Fred Flare: Unique Gifts and Toy Store for Kids in Brooklyn

Hamburger phones, Bacon Chocolate, Fish Eye Cameras, and all things cool. That is what’s on the menu at this kitchy boutique in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Started by two Chicago natives with a flare (literally) for unusual products and a love of Fred Astaire, Fred Flare is worth the trip for whenever you are stumped for a gift for kids or grown-ups alike. You are sure to find something unique and fun here.

Pandora Internet Radio Now Has Kids Music!

Here is a great new way to spice up your kid-friendly music collection, without spending loads of money or time. Pandora internet radio has finally added children's music to its free online music offerings. So stop playing that same old version of Old McDonald and log on to get the living room dance party started.

New York City Kids Weekend Events January 30-31: Free Screenings & Swim Lessons, Haiti Relief Concerts, Winter Fun and More

With winter break still a few weeks away, and cold, wind and snow in the forecast, you and the family might be looking for a cure for those mid-winter blues. (And since City Bakery's Hot Chocolate festival doesn't start until Monday, we've got plenty to keep the blues away until then.) This weekend you can take the kids to special for-families Haiti Relief Benefit Concerts, go on a marine watch, learn how to swim or the secrets of snow globes, plus catch a free screening of Charlotte's Web, ice skate with the King of Pop and enjoy some free winter festivals and ethnic concerts.

Oh and don't forget to enter our contest to win a free iPod Touch (see details in the left sidebar on our homepage).

Valentines Day Ideas: Free Clip Art For Kids Crafts and Cards

Earlier this week we posted about some very high tech ways to make cool Valentines Day Cards, On the other end of the spectrum, this post shares how you can use your computer to find pretty, free, vintage Valentines Day clip art that you and you kid can use to make beautiful home made Valentines Day Cards with nothing more than red or pink construction paper, a paper doily, a glue stick.

Did you know that you can get free clip art in your inbox every week?

Stay in Bed Clocks: How to keep kids from getting up too early

An old friend bemoaned on Facebook her frustration at not being able to keep her toddler in bed past 4:30 in the morning. Not only does the kid wake her up, but wakes up the younger siblings as well (sounds like a great morning routine!).

If you have an early riser, you've felt her pain. Sleep. It's the one thing a parent just can't get enough of. And the issues never seem to go away, they just change. Just because you had a baby sleeping through the night at 9 weeks doesn't mean you are out of the hot water. As many parents of toddlers will tell you, the issue becomes not getting your kids to sleep through the night, but to keep them in bed past dawn.

New Extreme Sleepovers at Ripley's Believe it or Not! Odditorium Museum

Have you ever wondered what is actually in the Ripleys Believe It or Not! Odditorium? We've walked by it so many times and written it off as a tourist attraction (with the price tag to match), but we recently heard they are starting "Extreme Sleepovers" and thought we'd check it out. I didn't expect to care much for it, but found the experience surprisingly interesting. Find out more about this zany museum and it's special events:

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