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30 Hidden Gem Campsites That Are Booking Up for Summer

by Kate Loweth

Up your camping game this year and book some time in the great outdoors at these campgrounds with amazing amenities. With your night spent in a tent and your days spent at a water park, on a zip line, or rafting down some rapids, this is an adventure you won’t soon forget. Scroll down to see all the amazing spots!

Best Hidden Gem Campsites in the West

Wildhaven Yosemite (Mariposa, CA)

@k8loweth

Glamping weekend at @Wildhaven Yosemite 💜💜 #yosemitenationalpark #glamping #wildhaven #mariposa #traveltiktok #travel

♬ Countryside – Andrew Joy

You may be familiar with Wildhaven's creekside campground in Wine Country, but did you know that they recently added a campground near Yosemite? You'll find cabins that sleep up to five people as well as safari tents for the warmer summer days. You'll be blown away by the expansive property that has none of the dreary and dark vibes that campgrounds often have in this area. Instead, expect rolling hills with stunning views at the property that's just a 5-minute drive from downtown Mariposa and just over an hour from the closest Yosemite entrance. Online: wildhavenyosemite.com

Inn Town Campground (Nevada City, CA)

You’ll find plenty of options for camping and glamping at Inn Town in Nevada City, where you can bring your own tent set up or relax inside a deluxe tent. Swim in the pool, curl up in a reading nook, or let the kids catch an outdoor movie in front of an Old West façade. Looking for even more to do? The Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum is right next door. Online: inntowncampground.com

 Paradise Shores (Bridgeport, CA)

When you’re looking for a quiet escape, this charming little spot is just the thing. Tucked away against the backdrop of the Sierras, Paradise Shores offers a place to relax and connect with new friends around the communal campfire. Bring your own tent or RV, or rent one of the super comfy trailers, fully decorated and equipped with everything you’ll need for your stay. Just a short drive from Bodie ghost town, hot springs, fishing, and tons of hiking, Paradise Shores is the perfect home base for your adventures. Online: paradiseshorescamp.com

Point Mugu State Park (Malibu, CA)

Ocean shoreline, sand dunes, 70 miles of hiking trails, and an assortment of available day activities await you at this sweet spot in Malibu. Build an epic sandcastle, hike and look for wildflowers or just relax and soak up the rays. Online: parks.ca.gov

Mt. Baker Farm (Eastsound, WA)

A train ride through the woods and a petting zoo are total kid-pleasers at this enchanting 80-acre campground on Washington’s Orcas Island. No gear? No problem! They rent everything from tents to bedding to hammocks. Bring your own setup from home, or make your dreams even sweeter by splurging on one of the magical lotus tent rentals. Online: mountbakerfarm.com

Jellystone Park Tower Park Resort (Lodi, CA)

Jellystone Park

This spot heats up in the summer and it really delivers all the water amenities you desire including a lazy river and a water park with slides. Spend the night in a cabin, or bring your own tent or RV for a DIY experience. There's even a number of on-site dining options if you want to make it REALLY easy on yourself.  Online: towerparkresort.com

Fernwood Resort (Big Sur, CA)

Big Sur's heavenly mix of forested mountains, rugged coastline, and lack of cell service make it the ideal locale for getting away. Fernwood Resort offers all sorts of camping options from tent spots and RV sites to cabins and glamping tent cabins. All have access to the camp store and the Fernwood Bar & Grill (which has Wi-Fi), for when you don't feel like grilling. Spend your days exploring the Big Sur River, and you may never want to go home.  Online: fernwoodbigsur.com

Check out other NorCal glamping options here. 

Beverly Beach State Park (Newport, OR)

Forest and ocean lovers alike will adore this large family campground in Oregon. Nestled in the woods but just a short walk to the beach, the park is close to fun coastal attractions like the impressive Devil’s Punch Bowl Natural Area, Otter Rock, the Oregon Coast Aquarium, and Yaquina Head lighthouse. Online: oregonstateparks.org

Sand Hollow State Park (Hurricane, UT)

Sand Hollow State Park
Sand Hollow State Park

If your camping dreams involve spending your days cliff-jumping into clear blue waters and riding your ATV over massive sand hills, then this campground is for you. Sand Hollow offers two campgrounds for RV and tent campers. Rent an ATV on-site and grab a spot at the Sandpit Campground where you can ride your ATV through the tunnel to access Sand Mountain. Online: stateparks.utah.gov

Piñon Flats Campground (Mosca, CO)

Located just one mile from the Visitor’s Center of Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Pinon Flats Campground offers excellent views of the biggest dunes in the U.S.  Take the tots sledding and sandboarding on the dunes, enjoy some water play at nearby Medano Creek or hit a hiking trail. The campground is open from April through October each year. Online: nps.gov/pinonflatscampground.htm

Best Hidden Gem Campsites in the Southwest & Midwest

Jellystone Park Clay’s Resort (North Lawrence, OH)

Northeast Ohio is home to this 500-acre camping resort that offers tent sites, glamping tents, cabins, and RV sites, all waiting to be booked up this summer! Jump on the jumping pillow and then cool off in the lake or the pool. There's even a floating obstacle course on the lake if you really need to tire those kids out.  Online: campjellystone.com

City of Rocks State Park (Faywood, NM)

Marvel at the impressive formations in this “city” of rocks made by a volcano eruption 34 million years ago! Kids will love the history when you camp at this scenic and otherworldly park in New Mexico. Hike the trails, check out the desert botanical garden, stop by the Visitor’s Center, and don’t forget to show your sweet stargazers the amazing night view. Online: emnrd.state.nm.us

Dinosaur Valley State Park (Glen Rose, TX)

Walk in the tracks of dinosaurs! Set up camp at Dinosaur Valley State Park, and get a close-up view of real dino tracks in the bed of the Paluxy River. Plus, you’ll find ranger programs, workshops, a tackle loaner program for fishing, plenty of hiking, and the Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, just a short drive away. Online: tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/dinosaur-valley

Lake Rudolph Campground & RV Resort (Santa Claus, IN)

This campground definitely wins for the best theme as campers at Lake Rudolph have access to Santa's SplashDown Water Park, Dasher Splasher splash pad, and the Blitzen Bay Pool. It's also super close to the Holiday World Theme Park if you are looking for an off-site activity. Reserve a tent or RV site or glamp it up in one of the cabins, cottages, or RV rentals that come with A/C.

Online: lakerudolph.com

Kinnikinnick Farm (Caledonia, IL)

Kick it Little House on the Prairie-style at Kinnikinnick Farm where you can glamp on a real working farm. Only an hour and a half northwest of Chicago, the farm-stay program will have your kids picking eggs, feeding pigs, and milking goats. The accommodations are a cross between a log cabin and a classic tent with running water and an insulated chest that functions as a refrigerator. You’ll have to fend without electricity during your visit but with so many fun farm-centric activities, we’re guessing your kids won’t even notice.

Online: kinnikinnickfarm.com

Find other awesome campsites near Chicago here

 

Lazy River Campground (Granville, OH)

This Ohio gem welcomes campers with an in-ground swimming pool, basketball court, game room, outdoor laser tag, playground, horseshoes and sand volleyball pit but the biggest draw is the property's zip line and challenge course. The campground features tent and RV sites, a creek and trails for hiking.

Online: lazyriveratgranville.com

Smokey Hollow Campground (Lodi, WI)

Smokey Hollow Campground

Countless activities for kids and adults make this Wisconsin campground a family favorite. Along with tent and RV sites, you can rent a gazebo, Conestoga wagon, cabin, yurt, trailer or even a coach bus! Little campers will get a kick out of the giant shopping cart rides, swimming pond, dunk tank, outdoor movies, jumping pillow, climbing wall and so much more. Online: smokeyhollowcampground.com

Kamp Dels (Waterville, MN)

It’s over-the-top fun at Kamp Dels in Minnesota. With a huge outdoor water complex, a petting zoo, a climbing wall, mini golf, tennis, boating, fishing, and more, you’ll find no shortage of ways to make some unbeatable family memories. Online: kampdels.com

Big Cedar Lodge (Ridgedale, MO)

Big Cedar Lodge

This spot is a bit of a hike from Chicago, but it's so great we felt it was worth a share—plus, a relaxing road trip might be just what you need right now. A newbie to the glamping scene, Camp Long Creek at Big Cedar Lodge invites guests to get their glamp on near Missouri's Ozark Mountains with luxury glamping tents, camp huts, and camp cabins. The definitely-not-roughing-it amenities include beach access, a pool, a vintage airstream trailer that serves food & drinks, and a must-have s'mores kit upon arrival. They also have nightly programming for families that include scavenger hunts and guided adventures along the Lost Canyon Cave and Nature Trail.  Online: bigcedar.com

Best Hidden Gem Campsites in the Southeast

Canaan Valley Resort (Davis, WV)

Canaan Valley Resort has RV sites and cabins. The state park has a variety of amenities for families: scenic chairlift at the ski area, Tube Park, Resort Board tours, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, climbing wall, Eurobungy, clay trap shooting (for kids 12 and older), naturalist programs, hiking, biking, geocaching and mini golf. The RV Park has 34 sites and there are a variety of cabins and cottages with two to four bedrooms. Online: canaanresort.com

Ocean Lakes Family Campground (Myrtle Beach, SC)

A mile of soft sand welcomes you to this campground in Myrtle Beach, SC. Choose from oceanfront, lakeside, and shaded campsites. All campsites have access to playgrounds, a family fun center with mini golf, cafes, a tube slide, a lazy river, and more.  Online: oceanlakes.com

Enota Mountain Retreat (Hiawassee, GA)

Waterfalls, miles of hiking trails, and an organic farm and garden are some of the highlights of this gorgeous mountain campground in Northern Georgia. Reserve a spot by the creek where kids can splash all day, check out the playground, take a hike, or visit and feed the animals on the farm. With its lush setting surrounded by forests, this is one place the whole family can truly unplug and enjoy nature’s magic. Online: enota.com

Turtle Beach Campground (Sarasota, FL)

Catch the unbelievable beach sunrise at this little gem of a campground in Florida. Direct beach access takes you from tent to surf in a matter of seconds, and there’s a free open-air trolley to town so you can check out the sights. Online: scgov.net

Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge (Dawsonville, GA)

Located in Dawsonville, Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge is one of two Adventure Lodges of Georgia. Nestled within 829 acres of North Georgia mountain wilderness, Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge is an outdoorsman’s paradise. The lodge provides easy access to a challenging hike to the top of Amicalola Falls, the tallest cascading waterfall in the Southeast at 729 feet. Additional adventure activities include zip lines, tomahawk throwing, 3-D archery, and GPS scavenger hunts. Newly renovated, the lodge features an expansive outdoor veranda with panoramic views of the mountains, a fire pit, and rocking chairs to bask in the view. Cabins and campsites are also available.  Online: amicalolafallslodge.com

Find other campgrounds near Atlanta here

Best Hidden Gem Campsites in the Northeast

The Treehouse Camp at Maple Tree Campground (Rohrersville, MD)

If your tiny explorer has always dreamed of living in a treehouse, head to The Treehouse Camp at Maple Tree Campground. In addition to tent sites, this Maryland campground rents year-round tree cottages and three-season treehouses on twenty wooded acres. Looking for something a little cozier? The adorable Hobbit House sleeps four and has electricity and a wood stove for heating and cooking. Online: thetreehousecamp.com

Red Apple Campground | Arundel, ME

Want to go camping in Maine? This spot is perfect for families and has possibly one of the best perks in town, fresh lobsters delivered to your campsite! How awesome is that? Kids will love the recreation area with a new play set, a basketball hoop, horseshoe pits, bocce ball and shuffleboard courts, and an adult-sized swing set (kids welcome too)! Online: redapplecampground.com

Water's Edge Family Campground | Lebanon, CT

This 10-acre camping destination is wooded with a stocked fishing lake as well as a huge swimming pool for families to take a dip in on hot summer days. During the open season of April 15-October 15, the campground's several activities include a fishing derby, Bingo tournaments, bicycle parades, horseshoes, Texas Hold 'em tournament, and an 80's themed weekend.  Online: watersedgecampground.com

Winter Island Park Campground | Salem, MA

If you're looking to scope out all that Salem has to offer, this is the campground for you. Open May-October, you'll find RV and tent sites here and it's near a gorgeous lighthouse and gazebo that you can explore. There are a few prime RV sites that are right on the beach.  Online: salemweb.com

Find other campgrounds near Boston here

Buttonwood Campground (Mifflintown, PA)

This Pennsylvania campground has a pool, mini golf, laser tag, hay rides, gaga pit, water wars, playgrounds, pedal carts, fun on the river, themed weekends, and even an on-site winery for the grownups. The nearby Juniata River is the perfect adventure spot for tubing, canoe, and kayak rentals or just a good time splashing around.

Online: buttonwoodcamp.com

Tully Lake Campground (Royalston, MA)

This tents-only waterside campground in Massachusetts offers shady private sites, canoe and kayak rentals, and kids' programs during the season. Try a history walk, attend a nature presentation, or enjoy some water fun on the 200-acre lake.

Online: thetrustees.org

 

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13 Water Games That’ll Cool Everyone Off This Summer

by Allison Sutcliffe

We all know those summer days that are too hot and all you want is to jump through a sprinkler. With these water games, your family will have the chance to cool down while having a blast! Below, you’ll find our favorite water balloon games and water games for kids that will keep your family in cool-down mode all season.

A note about water balloons: as fun as they are, please clean up your little pieces: they can be choking hazards for little birds. Have a few prizes as an incentive to get kids in on a quick clean-up.

If you’re looking for more outdoor summer fun, check out these backyard games, swimming pool games, and games you can play in the dark.

1. Water Balloon Basketball

This easy water game is a slam dunk for any age because all kiddos need to do is point and shoot a squishy water balloon into a larger-than-regulation-sized hoop. To get the game started, have them hold a hula-hoop tummy level, the way you carry a laundry basket. Then line up kids for a turn to score two points. After each tiny baller sinks a splat-worthy shot, trade out the positions so everyone gets a turn. They shoot, and they score on this one!

2. Water Balloon Towel Toss

Bust out beach towels for this easy-to-run toss water balloon game that’s a little like tennis, but without the net or the racquets. Kiddos play in teams of four, where each pair holds a beach towel gently between them, with a little slack. The goal? To toss the balloon back and forth between two blankets without letting it drop… as many times as you can. The team with the most consecutive bounces (we’re betting they’ll be the driest of the bunch too!) wins!

3. Sponge Ball Relay

Get the energy out of your kiddos with a simple sponge ball relay race. Divide your group into two teams, then set up two empty buckets on one end of the yard, one for each team. Place another two buckets, full of water and sopping wet sponge balls, on the opposite end. When the whistle blows, one player from each team grabs a soaked sponge, runs it lickety-split to the empty bucket, and wrings out as much water as he or she can before running back to tag the next player. It’s easy to play this one with a time limit—the team with the fullest bucket wins! Or, until one team’s bucket spills over in victory.

4. Water Balloon Piñata

String up an array of colorful water balloons in the yard (over a tree, from the swing set) to serve as the piñata. Line up the Littles, and let each one take a swing in turn, with a plastic bat, or even a wrapping paper tube, to hit the delicate target and let loose the wild waterfall. Blindfolded or not, this is one guaranteed way to get wet! 

5. Water Balloon Pop!

water balloons for water games for kids
Gabriel Alenius via Unsplash

The kids will clock plenty of giggle mileage when they play this fast-paced water balloon game. Break your group into two teams; each with a heaping bucket of fully loaded water balloons. When you say go—one member from each team grabs a balloon, races down the yard, and tries to pop it with his or her body (think stomping, sitting, or even laying on it!). Guarantee a dousing by having the kids break balloons on a chair, or, let the ground take the brunt of the splash. Once the balloon is popped, it’s back to the start to tag the next kiddo. On your mark, get set, and go

6. Keep Your Eye on the Balloon

For this game, think carnival shooting range—floating balloons being used as target practice. For the set up you’ll need lots of helium balloons and weights that are strong enough to hold the balloons in place when they take direct hits. Spread the targets out on the playing field. Three rows—each a different height and distance from the shooting line—work well. Then, have kidlets step up and take their best shot; each time they get a hit, they get a prize. Bullseye!

7. Squirt Gun Soccer

You should probably start stockpiling super soakers for this one. Little athletes will have a blast with this no-kick version of soccer that trades feet for squirt guns, and traditional soccer balls for a lighter-than-air beach ball. To start this wannabe match, break the group into two teams, and arm each player with a fully loaded squirt gun. They’ll use the stream to move the ball around the field as they try to score (or block) a goal. Set up sports cones at either end of the field so they know where to aim, and then it’s time to play. Go, team! 

8. DIY Soakers

Just say no to broken water balloon bits littering the yard; use sponge balls instead! Just as throwable, just as drench-able, this soft alternative won’t leave behind a colorful mess for you to pick up. It’s Overflowing has the information you need to make your colorful soakers.

9. Cup Races

Think NCAA tourney when you whip out cup races at the party. All the tiny kiddos will get a chance to work their way through the Sweet Sixteen and Elite Eight for a shot at the big time—the Final Four—as they compete head-to-head, racing plastic cups down a string, using squirt guns. Check out the setup and racing details at All for the Boys.

10. Sponge Ball Toss

Got buckets? Then you’ve got all you need for some sponge ball toss. Line the kidlets up facing each other a couple of feet apart, in two straight lines, Madeline style. One holds a bucket, the other a sopping wet sponge ball. The object? Toss the sponge ball into the bucket. The catch? With each successful toss, the bucket holder takes a step back. Once the player misses the bucket, it’s time to switch places. The prize? Soaking in the fun of it all.

11. Kiddie Pool Toe Diving

Put that tiny pool to good use with this water game. Fill it with trinkets, small toys, and pool toys. Then, set a time limit for each player. They have that amount of time to get as many items out of the pool with their toes as possible. The player with the most items at the end of the round wins. Want an adult version of this water game? Use a blindfold.

12. Jump Rope Water Challenge

This three-player water game is easy to play. Give the “jumper” a large plastic cup of water and have each contestant jump rope 10 times. The player with the most water left in their cup at the end of the round is the winner.

13. Under the Sprinkler

You can play classic yard games under a sprinkler for cool fun. Try Simon Says, Freeze Dance, or have kids pretend to walk and talk like different animals!

—with additional reporting by Taylor Clifton

 

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33 Ways for a Mother & Daughter to Spend Time Together

by Leah R. Singer

Have a water fight, take a road trip, or just talk. There are so many daughter & mother activities mothers that’ll strengthen the bond

Between school, work, and keeping the family afloat, sometimes it’s tough for mother-daughter activities to come front and center. To help you keep that bond strong, we found 33 of the very best ideas. Whether your daughter is 5 or 15, keep reading to discover mother-daughter activities you’ve got to try at least once.

1. Play a game of basketball. Even if you aren’t the next Steph Curry—you can still shoot hoops with your daughter. Plus, it’s a great workout!

2. Have a spa day. Every mom and daughter deserves the royal treatment at least once. A soothing mask, manicure, pedicure, and refreshing cucumber water will make for a memorable day.

3. Write in a journal together. Sometimes talking about our feelings is tough. But using a mother-daughter journal to share our dreams and disappointments can be a great bonding experience (and a wonderful keepsake for the future).

4. Have a movie marathon. Pick a series of movies (Star Wars, Harry Potter, Disney), pop popcorn, and make a day of movies in your family room.

5. Go on a road trip. Nothing says togetherness like riding in a car for a long time. Create a playlist of music you both want, pick a destination, and start driving.

6. Set up and finish a jigsaw puzzle. A puzzle guarantees hours of quality time with your daughter.

7. Run a race. Whether it’s a 5k or a 1-mile fun run, train with your daughter and show her that girls can do anything!

8. Go out to eat. Pick a spot from our ultimate list of restaurants where kids eat for free.

9. Have regular mommy-daughter dates. Whether it’s a lunch date, a walk to the park, or visiting a local museum, you don’t have to wait for a special occasion to spend time with your daughter.

10. Pick a Pinterest project to tackle. You know all those crafts and projects you have pinned? Find a perfect one for a mother-daughter team and make an afternoon of it.

Related: 12 Everyday Ways to Celebrate Your Kids

a good mother daughter activity is reading together
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11. Read together. Whether your daughter is two or 12, you'll never forget the experience of bonding over words together when you read a book.

12. Set up a science project. Studies show girls lose interest in science by age 15, so start early and keep her engaged to fight this startling statistic. Try some of these classic science experiments at home. 

13. Go to high tea. Find a fancy hat and get your pinkies up. High tea is a luxurious activity every mom and daughter should do at least once.

14. Volunteer or do a community service project. There are a lot of community activities for families. Pick an activity that will help mom and daughter give back to others while spending time together.

15. Schedule a professional photoshoot. Most moms have hundreds of photos of their daughters, and we all love a good selfie. But having a photographer other than yourself capture lasting memories is a gift you'll enjoy well into the future. We love Shoott, the company that connects local photographers with people who want their pictures taken. 

16. Go to a fancy dinner. Make a reservation for a restaurant you've always wanted to try and have a date night with your daughter.

17. Have a water fight. Invest in some balloons and water guns and spend the day getting wet.

18. Learn to build something. Put your girl power into action, and perfect your building skills at a class through Home Depot or another hands-on workshop. There's no reason the hammer and drills should be left to fathers and sons.

19. Have a one-on-one conversation. We've got 47 conversation starters right here. 

20. Have a picnic. Pack a picnic lunch (or buy a delicious sandwich at a local shop) and find a pretty outdoor spot. Spend some time eating, chatting, reading, or playing together.

Related: Quality Time Over Quantity: What Our Kids *Really* Need from Us

a good mother daughter activity is spending time cooking
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21. Bake a cake or cook a full dinner. You've probably enlisted your daughter's help baking cookies or peeling veggies. Take your culinary skills up a notch and attempt to create an entire cake or a four-course meal.

22. Travel to a new city. You can take a plane ride to another state or drive to the next town. Explore a new city with your daughter, and see what interests both of you.

33. Have a good cry together. Showing your daughter that it's okay to express her feelings is important. And, it's important to show her that you're human, too. 

24. Take a hike. Find a trail to explore. Wander through your local park. Stroll the beach, head up a mountain, or discover the desert. Enjoying nature together may open your eyes to many new things along the path.

25. Go on a shopping spree. While it's probably worth saving up some money for this indulgence, an afternoon shopping spree is something every mother and daughter should do together.

26. See a play or musical. Dress up, have lunch, and experience a play or musical at a local theater.

27. Take a painting class together. Get artsy and do a painting or crafting class together. You'll love seeing your unique perspectives come to life on the canvas.

28. Go to an amusement park. Some moms like theme parks as much (or more than) as the kids. Spend a day at the Happiest Place on Earth, or explore the features at Universal Studios.

a dance party is a fun mother daughter activity
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29. Have a dance party. Blast your favorite playlist and dance, dance, dance.

30. Look through old photos and scrapbooks. Before the days of Facebook, we kept our memories printed in albums. Share your old photo albums and scrapbooks with your daughter, and tell her stories about those special times.

31. Go thrift shopping or antique hunting. It's fun to hunt through thrift shops and see what treasures you can find.

32. Go fishing. Who says fishing is just for the guys? Find a local fishing hole and spend an afternoon casting a line. 

33. Play a board game. There are plenty of games that are perfect for a mother-daughter afternoon. You can even take the game to a local coffee shop or park to make the time more special. 

Related: 10 Compliments Your Daughter Needs to Hear

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39 Simple Ways a Mom Can Spend Time with Her Son

by Gabby Cullen

Is it time for a mother-son date?

If you’re overdue to spend some real QT time with your son (when aren’t we?), one of the easiest ways to make it happen is to set aside a few hours at a time for just the two of you. We asked moms of boys everywhere to share their favorite mother-son activities, and from a Sugar Rush-inspired baking session to planting a garden and playing LEGO, there’s tons of ground to cover! 

1. Go fishing. Grab a pole, and hit the local pond. It’s a quiet sport that’ll keep you present and in the moment.

2. Pack a picnic and find open green space. 

3. Play a board game or a card game. 

4. Start a journal. There are plenty of diaries and journals for girls, but boys need a place to write down their thoughts too. Encourage him by writing in it with him. We especially love this one from Wee Society.

5. Schedule tech-free playtime. Being present with your kid, even for 20 minutes, is one of the most valuable ways to bond.

6. Run a race. Whether it’s a 5k or a 1-mile fun run, train with your son and show him what moms (and women) can do!

7. Attend a rally for a cause you care about. It’s important to teach your son how to be a good citizen.

8. Bake something. Not a seasoned baker yourself? Try one of these easy kits that make you look like a cake boss, even when you’re not.

9. Read with him. Especially books that show strong female role models, like Astronaut Annie, Girl Running, and Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls.

10. Have a good cry. Boys are often encouraged to hide their feelings and “man up.” Letting your son know it’s okay to have emotions will set him up to be a more empathetic adult.

11. Go surfing. Spend an afternoon catching waves with your kid. Don’t live near the beach? Make it a vacation, and book one of these Airbnbs that are perfect for families!

12. Plan a future vacay for just the two of you. Wondering where to go? We scouted 48 epic spots to see before the kids get too old. 

13. Go geocaching together. You know your inner pirate will be stoked to follow a map and find treasure.

14. Put on a puppet show together. It’s fun to be someone else for a while.

15. Do a science experiment. Because no one knows how to invent something out of nothing like a mom and her kid!!

16. Get takeout from somewhere fancy and eat al fresco. Support a local restaurant by grabbing takeout and hitting the open green field for an outdoor dinner. 

17. Go see a symphony or stage performance. Sharing this experience with your son will help him appreciate the theatrical arts later in life.

18. Have an up-close encounter with animals (reptiles, giraffes, starfish, etc.) at your local zoo. We can’t deny that a visit to the zoo is a favorite for everyone involved.

19. Plant something. There’s nothing like digging in the dirt and watching the fruits of your labor grow in the sunshine.

Related: 15 Things You Know as a Mom of Little Boys

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20. Make art/take a clay class. Art isn’t just for girls, it’s for everyone! Schedule a class and get ready to get messy

21. Volunteer. Compassion is a key skill in raising a strong man.

22. Pretend to be spies and create decoder messages for each other. 

23. Practice random acts of kindness. Because it's awesome.

24. Play ninjas/dinosaurs/Star Wars/house. Whatever he’s into, he’ll love that you’re into it too.

25. Make a “lunch” out of free samples of a shopping trip to Whole Foods or Costco. Hey, those samples are worth their weight in gold!

26. Do a big puzzle together that can be framed in his room when it’s done. It'll keep everyone busy for hours! Which will be some kind of record.  

27. Make a surprise craft together for your partner. Do something sweet for the other person who loves him as much as you do. 

28. Ask him a question. These simple prompts will help your son feel comfortable opening up and sharing his thoughts.

29. Plan a walking (and sampling) food tour of your favorite local foodie district. Every kid should know exactly how the neighborhood delicacies taste. 

31. Go through old family photos and talk about your family history. To go forward it’s important to know where you’ve come from. 

32. Have a knock-knock joke battle. You’re in luck because we’ve got the best ones right here.

33. Have a water balloon fight in the warmer months. Don’t want to deal with the broken bits of balloons after it’s all over? Try our favorite water games, instead. 

34. Go to a museum together. Pick a museum, any museum! From dinosaurs to cars to local history, there’s something for everyone.

35. Go beachcombing for crabs and other beach critters together. Whether you live nearby, or if it’s an annual trek, collecting stuff on the beach is a must.

36. Get Chinese dim sum or Spanish tapas together. You can both try new foods together in perfectly-sized portions.

37. Organize an afternoon of playing jumbo lawn games. Here are our favorites! 

38. Chaperone a Boy Scout trip. Dad doesn’t always have to be the one on the campout. 

39. Go to a sporting event. Whether it’s baseball, tennis, football, golf, basketball, or hockey (or anything else!), if he’s into it, he’ll love being able to watch it in person.

Related: 13 Compliments You Need to Give Your Son

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Baby Names That Celebrate the Chicago Spirit

by Maria Chambers

Like the city we hail from, Chicagoans have grit, and a play-hard, work-hard attitude. We know ketchup has zero business on a hot dog, distance is always measured in minutes, our favorite football teams are da Bears and anyone who crushes the Packers, and we have deep-rooted, generational Cubs or White Sox allegiances. (Go Cubbies!) Smalltalk centers around weather, as we stubbornly grind our way through all four seasons, sometimes in the same day. We’re a proud people. So, it’s a logical leap to stamp our kid with a distinctly Chicago name derived from our streets, athletes, politicians, and landmarks.

Adler Planetarium

Addison

Many a wild time has been had on Addison Street as it's home to the popular Cubby Bear which sits across the street from the home of the Cubs, Wrigley Field, also on Addison Street. With no apparent connection to Chicago, it's a mystery as to why it was named after the brilliant British physician Thomas Addison, who discovered Addison's Disease.

Adler

Elgin native, Max Adler, was a concert violinist who gave up music to become VP of Sears Roebuck & Co. after marrying into the family that controlled the powerhouse company. After his retirement in 1928, he became a philanthropist who was key to the creation of the first planetarium in the Western Hemisphere, Adler Planetarium.

Al

Throwing a nod to our gangsta roots, how about a lil tot running around named Al, for the infamous, needs-no-intro Al Capone?

Anderson

Shout out to the northside's popular Andersonville, which hosts a massive shindig in honor of their Swedish immigrant roots, the annual Midsommarfest.

Chicago Bulls

Barack

No matter political alliances, you gotta admit, the 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama, is a guy you'd like to grab a beer, play b-ball and swap stories with. Not only was he the first African-American President in US history, he was also previously an Illinois State Senator who laid roots in the Hyde Park neighborhood.

Benny

Chicago Bulls mascot "Benny" the Bull is one of the longest-tenured and most recognized mascots in sports history, getting his name from Ben Bentley, the Bull's first Public Relations Manager and Stadium Announcer.

Betty

Guys, we get to stake a claim on one of the most universally well-liked celebrities of all time, Betty White. It's a small claim, she moved from her Oak Park home when she was just over a year old, but we'll take it. She, in many ways, paved the way for women in entertainment and had a love story with Allen Ludden that's worthy of fairytales.

Briggs

Lance Briggs played his entire 12-year career as a Chicago Bear linebacker, which is great and all, but mostly Briggs would be an adorable hipster baby name. Just picture baby Briggs in his flannel buttondown, skinny jeans, busted-up Chucks, messy-hair-don't-care style, and oversized glasses for his 20/20 vision.

Burnham

Daniel Hudson Burnham — use any one of those names for baby — was responsible for many of our skyscrapers and was the Director of Works for the World's Columbia Exposition, a.ka. The White City. He is credited for the essence-capturing quote, "Make no little plans. They have no magic to stir men's blood and probably will not themselves be realized."

Chance the Rapper at Great Wolf Lodge Gurnee

Caray

You aren't allowed to call yourself a Chicagoan if you don't know the name Harry Caray. This absolute legend, in his signature thick wide-rimmed glasses, was a sports announcer who spent 11 years with the White Sox and the last 16 years of his career with the Cubs, famously leading fans in a spirited rendition of Take Me Out to the Ball Game during the 7th-inning stretch.

Catherine

The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 destroyed over 17,000 buildings and 2,000 square feet and many locals like to hold on to the likely, utterly tall tale that it was caused by Catherine O'Leary's cow knocking over a lantern in her barn.

Chance

One of our most famous Chicagoans, Chance the Rapper, also happens to do a whole heck of a lot for Chicago kids with his charity SocialWorks. SocialWorks aims to empower youth through the arts, education, and civic engagement while fostering leadership, accessibility, and positivity within Chicago.

Chicago

Yep, totally a human name now, thanks to Kim and Kanye.

Clark

Not only is it the name of a highly-trafficked street that runs diagonally north-south for a solid 8 miles in Chicago, but Clark is the name of the Chicago Cubs beloved mascot. Clark Street is named for George Rogers Clark, an American War revolutionary who captured much of the Northwest Territory from the British. Cheerio, Clark!

things to do with kids in chicago dinosaur at field museum
Field Museum via Maria Chambers

Damen

You've likely found yourself on Damen Ave. one time or another. But how'd it come to be? It was renamed from its original Robey Street in honor of Father Arnold J. Damen, a Catholic priest who founded Holy Family Church and St. Ignatius High School and College, now known as Loyola University.

Elston

Daniel Elston was a British merchant who arrived in Chicago to make and sell soaps, candles and bricks — interesting combo, eh? He also served as an Alderman and Elston Avenue serves as an alternate route alongside the Kennedy Expressway, never straying too far from its path.

Ernie

Nicknamed Mr. Cub and Mr. Sunshine, some say former Cubs player Ernie Banks is the greatest player who ever picked up a bat and glove. He wasn't all brawn and no brains, however, as he was also the first black Ford Motor Company dealer in the United States.

Ferris

Bueller? Bueller? Bueller? Bueller may not have really been ill, but Ferris makes for a pretty sick name, after the iconic 80s movie filmed in Chicago, Ferris Bueller's Day Off.

Field

Marshall Field was the founder of Marshall Field and Company, renowned for its level of quality and customer service, and provided funding for the Field Museum of Natural History and land for University of Chicago. For some nostalgic Chicagoans, Macy's will forever and always be referred to as Fields.

Crown Fountain in Millennium Park

Grant

Grant Park, a.k.a. Chicago's front yard, is home to big-time notables Millennium Park, Buckingham Fountain, Art Institute of Chicago and the Museum Campus and plays hosts to some of our most-attended fests, like Taste of Chicago, Lollapalooza, Chicago Blues Fest and Pride in the Park. It was named after the 18th President of the United States, Ulysses S. Grant, who along with former President Lincoln, led the Union Army to a victory over the Confederates in the American Civil War.

Ida

Ida B. Wells was an African-American investigative journalist, educator, and early leader in the Civil Rights Movement, having been freed by the Emancipation Proclamation during the Civil War at the age of 16. She was arguably one of the most famous black women during her time, working to combat prejudice and fight for the equality of African-American women. We are obsessed with this Chicago name for obvious reasons. 

Jackson

The southside's Jackson Park, named in honor of 7th US President Andrew Jackson, was developed to host the Chicago World's Fair in 1893 and is potentially the future site of the Barack Obama Presidential Center.

views from 360 Chicago
Former John Hancock views via Maria Chambers

Jane

Born in the Lakeview neighborhood, absolute legend, Jane Bryne became the first female elected to the office of Mayor in the US in 1979, at a time when Chicago was the 2nd largest city in the country.

John

As the first signer of the Declaration of Independence, John Hancock wasn't a Chicagoan, but the skyscraper that up until 2018 bore his name was built as the second tallest in the world on Michigan Ave. in 1968. It was featured in Poltergeist III and was home to the late great Chris Farley, who passed away in his residence on the 60th floor.

Jordan

MJ. Good ole #23, Michael Jordan. Everybody knows him, he made basketball-lovers out of everyone with his out-of-this-world skill, infectious mode of play and raw talent. Arguably the best that ever played, depending on who you ask, producing some pretty sweet gear during his career to boot.

Lake Michigan and Chicago views
Lake Michigan views via Maria Chambers

Kingston

We all know Kingston Mines is a world-famous blues club that has hosted legends in the industry, with performances 7 nights a week that go into the wee morning hours. But, did you know it was home to the first-ever performance of the Grease musical in 1971? This fierce Chicago name is a favorite. 

Lake

Besides our stunning city skyline, pretty much the most visually stunning in the world, Lake Michigan and its beaches make Chicago a rather swell special place to live. It's one of the five Great Lakes of North America and the only one that sits wholly in the United States.

Lincoln Park Zoo via Maria Chambers

Lincoln

Lincoln Park, Lincoln Park Zoo, Lincoln Memorial, Lincoln Avenue, everywhere you look a Lincoln. Near Lake and Wacker sits a marker commemorating the location where Abraham Lincoln won the nomination for the presidency at the 1860 Republican Convention. Pay a visit to the Chicago History Museum if you're interested in diving more into Lincoln's history, Chicago and beyond.

Logan

Logan Square has quickly risen to be one of the favorite neighborhoods in Chicago, with restaurants that rival West Loop favorites. Its namesake, John A. Logan was an American soldier who served in the Mexican-American War, a Union General in the American Civil War and served the state as a Senator and a Congressman. And, you owe an annual three-day weekend partially to him, as he's regarded as the most important figure in the movement to recognize Memorial Day as a national holiday. We love this Chicago name for boys, girls, and even pets. 

Lou

Chicago is known for its pizza, and we all have a passionate favorite. And Lou Malnati's undoubtedly tops a whole lotta lists. Deep dish Lou's? Yes, please!

Morton Arboretum

Maggie

Maggie Daley was the wife of Chicago's longest-serving mayor, Mayor Richard M. Daley, who held the position for 22 years. Well known for dodging the spotlight, but staying highly involved, she started the successful After School Matters non-profit that provides high school teens with after-school and summer opportunities in the arts, leadership, sports and STEM fields. In her honor, Chicago also has one of the coolest urban parks in the country with both lake and city views, mini-golf, a climbing wall, skating ribbon, green space and climbing structures, Maggie Daley Park.

Macaulay

Instant holiday classic, Home Alone, starring Macauley Culkin was filmed in a Winnetka home, the Grace Episcopal Church in Oak Park and the famous airport scene was shot in Chicago O'Hare Airport.

Morton

"When it rains, it pours," Morton Salt's motto and accompanying Morton Salt Girl on their logo is one of the 10 most recognized symbols in the US. Joy Morton, the company's founder, also established Morton Arboretum, the 1,700-acre botanical garden situated in Lisle that sees hundreds of thousands of visitors and hikers a year. He's also the son of J. Sterling Morton, who founded Arbor Day.

Ogden

You can ride Ogden Avenue from the Near West Side all the way to Naperville. We wouldn't suggest it, but you could. Bonus points if you know where its name came from? Chicago's first mayor, William B. Ogden, served a one-year term beginning in 1837, was a founder of the Chicago Board of Trade, designed the first swing bridge over the Chicago River and donated the land for Rush Medical Center.

Oprah

How lucky are we that Oprah chose Chicago to host her now-iconic Oprah Winfrey show? She has amassed a beautifully positive legacy that will transcend generations, and any kid would be lucky to carry her name. But, boy, are those some big stilettos to fill. This Chicago name will definitely get you noticed. 

Oscar

My bologna has a first name, O-S-C-A-R, and your kid could, too! German immigrant, Oscar Mayer made his way to Chicago and laid the groundwork for one of the most well-known names in the food industry on the near-northside. And blessed the USA with the super dope Weinermobile and the longest-running tv commercial to date that starred a 4-year-old singing about bologna.

boat tour companies in chicago mercury cruises
Chicago River via Mercury River Cruises

Payton

Called the greatest football player he'd ever seen, and even greater human, by Mike Ditka, Walter Payton played all 13 of his career seasons with the Bears as a running back. His legacy includes the NFL's Walter Payton Man of the Year Award and the Walter Payton Award.

Rand

William Rand opened a printing shop in 1856 and two years later hired Irish Immigrant Andrew McNally to work for $9/week, focusing their efforts on printing tickets and timetables for Chicago's railroad industry. In 1868 they officially launched Rand, McNally & Co. and became the largest and most-reputable map publishers in history. They became the first major map publisher to adopt a system of numbered highways and erected many of the roadside highway signs still used today.

Randolph

Randolph Street runs through the West Loop and is home to some of Chicago's most well-known and loved restaurants, like Girl & the Goat, Little Goat Diner, Au Cheval and Bar Siena. It got its name from one of Chicago's first city planners, James Thompson, who may have named it after his home county, Randolph County, Illinois. But, your guess is as good as ours.

River

The Chicago River runs right through the city and is one of the reasons Chicago is of geographic importance, as it is a link between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River Basin, and ultimately the Gulf of Mexico. It has a place of honor on the Flag of Chicago represented by two horizontal blue stripes. It's also a feat of civil engineering, as the direction of its flow was reversed in 1900 in an attempt to protect the city's water supply.

Maria Chambers

Rizzo

Since being traded to the Cubs in 2012, Anthony Rizzo has made a big impact on Chicago. Not only is he a three-time All-Star first basemen and Hodgkin's Lymphoma survivor, through his non-profit Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation, but he has also donated over $4M to Lurie's Children's Hospital.

Robey

What is now Damen Avenue, was once Robey Avenue, named after James Robey, who operated a roadhouse near Madison and present-day Damen. Don't worry though, the name is still alive, with The Robey Hotel sitting at the intersections of Damen, Milwaukee and North Avenues, serving up sick city views.

Robin

There will never be another quite like the late, great Robin Williams. His eyes twinkled with a beautiful mischievousness and his wit lightning quick. Robin attended elementary and junior high in Lake Forest before his Ford Motor Co. exec dad got transferred to Detroit. You can see a mural dedicated to Williams at Bucktown's Concord Music Hall.

Roscoe

Tis a mystery how Roscoe Village and Roscoe Street received their names, but Roscoe Village is often referred to as a village within a city because of its small-town feel and huge love the residents have for their little slice of a big city.

Rose

D. Rose is no longer a Bulls player, but this Chicago native was a prominent fixture on the team when he wore the jersey. When he called the United Center home, he was named Rookie of the Year and, at the age of 22, was the youngest player to ever win the NBA Most Valuable Player Award.

Shedd Aquarium

Sammy

Dominican American Sammy Sosa spent much of his baseball career with the Chicago Cubs, reaching his 400th run milestone faster than any other player in the National League, securing his place as one of the game's best all-time hitters. 

Shedd

Sitting right next to Lake Michigan within Museum Campus, Shedd Aquarium was the first inland aquarium with a permanent saltwater fish collection and was a gift from John Graves Shedd, President and Chairman of the Board for Marshall Field & Company.

Sheridan

A drive along Sheridan Road and Lake Michigan through the northern suburbs when the leaves are boasting fall colors is extra special, add it to your Chicago bucket list if you have yet to do. Philip Henry Sheridan was a general in the Civil War who coordinated military relief efforts following the Great Chicago Fire.

Thompson

The James R. Thompson Center serves as a secondary capital for the state and was named after the 37th, and longest-running at 14 years, governor of the State of Illinois.

Walt

The pioneer of American animation who holds the record for most Academy Awards won by an individual at 22, Walt Disney, was born in the Hermosa neighborhood. 

Willis

Perhaps it's different strokes for different folks, but "Wha'choo talkin' 'bout, Willis?" is EXACTLY right. To die harders, it will always be the Sears Tower, but Willis Tower is technically the official name of the 2nd tallest building in the United States. 

Wrigley

This one's pretty obvi, with our Cubbies flying the 'W' at one of the most iconic ballfields in the country, Wrigley Field. Even if you don't like baseball, a game watched at Wrigley is pretty darn special.

Make sure to capture all the adventures with your little Chicagoan—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.

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22 Classic Swimming Pool Games the Kids Need to Play

by Shelley Massey

Summer, and the hot weather that comes with it, is just around the corner, which means preparing yourself for spending hours near/in/by the water. Your best bet? Swimming pool games don’t require props and promise hours of poolside perfection for mom and dad. From Marco Polo to sharks and minnows, our favorite pool games mean one thing: you’ll be traveling light all summer long. If you don’t have your supply of swimsuits yet, be sure to check out the best suits for every mom bod and our favorite swimsuits for kids!

Wishing Well

Similar to Treasure Dive, Wishing Well sends players on a search for coins at the bottom of the pool. This version, however, involves lining participants up shoulder-to-shoulder with their backs to the pool while someone throws a handful of loose coins into the water. The players then dive into the pool to collect the coins before they land on the bottom. Let the players keep their coins as a prize or collect them all and toss them again.

Popsicle

If you’ve ever played freeze tag on dry land, this is exactly that, only in the shallow end of the pool. Start with one person as “it,” and have him or her tag the other players, who are swimming. When tagged, a player must stand frozen like a popsicle until another un-tagged player can thaw him out by swimming underwater between his legs. Just be sure to change the “it” person every so often to avoid having pouty kiddos in the pool.

Treasure Dive

Who needs fancy dive sticks or expensive torpedoes when you’ve got a public pool and a kid with goggles? Just in case you’re a little afraid of what Junior might find, take a handful of coins and toss them in the water to focus his search.

Funny Hair Competition

You know you’ve done it. If you ever had hair longer than shoulder-length, you’ve done the George Washington (emerged from underwater with your hair flipped down over your face, then rolled it back over your head for a stylin’ Colonial-era ‘do). Other classics include the dinosaur (spiked hair), Princess Lea (dueling buns), and the sweet roll (spiraled over the entire head).

Submarine Races

Racers become human submarines as they race underwater to see who can get the farthest without emerging for air. The key to a successful submariner is a strong start, followed by efficient flutter kicks. Some have been known to dive deep early so as not to lose momentum on the surface mid-pool.

Underwater Tea Party

Goggles come in handy here. In an underwater tea party, two players must sink to the bottom of the pool where they sit criss-cross-applesauce and partake in a fancy tea fit for a queen. Pouring from imaginary teapots, stirring imaginary cups of tea, offering each other lumps of sugar, and passing trays of finger foods and sweets are par for the course.

Sharks & Minnows

While there's debate as to the proper starting position of the minnows (in the water or out of the water on the far side of the pool), and variation exists on the proper call to action by the shark (“Sharks and minnows, one, two, three. Fishies, fishes, come to me!” versus “Fiiiishies! Come out and plaaay!”), there’s no debate this classic swimming pool game will be entertaining our children’s children for summers to come. Could there be anything more thrilling than narrowly escaping the touch of the treacherous shark?

Octopus

The goal is to be the last swimmer unattached to the human chain of “outed” participants. The octopus begins with one player who tags another player who then must link arms with one another (hence the growing octopus). As the octopus grows and the number of unlinked players diminishes, it gets trickier and trickier to evade the “tentacle” of players in the pool.

kids playing pool games
iStock

Atomic Whirlpool

Part pool game, part magic trick, this game involves a line of kids inside the pool but along the edge (in the shallow end). Have them walk, then jog, then race as fast as they can—still in single file—around the perimeter of the pool and then yell “switch!” When they turn to run in the opposite direction, the current will keep them from running, but certainly, increase the laughter factor. Bonus? Running in the pool will wear. them. out.

Chicken Fight 

We give the namesake of this game two thumbs down, but the pool game is a solid 10 in our book. Be sure to set the bar high when you define the rules of engagement before shouldering up. Chicken fights are played with a minimum of four participants (two “bases” and two “chickens” who each climb onto the other player’s shoulders). A chicken can push, pull, tickle, tackle, and splash the other chicken off its base to dominate as World Chicken Champion (until the next round, anyway).

Pool Pizza

This variation on colors involves one person—the “it” one—being named the chef. Other players pick their favorite pizza topping and group together. When the chef calls out their topping, those players swim to the other side of the pool. If the chef catches you, however, you go straight into the pizza “oven” (the out area, usually on the stairs or along one wall).

Mermaid Splash

Little mermaids take turns swimming with their ankles together, then go underwater and rocket out of the water with their arms in the air (a la Ariel in The Little Mermaid) to see who can jump the highest out of the water.

Slingshot

Who doesn't have a great memory of being catapulted from the water by mom or dad? Turn this classic parent-child bonding (or sibling) sesh into a friendly competition to see who can go the furthest, the highest, or do the coolest trick in the air.

Splash Dance

Choreograph your own water ballet to go with one of your favorite songs. Perfect for a solo endeavor or with friends (think synchronized swimming), this pool game is video-record-ready!

Secret Message

Think Telephone but underwater. For this swimming pool game, choose one person to relay the message (usually one or two words). Then the "guesser" goes underwater with the messenger and tries to guess what they're saying. You can make it easier by offering hints like theme, color, category, etc. Kids who don't swim in deep water can participate in this pool game because they can dip their faces in to hear the message. 

kid playing pool games in the summer
LeeAnn Cline via Unsplash

F.I.S.H.

Similar to P.I.G. in basketball, the first player in F.I.S.H. is the leader, and the other players must follow exactly what the leader does. Jump from the side, do a certain dive, perform a choreographed pool number—whatever the task, the players must follow it or be given a letter from F.I.S.H. The first player to spell F.I.S.H loses the game.

Belly Flop Competition

Similar to a cannonball competition but without the showmanship mid-flight, the belly flop competition is all about the biggest smack of flesh on water. Who needs a cool flip mid-air when everyone knows you’re going for surface-area-to-contact records?

Categories

With this game, the more swimmers you have, the merrier (but we know of confirmed rounds of Categories involving only two players, so work with what you’ve got). Begin by choosing someone to be "It." The selected player chooses a category other players are familiar with (think colors for the small set, or candy bars for the older kids). "It" stands outside of the pool with their back turned from the water and all other players line up directly underneath them with their hands on the wall, waiting for their selection to be guessed. If it is, the player tries to swim to the other side of the pool without being tagged out.

Cannonball 

Best performed from a springy, 1980s-era diving board, cannonball competitions are similar to dance-offs; each participant tries to “up” the next with their artistic interpretations mid-flight and ultimately, by the size of her splash.

Air Ninja

Adrenaline, meet categories. Starting on the side of the pool in a jump-ready position, count “1,2,3” and then your choice of any animate or inanimate object. Kiddos will leap into the air, strike their pose, and come up for air giggling. Some sure-fire objects they’ll love to imitate are tigers, turtles, and trees, but the more creative you get, the more they’ll beg for more.

Pool Tag Survivor

Chose one player to be "it." The chosen player then yells out "dolphin," "froggy," or "submarine." Dolphins swim on top of the water, froggies swim in the middle, and submarines swim at the bottom of the pool. Whoever is "it" must close their eyes and try to tag the other players. When a player reaches the other end of the pool, they yell out "Survived!" Players who get tagged decide which one is "it" next. 

Marco Polo

Forget Marco Polo who was the first European to reach China. In America, if it’s June, July, or August, Marco (Polo!) is the king of the pool. “Marco” catches other players based on their reply to his call, and there’s no adrenaline-like daring to be the fish out of the water! Just like tag, only in water and with your eyes closed, how many hours did you spend playing this easy but exciting pool game as a kid?

 

 

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300+ of the Very Best Jokes for Kids (& Parents!)

by Amber Guetebier

These funny jokes will have them belly-laughing for days

Need a good joke when you’re in a pinch? We’ve got you covered with a joke of the day for almost a whole year, and most of them are original! These hilarious jokes for kids require little to no explanation from parents, but you’ll want to get in on the fun, anyway. From cheesy jokes to knock-knock jokes and beyond, many of these have been sent to us by kids themselves. We’ve also got squeaky-clean jokes, spring jokes, and printable lunchbox jokes. And for those looking to take the fun to the next level, we’ve got the best minute to win it games, too.

Why should you share jokes with your kids?

Because it allows kids to learn to laugh at themselves and not take themselves too seriously. It’s an easy way to have quality time that doesn’t include a screen. So go ahead, scroll through our favorite jokes for kids, and spend 15 minutes having a good chuckle with your kiddos.

1. What do you call an ant who fights crime? 
A vigilante! 

—Joe L., age 10 

2. Knock knock.
Who’s there?
Olive.
Olive who?
Olive YOU!

3. Why did the teddy bear say no to dessert?
Because she was stuffed.

4. What do you call a little legume?
A Tinybean.

5. What did the left eye say to the right eye?
Between us, something smells!

6. Why did the police play baseball?
He wanted to get a catch!

—Yuna, age 8

7. What did the microwave say to the other microwave?
Is it just me? Or is it really hot in here?

—Yuna, age 8

8. Why did the student eat his homework?
Because the teacher told him it was a piece of cake!

9. Knock knock.
Who’s there?
Interrupting pirate.
Interrupting pir—yarrrrrr!

10. What is brown, hairy, and wears sunglasses?
A cool coconut.

11. Two pickles fell out of a jar onto the floor. What did one say to the other?
Dill with it.

12. What do you call a fake noodle?
An impasta!

13. Why did the kid cross the playground?
To get to the other slide.

14. Knock knock.
Who’s there?
Icy.
Icy who?
Icy you trying not to laugh at my knock-knock joke!

15. What kind of lion doesn't roar?
A dandelion.

16. How do you stop an astronaut’s baby from crying?
You rocket!

17. Why was 6 afraid of 7?
Because 7, 8, 9

18. What does a cloud wear under a raincoat?
Thunderwear.

19. When does a joke become a “dad” joke?
When the punchline is a parent.

20. What do you call a dinosaur fart?
A blast from the past.

Related: 100+ of The Best Clean Jokes For Kids

21. What did the limestone say to the geologist?
Don’t take me for granite!

22. What do you call a duck that gets all A’s?
A wise quacker.

23. Why does a seagull fly over the sea?
Because if it flew over the bay, it would be a baygull.

24. Which is faster? Hot or cold?
Hot. You can easily catch a cold. 

25. What kind of tree fits in your hand?
A palm tree!

26. Why can't you trust an atom?
They make up everything.

27. Why was the baby strawberry crying?
Because her parents were in a jam.

28. What did the little corn say to the mama corn?
Where is pop corn?

29. What is worse than raining cats and dogs?
Hailing taxis!

30. How much does it cost a pirate to get his ears pierced?
About a buck an ear.

31. Where would you find an elephant?
The same place you lost her!

32. How do you talk to a giant?
Use big words!

33. What animal is always at a baseball game?
A bat.

34. What falls in winter but never gets hurt?
Snow!

35. What do you call a ghost’s true love?
His ghoul-friend.

36. What building in New York has the most stories?
The public library!

37. What did one volcano say to the other?
I lava you!

38. How do we know that the ocean is friendly?
It waves!

39. What is a tornado’s favorite game to play?
Twister!

40. How do baby cats learn how to swim?
The kitty pool.

41. How do you get a squirrel to like you?
Act like a nut!

42. What do you call two birds in love?
Tweethearts!

43. How does a scientist freshen her breath?
With experi-mints!

44. How are false teeth like stars?
They come out at night!

45. How can you tell a vampire has a cold?
She starts coffin.

46. What’s worse than finding a worm in your apple?
Finding half a worm.

47. What is a computer's favorite snack?
Computer chips!!
—reader Rebecca K.

48. Why don’t elephants chew gum?
They do, just not in public.

49. What was the first animal in space?
The cow that jumped over the moon

50. What did the banana say to the dog?
Nothing. Bananas can’t talk.

51. What time is it when the clock strikes 13?
Time to get a new clock.

52. How does a cucumber become a pickle?
It goes through a jarring experience.

53. Which city does Paw Patrol like the most? 
New Yorkie.

54. What do you think of that new diner on the moon?
Food was good, but there really wasn’t much atmosphere.

55. Why did the dinosaur cross the road?
Because the chicken wasn’t born yet.

56. Why can’t Elsa have a balloon?
Because she will let it go.

57. How do you make an octopus laugh?
With ten-tickles!

58. How do you make a tissue dance?
You put a little boogie in it.

59. What's green and can fly?
Super Pickle!

60. When you look for something, why is it always in the last place you look?
Because when you find it, you stop looking.

little girl and boy sharing a joke
Saeed Karimi via Unsplash

61. Why do shrimp never share?
They're so shellfish.

62. What musical instrument is found in the bathroom?
A tuba toothpaste.

63. Why did the kid bring a ladder to school?
Because she wanted to go to high school.

64. Where do vampires keep their money?
A blood bank.

65. What do elves learn in school?
The elf-abet.

66. What do you call a dog magician?
A labracadabrador.

67. Where do pencils go on vacation?
Pencil-vania.

68. Why couldn't the pony sing a lullaby?
She was a little horse.

69. What do you cakes and baseball have in common?
They both need a batter! 

70. What gets wetter the more it dries?
A towel.

71. What do you call two bananas?
Slippers.

And speaking of bananas...

72. Why did the banana go to the doctor?
Because it wasn’t peeling well.

73. Why was the mushroom the life of the party?
It was a fungi.

74. What stays in the corner yet can travel all over the world?  
A stamp.

75. How do you fix a cracked pumpkin?
With a pumpkin patch.

76. What kind of award did the dentist receive?
A little plaque.

77. What do you call a funny mountain?
Hill-arious.

78. What should you drink while singing nursery rhymes?
Hot Cocomelon.

79. Why do bees have sticky hair?
Because they use a honeycomb.

Related: 30 Wacky Winter Jokes for Kids

80. What did the big flower say to the little flower?
Hi, bud!

81. There are two robots sitting on a wall. They are named Pete and Re-Pete. Pete falls off. Who is left?
(Re-Pete...so you repeat the whole thing again and again and again.)

—Henrik P., 10 

82. What is a pony’s favorite juice?
She really likes lemon-neigh’d.

—5-year-old Kerrigan

83. Where do fish keep their money?
In the River-Bank!

—Jaxon G., 7 y.o.

84. What do you call an alligator with a vest?
An investigator!

—Milo H-R, age 8

85. Why was the computer cold?
It left its window open!

—Milo H-R, age 8

86. Knock knock!
Who’s there?
Boo.
Boo who?
Don’t cry!

—Milo H-R, age 8

87. In baseball, would it take longer to run from 1st to 2nd base or 2nd to 3rd base?
2nd to 3rd base because there’s a shortstop in between.

—Milo H-R, age 8

88. What has lots of leaves but never actually grew?
A book!

—Milo H-R, age 8

89. Why was the computer cold?
It had a virus. 

—Henrik, age 10 

90. Why did the invisible man turn down the job offer?
Because he couldn’t see himself doing it.

—Jan L. 

91. Who keeps the ocean clean?
The mer-maid.

—Jan L. 

92. What did the astronaut say when he crashed into the moon?
"I Apollo-gize."

93. Why didn’t the orange win the race?
It ran out of juice.

94. What dinosaur had the best vocabulary?  
The thesaurus.

95. What did one DNA strand say to the other DNA strand?
Do these genes make my butt look big?

96. Why aren’t dogs good dancers?
They have two left feet.

97. What did the wolf say when it stubbed its toe?
Owwwww-ch! (by Henrik, age 5)

98. Kid: What are you doing under there?
Mom: Under where?
Kid: Ha ha! You said underwear!!

99. Why did Johnny throw the clock out of the window?
Because he wanted to see time fly.

100. What did one toilet say to the other?
You look flushed.

101. Why did the man put his money in the freezer?
He wanted cold hard cash!

102. Why couldn’t the astronaut book a hotel on the moon?
Because it was full.

103. How do pickles enjoy a day out?
They relish it.

104. What do you call an old snowman?
Water.

105. What’s a pirate’s favorite letter?
Arrrrrrrrrr

106. What do you get when you cross an elephant with a fish?
Swimming trunks.

107. How do you throw a party in space?
You planet.

108. What do you call an attractive fruit?
A fine apple!

109. What happened when the skunk was on trial?
The judge declared, “Odor in the court, odor in the court!”

110. What do you call a sleeping bull?
A bulldozer!

111. Why did the tomato blush?
It saw the salad dressing.

112. What do you call a fish without an eye?
A fsh.

113. What’s the difference between roast beef and pea soup?
Anyone can roast beef.

114. What do you get when you cross a centipede with a parrot?
A walkie talkie.

115. Why are robots never afraid?
They have nerves of steel.

116. Why did the cabbage win the race?
Because it was a-head.

117. What does an evil hen lay?
Deviled eggs.

118. What does a book do in the winter?
Puts on a jacket.

119. Knock knock!
Who’s there?
Needle.
Needle who?
Needle little help right now.

Related: 30+ Math Jokes for Kids That Add Up to Laughs

120. What sound do you hear when a cow breaks the sound barrier?
Cowboom!

121. What kind of haircuts to bees get?
Buzzzzzcuts.

122. Knock knock!
Who’s there?
Donut.
Donut who?
Donut ask me, I just got here.

124. What do you get if you cross a pie and a snake?
A pie-thon.

125. What do you do if you get peanut butter on your doorknob?
Use a door jam.

126. Why was 6 so mad at 7?
Because 7 8 9.

127. Why didn’t the robot finish his breakfast?
Because the orange juice told him to concentrate.

128. Why can’t you play hockey with pigs?
They always hog the puck.

129. Why do porcupines always win the game?
They have the most points.

130. Where do elephants pack their clothes?
In their trunks!

131. What does bread do on vacation?
Loaf around.

132. Why was the broom running late?
It over-swept.

133. What part of the fish weighs the most?
The scales.

134. What do ghosts like to eat in the summer?
I Scream.

135. Why did the teacher wear sunglasses to school?
Because her students were so bright.

136. What do you call a deer with pink eye?
A colorful eye-deer. (credit to Capt. John of the Appledore!)

137, Where do sheep go on vacation?
The Baaa-hamas.

138. What does every birthday end with?
The letter Y.

139. What did the paper say to the pencil?
Write on!

140. Why do birds fly?
It’s faster than walking.

141. Why did Superman flush the toilet?
Because it was his doody.

142. Why did the pillow cross the road?
It was picking up the chicken’s feathers.

143. Can February March?
No, but April May.

144. What time do ducks wake up?
At the quack of dawn.

145. Why did the giraffes get bad grades?
She had her head in the clouds.

146. What did the flower say after it told a joke?
I was just pollen your leg.

147. What did the traffic light say to the truck?
Don’t look, I’m changing.

148. What do kids play when they don’t have a phone?
Bored games.

149. Why didn’t the koala bear get the job?
They said she was over-koala-fied.

150. Who was that owl who did all the tricks?
Who-dini.

151. What kind of vegetable is angry?
A steamed carrot!

three girls laughing at jokes for kids
iStock

152. How does the moon stay up in the sky?
Moonbeams! 

153. Why isn't there a clock in the library?
Because it tocks too much. 

154. Why do you never see elephants hiding in trees?
Because they're so good at it! 

155. What day of the week are most twins born on?
Twos-day! 

(submitted by reader Scooter T.!) 

156. Would February March?
No, but April May. 

157. What do you call bears with no ears?
B. 

158. What kind of tree fits in your hand?
A palm tree!

168. What do you call a fly with no wings?
A walk. 

—Jasper L., young reader submitted!

169. What’s yellow and looks like pineapple?
A lemon with a new haircut. 

—submitted (and created) by Rafael L. 

Related: 41 Giggle-Inducing Jokes for Toddlers

170. What do you call a deer with no eyes?
"No eye-deer." 

—also sent in by young Raffy 

171. What did the lunchbox say to the banana?
You really have appeal. 

172. What did the mouse say to the keyboard?

You're my type! 

173. What did the science book say to the math book?
Wow, you've got problems. 

174. How do squids get to school?

They take an octobus. 

175. Where do mermaids look for jobs?
The kelp-wanted section. 

176. What word starts with the letter t, ends with the letter t, and has t in it?
A teapot!

—young reader Collin S.

177. What has four wheels and flies?
A garbage truck!

—Lewis G.

178.  Two goats were munching on a movie script. 
Goat 1: This is good!
Goat 2: The book was better.

—reader submitted by Mr. Jeffry

179. What do you call a monkey at the North Pole?
Lost.

—submitted by Stella D.

180. Why did Humpty Dumpty have a great fall?
To make up for his miserable summer.

—reader submitted by Kaci Y.  

181. Why did the woman become an archeologist?
Because her career was in ruins.

182. Knock knock! 
Who's there?
Manatee. 
Manatee who?
Manatee would be better than a sweater today, it's hot! 

183. What do you call two monkeys that share an Amazon account?
Primemates!

—Merci P., aged 10

184. What snack should you make for the Snowman Holiday Party?
Ice Krispy Treats

—Emmerson H., age 13

185. What do you call a nun who sleepwalks?
A roamin' Catholic. 

—Janice B., a reader like you! 

186. Why do birds fly south?
It's too far to walk.

—Pearl, age 10

187. What did the traffic light say to the cars?
Don't look, I'm changing!

—reader, age 6 

188. Why is there a gate around cemeteries?
Because people are dying to get in!

189. What is a scarecrow's favorite fruit?
A strawberry. 

190. How does a hurricane see?
With one eye. 

191. How do they answer the phone at the paint store?
Yellow!

—Lily, age 6

192. Why do scissors always win a race?
Because they take a shortcut!

—Foster, age 5 

193. How do you stop a bull from charging? 
You unplug it! 

—Jadyn, Age 12 

194. What did the dad say to his daughter at the cook out? 
This grill is on fire! 
 

—Jadyn, 12 (This kid is on fire! 🤣) 

195. Why did the king go to the bathroom?
He wanted to sit on the throne.

—Eric, age 10

196. What is a pirate's favorite body part?
The booty!

—C.J., age 9

197. If it takes two men to dig a hole in one day how long would it take for one man to dig a half a hole?           
There is no such thing as a half a hole.

—Eric, age 10

198. How do cats bake cake?
From scratch. 

—reader Jacey

199. What is a zombie's favorite thing to eat?
Brain food. 

200. How do you fix a broken tomato?
With a can of tomato paste. 

201. What do you call a rabbit with lice?
Bugs Bunny. 

a family laughing at jokes for kids
iStock

202. It took 10 workers 10 days to build a bridge.  How long would it take 5 workers to build the same bridge?
None—it’s already built!

—Liam, age 7 

203. How do you make the word Tiger longer?
Ti-grrrh

—Kabir, Age 9

204. How do you clean chicken?  -
Put it in dishwasher.

—Kabir, Age 9

205. What do frogs order at McDonalds?
French flies and a Croak-a-Cola.

206. There's a girl on a boat in a pretty pink coat. What's her name?
What. 

—Ray, age 9

207. Where does a rat go when it has a toothache?
To the rodentist. 

—Ray, age 9!

208. What does an alien do when it is bored in school?
Spaces out. 

—Ray! (they are on a roll!), age 9

209. What does a broken plate say when she gets her cupcake?
Is this GLUE-ten free?

—Guess who? Ray! age 9 

210. Why didn't the hyena cross the road?
He was too busy laughing. 

—reader submitted by Gillian P. 

211. Have you heard the one about the student who was afraid of negative numbers?
He'll stop at nothing to avoid them.

212. What do you call it when a hammock teases another hammock?
Hammockery!

—Joe L., age 8 

213. What did they say when Marie Curie and Albert Einstein said the same thing at the same time?
Greatest minds think alike! 

—Henrik, age 9

214. What did the kid learn about knowledge?
It was all knowing.

—Reader submitted by Deziree

215. Why did the chicken go the hospital?
Because it needed some tweatment!

—Joshua Y., age 9 
 
 
216. Why did the skeletons cross the road?

To get to the body shop!

—Also Mr. Joshua Y., age 9

217. What is more impressive than a talking parrot?
A spelling bee.

—submitted by...drumroll...Joshua Y., age 9!! 

218. What do you call babies in the army?
Infantry! 

—Joe L., age 9

219. What is a cat's favorite color?
Purrr-ple! 

—Olivia W., age 7 

220. Why did the dragon cross the road?
Because he was too chicken to fly!       

—Joshua Y. 

221. Who won the race of princesses?
Rapunzel, By a hair!

—Josh Y! 

222. What did the egg say when it was late for breakfast?
I have to scramble!

—our buddy, Joshua Y. 

223. How do you stop a bull from charging?
You take away it's credit card!

—Joshua Y. 

224. Where does the T-rex go shopping?
The dino store!

—Joshua Y., age 9 

225. Why was the rabbit happy?
Because somebunny loved him!

—Guess who? Joshua Y.! 

226. What did the pear say to the shoeless?
You need a pair of shoes. 

—reader submitted by Rose A. 

227. What do you call a bear with no ear?
A "B"

—Alexis R. 

228. What would happen if the dean lost his job?
He would lose his "ideanity." 

—Joshua Y. 

229. Why did the baby cross the road? 

To get to the whine shop!

—Matilda C., age 7

230. Why shouldn’t you trust stairs?
Because they are always up to something.

—Ryder, Age 3!!! 

Related: 20 Cheesy Jokes To Make Anyone Crack a Smile

231. Why did the scarecrow win an award?
Because he was out standing in his field.

—Suzanna R. 

232. What do you call a cat burrito?
A purrito

—Rosewyn age 8 and 3 quarters 

233. What kind of key opens a banana?
A monkey!

—Rosewyn age 8 and 3 quarters 

234. What do you call a pounding headache? 
A temple tantrum!

—hilarious reader, MJ Sims

235. How do you get a cat to code?

You Scratch it!

—Musegirl, 8

236. Why was the man mad at the clock?

He was ticked off!

—Nolan A. age 8

237. What is the strongest kind of shoe?

Under Armor!

—Liam A. age 9

238. Why did Rudolph have a bad report card?

Because he went down in History!

—Sreeja K., age 8 

239. Why don't scientists trust atoms?
Because they make up everything!

—Sreeja K., age 8 

240. Why can't you spell dark with a "c", so it says "darc"?
Because you can't c in dark!

—Shivani age 8

241. How do you clean a chicken?
An egg wash!

—MB, age 12 

242. Why did the cookie have to go to the doctor?
It was feeling crummy. 

243. What's Joanna Gaines' favorite snack food?
Chips

—H.P., aged 9

244. Why didn’t the skeleton cross the road?
Because there was noBody on the other side. 

—Grandpa Jo, 54

245. Why didn’t the skeleton cross the road?
He didn't have the guts. 

—Londynn, 9

246. What do you do when an astronaut’s wife is upset?
Give her some space.

—Jaden, 11

247. Why did the young astronaut cry on the moon?
Because he missed his mother earth. 

—A mother on earth

248. Two monkeys were fighting over a banana. What happened?
Banana split! 

—Saori K. 

249. What is a vampire's favorite fruit?
A blood orange!

—Rianna G., age 10

250. Why don't eggs like to gamble?
They always get a raw deal. 

251. When is a door not a door?
When it's ajar. 

252. Why did the scientist take out the bell?
He wanted to win the no-bell prize. 

—DT 

253. Why are strawberries natural musicians?
They love to jam. 

254. What is orange and sounds like a parrot?
A carrot! 

Related: 40+ Hilarious Knock Knock Jokes for Kids

little girl laughing on a swing
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255. Did you hear about the kid who drank eight sodas?
He burped 7-Up. 

256. What be the pirate's favorite letter of the alphabet?
Arrrr! 
No, it be the C! (Sea).

—A hilarious 6-year-old reader. 

257. What is a tree's favorite beverage?
Root beer! 

258. Why do fish live in saltwater?
Pepper makes them sneeze! ACHOOOOOO!!!!!!

—Hasset A. 

259. Why are fish so smart?
Because they live in a school!

—Ronit P. 

The following four jokes were written by Kaleb, age 4, as told to his grandpa:

260. Why did the cow lie down in the grass? 
He was ground beef.

261. What did Mama cow say to Baby cow? 
It’s pasture bedtime.

262. Why did the phone walk in the water? 
He was wading for a phone call.

263. What is blue, but not heavy?
Light blue.

264. How do you find Will Smith in the snow?
You look for fresh prints. 

—Joshua N. 

265. Why don't you ever date a tennis player?
Because love means nothing to them.

—Joshua N. 

266. "Doctor, doctor I am afraid of squirrels!"
Doctor: You must be nuts.

—reader Jerry C. 

267. What happened to the frog whose car broke down?
He had to be toad! 

—Martin F. 

268. What is the best day to visit McDonalds?
Fry-Day!

—Gianni, age 6

269. What's a cow's favorite drink?
A s-moooo-thie.

—Young readers Jax (7) and Kora (5)

270. Knock knock!
Who’s there?
Cow
Cow who? 
Cows don’t say who, they say moooo!

—Adalyn, age 5

271. Why did the tomato stop?
Because he was out of juice. 

—Karma E. 

Related: 51 Totally Goofy Birthday Jokes for Kids

272. What are cats best at?
Cat-apulting!

—Macy (10)

273. Where do cats roam?
In the catacombs!

—Katie (34)

274. What kind of stick does a cat chase?
A cat-stick!

—Macy (10)

275. What kind of fruit does a dog eat?
A dog-berry!

—Macy (10) & Katie (34)

276. Why do hockey players make great bankers?
Because they are good at checking.

—Henrik, age 9 3/4

277. How do chickens dance?
Chick to chick.

278. Mr. Red and Ms. Red live in the red house; Mr. Purple and Ms. Purple live in the purple house. Who lives in the white house?
The president!

—submitted by young reader Gwen I.

279. Why did the chicken cross the road?
It was trying to get away from the KFC.

—Ben, age 8

280. Who sits at the bottom of the sea and twitches?
A nervous wreck.

—Alesha, age 11

281. Why was the snowman in the box?
Because he was picking his nose.

—Peter, age 8

 

happy kids laughing
iStock

These next five were sent in from Jax (7) and Kora (5):

282. What’s a dog's favorite toy?
A funny bone!

283. What’s a cow's favorite rock?
A mooo-n rock

284. What’s the scariest plant?
Bam-booo!

285. What’s a cow's favorite place to go?
The mooo-vies!

286. What’s the scariest injury?
A booo-booo!

(Jax & Kora!) 

287. Why was the snow yellow?
Because Elsa let it go! 

—Kaylee

289. Why did the girl smear peanut butter on the road?
To go with the traffic jam!

—Scarlett 

290. What do you call a dinosaur that is sleeping?
A dino-snore!

291. What do you get when you cross a vampire and a snowman?
Frost bite!

292. What did one plate say to the other plate?
Dinner is on me!

293. What do you call Chewbacca with cookies in its fur?
A chocolate-chip Wookie. 

—Jake

294. What is black and white and looks like a penguin?
A penguin. 

—Zhan, age 5 

295. What does a cow like to drink?
A smoothie. 

—Carolina, age 8

296. Why did the parent hit the cake with a hammer?
It was a pound cake. 

little girl and her mom laughing at jokes
iStock

297.  When is the best time to go to the dentist?
At tooth-hurty!!!

—Tyler R.

298. Why is "dark" spelled with a k and not a c? 
Because you can’t c in the dark!

—Garrett

299. A new pig came to the farm, he was a great painter. What do you think his name was?
Pigasso!

—Amara

A spin-off:

300. What is the name of the Dutch pig who was famous for painting sunflowers and cutting off his ear?
Vincent van Hog

—Gloria, age 8

301. What is a bat’s favorite game to play?
A com-bat

—Bianca, age 7

302. What did the salad say to the carrot after it lost the fight?
You've lettuce down.

—Joe, age 10

303. What did the salad say to the carrot when it asked for directions to a restaurant?
Beets me!

—Joe, age 10

304. Why don't eggs tell each other jokes?
They'd crack each other up!

—Raina, age 10

305. Which milkshake always comes with a straw?
A strawberry milkshake

—Gloria, age 8

306. What stories do crustaceans like best?
Lobster Tales

—Gloria, age 8

307. What did the basketball say to the hoop when it missed?
Oh shoot!

—Layla, age 9

308. Why did the lion cross the road?
To get to the other pride!

309. What is the best gift you could ever ask for?
Broken drum sticks. You just can't beat it. 

—Nate

310. Why did the nurse have a red crayon?
To draw blood.

—Charlotte

311. What mood best describes a sad librarian?
Under the books.

—Elliana

Related: You’ll Be Taco-ing about These Jokes All Day

312. What do you call a Buffalo that likes beef?
A Beef-alo

313. What does a camel say to a hunter?
Do you need some camel-flage

314. Why does the dinosaur like the bathroom?
Because it’s ex-stink-t

315. Why does the dentist use a computer?
Because it has Bluetooth.

—Jokes 312-315 by Gunner, age 8

316. What’s grey?
A melted penguin.

317. What goes black, white, black, white, black white?
A penguin rolling down a hill.
318. Can a match box?
No, but a tin can!
319. Why was the baby in Egypt?
It was looking for its mummy.
320. Why did the chewing gum cross the road?
It was stuck on the chicken’s foot.
321. What does a cow eat for breakfast?
Mooo-esli.
322. Doctor, doctor, I feel like a dog.
Then go and see a vet!

323. What do girl snakes write at the bottom of their letters?
With love and hisses.

324. Why did the bacteria cross the microscope?
To get to the other slide.
—Jokes 316-324 by Elijah, age 11
325. Knock, knock
Who’s there?
Lettuce.
Lettuce who?
Let us in, it’s cold out here!

326. What do you get when you cross a bridge with a car?
To the other side of the river.

327. What do you get when you cross an elephant with a cake?
Crumbs.

328. Doctor, doctor, I keep thinking I’m a dog.
Then sit on the couch and we’ll talk about it,
But I’m not allowed on the furniture!

329. Doctor, doctor I feel like a sheep.
That’s baa-aaa-aad.

330. What do you call a bee that buzzes quietly?
A mumble bee.

—Jokes 325-330 by Malachi, age 7 and a half

331. Where do you find a polar bear? 
The same place you left her.

—Thomas, age 7

332. What is fast, loud, and crunchy?
A rocket chip!

333. How does a vampire start a letter?
Tomb it may concern…

334. What has ears but cannot hear?
A field of corn…

335. Did you hear the one about the claustrophobic astronaut?

He just needed a little space.

Make sure to capture all the giggles—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.

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54 Easy Riddles (& the Answers That Go with Them) Perfect for Kids

by Amber Guetebier

Looking for some fun riddles for kids to keep those little minds sharp? Or maybe even a few hard riddles for kids? We’ve found kid-friendly puzzlers just right for your family. Share these riddles for kids with answers on the way to school or over dinner. And for even more, check out this adorable kid’s book.

Don’t stop here! Check out our trivia for kids and our ultimate list of jokes for kids for more fun.

What is a riddle?

A riddle is a brain-teasing question with a hidden meaning or answer requiring creative, out-of-the-box thinking. The answers are often things you wouldn’t think about, so be sure to take your time solving these easy riddles for kids!

Why should you share riddles with kids?

Riddles, and other brain teasers like hidden word puzzles, sudoku, and crossword puzzles help keep the brain sharp and help to develop problem-solving skills and creativity. Plus, it’s just fun to ask kids funny riddles and see their reactions!

One-Word Answers for Easy Riddles

1. What has hands but cannot write or clap?

A clock.

2. What has stripes and goes through the air?

Hint: It sometimes goes on the ground, too!

A basketball.

3. I am yellow, and I write, and my mate is white. What am I? 

A pencil.

4. What gets wetter the more it dries?

A towel.

5. What has a neck but no head and arms but no hands?

A shirt.

6. Remove my skin and I won't cry, but you might! What am I?

An onion.

7. What kind of ship has two mates but no captain?

A relationship.

8. I'm taller when I'm young and shorter when I'm old. What am I?

A candle.

9. What is always right in front of you, yet you cannot see it?

The future.

10. What has a tongue but cannot talk?

A shoe.

11. What is easier to get into than out of?

Trouble.

12. What always ends up broken before you use it?

An egg.

13. What begins with T ends with T and has a T in it?

A teapot.

14. What breaks as soon as you say its name?

Silence.

15. If you threw a yellow stone into a blue sea, what would it become?

Wet.

16. What number is odd until you take away one letter; then it becomes even?

Seven.

17. What runs but cannot walk, has a mouth but no teeth, and has a bed but cannot sleep?

A river.

18. There is one word spelled wrong in every English dictionary. What is it?

Wrong.

19. What goes in your pocket but keeps it empty?

A hole.

20. What has legs but cannot walk?

A chair.

21. I sometimes run but cannot walk. You follow me around. What am I?

Your nose.

22. What word begins and ends with the E but only has one letter?

Envelope.

23. What do you find at the end of a rainbow?

The letter W.

Related: Here Comes the Pun: 300+ Best Jokes for Kids

dad and daughter laughing at easy riddles
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24. What are two things you can never eat for dinner? 

Breakfast and Lunch.

25. I can be cracked or played; told or made. What am I?

A joke! 

26. I give you one, and you have two or none. What am I?

A choice. 

27. What has four eyes but cannot see?

MISSISSIPPI 

28. What belongs to you but is used most often by everyone else?

Your name. 

29. I fall but I never get hurt. What am I?

Snow. 

30. What's full of holes but still holds water? 

A sponge. 

31. What has a bottom at the top?

Legs

Related: 18 Unique Facts About the Wright Brothers

Riddles for Kids with Long Answers

little girl telling her little sister an easy riddle
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32. A man holds $5.50 in his hand but only has one coin. How is this possible?

He has a $5 bill and one 50-cent piece. 

33. How many months of the year have 28 days?

All of them (they all have at least 28 days). 

34. When is "L" greater than "XL"?

When you use Roman numerals.

35. What is always on the dinner table but you cannot eat it?

A plate. (Or a fork, etc.)

36. What can you hold in your right hand but never your left hand?

Your left hand. 

37. A cowboy comes into town on Friday. He stays two nights at a local hotel. He leaves on Friday. How is this possible?

His horse's name is Friday.  

38. A woman is sitting in his cabin in Minnesota. In less than three hours, she's in her cabin in Texas. How can this be?

The woman is a pilot and she's sitting in the cabin of her airplane. 

39. What is as big as a hippo but weighs nothing at all?

A hippo's shadow. 

40. What bank never has any money?

A river bank. 

41. How do you make the number “one” disappear?

Add a “g” and it is “gone.”

42. If an electric train is traveling 60 MPH and going against the wind, which way will the train's smoke drift?

There is no smoke from an electric train. 

43. Why did the kid bury his walkie-talkie? 

Because the batteries died. 

44. Two fathers and two sons went fishing. They only caught 3 fish, but they caught one fish each. How is this possible?

It was a grandfather, a father, and a grandson/son. (Both the grandfather and father are fathers and both the father and grandson are sons). 

Easy Riddles Submitted by Readers

iStock

45. I am loved, for I am sweet

I come in many forms

but I’m always a treat

before apple and after cotton

dentists contend that I’ll

make your teeth rotten

What am I?

Candy

—from young reader Gloria, age 8

46. There was a circle house. There was a chef, a nanny, a butler, two children, and a maid. The boy child was found dead. The nanny said she was playing with the girl, the chef said he was cooking dinner and the maid said she was dusting the corners. So who killed the boy? 

The maid because she was lying about dusting corners. A circle house has no corners. 

—submitted by Joshua Y., age 9

47. What has a head and a tail but no body?

A coin. 

—Young reader Katelyn

48. Mr. Red and Ms. Red live in the red house, Mr. Purple and Ms. Purple live in the purple house. Who lives in the white house? 

The President! 

—from young reader Gwen I

49. If you feed me, I grow, but if you give me water, I die.

Fire

—Young reader Sai Sri Vallabh

50. What has a mouth, a bed, and always runs? 

A river. 

—Chase, age 9

 

Riddles for Brain-Teasing Fun

51. What five-letter word gets short when you add two letters to the end? 

Short.

52. What type of cheese is made backward? 

Edam

53. A cat wants to get in better shape. She’s going to start by climbing the stairs. Starting on the fourth floor, she climbs up five stories, down seven stories, up six stories, down three stories, and up four stories again. What floor is she on?

The ninth floor.

54. There was a blue one-story house in a nice neighborhood. Everything in it was blue—the walls, the carpets, the furniture, and even the dog! What color were the stairs?

There are no stairs because it's a one-story house.

 

 

 

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31 Family Resorts with Jaw-Dropping Water Features

by Kate Loweth

Just casually mention “water park” and your otherwise glacially paced kids are dressed in their swimsuits, primped, and ready to race out the door. So why not channel their enthusiasm into a family vacation destination? From giant slides with trap doors to steamy outdoor hot springs, there’s something for every water lover at one of these amazing family resorts with water parks in the U.S. and beyond. Fair warning: you may not be able to get the kids to leave.

West Coast Family Resorts with Epic Water Parks

Hyatt Regency Indian Wells | Indian Wells, CA

The waterpark at the Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa offers guests a 450-ft. lazy river, dueling waterslides, and seven expansive swimming pools. The four-star resort, set against the backdrop of palm trees and scenic mountain views, now features outdoor fun, under 300 days of sunshine for all the family at the waterpark including HyTides Plunge Waterpark, Desert Twist Lazy River, and a family splash area with interactive water features and a smaller slide for young children.

Related: Your Ultimate Guide to Palm Springs with Kids

Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch | Scottsdale, AZ

Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch | Scottsdale, AZ

Guests can enjoy the many recreational amenities this desert oasis has to offer including a 2.5-acre water extravaganza complete with 10 pools including a sand beach, 30-foot 3-story high-speed waterslide, poolside cabanas, and H2Oasis. If that is not enough, guests can play a game of water volleyball or basketball or relax in the Grecian-style water temple—a jetted tub that accommodates 25 people—surrounded by four plunge pools.

Terranea Resort | Rancho Palos Verde, CA

Terranea Resort

There's so much to love about this gorgeous property on the Palos Verdes Penninsula and one of our favorite amenities at Terranea Resort is the heated pool. And not just a smidge over the outside air temperature. Legit, heated to 80-degree pool (and handy glass-wall windbreakers). But that’s not all. There is a 140-foot waterslide at the pool and a splash pad for little ones. And hot tubs. And cabanas you can rent! And lawn games like ping pong, Connect Four, and foosball! The list goes on and on. 

Related: Terranea Resort — LA’s Best-Kept (Luxurious) Secret

Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa | Rancho Mirage, CA

This Palm Springs resort is known for its world-class spa, but with 240 acres to wander, you’ll soon find the grounds feature a whole lot more. There are three pools including Splashtopia—a two-acre water playground that includes a lazy river, two giant water slides, a cliff-side Jacuzzi, a sandy beach, and a splash pad full of fountains and sprinklers. The resort also features a 27-hole golf course and five different restaurants so you really don’t need to leave.

Arizona Grand Resort & Spa | Phoenix, AZ

Your kids will probably spend most of the day trying to duck, dodge and ride the waves at the Oasis Water Park’s wave pool, but we think the eight-story-tall tower water slides are more your speed. Or would lounging side by side down the rolling Zuni River be your trip? Either way, families will find plenty of ways to get and stay wet in the sunshine at the Arizona Grand.

Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort | Phoenix, AZ

Take refuge from the desert heat at the Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort. The hotel offers seven sparkling pools, including a reimagined Paradise Pool with the new 65-foot triple “The Twist” water slide and fun children’s splash pad, as well as 15 luxury, air-conditioned private cabanas. The resort offers daily family yoga, lawn games, live music, and more.

Suncadia Resort | Cle Elum, WA

Allison Sutcliffe

The secret is out for Pacific Northwest families' favorite resort: Suncadia. Their indoor pool boasts two, two-story-high water slides so rain or shine, the fun is on! The outdoor pool’s backdrop is hard to beat: mountain views and poolside activities including arts and crafts and snacks from the resort’s own food truck. For water play of a different kind, rent a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard to try out on the on-site alpine lake. It’s perfect for kids and newbies thanks to the calm waters. Click here to read our family guide to all they offer.

Glenwood Hot Springs Resort | Glenwood, CO

Glenwood Resort

For something a little different, check into the Glenwood Hot Springs Resort. Located between Aspen and Vail, Colorado, people have been flocking to this hot spot since 1888 to soak in the fifteen mineral springs and take in the view of the surrounding mountains. Home to the World’s Largest Hot Springs Pool, you’ll find the pool open year-round and into the night so you can soak under the stars. There’s also a kiddie pool and two waterslides, a poolside grill, a renowned spa, and comfy rooms, although day passes are an option if you just want to head into the pool.

Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa | Maui, HI

Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa

Guests staying at Hyatt Regency Maui can embrace the stunning location and enjoy the resort’s six free-form pool areas with waterfalls, all surrounded by lush tropical plants at the edge of the Pacific Ocean. The resort’s water oasis includes a 150' lava tube waterslide, a whirlpool, a rope bridge, and an interactive children’s pool. 

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Midwest Resorts with Jaw-Dropping Water Features

Kalahari Resorts | Multiple U.S. Locations

Kalahari Resorts & Conventions

Whether you live in the Midwest or traveling there is on your summer adventure list, staying at a Kalahari Resort (in the Wisconsin Dells; Sandusky, Ohio, or Pocono Mountains) makes it worth the trip! Each resort is African Safari-themed, and in addition to eye-popping water features like Crocodile Cove’s water walk or the trap door that leads riders down the Extreme Rush water slide, there’s too much additional fun to be had. We’re talking escape rooms, virtual reality experiences, and traditional kid-tastic sports like bowling and mini golf. So whether your crew wants to don their swim gear and find adventure poolside or towel off and thunder through the resort, they’ll stay busy all week long.

Wilderness Resort | Wisconsin Dells, WI

Wilderness Resort

With four indoor and just as many outdoor water parks, you need a whole week to pack it all in at the Wilderness Resort. The only question is where to start. If adventure is what the kids are looking for, try Klondike Kavern where thrill slides like the Hurricane and Mine Shaft Drop will get their adrenaline pumping. For baby beach bums and their parents, the country’s largest indoor wave pool, Wild WaterDome, is the place to plant your beach towel. And everyone in the fam will find ways to get wet at Cubby’s Cove and the Wild West water parks that combine sports, rides and typical splash pad fun for the whole fam. 

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Southern Resorts with Jaw-Dropping Water Features

The Woodlands Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton | The Woodlands, TX

The Woodlands Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton water park
The Woodlands Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton

The Woodland Resort keeps guests and locals alike cool during summer’s heat with its Forest Oasis Waterpark & Lazy River. The year-round destination features a family-friendly activity pool, a 30-foot tower with waterfalls and a racing waterslide, a lazy river, a lagoon-style pool, a zero-entry kids’ pool with sprayground, and three whirlpools. 

Gaylord Opryland Resort Nashville, TN

Gaylord Opryland Resort

An exciting water experience awaits at Gaylord Opryland Resort in Music City. SoundWaves offers four acres of combined indoor and outdoor attractions and activities, so you can go from inside to outside and back again all day long. In addition to 11 water slides for all ages, indoor surfing, and an activity pool with rock climbing and basketball, there are rapid and lazy rivers depending on your mood. There's live music from country, pop, and classic rock artists too. Every. Single. Day.

Related: An Insider’s Guide to Nashville’s Gaylord Opryland Resort & SoundWaves

Schlitterbahn Waterpark & Resort | New Braunfels, TX

Schlitterbahn Waterparks and Resorts

Situated in the heart of Texas, Schlitterbahn’s New Braunfels location (the original!) sits on the banks of the Comal River and has over 51 attractions on 70 acres that include the original section’s famous black tubes (powered by the Comal’s current), as well as the Boogie Bahn and Sky Coaster, thrill rides guests can find in the Blastenhoff and Surfenburg sections. But you don’t have to be a daredevil to have fun here. The pace is just right for pint-sized pool goers too when you hit Kinderhaven, with its soft play structures and gentle waves or Han’s Hideout that turn your neighborhood spray park into a five-story funhouse experience. 

Related: Water Park Thrills Meet Nostalgic Fun in Texas Hill Country

JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa | San Antonio, TX

JW Marriott

If everything’s bigger in Texas, this resort is no exception, and we promise you won’t mind that one bit. Not only will you find a 36-hole golf course and an adults-only infinity pool, but you can also go wild with the kiddos at the on-site nine-acre water park that includes an 1100-foot long lazy river, water slides, a 650-foot rapid river ride, a children’s pool with toddler-sized slides, fountains, and splashy fun, a beach-entry swimming pool which includes a sandy spot to build sandcastles and play. When you’re tired out from playing all day, fill up on some Texas BBQ and make s’mores at the fire pit before passing out in your deluxe room and then waking up to do it all over again.

Grande Cayman Resort | Myrtle Beach, SC

Grande Cayman Resort

The oceanfront Grande Cayman Resort located on the north end of Myrtle Beach was totally renovated in 2020. Because of its location, it has a much less crowded and wider beach than most hotels on the Grand Strand, yet still just a short drive away from the iconic attractions. Squeals of laughter can be heard from the Silly Sub Water Park, as buckets randomly splash water onto tiny heads, a serpent hisses an endless spray to the enchantment of the young ones, and they can twist and turn down the three-story water slide. Climbing in and out of the submarine will provide hours of amusement for the children, as parents can choose to bask in the sun or recline from the shade while watching kids play.

Orlando World Center Marriott

Voted one of the "World's Coolest Hotel Pools" by Forbes, you may have a hard time peeling yourself away from it long enough to enjoy the 575-foot lazy river, private cabanas and daybeds, and all the other poolside fun the Orlando World Center Marriott has to offer.  The kid-friendly resort features a dedicated Kids' Splash Zone with fun aquatic pieces and a slide sized just for them. If there are any thrill seekers in your family (adults and kids who are at least 48” tall barefoot), you can enjoy 6 unique waterslides that range from "That was fun!" to "OH MY!" 

TradeWinds Island Resorts | St. Pete, FL

You want something beachy, but they never want to get out of the pool. TradeWinds Island Resorts, located on Florida’s Gulf of Mexico side, is calling your name. The property is 25 acres, with two resorts connected by the fine white sand of St. Pete Beach. Not only do you get pools with sweet features like Dive-In Movie Nights and a smaller pool just for smaller kids, but you’ll also have a chance to take on the High Tide Slide: a three-story inflatable waterslide. There’s an entire floating water park, too, with floating trampolines and climbing structures, a jungle gym, splash mats, runways, balance beams, and even floating cabanas for the parents to chill while the kids are all thrill. And if you happen to tire of this, you’ll find paddle boarding, diving, kayaking, pirate play, and more.

Grande Lakes Orlando | FL

Grande Lakes Orlando, the 500-acre luxury resort in the headwaters of the Florida Everglades, is a luxury oasis fit for families and guests of all ages. At the doorstep of some of Orlando’s most famed attractions and enveloped by lush greenery, the resort is anchored by two luxury hotels, The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes, and JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes.

Fresh off the heels of a multimillion-dollar renovation, JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes unveiled its new Grande Lakes Waterpark. The redesigned aquatic experience features a variety of private, full-service cabanas, a transformed outdoor space with six distinct zones that include a signature lazy river, and Headwaters Slide Tower with three waterslides. With immersive outdoor activities available across the 500-acre resort including 11 onsite lakes and unique experiences such as falconry, mountain biking, and fishing, Executive Family Suites that offer spacious two- or three-bedroom accommodations and tailored in-room amenities for families, 

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Northeast Resorts with Jaw-Dropping Water Features

The Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark | Monticello, New York

The Kartrite Resort

An easy drive from several major cities in the Northeast and minutes from the ski slopes, this indoor water park offers non-stop fun come rain, shine, or snow. The water park is covered by a transparent roof for year-round tanning, and the temperature stays at a balmy 84 degrees, so it feels more like the Caribbean than the Catskills. After you've zoomed down the Krakken or Nor'Easter, sit back, relax, and enjoy a ride along the lazy river. There's also a FlowRider surf simulator, toddler-friendly pools, several hot tubs, and a spa. If your crew has got any energy left, there are plenty of other exciting entertainment options at the Kartrite Resort including an arcade, bowling alley, and ropes course.

Camelback Lodge and Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark | Tannersville, PA

Camelback Resort

There’s a reason why Camelback Resort made our list of best water parks in America—it’s built for families who love to play! Because its two water parks, plus a whole lot more, will guarantee your kids go to bed worn out every day you stay. With 52 water slides, 12 pools, and two flow riders, they can enjoy water play all day long indoors (or out when the sun is shining). Then if they need a break from the water, simply book time on the zip lines, aerial obstacle course, or pottery painting studio. So if you want to add skiing, snowboarding, and tubing to your water-drenched adventures, think winter vaycay spot.

Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico | Rio Grande, Puerto Rico  

Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is one of the most accessible destinations for travelers from the U.S. right now with the convenience of travel without a passport. Famed against the backdrop of the nation’s only tropical rainforest, Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico is THE dreamy destination to stay in Puerto Rico with all-suite, bungalow-style accommodations ideal for larger families, which include private plunge pools, outdoor showers, an outdoor dining area and direct access to the beach. The property is home to Puerto Rico’s largest lagoon-style pool offering plenty of outdoor activities for the whole family. 

Related: Puerto Rico Is Calling & Here’s Why You Should Take the Kids

Great Wolf Lodge | Multiple U.S. Locations

Great Wolf Lodge

From wild rides like the Howlin’ Tornado and the epic Coyote Cannon water slide to toddler splash zones and lazy rivers, the Great Wolf Lodge offers something for everyone at their indoor water park. With over a dozen locations throughout the country including Boston, Atlanta, Kansas City, Wisconsin Dells, Colorado Springs, and Anaheim, the chances are there’s one driving distance from you. The resorts offer themed rooms like Wolf Dens and Kid’s Cabin Suites featuring a log-cabin-like sleep area just for your half-pints and upgraded deluxe rooms with fireplaces. 

Related: 18 Tips & Tricks to Make Your Great Wolf Lodge Visit EPIC

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International Resorts with Epic Water Parks

Royalton Splash Riviera Cancun

Royalton Splash is a resort with a great water park
Royalton Resorts

With 14 water slides, a splash park, two lazy rivers, and what seems like an endless infinity pool, this new resort in the Riviera Maya is a dream for kids. Take a drop off the stories-high slides, float the river that wanders through the resort, or hang by one of two infinity pools that seem to meet the ocean's edge.

There's other fun to be had in Game Up, the indoor play area with laser tag, trampolines, bowling, and more. Kids will also love the nightly entertainment in the auditorium located in the heart of the resort, as well as the wood-fired pizza, the gelato shop, the made-to-order quesadillas, and other snacks perfect for little palates.

Read more about the resort here.

Online: royaltonresorts.com 

Nickelodeon Hotel and Resorts Punta Cana | Dominican Republic

Nickelodeon Resorts Punta Cana

If you're looking for an all-inclusive resort that will wow even the most hard-to-please youngsters, Nickelodeon Hotel and Resorts Punta Cana is a dream come true. Along with swim-up suites and luxe villas inspired by Bikini Bottom, Spongebob's pineapple-shaped home, plus a rather gorgeous infinity pool, it has its very own water park, Aqua Nick offering all-out fun for all ages. Here you'll find winding slides, splash pads, and a lazy river. Add to this mass slimings, carnivals, a kids' club, and being able to hang out with Dora the Explorer or Paw Patrol, and your crew will think they're in heaven. When you feel like ditching them for some adult-only time at the spa or maybe the bar, there's a huge kids' club with an impressive activity program. 

Related: Sun, Sand & Slime: Everything We Love About Nickelodeon Resorts Punta Cana

Mangrove Beach Corendon Curacao All-Inclusive Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton, Curacao

Mangrove Beach Corendon Curacao All-Inclusive Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton
Mangrove Beach Corendon Curacao All-Inclusive Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton

Aquatic fun at Mangrove Beach feels almost endless with four pools, an on-property Aqua Park with six waterslides, and a splash playground. Mangrove Beach Corendon Curacao All-Inclusive Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton also offers loads of opportunities to get out in the ocean from Scuba diving to snorkeling. 

Lopesan Costa Bávaro Resort Spa & Casino | Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Costa Bavaro resort is a family resort with a water park
Lopesan Costa Bávaro Resort Spa & Casino

With seven freshwater pools to choose from, you're definitely going to want to plan for lots of water play time at Lopesan Costa Bávaro Resort Spa & Casino. Situated along the award-winning white sand Bávaro Beach, the five-star all-inclusive resort offers families a luxurious vacation stay. In addition to a kids' pool with mini slides and sprayers, you can head to the property's onsite Splash Island waterpark, which touts multiple waterslides for kids and adults alike.

Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort Spa and Casino | Palm Beach, Aruba

Hyatt Regency Aruba

Located in the Lesser Antilles in the Caribbean Sea, Aruba may not have the name recognition the area’s more popular islands do, but there’s a reason it boasts the most return visitors of any Caribbean destination. Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort Spa and Casino is the perfect getaway for a family of all ages with amenities including a spectacular outdoor three-level pool complex with an exciting 8,000-square-foot recreational escape with a swim-up bar and grill, waterslide, waterfalls, pool volleyball, and private cabanas.

Related: Aruba’s Palm Beach Is Just the Family Vacation Destination You Need

The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas | St. Thomas, USVI

The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas

Embark on an idyllic retreat to the Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas at this jewel among hotels in the US Virgin Islands, where you will discover endless views over Great Bay, and a variety of water features like a remodeled infinity pool positioned to look as if it is flowing directly into the ocean, a new pool with a water slide for families and fun splash pad area, a luxury catamaran for sunset cruises, snorkeling tours and private events, and a Seaside Spa Cabana for those parents seeking outdoor pampering.

Grand Hyatt Baha Mar | Nassau, The Bahamas

Grand Hyatt Baha Mar

This 1,000-acre family-friendly oceanfront oasis, featuring 1,800 spacious rooms and 40+ international dining options, also has a wide range of water-centric amenities for families, including seven elaborate pools tailored to every interest—from waterfalls and cliff jumps to a little poolside rain—to snorkeling with marine life at the on-site Beach Sanctuary. You'll love the family-friendly luxury waterpark, Baha Bay, situated on 15 acres along the beachfront and offering families unlimited complimentary access to enjoy 24 water slides, interactive rides, and a variety of al fresco culinary experiences.

Atlantis Paradise Island | Nassau, Bahamas

Atlantis Paradise Island

Be prepared to be blown away at Aquaventure, a 141-acre water park at the Atlantis Bahamas that takes awesomeness to a new level. Twenty million gallons of water, extreme water slides, a mile-long river ride with swirling rapids, 11 swimming pools including three kids' pools, a kids' water-play fort and 20 swimming areas are just some of the incredible attractions that will provide non-stop fun for all ages. If that's not enough excitement, you'll find the largest open-air marine habitat in the world and there's also close encounters with dolphins, sea lions and even sharks. When you want some "me time", sign the kids into the kids' club and head to the spa for some pampering. 

Related: Atlantis Is the Paradise You’ve Been Looking For (Here’s Why!)

Waldorf Astoria Lusail Doha | Qatar

Waldorf Astoria Lusail Doha

The Waldorf Astoria Lusail Doha features an on-site water park, Wadi Lusail, that offers water fountains, an adventure trail, and water slides. Kids will especially enjoy stopping by the Aloha Surf Club to ride the waves and boogie board. The property has the only private beach in Lusail offering water sports like jet skis, wake boarding, and banana boat rides.

—additional reporting by Janine Clements, Allison Sutcliffe & Amber Guetebier

 

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25 Netflix Shows Every Parent Should Binge-Watch in 2024

by Shahrzad Warkentin

We know “Netflix and chill “doesn’t mean what it used to, thanks to life with littles, but when you’ve got the time to wind down after the kids are in bed, click off Disney+ and click on these adult shows on Netflix that are sure to keep you awake no matter how tired you are—at least through several episodes. From hilarious comedies to heart-pumping thrillers, here’s what we’re binge-watching on Netflix right now.

"The Brothers Sun"

Production still from The Brothers Sun, one of the best adult shows on Netflix

It's late. You're in bed. And you want a little action. But not that kind of action. Try hitting up the new series starring recently crowned Best Actress Michelle Yeoh. She plays the strong-willed mother of a family of gang members whose enemies have come a-knocking. There's a lot of choreographed fighting, fun quipping, and every shade of Yeoh on the acting spectrum. 

"Carol & the End of the World"

production still of Carol & the end of the world, one of the best adult shows on Netflix

From one of the brilliant writers for the criminally underappreciated campus comedy Community comes this miniseries about a 42-year-old accounting assistant who has absolutely no idea why the impending doom destined for Eearth means her quiet little life has to change. Like Carol in the mass of hedonistic chaos around her, this animated adult dramedy is a diamond in Netflix's digital rough.  

"Bridgerton"

Obsessed? Same. Now that you're done bingeing Queen Charlotte and eagerly anticipating the next installment of the period drama, why not work on a little refresh? While you wait for season 3 to hit the streamer (part 1: May 16; part 2: June 13), catch up on the first two seasons. Then get ready to learn more about Penelope Featherington and her longtime crush, world traveler Colin Bridgerton.

"Wednesday"

The Addams Family reruns you watched as a kid pale in comparison to this witty Tim Burton remake. The series stars Jenna Ortega as the brilliant and totally dark title character. Shipped off to Nevermore, a boarding school for outcasts, Wednesday finds herself in the middle of a mystery. Including nods to the original, with an updated ethos, this show is definitely worth a few hours of your time—okay, eight hours. Once you finish the first season, get ready for season 2 in April.

Related: Netflix Announces 'Wednesday' Will Return for Season 2

"Russian Doll"

A production still from Russian Doll, one of the best adult shows on Netflix

If you haven't caught on to this sci-fi/fantasy show that's absolutely bingeable, our only question is: Why not? Natasha Lyonne plays Nadia, doomed to repeat her 36th birthday over and over again until she gets it right, a la Groundhog Day, but with less humor and more mind-blowing plot twists. Sit down to two seasons; Netflix says a third is in the works now.

"Umbrella Academy"

a production still from The Umbrella Academy, one of the best adults shows on Netflix

Reuniting after their father's death, a group of estranged siblings sees their superpowers and a whole closet's worth of family secrets spill out. So far, the series has wrapped three seasons, with the upcoming fourth season said to be the final chapter. According to Ritu Arya, who plays Lila Pitts, season four will be the comic-book adaptation's best yet. So catch up now!

"Lupin"

a man walks briskly outside the Louvre in Paris, adult shows on netflix lupin

Forget the Ocean's. This French series will leave you wanting more after the first heart-pounding scene at the Louvre. A true gentleman thief, Assane Diop (Omar Sy) sets out to avenge his father who was unjustly imprisoned when Assane was a child. Taking cues from his favorite fictional criminal hero, Arsène Lupin, he steals from the rich and exposes the truth. Part three is now streaming.

"Beef"

a production still from Beef, one of the best adult shows on Netflix

Steven Yeun and Ali Wong star in this wild road-rage comedy that has more twists and turns than Mulholland Drive. They play Danny Cho, a contractor, and Amy Lau, a business owner, and their "beef" begins when the two engage in a near fender bender. The experience ends up burrowing its way into their lives in ways you would never imagine. You will just eat this one up.

"Derry Girls"

Set in 1990s Northern Ireland—Londonderry, to be exact—this hidden gem is set against a backdrop of political upheaval that's nearing its end. School friends Erin, Michelle, Clare, Orla, and James navigate their teenage years with wit and, well, not really wisdom, but maybe the wisdom of youth that's as hilarious as it gets. Creator Lisa McGee has earned lots of praise for this one. 

"Virgin River"

The perfect romantic-yet-not-too cheesy drama finished up its fifth season last year, with a sixth season on its way. While you wait, you can catch up on all the plaid-patterned action and learn about what Mel and Jack are up to in the small town of Virgin River. Should you need more rom-coms while you mom-mom, check out our list of shows like Virgin River.

"Kim’s Convenience"

If you haven't caught this CBC show on Netflix yet, sit down and stream it tonight. Set in Canada, it's the story of convenient-store-owning Korean immigrants and their first-generation adult kids living in Toronto. Based on a play by Ins Choi, its subtle humor balances out the show's more serious themes, meaning you'll laugh, cry, scream, and feel all the other feels. 

"Glitch"

Production still from Glitch

Guaranteed you have never heard of this chilling Aussie gem. About a group of dead people who claw their way back to life from six feet under, Glitch is a genre-blending series that will blow your mind. No, those who have risen are not zombies. And, no, they are not ghosts. But, yes, they are back for a reason. Their journeys to find out why will keep you hooked.

"The Diplomat"

Production still from The Diplomat

Politics are a dirty game. But on The Diplomat, they're also completely absurd, ridiculous, and gloriously silly. Keri Russell stars as the titular ambassador and handles every bonkers plot twist, from international crises to marital exploits with skill and grace. Bless her. Catch up on season 1 now, because the next chapter is on the way, most likely hitting the platform this year.

"Insecure"

Production still from Insecure

Don't have MAX? No biggie. Netflix now has every season of Insecure (and Girlfriends, for that matter) for your streaming pleasure. So when you're done watching Firefly Lane on repeat, treat your viewing queue to Issa Rae's hit comedy about a group of twenty-somethings navigating love, life, and friendship in Los Angeles. 

Related: 10 Hidden Gem TV Shows on Netflix

"The Witcher"

Follow the adventures of Geralt of Rivia, a riveting and well-built monster hunter for hire as he journeys toward his destiny in a fantasy-based world where people are often the scariest beasts of them all. And as if spending late nights with Henry Cavill weren't reason enough to hit play on the adventure series, knowing that eye candy Liam Hemsworth is joining the cast for season 4 certainly is.

"Emily In Paris"

emily in paris woman holding a microphone with lights in the background, adult shows on netflix

An ambitious 20-something lands her dream job as a marketing exec in Paris. And the City of Love does not disappoint with three seasons of romance and adventure finding Emily on every corner. Season 4 got a bit delayed due to the 2023 writers' strikes, but worry not, word is new episodes of Emily, her friends, her lovers, and her wildly inspirational fashion choices will be out this year.

"The Crown"

Can’t get enough of the royal family? This intriguing peek into the reign and romance of Queen Elizabeth II will more than satisfy. It certainly doesn't hurt that it stars the Oscar-winning Olivia Colman for part of the saga as Her Royal Highness, either. Creator Peter Morgan has finally finished his story, with all six seasons streaming on the platform now.

"Good Girls"

YouTube

What happens when a picture-perfect, stay-at-home mom breaks bad? Good Girls. Part Weeds, part Breaking Bad, this series is a dark but fun fantasy escape that will draw you in from the first episode. In a stroke of horrible prime time decision making, the network canceled the series ahead of season five, but that doesn't mean you won't thoroughly enjoy all four seasons streaming now.

"Griselda"

Okay, yes, Ozark is a lot of fun. But odds are, you've seen Jason Bateman and Laura Linney boss up as money-laundering pros in the Ozark Mountains. So, queue up this thriller with links to the cartel instead. It stars Sofia Vergara playing against type in a queenpin role that will have you doing a double take. Drugs, money, motherhood, talk about binge-worthy. Look for it on January 25.

"Cobra Kai"

Thirty years after Karate Kid, the feud between Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) and Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka) is still going strong. A surprise hit series, Cobra Kai checks in on the rivals, now all grown up, and finds Johnny and Daniel raising a new class of karate masters in their own dojos. Catch up now because season six is on the burner for 2024. 

"Dead to Me"

This dark and twisty mystery about a grieving widow, played by the genius Christina Applegate, and her new best friend, the wonderful Linda Cardellini, will suck you in instantly and will not spit you out until the credits roll on the shocking end. Luckily (and, well, unfortunately), there are three complete seasons to keep you entertained.

"Escaping Twin Flames"

Ripping people off is as American as apple pie. LuLaRoe did it with patterned leggings, Bernie Madoff did it with a handshake, and cryptocurrency used Tom Brady. Twin Flames Universe, the online community at the focus of this 2023 Netflix docuseries, the lure is harmonious true love. And founders Jeff and Shaleia Divine swindled millions of their prey. 

Related: True Crime Docuseries Moms Can't Get Enough Of

"Ginny and Georgia"

a man hugs two children

In search of a fresh start, single mom Georgia moves her kids, Ginny and Austin, up north. Unfortunately, secrets from Georgia’s past come back to haunt them and threaten to make their new lives anything but perfect. As addictive as it is shocking at times, Ginny & Georgia is the gift that keeps on giving: Netflix has guaranteed that seasons 3 and 4 are on the way. 

"Workin’ Moms"

workin moms season six

The last and final season of this hilariously relatable mom-com was released in early 2023. As for the binge, we hope you can make it through all seven seasons without peeing your pants, tagging along with the working moms as they balance the impossible chaos of motherhood and returning to the office. If you've already seen the entire series, check out our picks for shows like Workin' Moms. 

"The Great British Baking Show"

Mouthwatering cake pops and canapes served up with some friendly competition make this series a must-watch for any home baker (or cookie-lover) looking for inspiration. If, however, you fear the yummy sponges on the screen may induce hunger pangs that send you straight to the kitchen for a snack, there's always the Emmy-nominated Selling Sunset to quell the late-night reality cravings. 

—with additional reporting by DeAnna Janes

All photos courtesy of Netflix, unless noted.

 

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