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Inspiring Imagination with Zing
I received Zing toys for consideration here. My opinion is all my own. Inspiring imagination is what play should be all about. When kids play, either indoors with a game or construction set or outdoors with their friends, their imaginations are what make it so much fun. In my opinion, the best gifts are the gifts that work towards inspiring imagination in our kids. Inspiring Imagination Indoors and Out Remember when you were a kid? Every game was so much bigger than what was really happening. Tag was a battle for survival. Hide and seek was a stealth opp. Those were the times when we had the most fun, and…
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Whale Colouring Page Printable
Have you ever been whale watching? That’s one of my travel bucket list items and I just can’t seem to shake the feeling that I really must do this some day soon. Timing is critical of course. You have to choose a destination and a time when whales are active. I suppose BC is probably a consistent bet that way. But I am typically in BC for conferences and not for leisure. Then again there’s always Quebec and the Maritimes out East. I’d definitely love to spend more time there. For now this whale colouring page will do. whale_colouring_page_adult_printable One day I will get to BC or Quebec, California, or…
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10 AWESOME Power Rangers Ideas – Crafts, Costumes and Recipes
One weekend recently I visited my niece and nephews in Toronto. We always have a great time when we drive to Toronto to see them and we had a delicious ham dinner too. My niece and nephews are 8, 6 and 3 and they are busy kids. The boys adore baseball so my youngest spent a lot of time playing catch. After dinner the TV went on. Netflix of course. My niece started jumping up and down singing the Power Rangers theme song, so that was what the kids ended up watching. The Power Rangers are so old they are new again. That totally astonishes me. But it really shouldn’t by now I…
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Play Away – Discover London’s Newest Indoor Play Space
Play Away is London’s newest indoor play space for families. Imagine a huge, safe, indoor Canadian-made play structure with numerous slides. Now add a toddler area and a giant jumping pillow that’s one of only three in the country. Plus wifi and a cafe. Play Away is hours of fun for all and it’s the solution to Rainy Day, or PA Day Blues. Fun is the Name of the Game at Play Away Play Away is exciting to me because it focuses on everything that I’ve been instilling in my kids since they were little. It’s an indoor gym devoted to making fitness a fun and integral part of life by…
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PLAYMOBIL City Life Zoo – Imagination Station
Post contains affiliate links as a service to readers. The PLAYMOBIL City Life Zoo is a great play set for younger kids. With a durable construction and design, fun animals, and the classic PLAYMOBIL styling, the PLAYMOBIL City Life Zoo brings animal adventure to kids. My family loves this brand and I don’t see that changing anytime soon. PLAYMOBIL City Life Zoo – Everyone Loves the Zoo! This Zoo playset has become a fast favorite of my kids and their little cousins. Although my kids are older, two of their little cousins are 5 and just under 8, so this set is perfect for them. And since it requires a…
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Five Fantastic New Family Games for XBOX One – XBOX One Media Showcase
A couple short weeks ago, before school started up again, I was invited to a Toronto event called XBOX One Media Showcase. I was interested to see which of the new game launches would be appropriate for families. Happily I found quite a few and I spent a few hours testing some out. There were dozens of great games for adults and the new Halo was a huge draw. But I was more interested in the likes of Skylanders Superchargers. These are my Five Favourite New Family Games for XBOX One Platform. (shown clockwise.) Plants versus Zombies – GW2 -(Garden Warfare 2) everyone is familiar with Plants versus Zombies on their handheld…
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10 Sensory Play Ideas with Gelatin
My kids are a curious combination of sensory seeking and sensory avoiding. That’s not uncommon for children with sensory processing difficulties. My older daughter avoids anything that feels scratchy. My younger daughter seeks out deep pressure often and also avoids any fabrics that are not soft and comfortable. Both have some sensory issues. I have written about that often here. Remember this post about 5 easy and free sensory play activities for kids with sensory processing disorder. [tweetthis]Five Easy and Free activities for kids who love sensory play https://www.thriftymommastips.com/easy-and-free-sensory-play-activities-for-kids/[/tweetthis] Both of my girls indulge in and seek out messy play. Not always but often. They like painting, gardening, crafting. They…
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Mike The Knight On Tour in 45 Cities!
When my girls were small I loved taking them to events and live shows. The look of excitement on their faces was priceless. Watching a beloved character come to life on stage just feet away from where they sat or stood dancing, well it almost had them vibrating with glee. We have seen many shows over the years and know how fun these live theatrical productions can be. That’s why I am happy to share Mike The Knight with all my readers. Mike The Knight is embarking on a 45-city national tour starting this month! A highlight for readers here should be the stop in London at Centennial Hall March…
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Five Easy and Free Sensory Play Activities for Kids
With an increasing number of kids who have sensory processing disorder or sensory issues related to brain injury, concussion or autism, there’s a lot of new knowledge about sensory play and sensory activities. We started reading up on sensory play and sensory processing disorder years ago when Ainsley was first diagnosed. Depending on whether your child is sensory seeking or sensory avoiding any one, or all of these may appeal to them. FIVE EASY SENSORY PLAY ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS Fill a sink with warm water and soap suds. Have them wash things. Toys, dolls, dishes. My youngest daughter, shown here, could do this for almost…
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Ten Ways to Carve Out Family Play Time in the Fall and a Contest too!
The race cars in the new Kindertoys are a big hit here Well my last #KinderMom post was all about my summer bucket list and I am happy to report that, with the exception of manicures and pedicures, my kids and I managed to cross off most of the items on our To-Do bucket list. Labour Day weekend was a whirlwind. But play doesn’t stop just because it is September and we are back to school routines, homework, Original Kids, martial arts, swimming and riding lessons. Whew! Did I really just say all of that? I am tired just typing it. My kids are seven and ten now and whereas…