These trivia questions for teens might teach your older kids a thing or two
It’s not always easy to impress a teen or to tell them something they don’t “already know.” But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try. From who is the half-blooded prince to who is the oldest gamer on YouTube, we’ve rounded up some of the most intriguing trivia questions for teens (and tweens) that are guaranteed conversation starters.
Q: Who holds the world record for most hotdogs eaten?
A: Joey Chestnut with a whopping 73 hot dogs.
Q: Who has the most followers on Instagram?
A: Instagram! The platform's own channel is the most followed. Second place goes to footballer Cristiano Ronaldo.
Q: What national holiday is celebrated in all countries?
A: New Year’s.
Q: What is ‘Baby Yoda’s’ real name?
A: Grogu.
Q: When was the iPad first released?
A: 2010.
Q: What is the largest ocean in the world?
A: The Pacific Ocean.
Q: Which artist made history as the youngest winner of the Grammys‘ four main categories in 2020?
A: Billie Eilish.
Q: Who was the first basketball star to appear on a box of cereal?
A: Michael Jordan.
Q: Which actor voiced both Darth Vader and The Lion King‘s Mufasa?
A: James Earl Jones.
Q: What flower plant does vanilla flavor come from?
A: An orchid.
Q: What is the first monster Percy Jackson defeats in The Lightning Thief?
A: The Minotaur
Q: What holiday celebrates the end of slavery in the United States?
Now that you’ve been to the Museum of Science and Industry and The Field so many times you could lead a tour, it’s time to earn a little extra credit. When you’re craving something new and culture’s on the menu, check out a super-secret museum that’s just a mini road trip away. We dug up goodies that are within an hour’s drive of Chicago. Scroll through to see them all, from a secret nature center to an auto museum with superhero appeal.
Does your kid go crazy for cars? An hour northwest of Chicago, this wheel-tastic museum is a draw for car nuts of all ages. Famous movie cars from Fast & Furious 7, Batman Begins, Dark Knight and Dark Knight Rises, National Lampoon's Vacation and more. There are also plenty of coin kiddie rides for the youngest children in your group.
Open daily, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; 27582 Volo Village Rd., Volo; Online: volocars.com
Illinois Railway Museum
America’s largest railway museum is right here in Illinois and goes way beyond your everyday Metra train. Ride on a one-of-a-kind mainline train, hop aboard an old-fashioned trolley coach or take a loop in a vintage streetcar. Feel like you've seen some of these sights before? That’s because the museum has been the set for numerous transportation scenes in commercials and movies, including A League of Their Own. Perhaps the biggest attraction is the annual Day Out With Thomas. On select days in July, kids chug along on a 20-minute ride on Thomas the Tank Engine and enjoy music, magicians, clowns and a meeting with Sir Topham Hatt. Consider taking a special trip for Halloween or Christmas when the museum features holiday-themed train rides.
Established in 1931, the Hal Tyrrell Trailside Museum of Natural History is a small museum located in a historic mid-1870′s Victorian mansion. Kids will have the chance to meet live native animals, including owls, frogs, turtles and even a fox. Hands-on activities complement learning, and even toddlers will enjoy the easy animal-themed puzzles. Natural-surfaced hiking trails through the surrounding Forest Preserve are perfect for little hikers and wind through beautiful oak woodlands and along the Des Plaines River.
730 Thatcher Ave., River Forest; Online: fpdcc.com
Knock Knolls Nature Center
Tucked in a quiet residential neighborhood, this slice of nature gives visitors the chance to discover what life was like at the convergence of the East and West Branches of the DuPage River in the 1800s. You'll also get to know the local wildlife that call this corner of DuPage County home. Grab a treasure hunt sheet from the front desk and explore! The highlight is a 900-gallon freshwater fish tank filled with catfish, bass and other swimmers. You'll also track replica fossils in the floor, marvel at a living wall of plants and learn how a rainwater collection cistern works. The building sits in a 224-acre park laced with winding, forested trails and sits adjacent to a nature playground.
The Tinker cottage, gardens and three-story Swiss-inspired barn was built by businessman Robert Tinker in 1865. Flash forward to today, when you can witness its beauty and get a dose of local history. The charming cottage and over-the-top gardens have become one of Rockford’s most popular attractions. The Victorian-era decor and unique architecture will satisfy the curiosity of the parents. As for the kids, they'll have a blast romping through the iris, rose and prairie gardens as the weather warms.
Learn about Illinois in the 18th century when our state was home to French voyageurs and native Potawatomi. Operated by the Forest Preserve of Will County on an island in the Des Plaines River, this recently renovated museum features many interactive exhibits and a Native American longhouse. At a recent museum event, children participated in traditional French and Woodland Indian games and storytelling. If you visit the island in the summer, your family will want to take part in one of many nature activities like fishing, kayaking, hiking and more.
501 E. Romeo Rd. (135th Street), east of Route 53, Romeoville; Online: reconnectwithnature.org
DuPage Country Historical Museum
Housed in a building gifted by John Quincy Adams in 1891, the former Adams Memorial Library is now a museum that contains countless artifacts and materials that document DuPage County. The HO Gauge Model Train is operated by the DuPage Society of Model Engineers the 3rd and 5th Saturday every month.
Since 1852, the Graue Mill has been grinding cornmeal, its waterwheel turning at the edge of the picturesque Salt Creek. Today, the Graue Mill Museum is dedicated to bridging past and present through living-history programs that illustrate daily life of the past, including milling, spinning and weaving demonstrations. While the museum is closed in the winter, the grounds of the mill are picture-perfect year-round. Kids will love throwing pebbles into the Salt Creek and watching sticks make their way down the beautiful falls that make the mill's gristmill go round.
If you are looking for something to make spirits really bright this holiday season, consider adding a motorized ride-on toy to your gift list. You’ll find toddler ride-on toys in fun themes like PJ Masks and SpongeBob, along with two-seat ride-ons for older kids to take a friend along for the ride. There’s even a Frozen 2 sleigh if you’re going for the ultimate winter theme. Ride on!
Your kid will ride in style with this Ford Bronco ride-on toy. This vehicle comes with a working radio, running lights, and a rechargeable battery, so the fun never has to end! Ages: 3-7
Disney’s PJ Masks Toddler Quad Ride-On Toy by Kid Trax
The easy push-button acceleration is simple to operate, while the Power Trax rubber traction strip tires keep the ride smooth and steady. And with a top speed of 2 MPH this ride-on toy provides the perfect blend of fun and safety. Age: 18 months-4 years
Interactive Recycling Truck Powered Ride-On from Kid Trax
The fun is endless with over 100 sounds and songs to choose from. Best of all, it comes with nine recyclable accessories and the truck responds when you insert an accessory into a shape sorting slot. Working lever lets you dump out the recycling haul.Age: 18 months- 4 years
Razor Miniature Dirt Rocket MX125 Electric-Powered Dirt Bike
Get a kick out of this speedy dirt bike that has a rechargeable battery that can get up to 8mph. This bike can go up to 5 miles on a single charge, so your kid will have lots of fun. Ages 7+
Nickelodeon SpongeBob SquarePants Toddler Ride-On Toy by Kid Trax
Featuring authentic SpongeBob graphics and water bubble sound effects, this ride-on toy is sure to make your little one want to go on an undersea adventure. It comes with a 6-volt rechargeable battery so the fun never has to stop for long. Age: 18 months-4 years
This friendly tiger cub features multiple types of interactive play: feed, pet, walk and ride. Feed your tiger a steak and then take him for a ride down the block. He will purr when he's happy along with many other sounds. Also comes in unicorn and dinosaur versions. Age: 18 months-4 years
RollPlay Mini Cooper Countryman 6-Volt Battery Ride-On
With Button-activated horn and engine sounds and LED headlights, your kids will have a blast in this sleek Mini Cooper. It can get up to 2.5mph in forward and reverse speeds. Ages: 3+
Disney Minnie Mouse Happy Helpers Scooter with Sidecar by Kid Trax
This too-cute ride on toy in pink is the perfect way to transport your Minnie Mouse around the block. Pop your friend into the attached sidecar and you are on your way! Age: 18 months-4 years
This segway is a sleek, safe ride for your kid with non-slip tires, three riding modes, and a low battery reminder. Your kid will love this ride-on toy! Ages: 8+
With 10 colors to choose from, you can pick your favorite and get ready to ride this fun bumper car. Soft bumpers let you bump along and make 360-degree turns. Turn on your lights for added night-time fun. Ages: 18 months-6 years
Disney/Pixar Incredibles 2 Elasticycle Ride-On by Huffy
This Elasticycle-inspired design is just one incredibly fun ride! To begin, simply press the easy-push button on the handlebar’s grip. Sturdy training wheels provide balance and control. Age: 3-7
Grab your shades and shift playtime into gear with this fun ride-on car that's built for two! Working headlights, sound effects, FM radio and MP3 input all add to the playtime fun; while real foot pedal acceleration creates a lifelike driving experience.Age: 3-7
You don't have to travel to Arendelle Castle to go for a ride on this fun Frozen 2 sleigh. You can play a tune while you glide around the neighborhood with a friend in tow. Age: 3-7
Designed with oversized wheels and quick handling, this 24-volt Grave Digger ride-on has two seats so kids can share in the fun. Functioning lights, horn and start sound make it all the more realistic for little riders. Age: 3-7
You can go forward and reverse in style in this Hummer that's built for two. Store your gear in the back and go up to 5 MPH around the neighborhood. Ages: 3-7
Fisher-Price Power Wheels Dune Racer Extreme Ride-on
This battery-powered ride-on vehicle features extra-wide tires, sturdy steel frame and a low profile design with an open cockpit that's roomy enough for two riders. Age: 3-7
Inspired by the Cybertruck, the Cyberquad is an all-electric ride-on toy with adjustable suspension and LED light bars. The lithium-ion battery lasts for 15 miles and the top speed is 10 mph. Age: 8+
Kids and online shopping don’t exactly go hand in hand—especially if they can buy with one click and order $2,600 worth of Spongebob popsicles, for example. But kids 11 and under have purchasing power, approximately $1.2 trillion according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
That’s why CAMP, an interactive toy store, has launched the new Present Shop, the first safe and secure e-commerce shopping platform for kids. Now kids can shop and send the perfect gift straight to parents, teachers or friends, with a few parameters set up by the resident adult, of course.
First, the parent or guardian visits camp.com/presents to choose the event, budget, shipping and payment info. From there, kids receive a unique code to enter the Present Shop and the fun begins! Budget money is converted to digital coins and kids experience a unique game-like interface to spend them. They’re guided by Scout, CAMP’s animated mascot, who provides visual and audio cues.
“Grown-ups used to give kids a little ‘walking around’ money to treat themselves every now and then,” said Ben Kaufman, CEO of CAMP. “Today, kids can’t use cash online, and there are very few real world stores that curate a kid-safe assortment of toys, gifts and treats. CAMP’s Present Shop reignites the magic we all felt as kids walking through a mall with a $10 bill.”
It’s a win win: parents save time on the shopping front and kids get take responsibility for gifts in a fun, safe environment. The Present Shop is Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) compliant and it helps your youngsters put value behind their choices. Not quite the same as visiting the local mall, but no parking headaches, either!
SpongeBob SquarePants fans rejoice! The beloved Bikini Bottom star is the subject of a MONOPOLY game—and it’s about to go viral.
MONOPOLY: SpongeBob SquarePants Meme Edition is available right now. Unlike the traditional MONOPOLY game, players don’t buy hotels, railroads or utilities in this version. Instead, it’s all about becoming Internet famous.
Photo: The Op Games
The Meme Edition of this MONOPOLY game features six custom-sculpted tokens—Bubbles with Bubblewand, Mermaidman’s Belt Buckle, Squidward’s Clarinet, SpongeBob’s Spatula, a Krabby Patty and Jellyfish. To play the game you need to buy, sell and trade Internet famous images of SpongeBob and his BFFs from Bikini Bottom.
Forget about Houses and Hotels. In this edition, you’ll build Posts and create Collections! Keep playing to get Likes and bankrupt the other players. MONOPOLY: SpongeBob SquarePants Meme Edition also replaces the tried and true Community Chest cards with Comments and Shares.
This game is intended for two to six players ages eight-years and up. Find MONOPOLY: SpongeBob SquarePants Meme Edition here for $39.99.
Who lives a pineapple under the sea? Maybe you! Vrbo and Paramount Home Entertainment recently teamed up to re-create SpongeBob SquarePant’s iconic animated abode—80 feet above sea level in Seal Beach, California.
In celebration of the new film The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run (available starting Mar. 4 on Premium Video-On-Demand and Paramount+), Vrbo and Paramount Home Entertainment converted a historic water tower into a pineapple-shaped vaycay home.
While the Vrbo rental isn’t in Bikini Bottom, it does have just about everything else SpongeBob’s home does. The IRL version of the animated pineapple has a living room that features SpongeBob’s notable red couch, a Krusty Krab-themed kitchen and a pineapple-shaped entrance.
Lish Kennedy, VP of global brand marketing at Vrbo, said in a press release, “Families can book cabins, condos, castles, treehouses and train cars on Vrbo, but this is the first time we’ve had a gigantic pineapple on our platform.” Kennedy continued, explaining the new-normal way guests can experience this rental, “We’re glad people can tour the Pineapple Over the Sea virtually and enjoy the new movie at home together.”
Michelle Hagen, EVP Worldwide Partnerships, Paramount Pictures, added, “Now everyone can dive into SpongeBob’s world with the new movie and a fun virtual tour of Vrbo’s take on SpongeBob’s iconic home.”
Instead of the typical Vrbo weekend getaway rental, this pineapple creation is currently only available to view online. According to a press release from the brand, “Due to travel restrictions and regional stay-at-home orders in California, the Pineapple Over the Sea will not be available for guests to book.”
To take a virtual tour of the Pineapple Over the Sea rental, visit Vrbo’s website here.
SpongeBob SquarePants fans rejoice! The beloved Bikini Bottom star’s BFF is getting his own show. Nickelodeon recently announced the debut of an original animated spinoff—The Patrick Star Show.
Like the name implies, The Patrick Star Show will focus on SpongeBob’s sidekick Patrick (along with his family). The new sitcom is set to launch on Nickelodeon this summer.
Ramsey Naito, President, Nickelodeon Animation, said of the show in a press release, “Nickelodeon is diving deeper into Bikini Bottom to give fans a look at our lovable young adult Patrick Star and his entire family with a sitcom only he could imagine up.” Naito added, “This second original spinoff allows us to expand our reach, tell new stories and connect with our audience around the world who continue to love these characters.”
The new Nick spinoff features a younger version of Patrick, little sis Squidina, parents Bunny and Cecil and grandpa GrandPat. Voiced by Bill Fagerbakke (as Patrick), the animated series also stars the voices of Tom Wilson, Cree Summer, Jill Talley and Dana Snyder.
Even though you can’t catch this new series until next summer, you can watch the first-ever SpongeBob spinoff, Kamp Koral: SpongeBob’s Under Years, starting today on the Paramount+ streaming service.
The highly anticipated Paramount+ streaming service launches today—with 7,000+ episodes of your kiddo’s fave shows and so much more!
What can you expect from Paramount+? Among the over 7,000 kid-friendly faves, your child will find Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, PAW Patrol, SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer, Are You Afraid of the Dark?, Rugrats: All Grown Up and Henry Danger.
Not only will the streaming service treat your littles to some of the most beloved series, but your family can also view recent Paramount theatrical hits such as Sonic the Hedgehog, Dora and the Lost City of Gold and The Addams Family. Along with series and movies your family already knows and loves, Paramount+ will also bring fan favorite characters back in a whole new way. Look for the first-ever CGI SpongeBob motion picture, Kamp Koral: SpongeBob’s Under Years and a new flick, The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run.
Get nostalgic with a ’90s throwback done in an all new way for an all new generation. Paramount+ will bring your kiddos a brand-new Rugrats CG animation series! If you’re looking for something to watch when the kids go to sleep, take a trip back in time to the first ever Real World series with The Real World Homecoming: New York. This all-new reality show picks up where there seven strangers left off—almost 30 years later.
You have two tier choices to stream Paramount+. The premium tier ($9.99) includes live sports, CBS’ live linear feed, and commercial-free entertainment. Starting June 2021 you can subscribe to a $4.99 ad-supported tier that will include plenty of sports, news, entertainment—but will not feature local live CBS station programming. In the meantime, subscribers can choose a $5.99 ad-supported tier that will include live CBS programming. The $5.99 option is only available until June.
—Erica Loop
Featured photo: Courtesy Paramount+/Paramount Animation
SpongeBob SquarePants and his gang are back! Paramount+, the new streaming service from ViacomCBS has announced that two new offerings featuring your fave pals from Bikini Bottom will air exclusively on the platform.
First up, get ready to feast your eyes on The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run beginning on Thur. Mar. 4. The first-ever all CGI SpongeBob film follows the main character and his bestie, Patrick as they head to the Lost City of Atlantic City to find Gary who has gone missing. Get ready for tons of flashbacks that also tell the story about how SpongeBob and Gary became friends!
In addition to streaming on Paramount+, The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run will also be released by Paramount Home Entertainment for Premium Video-On-Demand (PVOD) the same day. You’ll also be able to snag the film on VOD platforms for a limited time for $19.99
Paramount+ will also be hosting an all new original series, Kamp Koral: SpongeBob’s Under Years, the first ever spinoff. The prequel series will follow 10-year-old SpongeBob SquarePants and friends at summer sleepaway camp. Like the new SpongeBob movie, the show will also premiere on Mar. 4 with the first six episodes available to stream exclusively on Paramount+ for subscribers in the U.S. The remainder of the episodes will roll out at a later time.
In case you missed it, ViacomCBS’ existing subscription video-on-demand and live streaming service, CBS All Access, will be rebranded as Paramount+ on Mar. 4. You can head to paramountplus.com to start your subscription.
The elves at 7-Eleven have been working overtime. The convenience stores are stocked up on anything and everything you need to fill those stockings to the brim this holiday season. Plus, the 7NOW delivery app offers store-to-door free contactless delivery through Jan. 3, 2021 with the code FREE4U.
Customers can easily purchase all types of gifts and goodies from tasty holiday treats, toys, electronics, gift cards, wine and more.
Here are just a few ways 7-Eleven stores can save the day or at least help shoppers check off a few things on their to-do lists:
Toys: Customers can pick up stocking stuffers for all ages: Mandalorian Funko POP, Hot Wheels, SpongeBob SquarePants Fun Plush, Monster Jam trucks and more.
Face Coverings: Prints include Santa, reindeer, gingerbread men, candy canes, lights, trees, dinosaurs!
Gift Cards: A selection of some of the most-wanted – Vanilla Visa, Amazon, Netflix, Apple App Store, Google Play, iTunes, gaming cards such as Xbox and PlayStation… and of course, 7-Eleven gift cards.
‘Batteries Not Included’ and Gadget-y Gift Solutions: Premium quality electronic accessories, sold under the 24/7 LIFE by 7-Eleven™ brand like Bluetooth headphones, wireless earbuds, charging pads and more. For those “batteries not included” toys and gadgets, 24/7 LIFE by 7-Eleven batteries are available in a variety of sizes at great values compared to national brands.
Holiday treats and sweets: Spruce up your holiday party with a wide assortment of holiday-inspired goodies, including:
Seasonal Sandwich Cookies with pomegranate crème, candy cane crème and pecan pie crème flavored varieties.
Holiday-inspired Mini Donuts in chocolate covered cherry and gingerbread flavors.
Yogurt covered pretzels in sweet sugar plum sprinkle and the classic red, white and green.
Limited edition trail mixes with flavors like butter rum toffee and sugar cookie.
Fiery cinnamon bear candy for spice-lovers and other gummy varieties
Candy Cane Cocoa, a hot, rich cocoa blended with cool peppermint flavor which can be topped with chocolate sauce