The New Mojobot Available Now on Kickstarter

It may seem that board games are becoming a thing of the past, as most kids these days would rather play video games or apps. As parents, we can use this technology to help our kids learn and develop skills that they will be able to use in our tech-driven world.

The new Mojobot is the world’s first tangible coding robot and board game that makes it easy for adults and kids to learn the core principles of coding and robotics.

Mojobot is a multiplayer game where players compete to undertake Missions and earn star points. It is equipped with many features such as lights, sounds, sensors, motion, and actions. Mojobot can even pick up tokens, carry them around and deliver them to different locations. It allows kids to get away from the screens and have a hands-on experience learning a valuable skill while having fun at the same time. And the best part is that the whole family can enjoy it together – it’s great for ages 4-99+.

The Mojobot is available now for backing on Kickstarter. The Mojobot Basic Kit includes the Mojobot robot and the Main Console as well as the coding tags, cards, tokens, storybook, map, and charging cables. You also have the option to purchase the Mojobot Extension Kit which will get you an extension console, logic coding tags, additional cards, a book, and a paper origami box.

Basic Info About Mojobot

Mojobot picks up Tokens using a magnet and solenoid actuator. For communication with the Console there is a Bluetooth chip. The robot uses the differential drive and has two wheels and motors for navigation. Mojobot has a microphone which can record sounds and also act as a sound level sensor. The recorded sounds can be played back using its speakers.  Mojobot’s eyes are LEDs that can show different expressions. The tail light can be commanded and changed to different colors. In front of Mojobot there are infrared sensors that can detect distance and presence of objects. Mojobot has infrared navigation sensors that ensure that Mojobot will always move correctly to each location in the map. The infrared sensors will detect the marked square pattern on the corner of each block in the map. This means you can code Mojobot to move in an infinite square loop and still keep its correct position.

Tangible Coding

Tangible coding solutions have been shown to be more effective for teaching, as it is more attractive and easier to play than alternative screen based coding. Having physical coding pieces that kids can touch and feel helps to improve their engagement and memory. Coding and computational thinking is an essential skill for our present time and will be even more important as we progress into the future.

Liberty Science Center Winter Fun #LSCWinterFun

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The Liberty Science Center in nearby Jersey City, NJ has a ton to do for kids and families. They recently opened the Largest Planetarium in the Western Hemisphere. This alone makes it worth a visit.

“It is Liberty Science Center’s greatest experience yet–the largest and most technologically advanced planetarium in the entire Western Hemisphere. The only three that are bigger are in Beijing, China, and Nagoya and Niihama, Japan.”

 

The kids had an amazing time watching the live show in the domed theater. The seats we were in were pretty high up, but you can choose seats closer to the ground should you want to. The speaker used a laser pointer to show different stars and constellations in the sky, and made the sun rise and set as you watched in just a few seconds. He was also able to zoom in and out of very specific locations- one of which being the science center itself. You and your kids can see the stars at different times of the year as the speaker zooms around and gives explanations of each constellation.

 

There are several shows you are able to see at the planetarium at this time, Sesame Street, Laser Wonderful, and Black Holes.

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You can now see the International Sherlock Holmes show and Doc McStuffins Exhibits now at the Liberty Science Center. These temporary exhibits are a lot of fun, and part of what makes the LSC so much fun.
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At the Doc McStuffins exhibit, you and your kids can “put on a doctor’s lab coat, pick up a stethoscope, and perform check-ups on toys at LSC’s newest exhibit for young learners, Doc McStuffins: The Exhibit!

Based on Disney Junior’s award-winning TV series Doc McStuffins, the exhibit transports kids and families from Liberty Science Center to Doc’s backyard clinic and the McStuffins Toy Hospital. There, families are invited to help Doc perform check-ups in the ER, groom toy pets at the Pet Vet, feed baby toys in the nursery, and so much more.

Through imaginative play and hands-on activities, kids will learn important life lessons about health and wellness. There is so much you can do to take care of you!”

Doc McStuffins: The Exhibit is included in your general admission ticket. It will be here from Oct. 6, 2018 through Jan. 27, 2019.

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Before you leave, make sure you take time to visit the Sherlock Holmes exhibit and “solve a thrilling mystery in LSC’s newest premium exhibition! The International Exhibition of Sherlock Holmes is now open.

In this interactive adventure, you’ll be transported into Sherlock Holmes’ London—a world filled with innovation and experimentation in the field of forensic science. While you’re hot on the trail of your own case, you’ll learn how the fictional detective Sherlock Holmes, a scientific expert ahead of his time, used seemingly trivial observations of clues others missed to solve mysterious crimes in Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s famous books.

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Follow the footprints, examine the spatter patterns, decipher Morse Code, find missing items, and use your powers of observation to crack the case in this can’t-miss exhibition!”

The International Exhibition of Sherlock Holmes is available with the purchase of a Combination Pass or Premium Pass.

Laser X: Fun Laser Tag for the Entire Family #laserx

Laser X

Laser X is a new laser tag toy that is affordable and can be played inside or outside by kids or adults. Laser x can be played by an unlimited amount of people and allows flexibility for team challenges or a full out rogue laser battle.

The Laser X can kick your family’s game of hide-and-seek up a notch and add a competitive edge that makes it more fun. The typical laser tag session in a professional facility is about $8 per person per game, while others charge for timed sessions. So, a single two-player game of laser tag could cost you about $16. With Laser X’s two player set carrying a $50 price tag, and the one player set even less, that is about the cost of three laser tag sessions, and with Laser X you can play all day, as many days as you want.

Truth be told, initially, I wasn’t really sure what to expect with these laser tag sets. I have seen laser tag sets previously that just didn’t live up to the hype. I am happy to say that I was pleasantly surprised this time!  These are much more durable and tough than I anticipated and have no signs of stopping anytime soon. We got this set, and the 2 piece set for our kids – who love laser tag.

It was a HUGE hit, not only with the kids, but I’ll admit, the adults, too. Not only is the setup super easy, but adding other sets (purchased separately) is a cinch too! So if you are having a huge holiday party with lots of kids or even a birthday party – you want these.

Laser X

Each Laser X set comes with two laser guns and two laser receptor vests. The devices do not come with batteries so parents should plan ahead if purchasing Laser X as a gift. The laser receptor vests are adjustable and look as though they will stay on relatively well.

Parents can purchase these sets for $49.99 through www.getlaserx.com. Consumers who are interested in ordering multiple sets will receive 10% off each additional set purchased through their website. Or you can also purchase the Laser X tag system at Target either online at www.target.com or in stores.

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Laser X delivers in its promise to bring the excitement of laser tag to your home. A generous 200-foot range and competitive pricing make this a compelling option for those searching for laser tag toys.

Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament – Lyndhurst, NJ

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A feast for the eyes as well as the stomach, Medieval Times is a great show that the whole family can enjoy.  No worries, the little ones won’t be afraid- the show is very tame (rated G!) while still offering tons of fun and action. Make sure you arrive early to give yourself time to check out the torture exhibit should you so desire- not recommended for kids, obviously.  You can also (for an extra fee) have your child knighted for their birthday or other special occasion by the king in a special ceremony.  Launched in Spain in 1973, and in the USA  just 10 years later, it is widely regarded as the longest running and most popular dinner attraction in North America- and I have to concur.  During this 2 hour live performance, you and your family will experience a glace back in time- when knights defended the realm, and chivalry was not dead.
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Looking For Haunted Happenings?

If you are like us, you love a good scare this time of year.  Whether you prefer a light hearted haunted house, or a true spine tingling experience, there are plenty of places to give yourself a good fright no matter what your scare-level may be.

If you prefer a family experience, plan a visit to Coney Island for Luna Park’s Halloween Harvest, taking place every Saturday and Sunday from 12pm onward in October. Activities range from rides and games, picking pumpkins at the Pumpkin Patch, pumpkin painting, and seasonal foods. A full program of FREE activities is available, complete with trick or treating, scavenger hunts, “spooky” character illustrations, balloon artists, meet and greets and photo ops with costumed characters, and daily entertainment at the Air Race stage. There are also contests and prizes.

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The 4th Annual Coney Island Children’s Halloween Parade will take place on Saturday, October 26th, beginning at 11am. The parade is free, and attendees will be treated to free entertainment at MCU Park, featuring live music and entertainment including magicians, face painters, and costumed characters.

“The Sideshow”, a must see Coney Island attraction, is in October replaced with the HAUNTED Sideshow. It’s just like the Coney Island Circus Sideshow that Coney Island visitors have come to know and love since 1985, but just a little bit scarier, offering a perfect tie-in for Fall-Time-Fun in Coney Island. HAUNTED Sideshow performers include Serpentina, Princess Pat, Alejandro Dubois, and Leo the Human Gumby. The show features each Saturday and Sunday in October, including Columbus Day from 1pm to 8pm.
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Meet Me at @SesamePlace #ThemePark

One of my son’s highlights has been his recent trip to Sesame Place in Buck’s County, PA. I grew up with Sesame Street, and as a teacher I love the educational, social, and cultural values it helps to instill. As a parent- I love it, too! There are versions of Sesame Street all over the world- from Russia to Mexico. Something about knowing that this sweet, educational show unites kids globally (literally) really touches me- and even more so now that I myself am a mom, teacher, and travel enthusiast. You can’t see the world until you go out and experience it- start young, and make a little global citizen. But I digress!

We had so much fun at the theme park, there are all sorts of fun rides- and for once, they are ALL aimed at little ones.

One of Little Man’s favorite [Read more…]

#FamilyTravel in Upstate NY @I_LOVE_NY @Rochester_NY

Little Man and I recently took a ride to upstate NY, and we had a great time. There is lots to see and do (and eat!) and [Read more…]

6 Fun Activities For Parents And Kids On A Rainy Day

6 Fun Activities For Parents And Kids On A Rainy Day

A rainy day can be gloomy. Boredom can hit your kids hard if it’s raining outside, and there are no signs of the sun appearing any soon. The best thing to do in such situations is to engage in fun indoor activities with the kids. Here are a few activities can be carried out indoors:

1. Treasure Hunt

An indoor treasure hunt is a good way to keep the kids busy. You can make one set of clues for every kid. One clue is going to lead to another clue, until the last clue leads to the treasure. The clues can be rhymed for extra fun. To help the treasure hunters keep the track, seal the clues in an envelope, and mark them with a clue number. Kids can compete with each other, and the treasure can be a small toy or chocolate.

2. Indoor camping

You don’t need to go on camping outside. Set up a pop-up or small [Read more…]