iPad Apps

There are tons of cool apps for kids for the iPad, but these are some of our favorites right now:

Plic, Ploc, Wiz - I love the simple illustrations and the colors in this app. There are different ways to play with the shapes. You can fit the shapes into the outlines or you can just have complete freedom and build whatever you want. Our 3 year old loves it. You can try it for free and then pay for additional illustrations.

Montessorium Intro to Letters - I think the best part of this app is that it allows you to trace the letters, which is perfect for 2 and 3 year olds. It also tells you the sounds the letters make and even allows you to record your voice saying them. Montessorium also has Intro to Math, and the newly released Alpha Writer. These are all fun, educational, and nicely designed!

Want to go to Ikea?

So, the kid loves Ikea. I don't think he would go to the extreme of saying it's as much fun as Disney, but for me, at least during the very hot summer, it is! By the way, that top picture in the middle is a chair that spins. He'll get in there and then ask me to spin him around. All I hear is laughter after that. There's music playing too, so on the picture at the bottom left corner he's dancing between the rugs. And then, there are of course the cinnamon buns that for some reason we don't ever seem to be able to avoid on our way out.

I was too into eating the cinnamon bun and didn't get a picture. So that shot was borrowed from the Ikea website.

Go! Get the ball!

If you've never seen a team of 3 year olds playing soccer, you're really missing something. It's so much fun to watch these kids. We had our first game today. The coaches are just going "Go that way, that way, no, turn around this way.... get the ball, get the ball" We still "won", despite all the goals scored on the wrong side of the field... I'm really enjoying this whole thing. Does that make me a soccer mom?

By the way, if you have a mini soccer player and can't find small enough gear at the local shops, visit soccerpro.com. They do carry the small sizes.

Magic Kingdom Top 10 at age 3 (and under)

We took our son to the Magic Kingdom for the first time before he was even 3 months old. The first ride he got on was Small World, which 'till this day he loves. He's 3 years old now and he loves going to the parks. And, even though he doesn't meet the height requirements for all of the rides, I can assure you there's plenty for a toddler to do at the Magic Kingdom. I actually had a hard time narrowing it down to 10. 

1. It's a Small World
2. Peter Pan's Flight
3. Mickey's PhilharMagic
4. Dumbo and Carrousel
5. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
6. Tomorrowland® Speedway - The height requirement is 32" He can't see where he's going but still always asks to drive. (See the video my husband took last weekend below)
7. Tomorrowland® Transit Authority PeopleMover
8. Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin
9. Tom Sawyer Island - This is a great place to run around and explore. They have a playground too, but the best part is the very unstable bumpy bridge.
10. The Parade - what kid doesn't like to see all their favorite characters?

There are still other rides he can get on and enjoy, like the Jungle Cruise, and Pirates of the Caribbean. And also plenty of other places to explore.

And I can't close without mentioning the Walt Disney World Railroad. Riding aboard a real choo choo train with a steam powered engine is always cool.

Max & Oli, Winter Garden

We met some friends at Max & Oli and spent a few fun hours there the other day. The kids didn't want to leave. It's not a huge place but it has lots to do. There's a train, a merry go round, spaceships and cars to ride on, inflatables, and, the big hit – the pool of balls. It's basically a little indoor amusement park, which is nice considering the heat right now. The cost is $8 for children 3 and under, and $12 for 4 and up.

Max & Oli
4036 Winter Garden Vineland Rd. 
Winter Garden FL 34787

Monday through Saturday 10 am - 7 pm, Sunday 10 am - 6 pm

Update on Sunday, January 27, 2013 at 3:53PM by Zig & Zag

Max & Oli is no longer open -

Orlando Science Center

If you haven't taken your kids to the Orlando Science Center yet, I highly recommend you do. I have yet to hear of any child not liking this place. It opens at 10 a.m. and, with our determination to always avoid crowds, that's usually when we get there. Here are some of O's favorites:

1. Kid's Town (Level 1): Playing with boats, kitchen area, and picking oranges.

2. Science Park (Level 2): The favorite activity here is the race car ramp. (Even though he can't reach yet and I have to pick him up to participate)

3. All Aboard (Level 2): He loves this whole area!

4. DinoDigs (Level 4): Not into the giant dinosaurs so much, but he does enjoy digging for bones in the sand boxes.

They also have fish, turtles, alligators, and the likes on Level 1. And, if hunger strikes there's a Subway also on Level 1 for a quick fix.

The temporary exhibits are worth checking out too. The last one we saw was Curious George and it was really great.

Tip: Parking is $5, and admission isn't cheap. However, if you become a member after you spend a day there, what you paid for parking and admission will be taken off of the membership price.