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THE HONEST DEALER
LUMBER
PROUD SPONSOR OF KIDS FEST
OF EVENTS Schedule
11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Giggles the Clown, roaming balloon art
11 to 11:30 a.m. Moschetta’s Performing Arts dance performances, main stage
11:30 a.m. to noon Washington High School Steel Drum Band performance, Trolley building
Noon to 12:30 p.m. Princess singalong with Royal Princess Engagements, main stage
12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Character meet and greets, walking around
1 to 2 p.m. Wild World of Animals, main stage
2 p.m. Mascot warm ups, main stage
2 to 2:30 p.m. Mascot Mashup Race
2:30 to 3 p.m. Mascot meet and greets, walking around
2:30 to 3 p.m. JFK storytime, main stage
3 to 4 p.m. Wild World of Animals, main stage
kidsfestpa.com
Vendors
There will be something for the entire family including visits with exotic animals from the Wild World of Animals, songs from Royal Princess Engagements, local non profits providing resources for families, healthy activities, shopping and more!
Adagio Health
Allegheny Land Trust
Ambulance and Chair EMS
Another You Face Painting
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh
Blueprints
Bradford House
CASA for Kids
Chrome Federal Credit Union
Citizens Library
Cornerstone Care Inc.
Cricket
D & D Kettle Corn
DJ Jammin’ Jodi
Domestic Violence Services of Southwestern PA
Edward Jones Investments
Ekernally Yours Gourmet Popcorn & Sweet Treats
Eric Tomlinson- Children’s Book Author/Illustrator
Fat Cat Mac Attack Food Truck
First Federal of Greene County
Forlini’s Kitchen
Frost Fairy
GG&C Bus Co.
Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania
Glowzone
Gobbie Chiropractic Center
Happiness Is Homemade
Highmark Wholecare
Howard Bender Caricatures
In The Now Counseling
Jodi’s Jazzlin’ Jems
John F. Kennedy Catholic School
KID MANIA Consignment Sales
Laurel Highlands Council - Anawanna Trails District
- Scouting America
League of Women Voters of Washington County
Little Bear and Bean Boutique
Our Laughing Place Travel
PaperPie
Printscape Arena at Southpointe
Rain Day Festival
Reach Cyber Charter School
Renewal by Andersen
Rubydogg Co
South Pike Pioneers 4-H club
State Farm
The Ivy Green
Tiny Little Knots
UPMC Dental
UPMC Washington
Vintage Grace Boutique
Vision Services of Washington -Greene
Washington County Bar Foundation
Washington County Behavioral Health and Development Services
Washington Drug & Alcohol Commission, Inc
Washington Lions Club
Washington STEAMworks
Washington Wild Things
KIDS FEST RETURNS WITH BIGGER FUN AND A NEW HOME
by Emily King
Washington County’s biggest familyfriendly event is returning this year with live entertainment for kids and adults, interactive exhibits and a new venue that’s perfectly fitting. The 2026 Kids Fest is the perfect way for Washington locals and neighbors of all ages to kick off spring and celebrate with the community.
Kids Fest will take place on March 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This year’s event will be hosted at a premier new location that’s perfect for family fun: the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum. The Observer-Reporter and BeLocal Events, along with all the event’s sponsors, are proud to offer this event free of charge, making it accessible to all families. Kids Fest will be bigger than ever this year,
with kid-friendly activities, diverse entertainment, giveaways, food and more.
In past years, Kids Fest has taken place at Washington Crown Center Mall, but with the recent sale and subsequent renovation of the mall, finding a new location became necessary. The Pennsylvania Trolley Museum was a perfect fit, with ample room for the large event and exhibits that blend local history and nostalgia. Event attendees will be free to explore the Trolley Museum’s exhibits, including the Trolley Display Building, and climb aboard the historic trolleys and streetcars.
“We are excited to welcome everyone, especially those who have never experienced our interactive exhibits and trolley rides,” says
Jeanine DeBor, executive director and CEO of the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum. “This is an amazing event that supports children and families in our community with resources and learning opportunities.”
The entertainment lineup truly has something for everyone, regardless of age. This year, Kids Fest welcomes the acclaimed Washington High School Steel Drum Band for an energetic and spirited performance. DJ Jammin Jodi, one of the area’s premier DJs, will also keep the music flowing throughout the day.
Some highlights of the day include: Giggles the Clown will be on hand, creating balloon animals
Performances by the dancers of Moschetta’s Performing Arts Center
Meet-and-greets with your favorite characters from Royal Princess Engagements
The Mascot Mashup Race, where you can cheer on local mascots like Wild Thing, Jalapeno Hannah, the Pirate Parrot, Wayne Drop and Frankie Twist as they compete for a first-place trophy
Meet exotic wildlife and learn about your favorite animals with Wild World of Animals
Kids Fest will also feature over 40 vendors, including nonprofit organizations, healthcare providers, local businesses and more. This is a fun opportunity to connect with services and get more information about the resources available to the public. Vendor booths will feature
giveaways, free prizes and kid-friendly activities. Shop from your favorite local boutiques and enjoy a variety of food vendors from area restaurants and food trucks.
Kids will have the opportunity to meet their local EMS heroes and take ambulance tours. Do you have a child who is ready to start kindergarten? They will have the chance to climb aboard a big yellow school bus, a great opportunity to take a “test ride” before the start of school.
Kids Fest wouldn’t be possible without the generous contributions and support from its sponsors. The naming rights sponsor of Kids Fest is UPMC, with UPMC employees joining Kids Fest to offer healthy challenges and games and to provide
information about the healthcare services available to your family. The merger between UPMC and Washington Health System has facilitated many improvements in health services in the area, including UPMC Children’s Express Care and UPMC Children’s Specialty Care, with convenient locations at Washington Hospital. Learn more about how UPMC is providing stateof-the-art healthcare services close to home in Washington.
Mark your calendars for March 21 — it’s going to be a day you won’t want to miss. The Observer-Reporter, Pennsylvania Trolley Museum, and all of Kids Fest’s sponsors and vendors are excited to bring our neighbors together for this community celebration.
backyard refresh this summer?
existing home equity, or ask about improvement or construction loan from of Greene County. We’ll help any new project: a swimming pool, kitchen, even a new driveway or Whatever floats your boat. Visit one of Officers, or apply anytime online!
Dreaming of a backyard refresh this summer?
Dreaming of a backyard refresh this summer?
Leverage your existing home equity, or ask about a home improvement or construction loan from First Federal of Greene County. We’ll help you dive in to any new project: a swimming pool, patio, outdoor kitchen, even a new driveway or garage. Whatever floats your boat. Visit one of our Loan Officers, or apply anytime online!
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Dreaming of a backyard
Leverage your existing a home improvement
First Federal you dive in to any patio, outdoor kitchen, garage. Whatever our Loan Officers,
UPMC CHILDREN’S EXPANDS ACCESS TO WORLD-CLASS PEDIATRIC CARE FOR WASHINGTON FAMILIES
by Emily King
Local families can now access UPMC Children’s Hospital’s worldclass pediatric care without leaving Washington.
Washington Hospital officially joined UPMC in June 2024, when Washington Health System was integrated into the UPMC network. Since the successful transition, UPMC has committed to expanding and improving healthcare and patient experience across Washington and the surrounding areas. Now they are extending that dedication to their youngest patients with several
new service offerings.
“Our vision is to continue to grow services and make access to care more convenient for our families,” says Diane Hupp, president of UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.
As many parents know, injuries and illnesses always seem to happen after the pediatrician’s office closes. UPMC Children’s Express Care is the place to turn when your child is experiencing an illness or injury that isn’t an emergency. The site is conveniently located within UPMC Washington, adjacent to the emergency care entrance.
The urgent care facility is open Monday through Friday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and on weekends from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. With expert pediatric providers on staff at all times, your child can receive care for fractures and sprains, bites and stings, asthma, viruses, concussions and headaches, cuts, and more. This saves families the time and cost of unnecessary ER visits. If a provider determines that the patient’s injury or illness is more serious and requires hospital care, they can be easily transferred to the emergency room next door or to UPMC Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh.
UPMC also had children in mind when making improvements at UPMC Washington’s emergency department. Providers in the ER now have 24/7 access to UPMC Children’s Hospital pediatric emergency doctors, including via telehealth, allowing immediate consultation with Pittsburgh-based pediatricians.
The UPMC Washington emergency department will be able to help parents and guardians schedule timely follow-up appointments and referrals to pediatric specialists, such as cardiologists and orthopedists. Families can leave the hospital knowing they won’t have to make phone calls and appointments the next day.
The expansion of UPMC Children’s also extends into Greene County,
with UPMC Greene’s emergency department affiliation with UPMC Children’s Hospital and aroundthe-clock communication with their pediatric emergency doctors.
“Getting a timely appointment and having people you communicate with that are caring, compassionate, and committed to providing this care is important,” says Hupp.
Families also have local access to pediatric specialties through UPMC Children’s Specialty Care Center, located at UPMC Washington. The center provides comprehensive pediatric specialty services, including orthopedics, rheumatology, cardiology, endocrinology, and more.
“Patients and families get the care that they need, when they need it, and where they need it,” says Michael
J. Comunale, MBA, vice president of UPMC Pediatric Service Line. “The addition of the Express and Specialty Care Services right in Washington has helped lessen stress for local families, reducing the need for travel and assuring parents that they are getting the same level of care they would receive at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.”
The partnership between UPMC Children’s and UPMC Washington has allowed local families to receive urgent, emergency, and specialty care all in one location.
UPMC Washington President Brook Ward is proud of the benefits this collaboration has resulted in.
“We continue to grow specialty services in the region, giving patients and their families easier access to
Mike
Comunale, vice president of UPMC Pediatric Service Line
Diane Hupp, president of UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh
high-quality care close to home,” Ward says.
UPMC Children’s continues to expand their services south of Pittsburgh. They recently opened their second behavioral health walk-in clinic at Children’s South in Bridgeville to address the vital need for quality, timely behavioral health care services for children and adolescents.
Children and teens experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, school avoidance, relationship problems, and other issues can receive sameday care without an appointment. It can be difficult to know where to turn when your child is experiencing mental health concerns, and
UPMC hopes to help families in the community find the right care as quickly as possible.
The compassionate staff at the clinic assists patients in arranging followup specialty care with mental health providers as needed. This integration aims to expand the network of therapists, share expertise, and increase access to care.
“We’re going to continue working with our colleagues at UPMC Washington and actively listen to the community as to what services would be most beneficial,” says Hupp.
As the naming rights sponsor of Kids Fest, UPMC continues to demonstrate its passion and
dedication to community health.
“We’re very focused on community health. I believe promoting the health and well-being of our children and participating in these types of events help do that,” says Comunale. “That is an important part of our mission.”
UPMC Children’s staff will be on hand to meet local families and children and answer questions about their local services.
“I think having these face-to-face conversations helps build trust with the community,” says Hupp. “They give families the confidence in who UPMC Children’s is. We’re really happy to be a part of that.”
UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh South, located near the Bridgeville exit of I-79
PENNSYLVANIA TROLLEY MUSEUM: HISTORY’S HIDDEN GEM OF WASHINGTON
by Rebecca Beckert
History has a fresh take at the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum, where the state-of-the-art facilities and exhibits meet immersive and educational experiences to present history that connects us.
The visitor experience has changed dramatically as the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum enters its 73rd year. A small gravel lot leading to a modest museum and store with a trolley ride to the collection building is now an experience of the past, with 2023’s Welcome and Education Center
providing 21,000 square feet of premier event and exhibit space. This updated facility has expanded education programming, provides unrivaled hospitality and is teeming with volunteer opportunities. 72 never looked so good!
Trolleys were once a part of everyday life and took passengers along hundreds of miles of track anywhere they needed to go. As streetcar companies began disposing of their older trolleys, a group in Pittsburgh recognized the need to preserve the region’s transportation history and began collecting equipment. From its
humble beginnings in 1954 with three trolleys and a small section of track to 56,000 annual visitors and a fourmile round-trip ride, the museum’s early founders could only imagine the vital role PTM would play in connecting visitors to the rich transit history of Southwestern PA.
“PTM’s dedicated group of volunteers long envisioned a stateof-the-art facility that would allow guests to enjoy a truly immersive experience of the Trolley Era”, said Jeanine DeBor, executive director/ CEO. “Today, Pennsylvania Trolley Museum is one of the premier
transportation museums in the country, built for the community with the help of our generous partners and donors.”
Now a premier venue for events ranging from weddings, proms and meetings of any size, PTM can host groups of up to 260 in the primary event space, with additional spaces and buildings available as needed. Event guests will marvel at the beautiful space and enjoy a unique experience back in time aboard a trolley ride.
View history through the eyes of a child as you climb aboard and explore the twenty-plus streetcars in the Trolley Display Building, telling the story of the rise and fall of the trolley era. Experience hands-on learning with interactive exhibits developed
in partnership with Kamin (formerly Carnegie) Science Center. Guests can test their reaction time, complete circuits, control switches and signals and even drive a trolley simulator.
Delve into the cultural importance of trolleys through educational programming and exhibits. Education is a key organizational focus in the evolution of PTM, and the museum achieved accreditation as a Certified Autism Center from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards. The new facility has allowed PTM to provide early learning experiences and adventures of a lifetime through the monthly Trolley Tots program, STEAM summer camps and so much more.
For those with a passion for service
or fond memories of the trolley era, PTM offers an array of volunteer opportunities for people of all ages. From restoring streetcars to assisting in the museum store, all skill sets are appreciated at the Washingtonbased museum. Trolley operators and conductors provide the perfect combination of information and interaction while safely providing a trip ‘back in time’ on the now fourmile track. Volunteers primarily handle trolley and track maintenance, and special events are staffed with passionate helpers from tour guides to ticket takers. Reach out to volunteer@patrolley.org to sign up for volunteer opportunities.
For premier experiences in a place bursting with history, the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum is the hidden gem of Washington County.
The museum is currently open during winter seasonal hours, Thursday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Memorial Day.
Directions: The Pennsylvania Trolley Museum is located at 1 Electric Way, Washington, PA 15301. Take I-79 North to Exit 40 (Meadow Lands) or I-79 South to Exit 41 (Racetrack Road) and then follow signs for the Trolley Museum. For a full listing of special events and other programs
offered at the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum, visit the museum’s website at patrolley.org or call 724-2289256.
About the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum
Established in 1954, the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum is dedicated to preserving and perpetuating its collection of historic transportation equipment, artifacts and archives
and utilizing the collection and other resources to provide an unparalleled immersive experience that brings the technology and culture of the Trolley Era alive through entertaining, educational and diverse programming. It is committed to enhancing the knowledge of transportation technology and culture to educate and inspire future generations of innovators.
A Checking Account That Pays You Back!
GETTING KIDS BACK INTO FREE PLAY
One of the endearing components of the Netflix series “Stranger Things,” which reached its conclusion at the close of 2025, is how the show harkened viewers back to the unencumbered days of being a kid in the 1980s — that is, until those kids had to fight for their survival against otherworldly foes. Demogorgons and mind flayers aside, the Hawkins kids would hop on their bikes and traverse their town, or engage their imaginations during game play in a wood-paneled basement. Baby Boomers, Generation Xers and even Millennials can likely recall youthful days when they had plenty of free time on their hands to pursue various adventures.
Fast forward to 2026, and today’s children lead much more structured lives. With the rise of “helicopter parenting” and “tiger parenting,” children find themselves continually engaged in academics, structured sports teams, music lessons and choreographed playdates, largely initiated by the adults in their lives.
“Free play,” defined as child-initiated, unstructured activity, has largely been phased out.
The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest that free play is not simply a break from learning, but the “primary vehicle through which children develop the brain architecture necessary for adult success.” Free play should be encouraged and not lambasted. Here’s a look at how free play is imperative for healthy kids.
- Improves executive functioning:
Research published in The Journal of Pediatrics says children who have more time for unstructured play have better self-regulation and executive function. These elements can predict academic success better than IQ, say health experts.
- Greater brain development: Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have found that children who don’t play much develop brains 20 to 30 percent smaller than is normal for
their age.
- Stress reduction: In their clinical report, “The Power of Play,” the AAP suggests that when play and safe, stable, nurturing relationships are missing in a child’s life, stress hormones can elevate to harmful levels. Play is so essential to kids that the AAP suggests pediatricians recommend more of it at each child well visit.
- Promotes conflict resolution: Children who engage in free play learn on their own how to keep the game going through compromise, rather than relying on a parent or referee.
Free play is an important component of a child’s well-being, and one that is not stressed nearly as much as it should be for good health and future success. Kids can enjoy self-directed play that is nature-based and unplugged from digital distractions. Content courtesy of Metro Creative
HOW READING BENEFITS YOUNG BRAINS
Reading is a beloved pastime that’s having a moment. A number of variables have helped to renew people’s interest in reading. BookTok, a popular subcommunity on TikTok where users create videos to recommend and discuss books, is one such variable.
The BookTok trend has helped spark and revive many people’s interest in reading, and that’s paid dividends for the bookseller Barnes & Noble, which plans to open 60 new stores in 2026 after opening 30 in 2023, 61 in 2024 and 67 in 2025. Reading more also pays considerable dividends for readers, particularly school-aged book lovers. Research has found that reading has a notable impact on brain development in children.
- Reading can foster critical thinking skills. Reading fosters critical thinking skills by engaging readers in a story and encouraging them to ask questions
about its characters and plot. The tutoring experts at Readability, who specialize in helping a diverse group of readers in making the shift from learning to read to reading to learn, note that reading helps students assess situations logically and form reasoned opinions.
- Reading can help build language skills. Reading helps children build their vocabularies by enabling them to read new words. Reading aloud to children can be especially beneficial for young children, but reading to themselves also encourages kids to learn new words. As children read and learn new words, their language skills expand.
- Reading fosters a sense of wonder about the world. The wide range of literary genres, from sci-fi to fantasy to history, can instill in children a sense of curiosity and wonder about the world
they live in. That can spark interest in other subjects at school, including science, mathematics and art.
- Reading can benefit youngsters’ attention spans. Modern children are inundated with stimuli that do not necessarily foster longer attention spans. Social media videos and even some children’s television programming may have an adverse effect on kids’ ability to build a strong attention span. Reading helps kids to strengthen their focus by requiring them to concentrate on a narrative and process information as the story unfolds. That requires kids to maintain their attention for far longer than the average social media video. Reading has a profound impact on the development of young children’s brains. That makes it both an enjoyable and effective pastime.
NUTRITIOUS SNACKS KIDS WILL LOVE
Medical professionals note the important role parents can play in helping children build healthy relationships with food. That assistance can begin at an early age, so kids get the nutrients they need and learn to enjoy healthy, whole foods. Offering children two or three items at snack time helps them feel in charge of their food decisions, and could set them on a path to lifelong health.
Snack time can be particularly tough for parents, as children may resist anything that isn’t potato chips or other foods that do not boast a strong nutritional profile. But many snack foods are both flavorful and nutritious, and parents can offer such items when kids get between-meal hunger pangs.
Fun snacks
Pairing creative presentation with healthy foods often encourages children to try new things. Consider these snack options to elevate the fun factor.
- “Ants on a log”: Parents may have come across these tasty snacks as
requests from teachers or at preschool snack time. They’re essentially celery sticks filled with cream cheese, peanut butter or seed butter, and topped with raisins.
- Fruit kabobs: Foods on sticks are easy for young hands to grasp. Using blunt wooden skewers, adults can thread grapes, melon chunks, strawberries, granola bar pieces and maybe marshmallows. The kabobs can be served with a yogurt dip.
- Smoothies: Smoothies are a great option that blends fruits and vegetables into something that may be more palatable to youngsters. Parents can take this snack one step further by freezing the smoothie batter into popsicle molds to create a refreshing dessert.
Quick snacks
Having quick snacks on hand is essential when hungry kids are around. Children may be more inclined to eat a few smaller meals and snacks throughout the day than to have three big meals.
- Cheese sticks: Prepackaged, low-fat cheese sticks or cheese slices are a protein-rich snack that kids can help themselves to when they get hungry between meals. Cheese can also be paired with apple slices or whole wheat crackers.
- Parfaits: Let children create their own yogurt “sundaes” with their favorite ingredients. Have plenty of toppings on hand for plain or vanillaflavored yogurt, such as berries, bananas, chia seeds, nuts and granola.
- Hummus: Blended chickpeas can be seasoned with an array of flavors to create hummus varieties kids love. Mixing cocoa powder and honey into hummus can also create a “dessert” hummus that goes well with graham cracker dippers.
Kids might demand less healthy fare at snack time. However, parents can stay on a nutritious track and offer many healthy, flavorful alternatives to potato chips.
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*SELECT UNLIMITED PLAN: New lines only. For single line, pay $40 at point of sale; $5/mo. credit requires enrollment in Auto Pay. Credit will apply to second service charge. See cricketwireless/autopayterms for details. Multi-line accounts are not eligible for Auto Pay credit but may be discounted based on number of lines. Data: For all data usage, Cricket may temporarily slow data speeds if the network is busy. Video Streaming: Video typically streams at standard definition. Content bundled with video may be slow to load. Details at cricketwireless.com/videomanagement. Details on network management policies at cricketwireless.com/mobilebroadband. Mobile hotspot data sold separately. Data usage and tethering that violates contract terms may be slowed or terminated. Limits: Migrations from existing Cricket plans are not permitted. If you bring your own phone, the phone and/or SIM must not have been activated on the Cricket Wireless network at any time in the 12 months prior to activation on this plan. General: Activ. (in-store, $25/line) & add’l one time ($5 rep-assisted and automated phone system payments fee) fees may apply; see cricketwireless.com/fees. Devices: Sold separately. Limit 9 devices. Pricing, availability, terms, data usage, speed & other restr’s subj, to change w/o notice. By activating/using svc., you agree to
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HOW TO FIND THE RIGHT FIT FOR SUMMER CAMP
Millions of adults have lots of great memories of summer camp. The right summer camp keeps kids engaged during a time of year when parents may be all too familiar with the phrase, “I’m bored.”
Finding the right summer camp can be challenging. A range of variables, including budget, availability and accessibility, must be considered before making a decision that’s right for each family. As summer camp season approaches, families can consider these tips to narrow down their options for prospective campers.
- Involve children when narrowing down your options. Kids will be the ones spending time at camp, so it’s best to include them in the selection process. Camps cater to various interests, so kids who play musical instruments might get more out of a band camp than they might out of a sports camp. Some kids also might thrive on a more structured camp, while others may benefit from one that offers a range of activities each day and lets kids choose which ones they want to participate in.
- Seek recommendations. Family members, friends and neighbors can be great resources when looking for a summer camp. That’s especially true for families who have never sent a child to camp before. Ask around about each camp you’re considering. Fellow parents may offer insight into the camp’s structure, its atmosphere, the attitude of staff members and additional information that might be hard to glean from an open house.
- Determine your budget. Budget is a notable variable, as some camps can cost thousands of dollars per session. If that’s beyond your budget, then you can narrow your focus to less expensive offerings or consider sending children for fewer weeks or even half days (when camps allow it). While it can seem as though all camps are budget busters, that’s not the case. Many local government recreation offices offer affordable summer camps. Local churches also may offer camp options that won’t stretch parents thin. The earlier parents begin exploring their options, the more likely they may be to
find a camp that won’t break the bank.
- Avoid making it all about cost. Safety should be parents’ foremost priority when choosing a summer camp. When exploring options, ask about staff and staff training. Are adults on staff, or is the camp predominantly staffed with local high school students on summer vacation? Even if a camp is staffed exclusively by adults, ask about the safety requirements for being hired. That’s especially important at camps where kids will be swimming and engaging in other physical activities that can lead to accidents or injuries. Even free play outside in summer can be dangerous if temperatures rise and staff members are not trained to spot the signs of dehydration or heat exhaustion.
Millions create lasting memories at summer camp every year. Finding the right place for kids to spend the summer requires careful consideration of a host of variables.
PLAN A PLAYROOM ALL CAN ENJOY
There’s no shortage of ways to utilize interior spaces in a home. Interior spaces have grown considerably in recent decades. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median size of a new home in 1980 was 1,595 square feet. By 2018, the median size of a newly constructed home was 2,386 square feet. Though Realtor.com data indicates the median home size began to shrink between 2015 and 2025, modern homes still offer plenty of room to maneuver.
When confronted with ample interior space, homeowners may wonder what to do with all that extra room. Playrooms can be a great way to make the most of extra space, particularly in homes with children. Parents planning a playroom in their homes can consider these tips to ensure the space becomes a fun room that everyone can enjoy.
- Measure the space. Measuring the dimensions of a prospective playroom can dispel any doubts homeowners may have about how much space they have to work with. Taking measurements also makes it easier to identify which furnishings, including couches and storage units, will fit comfortably into the space.
Homeowners who plan to install new flooring or carpeting will also need to know the dimensions to get an accurate idea of how much that portion of the conversion project will cost.
- Keep in mind young children’s preferences to stay close. A basement playroom may work as children enter their tweens and early adolescence, but such separation from the rest of the home may compel young children to avoid the space. Elementary school children and younger kids generally like to stay close to Mom and Dad, so a basement playroom may not be ideal for such youngsters. In such instances, converting a seldom-used formal dining room into a temporary playroom may be a better option. As children age, the basement can be used as a playroom more frequently until it becomes the only play space in the home.
- Emphasize organization. Toys can quickly overrun playrooms. Though no two children are exactly the same, the professionals at Brain Balance Achievement Centers note that a two-year-old’s expected attention span is 4 to 6 minutes. A four-year-old’s expected attention span may peak at
12 minutes, while an eight-year-old’s expected attention span is between 16 and 24 minutes. That means kids will frequently pivot from one toy to another, underscoring the need for ample storage. Storage should be built into the space’s design after measuring its dimensions. Avoid storage solutions that extend too high up the wall, as that’s hard for children to reach and might lead to accidents. Creative storage solutions abound online, and parents are urged to exercise due diligence to find the safest, most effective units for their children and their space.
- Make it multi-generational. Free play is important for youngsters, but kids will want Mom or Dad and even older siblings nearby, even when they’re playing on their own. So it makes sense to equip the space with areas that accommodate everyone in the household. A reading chair for adults and a ping-pong table and arcade game for older kids can ensure everyone has fun in the playroom.
A playroom can be a fun way to use extra space in a home.
Content courtesy of Metro Creative
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WHAT PARENTS CAN DO TO CULTIVATE KIDS’ CREATIVITY
Kids love to play, and moms and dads know that watching children have fun is one of the true joys of parenting. Play time might be all about fun for youngsters, but it’s also vital to their development.
A recently reaffirmed clinical report from the American Academy of Pediatrics, originally released in 2018, noted that developmentally appropriate play promoted socialemotional, cognitive, language and self-regulation skills in children’s brains. The authors of the report noted that play promotes executive function, allowing children to pursue goals and ignore distractions.
Kids indeed have much to gain from creative play, and parents can do much to encourage youngsters to cultivate their creative side.
- Offer a creative space at home. Whether you live in an apartment or a single-family home, designating a space inside for creative pursuits
ensures kids always have a place to go when the mood to be creative strikes. Outfit the designated creative space with a table and comfortable chair (to keep kids from leaving a project due to discomfort) and an assortment of toys and supplies that encourage kids to use their imaginations.
- Allow children to pick their own projects. Parents might be inclined to urge children to engage in particular creative pursuits, but kids are more likely to embrace and enjoy creative playtime if they’re allowed to choose their own projects and hobbies. Some children may be partial to drawing and coloring, while others may be naturalborn builders. Parents should resist any urge to direct kids toward projects and instead allow kids to identify their own ways to be creative.
- Don’t hesitate to participate. While kids should be allowed to pick their own projects, parents can still get involved. In fact, studies have found that children benefit in myriad
ways when their parents play with them. Such interactions help build children’s self-esteem and teach kids about the world. Children also learn new skills and strengthen bonds with their parents through play. Kids who are encouraged to direct play sessions also learn and sharpen their decisionmaking skills. Participation can also extend to asking questions about kids’ creative pursuits, including what drove their decision-making during a given project and what they hope to do next.
- Take creativity on the road. Kids’ creativity can be cultivated anywhere, including outside the house. Let kids plan trips to a museum, nature preserve, or another local attraction that encourages them to express their creativity in a fun, unique way.
Time to be creative benefits kids in numerous ways, and parents can do much to encourage kids to use their imaginations.
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SPRING AND FAMILY EVENTS YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS
By Mandie Cohen and Heather Stitt
Publishers of Macaroni KID
Washington County and Mon ValleyPittsburgh East
Spring is finally here! The weather is starting to warm up, and everyone is looking for family fun.
From egg hunts to summer camps, Macaroni KID has all the local events kids (and parents!) love. Find more events and camps on our website!
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Easter Egg Hunts
The Spring House: On March 28, the Spring House will host their annual Easter Egg Hunt. Pick up your lucky egg hunting basket and join us on the farm!
The Trolley Museum: Starting on March 27, check out the Bunny Trolley at the Trolley Museum! Hop on over to the Museum for some springtime fun! The museum is open
for this event from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., but the bunny will go back to his burrow at 4 p.m.
Simmons Farm: From March 28 to April 4, visit the Easter Bunny and search for eggs around the farm! No need for registration, just check in at the market! The Easter egg hunt on the farm is from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Summer Camp Fun
The Little Gym: Non-competitive, high-energy fun where kids build confidence and motor skills in a supportive environment.
Kathy’s Music: Engaging musical experiences for all ages, from Kindermusik for toddlers to instrument lessons for big kids.
Fired Up Art Studio: The perfect creative outlet for your budding artist to explore pottery and canvas.
Peters Township Parks and Rec: Well-rounded programming for all ages to meet basic social, physical and creative needs. Anyone can participate in camps, classes and events.
Amazing Athletes: Join us for weekly
themed camps specifically tailored for ages 4-6. Each day at camp has a variety of fun activities centered around a theme, such as obstacle courses or superheroes, and includes STEAM activities.
Camp Splash: Your child will participate in a variety of activities, including swimming, line dancing, softball, biking and science fun.
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Social interaction is a key part of young children’s development. Friendship is one of the greatest joys in life, and some people maintain their earliest friendships throughout their lives. Friends help kids learn important lessons in communication, problemsolving and sharing.
Certain children may be naturals at making new friends, but others may need a little assistance. Helping kids develop the skills to make friends is invaluable; the following are some ways to help youngsters build meaningful connections.
- Seek out and join activities. Children can be enrolled in activities that allow them to meet peers with similar interests, according to Children’s Health. Examples include sports teams, art classes, clubs or scouts. Shy children may benefit from groups that include parents, such as Mom-and-Me exercise or cooking classes. These types of classes not only engage the kids but also help adults
make new friends.
- Arrange plenty of play dates. Parents can set up one-on-one hangouts with neighbors or classmates to contribute to social interaction in comfortable settings. As friend groups grow, play dates can expand to include a group of three or four, which is still manageable.
- Keep a consistent schedule. Visit area attractions at the same time, such as going to the library or the playground. That enables children to interact with the same kids, fostering friendships over time.
- Practice role-playing. Parents can help kids be more adept in social situations by practicing introducing themselves, starting conversations, handling problems and other interactions that come up among friends.
- Model good behavior. Kids learn by watching their role models. When parents are good friends who exhibit
empathy and speak politely, kids learn to do the same toward their peers.
- Talk about conflict. Conflicts are a normal component of friendship. Parents can help kids navigate the process by talking about feelings and giving examples of how things could have been handled differently. This illustrates that problems can be solved, and it will keep kids from being afraid of social roadblocks.
- Praise positive behaviors. Parents can acknowledge when their children take turns, share or listen effectively. Being a good listener and understanding others’ perspectives helps build strong connections, according to Penn State PRO Wellness. Recognizing kids’ efforts builds their confidence, which is also key to initiating social interactions.
Parents can help their children make friends by offering opportunities to socialize and modeling good behavior. Content courtesy of Metro Creative
