Category: Playtime Toys & Activities
5 Playgrounds Picks & Features to Explore (no H2O)
Chicago - Are you ready to explore & play outside? There is no better way to kick off spring than a "trip" to a new Chicago Playground. NOTE: Depending on your child, the weather, and your mood - these playgrounds do NOT have a water features to fenagle.
5 Spring Play(ground) Picks - the perfect way to play(ground) out those rainy day blues!
#1. Portage Park Playground (4100 N Long Ave. (Central and W. Irving Park))
Check out...
Posted on April 29, 2013 at 7:00 AMPlan ahead for pint-sized indoor summer fun
If you’ve talked to anyone in Chicago this month, you know that the entire city is chomping at the bit for summer to arrive. Street fests, barbeques, zoo days, beach time…You name it; this city is the place to be when the temps turn warm.
What’s that you say? Rain? Bugs? Searing sun on the playground and sticky, tantrum-inducing mid-summer heat? Okay. We admit it. Sometimes our plans for outdoor fun get squelched by Mother Nature and we need a Plan B.
If y...
Posted on April 05, 2013 at 6:00 AMFun Winter Activities
The weather is cold! Here's a fun list of winter activites to try at home:
Kindergarten
Activity: BANG!
Place words/colors/letters (any concept you are working on) on index cards and then into a bag. Also include a few cards with a picture of a stick of dynamite and the word “BANG!” written on it. Have your child reach into the bag and pull out a card. He names what is on the card and keeps it. Then you do the same. Take turns back and forth. When the...
Posted on January 15, 2013 at 9:00 AMWhy you need to take your little ones to Chicago Toy & Game Fair
Come out and play! The Chicago Toy and Game Fair (ChiTAG), is two days of unforgettable fun for all ages - hands on play time, special events, life-sized toys & games, contests galore, costumed characters and so much more. After last year's visit - we are BIG FANS! NPN is so excited to have a super fun Lounge with Building Blocks Toy Store! Stop by our lounge to get your FREE signed copy of this amazing book for families - Peggy Brown's - The Go...
Posted on November 12, 2012 at 8:00 AMTime to Plan Family Game Night & Giveaway
Whether your child is getting ready for a playdate or the 1st day of school, games are a great way for families to come together and keep brain cells active at any age. It is never too soon to plan a family game night and it never gets old. Here are my game picks to make any family game night fun and keep those noodles sharp. PLUS GIVEAWAY NEWS!!! Leave a comment below and tell us what is your child's favorite game OR your childhood pick by Mon. Aug. 27 ...
Posted on August 22, 2012 at 7:00 AMHow do I pick a great activity for my child? What parents should know
After you figure out which activities sound interesting, how do you pick the right one for your child? A word-of-mouth reference about a program that is new to your family is great, but when you don’t already have the inside scoop, here’s how to get it.
What to check ahead of time...
In Chicago, all children’s programs require a Children’s Activities Facility license ensuring that staff have passed a State Police background check and the facility has pas...
Parent-Approved Hot New Toys for a BBQ Playdate
Summer is in full force and what a blazingly hot one is has been. It's the time of the year for fireworks, waterparks and good American traditions like picnics and barbeques. Having a BBQ isn't fun without inviting your besties or your neighbors over to marvel over grillmaster's skills with the open flame. Cold beers keep big kids happy while new toys can make any backyard party exciting for little kids. PLUS - Comment below and tell us ...
Posted on July 17, 2012 at 7:00 AMLet's Take a Trip
Visits to the museum, park or zoo should be enjoyable outings filled with quality family time. But all too often they feel stressful, rushed and exhausting. Many challenges during family outings result from transitions children are coping with, including:
Changes to their daily routine
Not knowing what to expect or what to do
Feeling too physically restrained or tired
Remember, it’s not so much what you do with your child, but how you do it. Help them feel s...
Posted on July 09, 2012 at 7:42 AMParent-Approved Fun! 5 Outdoor Toy Picks
The weather has been a bit of a tease for spring - but serious outdoor fun is coming soon! Get ready for lots of playtime all over Chicago with these parent-approved outdoor toy picks! Visit the toy experts at Building Blocks Toy Stores, in Lakeview and Wicker Park, to help you find the perfect outdoor toy for your child or an upcoming birthday party.
PLUS GIVEAWAY NEWS! Tell us about your favorite outdoor toy - just leave a comment below to get entered. On...
Posted on May 14, 2012 at 7:00 AMToy Picks for Planes, Trains, and Automobiles
When planning a trip with your kiddos by air, sea, or lots of roads, all parents need to think about their "bag of tricks"! Here is a list of 5 parent-approved toy picks to make your adventures a whole lot less stressful:
#1. Squeeze Rockets. Launch these soft, safe foam rockets by squeezing air from the hand-held bulb. It's fun to pop them around the car or run after the rockets in motion. These are super light to pack and a big suprise for when you arrive!
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