If you’re considering ditching the over-the-top birthday parties and taking it back to when all you needed was a blindfold and some balloons, we dug up nine birthday party games to help bring back the simple days when you partied with your pals. Easy for everyone to play and always a blast, these games are classic for a reason. All that’s left is to supply the birthday snacks!
A dressed-up version of Hot Potato, kids toss the mega-wrapped “gift” from hand to hand—when the music stops, a layer gets unwrapped. Choose to put a surprise in every layer or wait until the end!
2. Clothespin Drop
Remember when people actually used clothespins to hang up clothes? We do too. These days, all that hand-eye coordination you’ve been working on will come in handy during a round or two of Clothespin Drop. Kiddos stand above the jar, touch the clothespin to their nose and drop away. It’s up to you how many chances each player will get!
3. Balloon Bust
Doesn’t take much to get the ball rolling on this classic birthday party game. Add a little surprise to each balloon for a bonus, then pass them out. Kids can use any means necessary except their hands.
4. Bucket Toss
You can’t go wrong with carnival games and the bucket toss is an all-time favorite. Line up the prize-filled buckets in a row. Each kid who power-slings a ball into a bucket is the proud owner of the goodie waiting to be plucked up. Opt for three turns each, otherwise, there could be a lot of standing (or wiggling) happening!
5. What’s the Time, Mr. Wolf
If this classic birthday party game doesn’t ring any bells for you, parents, think Red Light, Green Light with a lot more shrieking and mad dashing. A total blast, even for young kids, this is a must-try at your next kiddie bash. Want to know how to play? We love the simple instructions offered up by Childhood 101.
6. Bobbing for Apples
It’s an original—and still hilarious. Cold water, slippery fruit, and no hands allowed. Bring on the giggle-fest!
7. Blind Man’s Bluff
Before they start in on the piñata swinging in the trees, use that blindfold for more fun. Playing this version of tag is easy but rules vary, so opt to either have everyone play each round and keep going or have the “tagged” person sit out until everyone is out. It’s up to you!
8. Peanut Hunt
It’s like an egg hunt without the mass amounts of sugar. Spread out enough peanuts so each kid will be able to fill a cup. Got kiddos dealing with allergies? Swap out the nuts for tootsie rolls, instead.
9. Button, Button: Who’s Got the Button?
Getting hotter, hotter, boiling, hot! It’s an old-fashioned guessing game of the simplest design, which makes it perfect for parties. The seeker gets hints from those sitting around as to the top-secret location of the button.
Fact: there’s never been a puddle our kids didn’t like. In order to keep little feet dry (and your sanity intact), why not add a shiny new pair of rain boots to your family’s collection of outdoor gear? From the ever-popular Target rain boots for kids to the cult-favorite Crocs kids’ rain boots, we’ve curated a list that’ll be sure to have something that fits your needs. Scroll down to see them all.
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With a vintage-yet-thoroughly-modern vibe, we love this gender-neutral Paper & String rainboot from London Littles. The whimsical kite pattern against a striking, cheerful yellow will brighten any day and keep their toes warm and dry, too.
There's a reason these rain boots are a favorite with parents. Basic but sturdy, the range of colors means you can find a pair that'll go with just about anything your kid wears.
You love Western Chief boots even before you buy them—these classic rain boots for toddlers and kids include the signature styles like firefighter and frog, as well as a selection of character boots including Batman and Minnie Mouse.
We love the comfort level of this boot—it's like wearing a sneaker. Kids can run, jump, climb and splash all they want and they might not even notice when it stops raining. They come in other colors, too!
We love the easy pull-on handles that help independent toddlers jam those boots on and go! Plus, with extra features to keep feet dry, rainy days can be outdoor play days, too.
Your favorite comfort shoe comes in a rain boot for toddlers and little kids too! This unisex style is offered in seven bright colors and is made with the same material your own feet love.
Bold, bright colors meet minimalist design in these waterproof boots that have a rubber-like red finish. Tested to keep kids’ feet dry for over four hours submerged in water, these boots are also ergonomically designed for maximum foot health for your puddle stompers. Toddler & big kid sizes are available; you’ll want to check out the sizing chart before you order.
Sperry’s classic-look duck boot in mini sizes, these boots have the ultimate wet/dry traction and a zipper closure for a close fit and easy on/off. They’re perfect for super active kids who never let a little rain or light snow stop them.
Having a kid who loves animals doesn’t mean that you are destined to clean up dog hair all over your house for years to come. There are plenty of ways to get hands-on experience with animals from volunteer opportunities to programs like 4-H that teach animal husbandry along with leadership skills. Find our favorites below!
Build a butterfly garden.
NHM
Butterflies are more than just beautiful insects with wings: they play a vital role in the production of flowering plants which means without butterflies many, many plants would not flower, fruit and seed. Give these jewel-toned pollinators a place to call home no matter how much space you have. We have all the info you need to build your own butterfly garden here.
Volunteer your time as a citizen scientist.
iStock
Did you know that you can donate your time to help scientists study all of the living creatures in your area? Kids make great citizen scientists as they can use their observational skills and learn about plants and animals that live near us. SciStarter has a great search tool where you can look for projects that need volunteers in your area. Search for stinkbugs in your back yard, head to a nearby water source and listen for frog mating calls and collect samples from your backyard to send to scientists. What a great way to learn and give back!
Join your local 4-H organization.
Kate Loweth
Not just for farm communities, 4-H organizations are a great way to get hands-on experience for kids who love animals. Whether you want to learn about chickens, bees, goats, pigs or other animals, 4-H has a program for you. Kids learn about animal husbandry by learning what makes specific breeds special. Best of all, you often don't even have to keep your 4-H animals at your own home as they can stay at the 4-H farm. The program is also great at developing kids as leaders as it is fully youth-led. Find a 4-H club near you.
Volunteer at your local animal shelter.
iStock
Do you have an animal shelter near you? Often times kids can volunteer as play partners to shelter animals when a parent comes along with them. Looking for another way to help out? Shelters often need blankets for incoming pets as well as food and other supplies. Consider running a supply drive in your neighborhood or school to contribute that way!
Offer to walk your neighbors' dogs.
iStock
If you want to get your "dog fix" without the commitment of owning your own mutt, see if any neighbors are looking for a dog walker. Often older individuals would love this opportunity to give their animal some exercise and you can have fun teaching Fido some new tricks while you're at it!
Stay the night at a farmstay.
Mimi O'Connor
If you've always wanted to wake up with the chickens, book a weekend at a nearby farmstay. These cozy cabins come with loads of opportunities to interact with animals and farm-fresh eggs for your breakfast.
Small animals teach kids a lot of the same skills that they can learn from having a dog or cat like being responsible for another creature's needs. Bearded dragons, hampsters and even backyard chickens are a great way to satisfy a child's want for a pet with much less work on your part.
When it comes to movies for kids, there’s nothing like a few Disney movies to fit the bill. We sorted through dozens of expert reviews and popular opinions in order to curate this list of the top 17 Disney animated movies of all time, so if you’re looking for endearing storylines and characters your littles can look up to, look no further. Scroll down to find your next pick for family movie night!
Luca (2021)
Common Sense Media
Luca may look like an average boy. Even though he has two legs, two arms and all the other aesthetics of a human, he’s really a sea monster from another world that lies just below the surface of the ocean. Follow along as an unusual friendship develops along the Italian Riviera between a local human and a sea monster in this new original movie from Pixar.
The first Disney movie to feature a Black heroine, this fun and sometimes spooky film has a great message for kids about ambition, hard work and friendship. Tiana is a girl whose goal is to open the finest restaurant in New Orleans, and she is very clear about the fact she doesn't need a prince to be happy. Of course, she inadvertently finds one anyway when she meets Prince Naveen, who has been turned into a frog by an evil witch doctor. Naveen convinces Tiana to kiss him to break the spell—which backfires when it turns her into a frog as well. Adventures ensue as the duo journeys through the bayou in search of a spell to turn them back into humans.
If you've got kids who love video games, this is one way to switch up the screens and get them watching a movie instead. The story follows Ralph—a hulking brute who is tired of always being the bad guy in his video game and so sets out to prove he's not so bad after all. In his quest, he abandons his own game and hops through a variety of others—which causes some major trouble in the arcade world and threatens to wipe out everything. Through it all, of course, he learns important lessons about friendship.
Note: There are some scenes with guns and shooting (they take place in shooter-style video games), plus some potty humor ("butt" and "doody") that kids will likely love.
Rapunzel is no helpless maiden in this retelling of the famous fairy tale. This spunky modern heroine isn't afraid to stand up for herself, fight the bad guys, leap from towers and explore the big, wide world while searching for her true identity. There is mild violence—and the fact that Rapunzel has been kidnapped and manipulated by a witch who seeks only youth and beauty may be a bit heavy for kids who get it—but all in all, kids will love the action, music and romance in this sweet story that teaches kids to follow their dreams.
Disney's musical retelling of the age-old Hans Christian Anderson story follows the innocently rebellious Ariel, a mermaid princess who gives up her life in the ocean in an effort to be with a human prince. Of course, she must make a precarious deal with a devilishly evil sea witch to make it happen. With award-winning songs (the movie won an Oscar for Best Original Score and a Grammy for "Under the Sea") and a fair share of peril and action, the story will satisfy even kids who aren't into mermaids or princesses.
It's hard to believe that this is the first Disney movie of all time, as its story is as popular today as it was 83 years ago. The story of the "fairest of them all" and her plight to stay safe from the vain and wicked queen is a timeless one, though it does contain some dated concepts about women. There are some frightening moments, including when the queen orders her huntsman to kill Snow White and she must escape through a spooky enchanted forest (and, of course, there's that famous poisoned apple). But still, generations of kids have watched and loved this classic Disney film—and yours likely will, too.
Note: Since this film was made in the early 20th century, it depicts dated gender stereotypes that some people might find offensive (i.e. Snow White decides that the dwarfs must need a woman around to clean their house). As long as you can put that aside, this movie still belongs on your go-to list of classics.
Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
This movie has a huge cult following and it's no surprise why. Pumpkin King Jack Skellington wants to spread Christmas cheers to children far and wide but will his efforts put Santa in jeopardy? You'll have to watch to find out!
Disney's second animated film still holds timeless lessons about honesty and love. Pinocchio is a wooden puppet who must learn to listen to his conscience and resist temptations (like skipping school) in order to become a "real boy." While all ends happily, there are some scary visuals—including a scene where droves of naughty little boys are turned into donkeys and carted away, as well as another scene where Pinocchio and his father are swallowed by a giant whale. Goodness and heroism prevail, of course, so kids should be sufficiently cheered by the movie's end.
Travel to the fantasy world of Kumandra, where humans and dragons live together in harmony. When evil arrived in the land, the dragons sacrificed themselves to save humanity. No, 500 years later, lone warrior Raya must track down the fabled last dragon to battle the evil that has once again returned to the land.
Parents will love the fact the main character in this film is a girl who doesn't need a prince to find her happily-ever-after. Littles will love the catchy songs, fun characters (Dwayne Johnson's Maui almost steals the show) and lighthearted peril as they watch Moana, the daughter of the village chief, on her quest to restore her island's vitality and return the heart of the ocean.
A. A. Milne's beloved classic stories come to beautiful life in this classic Disney film. Kids will learn sweet lessons about friendship and loyalty as they watch Pooh-bear bumble his way through the Hundred Acre Wood with his beloved pals. And, the fact there's no bad guys or scary parts means even the tiniest of Pooh-fans can get in on the fun.
Delve into deep questions like, "What makes you, YOU?" with this Pixar feature that takes you from the streets of New York City to The Great Before. Main character Joe Gardner (voiced by Jamie Foxx) teams up with a precocious soul to try and get back to Earth.
Cinderella may be the classic damsel in distress sort of fairy tale, but this kind cinder girl's journey toward happily-ever-after can actually be a great way to get your kids thinking about empathy and kindness (talking about how the stepsisters treat Cinderella, for one, is a good way to address the importance of kindness). Plus, who can forget those classic songs, including "A Dream is A Wish Your Heart Makes" and "Bippety Boppety Boo" There's a reason Cinderella has been Disney's most popular princess for 70 years now, so hop aboard the pumpkin-turned-carriage and let it take you away, too.
The Circle of Life takes center stage in this dramatic story about a lion who steps up to fulfill his destiny and save his pride. There are some scary moments—namely, the orchestrated death of young Simba's father by a stampede of wildebeests as well as a vicious lion-on-lion fight—but the movie is, in the end, an inspiring one filled with memorable music (Elton John wrote many of the songs) and important lessons of bravery and responsibility.
If you haven't already gotten your share of "Let It Go" or "Into the Unknown," now's as good a time as any. With (clearly) Broadway-caliber showstoppers and a storyline that's as fun for adults as it is for kids, it's clear to see why these two were record-breaking blockbusters. Both films emphasize the importance of friends and family, with the bond between sisters Elsa and Anna prioritized above all. Kids will love seeing the sisters each surmount their personal challenges while staying true to themselves. There are a few scary moments in both films, but most kids over five will be unequivocally entranced.
Halloween Time may have just kicked off at the Disneyland Resort, but that doesn’t mean the magic makers aren’t prepping for the holiday season, too. Not only can park goers expect plenty of festive food, music, entertainment and decor, but Disney is offering a brand new, limited-capacity event!
Disney Merriest Nites brings Mickey Mouse and his friends together for six themed parties all rolled into one throughout Disneyland on five select nights in November and December. Access to the nights requires a separate ticket, but will give you after-hours access to select attractions, entertainment and all with limited capacity.
As part of the festivities, Mickey Mouse kicks off the party on Main Street, U.S.A. with Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy and friends. Head to New Orleans Square to see Princess Tiana’s bayou-inspired celebration, and you’ll find Miguel from Coco over in Frontierland.
The three remaining celebrations involve Lilo & Stitch in Adventureland, Elsa in Fantasyland with lots of winter vibes and Buzz Lightyear in Tomorrowland. Each party features themed photo backdrops, character sightings and festive food and drink.
Guests will be able to hop on attractions with far fewer crowds, especially taking advantage of the dressed up “it’s a small world” Holiday and Haunted Mansion Holiday, in addition to a special viewing of “A Christmas Fantasy” Parade.
For the evening, park guests can also take advantage of unlimited Disney Photopass digital downloads!
Disney Merriest Nites will take place on Nov. 11, Nov. 16, Nov. 30, Dec. 7 and Dec. 9. You can purchase beginning Sept. 14, at approximately 9 a.m. on Disneyland.com and the Disneyland app.
We are closer than ever to finally watching the first-ever Halloween movie for the Muppets! In celebration of the upcoming film, Muppets Haunted Mansion that debuts on Disney+ this fall, Disney+ shared some new pics that are getting us excited.
The photos show Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Gonzo, and Pepe the Prawn all dressed up and ready to party!
Sure to be both hilarious and haunting, the movie focuses on a kid favorite, Gonzo. He’s challenged to spend one long night in the creepiest place on Earth, The Haunted Mansion.
The special will feature more of the Muppets cast, celebrity cameos, brand-new music and entertainment for the whole family. Right now, there is no official release date, but we’re hoping it comes soon!
If you’re visiting the park this fall, you can check out an After Hours Boo Bash that begins select evenings when the park closes. You can join Uncle Deadly now in a self-guided interactive tour of the most mystifying Disney Parks attractions around the world. There’s even a “Shriek Peek” at some new haunted merchandise in the Disney Store. That’s only some of the fun planned—check out the Disney Park Blog for all the details!
—Sarah Shebek
Video courtesy of Disney+/Feature photo: Disney/Mitch Haaseth
Hedwig serves as the centerpiece, clutching Harry’s Hogwarts letter. Also included in the set is Harry’s wand and glasses, customizable school scarf, chocolate frog, Tom Riddle’s diary, Albus Dumbledore, Minerva McGonagall and Rubeus Hagrid minifigures, the Golden Snitch and a potions tray with five potion bottles and ingredients.
With 3,010 pieces, this set is geared towards mature builders and is meant for display. Orders open on Sept. 2 at LEGO stores and LEGO.com and retails for $250.
What’s more fun than playing with a fresh batch of LEGO bricks? How about playing with a friend? (Because let’s be honest, you need some peace and quiet this summer.)
LEGO has just announced a brand new experience that brings together your fave video game brothers for some two-player fun. LEGO Mario and brand new LEGO Luigi are the ultimate duo for social play and using your imagination as you craft new brick adventures! Keep scrolling to see how.
Kids can embark on two-player adventures when they connect LEGO Mario and LEGO Luigi via Bluetooth, then perform coordinated actions like jumping, working together and walking. Collect coins, share rewards, defeat goombas and race to the finish line!
LEGO Luigi ($59.99) joins the popular LEGO Super Mario lineup of sets and is available in a starter course that has everything you need to get started. Not only is LUIGI finally get his own building set, but LEGO is adding plenty more products that will take your Mario World to the next level.
LEGO is adding four new Expansion Sets, two new Power-Up Packs and ten new Character Packs. All the sets can be used in solo play, connected to an existing set and for two-player fun.
Starting today, you can already pre-order Bowser’s Airship Expansion Set ($99.99), which can be crafted in both flying and course mode and will put the Mario Bros. to the test. Additional products coming soon include:
71394 Character Packs – Series 3 (10 collectible Character Packs, including Galoomba, Parachute Bob-omb, Crowber, Boo, Amp, Torpedo Ted, Bony Beetle, 1-Up Mushroom, Scuttlebug and Swoop) ($4.99 )
The remaining sets are all coming Aug. 1, with the Luigi Start Course and Browser’s Airship available for pre-order now. Head to lego.com to place your order!
Diversity and inclusion are spectacular! And Disney+ is celebrating its community of LGBTQ+ creators, employees and fans with a first-ever virtual variety show. This is Me: Pride Celebration Spectacular will feature plenty of big names and unique musical performances and you can watch it live on YouTube and Facebook.
The concert streams on Sunday, June 27 at 8 p.m. ET and includes Alex Newell (Glee), DCapella (Disney Music Group’s acapella performers), Frankie Rodriguez and Joe Serafini (High School Musical: The Musical: The Series), Michael James Scott (Aladdin on Broadway), Todrick Hall and Kermit the Frog! It’s hosted by Nina West (RuPaul’s Drag Race) and will reinterpret iconic Disney songs through a LGBTQ+ lens.
“At Disney+, we believe in the power of inclusive storytelling to bring us together and inspire us to live authentically,” said Joe Earley, global head of Marketing and Content Curation for Disney+. “We are committed to amplifying the voices of our LGBTQ+ creators and talent, and platforming content that reminds people to love loud – and sing louder – in this special event.”
It’s sure to have you humming along, but the concert will also raise awareness for GLSEN, a nonprofit that works to ensure LGBTQ+ students are able to learn and grow safely in school. For more diverse content, check out the “Celebrate Pride Month” content set streaming on Disney+, or watch OUT, the Pixar SparkShort that’s available now on YouTube.
––Sarah Shebek
Image courtesy of Disney+, featured image courtesy of Samantha Hurley/Burst
The Proud Family is back with some big names! Disney has announced that huge range of celebs will appear on the The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder, scheduled to celebrate its 20th anniversary with a launch in 2022.
Listen for the guest starring voice cast, including Lizzo, Chance the Rapper, Lil Nas X, Normani, Leslie Odom Jr. (Hamilton), Tiffany Haddish (Like a Boss), Lena Waithe (Master of None), Anthony Anderson (Black-ish), Gabrielle Union (L.A.’s Finest) and many more! That’s in addition to recently announced regular cast members Billy Porter as Randall Leibowitz-Jenkins and Zachary Quinto as Barry Leibowitz-Jenkins.
You might remember the original show from the early ‘2000s, which featured Penny Proud humorously navigating the world of junior high, with support from her wacky family. The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder will pick up this storyline and many of the original cast members will reprise their voice roles from the first series.
The new show is currently in the works for a launch next year on Disney+. It has some star power in the production department too! Bruce W. Smith (The Princess and the Frog) and Ralph Farquhar (Moesha) are executive producers and both led the original series. You’ll recognize the artwork courtesy of Eastwood Wong, who also worked on Carmen Sandiego.
If you need to brush up on your Proud Family knowledge before the new season comes out, you can watch both seasons of the original show on Disney+. And keep watching for the announcement of the official premiere date for this new series!
