ML Interest Tag: cool-ideas

All the Kids’ Birthday Party Ideas Trending for 2024

by Melissa Heckscher

When it comes time to plan your kids’ birthday bash, it’s enough to try and figure out the cake, the games, and the party favors. The last thing you need to worry about is the party theme. No worries. From the Taylor Swift birthday party ideas to the still-popular princess and Super Mario Bros. party themes, we’ve got the goods on the hottest kids’ birthday party ideas for 2024.

If you’re looking for seasonal birthday party ideas, check out our favorite outdoor birthday party ideas, our favorite summer birthday party ideas, and some of the best indoor birthday party ideas around.

Birthday Party Ideas Little Kids Will Love

A Unicorn Party

Unicorns are always a popular birthday party idea for kids, but in 2024, with Thelma the Unicorn heading to Netflix, we think they’ll be even bigger. Get some ethereal inspiration from San Diego’s Starry Eyed Events’ gorgeous Elegant Pastel Unicorn Soiree gallery (because, you know, unicorns don’t do parties. They do soirees).

Want to keep young unicorn lovers busy? Try this DIY unicorn horn headband that is an absolute must for your little guests.

Next-Level Princess Parties

a picture of a princess themed birthday party idea for kids
Mint Event Design

There are three secret ingredients to pulling off this party: tulle, gold glitter, and a princess cake. Skip on over to Mint Event Design to see more inspiring pictures. And check out our review of Cakest and other DIY baking kits. 

Messy Parties

iStock

Ditch the nice clothes and let your kids get messy! Our original messy art party uses squirt guns, mega-canvases, shaving cream, and paint-filled eggs to get kids' creative juices flowing. You can also throw a slime party (check out our favorite videos on making slime here), a DIY craft party or a mad scientist party complete with a potion-making station. 

Sleep-Under

Parents treat their children to a colorful evening birthday celebration
iStock

Instead of a sleepover, why not a sleep-under? Perfect for younger kids or kids who aren't ready to make the jump to a whole night, invite friends over around dinner time, and plan fun "nighttime" activities like karaoke, a dance party, glow-in-the-dark games, outdoor games you can play in the dark or even crafts. 

Sonic the Hedgehog Birthday Party

Does your little gamer love Sonic? Turns out, a lot of other people’s kiddos dig the feisty blue hedgehog, too. Since Sonic 3 hits theaters in 2024, we’re betting this kids’ birthday party idea will be everywhere this year. Find a plethora of Sonic birthday party supplies on Amazon.

Super Mario Bros. Party Theme

A picture of a super mario themed party, a good kids birthday party idea
Kara's Party Ideas

The new Super Mario Bros. movie is now streaming, and kids love it just as much as when it was in theaters. Since the classic Nintendo game never goes out of style, we think this birthday party idea will be even more popular in 2024. Get inspired with tons of ideas over at Kara's Party Ideas. 

Spa Party

iStock

Who wouldn't want to celebrate their birthday with a full spa treatment? Drop cucumber slices in water, offer cozy robes and slippers, and twirl their hair up in a towel for a day of pampering that includes manicures, pedicures, and facial masks.

Star Wars Birthday Party

DIY lightsabers, a droid-decorating station, and a Death Star piñata from Spaceships and Laser Beams.
Sweet Pea Parties

The Star Wars franchise may be decades old, but the force is still going strong thanks to The Mandalorian, Andor, Ashoka, and the Star Wars attractions at Disney parks. Young Jedi will love this party plan that includes DIY lightsabers, a droid-decorating station, and a Death Star piñata from Spaceships and Laser Beams.

Want something female-centric for your budding Rey? This Millennium Falcon party from Kara's Party Ideas will get your little girls ready for action.

Birthday Party Themes Big Kids Will Love

Taylor Swift Birthday Party

Gather round, swifties! Between her sold-out Eras tour and being Time’s Person of the Year, Taylor is hotter than ever. Expect her fans to want to celebrate with friendship bracelets, her songs on shuffle, and a lip sync contest.

Active Parties

Booking time at a ropes course, zipline, rock-climbing venue, trampoline park, or laser tag arena is a kids’ birthday party idea that’ll still be strong in 2024.  While most of these courses tend to be for children ages 8 and up, it can sometimes depend on kids’ comfort levels. It’s always good to let parents know in advance, usually a necessity because waivers need to be signed and grownups need to have some kind of activity alternative for kids who decide against it at the last minute (including the birthday kid) like a simple art or hands-on craft. Most places will have a party room for rent.

Video Game Truck Parties

a video game truck is a popular birthday party idea
iStock

If you have a game-obsessed kiddo at home, consider renting a video game truck to show up for a few hours. This birthday party idea has been popping up more in the last year or so, and we expect it to be even bigger this year. 

Related: 15 Birthday Party Favors for $5 or Less

Movie Theater Party

a picture of kids at the movies, a fun kids birthday party idea
iStock

With so many new family movies coming in 2024, a fun kids' birthday party idea we think will be extra popular is a movie theater party! Either look into options for renting out a theater or opt to purchase a row of seats for your kid and their friends. 

Glamping Parties

a fun birthday party idea for 2023 is at-home glamping

Okay, so maybe your child loves a good indoor fort or tent, but the Great Outdoors isn't an option for a party venue. A fun birthday party idea for 2024 is an at-home glamping party! Arrange for a glamping scavenger hunt, a hot dog charcuterie board, plenty of ingredients for s'mores, and even kid-friendly ghost stories. 

Escape Room Birthday

Focused kids look for a way out in quest room bunker at an escape room birthday party
iStock

If you're looking to entertain the always-hard-to-please teens and tweens or give younger kids a challenge, an escape room birthday party can provide hours of entertainment (and boost critical thinking skills). Either plan your celebration at a professionally crafted escape room game spot in your neighborhood or create a DIY escapist birthday party at home.

TikTok Birthday Party

This birthday party theme was huge in 2022, and we expect the trend to get even bigger this year. Play “name that TikToker,” try a (safe) TikTok challenge, do TikTok dances, and make a TikTok with your party guests. Click here for more ideas.

 

 

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Here’s How to Have a ‘Yes Day’ with Your Family

by Jesseca Stenson

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If you find yourself spending all day repeating “No No No” to your kids, consider planning a ‘Yes Day’

No matter what type of parent you are, we’re betting you find yourself saying the word “no” more often than you ever thought you would. Give that word, and yourself, a break by surprising the kids with a Yes Day. What is a Yes Day? It’s exactly like it sounds. One day where kids get to request whatever they want (see rules below), and you go along for the ride. Will they eat way too much candy? Probably. Will it be one of the best days of the year for you and your family? Absolutely. Oh, and the trail of candy wrappers you’ll be picking up the day after? Worth it.

 

So, What Exactly IS a ‘Yes Day?’

A Yes Day sounds exactly like what it is—it’s a day where your answer to your kids will always be “yes.”  Ice cream for breakfast? Yes. Wearing pajamas all day? Yep. Movie marathon? You got it.  Before you decide this is a miserable idea, hear us out. With a few simple ground rules and a little prep, this day will become one that everyone in the family loves.

‘Yes Day’ Background

If the idea of a Yes Day sounds familiar (looking at you, Jennifer Garner fans) the idea originated from a book of the same name by Amy Rosenthal-Krause and Tom Lichtenheld. A little boy in the story gets a day when his parents can’t say no to anything. Sounds like a kid’s dream, right? But guess what? Saying yes to your kids teaches you something, too. Parents who indulge in a Yes Day report a feeling of closeness and connectedness with their kids. And guess what that results in? Kids listen better. One mom told us that after her first Yes Day with her son, she discovered just how many times she automatically said no, to herself and her kid, when she didn’t need to.

 

It’s Not As Scary As You Think

Yes Day rules
Andie Huber

 

Of course, the concept of allowing your kids to run wild for a day where you can’t say no would be alarming. But not if you lay out the boundaries, first. The first thing to remind kids is that a Yes Day is one day, and the requests cannot be something that causes harm to themselves or anyone else.

Second, you also get to ask the kids to do things: but your ground rules are that you shouldn’t ask them to do additional “boring” stuff beyond their everyday chores, homework, etc. You should ask them to do random things, like “Do you want to run around the house four times with me?” Or, “Do you mind if I wear your fairy wings?”

Make sure you are clear with the kids that a Yes Day only lasts for a day, meaning any requests made cannot take place over a series of days, or in the future. Plus, you can limit the amount of travel you’re able to do in one day. (i.e.: no spur-of-the-moment trips to Disney.) This can also apply to how much money it costs. Set a budget you’re comfortable with, and it will remove some anxiety about what they can choose.

You can ease into Yes Day by trying a Yes Morning or Yes Afternoon. Pick your day in advance, too, to encourage kids to plan “Mom, can we have a jump rope competition?” Save it for Yes Day! Besides, the anticipation is half the fun.

And the real golden rule? Don’t do it on a weekday/schoolday/workday.

Above all, you know your kids best. And the chances of them asking for something outlandish are pretty slim. The real joy comes from hearing “Yes.”

Some Cool Ideas for Your ‘Yes Day’

father and son having fun for yes day
iStock

 

If you’re on the fence about whether this could work in your family, maybe some ideas for Yes Day will convince you to do it. This will vary depending on the ages of your kids, but keeping it simple will help it work across the board. In the days leading up to your selected day, you can drop some hints about what activities would be cool to do on Yes Day.

Consider a family game night, and get a new board game or two to have on hand.

Head to a local park where you swing with them on the swings or play that endless game of tag.

Eat dessert before dinner.

Keep a bunch of crafting supplies on hand and be ready to create.

Do crazy, messy science experiments.

Build an epic fort.

Remember, the key is for the kids to see you enjoying yourself doing the things that they value.

Why You Should Do It

While you may think there’s nothing constructive to come out of learning how to have a Yes Day with your family, the benefits might surprise you. With just one day a year, you’re empowering your children to make decisions, as silly as they may be, and allowing them to see a different side of you. Hearing no all the time can be a little defeating, for both you and them, and giving them authority for one day teaches them how to use it. Not only that, but also permitting yourself to be relaxed and carefree one day a year prompts you to live in the moment, much like kids do every day, and enjoy every minute. You’re making memories that will last a lifetime for both you and the kids, full of giggles and most importantly, time spent together.

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4 Ways to Turn Your House into Your Kid’s Dream Home

By Christina Elroy

Most parents want their children to have everything we wished for when we were growing up. We’re not talking about a swimming pool next to their bed or a roller coaster on the roof here. But we do want to provide them with a space of their very own, where they can have fun and play while they learn. From building a treehouse to indoor rock climbing, here are some amazing DIY ideas for making your home the most magical place for your kids to grow up happy.

1. Hidden Playroom
All children love anything that involves imagination, so your kids will love the idea of having their own secret little world. In fact, creating a hidden play area for your kid will pretty much turn a normal bedroom into the coolest spaceship, princess castle, or playroom your kid has ever seen. Secret passageways and hidden rooms are exciting for children because they love thinking they know something that adults don’t. Plus it makes them feel adventurous like they’re Indiana Jones or Dora The Explorer.

The good news is that you can make this project as easy or as difficult as you want, and there are even options for rental properties too! Homeowners can go all out by building new walls with a hidden access passageway, whereas renters can simply push some old cupboards into a corner. If you can find a closet that looks like the real deal, just remove the back to give your kids their own private Narnia! You can also use an elevated loft bed and create a little cubby underneath by putting walls up around the sides. There are so many cool ideas for hidden playrooms and your kid will love them all.

2. Indoor Rock Climbing
A rock-climbing wall can be built outside of course, but installing it inside is great because it helps ensure your kids can keep themselves occupied and exercising indoors. Even if it’s raining outside! Plus it will help them with their mental development as they’ll have to use their brains when they’re figuring out their climbing strategy for how they’re going to make it all the way to the top. And then they’ll be using the majority of the muscles in their body when they’re climbing their way up there.

All of this is great for your kids as it helps them to create good habits while they’re young, so they’ll want to stay fit and healthy for life. While it can be an excellent way to improve their cognitive thoughts and teach them all about scientific ideas, like gravity, rock climbing is mostly just a heap of fun for kids.

Before you start installing your rock climbing hardware indoors, it’s really important you make sure the wall you choose is going to be strong enough for you to install the specific hand-holds for indoor rock climbing. This really is the most perfect activity for indoors when you have an outdoor kid or two.

3. Treehouse Cubby
Treehouses have been every kid’s ultimate play area since forever. There’s just something that’s so cool about the combination of climbing a tree in their backyard that resonates with them. Probably because not only does it give children their own space, but they also feel a sense of freedom as well. Start with a sturdy tree in your backyard, and ask your children for their input with the design by asking them to draw their ideas.

If you’re not a fully qualified builder, it’s probably a good idea to find a simple treehouse design online to follow. Or maybe you can start by just building a basic platform with a ladder and a swing, so you can then just add to it as you learn how over time. If you don’t have an appropriate tree, another great alternative is a cubby house on the ground. Whether they’re playing in a cubby house up there among the trees, or a tiny home of their very own on the ground, your kids will get hours of sheltered playtime right there at home. Just be warned that a treehouse in your backyard will probably turn them into the coolest kids on your street, so expect their friends to be coming over all the time!

4. Indoor Slide
Because most kid’s bedrooms are where they spend most of their time playing, why not add an indoor slide to create the ultimate playroom for them? If they have a loft or bunk bed, it can help them get out of bed each morning. Most parents want their kids to spend less time looking at screens anyway, so it really makes sense to add something inside the house that they’ll actually want to play on. You can make sure they’ll have hours of fun and exercise, even on a stormy day, simply by adding a few other playground items like a rope swing, rope bridge, a rope ladder, or something like gymnastics rings.

A child’s surroundings at home can have a big impact on their physical growth, mental development, and overall happiness. So when you’re following these ideas, start by letting out your inner child again. And not only will your kids end up loving their own adventure playland, but your house will probably become the coolest place in town.

 

Christina is a proud mother, entrepreneur, author and world traveller. Previously a successful businesswoman who gave it all up to raise children, Christina spent a lot of her free time during those years flipping through books. She hopes her books will inspire and motivate others.  
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Mason Jar Science: Slimy, Squishy, Super-Cool Experiments

by Gabby Cullen

You use mason jars for everything from shabby-chic glassware to meal prep. Now, you can add science supply to the list. Mason Jar Science: 40 Slimy, Squishy, Super-Cool Experiments, from Jonathan Adolph, is filled with a ton of cool science experiments: slime, tiny tornadoes, compasses, lava lamps and more. We scooped three of the super-cool ideas that you’ll find in the book, you can see them all in the video below.

If you want more mason jar science experiments, you can pre-order the book (out May 29th, 2018) by clicking here.

— Gabby Cullen

 

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31 Ways to Spend Time Together As a Family in August

by Leah R. Singer

With Labor Day and back to school on the horizon, summer is slowly coming to a close. But that doesn’t mean you can’t make the most of your family activities this August. Get ready for family fun because we’ve rounded up 31 fun things to do with the family this last month of summer.

Emily Murray

1. Visit a national park. There are more than 400 national parks across the country. Take a road trip and find one to visit that’s close to your hometown.

2. Pencils, binders, notebooks, oh my! Get your back-to-school supply shopping done now so you’ll be ready when school starts.

3. Spend a night outside on Aug. 15 and gaze at the full moon.

4. Get your camera ready for the first day of school photos. From DIY props and photo frames, here are a few cool ideas for your pictures.

5. August 16 is National Tell a Joke Day. These jokes will have you and your kiddos laughing up a storm.

Leah Singer

6. Go fly a kite at your local park.

7. While the kiddos are still home from school, have a family movie night for every remaining night of summer. Here are a few movie suggestions to get you started.

8. Try out a new recipe for a few nights a week during August. Need some inspiration? Here are 50+ easy summer recipes.

9. Start back-to-school shopping with these awesome online consignment stores.

10. Make homemade lemonade, but shake things up with one of these 10 modern twists on the traditional drink.

Carol Norquist, NGC Chair

11. Start planning your Labor Day weekend fun. Here are a few ideas to get your plans underway.

12. Practice random acts of kindness. Need some ideas? Here are 76 ways you and the kids can pay it forward.

13. Schedule your family eye exams. If it turns out your little one needs glasses, these online stores will have you seeing great deals.

14. It’s baseball season! Take in a major or minor league game in your city.

15. Keep the summer reading game strong with books from your local library. Or join this audiobook club, which is perfect for road trip adventures.

courtesy 11 Cupcakes

16. Start a new back to school tradition. From a show and tell dinner on the first night to interviewing your young scholar, here are 21 ideas to inspire your family traditions.

17. Play in the water! Head to a creek, the beach, a pool, or simply play in the sprinklers.

18. Have some backyard fun. From pitching a tent to collecting bugs, here are 55 ideas to inspire imaginations.

19. Don’t throw away your empty egg cartons. Get crafty with these 20 creative ideas.

20. Try out one of these activity kits to keep your kiddo busy this August.

Leah Singer

21. Stop by your local fire station and ask for a tour. If the firefighters aren’t fighting fires, chances are they’ll give you a brief tour and may even let your little one sit in the truck.

22. Make your own back to school supplies with these Pinterest-inspired ideas.

23. Get your kiddo equipped for school with a new backpack. Here are 23 of the coolest new backpacks on the shelves.

24. Go beyond FaceTime and text messaging by writing actual letters to family and friends. Get some cute stationery and don’t forget the stamps.

25. Aug. 4 is National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day. Bake cookies together and deliver them to neighbors for the occasion.

khamkhor via Pixabay

26. Splurge at Starbucks with one of these six summer drinks on their “secret” menu.

27. Plan a last-minute road trip before school starts. Here are a few car games and toys to keep the kids busy on the road.

28. Have a few family dinner nights where the kids pick the meal you and you chose the conversation.

29. Get crafty with paper. From beautiful mermaids to garlands and festive hats, here are 29 crafts that spotlight all-things paper.

30. Stay cool by snacking on a popsicle. Here are 20 cool treats that are easy and delicious.

31. Kick your lunchbox game up a notch with these hacks to ensure a smooth school year.

 

—Leah R. Singer

 

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Walkable Cities to Visit with Kids (Even If You Have a Stroller!)

by Anna Doogan

Considering a visit to a new city this summer? Sometimes the real gems are best experienced on foot (and with a stroller!). We found 15 must-see destinations that are huge on family fun and high on walkability so you can easily stroll from lunch to shopping and then on to the next big attraction. Keep reading to see them all.

1. Portland, Oregon

torbakhopper via Flickr

With plenty of green space, funky neighborhoods and tons of activities for families, Portland scores high on our list of walkable cities. Hit downtown’s Pearl District for an abundance of restaurants, shops and the famed Powell’s Books (plus a bunch more great bookstores), or head over to the Southeast side of town to stroll the trails of Mt. Tabor Park. Walk along Tom McCall Waterfront Park for amazing views of the Willamette River, swing by the Salmon Street Springs fountain and don’t forget to take a leisurely scenic trip across Tilikum Crossing, the first major car-free bridge in the United States. There's definitely no shortage of stroller-friendly trails in the Portland area, and there are also plenty of places where you can go bird watching and spot spring flowers. Looking for more cool ideas to explore Portland on foot? Click here. 

2. San Francisco, California

Prayitno via Flickr

Aside from the obvious sights like the Golden Gate Bridge and those famous cable cars, The City by the Bay has a huge variety of neighborhoods to experience. Don't let the hills or hidden stairways stop you! We love the Shipwreck Walk at Sutro Park for a scenic peek that is stroller accessible. Explore the 1500 acres of The Presidio, experience the laid-back cafe scene in Cole Valley, or spend some time in the hustle and bustle of Market Street. In North Beach, stop for play time and a picnic in Washington Square Park. When you need a break, be sure to try out the slides, climbing structures and sweeping city views at Mission Dolores Park before strolling to the coolest pirate store in town. Check out even more adventures you can have in SF today, from playground expeditions to farmer's market trips. 

3. New Orleans, Louisiana

Pedro Szekely via Flickr

Packed with lively music, delicious food and plenty of festive celebrations, the unforgettable culture of New Orleans is something you and the kids don’t want to miss. The city was even named one of the top ten vacation destinations in the US. The compact size of the French Quarter makes it easily walkable, and little legs can rest while you enjoy a beignet at Café Du Monde or grab lunch at the French Market. French Quartour Kids offers fun and educational tours of the city designed specifically for the little ones.

4. St. Louis, Missouri

Mitch Bennett via Flickr

Visiting St. Louis with tots in tow? You’ll find plenty of kid-pleasing attractions and activities within walking distance. The iconic Gateway Arch is a must, but make sure to reserve a few hours to explore City Museum, a wildly fun spot with a ten-story spiral slide, a rooftop Ferris wheel and lots of tunnels, caves and passages to explore. Definitely swing by Citygarden, a beautiful downtown park and sculpture garden, where you can grab a quick break while the kids splash through the fountains to cool off. The St. Louis Zoo is another can't-miss attraction—it's one of the best in the country and even has free admission.

5. Boston, Massachusetts

m anima via Flickr

You can easily spend a day navigating the sites in Boston, MA, an incredibly walk-friendly, kid-friendly city. Stop by the Boston Public Garden and let your tiny tourists visit the famous Make Way for Ducklings statue before taking a Swan Boat ride. Newbury, Charles and Boylston streets hold plenty of shops and restaurants to explore. You can also walk your crew along the 2.5-mile Freedom Trail, visit Paul Revere’s House, and grab unforgettable food in the North End. Boston is totally road trip–worthy, and there's no shortage of kid-approved things to do in the city.

6. Washington D.C.

Kimberly Vardeman via Flickr

D.C.’s numerous activities and historical sights are perfect for viewing on foot. (Or wheels, if someone's cruising in a stroller!) We've put together a parent's guide to the most popular monuments here. Check out the National Mall and see the all the biggies including the National Monument, Lincoln Memorial, MLK Jr. Memorial and more. We've also got the scoop on the Mall's hidden gems, if you're looking to venture off the beaten path. For a more structured walking tour of the city, these cool picks are just right for the younger set.

7. Chicago, Illinois

Nate Burgos via Flickr

Spend a day exploring Chicago’s Grant Park, and you’ll find plenty of activities to keep the kids happy. Visit the 25-acre Millennium Park, explore one of our favorite baby-friendly parks or let the kids run wild in the Play Garden spaces and at the climbing wall at Maggie Daley Park. Want to introduce your babes to some amazing art? One of these museum stroller tours might be the perfect place to start. We've also got the inside scoop on walking downtown Chicago with the tots in tow. And when you're ready to head back home, our guide to Chicago's airports will make your travel day a breeze.

8. New York City, New York

Jennifer Morrow via Flickr

A trip to the Big Apple is an exciting multi-sensory experience that's a must at least once in your lifetime. And no surprise, beloved NYC takes the #1 spot for Walk Score's most walkable city. While the size and speed of the city may feel overwhelming at first, with a little planning you can find dozens of family activities that are just the right pace. Central Park hosts the Central Park Zoo and Central Park Carousel, along with acres of green space, fountains, a fun Alice in Wonderland statue and so much more. If you want to venture off the beaten path, we've also got the rundown on an equally beautiful NYC park. The city also has plenty of stroller-friendly museums, some of which offer free days that you can take advantage of. For even more ideas, try this bucket list of essential NYC activities for the smallest ones.

9. Seattle, Washington

Seattle City Council via Flickr

A visit to the Pacific Northwest isn’t complete without a stop in the Emerald City of Seattle. With lots of walkable area attractions, the hardest decision will be figuring out what to do first! At Seattle Center, you’ll find the Space Needle, the International Fountain, Seattle Children’s Museum, the Museum of Pop Culture and an awesome food court. You can also explore our favorite playgrounds and step back in time in Pioneer Square. Want to see the city from a different perspective or find a troll under a bridge? These walkable bridges will make your trip memorable. We've even planned out the perfect three-day Seattle getaway for your whole crew.

10. Minneapolis, Minnesota

Paul VanDerWerf via Flickr

The Walker Art Center and Minneapolis Sculpture Garden are essential stops when visiting this exciting city with no shortage of family-friendly things to do. Take a walking tour and enjoy the sights. Kids will love the enormous and ever-popular Spoonbridge and Cherry. The Irene Hixon Whitney Bridge is a pedestrian and bicycle walkway that will take you over the Interstate to Loring Park, a spacious spot with gardens, ponds and a summer arts festival. The city is also home to the Bell Museum, which made our list of the best science museums for kids in the country. Plan your trip to a T with our handy guide to the Twin Cities.

11. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

xiquinhosilva via Flickr

It’s a living history lesson when you spend an afternoon in Philadelphia’s Historic District, which is perfect for a walking tour. The neighborhood is jam-packed with educational sights, and you can make a day out of visiting them all. Visit the Liberty Bell, see where the Constitution and Declaration of Independence were signed at Independence Hall, explore the African American Museum, learn about the life of Benjamin Franklin at the Benjamin Franklin Museum, engage in interactive activities at the National Museum of American Jewish History or experience a 1902 firehouse at Fireman’s Hall. Top off your day with a visit to Franklin Square where you’ll find mini golf, a carousel and SquareBurger’s signature Cake Shake. In case all that hasn't worn out your little ones, we've also got a list of our favorite things to do when visiting the City of Brotherly Love.

12. Honolulu, Hawaii

TravelingOtter via Flickr

The paradise of Honolulu offers some great family sights. If you’re strolling near Waikiki Beach, you can visit the Waikiki Aquarium (it hit our list of the best aquariums in the country!) and enjoy an afternoon at the Honolulu Zoo. Make sure to spend some time at the beautiful Kapiolani Park where you can relax with a picnic and enjoy the sunshine. Learn more about the historic downtown with a self-guided walking tour.

13. Denver, Colorado

Jeffrey Beall via Flickr

The Mile High City boasts plenty of fun, even for the smallest visitors—we've got the scoop on everything you should do while you're there. In the Lower Downtown area (LoDo), you can visit Larimer Square, the Downtown Aquarium and the Children’s Museum of Denver. The cable-stayed Millennium Bridge connects to 16th Street and offers some cool city views, plus you can continue on for a stop at popular Little Man Ice Cream. You'll find more options for a Denver walking tour here.

14. Miami, Florida

Phillip Pessar via Flickr

Miami is the #4 most walkable U.S. city according to WalkScore, and you'll be trotting all over town in no time with our guide to the city's best kid-friendly spots. The artsy and colorful Wynwood neighborhood is sure to wow with its galleries, shops, massive street art and large-scale murals. Take a tour of the Wynwood Walls, then stop and refuel at one of Wynwood’s restaurants or carts. If the kids have more energy to burn, drop by Planet Kids Indoor Playground and Café, or try the arcade, laser tag and indoor playground at FunDimension.

15. Long Beach, California

majunznk via Flickr

You might associate Southern California with lots of traffic, but the city of Long Beach falls in the top 10 cities for walkability. Make sure to check out the Aquarium of the Pacific, as well as Shoreline Village and Rainbow Harbor. Hit up a family-friendly beach and make a pit stop at an amazing shave ice spot. Find a range of Long Beach guided tours, self-guided tours and even a walking tour phone app right here.

—Anna Doogan

 

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25 Ways to Stay Connected as a Family This Holiday Season

by Beth Shea

The holidays offer the perfect opportunity to slow down from life’s hectic pace and enjoy family bonding with your loved ones. The magical spirit of the season makes way for family games and thoughtful conversation starters and gives your clan the time and space to indulge in some of the experiences on your bucket list to create cherished family memories. Read on for 25 awesome ways you can connect as a family this holiday season.

photo: Nicole De Khors via Burst

1. Volunteer as a family. Spend time doing kind deeds for others. Go caroling at a nursing home, buy toys for kids who are spending the holidays in the hospital, volunteer at an animal shelter, package meals at a local food pantry.

2. Start a new holiday tradition. Create family rituals that become annual traditions. Your kids will treasure the memories and may even pass them on to their own children. Click here for fun ideas they’ll love.

3. Travel near or far. Family vacations are life-changing and nothing teaches kids about the world like travel. Whether you fly to an exotic locale or take a day-long road trip to a nearby town, your family will bond over newfound perspectives and shared adventures.

4. Have your kids write a list of things they want to learn from you or a close relative. Spend time each day teaching them something on their list. Whether it’s guitar lessons, how to sew, how to make a homemade wreath or changing the car’s oil… it’s an invaluable learning experience and priceless time together.

photo: Sarah Pflug via Burst

5. Wear matching holiday pajamas and watch family videos. Get teary-eyed watching your eldest’s first birthday party video or cheer all over again at your daughter’s first steps. Reminisce about your family’s precious moments captured on film.

6. Look through old photo albums to teach kids about your childhood and their relatives. Ask extended family and grandparents to bring their photo albums over so your kids can learn about their family tree and hear the stories that comprise their ancestry.

7. Take your own family photos. You can either book a family photo shoot with a professional photographer or have a DIY session using these unique and creative ideas to get snap-happy.

8. Watch holiday films and family movies and eat popcorn and drink hot cocoa. Nothing beats cozying up and watching Elf on a cold winter afternoon.

photo: Marisa Howenstine via Unsplash

9. Build an epic indoor fort or super cozy pillow fort land. Have a living room campout with sleeping bags. Watch movies and play flashlight games.

10. Have a family sporting event. Put teams together and have a friendly game of basketball, softball, flag football or soccer at a local park. Have everyone bring a dish to share for a potluck after the game. Not feeling sporty? Go on a family bike ride instead!

11. Break out the board games, cards, LEGO and puzzles. Play classics like Monopoly and Clue or teach your kids a card game they don’t know yet. Put together a 500 piece puzzle over the course of a day or week as a family. Build a LEGO kit creation or model car or airplane together.

12. Teach kids a new life skill. Gather the kids around during meal prep and let them take turns doing age-appropriate kitchen techniques. Teach them how to change a bike tire or hammer a nail to hang stockings. Involve them in the daily tasks of making the holidays come to life so they can learn new skills.

photo: Annie Spratt

13. Go on a nature walk. Explore Mother Nature and get some exercise in the fresh air while enjoying the cool temps. This is an ideal time to have meaningful conversations and really listen to what’s on your kid’s mind.

14. Unplug from technology. Decide on realistic parameters for your family and take at least one afternoon and evening off where all members turn their phones, computers, tablets and TVs off and tune in to their immediate surroundings to be fully present with one another.

15. Get dressed up and go out to dinner. Put on your finest threads and go to your family’s favorite fancy dinner spot. Extend the fun by going to the theater to see a play or musical or to see The Nutcracker ballet.

16. Learn the art of mindfulness and meditation as a family. This can either mean fully committing to a meditation practice each day for a set number of minutes or simply allowing for meaningful pauses throughout the day to connect with a long hug, hand holding or other ways to make your family feel truly seen.

photo: Ethan Hu via Unsplash

17. Build a snowman! When life gives you snow, make a snowman. Bonus points if you watch Frozen first and try to create Olaf. No snow outside? See our super ‘cool’ ideas for indoor snowy sensory play.

18. Read a chapter from a chapter book aloud together at bedtime every night. Pick one of your favorite books as a child: Charlotte’s Web, Matilda, The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe and read it aloud to your kids each night. Watch their imagination soar while you connect over a timeless tale. Find book inspo for kids young and old here and here.

19. Get crafty. Decorate the house with handmade wares. These cute Christmas crafts will keep little elves entertained and put a sweet spin on your holiday decor.

20. Turn into Mad Scientists to Keep from Getting Cabin Fever. From walking on eggs to making slime, these science experiments will have you all giggling and captivated when hunkered down indoors.

photo: Monika Grabkowska via Unsplash

21. Host a cookie exchange. Bake up a dozen or two of your favorite cookies and ask friends and family to do the same. Then have everyone bring their goodies over and give everyone a cute holiday tin to fill with all of the yummy cookie selections. See our favorite holiday cookie recipes here.

22. Teach kids how to make a prized family recipe. Even if they’re too young to cook, walk your sous chefs through the making of their favorite savory dish. If they’re old enough to help out, have them make the dish under your supervision. Who knows, maybe they’ll cook dinner on occasion from there on out!

23. Make homemade gifts for kids to give out in appreciation. Cookies in a jar, sundaes in a box, cinnamon vanilla body scrub … we’ve got the scoop on easy DIY gifts that will delight grateful recipients from teachers to the postman.

24. Climb aboard an enchanting holiday train ride. Dazzle your kids with one of these magical train rides that are full of holiday spirit.

25. Build a gingerbread house. Use these ingenious gingerbread house building hacks to construct a sweet abode with your sweeties.

––Beth Shea

RELATED STORIES:

10 Classic Games Every Kid Should Master

26 Great Conversation Starters for Honest Family Discussions

6 Easy Ways to Spend More Time Together as a Family

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Cool Ideas for When the Invite Says ‘No Gifts, Please’

by rtguiomar

“Your presence is a present.” It’s the verbage we’re seeing more and more on kids birthday party invites. With square footage at a premium (especially in the DMV) people don’t want more “things” (aka toys) for birthdays. Despite invites stating that you shouldn’t bring a gift, for some it still feels strange to show up empty handed. So, how do we make everyone happy? Below are some alternatives to space-stealing gifts that will put a smile on everyone’s face.

Photo: Matthais Appel via flickr

Adopt a…Red Panda
Honestly, who DOESN”T want a red panda? Starting at $50, the National Zoo has a program where you can adopt a beautiful and engaging, red panda. Which, by the way, are on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. With fewer than 2,500 adult red pandas living in the wild today, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo has been at the leading the way for red panda conservation for decades. Help a red panda out and also make someone a proud panda parent. It’s a win-win all around!

Online: nationalzoo.si.edu

Photo: vicki watkins via flickr

Gitty Up!
Did you know Rock Creek Park has a horse center? Yep, right smack in the middle of D.C. there’s a horse center and you can give someone the gift of riding. Hook up the younger set with supervised pony rides. And for friends and family ages 12 and up, you can gift a trail ride that takes riders through a popular scenic guided trail. No experience? No problem.

5100 Glover Rd. (Rock Creek Park)
Online: rockcreekhorsecenter.com

Photo: Chiot’s Run via flickr

Get Active
Give the gift of fun! ActiveMONTGOMERY has a ton of motivating classes and activities perfect for folks all ages! From skating to tennis, art class to swimming, there truly is something for everyone! You can use these cards towards summer camps and lets face it, everyone could use a little extra financial boost when it comes to paying for camps in the DMV! Need a gift for energetic grandparents? You can even purchase a gift card seniors can use towards trips and tours. The gift card can be used for products and services provided by Montgomery Parks, Montgomery County Recreation and the Community Use of Public Facilities.

Online: apm.activecommunities.com

Photo: Guiomar Ochoa

Give Them Something to Give
(Mary) Abigail Huke, a 4th generation Washingtonian hailing from Potomac, Maryland and mother of four little ones recently launched a business called MaryMaking Designs to share a “spark of joy” with the world around her. MaryMaking was inspired by Abby’s grandmother (also a “Mary”) who was an interior designer, teacher, baker and artist and her own experience in the field of Social Work where she learned how meaningful moments of happiness truly are. MaryMaking offers seasonal holiday décor, floral and tablescape designs, and cute homemade crafts. Abby’s specialty is whimsical watercolor portrait illustrations made custom for your family that can be used as stationery/gift tags/framed pictures, etc. Her hand painted, watercolor gift tags make a lovely alternative present to toys and are so practical and pretty.

Online: @MaryMakingDesign

Photo: Philippe Put via flickr

Make a Donation
There are so many organizations in the DMV that need financial help and volunteers. If you get invited to a special event and don’t want to take a physical gift, show the person being celebrated how much you care about them by making a donation to their favorite organization in their name. You might think $20 is not a lot but for a struggling non-profit organization, it can go a long way. Extra bonus: YOU get a tax deduction. Find out what the birthday kid is passionate about and give a little cash to a related organization.

Do you have any ideas of alternative birthday gifts for kids? Tell us in the comments.

—Guiomar Ochoa

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Here’s How to Guarantee Your Kids Will Take a Bath Every Day

by Gabby Cullen

Got a reluctant bather or maybe your kiddos are a little bored with the soap and water routine? We figured out 10 epic ways to makeover the ordinary bath into something that rivals scenes from Jurassic Park. And the best part? It’s safe, creative and easy to pull off. Well, actually, the best part is your kids get clean but the fun-factor is cool too! Scroll down to get inspired.

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photo: Asia Citro

1. Dinosaur Bath Bombs
Bombs Away!!! Make a few dinosaur bath bombs with a DIY recipe from Asia at Fun at Home with Kids. Kids will get a kick out of watching their mini-dino “hatch.” This activity works great in the tub or just in a pan of water. Find out how Asia perfected her recipe by checking out the entire tutorial at Fun at Home with Kids.

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photo: Asia Citro

2. Glow-in-the-Dark Bath
Add this one to the list of things your kids will want to do over and over again. While they might not get exactly clean, the fun factor is off the charts. Curious to know what makes this water glow? Skip over to Fun at Home with Kids for the secret (and safe!) ingredients for this brilliant bath.

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Photo: Crystal Underwood

3. Make a Water Wall
Plastic bottles are so much more than drinking vessels. In this case, they are the materials for creating a killer water wall. Crystal of Growing a Jeweled Rose, a.k.a. the queen of bathtime, offers up an easy-peasy project designed to help kids master the perfect pour. Find out how it’s done by hopping over to Growing a Jeweled Rose.

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photo: Kristin Gentry

4. Homemade Bath Paint
Paint your way to cleaner fingers and toes with homemade bath paint. We absolutely love the recipe from creative mama Kristin at Kojo Designs. Mix up stuff we know you’ve got lying around, pour and paint! Find out what to use and how to get the texture just right by grabbing the how-to over at Kojo Designs.

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Photo: Kylie Gardner

5. Easy Soap Crayons
Kids will always jump at the chance to scribble on something that isn’t paper. Give your approval and better yet, provide the tools! Make a batch of soap crayons with just three ingredients, mold into favorite shapes and leave out to dry before taking them into the tub. For tips and tricks from craft creator Kylie, visit Childhood 101.

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photo: Chrystal Underwood

6. Host a Beach Bath
Jonesing for sun, surf and sand? Throw your own beach bash right in the tub. Shells, beach balls, blue water and bathing beauties make for one sunshine filled afternoon. We love how Chrystal whipped up a batch of bath sensory sand. Get the low-down on this easy themed bath over at Bath Activities for Kids. Surfs up!

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Photo: What We Do All Day

7. Ice Fishing
There’s nothing fishy about this neat-o way to liven up bath time. Erica of What We Do All Day froze large cubes of play fish and other sea creatures, tossed them into the tub and watched her two boys dive and dump the melting ice. We love the easy (and cool) aspect of this activity—all you need is a freezer! Head over to What We Do All Day for the tutorial.

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Photo: Samantha Soper-Caetano

8. Things That Go Vroom Bath
Start your engines and gear up for a swift and speedy trip around the racetrack (we like to call it the tub!) Blogger mom Samantha offers up her own clever take on baths with a kid-friendly car theme. Find out why the best part is those color coordinated road signs by tripping over to Stir the Wonder.

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Photo: Frogs and Snails and Puppy Dog Tails

9. Lemon Scented Bath Ice
This sensory bath looks and smells delicious. The color is vivid and with a few yellow colored bath toys, this is a color lesson kids will be begging to take. Find out how to get the color just right on those cubes and for more ideas about colored baths, head over to Frogs and Snails and Puppy Dog Tails.

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photo: In Lieu of Preschool

10. Hot Lava Paint
It’s an explosion of creativity and wonder in the bath with a volcano themed bath like the one Genny of In Lieu of Preschool set up for her two kids. Shaving cream is a go-to tool for kicking bath time up a notch—it smells great and cleans up in a flash—-so this easy red lava paint is a winner in our book. Add tiny dinos for fantasy play and be on your way. Find out how to make the perfect volcano shape by checking out the entire post over at In Lieu of Preschool.

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photo: Ashley Kagan

11. Water Balloon Bath
If you think water balloons are just for hot summer days, think again. Throw a few in the tub with your kiddo and suddenly, the bath just got interesting. Fill a few with water, fill a few with air. For more on this simple but totally awesome bath idea, head over to Play at Home Mom LLC.

Editor’s Note: We at Red Tricycle encourage cool ways to play. That being said, please supervise kids in and around water and materials at all times. Cheers! 

What’s your favorite way to give bath time a boost? Shout about it in the comments below!

—Gabby Cullen

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