Tuesday, April 15, 2025

Kidspace Children's Museum Wired for Wonder

Family Fun


by Rachel Marks
Kids Editor


This kids museum is without a doubt one of our family's favorite places to go. Our most recent visit felt extra special because of Kidspace's current limited time immersive exhibit: Wired for Wonder -- A Multisensory Maze, in collaboration with Getty Museum's PST ART: Art and Science CollideOur kids just love spending time here. Come to think of it, Kidspace special exhibits, like last summer's Kidspace Campout which I reviewed, are always well-curated and lots of fun for everyone. Thanks to Kidspace Children’s Museum in Pasadena for providing us with media access for Wired for Wonder for this review. Read on to learn all about this popular kid friendly Southern California family attraction.

 
Kids Running through Colorful Lights Maze


For Babies, Toddlers, Kids 6 Months - 10 Years Old


The Wired for Wonder Maze was hands down the highlight of our trip this time around. It’s not just about finding your way through a maze -- it’s a full sensory experience where kids (and adults) can see, hear, smell, and feel their way through different challenges. My kids love to touch, climb, and explore so this was right up their alley. 

As soon as we stepped into the area dedicated to Wired for Wonder, Izzy (6), Ori (4), and Arya (2) were completely captivated. The maze is designed to be more than just a path from point A to point B to point C. It’s filled with interactive elements along the way that encourage curiosity, exploration, problem-solving, and a bit of teamwork.


Family Mom Dad Kids at Childrens Museum


Favorite Wonder Maze Activities


  • The Color-Changing Pathways -- Our eldest son Izzy was obsessed with, figuring out how the lights worked while stepping back and forth to test different patterns. Younger brother Ori, on the other hand, was more interested in running through as fast as possible, laughing the whole time.
  • The Smell-o-Phone Booth -- Watching the boys take turns sniffing different scents and making wild guesses was hilarious. One smelled like oranges, which they got right, but another was apparently "definitely pizza" (spoiler: it was not). Arya kept trying to climb inside the booth, thinking there was something exciting hidden in there. 
  • The Textures Station -- Ori loved the part where they had to feel different materials and guess what they were. He closed his eyes and ran his hands over everything like a little scientist. Arya, meanwhile, just giggled and patted every surface as fast as she could. 
  • The Tasting Station -- At the end the tasting station was a such a cool surprise! The kids got to try different flavors and guess what they were. Ori, who is usually my pickiest eater, was surprisingly into it, while Izzy insisted that everything tasted like “spicy bananas” (no idea where he got that from). 


Child-Tested, Mom- and Dad-Approved


What I loved the most as a parent was that the special Wired for Wonder exhibition space had something different that was fun, educational and engaged each of our three children, despite their different ages and personalities. Usually, someone ends up bored or frustrated, but this exhibit really engaged all of them. My husband and I took turns guiding them through different sections, and sometimes we split up so they could explore at their own pace.


Boy Rock Climbing Kids Sandbox Curious Boy Looking inTrash Can

 

More of My Kids Fave Kidspace Adventures 


After the maze, the kids still had plenty of energy to burn off, so we hit some of Kidspace's permanent areas.

Bottle Launcher and Pulleys -- If it involves pushing buttons and making things fly, my kids (and I bet your kids) are always in

Rock Climbing and Instruments -- This activity is good mix of mental challenges, physical movement and creativity. 

Farm Area Sandbox -- My daughter could have stayed here forever, happily digging and building. I think yours will likely enjoy this just as much. Afterall, what kid doesn't like getting a little dirty, right?

After those fun activities, we took a snack break by the water. This gave everyone a chance to catch their breath before heading back for more fun and exploration in the permanent areas of the museum. Both indoors and outside there is literally so much here to keep kids busy and engaged based on their interests and energy levels.


Boy on Playground Riding on Pulley


Final Thoughts: Why We Love Kidspace 


Kidspace just gets it when it comes to kids. There’s so much space to explore, plenty of spots to sit and take a break, and the staff is always so friendly and helpful. It never feels overwhelming, even when it gets busy, which makes a huge difference when you have little ones running in different directions. 

Before we arrived, Izzy was skeptical -- he thought Kidspace might be “too babyish” for him. But after trying Wired for Wonder he completely changed his mind. In fact, he said it was one of his favorite things we’ve done there which, coming from a six-year-old, is pretty high praise. If you have kids and either live in or visit Southern California and you're looking for something fun and hands-on, Kidspace and the Wired for Wonder maze are definitely worth checking out. Also, don't miss all the butterfly-related activities now that the 29th Annual Butterfly Season has begun at Kidspace.

We’ll definitely be back soon. Next time, we’ll probably stay even longer! Have you been to Kidspace? Please feel free to leave a comment, I’d love to hear what your kids think of this experience.

About Kidspace


Visit kidspacemuseum.org for hours, activity schedule and to reserve general admission tickets for Kidspace Children's Museum, sign up for a Family Membership, and to discover more about Kidspace offerings year-round. Kidspace is geared toward kids ages 6 months through 10 years-old. For the youngest ones, for crawlers and non-crawlers there are age-appropriate toys and areas to explore. For the older kids, there are fun, educational, and hands-on opportunities to discover. The children's 3.5 acre indoor and outdoor space features 40 interactive exhibits with daily events and special monthly programs. Stay in the loop on everything Kidspace is up to by following their social media channels on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram. 

Kidspace is located at 480 North Arroyo Boulevard, Pasadena, California 91103; phone 626-449-9144.

Tuesday, April 8, 2025

Easter Bunny Bars Kids Dessert Recipe

Good Food


Easter Bunny Bars


This post contains affiliate links

This festive colorful popcorn bars recipe from the Popcorn Board is a fun and easy Easter treat kids will love to eat as much as they'll enjoy helping you make. The recipe is simple, however, since you'll be using a hot stove and oven to make these delicious holiday dessert gems, keep younger children safe by having them help you with age-appropriate steps in this recipe.


FUN spring dessert recipe made with popcorn



Easy Easter Dessert Recipe

Yield: Serves 16 

Ingredients 

2 tbsp butter 
3 and 1/2 cups miniature marshmallows, divided 
1 tsp vanilla extract 
8 cups popped popcorn 

Simple Directions

Melt butter in large saucepan set over medium-low heat; stir in 3 cups marshmallows, and vanilla until melted. Remove from heat. Immediately stir in popcorn until well coated. Press into parchment paper–lined and greased 13- x 9-inch baking pan; smooth top with greased spatula. Immediately sprinkle with remaining marshmallows, miniature eggs and sprinkles; press toppings lightly to adhere to popcorn layer. Let stand for about 30 minutes or until set. Cut into bars. Store in airtight container. 

Other Ideas

Use colored mini marshmallows, if preferred 
Try Reese's Popcorn which comes already popped, drizzled in peanut butter and chocolate 
Drizzle melted dark, milk or white chocolate over the top of your bars


To All Those Celebrating
Happy Easter!


Disclosure: Mommy Blog Expert participates in the Amazon Affiliates program and we receive a small bit of compensation, at no extra costs to you, when you click on the links in this post and make a purchase

Wednesday, March 19, 2025

Everyday Accessories for Moms on the Go

Style

Busy Mama's Guide to Looking Put Together 


by Janis Brett Elspas, Editor
Mommy Blog Expert

MBE partnered with Responsival, post contains affiliate links

Whether you're a devoted soccer mom or a grandma driving the kids around town, feeling put together, rather than frazzled, makes all the difference. Even on hectic days, basic styling choices such as simple pearl necklaces -- my favorite everyday accessory -- can lift your spirit and confidence. Instantly elevate your daytime look, adding a touch of effortless elegance with the right accessories and you'll step out the door looking and feeling fabulous.


Mom Accessorizing Casual Outfit with Pearls



7 Every Day Mom Accessorizing Tips


  • Statement Jewelry: A casual pearl necklace, stylish hoop earrings along with the latest Apple Watch instantly upgrade your outfit, adding a polished timelessness to moms of every age.

  • Daytime Makeup: A quick 5-minute day face routine every morning can refine and energize your appearance. Start with a daily micro exfoliator, followed by brightening face moisturizer for a natural glow, some blush, and a swipe of mascara to brighten your look effortlessly.

  • A Simple Hairstyle: Manage fussy hair with a headband, sleek ponytail, top bun, or alligator clip updo. For really bad hair days, a creatively tied head scarf is an easy fix.


Stylish Casual Accessories Jewelry Bags Shoes



  • A Compact Crossbody Bag: Preferred by today's young moms, lightweight shoulder strap phone wallet bags offer handsfree convenience with purse size capacity thanks to multiple compartments for phone, credit cards and keys. No mom caring for kids or grandkids should be without one.

  • Comfortable Footwear: Stylish, supportive shoes, like cushioned slip-on sneakers or ballet flats are a must, so you're ready for walking on all sorts of surfaces indoors and outside.

  • On Trend Eyewear: No matter the season versatile sunglasses, available in an array of stylish frames to complement every skin color and face shape, keep eyes protecting while also adding a cool factor for all moms generations.

  • A Stylish Wrap/Cardigan: Always a good idea to bring along a lightweight wrap, jacket or sweater in a neutral tone for easy layering, providing function and sophistication for a timeless look.


Stylish Mom Dropping Child Off at School


Be Creative With How You Accessorize


Pearls when worn with jeans and tennis shoes is just one idea for a great mom'a look that's easy to pull off. The sky's the limit in how you incorporate your personal style into accessorizing your on the go life. With these must-have accessories you can take on each day with joy, energy, casual style and confidence. Thus proving that busy moms and grandmothers -- even with multiple children in tow -- can look relaxed, together and just plain fabulous every day.