From James the Giant Peach to Charlie and The Chocolate Factory, Roald Dahl has been delighting families for years with his books. As his printed words became movies and musicals, the complicated messages he shares about love, acceptance, and courage are presented in bite sized portions that children can understand. The Growing Stage, located in Netcong, … [Read more…]
My family absolutely LOVES Medieval Times! I have been attending tournaments since I was a little girl, and now, as a mom, I love sharing this experience with my children. Although the meal and the premise of the show remains the same (well almost), every trip to Medieval Times offers a new and exciting learning … [Read more…]
Although it was probably my least favorite book in the series, Harry Potter and the Order of the Pheonix was one of my favorite movies! That’s why when I found out that it was the next show in the Harry Potter Concert Series at NJPAC I knew we had to go! This was our second … [Read more…]
“You never do know what’s around the bend, a big adventure or a brand new friend, when you’re curious like Curious George!” Curious George has been an icon in children’s literature since he hit the bookshelves in the mid-twentieth century. I grew up following him along his journeys. This inquisitive character shares the message that the world is … [Read more…]
Since Trolls exploded on the scene with its bold colors, bright music and uplifting messages, my daughter has been a massive fan. Of course, it became the theme of her fourth birthday party as she sported a Poppy styled dress. While some can resist the glitter, they can’t avoid the hook of the upbeat soundtrack. … [Read more…]
Can you name a story that brings Mother Goose, Bo Peep and Tweedle Dee and Dum together? While our minds evoke memories of a fairy tale, they all come together with a slew of other unique characters in the iconic show Babes in Toyland. Originally, it was an operetta composed by Victor Herbert that brought … [Read more…]
Dreams of sugar plum fairies appeared … The soundtrack of Christmas includes carols to hymns; however, the music of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker has assumed an impressive status since it emerged over 100 years ago. The ballet is inspired by a story adapted by Alexandre Dumas that when combined with Tchaikovsky’s music emerges into a surreal … [Read more…]
Each holiday season I try to come up with unique and personal gifts to give my boys’ teachers. I love homemade gifts because they are not only crafts we can do together as a family, but they also showcase my kids’ personalities. Last year, I decided to make I Spy ornaments which were so much … [Read more…]
Since the air has already taken on that crisp feel and snow has landed on our yard, we are indoors getting ready for the holidays. Preparing for the holidays usually entails shopping, cooking, parties and get togethers, but we also try to incorporate holiday crafts into the mix. From snow globes to ornaments, these are … [Read more…]
We are so excited to bring you this year’s Play and Learn Holiday Gift Guide. We are thrilled to partner with so many amazing and award-winning companies who provided many of the brain boosting toys on this list so we can share them with you this holiday season. Since even before I was a parent, … [Read more…]