MAGIC TRICK: The Amazing Max and his audience assistant perform a magic trick. ©Jacqueline Patton.

“The Amazing Max and the Box of Interesting Things” is a magic show that we found entertaining: full of silly physical humor, stunning magic tricks and hilarious antics, we thought it was not only a great kids’ show but one for parents too. This isn’t a show that you ask, “How did he do that?!”  It’s not that Max doesn’t do great tricks, he does. It’s that the show is so focused on the hijinks of Hamlet the mind-reading pig and other silliness, that the audience doesn’t have time to focus on the head-scratching tricks that Max performs. The magic is just the sideshow to a very engaging performance. (Our full review of the show is here.)

We are giving away a family 4 pack of tickets to “The Amazing Max and the Box of Interesting Things”!

In addition, all of our readers will be able to get discounted tickets by using discount code AMPROMO5 at www.broadwayoffers.com.
(Discount Tickets are $26.50 for OrchestraSeating Only.  Valid on all weekend performances now thru 3/10/12)

The Amazing Max and his audience assistant, receive help from Hamlet - the mind reading pig. ©Jacqueline Patton.

Here is how to enter:
Leave a comment at the bottom of this post or on our Facebook page as to who will be most excited if you win the tickets! Entries will be taken through Sunday, January 22nd, 2012. You can enter as many times as you like. Good luck! I will announce the winner on Monday, January 23rd on both Facebook and on a comment here.

About the show:
The Amazing Max and The Box of Interesting Things is performed at the Manhattan Movement and Arts Center (MMAC) at 248 W. 60th Street, NYC (between Amsterdam and West End Avenues) in the Lincoln Center area. Running Time:  60 minutes
Website: www.theamazingmax.com
Twitter: @theamazingmax
Facebook: www.facebook.com/amazingmax

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Post tags: amazing max, discount code to the amazing max, giveaway, kids magic show, magic show in nyc, magic show in nyc for kids, mmac, nyc, review of the amazing max, the amazing max and the box of interesting things, ticket giveaway, tickets to the amazing max

We know that using technology in the classroom helps teachers and students be more resourceful and stay current in today’s environment. The problem is that most schools don’t have the access to the technology they need. Intel AppUp℠ center is trying to change that with its Wired to Learn contest. Intel is donating a $25,000 tech package to a school that garners the most online votes. And, if you aren’t the big kahuna winner? They are also giving away a $10,000 tech package to the second place school and a $5,000 award to the third place school as well as a raffled netbook giveaway weekly for those who register and vote.

I was amazed to see that the current winning school has just 700 votes. That means your entry has a excellent chance at winning! Just think: there are 602 students at PS 11 in Clinton Hill and if every one of the families voted and asked their friends to vote- that school would win! So, don’t hesitate to enter. Plus, as others who have entered their schools have said- it’s super easy to submit an application. Submit 500 words or less to explain why your school needs the tech package. The contest is open to both public and private K-12 schools.

What the winning school receives:
A $25,000 technology package, featuring industry-leading technology from Intel, exciting learning and teaching apps, and more.

Guidelines:
Submit soon, because all the votes have to be in by December 4th. Before you enter, download the Intel AppUp center to register. Then start writing your story about a school that deserves a tech package.

How to Enter:

• Go to the Contest Page.

• Before you enter, download the Intel AppUp center.

• Get specific. In 500 words or less explain why your school needs the tech package. What unique needs does the school have?

• Extra credit: take a picture or video of the school. No one under 18 in the photo, please.
• Ask everyone to vote! Share the site with your friends. They have all the social media buttons on your school vote page, so they make it super easy.

The schools in the running for most votes! Go schools go!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. I was paid to write about the program but all editorial is mine.

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Post tags: 000 grant for schools, enter your school in intel contest, how to enter your school in intel contest, intel $25, intel appup contest, intel appup contest for schools, intel Appup technology contest, intel offfers school grant, intel technology grant, intel wired to learn contest, school granting, technology grant, wired to learn contest

Kids change so fast and one unique way to capture how they look throughout the years is with a silhouette cut out. This week, renowned silhouette artist Karl Johnson will be at Pink Olive doing just that. Karl, a 3rd generation silhouette artist, has created silhouettes for thousands of people including celebrities and their children. Each silhouette is cut out by freehand (that means no pencil cheating?) where Karl looks at a subject’s profile and then cuts their profile out of black paper. Every silhouette is an original, one of a kind work of art, signed by the artist.  His silhouettes have been featured in several consumer publications and in Black Swan with Natalie Portman.

Giveaway details:
We are giving away one silhouette portrait (a $25 value) by Karl at Pink Olive to one local A Child Grows reader.  To enter, leave a comment telling us who you want a silhouette portrait of and why. This contest will end on Friday, September 9th, 2011 at 9:00am. I will use random.org to select the winner who I will contact via email and note in this post’s comment section. Also, please only enter if you can make the event at Pink Olive on Saturday, September, 10th! (P.S.- you can enter multiple times!)

Details:
Saturday, September 10th 11am to 3pm
Pink Olive
167 Fifth Ave in Park Slope
(718) 398-2016 or email concierge@pinkolive.com
www.cutarts.com
www.pinkolive.com
Original Silhouette $25 or free with $125 store purchase.
Duplicates and frames available.

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Post tags: Art, Karl Johnson, pink olive, silhouette artist, Silhouette Portraits at Pink Olive

We, like a lot of NYC publications and blogs, liked the new Berenstain Bears Live production that debuted this summer. It’s a cute production with original songs and a jam-packed storyline that both you and your kids will like. If you haven’t seen it yet, or want to see it again, now is your chance to get free tickets. And, I do mean, now. Tomorrow morning at 9:30 am this offer is going wide, but we (with a few others), were given first crack at it for our readers.

So, don’t wait!

Here are the details:
The Berenstain Bears LIVE! and sponsors NY Metro Parents, Manhattan Movement and Arts Center and Theatermania partner to bring Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move” to Bear Country, featuring a FREE performance of The Berenstain Bears LIVE on Sunday, September 25th!

Here is how you get the tickets:
The first 100 families who download our “Let’s Move in Bear Country” pledge found at www.BerenstainBearsLive.com/LetsMove will be awarded two tickets to the event, which includes a pre-show Healthy Snacktime, a FREE performance, a post-show dance lesson, and face painting and photos with the Bears. “Let’s Move in Bear Country” takes place on Sunday, September 25th at 3:30pm at Manhattan Movement and Arts Center.

If you aren’t one of the first 100 families- here is how you get tickets:
Performance Schedule: Saturdays at 2PM and 4:30PM; Sundays at 2PM
UPDATED PRICING: Tickets: $34.95 (Rear Section), $44.95 (Front Section),
and a $59.95 V.I.B. Package (Very Important Bears!)

Tickets can be purchased at www.BerenstainBearsLive.com or by phone at (866) 811-4111
Running Time is 55 minutes Tickets can be purchased at www.BerenstainBearsLive.com
or by phone at (866) 811-4111

MMAC is located at 248 West 60th Street

About the show:
Each performance features a FREE Berenstain Bears post-show celebration that
includes dancing, face painting and photos with the cast after the show.

Running Time is 55 minutes
For video, photos and more information please visit www.BerenstainBearsLive.com
Berenstain Bears Photos – click here!

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Do you like a good scavenger hunt? How about one where you can win $1,000? Now is your chance if you participate in Gaggle of Chicks first-ever online egg hunt.

Each day this week an egg featuring letters will be hidden on one of Gaggle of Chicks’ favorite websites (and of course A Child Grows is just that).

Use the following letters in the egg to help you answer the following question: What secret food did Gaggle Mama most crave during pregnancy?

Here’s how it works:
Find the other letters from the day’s participating website to unscramble the Gaggle Mama’s favorite food. For clues on where to find the day’s egg, sign up for Gaggle of Chicks and check the daily email. A link will be featured to find that day’s egg.

Want another chance to win $1,000? Then invite your friends with your unique URL referral. You get an additional entry for every new Gaggle member you refer that correctly answers the question.

To win: Email the answer to contest@gaggleofchicks.com by 12:00PM EST on Monday, April 25th. Get it right and you’re entered for your chance to win the cool $1,000!

If you also want to win an ipad: Gaggle is also running giveaways for their Facebook friends every Friday in April, with one lucky friend winning an iPad 2 this April 29th. To enter, simply ‘like’ Gaggle on Facebook. It’s that easy. (Already like Gaggle? You’re already in the running then.)
Rules: To enter, participants must be Gaggle of Chicks members. Only one entry per person. For each referral that correctly answers the question, an additional entry will be given to the referring participant. Multiple entries will lead to disqualification.

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Post tags: deals for brooklyn, gaggle egg hunt, gaggle of chicks, gaggle online hunt, online egg hunt

You won, you won Karen Angustia-  and I hope these are a great birthday present for both of your girls! What you won: A family pack of tickets to Angelina Ballerina The Musical anytime! (Karen’s number was picked by Random.org- all entries were pulled from both my blog post and from our Facebook page).

I’m sorry that not everyone won- you all wanted them so much and had such compelling reasons for wanting them.   Angelina Ballerina The Musical is a play that I do recommend splurging for tickets. You can buy tickets  on their website.

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In the last few years, I have gotten to know the kids’ theaters like the back of my hand (this one has boosters, this one has stroller valet, that one has tiny bathrooms, that one you should buy seats last minute). Ask me anything about adult theater and I would be stumped. I’m not sure that’s good for my social life- when was the last time you went to a dinner party and talked about kids’ theater? I will tell you though, at the home dinner table, we DO rehash plots, songs and morals…and I embrace it!

Here’s your chance to catch up on shows you may have missed or get a peek at the best ones out there…all for $20 per person! Through February 6, 2011, tickets for all 20at20 shows are only $20, starting 20 minutes before show time. Just go to the box office of the show you want to see 20 minutes before it begins and say, “20at20” and you’ll get your ticket!

Of course you’re worried (like me) that you’ll shlep down there and the production you want to be will be sold out. I have to tell you, that’s very unlikely. Most of these shows never sell out (don’t kill me though if you happen to go and it is).

Here’s advice to guarantee that you will see a show even IF one happens to (remember, unlikely!), sell out: Trek down to Union Square and you have 3 shows all in close proximity. Check out either Dear Edwina (a repeat favorite of mine- adore it), Freckleface Strawberry (haven’t seen) or The Gazillion Bubble Show (loved it’s trippy, campy fun- but only for kids 4 years and above IMO).

If you are looking for something else: head to Angelina Ballerina The Musical (definitely recommend- voices are great, story predictable but good), The Little Mermaid or Stomp.

Of course, if what you are really looking for is a date night out- you can get the same deal for productions like The Fantastiks, Fuerza Bruta, Molly Sweeny and more.

For a full list of shows see www.20at20.com.

What you win: A family pack of tickets to Angelina Ballerina The Musical anytime!
How to enter: Tell us WHY you want to go!  Just leave a comment here or on our Facebook page. (You can enter as many times as you like.)
Notification: The winner will be picked through a random number generator (random.org) and will be announced on on our Facebook page on Tuesday, February 8th. Check back!
 If you don’t win the tickets, Angelina Ballerina The Musical is one I recommend splurging for tickets. You can buy tickets in advance on their website.

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Post tags: 20at20, angelina ballerina, daryl roth theater, dear edwina, freckleface strawberry, gazillion bubble show, kids theater, reviews, tickets

Design Squad Nation Co-hosts Judy Lee and Adam Vollmer

The first time my kids (5 and 3) went to the New York Hall of Science (NYSCI) in Queens, they disappeared with my husband for the entire day; hours longer than I could have hoped. NYSCI has something for every age (or at least 3 – 40, in our case!) and boasts the largest collection of hands-on exhibits in New York City. Assuming the snow arrives tonight as planned, you and your kids might be looking for something else this weekend besides sledding.

This Saturday, January 15, NYSCI will be hosting The Design Squad Nation Family Day, a one-day event that brings the excitement and ingenuity of the new PBS KIDS GO! series Design Squad Nation directly to kids and families. The show highlights kids’ creativity and how science and engineering can help them achieve their dreams.

Visitors to the event can get inventive with tabletop design challenges inspired by the show, watch the “Pop Fly” (a 6-foot tall catapult – sounds like good practice for Angry Birds!), and meet the hosts and see a sneak preview of the show. Kids can test their design and building skills with a series of hands-on, tabletop activities. All event activities are free with general NYSCI admission.

If you can’t make it on Saturday but your interest is piqued, Squad Nation premieres locally on WNET Sunday, February 6, 2011 at 11:00 AM. Catch at sneak preview of the series here.

What you win: A family pack of tickets to the New York Hall of Science at 47-01 111th Street, Queens, NY for anytime!
How to enter: Tell us how you get your kids involved in building and inventing? Just leave a comment here or on our Facebook page. (You can enter as many times as you like.)
Notification: The winner will be picked through a random number generator (random.org) and will be announced on this blog Friday, January 14, 2011. Check back!
 If you don’t win the tickets, the NYSCI is still worth a visit. You can buy tickets in advance on their website.

Details:
New York Hall of Science (NYSCI)
January 15, noon – 5 pm
47-01 111th Street
Queens, NY 11368
718-699-0005
Located in Flushing Meadows Corona Park

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Post tags: at new york hall of science, design squad, design squad in ny, giveaway, nysci, pbs, pbs kids shows, see design squad, tickets, wgbh production

Circurious is the next Symphony Space event on Oct. 23rd. Photo ©Circurious

We have a winner! I picked the winner using random.org (a number generator) and the winner is….Arlene! Yeah for Arlene! She entered the contest here on the blog. Arlene, you’re heading with your family to see one of the most exciting new kid’s musicians, Secret Agent 23 Skidoo, rock the Symphony Space on Saturday October 16th at 11 am

Okay, even though you didn’t get the free tickets, you can still go see Secret Agent 23 Skidoo at the wonderful Symphony Space. Tickets are a very reasonable $10 each and for the quality of the artists at Symphony Space, it’s totally worth it! For more info go to the Symphony Space website. Thanks for entering and letting us know which artists you want to see in the Symphony Space Just Kidding Series.  We will do more giveaways for other shows so check back!

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Post tags: circurious, secret agent skiddo, Skidoo, symphony space

Win a one hour massage!

I really want to understand what you think about A Child Grows in Brooklyn… By completing this very short survey below (should take less than 5 mins), not only will you be helping us to give you a better service you can also win some fab prizes!

What you can win:
A Eucerin skincare kit containing, Daily Skin Balance Body Lotion, Daily Skin Balance Hand Crème & the Everyday Protection Face Lotion SPF 30! ( If you don’t know their face lotion- I highly recommend.)
AND
A one hour massage from Clear Skies Massage. Jill, of “Clear Skies Massage” has been practicing massage therapy since 2005. She trained at the Aveda Institute in Minneapolis with continued studies at the Ohashi Institute of Shiatsu in her current home of New York.

Check out a review for Jill from one mom I know:

“Jill is the best kept secret in Fort Greene, she has definitely helped me with strains in my back & shoulders & she is very friendly and relaxed!”-  Margaret

and this from a dad:

“I’m pretty fussy about massages and without a doubt Jill is the best massage I’ve had in a long time, I now regularly book in for a massage instead of just the occasional gift!”- Jake

Veronica Webb is a fan of Eucerin Daily Skin Balance- you can win these 2 product PLUS the Everyday Protection Face Lotion!

How to enter: Fill out our quick survey either here or on our Facebook page.

Notification: Entries close: Sept 29th. You’ve got to be in it to win it! The winner will be picked through a random number generator (random.org) and will be announced on Thursday, Sept. 30th. Check back!

If you don’t win: First, thank you for filling out our survey….and you can get a FREE sample of Eucerin Daily Skin Balance by taking their skin pledge test and signing up on their Facebook Page. You can also arrange for a massage from Jill with her great rates: $60/hour and $80/1.5 hours by emailing her or calling her at: 612-986-0714
Good luck and many thanks!

Karen

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