Guess who’s back?

*Taps on mic*

Is this thing on?

Well, it’s certainly been a bit. As many of you know, I’ve continued to be active on social, but sort of diverted my content on here for a bit. Working full time while creating content was quite the juggle, and something had to go!

Anyway, as I stepped away and while the world slowed down with events and timely releases, I questioned what I should do with this space. Since I had plenty of time to decide, I’m going to do my best to keep things going here. While it won’t be as toy-centric, I will continue to update with new releases and other entertainment content!

So, hang on for what’s next!

Camp Warner Bros. Super Hero Training + DC LEGO: Shazam! Magic and Monsters

For week 1 of Camp Warner Bros., we were super busy with Super Hero Training. In honor of LEGO DC: Shazam! Magic and Monsters, we were tasked with super hero training. Guys, it’s like we’ve been training for this our whole lives!

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Since we were traveling and visiting family this week, we were still able to squeak in our training and then some. We loved the way Batman led the training and kept us excited about becoming superheroes. Josh is well versed in superhero training since he’s always “on guard” with his super hero imagination, he absolutely loved this task! And what a perfect task it was to get us pumped for LEGO DC: Shazam! Magic and Monsters. We can’t wait to watch this one! Check out the description below!

 

About LEGO® DC: Shazam! Magic and Monsters:

10-year-old Billy Batson shouts a single word and, with lightning bolts flashing, he transforms into Shazam!, a full-fledged adult Super Hero. It doesn’t take long for Superman, Wonder Woman, Batman and the rest of the Justice League to take notice and invite the earnest do-gooder to join the team. But to become a member, Billy must reveal his true identity. While fighting off the evil Mr. Mind and Black Adam, Billy learns that he must trust others – and that nothing creates trust like helping those in need. Join the good fight with this giant-sized LEGO DC adventure!

Happy Summer + Camp Warner Bros, Here We Come!

Happy summer, friends! I’m sure you guys are just as thrilled for the summer as we are! After all that distance learning and pandemic teaching, I’m so excited to let loose and enjoy these carefree summer days.

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Since most of our camps and activities for the summer have been canceled, we’ve been on the hunt for fun activities. Well, lucky us, we were invited to participate in Camp Warner Bros! With Camp Warner Bros, we’ll be doing various activities and checking out several Warner Bros movies and shows over the next few weeks.

In the coming weeks, we’ll be checking out LEGO DC, Steven Universe, We Bare Bears: The Movie and so much more. With each movie or show, we’ll be sharing a fun activity with you! I plan to share our shenanigans over on TikTok, so be on the look out over there!

Our first activity was a super fun tie die kit with our camp shirts. I love how they turned out—so much so, we did a TikTok to show them off! Be sure to follow along on the #CampWarnerBros hashtag.

 

 

Playing with Fire Movie is a Funny Family Film + Interview with Kid Reporters

When it comes to fighting forest fires, Sup and his crew are the best of the best—that is, until they’re put to the test. In Playing with Fire, John Cena’s Superintendent Jake Carson is a tough character who doesn’t like to let his guard down. His crew is equally resilient, astute and comedic to boot. When given their toughest test yet, the crew is tasked with watching over three kids who happen to have their own hurdles to overcome.

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Playing with Fire is a hilarious and family-friendly comedy that boasts some of the funniest actors in the business, including Judy Greer as Dr. Amy Hicks, Keegan-Michael Key as Mark and John Leguziamo as Rodrigo. Together with the well rounded kid actors, the vulnerable Dennis Haysbert and star, John Cena, Playing with Fire has all the elements to make the whole family smile and crack up over these shenanigans.

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Because of Playing with Fire’s family-centric storyline and target audience, Paramount Studios invited me, along with several fellow bloggers and their families to interview the cast and director Andy Fickman. Instead of us bloggers queuing up the questions, we took seats in the back rows and let the kids take the reigns. And what a treat that was!

 We all know that Keegan-Michael Key is a riot and that John Cena is a talented entertainer, but I loved listening to the kids interact with the kid actors.

When asked if any past experiences helped with the role in Playing with Fire, Christian Convery shared how he learned how to act improved because of Keegan and everyone else on this show.

Of course, there were laughs when John Cena rebutted and said that Christian didn’t learn to act from him!

 

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Speaking of acting, as a perpetual entertainer who is laying his stake in family friendly films, I appreciated when one of the kids asked John Cena why he transitioned from fighting to acting. Cena’s answer was so diplomatic and relatable for the kids to understand. The kid reporter shared that he was born in 2008 when John asked his birthday.

“By the time you were born I believe I had already won seven WWE championships and I had been wrestling full time for close to seven years. So, I’ve been wrestling for 17 years. And I’d love to keep doing it forever and ever. But you have like 200 matches a year and man, I’m–I just don’t know if I can have 200 matches a year anymore. So, I really enjoy storytelling and I enjoy entertaining audiences and having fun. Movies is a different way to do that.”

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The overflowing soap suds scene in the firehouse was one of our absolute scenes from the film. And, not surprisingly, it attracted questions from the kids, including my own! Jack asked a rather introspective question: when the soap and the suds get everywhere the little boy owned up to his mistake. Have any of you owned up to like a very big mistake?

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Keegan-Michael Key had the best answer that could totally double as a parenting reminder: “Owning up to mistakes, I mean, I feel like I do it every day. Feel like I’m owning up to some mistake every day. Cause it’s very good to say–to hold yourself accountable for your actions because then you can learn from them. And also, it helps wipe the slate clean every day if you–if you really do it. And, the only key to it really, I think, is that you just have to really be sincere.”

And to round out this fun press junket for Playing with Fire, my sweet Josh, despite his speech delay, was unfazed and asked the actors what their favorite part of the movie was.

The most memorable answer, of course, came from the littlest kid actor, Finley Rose, without hesitation said: When John Cena made pooping in the woods.”

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Brave firefighters, angsty teens, crazy action scenes, silly comedy and poop: what more can a kid ask for in a movie!? 

 Playing with Fire is in theaters on November 8.

 

Full disclosure: I was invited by Paramount Studios to participate in this press junket. As always, all opinions on NKT are my own.

 

New York Baby Show Set for May 18 and 19 + Ticket Giveaway

It’s the time of year again when all things spring and all things baby start to permeate in my world! With several friends just having given birth or recently announcing that they’re expecting, the baby love is something fierce these days.

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I always love covering baby gear and baby news here on NKT. After all, the latest and greatest in baby gear is what got me started in the blogging realm.

And speaking of babies, The New York Baby Show is once again setting up camp at Pier 94. I hope you can join us for all the awesome new baby gear and fun!

 

The 2019 New York Baby Show, on May 18 & 19 at Pier 94 will once again be the largest show for new and expectant parents in the country. Now in its 9th year, no other event provides a better experience for thousands of expectant and new families from New York and neighboring counties, seeking a family-friendly jamboree of top brands, great speakers and seminars, big giveaways, and lots of learning, support, bonding, and fun as you make your way into parenthood. We are giving away tickets for you and your family to experience the show. See below for details… etc. Normal ticket price is $30 per family (for 2 adults and up to 4 children), and $20 per individual. Now, just for NKT readers, I have 25 free tickets to giveaway! This is first come, first served. Once all the tickets are gone, the code will no longer work. To grab your FREE New York Baby Show Tickets, go HERE!

Did you miss the free tickets? You can still grab 50% off for family or single tickets Here!

Full disclosure: This is a sponsored post. As always, thank you for supporting The Next Kid Thing

Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard Launch Affordable, Accessible Baby Care Line Called Hello Bello

As if we didn’t love them enough, Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard have launched a new line of baby products called Hello Bello. The brand, which is as adorable as it sounds, is geared to be an affordable line of premium products. Exclusive to Walmart, Hello Bello’s line of plant-based products are intended to be accessible to anyone.

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A few months ago, I attended a media event to celebrate the launch of Hello Bello. Because they’re everyone’s favorite mom and dad, it was a packed house. It was great to hear them speak so candidly about parenthood, their marriage and the impetus behind their latest endeavor.

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As a celebrity couple, they acknowledged that they have access to so much. Growing up in the midwest with limited resources, Bell and Shepard acknowledge that their friends, family and many others don’t always have access to affordable, high quality items. With sustainability and price consciousness in mind, the couple embarked on creating a product line that anyone can afford and also feel good about using on their baby’s skin.

Hello Bello will launch with 10 products across multiple SKUs, ranging in price from $1.88 to $23.94, with the majority under $8. Parents can expect products formulated with safe and effective ingredients, including organic botanicals when possible; delivering greater comfort and performance including Diapers, Wipes, Shampoo & Body Wash, Bubble Bath, Baby Lotion, Diaper Rash Cream, Hand Sanitizer, Mineral Sunscreen, Bug Spray and Laundry Detergent.

“We know parenting is hard enough as it is,” shared co-founder Dax Shepard. “Parents shouldn’t have to choose between what’s good for their baby and good for their budget. That’s why we couldn’t ask for a better exclusive retail partner than Walmart, who is making it possible for us to offer premium products at a non-premium price.”

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At the event, we were gifted a collection of some of the products. I’ve since shared them with some fellow baby mamas who are praising the quality Hello Bello. Of note, I’m completely obsessed with the diaper prints and the poop slogan. How can you not?

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I’ve been using the lotion after my shower. The natural smell of the lotion is pleasant and not overpowering. It has a very thick consistency, which is great for babes, but almost too thick for my personal liking.

Bell and Shepard have become quite the powerhouse in relatable endorsements, specifically in the parenting category, so it’s interesting that they’ve launched their own brand alongside of their business partners. I can’t wait to see this brand flourish.

Hello Bello is available at Walmart stores and online.

 

Full Disclosure: I received a gift bag at the event. As always opinions on NKT are my own.

King Kong on Broadway is a Mesmerizing, Unforgettable Production

It’s been a blustery few weeks here in NYC/NJ. Despite the snow last week, my older son and I had the chance to check out King Kong on Broadway. Technology, choreography combined with Broadway flair, King Kong was quite the production, and one that blew my 11 year old away.

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King Kong

King Kong on Broadway followed a similar storyline to that of the classic. With the magic of a computerized backdrop and projector,the main settings took place in 1930s NYC, SS Wanderer and Skull Island. Each major backdrop was seamlessly projected to set the stage and create an unmistakable story surrounding the iconic settings. We were most impressed with SS Wanderer and how the audience was taken “onboard” Carl Denham and Ann Darrow’s excursion to Skull Island. The way the stage morphed into the bow of a ship was so unique and truly a sight to see.

The main sight of this show, was, hands-down, King Kong. This massive animatronic Gorilla descended onto the stage with an undeniable presence. Together with the orchestra’s accompaniment and the troupe who make King Kong come to life, the larger than life Gorilla made heads turned and jaws drop with every scene he shook. With the animated back drop, impeccable lighting and the King’s Company who worked together to control his every movement, King Kong was a believable Gorilla and a thrill to watch.F96E4C56-23C8-4A23-A7A8-44F410EE1636

Christiani Pitts who played Ann Darrow is a beautiful and commanding lead. To share the stage with a two-ton animatronic Gorilla is no easy feat, however, Pitts pulled it off with grace. Eric William Morris’ Carl Denham was an entertaining, albeit smarmy producer. The vocals were collectively a beautiful production, but King Kong was definitely the star of this show.

 

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King Kong

After the show, we were treated to a talkback with several members of the cast. From this intimate chat, we learned quite a bit about the cast, including how they spend upwards to 7 hours a day practicing and training to make the show come together. We were able to get a little more perspective on Kong and how the King’s Company Ensemble must thrust, jump and maneuver themselves to make Kong come to life. The cast members who operate as the VooDoo Operators control the facial movements by computers from a room above. All of the people who are in the King’s Company range from break dancers, dancers, performers, but none other than one of the VooDoo operators were puppeteers before this show.

Above all, King Kong was unique and often mesmerizing, if not quirky. The namesake of the show provided an unforgettable spectacle, and a production that will wow even the young Broadway goers.

Full Disclosure: This post is made possible by support from King Kong Broadway. All opinions are my own.

Fighting With My Family Focuses on Family and WWE’s Paige’s Rise to Fame

When it comes to feel-good family movies there are quite a few recent releases that fit the bill. But when it comes to a coming of age story that shares the reality of sibling rivalry, the cost of fame and other not-so-glamorous topics, Fighting With My Family is a film that can’t be missed.

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Based on the true story of WWE’s Paige’s rise to fame and her family’s plight to make their passion pay off, Fighting With My Family follows Paige, her brother Zak and their family’s highs and lows. Produced by Dwayne Johnson, the film is from Annapurna Pictures and has created quite the buzz, and for good reason.

After screening the film last week, together with a group of fellow bloggers, I participated in a press junket for Fighting With My Family. At the junket that was held at the Essex Hotel in NYC, we had the chance to interview some of the stars of the film including: Lena Headey, Nick Frost, Florence Pugh, Jack Lowden, Stephen Merchant and WWE Divas Champ, Paige.

Obviously, we all had so many questions about the story itself, so it was great to hear Paige’s perspective firsthand. When asked what it was like to go through so many hurdles and challenges and then experience success, Paige shared her thoughts on what it was like to view from this new lens.

It’s bizarre because at the time you don’t realize how many obstacles you’re going through until it is being told on the big screen and Stephen did such an amazing job trying to capture everything as accurate as possible. 

But yeah, it’s like very bizarre and very surreal and then sometimes I have to sit back and she’s so good at what she does that I forget that she’s playing me and I forget that it’s my story. 

But, yeah, every single one of the cast did an incredible job and it’s just thank you all every single one of you by the way. She gets to meet my mom today. I’m very excited.  

Fighting With My Family isn’t just a movie about wrestling. In fact, when asked if the movie would translate for people who are not wrestling fans, the cast answered:

I don’t think people need to know all of wrestling to like the film because everyone has a family so I think it’s a film about families and wrestling could be pottery or you could swap out for anything.

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Above all, Fighting with My Family is about relationships and how to triumph above all. This key messaging resonated with all of us in the room, and the cast validated these thoughts during the interview. Lena Headey, who plays Paige’s mom, admitted that she studied Julia.

Lena Headey: I mean we watched the documentary, I watched the documentary years ago and sort of fell in love with them because so completely honest and there’s no nonsense. I mean they all say how they feel, there is nothing whispered behind any doors and I think that their authenticity is why you fall in love with them. And I haven’t met Julia yet, I’m meeting her today. Hopefully, she’s pleased.

One of the key messages of the film for me was that life isn’t always going to be easy. It’s going to be hard and messy and unforgiving. When life throws you adversity and tough times, it’s not how you fall, but how you get back up and react. It’s all about moving forward.

And I think part of the message of the film is that nothing is easy whether it’s wrestling or anything else. Doors will be closed in your face, people will sometimes say no, sometimes you won’t fit in, sometimes you will be rejected and you just have to keep moving forward. You know you have to keep taking the punches and if you are passionate about it you just keep plowing on and eventually the doors will open and that is certainly true of all of us in our careers. I’m sure we could all have individual stories of the times where it didn’t pan out so. It’s hard sometimes to remember that and you could give up, you could get depressed but I think it’s all of us and I think certainly Paige’s story is that just keep moving forward.



I can’t say enough positive things about this film! As someone who grew up watching WWF as a kid, it was an absolute honor to screen and participate in this junket for Fighting With My Family. It’s a realistic coming of age film that’s so well written and surprisingly funny to boot! 

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Fighting With My Family is a heartwarming comedy based on the true story of WWE Superstar Paige. Born into a tight-knit wrestling family, Paige and her brother Zak are ecstatic when they get the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to try out for WWE. But when only Paige earns a spot in the competitive training program, she must leave her family and face this new, cut-throat world alone. Paige’s journey pushes her to dig deep, fight for her family, and ultimately prove to the world that what makes her different is the very thing that can make her a star.

Fighting With My Family is out in select theaters on February 14 and nationwide on February 22.

 

Full Disclosure: This junket was hosted by Annapurna Pictures. All opinions are my own. As always, thanks for supporting NKT.

Kid Shows and Movies We Can’t Wait to See in 2019

I don’t know about you, but we couldn’t wait to bid adieu to 2018. Now that the dust has settled from the holidays, and we’re a few weeks into 2019, I thought we’d share a few things we’re excited about for the coming year.

As it looks, 2019 is shaping up to be great year for shows and movies. Heres a quick run down on the just a few of the many movies and shows that has us popcorn-ready!

Captain Marvel


As huge Marvel fans, we were quite literally on the edge of our seats after Infinity War. The teaser at the end, that presumably alludes to Captain Marvel has us totally intrigued. I can’t wait to see how how this superhero fits into the whole Marvel Cinematic Universe! 

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Set in the 1990s, Marvel Studios’ “Captain Marvel” is an all-new adventure from a previously unseen period in the history of the Marvel Cinematic Universe that follows the journey of Carol Danvers as she becomes one of the universe’s most powerful heroes. While a galactic war between two alien races reaches Earth, Danvers finds herself and a small cadre of allies at the center of the maelstrom.

The film stars Brie Larson, Samuel L. Jackson, Ben Mendelsohn, Djimon Hounsou, Lee Pace, Lashana Lynch, Gemma Chan, Rune Temte, Algenis Perez Soto, Mckenna Grace, with Annette Bening, with Clark Gregg, and Jude Law.

 

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Captain Marvel is set to hit theaters on March 8, 2019.

 Abby Hatcher-Nickelodeon

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Produced by Spinmaster Entertainment, the masterminds behind the Paw Patrol juggernaut, Abby Hatcher features a social-emotional curriculum highlighting empathy, compassion and problem-solving skills, or in other words, characteristics that even we could use as a refresher. As someone who is vigilant about reinforcing empathy and kindness into everyday scenarios, I can’t wait to see what Abby Hatcher teaches us.

 The ever-optimist Abby loves to help those around her and chooses inclusion as her power of choice. The quirky show follows Abby and her Bff Fuzzly friend Boozzly as they problem solve their way to save the day.

Abby Hatcher can be watched on Nick Jr. Check local listings for times.

 

Dreamworks 3Below: Tales of Arcadia—Netflix

Technically released in 2018, Dreamworks’ 3Below has our sci-fi senses going. 3Below follows two royal teen aliens, Aja and Krel and their bodyguard Vex, as they flee their home planet and land themselves on Earth—in Arcadia, the same town where Trollhunters is centered,

Dreamworks 3BelowThe show follows how they blend in and adapt to a new world while repairing their ship to return and defend their planet. I love that this show features an all-star voice cast, including: Diego Luna (Narcos: Mexico), Tatiana Maslany (Orphan Black), Nick Offerman (Parks and Recreation), Glenn Close (The Wife) and more.

3Below is now available on Netflix.

 

OddSquad—PBS

One of our all-time favorite PBS shows, Odd Squad will debut a brand new one-hour movie on January 21.  I love that this award-winning show consistently puts out great content. We’re always anxious to see what the agents and Ms. O are up to over on Odd Squad.

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The new movie, ODD SQUAD: ODDS AND ENDS, will feature agents Olympia, Otis, Ms. O and Oona who are on the case to solve a string of break-ins at headquarters. When Olympia accidentally exposes a deep secret about Otis’ past, it sets off a series of events with the potential to unravel the entire agency.

 The movie will air on PBS stations’ primary channels and on the PBS KIDS 24/7 channel (check local listings). ODD SQUAD: ODDS AND ENDS will also be available to stream for free starting January 21 on pbskids.org and the PBS KIDS Video App, which is accessible on a variety of mobile devices and platforms.

 


Dumbo—Disney

The timeless animated classic, Dumbo, will be coming to life from Disney and visionary director Tim Burton. The live-action adventure Dumbo expands is taking the classic story where differences are celebrated, family is cherished and dreams take a flight.

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Circus owner Max Medici (Danny DeVito) enlists former star Holt Farrier (Colin Farrell) and his children Milly (Nico Parker) and Joe (Finley Hobbins) to care for a newborn elephant whose oversized ears make him a laughingstock in an already struggling circus. But when they discover that Dumbo can fly, the circus makes an incredible comeback, attracting persuasive entrepreneur V.A. Vandevere (Michael Keaton), who recruits the peculiar pachyderm for his newest, larger-than-life entertainment venture, Dreamland. Dumbo soars to new heights alongside a charming and spectacular aerial artist, Colette Marchant (Eva Green), until Holt learns that beneath its shiny veneer, Dreamland is full of dark secrets.

Dumbo hits theaters on March 29, 2019.

 

More than ever, kids’ content is available in theaters, tvs, online, devices and more. However you and your family digest family-centric content, I hope you enjoy all the wonderful movies and shows that are on the horizon this year. Let us know what you see!

 


Winter Fun at Liberty Science Center with Doc McStuffins and Sherlock Holmes Exhibits

When it comes to educational winter fun, Liberty Science Center has it covered! The other week, Josh and I were invited to a blogger event to experience a few new exhibits at the Liberty Science Center, as well as enjoy some cool science experiments.

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The super fun and interactive exhibit, Doc McStuffins focuses on the popular Disney Junior series. This imaginative exhibit allows kids to put on a doctor’s coat and stethoscope to examine toys, just like Doc McStuffins would. Kids of all ages can hang with Lambie, Hallie and Doc to examine, treat, wash and care for their animals at the Pet Vet. CD0831D5-AA96-4DF9-8859-EB6E1524E4A1

Josh’s favorite part of this exhibit was definitely using the X-ray to make sure things were A-ok! The Doc McStuffins exhibit will run through January 27, 2019.

 

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Another very cool exhibit that we got to explore was the International Exhibition of Sherlock Holmes. 

 

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This interesting exhibit allows future detectives to examine clues such as footprints, splatters and other observations through and interactive journey of solving a case. This exhibit does a great job of combining science, history and culture to bring Sherlock Holmes’ stories to life. 

422DCBE7-6D8C-439C-8FFD-C7173D4E4414 19946F3C-6F61-49E5-A9DC-7EC29BA6F7B1Even though some of the concepts were way over my 6 year old’s head, we thought this exhibit was so well done. It was definitely an immersive experience that older kids, teens and adults can enjoy unlocking clues together. I’d say some parts were borderline suspenseful and creepy! This exhibit is a Premium Exhibition and can be enjoyed as part of a combination pass ($29.95 for adults and $24.95 for kids.)

 

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Beyond the cool new exhibits, as always LSC has other fun happenings. In particular, LSC has the 12 Days of Science  that starts in December 26th and runs through New Year’s Day. Among the fun happenings of this event include Slapshot Hockey, TP Blizzard, Liquid Nitrogen Ice Cream Show, Owls: Hunters of the Sky and Penguin Pointers. 

1948B936-FEB8-45D8-A8CC-47982A69D74EAs part of the media event, we were treated to a taste of the Liquid Nitrogen Ice Cream Show, where the presenters made ice cream out of liquid nitrogen, vanilla and cream. 

After carefully mixing the ingredients and stirring diligently, the kids were amazed to see the results of fresh ice cream. And, as if fresh ice cream wasn’t enough, the kids were treated to a quick blast of a taste of Bernoulli’s Principle and an ample TP Bizzard. You haven’t seen happy kids until you’ve seen kids showered with rolls and rolls of toilet paper!

 

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LSC will always be one of our family’s favorite places to go, especially in the winter months. We can spend hours upon hours exploring exhibits and indulging in the different shows. There’s truly something for everyone in the family at LSC!

 

 

 

84B8910C-5B72-44D0-A447-39E4F5BE92A3A treat for me was getting to see some of my best blogging buddies! A big thanks to LSC and Momtrends for hosting us and showing us a great time! 

Full disclosure: this is a sponsored post. We were hosted at this event and received a stipend to share about this news. As always, opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting NKT.