Free S.T.E.M. Family Night Event

Are you looking for something fun (and free) to do with the family next week? Come out to the S.T.E.M. Family Night at St. Paul Lutheran School in Aurora, IL on Tuesday, March 21st.

Location and Time:

This event is open to everyone and is being held at St. Paul Lutheran School, 85 South Constitution Drive, Aurora, IL 60506 from 6 pm to 7:30 pm in the school gym.

More Information:

There will be exciting hands-on science, technology, engineering, and math activities for preschool through 8th grade students, their families, and the community.
Some of the activities include:
– Tesla coil robotics
– Egg drop catapult
– Aluminum foil boats
– Mini wind turbine
– Science of energy stations
– Games
– Prizes

Featuring:

Jerry Zimmerman, “Mr. Freeze of Fermilab”

As a mom to kids in a STEM school, I’ve found that events like this really helps kids explore the STEM fields while having fun doing so.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy for more information.

Chicago Auto Show Recap

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions are my own, honest opinions. #HyundaiCAS #GenesisCAS

Chicago Auto Show

It’s Chicago Auto Show time again in the Windy City and every year, it just seems to get better. This year is no exception. I had the opportunity to walk the floor during media preview day (before the large crowds descended) as a guest of She Buys Cars, Hyundai and Genesis. The one thing that really stood out to me is how they’ve really incorporated more family-friendly activities throughout the show floor, so if you’ve hesitated to attend the Chicago Auto Show with your kids – don’t worry, there are things to do and see that will keep them happy and occupied.

CAS Play Area

This play area is part of the Chrysler Pacifica booth.

LEGO Batmobile

This is a lifesized Batmobile made from LEGOs.

Variety of Automobiles:

Another thing worth noting is the variety of vehicles you will see at the Chicago Auto Show. Whether you are interested in compact cars, pickup trucks, speedsters or family vehicles, you’ll find it all there. You can climb into some of the vehicles and see how it would feel to ride in it. You can also take some of the vehicles for a test drive. There are test tracks where you’ll feel how it’s like to be in the car through different driving situations, like up a steep hill or around a sharp curve.

New Technology:

What I noticed the most is how many automakers are including the technology trends in their newest car models. For example, when we visited with Hyundai, they showed us how the new Hyundai Elantra models are able to communicate with your Amazon Alexa. Imagine talking to your Amazon Alexa to start your car and have it set to a certain temperature before you even take a step into your car!

Safety First:

As a busy mom, I also appreciate how safety has become a top priority for many automakers. For example, some have added more cameras around the body of the car so you can see obstructions on the sides and front, not just behind you. Since my oldest will be driving in just a couple of years, it gives me peace of mind that automakers are trying to develop ways to keep drivers safe when either the car senses that you are drifting out of the lane you should be in or someone in the lane next to you is drifting too close to you.

Visit the Toyota Drive Center to take your own ride through this course.

At the Chicago Auto Show, you’ll also have the chance to see luxury car models and concept cars. Some of my favorites are the Genesis G90 and G80.

#GenesisCAS

She Buys Cars:

We were lucky to walk the show with Scotty Reiss of She Buys Cars. She is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to cars, so she shared commentary on the different brands and car models. Check out these Facebook live videos:

While you are at the Chicago Auto Show, make sure to stop by State Farm and check out their tiny roadhouse that is part of a pickup truck. You’ll be amazed at how much they fit into this tiny space.

Buy Tickets:

Visit the Chicago Auto Show’s website to buy tickets. The show runs until Monday, February 20th at McCormick Center.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy for more information.

Save 60% Off ROBOTS-4-U Summer Camps

Disclosure: I received a gift card. All opinions are my own, honest opinions.

robots4u2

Now is the time to start planning summer activities for your kids. Imagine the fun your kids will have learning about Robotics and Science, in an independent and exciting way! With Robots-4-U, campers have a BLAST, while learning and playing in a dynamic environment.

Their summer camps include:
– Robot / Science / Engineering / Day Camp / Challenges
– Camps Girls and Boys – Aged 7 to 14
– Robot Camps and Dynamic Art Camps offered during June, July and August
– Hands on Learning, Self-Paced. Beginners to Expert!

The camps are one week (5 days) long from Monday to Friday from either 9:00-11:30 a.m. or 12:30-3:00 p.m. There is a ration of 1 Instructor to 16 participants. Each Camper Individually uses a ROBOTICS or DYNAMIC ART Kit. Robot kits do not go home with campers but are available for purchase!

Check out this video:

SPECIAL OFFER:

Use the coupon code TEX1660M15 at checkout to save 60% off your purchase at Robots-4-U (except for custom orders) through March 31, 2016. Register early as camps do fill up quickly! Robots-4-U: Where Fun, Thinking & Learning comes to Life!

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy for more information.

Free Spring Movies at Goodrich Quality Theaters

Goodrich Quality Theaters

Take your family to the movies as part of your staycation. Here are the free movies for FMG members this spring for all ages on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 10 am. These are playing at Goodrich Quality Theaters.

3/4-3/6: Home
3/11-3/13: Goosebumps
3/18-3/20: Minions
3/25-3/27: Pan
4/1-4/3: Hotel Transylvania 2
4/8-4/10: Max
4/15-4/17: Ice Age: Continental Drift
4/22-4/24: Norm of the North
4/29-5/1: The Princess Bride (1987)

If you are not a member of their free Frequent Moviegoer Club (FMG), sign up here or at the movie theater! You’ll receive up to 6 free admissions for the shows above with your FMG card per show. Non-members will be charged $1.00 per ticket. Plus, you’ll receive points from your movie ticket and concession purchases towards rewards.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy for more information.

Hometown All Stars $150 Prize Pack Giveaway (Ends 12/10/15 at 11:59 pm EST)

Disclosure: I am sharing this post as part of a collaboration with Bloggin’ Mamas and The Hometown All Stars. I received books and other items in exchange for my participation. All opinions expressed are my own.

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The Hometown All Stars is a book series for children that focuses on teaching early sports skills along with interactive, educational activities, and more importantly – fun! Kids ages 3-7 years old and parents, teachers, librarians, and others who want to promote “Less Screen, More Green” and get kids outside and active again! The Hometown All Stars series is also for parents who don’t know much about baseball and want to be ahead of the curve when their kids begin to play, for sports enthusiasts looking for a book that doesn’t involve talking animals to read at bedtime to their children, and for anyone interested in promoting the love of baseball and sports overall to a new generation. Visit the site at www.TheHometownAllStars.com

HOMETOWN ALL STARS AT A GLANCE:

the-team

Nick’s Very First Day of Baseball

Nick's Very First Day of Baseball Cover

Nick’s Very First Day of Baseball teaches children about baseball using real coaching techniques. In this interactive storybook, kids will find hidden baseballs in the pictures, answer trivia questions, and there’s even a page for autographs from their favorite players. Fun, interactive and educational.

Magic Bat Day

Magic-Bat-Day-Cover

Magic Bat Day is the first real practice after the Hometown All Stars get their uniforms. Batting is the most fun of all skills and drills! This book concept shows techniques of how to hold the bat and where to stand. Most importantly, it shows that every kid can find their own ‘magic’ bat and the magic within themselves to hit the ball!

BUY The Books & Help Others!

hometown all stars donations

BUY Nick’s Very First Day of Baseball for $12.99 (Print) or $3.99 (Digital)

BUY Magic Bat Day for $12.99 (Print) or $3.99 (Digital)

Get Social With The Hometown All Stars

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

Pinterest

Linkedin

Youtube

Blog

The prize:

A Hometown All Stars prize pack (valued at $150) – includes a $50 Barnes & Noble giftcard, a series of books, and other items.

Enter to win:

Give­away begins Novem­ber 26th, 2015 at 12:01 am EST and ends December 10th, 2015 at 11:59 pm EST.
Open to US res­i­dents age 18 and older.
Win­ner will be selected by Random.org and be noti­fied by email.
See Give­away Tools wid­get below for full terms & conditions.

Dis­clo­sure: Blog­gin’ Mamas is host­ing this give­away and the Sponsor is responsible for prize fulfillment. While I received the items mentioned above, all opinions expressed are my own.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy for more information.

Family Fun at N Zone Sports in Elmhurst, IL #NZoneFun

Disclosure: We were invited to attend the grand opening event at N Zone Sports in Elmhurst, IL. #NZoneFun

#NZoneFun

My family and I were invited to attend the grand opening event at N Zone Sports in Elmhurst, IL. My kids had a blast with all of the activities they had going on there, from basketball, soccer, parachute fun.

    About N Zone Sports:

N Zone Sports is a 1,700 square foot facility which includes training stations for skill improvement in the areas of basketball, football, soccer and T-ball. They offer instructional classes in football, basketball, baseball, soccer and now golf! There is a parent lounge which includes 2 bay windows for full gym viewing and comfortable seating. In addition, they also offer special events, like Parents Night Out, Mom’s Day Out, Holiday Camps and Summer Camps. If you are looking for a fun birthday party location, N Zone Sports has birthday party packages available including the one below:

#NZoneFun Birthday Parties

At the grand opening event were other bloggers, including Educational Anarchy, The Peanuts Gang, So Chic Life, My Joy My World, and kidlist. We had the opportunity to meet the owners and marketing team.

#NZoneFun Bloggers

Check out some of the photos from N Zone Sports’ Facebook page from the event:

Thanks to Tim from Sky Zone Elmhurst for all those free passes !

Posted by NZONE Sports on Thursday, April 9, 2015

Make sure to visit their website for more information on their instructional classes and follow them on Facebook!

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy for more information.

Main Event Entertainment $25 FUNcard Giveaway (Ends 10/13/14 at 11:59 pm CST)

Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post. I was invited to attend the preview event, which included complimentary food and attractions. However, all opinions are my own honest opinions.

#MEWarrenville

We had the opportunity to visit the new Main Event Entertainment location in Warrenville, IL this weekend during their grand opening. My entire family had a great time. Read my review here to find out the different activities we did!

About Main Event Entertainment:

Main Event Entertainment is a state-of-the-art entertainment destination that packs in tons of fun for everyone, all under one roof with cutting-edge bowling, multi-level laser tag, Gravity ropes, games, billiards and more. Main Event is the fastest growing family entertainment center in the U.S. The new Warrenville center located at 28248 Diehl Road is the 17th location nationwide and the first location in Illinois. Main Event’s dining options include a pizza restaurant with hand tossed pizzas and gelato as well as American casual dining with classic sandwiches, burgers and entrees and a full bar. Main Event is open on Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to midnight, Monday from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m., Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 a.m.

The prize:

Main Event Entertainment $25 FUNcard

Enter to win:

Disclaimer: We were not compensated for this post. We are not associated with the company named above. No purchase is necessary to enter. Void where prohibited by law. The odds of winning are based on the number of entries received. The sponsor(s) will be responsible for product shipment to winner(s) of this giveaway. My blog is not responsible for product shipment/delivery. This event is in no way administered, sponsored, or endorsed by, or associated with, Facebook and/or Twitter, Google, Pinterest, Instagram or Klout. This disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements. It is at the sole discretion of the admin of the giveaway if the winner has met the rules or not.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy for more information.

Main Event Entertainment – Warrenville, IL Review

Disclosure: I was invited to attend the preview event, which included complimentary food and attractions. However, all opinions are my own honest opinions.

#MEWarrenville

My family and I were invited to attend a preview event before the official opening of the newest Main Event Entertainment location in Warrenville, IL. We were excited to find out more about this entertainment center. Especially with the weather getting cooler, we are always looking for more indoor activities to add to our list.

About Main Event Entertainment:

Main Event Entertainment is a state-of-the-art entertainment destination that packs in tons of fun for everyone, all under one roof with cutting-edge bowling, multi-level laser tag, Gravity ropes, games, billiards and more. Main Event is the fastest growing family entertainment center in the U.S. The new Warrenville center located at 28248 Diehl Road is the 17th location nationwide and the first location in Illinois. Main Event’s dining options include a pizza restaurant with hand tossed pizzas and gelato as well as American casual dining with classic sandwiches, burgers and entrees and a full bar. Main Event is open on Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to midnight, Monday from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m., Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 a.m.

My review:

First of all, I think they used the space very well to incorporate all of the things they have to offer. I like that there are multiple places where you can sit down and eat. On the lower level, there’s a dining area near the bar, billiards and bowling. There’s even a dining area on the side of the bowling alley, so you can catch all of the action! When the weather is nice, you can dine outside in the patio area. The food is reasonably priced, with kids’ meals starting at only $4.99. My favorite thing to eat there is the gelato – I’m partial to the chocolate one, but they have a good selection.

My family and I liked the arcade game section. There are games for all ages. Each of my kids, ages 6, 9, 10, and 11, were able to find games that were age-appropriate. My son and I battled it out in a hoop shoot game. There are even air hockey tables. You purchase FUNcards and reload them to play the games. Right above the arcade are the Gravity Ropes. This is the favorite attraction for me and my 11 year-old son. While harnessed, you can test out your balancing skills walking on a combination of ropes and steps suspended above the arcade section. I’ll admit, the first time I went up on the Gravity Ropes, I thought I would be braver, but the thought of walking on what looked like a tightrope, started to make my stomach drop a little. I ended up taking the paths with steps on them. However, my son flew through the whole course, taking a cue from Spiderman. The second time I went up, it was with my son and his friend, so I looked to them for a little guidance on how to conquer the ones I didn’t go on before and with their tips, I was able to go through the whole course. It really is a lot of fun!

Gravity Ropes #MEWarrenville

My kids did Laser Tag and they enjoyed it. They are given time slots, so it makes it easier for us to enjoy the rest of Main Event while waiting. From now through November 21st, they have a FUNbination special where you can pick your play on Sundays through Fridays. It’s only $5 for each unlimited activity and includes bowling, laser tag, billiards, mini golf, and gravity ropes. (Check here to find out the restrictions to the deal.) When you need a break, you can always visit the photo booth and have some fun photos taken. They have a wide range of backgrounds you can choose from and my family all picked different ones:

Photo Booth Pics #MEWarrenville

Main Event is also a great place to hold a birthday party or corporate event. The upstairs has multiple rooms for birthday parties. There is also a space for corporate events, complete with televisions to beam your presentations on – not to mention the separate bar area, which overlooks the Gravity Ropes and arcade area. There are also stylish lockers where you are able to store your party supplies and gifts during your party. They have packages suitable for all ages. My son is already planning to have his 12th birthday party there.

#MEWarrenville Party Rooms

Besides being fun for the guests, my favorite part of Main Event is that the staff also have fun. Periodically, they will break out into dance. During our visit, the staff started dancing to Cotton-Eyed Joe:

As you can see from the photo below, I recommend visiting the Main Event in Warrenville, IL, as a place where the whole family can have fun together.

#MEWarrenville Family Photo 2

Don’t forget to enter our giveaway for a Main Event Entertainment $25 FUNcard so you can experience the fun we had at Main Event!

Download the free Favado app to take great money-saving deals with you on-the-go!

Favado-Blogger-300x250

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy for more information.

Disney On Ice presents Princesses and Heroes Ticket Giveaway (Ends 8/27/14 at 11:59 PM EST)



#DisneyOnIce presents Princesses & Heroes

We are big fans of Disney in our home, so we love going to the Disney on Ice shows to see how the characters we love on screen come to life on the ice. We are very excited for the newest show, which features princesses and heroes. Having two boys and two girls, I know that this will make all of them happy!

About Disney on Ice presents Princesses and Heroes:

Enter a world of wonder where heroes and hearts prevail. Join Ariel as she yearns to explore the world above the waves and Prince Eric breaks Ursula’s slithering spell to reclaim his one true love. See Prince Philip defeat the evil Maleficent as she transforms herself into a fire-breathing dragon in a race against time to rescue Sleeping Beauty’s Aurora. Be there to discover a whole new world with Jasmine and Aladdin. And, watch in awe as the dreams of Cinderella, Belle, Snow White, Rapunzel and Tiana all come true. High flying jumps, daring acrobatics, breathtaking skating and lovable Disney friends are just a wish away! See Disney On Ice presents Princesses & Heroes where believing is just the beginning! It is playing at the United Center in Chicago, IL from September 10 through September 14, 2014.

Check out this video:

The prize:

4 Tickets to Disney On Ice presents Princesses and Heroes in Chicago, IL on September 10 or September 12, 2014

Enter to win:

Disclosure: The prize is being sponsored and fulfilled by Feld Entertainment Inc. Please note that A Savings WOW! is not responsible for sponsors that do not fulfill their prize. We have represented each sponsor with the expectation that they will fulfill their prize in a timely manner. While we are not responsible, we will make every effort to assist the winner in obtaining their prize.

Buy tickets:

Save 40% on all weekday shows and Save 20% on all weekend shows using code MOM at Ticketmaster. Weekday shows include Thursday evening and Friday matinee shows and weekend includes all shows Friday evening through Sunday evening. Savings offer not valid on Front Row or VIP Seating. No Double Discounts. Service Charges and Handling Fees may apply.

* Note: FREE PARKING IN ALL OFFICIAL UNITED CENTER LOTS WITH TICKET PURCHASE. *

While you are here, check out my store coupon matchups:

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy for more information.

2014 Free Fall Movies at Goodrich Quality Theaters



Goodrich Free Fall Movies

Are you looking for some fun and inexpensive things to do with the family? Here are the free movies this fall for all ages on Saturdays and Sundays at 9 am and 10 am. These are playing at all Goodrich Quality Theaters.

9/6-9/7: Night at the Museum
9/13-9/14: Walking with Dinosaurs
9/20-9/21: The Croods
9/27-9/28: Turbo
10/4-10/5: Epic
10/11-10/12: Rio 2
10/18-10/19: Mr. Peabody and Sherman
10/25-10/26: How to Train Your Dragon 2
11/1-11/2: Ice Age 4: Continental Drift

Check out the other entertainment deals going on right now!

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy for more information.