ML Interest Tag: cardboard

14 Jumbo Lawn Games That’ll Ensure Your Kids Want to Play with You

by Kate Cartia

Looking to add some big fun to your backyard bash? Look no further than these giant lawn games! These larger-than-life versions of classic games are perfect for all ages and add a playful twist to any outdoor gathering. Whether you’re looking for a game to keep the kids entertained or a way to liven up your next BBQ, jumbo yard games are the way to go. From giant Jenga to oversized bowling, there are so many options to choose from. But where do you start? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

We’re sharing our top picks for giant lawn games that you can purchase right now. In fact, most of them are from Amazon, so you can get them almost right now. It’s never too early to start planning your spring and summer get-togethers, and these are also perfect for spring break. Plus, we made sure to consider kiddos of all ages so no one gets left out. Get ready to supersize your next backyard game night!

Oversized Yardzee

giant wooden dice set lawn game
SWOOC

This oversized Yahtzee (Yardzee—get it?) game is so much fun for everyone! And this set isn't just limited to Yahtzee. Farkle, Bowling, Pig, and more (20+ games) are packed into this one, weather-resistant set. 

Oversized Yardzee ($39.99)—Buy Here!

Giant Yard Pong

giant yard pong lawn game
Juegoal

This jumbo yard pong game is perfect for all ages. This set includes 12 oversized red cups, four balls, and a carrying case so you can take easily bring the fun with you to the beach or your next family gathering. Available in red, black, or teal/glow in the dark options!

Giant Yard Pong ($39.99)—Buy Here!

28 Piece Large Wooden Dominoes

giant dominoes lawn game
Triumph Sports

Color-coded and varnish-finished, these giant dominoes are ideal for the the whole family!

28 Piece Large Wooden Dominoes ($44.63)—Buy Here!

2-in-1 Vintage Giant Checkers & Tic Tac Toe

giant checkers board
SWOOC

Did someone say 'washable'? The board—a durable and reversible canvas—can be machine-washed, so grass stains and drink spills are no problem at all. This set comes with everything you need for Checkers and Tic Tac Toe.

2-in-1 Vintage Giant Checkers & Tic Tac Toe ($39.99)—Buy Here!

Jumbo Ring Toss

Amazon

This giant ring toss game is simply a backyard must-have. A tried-and-true favorite activity through the spring, summer, and fall, ring toss has a way of bringing people (of all ages) together. This particular set has almost 12K glowing Amazon reviews, too, so they're clearly doing something right.

Jumbo Ring Toss ($24.99)—Buy Here!

GoSports Ladder Toss

set of two ladder toss games
GoSports

This ladder toss is a great game for all ages to play. Set up is easy and you'll be having a blast in no time.

GoSports Ladder Toss ($49.99)—Buy Here!

MegaChess

giant game of chess
MegaChess

Just as the name implies, this is indeed a mega game of chess. With a 25 in. tall king (should give you a good idea of the size we're talking about here), this is such a charming set for mega chess fans.

MegaChess ($450.00)—Buy Here!

Giant Playing Cards

hand holding giant playing cards for lawn games
Yuanhe

Who among us doesn't need a full (all 52 cards) deck of enormous playing cards?

Giant Playing Cards ($13.69)—Buy Here!

Kick Croquet Game Set

giant kick croquet game
Franklin Sports

Kids will have a ball with this fun, outdoor, giant kick croquet game! Kick Croquet combines the fun of running and kicking a ball with the extra added attraction of guiding it through a course of wickets. You can make the course as hard or easy as you want. We're talking soccer vibes in a huge croquet set.

Kick Croquet Game Set ($34.18)—Buy Here!

Giant Connect 4

giant connect 4 game and bag
Giantville

If this isn't the most fun game for families, we aren't sure what is. Set up this jumbo version of Connect Four in your backyard and the kids will be dueling it out all summer long (but, you know, like in a healthy, friendly competition way). Don't believe us? Read the reviews!

Giant Connect 4 ($208.21)—Buy Here!

Giant Jenga

jumbo jenga game
Jenga

Don't you just love this extra-huge version of Jenga? The kids might need your help setting it up every time they knock it over, but other than that this is certainly one of the best jumbo lawn games you can bring home.

Giant Jenga ($118.50)—Buy Here!

Giant Kick Darts

SWOOC

Sure, this huge inflatable game could go one of two ways depending on the kind of neighbors you have and the aim your family has, but it's still wildly fun.

Giant Kick Darts ($149.99)—Buy Here!

Giant Inflatable Dice 6-Pack

Amazon

This inflatable dice set comes with six dice so that you can teach the kids one of these fun games or even use them to make match concepts fun. We love that they are easy to transport so that you can bring them with you camping or on your next family vacation.

Giant Inflatable Dice 6-Pack ($17.29)—Buy Here!

Giant Inflatable Bowling Set

Etna

This is a super fun option for little ones since there's very little risk of them getting hurt. Have the kids kick the bowling ball or mix it up and have them kick it backward—there are tons of ways this can be a fun and active game.

Giant Inflatable Bowling Set ($24.99)—Buy Here!

All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.

All images courtesy of retailers.

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The Best Places to Shop Online for Kids Glasses

by Kate Cartia

If your kiddo just got their eyeglasses prescription then you know a thing or two about getting hit with major sticker shock when browsing the frames in the optometrist’s office. Even with insurance, those specs can be seriously pricey‚ not to mention limited. Clutch onto the ‘scrip and hop over to one of these sites for kids glasses online that offer lots of affordable, adorable options for kids glasses online with the prescription they need. Even if you’ve already got your favorite pair of kids eyewear, these also make a great option to have a spare just in case. Because kids.

Whether you’re shopping for your toddler or teen, these glasses span the sizes for kiddos to make sure they fit exactly the way they’re supposed to. There are patterned frames, glow in the dark options, and glitter, so you know there’s something to match your little one’s style. Plus, kids are way more interested in sticking with wearing their glasses when they get to help pick them out. Because again, kids.

Eyeconic

young blonde girl in blue dress wearing blue glasses
Eyeconic

Fun, colorful frames from their favorite brands like Draper James (pictured), Nike, Ray-Ban, Converse, and Lacoste, starting at $119. You can also save up to $220 using your vision insurance benefits! Free shipping and returns, always. Plus, all of Eyeconic's lenses block 100% of UV rays.

How It Works: Prescription lenses are included in the price, so what you see is what you'll pay.

Why You'll Love It: If your kiddo's glasses need to be adjusted once they're delivered for the perfect fit, jus take them to a participating location for an adjustment that Eyeconic will cover for you.

See More at Eyeconic Here!

Target Optical

child wearing teal hoodie laying on their back wearing eyeglasses
Target Optical

You're already shopping Target.com, so you don't have to go far over to TargetOptical.com to check out their kids glasses online! With national brands like Ray-Ban and Vogue and our favorite Target brand Cat & Jack, Target Optical's kiddo glasses are an affordable no-brainer. 

Good to Know: Target Optical's kids glasses range from sizes XS-XL.

How It Works: Have your little one's prescription handy, or pop into a Target Optical near you for an exam. Just click the Eye Exams option at the top right to find your store.

Bonus: Prescription glasses are now starting at only $59 and up!

See More at Target Optical Here!

Zenni

blonde toddler wearing red eyeglasses
Zenni

Zenni is a great go-to for glasses, especially for affordable glasses for active toddlers, little kids, big kids, and teens. Their kiddo styles are durable and 1/10 of the cost of glasses at optical stores! From colorful frames to glow in the dark, these are oh-so-cool. 

How it works: Upload a photo to their website to do a virtual "try-on." 

Cost: Frames can cost as little as under $10.00.

Why You'll Love It: Their styles fit ages 0-3 years, 4-7 years, 8-12 years, and 13+ years (and don't forget their adult options!).

See More at Zenni Optical Here!

Warby Parker Kids

three kids on a couch wearing eye glasses
Warby Parker

Warby Parker scaled down some of their most iconic and best-loved adult frames for our little ones! Made for kiddos 4-8, Warby Parker Kids also offers eye exams for kids 4+ in store.

Good to Know: You can order at your local Warby Parker store, or by calling them at 888.492.7297, any day, 9 a.m.—10 p.m. ET.

Expected Cost: Starting at $95, including prescription lenses. 

See More at Warby Parker Kids Here!

Jonas Paul Eyewear

Jonas Paul Eyewear

Jonas Paul Eyewear has aimed, and succeeded!, at simplifying the glasses frames buying process for families with young kids. They have some seriously adorable frames to choose from, and all of them are sturdy, snug, and stylish to keep up with your little ones.

How It Works: After signing up online, for $1, Jonas Paul Eyewear will send you and your kiddo a try-on kit of seven actual pairs to try out over the next week. Once you've had a chance to try them on and decide, you can order the glasses directly on their website. Upload your kiddos prescription and choose from options like tinting or transitional-tint lenses. 

Good to know: Prices start at $99.00 for prescription glasses frames.

Tip: Jonas Paul currently offers two sizes for kids; Small, for ages 4-7 and Large for kids 8-12. They have a tutorial on their website to adjust the frames at home, if needed!

Why You'll Love It: Not only are they affordable, the entire process is incredibly easy. But even better? For every pair of glasses you buy, Jonas Paul Eyewear helps provide funding to international organizations that are working to end preventable blindness around the world. 

See More at Jonas Paul Eyewear Here!

Felix Gray

Felix Gray

This popular eyewear designer known for bringing blue light protection glasses to grownups also has a whole line for kids. Whether you're looking for blue light glasses or blue light + prescription glasses for your kiddos, Felix Gray has options.

How It Works: Choose a pair of frames from their selection online and then upload your prescription. They don't currently offer a try-on kit but their detailed fit guide will help you make sure you're getting the right frame for your little's face.  

Cost: Frames start at $95 

Why You'll Love It: Even kids that don't have a prescription can sport these stylish lenses to cut down on damaging blue light and glare from laptops, tablets, and other screens they encounter. 

See More at Felix Gray Here!

Pair Eyewear

child wearing white eyeglasses
Pair Eyewear

Pair Eyewear offers the unique feature of being able to swap out the tops of the frames to get a new color without having to get a whole second pair. You pick out a base frame and can add magnetic tops in a ton of colors and prints to match your style. Pair was originally just for kids, so make sure to check out their adult options, too. 

How It Works: Pick out one of 5 base frames and topper. Don't forget to add extra toppers from their huge assortment!

Cost: Base frames are $60 each (including prescription lenses) and each base can be fit with different top frames starting at $25+ each. 

Why You'll Love It: Pair Eyewear partners with The Eyelliance to provide glasses and vision care to children in the developing world and for every Pair purchased, they provide glasses to a child in need!

See More at Pair Eyewear Here!

 

All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.

All images courtesy of retailers.

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How to Build a Leprechaun Trap for St. Patrick’s Day

by Amber Guetebier

With St. Patrick’s Day comes plenty of green, but what if you’d rather have gold? You’ll need to set a few leprechaun traps to find out where the elusive pot o’ gold is hiding (hint: it’s not at the end of the rainbow). We’ve got the best tutorial on how to make a leprechaun trap, so give it your luckiest shot!

Looking for other fun St. Patrick’s Day activities for kids? Check out our favorite St. Patrick’s Day crafts, St. Patrick’s Day science experiments, and the best St. Patrick’s Day jokes for kids.

What You Need to Make a Leprechaun Trap

A cardboard box or shoebox
A stick (or pencil in a pinch)
A pillowcase
Food (see below)
Optional: some sparkle

Leprechaun Trap Step One: Make the Bait

Rainbow rice krispies are fun for a leprechaun trap
The Gracious Wife

Leprechauns, despite the rumors, do not subsist on pints of Guinness and shamrock-shaped cookies alone. They like a variety of foods, but most of all they appreciate a rainbow of flavors like the ones found in these rainbow recipes. Bonus: you get to keep the leftovers. This can be the most time-consuming step. If you are in a hurry, just grab a pack of Skittles and move on to step two. 

Step Two: Make the Leprechaun Trap

little boy who made a leprechaun trap
Amber Guetebier

The leprechaun is usually just under a foot high, although the size varies depending on age (they shrink as they get older) and origin.* So the best method here is a simple box trap. 

Get a smallish box, like a shoebox. A plain box works fine but if you want to increase your odds of getting a leprechaun,  paint the box green, a color most pleasing to them. Decorate it with anything that gives it that special glitz: glitter, coins, gemstones, or just an artistic use of the brush. 

Find a stick or pencil to prop the box up. You can even use a piece of cardboard, cleverly disguised as a friendly sign.

 

Step Three: Add Bait to Your Leprechaun Trap

Place the “bait” on a plate underneath the lid. No string is needed. Once the leprechaun takes his first bite of your delicious food, he’ll dance with joy. This dance almost always leads to kicking the stick over. Voila. He is trapped. If you’ve got preschoolers, how cute is this printable bait template from Mama Cheaps for leprechaun traps?

Hint: Don’t bother waiting up for the leprechaun. They never show under a watchful eye.

Related: 17 Easy St. Patrick’s Day Crafts That’ll Bring You Luck

Step Four: Get the Gold

Wait at least three hours before checking your leprechaun trap, but if you can, wait a full night. (Parents, you can leave a small note or coin in place of the treat from the escaped wee man). If your trap is empty, better luck next year. If, however, you caught your leprechaun, you’ll need to transfer it from the trap into your home. Use a soft pillowcase, and scoop up the entire box including (hopefully) the leprechaun. Remember, your goal here is to get him to reveal the location of his gold, not bring harm to him. Be firm but kind, and be persistent.

More Tips for Your Leprechaun Traps

Once you have him inside, lock your doors and close your windows. Leprechauns are master escape artists.

Be ready to barter. They are very clever and can trick you out of just about anything, but you will need to offer something in exchange for the gold (i.e., his freedom). Do not believe him when he tells you it’s “at the end of the rainbow.” They like silky fabrics, velvet, and shiny things.

Be sure you have enough food: they can eat an incredible amount of food, so be ready to lay out a feast or at the very least, a decent tea party.

If you can get them to tell you where the gold is, you truly have the luck of the Irish!

*While it was once true that a leprechaun could only be found in Ireland, there are generations of leprechauns that have naturalized in the woods, parks, and gardens across America. Rumors of how leprechauns came to the U.S. include stowing away in luggage, sliding across rainbows (totally unfounded), and the most plausible: paid passage. They are, after all, in possession of copious amounts of gold.

Editor’s note: No leprechauns were harmed in the making of this article. 

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18 Fun Easter Games for Kids That Go Way Beyond an Egg Hunt

by Erica Loop

The bunny may bring chocolate and marshmallow goodies, but what about when the hunt is over and you’ve got a free afternoon ahead? Try a few fun Easter games for kids. From eggcellent educational ideas to bunny-based movement activities, hop to it and add these Easter games for kids to your holiday activity list!

Looking for more Easter activities for kids? Check out our favorite egg carton craft ideas, Easter movies for kids, Easter jokes, and creative ways to decorate Easter eggs.

Smash the Eggshells

This fun Easter game for kids requires a little prep work, but worth the effort. Save your empty eggshells and bake them in the oven to get rid of bacteria. Then let your kids color them, or just leave them as is, give them a tub, a wooden hammer, and a colored die. Then, whatever color they roll is the color they can smash to their heart’s content!

Easter Minute to Win It Games: 4 Ways

Minute to Win It games are always fun, and these Easter-themed versions are perfect for a family gathering or Easter party! Watch the video above to learn to see the Cotton Ball Scoop, Peep Knock Down, Jelly Bean Transfer, and of course, the Egg Toss.

Easter Egg Number Match

Toddlers and preschoolers will love this easy-to-DIY number-matching puzzle activity. It makes a fun activity for kids to practice counting and number recognition this Easter! You may want to keep this one around all spring.

Easter Egg Bowling

Easter game ideas for kids, Easter game ideas, bowling
Kid-Friendly Things to Do

Test your bowling skills by rolling your hard-boiled Easter eggs. You can devise different play methods and use stuffed bunnies and carrots to knock down. However you roll it, kids and adults will love this game. Get more details from Kid-Friendly Things to Do. 

Easter-Themed Bunny Bean Bag Toss

Easter games for kids, Easter game ideas, Easter bean bag toss

Bring the fun to your backyard bash with this Easter-themed bunny bean bag toss game from Amazon ($10). The Easter game comes with a 30” x 54” gamepad and four carrot-shaped bean bags.

Name Hop Like a Bunny

Easter games for kids, Easter game ideas
Fantastic Fun and Learning

Get in motor fun with this hoppy activity from Fantastic Fun and Learning. Not only can your kids hop like a bunny, but they can also build early literacy skills.

Related: 15 Perfect Easter Paper Crafts for Kids

Follow the Bunny Footprints

Easter games for kids, Easter game ideas

Turn follow the leader into bunny fun with rabbit feet. Place these cardboard bunny footprints from Amazon ($6) in your backyard, on a walkway, or even in your playroom. The kids can jump from footprint to footprint or follow the rabbit around your home.

Potato Sack Race

Easter games for kids, Easter game ideas

Your little bunnies can get hopping with this potato sack race game from Amazon ($19). Each set comes with six bunny-print potato sacks and bunny ear headbands.

Egg-extravagant Easter Egg Hunt

Are you looking for Easter games with eggs? Even though you could go with the same old Easter egg hunt your kids do every year, you also could kick things up a notch with a color-coded game, treasure map hunt, or one of these other amped-up options.

Colorful Egg Roll

Easter games for kids, Easter game ideas
Hands On As We Grow

With some paper and paint, you can turn a classic Easter game into a fresh new tradition. We love what Jaime Reimer came up with, and it's a safe bet you will, too. Check out everything you need to know, including what supplies you'll need, by heading over to Hands On As We Grow.

Related: 13 Easter Movies to Watch with Your Kids

DIY Confetti Easter Egg Advent Calendar

Easter games for kids, Easter game ideas, easter advent calendar
Squirrelly Minds

This brilliant idea from Squirrelly Minds hits all the marks for a fun easter gamer. Each day in the week leading up to Easter, crack open an egg to a colorful explosion of confetti and an easter activity to do for the day. Check out the full tutorial at Squirrelly Minds. 

Easter Bingo

This Easter bingo game for kids ($9) is perfect for your family’s holiday party or just an afternoon of at-home play. Get your own set of cards and markers on Amazon.

Felt Egg Puzzles

This Easter, your kids can craft their own puzzle—with felt. Cut colorful craft felt into egg-shaped ovals. Use the felt scraps to make stripes, polka dots, and other pieces. Scatter the felt on a desk or the kitchen table. Your child can puzzle the pieces together to create a design. Unlike paper, the fuzzy felt will stick together. Add an extra layer to the game and ask your child to match colors or shapes on each egg.

Bunny Ear Ring Toss

Easter games for kids , Easter game ideas, ring toss

Need a fun family game or event for your Easter party this year? Inflate this bunny ear-ring toss game, and let the fun begin. The $9 game from Amazon includes two sets of purple bunny ears and 12 bright color toss rings.

Pin the Tail on the Bunny

A perfect indoor Easter Day game! Pin the Tail on the Bunny is just like the classic Pin the Tail on the Donkey, except you’ll use cotton balls with tape on them rather than a donkey tail.

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation.

 

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11 Easy Dragon Crafts Perfect for Lunar New Year

by Allison Sutcliffe

From magical dragon eggs to a no-sew mask, we’ve rounded up fun projects to make your little ones roar

They soar through your little adventurer’s imagination breathing fire, challenging knights of the realm, and guarding magical eggs against would-be thieves. In short, dragons are epic. And your half-pint can’t get enough of them. Indulge their fiery dreams with one of our favorite dragon crafts. And, since 2024 is the Year of the Dragon according to the lunar calendar, even more reason to break out the supplies and get crafty just in time for the Lunar New Year.

Geometric Shapes Dragon

This is the perfect dragon craft for preschoolers. You can cut out the shapes in advance and use other fun things to make each one unique.

Dazzling Dragon Egg

a cool dragon egg craft
Quite Frankly She Said

After you decorate dazzling dragon’s eggs, pretend to be Harry Potter whisking it out from under the Hungarian Horntail’s nose, while your Gryffindor team cheers you on. Get the details from Quite Frankly She Said.

Chinese Dragon Craft

a picture of a dragon craft
No Time for Flashcards

Bet you can’t guess what gives this Chinese dragon craft its scaly design. Find out at No Time for Flashcards, where easy step-by-step instructions walk you through this serpentine creation.

No-Sew Dragon Mask

no-sew dragon craft mask for kids
Lia Griffith

Cut and paste this adorable no-sew dragon mask that’ll transform your mini spitfire into one fierce fire-breather. Get the details from Lia Griffith.

Paper Plate Flying Dragons

a picture of a paper plate dragon craft
Pink Stripey Socks

Take to the skies when you engineer flying dragons. To complete this simple project, you need paper plates, paints or markers, and the downloadable template designed by Pink Stripey Socks. Print, cut, color, play!

Dragon's Eyes

a picture of painted dragon eyes
Allison Sutcliffe

Paint gleaming dragon’s eyes with this painless craft. We love the big payout this quick, arty activity has for tiny dragon lovers. To make your own, check out the how-to video from Our Peaceful Planet.

Related: 12 Easy Lunar New Year Projects for Kids

Toilet Paper Roll Dragon

Create a fire-breathing dragon with leftover toilet paper rolls. One Little Project spells out the need-to-know info to make this manually activated, monstrously fun craft.

Letter D Craft

No Time for Flashcards

Educate your preschoolers with this Dragon D craft. Designed by Allison at No Time for Flashcards, it’s as simple as A-B-C-D to make!

Dragon Hand Puppets

a picture of a cute dragon hand puppet
Ruffles and Rainboots

Colored construction paper is the main ingredient for this delightfully easy-to-put-together dragon hand puppet, designed by Sarah at Ruffles and Rainboots. We love these playful guys!

Origami Dragon Craft

This Origami dragon craft is easier than it looks! Check out this easy tutorial to get started.

Fire-Breathing Dragon Craft

Why not pair a reading session with your afternoon crafting time? Think Dragons Love Tacos, The Paper Bag Princess, or Don’t Wake the Dragon.

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20+ Last-Minute Halloween Costumes You Can Totally Pull Off

by Oz Spies

Get your supply of white sheets ready, because you’re going to need them for a few of these last-minute Halloween costumes

Feeling frightened that it’s almost trick-or-treating time, and you don’t have your kid’s costume ready yet? Check out these easy last-minute Halloween costumes for kids. Many of them can be made with things you have stashed in your closets and dress-up bin, and take less time to make than it takes to eat a supersized candy apple.

Ghost Costume

This has to be the easiest costume of all time. Buy a new white sheet, cut out the spots for the eyes and mouth, and you’re done!

Gold Medal Last-Minute Halloween Costume

Your kiddo can be an Olympian in less time than it takes to sing the national anthem. Pull out a tracksuit, or a leotard if you’ve got a gymnast at home, then dig out a medal from a fun run or a 5k. Have her throw her arms in the air and give a cheer for this easy DIY Halloween costume!

DIY Strawberry

Strawberry last minute halloween costume
Pretty Life Girls

Five supplies are all you need to make this sweet strawberry from Pretty Life Girls. After a quick trip to the craft store, you can whip up this no-sew costume that is adorable, but more importantly is comfortable for kids and adults, too!

Jane Fonda

Primary

Legwarmers, a pair of leggings, and a onesie are all you need to get your heart rate pumping with this DIY aerobics instructor costume. Bigger kids can swap a swimsuit for a onesie. We love that the key ingredients for this costume can be worn again. If you're itching to do a little crafting, check out Primary's DIY felt boombox to take this costume from low-impact fun to step aerobics queen.

Related: 17 Incredibly Clever Cardboard Box Costumes

Baby Shark

Hellow Wonderful

Cardboard, gray and white paint, and sharp scissors are all you need to make this easy DIY Halloween costume. Bonus: a fierce shark costume comes with a soundtrack that all the trick-or-treaters will be singing, "do do do." Find out how you can make one of your own over at Hello Wonderful. Check out more of our favorite cardboard box costumes here.

 

Last-Minute Mummy Costume

This version might look complicated, but the very easy DIY option requires a white sheet, coffee, white underthings, and not much else! Check out a stress-free tutorial here.

Ballet Dancer

Iiona Virgin via Unsplash

Dig into your kiddo's dance bag, and you'll find the key ingredients for a ballerina costume. Add a fancy updo and voila: you have a future New York City Ballet dancer costume. If you don't have a tutu, check out this easy, no-sew DIY tutu tutorial.

Bubble Gum

Jeff Mindell via Studio DIY

Chew on this cute DIY costume! Gather up balloons, felt, and silver ribbon: that's about all you need to create your own bubblegum costume. While this version features a pink dress, we think a pink t-shirt would work just as well for a kids' Halloween costume. Find the step-by-step instructions at Studio DIY.

Related: Family Halloween Costumes That Are a Freakin’ Delight

Basic Monster

Amber Gutebier

Dig out an old pair of pants and your trusty black Sharpie for this easy DIY Halloween costume. With a snip of scissors and a light coat of green makeup, you'll soon have Frankenstein's monster lurching out your front door. Get the tutorial here.

 

Bath Time

Cheerful and Co Via Primary

Clear and white balloons pop all over a set of white PJs for this easy DIY Halloween costume—it's bubble bath time on the go! Primary has all the instructions so you can make your own, and then take that rubber ducky for a spin around the block.

Emoji

Hello Wonderful

Pick your kiddo's favorite emoji and whip up this cute Halloween costume that's easy to customize. You'll be running after your smiley face trick-or-treating in no time. Hello, Wonderful shows you how you can make your own with not much more than cardboard and paint.

 

Trolls

Doranda Woestman via Watch Out for the Woestmans

Pull out a brightly colored skirt or a tutu and a light t-shirt or leotard, and your little ones will soon be trolls. The awesome hair-dos look impressive—but they're easy to pull off when you follow blogger Doranda's DIY tip. Troll or treat!

Related: Halloween Costumes for Girls Who Aren’t into Princesses

Paper Doll

Slapdash Mom

With not much more than a big piece of poster board, you can create a perfect paper doll costume. We love that this easy DIY Halloween costume costs way less than a pumpkin spice latte while still being extra eye-catching. Follow the step-by-step directions at Slapdash Mom.

Stick Figure

All for the Boys

This clever stick figure costume from All for the Boys is sure to get lots of laughs. We love that it's easy, affordable, and eye-catching. 

Star

Brit Co

Make your star a constellation this Halloween. Brit + Co's adorable, sparkly costume relies on a gold ribbon and glittery duds that your kiddo probably already has in her closet. They recommend using craft foam for the head-topping star—but cardboard plus gold paint will also work in a pinch.

Baby Doll

Hart Sew

This adorable wind-up doll is guaranteed to be one of the sweetest DIY costumes you'll find. Plus it's easy and cheap to make it yourself. Find how you can turn your toddler into a doll at Hart + Sew.

Related: 20 Halloween Costumes for Twins (Older Siblings & Parents, Too!)

Cat

last minute cat halloween costume
Paging Supermom

In less time than it takes to do the Monster Mash, you can make an adorable black cat costume. Paging Supermom calls it her Super Easy Kitty Cat Costume—and we couldn't agree more. It's a sweet option for preschoolers who change their minds about their costumes at the last minute. See our other favorite cat costumes here. 

Morton Salt Girl

last minute Morton Salt girl Halloween costume
Brit Co

We love this Morton Salt Girl costume because it's cute, clever, and takes almost no time to pull together. An extra bonus—since it relies on regular clothes, there's nothing that'll make sensitive kids uncomfortable while they're on the hunt for candy. But remember, as Brit + Co will tell you, the container of salt is a key accessory.

Jellyfish

A Casarella

This unusual animal costume is simple to make and packs a big punch. Dig out an umbrella and ribbon, then swim over to A Casarella to learn how to make your own easy jellyfish costume. We love her clever tip that'll give this daytime costume a spooky nighttime glow.

Cowboy (or Girl)

Dust off that denim, wrangle up a pair of boots and top it all off with a plaid shirt and a ten-gallon hat. You’ll have everything you need to be a cowgirl or boy costume—minus the horse, of course. If you’ve got a pool noodle left over from summer fun, you can turn it into a horse ready to ride off into the sunset. Yee Haw!

Pirate

Pirate Treasure Hunt
iStock

Shiver me timbers! It's easy to pull together a last-minute pirate costume. Grab a striped shirt and wrap a bandit around your kiddo's head. Pull out a pair of old pants and cut off the hem, using some shark teeth-style zigzags If you'd like a little extra flair, add eyeliner, a pile of necklaces, and make your tiny Blackbeard a cardboard cutlass. Don't forget to check our guide on how to talk like a sailor!

Athlete

RODNAE Productions via Pexels

Calling all sports fans! Dig out your kid's fave jersey—whether it's football, hockey, or basketball—and in no time you'll have a sporty Halloween costume. You can add an accessory like a helmet or a hockey puck, a swipe of festive face paint, and then get out the door. Candy's waiting!

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17 Funny DIY Halloween Costumes You Can Make with Amazon Boxes

by Erica Loop

From a DJ booth for the big kids to butterfly wings for the littles, you can use your old cardboard boxes to create these unique Halloween costumes

It’s that time of year! The weather has that autumn chill, everything is pumpkin-flavored (just look at TJ’s latest pumpkin offerings!), and the kids are buzzing with family costume ideas. Instead of breaking your budget on a store-bought costume, why not reuse those Amazon boxes you have stashed away? They’re called “boxtumes,” and with just a little crafty inspiration and your child’s imagination, you can create any number of cardboard box costumes that will make for a happy Halloween. Looking for some more DIY inspiration? Check out these Halloween crafts for kids, super-cool pumpkin carving stencils (your neighbors will flip!), and haunted Halloween decorations.

Minecraft Creeper Heads Box Costumes

Your little builders will love painting these Minecraft heads for their Halloween costumes this year. What’s especially nice is that you’ll need a reasonably-sized box, not a huge one you’ll have to find.

Rockstar & a Mixed Tape Box Costume

We love this sibling costume idea—a mixed tape and a guitar made out of boxes. Bonus: Your kids can wear comfy clothes for the rest of the costume, which means you’ll win Halloween.

Zoltar

DIY Halloween costume Zoltar
Kate Loweth

Get ready to read some fortunes with this Zoltar costume you can create using a cardboard box. Suspenders help to hold it up and you’ll want to add some accessories like a genie lamp and colorful magic ball to channel the sorcery of it all.

Vending Machine

A girl has used a box to create a vending machine Halloween costume
Christy Palmer via Thrifty and Thriving

This is an easy and great idea for using up all those boxes from Amazon! Just be warned— this cool costume could have other trick-or-treaters trying to get the candy to dispense. A Slinky, paint, and a few other items are all you’ll need to make your version of this tasty get-up. Head over to Thrifty and Thriving to get the entire tutorial.

 

DJ

A boy dressed up like a DJ booth using an old box
Kate Loweth

Snag a shirt from your favorite band, some headphones, and some chains and you'll be on your way to building a fantastic DJ costume. Use your box to make the turntable and grab a record from Goodwill. Super easy! 

Related: 34 Incredible Homemade Halloween Costumes for Kids

A Macaron

A girl is dressed up in a box for Halloween to look like a pink macron
Studio DIY

Oui, oui, your child is a fabulously French macaron. This scrumptious costume looks good enough to eat. Sadly, you can't, but it’s fun to create and your child will get a kick out of being their favorite dessert. Check out the design from Studio DIY.

 

A Kid in a Box

A boy uses an Amazon box to create a Halloween costume
Kate Loweth

This illusion costume is super fun and easy to build. Just use a mask from last year and a hoodie to create the creature who is carrying you. Then you get to be carried in the box. Super fun! 

Paper Doll Costume

We love this creative option that would be super easy to cut out and decorate this Halloween! Find instructions for this box costume here.

X-Ray

A little girl is dressed up for Halloween in an X-Ray box costume
Rachael Burgess

How cute is this little X-ray costume? Not only is the skeleton totally on point for Halloween, but have a sibling or a parent dress up as a doctor, and boom—it's a family costume. Find out how to make one with your Amazon box by heading to Rachael Burgess. 

A Pair of Dice

Two girls are dressed in matching Halloween costumes made of cardboard that make them look like a pair of die
Mandy Beyeler via Sugar Bee Crafts

Try your luck at making a set of dice this Halloween. Perfect for twins or BFFs, one of the best things about this costume is that it doesn't take a ton of supplies to make. Get the tutorial over at Sugar Bee Crafts. 

A Daring Dino

A boy is dressed as a dragon for Halloween in a box costume
Liska Meyers via Adventure in a Box

Go Jurassic this Halloween with an adorable dinosaur cardboard box Halloween costume. Your kiddo can fit inside the box, making it easy to wear (in other words, no tight suits or itchy head coverings that your tot will surely refuse to even touch). And bonus, your kiddos can paint their dino any way they want. Get the full instructions from Adventure In a Box.

 

UFO & Alien Cardboard Box Costume

Get yourself some foil and craft a UFO out of those cardboard boxes for an out-of-this-world costume!

Related: 27 Family Halloween Costume Ideas to Copy This Year

An Envelope

A girl is dressed up like a letter using a cardboard box
Studio DIY

Someone has mail. No, not email—a real letter that’s made from paper. Okay, so the letter isn’t exactly all paper and pen marks. It’s cardboard! With a box and some creativity, you can build your child a cute airmail costume. Get the details from Studio DIY.

 

 

Thomas the Train

Your preschooler can’t stop going on and on about his favorite little blue engine. He’s totally into Thomas the Train and is begging (like every 30 seconds) for a costume that features his fave. Well, here’s where this costume from Sugar Bee Crafts comes in. It’s artsy, fun, and something you can DIY at home.

Airplane Box Costume

You’ve seen Disney’s Planes something like a trillion times. And now your child wants to play one of the roles. For Halloween, that is. Don’t worry about finding a ready-made L’il Dipper costume at the mall (or online). Check out this cardboard box version from Desert Chica.

Cardboard Wings

Fairy wings made from a cardboard box are worn by a little girl for Halloween
The Sweetest Occasion

Whether it’s princesses, fairies, or butterflies that interest your child, this cardboard costume is everything. It’s super simple but still artsy enough to get your creative kid into the crafty creation process. Learn how to turn your old boxes into a crown and beautiful butterfly wings over at The Sweetest Occasion.

 

Related: 23 Last-Minute Costumes You Can Totally Pull Off

Fire Truck

A cardboard box is painting red to look like a fire engine and is worn by a little boy for Halloween
Repeat Crafter Me

You don’t have to keep the cardboard for the costume itself. This sweet firefighter outfit is easy to make—you can probably pick plenty of items from the dress-up bin to use. Here’s where the cardboard comes in. Use it to create the cutest fire truck wagon ever! Get the details from Repeat Crafter Me.

 

 

 

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13 Adorable Forts for Days When Inside Play Is a Must

by Susie Foresman

Some of these forts for kids can be built with things you already own

When your craft kit supplies are running low and your kids are looking at their devices with longing, there’s nothing quite like building an indoor fort with your kids. We’ve gathered up some seriously wow-worthy forts to inspire your next creation. Grab your pajamas and your pillows and get building

Check out this indoor fort from Air Fort. Your kids will love how fast it can be built and and how quickly they'll be having a blast!

Climbing Frame Tent

Do you have an indoor climbing gym? Give it a whole new look with just a sheet! 

Make-A-Fort Kit

indoor forts
Make-A-Fort Kit

Construct and play inside incredible indoor forts, castles, mazes, and tunnels; there are endless possibilities of what you can build with this engaging kit! 

Get yours here, $77 & up. 

Dining Room Chair Fort

Another easy way to make a hideaway for kids is to grab some high dining chairs, a blanket or sheet and some clips. 

Firetruck Fort

indoor forts
Utah Country Mom

Jessica, the mom behind Utah Country Mom, built this impressive indoor fort for her firefighting-loving toddler using a card table as the base. 

Cardboard Castle Fort

indoor forts
Brandon Tran

We’re totally wowed by Brandon Tran’s cardboard castle. If you’ve got extra cardboard boxes (and a fair amount of patience), you can make one for your house too. 

Fort Boards

indoor forts

Indoor afternoons just got a whole lot more fun! Fort Boards are the perfect open-ended building toys that combine imagination and STEM skills and will keep littles busy for hours. Construct domes, vehicles and various-shaped forts with these colorful and BPA-free pieces that can build up to 20 square feet of construction but fold down for easy storage. Snag a set here. 

Upcycled Newspaper Fort

indoor forts
Modern Parents Messy Kids

Gather up your old newspapers to make this genius fort from Modern Parents Messy Kids. You can leave the structure as is, or throw a blanket on top to make it extra cozy. 

Build-Your-Own Fort Kit

indoor forts
aidanand

If fort-building isn’t your forte, you can snag a kit like this one from aidenandtuck on Etsy. It’s got everything kids will need to make an awesome indoor fort (minus the sheets or blankets). You just might be surprised by the creations they come up with. 

House in the Hallway Fort

ikatbag

This hallway house is a truly portable wonder. It's a shapeshifter that can be set up in the hallway, or even over a staircase for older kids who want a two-story play space. Our favorite bit from mom blog ikatbag is how interactive the creation is! 

Cozy Reading Nook

Small Friendly

Here’s another take on the reading nook from Small + Friendly, a modern homemaking blog. With a mini futon and a pretty canopy, littles will love relaxing in this cozy corner. 

Impressive Dome Fort

Instructables

Budding architects are sure to appreciate this geodesic dome indoor fort built by one talented parent. All the details can be found on Instructables. With cardboard, box cutters and some paint in hand, this could be the perfect way to spend a too-hot day—your kids will definitely thank you! 

Under-the-Table Fort

Mama Papa Bubba

There's no structure more stable than your table! Take a cue from Mama Papa Bubba and put together a quick hideaway using a bedsheet and a table.

— with additional reporting by Taylor Clifton

 

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11 Art Activities That You Can Set Up in 10 Minutes (or Less)

by Erica Loop

Turn open after-school time into a creative adventure in a flash

It’s a weekday afternoon between school and whatever practice is on the family calendar. Kill a few minutes with a quick and easy art activity for kids. With minimal supplies and almost zero set-up effort, we promise you won’t be holding back the urge to scream over complicated steps or time commitments. After all, when it comes to crafts, we’re all about less is more (most of the time). 

Pointillism Art with Q-Tips

We love this one because there’s no need to wash brushes when the kids are done. You can also use a pencil eraser and stamp pads for even less mess and easier cleanup!

Printable Art Activities

little girl enjoying art activities for kids

Let's face it, when it comes to quick and easy art activities for kids, sometimes it's best to print out some coloring pages and toss crayons and markers on the table. That's why we've got tons of free printables for kids like mermaid coloring pages, T-Rex coloring pages, Stegosaurus coloring pages, and one collection that has a little bit of everything.

Tie Dye Coffee Filter Art

Little Bins for Little Hands

Making tie-dye shirts is a multi-day process, so this activity from Little Bins for Little Hands incorporates all the fun of tie-dying without the hassle. Coffee filters are the perfect canvas to watch colors spread and combine, and they dry out pretty quickly too.

Frozen Chalk Paint

frozen chalk paint can be used in art activities for kids
Mini Monets and Mommies

You can make these ice cubes ahead of time and have them ready to go. This art activity for kids is ideal if you have loads of those teeny tiny chalk nubs hanging around the bottom of your art bin. Grind them up, add some water, freeze, and let your child draw her afternoon away.

Ziploc Finger Painting

plastic bag painting is a fun art activity for kids
Shelley Massey

It doesn't get any easier than this, friends. With nothing but a ziplock baggie and paint, you've set your pint-sized Picasso (and yourself) up for endless fun. Another option is to tape the bag to a window or a door so you can see light filter through the designs, or add glitter to bags for extra sparkle.

Clay Finger Paint

Mini Monets and Mommies

You want your creative kid to go wild with rainbow finger paints. Um, but you’re not into the idea of spending your Monday night cleaning Jackson Pollock-esque splatters from the walls. Swap in soft modeling clay for the actual paints. Pull it into pieces and “paint” it onto cardboard. It’s a totally low-mess art activity that lets your little one create a textured "painting."

Related: 15 Ways to Play with the Kids That Take 10 Minutes (or Less)

Recycled Texture Collage

Mini Monets and Mommies

Reuse those old worksheets, tissue paper, and anything else in a collage. Glue these onto a cardboard base, creating textures and patterns. Kids can practice scissor skills, explore through their senses and create collages that are either abstract or look like “something” real.

Plastic Wrap Process Art

process art activities for kids
Buggy and Buddy

If you've got Saran Wrap at home, you're halfway there with this art activity for kids from Buggy and Buddy. Even better, you'll need to leave the paper alone overnight to dry, so there's less chance of a wet mess. 

Paint with Nature

Hands On As We Grow

Paintbrushes, who needs them? Not your child. Get some fresh air after school and gather a few natural items. When your child has plenty of pinecones, stems, sticks and other nature-y items ready, paint like Hands On As We Grow did!

Felt Patterns

Cut shapes out of craft felt in different colors. Your child can press the shapes against a full felt sheet to create patterns. Oh, and this one is reusable too.

Foam Prints

Reuse Styrofoam plates or trays. Use a craft stick to ‘draw’ a design, add tempera and press onto a piece of construction paper. Wash the plates and reuse them, making as many prints as your child wants—in different colors. When the prints are dry, add onto them with paint, chalk or markers.

Related: 6 Fantastic Benefits of Arts & Crafts for Kids

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16 Cardboard Box Crafts That’ll Keep the Kids Busy

by Kate Loweth

If you are like us, you are likely swimming in cardboard boxes. Fear not! There are loads of ways to get crafty with them from crafting them into Halloween costumes to turning them into amazing forts. Scroll through, find your favorite cardboard box crafts, and get that packing tape and scissors ready!

Cardboard Box Castle

Cardboard Box Snowman

Mini Foosball Game

Bullseye for Target Practice

Cardboard Box Rocket Ship

Cardboard Box Dinosaur

Mini Bunny Rabbit Put-Put

Whack-a-Rabbit Game

Cardboard Masks

Cardboard Box Craft for Soccer Fans

Cardboard Box House for Stuffies

Cardboard Dinosaur Hats

Cardboard Box Fort

Cardboard Box Car

Cardboard Box Pretend Play Safe

Cardboard Ocean World

 

RELATED STORIES
15 Halloween Costumes You Can Make with Amazon Boxes
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30 Easy & Fun Paper Crafts for Kids

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