The Care Bears Return on The Hub in Care Bears: Welcome to Care-a-Lot

While there are all sorts of new children's television and movie characters that have been introduced since my own childhood, I always get a big kick out of seeing the classics return.

After all, how can I not be excited to see the revival of the greats like Strawberry Shortcake, Rainbow Brite or Cabbage Patch Dolls? Not only were they instrumental in my memories (as well as those of countless other children of the 80's), but I also appreciate knowing that they are a wholesome entertainment option for my own kids.

Which is exactly why when I heard that the beloved Care Bears were making a comeback, that I couldn't wait to introduce my girls to their cute, fuzzy goodness.

After premiering on The Hub TV Network, a television network for kids and their families, on June 2nd, we were excited to continue the fun of Care Bears: Welcome to Care-a-Lot in our house. My kids love that Care-a-Lot is a whimsical world where the Care Bears help children navigate their feelings through music, love, belly-badge powers and great big Care Bear hugs... and I'm happy knowing that the adoration for these loving characters has continued for another generation!

When it came time to take my kids (and a few of their friends) on an adventure through the high-above-Earth home of the Care Bears, it was immediately clear that the girls thought these colorful bears were the coolest, most caring-est, magical friends around.

From the wise, grandfatherly Tenderheart Bear to the nurturing, generous Share Bear to the silly, sweet Wonderheart Bear, we had a great time bringing the magical world of the Care Bears alive right in our living room.

The kids couldn't get enough of the games, coloring sheets and crayons...

...and of course the snacks and drinks were a hit. Along with serving our Funshine Bear's Fun-Shaped Grilled Cheese Sandwiches and Harmony Bear's Fruit Sticks, the Cheer Bear's Rainbow Cheer Punch was a definite favorite. It's a winner with kids (and adults)!

Cheer Bear's Rainbow Cheer Punch

Ingredients

1 (2 liter) bottle 7-UP
4 cups white grape juice
2 cups white cranberry juice
2 cups club soda
Ice cube trays and water
Food coloring in red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple

Instructions

1. Add one drop of food coloring to a 2 up measuring pitcher filled with water and stir. Add more food coloring to achieve desired color. Pour colored water into ice cube tray and freeze.
2. Pour colored water into ice cube tray and freeze.
3. Repeat with each color of the rainbow.
4. In a punch bowl mix 7-UP, white grape juice, cranberry juice and club soda.
5. Serve immediately in clear cups filled with rainbow ice cubes.

Following in the fun of the food, we played a few games that brought laughter and smiles - especially a rousing game of Musical Clouds (played like musical chairs but with pillows). And while our Belly Badge Factory started out innocently enough, leave it to my kids to turn the creation of unique belly badges out of cardstock into a gigglegest when they put down the paper and went for the Gelarti stickers.

When it comes to celebrating the 30th anniversary of some of the world's most endearing characters, don't miss all of the Care Bears fun every Saturday morning at 8am on The Hub TV Network. The show has received a slightly modernized makeover, but is just as adorable as it was decades ago and the messages are just as important.

Whenever I find a show that receives Mom's seal of approval while also demanding my kids' undivided attention, I know it's a winner. If you have bear-loving children in your life, they're sure to be enamored with Care Bears: Welcome to Care-a-Lot as well. Find out more on The Hub and check your local listings for showtimes.

(Other than the Care Bears Party Kit I was provided by The Hub TV Network and MomSelect, I was not compensated or enticed to do this review in any way. This review is solely my honest opinion of this show.)