Being Savvy: Activities, things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in New Orleans, LA

Learn Vietnamese at The Intercultural Charter School

by Kelly Leahy

Even though schools are just starting a new year, it's not too early to start looking into where to send your kid next year. There are a plethora of new charter schools popping up and it's hard to tell which ones are will be a good fit for your child without a proven track record. However, many of the schools are trying new and innovative techniques and teaching styles that can benefit your ... Read more >

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Best places in New Orleans to get up close to the marine life

by Kelly Leahy

Our theme this month at Savvy Source is "Down by the Shore." It might as well be amended to what's in the water as well (besides your swim-happy preschooler). Today's list (Tuesday = listday) includes some of the best places for you and your preschooler to view fish and other marine life. Since we are a food city and I can't hardly write about "sea life" without mentioning "seafood," I'll also ... Read more >

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Do you know what lives in Lake Pontchartrain?

by Kelly Leahy

Do you know what's lurking in the shallow depths of our local lake? Sure, you may see pelicans and seagulls flying over the waters but what's swimming below? The answers might surprise you. Lake Pontchartrain is the second largest salt water lake in the country, second only to Utah's (technically, it's not really a lake, but an estuary). The brackish water and access to the Gulf of Mexico ... Read more >

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This weekend's best bet: FETCH! Louisiana Children's Museum

by Kelly Leahy

Saturdays at the Louisiana Children's Museum offer up a scavenger hunt for the kids. Each week has a different theme. This Saturday's theme is energy which is very appropriate given how much we've been running the air conditioner lately. From 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. kids are invited to build an "enviro battery" (potatoes?), a hot air balloon and static powered neon lights. There will also be ... Read more >

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Things that go ribbit, chirp, peep and bark

by Kelly Leahy

After an exhaustive day of trying to figure out just which smoke detector was on the fritz, I came to the realization that it was not an electrical malfunction at all but rather a frog that has been keeping this household awake night after night. It appears that we have a tree frog in our midst that emits a high pitched chirp not unlike a smoke detector in need of fresh batteries.After playing ... Read more >

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Fun in the shade, I need your advice and other stuff

by Kelly Leahy

Both of my daughters are blonde haired with blue eyes. Thankfully they have my skin and do not burn easily. This is good because I don't apply sunscreen most days. I know. I know. I'm killing my children but hear me out. Kids need sun. We all need sun.Ultra violet rays go through our skin and are processed into vitamin D. This keeps our bones healthy. A glass of milk can deliver 100 units and a ... Read more >

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10 tips for water safety

by Kelly Leahy

This month at Savvy Source we are talking water: pools, water tables, hoses, lakes and rivers. For list day today we are addressing ways to keep your preschooler safe.Teach your child to swim. Check out lessons from Mr. Fish and the JCC.Watch your preschooler for signs that they are overtired from exertion or the sun and pull them off to the side for a drink and a brief rest.Have plenty of fresh ... Read more >

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They all asked for you: A trip to the Audubon Zoo

by Kelly Leahy

I once knew a family that had an Adubon Zoo membership and would make a visit just to eat at the McDonald's* there as it was the closest one to their house. I can't say that I would ever get so familiar with the zoo to just pop in for a bite, but I do know where I am going. I know that a lot of locals are on the same level of familiarity but this post is for visitors to our fair city or for ... Read more >

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This weekend's best bet: Storybook characters live and in the flesh

by Kelly Leahy

If you have not yet been to visit City Park's Storyland, this weekend would be the ideal time to go. Favorite characters from children's books will be walking around Storyland from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. this Saturday and Sunday. The program, Storyland Performances, is free with admission ($3). It will feature activities for preschoolers that bring the classic tales to life. There you may find The ... Read more >

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Ahoy matey! Savvy Picks for your favorite pirate

by Kelly Leahy

If you are looking for adventure with your preschooler, what better way to spend the day than to explore New Orleans' history of pirates. Fortunately little buckeneers are all the rage right now so it's pretty easy to find some pirate gear for your tyke. I recently saw some great costumes and accessories at Pottery Barn Kids in Lakeside. If you plane ahead, you could also order something online ... Read more >

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