Cole Watson

1 week ago | kidscreen.com | Cole Watson

A new study published today by Mattel’s Global Consumer Insights team has revealed that 37% of kids and families aren’t playing enough in their daily lives because they feel too busy (51%), too lonely (38%) or too unsafe (34%) to dedicate time to play-driven activities or hobbies.

1 week ago | kidscreen.com | Cole Watson

Jakks Pacific’s Disguise division has expanded its existing PAW Patrol costume license with Paramount Consumer Products to include both the core TV series and. Disguise will roll out a refreshed costume line for the brand to retailers across North America in time for Halloween this year, followed in 2026 by an all-new collection inspired by the franchise’s next CG-animated family feature.

1 week ago | kidscreen.com | Cole Watson

Licensing International has now unveiled its full list of finalists for 2025’s Global Excellence Awards, which will be presented live at Luxor’s Hyper X Arena in Las Vegas on May 19. More than 800 entries were submitted this year across 32 categories, and they’ve now been whittled down to 209 finalists by a panel of 200 judges and industry experts.

2 weeks ago | kidscreen.com | Cole Watson

Denmark’s LEGO House attraction is developing a new experience for kids & families inspired by the live-action LEGO Masters TV series. LEGO Masters Academy will open in September, letting visitors explore new brick-building techniques or hone their existing skills in hosted sessions. There are four progressive levels for builders of all ages to engage in, starting from family fun and foundational, to advanced and mastery courses.

2 weeks ago | kidscreen.com | Cole Watson

The UK government has greenlit Universal Destinations & Experiences’ proposal to start constructing its first-ever European theme park in Bedfordshire, England next year. Occupying a former brickworks factory site, this new park will span 476 acres after the five-year build is complete, creating an additional 28,000 construction and tourism jobs before its gates even open to the public in 2031.