Surround them with kid-friendly furniture that’s designed to hold up to anything they throw at it (sometimes literally).
We have to admit, we weren’t totally ready for how rough-and-tumble our little ones can be on our grown-up furniture. We’ve baby-proofed, done our toy research, but now we’ve got our eye on kid-friendly furniture that’s up to the task. Dust the crumbs off your sofa, sit back, and check out our list of some of the best kid-friendly furniture out there!
With a 4.5 star rating from over 6,200 customers, you know this convertible sofa-lounger is the real deal! Lightweight with a machine-washable cover, there's a reason this is the first one on the list.
The kids pod swing seat is perfect for both indoor and outdoor use, but we're especially excited about it for reading nooks and playrooms. It supports up to 100 lbs., so all the kids can get in on the swinging fun!
It's okay if you're a little jealous of this tent playhouse; we are, too. Watch your kids use it as a playhouse, a castle, and the perfect sleepover clubhouse!
If you have little ones, this butterfly seat set is ideal for every room in the house! Each seat is soft and lightweight, so they can be moved from space to space easily, and you won't mind if they're used for climbing, too.
For little ones who aren't quite ready for a study desk, Crayola's wooden table and chairs set is perfect! With two chairs, four storage compartments, and a tabletop that can be flipped between a dry-erase and a traditional chalkboard, they'll spend hours tapping into their creativity.
For a more streamlined, one-and-done desk option, this chair-desk from Delta is a great way to go! It features a large work surface, storage drawer, and removable cup holder.
A cake sofa sounds like a dream come true, if we're being honest. This darling sofa can be transformed from a seat to a desk and is designed to teach littles about shapes and spatial relations!
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Mischievous meerkats? Most definitely. Territorial tigers? Totally. Slithering snakes? Sssssertainly. There’s no better place to turn your own wild animals loose than within the spacious grounds of the Los Angeles Zoo that is home to more than 2,100 mammals, birds, amphibians, and reptiles representing more than 270 different species, of which more than 58 are endangered. And while the zoo is a wonderful place to explore and observe, you can make your visit even better with our in-the-know tips on everything from which exhibits to see and where to get the best eats. Who knows, maybe your kids will soon be leading zoo tours of their very own!
What’s New at the Los Angeles Zoo
Jamie Pham for Los Angeles Zoo
If you haven't visited the Los Angeles Zoo recently, there's been some new animals added to the 133 acre park.
Two new chimpanzees: 22-year-old, Pu’iwa and 8-year-old, Mshindi have arrived and while they are still getting integrated, guests can catch a peek of them in the penthouse habitat which can be viewed from the perimeter of the Safari Shuttle.
And this past April, Masai giraffes, Zainbu and Phillip, welcomed a healthy male calf that stands 6 ft. and 7in. tall—the tallest calf in LA Zoo history! Visitors are invited to view the new calf bonding with mom and dad along with the rest of the giraffe herd, weather permitting.
Jennifer O'Brien
Everyone has their favorite animals they’re dying to see and when interests vary between kids, it can feel daunting to make everyone happy. Our recommendation is to create a list of the highest priority animals that each member of your pack wants to visit. If the animal is not out when you stop by, ask a nearby volunteer or docent when the animals may out and about again—they are also full of great info about the animals.
Here’s an itinerary that has worked for us and will help make the most of your time at the zoo.
1. Take a quick peek at Reggie the Alligator sunning himself on his favorite rock.
2. Say hi to the pretty-in-pink flamingos as you walk past—make sure to hold your nose cause they are stinky!
3. Then slither over to the LAIR (Living Amphibians, Invertebrates, and Reptiles). Housed in two, side-by-side buildings, these 49 beautifully themed exhibits feature snakes, scorpions, tarantulas, lizards, frogs, salamanders and other creepy crawlies are sure to knock the scales off of your tiny tadpoles. For those who are looking for a bigger reptile fix, head to the Australia section and drop in on the world’s largest lizard at the Komodo Dragon exhibit.
4. From there, swing over to the Wasserman Family Thai Pavilion at the Elephants of Asia habitat to check out the zoo’s 7,000-pound pachyderms in action. The exhibit features four spectacular viewing areas to watch beloved elephants: Billy, Tina, Jewel and Shaunzi. In addition to the large demonstration yard and stunning waterfall, zookeepers hide treats throughout the habitat for elephants to discover.
5. After you stop for lunch, we recommend heading over to the gorilla habitat. The shady seats by the window are a lovely spot to digest and kids can spend lots of time watching the gentle giants lumber, eat and play. Much like your own young, the juvenile gorillas get pretty feisty after lunch making them even more fun to observe (and relate to).
Insider Tip: For a few extra bucks, you might want to take the Safari Shuttle to the top of the zoo and then walk back toward the entrance, which is mostly downhill. When you get to the top, stop by the Neil Papiano Play Park—because no matter how much you want to check out the animals, your child’s favorite spot is bound to be the playground (where they can go wild and you can have a moment of zen).
As you begin your descent downhill, swing by the Rainforest of the Americas. This two-story Amazonian stilt house serves as an impressive gateway to this multi-species jungle adventure. Here you'll see all sorts of rainforest creatures like howler monkeys, jaguars, otters and stingrays.
Insider Tip: If you're here on the weekend, before heading home, catch a ride on the the Tom Mankewicz Conservation Carousel. It is a does make for a perfect ending to your zoo adventure. Tickets are $3 per ride.
If you opt to bring food from home, our favorite picnic spot is on the shaded steps in front of the chimpanzee exhibit. Watch the chimps do their thing in a habitat Jane Goodall would be proud, while refueling for the rest of your day.
The Neil Papiano Play Park also has picnic tables and restrooms, making it a convenient eating spot, but be forewarned that this place is busiest from noon to 1 p.m. Next to the play area is an edible garden where volunteers grow certain plants as special treats for the animals such as roses, figs, and beets. Catnip grown in this very space provides hours of play for the Zoo’s resident cat population (hey, tigers just want to have fun!).
If bringing your own food isn’t your thing, there are plenty of places throughout the zoo to purchase lunch and special treats. Check out the newly opened Bean Sprouts Cafe—a kid-friendly dining option that specializes in healthy foods for kids and adults including pizza, smoothies, and sandwiches as well as "Imaginibbles," a signature line of themed, hand-held foods designed to make eating healthy fun.
The Zoo Grill is also a safe bet with some pretty darn delicious chicken tender baskets, hot and cold sandwiches and a decent variety of healthy kids' meals. Or if you want something with more of an upscale feel, check out the gourmet salad and sandwich options at Reggie’s Bistro at the front of the zoo.
And don't forget dessert! The churro sundae with chocolate sauce and whipping cream from the Churro Factory will give everyone the energy kick they need to get through the day.
Everything You Need to Know Before You Go to the LA Zoo
Advance online reservations are required, and walk-up tickets are not recommended or guaranteed.
Last entry to the zoo is 3:45 p.m.
Pack sunscreen, water, snacks, camera, baby wipes and hand sanitizer.
Don’t feel like lugging a stroller? Rent one at the zoo for $10 (double strollers are $14).
Here’s the buzz on bees—they love sweet treats like cotton candy and snow cones so keep an eye out. Also, leave sugary drinks at home.
Need cash? There’s an ATM located at the front of the zoo, just past the International Marketplace.
Small coolers and picnic baskets are welcome on zoo grounds. However, glassware and small plastic items such as straws and cup lids are not.
The LA Zoo is completely wheelchair accessible. From large print maps and wheelchairs for rent to service dogs and guided tours, kids with special needs will be well accommodated!
The LA Zoo Has Received KultureCity's Sensory Inclusion Certificate This mean the LA Zoo supports and provides an enhanced experience for Angelenos with autism, dementia, PTSD, and other sensory needs. According to the Zoo, "If you need support, head to the International Marketplace where you'll find sensory bags, equipped with noise canceling headphones, fidget tools, verbal cue cards, and weighted lap pads, available to all guests who may benefit from their use. And prior to visiting the Zoo, families can download the free KultureCity App from the App or Google Play Stores where they can view what sensory features are available at the Zoo and where they can access them. Also, on the app, is the Social Story, which will provide a preview of what to expect while enjoying a day at the L.A. Zoo. Guests interested in knowing more about the new sensory inclusive experience at the L.A. Zoo should visit the Zoo’s website."
The Best Time to Go to the Los Angeles Zoo
If it jives with your schedule, try to hit up the zoo during the week right after they open when most families are at school or work. Obviously, weekends seem easier for visits, but they’re a total “zoo” people wise.
The earlier in the day you can go, the better as the animals are more active in the mornings, and parking is plentiful! You’ll also get a jump on the heat and avoid those mid-afternoon meltdowns (yours and your kiddos’). Animals start to go inside for the night at 4 p.m., so be sure to allow enough time to see everything before then.
Another great time to visit? Chilly or overcast days often mean that you'll have the zoo all to yourself and you're likely to see animals that hide out on warmer, sunnier days.
Insider Tip: The cycad garden at the front of the zoo contains some of the world’s oldest plant species—so valuable that they contain GPS chips to prevent theft. In fact, these are the exact plants that dinosaurs ate! Be sure to point these incredible specimens out to your little herbivores on the way out of (or into) the zoo.
Good to Know: Want to take your zoo experience on the road? The Los Angeles Zoo sometimes offers travel packages to visit far-flung places where the zoo is making a difference in global wildlife and habitat conservation. Currently on the docket? A 13-day wildlife safari to Botswana. For more information, contact Melissa Grossenbacher at: MGrossenbacher@lazoo.org.
Currently Closed Due to COVID-19
As of press time, some of the LA Zoo attractions remain closed due to COVID-19. Out of abundance of caution for the animals, zoo staff and guests, the following activities and exhibits are closed, but please keep checking the LA Zoo website for further updates and possible re-openings.
Muriel’s Ranch Contact Yard
Angela Collier World of Birds Theater & Show
Talks & Presentations
Giraffe Feedings
Flamingo Mingle
Treetops Terrace
California Condor Rescue Zone
Face Painting
Caricature Artists
Australia House
Various Roundhouses (please refer to signage at those locations for specifics)
Hours: Daily 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day Cost: Ticket prices run $22 for adults (ages 13 – 61), $17 for children (ages 2 – 12) and infants (ages 0-23 months) are free.
Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Garden
5333 Zoo Dr.
Online: lazoo.org
Having a pet is a great way to teach kids responsibility and compassion but sometimes a dog or cat isn’t in the cards. These animals are the perfect option as they take up minimal space in your home and are easy for kids to care for. Which one will be the new addition to your family?
Guinea pigs are great pets as long as you've got the time to invest in them (they need to play with you!) and are willing to get a pair of the sweet-natured rodents (they're social animals and will get lonely when solitary). These little guys are in the same family as hamsters but have an even gentler disposition and are less likely to bite. They need stimulation and attention, however, so if you think your kid will lose interest quickly, they might not be the best choice for you.
Lifespan: 5-10 years
2. Bearded Dragons
Kate Loweth
Bearded dragons are easy to care for and super mellow. They grow to be about the length of your forearm and are happy to spend the afternoon sitting on your shoulder. Kids will love setting up their enclosure and you can even find costumes for them at Halloween! They do eat bugs so you'll need to be able to pick those up at your local pet store.
No, we're not talking about the sort that roam New York City subway tunnels. Domesticated rats (which are pretty cute, if you're into rodents) actually make great pets. In fact, Dr. Jennifer Graham, assistant professor at Tufts University's Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, told Parents magazine that rats are "some of the best pets for small children," says Dr. Graham. "Rats can be calm, laid-back, not as nippy as other small mammals, and they can be handled a lot." They can even be trained to retrieve small objects and use a litter box. Take that, Fido!
Kids will love watching these little guys scurrying through tunnels and running on hamster wheels (all night long!), though youngsters should be aware that these little rodents, especially females, can bite, so they need to be extra careful handling them. Parents magazine source Dr. Katherine Quesenberry, an exotic animal expert, recommends getting a larger breed hamster, like the Syrian hamster (also called the golden hamster), which can be easier to handle.
These large rodents have silklike fur and are friendly and gentle (though they can bite if not socialized properly). A well socialized chinchilla will even come when you call him and will be eager for rubs. They can also be litter box trained. And, unlike many other rodents, they aren't smelly! According to Animal Planet, the chinchilla has no body odor. "Even its droppings will take several days to emit a smell; if the animal's cage is cleaned frequently, odor becomes a non-issue."
Rabbits make friendly pets, and larger breed rabbits especially, like the Flemish giant rabbit, which can grow to be 12-15 pounds (that's almost twice the size of an average cat!), can be docile and laid-back (though they require a lot more space than smaller bunnies). They are smart enough to be litter-trained — and can even be taught to walk on a leash, according to Animal Planet. They also enjoy human company provided you socialize them and play with them often.
Lifespan: 8-12 years
7. Chickens
iStock
What better way to teach kids where their eggs come from than having a henhouse in the back yard? Chickens (if your city allows you to have them) are full of personality and can be trained to come when you call them. One thing to keep in mind, however, is where you live: in colder climates, chickens have to be kept inside (or in a heated henhouse) to stay warm. Click on this article to find the breed of chicken right for you.
These calm reptiles are easy for kids to handle and they make fun pets. They are nocturnal and therefore more active at night. They don't climb walls like other types of geckos but they also don't require a moist environment which makes them easy to take care of.
Lifespan: 6-10 years
To find out more about what pet is right for you, check out this guide from the Humane Society. And, of course, always check your local animal shelter or animal rescue groups when looking for a pet.
Cooped up and going a little stir crazy? We get it. There’s nothing that gets the kids moving like a trampoline. Whether you go for a massive outdoor trampoline, or an indoor trampoline for the living room, we’ve got the scoop on the best trampolines for kids right here. There are even a few springfree trampolines and mini trampolines to give you tons to choose from. Order yours before they sell out for summer!
This 7-foot trampoline will be the talk of the neighborhood when you set it up in your backyard. Easy to assemble, it's also easy for little ones to climb in and out of with the special climbing ladder and slide. It's low height protects kids from unexpected falls. You can even set it up in your living room or garage for rainy days.
This is a great option if you don't want to have your trampoline taking up prime real estate in your backyard all summer long. This one is inflatable and you can fill the chambers with water to make it more stable.
If you are looking to practice your jump shot, this is the trampoline for you. This 15-foot design comes with a basketball hoop and ball, guaranteeing hours of fun in your backyard. An included spring pull tool makes setup even easier (you'll thank us later).
We love this option for little ones who need a movement break during the day. It doesn't take up much space in your home and you can keep it indoors or out.
This Finnish brand offers top-of-the-line trampolines for families all over the world. Their focus is on the bounce, studying it in a laboratory so that you have the best trampoline experience. Add on an air trampoline board for even more fun! You get what you pay for with ACON as they offer a 10-year warranty and 100% spare parts availability to keep you jumping for years.
This familiar brand is known for its safety (and hefty price tag) and is uber popular with families. Their trampolines start at $799 and run up to $2,399 for the 13-foot jumbo square. Visit local distributors to check them out or pre-order yours online.
Perfectly sized for little ones (up to 60 lbs.), this trampoline has a small footprint and can be used either indoors or out. It's also springless, adding another layer of safety for your little jumpers.
We love this option because of its low price tag and easy of storage. The handle of the trampoline provides stability for little jumpers and can be folded down when you want to store it away. Plop this one in front of the TV and have them jump while watching their favorite show!
This trampoline is the perfect pick if you have a couple kids who want to jump together. The weight limit is 333 lbs. and you'll get the safety netting with your purchase.
Editor’s note: As with any product your children will be using, consider the safety features on any trampoline you plan to purchase. Follow the product’s safety recommendations and limit the number of children on the trampoline at one time as directed by the manufacturer.
Santa’s merry elves may be working overtime, but that doesn’t mean you have to. To ease your holiday shopping, we partnered with some of our favorite brands to offer you amazing deals and steals this season on products and gear you actually want (or want to give). From meal delivery to oh-so-cozy clothing and must-have toys, get your shopping done in a flash without breaking the bank.
Check out the entire 10 days of deals by clicking here.
Save on a Springfree Trampoline!
The Scoop: For a gift the whole family will enjoy, turn to Springfree Trampoline. Not only is Springfree the world’s safest trampoline, but every part of the trampoline is backed by a full 10-year warranty. The only trampoline with no springs, no hard edges, and a flexible safety enclosure, this backyard must-have brings peace of mind to parents everywhere.
The Deal: Too Late! This Deal is Over. But you can always check out all the great products atwww.springfreetrampoline.com.
Babies are the cutest companions but can also be the most daring explorers, which is why babyproofing your home is key once your little one becomes mobile. Looking to keep your kiddo safe without sacrificing your style? These products will do the trick—and you actually won’t mind having them in your house because they look that good.
Once in a while, you need a way to safely contain your little mover. This flexible hexagon play space is made with a sturdy steel frame, breathable mesh panels and a hinged door panel for simple, one-handed access. You can configure the panels however you like, or even mount the apparatus to the wall to create a convenient room divider. A serene gray-and-white color scheme with a cloud motif works well in both modern or traditional homes, so keeping baby safe at play stays easy on the eyes.
Sometimes you want your baby to have more freedom but not the complete run of the house. That’s where doorway gates come in handy. Fusion Gates has tons of styles, finishes and widths to choose from, all safe and certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA). The dual-mounted pressure gate is made with high-impact-resistant polycarbonate panels, aluminum framing and a steel hinge and latch, plus a one-finger finial for opening with ease. With screen designs ranging from trendy chevrons to a clean and classic Greek key border, there’s an option for every taste. The system also allows for interchangeable art screens so you can switch up your style.
In addition to blocking off doorways, you’ll want to secure your stairs so baby can’t do any unsupervised climbing. The Stair Barrier has contemporary and versatile options that can be quickly installed between a wall and bannister or between two bannisters, then unbuckled and rolled neatly to the side for safe access. The soft, expandable gates are lightweight yet durable with heavy-duty webbing, and they’re travel-ready for wherever you may go with baby in tow. Choose from styles like Just Black (pictured), Burlap Charcoal, or farmhouse-inspired stripes.
A potentially dangerous household item that babies seem to love is power cords. Keep yours safely out of the way and organized with this stylish and sleek box organizer. The box keeps a power strip or surge protector out of crawlers’ reach and effectively hides your chargers, power adaptors and various media cables, all of which can otherwise become a tangled mess. Rubber feet keep the box where it’s placed too!
Kitchen and bathroom cabinets and drawers are full of more potential dangers than most parents care to count. Keep them closed and far from curious hands with a set of discreet but super-strong locks that does the job thanks to the power of 3M adhesive and a magnetic locking mechanism. Each pack comes with four toddler-tested locks and a magnetic key that you keep out of children’s reach.
As soon as your baby starts cruising on furniture, you’ll realize just how many sharp corners are lurking around your house. Whether they're wood, glass, granite, ceramic, metal or plastic, you’ll want them covered in case your little one falls nearby. This 12-pack of extra thick, premium, high-density corner guards is a great, non-toxic choice and comes in plenty of color options to match your tables, counters, cabinets, fireplace hearth and more. Elf Star also has edge protectors for added safety and impact-absorbing benefits.
If you’re hoping to maintain your clean, white aesthetic after bringing kids into your home, look to Bink for modern babyproofing products, including Dots safety plugs for electric outlets, Up & Away to get blind cords safely stowed, and Bumpy Mini silicone safety corners for furniture. Our favorite is the simple but essential Doory, which acts as a doorway buffer to prevent accidental finger pinches. It’s non-toxic, fits over virtually every door width, and is designed to last throughout childhood.
Splish splash, baby’s taking a bath! The only problem is you can find yourselves in a seriously slippery situation. Enter the Kikkerland Whale Bath Mat. Its no-slip suction cups adhere the mat to the tub’s surface, and the latex-free, mildew-resistant natural rubber design keep it clean and safe for use with little ones. Stick this on the bottom of your bath and get baby suds up while staying secure.
You’re about to have a close encounter of the wolf kind! In the pine-dotted hills of the high desert 90 minutes from LA, lies Shadowland Foundation, a facility dedicated to the preservation and re-population of the wolf species. This is a one-of-a-kind educational experience for kids, families, and everyone who loves the wolves. You’ll be ready to join the pack of ten Alaskan timber wolves and have a whole new understanding of animal conservation after a visit to the foundation.
Skip Saturday Morning Cartoons
Tours are currently held at 10 a.m. on Sat. only. This is due to protecting the eerily beautiful nocturnal eyes of the wolf. Founders and “wolf parents” Paul and Collette Pondella are using donations to complete work on their barn—once that opens they can host meet-and-greets year round.
Sit Tight, Learning First
Your session begins with a seated presentation inside a warm, in construction yet still gorgeous, sprawling, red barn. Collette presents a thorough and interesting round-up of everything you never knew about how important wolves are to our ecosystem and how they have been systematically targeted for eradication. You’ll see a short documentary called Freedom of the Pack created by Thomas Durant (famous for “The Deadliest Catch”) who was inspired by a visit to Shadowland. The presentation takes about an hour and a half and questions are welcomed. While Collette speaks you can hear the wolf pack piping in like impatient children saying “Come on! Come meet us! We’re waaaiitttttinnnng!”
Meet the Pups
Once the presentation concludes, purses and bags are stashed, and there’s time for a bathroom break. If there’s a large group, it’s split up into two where one group goes with half the pack and vice versa. Everyone is instructed on safety and how to meet the wolves (fingers tucked in, offering the back of your hand to smell). Then you’ll be led into a staging area (a.k.a. Paul and Collette’s side porch of their ranch house) where you’ll sit down and let the pack meet them/sniff and get to know you.
Inside the wolf enclosure, the pack (Shadow, Wahkahn, Takoda, Freedom, Alaska, Tehya, Cochise, Chenoa, Keme, Kachina, Ogin) all know what to do. They hop up on a viewing platform and wait for the awe-filled attention. Like children, they all have different personalities. Some are shy, some are affectionate, and some—like Wahkahn, who even as a puppy towers over some of the full-grown adult wolves—is feisty and playful.
Swap Spit!
You’ll have plenty of time to get to know each wolf, with Collete and Paul constantly teaching as you do. Perhaps the most fun part of the meet and greet is the opportunity to feed them. You’ll hold little bits of kielbasa sausage and be shown exactly how to offer it up for a nibble. Wolf spit is shockingly thicker than a dog’s. Wipes are ready for you after the saliva-fest.
If you aren’t eating your packed lunch there on the pretty grounds, stop by the Heart and Soul Café for howlin’ good (couldn’t resist that joke!) burgers, macaroni & cheese and a homemade chocolate chip ice cream sandwich on your way back down the hill.
What to Know Before You Go (And we’re not “crying wolf!” Sorry, last pun.)
Wear closed-toe shoes and jeans or pants that you don’t mind getting hair and wolf slobber on.
Be prepared for 20 degrees chillier (and windier) weather than in LA.
Park to the left of the red barn and head inside to be checked in.
Empty your pockets before meeting the wolves; anything sticking out is fair game for a nibble!
Bring lunch to enjoy with your group afterward on Shadowland’s lovely grounds.
While there are no age restrictions and the wolves have met everyone from newborns to 100-year-olds, it’s recommended for 8 & up.
Tours of groups over 10 must donate ahead of time to secure their tour date. Recommended donations are $50 per adult and $35 per child. Tours book up well in advance, so call a month or so before you’d like to go.
In case you didn’t know, it’s never too early to start your holiday shopping, especially since we’ve just received the list for Target’s top toys for 2018. The retailer announced its top 25 toy picks for the season from a whopping 2,500 total new and exclusive collections of toys it plans to carry for the holidays.
Here are some of our favorites that are bound to be hot, and a word to the wise: don’t wait, because come December we predict they’ll be hard to find!
Each L.O.L Bigger Surprise case comes with 60 never-before-seen surprises and includes a limited-edition doll, little sister and pet. (Available Sep. 25; $90.)
Fingerlings HUGS
Hug and snuggle the newest Fingerlings HUGS ($30) this holiday. They return kisses and can record messages, too!
PAW Patrol Ultimate Fire Truck
Fight off fires big and small with Marshall in his ultimate PAW Patrol fire truck ($60) that comes with a 2-foot ladder!
Barbie Dreamhouse
Three stories, eight rooms and endless hours of play with the newly revamped Barbie Dreamhouse ($180).
Melissa & Doug Deluxe Grocery Store
Shop and check out like the real deal with Melissa & Doug's Deluxe Grocery Store, a Target exclusive. (Available soon; MSRP to be announced.)
SkeeBall
Perfect for family fun night, this foldable SkeeBall game with a wooden base ($35) comes with five balls and is great for taking fun on-the-go.
Transforming Princess Knight Nella
This Nella the Princess Knight doll ($35) transforms before your eyes with the simple push of a button. She also sings her theme song and has several phrases that will take your little hero on plenty of adventures.
Party Pop Teenies Mega Party Surprise Set
Get your party on with this 50+ piece Party Pop Teenies Target exclusive ($40) that comes with tons of party poppers with special surprises.
Hot Wheels Ultimate Gator Car Wash
Keep your kid's Hot Wheels collection squeaky clean with the Ultimate Gator Car Wash. (Available soon; estimated MSRP $70.)
Fisher-Price Think & Learn Rocktopus
Let your little Mozart create their own musical stylings with the Rocktopus ($56) that comes with 15 instrument pods and three ways to play.
LEGO DC Comics Super Heroes App-Controlled Batmobile
This build-it-yourself LEGO Batmobile ($100) comes with two bluetooth-powered batteries, four-wheel drive and two stud shooters––perfect for Batman to take on the forces evil and win.
Tic Tac Tongue
In the game of Tic Tac Tongue ($18), you're the lizard who wants to knock down the most insects with your lizard mask and tongue.
Crate Creatures Giant Creature Croak
Get the newest and grossest Crate Creature this holiday with the release of Croak, the newest monster on the block with 45+ sounds and noises. (Available soon; estimated MSRP $40.)
furReal Rock-A-Too The Show Bird
With 50+ sound and motion combos, there's no end to singing, dancing and telling jokes with Rock-A-Too ($80).
Fisher-Price Imaginext Jurassic World Jurassic Rex
Save Jurassic Park by wrangling the Jurassic World Jurassic Rex ($100)—complete with light-up eyes and glowing red mouth—back into her enclosure. This interactive toy comes with 20 pieces and tons of dino fun.
If you have a little horse or pony lover in your family, we have a gift idea that is just as magical as getting them their own mare—but far less messy. Odysseo by Cavalia is in town until January 10, and this exquisite show will transport the whole family into a horse wonderland for the night. Starring aerialists, dancers, singers, musicians and 44 stunning horses, Odysseo will amaze crowds of all ages.
A Beguiling Big Top You may have seen the castle-like all-white big top that rose in the large parking lot behind AT&T Park. And while spending a chilly night inside a tent may not sound luxurious, this is no ordinary tent. More like pop-up mansion, this enclosure has it all, from art, to dining facilities to stables to a theater that seats 2,000. And plenty of heaters, of course. The big top spans over 47,000 square feet, and reaches 125 feet into the sky. To truly experience all the big top has to offer, tack the VIP experience onto your ticket. You will be invited into the VIP Rendezvous tent up 90 minutes before showtime and enjoy a lavish dinner buffet, unlimited beverages (beer and wine included) and even freshly popped popcorn to enjoy during the show. Best of all, you have access to the tent the entire evening, so you can refresh your drink, re-up on popcorn, grab dessert at intermission or take advantage of the private restrooms. VIP ticket holders are also invited to take a stable tour and meet the stars after the show.
A Show-Stopping Set Up Three massive movie screens help to create the magical worlds during each show. Throughout the performance, the audience is transported to the savannas of Africa, the American Southwest, the Northern Lights, an ice cave, an exquisite carousel, and even Easter Island. 19 projectors and more than 200 moving lights enhance the stage sets, which include 6,000 tons of dirt and stone and a 53,000 gallon lake. But it’s the immensely talented performers who really make the show, from acrobats to horseback riders to musicians, to the horses themselves. All music is performed live, and the high energy performances will leave audiences captivated. Horse aficionados will marvel at the skills demonstrated by the four-legged member of the cast, while everyone will be wowed by the jumping, flipping singing and spinning of everyone else.
Fun for Families This is a show appropriate for almost all ages. The loud, high-energy show is forgiving of chatty toddlers, and the lights, music and visuals will keep even the squirmiest kid captivated throughout the entire show. There are kid-friendly showtimes almost week (matinees at 1:30, 2 or 4 pm) and for older kids with later bedtimes, the 8 p.m. show is a great option. Ticket prices are $10-20 cheaper for kids aged 2-12. The stories are told through song and dance, so even subject matter such as war is told so subtly that there’s nothing to upset even the most sensitive child (and the overall message of the performance is one of peace, harmony and the greatest respect for animals).
Odysseo by Cavalia
Through Jan 10
AT&T Park
1051 Third St.
San Francisco, CA
Online: cavalia.net
Have you experienced Odysseo? What was your family’s favorite part of the show?
Even the most whimsical New Yorker might raise an eyebrow upon hearing that Battery Park recently debuted a new carousel. (The city doesn’t exactly have a shortage of the spinning attractions.) However, the new addition is unlike any other merry-go-round in town — or really, the world. A steel and glass shell that houses 30 fish measuring more than 13 feet tall, this attraction is must-sea!
Fish Tale
Ten years in the making, the sea-themed carousel was designed by award-winning WXY Architecture + Urban Design, and pays tribute to The Battery as the original home of the New York Aquarium. The carousel’s glass and steel enclosure is inspired by the form of the chambered nautilus shell, and the 30 luminescent fish of varying colors were designed by the internationally-acclaimed George Tsypin Opera Factory. The spectacular sight is surrounded by the Tiffany & Co. Foundation Woodland Gardens.
Instead of climbing onto a fish as one would on a traditional carousel, riders climb inside the fish, each of which is equipped with speakers to enjoy nautical-themed music. If your kids are too young to ride alone, you may sit and hold them in your lap, but because the entire floor moves, no one can remain standing alongside a fish when the ride is operating. Each “underwater” spin lasts 3 and 1/2 minutes and cost $5.
A Whale of a Day
Want to make a day of your visit? After your ride, continue the nautical-themed outing and grab a bite on the waterfront at Battery Gardens and watch the boats sail by. Or, take to the river yourself: Considered one of the best ways to see the city’s skyline, the nearby Staten Island Ferry leaves roughly every half hour and is totally free. If it’s your first time at The Battery, go the classic route and hop on the ferry to see the Statue of Liberty.
(And if your kids can hang at night, it’s worth letting them stay up past their bedtime to see the ride transform into a spectacular “underwater” light show.)
photo: Filip Wolak
SeaGlass Carousel at The Battery
Open daily; 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Tickets: $5/person
Battery Park
Online: http://www.thebattery.org/
Have you taken a spin on the SeaGlass Carousel? Tell us about your ride in the comments below!
