Did you know the Wright Brothers’ path to flight started with a toy?

Do you know when the first airplane was flown, and where? Known as the pioneers of modern flight, the Wright Brothers were inventors from a young age. In fact, their road to being the first to launch a controlled, engine-powered airplane began with a toy from their dad. Read on for 18 cool facts about the Wright Brothers you might not already know. 

learning interesting facts about the Wright Brothers
Library of Congress/Wikimedia Commons

1. Yes, they were actually brothers. Wilbur Wright was born on April 16, 1867, and Orville Wright was born on August 19, 1871.

2. They decided who would fly first with a coin toss. Wilbur won the toss, but his first attempt failed. Orville went second and managed to fly for 12 seconds. 

3. Their mother, Sarah, was very mechanically inclined. Her own father was a carriage maker, and she spent a lot of time in his shop. She made her own appliances as well as toys for her children. The Wright brothers consulted their mother’s advice regularly as they designed their own machines.

4. In 1878, when Wilbur was 11 and Orville was 7, their father gave them a helicopter-like toy to share. It was based on an invention by Alphonse Pénaud and was made of paper, bamboo, and cork with a rubber band to twirl the motor. The brothers later said this toy was the beginning of an obsession with flying machines.

5. A little-known fact about the Wright Brothers was that neither brother ever married.

Wikimedia Commons

6. In 1889, Orville and Wilbur started a newspaper printing business. In 1892 they opened up a bicycle repair shop. They designed their own bicycle with custom features like an oil-retaining wheel hub and coaster brakes, things still used today in modern bikes. 

7. One of the newspapers they printed, The Tattler, was for the African-American community in Dayton, Ohio.

8. The Wright Brothers made life-sized copies of their beloved helicopter toy with the intention of making an aircraft that would hold them both.

9. They also made gliders of increasing size, which they tested over several years and flights. These glider planes put to test theories about wing-warping. By twisting the wings in different directions, they began to see how an airplane could be controlled.

10. On Dec. 17, 1903, the brothers successfully launched the world’s first airplane. The Wright Flyer I. It was made of spruce and had propellers and a specially designed engine cast mainly from lightweight aluminum. It was the first controlled and powered flying machine that could fly with the weight of humans. From this design, the modern airplane was born.

ohn T. Daniels [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

11. The Wright Flyer I cost about $1000 to make.

12. They tossed a coin to see who would fly first, and Orville won. 

13. The Wright Brothers only flew together once (though both piloted the planes individually): on May 25, 1910, they took a six-minute flight piloted by Orville with Wilbur as his passenger.

14. On that same day in May, Orville took his 82-year-old father, Milton, on a seven-minute flight. They flew at a height of about 350 feet.

15. The Wright Brothers established the world's first test flight facilities (which is now known as Wright Patterson Air Force Base) near Dayton, Ohio. 

16. One fact about the Wright brothers is that neither brother attended college or even obtained a high school diploma.

17. When Neil Armstrong took his world-famous trip to the moon, he had pieces of fabric from the 1903 flyer in his spacesuit

18. Ohio and North Carolina often battle over which state is truly the "birthplace of aviation."

Related: 47 Quirky & Fun Science Facts for Kids

 

The tunnel is our Rube Goldberg favorite

Need some craft ideas that aren’t your usual? Raid the recycle bin, bust out any toilet paper rolls lying around, and get crafting! From Star Wars characters to bird feeders and even flying fish, the possibilities are endless when you’ve got a stash of toilet paper rolls on hand!

Animal Puzzles

If you had one of those flip puzzle books that allowed you to create animals with different tops, middles, and bottoms, then you’ll appreciate this adorable idea.

Cactus Toilet Paper Roll Craft

How adorable are these cacti?! These would be fun decorations for a kiddo’s room or party!

Sliced Toilet Paper Roll Design

Swipe through the images in this post to see the spray-painted final products of this toilet paper roll craft! This is one you could make as detailed or as simple as you’d like. You could also hand-paint it for some extra fun.

Toilet Paper Roll Snake

toilet paper roll crafts
The Clumsy Crafter

This adorable toilet paper roll craft will have kids creating their own snake out of multiple toilet paper rolls. After your kiddo is done and the paint is dry, it's playtime! Get the tutorial from The Clumsy Crafter

Birthday Crowns

toilet paper roll crafts
Creative Jewish Mom

What a cute idea for a birthday party favor! Kids can make their own crowns and wear them throughout the whole event. Get the tutorial over at Creative Jewish Mom

Bird Finder Binoculars

toilet paper roll crafts
Art Bar

Whether you're on an outdoor adventure or peeking at birdies from your window, these adorable Bird Finder Binoculars from Art Bar are perfect for exploring. All you need are some empty toilet paper rolls, string, and colorful masking tape to make your own.

 

Related: 33 Easy & Fun Paper Crafts for Kids

Star Wars Characters

toilet paper roll crafts
Hello, Wonderful

The gang's all here! This cast of Star Wars characters from Hello, Wonderful is perfect for your young Jedis. Great for an entire afternoon, these mini crafts use up that collection of TP rolls you've been collecting.

Flying Carp

toilet paper roll crafts
Squirrelly Minds

Everyone's day can use a little more color, especially in the form of whimsical and cheery flying carp from Squirrelly Minds! With basic supplies like tissue paper and double-sided tape, your littles will be running around with a few flying fish in no time.

Collage Animal Marionettes

toilet paper roll crafts
Art Bar

How adorable are these Collage Animal Marionettes from Art Bar?! Make your own with simple supplies, including bright beads and tissue paper.

Happy Birthday Sign

toilet paper roll crafts
Super Make It

If you have a stack of old TP rolls lying around, why not turn them into a useful sign like this one? Color the tubes, do some specific cutting and you have a truly unique way to say "Happy birthday!" Get all the details over Super Make It.

Super Hero Cuffs

toilet paper roll crafts
Reading Confetti

You don't need special powers to make these awesome wristlets with your little hero. After painting the tubes, let your kids decorate them with stars, flowers, lightning bolts, or anything that they think gives them special powers. Find out how to make the slits for little arms just right over at Reading Confetti.

Slinky Snake

toilet paper roll crafts
Eighteen 25

Practice dexterity and scissor cutting by whipping up one of these googly-eyed reptiles. Start by painting a toilet paper roll and letting it dry. Next, have your little one use safety scissors to snip a spiral shape into the roll. Decorate the bouncy creature with stripes or dots and a pair of inquisitive eyes. The gals over at Eighteen 25 have the low-down on how to get this toilet paper roll craft just right.

 

Related: 27 Adorable Toddler Crafts You Can Pull Out Anytime

Shape Stamps

toilet paper roll crafts
Mama Papa Bubba

Mama Jen of Mama Papa Bubba wows again! This toilet paper roll craft is the ultimate win-win. While the bambino brushes up on shapes and colors, you get to upcycle all of those saved rolls. On a rainy day, use the shapes to make cards or just let your kiddo go stamp crazy on the poster board.

Confetti Poppers

party poppers are one of the best New Year's Eve party ideas
Gabby Cullen

Speaking of parties... turn your kid's next one into the shindig of the year with these confetti poppers crafted out of a tied balloon wrapped and taped over a toilet tissue roll. Pour confetti into the open end, gently pull the end of the balloon... and POP! Check out our tutorial here. 

Bird Feeder

toilet paper roll crafts
Fireflies and Mud Pies

Keep an eye on your feathered friends by whipping up this easy feeder. All you have to do is spread the shortening onto a toilet paper roll and then roll the tube into bird seeds. The seeds will stick to the roll, and you can hang it up porch-side or stick it on a branch. Fireflies and Mud Pies has the details for this awesome toilet paper roll craft.

Cardboard Village

When you need to keep it simple, a mini village made from toilet paper rolls will do the trick. Pull out the markers, ribbon, paper, and whatever else the kids want to use, and get crafting!

If there’s one thing parents can count on, is that kids usually love one of these: dinosaurs, trains or planes. And if you find yourself with an airplane fanatic at home—you know, a mini Maverick who feels the need for speed? Roger that—we’ve rounded up the best spots in SoCal to see planes up close, learn about aviation history and even where to take a thrilling flight. So buckle up and put your tray table in the upright and locked position because these high-flying ideas are ready for takeoff!

Prime Places for Plane Peeping around LA

Proud Bird Restaurant

This airplane-themed restaurant is absolutely one of the best places in town to bring kids who are super into flying. Indoors, there’s a great food bazaar with plentiful family-favorite dining choices like Bludso's BBQ, burgers, chicken and waffles, Asian selections, pizza, healthy farmer’s market options and a swell kid’s menu. Outside is truly where it’s at though—with a fab playground, spacious grassy area and plenty of incoming flights making their way into LAX one after the other—it may just blow your kid’s mind.

Insider Tip: Competition for a good spot on the patio or around the fire pits is fierce on summer evenings so you may have a better shot getting an outside table during the week rather than on the weekend.

Hours: Wed., Thurs. and Sun. 11:30 a.m. - 7 p.m., Fri. and Sat. 11:30 a.m. - 8 p.m.

11022 Aviation Blvd.
Los Angeles
Online: theproudbird.com

In-N-Out Burger by LAX

What’s better than downing a delicious Double-Double from In-N-Out? Enjoying it while planes soar overhead at LAX! The In-N-Out on the northwest corner of 92nd St. and Sepulveda Blvd. is one of the prime spots in town for die-hard plane lovers. Located right next to the arrivals runway, this is an incredible place to watch incoming airplanes land. There are tables outside the restaurant as well as a grassy park directly across the street where you can picnic.

Hours: Vary daily for dine-in and drive-thru.

9149 S. Sepulveda Blvd.
Los Angeles
Online: in-n-out.com

Vista Del Mar Park

This tiny park along the coast is one of the premiere locales to catch planes taking off from LAX. Vista Del Mar Park sits directly under some of the airport’s main runways, giving onlookers a stunning view of planes taking off over Dockweiler Beach. There's also a small playground and picnic tables, making it an ideal spot for sunset picnic.

Vista Del Mar and Century Blvd.
Playa Del Rey
Online: https://www.laparks.org/park/vista-del-mar

Clutter's Park

Clutter’s Park is one of the very best places for watching planes take off from LAX’s south runways—just 1,500 feet away. The park features a few benches to rest your duff for some serious plane spotting, but it may be wise to bring a chair or two from home as well. It gets especially crowded on weekends, so for the best views, early weekday outings are a better bet.

423 E. Imperial Ave.
El Segundo
Online: elsegundorecparks.org/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/1514/268864

Van Nuys Airport Observation Deck

Van Nuys Airport has a public observation area open daily that features permanent displays, special children's exhibits and live broadcasts of air traffic controllers in the airport's control tower. Because airport tours are still suspended at the moment due to COVID, kids are invited to take a virtual tour that gives little ones an insider’s look at the aircrafts, history, activities and people at the airport.

Hours: Open daily, 8 a.m. - dusk.

Woodley Ave. and Waterman Dr. (East Side of Airfield)
Van Nuys
Online: iflyvny.com

Where to Learn about Aviation History

Flight Path Museum

As the only aviation museum at a major airport, the Flight Path Museum is truly one of a kind. The museum hosts an impressive collection of airline artifacts, including a display of over 600 airline uniforms from 68 airlines around the world, and walks you through the history of LAX. Other must-sees include the DC-3 Exhibit, Space Exploration Exhibit, Flying Tigers Exhibit and Fire Fighting Vehicle Exhibit. Another bonus to coming here is being able to watch the planes taxi, take off and land at adjacent LAX. Free parking is available and advanced reservations for these one-hour visits are required.

Hours: Fri. and Sat. 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Cost: $5 per adult and $3 per child.

6661 W. Imperial Hwy.
Los Angeles
Online: flightpathlax.com

The Museum of Flying

The Museum of Flying in Santa Monica invites plane fans to explore the fascinating aviation history of its beachside city. The venue features tons of interactive exhibits and memorabilia from the Donald Douglas Aircraft Company, as well as recreations of the Douglas Aircraft Company Executive Boardroom and office of Chairman and Founder, Donald W. Douglas. But the real star of the show here are the myriad aircrafts on display including a replica of The Wright Flyer, a North American Navion, a Douglas A-4 Skyhawk, T-33 Cockpit and many more. There is lots of free parking and awesome views of from Santa Monica Airport’s observation deck nearby.

Hours: Thurs. - Sun. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Cost: Adults are $12, kids aged 3-12 are $6 and littles 2 or younger are free. 

3100 Airport Ave.
Santa Monica
Online: museumofflying.org

California Science Center

Filled with interactive exhibits from head to toe, the California Science Center never disappoints. And when it comes to aircrafts, the same holds true. Whether it showing kids the 1902 Wright Brothers Glider, a F-20 Tigershark fighter plane, the Velie Monocoupe, an A-12 Blackbird or tons of other artifacts, little ones will love learning how scientific principles affect aircraft design. Children can even pretend to be a pilot for the day in the Flying Club Simulator. No slouch to the airplanes, kids will also love checking out the Space Shuttle Endeavour during their visit as well. Timed-entry reservations are required.

Hours: Daily, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Cost: General admission is free with a small service fee for online reservations. Featured exhibitions and simulators are available at an extra cost.

700 Exposition Park Dr.
Los Angeles
Online: californiasciencecenter.org

Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum is a must-see for so many reasons, but the Air Force One Pavilion will be what your kiddos remember most. Guests are invited to step aboard the same Air Force One that flew President Reagan over 660,000 miles during his time in office. The exhibit offers visitors a real sense of what it was like to fly in this iconic plane, including a vibration and tilt that make it feel as though you're getting ready to take off down the runway. Also featured at the museum are the F-117 Nighthawk Stealth Fighter and F-14 Tomcat, as well as the Marine One helicopter that Presidents Johnson, Nixon and Ford flew during their time in office.

40 Presidential Dr.
Simi Valley
Online: reaganfoundation.org

Tomorrow’s Aeronautical Museum

Tomorrow’s Aeronautical Museum in Compton is actively inspiring the next generation about the world of aviation. Museum highlights include an exhibit on the Tuskegee Airmen, a T-33 and T-38 Talon, a UH-1 Huey Helicopter, a T-28 Trojan and a replica of the Spirit of St. Louis, among others. Kids will also love a harrowing turn in the Top Gun flight simulators – F-16 style cockpits outfitted with state-of-the-art fighter jet simulators which can be set up for team dog flights and airfield or carrier landings.

Hours: Daily, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Cost: Museum tours are free, but flight simulator costs vary.

Compton/Woodley Airport
961 Alondra Blvd.
Compton
Online: comptoncity.org/visitors/airport.asp

Western Museum of Flight

Just a quick drive to Torrance and you'll land a the Western Museum of Flight—well-worth the trip for plane lovers. Dedicated to preserving and displaying Southern California’s aircraft history and heritage, the museum features several incredible items that kids can both see and touch, including Warbirds, aircraft and target drones, piston and jet craft engines, aircraft components, ejection seats, World War II instruments, aircrew accessories and an extensive model aircraft collection.

Hours: Fri. - Mon. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Cost: $5 per person and kids 10 and under are free.

Torrance Airport 
3315 Airport Drive, Red Baron #3 
Torrance
Online: wmof.com

Take Flight! All the Ways to Fly around LA

Flightdeck Air Combat Center

If you don’t mind the trek to the OC, Flightdeck may be right up your alley as it features incredible flight simulators in both fighter jets and Boeing 737s. The minimum age for kids is 11 years old so this a better outing for the tweens and teens in your brood. Amateur pilots are invited to experience the thrill of aerial maneuvers at 600 knots and air-to-air combat in an authentic military flight simulator. Or you can take the controls of commercial airliner in their Boeing 737 flight simulator. Classroom training and in-flight instruction are provided. Your wingmen who may not wish to participate are welcome to watch all the action on large LCD screen inside the Officer’s Club. Be sure to wear light clothing as you will be putting on a flight suit over it during your simulation.

Cost: Fighter jet simulations start at $59 and Boeing 737 simulations start at $109. Reservations are highly recommended.

400 Disney Way
Anaheim
Online: flightdeck1.com

Young Eagles Flights

Launched in 1992, the Young Eagles program has made it its mission to help inspire kids in the world of aviation and give them firsthand experiences in flight. Through the generosity of EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) volunteers, the organization has dedicated 25 years to giving area youth ages 8-17 their first free ride in an airplane. During the 15-20-minute flight, pilots walk kids through the various parts of the airplane and answer any questions about flying or aviation. Parents are invited to find a Young Eagles event or pilot near them and fill out the necessary registration online.

Young Eagles Flights
Online: https://youngeaglesday.org

Corsair Aviation Air Tours

As the leading provider of airplane tours for both tourists and locals in LA, Corsair Aviation takes guests up, up and away in a luxurious Cessna over some of LA’s most iconic landmarks—whether it's soaring over downtown and the Hollywood sign or cruising high over Santa Monica and Malibu, every passenger on board gets a window seat for the best view. Tours start at 30 min. in length and go up from there.

Corsair Aviation Air Tours
Online: corsairaviation.com/air-tours

Alternative Ways to Soar around LA

  • Indoor Skydiving: iFly Hollywood has a vertical wind-tunnel waiting for flight fanatics. Jump into a tunnel of air with an instructor and feel the thrill of skydiving without being 10,000 feet in the air. Prices start at $75. Flyers must be over 3 years of age and kids under 18 must have a parent sign their waiver.
  • Parasailing over the Ocean: Strap into a seat side-by-side with the kids while parasailing off the Marina Del Rey harbor. The minimum age to parasail is 6 years old and kids under 18 must have a parent to sign their liability waiver. Rates start at $105 per person.
  • Zip-Lining as a Family: Zip with views of the ocean in Catalina ($139 per person during the spring and summer). Participants aged 10 and up and weighing at least 80 lbs. may ride solo. Kids between ages 5- 9 must ride tandem with someone age 18 and older who will act as the child’s guardian during the trip. Littles under 5 are too young to zipline. If you want to make a whole weekend of adventure, here’s our awesome guide to spending the weekend in Catalina.

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When it comes to getting kids to eat their veggies, sometimes it’s best to outsource it. Even if your fam doesn’t follow a plant-based diet, these vegan restaurants are built to please, serving up go-to kid faves like pizza, burgers and tacos. Read on for the best family-friendly spots to be meatless in Seattle.

Plum Bistro

Nelson L. via yelp

When it comes to vegan fare, it doesn’t get any better than this popular spot on Capitol Hill. Whether you sit down for dinner or do brunch on the weekend, families will always find delish dishes with everyone in mind. Plum Bistro is the go-to spot for people with special dietary needs for a reason (they’ve got lots of gluten- soy- and nut-free menu items too). Our kid pick? It’s gotta be the famous Mac & Yease.

1429 12th Ave.
Seattle, WA
206-838-5333
Online: plumbistro.com

Uneeda Burger

vegan seattle plant-based restaurants
Uneeda Buger/Justin Oba

If you need a burger, you can find a plant-based one at Uneeda Burger in Fremont. This quintessential burger spot recently rolled out vegan and vegetarian menu options that are sure to cure your cravings including a Buddha Bowl that's all about happy tummies and immune systems, a feel-good garden salad and vegetarian chili. But if a burger is still what you're after, try the new veggie burger that includes a house-made patty topped with portabella mushrooms, pickled red onion, tomatoes and other fresh fixings. The best part? Feel free to sub a veggie patty into any of their burgers for a healthier, meatless option.

4302 Fremont Ave. N.
Seattle, WA
206-547-2600
Online: uneedaburger.com

Frelard Tamales

Kieley P. via yelp

Need a vegan twist for your family’s Taco Tuesday? Try tamales instead. Families can pick up fresh-made vegan and vegetarian tamales any day of the week at their walk-up window in Green Lake. Get them steamed and ready to eat or frozen for a simple reheat, at-home dinner option. Our kid pick here has got to be the sweet potato harvest tamal.

Good to know: They also offer free delivery around the city and beyond when you order a dozen tamales (or more!).

6412 Latona Ave. N.E.
Seattle, WA
206-523-6654
Online: frelardtamales.com

Next Level Burger

Next Level Burger

Eating to save the planet is more than a hashtag at this family-owned restaurant. It’s a mission. And you can join in just by ordering some of the best vegan food in town. Whether your fam is team NLB (Next Level Burger) or NLC (Next Level Clucker), everything on the menu tastes great and is completely plant-based. Hello creamy shakes! When it comes to kid eats, try the Kids Chik’n Tenders

Good to know: Order a limited Plant-A-Tree Shake in April and NLB will plant a tree for you.

1026B N.E. 64th St.
Seattle, WA
206-319-0026
Online: nextlevelburger.com

Cafe Flora

Flora Bakehouse

Another go-to spot for vegan eats, you can’t go wrong at Café Flora. We’re fans of their outdoor patio and the newly opened Flora Bakehouse (1511 S. Lucille St.) where you definitely have to try one of the vegan cinnamon rolls. Expect vegetarian and vegan sandwich, salad and entrée options at the restaurant. Give the Kid’s Black Bean Burger with yam fries a try when you go.

2901 E. Madison St.
Seattle, WA
206-325-9100
Online: cafeflora.com

Wayward Vegan Cafe

Marion E. via yelp

This Roosevelt restaurant has a long history in the city—dating back to 2003. It’s seen a few different locations and has expanded its menu, but since the beginning breakfast has been the specialty here. Families will find lots of plant-based scrambles, breakfast burritos, pancakes and biscuits that’ll fill you up before you start the day. If a vegan breakfast is what your kiddo is craving, try the pancakes or French toast for kids.

801 N.E. 65th St., Suite C
Seattle, WA
206-524-0204
Online: waywardvegancafe.com

Flying Apron

Flying Apron via yelp

Because everyone should enjoy baked goods, Flying Apron has been serving up gluten-free and plant-based sweet and savory options for nearly 20 years. Whether you’re looking for pastries, pies, cakes or donuts for a special occasion or a “just-because” treat, or need a savory soup, salad or scramble for lunch, you’ll find it freshly made here. Try a slice of the pizza with the kids.

Good to know: Every Thursday you’ll find fresh made beignets at Flying Apron. Now to decide if you want cinnamon & sugar or powdered sugar… or both.

4709 California Ave. S.W.
Seattle, WA
206-442-1115
Online: flyingapron.com

Cycle Dogs

Sharon J. via yelp

When you’re craving a loaded dog, there’s no better spot for plant-based eaters than Cycle Dogs. With creative twists on the basic hot dog (or brat), each bite is as exciting as it is meat-free. We can’t wait to see what new items will be on the menu when they finally expand into their new brick-and-mortar spot. Order up a Simple Dog for your kids when you go to set them on the right path.

Good to know: Cycle Dogs is moving from the food truck to their new Ballard space between April 5 & 13. They won’t be taking orders during that time.

5410 17th Ave. N.W.
Seattle, WA
206-372-8510
Online: cycledogs.biz

Veggie Grill

Veggie Grill via yelp

Substitute burgers, nachos, wraps or tacos from Veggie Grill for your fast food staples and you’ll be eating healthier in no time. Their expansive menu means everyone in the fam can find something to eat in one spot, and with takeout and delivery options, you can have the family fed in no time flat. The Kids’ Crispy Fish is the way to go here.

Good to know: The Family Meal Deal ($39.95) is a great fast-food alternative for busy weeknights.

Downtown Seattle
1427 Fourth Ave.
Seattle, WA 98101
206-624-1332

South Lake Union
446 Terry Ave. N.
Seattle, WA 98109
206-623-0336

University Village
2681 N.E. University Village St.
Seattle, WA 98105
206-523-1961

Online: veggiegrill.com

Pi Vegan Pizzeria

Tania A via yelp

Because pizza is always a hit with kids, take them to Pi Vegan Pizzeria in the Roosevelt neighborhood to get their fix. In addition to the specialty pies (think: Magic Mac, Margherita and Pepperoni Plus), families can build their own. Load on the cheese (they use Teese Mozzarella as a base, but also offer cashew ricotta, tofu feta and a few Follow Your Heart options too), choose a sauce and pile on the toppings your kids love for the perfect pie.

5301 Roosevelt Way N.E.
Seattle, WA
206-343-1415
Online: pizzapivegan.com

—Allison Sutcliffe

feature photo: iStock

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Have a sugar craving but can’t decide between a cinnamon roll or a cookie? Thanks to Cinnabon, you don’t have to.

Back by popular demand, Cookie BonBites are back, bringing bite-sized cinnamon rolls stuffed into a chocolate chip cookie straight to your palate. You can start celebrating the end of summer, start of fall and back to school now by grabbing a batch of the BonBites, which are available now for a limited time.

photo: Courtesy of Cinnabon

Cookie BonBites first hit the scene in 2019 where they sold out fast. This time, Cinnabon is making sure everyone gets a taste by keeping them on the market from now through early November.

You can find Cookie BonBites at mall bakeries, Pilot Flying J Travel Center locations and on all food delivery platforms nationwide. They retail for $3.29 each or $14.99 for a pack of eight.

––Karly Wood

 

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Are you dreaming of snowy scenes, improbable romance, quaint small towns and cheesy but enjoyable dialogue? Then we’ve got the scoop for you! Hallmark has announced its annual Christmas in July event, featuring new movies and binge-worthy classics.

Starting the weekend of July 10, tune in to catch Crashing Through the Snow, starring Amy Acker and Warren Christie. Maggie (Acker) joins her ex-husband and his girlfriend Kate for a getaway to Aspen, Colorado. Before you wonder about the logistics of vacationing with an ex, don’t worry, love is still in the air. Maggie meets Kate’s brother (Christie) and we have to imagine sparks flying on the ski slopes.

Also on July 10, you can binge some of your favorite Hallmark Christmas selections from 2020, including Love, Lights, Hanukkah and A Tree Grows in Colorado. The following weekend, tune in for “Soap Sunday” because obviously Hallmark movies are exponentially better with soap opera stars. Keep an eye out for Cameron Mathison in The Christmas Club and Jesse Metcalfe in Christmas Next Door.

Finally, on July 24 and 25 you can start your countdown to the holiday in earnest with some of the greatest hits from Hallmark. Crown for Christmas, The Nine Lives of Christmas, and Christmas Under Wraps! Similar, but just different enough to keep you glued to the screen. Grab the wine, popcorn and enjoy some self care!

—Sarah Shebek

Featured photo: Hallmark Channel

 

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If you’re a fan of Spiderman, LEGO, or a challenge in general, you’ll love the newest set from the beloved brick company! The LEGO Daily Bugle set just launched and it’s a complex construction of the classic comic’s newspaper building. It’s also the tallest LEGO Marvel set yet, with over two and a half feet tall, with a whopping 3,772 pieces.

LEGO spared no detail with the newest building, featuring three floors, the front street and back alley. You’ll find J. Jonah Jameson and Peter Parker’s offices, the newsroom with donuts and 25 minifigures. Look for Spiderman, the Green Goblin, Gwen Stacy, Venom, Mysterio and many more.

Mark John Stafford, the LEGO set designer, said “One of my favorite elements is the Green Goblin flying inside the building through the window. Being able to design a moment of frozen action like this in a LEGO set has always been a dream and I finally got to make it happen!”

Round up your partner or some adult friends to take on building this massive set. It’s available to LEGO VIP members online and in stores starting May 26 and to the general public on Jun 1 for $299.99.

—Sarah Shebek

Images courtesy of LEGO

 

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Get ready for a whole new awesome experience this summer! LEGO Movie World is opening in the LEGOLAND California Resort on May 27—and it’s packed with brand-new rides, attractions, dining options, and so much more.

Fans of the film franchises can take a trip through a brick-filled world on a Triple Decker Flying Couch on Emmet’s Flying Adventure Riding. If that isn’t enough awesomeness for your mini builder, check out Unikitty’s Disco Drop and Queen Watevra’s Carousel.

 

photo courtesy of Chip Litherland for LEGOLAND Florida Resort

Along with the three new rides, park guests can visit the LEGO Movie-themed attractions: Emmet’s Super Suite, Benny’s Playship and Build Watevra You Wa’Na Build.

There’s no doubt your brick-building kiddos will work up an appetite walking around the awesome adventure-filled park. When the fam is ready to take a break from the rides and other attractions, check out the land’s premiere dining experience Everything is Ramen, savor the sweetness of Cloud Cuckoo Crepes or hydrate yourself at Benny’s Blaster Slushies.

Of course your littles can’t leave this LEGOLAND park without hitting the gift store. The Awesome Shop is packed with souvenirs galore, including plenty of The LEGO Movie T-shirts, mugs and other merch.

Visit the LEGOLAND California Resort website here for info on Annual Passes and online ticket purchase options.

—Erica Loop

 

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