Donate to the 3rd Annual Backpack Drive
Lucas County Prosecutor’s Office Toledo/Lucas County Victim Witness Assistance Program is holding the 3rd Annual Backpack Drive through Aug. 10.
To donate, drop off supplies to Norma Ramos-Prater at Sofia Quintero Art and Cultural Center, 1222 Broadway St, Toledo.
On August 15, backpacks will be distributed at Escuela Smart Academy, a bilingual Spanish-English school in South Toledo.
During the first year of the drive, they were able to help 25 children with school supplies delivered in a garbage bag. Last year was the second year of the drive where they were able to donate 65 backpacks with all their supplies inside.
This year, the goal is to collect 100 backpacks for Escuela SMART and 25 for kids in need.
Contact Norma Ramos-Prater with any questions related to the 3rd Annual Backpack Drive at 419-344-1323.
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Toniebox: Encouraging Imaginative Play Instead of Screen Time
As kids and teens receive an average of 237 smartphone notifications every day, new guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics encourages parents to manage screen time for children. Excessive screen time can have a negative impact on a child’s social and emotional growth including their sleep and mental health, as well as their overall development.
That’s when two concerned fathers took matters into their own hands to create the widely popular Toniebox, to bring back imagination in its purest form – without screens. We interviewed Christoph Frehsee, Tonies President and Managing Director for North America to learn more about the product.
How does the Tonies concept work? Why was it invented?
Frehsee: Tonies is an immersive audio storytelling experience for children, ages 3 and up, to ignite their imagination, encourage independent play and spark their critical thinking in ways that screens simply can’t. The Toniebox is a screen-free speaker that comes to life when paired with a Tonie figurine and allows kids to listen to their favorite stories or songs from characters like Elsa, Cookie Monster SpongeBob SquarePants, Peppa Pig and more.
What does the product do for kids?
Frehsee: Tonies does a lot for kids. Not only does Tonies encourage independent, imaginative play and spark kids’ creative thinking but the Toniebox also increase kids’ attention, comprehension and vocabulary skills across the board.
A recent study from FUNdamentally Children showed that after using a Toniebox, 53% of children improved attention rating, reading attention increased by an average of 6%, engagement scores increased by an average of 7%, 60% of children improved comprehension scores, reading comprehension increased by an average of 13%, 66% of children improved their vocabulary level and vocabulary scores increased by an average of 13%. It’s incredibly meaningful to see results like these and the impact Tonies is having on kids.
RELATED: Preparing for the First Day of Kindergarten
How does Tonies have a positive impact on bedtime routines?
Frehsee: Tonie is perfect for bedtime. We know that kids get better sleep, as we all do, when they’re not over-stimulated by a screen before bed. That is why Tonies has a specific bedtime collection called Sleepy Friends that is designed for screen-free nighttime routines. These Tonies include lullabies, bedtime stories and nature sounds so kids can unwind and let their little minds stay still.
Parents may be timid about taking away screen time but still providing another electronic to kids. How is this different from every other electronic out there?
Frehsee: Tonies is not like your typical electronics. It’s built to be interactive and with little listeners in mind. The Toniebox is padded on all sides so it’s squishy, snuggly and tumble-proof. Kids can also tap the sides to skip to the next track and move the Toniebox ears to adjust the volume. And once kids put a Tonie figurine on top, the Toniebox comes to life so kids can sing, dance and listen to stories and songs, not to mention they can also play with the Tonie figurines separately too.
What are some other tips we can use to get kids to ditch the screens?
Frehsee: First, we need to set the example as parents. We all need to take a break from our screens, not just our kids. I always encourage my kids to go outside – it’s important to get fresh air, play and exercise. We also cook together – my kids love eating a meal we create together more than something I’ve made for them. Another suggestion is to build or create something. Some of my favorite memories as a kid were building Legos with my father and I love doing this with my kids. It’s a special project we do as a family.
Free August Family Fun in Toledo
Aug. 1
Magic Story Artistry with Yasu Ishida
Combining traditional Japanese theatre, music, origami, magic and storytelling; Yasu Ishida will guide you to the enchanting land of Japan.
- Reynolds Corners Branch Library: 4833 Dorr St., Toledo
- Lagrange Branch Library: 3422 Lagrange St., Toledo
Parks and Youth Services Community Movie Night
Bring chairs, blankets, and snacks and enjoy a viewing of “Elemental.”
Gunckel Park, 751 Division St., Toledo
Aug. 2
Free First Fridays & Make and Take Craft Day
Free museum admission and a make-and-take craft on the first Friday of each month.
Wood County Historical Center & Museum, 13660 County Home Rd., Bowling Green
Aug. 3
August Early Stages (ages 3-4) Drop In Class
A monthly Saturday morning drop-in class geared towards toddlers and preschoolers exploring different themes with songs, crafts, stories and puppets.
Collingwood Arts Center, 2413 Collingwood Blvd., Toledo
Aug. 4
Enjoy activities for all ages, including a climbing wall, kids zone, roller skating and more.
Glass City Metropark, 1505 Front St., Toledo
Family Fun Days will include live performances by musicians from the Toledo Symphony, instrument demonstrations, music enrichment classes, dance classes and other interactive activities.
Danny Thomas Park, 2101 Broadway St #2199, Toledo
Aug. 6
This free 3 part series offers parents and caretakers an opportunity to make connections in the community while empowering each other. Registration is required.
King Road Branch Library, 3900 King Rd., Toledo
The backyard of The Ability Center will be set up to try various sensory experiences. Registration is required.
The Ability Center, 5605 Monroe St., Sylvania
Aug. 7
Free Lunch and Learning: Dr. Insecta’s Bug Lab
Experience real entomology magic as Dr. Insecta introduces you to some of the largest live insects on the planet.
Glass City Metropark, 1505 Front St., Toledo
Aug. 8
Parks and Youth Services Community Movie Night
Join Parks and Youth Services for a free screening of “Migration” (2023).
Danny Thomas Park, 2151 Broadway St., Toledo
Aug. 9
Telescopes are set up for you to view many different celestial objects. You can bring your telescope and get expert recommendations and guidance.
Sylvan Prairie Park, 8601 Brint Rd., Sylvania
Aug. 10
Talk with staff from different local schools, extracurricular activities and more.
Franklin Park Mall, 5001 Monroe St., Toledo
Aug. 11
Free admission and parking. Enjoy Indian culture through music, dance and more.
Centennial Terrace, 5773 Centennial Rd., Sylvania
Aug. 14
Come and enjoy the last fun events of summer. Games and crafts for kiddos!
West Toledo Branch Library, 1320 Sylvania Ave., Toledo
Aug. 15
What makes an animal a bird, herptile or mammal? Learn about and meet these animals with Nature’s Nursery.
King Road Branch Library, 3900 King Rd., Toledo
Aug. 19
Learn about Earth’s early life forms, including some fossils unique to our area.
Washington Branch Library, 5560 Harvest Lane, Toledo
Aug. 20
Pokemon Day with Checkmate Games
Learn to play the Pokémon Trading Card Game and enjoy a variety of other Pokémon-themed activities.
Point Place Branch Library, 2727 117th St., Toledo
Aug. 21
Family Yoga – with Taylor Leonard
Keep your body strong and your mind calm as you practice yoga with your family. Bring your mat and wear comfy clothes. Best suited for ages 2-5.
King Road Branch Library, 3900 King Rd., Toledo
Enjoy family-friendly games and activities in honor of Toledo Pride.
Main Library, 325 N Michigan St., Toledo
Aug. 22
Learn monarchs, their migration feats, and how to help their conservation locally from Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist Joy Schall.
W.W. Knight Nature Preserve, 29530 White Rd., Perrysburg
Aug. 24
Bring in your clothing, small appliances, bicycles, jewelry, housewares, and toys for repairs free of charge.
Reynolds Corners Branch Library, 4833 Dorr St., Toledo
Metroparks will be joined by other community partners to entertain, educate and amaze you with all things bugs.
Swan Creek Metropark, 4301 Airport Hwy, Toledo
An accessible and inclusive event with food, games, inflatables and more. Registration is required.
The Ability Center, 5605 Monroe St., Sylvania
Aug. 25
Meet first-person interpreters who will share stories of past Educators in Wood County.
Wood County Museum, 13660 County Home Rd., Bowling Green
Aug. 26
Jump for joy in a bounce house at the Library.
Kent Branch Library, 3101 Collingwood Blvd., Toledo
Aug. 31
Creative play with LEGOs! Bricks are provided, and kids make their own creations.
Sylvania Branch Library, 6749 Monroe St., Sylvania
Library Programs
Birds, Beaks and Adaptations – with Metroparks Toledo
What do chopsticks, tweezers, straws, and nutcrackers have in common? Discover the answer along with fascinating bird adaptations and bird survival through hands-on activities.
Aug. 5
423 Shasta Dr., Toledo
3900 King Rd., Toledo
Aug. 6
3340 Dustin Rd., Oregon
1736 Broadway St., Toledo
Aug. 7
2727 117th St., Toledo
325 N. Michigan St., Toledo
1320 Sylvania Ave., Toledo
The Most Exciting Games You’ve Never Played
Teens can learn to play some new board games with the team from Checkmate Games.
Aug. 7
5560 Harvest Lane, Toledo
Aug. 8
1085 Dorr St., Toledo
Aug. 12
3900 King Rd., Toledo
Aug. 19
423 Shasta Dr., Toledo
7 Unique Birthday Party Venues in Toledo
When most of us were growing up, birthday party rotations consisted of Chuck E. Cheese and bowling alleys, with activities like pinatas and pin-the-tail on the donkey. But this generation is everything but traditional. From private tours at some of Toledo’s attractions to completing rigorous obstacle courses and bake-offs, Toledo is chock full of unique birthday party hot spots that will make birthday kids and guests feel special. Here are some of our favorite places.
For the animal lover: Toledo Zoo
Cost: Starting at $575 for members / $675 for non-members
Best for ages: 3 and up
Let the kids truly go wild celebrating at the Zoo. The little party animals will have full access to the Zoo, plus two private live animal encounters, which may include meeting an armadillo, snake, rabbit, turtle, lizard or sloth. All birthday parties include food and drink (pizza, chicken fingers, lemonade, apple juice) and a special dessert.
2 Hippo Way, Toledo
For the thrill seeker: Urban Air Adventure Park
Cost: Packages start at $239
Best for ages: 6-12
Urban Air has everything kids need for an adventure-filled celebration that they will remember for years to come. Named the best gym in America by Shape Magazine, kids can jump, soar, race, climb and play. Whether battling a friend on the beam, revving their engines for a go-kart ride or conquering obstacle courses, there’s something fun for every adventurer.
5243 Airport Highway, Toledo
For the next Top Chef Jr.: Foodology
Cost: Starts at $25/child
Best for ages: 5-15
Younger kiddos can partake in a make your own pizza and brownie party, where they will get to make pizza dough from scratch. While the pizzas are cooking, they will make brownies to be later used to sing “happy birthday.” Older chefs can engage in a friendly competition of cookie wars, cupcake wars or battle of lemonade stand start-ups. All parties can be customized by theme and food preferences of the birthday child.
2059 W. Laskey Rd., Toledo
For the STEM enthusiast: Ritter Planetarium and Brooks Observatory
Cost: $350
Best for ages: 5 to 15
For a celebration that’s truly out of this world, the planetarium provides full-dome programs that include a live tour of the constellations, planets and other heavenly bodies in the night sky over Toledo. No party is complete without a ride on a space themed roller coaster. Birthday kiddos will love the special touch of walking into the theater with their name and photo projected under the full dome.
University of Toledo, 2855 W. Bancroft Street, Toledo
More STEM fun: Imagination Station
Address: 1 Discovery Way, Toledo
Cost: Starting at $325 for members / $375 for non-members
Best for ages: 5 to 12
What better way to combine science and fun than with a trip to everyone’s favorite science center? Scientist packages come with admission for 20 guests to explore the museum’s permanent and temporary interactive, hands-on exhibits with an Extreme Scientist. Kids will roll up their sleeves for a fun and messy slime activity and marvel at a super cool science demonstration and liquid nitrogen ice cream.
For the next Picasso: Pop it Paint It
Cost: $25 per painter
Best for ages: 5 to 16
The birthday party child can choose any wood painting from a gallery of hundreds of themes and designs and will recreate it with their friends in a fun, casual setting. An instructor walks guests through every step of the way in creating their own masterpiece, from sanding and staining wood to stenciling and painting the final product.
1197 Farnsworth Rd, Waterville
More Artistic fun: Spin & Splat
Cost: Starting at $249
Best for ages: 6 and up
Celebrate your child’s big day at Spin & Splat with one of their party options. Choose between a Spin & Splat Party, Neon Splat Party, Spin Party or Fluid Bear Party. At these parties, the birthday child and patry guests will have the opportunity to express themselves with paint and take home something special to remember the big day.
2455 Tremainsville Rd, Toledo. Moving to a new location opening in October: 2785 Central, Toledo
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12 Money saving tips for Back-To-School Shopping
This year’s back-to-school season will likely have increased costs for the supplies your kids will need for their reading, writing and arithmetic.
With trips to the grocery store or gas station you’ve seen the prices going up. With the start of the school year, back-to-school supplies could be more expensive as well.
Here are 12 money-saving tips to help you save big on back-to-school shopping. Whether you utilize one tip or all of them, they’ll help you get the supplies your students need without breaking the bank.
Bring a school supply list when shopping and buy only what’s on the list.
By using the list as a guide, fill your cart with what your kids need instead of what they want. Check your school’s website for supply lists or bring the one sent from your child’s teacher.
Pay close attention to weekly sales flyers.
Whether you view it online or simply grab the store flyer when you walk in, this is where the store showcases the best deals. Stores advertise deeply discounted items, such as 25 cent boxes of crayons, to lure you in.
Try not to do all your shopping in one store.
If you shop in just one store, you’ll get a bargain on some things but you may pay full price for other things simply because you are already there.
Shop at different types of stores.
School supplies can be found at grocery stores, superstores, dollar stores and office supply stores, as well as online.
Check apps for each store or follow them on social media.
Most stores offer digital or printable coupons or a discount code that you can use to save at checkout. It only takes a few seconds to check.
Stock up on good deals.
If you find an item that’s an amazing price and definitely something your kids will use, then go ahead and stock up! One year I found lined notebooks for 17 cents. I bought ten, even though my kids only needed a couple that year. I knew I would probably not find a lower price and my kids would always need notebooks. That stash of 17 cent notebooks lasted us several back-to-school seasons.
Don’t forget to shop what you have at home first.
Find last year’s haul of notebooks (or pens or highlighters, etc.) that you got at an unbelievable price. Or perhaps your child was required to have colored pencils for a class last year, but she never even took them out of the box. Those supplies will still work great this year.
Buy generic or store brand items vs. name brand.
When my daughter needed plastic folders with fasteners one year, I noticed that the generic version cost 50 cents compared to $1.99 for the name brand. Buying generic makes sense, especially when you may need five of them for different subjects. But a teacher once told me that when it comes to pencils, it is worth it to buy the name brand as generic pencils splinter and crack, rarely making it through the entire school year. So perhaps spend a little bit more on name brand pencils to avoid the need for replacements mid-year.
Try to stay away from licensed merchandise.
The items with a cartoon character or a rock star adorning them usually cost more simply because you’re paying for that image.
Go back-to-school shopping without the kids tagging along.
That way you’ll avoid the inevitable pleading for items that are trendy or cool, but probably aren’t needed.
Don’t shop in-store when you or your children are hungry.
Otherwise, all the effort you put into getting great deals will be blown on that bag of chips and candy bar that your kids (or you) just had to have at the checkout.
By utilizing these money-saving tips, you won’t get schooled by back to school shopping. Here’s to a great school year!