Cardboard Creations – DIY Easy Rebuildable Ball Run

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One of our favorite places to visit is the Boston Museum of Science.  At the Museum of Science they have an amazing room just for toddlers and in this room they have a huge magnetic wall that has different sized and shaped PVC pipe secured to huge magnets.  There is also a mechanism that sucks up little ping pong balls and drops them down a shoot at the top of the magnetic wall. The children can rearrange the magnetic PVC pipes to create different paths for the balls to drop down.  This is my son’s favorite part of the museum and he could spend hours playing with the ball run.

I started thinking more and more about the different elements of the ball run and decided it wouldn’t be very difficult to recreate a ball run that had moveable pieces for our home.  It was super fast, easy and inexpensive to build and my son has played with it for hours!  Nothing like bringing a little taste of the Museum of Science home with us. 🙂 

Supplies Needed: 

  • Large Piece of Cardboard
  • Lots of Toilet Paper Rolls
  • Paper Towel Rolls
  • Felt Fabric Sheet
  • Velcro 
  • Pom Poms
  • Paint (optional)

Set Up:  

  1. Cut your cardboard to the size you want your ball run to be.  I choose a piece that was about my son’s height and I left a flap of cardboard along the bottom so it would have a little bit better balance.
  2. Cover your cardboard with your felt fabric sheet.
  3. Paint your toilet paper and paper towel rolls.
  4. Add a small square of the hook side of velcro to each cardboard tube.  We found that they worked best when we did once piece at each end, even on the small rolls because they stuck to the felt better.
  5. Finish by sticking your velcroed pieces to the felt and start sending the pom poms down the shoot. 

Additional Ideas: 



  • If you want curved piece cut one of your rolls on a diagonal in the middle and rotate it around so the long parts of the diagonal are next to each other and short parts are next to each other.  I secured it with a two pieces of masking tape, glue would also work great.
  • We played with pom poms, bouncy balls and little toys cars are also fun.
  • If you have older children it would be fun to set up tasks for your children to figure out, such as start the balls in the top right corner and find a way to get them clear over to the bottom left corner, or some other place. 

Thanks for reading!

Have you tried to make a ball run?  I would love to see the ball run you’ve created or hear about any of your experiences or thoughts to make it better in the comments section.

Unexpected Ways to Get Free Children’s Books in Cambridge – Cambridge Book Bike – Family Friendly Boston/Cambridge

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I have always loved books and loved reading.  One of the first gifts I gave my son was a book, and I read to him often even though he was only a newborn and far to young to understand what was happening.  It didn’t matter that he didn’t understand it because it was more about sharing something beneficial with him that was important to me.

To this day my son loves reading and we do not take a nap or go to bed at night without him insisting we read at least two books to him, more if he can get away with it.

Anyway all that is a precursor to the amazing Cambridge Book Bike Program I stumbled onto by accident during the summer of 2015.  Honestly this program made me fall in love with Cambridge and though I’ve never considered myself a city girl I can’t deny that Cambridge does amazing things for kids all summer long and its a fantastic place to have young children during the summer – with Book Bike probably being my favorite thing of all.

Things to Note: 

1) What is the Cambridge Book Bike? 
It’s a bike, loaded with books, that travels around to different parks during the summer to give out free books to children.  They have teamed up with a bunch of great businesses to provide these books and make it possible. (Agenda for Children,  Center for Families, Cambridge Public Library, & Liz Phipps Soeiro)

2) What Kind of Books to they give out and to who? 
They give out books for every level, from popular board books (Llama Llama, Sandra Boyton, Goodnight Gorilla,) to soft cover picture books (Eric Carl) to young easy reader chapter books, to popular YA chapter books (Book Thief, Twilight etc.)  They are for children 18 and under and your child gets to pick out a new book every single week!  If you have multiple children they each/all get to pick out a book.

3) Why do they do this? 
I had to opportunity to talk to one of the women from the Agenda for Children and she was telling me that research has show children are so much more likely to read and be interested in both books and education if they have a library of their own and easy access to books.  She said that a library of their own is considered to be about 8 books, so their program ran for eight weeks, giving every child the opportunity to have a “library” by the end of it.

4) Where is this happening? 
The book bike visits a different Cambridge park every day of the week during the summer.  They have teamed up with Summer Food Programs and you can find out where they will be on any given day here: http://www.cambridgebookbike.org/schedule.html

Summary and Rating ★★★★★

Five Stars.  Cambridge Book Bike has been my favorite part of summer!  It’s a great reason to get out of the house, head over to a park, and get moving.  We got free lunch, a chance to play at the park and a free book along with great crafts provided by book bike and the entrainment of having a librarian read a story aloud to the captivated audience of children showing how awesome books really are.  Bottom line is this is pretty much the best program ever and I can’t wait to join in it again.

Have you been here before?  If so I’d love to know more about your experience and any tips or tricks you have in the comments section below. 

Cambridge Book Bike Website

95 Objects That Start with the Letter “I”

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A group of my friends started doing something we are calling Toddler Time and each week we choose a letter to focus on.  I realized that finding objects that start with the letter of the week can be a challenge and I thought it might be helpful to have a long list of “I” letter objects them on hand.  If I’ve missed something drop me a note in the comments, I would be thrilled to add even more letter “I” objects.
  1. Iberian Lynx: A wild cat species native to the Iberian Peninsula, known for its distinctive tufted ears and critically endangered status.
  2. Ice: Solid water formed by freezing at or below 0 degrees Celsius.
  3. Ice Ax: A tool used in mountaineering for climbing and self-arresting on icy slopes.
  4. Ice Chest: A portable insulated container used for keeping food and beverages cold.
  5. Ice Cream: A frozen dessert typically made from dairy products, sugar, and flavorings.
  6. Ice Cube: A small piece of ice typically formed in a tray for use in cooling beverages.
  7. Ice Cube Tray: A plastic or metal tray with compartments for making multiple ice cubes.
  8. Ice Fishing Shack: A small shelter used for ice fishing, usually made of wood or metal.
  9. Ice Sculpture: A work of art created by carving ice into a specific shape or design.
  10. Ice Skates: Footwear with blades attached, used for gliding on ice.
  11. Ice Skating Rink: A smooth and frozen surface designed for ice skating.
  12. Iceberg: A large floating mass of ice detached from a glacier and floating in the sea.
  13. Iceberg Lettuce: A variety of lettuce with a crisp, pale green head of leaves.
  14. Iceberg Rose: A type of rose with large, ruffled petals and a white or pink color.
  15. Iced Tea: A beverage made by chilling brewed tea and serving it over ice.
  16. Icicles: Long, pointed ice formations that hang from surfaces.
  17. Icing: A sweet topping made from powdered sugar, water, and flavorings, often used on baked goods.
  18. Igloo: A dome-shaped snow shelter traditionally built by the Inuit people.
  19. Iguana: A large reptile native to tropical regions, known for its long tail and spiky crest.
  20. Iguanodon: An herbivorous dinosaur that lived during the early Cretaceous period.
  21. Image: A visual representation or depiction of someone or something.
  22. Impala: A medium-sized African antelope known for its leaping ability and curved horns in males.
  23. Imperial Moth: A large and colorful moth found in North America.
  24. Imperial Topaz: A precious gemstone known for its golden to orange color.
  25. Impressionist Painting: Referring to the art movement that prioritized capturing the impression of light and color in a scene rather than precise details.
  26. Inca Berry: A small golden fruit native to South America, also known as “goldenberry” or “Cape gooseberry.”
  27. Incandescent Lightbulb: A traditional type of lightbulb that produces light by heating a wire filament.
  28. Incense: A substance, often made from plant materials, that produces a fragrant smoke when burned.
  29. Incense Burner: A container or holder designed for burning incense.
  30. Inch: A unit of length equal to 1/12 of a foot, approximately 2.54 centimeters.
  31. Inchworm: The larval stage of certain moths that moves by looping its body.
  32. Incinerator: A device used for the controlled burning of waste materials.
  33. Incisor (tooth): A sharp-edged tooth at the front of the mouth, used for cutting and biting.
  34. Incubator: An enclosed apparatus used for maintaining controlled conditions, often for the cultivation or hatching of organisms.
  35. Index: A list of names, subjects, or topics, often arranged alphabetically, used to facilitate finding information within a book or document.
  36. Index Card: A small, usually rectangular card used for recording and organizing information.
  37. Index Finger: The finger next to the thumb, often used for pointing.
  38. India: A country located in South Asia known for its rich history, cultural diversity, and vibrant traditions.
  39. Indian: Referring to something or someone from India.
  40. Indian Rhinoceros: A large terrestrial mammal native to the Indian subcontinent, characterized by its single horn and prehistoric appearance.
  41. Indicator Light: A small light on a device or dashboard used to indicate a specific condition or status.
  42. Indigenous Art: Artistic creations rooted in the traditions, culture, and heritage of a particular indigenous group or community.
  43. Indigo: A deep blue or violet color.
  44. Indoor Garden: A garden that is cultivated indoors, typically with plants grown in containers.
  45. Indoors: Inside a building or structure.
  46. Indri: A large, arboreal lemur native to Madagascar.
  47. Industrial Crane: A heavy-duty machine used for lifting and moving heavy objects in industrial settings.
  48. Infant: A very young child or baby.
  49. Infielder (baseball): A player positioned in the infield of a baseball field who primarily defends against ground balls.
  50. Infinity Sign: The mathematical symbol (∞) representing an unlimited or endless quantity.
  51. Inflatable: Something that can be filled with air or gas to expand and become larger in size.
  52. Influenza Virus: A contagious virus that causes the flu in humans and animals.
  53. Infrared Thermometer: A device used to measure temperature by detecting infrared radiation.
  54. Ingot: A solid mass of metal cast into a convenient shape for storage or transportation.
  55. Ingredient: A component or substance used in the preparation of a dish or product.
  56. Ingrown Hair: A hair that has curled and grown back into the skin, causing irritation or infection.
  57. Inhaler: A device used to deliver medication directly into the lungs.
  58. Inheritance: The passing down of genetic characteristics or property from one generation to another.
  59. Ink: A liquid or paste used for writing or printing.
  60. Ink Blot: A random pattern created by dropping ink onto a surface.
  61. Ink Pad: A small cushion soaked with ink, used for applying ink to a rubber stamp.
  62. Ink Pot: A container for holding ink.
  63. Inkwell: A small container with a lid for holding ink, traditionally used with a dip pen.
  64. Inlaid Wood Table: A table with decorative patterns or designs made from different types of wood fitted into its surface.
  65. Inn: A small establishment providing lodging, typically located in a rural or remote area.
  66. Insect: A small arthropod characterized by having six legs, a three-part body, and often wings.
  67. Inset Map: A small map or diagram inserted within a larger map or illustration.
  68. Installment: A regular payment made to pay off a debt or purchase over a fixed period of time.
  69. Instant Noodles: Pre-cooked noodles that can be prepared quickly by adding hot water.
  70. Instructor: A person who teaches or trains others in a particular skill or subject.
  71. Instrument: A device or tool used to perform a specific task or produce music.
  72. Insulated Lunch Box: A container designed to keep food at a desired temperature, usually with added insulation.
  73. Insulation: A material used to reduce the transfer of heat, cold, or sound.
  74. Insulator: A material that does not conduct electricity, heat, or sound well.
  75. Insurance Card: A document that serves as proof of insurance coverage.
  76. Insurance Policy: A contract between an individual and an insurance company that outlines the terms of coverage.
  77. Intercom: A communication device that allows for two-way audio communication between people in different rooms or areas.
  78. Interface Cable: A cable used to connect two electronic devices and facilitate communication or data transfer.
  79. Intertidal Zone: The portion of a shoreline that is exposed to air at low tide and submerged at high tide.
  80. Intestine: The part of the digestive system that extends from the stomach to the anus, responsible for absorbing nutrients and eliminating waste.
  81. Iris: The colored part of the eye surrounding the pupil, responsible for controlling the amount of light that enters the eye.
  82. Irish Setter: A breed of dog originating from Ireland, known for its red coat and hunting abilities.
  83. Irish Spring Soap: A brand of soap known for its fresh scent and moisturizing properties.
  84. Iron: A metallic element that is malleable, ductile, and a good conductor of heat and electricity.
  85. Iron Ore: A rock or mineral from which iron can be extracted and used in the production of steel.
  86. Ironing Board: A flat board with a cushioned surface used for smoothing out wrinkles in clothing with a hot iron.
  87. Irukandji Jellyfish: A small and venomous marine creature found primarily in the waters of Australia. It is known for its transparent appearance and intensely painful stings.
  88. Island: A landmass surrounded by water, smaller than a continent. Islands can vary in size from small islets to larger landmasses and are often popular tourist destinations.
  89. Islandic Sheepdog: A breed of dog originating from Iceland. It is known for its friendly and energetic nature, as well as its thick double coat that helps it withstand cold weather conditions.
  90. Italian Bread: A type of bread popular in Italian cuisine, characterized by a crusty exterior and a soft, fluffy interior. It is often made with simple ingredients like flour, water, yeast, and salt.
  91. Italics: A style of writing or printing that slants the letters slightly to the right. Italics are typically used to emphasize words or phrases, denote titles of books or movies, or indicate foreign words.
  92. Item: A generic term referring to any object, thing, or entity that is considered a distinct unit.
  93. Itsy Bitsy: A playful phrase used to describe something very small or tiny. It is often used in children’s stories or songs, such as “The Itsy Bitsy Spider.”
  94. Ivory: A hard, creamy-white material mainly composed of dentin found in the tusks of elephants, as well as other animals like walrus, hippopotamus, and narwhal. It has been historically valued for its beauty and used in various decorative purposes.
  95. Ivy: A type of clinging plant that typically has climbing and trailing stems with lush green leaves. Ivy is often used to cover walls, fences, and buildings, adding aesthetic appeal to outdoor spaces.

Can you think of any other letter “I” words?  If so please comment and let me know, I’d love to get them added to the list.

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Toddler Letters – “K” is for “Kiwi”

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Supplies Needed:

  • Colored Craft Paper
  • Letter “K” Cutout
  • Elmer’s Glue
  • Glue Stick
  • Scissors
  • Marker
  • Toilet Paper Roll
  • Yellow Circle Stickers
  • Small Seeds/Spices (We Used Flax Seed)

Set Up:

I cut out our “K” ahead of time. We stared by smashing a toilet paper roll flat and cutting it into small circle strips, then unflattening it so we had little brown circles. We then glued our brown circles to our “K” and put a circle of glue stick glue inside each circle.  As soon as we had a little bit of glue inside one of the toilet paper roll circles we put down a yellow sticker in the middle of it then did a pinch of seeds on top of it (so that our seeds would stick to the area around the sticker yet inside of the brown circle). We let it dry, then carefully shook our loose seeds into the sink before gluing our K to the craft paper.

We finished by eating a kiwi together and talking about different kinds of seeds and why fruits and vegetables have seeds in them.  This would also have been a great opportunity to plant something and grown it our window, but I didn’t think about that until after the fact.

Tracing Letters:

*Courtesy of http://bogglesworldesl.com/

Have you made this craft?  What was your experience like and do you have an suggestions to make it better?  I’d love to hear about them in the comments section below.

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Fantastic, Little Known, Cambridge Parks – 5 Things to Know About Heritage Rose Park

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Heritage Rose Park is such a fun place to visit during the summer.  They’ve got a great splash pad dotted with raised piping that sprays outwards, perfect for toddlers.  There is a great gated playground with slides, swings, and a climbing gym and best of all there are so many activities that go on at the park all summer long!

This past summer every day from 11:30-12:30 there was a free lunch (like something you would get in a elementary school cafeteria) available for any child under the age of 18. On different days of the week there were different activities going on all summer long such as “Arts in the Park” and “Book Bike”.  (You can read more about Book Bike here, but know that it’s an awesome summer program that goes park to park during the summer providing both activities and free books for kids).

Things to Note:

1) Parking
There is street parking and metered parking in the area, but I think you have to have a Cambridge Resident sticker to use it.

2) Stroller Friendliness
Totally stroller friendly.

3) Water Feature
Great water area with raised, chest high sprayers that sprit in all directions.  Also the spray park is in a different area from the playground so you can bring you kids and still play at the playground without worrying about them getting wet if you don’t want them to.

4) Green Space
This park has a really nice grassy field, perfect for field games.  In fact during the summer there is a “Get up and Move” crew that often has field games going and is there to encourage anyone who is interested to join in.

5) Benches and Chairs
There are a bunch of benches surrounding the splash pad and a few tables located in the playground area.  There isn’t great shade in any of the places with tables/chairs so you’ll have to choose if you’d rather be in a real seat or sitting on the ground in the shade to enjoy you activities.

Summary and Rating: ★★★★☆

Four Stars.  I think this is great park, I love the splash area and the summer programs probably make it a five star park, the only pit fall is that all summer long this place is also swamped with day care kids, so there are tons of little ones running around which can be a overwhelming.  The day care kids all seem to clear out at about 11:30 but for us there was always a cross over and little bit of chaos which was both good (more kids to play with) and bad (more kids everywhere).

Have you been here before?  If so I’d love to know more about your experience and any tips or tricks you have in the comments section below. 

Green Rose Heritage Park

155 Harvard St,
Cambridge, MA 02139

Website: http://www.cambridgema.gov/CDD/parks/parksinfo/Parks/greenrosepark