Kaleidoscope Archives - Over The Top Mommy

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Local youngsters can enjoy a variety of free activities and entertainment at Kaleidoscope this summer, when the center’s annual Kaleido Kids Summer Events return on Tuesday, June 18. Held in Kaleidoscope’s event space inside Union Market Mission Viejo, the fun events are every Tuesday from 11:30am – 12:30pm, June 18 through July 23.

The summer events will culminate with the annual Kaleido Kids Carnival on Tuesday, July 30 from 11am to 2:30pm. Tickets are $10 per person, with all games and activities included, and all proceeds benefitting Make-A-Wish® Orange County and the Inland Empire. The Carnival has raised nearly $56,000 for the non-profit over the last seven years.The Kaleido Kids events are 11:30am – 12:30pm with the following schedule:

June 18: Toy Story, including a meet and greet, sing along and photos with costumed characters, themed crafts, and refreshments.
June 25: Unicorn Painting Party, where kids can paint a picture of a unicorn with special instructions by a local artist, take photos with a magical unicorn, and enjoy music and snacks.
July 2: Cooking with Kids, where youngsters will follow simple instructions to create then enjoy a kid-friendly healthy snack and dessert. Kids will receive paper chef hats and instructions to take home to recreate the treats.
July 9: Percussion Play Along, where kids will enjoy an interactive musical experience, playing along to African and international rhythms using over 20 exotic djembe drums and percussion instruments, with a themed costumed character and snacks.
July 16: Lego Playtime, where their imagination can soar by building with a variety of Lego blocks, along with enjoying music and snacks.
July 23: Hula Hoop Dance Party, with an expert leading the kids in Hula Hoop tricks, dancing along to music, and enjoying kid-friendly snacks.

On Tuesday, July 30, the Kaleido Kids Carnival will include games, activities, balloon art, face painting, costumed characters, photo opportunities, a DJ, and refreshments. Admission is $10 per person and benefits Make-A-Wish. Tickets must be purchased in advance through http://www.Kaleidokidscarnival.eventbrite.com.Guests who bring a new backpack or new toy (no guns please) to donate to Make-A-Wish will receive a raffle ticket for a chance to win one Kaleidoscope family gift basket.

Also on Tuesdays, restaurants inside Union Market Mission Viejo at Kaleidoscope host Kids Eat Free, with a child receiving a free beverage or kids meal with the purchase of a regular (adult) beverage or entrée. Scent Avenue inside Union Market Mission Viejo also offers 20% off on Tuesdays.

Adding to the summer fun is the Edwards Kaleidoscope Stadium 10 Summer Movie Express at 10am on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from June 18 to August 14, when popular family movies rated G or PG are shown for only $1 admission per person.

For more information on the Kaleido Kids events or Carnival, please call 949.542.4407 or visit http://www.gokaleidoscope.com. Kaleidoscope is located at 27741 Crown Valley Parkway, just off the 5 Fwy., in Mission Viejo.

Braintastics, a unique new program for kids that fosters brain development in a fun-filled environment, has opened its first location at Kaleidoscope in Mission Viejo. Based on a national movement dubbed S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Education, Arts and Math), the focus of Braintastics is to provide more science and technology exposure to kids to foster brain development and help with educational advancement.

Braintastics was created by Heidi Landraf, who through her own brain research in her Masters program and her experience within a classroom, saw a need for a program that gives kids the time and space to explore their curiosities. Heidi has partnered on Braintastics with Cheryl Beck, owner of Bold Girlz, also at Kaleidoscope, since Cheryl’s mission is focused on building self-esteem and empowerment.

Braintastics offers an environment for true brain development and cognitive growth while having fun in a setting that is inviting, stimulating, and exciting. Caine and Caine also suggest that a brain-compatible learning environment should go beyond rote memorization and rote memory thinking and processing. Braintastics allows children’s imagination and creativity to reach their full potential of self-expression.

Braintastics’ schedule includes daily workshops and weekly Summer Camps, including a Robotics class taught by James Reynolds, a Robotics teacher and advisor at Mater Dei. There are also a variety of Birthday Party packages available with themes including Braintastics Fun, Robotic Fun, Minecraft® Mania, and It’s All an Act, in which party-goers get to be the star of the show and produce their own video.

Braintastics is located on the upper level of Kaleidoscope at 27741 Crown Valley Pkwy, Ste. 315, in Mission Viejo. It’s open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, please call 949-348-1844 or click here. You can also visit Braintastics on Facebook!