Looking for a family outing that mixes fun, education, and the simple joys of farm life? Oregon’s Mt. Hood Territory is the place to go.
Spanning lush landscapes and rolling hills, this picturesque region is home to some of the most enchanting and family-friendly farms. With offerings you won’t find elsewhere, these local homesteads provide immersive, hands-on experiences that both kids and adults will treasure.
Imagine feeding an ostrich, meeting a tree-climbing goat, or learning how to milk a cow—which are just a few of the unmatched adventures awaiting your family in Oregon’s Mt. Hood Territory.
So, pack your bags, grab the little ones, and get ready for our six favorite farms for kids.
Frog Pond Farm
Spanning five acres of farmland, Frog Pond Farm has no shortage of fun, educational, and hands-on experiences for kids. With over 60 animals, including exotic species like camels and emus, children can get up close and personal with creatures from around the world—and even feed them if they’re feeling brave (a kid favorite!).
The farm also recently debuted a brand new play structure with five slides and a mini climbing that’ll burn off some toddler energy. During the summer, families can partake in 15 fun yard games, from cornhole to tetherball.
$12 for kids two and up, 2995 S.W. Advance Rd., Wilsonville, thefrogpondfarm.com
Triskelee Farm
Get your phones ready to record because at Triskelee Farm you and your crew can experience the thrill of feeding an ostrich—how many people can say they’ve been able to do that in their lifetime? If you thought that was impressive, the farm also touts encounters with other majestic animals like alpacas and peacocks, along with adorable sheep and goats, to name a few.
For a learning experience that’ll introduce little ones to agriculture and animal care, book a private, guided farm tour and discover how Triskelee’s farmers raise their furry pals, or schedule a meet-and-greet with mama goats and their little kids for a fun and memorable tour. Be sure to keep an eye out for seasonal events and concerts, and Saturday “sip and shop” markets for more seasonal splendor.
Starting at $15, 29700 S.W. Mountain Rd., West Linn, triskeleefarm.com
Fir Point Farms
A truly immersive farm experience, Fir Point Farms makes it easy and comfortable for families to put in a day’s worth of fun. Start your day off with a meal that’s as local as it gets with homemade breakfast pastries or a hearty lunch (like fresh wraps, sandwiches, and grilled paninis) sourced right from the farm’s own bakery and market. Little ones will also love the old-fashioned candy, Amish country popcorn, and cinnamon buns that they can take on the ride home.
Don’t miss the tree-climbing goats and miniature horses, which are sure to be a hit with the kids. Plus, the chance to feed the animals directly adds even more of a personal touch to your visit.
Cheese and ice cream lovers rejoice because TMK Creamery + Distillery is going to take you on a gastronomic adventure. Known for its award-winning, artisan cheese, this family-owned dairy farm blends education and delight with free, self-guided tours. You and your kiddos will not only get a behind-the-scenes look at how popular dairy products are made, but you can even milk or feed a “Cowlebrity” (a.k.a. the farm’s beloved cattle).
And what’s a stop at TMK without noshing on grilled cheese and deep-fried cheddar curds at the food truck or fresh soft-serve ice cream? Parents, you’ll want to try the famous “Cowcohol,” which is a special drink that turns whey into vodka.
Need a break from the hustle and bustle? Head to Out in the Garden Nursery for a peaceful picnic that offers a view of towering Heritage Oaks and a plethora of demonstration gardens. Gardening enthusiasts will fall for the variety of shade plants and flowers (that would make a nice addition to your garden at home), while the friendly goats and other farm animals provide a gentle, interactive experience for children.
The welcoming atmosphere, combined with the opportunity to learn about and interact with nature, makes Out in the Garden Nursery a cherished destination for families seeking a peaceful day out in Oregon’s countryside.
Highland Farms is your family’s ticket to a weekend getaway like no other. Dive deep into the magic of farm life with morning and evening tours to meet the adorable San Clemente goats, Mangalitsa pigs, Icelandic sheep, white peacocks, African grey geese, and Highland cows.
Extend your stay with spacious cottages that are fully loaded with four bedrooms, a kitchen, and outdoor BBQs to keep the whole clan happy. Each day savor the simple pleasures of country living with breathtaking views of the surrounding forest (right from the outdoor deck!) and explore the farm at your leisure. Highland Farms is the perfect place to reconnect with nature, create lasting memories, and experience the magic of farm life firsthand
Ready to embark on a farm adventure this spring? Plan your trip to Oregon’s Mt. Hood Territory and explore these family-friendly farms and more! Visit mthoodterritory.com to start planning your trip today.
This may be true every year, but this time, we mean it: 2024 is THE year of the sequel. It appears nearly every film-favorite character—from Michael Keaton’s nostalgic bio-exorcist to Jack Black’s kung fu-fighting panda, to Disney’s Kings of the Pride Lands—is furthering their storyline on the big screen. No bother to us, though—we are here for it!
Ahead, we break down the new family movies in 2024 that you and your littles can enjoy together. They start early next year and continue through the ball drop, so no matter when the kids utter those dreaded two words, “We’re bored,” there’s a family-friendly title just waiting to whisk them away to another time and place. Plus, we all know there’s nothing a bucket of buttered popcorn and a great story can’t resolve.
"Kung Fu Panda 4"
Universal Studios
Everyone's favorite kung fu master panda, Po, returns to the screen after nearly a decade for another adventure—this time with a clever corsac fox as his sidekick. On the cusp of becoming the Spiritual Leader of the Valley of Peace, Po must train someone to take his place as the Dragon Warrior, priming the two floofs for a knockout action comedy the whole family will love.
Starring: Jack Black, Awkwafina, Viola Davis, Dustin Hoffman, James Hong, Bryan Cranston, Ian McShane and Ke Huy Quan
Rated: PG
Theatrical release: March 8, 2024
"Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire"
Sony Pictures
Fans of The Real Ghostbusters animated series are in for a treat with the latest installment of the Ghostbusters franchise. According to one of its stars, Kumail Nanjiani, the action comedy will play out like a feature-length episode of the cartoon. The gist? It's summertime, but a massive cold spell is threatening another Ice Age. So, who they gonna call? You got it.
Starring: Carrie Coon, Mckenna Grace, Annie Potts, Paul Rudd, Bill Murray, Celeste O'Conner, Dan Aykroyd, Finn Wolfhard, Kumail Nanjiani
Rated: PG-13
Theatrical release: March 29, 2024
"The Ark and the Aardvark"
Unified Pictures
A silly animated affair with a religious bent, The Ark and the Aardvark follows the dictionary's leading animal on a quest to get a ragtag group of mammals onto an ark. His name is Gilbert, and he's an outcast among the animal kingdom, but his reluctant mission to save his buddies from impending doom leads the ant-eating cutie to believe in himself and the power of one.
Starring: Aubrey Plaza, Miles Teller, Jenny Slate, Rob Riggle, Craig Robinson, Stephen Merchant, and Charlie Tom
Meet Thabo, an 11-year-old Sherlock Holmes who calls a peaceful savannah in an African village home. Though he loves sharing the grassy reserve with elephants, giraffes, and rhinos, he's thirsting for a really good mystery to solve. One day, when he spots a rhino that was killed for its horn, he gets his wish. A beautiful way to introduce little ones to heavy issues including animal rights and poaching, Thabo is a thoughtful and fun new kids' movie the whole family will love.
Starring: Litlhohonolofatso Litlhakayane, Ava Skuratowski, Kumkani Pilonti, Nissi Bodibe, Vitihari Sibisi, Andrea Sawatzki, and Kenneth Nkosi
Rated: PG
Theatrical release: May 3, 2024
"IF"
Paramount Pictures
Hey, moms, remember Drop Dead Fred? Think of this new kids' movie as its cuter, more ingenious modern offering for your kids. The title of this new family movie is an acronym that stands for Imaginary Friends, and it's the latest from writer/director/The Office alum John Krasinski. About a dad and daughter who discover a world of pretend playmates left behind by their grown-up companions, this family movie coming in 2024 is a wealth of talent wrapped into a brilliant family-friendly fantasy.
Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Cailey Fleming, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, Awkwafina, Steve Carell, Maya Rudolph
Rated: TBD
Theatrical release: May 17, 2024
"The Garfield Movie"
Columbia Pictures
The Garfield canon is bursting at the seams with specials, remakes, and reboots, but the latest in the fat-cat anthology takes a new approach, providing origin stories for both how toon town's OG orange feline met his hooman, John Arbuckle, and who his father is, a gray cool cat named Vic. Of course, you don't have to be a cat person to enjoy this animated addition—just a fan of whimsical charm and hilarious hijinks.
Starring: Chris Pratt, Samuel L. Jackson, Hannah Waddingham, Nicholas Hoult, Cecily Strong, Brett Goldstein, and Bowen Yang
Spanish director Pablo Berger's Robot Dreams was a surprise nominee at this year's Oscars. It lost the best-animated film award to The Boy and the Heron, but that doesn't make it any less magical. About a city pup who orders a companion robot to stave off loneliness, the '80s-set musical has little dialogue but oodles of charm. It's one of those viewing experiences that will entertain all the eyeballs in the room, but go a step further with the adults and have them crying buckets.
Starring: Ivan Labanda, Albert Trifol Segarra, Rafa Calvo, Jose Garcia Tos, Jose Luis Mediavilla, Graciela Molina, and Esther Solans
Rated: NR
Theatrical release: May 31, 2024
"Inside Out 2"
Pixar Studios
Pixar rarely misses, and the studio's original Inside Out managed to leave all the uppity Cannes Film Festival buffs in fits of tears. Now that's an accomplishment! With the second iteration, protag Riley has entered teen-dom, and Joy, the bright-eyed leader of her inner spectrum of feels, faces a new era, as a demolition team makes room in their headquarters for new, more complex emotions—like the dreaded anxiety. Oh, and Riley is barreling toward puberty.
Starring: Amy Poehler, Phyllis Smith, Tony Hale, Liza Lapira, Maya Hawke, and Lewis Black
Rated: PG
Theatrical release: June 14, 2024
"Despicable Me 4"
Illumination Studios
Gru and his adorable family are back for another vibrant animated escapade on the big screen. Though the fourth film's premise remains locked behind tight lips at the moment, you can almost definitely expect the introduction of a new super-villain, plenty of Minions mockery, and a world-saving toon-venture that only Gru and his kiddos can take care of.
Starring: Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Miranda Cosgrove, Steve Coogan, and Pierre Coffin
The children's picture book, on which this new family movie coming to theaters in 2024 is based, was published in 1955. Written and illustrated by Crockett Johnson, it's a wonderfully magical story about a little boy who goes on a nightlong odyssey through the woods, over the sea, and past dragons—all imagined with his singular purple coloring stick. Here's hoping the newest adaptation is just as imaginative.
Starring: Zachary Levi, Zooey Deschanel, Lil Rel Howery, Camille Guaty, Tanya Reynolds, Ravi Patel, and Caleb Black
Rated: PG
Theatrical release: August 2, 2024
"Beetlejuice Beetlejuice"
Plan B Entertainment
It's finally showtime! After years of rewrites and delays caused by the pandemic and writers' strikes, the sequel to Tim Burton's 1989 hit afterlife comedy is just months away from possessing the big screen. And a lot has changed: Beetlejuice is now married, Lydia has a daughter, and there's a new detective in the Netherworld—one who might be able to tell us more about how the freelance bio-exorcist bit the big one.
Starring: Catherine O'Hara, Jenna Ortega, Monica Bellucci, Winona Ryder, Michael Keaton, Willem Dafoe, Justin Theroux, and Juliana Yazbeck
Based on Peter Brown's award-winning children's book, The Wild Robot tells the story of Roz, an intelligent hunk of metal plopped into the great outdoors where only Mother Nature's creatures dwell. Unsure of why she's there, Roz learns to adapt and wins over the animals' friendship, until her past threatens to destroy everything. A comment on the intersection of nature, technology, and acceptance, this is just the first tale in a series of three. So we may expect sequels in the future.
Starring: Lupita Nyong'o, Pedro Pascal, Catherine O'Hara, Bill Nighy, Stephanie Hsu, Kit Connor, Alexandra Novelle, Ving Rhames, Mark Hamill, and Matt Berry
The lovable, marmalade-crazed bear whose iconic blue duffle coat, impeccable manners, and twee English accent win over hearts every time he makes an appearance is getting another chapter in his self-titled film franchise. Always rife with adventure, the Paddington movies are as charming as they are fun to look at, and this Brown family addition is no different, as the P-bear and his humans head to his native Peru to visit his Aunt Lucy, unaware of the mystery that awaits them.
Starring: Olivia Colman, Antonio Banderas, Imelda Staunton, Jim Broadbent, Emily Mortimer, Ben Whishaw, Julie Walters, and Hugh Bonneville
An adaptation of the 1972 best-selling family book by Barbara Robinson, this humorous holiday film is sure to bring the necessary cheer and laughter this next season. It's about the Herdman siblings, a group of misbehaving misfits who take over their church's annual pageant and, to everyone's surprise, deliver a show about the true meaning of Christmas. This is one kids' movie coming out that we're especially excited to see.
Starring: Lauren Graham, Judy Greer, Elizabeth Tabish, Pete Holmes, Stephanie Sy, Lorelei Olivia Mote, Molly Belle Wright, and Matthew Lamb
Rated: TBD
Theatrical release: November 15, 2024
"Red One"
Every year, Christmas comes under attack. And every year, its saving is hoisted upon someone's shoulders. This year, that job falls to two someones: an E.L.F. (Extremely Large and Formidable) operative and an expert tracker. Their goal: to find Santa and rescue him from the clutches of a villain with no holiday spirit. According to Dwayne Johnson, who stars as the E.L.F. op, you can expect an action comedy that's a mix of Jumanji, Miracle on 34th Street, and It's a Wonderful Life.
Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Chris Evans, Kristofer Hivju, Kiernan Shipka, J.K. Simmons, Bonnie Hunt, Mary Elizabeth Ellis, Nick Kroll, and Gabriel Rodriguez
When news that Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande were starring as Elphaba and Glinda in the movie version of the award-winning Broadway play Wicked, mics dropped the world over. Thankfully, we don't have long to wait to see what these tonsil powerhouses can do with the musical that spills the details about how two friends became adversaries in the Land of Oz. The tale will be stretched over two parts, with the first movie coming to theaters in late 2024.
Starring: Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey, Michelle Yeoh, Marissa Bode, Ethan Slater, Jeff Goldblum, and Bowen Yang.
Rated: TBD
Theatrical release: November 27, 2024
"Moana 2"
Walt Disney Studios
Your favorite seafaring voyager is back. This time her wayfaring ancestors are sending her even further from the shore. Namely, Oceania, where the waters are perilous and the adventure is action-packed. Those are about the only plot details we have so far, but don't worry, November will be here before we know it and we'll all be bopping along to tunes sung by Auli'i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson, both of whom are reprising their roles as Moana and the demigod Maui, respectively.
Starring: Auli'i Cravalho, Dwayne Johnson, and Alan Tudyk, with more to be announced soon.
Rated: TBD
Theatrical release: November 27, 2024
"The Untitled Karate Kid Movie"
In 2010, producers resurrected the beloved, butt-kicking '80s franchise with a modern retelling of a fish out of water who embraces the teachings of a kung fu master. Fourteen years later, the dōjō is again open for big-screen business. Fans of the martial artsfranchise are probably familiar with Netflix's Cobra Kai, which has continued the Karate Kid-verse with aplomb, so it will be interesting to see how the new movie ties into those events—if at all.
Starring: Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan, Ming-Na Wen, Joshua Jackson, Sadie Stanley, and Ben Wang
Rated: TBD
Theatrical release: December 13, 2024
"Sonic the Hedgehog 3"
Paramount Pictures
He's blue, he's fast, he's full of one-liners as quick-witted as his feet, and he's back for another blazing romp. In this new family movie for 2024, Sega's iconic hero, along with his pals Tails and Knuckles, embarks on an adventure that picks up where the second film left off. Word is conflict will come in the form of Shadow the Hedgehog, who appeared in the last movie's mid-credits stinger.
Starring: Ben Schwartz, Idris Elba, Colleen O'Shaughnessey, Cristo Fernández, Tika Sumpter, Tom Butler, James Marsden, Alyla Browne, and Jim Carrey
The story of Mufasa picks up after the events of the original, with Simba parenting a cub of his own. It also serves as a prequel, as it looks back on the legend of Mufasa, the original king of the Pride Lands. Another of Disney's live-action films, this one will also be styled with photorealistic, computer-generated animals, like the 2019 version starring the voice of Beyoncé. Fingers crossed Queen Bey is on the marquee for this soon-to-be hit, too.
Starring: Seth Rogen, Billy Eichner, Aaron Pierre, Kelvin Harrison Jr., and John Kani, with more to come.
If you’ve ever asked your kids “How was your day?” and received what sounds like a grunt or the ever-popular “OK,” you’re not alone. Instead of letting family chats fall to the wayside, consider using conversation starters for kids during your next family dinner. Sure, gathering everyone for a meal might seem impossible, but it’s more important than ever; studies have shown that families that eat together often have healthier diets, increased communication, and overall emotional stability.
And, engaging your kids in conversation has other huge benefits. It helps them learn important social skills, boosts vocabulary, raises self-esteem (especially when you listen to their responses), and could lead to them opening up about things that might be bothering them. So, if you’ve come this far, congrats! The next step? Figuring out what to talk about at the table. That’s where our fun conversation starters for kids come in handy.
How to Use Conversation Starters
Time your questions.
If your kid is hungry, tired, or both, it might not be the best time to engage in elaborate table talk. Use conversation starters with kids when you aren’t rushing to get to practice, there isn’t homework to be finished, and everyone is in a good mood.
Listen to their answers.
So, their curiosity is piqued, and they’re thinking hard about what to say. You need to be present in the moment and listen. Kids’ self-esteem gets a boost when they know their parents are listening.
Don’t forget to ask open-ended questions.
Consider using conversation starters for kids that require more than yes or no answers. If kids (or anyone) have a chance to elaborate on their answers, that can open the door to more interesting conversations.
47 Conversation Starters for Kids
1. Can you guess the ingredients in the meal tonight?
2. What do you like better: waking up in the morning or going to bed at night?
3. Would you rather be a giant rodent or a tiny elephant?
4. What would you do if you had a million dollars?
5. If you had to eat a worm, how would you cook it?
6. What is a weird habit that you have?
7. If you had this week to do over again, what would you do differently?
8. Would you rather go without television or junk food for the rest of your life?
9. If a genie granted you three wishes, what would they be?
10. If money were no object, where would you like to go on vacation?
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11. Where is the most interesting place you have ever been to?
12. Would you rather swim with stingrays or explore the jungle?
13. If you could make any vegetable against the law, which would it be?
14. Would you rather not hear or not see?
15. Would you rather wrestle a lion or fight a shark?
16. If you were sent to live on a space station for three months and were only allowed to bring three personal items, what would they be?
17. If you had your human body but the head of an animal, what animal would you pick?
18. What is one favorite thing you do by yourself?
19. If you could read one person’s mind, whose would it be?
20. What two things do you consider yourself to be very good at?
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21. Do you believe in extraterrestrials or life on other planets?
22. What is your favorite smell? What memory does it remind you of?
23. What is the weirdest thing you have ever eaten?
24. If you could be one character from a book for a day, who would it be and why?
25. What's the last thing that made you laugh?
26. Tell me about something that made you happy today.
27. What does a perfect day look like to you?
28. If you could have any animal for a pet, what would it be?
29. If you could be in the movie of your choice, what movie would you choose and what character would you play?
30. Would you rather wear your pants backward or shoes on the wrong feet?
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31. What did you do to help someone else today?
32. What makes our family special?
33. What three words would you use to describe yourself?
34. What is your favorite song?
35. Would you rather be able to talk to animals or know how to speak every language?
36. If you could be a sound, what would it be?
37. If you could eat one food for the rest of your life, what would you pick?
38. Who is your favorite movie character?
39. If you had to make dinner tomorrow night, what would you make?
40. If you were a parent, what rules would you have? Are they different from ours?
41. What is your earliest memory?
42. If you could only have three toys, which three would they be?
43. If you could pick your name, what would it be?
It’s so easy to get into a routine with our fuzzy family members. Especially between kids and work and everything else, we get really used to the same products and supplies we always use for our pets. But stick with us. There are so many cool pet products out there that we weren’t even areare of. So get cuddled up with your sweet companion and get ready to spoil them. Check out our cool pet products picks below!
Basepaws At-Home Pet Health Tests
Basepaws
We'd love it if our pets could tell us exactly how they're feeling all the time, but since they can't, Basepaws developed their at-home pet health tests to give us the low down on our pets' health. Each test includes personalized insights into your dog or cat, including disease detection and genetic predisposition. Pick the best test for them, swab, and receive your pet's full health report.
Dog Bark Deterrent Device Alternative to Shock Collars
NPS
Amazon is calling this one a game-changer, and in our experience, it is. This hand-held device combines auto shut-off hearing safety with an ultrasonic dog whistle (they're the only ones who can hear it!) to stop barking, digging, jumping, and more. According to NPS, it's more effective than traditional dog whistles or clickers, and it's designed to shut off before it can damage their ears. No more yelling? We're in.
This scratcher/lounge combo is perfect for kitties who can't keep their claws out of your furniture. Made from sturdy corrugated cardboard and designed in a cool reversible infinity shape, it lasts longer than traditional cat scratchers, too!
Okay, we know that you probably already know about pet fountains. But this one has a full 95oz capacity perfect for multi-pet households! It filters their drinking water, has 2 flow designs, and lets you see how much they drink in real-time through the LED-lit window.
Whether you're working to slow down your dog's rapid eating or just want to give them something fun to do using treats or kibble, this adorable snuffle mat will have them digging and sniffing and not chewing your shoes, all at the same time.
Deeply committed to both your cat and your living room design? This circular cat tree not only looks like art, but it's easy to clean, comes in several finishes, and even offers free customization. It's 100% handmade, too!
Pet parents rave about the Diggs Revol Crate. Not only does it look good in any room, it’s incredibly easy to set up, has wheels for transport, can be collapsed in no time, and comes in multiple colors (and additional accessories!). Turns out, not all dog crates are created equal.
Keep 'Em Out/In Clear Decorative Divider by Jennifer Fisher
CB2
This acrylic divider has to be one of the chicest pet 'gates' we've ever come across! Just adjust once to the desired width and you're all set. Shiny metallic feet and connecting hardware are both functional and pretty.
Celeb dog-lover Kaley Cuoco created Oh Norman! eco-friendly and ethically-sourced dog products inspired by the pup who changed her life. A portion of all sales goes to dog rescue organizations and initiatives, so we'll take one of everything. WTF Soft Treats (Wholesome, Tasty, & Fresh) are a pumpkin slice treat that we're tempted to try, ourselves (we won't, but we're tempted).
This app-enabled pet door allows you to control exit and entry, set schedules, get notifications, and remotely control it from anywhere! The SmartDoor comes with a Pet Door Key that attaches to your pet’s existing collar, giving them exclusive access through the door. Pets and other animals who don't have a Pet Door Key are kept out. Talk about serious peace of mind.
Dog boots aren't just cute; they help protect their sensitive pads from the elements and rough terrain. These are available in multiple colors and sizes.
Perfect for cats that prefer to sleep in garages, porches, barns, or even in colder parts of the house providing a nice cat cave with a cat warming pad inside.
This treat puzzle is multiple toys in one! With 14 storage compartments, your doggy can flip and slide the pieces around to keep them entertained and improve their brain power.
This wheel takes cat exercise seriously. Picture a kitty hampster wheel with no splinters, minimum gaps to prevent pinches, and a quiet design (so you won't be woken up at 2am to cat cardio). There are several colors available, too.
All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.
If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.
Getting to your destination can be part of the adventure when you have this handy list of car games in your back pocket
If you’re heading out on a road trip soon and want to ensure that the trip will be spent making memories with the kids (screen-free fun in the car is possible!), then we’ve got a list of car games just for you. To make your journey as enjoyable as possible, you’ll want to print out this list of easy games to play in the car. They don’t require any special gear, there are no pieces to lose, and they’re actually fun for parents and kids alike. Be sure to check out our list of road trip hacks that’ll make the drive even easier. Win, win, win!
1. The Alphabet Game: Find all the letters of the alphabet on things you pass along the highway. Variation: limit your finds to license plates or road signs to make it harder.
2. I Spy: This road trip classic has players starting with a vague clue like, “I spy something that moves” and the other players guessing from there. Only yes or no questions are allowed. Tip: put a limit to the number of questions so the rounds don’t go on for eternity.
4. Fortunately/Unfortunately: This story-creation car game for kids starts with a sentence like, “Mom came home with a chocolate cake.” The next person has to continue the story with fortunately like, “Fortunately, it had sprinkles on it.” Turn passes to the next person who uses unfortunately like, “Unfortunately, they were made of wax.” Hilarity ensues.
5. Story Volley: A similar game is story volley where you take turns creating a story back and forth between two (or more) players. This one can go on forever!
6. Open-ended Questions: Learn a little more about your car companions with this game where you can ask any question you like. Good ones to start with: What’s your favorite animal? What superpower do you wish you had? What TV character are you most like?
7. Alphabet Game (Version 2): The flow of this game is to use this phrase, “My name is ______ and I’m married to _______. We live in ______ and are shopping for ________.” All words have to start with the letter you are on like, “My name is Amy and I’m married to Al. We live in Arkansas and are shopping for apples.” Then you move on to B.
8. Letter, Word, or Sentence Guessing Game: For back seat players only, you have one kid draw a letter, word, or sentence (depending on age) on the other player’s back. Try to guess what was drawn.
9. License Plate Bingo: Using a little notebook to keep track, try and find all the state license plates. This game can carry over from road trip to road trip as who has ever seen a Hawaii plate outside of Hawaii? Parents should be ready to verify any rare sightings (to prevent cheating).
10. 20 Questions: This game has you thinking of an item while your opponent has to guess what it is. Limit your questions to 20 so you don’t go totally insane. This game knows how it is to travel with kids, clearly. For little kids, you can limit it even further to a category like animals.
11. The Name Game: Good for teens and tweens, this game has you name a celebrity like Oprah Winfrey and the next person has to take the first letter of that celebrity’s last name to start their turn and name another celebrity like Will Smith.
12. Hot Sauce or Chocolate: A variation on this or that, this game has you choose which item between two that you’d rather give up. Start with hot sauce or chocolate, choose one (clearly chocolate is the one to keep) and the next person has to add another to the pair like peanut butter so now you’re choosing between chocolate and peanut butter.
13. The Vacation Memory Game: This is a fun car game for kids! The first person starts with, “I’m going on a vacation and I’m going to bring . . . ” and then they choose an item like sunscreen. The second person starts, “I’m going on a vacation and I’m going to bring sunscreen and . . .” and chooses a second item like beach towels. The game continues until someone messes up the order and forgets an item. You can make it trickier by going in alphabetical order.
14. Count the Item: Choose an item like an American flag, tractor, or Starbucks sign and see how many your crew can find while on your journey.
15. Yes-No-Black-White: In this car game for kids, one player is the questioner and one the answerer. The questioner asks a question, trying to get the answerer to say the words “yes, no, black or white.” The answerer needs to answer verbally and truthfully, without using the forbidden words.
16. The Animal Name Game: The first player picks an animal like a squirrel. The second player has to pick an animal that starts with the last letter of the prior animal, like “lion.” And on and on!
17. Skittles: In this game, you are looking for the holy grail: the yellow vehicle. See one and yell, “Skittles!” and get one point. You may have to set your own rules about whether yellow farm equipment and buses count or should be excluded (as a fleet of school buses could cause an early end to your gameplay).
18. Cheers to the Governor (the kid version): This is a collaborative memory game you can play in the car to get to a certain number. So, if your goal is to get to 21, you start by counting one by one in order. You start with one rule, usually that 7 and 11 are switched (instead of saying 7 the person who is supposed to say 7 will say 11, and the person who should say 11 will say 7). If you make it through all the numbers, someone makes up a new rule (clap twice instead of saying three, make an animal noise instead of 15), and start counting back at 1 with the new rule. If someone misses a rule, you start back at one. The goal is to get to the point where all of the numbers are replaced with rules.
19. State Capitals: Good for all you geography fans, get the kids to list the state capitals. You can do it in alphabetical order or quiz style.
20. Cows and Graveyards: You get a point for every cow you spot on your side of the car. Spot a graveyard and lose all points.
21. Name That Tune: Play a snippet of a song from the radio and try and guess the song and artist.
22. Restaurant Race: Each player gets a restaurant like McDonalds, Taco Bell, or Burger King and players count how many of their restaurants they can find along the way.
23. Rock-Paper-Scissors: This is a classic hand game that’s a perfect game to play in the car. Two players shoot rock (fist), paper (flat hand), or scissors (the peace sign) on the count of 1,2,3… shoot! Paper beats rock, rock beats scissors, and scissors beats paper. Try the best of three, or just keep playing down the road.
Our All-Time Favorite Games to Play in the Car
24. Off Limits: In this game, you choose words or phrases that are “off limits” like family member’s names, “hungry” or “are we there yet?” (Brilliant!)
25. The Quiet Game: The player who is quiet the longest wins! Save this one for when you are really desperate.
The Bunny knows that toddlers need different goodies in their basket Easter morning. Elementary and tween-age fillers aren’t gonna do it (and probably wouldn’t interest them, anyway). Even if you plan to include a little candy (after making sure it’s toddler-safe, of course), we want to make sure they have lots of fun to unpack after the egg hunt. Whether you’re all about the big mega-baskets for the holiday, or stick to a few sweet gifts, these Easter basket ideas for toddlers are definitely going to deliver.
We rounded up all the bunnies, stuffies, crafts, and toys that are pretty much guaranteed to get them giddier than a Cadbury Creme Egg ever could. Not that we’re not into Cadbury Creme Eggs, but you know what we mean. They’re little kid-appropriate, a ton of fun, and they’re also going to last beyond Easter morning. Pretty “sweet” deal, huh? Take a look at our Easter basket ideas for toddlers below and get ready to take some ultra-adorable pics, too!
Wooden Bowling Bunny with Carrots
Jack Rabbit Creations
This heirloom (hare-loom?) quality wooden bowling bunny from Jack Rabbit Creations is so cute and engaging. Set up the carrot pins, pull back your rabbit race car, and let it go!
Your little one will develop empathy, learn to care for nature, and develop fine motor skills with this LEGO DUPLO build-and-rebuild toy. They'll learn how honey is made, water the flowers, and serve the included characters a well-deserved cup of tea (with honey, naturally).
First of all, it's imperative that we tell you that a group of bunnies is called a fluffle. Now that you know that, you'll appreciate the Duckie's Fluffle Handmade Chalk even more. Available in a set of orange/yellow/green or blue/pink/purple.
If they're more Team Bunny than Team Bee, this Rabbit Hutch Set from Schleich is perfect. Two baby rabbits are getting acclimated to their new home, and your little one can help!
These adorable little houses in pastel yellow and purple make the perfect Easter favors and basket stuffers, especially since they're filled with the yummiest-smelling non toxic modeling dough. Choose from scents like Carrot Cake, Gummy Worm, and Glazed Donut!
Every holiday could use a little magic, and when all you have to do is twist and turn this Rainbow Twirler, it definitely feels like you have your own magic wand.
No smocks, no cups, no brushes, no water. All your kiddos have to do is uncap and go for it—it dries fast! This set even includes Easter craft ideas to make the most of their new paints.
These grabber action dinos (in their own pre filled eggs, of course) aren't just for playing; they can clip onto backpacks, lunch pails, jacket zippers, and more.
Did Jellies ever really go out of style? Even if they did, they're back, and this adorable tote comes in multiple colors for all their most important things.
This butterfly garden includes (non-invasive) wildflower seeds, a paper pulp butterfly, wooden marker, and colored pencils. Toddlers can color the pulp butterfly in and mark their garden with it, too—it's backyard compostable!
Use the barrel drum packaging as your dunk tank to fill with water and reveal the colors of the two included Hot Wheels. Then, dunk them in warm or icy-cold water to change their colors again!
Crocodile Creek Playground Balls are famous for their beautiful prints that take the classic recess toy to a whole new level, like this darling butterfly print!
These are some of the coolest temporary tattoos around! Tattly's artist-designed tattoos are printed with vegetable-based ink, lasting (on average) 2-4 days!
If there's anything Peter Rabbit knows, it's carrots, so we think he's thrilled to get to cuddle up in his carrot pouch once playtime is over—they're two separate pieces!
Tap to change colors and make things even more fun by filling your Sensory Play Jar with Glo Pals' new magical Fun Fillers! Available in multiple colors, it's all locked up with a spill-proof lid and just requires 3 AAA batteries (not included).
It's never too early to start protecting their delicate eyes, and we're really digging these retro-inspired Euro Round frames (though they have a ton of different color and design options, too!).
Henry the Bunny isn't just another pretty face. Not only is he heirloom-quality and absolutely gorgeous, each doll from Cuddle + Kind provides 10 meals to kids in North America and around the world. Henry really can do everything! Available in 2 sizes.
All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.
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These April Fools’ jokes for kids will give your merry pranksters a good laugh
Parents, your kids probably already think you are the coolest but also the weirdest, so why not just own it and prank the heck out of them this April Fools’ Day? The following April Fools’ pranks are (relatively) harmless so you can have a little good fun, all in the name of the game. Once you’ve picked your favorite April Fools’ joke to play on your kids, check out our favorite spring jokes for kids for more seasonal fun.
April Fools’ Pranks for Kids
1. Swap Beds
This prank is perfect for heavy sleepers (and kids that don’t already crowd you in bed). Once the kids have hit the hay, pick them up and move them into different beds! They’ll wake up in the morning and wonder, “What just happened?”
2. Serve Dinner for Breakfast
Breakfast for dinner is a family favorite, but dinner for breakfast? Spaghetti? Cheeseburgers? Tacos? Just make sure that you serve them something you know that they’ll eat… or else the cranky, hungry kids that you’ll face the rest of the day will make it seem like the joke was on you instead!
3. Jell-O Drinks
It may look like your kiddos’ favorite drink, but there’s a surprise waiting! Follow the steps from Story Piece on how to use Jell-O to turn that beverage into a solid, and watch as your littles try and take a sip.
4. Make “Grilled Cheese” for Dinner
Your kids won’t mind this April Fools’ prank once they take a big bite. This “grilled cheese” is dessert! Take slices of pound cake and colored buttercream frosting that looks just like cheese, then grill in a pan. We say, why not have dessert for dinner once in a while? Check out more details on this fun prank at The Craft Patch.
5. Mess with the Remote Control
This trick is an oldie but a goodie. When no one is looking, cover up the sensor on your TV remote control so that it won’t work when your kiddos are trying to change the channel!
Leave a little head’s up to the fact that the milk has taken a turn for the worse. Then, when they open the fridge and see a frowning milk carton, get ready for laughs.
7. Hide Bubble Wrap in Unsuspecting Places
This prank will get everyone up and moving. The night before Apr. 1, hide a few sheets of bubble wrap under bathmats, rugs, and doormats so that anyone who walks over it will get a nice (loud) surprise!
8. Turn the House Upside Down
Before you head to bed, go through the main living spaces and turn as much furniture upside-down as you possibly can—armchairs, benches, tables, and even the stuff on your kitchen countertops. And, the best part: when they come running into your room the next morning, screaming that everything is upside-down, pretend like things are 100 percent normal! If your living room already looks upside down, you’re not alone.
9. Freeze Their Breakfast
The night before April Fool’s Day, pour some cereal and milk into a bowl, then put it in the freezer overnight. When it’s time to dig in, let your kids try and enjoy the frosty treat!
10. Have Fun with Their Lunch
One day of a super sweet lunch won’t kill them, right? When lunchtime rolls around try one of these pranks: Top a bagel with frosting or replace the raisins in the box with chocolate chips. You can also take the foil wrap off of chocolate Easter egg-shaped candy (the small kind) and wrap the foil around grapes.
11. Tie Their Shoes Up
This April Fool’s Day prank won’t work on Velcro or slip-on shoes! Tie all of their shoelaces together before you go to bed the night before—you can either tie pairs of shoes together or, tie every single shoe they have into one long string!
Whether you do it to cinnamon buns or OREO cookies, swapping out the frosting for something like mayo is an April Fools’ joke the kids can’t help but laugh about.
13. Put a Tiger in Your Living Room (or a Panda on Your Porch)
Use Google’s new 3D animal feature and snap a photo of an animal on the back porch, yard, living room, or bathtub. Then convince your most gullible kids what you found/saw. If all else fails, send the picture to Grandma or Grandpa and tell them the local zoo is now doing in-home visits.
14. Bug Their Ice (or Drawers, or Backpacks)
Another classic April Fools’ joke for kids, pop a few frozen insects into an ice cube tray and when they ask for a cold drink, serve up a surprise. It’s also easy and fun to throw one in their bathroom drawer or their lunch bag or backpack.
15. Put Googly Eyes on Everything
When we say everything, we mean everything. This April Fools’ joke is so easy to pull off, and the fun could last longer than one day if you go all out and put those crafty eyes on everything from food to family pictures.
The days are warmer, the birds are chirping, and spring is finally here. And while we love seeing all the blooms, bugs, and muddy puddles popping up all over the place, we’re not quite sure we want to invite all those natural elements into our house (especially that rainy day mud). But not to worry, these spring sensory activities for babies and toddlers focus on all the outdoor elements they love without messing up the place.
If you’ve got flowers, you’ve got everything you need for a spring sensory activity. Get a bin, and fill it with water, flowers, leaves, and whatever else you think will be engaging, give your baby or toddler a spoon and a cup and watch them get to work. Of course, if you’ve got a mouthy babe, be sure to watch them at all times.
If you're not up for playing in actual mud, make your own! This spring sensory bin from Mama. Papa. Bubba is safe for kids to sneak a taste of and smells delicious. Why? Because it's made with cocoa powder! Littles can move the trucks around so they make muddy tracks, as well feeling the texture of the mud with their fingers. You can even add small scoopers and measuring cups for new ways to experience the mud. You may want to lay down a towel or plastic tablecloth underneath to help contain the mess.
Pop by any preschool classroom and you’re likely to find kids and parents equally enamored with water beads. Something about their squishy texture just screams “Play with me!” However, because they aren’t edible, sharing them with young children means getting creative. Meri Cherry has the great idea to fill resealable bags with these beads, seal ‘em up with duct tape, and let your little one squish, mush, and roll to their heart’s content (under your supervision, of course).
Nature lovers will be entranced by this eye-catching sensory bag from Hands On As We Grow. Head out to your backyard or local park to gather pretty leaves and flowers, and then craft the suncatcher with your child for a perfect spring sensory activity.
From our friends at Fun at Home with Kids comes this edible (safe for babies and toddlers) spring sensory activity that uses basil seeds instead of the more common water beads. These seeds absorb water, resulting in a squishy, jelly-like consistency, and can be dyed any color you like. From there, your little one can scoop, pour, fill, empty, press, swirl, and more—all without you worrying about a choking hazard. To bring spring alive in this bin, be sure to add fun touches like plastic farm animals, tractor toys, and even fabric flowers to the mix.
If you have plastic Easter eggs, put them to good use with this fun idea from Little Bins for Little Hands Inside each egg, place a balloon filled with items of different textures, such as rice, baking soda, or flour.
We love this cheery sensory bin idea from In the Playroom incorporates straw and little chicks. The littles can practice their counting, hide the chicks in the straw, and feel the different textures.
Little ones who don't mind getting their hands dirty will love searching for insects and bugs in this dirt-filled sensory bin from Learn, Play Imagine. Be sure to use larger plastic bugs (that aren't choking hazards) for your baby.
Does your little one put everything in their mouth? Katie of Happily Ever Mom shows you how to turn regular bread into a rainbow-colored activity for your little one to crunch, smash, and have fun manipulating. Because it's edible, you don't have to worry about baby taking a nibble.
This easy spring sensory activity is best for toddlers since you’ll need dried black beans to create the “soil.” Throw in a few fake plants and flowers and let your kiddo dig to their heart’s content.
If a road trip with your rugrat has you stressed—don’t fear! A smart stash of supplies will keep your little one comfortable and content on your travels. This road trip with baby checklist includes everything from snacks for all parties involved, ways to keep kiddo comfortable in their car seat, and extra supplies like books and new toys to make the trip actually enjoyable.
1. First Aid Kit
Buy a ready-made kit to keep in the car or put together your own with the essentials (adhesive bandages, antiseptic pads, gauze pads, tweezers, cold packs, scissors). Bonus: A box of bandages can keep a toddler busy in a pinch. Simply open up the box and let your little one take out the strips and put them back in, over and over. If that loses its magic, let them peel and stick bandages all over themselves and the car seat.
2. Bags to Hold Dirty Clothes
You may be leaving your house, but you’re not leaving laundry behind, unfortunately. Pack a few plastic bags you can use if there’s a blowout or spit-up situation. Better yet, buy Wash.It.Later’s Soak & Save Bags to give you a place to stash dirty clothes until you can toss them in the wash. These bags are pocket-size, leak-proof and have built-in stain-busting solution inside them.
3. Sun Shade
Who doesn’t get cranky when they’re too hot? That air conditioning doesn’t always reach the back seat. To keep kids cool and block UVA and UVB rays, attach one of these sun shades to your car window.
4. Diaper-Changing Kit
When you’re dealing with a dirty diaper on the road, a good diaper kit is a game-changer. You’ll want one that includes a changing mat, wipes, and diaper sacks that lock in wetness and odor, for when you don’t want your car to smell like…you know. No more digging through bottomless diaper bags looking for changing necessities in a panic! Now your trip just got a whole lot smoother.
5. Extra Baby Blankets
Muslin swaddling blankets are lifesavers on long road trips, and in general. They can keep your baby cozy when it’s nap time, act as a light and sound-reducing cover, mop up messes, and can even be folded into a makeshift diaper in a pinch.
6. New Toys & Old Favorites
Pack your little one’s favorite toys, especially a lovey, and throw in a few newbies, too. Put a cardboard box or plastic bin on the seat next to your child’s car seat and fill it with a mix of easy-to-grab toys, like this Oball Shaker and a drawing board. Small trucks and dolls are always a hit too. To maximize the wow factor and keep kids busy longer, wrap each toy before the trip. For more ideas, check out The Best Baby & Toddler Toys for the Car.
7. Mini Vacuum
Crumbs and toddlers go together like peanut butter and jelly. If all that mess drives you nuts, buy a portable vacuum cleaner with a car-compatible power plug, like this one. You’ll use it (and love it!) for years to come.
8. Extra Outfits—for You & Your Babe
Bring at least two or three changes of clothes for your baby, and keep it easily accessible. Keep a clean shirt nearby for yourself, too, as there’s a good chance you’ll get soaked in spit-up. It’s the law of the road.
9. Board Books
A few board books are perfect road-trip distractions for babies and toddlers. Littler ones love to gnaw on Indestructables, drool-friendly books featuring faves like farm animals and smiling faces. Interactive lift-the-flap books and texture-packed books are made to mesmerize toddlers. For more book ideas, read 25 Board Books Every Baby Needs.
10. Tunes for Days!
Your favorite jams will help put everyone on board in a good mood! No need to resort to the Wiggles; put on any music that makes you happy, and chances are your baby will bop along to the beat too. Just be sure to put together a lullaby-packed playlist for nap time.
11. Munchies
Road trips always induce snack attacks, no matter what age you are! We have some smart travel-friendly snack ideas here.
Make sure to capture all your adventures on the road—and share them with your family and friends near and far—with the Tinybeans app. The secure platform puts parents in total control of who sees and interacts with photos and videos of their kids.
Tired of Easter baskets filled to the brim with sugary sweets that disappear faster than you can say “chocolate bunny”? We’re right there with you.
This year, why not trade in the sugar rush and random, forgotten knick-knacks (that always end up cluttering your home) with thoughtful treasures your little ones will cherish? From quality toys to engaging activities, creating a kids’ Easter is easier than you think.
No matter if you’re an expert crafter or a first-time DIY-er, we’ve broken down six easy steps on how to make an Easter basket for your kiddo that’s as meaningful as it is memorable.
Step 1: Choose a theme based on your child’s interests
Kids are almost as excited for Easter as they are for Christmas—meaning just about any gift will make them happy—but nothing will make them feel extra special than receiving an Easter basket tailored to the things they love most.
Are they obsessed with dinosaurs, fascinated by animals, or maybe they’re budding artists? Diving into their world of passions, hobbies, or favorite characters will help you fill their Easter basket with items that speak directly to their heart.
Step 2: Say no to junk and yes to quality items
Adobe Stock
Quality over quantity is the name of the game when selecting items for your child’s Easter basket. Think printable coloring sheets, board books, stuffed animals, or an awesome magnetic tile set.
You can also opt for “toys that offer kids developmental benefits that’ll grow with them, rather than one that’ll end up at the bottom of a toy box,” says Kelli Masilun, Schleich toy expert and mom of three. Schleich’s exciting line of playsets, from farm animals to fantasy creatures, are not only well-crafted and durable, but they also help spark kids’ imagination.
By choosing these adored gifts, you’re not only ensuring a longer lifespan for the toys, but also promoting a more sustainable approach to gift-giving that focuses on lasting enjoyment.
Step 3: Balance fun with education
Who says Easter baskets can’t be both fun and educational? Look for items that spark creativity and learning, like a science experiment kit, building blocks, or a DIY art set.
Our favorite is Schleich’s adorable six-piece baby barnyard animals, which will keep them entertained while also expanding their growing minds. This charming bundle, featuring a piglet, donkey foal, dalmatian puppy, and a tiny lamb, to name a few, can help teach your little one about the world outside their door while inspiring compassion for animals through play.
Plus, “Schleich animal figures go everywhere a child goes, so learning and discovery can occur anywhere and everywhere,” Masilun adds.
Step 4: Get creative by putting your own spin on it
Adobe Stock
Adding a personal touch to your child’s Easter basket can transform it into a cherished keepsake. Consider tossing in a handmade gift, such as a heartfelt card or a DIY craft that you and your child can create together.
You can also include items that are a reflection of your bond, like a special trinket. These little gestures will truly make a gift full of so much love and meaning that your child will treasure for years to come.
Step 5: Mix things up
Adobe Stock
Don’t be afraid to mix things up and add variety to your child’s Easter basket. Throw in a new board game to challenge their minds, a notebook for on-the-go creativity, a favorite snack to indulge their taste buds, a practical item like a water bottle for outdoor adventures, or even socks (because who couldn’t use an extra pair?).
The key is to strike a balance and keep things fun and interesting, but also useful for your child’s daily life.
Once you’ve gathered all your goodies, it’s time to assemble the Easter basket. Get creative with the presentation, whether it’s a traditional basket, a colorful bucket, or even a themed box, the sky’s the limit! Just make sure everything is arranged thoughtfully and looks oh-so-inviting.
And there you have it—how to make an easter basket that’s bursting with fun, creativity, and meaning, minus all the junk! So go ahead, get crafting, and watch your little one’s face light up with joy come Easter.
Schleich is running fun-tastic deals now through Easter, with new offers available every week until March 31, 2024. Hop over to their website today for a free farm animal gift set with your purchase and check out their other awesome toy deals.
