Win Tickets to Nickelodeon’s Dora and Diego at Liberty Science Center

November 24, 2015 by 5 Comments

The Liberty Science Center is a great place to spend the day with your children, and with its constantly changing exhibits, it is always worth the visit.  It is located on the Hudson near the statue of Liberty st Liberty State Park.

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One of their newest exhibits stars Nickelodeon’s famous Dora and Diego, as well as a whole plethora of their friends.  The exhibit is called Dora and Diego- Let’s Explore and is geared toward fans of the hit shows Dora the Explorer and Go, Diego, Go!

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In the exhibit, kids will explore various settings from the show including the purple planet, Isa’s Flowery Garden and Tico’s Tree and Car.  Each is a fun place to explore, teaching kids using hands on methods about a topics from the constellations to plants and animals. Many topics are touched upon and will get your little ones asking questions, a bit more curious about the world around them.  There is even an opportunity for your little ones to board a rocket ship and dress up as astronauts, pilot the ship, and test their memory.  For the buccaneers in your crew, there is even a pirate ship manned (or rather pigged) by the Pirate Piggies crew.  Kids can to dress as pirates, dig through treasure, and share the coins among the piggies’ banks.

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Of the exhibits, one of the biggest is the Rainforest Maze, which lets kids explore the rainforest looking for animals while swinging across the Bobo Brothers’ monkey bars, crawling through a fallen tree, climbing across Jaguar Mountain and jumping across the River Rocks.

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The Dora and Diego – Let’s Explore exhibit is open now through January 24, 2016 at Liberty Science Center and is presented by the WellPoint Foundation and Bank of America.  Liberty Science Center is a great way to spend a day during the Winter break to keep your kids active and learning for hours on end.

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One of you can win 4 tickets to the Liberty Science Center- just leave your name and email address in a comment below if you’d like to win.  Ends Dec. 18, 2015. Thanks!

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Win Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ T-Machines’

October 28, 2015 by 63 Comments

It’s that time of year again, and the holidays are creeping closer. The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are going to be on the lists of kids everywhere this year, so it’s good to grab them early before the pickings get too slim.

Some of the most fun “Turtle Toys” this year will include the new T-Machines.  T-Machines is an all-new collection of die-cast vehicles and playsets from Playmates Toys, providing a unique play environment for kids. The fast-rolling vehicles feature a die-cast chassis, flashy rims and an action-posed, non-removable figure driving each vehicle.

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Vehicles with Sound Assortment (Ages 3+ years, MSRP: $7.99 each)

  • With the T-Machines sound vehicles, kids can hear the engines roar, tires squeal and their favorite Ninja Turtles scream out battle cries.
  • Just press the button on the engine block and the vehicles come to life, playing 10-15 different Turtles phrases and vehicle sound effects!
  • Each 1/50 scale vehicle comes with a non-removable Ninja Turtle driving the vehicle.
  • Collection includes: Extreme Speed Demon with Talking Raphael, Extreme Party Wagon with Talking Leonardo, Extreme Monster Truck with Talking Michelangelo and Extreme Service Truck with Talking Donnie

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 T-Machines Single Pack (Ages 3+ years, MSRP: $3.99 each)

  • Race through the sewers with the new T-Machines die-cast vehicles!  Each 1/50 scale vehicle comes with an action-posed, non-removable figure who is driving the vehicle.
  • Vehicles are designed to capture the personality of the characters driving them.
  • Featuring a die-cast chassis, flashy rims and unique custom look, these fast-rolling vehicles bring a whole new level of play to the Turtles world.
  • All the vehicles are compatible with leading competitors track systems.
  • Collection includes: Raphael in Shellraiser, Fishface in Shellcrusher, Shredder in Shreddermobile, Leonardo in AT-3, Leonardo in Stealth Bike, Michelangelo in Hot Rod, Splinter in Rat Attack, Donatello in Service Truck, Raphael in Monster Truck, Tiger Claw in Safari Truck and Donatello in Patrol Buggy, Michelangelo in Patrol Buggy, Casey in Ice Machine, Raphael in Armored Truck, Rat King in Hearse, Turflytle in Buggy, Donnie in Speed Demon, Karai Snake in Sports Car, Raph in Military Truck, Leo in Sports Car, Mikey in Party Wagon and Slash in Demolition Car

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 T-Machines Basic Playset (Ages 3+ years, MSRP: $14.99 each)

  • Kids can start building out cities with the T-Machines Garage & Lair Playset, Sewer Gas Station Playset and the TCRI Building Playset.
  • Each playset includes tunnels, lifts and many other features for kids to roll and battle their T-Machines vehicles!
  • The playsets can also be snapped together to create a bigger T-Machines play environment.
  • Compatible with all T-Machines vehicles, each set come with an exclusive T-Rawket vehicle (Garage & Lair comes with exclusive Raphael in T-Rawket vehicle and Sewer Gas Station comes with exclusive Mikey in T-Rawket vehicle).

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Make sure to check out the new T-Machines Street Racers game at http://www.tmachinesracers.com/. You’ll be able to select a T-Machines vehicle, choose your track and your vehicle’s speed as you race!

One of you can win the toys above.  Feel free to use the RC form below to enter to win.  Ends Nov. 14, 2015. Good luck!
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Win National Geographic Kid’s Books

October 28, 2015 by 11 Comments

National Geographic Kid’s Books Fall season is in full swing with several titles that are perfect for holiday gift giving as well as year round reading.   Long after the video games and toys have lost their allure, kids will keep coming back to big, bold, and beautiful books that catch their eye and capture their imagination. Below are a selection of topnotch books for kids of all ages — and also one great recommendation for a memorable and thoughtful teacher’s gift.

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Treasury of Norse Mythology:  Stories of Intrigue, Trickery, Love and Revenge by Donna Jo Napoli (ages 8-12, $24.99) — Kids are fascinated by Norse mythology and thanks to the blockbuster movie franchise The Avengers and Rick Riordan’s highly anticipated Norse mythology fiction series debuting this Fall, these ancient tales of Scandinavia have never been hotter. The Treasury of Norse Mythology  makes a great gift for fans to delve more into their favorite characters, like Thor, Loki and Odin. The classic tales come to life with page after page of beautiful illustrations featuring the gods, goddesses, heroes and monsters of Norse myths.
Ultimate Weird But True! 3 (ages 8-12, $19.99) — Have a fact-loving tween?  Over 1,000 of the weirdest facts coupled with amazing graphics and photos packaged in an oversized gift-giving-worthy format makes this book a slam dunk selection for avid readers, reluctant readers and boys and girls alike.
NG Kids Why?:  Over 1,111 Answers to Everything by Crispin Boyer (ages 8-12, $19.99 ) – The concept is simple. Got a question? Well now you have an answer! 1,111 of them, in fact. Want to know why your snot is yellow? Flip to the human body chapter. What’s on the inside of a turtle shell? The animal section’s got you covered. What’s in the deepest part of the ocean? Why doesn’t Earth just float off into space? Check, check, and check. With hundreds of topics ranging from silly to serious, this book has the expert information kids need in a fun and entertaining format that will keep them digging for answers.
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Ultimate Reptile-opedia: The Most Complete Reptile Reference Ever – (ages 7-10, $24.99) – Snakey, slimey, scaley, and sensational! Welcome to the amazing world of the most popular reptiles on Earth. With colorful photographs and fun facts, this easy-to-use encyclopedia profiles snakes, lizards, amphibians, turtles and tortoises, crocodilians, and tuatara. Profiles are accompanied by Did You Know? details and fast facts including scientific name, size, diet, and habitat.
STOCKING STUFFER – 100 Things to Make You Happy (ages 8-12, $9.99) – Sized perfectly to fit into a stocking, this cheerful and inspirational book will make kids go “WOW!” and “Awwww” in equal measure. It’s packed with adorable animal facts, heartwarming nuggets from history, snippets of cool new science, amazing photography, inspirational advice from Nat Geo explorers, and fascinating weird-but-true facts. Sprinkled throughout are expert tips, jokes, quotes, and exercises to boost kids’ dose of daily joy and get them actively involved in their own well-being.
GREAT FOR TEACHERS — National Geographic Book of Nature Poetry (ages 4-8, pub date 10/13/15, $24.99) – Beloved former U.S. Poet Laureate J. Patrick Lewis curates a collection of over 200 poems celbrating the natural world, coupled with photographs that float, zoom and bloom!. From trickling streams to deafening thunderstorms to soaring mountains, discover majestic photography perfectly paired with contemporary (such as Billy Collins), classics (such as Robert Frost), and never-before-published works.
One of you can win these books.  Feel free to enter below using the RC form.  Good luck!  Ends Nov 23, 2015.

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WIN Paper Towns on Blu-Ray/ DVD

October 28, 2015 by 40 Comments

After the phenomenal success of The Fault in Our Stars, author John Green returns with another heart-warming tale in PAPER TOWNS, now available on Blu-ray and DVD.  Join rising stars Cara Delevingne and Nat Wolff in the breakout performances of their careers as they go on an epic journey of love and adventure. Mark Oguschewitz called PAPER TOWNS a “heartfelt coming of age film.”

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Adapted from the bestselling novel by John Green, PAPER TOWNS is a coming-of-age story centering on Quentin (Nat Wolff), a high school senior who has been in love with his enigmatic neighbor Margo (Cara Delevingne) since childhood. After taking him on an all-night adventure through their hometown, Margo suddenly disappears–leaving behind cryptic clues for Quentin to decipher. The search leads Quentin and his quick-witted friends on an exhilarating adventure that is equal parts hilarious and moving. Ultimately, to track down Margo, Quentin must find a deeper understanding of friendship–and true love.

One of you can win a copy of this movie- feel free to enter using the RC form below. Good luck!  Ends Nov 23, 2015.
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Barnes & Noble Maker Faire Partner- and WIN a $50 Gift Card #BNMakerFaire

October 23, 2015 by 125 Comments

We all know Barnes & Noble is a national bookseller, but did you know they’re committed to building all forms of literacy for our children – reading, art and technology? As part of that commitment, they’ve partnered with Make: Magazine to present a Mini Maker Faire at every single Barnes & Noble store across the nation Friday, November 6-8.

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Maker Faires are community-based learning events that inspire everyone to become a Maker and connect with people and projects in their local community. Guests ages five and up can experience hands-on learning and making opportunities in creative thinking, art, design, construction, programming, coding, and 3D printing. The Mini Maker Faires will consist of three main areas:

  1. The Make Workspace: Attendees will experience the latest technologies in 3D printing, robotics, coding and programming, including: da Vinci Jr. 1.0 3D Printer from XYZprinting, Ozobot, The Slipstream Drone from Protocol, and Meccano Meccanoid from Spin Master.
  2. Meet the Makers: Leaders and top brands will discuss the latest trends in designing, building, creating and making.
  3. Make & Collaborate: Guests can immerse themselves in the process of ideation, rapid prototyping, circuitry and more. Among the featured products for children are: Electronic Snap Circuits from ELENCO, littleBits, Maker Studio™ from ThinkFun, and LEGO® Bionicle Bricks

You can contact your local store to find out what special guests are participating during the Mini Maker Faire, or visit www.bn.com/storelocator.

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We know its important to keep our children engaged and to expand their minds in new and wonderful ways, and the first-ever Barnes & Noble Mini Maker Faires provide an incredible opportunity for both children and adults to experience creativity and learning in an authentic, hands-on event.

In addition, I have a $50 Barnes & Noble gift certificate. For a chance to win, use the RC form below to enter.  Good Luck! Ends Nov. 21, 2015.
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Win Cute Kids Book – Dia De Los Muertos

October 14, 2015 by 19 Comments

As Halloween approaches, so does the Mexican holiday “Day of the Dead”.  In the cute children’s book “Dia de Los Muertos” author Roseanne Greenfield Thong weaves the story while illustrator Carles Ballesteros artfully bring characters and the holiday to life on the pages for children who know about this special day as well as those who are hearing about it for the first time.

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“It’s Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) and children throughout the pueblo, or town, are getting ready to celebrate! They decorate with colored streamers, calaveras, or sugar skulls, and pan de muertos, or bread of the dead. There are altars draped in cloth and covered in marigolds and twinkling candles. Music fills the streets. Join the fun and festivities, learn about a different cultural tradition, and brush up on your Spanish vocabulary, as the town honors their dearly departed in a traditional, time-honored style.”

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My son enjoyed this book, particularly after we visited Mexico for this holiday last year.  It was a fun way for him to remember his trip and the holiday he learned about.  We plan on taking this book and reading it to his class this year, so that the kids can hear about the Day of the Dead as well.  While we might not all celebrate this colorful day, it’s fun to learn about other cultures and celebrations around the world.   You can pick up your copy at Barnes and Nobel, on Kindle, at Amazon, and more.

One of you can win a book as well- feel free to enter using the RC form below.  Good luck!  It ends Nov. 11, 2015.

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Home Alone: Ultimate Collector’s Edition Giveaway #HomeAloneInsiders

October 10, 2015 by 64 Comments

Get ready to ring in the holiday season (a little early!) as Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment celebrates the 25th anniversary of Home Alone: Ultimate Collector’s Edition arriving on Blu-ray and DVD October 6th!

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 This must-have gift set includes:  all five films packed together in a collectible paint can full of limited edition movie memorabilia that will keep the whole family excited including a McCallister Christmas ornament, Kevin’s battle plan for the Wet Bandits, his tarantula and a wanted poster of the thieves – Harry (Joe Pesci) and Marv (Daniel Stern) – and more!
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“Get ready to ring in the holiday season as Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment celebrates the 25th anniversary of the biggest live-action comedy of all time with HOME ALONE: ULTIMATE COLLECTOR’S EDITION arriving on Blu-ray and DVD October 6.This must have gift set features all five films packaged together for the first time in a collectible paint can full of limited edition movie memorabilia that will keep the whole family laughing including a McCallister Christmas ornament, Kevin’s battle plan for the Wet Bandits, his tarantula and a wanted poster of the thieves – Harry (Joe Pesci) and Marv (Daniel Stern) – and more.”
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Feel free to enter to win using the RC form below.  Ends Nov. 5, 2015.  Good luck!

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Win an iPad Mini Pre Loaded with @FlareKids app

October 10, 2015 by 103 Comments

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One of you can win a great prize- an iPad mini, pre-loaded with the fun and family friendly Flare Kids app. If you haven’t read my review on the app, please do so here.  It’s a fun app that lets kids watch movies and shows, without mom and dad needing to worry about them getting into trouble with it.

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Please feel free to enter the giveaway, using the RC form below.  In order to enter, you will need to answer a question from the review, so make sure you read it before you enter.  Ends Oct. 31, 2015. Good luck!

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