New contests for kids

If your kids are looking for something intriguing to do now that school’s out, set them loose on these three contests. They can have fun being creative and might even win a prize.

 — Luden’s invites kids to come up with a 30- to 60-second jingle for the company’s throat lozenges, using the theme “Surprisingly Soothing. Simply Delicious.” The grand prize winner with have the jingle featured on ludens.com and will win $2,500 and a year’s supply of Luden’s projects. Enter by June 29 by following the directions at ludens.com/contest. Ten finalists will be selected for a final “People’s Choice” vote from July 23 - Aug. 17.

 — Burger King invites children ages 6 to 12 to design their own iconic Burger King crown; visit BKCrown.com. The winner gets a paid vacation for four to Legoland Park, and will be the national face of the Burger King crown kid’s meal. Entries accepted through Sept. 3; then one finalist from each state will be added to an online photo gallery. Burger King will narrow the field to a final four, and then the public will vote for a winner from Oct. 1 to 12. The final winner will be announced in December.

 — K’NEXpert search competition invites kids from 5 to 12 to design creative, original models made entirely from K’NEX parts. Three winners — from age groups 5 to 6, 7 to 8 and 9 to 12 will win $5,000 each and a trip for three to the K’NEX headquarters near Philadelphia. Entries will be judged on creativity, uniqueness and detail. Enter by Sept. 4; entry forms and information at Knex.com. Submissions must include a photo of the creation and a one-minute video or one-page summary of the project. The photo here is of one of last year's winners in the 9 to 12 year old category; she created a K'NEX ball gown.