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!

If you’re looking for more games to play, check out our favorite backyard games old-school yard games, and water games for kids.

The Best Birthday Party Games for Kids

1. Pass the Parcel

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.

Related: 52 Totally Funny Birthday Jokes for Kids & Adults

Capture the flag is always a popular choice

It’s time to drop the phone, drag the kids away from the tablets, and send them out the back door to play enough of the classic schoolyard games listed below to make them break a sweat and earn that popsicle. Sure, “Green Light, Red Light” and “Mother May I” are on the list, but we’re betting there are a few you haven’t played in years. 

1. Steal the Bacon

Divide your group into two teams and make sure each player gets a number. Set up a boundary line for each team and place the “bacon” in the middle (this could be a ball or some other toy. Call out a number, and the player for each team with that number will make a dash for the bacon. The first player who gets back over their boundary line wins that round.

2. Blind Man’s Bluff

This classic schoolyard game is like the thinking man’s tag or a slow-mo version of it anyway. All you need is a blindfold and three players to start. Put the blindfold on the Seeker; then spin him or her around a few times while the other players scatter. Now it’s time to seek. Using her keen other senses, the Seeker tries to tag the scattered players who are rooted in place. Sure, they can duck and dodge her outstretched arms, but they can’t move their feet. It’s a giggle-worthy game everyone can play!

3. Capture the Flag

This game requires a few players, so it’s a great one for larger families. Each team attempts to capture the other team’s flag, which is located at the other end of the playing field, at the “home base.” Players can tag members of the other team when on their side, sending them to jail. Get your teammates out of jail by crossing into enemy territory and tagging each one. The first team to capture the flag wins!  

4. Sly Fox

Fun fact: in France, this game is called, “One, Two, Three, Piano!” To play, one person is chosen to be the “fox” and faces away from the other players, standing by a wall or an imaginary line. The other players must stand in a line at a distance. When the fox isn’t looking, the other children must run or walk to get closer to the fox. If the fox turns around, however, the other children must freeze. If the fox sees someone moving, that child must go back to his/her starting place. The first child who tags the fox without being seen moving wins that round and becomes the fox for the next round!

5. Hopscotch

Using chalk, draw a hopscotch design on asphalt or concrete (see here for an example). The first child takes a turn throwing a small stone or similar object (i.e. a bean bag, shell, small toy) onto the first square. (The child loses his/her turn if the stone lands on a line or outside the square, and passes the stone to the next child in line.) The child hops on one foot into the first empty square (i.e. skipping square one) and every subsequent square, jumping with both feet at the pairs (4-5 and 7-8). When the child reaches square 10, he/she hops with both feet, turns around, and heads back to the beginning. When he/she reaches the marked square, the child picks up the stone while still standing on one foot and completes the course. If the child completes the whole course without falling or missing a square, he/she throws the stone to the subsequent square (i.e. square two) on his/her next turn. The first child to get all the way to square ten wins!  

6. Simon Says

Give your bossiest cherub a permissible outlet! One child is designated “Simon” and stands in front of the rest of the group. Simon then issues commands to the players, i.e. “Simon says pat your belly three times with your left hand.” The children must only follow commands preceded by the phrase, “Simon says.” If Simon simply says, “Touch your nose,” any players who follow the command are out of the game. The objective is to stay in the game as long as possible.

7. Mother May I

One child is chosen to be the “mother” “father” or “captain.” The other children stand in a line at a distance. Each child takes a turn asking the mother if they may make a certain movement, always preceding their request with, “Mother may I …” (i.e. “Mother may I take five bunny hops?”). If the child forgets to say, “Mother may I …” before the request, he/she must return to the starting line. The mother either says, “Yes, you may,” or “No, you may not, but you may… instead.” The first person to reach the mother wins and becomes the mother in the next round.

8. Jump Rope Rhymes

There are too many songs to count: Bubble Gum, Cinderella Dressed in Yella, Down in the Valley, and Grace Dressed in Lace. And these energy burners boast an assortment of educational perks: coordination, memory, balance, and teamwork, to name a few!

9. Red Light, Green Light

In this classic schoolyard game, one child is designated the “stop light” and stands at a distance from the other children, who are in a line. When the stoplight says, “Green light!” everyone moves toward the stoplight. All children must immediately stop when the stoplight says, “Red light!” (or the child must return to the starting point). Start a new round when one child reaches the stoplight.

10. Hide and Seek

Let your kids entertain themselves with endless rounds of what might be the most classic game of all time. Even older kids who may have outgrown this game will be up for it, and you can play it inside, too.

Related: 25 Backyard Games Perfect for Sunny Days

Finding games to play with grandparents is a lot easier than you might think

Spending time with grandparents is often full of laughter, love, and a little too much sugar. But even a spry and creative nana or papa could use a few ideas now and again. From card games to photo book exploration, here are some games to play with grandparents that span ages and offer mellow afternoon fun. 

games to play with grandparents like "duck, duck goose"
iStock

1. Dealer’s choice. Your little card shark will love cleaning up at Go Fish, but she might also enjoy learning some other old-school games. Grandparents can choose from their favorites: Spoons, Crazy Eights, War, and Rummy are all winners!

2. On the record. Kids of all ages love to ask questions, so let them satisfy their curiosity by interviewing Gram and Pops. Questions might range from, “What is your favorite dinosaur?” to “Tell me about your first date.” This list is a great start!

3. Strike a chord. If either grandparent has a talent for a particular instrument, encourage them to share that skill with the kids! Whether it’s a formal piano lesson or a chance to simply explore and bang on the drums (or strum a guitar or toot a horn), they’re sure to make a joyful noise.

4. Crack open a book. A pile of picture books (or one riveting chapter book) and a comfy couch are the makings of a perfect day. Make a trip out of it by going to the library, or let the kids show off their collection and pick out books they think their grandparents will enjoy, too.

Related: Why It’s So Important for Kids to Spend Time with Their Grandparents

Phillip Goldsberry via Unsplash

5. Freeze time. To memorialize special or long visits with grandparents, collect mementos of your time together to make a time capsule—think photographs, ticket stubs, drawings, and puzzle pieces. 

6. (Grand)mother, May I? While running around outside might be a bit too exhausting for a few grandparents, several classic yard games need at least one participant who needs to stand relatively still. Some of our favorites include Mother May I; Red Light, Green Light; Simon Says; and all kinds of hand clap games.

7. Put the pieces together. Take over the dining room table, and clock in a few hours of peaceful silence (or happy chatter) by putting together a jigsaw puzzle. You can dust off something you have on hand, or grandpa and the kids can go out and choose something together.

8. Get cookin’. If both your tykes and their elders like to cook, let them team up in the kitchen and whip up a favorite family recipe. They can even read Baking Day at Grandma’s together for extra fun! We even have cooking games that are perfect games to play with grandparents. 

grandparents camping with kids
iStock

9. Tea for two (or three or five). Raid grandma’s closet, break out the good plates, and cut sandwiches into triangles—voilà! Grandparents will love being served a cuppa and will likely appreciate the opportunity to reinforce gracious table manners.

10. Go for a walk. Even if there’s no summer sun calling your name, nature walks are fun during any season. Have the kids put on some comfortable shoes and a hat, and they can hold grandma’s hand while exploring a new trail or give her a “tour” of the neighborhood. 

11. Hunt for treasure. One part riddle, one part hide and seek, an indoor treasure or scavenger hunt will delight grandkids (and grandparents) of all ages. 

12. Plant memoriesin a terrarium! With a simple glass bowl, soil, rocks, a few plants, and (our favorite part) a few of those tiny plastic dinosaurs that inhabit every corner of your home, grandparents will love helping their grandkids create a habitat for their most fearsome friends

Related: The Most Popular Nicknames for Grandparents in Every State

kids love hugs and games they can play with grandparents
OC Gonzalez via Unsplash

13. Play "Guess Who?" Bust out the photo albums and play a round of "guess who?" where the grandchildren try to guess who family members are from older pictures. This is a great way to connect kids with people they haven't met and remind them we were all young once! 

14. Plan an imaginary trip. Research a place you would like to go, even if it's a place like Hogwarts or a faraway country like Antarctica. Use a globe or even google maps to find the country; find books about the place or look it up together; create a packing list; plan an itinerary; and write postcards. This can be an ongoing project. 

15. Speaking of scenarios... This one is great because it requires nothing other than two or more imaginations. You can sit on the couch, and if a grandparent is less mobile, they can 100% participate. All you do is create a "scenario": We're all on a baking show, the theme is [blank] and there are three rounds: cupcake, candy, and cake. What will you make? Another example: We're all on a rocketship heading to [planet name]. Talk about your astronaut names, where you went to school, how long it takes to get there, what your jobs are on the spaceship, and what you see out the window. What happens when you land? Do you discover a species? Is it cold? 

 

 

Baby, it’s cold outside, but that shouldn’t stop you from having some fun in the great outdoors with the kids this winter. Need ideas? Check out our favorite winter activities in and around NYC, which will get you gliding and sliding right into the spring thaw. From winter hikes and skating rinks galore to hitting the slopes and breaking for the ultimate hot chocolate, here are the best things to do with kids this winter in NYC. (Need some tips on how to embrace the cold? This story on NYC Forest Schools in NYC can help!)

Snow Tubing

L.L. Bean

January is really when snow tubing gets going in the NYC area. 

Click here for our favorite spots!

Hiking

Manhattan Forest School

Hit the trail—in NYC proper or upstate and beyond. 

We recommend these spots for winter hikes with kids!

Ice Skating

Industry City

There are all kinds of rinks in NYC, from iconic and crowded to lesser-known with a bit more room to glide. 

Find your rink match here!

Skiing

Stowe Mountain

Hit the slopes at one of our favorite NYC-area ski resorts!

Try Curling

Angelito Jusay

You don't even have to leave the city to give this winter sport a try, which you can do in Midtown at Bryant Park's Curling Cafe & Bar. It's "iceless" curling (on faux ice) and your reservation includes a heated dining dome, food and drink (hot chocolate, chicken tenders, etc.), and a dedicated curling lane for 90 minutes of play. 

Family Packages for on to four guests are $250 and $475 for five to eight guests. 

Bryant Park 
42nd Street and Sixth Avenue
Midtown
Online: bryantpark.org

Geocaching

Lisa Schorr

Geocaches (little treasures hidden in public all around the world) are still there, even in the snow! Click here to read about how to start searching in NYC! 

Sledding

iStock

The classic winter activity of slopes, a slippery surface and gravity. 

Click here for all of our favorite NYC sledding hills! 

Drink Some Hot Chocolate

When you're ready to warm up, try one of the best hot chocolates for kids in New York City

Eat Some Fondue

Angela Pham

And if you're hungry, why not indulge in the wonderful comforting cheesiness of fondue. These are our favorite spots for fondue with the family in NYC!

Get Outta Town

Saranac Lake Winter Carnival

Hit the road and head to one of our favorite winter road trip destinations from NYC! 

—Mimi O’Connor

feuture photo: iStock

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Games for kids don’t have to include a screen, batteries or a smartphone charger. Whether you’re on the hunt for outdoor games or indoor games for kids, we’ve got you covered. Check out the completely cool classic two-player games that will keep your kiddos busy all summer long—and throughout the rest of the year too. Get ready for some serious nostalgia with these all-time favorite finds!

Cat's Cradle

Markus Spiske via Pexels

You spend hours of sunny summer camp hours playing cat’s cradle with your BFF. Now it’s your child’s turn! Check out the super-fun string game instructions from Moms Minivan here!

 

H-O-R-S-E

Rondell Melling via Pixabay

Do you have a basketball net or access to one? The first player picks a spot and tries to make a basket. If they get the ball in the basket, the other player has to follow from the same space and in the same way. Miss the shot and get an “H.” The game continues, adding an O-R-S-E one by one as players miss shots. The first one to spell HORSE is out. Change the game and pick a different word to spell!

Hand Clap Fun

Skalekar1992 via Pixabay

From pat-a-cake to Miss Mary Mack, two-person hand clap games provide plenty of indoor or outdoor entertainment for your child—minus a screen.

Shadow Tag

Jonas Mohamadi via Pexels

Are you on the search for outdoor games for kids? Let the sun lead the way during this game of tag. Head into the yard and look for your shadows. Pick one player to be it and yell “go.” The “it” player tags the other player’s shadow to win. Not only is this a fun-filled summer game, but it’s also an easy way to social distance when you head outside to play.

Mother May I

Julia Raasch via Unsplash

Mother, may I take a step forward? Like red light/green light, this old school game helps kids to build self-control skills. If you haven’t played the game in years, one player asks, “Mother may I ..?” And the other either says, “Yes you may” or “No.” Even though you’re the mama, take turns playing the role of mother for this game.

Red Light, Green Light

Davis Sanchez via Pexels

Does your child sometimes struggle to stop when you say freeze? Help your kiddo to build self-control with this nostalgic playful pick. Create your own pretend play street, stand across from each other and call out “green light” to move and “red light” to stop. Switch callers every other game and keep the activity going.

Jacks

DaBinsi via Flickr

Introduce your child to a good old game of jacks. This indoor game is an easy activity to take the boredom out of a rainy afternoon. Grab a bouncy ball, pick up a pack of jacks, and get ready for a game of pick up. Not only is this a fun-filled family activity, but jacks also help your young child build fine motor and math skills. Don't remember how to play? Find the rules here

Hopscotch

Absteress via Pixabay

Put your stockpile of sidewalk chalk to work with this outdoor game for kids. Draw a hopscotch board together, find the perfect pebble to toss and play the number-filled game together. If your child tires of the traditional board, change things up and use letters, shapes or almost anything else your creative kid can draw.

Hide and Seek

Caleb Wood via Unsplash

Whether you’re looking for outdoor games or indoor games for kids, hide and seek is an old school pick that the littles always enjoy. Turn the tables on your kiddo and let them play the role of the seeker as you hide!

20 Questions

Ketut Subiyanto via Pexels

A childhood fave from way back, 20 questions gives your littles the chance to flex their critical thinking skills. Pick a person, place or thing, and let your kiddos ask away. Of course, they can only pick “yes” or “no” questions for you to answer. Bonus—this game also helps your child to build counting skills!

I Spy

Mael Balland via Pexels

This one’s another standby that’s great for long car rides, days at the park or just about anywhere else! Spy something that’s a color, that starts with a specific letter or is a certain size. Kick the game off yourself, and then let your kids take their turn spying with their own eyes.

I’m Going on a Picnic

Sunbae Legecy via Pexels

Sharpen memory skills and reinforce your kiddo’s alphabet prowess with this simple alphabet story game. The first player starts by saying, “I’m going on a picnic, and I’m going to bring …” Then, the player adds an item that begins with the letter “A” (i.e. “apples”). The next player repeats what the first player said, and adds their item beginning with the letter “B” (“I’m going on a picnic, and I’m going to bring apples… and bananas”). And so on. The object of the game is to get as far into the alphabet as you can while still remembering all the alphabetized items.

Thumb Wrestling

Sincerely Media via Unpslash

One, two, three, four, let’s have a thumb war! Stick out those dominant hands and get your thumbs ready to wrestle with this simple game that can be played anywhere thumbs are found. Don’t remember how to play? Here’s an easy how-to video by Howcast.

Simon Says

Ashton Bingham via Unsplash

Simon says to try this game with your kids instead of handing them your phone the next time you’re waiting for anything. Simon also says click here to find the rules of the game—as if you didn’t already know.

Rock, Paper, Scissors

Hueng Soon via Pixabay

Get your game hands on and “shoot!” Want to know how to be a Rock Paper Scissors star? Watch this fun video from Buzzfeed on “How to Win at Rock Paper Scissors.”

—Melissa Heckscher & Erica Loop

 

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Featured image: iStock 

The best way to learn is by imaging. I’m sure as a parent, you’ve seen your son put on a pirate costume and pretend to sail the seas while slaying the big ocean monster. Or maybe your daughter built a massive fort with LEGO and pretended to go into battle. Perhaps you’ve overheard your child talking to his toys? You’ve probably heard the craziest conversations, right? Well, they are not just being silly; they are learning valuable social skills. Children can learn a lot of great skills when they pretend play.

Pretend play is much more than acting out imaginative stories; it requires advanced thinking strategies, communication, and social skills. When your child takes part in pretend play, he is learning how to experiment and handle common social and emotional roles. When playing pretend, you might see him experience taking turns, sharing responsibility, and problem-solving.

Many kids love to role-play. Whether it is with action figures, or dressing up as their favorite superhero. When your child pretends to take on the personality of different characters, she gains experience learning to “walk in someone else’s shoes.” She is learning how to be empathetic and see the world from another angle. Pretend play can help kids move from an egocentric point of view to a more welcoming and cooperative viewpoint.

With your child home right now, there’s no better time than the present to play some “pretend” games to pass the time.

Here are 8 pretend games that are great fun and can help your child improve their social skills:

1. Storytime: Have your child recreate their favorite storybook. Take it to the next level with a fun and creative twist, which can help with critical thinking skills. Prompt your child with open-ended questions. You can ask things like, “What would have happened if the hamster didn’t find his toy?” Or, “Why did the fairy Godmother save the girl?”

2. Charades. Everyone loves a game of charades. Have your child act out a certain emotion and have other family members guess which emotion is being portrayed. It’s a great way to help your child understand feelings and emotions and learn how to talk about them.

3. Read the Room. Have family members sit around the table while playing a board game and take a time out to read facial expressions. Have your child guess what someone is thinking by the look on his or her face. If your child is good at reading facial expressions, she might be able to be a more supportive friend during a play date.

4. Gardening. Most children love to play in the dirt. Why not grab some gardening tools and a few new plants and build a new flowerbed. This activity can help your child build his social skills by learning how to cooperate to create something new.

5. Simon Says. Traditional games like Simon Says and Red Light, Green Light, can give your child practice with following directions and taking turns. It’s a great way to work on their ability to be more aware of their impulses.

6. Play Devil’s Advocate. Some children can only see one side of the coin, so to speak. Expose your child to different viewpoints and improve their perspective-taking skills. Pick a topic and ask a question that has two sides to the debate. For example, you don’t think city parks should close at 3 p.m. Take turns giving your viewpoint on why the park should close at 3 p.m. or why it should stay open later.

7. Pass the Ball. Take turns passing the ball in a circle. The game begins with the parent starting the conversation and passing it to a family member in the circle. The recipient of the ball has to continue the conversation and stay on topic.

8. Become Statues. Take turns with your child pretending to be a statue. Pick a favorite superhero or create a specific pose and see how long your child can pose. This type of pretend play is also great for improving emotional self-regulation.

With a parent’s support and many opportunities for pretend play, your child can continue to develop the social skills they need. Use these ideas, or come up with some fun ones on your own. As long as your child is pretend playing, he is learning the critical social skills needed to get along with others.

A personal coach, author, teacher, and speaker whose work has inspired conversations about social skills at schools and in homes all across the county, Caroline Maguire believes all children can shine. Her work is critical to parents who support children with executive function challenges struggling to show their best selves.

Animal Games are an amazing entry-point into dramatic play for kids. When parents ask me about my favorite games to play at home, I often suggest starting with the animal kingdom. Whether they are fuzzy or fierce, animals are a natural springboard for courage and silliness…they are an awesome gateway into that imaginative magic.

I’ll never forget those early days when Nathaniel was learning to ride his scooter: We’d go a half a block and then he’d stop, so tentative! As soon as I talked to him like a mother bunny and called him Peter (rabbit!), he was zooming off to find the berries from Mr. McGregor’s garden. He’d go even faster when I became Mr. McGregor. Once he got the muscle memory and confidence, it didn’t leave him, even when he stopped being a bunny and was just a 3-year-old kid on a scooter.

Ultimately, harnessing the power of imagination is not just great for our kids, it makes parenting easier!

So, with that in mind, here’s a video on ways to use animal games in your everyday parenting and tips on encyclopedia-style books that can take it to the next level.

Animal Games That Will Inspire Your Kid’s Imagination:

The structure of some of our classic Child’s Play NY games lend themselves so naturally to animal games and play:

Theater Games to Engage Creative Play 

  • Take an ‘Elevator’ to different environments and jump out as the characters that would inhabit an ocean, desert, jungle, etc (we’ve been watching a lot of Netflix’s “Our Planet” in my house lately, and seems like the first-grade curriculum is now about biomes!).   

  • Go to ‘School’ as different animals across the floor and see how the mouse squeaks the ABCs or the Tiger sings Katie Perry’s “Roar”.

  • Play ‘Taxi’ where different animals enter the car with problems to solve and places to be (Executive Function skills at work)!

  • Play ‘Silly Shop’ with an animal shopkeeper hosting various pets coming through to purchase items that they need.

  • ‘Pet Vet’ (but of course!) is a classic where an animal presents their ailment to the doc who helps to magically cure it. Remember to ask how their wound happened so they can develop their storytelling skills. Enlist helpers (siblings!) to be the caring nurse assistants who help with the imaginary treatment!

Gross-Motor Animal Games 

  • Create an Obstacle Course and play as if you were an animal.  

  • Play ‘Going on a Bear Hunt’ in different animal bodies.

  • Set up ‘Red Light Green Light’ with challenges and triumphs for your favorite animals.

If you need a courage booster as you go, use soaring, sneaky, or bouncy soundtracks to help you get in the mood of the animal kingdom and augment any of these animal games!

Props for Animal Games 

The thing to remember with all dramatic play is that you already have on hand what you need to transform. But if you are throwing an animal birthday party or want a little more springboard into the make-believe, here are some things I recommend:

  • Animal masks
  • Animal noses

  • Tails

  • Animal ears

  • A little face-paint to make whiskers or blacken a nose!

Above all, don’t forget to have fun, commit, and take risks yourself!  You are modeling silliness and bravery with your kids as you play.

Hope you have an animal-tastic time!

 

This post originally appeared on Child's Play In Action.

Jocelyn Greene is a Brooklyn based educator, director and mom.  With her company, Child's Play NY, she teaches hundreds of kids a year and is equally joyous adapting fairytales for 4s as she is staging Shakespaere with the teens. Check out http://www.childsplayinaction.com/ for video tutorials on game-based play to do at home! 

In the era of #MeToo, many parents have been contemplating how to address a culture that teaches young boys should suppress their feelings. One new toy is hoping to make a change—Wonder Crew dolls help nurture empathy in kids and boys in particular.

Mom and psychotherapist Laurel Wider was inspired to create the Wonder Crew dolls when she was told by her son’s preschool teacher that, “Boys aren’t supposed to cry.” Much like the steady stream of new STEM toys that are meant to encourage girls to change their perspective on career paths, Wider is hoping that her dolls will change the way boys approach their feelings.

“I heard so many stories about boys literally stealing their sisters’ dolls, or playing with dolls in private — there was definitely some shame around it,” Wider told The New York Times. “I wanted to find a way to bridge that gap.” Anyone that peruses the doll aisle in a toy store can quickly understand what Wider means. Almost everything is draped in pink and it’s nearly impossible to find a male baby doll. Wider designed the dolls with boys in mind, although they are meant to be played with by all kids, regardless of gender.

The dolls, which Wider describes as part action figure, part stuffed animal, can be dressed in a variety of different outfits and accessories for play including firefighters, construction workers, astronauts, rock stars and superheroes.

Wider says boys don’t necessarily need to be taught how to be empathetic and nurturing, but rather they need to be shown that its okay for them to embrace those aspects of themselves. “Give them the green light,” she said. “Make it super clear that, yes, this is for you.”

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Photos: Amazon

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The winter weather might keep you stuck indoors but luckily there’s plenty of stuff for the entire family to binge watch on Netflix. From must-see new kids shows to a few for mom and dad to chill with after the tots are tucked in bed, here are the shows you won’t be able to stop watching this month. Keep reading to see them all.

1. Llama Llama

Genius Brands International

Everyone’s favorite little Llama has his own show, and book fans of all ages are going to love it. This new series features the voice of Jennifer Garner as Mama Llama and rounding out the cast are Llama’s storybook pals, Nelly Gnu and Gilroy Goat. The show is perfect for the preschool set, as it follows Llama and his friends as they learn about friendship, family, and important life lessons, like the fun of a shopping trip with Mama.

Age Range: 2-4

Premieres Jan. 26.

2. Trolls: The Beat Goes On!

DreamworksTV

If your toe-tapping tots just can’t get enough of those adorable Trolls and their infectious songs, then you’re in luck. There’s a new series on Netflix that will give you a break from watching the movie on repeat. The animation style is a little different, as are the voices (the film’s stars have been replaced for the show), but the laughter, songs, and glitter are all still there, so the kids will hardly even notice. The show picks up where the movie left off, with Poppy, Branch and their friends enjoying a life that no longer includes getting eaten by Bergens.

Age Range: 4-10

All episodes available now.

3. Adventures of Puss In Boots: Season 6

DreamworksTV

The latest season of this swashbuckling series follows Puss In Boots and his cohort of animal compadres as they fight to save the town of San Lorenzo from a band of wicked treasure hunters. With silly, slapstick comedy and plenty of hairball jokes, this show is perfect for fans of the Shrek films and Captain Underpants.

Age Range: 6-10

Season 6 premieres Jan. 26.

4. Trollhunters: Season 2

DreamworksTV

The second season of this epic adventure series created by Guillermo del Toro has been out since Dec., but if it got lost in the Netflix queue of holiday specials now is the time to start binge-watching. Jim Lake Jr. and his pals pick up where they left off at the end of season 1, as they continue to protect the worlds of humans and trolls. Just as clever and funny as the first season, parents will love watching along with kids and might just recognize the voice of Lena Heady who joins the cast as a sorceress. You’ll be hooked instantly and no need to worry about a long wait for more, Trollhunters season 3 has already gotten the green light with a premiere date in late 2018.

Age Range: 9 & up.

All episodes available now.

5. Comedians In Cars Getting Coffee

Comedians In Cars Getting Coffee via Facebook

After a very long day what you really need is a good laugh. That’s exactly what you’ll get when you jump in the car with Jerry Seinfeld and all of the guest comedians he has on this series. While this isn’t a new show (it was previously a web series), it just made its new home on Netflix and debuted a 10th season. The previous nine seasons are also available, making this one of the best shows to binge watch on Netflix right now.

Age Range: Adult

All episodes available now.

6. Rotten

Netflix/ YouTube

The quality of the food you feed your family is of great importance to parents, which is why you’ll want to tune into this original docu-series that offers an eye-opening look at the food industry. You’ll come away from this six-part series feeling well-educated on the journey from farms to your fridge, and it might even help curb that post-bedtime snack fest because you’ll definitely feel a little less hungry after watching.

Age Range: Adults

All episodes available now.

7. Altered Carbon

Altered Carbon via Facebook

If you loved Westworld and enjoy a good murder mystery, then you’ll definitely want to tune into this new sci-fi thriller. The series follows the story of an interstellar soldier who is woken up after 200 years in a deep sleep in order to help solve a murder. The show takes some twisty turns and is definitely not for the faint of heart (think Game of Thrones-level violence), so be prepared for the characters and plot to keep you up at night until you finish this highly binge-worthy first season.

Age Range: Adults

Premieres Feb. 2

 

What are you currently binge-watching on Netflix? Tell us your top picks in the comments.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

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10 Movies That Will Change the Way Your Kid Sees the World

When it comes to kiddos and their legendary energy supply, forget trying to bottle it. A five-gallon bucket would be a better place to start. Siphon off some of that super juice into active games like flashlight tag, monkey tails and Simon Says to make bedtime easier. Your little Energizer bunny will drift off to dreamland in no time. Sleep tight!

Kids in Halloween jimmies
photo: Allison Sutcliffe

Take it Outside

When it comes to energetic little people, nothing zaps that endless supply like the great outdoors. Give them game time coupled with fresh air and watch them crash. Hard. Here are our favorite ways to give them a (literal) run around in the backyard or at a local park before the sandman comes a-calling.

Light it up. The shorter nights make a few rounds of Flashlight Tag an enlightening pre-bedtime game. All you need is flashlight or two to shine on your sidekick as she darts back and forth across the yard trying to avoid the spotlight. Once she’s tagged, trade places or let her keep running for maximum sleep potential. Plan for about 15-20 minutes of play time before whisking your Little off to bed. She’ll be sawing logs faster than you can say “lights out!”

Kids running outside in pjs

photo: Allison Sutcliffe

Monkey around. Building on the “tag, you’re it!” theme, Monkey Tails is a silly variation that gets the whole crew involved in the chase. Simply tuck tails (socks or even dad’s ties make great ones) into the monkeys’ waistbands, then send everyone off, ducking, dodging and running wild, in an effort to keep their tails from being nabbed by another player. The last player with a tail wins. Then it’s off to bed for your little monkey.

Heed the call. Modify a classic pool game with a few tweaks, and you’ve got a backyard romp to tire out your kidlet. Play a few rounds of Marco-Polo outside before slipping on the jammies and starting the bedtime routine. All that ducking, dodging and blind searching is more tiring than you’d expect, which makes it a great way to wear out wee ones pre-bedtime.

Green light, go! Resurrect a playground fave to tire out the tots. We love Red Light/Green Light because it’s simple and quick to play. Plus, it gives parents the option to take it easy as the caller or join in the game (hello daily workout!). Stop and go until they’re tuckered out from all that running.

Boy playing catch

photo: Allison Sutcliffe

Play ball. Augment a standard game of catch with Pop Up (think fly ball!) to get those wiggles out before bedtime. Parents, work hard to launch balls rocket-style so littles players have a reason to run, run, run. With any luck, they’ll be worn out after a few “innings,” in addition to having a head start on training for the Majors. Play ball, then sleep tight!

Run a relay. Put all the stuffies around the pad to good use with a sleepy time relay race. The goal for this one is simple. Besides giving your wiggle worms a chance to dash here and there, it’s as easy as piling all the stuffies on one end of the yard and racing to put them to “bed” on the other. When the relay ends, send your little sleepyhead off to snuggle with all those lovies. Work out parent/sidekick teams or have sibs race against each other in this run-you-ragged pre-jammie game.

 

Explore Inside

For cold or rainy nights when outside play time isn’t an option, or for kids who like to live low-key, consider playing an inside game (or two) before they hit the hay. Take one of these ideas for a test drive the next time your crew has energy to burn. 

mozelleandchase_yoga_bedtimegames_national_redtricycle
Photo: Gabby Cullen 

Strike a child’s pose. Soothe your sleepyhead to bed with a short and simple nighttime yoga session. Think of it as a reverse sun salutation to greet the moon and get your little yogi relaxed before tucking him in. Stretch and bend right along with your sidekick to get zen-ed out before stories. Best part? Jammies and yoga were made for each other.

Get tricked out. Reserve front row seats for a toddler pre-bed spectacular! Invite your sidekick to show you his best dance moves, tricks and gymnastics stunts on “stage” before heading off to bed. They’ll tumble tiredly into dreamland after putting on this production.

mozelleandchase_nightroutinetips_gabbycullen_nightroutine_national_redtricycle
photo: Gabby Cullen

Follow the leader. Playing multiple rounds of Simon Says puts parents in charge of the petering-out pace. Wind them up with lots of jumps and twirls and hands on your toes to expend that daily dose of excited energy. Then quiet things down with stretches to the sky, yawns and a final curl up into bed. Simon says he’s all tuckered out!

kids playing simon says
photo: Allison Sutcliffe

Toss toys. This simple clean-up game is an easy two-fer. Focus energy from wound up toddlers getting ready to board the train to sleepytown? Check. Playfully encouraging cutie pies to clean up their play space? You bet. Set “baskets” out around the room and then have kids shoot toys for points from different angles. Keep score or total the toy tally for reinforcing fun. Practically perfect! 

Guess again. This simple game will help your little thinkers put their brains to bed before their bodies settle in for the night by using up brain power. Lay out a toy grid on the floor and have a blanket at the ready. Then it’s eyes shut tight while mom or dad hides one toy under the blanket. Open them and the search is on as your little Sherlock tries to figure out which toy is missing. Eureka!

Little people and blanket game
photo: Allison Sutcliffe 

Time it out. Extra energy is no match for timed trials. So grab your device and use it to time the kidlets running stairs, taking laps around the kitchen island, tearing up the basement. Whatever “course” you choose, encourage little racers to beat their last time or compete against a sib before racing off to bed. And they’re off… to sleep! 

mozelle_stuffies_bedtimegames_nightroutine_national_redtricycle
photo: Gabby Cullen

Go on a hunt. Let them burn off those last bits of the day in search of stuffies for bedtime cuddles. Hide a bunch of them around the house, then send the littles off and running in an extensive search and rescue operation. Or tie in the hunt with getting ready by hiding pajamas, toothbrushes, books and blankies for tiny tots to find. We love the way this expenditure dovetails nicely into the nighttime routine.

How do you wear out the kids before bedtime? Tell us about it in a comment. 

— Allison Sutcliffe