance, perfectionism and perseverance by reminding little ones that they are enough, just as they are. Reading Yak’s book with your little one and practicing the self-acceptance affirmation can help your child take risks and understand that it’s okay to not be perfect at something the first time they try it.

This post originally appeared on www.slumberkins.com.
Kelly Oriard & Callie Christensen
Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Kelly Oriard and Callie Christensen are co-founders of Slumberkins, a children's brand supporting social-emotional learning for children. Kelly has a dual master's degree in family therapy and school counseling, and Callie has a master's degree in teaching. Both are passionate about teaching children social-emotional skills to thrive in our modern world. 

Is hiking your new fave family go-to activity? With indoor activities on the outs this year, plenty of parents are looking for outdoor ideas.

Whether you’re on the hunt for a new outdoorsy vaycay spot or just want to get outside for an afternoon of family-friendly fun, LawnStarter put together a list of the top cities in the United States for hiking!

photo: Nina Uhlikova via Pexels

LawnStarter chose 11 key indicators, grouped into four categories, to rank the most hike-able cities in America. These categories include “access” (the key indicators are number of hiking routes, number of camping sites, number of camping stores), “diversity” (the key indicators are variety of route difficulty), “climate” (the key indicators are yearly average number of very cold days), yearly average of very hot days, sunshine, average monthly precipitation, and air quality) and “safety” (the key indicators are natural hazards index and natural/environmental death rate).

After reviewing the stats, LawnStarter ranked the top 10 cities for hiking:

  1. San Francisco, CA
  2. Oakland, CA
  3. Los Angeles, CA
  4. San Diego, CA
  5. Portland, OR
  6. San Jose, CA
  7. Huntington Beach, CA
  8. Moreno, CA
  9. Tucson, AZ
  10. Long Beach, CA

If you’re looking for the city with the most hiking routes, Phoenix, Arizona is the top choice. Hikers who want the best variety of route difficulty will enjoy walking work outs in San Bernardino, California and Salt Lake City, Utah. Fams who aren’t into the chilly weather, should check out the cities with the lowest yearly average number of very cold days—Miami Florida and San Francisco, California.

Get the rest of the stats from the study on LawnStarter’s website here.

—Erica Loop

 

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As the official geocaching web site geocaching.com puts it: “Geocaching is the real-world treasure hunt that’s happening right now, all around you.” What kid (or person, really) wouldn’t find that statement at least a little bit intriguing? It’s also a free and fun way to spend time as a family and with friends, while also exploring the city. Here’s our guide to getting started and where to geocache in NYC!

geocaching

photo: Victoria Prather

The Geocaching Basics
Geocaching (pronounced “gee-oh-cash-ing”) is essentially, a free technology-based worldwide scavenger hunt created by millions of individuals, independently. Little treasures or “caches” are tucked away in public spaces by people and then found by others who log their discovery, both in a roster on site and online. Sometimes, the cache will include a tiny  “take one, leave one” token (a patch, a shell, a sticker, an action figure), that finders take, while leaving a similar item behind for the next geocacher to find — but really, this pastime is all about the thrill of the hunt and the discovery.

rt-group-cache

photo: Lisa Schorr

How to Get Caching
Intrigued? (You should be.)

To get started, the basic requirements are simple. You’ll need:

• A smartphone or iPad with GPS/location services or a GPS device

• The Geocaching app or access to geocaching.com via the internet (you’ll need to set up a free account at https://www.geocaching.com)

• A pen or marker to record your discovery of the cache

• A small item to leave at the cache if necessary

• A sense of adventure

Geocache-Family1 (1)

photo: Victoria Prather

On the Hunt
Once you have the basic supplies and have set up your free account, you can enter your location on the app or web site and see precisely how many caches are nearby, and where they are. To date, there are over 2.7 million geocaches worldwide and thousands are right here in New York City as well as the tri-state area. Then, you simply navigate your way to the cache with the aid of your device.

Most caches are containers of varying sizes; the Geocaching app or website will tell you more details regarding the type, the overall difficulty level of finding them, and the terrain you’ll have to traverse on your search — some people stash the cache in more out of the way spots.

Each cache will either have a logbook, a log sheet, and as mentioned above, sometimes even a piece of treasure attached to its find.  (The geocaching app will also let you know if the latter is the type you’re seeking.) Caches vary greatly, but the standard rules are the same: under all circumstances, the contents should be family-friendly.

Generally speaking, your first cache should be a simple one. To start, check the app/website for an easy find in terms of difficulty level and make sure that if you’re traveling with a stroller or other child gear, take in consideration the requirements of the location. The details will be spelled out for you within the Geocaching app/website, so you can stick to one that’s easy to find and ensure it’s a fun scavenger hunt for all involved.

rt-peter-geocache

photo: Lisa Schorr

Beginner’s Tips
If you do get stuck, you can find some additional hints within the app/web site to get you back on track.

For basic safety reasons, you’ll want to seek for geocaches during daylight hours and never trespass in an area that is closed.

Also, be sure to keep your detective skills to yourselves. You’re seeking out hidden treasure in a public space, and you don’t want the whole world to see where you’re uncovering the booty! (In the geocaching world, civilians are described as “muggles” — yes, just like in Harry Potter — so be sure you’re keeping your discoveries low-key.)

rt-jack-geocaching

photo: Lisa Schorr

Geocaching The Big Apple
You literally can geocache almost anywhere in the world, which makes it a fun activity to do when traveling, too. (You can even geocache in Antarctica. We checked.) The great news is the New York City is teeming with secret stashes hidden in every borough. (And of course, in New Jersey, Westchester and beyond!)

Densely-cached areas include parks (both Central Park and Prospect Park are rich in caches), as are downtown below 14th Street and Midtown between 34th and 57th Streets. Many areas in Brooklyn, like Red Hook, Carroll Gardens and Bay Ridge are favorite hiding spots for geocachers.

So get going! Before you know it, you and the kids will be creating caches for other newbies to discover!

—Victoria Prather

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If you’ve ever eavesdropped on a preschooler’s phone or FaceTime conversation, you probably found it very entertaining, but also a little cringey. After all, young children are still learning the social graces of one-on-one conversations.

Our experts in the Kiddie Academy Education Department have offered the following guidance on how to make virtual communicating a comfortable and worthwhile experience for kids of all ages.

Is It Worth Trying to Teach Your Child Virtual Etiquette?

As with any one-on-one interactions your child may encounter, you want them to be polite, responsive, well-mannered, and cordial. But the reality is some of these expectations can be developmentally inappropriate, especially with younger ones. In the early years (2 years old through preschool), your child’s receptive and expressive language skills aren’t fully developed. They don’t comprehend certain questions asked of them and will have difficulty responding appropriately. Or they may not respond at all.

However, the persistence of the coronavirus suggests that virtual interactions will continue to be the new normal and the future, so it’s important to teach children at an early age how to navigate and behave in a virtual world.

Tips for One-On-One Virtual Calls with Kids

It’s a big deal when children can see and talk to friends and relatives one-on-one via the screen. Here are a few bits of advice on how to turn the calls into a good experience for everyone:

1. Calls should be short. Recommended maximum times are two minutes for 2-year-olds; three-four minutes for 3-4-year-olds; five minutes for 5-year-olds, and so on. The interaction will be short and that’s OK, too. It may take more time to set it up the call than the call lasts.

2. Many young children become shy—reserved and uncomfortable—seeing themselves and others on a computer screen, while others will become excited and chat away. That’s OK. Don’t force the interactions and instead be gentle and supportive.

3. Sometimes the adult may be the one holding the child back from being comfortable enough to interact with their friends. Find alternative ways for them to interact with friends—send letters, call on the phone, do a drive-by and talk from your car, etc.

4. Don’t worry about your child not looking directly into the camera. Children have difficulty making eye contact in person. Looking into a small hole on a computer and being attentive enough to do so for the duration of a call may not be developmentally appropriate.

5. Avoid using the same space for one-on-one chats as you use for virtual learning. Try to separate the two so that your child is aware that one area is for learning and the other area can be for talking to friends.

6. Encourage your child to share toys, books, or anything that interests them with their friends. If possible, set up the computer so that the children may play together virtually and talk to one another as they play. It’s comforting to know that a friend is with you, even though it’s virtual.

This post originally appeared on Kiddie Academy Family Essentials Blog.

Richard Peterson has over 20 years of experience in early childhood education where he has been involved with the direct and indirect instruction of students. As the Chief Academic Officer, Peterson provides daily support to the Kiddie Academy education department in the areas of curriculum, assessment, training and more.

Flying pepperoni! Now your kids can play with their food and not get in trouble. Hog Wild’s Pizza Party Throwdown is a crazy new pizza toppings game. 

Pizza Party Throwdown

Players have 30 seconds to toss their ingredients onto the rotating pizza game board. It’s a rush against time to land your ingredients on the pizza before it finishes baking. Each player selects their color coded ingredient – pepperoni, peppers, mushrooms and anchovies. Launch the ingredients onto the pizza using the special pizza chef launcher game piece. 

Pizza Party Throwdown

The game has three different challenges to deliver various levels of difficulty, like trying to fill only half of your pizza or land your ingredients on only one slice. 

The game includes a rotating pizza game board with a built-in timer, four launchers and 32 ingredients.

Pizza Party Throwdown is available for $19.99 on Target and Amazon. 

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of Hog Wild Toys

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Kindergartener Katelynn Hardee at Breeze Hill Elementary School in Vista, California paid off her classmates’ lunch debt by selling hot cocoa and cookies.

Five-year-old Katelynn overheard a parent discussing the financial difficulty of paying for an after-school program and her curiosity was piqued. As Katelynn’s mom, Karina Hardee, explained to CNN, “She started asking me a lot of questions and I just tried to explain to her that sometimes people aren’t as fortunate and that we need to try to be kind and give when we can.”

photo: Courtesy of Kiki Kindness Project

On Dec. 8, Katelynn set up a stand in her front yard selling cookies, hot chocolate and cider. Her stand made a total of $80 which she donated to her school to pay off the lunch debt of over 100 students. “Everybody is just so proud and happy and other students are already talking about ways they can also make a difference,” said Breeze Hill Principal Lori Higley. “It goes to show that even one small, kind act from a 5-year-old can mean the difference for someone in their life.”

Now Katelynn has a new mission. She wants to wipe out the lunch debt of every student in her school district. This weekend on Dec. 21 she is hosting another stand to raise more funds.

The family also created a Facebook page dubbed KikiKindnessProject to continue her cause. After she reaches her goal of paying off lunch debt, Katelynn plans to use funds raised to help pay for school programs in danger of being cut.

“It’s all about kindness. Especially this holiday season, and with everything that’s going on in the world, we just need a little bit more kindness out there,” Hardee told CNN.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

 

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The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recently announced a recall for the Stokke Steps Bouncer. The infant product can detach from the Stokke Steps Chair, posing a fall hazard. Representatives from Stokkes did not immediately return Red Tricycle’s request for comment.

If you have this product, read on for important recall information.

photo: Courtesy of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Recalled Product Description: Stokke Steps Bouncer

The recall includes 5,400 Stokkes Steps Bouncers that are part of an all-in-one modular system and are used in combination with the Stokke Steps Chair. The products have a plastic arm, fabric seat and the name “Stokke” printed on the care label tag.

Why the Bouncers Were Recalled

It’s possible for the bouncer to detach from the chair. This poses a fall hazard to the child. As of now there is one report of difficulty attaching the bouncer’s straps to the chair. There are currently no reported accidents or injuries. When used without the chair, the bouncer does not currently pose a risk.

How To Tell If Your Baby’s Bouncer Was Recalled

The recalled products were sold in stores across the country, on Amazon and on Stokke’s website from February 2014 through December 2018 for $200. Visit the CPSC’s website here for a full list of recalled item numbers. You can also visit the Stokke website here to check your bouncer’s serial number.

What Parents Can Do

If you have the recalled bouncer do not attempt to attach it or use it with the Steps Chair. Visit Stokke’s website here for a free repair kit or call the company at  877-978-6553 Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET.

—Erica Loop

 

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