There’s nothing worse than a 3-year-old’s tantrum, except maybe a mommy meltdown.
Give yourself a timeout by equipping your wee one with a Tickly Octopus DIY T-shirt kit.
Local interior designer Glendy Tseng’s charming project features felt animals and adornments (clouds, trees, grass, flowers) that press right onto the included organic tee (think fabric Colorforms). Each cutout is backed with easy-peel wax paper tabs and adhesive that melts in the clothes dryer.
Simply place a kit in front of your kiddo and step back while he settles in — first imagining and arranging a scene, and then peeling, sticking, and sealing it in the dryer.
The result? A colorful tee that’s as well-composed as you are.
Available at Cherish, 115 Clement Street, between 2nd and 3rd Avenues (415-379-7300 or shopcherish.com); Mabuhay, 1195 Church Street, at 24th Street (415-970-0369 or mabuhaykids.com); online at ticklyoctopus.com, $24.
PLAY
Geometry Playground Opens
What: A new, much-anticipated exhibition with mathematically based, climbable play structures.
Why: It’ll reshape their outlook.
When: Thru Sept. 6. Tues.-Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Exploratorium, 3601 Lyon St., in the Palace of Fine Arts (415-397-5673).
GO
Marin County Fair
What: A celebratory sprawl of carnival rides, animals, cooking demos, and nightly fireworks, with performances from The Wailers, the Kenya Safari Acrobats, and others.
Why: You can’t go wrong.
When: Thurs.-Mon., 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
Where: Marin Civic Center, 10 Ave. of the Flags, near Civic Center Dr., San Rafael. Adults, $15; children 4-12, $13; under 4, free; parking, $6.
REGISTER
Children’s Choice Summer Camps: Pasta from Scratch
What: Fans of mac ’n’ cheese (ages 6 and up) learn the fundamentals of pasta-making with chef Chrissy.
Why: The mess extrudes in someone else’s kitchen.
When: Register now online at choicelunch.com for camp July 6-9, 10 a.m.-noon.
Where: Children’s Choice, 569 San Ramon Valley Blvd., b/t Estates Dr. & Town and Country Dr., Danville. Cost is $200.
Photo: Courtesy of Tickly Octopus
