Cyber Week Promo Code for Disney on Ice, Monster Jam, and more! (Ends: 12/7)

This holiday season, give the gift of unforgettable experiences!    Feld Entertainment®, the global leader in live, family entertainment, is spreading extra cheer with its Cyber Week Sale, offering up to 35% off ticket face value to some of America’s most beloved live shows.

From the jaw-dropping excitement of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey®, to the roaring energy of Monster Jam® and the Monster Energy SMX World ChampionshipTM (SMX), to the dazzling magic of Disney On Ice, there’s something for every family to enjoy!

Read more

5 Fun but Educational Gifts for Children

Finding the perfect gift for a child can be challenging. You want to ensure it’s enjoyable while still being valuable for their development. These five fun but educational gifts for children offer both entertainment and learning opportunities, ensuring children get the best of both worlds.

Read more

Giveaway: Perfect Christmas Gifts (or stocking stuffer) for Girls and Kids!

My latest obsessions, headbands & literary classics! Headbands because I adore a little something that makes it look like I actually tried to do my hair, lol! It doesn’t get any better than a messy bun and a headband. headbands

And literary classics, the kiddos and I have decided that from now on in the evenings, in addition to saying the Rosary we will be reading a chapter or two out of a classic book that has also been made into a movie. Thus, once we have finished reading said book we can have a family movie night and then discuss how the book and movie differed.

thelittleprince

I am happy to state that we followed through and our first book we completed was The Little Prince. Last Friday we watched the movie and then discussed the similarities and differences once everyone stopped crying, yes, it was that good! As my son stated, in-between tears, “that was the best book and movie I have ever heard and seen”. I am not going to lie, that put a huge smile on this momma’s face.

Our next book, Treasure Island….

treasureisland

 

And check this out, in addition to the book and movie combo, Marzipantz Knit & Crochet Dolls has this adorable Pete the Pirate Doll that would be the perfect addition!!

petethepirate

This is why Marzipantz Knit & Crochet Dolls shop is my pick for the perfect Christmas Gifts (or add on/stocking stuffer) for girls and kids!

Total disclosure, I have already purchased one of Marzipantz dolls, Saint Kateri for my daughter’s birthday and it is absolutely adorable!!! I am such a sucker for a book, movie, doll combination for kiddo’s birthdays and Christmas gifts.

stkateri

 

How lucky am I to have found a store that feeds both my obsessions, headbands & literary characters?

Luck was meant to be shared! 😉

GIVEAWAY

Marzipantz Knit & Crochet dolls is giving away one of their awesome headbands (winner picks which one)!  You can keep it all for yourself or use it as a Christmas gift, your choice…all you have to do to be entered to win is:

headbands2

1.Give Marzipantz shop some Facebook & love, www.facebook.com/marzipantzknitandcrochet    & Instagram love  www.instagram.com/marzipantzknitandcrochet

2. Share this post with a Facebook Friend.

3. Checkout the shop here, www.etsy.com/shop/marzipantz and comment below sharing what your favorite item is in the shop

Winner will be randomly selected Monday the 28th

Good Luck!

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical

Are you ready to make a memory that is sure to go down in history? As many of you know I have always been a HUGE proponent for giving the gift of an experience for Christmas. Giving the gift of a beautiful experience that a child can treasure for a lifetime is ultimately priceless, especially when they get to share that experience with a loved one. To this day I still treasure my first live performance show, the ballet, The Nutcracker, at Stranahan Theater with my mother and grandmother, it was seriously an experience like none other and one I enjoy sharing even to this day. My grandmother has since passed and that memory is one I cling to, getting all dressed up, chatting during intermission and the feeling of being part of something special, it was magical! And I can’t wait to share that same magical feeling with my children. The most famous reindeer of all is coming to Stranahan!!

rudolph-300

As a child the Christmas season didn’t officially begin in our house until that highest rated CBS Christmas special of all time, Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer aired. The excitement and anticipation was always off the chart that night. My sibling and I would sit way too close to the television set, eager to see if the story may playout differently this year, but every year my eyes would tear up when they met Charlie-in- the-box on the Island of Misfit toys. rudolph_hermey_and_yukonAfter learning of the Island of Misfit Toys I remember vowing to always take good care of my toys, and for the most part, I did. As an adult I really appreciate ALL the valuable lessons hidden in that critically acclaimed show….true friendship, how our unique traits should be treasured, the importance of diversity, not bullying, responsibility, etc. Come to think of it, there are some lessons in the show that even we grown-ups might need to go back and review. And review we can!

santa_mrs-claus_and_elves

 

rudolph-family_and_santa-credit-courtesy-of-rudolph-the-red-nosed-reindeer-the-musical

 

rudolph_hermey_and_yukon_2

 

hermey_and_boss-elf

RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL (www.rudolphthemusical.com) is coming to Stranahan Theater!! November 25 for two performances ONLY!!!

Performance Schedule for RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL at the Stranahan Theater

Friday, November 25, 2016 1:00 PM

Friday, November 25, 2016 4:00 PM

Tickets for RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL start at $28 and are available online at http://www.BroadwayInToledo.com , at the Stranahan Theater box office, 4645 Heatherdowns Boulevard, or by calling 419.381.8851. (Looking to make this a scouting, playgroup, youth group, or club event? Group tickets of 10 or more can be ordered by calling 866.314.7687).

If you are looking for the perfect souvenir to help your child commemorate the experience then check this out……

Rudolph’s partnership with PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center continues this year. A new illustrated storybook, T.E.A.M. Rudolph and the Reindeer Games, will be available this year only at the stage show performances. A portion of the proceeds from all sales of the books will be donated to PACER.

***Please Note: Theaterleague.com, BroadwayInToledo.com, and the Stranahan Theater box office are the only official sources for tickets to RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL and all of the shows in the 2016-17 Broadway in Toledo. If you purchase tickets through another source, you may pay over-inflated prices and your tickets will not be guaranteed. ***

What is your favorite scene from Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer?

 

2016 Christmas Gift Guide & Giveaway: Perfect Gift Idea for Couples

This Christmas Gift Guide is an awesome resource to help you determine the perfect gift for each of the loves in your life-family, friends, neighbors, teachers, & we can’t forget Fido, or any other furry family members. Since this season is often an overwhelming one for most I have decided to give you something fun to look forward to, how does a giveaway sound? Giveaway DEETS will be at the bottom of each post….so, without further ado…

This week’s Christmas Gift Idea is for the Couples in your life….parents, sister & brother-in-law, in-laws, neighbors, that couple in your church group, friends, etc. This gift offers them the opportunity to eat, drink, play, and watch, all under the same roof!!  And it is something both the ladies & gents will enjoy….

ribbet-collage_giftforcouples

The Perfect Gift for Couples: A Gift Card to Dave & Buster’s!

Why?

  • Because though everyone has the best intentions sometimes a cooking class, a night at the shooting range, and/or camping gear don’t always go over well with the couple as a whole.
  • Because Toledo now has a Dave & Buster’s!!!
  • Because what couple doesn’t need a date night?

db3

 

db4

  • Because of the fun local flavor Dave & Buster’s added to the décor.

db2

 

db7

 

db11

EAT….

  • Because it is so nice to get a break from having to plan a meal, make a meal, & then cleanup said meal! Oh, and the food is unbelievably delicious! The menu is off the hook….they literally have something for everyone; carnivores, herbivores, and they offer an allergy friendly menu too!

db

 

db12

  • Because 2 for Tuesdays: $2 Tacos, $2 Select Beers, & 2 FREE Plays with $10 Power Card (open-7pm)

 

db13

 

db14

DRINK…..

db10

  • Because Happy Hour is Monday-Friday 4-7pm

 

db9

  • Because ½ off cocktails, $2.50 domestics pints, $1 off 22oz drafts, $1 off glasses of wine & $3 off bottles of wine.

db8

PLAY…..

db18

 

db20

 

db22

 

  • Because ½ priced games on Wednesdays, Woohoo!!!! (And the possibility to win COOL prizes…this isn’t your kid’s prize options, wink-wink)

db16

 

db19

WATCH…..

  • Because there are no shortages of screen so you can watch whatever you please! For once there will be no arguing over the remote!

db6

Bonus: If you offer to babysit for free the night the couple uses your gift card your gift will officially get bumped to THE BEST gift in the world!

GIVEAWAY:

db

Win a $25 Gift Card to Dave & Buster’s

How to enter:

1.Share this post with a friend

2. Comment below stating which game you dominate at Dave & Buster’s….or in general 😉

Winner randomly selected November 7th

Cheers!

 

 

 

 

101+ Places to go with Kids in Toledo

I have collated a list of fun kiddo and family friendly destinations in Toledo and the surrounding area, each has a brief description. Each destination has been linked to the website where you can retrieve more thorough information regarding hours of operation, rates, etc. Know of a fun Toledo destination that isn’t listed? Please feel free to share in the comment thread. Thank you!!

 

  1. Toledo Metroparks (Offers fun programs for kids and events for families)
  2. Olander Park (Swimming, fishing, playgrounds, etc. Sylvania, OH)
  3. Fort Imagination Playground (Enclosed playground for little kids & large playground for older kids-Woodlands Park, Perrysburg, OH)
  4. Carr Park (Fun playground for all ages-Bedford, MI)
  5. WGTE (Check events and be sure to attend family fun days) 
  6. Fossil Park (Bring small/medium paint brush to brush off fossils and baggy to take home fossils- Sylvania, OH)
  7. Toledo Lucas County Public Library (Check times and locations for Story Time and other amazing events for kids and families)
  8. Maumee Bay State Park (Swimming, biking, boardwalk, trails, nature center, cross-country skiing, sledding, etc. Oregon, OH)
  9. Toledo Museum of Art’s Family Center (Children can paint,make theme inspired craft, listen to a story in the gallery, and play at the Family Center)
  10. Gathering Volumes (Story Time –Sun. 1pm, Tues 6pm, & Thurs 10am – Always Check Calendar to confirm times)
  11. Barnes & Noble (Fun themed story times with awesome crafts! Fallen Timbers, Maumee, OH)
  12. Bass Pro Shops (Fun events for kids’ checkout their calendar- Rossford, OH)
  13. Toledo Firefighters’ Museum (Checkout the fire trucks, old equipment, kids learn about fire safety in Jed’s room where a fire is simulated, & more)
  14. Home Depot Kid Workshops (Kids get to use tools and make something to take home)
  15. Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge (Checkout the “Let’s Go Outside” Backpack at the visitors center. Each is filled with fun tools for exploring like binoculars, bug jars, magnifying lens, cloud guide, and more! Oak Harbor, OH)
  16. Fallen Timbers (Lil’ Timbers Kids Klub has fun activities throughout the year and there are great seasonal events like ice skating and carriage rides- Maumee, OH)
  17. Toledo Police Museum (Fingerprint Comparitor from the 80s designed to be accessible and appealing to kids. Downtown Toledo)
  18. Sylvania Heritage Museum & Railroad Depot (Genuine railroad depot building that served Sylvania residents for 98 years, from 1858 to 1956. It is the oldest train depot in existence in the State of Ohio. Downtown Sylvania, OH)
  19. Mazza Museum (Largest museum of original artwork by children’s book illustrators in the world. The museum’s goal is to promote literacy and enrich the lives of all people through the art of children’s literature. Findlay, OH)
  20. Levis Commons (Fun seasonal activities for the kids and families like Sandtastic fun & breakfast with Santa!!- Perrysburg, OH)
  21. Imagination Kingdom Playground (Adorable playground for kiddos, pack a picnic and let their imaginations run wild while they burn off all that extra energy- Wauseon, OH)
  22.  Butterfly House (Watch a beautiful array of butterflies flutter around while listening to classical music play, try to locate and identify the various butterflies with the brochures provided. Also offers fun Autumn events like the corn maze! Whitehouse, OH)
  23. Gust Brothers Pumpkin Farm (Admission is FREE, but you are going to want to bring some spending cash because it isn’t officially fall until you stop by the farm and see all the farm animals, cows, pigs, chickens, rabbits, and more! Enjoy a hayride and finally pick out the perfect pumpkin!! And other goodies in the store…fresh produce and squash!!-Ottawa Lake, MI)
  24. The Canal Experience at Providence (Go back in time and ride the Volunteer, a reproduction of a mule drawn canal boat, visit the Mill, enjoy characters dressed in period attire-Grand Rapids, OH)
  25. Erie Orchard (You pick…blueberries, apples, pumpkins, and more! But the real fun starts in the fall…enjoy corn maze, hayrides, bounce house, music, and more…check their calendar for events! Erie, MI) 
  26. Fort Meigs State Memorial (Fort Meigs State Memorial honors the site of the largest wooden-walled fortress in North America, built during the War of 1812. Take self-guided tours, view weapons demonstrations, and learn the history of the fort. Perrysburg, OH)
  27. The Toledo Symphony (Music under the Stars-FREE concert in the summer)
  28. Valentine Theatre (Check calendar of events…offers great classic film series!! Downtown Toledo)
  29. Ohio Skate (Roller skating!! 2 locations, Maumee, OH and Toledo, OH)
  30. Copper Moon Studios (Fun art classes for kids! Walk-ins welcomed! Holland, OH)
  31. Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center ( Memorial to the 19th President of the United States it contains a treasure trove of information for history buffs. The Center includes the Hayes Mansion, Presidential Library, Museum, and the tomb of the former president- Fremont, OH)
  32. 577 Foundation (Offers an array of classes for all ages and encourages ecologically responsible living- Perrysburg, OH)
  33. Art Supply Depot (Offers art classes, paint pottery, and more! Downtown Toledo)
  34. SS. Col. James M. Schoonmaker/National Museum of the Great Lakes (Kids will have a blast when they step foot on a real Ship-Downtown Toledo)
  35. Bowlero ( Bowling alley, awesome arcade where kiddos can win prizes, bowling, food, & fun!)
  36. MacQueens Apple Orchard (Fall destination!! Their apple butter fest is amazing!! Fall events are fun, fun, fun! Check calendar for avtivites and events-Holland, OH)
  37. Interstate Bowling (They participate in the kids bowl for FREE program-Rossford, OH)
  38. Sundance Kid Drive-in (Oregon, OH)
  39. Q-Zar (Laser tag & Arcade- Sylvania, OH)
  40. Ritter Planetarium (Located on the campus of University of Toledo)
  41. Super Suppers (family day…kids help make meals)
  42. Toledo Speedway (there are free kids nights)
  43. Toledo Mud Hens (baseball) 
  44. Toledo Rockets (football/basketball)
  45. Toledo Walleye (hockey) 
  46. Bowling Green Falcons (football, hockey, basketball, etc.))
  47. Sylvania Playland (Bounce Houses, indoor play sets, and miniature golf-Sylvania, OH)
  48. Par 2 Golf (Go-karts, bumper cars, putt putt,  arcade games, & ice cream Toledo, OH)
  49. Toledo Gymnastics Academy (call for open gym time)
  50. Sunrise Gymnastics (call for open gym time)
  51. Sky Zone Toledo (Indoor Trampoline Park- Holland, OH)
  52. Hero’s (Bounce Houses, carnival games, and snacks…open play times available -Perrysburg, OH)
  53. Imagination Station (Hands-on science Museum- Downtown Toledo) 
  54. Toledo Zoo (Be sure to checkout the new penguin exhibit and Aquarium!!)
  55. Indian Creek Petting Zoo (walk thru this unique petting zoo…see camels, Zebra, peacocks, bunnies, alligator, and more!! Lambertville, MI)
  56. Uncork the Artist (Instructor guided classes, kiddos leave with an awesome masterpiece!)
  57. BG Bounce (Giant Indoor Sand Box, Toddler Room, Art Room, Science Center, Party Rooms,Nerf Wars, Paint Ball Arena, Dodge Ball, Game Arena Rooms, Food & Fun!)
  58. Peace Love & Pottery (Paint Pottery Sylvania, OH)
  59. Funagins (Paint Ball, Bounce Houses, Arcade, & More!)
  60. Sandpiper (100 passenger cruise vessel located on the Maumee River -Downtown Toledo)
  61. Calder’s Dairy & Farm (Watch them milk the cows, visit the animals on the farm, check out the goat scape, enjoy some yummy ice cream treats, and more! Carleton, MI)
  62. The Petting Farm at Domino’s Farm (Visit all the animals down on the farm, enjoy a hayride, pony rides, and more! Ann Arbor, MI)
  63. Planet Rock (All things climbing…rock wall- Ann Arbor, MI)
  64. Funtastic Play Center (Indoor playground with 2 main areas of play for children under 8 and 2 storey padded play structure with 14 different obstacles including a zip line, rock wall, and 3 slides! Checkout their Facebook page for Open Play times Canton, MI)
  65. Jungle Java (Fun indoor climbing and play area for kids…food available too! Canton, MI)
  66. Hands on Museum (Hands on science museum for kids! Ann Arbor, MI)
  67. The Creature Conservancy (See a wide variety of domestic and exotic animals. You may buy food cones to feed to the barnyard animals. Ann Arbor, MI)
  68. Gallop Canoe Livery (Canoeing as a family is so much fun! This park offers canoe, two-person kayak, one-person kayak, paddleboat, and rowboat rentals, river-themed programs and a coffee shop, score!! Ann Arbor, MI) 
  69. Jungle Junction  (Largest Indoor Play Area in Ohio-Six levels of adventure with over 60 play features including slides, air cannons, obstacle courses, interactive game panels, toddler zone, & more! Only $6 for ALL day play!!)
  70. Michigan Science Center (With live stage shows, an IMAX® Dome Theatre, a Planetarium, 250+ hands-on exhibits, lab activities, special exhibits and more, there are approximately two dozen ways to customize your MiSci visit. There’s more than you can see and do in a week!)
  71. Monsoon Lagoon Water Park (Splash adventures and games! The park features water playgrounds, slides, Go-Karts, bumper boats and mini-golf. -Port Clinton, OH)
  72. The Scrap Box (kiddos will get a kick out of all the recycled scrapes! Great for arts & craft projects! Ann Arbor, MI)
  73. Rolling Hills Water Park (Ypsilanti, MI)
  74. Bowling Green Water Park (Bolwing Green, OH)
  75. The Old Road Dinner Train (Fun events like Grandparents day, Dad & Daughter Day, Kids Halloween Express, and more! Blissfield, MI)
  76. Snook’s Dream Cars (travel in the past lane…see old cars, parts, etc. Bowling Green, OH)
  77. Ohio Maple Syrup Events (Maple syrup tours, watch it being made, enjoy pancake breakfast, and more…click on link under central ohio for all the maple syrup listings-Central, OH)
  78. Henry Ford Museum (9 acres to explore Americas past and future- Dearborn, MI)
  79. Greenfield Village  (Step back in an 80 acre time machine, see Noah Webster’s house, ride and original model ‘T’, train ride, and more! Dearborn, MI)
  80. Liberty Aviation Museum (Determined to showcase the aircraft of Worl War II, the Liberty Aviation Museum was established in 1991. Museum houses dozens of vintage aircrafts, vehicles, and multimedia exhibits Port Clinton, OH)        
  81. I-MAX Theater (The ultimate film experience!!! Special projectors, giant screens, 2D & 3D! Dearborn, MI)
  82. Marblehead Lighthouse (Built in 1821, Marblehead Lighthouse is the oldest operating lighthouse on the Great Lakes! Marblehead, OH)
  83. Jiffy Mix Plant Tours (Educational and informative walk through of the plant and refreshments provided Chelsea, MI)
  84. Sauder Village (Offers experiences rich in history and fun…kids will enjoy the train, store, helping make butter, candles, ice cream,etc. Be sure to stop in the bakery for homemade treats! Archbold, OH)
  85. The Chelsea Tree House (Indoor playground/climbing equipment for kids…and offers snacking options)
  86. Erie Spirit Sailing Adventures (Enjoy a family friendly day out on the waters of Lake Erie. Choose from standard tour packages or work out a custom plan with the Captain and let your adventure begin. Marblehead, OH)        
  87. COSI (Columbus Ohio Science Institute…amazing exhibits, phenomenal kids area, I-MAX theater, great scientific demonstrations and more!! Get in for FREE with an Imagination Station membership- Columbus, OH)
  88. Boonshoft Museum (This is another awesome hands-on science museum with some added fun, a playground/indoor 3 story slide, fun critters, planetarium, and more!! Get in for FRE with zoo membership-Dayton, OH)
  89. National Museum of the U. S. Air Force (Educational experience to say the least…children will be amazed by the huge air crafts, NASA room, enjoy fun demonstrations, learn about history, tour a real air plane, and more!! Dayton, OH)
  90. Spangler Factory/Dum Dum tours (Enjoy a trolley ride through the factory where you will learn the history behind the Spangler Factory and see how the various candies are made…and enjoy samples!!-Bryan, OH)
  91. Splash Universe (Fun indoor water park!! Dundee, MI)
  92. Great Wolf Lodge (Zero depth outdoor pool and more…indoor lazy river, slides, etc. Sandusky, OH)
  93. African Safari Wildlife Park (Must see experience!! Better than Animal Kingdom at Disney World!! Drive through and view & feed animals!! Walk around, pet animals, and watch animal demonstrations…and ice cream, yum! Port Clinton, OH)
  94. Merry-go-Round Museum (Enjoy a fun and relaxed atmosphere while you tour the Merry-Go-Round Museum and learn about the history and art of the carousel. And enjoy a ride of course! Sandusky, OH)
  95. Kalahari (Zero depth indoor pool/young children play area, wave pool, slides, and more! Sandusky, OH)
  96. Train-o-rama (Featuring Ohio’s largest, multi-gauge model, public railroad display-Marblehead, OH)
  97. Cedar Point (Roller Coaster Capital & Amusement Park…amazing kids Planet Snoopy area, Dinosaurs Live, and more ! Sandusky, OH)
  98. Ghostly Manor Thrill Center (The Travel Channel has featured Ghostly Manor Thrill Center among the best place to visit in a lifetime. Virtual rollercoaster, bounce houses, and more! Sandusky, OH)        
  99. Kelley’s Island (Check out the Glacier grooves, neat fossils, bike as a family, see what Kid Stage is up to and more! Kelley’s Island, OH)
  100. Wild Winds Buffalo Preserve (Daily tours into the herd…children can see buffalo up close, horseback riding trails, stay the night in a Tipi or Safari Tent!!Fremont, Indiana)
  101. Pokagon State Park (Swimming, fishing, horseback riding, sledding, tobogganing, skiing, pack a picnic and enjoy the day or spend the night camp or lodge- Angola, Indiana)
  102. Country Tree Lane Farm (Milk a real, live cow, hold baby ducks, chicks and bunnies, feed all the large Farm animals, go thru a straw maze, ride a barrel train, get a pony ride & more. Fun seasonal activities including Easter Bunny Hay Rides, U-Pick pumpkins, & more!)
  103. Clayful Art  (Kids Night-Your child will explore their imagination while learning a variety of hand building techniques.  They offer complimentary snacks-1 project offered once a month Friday nights from 6-8p.m.)

  104. Paint Your Place (Kiddos have an educated art instructor to help guide them through each stroke till their masterpiece is complete)
  105. Children’s Museum of Findlay (They have so many exhibits for you to explore. To see more or to view the learning topics for each exhibit before your visit, click on the images under Exhibits on their website)
  106.  Outdoor Adventure Center  (Experience exciting outdoor adventures with hands-on activities, exhibits and simulators — walk behind and touch a waterfall, step into a fishing boat and reel in a big fish, hit the trail on a mountain bike or snowmobile, and much more.)
  107. Nickel World Low-key indoor arcade featuring video games, skeeball & other games all for just one nickel, and kids get plus tickets & prizes.
  108. Toledo Playzone Over 70 Arcade Games Laser Tag Spine Zone Bumper Cars Virtual Reality Games, & Café Menu.
  109. Get Air Trampoline Park (Coming Soon)
  110. Pat Catan’s Craft Center Craft supply chain, with the makings for scrapbooking, jewelry, needlework, floral arranging & more. Often offers FREE crafts for kids on weekend , check calendar.
  111. The Armstrong Air and Space Museum Located in Wapakoneta, Ohio, is the hometown of Neil Armstrong, first man to set foot on the Moon. The museum chronicles Ohio’s contributions to the history of space flight.