M’s Blog

ALL ABOARD: WE’RE GATHERING STEAM

Ready to be mesmerized? Well, our Illusion Tunnel activity this week will do just that. Let’s use ART to create our own illusion spinners!

You’ll need:

  • Cardboard or cardstock
  • Ruler
  • Box cutter (for the adults)
  • Penny
  • Markers

Instructions

  1. Cut out a circle from cardboard or cardstock.
  2. Trace out some lines into a design of your choice.
  3. Colour in the lined sections to create an illusion.
  4. Have an adult carefully make a small slit in the middle of the circle.
  5. Insert the penny into the slit.
  6. Spin your spinner on a flat surface and watch the colours twirl around, mesmerizing you.

These spinners will mesmerize you, just like the illusions in the Children’s Museum Illusion Tunnel does!

Mar 20, 2023 • , , , ,

SHOP FEATURE 5

(For the week of March 20, 2023)

Check out this week’s Feature 5 – a list of top-selling products from Shop, the Children’s Museum’s gift store!

Read More…


i-Top
Regular Price: $29.99 each
Sale Price: $14.99 each

Check out the next generation of spinning tops with the i-Top! Using smart technology, this high-tech top keeps track of the number of spins while LEDs light up the display. Compete against friends in multiple challenges, unlock hidden features by spinning the top an exact number of spins, or challenge competitors to spin the highest score. With over ten different ways to play and tons of animations, the fun with i-Top is non-stop! Includes batteries. 

Suitable for ages 7+

Get it here!


Farkle Box
Regular Price: $16.99 each
Sale Price: $8.99 each

The classic dice-rolling, risk-taking game! Take a risk, and keep rolling to build your score. Or play it safe so you don’t lose your points in a farkle. Easy to learn and cleans up quick! Farkle is great at home or for bringing on trips. Box contains 6 dice, shaker cup, score pad, and rules.

Suitable for ages 8+

Get it here!


Buzzword Junior
Regular Price: $33.99 each
Sale Price: $16.99 each

Buzzword Junior is designed with younger players in mind. Just like in the award-winning Buzzword game, you and your teammates have 45 seconds to solve a set of clues, and all the answers contain the Buzzword. Let’s say the Buzzword is “see” and the clue is “teeter-totter.” Your teammates shout “seesaw,” and you buzz the buzzer. With clues for all ages, you’ll “see” why Buzzword Junior is the perfect family game.

Suitable for ages 7+

Get it here!


5 Second Rule
Regular Price: $33.99 each
Sale Price: $16.99 each

It should be easy to name 3 breeds of dogs – but can you do it under the pressure of 5 seconds twisting down, and with the other players staring at you, waiting for you to get flustered? Time’s not on your side, so just say what comes to mind and risk ridiculous answers slipping as time twirls down on the unique twisted timer. It’s all in good fun with the fast-paced game where you have to just spit it out!

Suitable for ages 10+

Get it here!


World’s Smallest Perplexus
Regular Price: $18.99 each
Sale Price: $9.99 each

Easy to play…hard to master! Enjoy this miniature edition of the original, classic 3D puzzle Perplexus maze toy. Race the internal ball through 100 numbered checkpoints to conquer this tiny labyrinth. 

Suitable for ages 8+

Get it here!

ALL ABOARD: WE’RE GATHERING STEAM

Choo Choo! Are you ready for a Junction 9161 STEAM activity? This week’s area of focus is ENGINEERING and we’re making a chugging train!

You’ll need:

  • Construction paper
  • Glue
  • Scissors
  • Paper Fasteners

Instructions:

  1. Cut out the shapes for your train in various colours of construction paper.
  2. Glue the pieces together to create the train (except for the wheels).
  3. Poke a hole through the middles of the 3 black circles with the fasteners.
  4. Fasten the wheels onto the bottom of your train.
  5. Decorate as desired.
  6. Turn the wheels to make it chug along!

Just like Junction 9161 in the Children’s Museum, your child can create their own version! Every train needs an ENGINEER, this is your child’s chance. The engineering science behind a train’s wheels is all about the axle. The axle connects the wheels, so they move together along the track!

Craft Source: Sight Sound And Reading
Mar 13, 2023 • , , , ,

SHOP FEATURE 5

(For the week of March 13, 2023)

Check out this week’s Feature 5 – a list of top-selling products from Shop, the Children’s Museum’s gift store!

Read More…



Robot Face Race
Regular Price: $33.99 each
Sale Price: $17.99 each

Help a crazy inventor find the heads he needs to complete his robot bodies in this frantically fun, feature-finding game! Shake the Robot Randomizer, then scan the board for the robot head with the matching face, eyes, nose, and mouth. It’s fun for the whole family and helps to develop concentration and crucial visual discrimination skills! Includes game board with 120 different robot heads, Robot Randomizer, and 20 robot scoring tokens.

For 2-4 players, ages 4+

Get it here!



Don’t You Forget It Game
Regular Price: $13.99 each
Sale Price:$6.99 each

Think you can roll nine dice and get them all to match before the words “For”, “Get”, and “It” appear face up? It’s harder than it sounds… This two player, fast-paced, fun memory game will have your head rolling! Players can stop at any time, and have opportunities to double, triple, or even quadruple their scores the more dice they match. Be the first to roll up to 500 points!

Suitable for ages 8+

Get it here!



5 Second Rule Jr.
Regular Price: $33.99 each
Sale Price: $16.99 each

It seems like it would be easy to name three flavours of ice cream – but can you do it under the pressure of 5 seconds and with other players staring at you? You have to be quick, so just say whatever comes to mind and risk silly answers slipping out. Because that would be funny, and we all like to laugh! It’s all in good fun with this fast-paced game where you have to Just Spit it Out!

Suitable for ages 6+

Get it here!


Rolit Game
Regular Price: $44.99 each
Sale Price: $22.99 each

Rolit is an easy-to-learn strategy game that’s fun for the whole family. The aim of the game is to capture your opponent’s Rolit balls, and turn the balls to make them your colour. The player with the most Rolit balls of their colour wins! For 2-4 players.

Suitable for ages 7+

Get it here!


Marble Circuit
Regular Price: $41.99 each
Sale Price: $20.99 each

It’s the multi-directional marble maze with 64 puzzling challenges! Choose a card to see your puzzle and place the multi-directional tiles on the board. Release the steel marbles to see if you land your targets. If you’re off base, move the tiles until your marble circuits deliver a picture-perfect landing. It’s logic, strategy, and a brain game all in one!

Suitable for ages 8+

Get it here!

ALL ABOARD: WE’RE GATHERING STEAM

This week we head over to Mellow Marsh with our TECHNOLOGY-focused activity. It’s time to make a buzz with our butterfly noisemaker. 

You’ll need:

  • Popsicle stick
  • Construction paper
  • Elastic band
  • String
  • Markers
  • Glue

Instructions:

  • Trace and cut out a butterfly shape.
  • Decorate your butterfly.
  • Tie a string near the bottom of the popsicle stick.
  • Place the popsicle stick in the middle of your butterfly and glue it on.
  • Now stretch your elastic band over the top of the popsicle stick.
  • Hold the string by the bottom and swing your butterfly noisemaker around.
  • It’ll create a buzzing sound!

What’s creating that buzz? When you swing the noisemaker in the air it creates vibrations. The buzzing sound comes from the elastic band vibrating against the popsicle stick.

Mar 06, 2023 • , , , ,

SHOP FEATURE 5

(For the week of March 6, 2023)

Check out this week’s Feature 5 – a list of top-selling products from Shop, the Children’s Museum’s gift store!

Read More…


Canada School Bus
Price: $9.99 each

This Canada School Bus is the iconic school bus from our youth. It has both English and French descriptions printed on the sides and features pullback action. Each sold separately.

Suitable for ages 5+

Get it here!


Canada Peace & Love Van
Price: $9.99 each

Namaste! The Canada Peace & Love Van comes in three groovy designs and is sure to bring peace and tranquility to those who own one. Friction action. All styles sold separately.

Suitable for ages 3+

Get it here!


Canada Digger Truck
Price:$8.99 each

These Canada Digger Trucks are single 1:60 scale construction vehicles powered with pullback action! Vehicles measure approximately 3” each with rubber wheels and a combination of metal and rugged plastic body. Emblazoned with both “Canada” and a maple leaf. All styles sold separately.

Suitable for ages 18 months+

Get it here!


Canada ATV
Price: $10.99 each

The Canada ATV is tough and can explore all the tough terrain in Canada – from muddy valleys to the back country roads. Pullback action. Measures approximately 4” H x 4” W. All styles sold separately.

Suitable for ages 3+

Get it here!



Canada Choo Choo Train
Price: $7.99 each

This toddler-friendly, friction-powered Canada Choo Choo train chugs happily along. Pullback action. Measures approximately 2.75” H x 4.25” W.

Suitable for ages 3+

Get it here!

ALL ABOARD: WE’RE GATHERING STEAM

This month we’re doing STEAM activities based on some of our galleries. This week’s area of focus is SCIENCE and we’re making sensory bags that little Tots can enjoy. This is our Tot-Spot STEAM activity. 

You’ll need:

  • Ziplock bag
  • Water
  • Oil
  • Glitter/Confetti
  • Duct Tape
  • Food colouring (optional)

Instructions

  1. Fill your ziplock bag with water ¾ full.
  2. Add in ¼ oil (and food colouring for extra fun).
  3. Add in glitter, confetti, sparkles, pom poms and other sensory items.
  4. Let the air out of the bag and carefully seal it.
  5. Tape the edges of the bag to secure it.
  6. Play away!

What happens when you mix oil and water? Molecules are strongly attracted to each other and the same with oil, that’s why they don’t mix well together.

Feb 27, 2023 • , , , , ,

SHOP FEATURE 5

(For the week of February 27, 2023)

Check out this week’s Feature 5 – a list of top-selling products from Shop, the Children’s Museum’s gift store!

Read More…


Pom Pom Pictures – Dinosaurs
Price: $21.99 each

Enjoy endless hours of creative, hands-on play with this Pom Pom Pictures Dinosaurs Kit! Use an array of pom poms in a variety of different colours and sizes to decorate two dinosaur designs. Simply insert pom poms into the pre-punched felt to create prehistoric artwork with ease. Thick foam holds pom poms in place with no glue needed. When you are done decorating the prehistoric designs, display them on a wall using the hanging string or complete this activity again and again by pushing out the pom poms! Kit includes two dinosaur-themed foam boards, an assortment of pom poms in a variety of sizes and colours, two hanging strings, wiggly eyes, zipper storage bag, and instructions.

Suitable for ages 3+

Get it here!


Pom Pom Pictures – Transportation
Price: $21.99 each

Enjoy endless hours of creative, hands-on play with this Pom Pom Pictures Transportation Kit! Use an array of pom poms in a variety of different colours and sizes to decorate a plane and a train design. Simply insert pom poms into the pre-punched felt to create transportation artwork with ease. Thick foam holds pom poms in place with no glue needed. When you are done decorating the transportation designs, display them on a wall using the hanging string or complete this activity again and again by pushing out the pom poms! Kit includes two transportation-themed foam boards, an assortment of pom poms in a variety of sizes and colours, two hanging strings, wiggly eyes, zipper storage bag, and instructions.

Suitable for ages 3+

Get it here!


Pom Pom Pictures – Magical
Price: $21.99 each

Enjoy endless hours of creative, hands-on play with this Pom Pom Pictures Magical Kit! Use an array of pom poms in a variety of different colours and sizes to decorate a unicorn and a rainbow design. Simply insert pom poms into the pre-punched felt to create magical artwork with ease. Thick foam holds pom poms in place with no glue needed. When you are done decorating the magical designs, display them on a wall using the hanging string or complete this activity again and again by pushing out the pom poms! Kit includes two magical-themed foam boards, an assortment of pom poms in a variety of sizes and colours, two hanging strings, wiggly eyes, zipper storage bag, and instructions.

Suitable for ages 3+

Get it here!


Pom Pom Pictures – Garden
Price: $21.99 each

Enjoy endless hours of creative, hands-on play with this Pom Pom Pictures Garden Kit! Use an array of pom poms in a variety of different colours and sizes to decorate a butterfly and flower design. Simply insert pom poms into the pre-punched felt to create garden-themed artwork with ease. Thick foam holds pom poms in place with no glue needed. When you are done decorating the garden designs, display them on a wall using the hanging string or complete this activity again and again by pushing out the pom poms! Kit includes two garden-themed foam boards, an assortment of pom poms in a variety of sizes and colours, two hanging strings, wiggly eyes, zipper storage bag, and instructions.

Suitable for ages 3+

Get it here!


Pom Pom Pictures
Price: $21.99 each

Introducing a no-glue, no-mess pom pom craft for preschoolers. The perfect sensory activity designed with little fingers in mind! Each kit includes enough materials to create 3 tactile boards. Simply insert pom poms into the pre-punched, sturdy felt. To make a new design, just push out the pom poms and start again. Creating Pom Pom Pictures helps develop fine motor skills, colour-matching, and hand-eye coordination. This simple activity also builds creative confidence and encourages independent, quiet-time play – great skills to get your little one ready for kindergarten. Proudly display them with the hanging strings provided. Contents include: 3 Pre-cut Felt Designs, Assorted Pom Poms, 3 Hanging Strings, Wiggly Eyes, and Instructions.

Suitable for ages 3+

Get it here!

I Love To Read Month Reading List

As I Love To Read Month ends, here’s a roundup of books covering topics we’ve explored this month. Save this list for next year, or visit our partners at McNally Robinson Booksellers to get them. Either way, next year you’ll have a great list of diverse books to start your planning your I Love To Read month activities from.


Week 1 – I Love To Read!


This Book Is My Best Friend
Robinson, Robin
Get it here!



Bookscape Board Books: We Love Books
Arrhenius, Ingela
Get it here!



Good Night Little Bookstore
Cherrix, Amy and Goodale, E B
Get it here!



Reading Makes You Feel Good
Parr, Todd
Get it here!
 


Week 2 – Black History      


Nell Plants a Tree
Wynter, Anne and Miyares, Daniel
Get it here!



The Kindest Red
A Story of Hijab and Friendship
Muhammad, Ibtihaj, Ali,S K and Aly, Hatem
Get it here!



Hot to Be a (Young) Antiracist
Kendi, Ibram and Stone, Nic
Get it here!



Frizzy
Ortega, Claribel and Bousamra, Rose
Get it here!
 


Week 3 – 100th Day of School Week      


One is a Snail, Ten Is a Crab
Sayre, April Pulley, Sayre, Jeff and Cecil, Randy
Get it here!



We Will Rock Our Classmates
Higgins, Ryan
Get it here!



School is Wherever I am
Peterson, Ellie
Get it here!



All Are Welcome
Penfold, Alexandra and Kaufman, Suzanne
Get it here!



The Smallest Girl in the Smallest Grade
Roberts, Justin and Robinson, Christian
Get it here!



The Day You Begin
Woodson, Jacqueline and Lopez, Rafael
Get it here!



Emily’s First 100 Days of School
Wells, Rosemary
Get it here!
 


Week 4 – Franco-Fun / Louis Riel Day   


Metis Series: Poems to Honour Mother Earth
Dorion, Leah Marie
Get it here!



Metis Series: The Story of the Tamarack Tree
Dorion, Leah Marie
Get it here!



Metis Series: I Can Bead
Dorion, Leah Marie
Get it here!



The Giving Tree: A Retelling of a Traditional Metis Story
Dorion, Leah Marie
Get it here!



The Red Sash
Pendziwol, Jean E and Debon, Jean E
Get it here!


Our recommended reading is made possible by our partnership with McNally Robinson Booksellers. Visit your nearest McNally Robinson Bookstore in person or online to secure a copy of the titles listed above.

ALL ABOARD: WE’RE GATHERING STEAM

This week’s area of focus is ART, and we are creating our own stamps!

You’ll need:

  • Foam
  • Scissors
  • Markers
  • Ink pads (or markers)
  • Glue
  • Bottle cap lids

Instructions

  1. Decide what kind of fun shape you’d like to create (picking a simple outline without too much detail is best).
  2. Draw out the design on your piece of foam and cut it out
  3. Glue your foam design to the lid of the bottlecap and start stamping!

This activity allows children to create their own crafting tool and then make artwork with it.