When it comes holiday gifts, IKEA is a one-stop-shop, and really, who doesn’t need that in their life during the holidays? From toys and IKEA furniture to interior design decor, there’s a unique gift idea for everyone in your life. We’ve curated our top picks for Christmas gift ideas, you’ll find treasures for kids, foodies, plant lovers and more. Keep reading to see the list—Santa would approve. 

For Kids

JÄTTELIK Soft Dinosaur Toys

Whether your kiddo wants a triceratops, or is more of a brontosaurus kind of kid, this new line of dinosaur toys will be their new old best friend in no time. 

Comes in triceratops, velociraptor, brontosaurus and stegosaurus. $6/each

Play Kitchen

A love of food begins at an early age, especially if someone else in the family likes to cook. Get your little one set up with a kitchen space of his very own. This set comes with curtains, so from puppet shows to playing restaurant, the possibilities for pretend play are endless. We also love the chalkboard for writing down the daily specials!

Buy it here, $60.

DUKTIG Roll Set

And speaking of pretend play, these perfect little felt cinnamon rolls will hit the spot, especially when served hot out of the SPISIG play kitchen's oven! 

Buy them for $8 here

Pizza-Making Play Set

Complement his new kitchen with a soft pizza set. Kids can add toppings, toss and "eat" to their heart's desire. It comes with 24 pieces, including sauce, cheese, arugula, pepperoni and more.

Buy one here, $10.

MÅLA Framed Drawing Boards

IKEA

Go next-level with that refrigerator art and make it wall-worthy with framed drawing boards. Buy them here, $2.

Paper Roll Holder

For artists of any age, having paper at the ready is a must. We like this paper roll holder for its simple design and that kids as young as three can easily use it. 

Buy it here, $8.

Buy a roll of paper here, $4.

MÅLA Felt Tip Pen

IKEA

Refresh that supply of dried-out pens with this set of 24. Buy it here, $3.

Wacky Puzzle

A puzzle is a puzzle, but this one will throw you for a loop. Not only are the details teeny tiny, but the puzzle pieces come in different sizes. How's that for family night? Best for ages six and up, it comes with 23 large, 88 medium and 100 small pieces. 

Buy it here, $7.

Abacus

This brightly colored abacus will help your toddler learn her numbers and colors, plus it helps to develop fine motor skills. Recommended for kids ages 3 and up, it's a great looking toy that'll stand the test of time.

Grab it here, $10.

SOLBO Owl Lamp

Another way to help your kids find their way to dreamland is to set up a soothing night light. This adorable owl light is six inches tall, has an LED light, and can be used as room decor during daylight hours.

Buy one here, $17.

FLISAT Storage Bin

Get your kids involved in the clean up early in the game by making it fun. Not only is this storage bin equipped with wheels for easy moving, but its charming style will also feel like a toy in itself. 

Snag one here, $30.

URSKOG Panda Pillow

Because who doesn't need an adorable panda pillow? Dimensions are 20 x 20"

Buy it here, $10.

Paintable Masks

Do you need a party activity/favor? Are your kids in need of props for the play they're writing? IKEA can help you with that. These paintable masks come in human and dog form are waiting for your kids' creative minds. 

Buy it here, $5. 

LILLABO Battery-Operated Locomotive

The little engine that could is the latest addition to the LILLABOO train swag and is compatible with the wooden tracks IKEA has sold for years. 

Get one here for $8. 

UPPTÅG Cushion

For your vehicle-loving kid, this bright and cheery bus cushion is just the ticket. Dimensions are 18"x11."

Buy one here, $10.

SNUTTIG Stuffed Polar Bear

IKEA seems to manage to produce some of the snuggliest creatures around—from woodland foxes to petite pigs, and now they've introduced a polar bear into the mix. 

Buy it here, $15. 

PELARBOJ Table Lamp

Back-to-school desks just got brighter! Illuminate their study space or maybe just use it as a night light; either way, this pencil-like lamp will look sharp.

$25, get one here

LEKA Baby Gym

These colorful toys help baby develop hand and eye coordination. 

Buy it here, $30.

Velcro Tag Game

Finally, it’s okay for your kids to throw stuff at each other. This tag-like game is designed for two players and comes with two velcro vests and felt balls that kids can belt at one another. This could be the solution to all those sibling squabbles, amirite? Recommended for kids ages 6 and up.

Buy it here, $18.

For Foodies

BLANDA MATT Serving Bowl

A foodie can never have too many serving bowls! This 8" bamboo version is ideal for everything from salad to pasta.

Buy it here, $10.

PEPPRIG Microfiber Cloth

IKEA

Fun colors will brighten the home with this pack of dish clothes. 

Find yours here, $2 for a 3-pack.

Knife Sharpener

For the adult foodie at home, a knife sharpener is key. Although this might seem like a ho-hum gift, real cooks know that a sharp knife is a must. There are three slots for fine, medium or coarse sharpening.

Buy it here, $12.99.

For Design Aficionados

YLLEVAD Art Cards

IKEA

This pack of 6x4 cards is a perfect gift for a botanically-inclined relative or friend. 

Buy them here, $2 for 4. 

Red & White Swivel Chair

A gift for kids and design-savvy parents alike, this dome-shaped swivel chair gives kids a quiet place to chill and gives parents the gift of kids' furniture that doesn't look like kids' furniture. 

Buy it here, $70. 

For Plant Lovers

SJÄLSLIGT Decorative Cactus Set

IKEA

A decorative cactus set for the bookshelf, no watering required.

Buy them here. Set of 3, $15

INVÄNDIG Artificial Terrarium Dome

IKEA

For that spot where things just won't grow but you need a little chic greenery anyway.  

Get one here, $6.

Live Plant Set

A set of live snake plants is perfect for anyone with a green thumb. Each one comes in its own pastel-hued pot. 

Buy the set here, $7.

Ivory and Gold Watering Can

Say goodbye to ugly plastic watering cans and say hello to this chic one instead. We love the fact that it's made of galvanized metal to prevent rusting and that you can leave it out after your chores are done! 

Buy it here, $10. 

Fern & Flowers Decal

Bring the indoors in with this charming decal set that will appeal to kids and adults alike. 

Buy it here, $10.

SOCKER Indoor/Outdoor Greenhouse

The whole family can enjoy this indoor/outdoor greenhouse! Use it to start seedlings, grow herbs, or use as live decor. 

Buy it here, $20.

For Techies

MÖJLIGHET Headset & Tablet Holder

For more desktop organization, try this bold headset and tablet holder. It easily transports gadgets from one spot in the room to another. Recommended for kids ages 6 years and older.

Buy it here, $4.

MÖJLIGHET WiFi Bookshelf Speaker

This slim speaker offers a rich sound without taking up a lot of space. Stream music via WiFi capabilities, and what's even cooler, you can control each speaker individually, so you can stream music in one room while the kids listen to an audiobook in another. 

Buy a set here, $99 each. 

NORDMÄRKE Triple Charger

Your smart device command center will be chic when you upgrade to this triple charger station. Designed with cork and white trim, it's a minimalist look that means no more tangled cords. Works with Apple® iPhone 8 and Samsung® Galaxy S6 or newer models.

Buy it here, $40. 

—Gabby Cullen & Amber Guetebier

Images courtesy IKEA

Editor’s note: At the time of publication, all items were available for purchase. 

 

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10 Epic Gifts for Dino Lovers

Dinosaurs roamed the earth millions of years ago, yet they’ve managed to stay current and cool—how could the biggest animals to have ever walked the earth not be?! If you you’re up-close and personal with a mega dino fanatic, you have to check out this list of the best holiday gifts for dino lovers. Whether they are a budding paleontologist or just a big fan, we have something for every dino enthusiast in your life.

 

Squeakee the Balloon Dino

You’ve never met a Dino like this before: Part Dino, part balloon animal and part break-dancer—Squeakee Dino is going to be on every kid's wish list. With over 70 sounds and reactions, including touch and voice recognition, playtime never goes extinct.

This Dino knows how to party! Squeakee Dino is a stompin’, chompin’, dancin’ balloon dinosaur. He's totally interactive and comes to life when you play with him. Play games with him like Chicken and Tug of War. Roar at him and he'll roar back but roar too much and he might run away. He dances when his headphones are on, and you can pet or tickle him to make him laugh—pull his tail, and he'll fart or pop! Pure. Genius.

National Geographic Dinosaur Dig Kit

This cool kit by the nature experts allows you to experience discovering a dino for the first time! Dig through the “egg”, meet your dino, then check the handy guide included to find out more about your new friend. The National Geographic Dinosaur Dig Kit is a must and keeps kids busy just like those fun surprise toys they can’t get enough of. The twist? They are actually learning something, too!

 

Personalized Dinosaur Nightlight

This T-Rex Personalized Dinosaur Nightlight will be a welcome addition to a child's room for decoration and to keep the boogieman away. This light is not only cool looking, it stays cool to the touch so it's safe for any young kid's room. Time to party: This LED light includes a remote control with four auto modes that cycle through vibrant colors and 15 different fixed colors—rawrsome!

Tacosaurus T-Rex Dinosaur Taco Stand

Dino lover? Check. Taco lover? Check. The Tacosaurus T-Rex Dinosaur Taco Stand is the ultimate gift for all ages, bringing a roaring good time to taco night and making dinner time as epic as the dinosaurs themselves! (Also a great hack for picky eaters, making mealtime, fun time!)

Color-In Dino Pajamas

This one is perfect for your Snooze-O-Saurus: Color-In Dino Pajamas! Did dinosaurs wear jammies? Scientists can't say for sure. Your tiny paleontologists can ponder these mysteries and more as they color this illustrated PJ set, hand-printed in the UK. The markers' UV-activated ink means they won't have to wait a whole Jurassic period to wear. These are also seriously comfy and cuddle-ready (who knew these prehistoric beasts could be so soft?).  

T-Rex Hooded Cape

Don't save dress-up just for Halloween—this T-Rex Hooded Cape is designed with Jurassic potential for year-round fun! It's made with great attention to detail featuring soft textured velour, realistic eyes and 3D stuffed detailing on the hood. It's also built to last and machine washable, so this cape is sure to add roar-tastic fun to everyday play for years to come.

 3D Dinosaur Puzzle

This handmade wooden gift is made to look like a puzzle and will be the perfect fit with their bedroom decor. You can't go wrong with this 3D Dinosaur Puzzle for an artistic way to showcase their undying love for everything dinosaur.

 Wash N' Roar Showerhead

Because why not include dinos in their bathing routine, too? Make showers an adventure and transport to another time with the Wash N' Roar Showerhead. It's easily installed on any showerhead. Maybe stay just outside of snapping range just in case... you can never be too careful—CHOMP!

Highlights Dinosaur Collection

These three fun-filled books in Highlights Dinosaur Collection will satisfy the Brontosaurus-sized cravings of even the biggest dinosaur fans! With 501 dinosaur joke-tivities, puzzles, dozens of hidden pictures scenes, a double-sided hidden pictures poster, fun facts and more, your little Pterodactyl will have weeks worth of fun ahead!

Dinosaur Sneakers

Just for “kicks”, we had to add these ultra-cool T-Rex Checkerboard Creator Shoes by Vans. T-Rex has never looked better than on these slip-on stylish shoes from Vans, you may just want to snag a pair for yourself—RAWR!

—Jamie Aderski

 

IKEA is known for affordable housewares but we think their selection of kid’s toys and linens are the best-kept secret in shopping. The latest line of kids gear, from cushions to plush animals to tea sets, is here and we picked our top faves. Bonus: These are all shoppable online so you don’t have to make that trek to the big store near you. Read on for our picks. 

MÅLA 10-Piece Cardboard Town

A sweet set for your architect, these little cardboard templates are easy to color, fold, and build a magical small town of their own. The price is so affordable, you can get more than one. Great for travel! 

Shop it here. $3.49

SPORTSLIG Ball Storage and Goal

This foldable, soft toy goal can help your inner soccer star shine, or get ready for some serious toddler/knee hockey. Turn it on its side for toy storage. 

Shop it here.$24.99

SPARKA Soft Soccer Ball

This mini plush ball is just one of several new soft ball toys that go great with the indoor goal. Kids can stay active on those indoor-only days without (too much) danger of smashing things in the house. 

Buy it now, $1.49

LEDDJUR Elephant Set

The new plush parent-and-baby elephant set is about as snuggly as they come. 

Buy it here, $12.99

UNDERHÅLLA Abacus

Learn to count with the colorful, wooden abacus that makes a calculator look boring. 

Buy it now, $9.99

KURA Bed Curtain in Market Stall

Transform your child’s bed into a play area with the new canopy in a market-stall pattern and get ready to play store with all the resident stuffed animals. Fits the KURA bed. 

Get it here, $24.99

UNDERHÅLLA 40-Piece Wooden Building Block Set

These wooden blocks are the kind of toy you think: why didn’t I buy these sooner? The 40-piece Montessori-inspired set offers you endless combos and hours of multi-age entertainment. 

Buy them here, $11.99

MORRHÅR Plush Leopard

When you—we mean they—really need a snuggle, this oversized leopard toy does just the trick. 

Buy it here, $17.99

MJUKHET Soft Panther

Okay, there is definitely a cat theme with IKEA's latest catalog. The cat lover in all of us wants this little soft toy curled up next to us during storytime or any time. 

Get it now, $ 6.49

DUKTIG Tea Set

Make your own wonderland with this durable three-piece playset. 

Get it now, $6.99

SÖT BARNSLIG Hippopotamus

Sometimes, you just need a tiny, pink, plush hippopotamus in your life. Especially one that clocks in under $1. 

Get it here, $0.99

MÅLA Easel

The newest IKEA easel, the affordable MALA line is just what you need for those rainy, creative days. 

Get it here, $19.99

KARISMATISK Room Divider

Got siblings? Or maybe your home office is also your kid’s room/living room/bedroom? This colorful room divider will designate separate spaces but can be folded up in an instant. 

Buy it here, $59.99

BARNDRÖM Cat Cushion

​​Who wouldn’t want a cat-shaped cushion complete with a stash pocket? Goes great with the new green cat throw pillow and new green cat twin duvet and pillowcase set, too. 

Buy it here, $11.99

KARISMATISK Flower Rugs 

This set of three flower rugs is just what your little plant lover wants to brighten their space all winter long.

Buy them here, $89.99

BELDRINGE Dala Horse Doormat

Make sure they wipe those muddy little feet with this adorable Dala-horse doormat. 

Get it here, $12.99

STARTTID Backpack

This classic kid’s backpack style now comes in two new colors: the black and red pattern seen here and a leopard print. 

Buy it here, $12.99

ISKÄRNA Table Light

If you’ve got a DEVO or Blue Man Group fan in your house, have we got the lamp for you.

Get it now, $29.99

SÖTAST Koala Set

What’s better than one stuffed koala? A pair! This parent-and-child koala set is soft, cuddly, and sweet as can be. 

Buy it here, $14.99

VÄNKRETS Cushion in Pale Green Banana 

Add a little whimsical support to any bed or play area with this long, lumbar-style pillow in the new pale green banana pattern. And don’t miss the matching duvet and pillow-case set.  

Get it here, $17.99

BARNDRÖM Duvet Set in Forest Animal

IKEA debuted a few new twin duvet and pillowcase sets this fall but this one might be our favorite, with its minimalist forest style. 

Get it here, $17.99

BARNDRÖM Duvet Set in Heart

But then again, we also totally heart this twin set, too.  

Get it here, $9.99

NÄVLINGE Desk Light

At first glance, this light looks slightly boring, but it’s a great little minimalist desk lamp or reading light that can focus the light directly on the page.

Buy it here, $16.99

SUNDVIK Convertible Changing Table & Dresser 

IKEA

We love multi-use furniture that grows with your kid and this new changing table is just such a piece. Plenty of storage for diapers and wipes, and when the diaper stage is over it converts into a chest of drawers. 

Get it here, $189

Other IKEA Picks Our Editors Love

JÄTTELIK Soft Dinosaur Toys

Whether your kiddo wants a triceratops, or is more of a brontosaurus kind of kid, this new line of dinosaur toys will be their new old best friend in no time. 

Comes in triceratops, velociraptor, brontosaurus and stegosaurus. $5.99/each

MÅLA Framed Drawing Boards

IKEA

Go next-level with that refrigerator art and make it wall-worthy with these framed drawing boards. $1.99/each

MÅLA Felt Tip Pen

IKEA

Refresh that supply of dried-out pens with this affordable set. $2.99/24 pack

Solar System Mobile

Give your kid her first glimpse at what the universe holds with this soft, fuzzy mobile that’s perfect for hanging above her changing table. Made from 100% polyester.

Buy it here, $5.99.

Velcro Tag Game

Finally, it’s okay for your kids to throw stuff at each other. This new tag-like game is designed for two players, comes with two velcro vests and felt balls that kids can belt at one another. It can also be played indoors or outside. This could be the solution to all those sibling squabbles, amirite? Recommended for kids ages 6 and up.

Buy it here, $14.99.

—Amber Guetebier with Gabby Cullen

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All images courtesy IKEA

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Credit: Kara’s Party Ideas

When it comes to birthday parties, a dinosaur-themed one is almost a right of passage for most parents. Hosting an unforgettable dinosaur party doesn’t need to be expensive or require high-design skills; just read on for super easy ideas to host the dino party of their dreams. And don’t forget to surprise them with the most fantastic gift: the stompin’, chompin’, dancin’ Squeakee the Balloon Dino!

1. Plan a Dino-Themed Fossil Dig

Kara’s Party Ideas

Make your tiny party-goers squeal with delight: just stuff tiny toy dinosaurs inside a few plastic balls or Easter eggs (we mean dino eggs!) and bury them in a ball pit for kids to find as part of the dig! 

2. Give the Most Epic Dinosaur Gift, Ever

Kara’s Party Ideas

Your little dino-lover has probably had their share of dino toys, so this year surprise them with Squeakee Dino. Part dino, part balloon animal and part breakdancer, this giant toy is a must-have for any dino lover. It has over 70 sounds and reactions, including chompin’, stompin’ and even dancin’! We promise he’ll be the hit of the party.

3. Eat Like a Dinosaur

Kara’s Party Ideas

Almost any food can become “dinosaur food” with some clever signage. Chicken wings can transform into Pterodactyl Wings; chips can be Dino Claws; veggies and dip can be Herbivore Snacks, and cut-up deli meats can easily be Carnivore’s Delight. Check out these Squeakee Dino printables to create your own labels. You don’t even need any design skills! 

4. Easy Dinosaur Cake

Kara’s Party Ideas

Bake up a classic birthday cake, cupcakes, or just buy some plain store-bought ones and add these cute Squeakee Dino cake toppers for the world’s easiest and cutest dinosaur cake. 

5. Get Crafty with Dino Eggs

Kids love dying eggs, and it doesn’t have to be Easter to try out this adorable at-home idea. Follow our tutorial to make an ordinary hard-boiled egg dinotastic. Bonus: you can eat the eggs! 

6. Have a Dinosaur Dance Party

Squeakee Dino actually breakdances when you put his headphones on! Cue up some music for the kids, pop on Squeakee’s headphones, and let the dance-off begin!

7. Play Prehistoric Tug Of War

Squeakee Dino loves a good game of Tug Of War with his Squeaker Toy. Have the kids line up to feed Squeakee Dino his squeaker bone, but be careful when he latches on and doesn’t want to let go. And if they squeeze the bone, Squeakee Dino might just come stompin’ towards them.

8. Color a Dinosaur

Print a cute dinosaur coloring page for the kids to color in themselves, either at the party or for them to take home.

9. Watch a Dino Movie

From Jurrasic Park to The Land Before Time, wind down the party with a kid-friendly dinosaur movie. Check out our list of the best dinosaur-themed movies for kids of any age. 

10. Say A Ferociously Friendly Thanks

Kara’s Party Ideas

Pull together some fun dino-themed packaged snacks and accessories and create these super cute party favors to give to your guests.  

Whether your little one is into Tyrannosaurus or Brontosaurus, they’ll love Squeakee the Balloon Dino! And don’t forget to download your Squeakee Dino party printables here.

-Amber Guetebier

Party styled by Kara’s Party Ideas 

DIY Dino Eggs You Can Totally Do Yourself

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Your little kid-o-saurus is ready for some hands-on action this afternoon but you aren’t equipped with a crafter’s closet. No worries, we weren’t either, but this dinosaur egg project is so easy, you won’t need much more than a few eggs. Read on for the complete how-to.

This crafting tip is sponsored by Squeakee the Balloon Dino! Part dino, part balloon animal and part breakdancer, this giant toy is a must-have for any dino lover. It has over 70 sounds and reactions, including chompin’, stompin’ and even dancin’! 

dingoeggs-8

You’ll Need:

Three glass cups

Hard-boiled eggs

Food coloring (red, green and blue works best)

Water

dingoeggs-1

Instructions:

Step one: Hard boil your eggs. We know there’s a lot of methods and theories on how to make the best hard-boiled egg. Use whatever works for you, but we found that this way renders great results.

Step two: Once your eggs are cool crack them all over. It’s ok if there are pieces missing.

dingoeggs-2

Step three: Add water to your cups just enough to cover your eggs.

dingoeggs-3

Step four: Add food coloring to each cup–we measured out about 5 drops. If you’re feeling extra imaginative feel free to make your own colors like mixing red and blue to make purple.

dingoeggs-4

Step five: Drop one cracked egg into each of your cups.

dingoeggs-5

Step six: Let your eggs sit for a few hours in the refrigerator. If you’re feeling extra patient allow them to sit in the dye overnight. The longer the eggs sit in the cups the bolder the colors on your dino eggs.

dingoeggs-6

Step seven: Carefully drain the water in the sink and pull out your egg. Peel the outer shells off the hard-boiled egg. Mom and Dad might need to help with this step.

Step eight: Ta-da! You have a set of dino eggs. We set ours up with some pet dinosaurs. Psssst…if the colors don’t weird you out, the dinosaur eggs also make great egg salad sandwich ingredients!

dingoeggs-7

Don’t forget to bring their best dino-friend home! Whether your little one is into Tyrannosaurus or Brontosaurus, they’ll love Squeakee the Balloon Dino! 

 

A special thanks to the blog, Our Best Bites for inspiring us to make these eggs!

photos by Christal Yuen; copy by Erin Lem

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Even tweens can find something on this list

If you’ve got a dinosaur-obsessed kid at home, we’ve got the ultimate list of movies just for you. From classics like The Land Before Time to documentaries like Walking with Dinosaurs, there’s something for everyone. Scroll down to see our top picks for the best dinosaur movies for kids.

Bob the Builder: Big Dino Dig Movie

Amazon

Ideal for tots who love Bob the Builder and dinosaurs. There is nothing scary, kids watch the characters work together to build an amusement park and see what happens when they dig up some dinosaur bones! The catchy song at the end will have little kids up and moving, too. 

Rated NR

Recommended for kids ages 3 & up.

Dinosaur Train: Dinosaur Big City (2011)

Amazon

A sweet movie that’s a spin-off of the popular PBS series. Kids will learn about dinosaurs in a fun and educational way, and they’ll also get a sense of community and social responsibility when they watch the diverse group of dinosaurs working together. 

Rated: G

Recommended for kids ages 3 & up.

The Land Before Time (1988)

IMDb

The classic dino movie you loved as a kid is just as sweet for kids today. Follow Littlefoot and his friends as they try to reach the Great Valley, all while outsmarting the scary Sharptooth, escaping volcanos and earthquakes and being separated from family. There may be some tears when Littlefoot’s mom dies, so be ready to explain things to your littlest viewers. There are over 10 more sequels, but the original is by far the best. 

Rated G

Recommended for ages 5 & up.

Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs (2009)

IMDb

Dawn of the Dinosaurs is the third installment of the Ice Age series. This is the first one offered in 3D and is a little bit more intense than the previous two films. Sid gets the gang into trouble (no surprise there) when he swipes three eggs, and they turn out to belong to a T-Rex mama. This third film focuses more on action than friendship, but it’s still a lot of fun and will appeal to both preschoolers and older kids. 

Rated PG

Recommended for kids ages 6 & up.

We’re Back! A Dinosaur Story (1993)

IMDb

In this ‘90s film, a set of prehistoric animals are given a dose of magic cereal that gives them the ability to talk, and then, via a time machine, they're taken to modern-day New York City. Filled with a quality cast that includes John Goodman, Walter Kronkite, Julia Child, Martin Short and others, this film is best for older kids who understand the difference between real and pretend violence. There’s a spooky villain, the dinosaurs go “native” for a time, and the child protagonists are transformed, but ultimately, this is a fun flick for dino lovers. 

Rated G

Recommended for ages 7 & up.

The Good Dinosaur (2015)

IMDb

Arlo the Apatosaurus makes an unlikely friendship with a little cave boy in this visually stunning Pixar film. The pair will have to fight against some scary forces of nature (think flooding, waterfalls, carnivorous dinosaurs) on their journey, and the advanced animation will make this movie seem more realistic, especially to younger kids. 

Rated PG

Recommended for kids 8 & up.

Dinosaur (2000)

IMDb

This Disney film is visually stunning but can be extremely scary at times. Several of the featured dinosaurs battle to the death, and even with the comic-relief lemurs, this is a good choice for older kids. 

Rated PG

Recommended for kids 8 & up.

Walking with Dinosaurs (1999)

Wikipedia

Following up on the success of Jurassic Park, this six-part BBC series is made in documentary form with impressive CGI animation. Narrator Kenneth Branagh takes viewers on an educational but entertaining journey that covers all things dinosaur in a factual way that's easy for kids to understand. The series spans the globe, featuring dinosaur hot spots like Chile, Tasmania and New Caledonia, among others, while following the evolution of the prehistoric creatures from their known beginning to their demise.

Rated NR

Recommended for kids ages 9 & up.

 

If the home of America’s favorite cave-dwelling cartoon characters is on your family’s travel bucket list, then you’d better act fast. Bedrock City, the iconic Flintstones roadside attraction, is about to go the way of the dinosaurs.

This page right out of history is about to be history as Bedrock City, the Flintstones-themed attraction in Arizona, prepares to shut down after this summer. The park—which has been open and family run since the 1970s—was bought earlier this year by developers.

Before it is completely gone, developer Troy Morris plans to give fans one last chance to visit Bedrock City. The spot, which is a popular detour for travelers heading to the Grand Canyon, will reopen its diner, gift shop and RV park in June for one last summer before it’s closed for good.

While it will be sad to say farewell to Fred, Wilma, Barney and Betty, it’s not all bad news. The 30-acre property will be redeveloped into a new theme park called Raptor Ranch, which will be perfect for young travelers once its built. The new attraction will feature at least a few remnants of its pre-historic predecessor as Morris says he plans to keep Bedrock City’s brontosaurus slide, which will be the centerpiece of a playground. The total renovation will take up to five years to complete.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Featured photo: _charlesphoenix via Instagram

 

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OK, we know how horrifying it is to see Halloween decorations in drugstores right now and we are against super-early hype for holidays. BUT! We want your family to get into the best stuff this fall and all year ’round, and tickets go on sale this week for a few similar, extremely popular (and quite spectacular) Halloween-season to-dos. So not only will you not get shut out, you’ll get your pick of the best times and dates. P.S.: tickets must be purchased in advance, so mark your calendar and then hop to it!

photo: via Great Jack-o-Lantern Blaze Facebook page

The Great Jack-o-Lantern Blaze
One of the highlights of the fall season in Westchester, Croton-on-Hudson’s Great Jack-o-Lantern Blaze at Van Corlandt Manor sold out completely last year.

The event, which takes place at an historic 18th-century riverside property, features 7,000 illuminated jack-o-lanterns, all designed and individually carved on site.

Visitors stroll a meandering path and encounter visually stunning carved-pumpkin sculptures including  a giant sea serpent, a “Pumpkin Zee Bridge”, a color-changing “Pumpkin Planetarium,” dinosaurs of all sizes such as T-Rex, brontosaurus, triceratops, and flying pterodactyl and the region’s “superstar” the Headless Horseman.

The experience is further enhanced by produced sound effects, elaborate synchronized lighting and an original soundtrack by recording artist Richard Christy.

photo: Great Jack-o-Lantern Blaze Facebook page

Tickets go on sale: September 1

Cost: Adults: $20; kids 3 – 17: $16; Saturdays adults: $25; kids: $20

Dates: Sept. 30; Oct. 1-2, 7-10, 13-16, 19-31; Nov. 3-6, 10-13

Van Cortlandt Manor
Croton-on-Hudson
914-366-6900
Online: hudsonvalley.org

photo: RISE of the Jack O’ Lanterns

RISE of the Jack O’Lanterns
RISE of the Jack O’ Lanterns is another illuminated pumpkin extravaganza, which has been wowing NYC-area residents for the past five years at Old Westbury Gardens in Old Westbury New York. For 2016, the event is also making a stop in New Jersey, at the Meadowlands Exposition Center.

What’s especially nice for prospective visitors about RISE is that one location (Old Westbury) takes place outside, while the other (The Meadowlands) is an indoor affair. (It takes place rain or shine, so that may be a consideration.)

photo: via Rise of the Jack-o-Lanterns Facebook page

The RISE of the Jack O’Lanterns features 5,000 hand-carved pumpkins displayed along a scenic walking path with a musical score accompaniment. Expect large-scale sculptures of creatures such as dinosaurs and dragons, safari animals and even some Star Wars icons, as well as jack-o-lantern art of characters from American pop culture. Also new this year, the event is doubling the number of 100-pound pumpkins on display; artists spend 10-15 hours on these giant glowing masterpieces, and visitors can see the carving in action during the show.

RISE of the Jack O’ Lanterns Old Westbury Gardens

Tickets go on sale: September 6

Cost: $26/adults; $22/kids & seniors

Dates: Fri., Oct. 7 – Sun., Oct. 9, 6:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.; Fri. Oct. 14 – Sun., Oct 16, 6:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.; Thurs., Oct. 20 – Sun. Oct. 23, 6 – 10:30 p.m.; Thurs., Oct 27 – Sun., Oct. 30, 6 – 1-:30 p.m.

Old Westbury Gardens
71 Old Westbury Rd.
Old Westbury, Ny
1-516-252-3392
Online: therise.org

RISE of the Jack O’ Lanterns Meadowlands

Tickets go on sale: September 6

Cost: $26/adults; $22/kids & seniors

Dates: Thurs., Oct. 27- Sun., Oct. 30; 10 a.m. – 10:30 p.m.

355 Plaza Dr.
Secaucus, Nj
1-516-252-3392
Online: therise.org

Has your family checked out the Great Jack-o-Lantern Blaze or RISE of the Jack O’ Lanterns? Let us know in the comments!

—Mimi O’Connor

When we become parents, we often can’t wait to share our favorite childhood books and cartoons with our kids. But how many times have you pulled out an old book, blown the dust off it, and discovered that it’s a little . . . outdated? A lot has changed in the past 30 years: Pluto is no longer a planet, the Brontosaurus is actually an Apatosaurus, and cartoons featuring stereotypes of different races or cultures are not okay.

Many of us remember Richard Scarry’s work from our childhoods; his work is classic. Kids have loved Lowly Worm, Huckle Cat, and the other residents of Busytown for decades.

But when Scarry’s books were first published, political correctness and tolerance for others wasn’t exactly common. In 1991, Scarry realized times had changed, and so had his readers. As a result, he made it a priority to update the oh-so famous Best Word Book Ever — updates you probably didn’t even know existed unless you happened to have purchased a new copy.

The once dated book can now be shared for generations to come with timeless references. Check out some of Scarry’s before and after pictures below.

 

Before, a Native American Mouse was paddling the canoe. Now, just a regular mouse is paddling because canoes are not limited to just Native Americans.

Before, Christmas appeared to be the only winter holiday. Now, Chanukah is also recognized.

In the original book, the cat crying for help was referred to as a “beautiful screaming lady”. In the re-edit it is simply a “cat in danger”.

In the 1960’s “women’s work” was limited to the kitchen. In the updated version both Mother and Father are seen in the kitchen cooking.

All Photos Courtesy of Flickr user alan taylor

Did you notice the updates to Richard Scarry’s books?

—Francesca Katafias