Teachers, mark your calendars: Target is bringing back its Teacher Prep Event July 17-Sept.10! The annual sale gives teachers a discount of 15% off select classroom supplies and essentials they so desperately need and purchase out of pocket. The best news? It runs six weeks longer than last year which means more time to save!
The discount applies to all K-12 teachers, homeschool teachers, educators at daycare centers and early childhood learning centers, university and college professors, and teachers at vocational, trade and technical schools. Like the last few years, the discount is offered through the company’s loyalty program, Target Circle, and teachers will need to submit proof of eligibility to take advantage of the savings.
This year is also bringing a new offer: college students can use Target Circle to save on their own back-to-school needs! From Jul. 3-Sept. 3, enrollees can snag 20% off a one-time purchase when they verify their college status.
“We know the back-to-school season signals an important milestone for millions of families across the country – and we’re here to help by introducing even more ways for guests to save and find everything they need all in one convenient location,” says Jill Sando, executive vice president and chief merchandising officer, Target.
With thousands of items in Target’s back-to-school collection under $10, and prices starting under $1, there are great deals to be had for teachers—and families. If you have kids heading back to school or college, head to Target for school supplies, backpacks, clothes, art supplies, college décor and more. Target has even expanded its adaptive collection of clothes and backpacks, which makes the bullseye retailer a one-stop shop for everyone this year.
Art is all around us—you don’t have to go to a stuffy museum to introduce your kids to the fine arts. We’ve rounded up 18 jaw-dropping outdoor art installations across the country that the whole family will appreciate. Some are interactive and others are just larger than life, but all of them are well worth a visit. Keep reading to see them all.
Isak Heartstone | Breckenridge, CO
Kate Loweth
From a downtown full of sculptures to live theater performances, Breckenridge is full of ways to explore the arts. Track down the famed Breckenridge Troll while you are there. Named Isak Heartstone, this 15-foot tall wooden troll sculpture is located on the Trollstigen Trail next to Illinois Gulch Trailhead. This massive sculpture is by Danish artist Thomas Dambo, who is known worldwide for bringing awareness to recycling and upcycling by building great things out of trash. Bonus: you can even explore the area's public art using the self-guided audio tour.
Created by a husband-wife pop artist duo, this larger-than-life spoon and cherry sculpture can be found at the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. Admission is free, so you can also check out the garden’s other pieces, including everything from a giant blue rooster to wind chimes that make soft music. Here's our guide to other kid-friendly Minneapolis activities.
Wynwood Walls was started in 2009 to showcase international street art. Stroll through the rotating collection of more than 50 murals at this outdoor museum, then head out into the Wynwood district to check out the surrounding art galleries and eclectic shops.
Like a colorful mirage, this weird and wonderful exhibit is in the middle of the desert outside Las Vegas. Kids will get a kick out of these 30- to 35-feet high sculptures, made from painted and locally-sourced boulders. Check out our guide to other kid-friendly Las Vegas attractions.
The BeltLine is a fantastic family-friendly pedestrian loop that’s expanding around Atlanta, and, as a new and very popular initiative, has a growing collection of artworks exhibited. There’s a mix of permanent and temporary exhibits, and even musicians and performers on occasion. Even cooler, as the Beltline expands, so will the collection (there are currently 110 different works exhibited). Grab your strollers and bikes, and hit the trail!
This magical place is the only American sculpture garden and the last major international project created by artist Niki de Saint Phalle. It’s inspired by the mythic, cultural, and historic roots of California, and it’s a wonder for kids of all ages. There's a bright mosaic snake wall, a maze entrance to the garden and nine free-standing sculptures, which include totems inspired by Native American, Mexican and pre-Colombian culture. Don't forget to look for Queen Califia herself, a mythical warrior queen! Looking for more outdoor art in Southern California? We’ve got the best places right here.
If you head to the Portland Avenue stretch of the Minnehaha Creek Trail, you’ll find Jeff Barber’s "Cottontail on the Trail.” The rabbit (or Minnehaha bunny) is an iconic trail marker and landmark, and on most warm days, you’ll find kids crawling, playing, and jumping all around the impressive bronze sculpture.
Art that looks good and can be touched? Sounds like our kind of place. In 2014—using repurposed concrete for water play areas and salvaged logs for climbing—environmental artist Adam Kuby collaborated with GreenWorks Design Firm to create a playspace that reflects the recent, and nearby Crystal Springs restoration efforts. A popular spot for kids and adults alike, take a peek at our insider’s guide to find out more.
Affectionately named “Lupe,” this metal pipe rendering of a wooly mammoth was designed by LA artists Feyja Bardell and Brian Howe. It was installed on the Guadalupe Trail in 2015 and represents the spot where the bones of a 12,500-year-old mammoth were discovered 10 years earlier. While kids can’t touch or climb on the structure, it’s a perfect way to get them excited for a day of science and fun before heading to the nearby San Jose Children’s Museum, where a replica of the prehistoric animal can be found. Search for more cool outdoor art in the San Francisco Bay Area by clicking here.
This woodsy, magical garden inspires creativity for all. Not only is it a wonderful place to wander through at your own leisure, but the Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum caters to families as well. The permanent collection is filled with the works of Charles Umlauf, a prestigious sculpture who taught at the University of Texas, Austin for 40 years. Each sculpture is gently waxed, and touching is okay (climbing is not). Stop by on family day, the second Sunday of each month, for art-making, sculpture demos, family yoga, live music, and storytelling. Family days are free, and the rest of the time, admission is just $7 for adults and free for kids under 12. Get more information about the museum here.
You can check out both permanent and rotating exhibits at Socrates Sculpture Park. It's free to get in, there are a lot of events (yoga, music performances, kid workshops), and the former landfill is landscaped with over 90 varieties of plant life. Plus, there’s plenty of other fun stuff to do in the area. Hallets Cove, which you’ll find just north of the park, is a public beach and kayak launch during the warm months of the year. Find out more here.
Modern art at its finest comes to Chicago in the form of Crown Fountain. With its two 50-foot glass video installations of Chicagoans as new-age gargoyles spouting out water and visitors running around in swimsuits just like any public splash pad, it’s definitely a bucket list hit for all ages. Bonus: it's super close to The Bean. Check out this guide for other famous fountains in Chicago and this story on everything fun to do in Millennium Park.
This Spokane playground is basically a toy that’s built to scale so playground runners can slide out of the big red wagon’s handle. This sculpture was built in 1990 and is 27 feet long—at least we know it’ll fit Clifford! Get more info here.
This museum can be also described as a larger-than-life art sculpture that kids and parents can run around in. Jump on a plane, climb through a wire tunnel… It’s constantly “under construction” by a team of 20 different artists to ensure that every visit will be different. Get more kid-friendly St. Louis hot spots here.
Four huge tunnels sitting in a desert leading nowhere might not seem like art, but there’s definitely more than meets the eye with this installation. Just looking through one of these can reframe how you see your surroundings, and the shadows they cast can teach little ones about sun orientation. Plus, they are just totally awesome to run through!
555 Mission St. Sculpture Garden | San Francisco, CA
A quiet sculpture garden in the SOMA district of San Francisco is like jumping into a colorful children’s book. Pixelated silhouettes and cousins of Jack Skellington live here. The plaza is also perfect for a downtown picnic.
A free park devoted to 22 sculptures with unbelievable views of the Seattle waterfront makes for a perfect day out with the kids. Unfortunately, these sculptures are hands-off, but there’s a nearby museum with interactive exhibits that your littles can touch to their heart’s content.
Heavy Metal is an uber-fun playground of sound, where your kids can make music with friends or be a one-man band! This sculpture was created in 2000 and is a part of Chattanooga's city public art collection.
Calling all Wiggles fans! The wiggly group is growing with four new member and a new series!
First, say hello to Tsehay, Evie, John and Kelly Hamilton. The new quad will join existing members, Anthony, Emma, Lachy, and Simon, creating an uber talented group of dancers and singing from across Australia.
photo: Courtesy of The Wiggles
The Wiggles’ new series, Fruit Salad TV will premiere exclusively on The Wiggles’ YouTube channel on Sept. 4. The lively show will encompass storytelling, dancing and singing that is perfect for a sing-a-long sesh. The new show and additional Wiggles members will further the message of embracing diversity in the areas of gender, age, culture and race.
The Wiggles aren’t the only thing expanding: Wiggle Town is growing too! Three new non-binary characters are joining, including Officer Beaples, Shirley Shawn the Unicorn and Bok the hand puppet.
Catch the first episode of Fruit Salad TV on The Wiggles’ YouTube Channel on Sept. 4.
Who’s getting excited for Halloween? In anticipation of the ultimate spooky season, Disney just expanded its Adaptive Roleplay kid’s costumes and wheelchair cover sets to include even more options this year.
Disney’s adaptive costumes came on the market last year and included options like Disney Princesses and Pixar characters. Now, kids can also choose from Marvel Studios’ Black Panther Adaptive Costume, a Star Wars: The Mandalorian Adaptive Costume and Star Wars: The Mandalorian Wheelchair Cover Set and more!
Kids and adults who use wheelchairs and have other accessibility needs will find the adaptive costumes a great fit. The costumes are made with stretch fabric that opens in the front, is open in the rear and has a long inseam.
Each costume has flap openings on the front center with self-stick fabric closure to accommodate tube access and the wheelchair cover sets fit most standard wheelchairs with 24-inch wheels. The sets include plastic piping pieces for added support and long self-stick fabric strips to secure the pieces.
The 2021 Halloween collection is live on shopDisney.com and already has tons of costumes for new releases like Disney’s Raya and the Last Dragon as well as classic films. You can find decor, clothing and accessories to last you the whole season!
For kids who use wheelchairs, regular backpacks are anything but practical. Fortunately, Target’s expanded array of back-to-school items features an adaptive backpack with plenty of mounting options, pockets and ports, plus easy-grab zippers. It’s new this year and available for $39.99 online!
At 17 inches, the Embark backpack has been thoughtfully designed for school or adventure time. The mounting and carrying straps attach the pack to a wheelchair, and it has tuck-away back straps to prevent tangling and dragging. You’ll also find access ports for tubes or cables, plus a laptop sleeve designed to fit a machine up to 15 inches. Plus it completely unzips for easy access and features a side water bottle holder. Grab one in black, blue or purple, depending on your kid’s style preference.
Another great option for younger kids? The Cat and Jack 17 inch dino backpack! It offers many of the same features as the Embark model, plus a fun prehistoric print and an orange dino keychain to complete the look. There’s even a built-in compartment to add a hydration pack. Did we mention it’s a reasonably priced $19.99? It’s currently (unsurprisingly) sold out online, but keep an eye out for restocking.
The new products are part of Target Adaptive, made in collaboration with guests of all abilities. The special collections offer seasonal and everyday products that are stylish, functional and come at a great price.
Three’s not a crowd for Alexa and Carlos PenaVega! The former Spy Kids star and Big Time Rush bandmate welcomed their third child, daughter Rio into the world, more than a month early.
“Little Rio could not wait to come out and play with her brothers! Momma is feeling good and baby girl is kicking some serious booty in the NICU. Praying we can all be home together very soon! What a wave of emotions,” the PenaVegas both shared on Instagram.
Carlos PenaVega added, “I lift up my wifey @vegaslexa on this Mother’s Day. YOU ARE A CHAMP! I could never do what you do,” he added. “The best momma to our 2 boys and now little girl. Thank you for being a solid rock for this family❤️.”
Baby Rio joins brothers Ocean King, 4, and Kingston James, 1 ½. Alexis PenaVega revealed last month on Instagram that her daughter’s due date was in June. Sending good thoughts to the expanded PenaVega family!
—Sarah Shebek
Featured image courtesy of Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock.com
Amazon is making it easier to get your groceries delivered! The e-tailer recently announced the expansion of Key by Amazon In-Garage Grocery Delivery to more than 5,000 cities and towns across the country.
After a trial of In-Garage Grocery Delivery that started in five cities last November, Amazon has upped the ante and given millions of Prime members the chance to use this super-simple service. Now you can get your faves from Whole Foods Market or Amazon Fresh delivered into the safety and security of your home’s garage.
photo courtesy of Amazon
Pete Gerstberger, Head of Key by Amazon, said in a press release, “Customers who tried Key In-Garage Grocery Delivery have loved the service, which is why we’re expanding it to everywhere Amazon offers grocery delivery.” Gerstberger added, “As customers look for more convenience in their daily lives, we’re excited to deliver another service that not only helps them save time, but provides peace of mind knowing that tonight’s dinner is safe in their garage and out of the weather.”
To use this convenient service, eligible Prime members can shop While Foods or Amazon Fresh online. You must have a compatible garage door opener or myQ Smart Garage Hub ($30) and the myQ app with Key. Select “Key Delivery” at checkout to complete your order.
For more info, visit Amazon here! For a limited time eligible customers can get a $20 Amazon credit after the first In-Garage delivery order.
The Tamagotchi world just expanded! Bandai America recently announced the debut of the Tamagotchi Pix—a brand-new device that features a built-in camera and so much more.
Now your fam can interact with their virtual pets in a new way. The Tamagotchi Pix still allows your kiddos to care for and nurture their pretend pets. Along with feeding the oh-so-cute creatures, this new device also lets virtual pet parents cook for their characters, have food delivered to them and add pics.
photo courtesy of CNW Group/Bandai America
Tara Badie, Bandai America Senior Director Brand Strategy, said in a press release, “With over 82M units sold globally and almost 25 years in the market, Tamagotchi is a brand that is truly known across generations.” Badie continued, “After the 2019 launch of Tamagotchi On, we saw a whole new generation of kids fall in love with Tamagotchi and were excited to continue to expand their gameplay with Tamagotchi Pix.”
Tamagotchi Pix’s new, upgraded features include a built-in camera, the chance to paint, cook and more with your kiddo’s pets using the camera, interactive touch buttons and new ways to play. The device is available in Floral (pink), Sky )purple), Ocean (blue) and Nature (green) colors and gives users the choice of six different languages—English, Spanish, German, French, Portuguese and Italian.
Pre-order the Tamagotchi Pix online now on Best Buy, and Amazon and Walmart soon for $59.99.
Takashi Tezuka, Executive Officer and Game Producer of Nintendo Co., Ltd., said in a press release, “We are very pleased to add Mario’s twin brother, Luigi, to the LEGO Super Mario family with the new LEGO Super Mario Adventure with Luigi Starter Course.”
The new Adventures with Luigi Starter Course includes 280 buildable pieces. Your kiddo can build the bricks, rebuild them, and continue rebuilding to their heart’s content.
Along with the building bricks, your child can also download the free LEGO Super Mario app. The app is compatible with all LEGO Super Mario products and keeps track of scores, provides building ideas and gives your kids creative tips.
Find the new LEGO Super Mario Adventures with Luigi Starter Course ($59.99) on LEGO.com and at select retailers. This new set is currently available for pre-order only and will launch for purchase Aug. 1, 2021.
The Wizarding World is expanding—and your child can build it all! LEGO and Warner Bros. Consumer Products recently announced the launch of brand-new Harry Potter sets.
Your kiddo has spent years building with Potter-themed plastic bricks. Now they can add to their collection with sets themed after Harry Potter’s second year at Hogwarts. As if the sets aren’t enough on their own, several of the new options come with an exclusive 20th Anniversary golden minifigure.
That’s right—20 years have passed since the Wizarding World was first introduced in LEGO form. Along with the magical bricks your child has built over the years, the newest additions keep the Hogwarts theme going with scenes your young Potter fan knows and loves.
The new line includes the LEGO Harry Potter Hogwarts: Polyjuice Potion Mistake, LEGO Harry Potter Hogwarts: Fluffy Encounter, LEGO Harry Potter Hogsmeade Collage Visits, LEGO Harry Potter Chamber of Secrets, LEGO Harry Potter Hogwarts Wizard’s Chess, LEGO Harry Potter and Hermione Granger, LEGO Harry Potter Fawkes, Dumbledore’s Phoenix, and LEGO Harry Potter Hogwarts: First Flying Lesson sets.
Marcos Bessa, LEGO Harry Potter Design Lead, said in a press release, “Two decades ago, we launched the first LEGO Harry Potter set—which I played with as a 12-year-old—and fans have remained just as enchanted by the magical adventures that they can relive and replay with the LEGO sets today as they were in 2001.”
Bessa added, “These new products are packed full of captivating features and exciting design twists that we hope will excite and enthrall builders of all ages as they explore some of their favourite moments from the films.”
Nab one of these sets in LEGO Stores, select retailers, or online at LEGO.com starting Aug. 1. Check out LEGO.com for pre-order options right now.
