When they’re not having fun finding pots of gold or searching for leprechauns, your little learners will love trying out some St. Patrick’s Day science activities! From rainbows to shamrocks, there is so much to learn from the icons surrounding St. Patrick’s Day. If you want more, check out our roundup of fun and easy science experiments for kids.
Learn about viscosity by making leprechaun slime complete with gold flakes!
Make a Leprechaun Trap
Amber Guetebier
This is one of our favorite St. Patrick's day activities for preschoolers. Bust out your STEM hats and plan how you are going to catch your very own leprechaun. Start with a shoebox and see where the imagination takes you!
We love this colorful idea where you create your own fizzing rainbow. Be sure to put a paper towel underneath your creation. You can dry it in the sun and hang it in your window!
You can't celebrate St. Paddy's Day without a few shamrocks! This year, let science take the wheel and grow a few crystal shamrocks with a few easy steps from Little Bins for Little Hands. All you need is a few pipe cleaners and borax and you'll be on your way in no time.
This messy but fun activity from Live Well Play Together lets kids see how baking soda and vinegar interact, in St. Patrick's Day style. With minimal supplies, this is a perfect afternoon activity that involves basic household supplies you probably have already.
These homemade leprechaun rocks from Gift of Curiosity are a perfect blend of educational and fun! The "magic" rocks are made from green-dyed baking soda and water that conceal a gold coin. You'll have the ultimate scavenger hunt when the kiddos "wash" this at the end!
Let rainbows do the talking with this educational experiment from 123 Homeschool 4 Me. Your littles will learn all about density and liquids with this simple activity that involves household supplies you probably already have!
Taste the rainbow! This delicious St. Patrick’s Day activity for preschoolers from Fantastic Fun & Learning uses everyone’s favorite rainbow candy to explore the impact of water and how it can physically change an object. This is a great (and tasty) afternoon activity for young learners.
This festive-colored experiment is perfect for St. Patrick’s Day. Let your kiddos learn the science behind “capillary action” and how it plays into the real world. Get more details from Walking Cartwright here.
When you craft your own spectroscope, you'll get to see all sorts of rainbows! This easy idea from Buggy & Buddy uses household supplies that come together in a jiffy, but provide hours of fun and learning.
Learn all about the shapes of shamrocks and how colors travel down salt in this colorful project from Rhythms of Play. Kids will exercise their fine motor skills and artistic prowess in this fun St. Patrick's Day science activity.
Back again for another year, this free National Parks pass for fourth graders is something you definitely want to take advantage of
If heading back to school meant heading into the fourth grade for your tykes, then your family has a very awesome perk to enjoy. Every American household can sign up for a free National Parks pass for fourth graders.
America’s National Parks system wants to get more kids and their families outdoors and exploring the protected natural wonders that make our nation so great. Through the Every Kid Outdoors initiative each new school year all American fourth graders are invited to sign up for a free National Parks pass.
Parents can sign up their fourth graders for a free pass on the Every Kid Outdoors website. The pass is good for entry into hundreds of National Parks, as well as monuments, across the country for one year, expiring Aug. 31, 2024 (we even used it to visit Alcatraz for free!).
Who is included: The pass covers entry for 2023-2024 school year fourth graders along with any kids under 16 in their family and up to three adults. All you have to do is sign up, print out your pass, and bring it along to show to a park ranger or display on your car dashboard. Homeschoolers are also included, of course.
So why is it fourth graders and not second or first that can snag this awesome perk? According to research, from ages nine to 11, kids are really starting to observe the world around them and are more likely to be open to new ideas and connect with nature. This program is repeated every year, so eventually, all American kids have an opportunity to participate.
Similar programs are available for many state parks around the country (like California!) so check to see if your state park system has a similar offer.
It’s the peak season for this classic kid activity
On our list of timeless traditions that never go out of style are sidewalk chalk art, jump rope, and blowing bubbles. If you’re tired of buying ready-made bubble wands, here’s how to make bubbles at home using ordinary household items that you likely already have on hand.
What You Will Need:
12 cups of water
1 cup dish soap
1 cup cornstarch
2 tbsp baking powder
1-2 wire coat hangers and a frying pan
1 6-pack plastic ring
Paper towel tube
How to Make Bubbles:
In a clean bucket or dishpan mix together the ingredients in order. Keep a ladle or scoop in the bucket and stir occasionally making sure not to cause too much foam. Remove the excess foam as it appears. When the bucket is half empty add another cup of water.
No wands handy? You can use a paper towel tube, plastic rings from a 6 pack, and even those old wire hangers! Bend the coat hanger into the shape of a loop and dip it into the frying pan letting the excess drip off before waving it through the air.
Tips for Making Perfect Bubbles:
We found that Joy and Dawn dish soap brands work the best. You can also use tear-free baby shampoo if you have little ones around. While this bubble recipe is designed and tested to work in any weather, humidity really does matter. Warm and humid days will produce the best bubbles around. If you have a windy day, try blowing downwind letting mother nature do the work for you! Make your solution a couple of days beforehand and keep the extra. A solution that has marinated for a while produces the biggest bubbles of all.
Bless this mess—until you’ve run out of space that is. Here’s a list of places where you can donate your used toys and clothes in San Diego
No matter what time of year it is, it’s always a good time to clean out those toy boxes and donate toys that the kids are no longer playing with. The best part about donating your kids’ gently used play items? They can learn to gracefully give away the things they’ve outgrown and give them to recipients who can benefit from their generosity.
We all know about the popular donation sites: Goodwill, Amvets, and Salvation Army, but there are several smaller local organizations with a huge need for toys and goods to help out San Diego children in need. Below are donation spots that could use your support:
Father Joe’s Village: Father Joe’s Village provides meals and care to thousands of homeless people each day. They accept donations of used toys (along with many other used household goods) for their retail locations. By donating items to their thrift stores, people can support programs that help families overcome homelessness. You can find more details on their website about the logistics of dropping off used goods or scheduling a pick-up.
Birthline of San Diego: With a mission to provide life-affirming support and resources to pregnant women and families with young children, this nonprofit relies on donations. What’s more, they give out hundreds of baby gift bags every year. They are looking for donations for children 0 to 5 years. From gently used toys and shoes to formula and diapers, all these things will go to help. So, if your fam has outgrown the use of these things, it’s time to declutter and give.
Birthline of San Diego 3660 Clairemont Dr., Ste 4 San Diego
Christie’s Place: Christie’s Place is a nonprofit support center for women, children, and families living with HIV/AIDS whose motto is “Love Grows Here.” They are the only organization in San Diego dedicated to serving women, children, and families impacted by HIV/AIDS. The mission of Christie’s Place is to empower individuals whose lives have been impacted by HIV/AIDS to take charge of their own health and wellness, and by doing so, improve their quality of life. 86% of their clients are at or below the federal poverty line, so used toys before Christmas will provide great excitement and joy. This will be the perfect opportunity for families to find their perfect toy that was donated by a generous family.
Community Resource Center: Help locally! Drop off your ‘gently used’ clothing, shoes, toys, and other household items to assist families in need. Further, the items you drop off help us turn housing into homes and the sales proceeds help to provide shelter, food, education, counseling, and back-to-work programs for many families in our community. There are three San Diego locations, just visit during store hours to donate.
Encinitas, Carlsbad, and San Marcos Online:crcncc.org
San Diego Rescue Mission: Helping San Diego’s homeless and poor has been the goal of San Diego Rescue Mission for over 50 years. Donations go directly to those in need or are sold at one of their thrift stores. To donate, schedule a pick-up with them or drop the items off at one of four locations.
Point Loma, Mission, North Park, and National City Online:sdrescue.org
Brick Recycler: Got LEGOS®? If you have bricks that need a new home, you can send them to Brick Recycler gives LEGO bricks to schools, libraries, orphanages, enthusiasts, and more. Their job is to match up boys and girls with charitable organizations, to let them have countless hours of play. There are limitless DIY science, architecture, and art projects that can be created using pounds of mixed pieces. So click through to find out how to ship your extra bricks today.
A.B. and Jessie Polinsky Children’s Center: The Polinsky Center is a non-profit operated by the County of San Diego and offers shelter to children whose parents are unable to care for them. Toys, clothing, games, DVDs, and more are always welcome. Check out the Polinksy Wish List for more information and give them a call if you’re interested in donating.
Thrift Cottage: The Graham Memorial Presbyterian Church Thrift Cottage is a bargain-hunter's paradise taking in “gently used" apparel for women, men, and children, household items, books, and toys. You can donate anytime the cottage is open. Sales of these gently and new items support local charities, scholarships for high school seniors and youth camps, military families and disabled veterans, and children.
It’s always a good time to give back to your community. Why not give back, declutter your closets and toy bins while helping the planet at the same time? We’ve gathered a list of places where you can used toy donations support great causes and families in need. Everybody wins!
Looking to offload some of your pre-loved toys to another family in your community? ToyCycle is perfect and offers peer-to-peer toy recycling where you post available items and arrange for pick up and vice versa if you see an item that you can use. They even have an app that makes it easy to post the items that you'd like to pass down. Note: Items are sorted by age to make it easier to find what you need.
SCRAP Old objects find new lives at SCRAP, the Bay Area's first re-use center for creative education. Donations of art supplies, craft supplies, toys, textiles and office supplies are sorted, stored and made available to the community for educational programs and creative projects in the classroom and at home. SCRAP accepts donations of clean, reusable materials Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Check online for a full list of accepted materials and call ahead to ensure that they have enough storage space to accept your donation.
801 Toland St. San Francisco, CA Online: scrap-sf.org
Salvation Army The Salvation Army Family Store and Donation Center in San Francisco accepts used toy donations, books and children's clothing. Mon.-Sat., 9 a.m.-7 p.m., and Sun., 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Donated items are sold in the Family Store and the proceeds are used to fund the Salvation Army's Adult Rehabilitation Centers. You can even schedule a pickup!
Editor's Note: Edgewood Center for Children and Families has moved from San Carlos to San Francisco.
New Location Alert! The Edgewood Center for Children and Families has moved but is still providing treatment and prevention programs to children, youth and families that have experienced traumatic stress. Show your support by donating to their wish list that includes art supplies, gently used tablets, personal care items, sports equipment, household items, books, dolls, puppets, toy trucks and games in new or excellent condition. Donations are given directly to clients.
1801 Vicente St. San Francisco, CA Online: edgewood.org
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Goodwill Goodwill in San Francisco accepts donations of household items, women's clothing, men's clothing and children's items including books, baby gear (must meet current safety standards), sports equipment, games and toys. Drop off hours are Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sun. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Donated items are sold in Goodwill stores and the proceeds are used to fund programs that help disadvantaged individuals learn competitive job skills and find employment.
1669 Fillmore St. San Francisco, CA Online: goodwill.org
Homeless Prenatal Program For over 30 years the Homeless Prenatal Program in San Francisco has been serving as an empowering resource center for families. The center accepts gently used baby and maternity clothing, children's and parenting books. COVID-19 Update: The program is ONLY accepting baby formula, baby food, diapers and wipes at this time. Call for drop-off hours. You can also make a cash donation online.
SF Smiles SF Smiles collects donations by appointment only of new and gently used essentials for individuals and families in need throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. SF Smiles is run on a volunteer basis by Chad Christensen out of his family home in the Inner Sunset neighborhood of San Francisco. Chad and his volunteers redistribute donations directly to families and also work with many local organizations to reach their programs’ clients.
Editor's Note: BANANAS is not accepting on-site donations at this time. Visit their Virtual Boutique to learn how to help those in need.
BANANAS provides affordable child care, workshops, classes and support groups for families in Northern Alameda County. Their BANANAS Boutique provides low-income parents with free books, toys and equipment for their children. Your donations of clean and gently used toys, books, puzzles, games, children's clothing and maternity wear keep the boutique stocked up. Items can be dropped off during business hours. Due to limited space, the BANANAS Boutique occasionally reaches storage capacity, so call ahead before heading over.
Davis Street This organization assists families in need by addressing issues facing low-income families and the homeless. In addition to gently used clothing, the organization also accepts household items, backpacks and school supplies in the fall as well as new toys for its holiday program. Donation hours are Mon.-Tues. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. COVID-19 Update: Only donations of in-kind donations of unexpired non-perishable canned food are being accepted.
3081 Teagarden Street San Leandro, CA Online: Davisstreet.org
Loved Twice is a nonprofit organization that supports new mothers by providing them with baby clothing. They accept baby clothing sizes 0-12 months only and can also take small blankets and board books. Loved Twice has several Bay Area drop-off locations for your convenience. Visit their website to see if there’s a location near you and make a donation today!
Salvation Army The Salvation Army Family Store and Donation Center in Alameda accepts used toy donations, books and children's clothing, Mon.-Sat. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Donated items are sold in the Family Store and the proceeds are used to fund the Salvation Army's Adult Rehabilitation Centers.
Goodwill Goodwill in Oakland accepts donations of household items, women's clothing, men's clothing and children's items including books, baby gear (must meet current safety standards), sports equipment, games and toys. Drop-off hours are Mon.-Sat. 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sun. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Donated items are sold in Goodwill stores and the proceeds are used to fund programs that help disadvantaged individuals learn competitive job skills and find employment.
Goodwill Goodwill in Palo Alto accepts donations of household items, women’s clothing, men’s clothing and children’s items including books, baby gear (must meet current safety standards), sports equipment, games, and toys. Drop-off hours are Mon.-Sun. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Donated items are sold in Goodwill stores and the proceeds are used to fund programs that help disadvantaged individuals learn competitive job skills and find employment.
4085 El Camino Way Palo Alto, CA Online: goodwill.org
PARCA PARCA helps people with development disabilities and their families at all stages of their lives, from children’s services to independent residential programs to respite care. Through a partnership with Saver’s Stores, PARCA turns used clothing and household item donations into funds that support their programs. Requested items include toys, games, puzzles, stuffed animals, bicycles and sports equipment, as well as clothes and household items. Donors can schedule a donation pick up over the phone and online, or drop off donations at Saver’s Thrift Store in Redwood City or Milpitas, during store hours.
800 Airport Blvd., Suite 320 Burlingame, CA Online: parca.org
This organization supports families escaping intimate partner abuse. Their needs include diapers, new clothing, umbrellas, strollers and more. They run seasonal school supply drives. You can view their wish list here and drop off donations at their office. COVID-19 Update: CORA is currently not accepting donations of goods. Check their website for updates.
LifeMoves LifeMoves provides interim shelter and services for families. Linens, towels and blankets are among the family shelters' greatest need. Household supplies such as towels are also needed for incoming residents. View shelter wish lists here and consider making a donation today.
184 South 11th Street San Jose CA Online: lifemoves.org
Salvation Army We moved! The Salvation Army Family Store in San Jose is now located on West Taylor Street. It accepts used toy donations such as books, bikes, games, stuffed animals and children's clothing, Mon.-Sat. 9 a.m. to 8p.m. and Sundays 10 a.m.-6p.m. Donated items are sold in the Family Store and the proceeds are used to fund the Salvation Army's Adult Rehabilitation Centers.
Santa Maria Urban Ministry was founded in 1983 to provide emergency food to impoverished families in downtown San Jose. Santa Maria has provided a food pantry continuously for 38 years and also collects donations of clothing and goods for families in need. In addition to clothing and care items, there is a need for school and craft supplies. Learn more about their wish lists and make a donation.
Salvation Army The Salvation Army does more than just ring bells and accept change! Their Family Store and Donation Trailer in San Rafael accepts donations Tues.-Sat. 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Donated items are sold in the Family Store and the proceeds are used to fund the Salvation Army's Adult Rehabilitation Centers.
Goodwill Drop off your used toy donations, household items, women's clothing, men's clothing and children's items including books, baby gear (must meet current safety standards), sports equipment, games and toys at Goodwill's Drop Off Center, located inside the Mill Valley Safeway on Camino Alto. Drop off hours are Mon.-Sun., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Donated items are sold in Goodwill stores and the proceeds are used to fund programs that help disadvantaged individuals learn competitive job skills and find employment.
1 Camino Alto Mill Valley, CA Online: goodwill.org
If you’re a super-fan of a particular museum, play space or attraction, maybe it’s high time you became a card-carrying member. Along with scoring sweet perks like access to special events, discounts and free parking, you’re helping an awesome family destination thrive. Often in the case of some of the biggies, after just two visits, the museum membership has paid for itself — and you can avoid those long admission lines. Here is the scoop on memberships you should consider gifting to your gang (or grandkids!).
SCIENCES
Adler Planetarium
Adler Planetarium
The Membership: A family membership is $165/year and includes 2 adults and 4 children. The Family & Friends membership is for up to 4 adults and 6 children up to age 17 and is $240/year. Compare That To: Daily general admission is $19/adults, $8/ages 3-11. To upgrade to the Museum +1 to see a sky show, admission is $28/adults, $17/ages 3-11. The Biggest Perks: Perks include free coat check, unlimited sky shows, free tickets to the Atwood Historic Sphere, a fast members-only line, free general admission at participating ASTC science centers and museums nationwide, a 15% discount at Space Shop and 10% discount in Cosmic Cafe, and discounts on Adler After Dark, summer camps and birthday parties. Special Note: Adler is partially reopened and is expecting to fully reopen March 2022. If you purchase a membership as a gift, it will become active at that time.
The Membership: The family membership is $150 for one year and $285 for two years. It includes general admission for 2 adults and their children or grandchildren under the age of 17 living in the same household. The Family Plus membership is $180 for one year and $345 for two years and includes admission for 3 adults and their children or grandchildren under the age of 17 living in the same household. Discounts are currently available online. Compare That To: Daily adult admission varies from $24-$38 for IL residents, depending on what you want to see. (Discounts for City of Chicago residents.) The Biggest Perks: Free reciprocal admission to participating science and technology museums, a 10% discount at the Field's restaurant, museum stores and birthday party packages, free coat check, invitations to members-only events, plus discounts on all education programs and 3D movies.
1400 S. Lake Shore Dr., Museum Campus; Online: fieldmuseum.org
Museum of Science and Industry
The Membership: A Family membership is $195/year for 2 adults, all household children and one guest. Compare That To: Depending on what special exhibits or shows you want to hit, adult daily admission starts at $21.95 and children at $12.95. Discounts for admission are available online. The Biggest Perks: Free parking for members, 10% off stores and restaurants, discounted tickets for special exhibitions, an invitation to members-only events and reciprocal admission benefits at select museums.
5700 S. Lake Shore Dr., Hyde Park; Online: msichicago.org
ART & HISTORY
The Art Institute of Chicago
The Membership: There are three levels of membership and each includes all children living in a household. The Member membership is $105/year and includes admission for two adults. The Member Plus membership is $150/year and includes admission for 4 adults. Member Ambassador is available for $200/year and grants access for up to 4 adults and invitations to premium exhibition events. Compare That To: Adult daily admission is $25 and $19 for ages 14-17 and starts at $14 for City of Chicago residents. Children 13 and under are always free. The Biggest Perks: Discounts at Millennium Park garages. Member-only classes, lectures, workshops, events and more. Free entry for kids under the age of 18. The museum also offers special programs and camps for kids. The Member Ambassador option includes reciprocal privileges to 15 art museums around the country and an invitation to private exhibition celebrations.
The Membership: A family membership, called Household, for up to four people is $100/year. Compare That To: General daily adult admission is $19; Free for Illinois residents 18 & under; City of Chicago residents receive $2 discount The Biggest Perks: You'll like the 10% discount on all purchases made at the Museum Store, the North & Clark Café and the PhotoStore. You'll also get access to the Members'-only events and previews of new exhibitions.
The Membership: A Household membership is $85/year and is valid for two adults and as many children under the age of 18 as you have. (Always, member or not, kids under the age of 18 enter the museum for free.) Compare That To: Daily general admission is $15/ages 19 & up. Students, teachers and seniors are $8. The Biggest Perks: Enjoy invitations to all Members’ Previews of major exhibitions, savings of up to 20% off tickets to MCA performances and lectures, a 10% discount in the MCA Store and discounts at Marisol Restaurant and Bar and a $5 discount on parking.
The Membership: A family membership is for 3 or more people and is $110 a year. While this isn't a typical admission-entry spot, membership offers discounts on classes and camps, plus more. Compare That To: Prices vary by class, but members typically get a $5 discount. The Biggest Perks: Discounts on classes, workshops and camps; discounts at participating museums and art supply stores; invitations to special events and lecture series; 10% off gallery purchases.
4401 N. Ravenswood Ave., Ravenswood; Online: lillstreet.com
NATURE
Chicago Botanic Garden
Chicago Botanic Garden
The Membership: Admission to this natural paradise is free, but there is a charge for parking, which is taken care of once you're a member. Garden 1 Year membership costs $99 for one year, and includes a pass for one vehicle. Compare That To: Daily parking rates (covered in your membership) cost $25/car. The Biggest Perks: In addition to the parking, members get a 10% discount at the Garden Shop and a discount coupon for The Garden View Café; discounts for the Model Railroad Garden, Butterflies & Blooms exhibition and tram tours (usually ticketed attractions); discounts on camps for kids; and free admission to 300 botanic gardens and arboreta nationwide.
The Membership: Membership is $160 for one year and $310 for two years for up to 4 people (any combination of adults and children). Memberships are very flexible and can include children and adults not living in the house. Compare That To: Daily general admission for adults is $11-$16. For kids ages 2-17, it's $8-$11. Those under 2 are free. Wednesdays have discounted admission. The Biggest Perk: You receive special admission privileges to more than 300 horticultural organizations across North America. You'll also receive a 10% discount at The Arboretum store, a 15% discount on educational programs and free admission into the Children's Garden.
The Membership: A family membership is $60 for one year or $110 for two years and includes admission for 2 adults and any children in the same household. A Premier membership is $130 for one year or $200 for two years and offers admission for 4 adults, any children in the same household. Compare That To: Daily adult admission is $9. For children 3-12, it's $6; and those under 3 are free. The Biggest Perks: Free coat check and stroller rental, discounts on summer camps and paid programming, free admission to more than 300 museums worldwide, 10% discount at the museum's online store.
The Membership: For a family of up to 4 people, membership is $190 a year or $340 for two years. For a family of up to 6 people, the rate starts at $240 a year depending on if you want extra perks like priority invitations to exhibit previews and special events. Compare That To: Daily admission is $19/person. The Biggest Perks: 20% discount on parking in the Navy Pier garage, 50% off general admission at almost 200 participating children's museums through the ACM Reciprocal Program, 10% discount at the gift shop and access to members-only hours and events.
The Membership: Memberships start at $135/year for one adult and one child, $165/year for 4 admissions per visit (one adult cardholder must be present), $190/year for 3 adults and up to 6 admissions per visit. Compare That To: Daily admission rate for adults and children older than one year is $15. The Biggest Perks: Enjoy members-only events, a 10% discount at the museum’s store, discounts on birthday parties, classes, camps and events. Family memberships receive 50% off general admission at ACM reciprocal network participating institutions for up to 6 people.
The Membership: A PlayKCM membership is $165/year and includes admission for 4. There is also the PlayKCM Plus option, which is $190/year for 6 guests. Compare That To: Daily admission is $15 for adults and children 1 year and older. The Biggest Perks: Members-only hours and admission lines and discounts on birthday parties, rentals, purchases at the onsite cafe and 50% off 6 admissions at more than 200 children's museums nationwide.
The Membership: The Family membership is $140 for one year, and includes admission for up to 4 people, plus grandparents. The CLIMB membership is $175/year and includes the same as the basic membership plus free admission for six people + grandparents to the CLIMB Network Museums and half-price admission for six people to the complete ACM network of reciprocal museums. You can add extra children to each membership for $20/year per child. Compare That To: Daily admission is $9/person, no matter if it's an adult or child. The Biggest Perks: Free admission for grandparents under each family membership option, plus 10% discounts on classes and party room packages.
The Membership: A Household membership is valid for everyone under your roof and is $95 for a year. This membership is not about free admission (the zoo is always free), but about the extra perks and purpose. Compare That To: This membership comes with two free parking passes, and discounted parking for each additional visit. Parking is $35 for four hours or more, so this is a sizable savings! The Biggest Perk: Along with the two parking passes, Household members get invitations to special members-only mornings, ZooLights night and other activities; discounts at zoo shops, restaurants and on stroller rentals; access to the members-only lounge; free or discounted admission to more than 100 zoos nationwide and more.
2001 N. Clark St., Lincoln Park; Online: lpzoo.org
Brookfield Zoo
The Membership: The zoo’s membership plans are separated into three categories. The Family Basic is $130 for one year and includes admission for 2 adults and any children living in the household, plus 4 guest passes for the year. The Family Plus package is $158 for one year and includes 2 adults, all children living in the household and one free guest each visit, and 6 guest passes for the year. The Family Unlimited membership is $243 for one year and includes two adults, all children living in the household and one free guest each visit, and 8 guest passes for the year. Compare That To: Daily admission for adults is $24.95. For kids ages 3-11, it's $17.95. The Biggest Perk: Members score free parking for one vehicle at the main entrance and discount parking at the south entrance. The Family Plus and Family Unlimited memberships include free admission (limited amounts per year with the family plus package) to zoo attractions like the carousel, Hamill Family Play Zoo and special animal exhibits.
The Membership: The family/household membership is $195 for one year and includes two adults and any number of children living in the house. Shedd also offers an Advocate membership for $250 a year, which includes access for 2 adult cardholders, 2 adult guests and any number of children in the household. Compare That To: Daily general admission is $39.95/adults and $29.95/children ages 3-11, discount available to Chicago residents. The Biggest Perks: 40% discount on 4-D Experiences, 10% discount on Shedd shops and restaurants, special member pricing on animal encounters and learning programs and invites to members-only events.
The Membership: A monthly unlimited member to this infant- and toddler-friendly play space costs $125. Adding a second sibling is $75 and a third sibling is $25. Compare That To: Daily open play admission is $20/child and $25 for a sibling. There are also 10-visit passes available for $150 for one child, add $75 for a sibling. The Biggest Perks: Breeze past the check-in desk and focus on what matters: good, old-fashioned fun.
It’s a tale as old as time: parents swiping kids’ hard-earned Halloween candy. Let’s be honest, it’s just too easy to do. Now Klondike and Breyers have a new program that incentivizes honesty around holiday theft with a tasty BOGO offer.
This month, when you’re feeling tempted by that pile of treats, text “Confess” to 64827. You’ll receive a buy-one-get-one free offer good for Klondike REESE’S bars and Breyers REESE’S frozen treats. How sweet is that?
The offer is good for a 6-pack of Klondike bars or a 48 ounce tub of Breyers REESE’S Chocolate or REESE’S & REESE’S Pieces 2-in-1 ice cream. Save those peanut butter cups for trick or treaters and cash in on one of these cold treats!
You have until Halloween to take advantage of this offer and the official rules say you can redeem it up to five times per household. More candy for the kids and more ice cream for you: it’s a win-win!
If you’re new to the world of finding someone to watch your baby, read and bookmark these interview questions to ask a babysitter. From their experience and certifications to availability and flexibility, these nanny or babysitter interview questions will give you a better picture of whether this is the right babysitter for you. You’ll also find helpful tips on how to conduct a babysitter interview.
Personal Questions
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These interview questions will help you learn more about the babysitter's personality and whether they meet your basic requirements.
1. How would you describe yourself?
2. What do you like to do in your free time?
3. Did you grow up around younger kids (siblings, cousins, neighbors)?
4. What is your availability? Do you have time constraints that would prevent you from staying later if necessary?
5. Do you have reliable transportation? What kind?
These interview questions will give you an understanding of how well prepared this babysitter is to care for your child.
17. The baby starts choking; what do you do?
18. You are getting ready to give the baby a bath when you smell smoke; what is the first thing you do?
19. You and the baby have been playing when you notice that she starts rubbing her eyes and crying. What do you think that means, and how do you respond?
20. The baby just had a blowout in his diaper. Explain how you handle it.
Interview Tips
1. Call the references your babysitter gives you.
Ask them questions like:
How well do you know the sitter?
Has he/she worked for you specifically as a babysitter? If not, what was his/her role?
Is he/she punctual?
Is he/she dependable?
How did he/she handle a difficult situation while caring for your child?
Would you hire him/her again?
What three words would you use to describe him/her?
2. Check out the person on social media. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and other social media sites are great ways to find out if the persona your babysitter is portraying to you is the one they portray to everyone else. Google is also a handy tool to find out the inside scoop on your prospective babysitter.
3. Discuss your expectations. Do you expect your babysitter to perform household tasks (folding laundry, doing dishes and taking care of light housework) while working for you? Do you have a strict eat & sleep schedule you want the sitter to follow? If so, communicate that during your interview. Having crystal-clear expectations will help you both as you gauge whether this is a match.
4. Request a trial run while you're home. Schedule a time for the babysitter to watch your baby while you're home. You can evaluate how the babysitter interacts with your baby, if they use common sense, how their diaper-changing and feeding skills are and their general demeanor and confidence with babies. It will also help you determine if your baby responds well to the sitter.
Does anyone ever know how much candy to buy for Halloween?
Ah, the age old question of how much candy to buy for Halloween. There’s nothing worse than running out halfway through the evening and having to hide in your house with the lights out. That’s why Shipt and Mars Wrigley have devised a new formula to help you determine how many sweets to purchase, plus a heat map of top treats by state.
The formula looks intimidating but is actually quite simple. It breaks down like this:
Time: The number of hours you plan to leave the lights on
Kids: Estimated number of kids per hour that will ring your doorbell
Generosity factor: How many pieces of candy you plan to give to each kid
Days: The number of days between the initial candy purchase and Halloween
Family: Number of family members in the household
Sneaky factor: Average number of pieces of candy each member of the household will eat per day
Shipt also sagely advises to divide the final count by 1.5 if rain is in the forecast. As for the most popular treats, it varies widely by state. However, 18 states would pick Snickers above all and 9 states are in favor of the classic M&Ms. Take a look to see which candy you should stock up on in your state!
Looks like Montana kids will be getting lots of gum. Shipt’s shopping data also shows that Halloween is the most popular day to buy candy, unsurprisingly.
To incentivize you as you stock up on treats this season, Shipt is offering $5 off to customers if they spend $25 on Mars Wrigley products for the two weeks leading up to Halloween. But since it’s a little early for that, you’re probably still plotting out your perfect costume and we have just the list for you
If you have a kid, you probably have a zooful of stuffed animals living with you. These “stuffies” are more than just cute clutter—they actually serve a fundamental purpose in a child’s life. Their favorite teddy or doll is their first friend and allows them to explore their emotional life without judgment, helping navigate all the ups and downs of early childhood. Their stuffed friend’s unconditional love and acceptance teach a valuable lesson about what it means to be a caring human. That’s why a new book that celebrates this particular (and essential) bond,Bear Is a Bear, caught our attention.
Bear Is a Bearis written by popular children’s author Jonathan Stutzman and illustrated by Dan Santat, a Caldecott Medal-winning and #1 New York Times bestselling author/illustrator. This moving story with a heartwarming reveal is akin to books like TheVelveteen Rabbit and Corduroy—Bear Is a Bear reads like that classic you cracked opened over and over again as a child, but with a modern twist.
Bear is...a new friend, a fellow mischief-maker, a protector and a dreamer. Through all the many ups and downs of a little girl’s childhood, Bear is there to provide love and support. Until it is time to say goodbye...and hello again.
Bear is a Bear is a deeply touching story of an ever-evolving friendship. Have the tissues nearby—it’s the final reveal that will bring tears to your eyes and make this book an instant classic in your household.
Bear Is a Bear is a moving tribute to the beloved companions of our childhoods—our “stuffies.” (We bet you can remember the name of your favorite as a child right now.) The oversized picture book is also gorgeous, making it the perfect baby shower or birthday gift. Grab your copy, a favorite stuffed friend and snuggle up for storytime with Bear Is a Bear today, and enjoy for years to come!
