This year, around 175 million Americans will celebrate Halloween. On a Tuesday. As a parent of two children, I can tell you that a weekday Halloween is very tough for families with young kids. As a CEO in the celebrations industry, I can also tell you that when October 31 falls on a weeknight, fewer people celebrate the holiday.

Sometimes I like to ask obvious questions and challenge the way things are done. When people say, “That’s the way we’ve always done it,” I perk up and question their assumptions. I want to know “Is there a better way?” and “Will more people be served with a different solution?”

When it comes to Halloween, I believe there is a better way. The time is long overdue for a cultural change that will benefit society: the official observance of Halloween should be on the last Saturday of October.

Why does Halloween have to be on the 31st of every year? There are many other holidays that aren’t tied to a specific date. Thanksgiving is always the fourth Thursday in November. The same is true for Memorial Day (the last Monday in May) and Labor Day (the first Monday in September).

Related: Let the Teens Trick-or-Treat

Halloween is mostly a kids’ and family holiday, and it should fall on a day that is best for kids and families! Not convinced about #SaturdayHalloween? Here are five reasons Halloween should be observed on the last Saturday of October.

It’s healthier for kids (and parents)

Halloween is arguably the most kid-focused holiday of the entire year, and we observe it on a school night eight out of every 10 years. Who wants to get home from work, stress about dinner, try to wrangle kids into costumes, and then be out trick-or-treating way past normal bedtime? It’s all too chaotic for most families.

The next day is a mess, too. Kids wake up the next morning overtired, and parents drag themselves to work. When Halloween is observed on a Saturday, not only will it be better for kids, but it will also be better for the sanity of parents.

It’s better for schools and teachers

When October 31 falls on a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday, students lose not just one, but two days of productivity. Halloween itself is full of distractions, but the next day is even more challenging.

Teachers have to manage a classroom of kids who have been out all night trick-or-treating and eating candy for lunch. The combination of lack of sleep and dealing with sugar-infused children is difficult. Halloween on a Saturday solves all of this. Plus, schools can schedule their Halloween parades and events on a Friday afternoon, which will help teachers better manage their class schedules. Saturday Halloween is the right thing to do for schools and teachers.

It’s safer

Halloween is a family holiday. Its most important cultural ritual is trick-or-treating. In my own neighborhood in Massachusetts, hundreds of families flock to the most popular streets downtown that are full of cars returning home from work.

If we observe Halloween on a Saturday, trick-or-treating could begin earlier in the evening before nightfall. Local authorities could block roads to protect the busiest neighborhoods. Accidents and fatalities would be reduced. It’s time we reduce possible danger and celebrate Halloween on a Saturday.

Families can celebrate together

The majority of parents work outside the home, and a weekday Halloween makes it difficult for families to celebrate together. A weekend holiday would suit working families and enable celebrations for the whole family. Extended family could gather as they do for other major holidays, and special memories can be made.

At Punchbowl, we have the data: there are more Halloween parties on Saturday than on any other day of the week. Let’s enable even more get-togethers and family celebrations on this important, memorable holiday.

Related: Halloween Brings Us Together Like No Other Holiday Can

It benefits the economy

When Halloween falls on a Saturday, it generates more revenue for the economy than weekday Halloweens. More costumes are purchased, more parties are planned, and more food and beverages are consumed. This means more jobs and higher wages, too.

Party City reported $22 million less in sales when comparing 2016 (a Saturday Halloween) to 2017 (a Monday Halloween). The impact extends to local businesses as well. If we move the official observance of Halloween to the last Saturday of October, it would not only bolster local business, but it would also provide predictability from year to year.

There are many more reasons that Halloween should be moved to the last Saturday in October and very few we should continue the old tradition of October 31. The time has come to move our national celebration of Halloween.

This post originally appeared on MattDouglas.com.

I’m an entrepreneur, investor and startup advisor with 20+ years of experience in product management, marketing and software development. Currently, I’m the founder and CEO of Punchbowl.com.

When people refer to our city as Hotlanta, they are not kidding. It can get downright scorching in the spring and summer months. And while private pools or country clubs can cost a pretty penny, we’ve scouted out some family-friendly places where you can cool off with the kiddos on the cheap. Grab your goggles and read on for the low down on our five favorite Atlanta community pools.

Chastain Park Athletic Club

iStock

Nestled inside Chastain Park you’ll find Chastain Park Athletic Club, a perfect place to take your little minnows for a day of swimming. The club has three pools: a deep pool, a family pool and a lap pool. The family pool is 3 ft. 6in. deep and has stairs that run along one entire end, making it a perfect spot for splashing with ‘lil swimmers. At this well-maintained community pool, you’ll find bathhouses, a snack bar, picnic tables and lots of shady places to camp out with the kiddos.

Details:  Visit the pool for free from 12-1:30 p.m. on weekdays, and for $5 for all ages from 2-4:30 p.m.; check the website for more info.

Hint: If you are looking to beat the crowds, try heading over on a weekday. Monday through Wednesday are usually the least crowded.

235 Chastain Park Ave. NW
Buckhead
404-255-2762
Online: teamunify.com

McKoy Pool

iStock

Ah, the city of Decatur. They do so many things right and McKoy Pool and Park is no exception. McKoy Park has a giant play area that is relatively new with slides, swings and climbing structures. You‘ll also find a nice picnic area, as well as a skate park. McKoy pool features a zero-entry (beach style) pool and splash fountains which are a big hit with the little ones. You’ll also find lounge chairs and oversized umbrellas for lots of shade.

Details: Daily swim is available Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., and will close for weekday swimming on August 1. It will remain open on weekends through Labor Day. Admission is $5 for each person older than 2.

Hint: This is a fun and well-maintained pool, but be prepared for plenty of company. This pool is very popular with Decatur's small set because of the zero-entry pathway.

534 Mckoy St.
Decatur
404-378-8084
Online: decaturga.com

Roswell Area Park Pool

iStock

The Roswell Area Park Pool is situated in the huge forest-like setting of Roswell Area Park. With plenty of great walking paths, ball fields, tennis courts and several nice playgrounds this park really has it all. The pool itself is Olympic-sized with eight lanes, two diving boards and a children’s wading pool. And of course, no kid-friendly pool is complete without the beloved mushroom waterfall!

Details: Roswell residents pay $3.00 and non-residents pay $4.50. It's closed Thursdays, and generally opens at 11 a.m. on all days but Sundays, when it opens at 1 p.m. Hours will change as the season continues so check the website before you go.

Hint: If you’re looking for more than casual splashing, check out some of the many programs offered at the pool, like aquatic exercise, or swim lessons for the kiddos.

10495 Woodstock Rd.
Roswell
770-641-3822
Online: roswellgov.com

Garden Hills Pool

Atlanta labor day weekend events
iStock

Snug in the beautiful Garden Hills neighborhood, this pool has been popular with residents and guests for years. Enjoy its concession stand, updated bathrooms and an indoor party room—not to mention the shady playground just outside its front door, and the playing field adjacent to the pool. 

Details: Admission is $5 per person and free swim hours are from opening to closing, with the exception of from 12-2 p.m. and 2:15-4:15. Member-only hours begin daily at 4:30 p.m.

Hint: Stay in the loop on Garden Hills Facebook page for updates on fun events like The Garden Hills Pool dog swim and movie nights!

335 Pinetree Dr. NE
Buckhead
404-848-7220
Online: gardenhillspool.com

Piedmont Park Aquatic Center

Jeff Dunham on Unsplash

Last but not least, the most well-known park in the city of Atlanta is also home to what we think has got to be one of the prettiest pools city! With beautiful views of the park and Lake Clare Meer, fountains, a large deck and even a lazy river this pool makes for a great day of pool fun with the little ones.

Details: Free swim hours are Monday through Friday from 3-5 p.m., and $5 per person during all other hours (Monday - Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday & Sunday from 12-5 p.m.) They also have lockers available to store your belongings and a fun concession stand for midday snacks.

Hint: This year, there will be no available seating or furniture on the pool deck due to Covid precautions, but guests may bring their own chairs.

1320 Monroe Dr. NE
Midtown
404-875-7275
Online: piedmontpark.org

Featured photo courtesy of iStock.

—Shelley Massey

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Plain pancakes are so 2020. We’ve got an exciting development in the breakfast world for the unicorn lovers in your life.

It’s CucinaPro’s Mini Unicorn Pancake Pan and it deserves a spot on your kitchen shelves! Not only does the pan pump out hotcakes printed with unique hooved designs, it also cooks up to seven pancakes at once, so you can feed a crowd without breaking a sweat.

Unicorn Pancake

As a bonus, it’s nonstick, so it might even save enough time to break out on a weekday. All you have to do is prepare your favorite pancake mix and you’re in business to level up breakfast.

You can buy your own pan on Amazon for $24.95. It’s earned Amazon’s Choice for being highly rated, well-priced, and available to ship immediately. If unicorns aren’t a hit in your household, CucinaPro also offers the option for zoo animals or cars and trucks. Almost—but not quite—too cute to eat.

––Sarah Shebek

All images courtesy of Amazon 

 

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At Xyza: News for Kids, we’re continuing our conversation about racism by asking our young readers the question: What is the definition of racism?

Currently, the Merriam-Webster dictionary defines racism as “a belief that race is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race,” but that’s going to change very soon. Why?

Recent graduate Kennedy Mitchum was tired of people correcting her when she defined racism to include a broader definition of the word. To her, the definition of the word was really outdated. To her, racism is not just people’s prejudice against others but also prejudice combined with social or systemic power. She emailed the editors of the Merriam-Webster dictionary and asked them to revise and expand the definition of racism.

To Mitchum’s surprise, Merriam-Webster editor Alex Chambers emailed her the next day, launching a series of emails to discuss possible changes to the definition.

Those working on revising the definition of racism will be consulting with experts in Black studies to come up with the new definition. The new definition of the word will be published as soon as August.

Activities for Kids:

1. What’s the definition of a word that you think needs updating in the dictionary? Share with us! Email responses to editor@xyzanews.com.

2. Speaking of words … Xyza’s throwing out fun trivia about words this week at newsicle.co. First up? The rhyming lyrics of Hamilton!

Want more news trivia? Follow www.newsicle.co for fascinating news trivia updated every weekday for the entire family to enjoy!

This post originally appeared on Xyza: News for Kids.
Joann Suen & Sapna Satagopan
Tinybeans Voices Contributor

We're two perfectly imperfect moms who have five very different kids between the two of us. We believe that topics in news are a fantastic way to spark conversations in families. That's why we started the Dinner Table Conversation series here at Xyza: News for Kids. Won't you join us in the conversation? 

Many families have been taking advantage of streaming new shows and catching up on old favorites. XUMO announced the launch of FREE Kids TV, a new dedicated channel just for kids programming. Now you can enjoy over 40 different series on this free, ad-supported streaming TV service. 

boy laptop

FREE Kids TV delivers pop culture classics, like all four seasons of WildBrain’s Daytime Emmy Award-nominated Teletubbies and 14 seasons of Teen Choice Award-winner Degrassi: The Next Generation. Other WildBrain favorites on the channel include Rainbow Ruby and Rev & Roll. Other beloved shows like Raggs Nursery Rhymes from dotstudioPRO, Zoomix from Indigenius, Elf Learning For Kids from Glewed TV, Gummy Bear from Imira Entertainment, and more will also be available for free on FREE Kids TV, located at channel 600 on the guide. The new channel complements XUMO’s wildly successful Kids & Family genre. 

“Weekday consumption across the Kids & Family vertical has increased significantly over the past month with TV tune-ins spiking around 9:00 a.m. Eastern,” said Stefan Van Engen, XUMO’s senior vice president of content partnerships and programming. “As quarantine keeps our schools closed around the country, more than ever, families are still searching for new and engaging home entertainment options, and FREE Kids TV on XUMO is providing hundreds of hours of parent-approved content their children will love. Our service is known for its high-quality programming and we continue to prioritize on-boarding premium, brand-safe streaming content for kids.”

“We’re delighted that our shows like Teletubbies and Degrassi: The Next Generation will be available to kids and families on XUMO,” noted Lara Ilie, vice president of rights strategy at WildBrain. “As one of the leading free, ad-supported streaming TV services, XUMO is an ideal partner to help us bring iconic WildBrain brands and series to viewers.”

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: Elly Fairytale from Pexels

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These days our homes are serving as work places, schools, playgrounds and even vacation destinations. You can’t hit the road, but you can hit the information highway for an afternoon at some of our favorite local travel spots. Go on a virtual field trip to the National Air and Space museum, travel back in time for a romp through 18th century Colonial Williamsburg or spend the day sipping chocolate milkshakes and riding Hershey Park’s virtual coasters. Read on for five trips you can take from the comfort of your couch happy travels!

photo: Hershey Park

Soak Up the Sweet Stuff
Grab a mug or a Mason jar and get ready to design your own King Size Shake as you sip your way through the Sweetest Place on Earth. (Don’t forget to share your creation on Facebook!). Take a spin on a virtual roller coaster (mug in hand, natch) and then print and color scenes from Hershey Park. Still want more? You can check in on Hershey’s ZooAmerica through live streams every weekday at 11 a.m.

Online: hersheypa.com

photo: National Aquarium 

Dive In To Adventure
Go on an aquatic adventure with Baltimore’s National Aquarium. Print and cut-out an octopus mask for an authentic trip under-the-sea. Looking for some 8-legged companions? You can make your own socktopus with this tutorial. Every fish knows that the best place to be is in school (pun intended), so practice your alphabet with these ABC print outs, Anemone to Zebra Mussel. Turn on the live cams for the Blacktip ReefJellies Invasion or Pacific Coral Reef for the perfect backdrop to this at-home fun.

Online: aqua.org/activities

photo: Colonial Williamsburg

Time Travel Back to the 18th Century
Take a trip back in time with downloadable activity pages, 18th century recipes and DIY videos on colonial crafts. Color a famous painting from the historic collection, bake gooey Chelsea buns (the 18th version of a sticky bun), cook up some carrot puffs, and try your hand at creating an authentic colonial spring wreath.  And if you have any questions on how to live the 18th century life (virually), you can ask 18th celebs, like Martha Washington or Thomas Jefferson, during their live chat sessions every weekday at 2 p.m.

Online: colonialwilliamsburg.org/learn/explore-from-home

photo: Meghan Yudes Meyers

All Aboard! for Train Time Fun
Add some train-themed story times to your train play, courtesy of the B&O Railroad Museum. Every Tues. and Thurs. a new Junior Junction story goes live with an activity to complete after the book. You’ll also find coloring sheets, word search puzzles and history lessons on their at-home activity page.

Online: borail.org

photo: Wikilmages via Pixabay

Blast Off into Air & Space
You can virtually stroll the National Air and Space Mueum’s  Udvar Hazy Center or National Mall building, but the real fun comes in hoping into the cockpits of some of the museum’s historic collection. Get panoramic views of iconic crafts like the Space Shuttle Discovery or the Spirit of St. Louis. When you’re done touring the museum, be sure to check out the space-themed games, like Pilot Pals (geared towards kids K-1).

Online:

—Meghan Yudes Meyers

featured photo: Hershey Park

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Parents are working from home and are growing tired of hearing the same kids movies on repeat playing in the background. Along with trying to maintain a home school calendar, families are looking to bring some normalcy back into their lives. Now that we’ve had some time at home, our daily calendars are being filled up with at-home art classes taught by artists we love, live performances, museum tours, virtual field trips and bedtime stories read by some of our favorite celebrities. 

girl on computer

Laurie Berkner – Free Live-Streamed Concerts

Weekdays 10 am ET

Families can join Laurie, direct from her house, for live “Berkner Break” concerts, streamed most weekday mornings at 10 am ET on her Facebook page. Laurie offers an abundance of songs, playful movement activities, stories, and more, performing such well-loved favorites as “We Are The Dinosaurs” and “The Goldfish (Let’s Go Swimming),” plus educational earworms like “Waiting For The Elevator” and “Look At All The Letters.” 

Additionally, each weekday on Laurie’s social media, she’s posting a video of one of her songs for a morning Berkner Breakfast (7 am ET), an afternoon Berkner Break (3 pm ET), and an evening Berkner Bedtime (7 pm ET).

 

Alastair Moock – Virtual Concerts and Writing Contest 

Grammy-nominated Boston songwriter Alastair Moock performed multiple online concerts for families and students last week, and  he will continue to host shows in the coming weeks for quarantined families. 

Tuesday, Mar 24. at 10:30 am ET  Family Concert (all ages)

Friday, Mar. 27 at 1:30 pm ET  Family Concert (all ages)

Also available for streaming at any time are these previously recorded “virtual assembly programs:”

Playing with Tradition (ages 5-10)

Music and Social Change (ages 11-16)

Finally, Alastair has also announced an essay contest for students in grades K-8 based on a new video for a song called “Be a Pain” from an upcoming album of the same name. For the essay contest, kids are encouraged to pick a name of one of the many historical and present-day leaders featured in the video (from Malcom X and Cesar Chavez to Greta Thunberg and Malala Yousafzai), do some research and write a page about what this person did and how their work affects the world we live in today. Entries are due by Sunday, Mar. 29 and can be emailed to moockmusic5@gmail.com. 

 

Budsies Live Sessions

Budsies is going live on their Facebook page every day this week at 10 am ET. 

Join us at 10 am ET:

Mon., Mar. 23: Virtual field trip to learn about monkeys

Tue., Mar. 24: Reading with Molly the Fire Safety Dog

Wed., Mar. 25: Dancing with Ms. Danielle

Thurs., Mar. 25: Learning to paint

Fri., Mar. 26: Yoga for kids

 

L.O.L. Surprise Boredom Busters

L.O.L. Surprise will be posting #BBsBoredomBusters every day at 1pm PT, to their Facebook and Instagram channels. A tool for parents to help spark inspiration, different activities will include videos, trivia, challenges, activity sheets and more!

 

Brick Loot – LEGO Challenges

Brick Loot has partnered with Tyler Clites of LEGO MASTERS to bring you a daily build challenge. After you finish the challenge, post a picture to Facebook or Instagram #bricklootchallenge. Winners will be picked randomly every day. Build all the challenges and be entered to win the Grand Prize – the new LEGO Fiat set.

 

Cincinnati Zoo – Live Safari

The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden will highlight one of their amazing animals each weekday at 3pm ET. Don’t worry if you can’t tune in every day, all of the safaris will be posted on the zoo’s website and on their YouTube page.

 

Mo Willems – Lunch Doodles

Every day at 1 pm ET, the Kennedy Center’s official YouTube account will post a new lesson centering on Willems’ beloved characters.

 

LEGO – #letsbuildtogether

Daily play challenges, new play ideas and live build-a-longs will be shared on social media using the hashtag #letsbuildtogether and at www.lego.com/letsbuildtogether.

 

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: Hal Gatewood on Unsplash

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Many schools have turned to distance learning during the coronavirus pandemic. Many attractions have temporarily closed but are offering fun and educational videos to keep kids entertained during this time. The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden will highlight one of their amazing animals each weekday at 3pm ET. 

Fiona Hippo

The zoo’s first home safari video highlighted Fiona the hippo. Don’t worry if you can’t tune in every day, all of the safaris will be posted on the zoo’s website and on their YouTube page.

After the video, your kids can complete a quiz to be entered in to win four tickets to the Cincinnati Zoo to visit once they reopen.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden via YouTube

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