ML Interest Tag: stem

Shop Here: 6 Independent Toy Stores That Dallas Parents Love

by Kate Schweitzer

If you’re about ready to click your way to a completed shopping list online—stop! Consider shopping small at these independent toy stores in Dallas that have passionate employees ready to share their personal recommendations and tons of perks (think: local delivery or curbside pickup, free gift wrapping, and the opportunity to test-drive the merchandise). You can pick out the perfect gift for all the little ones on your list while supporting local businesses. It’s a win-win.

1. The Toy Maven

You’ll find loads of toy options and tons of helpful salespeople at The Toy Maven. They have three locations to choose from, or you can shop via their new website. Not sure what to get? You can narrow your options by age or interest to get some suggestions.

6025 Royal Lane
Dallas, TX

5600 W Lovers Lane
Dallas, TX

1275 East Southlake Blvd.
Southlake,‎ TX
Online: thetoymaven.com

2. Toys Unique!

You’ll love this toy store in Dallas as it is a local, family-owned business in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex that has been bringing continuous joy into children’s lives for 40 years. They offer complimentary gift wrapping, which definitely comes in handy when you remember you need a gift on the day of a party.

5460 West Lovers Lane
Dallas, TX
Online: toysunique.net

3. The Little Things

This chic boutique has a mix of everything from books, toys, and art supplies to apparel—with options, including gender-neutral, for babies through tweens. The store was created from a love of fashion and seeing happy kids dressed in clothes that make them feel confident and excited to begin each day. The store’s owners pride themselves on sourcing the best quality, natural fabrics, and conscientious production from the brands they select.

6465 E. Mockingbird Lane
Dallas, TX
Online: shopthelittlethings.com

4. We Are the Misfits

You’ll be totally impressed by the quality of toys offered at We Are the Missfits. That’s intentional— the products are cultivated to stimulate the brain and encourage self-expression through fashion, art, science, and literature (Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty, anyone?). Sure, they also carry stuff that is just for fun, but prepare to feel inspired when in the store. If you can’t pop inside, that’s OK. They offer curbside pickup and free delivery within five miles of the store.

9660 Audelia Rd.
Dallas, TX
Online: wearethemissfits.com

 

5. CAMP

CAMP is a toy store and more—known for its totally unique shop-play hybrid experience in its locations across the country. Inside this CAMP store, visitors can take part in rotating themed experiences, kids are encouraged to try out loads of toys they have available, and there’s even a cafe for parents. Every surface is a seamless blend of play and product.

9830 N. Central Expressway
Dallas, TX
Online: camp.com

6. The Toy Store

The very reasonably named Toy Store in Snider Plaza offers eco-friendly, STEM-certified, and sustainable play toys for people of all ages. From baby toys to adult puzzles, they have you covered. And if you are super busy (like we know you are), they even offer free delivery within 10 miles.

6723 Snider Plaza
Dallas, TX
Online: thetoystorellc.com

Save some adorable snaps of your baby playing with their new toys—and share them with your family and friends near and far—with the Tinybeans app. The secure platform puts parents in total control of who sees and interacts with photos and videos of their kids.

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11 St. Patrick’s Day Science Experiments for Kids

by Karly Wood

When they’re not having fun finding pots of gold or searching for leprechauns, your little learners will love trying out some St. Patrick’s Day science activities! From rainbows to shamrocks, there is so much to learn from the icons surrounding St. Patrick’s Day. If you want more, check out our roundup of fun and easy science experiments for kids.

Make Leprechaun Slime

Learn about viscosity by making leprechaun slime complete with gold flakes!

Make a Leprechaun Trap

little boy who made a leprechaun trap
Amber Guetebier

This is one of our favorite St. Patrick's day activities for preschoolers. Bust out your STEM hats and plan how you are going to catch your very own leprechaun. Start with a shoebox and see where the imagination takes you! 

Create a Fizzing Rainbow

We love this colorful idea where you create your own fizzing rainbow. Be sure to put a paper towel underneath your creation. You can dry it in the sun and hang it in your window!

Related: Everything You Need to Trap a Leprechaun This St. Patrick’s Day

Crystal Shamrocks

Little Bins for Little Hands

You can't celebrate St. Paddy's Day without a few shamrocks! This year, let science take the wheel and grow a few crystal shamrocks with a few easy steps from Little Bins for Little Hands. All you need is a few pipe cleaners and borax and you'll be on your way in no time.

Leprechaun Sand

Live Well Play Together

This messy but fun activity from Live Well Play Together lets kids see how baking soda and vinegar interact, in St. Patrick's Day style. With minimal supplies, this is a perfect afternoon activity that involves basic household supplies you probably have already.

Magic Leprechaun Rocks

Gift of Curiosity

These homemade leprechaun rocks from Gift of Curiosity are a perfect blend of educational and fun! The "magic" rocks are made from green-dyed baking soda and water that conceal a gold coin. You'll have the ultimate scavenger hunt when the kiddos "wash" this at the end!

Rainbow Density Experiment

123 Homeschool 4 Me

Let rainbows do the talking with this educational experiment from 123 Homeschool 4 Me. Your littles will learn all about density and liquids with this simple activity that involves household supplies you probably already have!

Skittles Rainbow Science Investigation

Taste the rainbow! This delicious St. Patrick’s Day activity for preschoolers from Fantastic Fun & Learning uses everyone’s favorite rainbow candy to explore the impact of water and how it can physically change an object. This is a great (and tasty) afternoon activity for young learners.

Walking Water

This festive-colored experiment is perfect for St. Patrick’s Day. Let your kiddos learn the science behind “capillary action” and how it plays into the real world. Get more details from Walking Cartwright here.

Related: 23 St. Patrick’s Day Jokes for Your Little Leprechaun

Homemade Spectroscope

Buggy & Buddy

When you craft your own spectroscope, you'll get to see all sorts of rainbows! This easy idea from Buggy & Buddy uses household supplies that come together in a jiffy, but provide hours of fun and learning.

Rainbow Shamrock Salt Painting

Rhythms of Play

Learn all about the shapes of shamrocks and how colors travel down salt in this colorful project from Rhythms of Play. Kids will exercise their fine motor skills and artistic prowess in this fun St. Patrick's Day science activity. 

 

 

 

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14 Halloween Minute to Win It Games for Kids

by Taylor Clifton

Check out these spooky Halloween minute to win it games that all the kiddos will love!

Halloween is right around the corner, and if you’re looking for fun Halloween games to make the holiday extra spooky, these minute-to-win-it ideas are exactly what you’re after. Whether you’re staying in this year or going out for trick-or-treating, these party games will keep your kids entertained for hours. While you’re at it, make the night extra special with some fun Halloween jokes, kid-friendly ghost stories, easy Halloween treats, and awesome Halloween crafts.

What’s a minute to win it game?

Simply put, it’s a 60-second game using items typically found around the house. Participants attempt to see who can finish a challenge first or who can complete a task the most times in under a minute. You can try these holiday minute to win it games when Halloween is over or attempt some year-round minute to win it favorites!

Halloween minute to win it games
Denny Müller via Unsplash

1. Candy Face

Take their favorite piece of Halloween candy (that isn’t too messy, of course) and place it on your child’s forehead. They’ll need to use their facial muscles to move it down their face into their mouth without using their hands.

2. Pumpkin Balance

This involves two players balancing mini pumpkins on their heads and racing to a certain point without dropping the pumpkin. You can make it tougher by making it a running race!

3. Donut Race

Slide a donut on a string and see who can eat it off the string the fastest. What a delicious game to play!

4. Candy Balancing

Put the end of a craft stick in your mouth and stack a candy of your choice on top. Whoever stacks the most pieces wins! You can make the game more challenging by choosing a non-flat candy.

Related: 20 Halloween Party Games That Are a Scary Good Time

Halloween minute to win it games
S. Massey

5. Mummify Me

A two-player game that involves wrapping the other player in toilet paper to look like a mummy.

6. Stack 'Em

Using apples, gourds, or mini pumpkins with the stems cut off, little ones have one minute to stack five apples or pumpkins (or three for younger kids) on top of each other and get them to stay for three seconds.

7. Candy Toss

Have two players take turns tossing their favorite candy (wrapped or unwrapped) into a bowl or cauldron. Whoever gets the most pieces into the cauldron in a minute wins.

8. M&M Switch

Each player will need two plates; one filled with M&Ms and one empty. Players use a straw to suck up each M&M and drop it onto the other plate. Whoever gets the most M&Ms onto the other plate wins!

Related: 33 Minute to Win It Games Perfect for Family Time

https://www.instagram.com/p/CGkxMFQFHH3/?hidecaption=true

9. Halloween Bowling

Make ghost or mummy Halloween pins out of toilet paper rolls or white/clear plastic cups. Use a mini pumpkin or a regular-sized pumpkin (real or fake) as your bowling ball and get rolling. 

10. Witch's Hat Ring Toss

Connect glow sticks or fuzzy craft sticks into rings. Each player takes turns tossing their rings onto the witch's hat, and whoever gets the most rings onto the hat wins (You can also use a pumpkin stem to catch the rings.)!

11. Candy Unwrapping

Have your contestants take a wrapped piece of candy (choose a difficult one for a challenge) and have them unwrap it one-handed.

12. Dig for Creepy Crawlies

Crumble up your favorite cookie (that resembles dirt) and fill a bowl or bucket. Hide plastic creepy crawlies inside the dirt and have the players dig for them with a spoon. Whoever finds the most creepy crawlies wins.

Mary Jane Duford on Unsplash

13. Candy Corn Towers

To play this game, bite the ends off of the pieces of candy corn and stick them on top of each other to create a stack. 

14. Spider Race

Using a straw, blow a plastic spider from one end of the table to your set finish line. Whoever crosses that line first, wins!

 

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Make These Cute Valentines with Your Toddler—Featuring Handprints & More

by Oz Spies

From hearts and lovebugs to flowers and trees, these are all kinds of cute

Spread the love with these easy homemade Valentine’s Day cards perfect for making with babies and toddlers. Each card or keepsake features a unique touch—your kiddo’s thumbprint, handprint, or footprint. So these are frameable pieces you’ll want to save or give to buddies and grandparents. Gather up supplies like construction paper, tempera paint, and washable ink, and you’ll have unique, handmade toddler valentines in no time.

Thumbprint Hearts

cute thumbprint toddler valentine
Oz Spies

Brush washable tempera paint on your little one’s thumb, and then make two thumbprints, each on an angle, to create the shape of a heart. When the thumbprints dry, write your Valentine’s Day message around the heart. This easy-peasy Valentine will be ready in no time. Because it’s so simple, this Valentine is a perfect activity for playgroup buddies or preschool classmates.

Thumbprint Lovebugs

Oz Spies

Share a little love with a trio of lovebugs. Using washable ink in your little lovebug’s favorite color, help your child make thumbprints on the center of a piece of cardstock or construction paper. When the print dries, use a fine-tipped Sharpie to add legs, antennae and a cheerful smile. Glue on googly eyes for an extra-festive touch. Share these cards with neighborhood buddies or older siblings.

Related: 28 Easy Valentine’s Day Cards You Can Make at Home

Thumbprint Flowers

Oz Spies

By pairing two thumbprints together and drawing a stem, it’s easy to grow a bundle of flowers on your toddler's valentines cards. With a paintbrush, coat your kiddo’s thumb with washable tempera paint. Add as many brightly colored thumbprints as you’d like, and then use a green marker to add stalks, leaves, and grass. To complete the card, write “I’d pick you any day to be my Valentine” atop the field of thumbprint flowers.

All You Need Is L O V E

Hello Wonderful

Spell out the word of the day using footprints as the V and a handprint in place of the O. This keepsake-worthy piece makes a perfect Valentine’s Day gift for the people who love your little one best, from grandma to dad. It’s a sweet Valentine to commemorate baby’s first Valentine’s Day. Head over to Hello Wonderful to find out how you can make your own.

Related: 18 Easy Valentine’s Day Gifts That Kids Can Make

Fingerpaint Heart

Oz Spies

Kids who love smearing paint on paper will be delighted to make this fingerpaint heart for Valentine's Day. Cut a heart shape out of paper and use double-sided tape to attach it to the center of another piece of paper. Next, let your budding artist paint all over the paper with their favorite finger paints. When the paint dries, simply peel off the heart shape, and voila! You'll have a brightly colored toddler-created masterpiece with a perfect heart shape in the middle. You can write a Valentine’s Day message in the center of the heart, or add your child’s handprint.

Tree of Love

a cute fingerprint toddler valentine from Etsy
Etsy shop Perfect Chaos Digitals

Want to make a cute card with minimal effort? This thumbprint tree is for you. You’ll get an adorable product, and all you need is a few washable ink pads and your little one’s thumb. Just purchase the card, print it on cardstock, and sprinkle thumbprints all over it. It’s the perfect card to send to extended family on Valentine’s Day.

Available at Etsy shop Perfect Chaos Digitals, $4

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21 Fun Toys to Order on Amazon Perfect for Indoor Days

by Karly Wood

When the weather doesn’t agree with outdoor play, it might take a little creativity and maybe a delivery or two from Amazon to mix it up. From inspiring and imaginative toys to creative craft kits, there are plenty of fun toys to order on Amazon to keep your kiddos active and learning, and having a grand ol’ time.

this doodle mat is a fun toy to order on amazon

Large Aqua Doodle Mat

$17 BUY NOW

Because laying out butcher block paper for your sweet tot isn’t always on your to-do list, there’s Miserwe’s Doodle Mat. Spread it out, fill the included six pens with water, and let your tot have at it—drawing with stamps, stencils and rollers to create a memorable masterpiece. The best part? It dries to a clean slate in just 10 minutes, making creating and cleaning up is easy as pie.

Melissa & Doug have lots of fun toys to order on Amazon.

Shape Sorter

$12 BUY NOW

Melissa & Doug's classic shape sorter helps little ones with colors and shapes—a great screen-free option. The engaging toy is made from sturdy wood and is perfect for kids ages 2-4.

indoor forts

Fort Boards

$100 BUY NOW

Indoor afternoons just got a whole lot more fun! Fort Boards are the perfect open-ended building toys that combine imagination and STEM skills and will keep littles busy for hours. Construct domes, vehicles and various-shaped forts with these colorful and BPA-free pieces that can build up to 20 square feet of construction but fold down for easy storage.

Longest Hidden Pictures® Puzzle Ever

$15 BUY NOW

Possibly the coolest hidden pictures book ever, Highlight's 16-ft. fold-out puzzle is fun for the entire family. Made on sturdy paper and featuring 280 hidden objects, this unique activity can be used on the go, completed in sections or spread out all at once!

brain flakes are a fun toy to order on Amazon for kids.

Brain Flakes

$17 BUY NOW

Kids don't just use their imagination when they play with brain flakes, they are enhancing their spatial thinking, too! With over 500 pieces per container, the possible creations are endless. It's a perfect STEM activity for future engineers!

an egg and spoon game, a fun toy to order on amazon.

Egg & Spoon Relay Game

$18 BUY NOW

Simple and oh-so-fun, this egg and spoon relay game will have your littles burning off energy in no time! The classic game comes with coordinating wooden spoons, eggs and a carrying case. Play a simple relay back and forth or make it interesting by creating an obstacle course.

Yuckology! Slime Lab

$16 BUY NOW

Your little scientists can create their slime concoctions with this easy-to-use kit that gives preschoolers their first lesson in early chemistry and making observations. The kit comes packed with all the tools you need to make slime from common household ingredients. The plastic tools can easily be washed to use again and again.

Looking for a fun toy to order on Amazon? Try LEGO!

LEGO Classic Bricks

$28 BUY NOW

With 484 pieces, there's plenty of creativity to be had with the LEGO Classic Bricks set. The multi-colored collection has tons of classic pieces, tires, mini-windows and propellers to keep kids entertained for hours.

Goodminton

$11 BUY NOW

Don't worry about balls in the house when your kids play Goodminton! This two-paddle game comes with two different speed birdies and is great for indoor fun.

Picasso Tiles are a fun toy to order on Amazon

PicassoTiles

$48 BUY NOW

When it comes to fun toys to order on Amazon, these are on the top of our list. Let little imaginations soar with STEM-friendly magnetic tiles. The multi-colored tiles let kids learn with their hands and get a grasp on 3D forms.

This indoor camping set is a super fun toy to order on Amazon

Pretend Camping Set

$34 BUY NOW

So you're stuck inside? Bring the outdoors in with this adorable camping set. It comes with a tent, faux fire, canteen and other camping supplies your little will need to survive the great indoors.

Fashion Plates are a fun toy to order on Amazon.

Fashion Plates

$14 BUY NOW

You kids may not be able to strut their stuff because they're stuck inside, but they can still dream up dressy duds. Classic Fashion Plates come with 15 interchangeable plates for countless outfits, plus paper, crayons, a drawing tablet and more.

Eat2Explore Box

$16 BUY NOW

Each box from Eat2Explore transports you to another country, with three unique recipes and essential spices and sauce mixes. Help your kiddos experience the great world with recipes that feed four each and include a shopping list. Choose from destinations like Greece, Brazil, China, India and Japan, to name a few.

Head-to-Toe Human Body Science Lab

$40 BUY NOW

This fun kit comes with a six-page illustrated storybook lab guide, eye chart, eye patch, tooth chart, toothbrush, stethoscope, dry erase marker, magnifier, washable ink pad, slime, red foil confetti, blue foil confetti, white foam balls and mixing container. Kids will learn from 10 activities all about science and first aid concepts.

this Discovery Kids Planetarium is a super fun toy to order on Amazon.

Discovery Kids Planetarium Projector

$43 BUY NOW

Discovery Kids Planetarium Projector is double-sided and comes with two different modes: stationary and moving. Settle down for a night of looking at the stars with 32 different images!

Arts & Crafts Jar

$13 BUY NOW

This 1000+ piece set is bound to keep the kids happy for a while. Choose from pipe cleaners, pompoms, sequins, googly eyes, foam letters, flowers, plastic beads, wooden sticks, paper scroll and more––all in a handy plastic bucket.

Made By Me Create Your Own Window Art

$10 BUY NOW

Create up to 20 gorgeous pieces of window art that will make the world a little brighter. Each set comes with suncatcher shapes, cords and suction cups to hang your work with pride.

Brio's Tabletop Pinball Set

$65 BUY NOW

Get your arcade fix with this tabletop version of pinball that's easy for kids as young as six to play.

Creatto Moonlight Elephant Safari | Light-Up Crafting Kit

$12 BUY NOW

Creatto kits require only two building components but offer countless results. The beautiful sets not only put creative juices to good use but also double as a work of art to keep on display.

smArt Pixelator

$51 BUY NOW

Steam learning and creativity come together with the smART Pixelator. Kids can learn to pixelate any design and build 2D and 3D projects using Bluetooth connectivity, lights and creative tools. Start with the included 50 step-by-step designs!

The Gravitrax is a fun toy to order on Amazon

Ravensberger's GraviTrax Marble Run

$60 BUY NOW

This might be one of our favorite fun toys to order on Amazon! The marble run of the modern age, this incredible STEM toy from Ravensburger will keep the kids entertained while they learn a little something, too. There are 122 pieces included in the starter set, which makes it possible to design unique marble runs, which in turn helps kids learn about engineering, gravity, magnetism and kinetics.

 

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation.

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Stem Sell: Where You Can Pick Your Own Flowers near NYC

by Ilyssa Smith

Maybe you picked some cherries this summer, or any number of berries recently, but have you ever ventured into acres of flowers of all kinds and snipped a few stems right from the field? From wildflowers to sunflowers, zinnias, peonies and more, here are our favorite farms near NYC for flower picking.

For a Wide Variety: Brittany Hollow Farm

Head to Brittany Hollow Farm in the Hudson Valley for one of the best selections of pick-your-own flowers near NYC. Flower varieties include zinnias, cosmos, black-eyed susans, strawflowers, snapdragons, celosia, sunflowers, butterfly weed, statice, and more, and the farm is open July through early October. Flowers are $20 per bucket, and you take the bucket home with you—bring it back for $15 buckets all season long. The fields are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week.

Brittany Hollow Farm
7141 Albany Post Rd.
Rhinebeck, NY
Online: brittanyhollowfarmflowers.strikingly.com

For "Gazillions" of Flowers, Veggies & A Winery: Terhune Orchards

A major player in the "you pick" scene, Terhune Orchards offers the chance to pick something throughout the growing season.  They offer a great selection of flowers here, available from late June to October. Planters and culinary herbs are also available on site, as are numerous other fruits and veggies—both in the fields for picking and the farm store for purchase. Terhune also operates its own winery. FYI: Leave your pets with a friend—they aren’t allowed on the farm. 

Terhune Orchards
330 Cold Soil Rd.
Princeton, NJ
609-924-2310
Online: terhuneorchards.com

For Gorgeous Blooms for the First Time: Spring Wind Farm

The stunning blooms are grown sustainably, and flowers for picking include sunflowers, zinnias, cosmos, celosia, gomphrena and more. Pick for a mason jar or a three-gallon bucket; prices start at $16. 

95 Holmes Mill Rd. 
Cream Ridge, NJ
Online: springwindfarm.com

For Super Sunflowers & Farm Fun: Johnson's Corner Farm

Johnson's Corner Farm loves its sunflowers. (The farm even holds Sunflower Celebrations.) In addition to lots of barnyard fun and picking produce, you can pick sunflowers for $1 a stem here, and zinnias for 25 cents each. Entrance to the field is $5/person on weekdays, and $6/person on weekends; buy tickets online to guarantee admission. 

133 Church Rd. 
Medford, NJ
Online: johnsonsfarm.com

For Lavender Lovers: Lavender By the Bay

To be fair, you can't pick the lavender at Lavender By the Bay, but it's a must for fans of this soothing herb, and peak bloom for French lavender is happening now, and more to come late summer! Plus: you can load up on sachets and sprigs in the gift shop. This farm has two locations on Long Island, growing more than 80,000 plants in hues of purple, lilac, white and beyond. (FYI: The Calverton spot is across the street from water park Splish Splash.) It's $12 to enter the field and stroll in the fragrant fields. Tickets must be purchased beforehand. 

Open daily, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

7540 Main Rd.
East Marion, NY

47 Manor Rd.
Calverton, NY 

Online: lavenderbythebay.com

For a Butterfly Moment: Melick's Town Farm

You can pick apples and peaches at Melick’s, but from July through September its stunning gardens are open for picking as well. You'll find flowers such as zinnias, sunflowers and snapdragons here, and no appointment is necessary, but they do ask that you bring your own clippers. (They advise calling ahead to find out what is blooming before you head over.) The farm charges per stem and also has pre-picked bouquets and arrangements if you need to grab a bouquet on the go. Melick's Town Farm is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 6.pm., and on a nice day, butterflies flock to the gardens, making for nice Instagram fodder.

Melick’s Town Farm
170 Oldwick Rd.
Oldwick, NJ
Online: melickstownfarm.com

For Flowers, Berries & a Side of Fresh Ice Cream: Patty’s Berries and Bunches

If you’re looking to ditch the scissors, but pick up some berries, this is the place to go. Patty's "bunches" are flowers, which are sold pre-picked and include blossoms such as sunflowers, dahlias, peonies, and zinnias. You can also pay $8 to walk through the flower fields for the perfect photo op!  The farm features an "Ice Cream Patch,” where visitors can buy scoops of seasonal flavors which are made with fresh ingredients grown on-site. This 40-acre Long Island farm is one of our favorites for U-pick berries. Open daily, 9:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

410 Sound Ave.
Mattituck, NY
Online: pattysberriesandbunches.com

For Evergreen & Sunflower Mazes & Lots of Produce to Pick: Alstede Farms

Alstede is a popular place for picking many, many things. Not only can you pick your own flowers at Alstede Farms, they've also added a cute evergreen maze, which is included with admission. Picking season runs mid-July through September, and flowers go for $1 a stem. The farm is packed with beautiful sunflowers ready for picking, and the farm’s annual sunflower maze is also open for navigation. This farm is also one of our favorites for “U-pick” fruits & veggies as well. Sweet Corn, vegetables (peppers, eggplant, tomatoes), peaches, cantaloupe, nectarines, honeydew and canary melon are all in season during the “cut your own flower” season, so you can pick up some "Jersey Fresh" produce while you're at it. Check this page to see if flowers are open for picking. 

1 Alstede Farms Ln.
Chester, NJ
Online: alstedefarms.com

 

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13 Beautiful Books for Curious Kids

by Amber Guetebier

Our children’s natural sense of curiosity has lead many a parent to discover more about the world around us—especially when we don’t know the answer to that pressing “why” question! Foster that sense of wonder and discovery with these children’s books that encourage those questions, from books about space and opposites, to the language of the sky, learn some of those answers yourself, too.

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation.

books about space

Out of This World: Star-Studded Haiku

$19 BUY NOW

Explore space in a new way: through Haiku. Told in a simple and straightforward style, Sally Walker's journey through the galaxy is expertly told using Matthew Trueman's illustrations. Perfect for both kids and adults. Ages: 7-9

Bok's Giant Leap

$18 BUY NOW

The only children's book by Neil Armstrong has arrived. Kids will delve deep into the story of Bok, a moon rock who traveled space and time until he was discovered by the first men to walk on the moon. With beautiful illustrations by Grahame Baker Smith, young explorers will be captivated by this story. Ages: 4-8

Opposites Abstract

$10 BUY NOW

In this book by the beloved Mo Willems, best-selling author and illustrator and friend to all the pandemic children with his weekly drawing lessons, Willems uses colors, shapes, and textures to demonstrate the concepts of opposites—which are, to quote the Pigeon, "a matter of opinion." The book encourages discussion with children and those around them when the author asks questions like, "Is this soft?" and "Is this light?" in regards to the abstract art. An instant classic. Ages: Baby-2

The Seekers

$14 BUY NOW

We're not sure what is the best part of this amazing book; the original story based on mythology from the artists' native Mombai or the stunning illustrations created by Hari & Deepti, two paper-cut artists who bring the words to life. Both elements combine to make hands-down one of the most beautiful and unique books, one that inspires curiosity and wonder with the artwork and narrative alike: our heroines are two children who will soon learn that Silver Fox and Fire Wolf are anything but myths. Ages: 4-8

What Do You Do with an Idea?

$10 BUY NOW

The story of one small child and one big idea, that grows with the child’s confidence, until something amazing happens. This story is for all the dreamers, big thinkers, and inventors in our families, and encourages children to believe their idea is worthy and curiosity is a strength. Written by Kobi Yamada with illustrations by Mae Besom. Ages: 3-7

A Ray of Light

$10 BUY NOW

Walter Wick is known for his photographic find-and-seek books, encouraging curious kids everywhere to look beyond their first impressions. In A Ray of Light, Wick's stunning images are combined with easy-to-understand text. Kids will learn all about the speed, color, the spectrum, and all the other complex secrets to light. Ages: 6-8

books about space

She Stitched the Stars: The Story of Ellen Harding Baker's Solar System Quilt

$12 BUY NOW

For any of those kids who look up in wonder at the night sky, this book is a beautiful bedtime addition and is sure to inspire. Discover the magical story behind Ellen Harding Baker's quilt, which she began stitching in 1876, and which is an accurate depiction of our solar system. Today, the quilt hangs in the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. Lovingly told by Jennifer Harris and illustrated beautifully by Louise Pigott. Ages: 4-8

best bedtime books astronaut annie, books about space

Astronaut Annie

$18 BUY NOW

As Annie prepares for career day at her school, she talks to her family about their hopes for her future as she plans her future career as an astronaut. Suzanne Slade's book will satisfy your curious kiddos with bonus material about famous female astronauts and facts about the moon, all accompanied by enchanting illustrations by Nicole Tadgell. Ages: 4-7

Barefoot Books Children of the World

$14 BUY NOW

Feed their brains with this beautiful compendium of children from around the world, with hand-painted illustrations by artist David Dean, discover countries and cultures across the globe. From holidays to hats, big ideas and little moments, this collection co-authored by Katie DePalma and Tessa Strickland will foster the global citizen in every child. Ages: 5-8

Britannica All New Kids Encyclopedia: What We Know & What We Don't

$30 BUY NOW

This hardcover encyclopedia is the book every curious kid will devour for years to come. Teeming with fascinating facts from everything we know about the universe to history to renewable energy, all on 424 full-color, heavily illustrated pages. Editor Christopher Lloyd interviewed experts in their fields to bring the most factually accurate info right to your kiddo's curious minds. Ages: 7+

From an Idea to LEGO

$8 BUY NOW

This awesome series, which includes other books like From an Idea to Google, and From an Idea to Disney, is basically like a "How I Built This" for kids, in book form. We learned so many amazing things about LEGO including the beginning concepts and hardships, fun facts and so much more. The perfect book for little LEGO lovers who want to go beyond sticking bricks. In short, Lowey Bundy Sichol's books are brilliant and inspiring for inventors and innovators everywhere. Ages: 8-12

How to Be a Coder

$14 BUY NOW

Kiki Prottsman doesn't just know all about coding, she knows how to foster curiosity and creativity in kids by encouraging, teaching and getting kids excited about learning to code...by reading. No small feat, getting kids to learn about greats like computer science pioneers Katherine Johnson and Alan Turing along with gleaning new skills, this impressive (and very colorful) book from DK is sure to be a hit. Ages: 7-9

The Book of Ingeniously Daring Chemistry: 24 Experiments for Young Scientists

$13 BUY NOW

Take a trip through the periodic table with the ultimate STEM book from Sean Connolly. With 24 hands-on experiments (which you can try again and again) and easy-to-follow instructions, kids can learn about chemistry by doing things like using ultraviolet light to locate bad cat smells, making “hot ice” by crystallizing vinegar and baking soda and so much more. Ages: 9 and up

 

—Amber Guetebier & Karly Wood

 

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Ship Your Unwanted LEGO Bricks to Kids in Need and LEGO Will Pay For It

by Shahrzad Warkentin

LEGO bricks are easily some of the best creative toys for kids of all ages, but they can be a pricey investment for those living on a tight budget. But thanks to an awesome initiative, LEGO Replay, all kids can get a chance to develop those important STEM skills, and not to mention enjoy hours of creative play with LEGO.

LEGO introduced a new give-back program called LEGO Replay back in Oct. 2019, which allows families to box up LEGO bricks they no longer want and send them to kids in need for free. The program has continued to run and give your LEGO bricks new life.

LEGO

All you have to do is visit www.lego.com/replay to print out a free UPS shipping label and ship it off for donation. Currently, the program only accepts: LEGO® System, DUPLO® and Technic™ Bricks and Elements from single or multiple sets, LEGO® Minifigures and Mini-dolls (no need to disassemble) and LEGO® Baseplates.

“We know people don’t throw away their LEGO bricks,” said Tim Brooks, Vice President, Environmental Responsibility at the LEGO Group. “The vast majority hand them down to their children or grandchildren. But others have asked us for a safe way to dispose of or to donate their bricks. With Replay, they have an easy option that’s both sustainable and socially impactful.”

LEGO

The bricks will be given to kids in need and distributed to Teach for America (nationwide) and Boys and Girls Club of Boston and Teach for America and currently, the program has received over 597,000 pounds!

“Learning through play can have a tremendous impact on a child’s cognitive development. Through play, children develop fine motor skills, think creatively, and can learn how to problem solve throughteamwork,” said Susan Asiyanbi, Teach For America’s chief operating and program officer. “But not everyone has access to such resources. LEGO Replay, and the instructional resources they provide educators, will help give more students access to this opportunity.”

—Shahrzad Warkentin& Karly Wood

All photos: Courtesy of LEGO

 

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Amazon Prime Sells Fresh Roses by the Dozen Just in Time for Valentine’s Day

by Tinybeans Team

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation.

Sweeten up your Valentine’s Day by ordering fresh roses on Amazon Prime for pronto delivery. Whether you’re looking to make a statement with a bodacious bouquet or a single stem, Amazon has once again found a way to make our lives simpler.

Snowstorm? Pandemic? Toddlers? Not this year. Thanks to Amazon Prime’s rose delivery, absolutely nothing should stand between you and the floral expression of love you crave (or that you crave to give, but that you’ve possibly forgotten to order weeks in advance).

2 Dozen Long-Stemmed Roses

$47 BUY NOW

Amazon delivers on the classics, and the beefed-up quantity of two dozen screams "I love you!"

A Dozen Roses with 2-Hour Delivery Option

$13 BUY NOW

A dozen roses for $13 and the option of 2-hour delivery through Whole Foods if you're a Prime Member? Boom. Cupid may have just lost his job.

100 Roses

$136 BUY NOW

Go big or go home. 100 roses for the win.

Lilies & Roses with Overnight Delivery

$45 BUY NOW

Let lilies fill the room with fragrance along with your roses, and get them there overnight with your Prime membership.

50 Multicolor Roses

$90 BUY NOW

For the person with lots of love to give (to multiple people), this bouquet of 50 comes with plenty of roses to divvy up.

—Shelley Massey

All photos courtesy of Amazon, and featured photo by David Bartus via Pexels.

 

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