From a DJ booth for the big kids to butterfly wings for the littles, you can use your old cardboard boxes to create these unique Halloween costumes
It’s that time of year! The weather has that autumn chill, everything is pumpkin-flavored (just look at TJ’s latest pumpkin offerings!), and the kids are buzzing with family costume ideas. Instead of breaking your budget on a store-bought costume, why not reuse those Amazon boxes you have stashed away? They’re called “boxtumes,” and with just a little crafty inspiration and your child’s imagination, you can create any number of cardboard box costumes that will make for a happy Halloween. Looking for some more DIY inspiration? Check out these Halloween crafts for kids, super-cool pumpkin carving stencils (your neighbors will flip!), and haunted Halloween decorations.
Your little builders will love painting these Minecraft heads for their Halloween costumes this year. What’s especially nice is that you’ll need a reasonably-sized box, not a huge one you’ll have to find.
We love this sibling costume idea—a mixed tape and a guitar made out of boxes. Bonus: Your kids can wear comfy clothes for the rest of the costume, which means you’ll win Halloween.
Zoltar
Get ready to read some fortunes with this Zoltar costume you can create using a cardboard box. Suspenders help to hold it up and you’ll want to add some accessories like a genie lamp and colorful magic ball to channel the sorcery of it all.
This is an easy and great idea for using up all those boxes from Amazon! Just be warned— this cool costume could have other trick-or-treaters trying to get the candy to dispense. A Slinky, paint, and a few other items are all you’ll need to make your version of this tasty get-up. Head over to Thrifty and Thriving to get the entire tutorial.
DJ
Kate Loweth
Snag a shirt from your favorite band, some headphones, and some chains and you'll be on your way to building a fantastic DJ costume. Use your box to make the turntable and grab a record from Goodwill. Super easy!
Oui, oui, your child is a fabulously French macaron. This scrumptious costume looks good enough to eat. Sadly, you can't, but it’s fun to create and your child will get a kick out of being their favorite dessert. Check out the design from Studio DIY.
A Kid in a Box
Kate Loweth
This illusion costume is super fun and easy to build. Just use a mask from last year and a hoodie to create the creature who is carrying you. Then you get to be carried in the box. Super fun!
How cute is this little X-ray costume? Not only is the skeleton totally on point for Halloween, but have a sibling or a parent dress up as a doctor, and boom—it's a family costume. Find out how to make one with your Amazon box by heading to Rachael Burgess.
Try your luck at making a set of dice this Halloween. Perfect for twins or BFFs, one of the best things about this costume is that it doesn't take a ton of supplies to make. Get the tutorial over at Sugar Bee Crafts.
Go Jurassic this Halloween with an adorable dinosaur cardboard box Halloween costume. Your kiddo can fit inside the box, making it easy to wear (in other words, no tight suits or itchy head coverings that your tot will surely refuse to even touch). And bonus, your kiddos can paint their dino any way they want. Get the full instructions from Adventure In a Box.
Someone has mail. No, not email—a real letter that’s made from paper. Okay, so the letter isn’t exactly all paper and pen marks. It’s cardboard! With a box and some creativity, you can build your child a cute airmail costume. Get the details from Studio DIY.
Your preschooler can’t stop going on and on about his favorite little blue engine. He’s totally into Thomas the Train and is begging (like every 30 seconds) for a costume that features his fave. Well, here’s where this costume from Sugar Bee Crafts comes in. It’s artsy, fun, and something you can DIY at home.
You’ve seen Disney’s Planes something like a trillion times. And now your child wants to play one of the roles. For Halloween, that is. Don’t worry about finding a ready-made L’il Dipper costume at the mall (or online). Check out this cardboard box version from Desert Chica.
Whether it’s princesses, fairies, or butterflies that interest your child, this cardboard costume is everything. It’s super simple but still artsy enough to get your creative kid into the crafty creation process. Learn how to turn your old boxes into a crown and beautiful butterfly wings over at The Sweetest Occasion.
You don’t have to keep the cardboard for the costume itself. This sweet firefighter outfit is easy to make—you can probably pick plenty of items from the dress-up bin to use. Here’s where the cardboard comes in. Use it to create the cutest fire truck wagon ever! Get the details from Repeat Crafter Me.
The holiday season doesn’t have to be all about Santa and the elves. Other cultures decorate their trees with spider webs, welcome a festive horse into their home, and even dine on the delicacy of KFC to celebrate the holidays
You may look for Santa Claus on Christmas Eve, but what if you had 13 Santas? Holiday traditions from around the world include floral abundance, door-to-door witches, and more. We think your kids will especially get a kick out of the tradition of Mari Lwyd—the horse mascot who visits you in the winter season. Take a look at this fun holiday tradition and you might even be inspired to introduce one to your family this season.
In Mexico, poinsettias aren't just pretty flowers for the holidays. Instead, the bright petals play an important role in the holiday story about a young peasant girl, who, after setting out for a Christmas celebration with no gift to give, sees (with the help of a heavenly visitor) her humble gift of collected grasses and weeds magically transformed into 'Flores de Noche Buena,' bringing her to understand the true meaning of giving from the heart.
Soyal—Southwestern US
In Hopi culture, the Soyal Solstice Ceremony held in December is a time to pray to Father Sun for the renewal of light and welcoming back of the sun. It is a time to purify and to wish for good health and prosperity for one’s family and friends and the kachinas—spirit beings who guard over the Hopi—often bring gifts for children. The start of the celebration begins sixteen days before the solstice when one of the chief kachinas makes an appearance and dances and sings. Families make prayer sticks to bless their friends, neighbors, family, animals, and plants alike. Children are sometimes given replicas of the kachinas to learn about them; they represent animals, plants, and other aspects of nature.
In the beautiful snow-covered hills of Iceland, there isn’t just one Santa, there are thirteen. Yes, you read that right. Thirteen Yule Lads cause mischief and decide who’s been naughty and who’s been nice. These sons of the evil troll woman, Grýla, arrive in the thirteen days leading up to Christmas Eve, and each has a mischievous specialty including stealing meat, sausages, and candles. They also give small gifts, chocolate, and other sweets to the good girls and boys and raw potatoes to the naughty ones.
Kiwi Christmas Tree—New Zealand
We love our classic evergreen trees, but for the Kiwis in New Zealand, it’s all about the pohutukawa tree. This beautiful tree has deep roots in New Zealand’s culture, with several songs, poems, and other cultural items capturing its significance. It is also part of Maori culture and is considered a bridge to the afterlife.
The yuletide season is a bit more like a carnival with these Latvian party animals, except the purpose of this riot of color and good times is to drive out the evil spirits from the home. The Mummers are hilarious jokers who love dressing up and traveling around in full costume as everything from bears to gypsies and even zombies. With their help, you’ll have a prosperous new year.
Mari Lwyd is a rare and special character. The name means Holy Mary, but it refers to the horse mascot that is carried door-to-door by singing groups in Wales during the holiday season. Traditional carolers usually stay beyond the threshold of your door, but, in Wales, they're trying to join the party. They sing small pieces of music as a way of asking to be let into each house and will banter back and forth with the family before being welcomed inside to enjoy sweet cakes and ale.
Celebrating Christmas in Ukraine started with a classic Christmas miracle. A penniless family decided to grow a Christmas tree from a pinecone. The excited kiddos spent months planning the perfect decorations for their special tree, but their parents didn’t have enough money to buy the extra decor. On Christmas morning, the family discovered that a group of helpful spiders had spun delicate webs through the tree’s branches. As the light hit the beautiful silk threads, they magically turned to silver and gold. Today, decorating Christmas trees with spiderwebs is a way to usher in good luck for the coming year.
In Italy, Santa is small potatoes compared to the arrival of an old woman on a broomstick named La Befana. She visits children on January 6th, to deliver gifts to the good little girls and boys and lumps of coal (or lumps of black sugar) to the naughty ones. According to legend, La Befana was invited to travel with the Three Wise Men to celebrate the birth of Jesus. She was busy cleaning her house, so she decided not to go. When she realized her mistake, she began searching high and low for the child and still wanders the earth to this day.
KFC Christmas—Japan
When you think of Christmas dinner, turkey or ham are probably your go-to dishes. Well in Japan, the ultimate feast is none other than KFC. The Colonel’s delectable Christmas Chicken started as a promotion in 1974, and the company has seen its sales peak every Christmas Eve since. So if you happen to be in Japan for the holiday, make sure to pop into KFC for finger-lickin' goodness. But, make sure to get there early because there's going to be a line.
The Bahamas brings a whole new meaning to the term “Christmas Party” with Junkanoo. This riot of music and vibrant colors was originally developed by enslaved people, who were given three days off for the Christmas holiday. They celebrated with music, masks, and killer dance moves. Today, this festival includes massive dance troupes of up to 1,000 people, elaborate costumes, and gorgeous music created with goatskin drums, cowbells, whistles, and horns.
Nordic countries have long celebrated the Winter Solstice, and in modern times, on December 13, Christians in Sweden, Norway, and parts of Finland celebrate St. Lucia Day with a traditional festival of lights. In each town, a representative for St. Lucia is chosen to lead a large procession through the town with all of the young girls dressed in white with wreaths of candles around their heads. The tradition continues at home, where the eldest daughter dresses in a white outfit and serves coffee and yummy biscuits to the family.
What is pride? It’s a feeling of being happy, content, and proud of who you are or what you’ve accomplished. Have you ever felt this before? Here at Xyza, we feel a sense of pride when we see governments and communities working together to accomplish something big, and when people treat each other with love, respect, and acceptance. That’s why we celebrate Pride Month with the LGBTQ community.
Countries around the world celebrate the LGBTQ community at different times of the year. In the United Kingdom, for example, Pride Month is celebrated in February, whereas in Brazil the largest Pride parade in the world usually takes place in March. In the United States, June is Pride month.
Why is June Pride month? In the United States, Pride Month is celebrated in the month of June to commemorate the Stonewall riots, a series of riots that erupted throughout New York City in June and July of 1969. These riots were a response to the police raid of the Stonewall Inn in New York City’s Greenwich Village, a popular gathering place for the young LGBT community during the early hours of June 28th, 1969. The police arrested employees for selling liquor without a license and roughed up the many patrons inside the inn. As police dragged patrons out of the bar and into police vans, people outside the bar watched and grew increasingly enraged. A riot soon ensued and continued for the next five days. Historians mark the Stonewall riots as a turning point in the gay rights movement.
This year marks the 53rd anniversary of what historians consider the start of annual Pride traditions. Why? On June 28th, 1970, a year after the Stonewall riots, an estimated 3,000 to 5,000 people marched down the streets of New York City to protest the abuse and discrimination that the LGBTQ community had suffered for hundreds of years. Today, millions of people around the country celebrate Pride Month with parades, festivals, workshops, and remembrance ceremonies to acknowledge the LGBTQ community and its impact on the world.
How is your city celebrating pride this year? Share with us by emailing editor@xyzanews.com.
We're two perfectly imperfect moms who have five very different kids between the two of us. We believe that topics in news are a fantastic way to spark conversations in families. That's why we started the Dinner Table Conversation series here at Xyza: News for Kids. Won't you join us in the conversation?
1. Talk about the History of Pride
Why is June Pride Month? In the United States, Pride Month is celebrated in the month of June to remember the Stonewall riots, a series of riots that erupted throughout New York City in June and July of 1969. These riots were a response to the police raid of the Stonewall Inn in New York City’s Greenwich Village, a popular gathering place for the young LGBT community during the early hours of June 28th, 1969. The police arrested employees for selling liquor without a license and roughed up the many patrons inside the inn. As police dragged patrons out of the bar and into police vans, people outside the bar watched and grew increasingly enraged. A riot soon ensued and continued for the next five days. Historians mark the Stonewall riots as a turning point in the gay rights movement.
2. Test Your Pride Trivia: Learning = Winning
How many countries have legalized same-sex marriage? Why is the rainbow flag a symbol of LGBTQ pride? What do the colors in the Pride flag mean? Which country hosts the largest Pride parade in the world? Which U.S. Presidents have acknowledged Pride month in the past? Answer trivia questions and learn a little more about Pride Month here.
3. Learn about How LGBTQ Rights Have Shifted around the World
In 2019, Ecuador became the fifth South American country to legalize same-sex marriage, Taiwan the first in Asia, and Northern Ireland the last of the countries of the United Kingdom to do the same. In 2020, Nepal announced that residents will have the option of declaring themselves female, male, or other gender in the next census. This was a big step towards acknowledging the fact that the LGBTQ community exists and that resources should be allocated to this minority population. These are just a few stories about the ongoing fight for LGBTQ equality happening around the world. For more news about LGBTQ rights, click here.
4. Get to Know People of Pride
Denise Ho is the first mainstream female singer from Hong Kong to declare herself lesbian, almost twenty years after she gained popularity. Kasha Nabagesera is a gay rights activist who continues to lead the fight for LGBTQ rights in Uganda. Did you know that New Zealand’s parliament is the queerest in the world, with twelve out of 120 members identifying as LGBTQ? Read about the people of Pride here.
5. Stay Informed: Changing Laws, Change Lives
What does the law have to do with the LGBTQ community? A lot! With one signature, the governor of Florida brought a new law into effect that barred transgender females (or those assigned male at birth who later transition to being female) from playing on girls’ teams in public schools. Read more here.
When President Biden took office, one of the first things that he did was to overturn a ban that would no longer allow transgender Americans to serve in the military. Read about why he overturned the ban here.
In February, the House of Representatives passed the Equality Act. This act would make it illegal for businesses to discriminate against people who identify themselves as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer. Now, it’s up to the Senate to review and vote on the act. Read more here.
We're two perfectly imperfect moms who have five very different kids between the two of us. We believe that topics in news are a fantastic way to spark conversations in families. That's why we started the Dinner Table Conversation series here at Xyza: News for Kids. Won't you join us in the conversation?
Tinybeans is working on actionable ways to better support all families of diversity on both their platform and in their community. On Instagram today, they highlighted a few of the organizations working around the clock for justice. Until Jun. 30, if you donate to a racial justice organization, Tinybeans would like to give your family a free month of Premium.
Founded in 1992 by Peter Neufeld and Barry Scheck at Cardozo School of Law, exonerates the wrongly convicted through DNA testing and reforms the criminal justice system to prevent future injustice.
Advance the liberation and well-being of Black and Brown communities through education, self-empowerment, mass-mobilization and the creation of new systems that elevate the next generation of change leaders.
Founded in 2013, Black Lives Matter Foundation is a global organization whose mission is to eradicate white supremacy and build local power to intervene in violence inflicted on Black communities by the state and vigilantes.
A Black-led collective of abolitionist organizers, lawyers and activists building a community-based movement to support the community and end systems of pretrial detention and ultimately mass incarceration.
Non-profit organization that is dedicated to exposing root causes of dynamic social and environmental issues.
According to a statement from Tinybeans, “We believe everyone should grow up in a world better than our current one, this includes loving our differences, acknowledging them, and remembering we are all human. Tinybeans will continue to work towards a more equitable future for your tiny humans, and hope you’ll join us in on our mission.”
There are so many themes to choose from when planning a cake smash for your baby. Connecticut photographer, Ute-Christin Cowan, was looking for the perfect idea when planning her 10th anniversary shoot. When Cowan’s assistant, Emma, suggested their favorite show, Schitt’s Creek, they set out to find baby doppelgangers of the famous cast members.
Cowan knew she wanted to celebrate the 10th anniversary of her photography business in style. She said, “What better way to celebrate than with another fun celebrity cake smash?” In the past, her most popular themes included, Ellen, Live with Kelly & Ryan, Carpool Karaoke, The Kelly Clarkson Show and Watch What Happens Live.
She put out a casting call among her clients searching for the biggest Schitt’s Creek fans. She looked for kids that would best resemble Dan Levy, Annie Murphy, Eugene Levy and Catherine O’Hara and it looks like she hit the jackpot.
This was Cowan’s most involved cake smash yet with two backdrops, many props and even a wig for baby Moira.
Cowan reports that the kids were a riot. “Moira ( Harper, 13 months) was the most energetic; she was smiling at everyone and just had the best time. Johnny (Liam, 12 months) was not fazed by anything. He was the calmest and just observing the chaos. Alexis (Evvi, 13 months) was a very dramatic little one. She had to take a few emotional breaks throughout the shoot. David (Hudson, 10 months) was just his handsome self. He loved eating cupcakes, I think he had about five in total.”
Cowan and her assitant already have tickets for the Schitt’s Creek farewell tour coming to Connecticut in June. Cowan said, “With this homage, we wanted to thank them for all the laughter and the warm fuzzy feelings in the last 5 years!”
Photo: Drag Queen Story Time, photo used with permission from Jonathan Hamilt
Have you ever been to a children’s storytime? They are programs for kids that teach literacy using singing, talking, reading and playing. Occasionally, programs might be themed (everything tying into space travel, for instance) or a special guest (often police officers or firefighters). In this case, the special guest is a drag queen, and the theme might be diversity, uniqueness, or kindness.
We Need Diverse Books suggests that we “imagine a world in which all children can see themselves in the pages of a book.” It was a similar sentiment that inspired the creation of 2015’s first Drag Queen Story Hour, held in San Francisco. The program was dreamed up by author Michelle Tea, a queer icon due to her writing and as an organizer of queer literary art events (Sister Spit,RADAR Productions).
Bix Warden—the children’s librarian at the SFPL’s Eureka Valley/Harvey Milk Memorial Branch—explained the program’s origin story. “Michelle had recently given birth to a son, and realized that there was no programming for queer families with small children. The Artistic Director [of RADAR] at the time was Juliana Delgado Lopera, and they contacted me and asked if the Eureka Valley Branch Library would like to host a Drag Queen Story Hour Program. Of course, I said yes.”
There is now a Drag Queen Story Hour nonprofit, with chapters all over the U.S. Jonathan Hamilt, the Global Program Director, has described DQSH programs as “tool[s] to help children develop empathy, learn about gender diversity and difference, and tap into their own creativity.” Concepts like individuality and diversity are introduced using the regular story time tools of singing and dancing, but with the added bonus of sparkly outfits and brightly colored wigs.
Hamilt was the first drag queen to read for DQSH NYC. When asked why the program is important to fight for, he explained that it “can be life-changing for anyone who feels different because of their identity or interests, or who may not otherwise see themselves reflected in the broader culture.”
Catherine Bellamy of Surrey Public Library has co-hosted a number of drag queen storytimes in British Columbia, Canada. Bellamy explained that her desire to support these programs stemmed from “growing up [as] a Queer person in rural Kentucky in the late ’80s and ’90s. One thing that stands out in my mind is wanting validation that my experiences as a young person exploring my identity were totally normal and valid.” Bellamy’s experience was echoed by the response of the director of the Atlanta chapter of DGSH, Miss Terra Cotta Sugarbaker. Sugarbaker’s favorite aspect is the “interactions with parents and children. I have had parents and children share very personal and moving stories. Drag Queen Story Hour is a safe space, and it is a reminder that for anyone who has ever felt like an outsider that they can find community—both in real time, and in the escape of literature.”
DQSH has met with lots of positive feedback, and has spread to countries such as Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom. About the San Francisco communities’ responses to the programs, Warden recounted that “[it’s] been overwhelming! We have had as many as 175 people attend, and every week patrons ask when the next one will happen.” Jennifer Minehardt, a children’s librarian at NYPL’s Roosevelt Island Branch, had a similar reply: “We’ve had huge success and really positive feedback from our patrons who love the inclusivity…As soon as the program is over, [they] start asking when the next one is.”
Things aren’t all sunshine and metaphorical rainbows in the library kingdom, there continues to be backlash by pro-family groups. Religious protestors have become common attendees at DQSH and a recent article in The New York Times mentioned that some have even been canceled due to “hostile threats.” Events are regularly picketed and protested. Edie Pasek, an organizer of DQSH programs in and around Milwaukee, described the goal as teaching kindness and acceptance to children. So why would that be a cause to protest? Well, in “Three Queens: Perspectives on Drag Queen Story Hour”, author Alex Falck briefly relays an incident in Anchorage where the program was interrupted by an anti-LGBT activist protesting that “Transgenders do not exist.”
Often, protests are by conservative activists who worry that these programs will encourage children to become LGBTQ+ themselves. In response to that, the American Library Association has created a page of resources to support libraries that are offering the programs.
With all the potential negative backlash, why keep at it? Sugarbaker sums it up, replying, “We get a diverse group, and this generally comes from parents or older community supporters. I am often told by attendees that they wish they’d had an event like this when they were children. From children, I generally hear how much fun they think the events are—they love the costumes, glitter and fun atmosphere. The overarching response, however, is always that we need more spaces for people to feel safe to express who they are. Learning that you can express that through books and characters is extremely empowering.”
DQSH wants to continue helping all their chapters and Hamilt is hopeful the organization can “provide more resources to rural and Red State communities that are on the front lines fighting for LGBTQ equality and social justice.” They also want to reach out to people who might just not entirely understand the program, connecting them with their local chapters of organizations like The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Free Mom Hugs, or a LGBTQA+ Center.
Hamilt promises that 2020 will be a big year for DQSH. “We are starting 2020 with a clear vision: Reading is Fundamental!”
By Rachel Rosenberg, originally published on Book Riot
Book Riot is the largest independent editorial book site in North America, and home to a host of media, from podcasts to newsletters to original content, all designed around diverse readers and across all genres.
Delight in the whimsy of Dr. Seuss all over San Diego! From the largest collection of Dr. Seuss items in the world to beholding the secret art of Dr. Seuss, we know all the places you’ll go. Dr. Seuss (Theodor Seuss Geisel) lived in La Jolla for several decades and signs of his wacky, wonderful work abound throughout town. Your kids may not like green eggs and ham, but they’re guaranteed to love these real-life examples of Dr. Seuss’s zany work. Scroll down for the details.
Located on the University of California San Diego campus, this iconic library was renamed after Dr. Seuss (whose real name is Theodore Seuss Geisel) in 1995. It houses the largest collection of Dr. Seuss items in the world, including manuscripts, drawings and photos. Because the items are so precious, access is strictly limited. But the public can view the collection when the library displays them over the summer.
Additional Fun to Be Done: Visit the nearby campus bookstore to pick up Seuss supplies like pencils and T-shirts.
UC San Diego 9500 Gilman Dr. La Jolla, CA 92093 858-534-3336 Online: ucsd.edu Hours vary depending on time of year.
Also located on the UC San Diego campus is a bronze statue of Dr. Seuss and arguably his most famous creation, the Cat in the Hat. Created to celebrate 100 years of Dr. Seuss, this life-size statue features Seuss at his desk while a 7.5-foot tall Cat in the Hat looks mischievously over his shoulder.
Additional Fun to Be Done: Your budding art majors are sure to love Niki de St. Phalle’s “Sun God” and Tim Hawkinson’s “Bear” statues also located on campus.
UC San Diego 9500 Gilman Drive La Jolla, CA 92093 858-534-2230 Online: ucsd.edu
This art gallery, located in downtown La Jolla, specializes in “The Secret Art of Dr. Seuss,” showcasing 70 years of Seuss’s paintings and sculptures. In addition to the whimsical images children love, there are also more satirical works, including several poking fun at high society. The entire collection is also viewable online, but there’s nothing quite like seeing his artwork in person.
Additional Fun to Be Done: Visit the nearby Cave Store, home of the Sunny Jim Sea Cave, which offers a unique view of La Jolla Cove.
Dr. Seuss could see the red-shingled roof of the landmark Hotel Del from his studio and that got him dreaming. In 1970 he painted “I Dreamed I was a Doorman at the Hotel del Coronado,” a riot of whimsical angles and colors. Why not head over the bridge and see what had Seuss so smitten? Over the years the hotel has hosted numerous movie stars, politicians and artists, but you don’t need to book a room to enjoy a stroll on the property or lunch on the patio.
Additional Fun to Be Done:With direct beach access, make sure you find a comfy spot in the sand at dusk to watch the gorgeous sunsets.
Hotel del Coronado 1500 Orange Ave. Coronado, CA 92118 800-468-3533 Online: hoteldel.com
Sanford Children’s Library
Leah R. Singer
Kids will be in awe of the towering 16-foot tall wall murals depicting classic Dr. Seuss characters at the Sanford Children’s Library. They’ll also delight in seeing a historical first edition of Dr. Seuss stories.
Additional Fun to be Done: Don’t miss having a gander at the vintage collection from L. Frank Baum’s Oz books while you’re there.
A serious case of ants in the pants can make sitting through a play or musical a tough ask for little culture seekers. The solution? Introduce them to the theater scene at an improv show, where they can stand up, sit down and participate in the fun. These unscripted shows rely on audience participation to get the story in motion and are often hilarious. In Chicago, a city famous for cutting edge improv, we’d expect nothing less than awesome shows for kids. Here are three to see.
photo: Storytown / Lindsay Williams
Storytown What it is: From location, backdrop design and character suggestions, kids are encouraged to take an active role in this interactive improvisational musical — even becoming characters themselves. The kids are the fuel for the show and all ideas are honored and embraced. Needless to say, no show is the same!
Why you’ll love it: Have a heyday with bins of colorful costumes and art supplies. Kids and parents, too, can add to the set and build costumes and props as the show unfolds. Because everyday pieces of clothing and items found around the house are used as costumes and props, kids leave inspired to go home and put on their own performance.
Hogwash
What it is: Fitting of its name, which means “nonsense”, the lack of structure of this show makes it an absolute riot. To start, kids assist with costume selection and choose a location for the fully improvised story. As the plot thickens, artists make props, build scenery and modify costumes. Musicians let rip an improvised score and actors sing songs created on the spot. Kids are encouraged to throw out twists and turns in the plot, and even becoming characters themselves.
Why you’ll love it: The show is free for adults! If your kids get hooked, they can sign up for summer camp. For the Make a Play! camp, campers create a short play from start to finish, with lessons in storytelling, performance skills and group collaboration. Featured artists will instruct the students in yoga and music, and the camp concludes with a private performance of their original production. Check their website for updates on camp dates.
When: Saturdays, 10:30 a.m.
Cost: $10/kids; free for adults
Bughouse Theater
1910 W. Irving Park Rd.
North Center
Online: hogwashkids.com
photo: ComedySportz Chicago
ComedySportz Chicago What it is: This hilarious 90-minute improv show has two competing teams creating comedy scenes, songs and games right on the spot based on audience suggestions. The audience chooses the winner and the show never repeats.
Why you’ll love it: Besides the competing teams aspect appealing to sports lovers, it’s clean, smart comedy that entertains all ages — which can be tough to come by.
If your kids get the improv acting bug, you can’t be in a better city. The Second City offers classes and camps for kids as young as age 4. Your kids will experience the improvisational games and exercises that are the foundation of Second City’s signature brand of comedy we’ve all come to know and love. Not only will you (hopefully!) start hearing better jokes around the house, the classes enhance a child’s ability to communicate, instill confidence, teach them to respect the ideas of others and help them to start developing their public speaking mojo. They even have a class designed specifically to help kids with anxiety.
Hyde Park’s The Revival also offers PlayProv and Improv classes for ages 4 & up. The young comedians will grow their imaginations using games and songs that encourage creative expression. Watch as their spontaneity is unleashed in a safe and supportive environment.
Have you seen a great kids’ show on stage lately? Shout about it in the Comments!
Sure, it’s Decorate a Cake Day, but if you’re looking to avoid that sugar-rush to the head use sprinkles to try decorating something else today. Scroll down for crafts, party decor and keepsakes you can make using cake’s favorite decoration, and then share your sprinkle-filled creations on Instagram or Facebook by tagging #RedTricycle.
1. Picture Perfect
Make your photos picture perfect with a sprinkle-covered frame. The tutorial by Kojo Designs is oh-so-easy. Click here for the full how-to.
2. Party Hardy
Today is a perfect excuse to make a party hat. Jacks & Kate has the low down on the easiest sprinkled party hat–it’s totally tops. Click here for the tutorial.
4. Clip One On Bling out their hair clip with sprinkles. Kojo Designs came up with this fun craft that’ll leave their ‘do looking fab. Find out the full how-to here.
5. Light It Up
Give your votive candles a boost of color with this idea from Tikkido. Let your kids help place the sprinkles in the votive holder, but be sure to watch them around any open flames. Get the tutorial here.
6. It’s Never Too Early for Ornaments
Whether you want to gear up for the holidays or just love to decorate, make these super easy sprinkle ornaments (we’ve actually done something similar ourselves and swear by it’s simplicity). For the full how-to from Gimme Some Oven click here.