Most of us have only ever seen photos or documentaries about the RMS Titanic, but that’s about to change. The LEGO Group has just revealed one of the most authentic replicas of all time with its newest set.

The LEGO Titanic is one of the longest and largest sets so far, coming in at over four feet long! The 9,090-piece set comes together with a strikingly similar exterior to the real deal, not to mention eye-catching interior rooms.

Some of those spaces include the First-Class grand staircase, Dining Saloon and Engine Room, along with a stunning cross-sectional view. The ship actually “works” too: with an anchor that goes up and down and an adjustable tension line.

While a fun build for sure, this set is geared for adults 18 and older. The Titanic can be pre-ordered starting Nov. 1 for a purchase price of $630 at lego.com and your local LEGO store.

––Karly Wood

All photos: Courtesy of LEGO

RELATED STORIES

Brick or Treat Is Returning to LEGOLAND This October with Boo-Tastic Delights

20 LEGOLAND Secrets That’ll Make Your Trip Awesome

LEGO Is Dropping Two New Sets Just in Time for Spooky Season

Whether it’s a rainy Sunday or an almost-summer kind of day, books are always a win. This month there are a tremendous selection of books—from Drag Queens to yoga to camping and so much more! We’ve read every one of these with our own kids (or they read them for us) so we know these are kid-approved, too. Read on!

Pride 123

Simon & Schuster

Out in time for Pride Month (June) this early reader board book is the perfect way to engage kids, especially if you can't attend a Pride Parade this year. "1 Parade in the month of June/2 DJ's spin fabulous tunes." Michael Joosten's rhyming prose is perfectly accompanied by Wednesday Holme's bright illustrations. 

Ages: 1-5

Get it here. $7.99

The Camping Trip

Wishing you were camping right now? Whether your kids love camping or not, they’ll love this book by Jennifer K. Mann. Ernestine's been invited to go on her first camping trip with her aunt, Jackie. She needs a new sleeping bag and new flashlight, of course. But these are plenty of other new things she encounters as the book unfolds. At its heart Ernestine's is a story about how to approach new situations, especially ones that are challenging. 

Ages: 3-7

Find your copy online. $17.99

Clever Hans

Seattle-based author, Kerri Kokias and illustrator Mike Lowery retells this German story that introduces kids to Hans, a horse who can tell time, count, solve equations, even spell. Hans’s amazing abilities draw as many crowds as they do questions, and eventually people start to wonder if this horse really is as clever as he seems. Find out how the mystery of Hans’s intelligence is solved (or is it?) when you read this playful book.

Ages: 4-8

Order your copy,$17.99

Elizabeth Warren’s Big, Bold Plans

At home with the kids? We've got a plan for that! Read Laurie Ann Thompson’s upcoming book Elizabeth Warren’s Big, Bold Plans to your kids. This picture book bio chronicles the Senator’s life from childhood, to teacher, to lawyer, to presidential hopeful. Susanna Chapman’s beautiful illustrations make Warren’s impressive life story accessible to kids of all ages. 

Ages: 4-8

Find it online. $17.99

The Hips on the Drag Queen Go Swish, Swish, Swish

Hatchette Book Group

The shoulders on the drag queen go shimmy, shimmy, shimmy...all through the town. 

Fans of Drag Queen Story Hours around the country will love this book from Lil' Miss Hot Mess, one of the first Queens to host DQSH. Bright, playful illustrations by Olga de Dios add the perfect touch to this update on the classic "wheels on the bus" song that aims to teach little kids everywhere...there's nothing wrong with a little swish in your step. 
 
Ages: 4-8

$17.99, available here

A Doll for Grandma

Beaming Books

This story about a little girl who is very close with her grandma and the girl's experience as her grandma's dementia progresses. It is an excellent child's eye view of this often confusing and heartbreaking disease and a great tool for parents and caregivers to engage kids in the conversation of aging, dementia and alzheimers. 

Ages: 5-8

Find online here. $17.99

Guion the Lion

Harking

With bright watercolor illustrations, this book tells the story of how an imaginative lion named Guion shows his friends how to see magic in their everyday world. Inspired by the author's three kids, including her oldest with Down syndrome, the book shows readers how to change their perspective and find a little magic in their own lives too. The book ends with suggestions for fun activities for families to play together, building on the themes in the book.

Age: 5 and up. 

Find it here. $17.99

Yoga Animals: A Wild Introduction to Kid-Friendly Poses

National Geographic Kids Books

Tara Stiles new book helps kids go with the flow––yoga flow, that is. This introduction to the practice of yoga helps kids learn basic poses by curling like a cat, stretching like a dog and bending like a gorilla! The perfect way to do yoga as a family, the picture-based work offers both the animal and actual names of poses, along with detailed instructions on how to do each pose so everyone stays safe.

Ages: 4-8

Find it here, $15.29

Bark Park

Andrews McMeel

Sometimes, you just need a good dog mystery in your life. Join Scout and her doggy detective friends as they em"bark" on a mission to find out what's amiss at the local dog park. Written by Brandi Dougherty with illustrations by Paige Pooler. 

Ages: 5-8

Find it here, $6.99

Pizza and Taco: Who's the Best?

Penguin Random House

What's better: a slice of pizza or a crunchy taco? In this graphic novel, the first of a series, kids are introduced to besties Pizza and Taco who have a friendly-ish competition to find out who is really, truly the best. In the end, they find out being best friends is best. Written and illustrated by Stephen Shaskan. 

Ages: 5-8

Find a copy here. $9.99

Out of Time: Lost on the Titanic

Andrews McMeel Publishing

.Another awesome Epic! Originals book, Out of Time: Lost on the the Titanic takes us along with siblings Allie and Vic, their buddy Max and their puppy, as they travel back in time to the deck of the RMS Titanic. Written by Jessica Rinker and illustrated by Bethany Stancliffe. 

Ages: 6-9

Find it here. $6.99

Adventures in Kindness: 52 Awesome Kid Adventures for Building a Better World

Mission Partners, Benefit LLC

Written by a mother-daughter duo, this interactive activity book is perfect for adventurous spirits. Packed with ideas on how to make the world better, families can get inspired by plenty of ways on how to help out their schools, communities and those around them, like learning how to tip generously, say hello in 35 languages and more.

Ages: 6 to 12

Get it here, $18.95

Katarina Ballerina

Simon & Schuster

Katarina's dreams are bigger than city life. The ten-year-old has it in her heart to become the best: a prima ballerina. Despite not having any training, Katarina sets out to win a coveted spot in an international dance camp that is sure to make her a start.

Ages: 8-12

Get it here, $16.99

Any Day with You

Penguin Random House

This is the second middle grade novel from Bay Area author Mae Respicio and it is full of Filipino folklore, history and cuisine. Any Day with You is a warm, tender story about a creative girl who hopes that by winning a filmmaking contest, she’ll convince her great-grandfather not to move back home to the Philippines. 

Ages: 8-12

Find it here, $16.99.

Jacky Ha-Ha: A Graphic Novel (Jacky Ha-Ha (1))

Hatchette Book Group

James Patterson's novel Jacky Ha-Ha adapted by Adam Rau comes to life as the first-ever graphic novel from James Patterson! Based on the adventures of class clown Jacky Ha-Ha, who uses humor to keep kids from laughing at her and to keep herself distracted from not-very-funny, real life situations like her mom fighting in a far-away war and her semi-absent father. 

Illustrated by Betty Tang.

Ages: 8-14

Get yours here. $8.03 

Stepping Stones (Peapod Farm)

This graphic novel about the realities of a blended family, from the point of view of young Jen, will entertain kids while bringing to light the definition of family and love. Jen doesn't want to leave the city, or her dad, to live with her mom and new step-dad on a farm. And she doesn't want to (but she does) compare herself to her new step-sister, who seems to get everything right when Jen does everything wrong. Brings the complexities of family life, divorce and blending families to the table in an easy-to-read and share format. Funny, too! Based on author illustrator Lucy Knisley's real life. 

Ages: 8-12 

Get it here. $12.99

 

—Amber Guetebier, Karly Wood, Gabby Cullen & Allison Sutcliffe

featured image: iStock/monkeybusinessimages

RELATED STORIES

New Children’s Books to Read ASAP

The Very Best Children’s Books for March 2020

Our Favorite New Kids Books Published in February 2020 

The Best New Books of January 2020 

The Best Children’s Books of 2019, According to Us (& Our Kids) 

Banned Books to Read with Your Kids

75 Award-Winning Books Every Child Will Love 

 

Photo: Stratford School

When schools across the nation moved rapidly to a distance learning program due to the COVID-19 shelter-at-home order, the library team at Stratford School was determined to create a way to keep students engaged with their friends and interested in recreational reading.

To start, we hosted a spring break virtual book club using Zoom. To our surprise, we welcomed more than 60 eager readers to each of our virtual book club meetings. Book clubs, whether hosted in person or virtually, create a fun, safe, and engaging experience for children. It is a time for children to be with other book fans, talk about the plot, and imagine what might happen next in the story. Most importantly, it’s an opportunity for children to see their friends and perhaps even meet new ones!

Starting your own virtual book club can be done in just a few easy steps.

1. Choose a book! Choose a book that is age-appropriate and fun, and that your club members agree upon. Many books are available online via eLibraries, or check your local library and explore its collection.
2. Invite friends to join the reading adventure! The ages of the children should be within a couple of years, and around a similar reading level.
3. Schedule club meetings! Once you have your group identified and a book selected, come up with a time to meet online in Zoom or Google. Plan to meet once a week for approximately four to six weeks.
4. Read. Discuss. Repeat each week!
5. At the end of the story, choose another book, and keep your book club going!

Keep virtual book club members engaged! A successful virtual book club has active members. Here are a few ways to keep your club members actively engaged and reading during the month.

  • Give each club member a chance to ask questions and be a meeting host.
  • Take advantage of online resources like reading guides, questions, and discussion helpers.
  • Make it fun by including games such as Roll & Retell (available on Pinterest).
  • Add an art component. For example, ask club members to create a picture featuring a scene or character, or make a prop, just as they imagine being described in the story. A virtual book club for kids can be a good time for parents to connect too, as they share the responsibilities and get their children involved.

Here’s our go-to list of books to get your book club started:

Grades Kinder to Second:

I Survived The Sinking of the Titanic. Book one in a series by Lauren Tarshish Illustrated by Scott Dawson This historical fiction series transports the reader into a first-person narrative account of a survivor of a terrifying event. While captivated by the account, the reader is also learning the history and often led to research more! The “I Survived” series covers a wide range of topics and time periods like Hurricane Katrina, the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the San Francisco earthquake, 9/11, and the Battle of Gettysburg. Even reluctant readers will like the suspenseful action that provides edge-of-your-seat moments. Resources here.

Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo. Because of Winn-Dixie is a Newbery Honor book about the summer Opal goes into the Winn-Dixie supermarket and comes out with a rescue dog. Every character is memorable with a story to tell, and somehow all these stories meld together into a satisfying ending with an uplifting message. This book deals with such important themes: grief, hope, acceptance, loss, and friendship. There are lessons about how one should try not to judge by appearances, the power of love, and friendship. Resources here.

Grades 3—5:

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by JK Rowling. The Harry Potter books are perhaps some of the most re-read books in history. Readers often find new insight into the story each time it is read. Discussions could include themes such as social justice, loyalty, courage, family or friendship. The book club could end with a synchronized virtual viewing of the movie. Resources here.

Wonder by R.J. Palacio. Wonder is written in various viewpoints to allow the reader to know what each character is thinking. It is a story about August Pullman who was born with a facial difference that, up until the start of the book, has prevented him from going to a mainstream school. Wonder has a way of touching each reading differently. There are many online resources for this club from the publisher here.

Grades 6—8: 

Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library by Chris Grabenstein. The first installment in a three-book series, this story is a modern Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The characters are twelve-year-old students who are locked in a library, and they must use clues to escape and to try to win the grand prize. With numerous references to classic works of literature, this book provides many areas of discussion. When the club ends, watch the Netflix movie together virtually! There are lots of online resources including discussion questions available here.

Eragon, Book One of The Inheritance Cycle Series by Christopher Paolini. This fantasy series was written by the author when he was fifteen years old. The story is a sweeping epic in which the forces of good fight against evil. This is a great book to read before The Lord of the Rings series. A mysterious blue stone appears out of nowhere, and Eragon wonders if it was sent by accident or is he meant to have it? When a dragon, Saphira, hatches from it, the beast and boy connect and face danger together. Resources and questions for the book are available here.

Keira Pride is the Head Librarian at Stratford School, the leading independent private school founded with a vision of creating a unique, multi-dimensional, educational foundation for children. As Stratford's Head Librarian, she manages the library services department across campuses throughout Northern and Southern California. 

CBS announced the addition of the broadcast television premiere of Grease Sing-A-Long to Sunday Night Movies, which features iconic films from the Paramount Pictures library, broadcast on the CBS Television Network. Grease Sing-A-Long will air Jun. 7 (8:30-11:00 PM, ET/PT) and will feature follow-along lyrics to all the songs during the classic film. The movie special will fill the time slot originally slated for the 74th Annual Tony Awards which has been postponed. 

television
CBS Sunday Night Movies kicked off on May 3 with Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark, followed by Forrest Gump on May 10. 

Additional titles airing during Sunday Night Movies include Mission: Impossible (May 17), Titanic (May 24), and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (May 31).

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: Wang John on Unsplash

RELATED STORIES

Broadway Stars Performed “Go the Distance” from “Hercules” on Zoom

Watch Broadway Shows at Home for Free for a Limited Time

John Krasinski Surprises Hamilton Superfan with a Cast Reunion

Las Vegas is anything but boring and that is especially true when you are looking for a kids museum. These Las Vegas museums all kids to explore science, learn about Vegas history through neon artifacts, find out about atomic testing and even see some artifacts from the Titanic. Plan your exploration day today!

DISCOVERY Children’s Museum

DISCOVERY Children’s Museum

Three-stories tall in stature, the DISCOVERY Children’s Museum 58,000-square-foot building is home to nine-themed exhibition halls totaling 26,000 square feet of interactive hands-on core exhibits. You'll find special activities for toddlers, a unique makerspace for kids of all ages and a 70-foot climbing tower. 

360 Promenade Pl
Las VegasNV
Online: discoverykidslv.org

The Neon Museum

Kate Loweth

Start your visit to Las Vegas with a stop at The Neon Museum and you’ll get all caught up on the city’s history through its retired neon signs. Knowledgeable guides tour guests through this this neon boneyard that includes signs from old casinos and other Las Vegas businesses while providing interesting facts about the area’s development into the tourist destination that it is today. You can visit the museum and tour the signs on your own until 4 p.m. daily or opt for the full experience of a one-hour guided tour in the evening.

770 Las Vegas Boulevard North
Las Vegas, NV
Onlineneonmuseum.org

Clark County Museum

Caroline T. via yelp

Travel back in time at this museum that features a modern exhibit hall with a timeline exhibit about southern Nevada from pre-historic to modern times and a collection of restored historic buildings that depict daily life from different decades in Las Vegas, Boulder City, Henderson and Goldfield. 

1830 S Boulder Hwy
HendersonNV
Online: clarkcountynv.gov

Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition

Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition

Your little history buffs are in for a treat when you visit the Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition at the Luxor Hotel. This fully-immersive exhibit starts out by assigning you with the identity of one of the Titanic passengers. You can read about your person’s history and when they were sailing aboard this massive ship.

The exhibit takes you through all the different classes on the ship with information about how the first class dined and how those on third class had to share a communal bathtub. Actual artifacts including “The Big Piece” are on display with videos showing how they were removed from the ocean floor. Opt for the audio tour to get the full experience. Bonus, kids three and under are free.

The Luxor Hotel
3900 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV
Onlinepremierexhibitions.com

National Atomic Testing Museum

Jim B. via yelp

The National Atomic Testing Museum is a national science, history and educational institution that tells the story of America’s nuclear weapons testing program at the Nevada Test Site. The Museum uses lessons of the past and present to better understand the extent and effect of nuclear testing on worldwide nuclear deterrence and geo-political history. 

755 E. Flamingo Rd.
Las Vegas, NV
Online: nationalatomictestingmuseum.org

RELATED STORIES

Best Events for Las Vegas Kids & Families in February (and Most are Free!)

The Best Indoor Play Spaces for Kids in Las Vegas

Viva Las Vegas with Kids (Seriously!!)

While Las Vegas might already be at the top of your list for your next grown-up weekend away, surprise!—it’s also a great place to bring the kids! With loads of shows, restaurants and activities geared towards those who haven’t quite reached gambling age, you’ll find tons to do there for all your people. Bonus: it’s super close to the Grand Canyon. We’ve got all the info here for your next family vacay in Las Vegas!

Play

The Neon Museum
Start your visit to Las Vegas with a stop at The Neon Museum and you’ll get all caught up on the city’s history through its retired neon signs. Knowledgeable guides tour guests through this this neon boneyard that includes signs from old casinos and other Las Vegas businesses while providing interesting facts about the area’s development into the tourist destination that it is today. You can visit the museum and tour the signs on your own until 4 p.m. daily or opt for the full experience of a one-hour guided tour in the evening.

Earlier this year, the Neon Museum launched Brilliant!, a 30-minute night show in its North Gallery where lights are projected on to unrestored signs making them appear to come to life. Kids will especially love this show and the music and story that goes along with it. You can buy tickets to Brilliant! on their own, or pair them with your visit to the museum.

770 Las Vegas Boulevard North
Las Vegas, NV
Onlineneonmuseum.org

Las Vegas Monorail
When you need to make your way around the Las Vegas Strip, ditch the car (and the exorbitant parking fees) and opt for the Las Vegas Monorail. Connecting the MGM Grand and the SLS Las Vegas, the Monorail has seven stops along the strip to get you where you need to go.

Operating from 7 a.m. until the wee hours of the morning, the Monorail is a favorite among families as it provides a quick and air conditioned way to get around the city and is super fun for the kids. Pro tip: Once you enter the Monorail system, you can ride as long as you’d like on one ticket so make the most of it and ride it from beginning to end! One ride costs $5, an unlimited day pass is $13 and multi-day discounts are available. Nevada residents can ride for a buck and kids under five ride free.

Onlinelvmonorail.com

High Roller Observation Wheel
Hop off the Monorail at The LINQ and you’ll be in the right spot to board the High Roller Observation Wheel. This observation wheel is akin to a Ferris wheel but on a massive scale that only Las Vegas can pull off. A full rotation brings you up 550 feet during its 30-minute rotation.

During your ride you will be inside a huge pod that allows you to walk around and take in the Vegas sights. Screens inside provide area history and information about the observation wheel itself. Plan your visit for the evening hours and you’ll get to see the city in all its neon glory. Pro tip: Tickets are cheaper during the day and also when purchased in advance online. Kids six and under ride free and you can get a family four-pack for $59.

3545 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV
Onlinecaesars.com/linq/high-roller

Michael Jackson ONE
If you are looking for a Las Vegas show that both kids and parents will adore, Michael Jackson ONE is the ticket. Combining the gravity-defying artistry of Cirque du Soliel with the epic music of the King of Pop, this show will have you dancing in your seat. The hour and 30-minute show takes place at the Mandalay Bay Resort (with no intermission). You won’t know where to focus your attention with performers on the stage, in the aisles, on the walls and even suspended above the audience.

The show brings to life iconic hits like Man in the Mirror, Bad and Smooth Criminal. Parents should be aware that the zombies in Thriller can get a little intense as they come up the aisles and interact with the crowd so sit the kids off aisle if you think this might be an issue. Pro tip: If you are taking an Uber to the show, ask for the Delano hotel drop off as it is much closer to the theater entrance than the one at Mandalay Bay.

Mandalay Bay
3950 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV
Onlinecirquedusoleil.com/michael-jackson-one

photo: Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition

Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition
Your little history buffs are in for a treat when you visit the Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition at the Luxor Hotel. This fully-immersive exhibit starts out by assigning you with the identity of one of the Titanic passengers. You can read about your person’s history and when they were sailing aboard this massive ship.

The exhibit takes you through all the different classes on the ship with information about how the first class dined and how those on third class had to share a communal bathtub. Actual artifacts including “The Big Piece” are on display with videos showing how they were removed from the ocean floor. Opt for the audio tour to get the full experience. Bonus, kids three and under are free.

The Luxor Hotel
3900 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV
Onlinepremierexhibitions.com

Eat

There’s no shortage of awesome eats in Las Vegas. If your ride on the High Roller has you there at mealtime, the LINQ Promenade is the perfect place to grab a kid-friendly meal from options like the Yardhouse, Haute Doggery or In-N-Out Burger. Save room for sweets and stop at Sprinkles Cupcakes or Ghiradelli Chocolate.

Walking between the hotels on the strip will get you to fun options like the Dapper Doughnut in the MGM Hotel or Hershey’s Chocolate World in the New York-New York Hotel (stop here for samples!).

If you have some time off-strip, definitely grab a spot in line at Freed’s Bakery—the location of Food Network’s Vegas Cakes. Dozens of cookie options are sold by the pound and half pound, or you can’t go wrong with one of their cupcakes or cookie ice cream sandwiches.

Visit the Grand Canyon

Take some time away from all the downtown crowds and spend the day in the Grand Canyon. Just a short flight from Las Vegas, Grand Canyon Scenic Airlines will bring you right to this majestic national park. A shuttle picks you up at your Las Vegas hotel and drops you off at the airport in Boulder City, Nevada to start your aerial adventure.

Helicopter and airplane tours are both available with options ranging from flight only to additions like a bus tour to the Hoover Dam or the opportunity to walk across the Skywalk Bridge—a bridge with a glass floor that allows you to walk out over the Grand Canyon itself.

The kids will be stunned by the massive size of the Grand Canyon, which can best be viewed from the air! Your flight includes an audio tour that points out many of the historical spots along the way.

A particularly fun option is to add on a Buck Wild Hummer Tour to your Grand Canyon Scenic Airlines excursion. You will take a flight to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon where a shuttle will deliver you to the Buck Wild office. There you will board a former military hummer with open-air stadium seating.

Your knowledgeable tour guide will take you through the national park, stopping along the way at scenic overlooks for a bit of a history lesson and a chance to snap photos. If you are lucky you just might spot some of the parks resident elk! Buck Wild tours can be booked on their own or in combination with your Grand Canyon Scenic Airlines flight.

Grand Canyon Scenic Airlinesgrandcanyonairlines.com
Buck Wild Hummer Toursbuckwildhummertours.com

Stay

Green Valley Ranch Resort
If relaxation is high on your Las Vegas list and the kids are along for the ride, the Green Valley Ranch Resort is the perfect spot. Located off Strip, GVRR lets you get away from the crowds and all the downtown nightlife that might not be very appropriate for kids. You’ll feel like you are miles away even though you are only a $20 Uber ride from the action.

The Green Valley Ranch Resort offers Vegas draws like a casino with an all-you-can-eat buffet, as well as a killer pool with its own zero-entry sandy beach. You will win the day when you take the kids to the underage version of a casino, the on-site arcade complete with tickets they can redeem for prizes. Need a spot to cool off from the heat? The hotel has its own movie theater and food court. A coffee stand in the lobby will get you caffeinated for the day and on-property restaurants like Turf Grill and Pizza Rock will keep you all well fed.

Parents who want to see a show or take advantage of the hotel’s casino or fancier restaurants without the kids tagging along can drop them off at Kids Quest. Located right on the casino floor, Kids Quest offers drop-off childcare where kids from 30 months through age 12 get to have their own fun while you get some parent time. For $10.50/kid per hour, kids can play on the climbing wall, work on an art project, check out the iPad station and more. Meals and snacks are available for an additional charge.

In addition to GVRR, Station Casinos offers nine other off-strip properties with amenities like Kids Quest, swimming pools and more—perfect options for your family vacation in Las Vegas. One even has an ice rink!

Green Valley Ranch Resort
2300 Paseo Verde Parkway
Henderson, NV
Onlinegreenvalleyranch.sclv.com

The Details

The moral of the story is: don’t leave the kids at home the next time you visit Vegas. You’ll see “Sin City” in a whole new light when you bring the shorter set along for the ride!

The tween years can be difficult for a number of reasons. You’re in between life stages, not quite a child but not yet a teenager. And planning a birthday party can be, well, interesting! You’ve outgrown the bouncy house phase but you’re not quite at the pizza and a movie alone phase. Not to worry! The DMV is filled with entertaining and exciting options for that in between party point!

Photo: Escape Room Live

Escape Room Live
The “Escape” experiences are all the rage worldwide and the DMV is definitely not being left behind! Escape Room Live has three DMV locations (Georgetown, Glover Park and Alexandria) and they are all the rage. Players work in teams to solve puzzles and brainteasers in order to “escape” the room in which they’re trapped — before time runs out. Room themes include favorites like “Titanic,” “Ghostbusters,” and “Sherlock Holmes.” They offer a variety of party packages and it’s a great team-building activity which is key in the tween years!

Georgetown, Glover Park, and Alexandria, Va
Online: escaperoomlive.com

Ultrazone Laser Tag
Who doesn’t love laser tag?! At Ultrazone, your tween can step into a high-tech laser tag venture where individuality is limited only by their imagination! Their goal will be to avoid lasers, and strategize with friends as they vie for high scores and stardom! Ultrazone offers state of the art laser tag games, arcade games and birthday parties that are out of this world! Party packages include party room, host, pizza, soft drinks, arcade tokens and goodie bags. So, strap on a vest and step into the labyrinth where you will become completely immersed in another world!

3447 Carlin Springs Rd. (Bailey’s Crossroads, Va)
Onlineultrazonebaileys.com

Photo: Terrapin Adventures

Terrapin Adventures
Terrapin Adventures is all about building relationships through fun! They’re thang is aerial adventures with only wood, rope, and cable. Yep, just wood, rope and cable! They combine team building and thrills within the context of caring for and understanding our environment. Tweens can explore, learn about, and enjoy nature as it was meant to beThey have specialty trained Aerial Adventure Guides/Facilitators that provide your party with a safe, thrilling, and memorable experience. Different party theme/adventures are available and you can choose from Easy, Thrilling and Challenging difficulty levels.

8600 Foundry St. (Savage, Md
Online: terrapinadventures.com

Buzz Bakery in Ballston/Arlington
Buzz will be all the buzz with tweens who love to decorate cupcakes…and eat them! The lovely, welcoming bakery near Ballston Mall offers Birthday Party packages. You can host a very small party in the back of the bakery or a bigger one on their outside patio. Buzz offers cute cupcake and cookie decorating kits perfect if you want to go somewhere other than your house to decorate some sweets. You can even order savory snacks to nibble on.

818 N. Quincy St. (Arlington, Va)
Online: buzzbakeshop.com

Photo: Guiomar Ochoa

Zazzy Peacock Studios
Meet Jill Newman and you’ll understand why she chose the name Zazzy Peacock for her new studio located in the Artists & Makers 2 space in Rockville. She’s a colorful, creative soul who is full of energy and loves working with equally minded youngsters. You must be eight and up to host a party at ZPS and Jill will work with you on the materials you’d like to work with as well as what you’ll be creating. Tweens are encouraged to create a custom project! You bring food and cake but can leave decorations behind as Jill has zazzed ZPS in such fun, bright colors, you won’t need to lift a finger. She even handmade a festive birthday banner!

12280 Wilkins Ave. (Rockville, Md)
Online: zazzypeacockstudios.com

Encore Stage & Studio
Is your tween a drama queen?! A birthday party at Encore Stage & Studio is spot-on for your actor or theatre buff. Their birthday package includes a party room rental before the theatre performance, and an exclusive backstage tour. Plus, your tweens birthday will be announced to the entire audience before the start of the show! The party room is available 90 minutes before show-time and you’re responsible for providing food and decorations. Party package cost is only $75 plus $8/seat for the show. Now, that’s a bargain! f

4000 Lorcom Ln. (Arlington, Va)
Online: encorestageva.org

Do you have any other cool tween birthday party ideas? Share them in the comments below. 

—Guiomar Ochoa

They can account for endless pretend-play in bathtubs and pools, but submarines have a deep (yep, we just did that) history in the U.S. and beyond. Read on for some interesting facts that should please your little skippers.

photo: Adrian Midgley via flickr

What we think of as modern submarines were not used until World War I (1914-1918) but prior to that:

Dutch inventor Cornelis Drebbel built the first operating submarine in 1620.

In 1776 a US inventor named David Bushnell built a submarine, named the Turtle, that was used in the American Revolution. This was the first known submarine used in combat. (It was not successful in its attack).

Robert Fulton built one in 1800, which he named the Nautilus.

The Alligator was a submarine built by the US Navy (intended for combat) which was lost at sea during a storm in 1863.

On April 11, 1900 the first commissioned submarine, the USS Holland, was used by the United States Navy.

The first nuclear-powered submarine, named USS Nautilus, was used for the first time in 1954.

Regardless of their size, naval tradition declares submarines be called “boats” rather than “ships.”

So deep: A nuclear submarine can dive about 800 ft. deep.

Ballast me? To stay underwater, a submarine has compartments called ballasts. They are giant tanks that fill up with water when the vessel needs to submerge. The water is let out to help the sub rise back to the surface.

Some modern submarines can stay underwater for months at a time, up to 6-months. The length of time is usually limited by the amount of food and water stored on board, which is generally enough for just 90 days.

Modern submarines do not have windows. (Bummer, right?) They do have special underwater cameras and when closer to the surface, periscopes, for seeing. Click here to learn how to make your own periscope.

Submarines have been used to find shipwrecks.
Including ancient Roman wrecks in the Mediterranean Sea, the Titanic and even the Challenger Space Shuttle.

Personal submarine: There are more than a dozen different kinds of “personal” sized submarines you can buy today, including the Scubster, a bicycle-pedal style submarine.

Poop, there it is: Submarines use seawater to flush their toilets.