Find out the best Costco hours to shop to whether or not you really need Costco coupons, these hacks will make your shopping experience even better

If you have a Costco membership, then you already know all about the joys of shopping for steals while sampling the goods. What you might not be aware of, however, are the secret tips to navigating your favorite shopping destination, and the extra “hidden” ways you can use that membership to earn even more. Here are some of the best Costco hacks and tips to save you money.

You Can Get Curbside Pick Up

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Due to COVID, Costco is now offering curbside pickup on selected items for members. Most of it is electronics and jewelry, but it's still a nice perk. 

Get Immunizations

CDC via Unsplash

Cross two errands off your list when you make an appointment at the Costco pharmacy for annual immunizations. You can get a flu vaccine for the whole family and other important milestone immunizations. The pharmacy accepts all major insurances. 

Know Your Price Codes

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Did you know there are all sorts of little tips and tricks when it comes to figuring out those price codes? Yup, there's a system. Think asterisk = seasonal and 97 cents means a markdown, etc. There are more, according to Wallet Hacks

Related: Costco May Keep Its Hot Dog & Soda Combo Price $1.50 ‘Forever’

Shop without a Membership

a Cool costco hack is that Instacart delivers
Instacart

Want the perks of shopping at Costco without the cost of a membership? There's an easy way to make it happen. If you don't mind using Instacart, simply fire up the app and place your Costco order, no membership is needed. Of course, with a $5.99 delivery fee, it still isn't completely free, but you're also gaining the convenience of shopping from home—although you won't get to nibble on all those samples.

Save on Gift Cards

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It’s nearly impossible to get gift cards on sale since you are essentially just trading in cash for a card of the same value. At Costco, however, you can purchase a pack of gift cards to various retailers at a discounted rate.

Ditch the Coupon Book

iStock

Forgot your coupon book? No worries. Nowadays, according to Wallet Hacks, there are no barcodes and the savings are automatically applied to your bill. The book is just your monthly list of deals and savings.

Skip the Food Court Line

skipping the food court line is a great costco hack
Pixabay

After navigating your way through Costco and the enormous checkout line with kids in tow, the last thing you want to do is wait in another line to grab lunch, especially if your tots are hangry. Luckily there's a ridiculously simple way to skip the food court line. While you're checking out, place your order and pay, then all you have to do is show your receipt and grab your food at the pick-up area.

Related: Here’s the Real Reason Costco Checks Your Receipts Before You Leave

Spend Less on Prescriptions

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With this Costco hack, Costco’s prescription program, members are offered deep discounts on their prescription medications without insurance coverage.

See a Double Feature

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A trip to the movies for a family can get pretty pricey, but at Costco, you can purchase a 10-pack of movie tickets for a discounted price and they never expire. With the money you’ll save, that overpriced popcorn and drinks won’t be quite so bad.

The Best Time to Shop

costco hacks
The Krazy Coupon Lady via YouTube

Love Costco's prices, but not the crowds? Beat the lines and packed aisles by shopping on the best day and time. According to Business Insider, try to bypass the weekends and shop on weekdays if possible. It's also best to avoid evenings, so load up your tots and hit Costco early or mid-morning.

You'll Never Overspend

costco hacks save you money
Sharon McCutcheon via Unsplash

While we can't guarantee you won't buy one too many bottles of Kirkland wine, you definitely won't get charged for more than what you take home thanks to the one thing Costco employees always do before you leave the store. As it turns out checking that receipt and drawing that smiley face has nothing to do with making sure you're not stealing. Instead, Costco does this to ensure that you haven't been double charged for any items.

Another way Costco makes sure you won't overspend is with its 30-day price adjustment policy. According to Eat This, Not That!, if an item goes on sale within 30 days of when you purchased it, Costco will pay you the difference, no receipt needed.

Related: 11 Ridiculous Things You Can Buy on Your Next Costco Run

Save Money on Your Next Car

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No one likes car shopping, but when you use your Costco membership, you might actually have some fun. The Costco Auto Program works with thousands of pre-owned car dealerships to negotiate low prices for you, so you don’t have to sweat the haggling.

Make Sure You're Scoring a Deal

one costco hack is to look for discounts
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Want to make sure you're getting the best deal possible? According to Eat This, Not That! you'll know a Costco item has been discounted if the price ends in $0.97. If the price tag also has an asterisk, then it won't be restocked. 

Family Vacation on a Budget

Disney facts and Disney trivia for kids
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Want to see the world? This Costco hack can help you do it for less. With Costco Travel your membership can get you deals on theme park tickets, airplane tickets, car rentals, hotels, and cruises. We're talking up to 30% off hotels both in the U.S. and abroad as well as package deals on family-friendly vacations like Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace Package with Walt Disney World tickets. 

Get Checks for Less

affordable checks are a costco hack
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Even in the age of digital payments, there are still those few moments when a check is required, and Costco will print you a pack of checks for less than your bank charges.

Related: The Best Times to Shop at Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, Costco & More Grocery Stores

Get Tech Help for Free

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There’s nothing more frustrating than trying to figure out why your WiFi is out or Netflix isn’t loading. Costco offers free technical support for any televisions, computers, tablets, appliances, and more purchased in-store and online. No warranties or extra fees are required.

Shop Costco Next

Two women shopping online
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Costco Next is an online way to shop from Costco's most trusted suppliers and you'll get to choose from a wide range of exclusive items that are often low in stock. Costco Next allows you to purchase directly from the suppliers' site while still enjoying your Costco membership values.

Additional reporting by Taylor Clifton

 

 

Not sure you can make it to midnight? These Seattle New Year’s Eve events happen a few hours earlier

2023 is almost here. While it’s always fun to pop open the sparkling cider and break out the silly string at home, there are lots of kid-friendly Seattle New Year’s Eve events happening around the city. If you’re looking to get out and celebrate with the kids, we’ve got the scoop on the best parties in town—from Noon Year’s Eve events that let you get home at a reasonable hour to events that will let you see the strike of midnight. Let’s get this party started!

https://www.instagram.com/p/CYLn8N2rCML/?hidecaption=true

1. New Year’s Eve at the Needle

For over thirty years, local families have been ringing in the new year at the base of Seattle's iconic Space Needle. This year, we have a feeling tons of folks will be gathering for the first in-person show since the beginning of the pandemic. In addition to the traditional fireworks and lights show, families can enjoy an 11-minute choreographed drone show highlighting pop culture moments from the past year. Consider this your 2023 celebratory trifecta.

Date: Dec. 31, 11:35 p.m.

Space Needle
400 Broad St.
Seattle
Online: spaceneedle.com

2. New Year’s Eve Kindiependent Show

Enjoy this Seattle-based family concert on New Year's Eve at Mount Baker Community Club. You'll hear dynamic music from Harmonica Pocket that the kiddos will love and just might do a jig to. Your family will ring in the New Year on a happy note with this music in your ears. Doors at 10 a.m. Show starts at 10:30 a.m. Please note, families can either purchase tickets for $5 per person at the door, or subscribe to the concert series.

Date & Time: Dec. 31; 10:30 a.m.

Mt. Baker Community Club
2811 Mount Rainier Dr. S.
Seattle
Online: mountbaker.org

3. New Year’s Eve Pajama Party

The Seattle Children's Museum is throwing a daytime New Year's Eve pajama party you won't want to miss. This event will be filled with special activities, a dance party, and even materials for everyone to make a time capsule. This will be such a fun and memorable way for your kids to ring in 2023 and it's included with your admission fee. 

Date & Time: Dec. 31; 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Seattle Children's Museum
305 Harrison St.
Seattle
Online: seattlechildrensmuseum.org

a kid wearing a 2023 new years eve hat and holding up peace signs
iStock

4. New Year's Eve Countdown at KidsQuest

For an all-day celebration, join the staff of KidsQuest as they ring in 2023. Activities will happen every few hours, ensuring the delight and joy never ends for your kids. Kids can get some fabulous face paint, hear a sensational story time, and experience the famous bubble wrap stomp. Tickets are required, and families can reserve times at 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m., or 4 p.m. to celebrate.

Date & Time: Dec. 31; 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

KidsQuest Children's Museum
1116 108th Ave. N.E.
Bellevue, WA
Online: kidsquestmuseum.org

5. Candyland Family NYE

The theme says it all at this family-friendly celebration that includes face painting, balloon artists, music, Disney princess appearances, and a major balloon drop that'll have your kids squealing with delight. And that's all before (or after) you play a round of mini golf on one of the coolest indoor courses around—they have unicorns and a throne. Tickets are just $25 per person for anyone over 6 years old and free for anyone under 5.

Date & Time: Dec. 31; 5-8 p.m.

Forum Social House
700 Bellevue Way N.E., #700
Bellevue, WA
Online: forumsocialhouse.com

6. Noon Year's Eve at KiDiMu

Put a scenic ferry ride on your list of New Year's Eve activities and make your way to Bainbridge Island for this kid-friendly celebration. Kids will have a chance to play at the museum, sure, but the highlights of the day include fireworks science and New Year's-themed crafts. Add in a celebratory countdown to noon to get 2023 started in the right direction. You'll need tickets to attend.

Date & Time: Dec. 31; 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Kids Discovery Museum
301 Ravine Ln. N.E.
Bainbridge Island, WA
Online: kidimu.org

At an exciting Seattle new Years eve event where a young boy near a disco ball bubbles falling all around
Hands On Children's Museum

7. Rockin' Rockfish Noon Year's Eve

Everyone is invited to virtually join the staff at Seattle Aquarium for their third annual Noon Year’s Eve celebration. It's a super-fun way to welcome 2023 with new animals, music, and dances—even more fun than last year. The event will be hosted by Diana Cardiff with music from Mikey the Rad Scientist. Plus kids can learn amazing facts about some of the animals at the Seattle Aquarium. Register online (it's free!) and you'll be sent the YouTube link so your crew can participate from home. The site has bonus activities so you can get your kids jazzed up for all the fun in advance. 

Time: Dec. 31, 2022; 11:30 a.m.
Online: seattleaquarium.org

8. Noon Year's Eve Party

Bring the kids to Olympia for the Hands On Children's Museum's unforgettable Noon Years Eve Party. This year's theme is "Shine Bright in the New Year." Expect lots of sparkle, shine, glimmer, and glow activities that tie into the theme like Dr. Science experiments, bioluminescence, shooting star launching, glitzy crafts, and a photo booth. The Noon Year’s countdown includes a dance party, ball drop, and parade every hour throughout the day. Our tip? Make your online reservations in advance and save $2 on admission.

Good to Know: The museum will have a sensory-friendly room and art space set up from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. so kids of all abilities can join in the fun throughout the day.

Date & Time: Dec. 31; 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Hands On Children's Museum
414 Jefferson St. N.E.
Olympia, WA
Online: hocm.org

a family sits around with glowing 2023 numbers to celebrate new years eve
Shutterstock

9. New Year's Eve Pajama Party

2023 is almost here and that's as good a reason as any to celebrate with a kid-friendly cooking class. Welcome 2023 with color, style, and flavor—with a cooking party for kids ages 4-9. Kids will toast to the end of 2022 with a homemade cheese quesadilla, confetti cupcakes, hot cocoa, and more. They'll even come home with cinnamon rolls to bake up on New Year's Day. Be sure to register in advance for this class. Two sessions are available on New Year's Eve—one in U Village, one at the Kirkland shop.

Date & Time: Dec. 31; 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

FrogLegs
2643 N.E. University Village St.
Seattle
Online: froglegskca.com

10. Princess Noon Year's Eve Party

Princess fans of all ages will jump at the chance to celebrate the new year at noon with their favorite princesses! Kids will enjoy games, crafts, snacks, a grand celebration, and more as the princesses from The Painted Palace countdown to 2023 at noon. 

Date & Time: Dec. 31; 11:15 a.m.-12:30 pm.

Painted Palace
1813 130th Ave. N.E.
Bellevue, WA
Online: paintedpalaceparties.com

Additional reporting by Taylor Clifton

From the zoo to the arboretum, these epic Dallas holiday lights displays will put you in the holiday spirit

Want to make your holiday season bright, literally? Add some twinkle to your evening with a visit to one of these nine epic Dallas holiday light displays. From drive-through lights at the zoo to downtown celebrations you can enjoy on foot, you’ll feel the joy of the season when you visit each one of these illuminated spots. Plus, you’ll find many of these locations offer dedicatedactivities for kids, which makes it possible to enjoy the wonder without once hearing the words “I’m booooored.” Whether you don’t want to get out of your car (pro tip: dress your kids up in their jammies to make it an extra-cozy experience!), prefer to stay inside, or are determined to explore the great outdoors, this list breaks down the very best—and brightest!—places to find well-lit Christmas events in DFW.

Drive-Thru Holiday Light Displays around Dallas

The Light Park Drive-Thru Light Show

Arlington's electric holiday extravaganza features millions of lights synchronized to music. All you have to do is don the holiday jammies, pack some hot chocolate and drive right through! It'll be an experience your kiddos won't soon forget.

Dates: Nov. 4-Jan. 1

1800 E Lamar Blvd.
Arlington, TX
Event details

Dallas Zoo Lights Drive-Thru

Cruise through a one-mile roadway—and through familiar parts of the Dallas Zoo—while marveling at more than one million lights in elaborate displays, silk-covered animal lanterns depicting all your Zoo favorites, an ice palace fit for a trio of penguins and so much more along the way.

Dates: Nov. 17-Jan. 1

650 S.R.L. Thornton Frwy.
Dallas, TX
Event details

Deerfield Holiday Lights

This Plano neighborhood is famous for going all out during the holidays! Spectators can park and walk amongst the houses or stay in the car and enjoy from there. If you are driving, the recommendation is to enter the neighborhood from the back via Qunicy Rd. You are welcome to park and walk through to see the holiday lights.

Dates: Dec. 1-30

Preston Rd. & Coit Rd.
Plano, TX
Event details

The Gift of Lights

Forth Worth's #1 light display is a drive-thru exhibit that's over two miles long! And, your ticket purchase helps to support charities like Ronald McDonald Home and Speedway Children's Charities.

Dates: Nov. 24-Jan. 1

3545 Lone Star Cir.
Fort Worth, TX
Event details

Related: Shop Here: 6 Independent Toy Stores that Dallas Parents Love

Indoor Holiday Light Displays around Dallas

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Radiance! Featuring "Frozen"

Frisco's popular holiday event is back with an all-new "Frozen" Winter Carnival! To see the light show you'll park and then grab a Holly Jolly Trolley that'll take you through over one million lights. There are also a ton of wintery-themed activities like tubing, a snowball toss, holiday bumper cars and much more. 

Dates: Nov. 18-Dec. 31

7300 Roughriders Trail
Frisco, TX
Event details

Head to the Christmas Capital of TX

Grapevine, Texas really knows how to do it up for Christmas. Sing along with the 40-foot community animated Singing Christmas Tree all Christmas long and check out all the lights! There are lots of activities included in this event so check the event details to find the ones your family will enjoy most.

Dates: Nov. 11-Jan. 10

Grapevine, TX
Event details

Christmas at the Gaylord

The resort's four-acre indoor atrium will be decorated with twinkle lights, trees and more. Don't miss snow tubing, breakfast with Charlie Brown and Friends, the Cirque Winter Wonderland show, a gingerbread making activity, and so so much more! It's not possible that the family wouldn't have a blast with so many wonderful options at the Gaylord Mariott this Christmas.

Dates: Nov. 11-Dec. 31

1501 Gaylord Trail
Grapevine, TX
Event details

Related: ‘Tis the Season for a Visit to a U-Cut Tree Farm

Outdoor Holiday Light Displays around Dallas

Holidays at the Arboretum

View the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden in all its holiday splendor with over 500,000 lights. Be sure to wander around the grounds to admire the 12 Days of Christmas exhibit, and don't miss the new musical tree! Holidays at the Arboretum are a wonderful time and you'll definitely find something to please everyone at this event. 

Dates: Select dates from Nov. 10-Dec. 31

8525 Garland Rd.
Dallas, TX
Event details

Vitruvian Lights—Addison

Vitruvian Park transforms into North Texas’ most spectacular holiday destinations during Vitruvian Lights when over 1.5 million sparkling LED lights are wrapped around more than 550 trees. Your kiddos will look on in awe, so be sure to bring them to this amazing event.

Dates: Nov. 25-Jan. 1

3966 Vitruvian Way
Addison, TX
Event details

 

What has letters, numbers and is sometimes stored in a case? Hint: It’s not a smart device! If you’re looking for a last-minute present that they’ll enjoy for years to come, gifting a book is the way to go. Reading fosters young imaginations, and practice builds reading confidence and sets kids up for a life-long love of cracking open a book—there is simply nothing like it!

Whether they’re learning to read or already independent readers, Simon & Schuster has a massive selection of award-winning, bestselling and beloved books that will spark joy (and creativity) in your favorite kid. Here’s a curated list of books you’ll love to give every budding bookworm on your list:

 

The Newly Independent Reader (Ages 5-9)

With a lower word count and more illustrations than other series, Little Simon Chapter Books are geared toward younger independent readers looking to take on chapter books for the first time. Here are some of our faves:

 

Good Dog: Puppy Luck by Cam Higgins

In the first installment of the Good Dog series, Bo Davis is on the hunt for a special item. With the help of his barnyard pals on the Davis Family Farm, the team searches high and low for Bo's beloved dog tag. Is it in the horse stalls, chicken coops, or grazing fields? Join your youngster and find out what happens in Bo's quest.

Get your copy here—WOOF!

 

Itty Bitty Princess Kitty: The Newest Princess by Melody Mews

In this first heartwarming chapter book of the Itty Bitty Princess Kitty series, Itty Bitty Kitty is becoming the princess of Lollyland! While Itty is excited about her new title, she's also nervous for the change that comes with it, like trying out new hairstyles and switching to a new school. With colorful illustrations on every page, your child will be hooked to find out if Itty Bitty Kitty becomes a princess after all.
 

 

The Haunted House Next Door by Andres Miedoso

In the spooky town of Kersville, two eight-year-old best friends are out to catch ghosts and monsters that have been lurking in the darkness. Known as the Desmond Cole Ghost Patrol, fearless Desmond and scaredy-cat Andres are monitoring their neighborhood to keep their pals from getting stuck with a haunt. The simple text, brief chapters, and imaginative art is the perfect trifecta for emerging readers who appreciate a little spook. 

Scare the ghouls away with the complete series!

 

Get a roundup of all Little Simon Chapter Books here.

 

Graphic Novels (For All Levels)

Inviting and exciting content makes graphic novels great for all kids who are “drawn” to reading, regardless of reading level. They keep kids engaged and interested in reading, which can lead to them becoming lifelong readers! We love these:

 

 Dragon Kingdom of Wrenly: The Coldfire Curse by Jordan Quinn

In this exciting first adventure of the Dragon Kingdom of Wrenly series, scarlet dragon Ruskin has to save his kingdom from an evil curse. There's just one problem—he spends his days being the palace's pampered pet dragon. Ruskin has to make a decision between hiding safely behind the palace's walls or trying to save all of Wrenly.

 

The Okay Witch by Emma Steinkellner

Thirteen-year-old Moth Hush has always been drawn to all things witchy. When she discovers that she has powers (and learns that her family has them, too!), things start to get out of control, from meeting a talking cat to unlocking a hidden witch world. There's a lot Moth doesn't know and she's going to unravel a lot more secrets about her town, family, and even herself. 

Become spellbound with this magical book!

 

Trubble Town: Squirrel Do Bad by Stephan Pastis

Wendy the Wanderer has lived in Trubble Town her whole life but never had the chance to go exploring. For this reason, she thinks she was definitely misnamed. Her dad likes to know where she is to make sure she’s safe, so she’s never been anywhere on her own. Then, her dad leaves on a trip and the babysitter doesn’t reinforce all the usual rules. Or any of the usual rules! Suddenly, Wendy is free to do what she wants, and what she wants is to live up to her name…and find Trubble.

Get into Trubble today!

 

See Simon & Schuster’s complete list of graphic novels and add more to your bookshelf today!

 

Books for Young Readers (Ages 8-12)

Simon & Schuster also offers thousands of engaging traditional chapter-length books for kids to read on their own. Here are some favorites for readers in upper elementary and middle school:

 

Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger

One of Simon & Schuster's largest bestselling series about a girl uncovering the secret power buried deep inside her to save the world. Twelve-year-old Sophie has never quite fit into her life. She’s skipped multiple grades and doesn’t really connect with the older kids at school, but she’s not comfortable with her family, either. The reason? Sophie’s a Telepath, someone who can read minds. No one knows her secret—at least, that’s what she thinks…

Get lost in the adventure!

 

City Spies by James Ponti

In this thrilling New York Times bestselling series, which Stuart Gibbs called “a must-read,” Edgar Award winner James Ponti brings together five kids from all over the world and transforms them into real-life spies—perfect for fans of Spy School and Mrs. Smith’s Spy School for Girls.

Don't keep it top secret—get your copy!

Wilderlore: The Accidental Apprentice by Amanda Foody

Wilderlore: The Accidental Apprentice follows the journey of Barclay Thorne—a young boy who doesn't like adventures and is happy being an apprentice to the town's mushroom farmer. To his dismay, however, Barclay finds himself in the forbidden woods where he befriends a beast that gets him run out of town. In his new venture, Barclay discovers a town that is for people just like him: those who've bonded with beasts. Now he's left with making a difficult decision of either returning home or chasing the adventure ahead of him.

Get swept away in the fantasy today!

 

Thanks to Simon & Schuster’s “Books I Like to Give” initiative, you can find ever more recommendations for all ages on their holiday site.

 

Happy reading!

 

—Jamie Aderski

Are your kiddos major fans of Blippi? Well it’s time for the YouTube sensation to get out from behind the screen and entertain the family live, in round two of his super popular tour!

Moonbug Entertainment and Round Room Live have just announced that Blippi The Musical will resume touring North America in February 2022. Blippi will be bringing his educational and energetic content to to cities all across the U.S., with tickets already going on sale.

photo: Courtesy of Shore Fire Media

“After multiple sold out shows in over 65 markets this past summer, we’re excited for even more audiences to experience Blippi The Musical in 2022,” says Stephen Shaw (the tour’s producer and co-president of Round Room Live). “We’re thrilled to continue to provide exciting and lasting memories for the whole family while prioritizing safety with venue and health officials in every city.”

While the entire list of cities have not been released yet, so far Blippi will appear in the following locales:

  • Friday, Feb. 4 – Merrill Auditorium – Portland, ME
  • Saturday, Feb. 5 – Emerson Colonial Theatre – Boston, MA
  • Sunday, Feb. 6 – Cross Insurance Center – Bangor, ME
  • Tuesday, Feb. 8 – New Jersey Performing Arts Center – Newark, NJ
  • Wednesday, Feb. 9 – Bushnell Performing Arts Center – Hartford, CT
  • Thursday, Feb. 10 – Proctors Theater – Schenectady, NY
  • Friday, Feb. 11 – Shea’s Performing Arts Center – Buffalo, NY
  • Saturday, Feb. 12 – Lyric Theatre – Baltimore, MD
  • Tuesday, Feb. 15 – Benedum Center – Pittsburgh, PA
  • Wednesday, Feb. 16 – 1st Summit Arena – Johnstown, PA
  • Thursday, Feb. 17 – Berglund Performing Arts Theatre – Roanoke, VA
  • Friday, Feb. 18 – John Paul Jones Arena – Charlottesville, VA
  • Saturday, Feb. 19 – Thomas Wolfe Civic Auditorium – Asheville, NC
  • Sunday, Feb. 20 – Macon City Auditorium – Macon, GA
  • Tuesday, Feb. 22 – SKyPAC – Bowling Green, KY
  • Wednesday, Feb. 23 – Old National Center Events Plaza – Theater – Evansville, IN
  • Thursday, Feb. 24 – Rupp Arena – Lexington, KY
  • Friday, Feb. 25 – Rialto Square Theatre – Joliet, IL
  • Saturday, Feb. 26 – Fisher Theatre – Detroit, MI
  • Sunday, Feb. 27 – Carson Center – Paducah, KY
  • Tuesday, Mar. 1 – Landmark Theater – Syracuse, NY
  • Thursday, Mar. 3 – Hershey Theatre – Hershey, PA
  • Friday, Mar. 4 – The Palace Theatre – Stamford, CT
  • Saturday, Mar. 5 – Kings Theatre – Brooklyn, NY
  • Sunday, Mar. 6 – Flynn Center for the Performing Arts – Burlington, VT
  • Tuesday, Mar. 8 – Mohegan Sun Arena – Wilkes-Barre, PA
  • Wednesday, Mar. 9 – Forum Theatre – Binghamton, NY
  • Thursday, Mar. 10 – Kodak Center – Rochester, NY
  • Friday, Mar. 11 – Embassy Theatre – Fort Wayne, IN
  • Saturday, Mar. 12 – Miller High Life Theatre – Milwaukee, WI
  • Tuesday, Mar. 15 – Duluth Symphony Hall – Duluth, MN
  • Wednesday, Mar. 16 – State Theatre – Minneapolis, MN
  • Thursday, Mar. 17 – Chester Fritz Auditorium – Grand Forks, ND
  • Friday, Mar. 18 – Washington Pavilion – Sioux Falls, SD
  • Saturday, Mar. 19 – Five Flags Event Center – Dubuque, IA
  • Tuesday, Mar. 22 – Hartman Arena – Wichita, KS
  • Wednesday, Mar. 23 – Pikes Peak Center for the Performing Arts – Colorado Springs, CO
  • Thursday, Mar. 24 – Fine Arts Theatre – Rapid City, SD
  • Sunday, Mar. 27 – Theater at the Brick – Bozeman, MT
  • Wednesday, Mar. 30 – Ford Wyoming Center – Casper, WY
  • Thursday, Mar. 31 – Eccles Theatre – Salt Lake City, UT

Parents can head to BlippiTheMusical.com for tour dates and tickets. If your littles absolutely can’t wait to catch Blippi on stage, you can stream the North American Tour Cast Recording of his show, which features 13 songs, by heading to moonbug.lnk.to/BLive.

––Karly Wood

 

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Bust out the bicycles and snap on the helmets at San Francisco first-ever bike park! Located in SF’s Excelsior neighborhood (near the Cow Palace), McLaren Bike Park has been a welcomed addition to both the neighborhood and the local cycling community. Scroll down to read more about what you can find there!

The History of McLaren Park

Almost ten years in the making, the just under half-acre McLaren Bike Park is packed full of fun for youth mountain bikers and BMX riders. The bike park took over a city parking lot in McLaren Park, across from San Francisco Unified School District’s Science Resource Center. This long-neglected spot was often full of trash and went unused by the neighboring community. The addition of the McLaren Bike Park brings a safe spot for kids to exercise and hone their bike riding skills.

Photo: McLaren Bike Park

The Pump Track

The inner section, called the pump track, includes dirt mounds and steeply-banked turns. Designed for intermediate to advanced riders, traffic on the pump track is multi-directional so riders need to be aware of their surroundings when riding there.

The Skills Trail

Surrounding the pump track is the skills trail loop. Here, riders from beginners on up can practice turns, braking and navigating other riders on the trail.

The Future

Currently the park is open for drop-in riding where staff will be available to provide free assistance with bike riding skills. In the spring, the SF Recreation and Park Department will offer programming on site including classes like Bike Park Etiquette – Introduction to Park Riding; Bike Park Basics – Introduction to Pump Tracks; and Bike Skill Building – Introduction to Riding Elements. In the summer of 2018 you can expect to find their bike camp taking up residence there.

This is just the beginning for McLaren Bike Park. The pump track and skills trail are phase one of the project that will add cycling trails to eight acres of the surrounding property.

 

McLaren Bike Park
2050 Sunnydale Ave.
San Francisco, CA
Onlinemclarenbikepark.com

Photos courtesy of the author except where noted. 

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are officially a family of four! Today Prince Harry and Meghan announced the birth of their daughter, Lilibet Diana. She was born Friday morning at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara, California, according to a statement from the couple.

“On June 4th, we were blessed with the arrival of our daughter, Lili,” the couple added. “She is more than we could have ever imagined, and we remain grateful for the love and prayers we’ve felt from across the globe. Thank you for your continued kindness and support during this very special time for our family.”

She’s named after the family nickname of her great grandmother, Queen Elizabeth and her middle name honors Harry’s mother, Princess Diana. Lili joins her brother, two-year-old Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor. The family is settling in together at home.

Buckingham Palace also released a statement on the happy news: “The Queen, The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall, and The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have been informed and are delighted with the news of the birth of a daughter for The Duke and Duchess of Sussex.”

Congratulations to the happy family and welcome to the Queen’s 11th great-grandchild!

––Sarah Shebek

Featured image courtesy of ComposedPix / Shutterstock.com

 

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Royally good news today: Queen Elizabeth’s granddaughter is pregnant! Princess Beatrice and husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi will welcome their first child together, after tying the knot ten months ago.

Buckingham Palace’s statement reads: “Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrice and Mr Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi are very pleased to announce that they are expecting a baby in autumn of this year. The Queen has been informed and both families are delighted with the news.”

This will be the Queen’s 12th great-grandchild—Beatrice’s sister, Princess Eugenie, had her own first child in February. Princess Beatrice is already a step-mom to Christopher Woolf (Wolfie), her husband’s son from his first marriage. She’s the first grandchild of the monarch to have a step-child and no doubt it prepared her well for a new addition!

The new parent’s families had been friends for many years, before the couple began a relationship and announced their engagement in 2019. Their low-key wedding ceremony in 2020 included a very small group of loved ones, with Wolfie serving as the pageboy. Congratulations to the Royal Family!

—Sarah Shebek

Featured image courtesy of BAKOUNINE / Shutterstock.com

 

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L.O.L. Surprise! is coming to a stage near you. If you’re ready for some in-person entertainment, the beloved brand is taking its fierce, fab characters on a nationwide concert tour—with dozens of dates announced! New tour dates have been added in big destinations like Washington D.C. and Boston and due to a scheduling shift, some of the previous dates have been rescheduled or removed.

Lady Diva, Royal Bee, Neonlicious, Swag and other faves are hitting the road for the L.O.L. Surprise! Live-Calling All B’B.’s concert experience. With awesomely amazing visuals, the L.O.L. Dance crew and plenty of music, this interactive show is a can’t-miss for your young fan.

photo courtesy of MGA Entertainment

Here’s the full tour schedule, which kicks off in Spring 2022:

  • March 5 Thousand Oaks, CA Bank of America Performing Arts Center
  • March 6 Anaheim, CA City National Grove of Anaheim
  • March 9 Phoenix, AZ Arizona Federal Theatre
  • March 11 San Jose, CA San Jose Civic
  • March 12 Los Angeles, CA Orpheum Theatre
  • March 13 Oakland, CA Fox Theater
  • March 16 Denver, CO Paramount Theatre
  • March 17 Ralston, NE Ralston Arena
  • March 18 Minneapolis, MN State Theatre
  • March 19 Milwaukee, WI Riverside Theater
  • March 20 Saint Louis, MO Fox Theatre – St. Louis
  • March 22 Knoxville, TN The Tennessee Theatre
  • March 23 Charleston, WV Clay Center for Arts & Sciences
  • March 24 Chattanooga, TN Tivoli Theatre
  • March 25 Cincinnati, OH Taft Theatre
  • March 26 Lima, OH Veterans Memorial Civic Center
  • March 27 Richmond, VA Carpenter Theatre
  • March 29 Detroit, MI Fox Theatre
  • March 30 Warren, OH Packard Music Hall
  • March 31 Washington, DC Warner Theatre
  • April 1 Greensburg, PA The Palace Theatre
  • April 2 Rockford, IL Coronado Performing Arts Center
  • April 3 Rosemont, IL Rosemont Theatre
  • April 5 Rochester, NY Kodak Center for the Arts
  • April 6 Wilkes Barre, PA F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts
  • April 7 Staten Island, NY St. George Theatre
  • April 8 Brookville, NY The Tilles Center at LIU Post
  • April 9 Albany, NY Palace Theatre
  • April 10 Boston, MA Emerson Colonial Theatre
  • April 12 Syracuse, NY Oncenter – John H. Mulroy Civic Center – Crouse-Hinds Theatre
  • April 13 Glenside, PA Keswick Theatre
  • April 14 Lancaster, PA American Music Theatre
  • April 15 Wallingford, CT Oakdale Theatre
  • April 16 Red Bank, NJ Count Basie Center for the Arts
  • April 19 Mobile, AL Mobile Civic Center
  • April 20 Huntsville, AL Von Braun Center
  • April 22 Louiville, KY The Louisville Palace Theater
  • April 23 Charlotte, NC Belk Theater At North Carolina Blumenthal Performing Arts Center
  • April 24 Indianapolis, IN Murat Theatre
  • April 27 Birmingham, AL BJCC Concert Hall
  • April 28 Durham, NC Durham Performing Arts Center
  • April 30 Fort Lauderdale, FL Broward Center for the Performing Arts
  • May 2 Melbourne, FL King Center for the Performing Arts
  • May 3 Jacksonville, FL Florida Theatre
  • May 4 Orlando, FL Walt Disney Theatre
  • May 5 Clearwater, FL Ruth Eckerd Hall
  • May 6 Atlanta, GA The Fox Theatre
  • May 7 Columbia, SC Township Auditorium
  • May 8 New Orleans, LA Saenger Theatre
  • May 10 Sugar Land, TX Smart Financial Centre
  • May 11 Midland, TX Wagner Noel Performing Arts Center
  • May 12 San Antonio, TX Majestic Theatre
  • May 13  Grand Prairie, TX Texas Trust CU Theatre

Tickets and VIP packages are on sale now for shows that were rescheduled and tickets for the newly added shows go on sale to the general public starting Friday, October 8. Since Citi is the official presale credit card of the tour, Citi cardmembers have access to purchase presale tickets for the new shows beginning October 5 at 10 a.m. local time. Visit Citi or the LOL Surprise Live site for all the details!

—Erica Loop

 

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Albert Einstein once said, “If you want your children to be intelligent, read them fairy tales. If you want them to be more intelligent, read them more fairy tales.

As a young girl, I remember my parents reading me a story every night at bedtime. My favorite book was Cinderella. As I listened, I would close my eyes and picture the story in my mind. As soon as the storytelling would begin, the boundary between the life of Cinderella and everyday life seemed to quickly disappear. And the ending was never a surprise (and that was my favorite part) for I was safe in the knowledge that through it all—lost slipper or bad fairy, the princess would marry the prince and get to live in the larger than life palace just beyond the sunset, happily ever after.

Fairy tales teach us about empathy and compassion, relationships, and the difference between good and evil. These stories are more than just happily ever after. They portray real moral lessons thru characters and virtue shown in the stories.

Some of the benefits of reading fairy tales to your children include:

  • Giving kids a place to learn the idea that life isn’t always easy and people don’t always have your best interests at heart. These stories give parents a way of gradually introducing their children to the idea that there are some bad people in the world. At the same time, it’s a way of reinforcing the importance of being kind, thoughtful, and true.
  • Fairy Godmothers, talking animals, evil witches—anything is possible in a fairy tale! Our world needs more imaginative and creative thinkers. When our minds are opened to all sorts of ideas and possibilities as children, we develop an out-of-the-box thinking style. When presented with a problem or challenge, children with vivid imaginations will come up with wonderfully unique ways to overcome those challenges.
  • Sharing stories can be a very powerful way to help children navigate complex and moral subjects. They learn and discover their actions have consequences and can affect other people’s feelings, as well as impacting their own emotions.
  • Without being explicitly known, children learn that hard work pays off and that sometimes delayed gratification is necessary. Fairy tales provide answers to what the world is really like and a child’s place within it.
  • Fairy tales encourage children to develop their own creativity. Most fairy tales do not include detailed outlines of the characters which encourage children to make up their own mental picture of the characters. The vague descriptions of places and events also help children develop their imaginations by envisioning what is happening in the story. This creativity, in turn, will be an invaluable skill for children in later life.

There are many versions of the same fairy tale. Gone are the days when all the main characters looked virtually the same. Now children from all over the world can glimpse different cultures through these stories and see themselves reflected as well. Often, these versions depend on the culture of its author.

These stories not only provide us with pieces of our background but enlighten others to something different. Fairy tales have the power to change lives. They can inspire a person to be something greater than they are, and become the person they want to be. The power of fairy tales can give people strength in their weakest moments, and lead them down a path they wouldn’t originally have the courage to walk.

Most young children aren’t remotely aware that they’re learning life skills. For them, all that matters is the moment, when a good story whirls them away into new worlds. One of the reasons I believe love fairy tales remain so powerful is that extraordinary things happen to ordinary people. In a fairy tale, a young girl lost in the forest, can find food and comfort in a houseful of bears.

Through her vibrant picture books, illustrated by her brother Zeka Cintra,Isabel strives to introduce kids to a world where diversity is valuable and beautiful. Fantasy, representativeness and diversity are common themes in her editorial production. She currently resides in Stockholm, Sweden with her husband and daughters.