A child’s birthday party can be a magical experience and create memories that last a lifetime

While most families want to include their children in the typical birthday traditions of balloons, singing and gathering, for children living with sensory disorders, birthday parties are likely to create some sensory overload. The singing, dancing, laughing, and shouting can put them into overdrive and turn, what should be an enjoyable experience, into a stressful one. But this doesn’t mean kids should miss out on birthday parties—they just need to be approached a little differently. Here’s how to plan a sensory-inclusive birthday party.

Plan Sensory-Friendly Activities

The great news is that the team at Blue Sprig Pediatrics created a wonderful list of sensory-inclusive birthday ideas that are as much fun for all children as they are accommodating for children with autism. Activity ideas include:

  • Sensory-Friendly Slime: Playing with slime is not only an enjoyable activity but helps children develop their fine-motor skills. It can also be a relaxing activity for kids, especially those with sensory disorders.
  • Sensory-Themed Bins: These are plastic tubs or containers filled with some material to help stimulate the senses. While they activate the senses, these bins provide a calming activity and present opportunities for learning and exploring.
  • Birthday-Party Playdough: Playdough is fun just about any time and is another great activity to infuse into a birthday party as a creative and relaxing mode of play.

In addition to activities, consider environmental modifications to help prevent children from feeling overwhelmed, such as a venue with limited capacity, a quiet room, dimmed lighting or music that is not too loud.

Every child is different and that is true for neurodiverse kids as well. If you are inviting an autistic child as a guest, don’t be afraid to ask their parent how to make the celebration as inclusive as possible.

Creating Visual Transitions Are Key

After selecting sensory-friendly activities in a soothing environment, concentrate on how children will transition from one activity to the next. Displaying a visual schedule of the party’s events on the wall and verbally reviewing the itinerary with kids will help every party-goer feel comfortable with the day’s events. Another idea is to announce the end of the activity with some advanced notice. For example, you can tell children, “In 10 minutes, we will finish arts and crafts and move to cupcakes.” This helps children visualize what will happen and when all particularly helpful for children with autism.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask For Extra Help

If you are hosting an event for your own child, ask friends and other family members to help at the party. Someone familiar with neurodiversity can help set up activities and assist with meltdowns if necessary. You can also seek consultation with your therapy team beforehand to discuss what would work best for your child.

Prepare for Meltdowns

Since birthday parties present opportunities for sensory overload, there is a possibility that your child will experience a meltdown. At Blue Sprig Pediatrics, we help parents identify signs that a child is beginning to feel overwhelmed and empower them to utilize strategies that may help avoid meltdowns. For example, parents can work together with their child to create a “break plan” which may include identifying a quiet room, using a weighted blanket, engaging with sensory-friendly toys, or taking a moment to enjoy favorite foods.

Eliminate Triggers

For example, if your child is likely to have a meltdown if a balloon pops, don’t have balloons at the party, or rather, have larger helium balloons that are less likely to pop. Or if your child does not like people singing “Happy Birthday,” set aside time to practice what that will be like ahead of time or skip the tradition altogether.

Watching videos of birthday parties are also a great way to help your child prepare for the experience. Work on activities like responding when opening a present, involving them in a calendar countdown to party day, and reviewing pictures of people who will be at the party ahead of time.

With a little extra planning and expectation-setting, birthday parties can be enjoyable and happy experiences for all children.

 

Tiffanie Moore, MA, NCSP, BCBA, LBA
Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Tiffanie Moore, MA, NCSP, BCBA, LBA is the Associate Vice President of Clinical Services at BlueSprig. 

On your mark. Get set. Go! Race season has begun and sprinting to the finish line is not just for grown-ups. You’ll find a host of fun runs and charity walks in Chicago for families looking to exercise together. We laced up our sneaks and set out to find the best, here’s a rundown of our favorite ways to close your Apple Watch fitness rings in 2022.

ONGOING

‘Go Runs
Park Districts and Chicago Area Runners Association have paired up to provide weekly timed runs. Make the runs a weekly event to explore new areas of Chicago while staying fit with your family. Strollers are welcome, so no baby gets left behind. Saturdays during spring & summer; Parks throughout Chicago. More info.

APRIL

Brookfield Zoo

Bunny Rock 5K & Egg Hunt
Hop, skip and run for a great cause. You'll support the Red Door Animal Shelter while your gang runs or walks through this bunny-filled 5K. Afterwards, your candy lovers won’t want to miss the massive Egg Dash with 3,000 eggs. Apr. 16; Montrose Harbor, 601 W. Montrose Harbor, Uptown. More info

Champion of Trees 10K at Morton Arboretum
Enjoy the first signs of spring on a challenging course with rolling terrain. After the run, stay for a complimentary beer, live music and free admission to the Arboretum. Apr. 23; Morton Arboretum, 4100 IL-53, Lisle. More info

Best Buddies Friendship Walk at Soldier Field
Walk, support and celebrate best buddies at the Best Buddies Friendship Walk. The Friendship Walk is the number one walk in the country raising awareness and funds to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Apr. 23; Soldier Field, 1410 Special Olympics Dr., Near Southside. More info

2K Glow RunWalk
This 1.25-mile nighttime fun run featuring black bubble lights and color stations is not to be missed. Enjoy a rockin’ glow party with a DJ before and after the race. Maximize your glow by wearing as much white or neon as possible. Apr. 23; Ackerman Park, 800 S. Charles Rd., Glen Ellyn. More info

Earth Day Run at Brookfield Zoo
Lace-up for the Earth Day Run – A Run for the Planet. This non-competitive 2.2 mile “fun run” through the twist and turns of Brookfield Zoo takes place during pre-park hours and is set up for all ages. Apr. 24; Brookfield Zoo, 3300 Golf Rd., Brookfield. More info

JUNE

The Color Run 5K
Wear your whitest clothes because at every kilometer, you'll be doused from head to toe with colored powder. The fest at the end with music, dancing, activity booths, more color throws and photo opps will keep the whole family entertained. Jun. 4; Soldier Field, 1410 Special Olympics Dr., Near Southside. More info

Cosley Zoo Run for the Animals
The Cosley Zoo Run for the Animals 5K, 10K & Kids’ 1/2 mile raises funds for the animals at Cosley Zoo as well as exhibit development projects, public programs and conservation projects. Jun. 4; Memorial Park, 208 W. Union Ave., Wheaton. More info

Run for the Zoo
Run for the Zoo is an annual highlight on the Chicago running calendar and helps keep admission free, 365 days a year. The Kids' Course offers a more playful way for kids ages 3-8 to interact with the natural world. Jun. 5-13; Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N. Clark St., Lincoln Park; More info.

Move for the Kids Virtual 5K
Move for the Kids is a 3-mile walk and rally honoring the important work of Lurie's Children's Hospital. Jun. 12; Soldier Field, 1410 Special Olympics Dr., Near Southside. More info.

Lambs Farm Fun & Fit Family Day
This fun, family-oriented  5K fun run or 2-mile walk benefits Lambs Farm's programs and services that help adults with developmental disabilities. Stay afterward for post-run/walk refreshments, games and activities. Jun. 18; Lames Farm, 14245 W. Rockland, Libertyville. More info

Outrun the Cops and Walk for Kids
Have you ever wondered if you could outrun the cops? Now's your chance to test your theories . . . with zero consequences. Most of this 10K or 5K run is along the scenic Des Plaines River Trail and you'll attempt to finish before the police. At the end, take photos with officers and squad cars. Jun. 25; Gurnee Police Station, 100 O'Plaine Rd., Gurnee. More info

JULY

Mary Taylor via Pexels

A Safe Haven Virtual 5k Run/Walk
This run/walk and kids’ dash, benefiting A Safe Haven social service agency, supports numerous housing, job placement/training and other programs for the homeless and less fortunate. Once you cross the finish line, you'll be rewarded with the sweet sound of music. Jul. 10-18; Virtual. More info.

AUGUST

Dim Sum & Then Some: Uptown 5K, 10K and Kids Dash
Proceeds for this run through Uptown benefit the low-income and refugee communities striving to learn English, become a citizen, enrich academically and socially and build a better community through work, entrepreneurship and mutual aid. Aug. 6; 1016 W. Argyle St., Uptown. More details

TransPerfect Chicago Victory 5K
TransPerfect Chicago is hosting their Victory 5K featuring a scenic race with city views, a silent auction and a post-race celebration with food, beverages and entertainment. All proceeds benefit the V Foundation for Cancer Research. Aug. 11, Diversery Habor, 2601 N. Cannon Dr., Lakeview. More details

Stan's Donut Run
Grab your donut-lovin’ friends and register for the 2022 Stan’s Donut Race! Join in for a 5K and Kids Dash at Montrose Harbor or participate virtually. Stan's Donut Race is proud to partner with Greater Chicago Food Depository as this year's beneficiary charity. Aug. 13; Soldier Field, 1410 Special Olympics Dr., Near Southside. More info

Life Time Kids Tri Chicago
Rivaling the largest youth triathlons nationwide, the Life Time Kids Tri Chicago attracts more than 1,000 youth athletes every year! They can swim, bike and run like the grownups, but for shorter distances. Aug. 27; Foster Beach, Foster Avenue & Lake Shore Dr., North Side. More info.

SEPTEMBER

ZERO Prostate Cancer Run/Walk
More than 7,000 men in the Chicagoland area will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year alone. The ZERO Prostate Cancer Run/Walk brings the community together to raise awareness and funds. This event features a 5K run/walk, 1-mile walk, Kids Superhero Dash for Dad, and virtual Snooze for Dudes program, where you can show your support without attending. Sep. 18; Diversey Harbor, 2601 N. Cannon Dr., Lakeview. More info.

OCTOBER

Walk Now for Autism Speaks
The no-pressure, three-mile walk is taking place in two locations, Soldier Field and Wheaton. The downtown walk takes you leisurely by the Field Museum and Shedd Aquarium and along the lakefront. Strollers—and even Radio Flyer wagons—are welcome. 

Tip: Like all races, the environment at an Autism Speaks Walk can become overwhelming for people with sensory sensitivities. The Quiet Room can be used as a safe outlet should your loved one living with autism become overwhelmed. Oct. 22; Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Rd., Wheaton & Oct. 23; Soldier Field, 1410 Museum Campus Dr., Museum Campus. More info.

Susan G. Komen Race for a Cure
The Susan G. Komen Race for the cure is an education and fundraising event that benefits breast cancer. The series of 5K runs and walks raises significant funds for the breast cancer movement, celebrates breast cancer survivorship and honors those who have lost their battle with the disease. Oct. 29; Soldier Field, 1410 Special Olympics Dr., Near Southside. More info.

NOVEMBER

Reindeer Run at Brookfield Zoo
Grab your glow sticks and running shoes and join Reindeer Run at Brookfield Zoo. With a two-mile course entirely within Brookfield Zoo, you and your family can "fun run" and be the first to see the zoo all decked out in lights for its Holiday Magic! Nov. 19; Brookfield Zoo, 3300 Golf Rd., Brookfield. More info

— Maria Chambers

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As an attorney, I often read about lawsuits wondering what the best outcome for both parties will be. I sat through what felt like a decade of law classes learning that not everything is what it seems. Learning to condense information to the most necessary facts and looking at both sides of a case. 

Now in my legal profession, I sit across my clients, digging deeper, finding out facts about who they are as a person. To highlight their personal struggles to formulate a defense and negotiate based on who they are, not what they have done. I listen to mothers and fathers as they recite their son’s and daughters’ stories of life long struggles, of IEP’s, diagnosis, addiction, and peer pressure. I hear the pain in their voice as they talk about circumstances they could not control. 

Before having children, I thought of my own life path during these conversations and the experiences that pushed me into a social service life. Now, as I hear these stories, I think of my children, hoping as they enter into the world, that will be met with kindness, that the people they encounter will come from a place of wanting to understand instead of a place of trying to shove them into societies expectations. 

I came across a story in the news on CNN with the title “Mother of 7-year-old with autism files lawsuit after resource officer handcuffed her son her son at school.” The boy was enrolled in a day treatment program. A program he was sent to with the expectation that it was the best choice for him. As parents of special needs children, we are often navigating therapy programs, school choices, and day treatment programs. We are looking for the best fit to help our children. We are often met with fights from IEP teams, insurance providers, and school staff. We do our best to advocate for our children’s needs. According to the lawsuit, the officers assigned to her son’s program were aware that children at the day treatment program had special needs and suffered from various developmental, mental health, and behavioral issues, including autism. The lawsuit details facts about the situation that the boy verbalized being stressed out. He was taken to a quiet room by his teacher to help process his feelings. Body camera video shows Officer Fattaleh forced the boy, who was in a sensory room, into a kneeling position, with his arms pinned behind him, saying, “if you spit on me, I’m going to put a hood on you.” The lawsuit alleges that Fattaleh restrained the 7-year-old in metal handcuffs, on the ground, for more than 38 minutes, at one point stating, “Have you ever heard the term babysitter? I take that term literally, my friend.” According to CNN, he then said, “If you, my friend, are not acquainted with the juvenile justice system, you will be very shortly,” on the video. “You ever been charged before? OK, well, you’re fixing to.”

I do not know why this mother chose to send her son to this day program and what advocating she had to do to get him there. I’m sure as she sent him off, she had a set of fears if this was the right choice for him. As I read through the article, I flashed back to my feelings as I put my son on the public school bus last year. The fears that overcame me. The discussions I had with my husband over and over about those fears. Those fears highlighted in this lawsuit that my thoughts weren’t just a nervous special needs attorney mom overthinking. This boy, nearly 7-years-old who could verbalize he was stressed out and handcuffed for 38 minutes, who asked for help from a day program for special needs children. I thought of my son, only 4-years-old who can’t say I am stressed out, handcuffed, and scared. 

When the boy’s mother arrived, she was told that her son was going to be charged with one maybe two counts of assault. I thought of my clients and their parents, who tell me stories of situations that still cause heartache, who carry this heartache for things they could not control, from a public who misunderstands mental health, developmental disabilities, and yes, autism. I hope my children never experienced this level of misunderstanding that the world doesn’t meet them with handcuffs and cold statements. This mother is seeking to hold Fattaleh liable for inflicting “unnecessary and wanton pain and suffering,” what this mother can do in response to the officer’s actions under the law.

As an attorney, I know that this article does not highlight everything that happened that day, that we do not have all the facts. As a mother to a special needs child, I feel deeply for this mother. As I read about this mother’s experience, I looked at the fears that have left me wondering about society as a whole. I thought of her young 7-year-old special needs son and the adversity he faces in his daily life. 

I do not know what justice looks like for this mother and son. I can imagine that her lifelong feelings about her son’s experience that day will not be forgotten with won lawsuits. That a legal win will not take away the lingering heartache, they both will carry. As I send my children out into the world, I know my fears will always be there. Fears heightened by this boy’s story and my clients’ stories. Still, these fears will not stop me from getting my son the services he needs. They won’t stop me from believing that this world can change with knowledge and understanding. These fears won’t stop me from advocating, listening to the heartache, or facing the world as a special needs mom. 

Tabitha Cabrera, lives in Arizona with her husband, and two beautiful children. She works as an Attorney and enjoys spending her time in a public service role. The family loves nature and ventures outdoors as much possible. Come check out her little nature babies

The first three months of life are often referred to as the fourth trimester when your little one is still adjusting to life outside of the womb. During this adjustment, baby is depending on you to lead in building healthy habits – including healthy sleep habits.

 At first you may be overwhelmed with your little one’s irregular sleep patterns. While it will be a gradual shift to sleeping more consistently at night, it will happen. So, how can you help support your little one through this transition during the first few months of life? 

Educate yourself on newborn and infant sleep patterns. You can expect your baby to sleep between 16-18 hours per day for the first month and 11-15 hours per day the following two months. Your little one’s longest stretch of sleep will probably be between 2-4 hours at first, increasing as time goes on. Remember, even though having a familiar routine is important, try to be flexible instead of adhering to a strict schedule these first few months. 

Learn about feeding patterns. Did you know that feeding on demand – whether by breast or bottle – promotes healthy sleep? You can expect your little one to feed 8-12 times per day. As we mentioned above, be flexible with your little one’s feeding needs. Babies tend to cluster feed – again, whether by breast or bottle – around the 2nd day, 2nd week and 2nd month of life. 

Pay attention to sleep cues. Some cues may seem obvious – yawning, rubbing their eyes, heavy eyelids or interacting less than usual – but when you yourself are sleep deprived, it can feel impossible to tell what your baby wants. Your baby may exhibit one or more of these sleep cues, or may have other indicators of their own. Just pay attention and as time goes on you will learn what they are. 

Consider how surroundings affect sleep. At night, lay your little one down in a dark, quiet room to sleep. During the day, leave lights on and make noises as usual. This will help your little one gravitate toward sleeping at night when the atmosphere is more calm and serene. Also take into consideration how warm or cool the room is since your baby cannot yet regulate their own temperature. Colors, smells and other sensations can also affect their sleep. 

Help your little one self-soothe. Your newborn will not be able to self-soothe at first, but swaddling and patting them can help them feel calm and safe as they grow. As you near the third month, begin limiting talking and interacting during sleep times. You may want to begin introducing a pacifier or lovey that will provide comfort as well. 

Introduce a routine. Even though your newborn will have their days and nights mixed up at first, just give them time and it will slowly get better. The sooner that you can introduce a routine, the easier it will be for your little one to catch on. Maybe you read a book to your little one before bath time and lotion. Maybe you have a familiar song you sing or a toy that plays music to cue that it’s bedtime. There is no right or wrong, just create a routine that works for you. 

Hindi Zeidman is a former infant mental health clinician and the founder of Ollie Swaddle—The Smarter Swaddle that’s made better, feels better, and helps your baby sleep longer and better. The award-winning Ollie also help baby self-calm, reduces colic/fussiness, and prevents overheating through its special patented moisture wicking fabric.

Large crowds and loud noises can be overwhelming for kids with autism and other special needs, but that doesn’t mean they have to miss out on the thrill of visiting a fair. The Ohio State Fair is hosting a sensory-friendly day for those with special needs.

From amusement parks to airports, many businesses are accommodating kids and adults with autism and other sensory-related special needs. Now, the Ohio State Fair is following suit with a sensory-friendly day designed to give fair goers with autism an experience they can enjoy.

On Jul. 31 the fair will turn off the lights and loud music, minimize line wait times and crowds and open a quiet room in order to accommodate those with autism and other sensory-related special needs. The fair will also be providing visual schedules and Wait Cards, which help minimize the stress of understanding how lines and wait times work.

“If you are overwhelmed and need a break, you can go in the quiet room,” Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence executive director Shawn Henry told WDTN. “We’ll have fidgets and other items just to make the environment something that’s inviting, that’s relaxing, then, you can go back out and enjoy other activities,” adding this event is the first of its kind. “The fair is probably going to be one of the most accessible fairs in the entire country.”

Henry thinks more fairs will follow in Ohio’s footsteps. “I really think that the Ohio State Fair is blazing a trail,” Henry said. “The fair is probably going to be [one of the most] accessible fairs in the entire country.”

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Featured photo: Scott Webb via Pixabay

 

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Aquatica Orlando is the world’s first autism-certified waterpark! Even though the Florida attraction itself isn’t new, its recent certification from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) is.

As a Certified Autism Center (CAC), Aquatica Orlando’s staff (or as the park calls them, Ambassadors) receive specialized training that allows them to completely cater to children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Along with learning about autism, the Ambassadors’ training includes info on sensory awareness, motor skills, program development, environment, communication and emotional awareness.

Not only can kids benefit from the specially-trained staff, but the park also includes a Quiet Room with adjustable lighting, comfortable seating and plenty of privacy and a Low Sensory Area, an in-park spot that’s away from the sounds, lights, motion and everything else in the aquatic attraction.

David Heaton, Vice President of Aquatica Orlando, said in a press statement, “As the first water park in the world to complete the training and become a Certified Autism Center, Aquatica Orlando is proud to provide fun and memorable experiences through exceptional service.” Heaton added, “We continually strive to create safe and meaningful experiences for all of our guests, and we are committed in our efforts to offer families inclusive activities for children with autism and other special needs.”

The park also offers plenty of pre-trip resources (including a sensory guide), giving parents the chance to create a game-plan beforehand. Find additional information on visiting the park on the Aquatica Orlando website.

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Aquatica Orlando via Instagram

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Temper tantrums. There’s no telling when or where they will strike. Just thinking about them makes a parent break out in a cold sweat. But what if there was a way to stop meltdowns before they start? It’s possible, trust us. We looked high and low for tools and tricks to keep tantrums at bay, and below are our favorite mom-tested-and-approved methods. Take a peek and try one (or a few) out the next time your kid starts to go blue in the face.

1. Check out The TantrumBox. After experiencing their own kids’ tantrums, Allison Steinberger (a teacher and mom of two) and her physician husband researched and came up with the TantrumBox, which is a list of 100 fun ways to prevent a tantrum in addition to sensory products, which are great at distraction. Items in the box include a tangle toy, a telescope kaleidoscope, play-doh, among others.

2. Hug it out. After studying more than 100 tantrums, researchers at the University of Minnesota concluded that tantrums often involve anger and sadness. And since anger tends to fizzle out quicker than sadness, the way past a tantrum is to tend to the sadness, which leaves us with hugs! That’s right–enveloping your wailing child in a warm, well-timed hug may help ebb the tide of a tantrum.

photo: iStock

3. Take a deep breath and stay calm. A surefire way to escalate your kid’s tantrum is to flip out and start losing your cool. Taking a deep breath before entering the fray may help steady your nerves and keep everything in perspective. Remind yourself that ALL kids have tantrums, and this too will end.

4. Try a distraction like acting silly. They say laughter is the best medicine, but it’s also great at distracting your child during a temper tantrum. Making a silly face or a funny noise might just turn your child’s head away from what they’re tantrum-ing about and make them laugh. It’s worth a shot.

photo: iStock

5. Create a calming center. Sometimes temper tantrums are born out of anxiety and frustration. A great way to counteract that, especially when you’re at home, is to create a calming center in a quiet room or corner of your house. You can search on Amazon for items—including the Calm Down Jar, which is a tube filled with a glittery gel and water that your child can swish back and forth. There are also fidget toys, fidget spinners, homeopathic calming tablets, calming essential oil, and more.

6. Just walk away. Not every parent will be comfortable with this method, but sometimes just walking away and letting the tantrum fizzle out works great. Obviously, this way works best if you’re at home or in a contained spot (not out at a restaurant, the mall, the movie theater, etc), but if you can just leave the room, your child may lose interest in their tantrum and calm down on their own.

photo: Chi Yoga

7. Yoga breathing. A big trend now in nursery schools is tiny yoga, and part of this practice is teaching children to deep breathe and be cognizant of their breathing. Practice this when she’s not having a tantrum so she understands the practice and enjoys the calming effect. Once she’s mid-tantrum, just calmly ask her to take a few deep breaths and hopefully, this will work to calm her down.

8. Validating and empathizing with your kid. Guess what? Your kid has a temper tantrum when he’s upset or sad or unsettled or for a million other reasons, but the main reason is that he’s not happy about something. Why not try showing him you understand and that you get that he’s upset? Validating why your tot is upset may open the door to communication instead of screaming, wailing, etc.

9. Try picking up a book. There are tons of books out there about warding off temper tantrums but the one we’re excited about is No More Tantrums.  In author Maria van Lieshout’s newest addition to the Big Kid Power series, she tackles tantrums and different ways both parents and kids can fight through them. Advice for kids includes ideas such as “Big kids use their words” and “When I’m upset I take a little break.” The illustrations are adorable and are great for demonstrating to children the different ways to calm down.

10. Preparing them and setting out expectations. If you’re going to a restaurant, let your kids know beforehand that there won’t be ice cream for dinner. If you’re heading to the movies, let your kids know what they can and cannot get from the concession stand. Why? Because giving kids parameters and guidelines often help them feel more in control. We’re not saying this will eliminate tantrums on the road, but it will help lessen them since your children will know beforehand what’s allowed.

—Felissa Allard

 

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Remember in college when a friend would disappear for a semester abroad only to return as a slightly cooler, more interesting, funner version of themselves? That’s what’s happened with our beloved Children’s Museum. It’s returned from a four month closure to renovate and revitalize learning zones but don’t worry— it hasn’t shed everything you loved about it before it went away. Read on to find out why we’re thrilled to welcome it back.

New Learning Zones

While the footprint hasn’t changed, you’ll discover a more efficient use of space throughout the renovated museum. You’ll find a new central exhibit, Gateway to the World, designed as a two-story climbing structure that simulates a trek through the layers of the earth. You’ll also spot a new mezzanine level that houses the Step Up to Science interactive STEM lab. While the previous museum was geared to kids ages 0-8, the re-imagined lab brings an entirely new set of experiences to kids even older. Explorers of all ages will love the new addition to the Waffle House in the farm-to-table exhibit. And be sure to check out the new Maker Space, outfitted with tools for childrens’ inventions and artistic creations.

Don’t Miss: While your kiddos are exploring the layers of the earth in the Gateway to the World climbing structure, you can launch styrofoam rockets into “space” around them from the main floor.

Revitalized Learning Zones

If your kids were big fans of the milking cow or fishing pond, you’ll still find them in the redesigned Fundamentally Food exhibit along with exciting new components and state-of-the-art technology. Follow the path that food takes from the farm to the table by exploring how food is moved on trucks to a grocery store, and then to a restaurant. For your artists, the renewed Let Your Creativity Flow space will encourage children to experiment with music and participate in lessons incorporating various media and musical instruments. The museum’s tiniest visitors will enjoy a refreshed Leaping Into Learning space with plenty of tactile experiences and fun ways for pre-walkers to explore the world around them.

Don’t Miss: When you sense a case of overstimulation coming on, check out the cozy quiet room for reading.

When to Go & How Long to Stay

Whether you’ve got 30 minutes or hours to play, you’ll find a worthwhile experience at the museum. Plan you day by consulting this calendar. Story times, mini-musicals, and plenty of special celebrations (Three King’s Day, anyone?) will keep your visits fresh and exciting.

Don’t Miss: The Museum does not host field trips or large groups on Mondays, making it an especially good day for families with little roamers. Other weekdays, field trip groups typically depart by 1 p.m. Plan an extra hour and pack a lunch for a picnic in one of the two nearby playgrounds in Centennial Park. One of the playgrounds is covered—perfect for rainy days—and re-entry to the museum is allowed.

Children’s Museum of Atlanta
275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW
404-659-5437
Online: childrensmuseumatlanta.org

$14.95/person over age 1; Daily in December from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

What’s your favorite feature of Children’s Museum? Tell us in the comments section below!

—Shelley Massey

All photos courtesy of the author

Whether you’re a fan of this classic book, or just excited to have the chance to take your littlest theater fan for a night out on the town, the Seattle Children’s Theater’s production of Goodnight Moon hits just the right note for parents and kids. There are plenty of silly, sight gags to make the wee ones giggle. And lots of “you are so my people” moments parents will share with the Old Lady. Long story short, it’s a sweet production, no matter what your age. Bravo!

photo: Chris Bennion

In the great green room…
In this production, there’s definitely a telephone and a red balloon. And who can forget that silly cow jumping over the moon (but we’ll get to that in a moment)? From the minute your Littles lay eyes on this perfectly reproduced stage, they’ll think they’ve stepped into Margaret Wise Brown’s adorable story. Every detail is there, from the little toy house on down to the young mouse; even the bowl full of mush sits at its rightful place on Bunny’s bedside table. It’s this air of familiarity that will settle even the wiggliest dramatists down for a sweet night at the theater.

photo: Chris Bennion

And the quiet old lady whispering hush…
Just like the book, the storyline of the play is a simple one. It’s bedtime for Bunny. But just like real life, putting Bunny to bed is not as simple as it seems. He needs some water. And then he needs to be tucked in. Sound familiar? And the list goes on, as the Old Lady calmly redirects him again and again back to his comfy bed. With each interruption comes a little mini story, focused on one aspect of the book. The kittens play with string on Bunny’s bed, keeping him wide awake. The bears on chairs leap from the painting to entertain Bunny with a catchy little tap number. Even the lamp and the blankets on the bed get in on the action, with magical puppetry and special effects that will keep your sidekick wondering, “how did they do that?” And the story unfolds, as all parents well know, with Bunny finally, finally giving in and heading off to sleep, but not without a lot of coaxing, singing and whimsical distractions along the way.

photo: Chris Bennion

The play, put on in the Eve Alvord Theater, clocks in at just under 90 minutes, with a solid 10-minute intermission so the tot lot can get their wiggles out. The theater has cushy bench seats so kidlets can spread out if they need to and move with more freedom than traditional theater seats allow. This makes for easy viewing for those as young as three. But if you’ve got one that just can’t wait to share an insight, or really wants to ask questions throughout the production, there’s always the quiet room at the top of the theater, where parents can take their busy sidekicks without missing any of the action on stage. Everything’s piped in up there, so drama kings and queens can be as excited as they want to be. And who can blame them, really? This stuff is fun!

photo: Chris Bennion

Goodnight Activities
The Seattle Children’s Theatre staff is always so thoughtful about what their littlest audience members take away from any performance, and Goodnight Moon is no exception. If you’re looking for a side of learning to enhance your theatrical outing, be sure to leaf through the online Active Audience Guide before or after the show. It’s chock full of goodies about the performance, with insider info on everything from costuming to puppeteering to how the stage was made. Curious kiddos will also get a kick out of the coloring pages, reading suggestions and sweet sleepy poems that are in there too. Our suggestion? Print out a copy to keep the wee ones occupied before the show starts.

photo: Chris Bennion

Goodnight Extras
Friday nights are jammie nights during Goodnight Moon’s run. Be sure to dress the kiddos in their bedtime best (and join in if you’re game!), and bring a blankie or stuffie to cuddle with during the show. Not only does this make for some of the cutest viewing you’ve ever seen, but it makes putting them straight to bed after the show a cinch too. Select performances will have a little pre-show reading of Goodnight Moon and Runaway Bunny (which has a sweet cameo in the play) in comfy poufs set up in the lobby. And families are encouraged to bring along new pajamas or a new copy of your favorite bedtime book to donate to Wellspring Family Services at any of the performances. These little extras will help make bedtime easier for area families in need.

photo: Allison Sutcliffe

An extra special part of this show is the sensory-friendly performance, scheduled for April 4  at 5:30 p.m., designed to put kiddos with diverse developmental and sensory needs at ease. This relaxed performance will include subdued lighting and sound effects, as well as a chance to “Meet the Theater” on March 29 at 4:30 p.m. Here, curious cuties will have a chance to tour the theater and ask questions before attending the performance. Check out all the sensory goodness must-knows online.

Good to know
If seeing Goodnight Moon is definitely on your must-see list, grab tickets quickly as a few performances are already sold out!

Seattle Children’s Theatre
201 Thomas St.
Seattle, Wa 98109
206-441-3322
Online: sct.org/Shows/2014-2015-Season/Goodnight-Moon

Dates & times: Thur.-Fri., 7 p.m.; Sat., 2 p.m. & 5:30 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m. & 2:30 p.m.
When: March 5–April 26
Cost: $20-$40
Ages: 3 & up

Are you planning to see Goodnight Moon? Have you seen it already? Tell us your favorite part of the production in a comment below. 

— Allison Sutcliffe