Summer Fun: 5 Cool New Toys and Games to Keep Kids Engaged and Entertained

Now that summer is officially underway, it’s time for the little ones in your life to cash in on some serious fun. It’s been a brutal spring for everyone as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, but things are finally starting to look up. What better way to celebrate the end of being cooped up indoors for months on end than checking out a few cool new toys and exciting online learning activities?

I’ve rounded up some of the best to keep your kids engaged and entertained all summer long.

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The Fairy Light Garden

Does your child have a green thumb? If so, this Fairy Light Garden is the perfect just-because gift for your budding gardener. It blends the beauty of play while embracing nature, providing children with a connection to the environment and a sense of responsibility. The adorable playset comes with seeds for them to plant, as well as a toy fairy, working water wheel, make-believe swans and light-up mushroom house that doubles as a night light. As the seeds sprout and blossom, children will have fun nurturing and using their imaginations to bring their enchanted garden to life!

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Available at Tahoe Toys & Treasures, $30.

Phlat Ball V3

The game of catch just got a major upgrade! Throw the Phlat Ball V3 and transform the fun of tossing. Your family will have a ball watching this frisbee-like saucer turn into a bouncing ball in mid-air thanks to the variable-release technology. Kids will get a kick out of the spontaneity of the disc springing back into a catchable ball. Plus, its flat design make it simple to store in a backpack or suitcase for easy travel.

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Available here, $13.

Rubik’s Revolution

If you were an ‘80s baby and ‘90s kid, chances are you’re pretty familiar with the classic Rubik’s cube. Well, the quintessential brain game is back and better than ever. Rubik’s Revolution offers six fast-paced, multi-level electronic games with cool sound effects and flashing lights that’ll put your kid’s skills to the test and keep them playing for hours. Bring on the nostalgia and get in on the fun too!

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Available here, $20.

JumpStart Academy Math

Sure, remote learning had its challenges, but teachers, parents and students made it through! With the uncertainty of schools re-opening in the fall, it’s a safe bet to keep your child familiar and with online learning tools like JumpStart Academy Math. This award-wining individualized online program specializes in enriching math games and activities for children in grades K-6. Parents can assign math lessons suitable for their child’s academic level or have their kids independently progress through a series of practice levels across four math domains. This is the perfect way to help kids avoid summer brain drain while mastering core math concepts.

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For more information, please visit JumpStart Academy.

Dino Crunch Game

You probably never thought having your hand snapped by a roaring T-Rex could be loads of fun, right? Well, Goliath’s new Dino Crunch game makes it all the rage! Players must rescue stolen eggs from the hungry, pre-historic creature, but they better be fast. Great for children ages four and up, this intense game is endless fun for the entire family.

Available here, $20

Available here, $20

How are you keeping your kids engaged throughout the summer?

R&B Legends Bell Biv DeVoe and Jagged Edge Set to Perform Via Funk Fest TV Live Stream

It’s no secret that the global coronavirus pandemic has upended most industries. The music business is no exception.

Thanks to hip hop DJ D-Nice spinning seemingly never-ending sets and innovative ventures like Verzuz, the celebratory battle created by iconic producers Swizz Beatz and Timbaland, music is still reaching and comforting the masses. As music lovers turn to social media and online outlets to satisfy their ears in lieu of in-person performances, more and more artists are following suit.

In case you missed it, legendary hip hop/pop trio Bell Biv DeVoe, better known as BBD, is joining forces with popular R&B quartet Jagged Edge to bring fans a night of nostalgic tunes on May 28, 9pm EST via Funk Fest, the longest-running urban music festival.

The powerhouse groups who dominated the ‘90s and early aughts will perform live under BBD’s aptly named “Garage Concert Series,” and will be shown online via the festival’s new streaming platform Funk Fest TV.

Designed to be an organic “jam session” that strips away the bells and whistles and transports the performance experience back to its grassroots origins, the can’t-miss show will surely be a welcomed addition to the new frontier of how we consume live events. Plus, proceeds from the set will benefit Covid-19 relief efforts via BBD Cares, the trio’s community initiative.

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“We’re proud to launch the ‘Garage Concert Series’ and our BBD Cares effort to raise money and awareness during a time when our communities, our culture, and our society need healing,” Bell said in a release. Bivins echoed, “The Garage Concert Series, which we conceptualized and named after other culture-shifting brands like Amazon and Microsoft that started in their garage, is our contribution to the global community.” DeVoe continued, “Our goal is to continue to spread the love, while raising money for those who are most in need.”

If you’ve never seen a BBD or Jagged Edge live performance, you’re in for a treat!

So, grab your baggy jeans and oversized gear and get ready to party and give back…all from the comfort of your couch!

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Tickets are available here for $3. For more information, please visit Funk Fest TV.

Crayola Launches New ‘Colors of the World’ Crayons To Represent Diverse Skin Tones

Budding artists rejoice!

Crayola just released a box of crayons with global appeal. Yup, the iconic brand has finally added an extensive array of shades mirroring skin tones ranging from creamy alabaster to rich mahogany, to their already colorful offerings. Basically, the inclusive box, dubbed, “Colors of the World” will feature a palette of realistic hues that reflect our beautiful and incredibly diverse society.

“With the world growing more diverse than ever before, Crayola hopes our new Colors of the World crayons will increase representation and foster a greater sense of belonging and acceptance,” Crayola CEO Rich Wuerthele said in a statement. “We want the new Colors of the World crayons to advance inclusion within creativity and impact how kids express themselves.”

With 24 shades intended to represent 40 skin tones, those cute kindergarten self-portraits are about to get a major, true-to-life upgrade. Now, children will no longer have to substitute or mix colors to achieve their unique complexions.

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Crayola’s “Colors of the World” crayons available here, $3. Photo Courtesy of Crayola

Landing on the the specially formulated crayon selections took extensive research and rigorous consumer testing. To ensure that the color spectrum was as accurate and inclusive as possible, the brand partnered with Victor Casale. For more than 30 years, he’s led global color matching efforts for some of the biggest names in beauty including, Cover FX and MAC Cosmetics.

“I have spent my life trying to create truly global shade palettes because I know what it’s like to be with a person who has finally found their exact match,” Casale said in a release. “They feel included and recognized, and I am hoping every child who uses these crayons and finds their shade will have that feeling. Growing up, I remember mixing the pink and dark brown crayons to try and make my shade, so I was thrilled when Crayola asked for my help to create the Colors of the World crayons.”

Color us happy too. Bravo, Crayola!

Do you have a creative mini-me at home who will be happy to hear this news?

Disney’s ‘Raven’s Home’ Set to Air Special Anti-Vaping Episode

Growing up in the late ‘80s and ‘90s, I remember tuning in to “very special episodes” of popular sitcoms like “Family Matters” and “Full House.” These family-centric TV shows would take a break from their typical comedic storylines and swap them for hard-hitting issues like drug abuse and underage drinking. Thankfully, new shows like Disney Channel’s “Raven’s Home,” continue to address serious subjects that are relevant to kids and their families today.

In fact, this Sunday, March 1, the popular series geared towards kids and teens ages 6-14, brings attention to the risks associated with vaping among youth. Starring veteran actress Raven-Symoné, this episode will give children and parents the opportunity to speak openly about this sensitive, yet important topic.

RAVEN'S HOME - Disney Channel's "Raven's Home" stars Sky Katz as Tess, Navia Robinson as Nia Baxter-Carter, Raven-SymonŽ as Raven Baxter, Issac Ryan Brown as Booker Baxter-Carter, Jason Maybaum as Levi Grayson and Anneliese van der Pol as Chelsea Daniels. (Disney Channel/Kelsey McNeal)

RAVEN’S HOME – Disney Channel’s “Raven’s Home” stars Sky Katz as Tess, Navia Robinson as Nia Baxter-Carter, Raven-SymonŽ as Raven Baxter, Issac Ryan Brown as Booker Baxter-Carter, Jason Maybaum as Levi Grayson and Anneliese van der Pol as Chelsea Daniels. (Disney Channel/Kelsey McNeal)

In the special episode, entitled “What About Your Friends,” Booker’s new friends pressure him to try vaping, but he turns them down and warns them about the dangers. They don’t listen and when Coach Spitz finds a vape pen, the boys all claim it belongs to Booker and he is suspended. While a disappointed Raven seeks to understand what’s going on with her son, Booker sets out to clear his name.

This episodes touches on peer pressure and the importance of being truthful and keeping the lines of communication open and honest with parents. Young viewers will walk away from the episode with valuable lessons that will hopefully help them navigate through their own journey through adolescence.

The “What About Your Friends” episode was developed in partnership with Hollywood, Health & Society, who brought in experts from USC and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Read on to learn more on how to talk with your kids about the dangers of vaping and e-cigarettes (excerpts from National Institute on Drug Abuse and CDC):

Here are some facts about vaping and e-cigarettes:

*The use of e-cigarettes is unsafe for kids, teens, and young adults.

*Nicotine is highly addictive and can harm brain development, which continues until about age 25

*A new e-cigarette shaped like a USB flash drive is being used by students in schools.

*Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine. Nicotine is highly addictive and can harm adolescent brain development, which continues into the early to mid-20s.

*E-cigarettes can contain other harmful substances besides nicotine.

*Young people who use e-cigarettes may be more likely to smoke cigarettes in the future.

Before you start the conversation, make you sure you have the facts about vaping so you can speak calmly and confidently from a place of knowledge.

Find the right moment. A more natural discussion will increase the likelihood that your teen will listen.

Rather than saying “we need to talk,” you might ask your teen what he or she thinks about a situation you witness together.

Reduce Emotion – Sometimes talking with children brings up strong feelings that interfere with clear thinking. Following the CALM steps can help a parent keep the conversation moving in the right direction.

C – Control your thoughts & actions.

A – Assess & decide if you are too upset to continue

L – Leave the situation if you are feeling too angry/upset

M – Make a plan to deal with the situation

Watch the clip below for a sneak peek at the upcoming “What About Your Friends” episode.

“Raven’s Home” airs Sundays, 8pm EST on the Disney Channel.

My son and daughter are obsessed with “Raven’s Home.” Do your kids watch the show? If so, what do you like the most about it? Have you talked to your children about the dangers of e-cigarettes and vaping?

Review: ‘Riddle of the Trilobites’ at New Victory Theater

Not familiar with trilobites? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. I hadn’t heard of them either until I took my kids to see “Riddle of the Trilobites,” last week at the New Victory Theater.

Through the engaging new musical, we learned that they’re prehistoric anthropod creatures that once lurked the ocean floors more than 270 million years ago. Now extinct, the live production gives voice to a fictional trilobite kingdom whose fate rests on a young, brave trilobite who has the challenge of solving a single riddle. If she doesn’t solve the puzzle in time, her entire kingdom might be destroyed. Sound familiar? Well, that’s because it’s akin to the state of our environment today. If we don’t stand up to the climate changes and challenges facing us, our history won’t be preserved and could have catastrophic consequences for the future.

Photo by Alexis Buatti-Ramos

Photo by Alexis Buatti-Ramos

Directed by Lee Sunday Evans and produced by CollaborationTown and Flint Repertory Theater, the 80-minute musical is chockfull of educational and thought-provoking elements. From enlightening children about the importance of preserving our greatest resources to teaching them that we all play a part in the circle of life.

With eye-catching puppetry, fun dance numbers and catchy songs, the show is entertaining from start to finish. Plus, the rich storytelling and the cast’s impeccable performance, make this underwater adventure a can’t-miss show.

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My kids with the cast of “Riddle of the Trilobites” at New Victory Theater in New York City.

“Riddle of the Trilobites” is currently playing and runs through Sunday, February 23, 2020. For tickets and more information, please visit New Victory Theater.

Have you ever heard of a trilobite?

Cirque Mechanics’ ’42FT’ Defies Gravity and Unlocks Imaginations

Want to get your kids’ New Year off to a great start? Well, look no further than New Victory’s  42FT – A Menagerie of Mechanical Marvels.

Although the show has been playing for a month, there’s still time to catch it before it ends this weekend.

Chockfull of incredible acts, the 1-hour and 45-minute show is an exhilarating treat for the entire family. From horse-juggling tricks to  high-flying Russian swings, the Cirque Mechanics pull out all the stops to keep children of all ages engaged and entertained. The performance showcases unfathomable strength, precision, balance and of course unmatched timing.

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Photo by Maike Schulz

Founded in 2004, the Cirque Mechanics is a premier American circus troupe that is unique in its approach to storytelling and performance. Wondering where the show got its name? Well, 42 feet has been the standard diameter of a circus ring for 250 years!

While the show is modern, there are elements that hark back to years past. The glittering costumes and overall flair of the show convey a sense of nostalgia that warms the heart and soul.

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A blend of mind-bending acrobatics, innovative gadgetry, eye-catching ensembles, gravity-defying stunts and unbelievable feats, 42FT takes audiences on a rollercoaster ride that only a thrilling circus can. My kids deemed it the best show they’d seen all year.

For tickets and more information, please visit New Victory Theater.

*Disclosure: I was provided a pair of tickets to review the show. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Review: Why the Big Apple Circus is Still the Best Outing for Families

Traveling circuses come and go, but there’s only one quintessential show in New York: the Big Apple Circus. For more than 40 years, the iconic event has brought smiles to children and adults alike and this year was no different.

Nestled behind the Lincoln Center on the city’s Upper West Side, the big top tent is back with even more flair, outrageous feats and delightful treats for the entire family to enjoy.

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My children and I have attended the Big Apple Circus a couple times in the past, but this was by far one of our best and most memorable experiences. This time, we had the opportunity to check out the new add-on VIP option. To say this perk was amazing would be an understatement.

As soon as we pulled back the velvet curtain and walked inside the VIP area, we were transported to an immersive carnival-like hideaway adjacent to the main stage festivities. From unlimited popcorn and cotton candy to a mini stage perfect for photo-ops (there’s a dress-up rack w/props!), the VIP lounge is the cherry on top of an afternoon or evening of festivities. Plus, it also has its own private bathrooms. Need I say more?

Well, the show itself is chockfull of dazzling new acts. With aerial acrobats, cat tricks, outrageous wheel ruses, and more captivating stunts, it’s a feast for the eyes and senses. Led by Afro-Latina, ringmaster Storm Marrero, the show is incredibly entertaining from beginning to end. What’s more? Every seat inside the tent is great. From just about every angle, you get full view of the ring, which puts you close to the action. It’s the perfect outing for kids to have their minds blown, unlock curiosities and take their imaginations to new heights! And it gives parents the opportunity to sit back and rediscover the beauty of childhood wonder.

If you’re looking for a fun, unforgettable experience for your family, look no further than the Big Apple Circus. You won’t be disappointed!

Below, check out some pics from our recent visit:

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Visit Big Apple Circus for tickets, dates and more information.

*I was provided tickets for review purposes only. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Have you gone to the circus this year? What are your favorite holiday outings?