Kidoinfo is giving away 4 family fourpacks to attend this year’s Bright Night celebration. See details below to enter.
The artist-run, family-friendly New Year’s Eve festival Bright Night promises to be a most magical evening. It’s not that Harry Potter will be running around town or [...]
Four days of movies and workshops in the Creative Capital
I am proud to announce that Kidoinfo is a media sponsor for the Providence Children’s Film Festival, Rhode Island’s first and only festival dedicated to children’s films that will take place the weekend of February 12-15, 2010. The four-day festival aims [...]
By Roger Williams Park Zoo, Education Department
There are lots of different names for the place we call home: house, cottage, abode, mansion, bungalow, ranch, etc. Just like people, animals have different types of homes and different names for their homes: den, burrow, cave, nest, etc.
Squirrels live in a home called [...]
We love to bake this time of year. Some of the cookies I make now with my children I used to make with my own mom growing up. Over the years I have been part of a variety of cookie exchanges, a great way to sample [...]
If you decorate a tree, Safe Kids USA and the United States Fire Administration recommend these precautions:
• Never leave a lighted Christmas tree or other decorative lighting display unattended. Inspect lights for exposed or frayed wires, loose connections and broken sockets. Do not overload extension cords [...]
It’s a great sledding morning for kids without school today. Too bad it may be washed away before my son is home from school.
Here’s a link to great places for sledding. The yard, driveway or nearby park is a perfect spot for making snowpeople and [...]
This is an adaptation of an American Indian skill. To do your own bead weaving, you need:
• black plastic lacing (used for making lanyards,)
• black crochet thread
• pony beads
• a shoe box
• scissors
Examine how big the pony beads are. Now [...]
By Carly Loeper, Exhibit & Program Developer, Providence Children’s Museum
What makes a great plaything? At the Children’s Museum, this question is always on our minds as we select toys and materials for our programs, exhibits and Gift Shop. If, as Fred Rogers said, “Play is really [...]
Join Grammy winning artist Bill Harley along with special guests Keith Munslow and Sally Rogers at the Lincoln School Auditorium for a fun-filled afternoon of songs and stories, all to benefit the Rhode Island Community Food Bank. Currently, the Food Bank feeds more than 50,000 Rhode [...]
Kidoinfo is teaming up with Connect Providence, Leadership Rhode Island, Rhody Food Tours, and the West Broadway Neighborhood Association this season to have some family fun and spread some holiday cheer.
Bring the kids and join us as we joyfully carol through historic streets surrounded by beautiful [...]
This holiday season, many more people will feel the pinch from tough economic times. When giving time or money becomes more difficult, even a little bit can mean a lot to someone else. Although community giving can happen any time of year, the holidays provide an opportunity or a [...]
This list was so handy last year, I decided to re-use it. Here is a summary of articles from the Kidoinfo archives that may be helpful as readers plan their month. Find craft projects, local events, and books to read, along with tips and ideas to make your holidays a [...]
• Monday, December 7th at 6:00 pm at Central High School
• Wednesday, Dec. 2nd at 6:00 pm at SORICO, 646 Camp Ave., North Kingstown
This open invitation from Deborah Gist, education commissioner, invites parents to join the conversation about transforming education in Rhode Island at two upcoming Race to the [...]
Pleased to announce Families First Rhode Island, an amazing local grassroots organization, received a grant award of $40,000 from the Rhode Island Foundation. This grant allows Families First to expand its services now into Southern Rhode Island by providing in-home evaluations, treatment referrals, social support, [...]
I was put on bedrest after a routine visit to my midwife’s office thirty weeks into my pregnancy. Although bedrest is not uncommon when expecting twins, I still did not think it would happen to me. Pregnancy is already a busy and stressful time—you may be setting up the nursery [...]
Vegetables from A to Z
By Hannah Marcotti
I’m not going to write about iceberg (oddly enough), but rather making the smartest nutritional choices at each meal. Iceberg is fine and crispy and quite yummy on a taco. The variety of lettuces and dark greens that are available in [...]
Alizah Holstein is the owner and founder of Kowalli, a new company based in Providence that makes fleece baby-carrier covers. Kowalli Baby Carrier Covers keep parents and their babies close and warm when on the go and allow them to get out of the house quickly without worrying about [...]
Here’s my round-up of crafty projects to do with kids:
Full Circle
Leaf Garland
This one is my favorite. Have everyone write something they are thankful for on a leaf. Hang in a doorway, window or from a chandelier.
Cakies [...]
By Janice O’Donnell,
Executive Director, Providence Children’s Museum
On a chilly, wet day, a woman opens the door to the Children’s Museum. She has a toddler on her hip, a preschooler by the hand and a large diaper bag over her shoulder. As they enter the lobby, [...]
Letterboxing mixes treasure hunting, art, and navigation while exploring the great outdoors and out-of-the-way places.
Here’s the basic idea: Someone hides a waterproof box somewhere outside; it should contain at least a notebook and a carved rubber stamp (it may also include a pen, stamp pad or other [...]
By Elyse Major
I have always liked pine cones. To me, they are like wooden roses in constant bloom. Because my backyard abuts a wooded area, it often looks very much like an autumnal wonderland. One would never know that just days ago, my family and I spent the day collecting [...]
With your child: The six towers of this sculpture are taller than most grown-ups. They are made up of many identical open cubes stacked together. Sol LeWitt created works of art like this one by writing a set of rules or instructions that other people could follow. He said, “The [...]
Sesame Street first aired November 10, 1969 introducing us to a wonderful neighborhood—home to Bert, Ernie, Big Bird, Mr. Hooper, Maria and more. Sesame Street helped define children’s programing as a positive and creative place where kids can learn while tuning in, setting high standards for children’s [...]
By Roger Williams Park Zoo, Education Department
Winter is just around the corner and it’s time for the Pinnipeds! Pinniped is a word from the Latin language meaning fin-foot, Pinna means fin and ped means foot. Seals are a type of pinniped because their feet are in [...]
TV does not have to be a bad thing for children; it just depends on what they watch, how much, and what happens to them when they are done watching. Parents decide. I could always count on PBS for shows that engaged my children—but my boys are choosy and not [...]
Financing Your Child’s Education Workshop is Monday, November 9 at 6:30 p.m. at the Gordon School in East Providence. This event is free and open to the public.
At this time of year, many parents start to think about school options for next year. With [...]
Looking for new music for your kids that you won’t mind playing while driving in the car? Or that you may have to listen to over and over once your children decide it is their new favorite CD?
You may want to check out Peter Himmelman, the Grammy [...]
Putumayo Kids is the children’s and educational division of Putumayo World Music, committed to introducing children to other cultures through music from around the world. Always on the lookout for new music to sample, here’s the latest from one of our favorite labels: Two new Playground [...]
Has anyone noticed there are more than a few kids home sick these days? Although some with suspected or confirmed cases of H1N1, many kids are sick from the usual ailments; common colds, strep, croup, flu, etc. As parents how do we cope? How do we keep our kids healthy [...]
via ProJo
Governor Carcieri and the Department of Health have teamed up with the Rhode Island Broadcasters Association for a four-hour effort to provide information about H1N1 and the vaccine against it.
1. From 4 to 7 p.m today, 20 knowledgeable people selected by the Health Department will answer phones at [...]
The Wonder’s of India: Celebrating for Freedom. A family celebration of Indian Culture on November 7, 2009 aims to help International Cause.
Where: Jewish Community Center, 500 Elmgrove Avenue (on the East Side), Providence, RI 02906
When: Saturday, November 7, 2009
Time: Noon to 8 p.m
Admission: $2 per person, children [...]
Check Your Smoke Alarms
November 1 marked the end of Daylight Savings Time. When you change your clocks back one hour, you should also change the batteries in all of your smoke alarms. So if you have not done so yet, make a plan to check today. Find [...]
Cirque Mechanics “Birdhouse Factory” performance illustrates how art and imagination can elevate us through hard times. FirstWorks believes in the transformative power of shared experiences in the arts – and with that offers our Kidoinfo readers a chance to win tickets to the show plus two special ticket offers in [...]
There is another great reason to head down to Warren these days as the Warren Art Spot is officially open. Right in the heart of downtown Warren, the Art Spot promises to be the place in Warren for kids to take art classes, participate in crafty [...]
As we prepare our kiddos for a fun day or evening of trick-or-treating, let’s also help make it safe for them. The American Red Cross offers us some common sense safety tips worth repeating:
• Walk, slither, and sneak on sidewalks, not in the street.
• [...]
Reposted with permission from Providence City News.
Mayor David N. Cicilline today urged parents of Providence school children to take an important step towards protecting their children against H1N1: sign parental consent forms for the H1N1 vaccination immediately. The Rhode Island Health Department will begin [...]
By Megan Fischer,
Providence Children’s Museum
Not long ago, I heard a story on the radio about kids spending their time playing Wii soccer. And I thought, what about real soccer? Outdoors, with real balls? And real kids? And then I thought about kids playing Guitar Hero [...]
I love that Kidoinfo has earned the reputation as the place to find anything about families in Rhode Island and beyond. Thanks to everyone who makes this so. As more and more readers, businesses and services count on Kidoinfo as their local source of parenting [...]
By Kristen Swanberg, Senior Director of Education
Illustrations by Mary Lamb Greene
Each fall a transformation takes place across our state in forests, in parks, and even in your own backyard. Trees turn from green to yellow, orange, red, and even purple – all in just a [...]
Kidoinfo Giveaway: Win two tickets to see Hayes Greenfield perform in concert at the Ocean State Montessori School in East Providence on November 7, 2009. See details below.
Kids are never too young to be introduced to music—of all kinds. Music has the power to transform us—both kids and adults—change our [...]
On Thursday, October 22, Traveling Theatre, the Providence-based arts education nonprofit, will join over 7,500 sites nationwide in hosting a Lights On Afterschool event.
Along with collaborating partners The Providence After School Alliance (PASA), the Apeiron Institute for Sustainable Living, and Bridges 4 Learning: AmeriCorps, Traveling Theatre [...]
By Roger Williams Park Zoo’s Education Department
Nearly synonymous with Halloween, bats are seldom seen but often misunderstood. Test your bat IQ by guessing if the statements below are truth or myth. Then, use the hints and tips below to search for bats in your backyard – wild or at the [...]
Storytime has always been special in our house: Re-reading the same picture book a hundred times, finding every book written by a well-loved author or discovering a big book like The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick that when becomes our new nightly read, makes us long for pajama [...]
By Tracy Andryc
Executive Assistant,
Prevent Child Abuse Rhode Island
Homework is an important part of your child’s school day and can count for a large percent of his/her grade. It’s a parent’s job to make homework a priority during the school year. Children need support from [...]
Call for Student Entries! Deadline is December 12, 2009.
The Rhode Island Center for the Book at Providence Public Library invites all Rhode Island students in grades 4 – 12 to enter the national Letters About Literature contest with a national prize of a $10,000 grant for [...]
Take a moment to do something good in your community. Barack Obama has made 9/11 officially a National Day of Service and Remembrance. It is heartwarming to know out of sad times and hardship there is the possibility for healing, growth and new beginnings.
Seize this [...]
By Roger Williams Park Zoo’s Education Department
Fall is a fun time to observe back yard animals. When the days get shorter and the temperature cools, there is a lot of hustle and bustle as wildlife gets ready for the cold New England winter.
One of the most [...]
Today The Beatles: Rock Band game and fourteen Beatles’ albums digitally re-mastered on CD, went on sale this morning. Although we are not rushing out to buy the The Beatles: Rock Band game—I’ve never been a gamer —I’m tempted to try this one. However I [...]
The Soft Landing has partnered with Cool Mom Picks to announce the Big Bottle Swap that allows consumers to send in their old SIGG bottles that are not BPA-free and receive a discount when they purchase clean, non-leaching stainless steel water bottles. The promotion runs through [...]
By Kim Calcagno, Audubon Society of Rhode Island Naturalist.
Can owls bring good luck and prosperity, or do they represent signs of bad things to come? Throughout history, humans have had cultural and mythical connections to owls. It has colored attitudes and treatment of these animals, and [...]
My kids head back to school tomorrow. I know it’s cliché but I’m saying it anyways—summer flew by. I have taken a few days off cleaning up, sorting out, buying school supplies and enjoying the last days of my sons’ vacation with picnics, swimming, playing at [...]
Don Cowart, Principal of Hope Highlands Elementary School shares helpful tips and reminders for parents, kids and school staff on how to help keep our schools germ-free. especially in response to the increase of reported H1N1 cases. Read more at principalcowart.blogspot.com.
The Center for Disease Control [...]
Home Work: Lessons from Work-at-Home Parents. This series of Kidoinfo interviews with parents look at how they manage to squeeze in work time at home (whether working for someone else or running their own business) along with juggling kids, home life, and childcare (or lack of it).
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National data has recently shown that approximately 17,000 children are injured each year in school bus accidents. Nearly 1/4th of those injuries occurred when the child was boarding or leaving the bus, slip and falls, or being bumped around when the bus suddenly stops or [...]
In September 2008, a group of seven women came together at The Bureau of Jewish Education in Providence for a singular purpose: to participate in an eight-month educational course offering an introduction to Jewish practices and ethics intended specifically for non-Jewish women raising Jewish children. Mothers Circle [...]
Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island helps sponsor the Back to School Celebration on Saturday, August 22, 2009
Back to School of RI will kick off the new school year with celebrations from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 10 locations Saturday. The first 10,000 students [...]
It’s time for some of us to send the kids back to school. If you’re sending your first child off to kindergarten this can be a very emotional time and if you’re a seasoned school parent you already know the routine but may need some new ideas. For the parents [...]
Does the August calendar page have you wondering “where did summer go?” Well, summer is still here and there is still time for carefree, memory-making fun. If a trip to Cape Cod isn’t in the schedule, consider Seekonk. Just over the Rhode Island border [...]
As a parent I’m always looking for ways to spend smart and make my dollar stretch, and these days it’s become more of a necessity for more and more of us. When it comes to outfitting our kids, luckily there are many good options to avoid [...]
Kidoinfo is taking a vacation from blogging and posting articles this week (gasp!) while I spend some time offline with my family enjoying summer; at the beach, playing at the park, riding our bikes, eating grilled sea food and searching for the best ice cream!
So while [...]
By Roger Williams Park Zoo, Education Department
Summer is great time to go on a reptile watch. There are fun things to discover right in your own backyard! Throughout New England, you can find reptiles in almost any habitat – from ponds, to meadows, to forests. Types [...]
By Hannah Marcotti
I just learned that ginger is mentioned in the Karma Sutra and is known for having aphrodisiac properties. How could I not feature it in my G article even though it is a rhizome? Ginger is one of those [...]
Children these days are scheduled with so many structured activities and often plugged into electronics daily—joined with a parent’s concern for their child’s safety—children seem to have very little free play time left outside (or in) to wander at their own pace and make discoveries without [...]
Editors Note: Maura has done a fabulous job test-driving and reviewing a number of double strollers recently, hopefully to help in your search to find the perfect one—or as close to perfect as possible. I never found “the perfect one” when my children were stroller-age because until just a few [...]
By Mary Scott Hackman
Early Childhood Program Developer, Providence Children’s Museum
It’s a tradition at Providence Children’s Museum to present live animal programs throughout the year. We welcome “Fleecy Friends” like llamas, goats and alpacas to greet visitors in our Children’s Garden. We offer a program called “Wingmasters,” [...]
This year’s AS220 Foo Fest reminds parents even though we may have children we can still take part in cool fun things happening in the city of Providence. AS220 Foo Fest 2009 is a summer celebration of Rhode Island’s vibrant arts community that will once again [...]
We eat a lot of cereal in our house; in fact, our shelf looks like it belongs in a Jerry Seinfeld episode with boxes of cereal all lined up for the morning mix. Although the empty boxes can be recycled, here are some [...]
I am thrilled to be heading to Chicago today for this year’s BlogHer conference. This will be my first time at this sold-out annual event that brings together bloggers from every corner of the blogosphere for hands-on learning and lively discussions with plenty of networking opportunities [...]
Today local artist Beth Curtin shares a wonderful easy way to teach weaving to children using old styrofoam trays from the grocery store. Kids can learn about color, patterns and texture, using their creation as a mini wall hanging, a toy horse blanket or a rug for [...]
Take a hayride through a sea of sunflowers and bring some of the sun-shiny beauty home with you while supporting a wonderful cause, The Make-a-Wish Foundation of Connecticut, a non-profit organization devoted to making wishes possible for children with life-threatening medical conditions.
At Buttonwoods Farm, in [...]
Staycations have become a fashionable necessity during these days of higher gas prices and reduced work weeks, unemployment, or the fear of losing a job. For many, the idea of a pricey vacation is simply out of the question.
Although I have never used the term, Kidoinfo [...]
After an extensive national search for a library director, Providence Community Library has hired Rhode Island native Ann A. Robinson to supervise its new nine-library system, formerly part of Providence Public Library.
Having most recently served as the Associate Head Librarian of the Worcester Public Library for [...]
By Cathy Saunders
Director of Education,
Providence Children’s Museum
“I’m Aunt Beckie. That’s my role,” says a friend of mine who welcomes the neighborhood children into her home. “I take the kids out to look at plants and critters. I sometimes use them as [...]
Home Work: Lessons from Work-at-Home Parents. This series of Kidoinfo interviews looks at how parents manage to squeeze in work time at home (whether working for someone else or running their own business) along with juggling kids, home life, and childcare (or lack of it).
Kate [...]
Plus bonus ideas in nearby MA and CT.
Here is a list of 100 things I want to do with my kids in Rhode Island (and nearby area) before they grow up—some may call this a Life List (a list of things one [...]
I love movies for kids—not films that turn children into couch potatoes—the ones that inspire play, drawing, storytelling, character creation, or exploration into a new subject.
Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian, the sequel to Night at the Museum, is an entertaining movie for [...]
To commemorate the transfer of library operations from Providence Public Library to Providence Community Library (PCL) on July 1, local libraries will be marking this historic event, with celebrations at each of the nine libraries. To start, a day of amnesty has been declared on [...]
Kids get behind the wheel when fascinating vehicles roll up to the Museum during this special summer series. Climb aboard a fire truck, sit atop a giant digger, examine the equipment in an ambulance and meet the drivers who operate them. Explore a different vehicle each week!
Vegetables from A to Z
By Hannah Marcotti
Sometimes a recipe idea takes time before it makes it on to paper. I was determined to create a gluten-free eggplant fritter using simple ingredients, but the results just wouldn’t pass my ultimate test. Three batches later, [...]
Did you know?
• Providence was a major league city for baseball from 1878 to 1885?
• The Providence Grays won the National League pennant in 1879 and 1884, and the first World’s Championship in 1884?
• 1884 was the first year overhand pitching was [...]
To celebrate George M. Cohan, the actor, singer, dancer, director, writer, and producer who was born on Wickenden Street in Fox Point on July 3, 1878, a host of special events including fireworks are planned for families and the local community over [...]
Providence Public Library Outlines Schedule for Central Library Operation
Beginning July 1, 2009, the Central Library of the Providence Public Library (PPL) and the nine city-wide neighborhood library branches will be operated independently. As of this date, the City of Providence and the newly formed Providence Community [...]
By Tracy Andryc
Executive Assistant,
Prevent Child Abuse Rhode Island
When the warm weather arrives the first thing we want to do is open the windows and let in the fresh air. However, parents need to be aware that open windows are a very real danger for [...]
This well-known youth circus will turn the pages on Aesop, the Brothers Grimm and Hans Christian Anderson, bringing classic stories to life through the spectacle and enchantment of circus. It’s sure to thrill and delight children and adults of all ages. The 2009 Big Top Tour [...]
Looking for an alternative activity that’s just perfect for escaping the dog days of summer that lie ahead? Several cinemas in the area offer free summer movies for kids and their families. When the temperatures finally start heating up and your looking for ways to limit [...]
Whether you send your kiddos to camp for a week or the whole summer there are a few essentials they need to carry each day to brave the sun, the rain, the bugs.
Here’s our camp checklist to help keep track of all of the essentials and [...]
This is my answer to Katy’s recent question, Who’s Your Farmer?
I always loved shopping at the Farmers Market located in front of Hope High School every Saturday, but I must admit I am ecstatic by the markets’ move and expansion to Lippitt Park on the [...]
Home Work: Lessons from Work-at-Home Parents. This series of Kidoinfo interviews with parents looks at how they manage to squeeze in work time at home (working for someone else or running their own business) while juggling kids, home life, and childcare (or lack thereof).
Readers shared some lovely ideas for teacher gifts. I know I’m more than a little late posting this so if your kids are done with school already, file these ideas away for another time or other occasion.
I just made sets of little 3″ [...]
June is Rhode Island appreciation month at Mystic Seaport: The Museum of America and the Sea. Buy one ticket of admission to the Museum and get one free for Rhode Island residents (you need to show a valid RI drivers license). This is a great [...]
The Summer Reading Program, sponsored by the Rhode Island Office of Library and Information Services (OLIS), is a cooperative effort among the public libraries in Rhode Island to promote reading during the summer school vacation. The program encourages reading for pleasure, the development of [...]
Re-read the books by J.K. Rowling and catch up with Harry on the big screen before the sequel!
Calling all Harry Potter fans, big and small! Providence Public Library is pleased to present a FREE Harry Potter Film Festival beginning Monday, June 15 at the Central [...]
Here are few gifts dad may like depending on your budget and his interests. For some local handmade options, check Linda’s crafty gift ideas for dad.
1. Quality time with the kids. A family outing or just dad and the kids may start with breakfast [...]
Mayor Cicilline & community partners launch a second year of summer activities designed to create a lively, fun atmosphere in the Kennedy Plaza area in downtown Providence. This effort grew out of the Greater Kennedy Plaza Working Group, a public/private partnership focused on coming up with [...]
As the weather warms up, many of us will be spending time at the beach. Learn ways to stay safe while having fun at the beach. Michelle Koles knows the importance of educating people of the possible dangers of rip currents and other beach related hazards. She cofounded The Eena [...]
Jen Robbins of Jenville.com created this clever activity game, The Bored Box, to keep her five-year-old son occupied in fifteen minute chunks of time. I love this! Depending on the age or attention span of your child the time may vary. Customize her list to suit your home [...]
Wear Blue on Monday! “World Oceans Day” is officially June 8 starting this year, 2009. Although the concept for this holiday has been unofficially celebrated around the world since 1992, the official designation by the U.N. is a significant step in conserving and protecting [...]
On Sunday, June 7, 2009, FirstWorks will present a cultural event celebrating the ancient costumes and characters of Cambodian dance. This family-friendly program will feature the nationally acclaimed Angkor Dance Troupe in a 3 p.m. performance. An interactive “Dancing Silks” pre-show talk led by experts in [...]
It’s June already! Welcome to the unofficial start of summer. Your thoughts this time of year may run the gamut; from longing for the carefree days of summer, free from the usual frenzied school schedule to feeling stressed by the idea of long endless days of [...]
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