By Manhattan Toy Editors
The official kick-off to Summer is almost here, Memorial Day weekend. It appears that most of the US will have beautiful weather, for at least part of the holiday weekend, so make sure you and your family take advantage of it. Movement and play is not only important for your body, but thinking skills too.  Here's our top five reasons to make your Memorial Day weekend a 'play-cation.'
Imagination is one of the most powerful human strengths. About age 2, children start to tackle imaginative play.  This is when they often start sharing made-up stories. Then, as kids grow older, the line between pretend and real becomes more defined, but imaginative play continues to nourish mind and spirit.
Oh the things you'll see!  This time of year it's fun and easy to explore, and the world is truly a beautiful place; flowers are blooming, trees are budding and the animals are having adorable little babies.  Get out in your area or take a drive to somewhere beautiful.  Most likely there's one not too far away. 
A little sun exposure is a good thing!  Just not TOO much.  Actually, the body needs some vitamin D, and the sun gives us it.  Lather on some sunscreen and slather it on your family members.  Plus, if you all begin building a little sun tolerance in the spring, no one will get that burnt in the coming hot months.
It has been proven many times that play matters because it pushes us to try things, meet others, work with tools or other people and think critically.  Research shows that kids do better academically when they have recess and are physically fit.
It may seem obvious, but not enough kids and adults get out and move enough on a daily basis. Playing ball, playing tag, biking, going up and down stairs, walking, - all of it counts.  There's almost no part of you that doesn't benefit from exercise: bones, muscles, lungs, brain.   Whatever you do this weekend, all of us at The Manhattan Toy Company wish you a wonderful Memorial Day weekend!

1 comment

  • jose manuel
    • jose manuel
    • August 5, 2016 at 9:50 am

    All the efforts you put in the blog post is appreciable. Entire blog is informative. Looking forward to read more blogs and contents from you. Wish you luck!
    Thanks
    joisemanuel
    www.tulunadepapel.com

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.

This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Latest Stories

View all

Soft baby doll seated on rug with teddy bear, bottle, mini paper book and pacifier next to a TOTY award Finalist seal on right side.

Vote for Love, Stella!

Our Love, Stella Sleepy Time Peach Set has been nominated as a finalist in the Doll category for this year’s Toy Of The Year awards (TOTYs). Help us win! Cast your vote today to make our Love, Stella Sleepy Time set the 2026 Doll of the Year or People's Choice winner.

Read more

Mom and preschool age son kneeling on the floor in a living room playing a mini corn hole game.

5 Simple Steps to Strengthening Parent-Child Bonds

A Simple Yet Powerful Way to Strengthen Parent-Child Bonds Learn the 5 steps to the “Special Time” technique to deepen your child/parent connection. By: Dr. Joy A. Lauerer DNP, APRN, PMHCNS-BC Have you heard of the "Special Time" technique? As...

Read more

Toddler age girl seated in a gray child-sized chair holding a pretend food bowl and spoon, pretending to feed her soft doll that is also seated in the chair wearing a fabric bib.

The Importance of Doll Playtime in Early Childhood

Why is doll play so important for a child’s development? The benefits of solo doll play extend beyond emotional growth; it has a profound impact on both cognitive and social development. Learn more about the benefits of doll play from Dr. Joy A. Lauerer - one of our resident early childhood development experts. 

Read more

Spreading the “LOVE” of Stella Soft Dolls

Read more

17 Style Upgrades to Transform your Kids’ Room

17 Style Upgrades to Transform your Kids’ Room

colorful dinosaur plush seated on bed.

Here are 17 simple ways to upgrade your kid's room without breaking the budget. Check out these budget-friendly tips to transform and refresh your kid's space.

Read more

Organizing Your Playroom

Organizing Your Playroom

Organizing can be a challenge, especially when kids are involved. Here are some tips to make organizing your kids play space easy, stress free and even FUN!

Read more