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December 12, 2017

Top 5 Charleston Birthday Party Locations

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December 12, 2017

From mermaids to pirates, painting to rock climbing - you never know what will peak your kid's interest each passing year. Birthday Parties can cost loads of money, and can take weeks of exhaustive planning. Fortunately, Charleston has plenty of affordable options for parties with a variety of fun activities and locations. Let the experts handle the nitty gritty details, so we can just enjoy and watch the kids have a blast.

1. Teacups and Trucks (Mt. Pleasant)

This is truly your one-stop-shop for crafting the perfect birthday party. Teacups and Trucks specializes in children's birthdays, and they've got it down to a science! There are dozens of fun themes to choose from (girls, boys, and co-ed), and you can have the party at their store location (no clean up!), or at a location of your choosing. Teacups and Trucks will make sure your child has the best day ever.

2. Wild Blue Ropes Adventure Park (James Island)

The perfect birthday party for the adventurous type, Wild Blue Ropes Adventure Park is a park with rope courses and obstacles. The park offers birthday party packages, specifically for kids (one for ages 12 and under and one for ages 12 and over), meant to bring out their "inner Tarzan." The package can include pizza, so no need to plan for food at another location. This is a great option to keep the kids active and to give them a new and fun experience, different from the average party!

3. Charleston RUSH Laser Tag (North Charleston)

Laser Tag, GoKarts, arcade Games, pizza and cake? This will be a birthday party they'll never forget. Charleston Laser Tag offers different birthday packages that allow you to pick and choose what games and food are included. This place is designed for events for kids, so it's a great less-stress option that allows parents to just hang out and enjoy, while the kids have the time of their lives.

4. The Art Place Studio (Mt. Pleasant)

It's hard to think of a better place for a birthday party than this. A safe and fun environment that kids absolutely love, The Art Place Studio offers a variety of fun birthday party options. Canvas painting, birdhouse painting, pottery painting, and more - there is plenty for your little Picasso to choose from! The packages are super affordable, and you also don't have to worry about goody bags - since the kids will have a fun piece of artwork to take home!

5. Songs for Seeds (Mt. Pleasant)

Songs for Seeds is an interactive music class, that is both fun and educational. This is a great idea for your younger kids, as they specialize in classes and parties for children aged newborn to 6. There is a three-piece band (guitar, drums, keyboard), and the kids can learn how to play instruments, use props, and explore all sorts of fun musical activities.

Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more great tips, hints, and quick reads on all things parenting in Charleston SC!

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NannyPod provides babysitters, nannies, and night nurse infant care on demand, at an affordable price. Our service is convenient, safe and secure for families and our staff. Parents can request childcare instantly online or by using the MindBody Connect app. Get started with NannyPod today and find babysitters or nannies for your childcare needs!

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November 8, 2017

kids, gifts, Christmas

Top Kids Christmas Gifts by Age for 2017

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November 8, 2017

kids, gifts, Christmas

It can be tough keeping up with what kids are interested in playing with from year to year - especially in the younger years from age 3-7 when they change so drastically from one year to the next! Here are a few gift ideas for Christmas 2017 to give you a little head start on the season.

1. Age 3

LeapFrog Scoop & Learn Ice Cream Cart
Age range (2-5 years)
Price $39.99
A whimsical ice cream cart that is fun for "make believe" role-play, as well as learning flavors, colors, and numbers.
The "Land of Nod's" Wild Animal Sleeping Bags
Age Range (3+)
Price $99
These are the sweetest little sleeping bags that your 3-year-old can use and grow into for several years. You can choose from a zebra, fox, dinosaur, penguin, or puppy. Perfect for overnights at the grandparents, or camping out in the living room.
Kardboard Kingdom
Age Range (3+)
Price $40
From Box Creations, the Kardboard Kingdom is an easy to assemble playhouse made of cardboard. Complete with tunnels, a courtyard, and interior play space, this is the perfect gift for a wild imagination.

2. Age 4

Skip Hop Zoo Pack
Age Range (3+)
Price $20
These little backpacks are not only totally adorable, but are a great way to allow your kids to express their individuality. There are dozens of different ones to choose from, and will make packing up for school and car trips a little bit more fun.
Eco Dough
Age Range (4+)
Price $20
We all love a good playdough session, and Eco Dough brings all of the fun with less of the chemicals. Made from natural ingredients, which are better for the environment, and better for the kids to be handling!
Fingerlings Interactive Baby Monkey
Age Range (3+)
Price $17.99 or $90 for all six
These little monkeys help teach young kids how to care for a pet and be a good friend. They are interactive, and respond to being rocked to sleep, hung upside down, talked to, and pet! Good for little animal lovers.

3. Age 5

Temporary Animal Hand Tattoos
Price $12
Including a variety of different animals and monsters, these hand tattoos are a fun twist on the traditional temporary tattoo. Perfect for a sleepover or kid's party. Easy to apply and non-toxic.
Build-A-Bear Stuffing Station
Age Range (4+)
Price $30
Bring the fun of Build-A-Bear Workshop home! The kit includes materials for 2 "furry friends" with accessories, t-shirts, birth certificates, and easy instructions.
FurReal Friends
Age Range (4+)
Price $30-$130
FurReal pets are one of the biggest trends in kid's toys in 2017! The pets are interactive, and have different sounds as well as sound-motion combinations. These toys are perfect for teaching children how to care for and take care of a pet.

4. Age 6

Hatchimals
Age Range (3+)
Price $3-$30
Hatchimals are "collEGGtible" little critters that hatch from an egg! So it is a fun surprise finding out which hatchimal you get each time. The hatchimal "world" has a lot of additional activities, including coloring book downloads, activity books, and videos and games online.
Kiwi Crate
Age Range (5-8)
Price - Monthly box subscription ($19 a month, or cheaper if you pay for 3, 6, 12 months)
We've heard of subscription boxes for adults (Stitch Fix, Birchbox, Le Tote, etc.) but this is a uniquely crafted box for kids! The Kiwi Crate is for ages 5-8 and encourages STEAM (Science, Engineering, Art, Math) learning, creativity, and exploration. Each box comes with a "Maker Project," Creative Learning Materials, an "explore!" Magazine, and Online DIY Ideas.
Root Vue Farm
Age Range (4+)
Price $40
This visual garden, let's your little gardner plant root vegetables and watch them grow. Fun and educational, they'll learn how to plant, water, and pick the vegetables!

5. Age 7

VTech Kidizoom Action Cam
Age Range (4-9)
Price $40
Kids love taking photos - we know this from our maxed out storage on our iPhones! - and this vtech camera is made for kids, allowing them to take videos and photos and get creative. It comes with a USB cord, so you can upload and share with family and friends.
Rory's Story Cubes
Age Range 6+
Price $12-25
This game will bring out your kids' wildest imagination and creativity - and it's fun for adults too, so it's the perfect game to play during family night. You roll the rice, which have different icons on them, and create imaginative stories based on the characters and things you roll.
Selfie Mic Music Set
Age Range (7+)
Price $20
We're in the age of "Selfie's" and we might as well embrace it! This app/music set combo allows the kids to connect a microphone and selfie stick to a phone, and record themselves singing and rocking out! Perfect for the musically-inclined to explore their talents and break out of their shell.

Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more great tips, hints, and quick reads on all things parenting in Charleston SC!

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October 23, 2017

Activities, Fall, Festivals

Top Fall Events for the Family

Guest User

October 23, 2017

Activities, Fall, Festivals

While we may still have a few 90-degree days here and there, that doesn't mean we have to miss out on all of the fall fun. Not only are there loads of events happening in Charleston this season, but most of them are appropriate and enjoyable for all ages. So swap out the beach towels for a pumpkin-carving kit, and get ready to enjoy the season!

1. Boone Hall Pumpkin Patch

This Charleston favorite is so much more than just a pumpkin patch. Boone Hall is completely transformed during the month of October with a corn maze, jump pillow, giant slide tower, hayride, spider web "rope" attraction, rock climbing wall, corn hole toss, a goat walk, and a rabbit enclosure. Spend the day enjoying all of the attractions, and then take your pumpkins home for painting or carving!

Tickets are $10 (free for 3 and under).

2. Halloween Night at the SC Aquarium

This is the perfect evening for any little ocean-lovers, and a fun option for doing something a bit different this year. On October 23 and 31st the aquarium gets a SpOoKy makeover! Guests are encouraged to wear costumes, and there will be music, games, and festive exhibits. To top it off, there is an "Underwater Pumpkin Carving Contest" where guests get to judge which diver has the best carved pumpkin in the Great Ocean Tank.

3. Fall Festivals

We sure do love our festivals here in Charleston - and what's not to love? Food trucks, live music, arts and crafts. Add some crisp autumn weather and a light sweater and we are good to go.

Check out any of these kid-friendly festivals going on this fall!
Nov. 4 - Harvest Fest (John's Island)
Nov. 4 - Charleston Mac Off (Mt. Pleasant)
Nov. 10 - 30 - Holiday Festival of Lights (James Island)
Nov. 11 - Park Day on Daniel Island (Daniel Island)

4. West Farm Corn Maze (Monks Corner)

Not only is the West Farm corn maze a blast for the whole family, each year they raise money and awareness for a different cause. This year they are celebrating Pet Adoption Agencies and will host adoption events and raise funds for different organizations throughout the season. The farm is home to a 2.8 mile corn maze (a .3 mile maze for the younger kids), a pumpkin barn, a hay-bale maze, tire climb, farm zoo, hay ride, apple slingshot, and snack bar/picnic area with different food vendors and trucks.

5. Family Fright Night (Magnolia Plantation)

If you are looking for something festive and spooky without being too scary for young kids, this is the perfect event. With a "haunted" hayride, hay-bale maze, pony rides, face-painting, crafts, children's games, and a family photo booth - you'll find plenty to do.

Friday and Saturday, Oct. 20, 21, 27 and 28. Tickets are $10, and free for children 6 and under!

Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more great tips, hints, and quick reads on all things parenting in Charleston SC!

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August 30, 2017

Playgrounds

Fun Scouting: Top 5 Charleston Playgrounds You Might Not Know About

Guest User

August 30, 2017

Playgrounds

If there's one thing Charleston does really well for kids, its playgrounds. Whatever you're looking for - new equipment, shaded picnic tables, or just a change of scenery to shake things up - you're going to want to check out some of these top NannyPod spots.

1. "Big Toy" Playground at Palmetto Islands County Park (Mount Pleasant)

This playground is nestled in Palmetto Islands County Park, giving it a fun and natural feel. The play area is HUGE with new equipment and a separate area for younger and older kids. Additionally, this park offers picnic tables, public bathrooms - and best of all... SHADE, which makes this playground one of our favorites.

2. Smythe Park - Pirate Cove (Daniel Island)

Smythe Park is situated around a beautiful lake with scenic bike paths and picnic tables. There are swings, climbing structures, monkey bars, and soft sandy areas. Oh, and the whole playground structure is shaped like a Pirate Ship. Need we say more?

3. Plymouth Park (James Island)

This quaint playground is all about location. Plymouth Park Playground is right on the water, so it's the perfect place if you're bringing a picnic or your pet. To top it off, it's right next to a fire station - so you're sure to delight your little ones when the big red trucks roll by.

4. Wannamaker Park (North Charleston)

There are 2 playgrounds in Wannamaker County Park (Tot-Lot and Fun-Lot), a seasonal water park, picnic tables, a snack bar, dog park, bathrooms, and hiking trails. Our favorite part - there's a big hill that's a ton of fun for kids and a great pre-nap option for parents.

5. Pirate Cove Playground (Folly Beach)

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There's something about pirates and big ships that really bring the magic. We love that this playground is in downtown Folly, right near the beach - so you can make it a part of your beach day, or grab some ice cream as a special treat. This playground is fun for older kids but also has some toddler-friendly equipment (smaller slides, toddler swings, and seahorse bouncies).

Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more great tips, hints, and quick reads on all things parenting in Charleston SC!

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