What was the first animal in space? The cow that jumped over the moon

Ready for a mood elevator? These animal jokes for kids are the key to a good belly laugh, we guarantee it! Kids will love memorizing these jokes about dogs, cats, bees, bunnies, and even squirrels. Which one is your favorite? Need more giggles? Be sure to check out our silly spring jokes, dad jokes, and the ultimate list of jokes for kids.

1. Why aren’t dogs good dancers?
They have two left feet.

2. What did the Dalmatian say after lunch?
That hit the spot!

3. What do you call a duck that gets all A’s?
A wise quacker.

4. Why does a seagull fly over the sea?
Because if it flew over the bay, it would be a baygull.

5. What is worse than raining cats and dogs?
Hailing taxis!

6. Where would you find an elephant?
The same place you lost her!

7. What animal is always at a baseball game?
A bat.

8. How do you get a squirrel to like you?
Act like a nut!

9. What do you call two birds in love?
Tweethearts!

10. What’s worse than finding a worm in your apple?
Finding half a worm.

11. Why don’t elephants chew gum?
They do, just not in public.

12. What was the first animal in space?
The cow that jumped over the moon

13. What did the banana say to the dog?
Nothing. Bananas can’t talk.

14. Why did the dinosaur cross the road?
Because the chicken wasn’t born yet.

15. How do you make an octopus laugh?
With ten-tickles!

16. What do you call a dog magician?
A labracadabrador.

17. Why couldn’t the pony sing a lullaby?
She was a little horse.

18. Why do bees have sticky hair?
Because they use a honeycomb.

19. What do you get when you cross an elephant with a fish?
Swimming trunks.

Related: 25 Cheesy Jokes To Make Anyone Crack a Smile

dad and daughter with their dog, laughing at animal jokes
iStock

 

20. What happened when the skunk was on trial?
The judge declared, “Odor in the court, odor in the court!”

21. What do you call a sleeping bull?
A bulldozer!

22. What do you call a fish without an eye?
A fsh.

23. What do you get when you cross a centipede with a parrot?
A walkie-talkie.

24. What does an evil hen lay?
Deviled eggs.

25. What sound do you hear when a cow breaks the sound barrier?
Cowboom!

26. What kind of haircuts do bees get?
Buzzzzzcuts.

27. What do you get if you cross a pie and a snake?
A pie-thon.

28. Why can’t you play hockey with pigs?
They always hog the puck.

29. Why do porcupines always win the game?
They have the most points.

30. Where do elephants pack their clothes?
In their trunks!

31. What part of the fish weighs the most?
The scales.

32. What’s an owl’s favorite subject?
Owlgebra.

Animal Jokes Submitted by Kids

33. What do you call an ant who fights crime?
A vigilanty!

—Joe L., age 10

34. What do you call an alligator with a vest?
An investigator!

—Milo H-R, age 8

35. Where do fish keep their money?
In the River-Bank!

—Jaxon G., 7 y.o.

36. What did the wolf say when it stubbed its toe?
Owwwww-ch! (by Henrik, age 5)

37. What’s an owl’s second favorite subject?
Hoostery.

—Jokes 36 and 37 submitted by Baylee, age 9

Got a joke you’d like to add? Send it to kate.loweth@tinybeans.com and we’ll put it in the story! 

 

 

We think the best way to celebrate National Ice Cream month is with a scoop of your favorite ice cream or gelato from one of Boston’s best ice cream shops. It’s like summer in a cup! So the next time your crew is chanting (you know the one) for their favorite summer treat, head to one of these spots families love.

Honeycomb Creamery

Families love this small batch ice creamery in Cambridge, and it’s not just because they have inventive flavors like Horchata, Honey Lavender and Port Cherry Vanilla. We think it’s their sweet take on Taco Tuesday that makes this shop a must-visit on a sunny day. Grab street tacos from your favorite spot for dinner, followed by Honeycomb Creamery’s taco-shaped waffle cone filled with your favorite ice cream and dipped in chocolate for dessert.

Hours: Mon.-Sun., noon-10 p.m.

1702 Massachusetts Ave.
Cambridge
Online: honeycombcreamery.com

Toscanini’s

When it comes to finding a great scoop of ice cream in the city, you can’t go wrong with Toscanini’s. Started in 1981, this fantastic spot is known for their creamy and flavorful cups of ice cream and their frequently rotating menu of choices. On the can’t-miss list is Toscanini’s Vienna Finger and Tiramisu.

Hours: Weds.-Sun., noon-11 p.m.

159 First St.
Cambridge
Online: tosci.com

Emack & Bolio’s

The rock ‘n’ roll story behind Emack & Bolio’s is almost as legendary as their ice cream. And although the shop’s hours have changed over the years—from après show, late night hours to something more standard—their ice cream still rocks. Whatever flavor you choose, we suggest tricking out your treat with a covered cone (it’s kind of their thing). Get yours with Oreos, Rice Krispies or Fruity Pebbles to earn extra enthusiastic thanks from the kiddos.

Newbury
290 Newbury St.
Boston

North Station
Causeway St.
Boston

Online: emackandbolios.com

Tipping Cow

When it comes to interesting ice cream flavors you can’t find anywhere else, Tipping Cow is the place. Their ice cream is made in-house and families with food sensitivities can always count on it being peanut, tree-nut and sesame-free (psst... they have non-dairy options too). We’re crushing on their original flavors like Goat Cheese and Fig, Strawberry Basil and Sweet Corn.

415 Medford St.
Somerville

525 Western Ave.
Boston
Online: tippingcowicecream.com

Taiyaki NYC

Named for the irresistible fish-shaped waffle cone it’s served in, Taiyaki NYC serves up Japanese-style ice cream your kids will scream for (in the “I scream, you scream” sense of the word). Fish-shaped cone? Check. Unicorn sprinkle topping? They’ve got it. What more could a kid ask for on a swelteringly hot summer day?

119 Seaport Blvd., Suite B
Boston
Online: taiyakinyc.com

Cookie Monstah

Whether you track down one of the trucks, or visit a bakeshop location, you and the kids will be hard pressed to find a tastier ice cream sandwich anywhere else. And if you ask us, it’s the DIY aspect of the treat that makes it so good. After all, if there’s one thing we know kids always want (besides ice cream, of course), it’s to be in charge. Let them choose their favorite cookie and ice cream flavor combo to create the sweet sandwich of their dreams.

Locations in Danvers, Swampscott, Burlington and Needham. Plus food trucks (find out where they’ll be popping up next).
Online: thecookiemonstah.com

FoMu

If plant-based is your jam, FoMu is where you’ll find creamy vegan ice cream to enjoy. All their creative flavors are made in-house and from scratch, and the coconut milk base gives their ice creams a smooth, gelato feel. Although you might be tempted to try the avocado ice cream, don’t neglect the more traditional flavors like chocolate cookie dough, vanilla bean and cold brew ice cream when you go. They’re just as good as FoMu’s more creative flavors.

Locations in Allston, Jamaica Plain, South End and Fenway.
Online: fomuicecream.com

OddFellows

With flavors like Ol’ Dirty Custard, Peanut the Kidnapper and Joe Bananas you might wonder what exactly is in this ice cream. Count on enticing combos that keep you and your little ice cream lovers coming back for more. Beyond these everyday flavors families can take advantage of OddFellow’s summer collection. These ice creams featuring light and fruity flavors are available for pick-up now.

55 Boylston St.
Chestnut Hill
Online: oddfellowsnyc.com

Forge Ice Cream Bar

Go old school with a trip to the Forge Ice Cream Bar. Whatever your hankering for, they’ve got it on their menu. Traditional scoop on a cone? Check. Shakes, ice cream sodas or a root beer float? Your kids can order it here. And if they really want to go bananas, try a Curious George (or an ice cream flight) to share.

626b Somerville Ave.
Somerville,
Online: forgebakingco.com/ice-cream

 

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Cereal fans rejoice! Starting this month fans can enjoy their favorite cereals in a fun, new snackable form. Post PEBBLES Crisps and Post Honeycomb Big Bites cereal snacks deliver the same great taste as the iconic cereals but in large snackable forms and sizes that make them ideal to dip, dunk, pop and pack.

Big Bites cereal snacks

New PEBBLES Crisps, which are about the same size as a potato chip, come in both Fruity and Cocoa PEBBLES flavors and are gluten-free. The new Honeycomb Big Bites are about twice as big as the original Honeycomb cereal shape and can be found in the classic Honeycomb flavor, as well as in a new chocolate flavor. 

“According to recent research from Mintel, nearly 40% of consumers say they eat cereal as a snack, and 13% report eating cereal on the go,” said Tara LaFerla, Brand Manager of Portfolio Innovation at Post Consumer Brands. “We developed our new PEBBLES™ Crisps and Honeycomb Big Bites to make it even easier for people to enjoy their favorite cereals anywhere and any time of day. Our new cereal snacks have big flavor and big crunch in a ‘no mess’ form that parents and kids will love.”

The new Post Cereal snacks can be found in the cereal aisle at grocery stores nationwide, beginning this month. Each of the four varieties are available in a 6-ounce multiserve, resealable pouch, ideal for sharing or eating on the go.

To learn more about the new Post Cereal snacks and where to buy them, visit the PEBBLES cereal website at www.postpebblescereal.com or the Honeycomb website at www.honeycombcereal.com.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: Post  

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How do you like your coffee? Black, with milk and sugar or…spun into the fabric of your kids’ new coat? If you prefer your coffee in a cup, hear us out. Reima, the kids activewear company out of Finland, is set to debut their newest innovation in kidswear: Coffee Bean Shimmer Fabric, available in a kids two-in-one down jacket and a one-piece newborn snowsuit. Released on September 29, which also happens to be National Coffee Day, these innovative outwear pieces will make you fall in love with coffee all over again.

These coats are seriously made out of coffee? What does the coffee do?
For the coffee-obsessed, you may be disappointed that the coats don’t actually smell like coffee. But, Reima’s smart textile engineers designed the fabric so that the particles of carbonized coffee grounds are spun into the polyester on a very microscopic level. According to the Reima team, they’re “very, very small.”

Even at a microscopic level, coffee lovers and non coffee aficionados will have to agree that the caffeinated design is innovative. Reima tells us that when tiny particles of ground coffee are carbonized at high temperature, the carbon forms honeycomb structures. By adding those particles into their 100% polyester material, Reima’s textile engineers are able to increase the fabric’s heat retention capability, which will help your kiddos stay warm. They go on to tell us that beyond storing heat, this process decreases the build-up of static electricity in the fabric, which prevents the formation of odors.

Besides the coffee grounds, what’s special about these new pieces?
Just like Reima’s other designs, this kids jacket and newborn snowsuit are well made and durable. For families with multiple children who play hard, you can expect these two new outerwear pieces to hold up across multiple seasons and siblings. They won’t show wear or tear on the first tumble or rainy day.

The Coffee Bean Shimmer fabric is made with a waterproof, breathable PU lamination, which means that you can wear it from the warmer, early days of fall through the coldest winter months. Both styles are insulated with responsible down standard certified down and features, and for those looking for specifics, the fill power of the insulation is 550.

We love that the kids two-in-one down jacket can be worn as a jacket or a vest. The newborn one-piece honeycomb snowsuit also is multi-functional: wear it as a snowsuit with legs or convert it to a sleeping bag simply by closing the zip in the leg inseams from both directions. Either way you wear it, baby and the older kids, will stay dry and warm.

The two-in-one down jacket will be available in 6 colors from 4T-14Y and retails for $139.95. Choose from the slimmer “Heiberg” or the “Beringer” straight cut. The one-piece newborn coat will be available in three colors from 0-3 months, 3-6 months and 6-9 months and retails for $139.95. Starting September 29, 2020 buy online at us.reima.com or at amazon.com.

—Erin Lem

all photos courtesy of Reima

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When the temps dip and you’re all cooped up, don’t worry! We’ve gathered up this list of Boston’s best indoor playgrounds for kids that are perfect when you want the kids to get moving. Pick your fave and head out for some fun for the whole family!

photo: Alex A. via yelp

Imagine Playspace
This drop-in play space is open 365 days a year and we could not be more thrilled! You’ll find two vast halls brimming with fun, educational, interactive play opportunities including a kid-sized Play Town and Active Play (bounce house, ball pit, swings, slides, climbing, and ride on toys). When the weather behaves, head to the outdoor Shipyard Playground.

23 Bay State Rd.
Cambridge, MA
Online: imaginecambridge.com

Jump n’ Slide
With five inflatables ranging from a huge obstacle course with a steep slide to a Dragon Inflatable for the younger ones, every kid will enjoy the Jump n’ Slide bouncy houses. You can also head to the arcade that’s decorated like a castle or build your own stuffed animal. They offer laser maze challenges, date night drop offs and arts and crafts events throughout the year.

145 Wells Avenue
Newton, MA
Online: jumpandslideboston.com

photo: Donna A. via yelp

PlayTown Express
This spt is an indoor playground with the addition of drop-off care. The play center offers state-of-the-art equipment suitable for children up to age 12. Children can climb on the netted climber, bounce in the train bouncy or fuel their imaginations as they ride on the play cars through town. The older kids can zip down slides, run up the Slippery Slope or race through the obstacle course. There is a separate matted area so infants can play too.

150 Cordaville Rd.
Southborough, MA
Online: playtownexpress.com

Monkey Joe’s 
This spot is every kid’s bouncy house heaven. Climb and slide on the giant inflatables in the 15,000-square foot facility that’s guaranteed to leave everyone tired.

10 Newbury St.
Danvers, MA

1360 S Washington St.
Ste 1-A
North Attleboro, MA
Online: monkeyjoes.com

photo: Kate Loweth

Billy Beez
Take a ride down the rainbow slides and spend the day climbing through tunnels in this massive indoor play space. Honeycomb Village is the perfect size for tots with lots of pretend play opportunities. Your admission gets you in-and-out privileges or you can enjoy a snack at the cafe located inside.

101 Kingston Collection Way, Unit 110A
Kingston, MA
Online: billybeezus.com

Cedarland aMAZEment Action Play Center
This is Cedarland’s year round indoor interactive play space where children up to age 12 years will enjoy climbing, crawling, bouncing, swinging, sliding and overall playing in the giant indoor play MAZE. They also offer a separate toddler play area with a giant sand room, a chalk table, a four-seat bouncer, and pretend store and house. In addition, aMAZEment features token-driven skill games and a redemption center for prizes.

888 Boston Rd.
Haverhill, MA
Online: cedarland.net

—Kate Loweth

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Yeah, it’s been 80 degrees in NYC recently, and the leaves haven’t turned yet, but the holidays are coming, which means that if you’re the type to take a family photo for your cards, it’s that time again! The great news is that NYC is full of iconic, Instagram- and holiday-card worthy spots where you and the family can get a great shot to show your NYC pride. Check out our favorite places to take an NYC holiday card photo below!

The Brooklyn Bridge

Is it original? Heck no! But it is iconic, a thing of beauty, and not for nothing, provides great natural light for a nice photo. Plus, you can choose how close, or far, you want those arches to appear. (And really, your friends and family outside of NYC won't have BB fatigue and will still think it's neat.)

The Vessel

There are lots of ways to do a photo shoot at The Vessel (or, Vessel?) at New York City's newest neighborhood, Hudson Yards. (Read our guide to doing Hudson Yards with Kids here.) Take a snap in front of it, on it, or within the mall at Hudson Yards with Vessel in the background. That metallic gold and honeycomb design is pretty nice no matter how you look at it.

The Highline

If thousands of high school seniors can document their big moment on The Highline, so can you! You've got lots of options on The Highline, go for a background of colorful Chelsea streets below, a shady enclave, against towering and innovative architecture or by a colorful piece of art or mural. Additional variables include time of day—magic hour on The Highline is, indeed, magic. (And will give you a stunning glow.) 

https://www.instagram.com/p/B2usavKCmNb/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

The Unisphere

It was built in 1964 for the World's Fair, but The Unisphere, located in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, looks as good as ever. Not only is it a great way to show some serious Queens pride, the fair's theme was "Peace Through Understanding", which works pretty well for a holiday season sentiment if you ask us. 

Central Park Classic: Bow Bridge

Of course, there are many, many great spots for a photo in Central Park. A classic, which offers a backdrop of NYC architecture, the lake and fall foliage if you time it right, is Bow Bridge. (Which, dating to 1862, is the second-oldest cast iron bridge in the country!) You can catch a snap on the bridge or nearby, with the stately span in the background. Both work. Bow Bridge is located mid-park at 74th Street, west of Bethesda Terrace. 

Central Park Classic, Part Two: Bethesda Terrace and Fountain

Again, you won't be the first people to do this, but if it ain't broke...Another spot to be captured from several vantage points, Bethesda Terrace is also where you'll find the striking Lower Passage, featuring the Minton Tile Ceiling, which while a bit tricky to photograph, is also a striking backdrop. It's mid-park at 72nd Street, and not far from Bow Bridge. 

Central Park, World Peace Edition: Strawberry Fields

Send a message of world peace with a photo snapped at this spot memorializing John Lennon. 

Statue of Liberty

Up close, from afar, Lady Liberty always looks good. 

Museum of Illusions

For the family that likes something a little different and fun, head to the Museum of Illusions New York. Here, you can capture your crew defying gravity, shrinking and growing supersize, in a room with colored shadows, or ever serve up someone's head on a platter. (If that's your family's sense on humor.) 

New York Love Mural, Einstein

Artist Eduardo Kobra graced New York City with 18 technicolor murals as part of his "Colors of Freedom" project. Find his mashup of of Albert Einstein and NYC love at 298-200 West 21st. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/BxbsfTTonZt/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

New York Love Mural, Option Two

Also located in Chelsea at 100-104 W 17th Street, Nick Walker's "Love Vandal" is another option where you can express your Big Apple pride. 

Street Art Galore

For a snap that's loaded with NYC creative energy and color, take your pick from several collections of street art around town, where you'll find loads of backdrops to pose with in one place. Spots include Freeman Alley on the Lower East Side (down an alley leading to Freeman's Restaurant); The Welling Court Mural Project in Astoria (pictured); the Bushwick Collective's murals along Troutman Street and beyond in the Brooklyn neighborhood, and in several neighborhoods thanks to the 100 Gates Project (North Shore Staten Island, East Harlem and Little Caribbean in Brooklyn among them.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3Eo9jnB2tP/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Washington Street in DUMBO

Good luck getting clear shot, as this may be the most popular Insta-spot in the city. (It's kind of a scene, to be honest.) Still, with the mix of the street's cobblestones, red brick buildings and a perfectly-framed Manhattan Bridge spanning the East River it's a stellar backdrop. 

main photo: dumbo nyc via Flickr

—Mimi O’Connor

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Problem: You want to create a comfortable, happy haven for your little one, but have zero time to scour those design blogs—and what exactly is a “mood board,” anyway? Solution: Snag one of these innovative products that’ll make you look like a design pro in no time. From a play table that grows with your kid to actually writing on the walls, scroll down to see them all.

photo: Beddys

Problem: Your kids don’t make their bed.

Solution: The incredibly stylish all-in-one bedding from Beddy’s will give you Joanna-Gaines worthy beds in literally, seconds flat. How? The bedding essentially is like a comforter + sheet set that fits any size mattress (there’s even a toddler size). You simply zip it up along the sides to make a seamless look. Unzip to give yourself breathing room in the night, or keep it zipped up for coziness. Think of it like a giant lined sleeping bag for the fanciest bed in town. The sheet-lining is ridiculously soft and comfortable (we tested it ourselves) and comes in either cotton or “minky” line. In spite of our skepticism, washing them up was super easy. Added bonus? Your partner can’t kick the sheet down in the bed

See all the styles at: beddys.com, from $129

Problem: You want a style-savvy rug, but you’re worried about the mess.

Solution: The play mats from Comfort Design Mats are completely waterproof, with cushy padding that make play easy for everyone from babies up to grade schoolers. Measuring in at 6 ½ by 4 ½ ft, there are 12 different designs, ranging from classic to contemporary, to choose from. Spills wipe up easily, and you can even put furniture on top of the mat, which gives it a real floor covering feel.

Available at Comfort Design Mats or Amazon, $139 & up.

Problem: You want your playroom to look Houzz worthy, but … kids

Solution: The hidden storage compartment in the poufs from Mimish Designs means you can sweep all those LEGO bricks, stuffies, LOL dolls or whatever else is on the floor, out of sight in mere seconds. Plus, if your home is short on storage space, these will be a lifesaver. Offered in various colors, there’s even room for athletic equipment!

Available at Mimish Designs, $64.99.

Problem: Wallpaper is totally in right now, but you don’t want to commit.

Solution: The removable wallpaper from Chasing Paper makes it easy for you to add a splash of something special without having to commit to the real stuff. There are all sorts of different prints to choose from, and we are totally crushing on the latest: Head in the Clouds. It’s easy to install too—the signature peel-and-stick fabric is printed-to-order in 2 x 4 ft. panels. 

Available at Chasing Paper, $40.

Problem: You need extra places for kids to sit, but you don’t have the storage space for tiny chairs.

Solution: These incredibly sleek stools from REN+RO look like a book, but when unfolded, become a sturdy place for kids to sit. The honeycomb structure of the recycled cardboard can handle up to 200 lbs of weight,  and when unfolded the dimensions are 12.5 X 11, which is perfect for kids. You can choose from all sorts of fun combos like Water + Melon, Pine + Apple, Ice Cream + Cone and Mexican + Blanket, and you get one felt top for every piece you pick. And, the best part? Each one weighs just over three lbs Basically, the art of paper folding just got a lot more interesting.

Available at REN + RO, $65.

Problem: Your kid needs a night light, but you don’t like traditional styles.

Solution: No doubt, a neon tabletop light is way more decor-savvy than a standard plug-in illuminating light. We especially like the new ones from Olive and Gal, because not only are they less than $100, but they’re designed with kids in mind. Made with a lightweight glass structure, they easily plug into a standard outlet.

Available at Oliver and Gal, $99.

Problem: You want to display your kids’ evolving art skills without feeling overwhelmed.

Solution: How about frames that make it easy for you to swap out art as the kids bring it home? Wexel frames are a sleek design made with clear acrylic and magnets, you just lift the top off and change out what’s being displayed. You can opt to buy a single wall unit, or splurge on a whole set that can be cleverly arranged for a real statement.

Available at Wexel, $49.99 & up.

Problem: You need a play table, but you’re worried she’ll outgrow it soon

Solution: Find a table, like this Grow with Me Table Delta Children, that has multiple heights so you can adjust as your child grows. Offered in three different finishes, it’s a perfect way to ensure your kids’ furniture gets good use.

Available at Delta Children, $99.

 

Problem: You still need to use blackout curtains, but hate the way they look.

Solution: Plenty of decor companies feel your pain, have started designing blackout curtain that doesn’t look like heavy duty plastic. This shade-version from Best Home Fashion has star cutouts for a stylishly whimsical look. You’ll still get the filtered light and privacy your kiddo needs for that daily power naps.

Available at Best Home Fashion, $39.99.

Problem: Your kids need somewhere to draw.

Solution: Available in 26 colors and two shapes (rectangles and circles), you’ll actually enjoy watching your tiny artist scribble all over the walls thanks to these whiteboard and chalkboard decals. Arrange the stick-on images in different patterns, orientations, and color combinations to bring a fun pop of color and a ready-made canvas for creativity in your child’s play space or bedroom! Check out the Chalk by Bilk website for layout inspiration.

Available at Chalk by Blik $12.

—Gabby Cullen with Katie Brown

 

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The holidays are approaching and you’ll probably be attending more than a few soirees. Who wants to show up empty handed? Not us, and that’s why we’ve rounded up some gorgeous and inexpensive hostess gifts that will be sure to wow your friends. Shop this list and have your gifts in hand in two days, thanks to Amazon Prime!

Wood & Copper Salad Spoons

They say the best gifts are the ones you would never buy for yourself, even if it's as simple as something like wood and copper salad spoons ($20). This gorgeous set is made in India and is such a beautiful way to say thank you, especially if paired with a matching bowel or new cookbook.

Iceless Wine Cooler

Your hostess probably has tons of things going on, and that's why a gadget like the Prodyne Acrylic Iceless Wine Cooler ($17) will make their life easier. Whether they end up using it for the party you're attending or to keep their wine chilled throughout the week, this cooler works with a double-walled technology and without ice. No mess!

100% Pure Beeswax Taper Candles

Can you ever go wrong with a pair of candle sticks? No, especially when it comes to these beautiful hand-rolled 100% beeswax taper candles ($10). The honeycomb pattern means a dripless burn, and they are also non-toxic, lead free and are smokeless. Pair with a decent priced bottle of wine for the ultimate hostess gift.

Elegant Place Cards

Help your hostess have the mostess with a 50 pack of elegant place cards ($16) for the perfect table setting. Whether they use them for your party or for plenty of upcoming holiday get togethers, this holiday gift will definitely be useful this season.

Modern Pot & Planter

Perfect for herbs or succulents, this ceramic pot held in a geometric gold frame ($17) would look great on any hostesses desk or end table. Give the gift of greenery!

Marble Cheese Slicer

Hosting a party and cheese go hand in hand, so the next party you hit up, make sure you bring along these gorgeous marble cheese slicer ($16) for your hostess. The 5x8 marble slab is all natural and comes with two replacement wires for years of elegant slicing to come.

Luxurious Soaps

Help your hostess keep her bathroom stocked by giving the gift of luxurious hand soaps! This pack from Bali Soap is just $9 and not only gets the job done when it comes to hand washing, but looks gorgeous and smells amazing at the same time.

Family Time After-Dinner Conversation Starters

Help your hostess get the party started with a Family Time set ($8.95), that provides family-appropriate ice-breaker questions to get everyone talking. With 50 thoughtful questions about the past, present and future, everyone will get acquainted and have a good time, in no time.

Pretty Tea Towels

Every hostess can use a fresh set of tea towels and we can barely choose our favorite from Floursack ($13), which include plenty of neutrals and farmhouse-chic styles, but we think these flower ones are divine! They are made from 100% imported cotton and manufactured like the old vintage grain bags which also served as kitchen towels. 

Chateau Spill Red Wine Remover

Hosting a get together almost always results in a mess somehow. Make cleanup for your hostess a breeze with the Chateau Spill Red Wine Remover ($7.95) that breaks down stains at the cellular level. It removes spills without peroxide, chlorine bleach, or phosphates and even works on set-in stains, like berry juice and makeup. It's also non-toxic and safe for washable items because it's colorfast

––Karly Wood

All Photos: Courtesy of Amazon

 

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The most anticipated addition to LA’s vibrant art scene in years, The Broad contemporary art museum finally opened its doors to the public on September 20. And boy, is it worth a trip downtown with your budding artistic babes! With so much to explore (over 2,000 works), we’ve got the skinny on what to check out first, as well as exhibition highlights small-pints should not miss.

photo: Jennifer O’Brien

Upon entering the lobby, glorious natural daylight streams in through The Broad’s honeycomb-like exterior structure. Nearby, a gift shop offers a groovy selection of items celebrating the work of Broad collection artists.  Your kids will want to make this their first stop, but we suggest swinging by there on your way out. Your absolute first priority when you’re with small fry is to check out Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirrored Room–The Souls of Millions of Light Years Away. This must-see installation only accommodates one visitor at a time for 45 seconds each. (However, if you’re bringing kiddos, one parent may accompany each child.) Once inside, visitors are treated to a mirror-lined chamber filled with a mind-blowing LED light display that makes you feel as if you’ve been transported to the Milky Way. It is by far the museum’s most popular stop at the moment, so we highly suggest putting your phone number into the kiosk located outside the exhibit to reserve a space. You will receive a text 10 minutes before you need to come back for your turn.

photo: Jennifer O’Brien

Next, take the escalator to the main exhibition galleries on the third floor. (The steep 105-ft. escalator ride feels as if you’re ascending into a heavenly tunnel and will be a treat in and of itself for tikes.) Once you arrive at the top, be sure to download The Broad’s free mobile app which offers enhanced content about The Broad collection, as well as self-guided audio tours, including a family tour for kids called “Looking with Levar,” which is narrated by award-winning actor LeVar Burton.

photo: Jennifer O’Brien

The third floor galleries feature prominent works from the 1950s through 1990s by some of the most inventive artists of our time, including Andy Warhol, Jasper Johns, Cy Twombly, Cindy Sherman and Jean-Michel Basquiat. Kids will especially dig the playful artworks of Jeff Koons and the over-sized Robert Therrien piece, Under the Table, that lends a definite “Alice in Wonderland” vibe.

photo: Jennifer O’Brien

Once you’ve finished exploring the third floor, take the cylindrical glass elevator back down to the first level where you’ll find the collection’s most recent artwork, almost all dating from 2000 to present day. These include The Visitors by Ragnar Kjartansso—a 360 degree, nine-screen video projection that surrounds the viewer with images of the artist and his musician pals performing in different rooms of a historic mansion; a good opportunity (ahem, painless way) to expose your kids to performance art. Also on this floor, little ones will love Takashi Murakami’s colorful works including his pieces, ln the Land of the Dead, Stepping on the Tail of a Rainbow and DOB in the Strange Forest (Blue DOB).

photo: Jennifer O’Brien

All in all, The Broad is a fairly easy outing with antsy tots in tow, taking only about an hour to an hour and a half to get a good look at pretty much everything. Plus, the size, scale, interactive and toy-like nature of much of the art will have kids re-thinking what art is, and how much fun an art museum can be.

If all this culture has worked up an appetite, the museum’s Otium restaurant, helmed by chef Timothy Hollingsworth (of Napa’s French Laundry fame), is scheduled to open in October on The Broad’s public plaza.  In the meantime, since you’ve paid for parking, we recommend you take the short walk over to Grand Central Market, where you can all sample from the amazing offerings and every member of the family can get exactly what they like.  Parents won’t want to miss Wexler’s Deli and kids (ok, and parents) adore McConnell’s Ice Cream.

photo: Jennifer O’Brien

About: The museum was founded by philanthropists Eli and Edythe Broad and houses the most prominent holdings of postwar and contemporary art worldwide with over 2,000 works of art from the world’s top contemporary masters.

Hours: Open Tues. & Wed. from 11a.m.-5 p.m.; Thurs. & Fri. from 11 a.m.-8p.m.; Sat. from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. and Sun. from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.  The museum is closed Mon.

Tickets: General admission is always free. Advanced online reservations are encouraged (especially during busy opening months), but are not required. Advanced timed tickets have entry times every half hour.

Parking: Parking is available in The Broad parking garage, which you enter on 2nd St. between Hope St. and Grand Ave. Parking for visitors with validation runs $12 for 3 hours on weekdays, weeknights after 5 p.m. and all day on weekends. Alternative parking is available at the California Plaza garage (entrance off Olive St.) for $8 with validation from The Broad.

Strollers: Single-wide, standard baby strollers are permitted at all times, except on escalators. Double-wide and jogging strollers are not allowed.

The Broad
221 S. Grand Ave.
Los Angeles 90012
213-232-6200
Online: thebroad.org

What was your family’s favorite part of visiting The Broad? We’d love to know in the comment section below!

—Jennifer O’Brien

We thought last year was the year of the ice cream in Los Angeles, and nothing would ever top all the amazing new offerings available to Angeleno kids (and parents!). Well hold on to your waistbands, because if anything, this summer saw even MORE out of this world ice cream spots open up. From tacos to churros to cauliflower, discover the coolest new treats LA is scooping.

Honeymee

Sometimes you want a soft serve, but not the of the "serve yourself a billion chemicals variety." Nothing too sweet or brightly colored. That’s where Honeymee, now open in K-Town and Sawtelle, comes in. Fresh milk ice cream, drizzled with honey. Not too sweet, it leaves them buzzing for more.

We all scream for: Kids aren’t fans of the honeycomb the way we are ("It's waxy" we heard from more than one little taster) so while parents opt for the “Honeymee,” tots seem to prefer the “Dear” which is drizzled with chocolate and a hint of sea salt.

11301 W Olympic Blvd.
Japantown
Online: honeymee.com

photo credit: Judy Park

Which new ice cream is your favorite? And have we missed any fabulous new spots?

—Meghan Rose