These funny jokes will have them belly-laughing for days

Need a good joke when you’re in a pinch? We’ve got you covered with a joke of the day for almost a whole year, and most of them are original! These hilarious jokes for kids require little to no explanation from parents, but you’ll want to get in on the fun, anyway. From cheesy jokes to knock-knock jokes and beyond, many of these have been sent to us by kids themselves. We’ve also got squeaky-clean jokes, spring jokes, and printable lunchbox jokes. And for those looking to take the fun to the next level, we’ve got the best minute to win it games, too.

Why should you share jokes with your kids?

Because it allows kids to learn to laugh at themselves and not take themselves too seriously. It’s an easy way to have quality time that doesn’t include a screen. So go ahead, scroll through our favorite jokes for kids, and spend 15 minutes having a good chuckle with your kiddos.

1. What do you call an ant who fights crime? 
A vigilante! 

—Joe L., age 10 

2. Knock knock.
Who’s there?
Olive.
Olive who?
Olive YOU!

3. Why did the teddy bear say no to dessert?
Because she was stuffed.

4. What do you call a little legume?
A Tinybean.

5. What did the left eye say to the right eye?
Between us, something smells!

6. Why did the police play baseball?
He wanted to get a catch!

—Yuna, age 8

7. What did the microwave say to the other microwave?
Is it just me? Or is it really hot in here?

—Yuna, age 8

8. Why did the student eat his homework?
Because the teacher told him it was a piece of cake!

9. Knock knock.
Who’s there?
Interrupting pirate.
Interrupting pir—yarrrrrr!

10. What is brown, hairy, and wears sunglasses?
A cool coconut.

11. Two pickles fell out of a jar onto the floor. What did one say to the other?
Dill with it.

12. What do you call a fake noodle?
An impasta!

13. Why did the kid cross the playground?
To get to the other slide.

14. Knock knock.
Who’s there?
Icy.
Icy who?
Icy you trying not to laugh at my knock-knock joke!

15. What kind of lion doesn't roar?
A dandelion.

16. How do you stop an astronaut’s baby from crying?
You rocket!

17. Why was 6 afraid of 7?
Because 7, 8, 9

18. What does a cloud wear under a raincoat?
Thunderwear.

19. When does a joke become a “dad” joke?
When the punchline is a parent.

20. What do you call a dinosaur fart?
A blast from the past.

Related: 100+ of The Best Clean Jokes For Kids

21. What did the limestone say to the geologist?
Don’t take me for granite!

22. What do you call a duck that gets all A’s?
A wise quacker.

23. Why does a seagull fly over the sea?
Because if it flew over the bay, it would be a baygull.

24. Which is faster? Hot or cold?
Hot. You can easily catch a cold. 

25. What kind of tree fits in your hand?
A palm tree!

26. Why can't you trust an atom?
They make up everything.

27. Why was the baby strawberry crying?
Because her parents were in a jam.

28. What did the little corn say to the mama corn?
Where is pop corn?

29. What is worse than raining cats and dogs?
Hailing taxis!

30. How much does it cost a pirate to get his ears pierced?
About a buck an ear.

31. Where would you find an elephant?
The same place you lost her!

32. How do you talk to a giant?
Use big words!

33. What animal is always at a baseball game?
A bat.

34. What falls in winter but never gets hurt?
Snow!

35. What do you call a ghost’s true love?
His ghoul-friend.

36. What building in New York has the most stories?
The public library!

37. What did one volcano say to the other?
I lava you!

38. How do we know that the ocean is friendly?
It waves!

39. What is a tornado’s favorite game to play?
Twister!

40. How do baby cats learn how to swim?
The kitty pool.

41. How do you get a squirrel to like you?
Act like a nut!

42. What do you call two birds in love?
Tweethearts!

43. How does a scientist freshen her breath?
With experi-mints!

44. How are false teeth like stars?
They come out at night!

45. How can you tell a vampire has a cold?
She starts coffin.

46. What’s worse than finding a worm in your apple?
Finding half a worm.

47. What is a computer's favorite snack?
Computer chips!!
—reader Rebecca K.

48. Why don’t elephants chew gum?
They do, just not in public.

49. What was the first animal in space?
The cow that jumped over the moon

50. What did the banana say to the dog?
Nothing. Bananas can’t talk.

51. What time is it when the clock strikes 13?
Time to get a new clock.

52. How does a cucumber become a pickle?
It goes through a jarring experience.

53. Which city does Paw Patrol like the most? 
New Yorkie.

54. What do you think of that new diner on the moon?
Food was good, but there really wasn’t much atmosphere.

55. Why did the dinosaur cross the road?
Because the chicken wasn’t born yet.

56. Why can’t Elsa have a balloon?
Because she will let it go.

57. How do you make an octopus laugh?
With ten-tickles!

58. How do you make a tissue dance?
You put a little boogie in it.

59. What's green and can fly?
Super Pickle!

60. When you look for something, why is it always in the last place you look?
Because when you find it, you stop looking.

little girl and boy sharing a joke
Saeed Karimi via Unsplash

61. Why do shrimp never share?
They're so shellfish.

62. What musical instrument is found in the bathroom?
A tuba toothpaste.

63. Why did the kid bring a ladder to school?
Because she wanted to go to high school.

64. Where do vampires keep their money?
A blood bank.

65. What do elves learn in school?
The elf-abet.

66. What do you call a dog magician?
A labracadabrador.

67. Where do pencils go on vacation?
Pencil-vania.

68. Why couldn't the pony sing a lullaby?
She was a little horse.

69. What do you cakes and baseball have in common?
They both need a batter! 

70. What gets wetter the more it dries?
A towel.

71. What do you call two bananas?
Slippers.

And speaking of bananas...

72. Why did the banana go to the doctor?
Because it wasn’t peeling well.

73. Why was the mushroom the life of the party?
It was a fungi.

74. What stays in the corner yet can travel all over the world?  
A stamp.

75. How do you fix a cracked pumpkin?
With a pumpkin patch.

76. What kind of award did the dentist receive?
A little plaque.

77. What do you call a funny mountain?
Hill-arious.

78. What should you drink while singing nursery rhymes?
Hot Cocomelon.

79. Why do bees have sticky hair?
Because they use a honeycomb.

Related: 30 Wacky Winter Jokes for Kids

80. What did the big flower say to the little flower?
Hi, bud!

81. There are two robots sitting on a wall. They are named Pete and Re-Pete. Pete falls off. Who is left?
(Re-Pete...so you repeat the whole thing again and again and again.)

—Henrik P., 10 

82. What is a pony’s favorite juice?
She really likes lemon-neigh’d.

—5-year-old Kerrigan

83. Where do fish keep their money?
In the River-Bank!

—Jaxon G., 7 y.o.

84. What do you call an alligator with a vest?
An investigator!

—Milo H-R, age 8

85. Why was the computer cold?
It left its window open!

—Milo H-R, age 8

86. Knock knock!
Who’s there?
Boo.
Boo who?
Don’t cry!

—Milo H-R, age 8

87. In baseball, would it take longer to run from 1st to 2nd base or 2nd to 3rd base?
2nd to 3rd base because there’s a shortstop in between.

—Milo H-R, age 8

88. What has lots of leaves but never actually grew?
A book!

—Milo H-R, age 8

89. Why was the computer cold?
It had a virus. 

—Henrik, age 10 

90. Why did the invisible man turn down the job offer?
Because he couldn’t see himself doing it.

—Jan L. 

91. Who keeps the ocean clean?
The mer-maid.

—Jan L. 

92. What did the astronaut say when he crashed into the moon?
"I Apollo-gize."

93. Why didn’t the orange win the race?
It ran out of juice.

94. What dinosaur had the best vocabulary?  
The thesaurus.

95. What did one DNA strand say to the other DNA strand?
Do these genes make my butt look big?

96. Why aren’t dogs good dancers?
They have two left feet.

97. What did the wolf say when it stubbed its toe?
Owwwww-ch! (by Henrik, age 5)

98. Kid: What are you doing under there?
Mom: Under where?
Kid: Ha ha! You said underwear!!

99. Why did Johnny throw the clock out of the window?
Because he wanted to see time fly.

100. What did one toilet say to the other?
You look flushed.

101. Why did the man put his money in the freezer?
He wanted cold hard cash!

102. Why couldn’t the astronaut book a hotel on the moon?
Because it was full.

103. How do pickles enjoy a day out?
They relish it.

104. What do you call an old snowman?
Water.

105. What’s a pirate’s favorite letter?
Arrrrrrrrrr

106. What do you get when you cross an elephant with a fish?
Swimming trunks.

107. How do you throw a party in space?
You planet.

108. What do you call an attractive fruit?
A fine apple!

109. What happened when the skunk was on trial?
The judge declared, “Odor in the court, odor in the court!”

110. What do you call a sleeping bull?
A bulldozer!

111. Why did the tomato blush?
It saw the salad dressing.

112. What do you call a fish without an eye?
A fsh.

113. What’s the difference between roast beef and pea soup?
Anyone can roast beef.

114. What do you get when you cross a centipede with a parrot?
A walkie talkie.

115. Why are robots never afraid?
They have nerves of steel.

116. Why did the cabbage win the race?
Because it was a-head.

117. What does an evil hen lay?
Deviled eggs.

118. What does a book do in the winter?
Puts on a jacket.

119. Knock knock!
Who’s there?
Needle.
Needle who?
Needle little help right now.

Related: 30+ Math Jokes for Kids That Add Up to Laughs

120. What sound do you hear when a cow breaks the sound barrier?
Cowboom!

121. What kind of haircuts to bees get?
Buzzzzzcuts.

122. Knock knock!
Who’s there?
Donut.
Donut who?
Donut ask me, I just got here.

124. What do you get if you cross a pie and a snake?
A pie-thon.

125. What do you do if you get peanut butter on your doorknob?
Use a door jam.

126. Why was 6 so mad at 7?
Because 7 8 9.

127. Why didn’t the robot finish his breakfast?
Because the orange juice told him to concentrate.

128. Why can’t you play hockey with pigs?
They always hog the puck.

129. Why do porcupines always win the game?
They have the most points.

130. Where do elephants pack their clothes?
In their trunks!

131. What does bread do on vacation?
Loaf around.

132. Why was the broom running late?
It over-swept.

133. What part of the fish weighs the most?
The scales.

134. What do ghosts like to eat in the summer?
I Scream.

135. Why did the teacher wear sunglasses to school?
Because her students were so bright.

136. What do you call a deer with pink eye?
A colorful eye-deer. (credit to Capt. John of the Appledore!)

137, Where do sheep go on vacation?
The Baaa-hamas.

138. What does every birthday end with?
The letter Y.

139. What did the paper say to the pencil?
Write on!

140. Why do birds fly?
It’s faster than walking.

141. Why did Superman flush the toilet?
Because it was his doody.

142. Why did the pillow cross the road?
It was picking up the chicken’s feathers.

143. Can February March?
No, but April May.

144. What time do ducks wake up?
At the quack of dawn.

145. Why did the giraffes get bad grades?
She had her head in the clouds.

146. What did the flower say after it told a joke?
I was just pollen your leg.

147. What did the traffic light say to the truck?
Don’t look, I’m changing.

148. What do kids play when they don’t have a phone?
Bored games.

149. Why didn’t the koala bear get the job?
They said she was over-koala-fied.

150. Who was that owl who did all the tricks?
Who-dini.

151. What kind of vegetable is angry?
A steamed carrot!

three girls laughing at jokes for kids
iStock

152. How does the moon stay up in the sky?
Moonbeams! 

153. Why isn't there a clock in the library?
Because it tocks too much. 

154. Why do you never see elephants hiding in trees?
Because they're so good at it! 

155. What day of the week are most twins born on?
Twos-day! 

(submitted by reader Scooter T.!) 

156. Would February March?
No, but April May. 

157. What do you call bears with no ears?
B. 

158. What kind of tree fits in your hand?
A palm tree!

168. What do you call a fly with no wings?
A walk. 

—Jasper L., young reader submitted!

169. What’s yellow and looks like pineapple?
A lemon with a new haircut. 

—submitted (and created) by Rafael L. 

Related: 41 Giggle-Inducing Jokes for Toddlers

170. What do you call a deer with no eyes?
"No eye-deer." 

—also sent in by young Raffy 

171. What did the lunchbox say to the banana?
You really have appeal. 

172. What did the mouse say to the keyboard?

You're my type! 

173. What did the science book say to the math book?
Wow, you've got problems. 

174. How do squids get to school?

They take an octobus. 

175. Where do mermaids look for jobs?
The kelp-wanted section. 

176. What word starts with the letter t, ends with the letter t, and has t in it?
A teapot!

—young reader Collin S.

177. What has four wheels and flies?
A garbage truck!

—Lewis G.

178.  Two goats were munching on a movie script. 
Goat 1: This is good!
Goat 2: The book was better.

—reader submitted by Mr. Jeffry

179. What do you call a monkey at the North Pole?
Lost.

—submitted by Stella D.

180. Why did Humpty Dumpty have a great fall?
To make up for his miserable summer.

—reader submitted by Kaci Y.  

181. Why did the woman become an archeologist?
Because her career was in ruins.

182. Knock knock! 
Who's there?
Manatee. 
Manatee who?
Manatee would be better than a sweater today, it's hot! 

183. What do you call two monkeys that share an Amazon account?
Primemates!

—Merci P., aged 10

184. What snack should you make for the Snowman Holiday Party?
Ice Krispy Treats

—Emmerson H., age 13

185. What do you call a nun who sleepwalks?
A roamin' Catholic. 

—Janice B., a reader like you! 

186. Why do birds fly south?
It's too far to walk.

—Pearl, age 10

187. What did the traffic light say to the cars?
Don't look, I'm changing!

—reader, age 6 

188. Why is there a gate around cemeteries?
Because people are dying to get in!

189. What is a scarecrow's favorite fruit?
A strawberry. 

190. How does a hurricane see?
With one eye. 

191. How do they answer the phone at the paint store?
Yellow!

—Lily, age 6

192. Why do scissors always win a race?
Because they take a shortcut!

—Foster, age 5 

193. How do you stop a bull from charging? 
You unplug it! 

—Jadyn, Age 12 

194. What did the dad say to his daughter at the cook out? 
This grill is on fire! 
 

—Jadyn, 12 (This kid is on fire! 🤣) 

195. Why did the king go to the bathroom?
He wanted to sit on the throne.

—Eric, age 10

196. What is a pirate's favorite body part?
The booty!

—C.J., age 9

197. If it takes two men to dig a hole in one day how long would it take for one man to dig a half a hole?           
There is no such thing as a half a hole.

—Eric, age 10

198. How do cats bake cake?
From scratch. 

—reader Jacey

199. What is a zombie's favorite thing to eat?
Brain food. 

200. How do you fix a broken tomato?
With a can of tomato paste. 

201. What do you call a rabbit with lice?
Bugs Bunny. 

a family laughing at jokes for kids
iStock

202. It took 10 workers 10 days to build a bridge.  How long would it take 5 workers to build the same bridge?
None—it’s already built!

—Liam, age 7 

203. How do you make the word Tiger longer?
Ti-grrrh

—Kabir, Age 9

204. How do you clean chicken?  -
Put it in dishwasher.

—Kabir, Age 9

205. What do frogs order at McDonalds?
French flies and a Croak-a-Cola.

206. There's a girl on a boat in a pretty pink coat. What's her name?
What. 

—Ray, age 9

207. Where does a rat go when it has a toothache?
To the rodentist. 

—Ray, age 9!

208. What does an alien do when it is bored in school?
Spaces out. 

—Ray! (they are on a roll!), age 9

209. What does a broken plate say when she gets her cupcake?
Is this GLUE-ten free?

—Guess who? Ray! age 9 

210. Why didn't the hyena cross the road?
He was too busy laughing. 

—reader submitted by Gillian P. 

211. Have you heard the one about the student who was afraid of negative numbers?
He'll stop at nothing to avoid them.

212. What do you call it when a hammock teases another hammock?
Hammockery!

—Joe L., age 8 

213. What did they say when Marie Curie and Albert Einstein said the same thing at the same time?
Greatest minds think alike! 

—Henrik, age 9

214. What did the kid learn about knowledge?
It was all knowing.

—Reader submitted by Deziree

215. Why did the chicken go the hospital?
Because it needed some tweatment!

—Joshua Y., age 9 
 
 
216. Why did the skeletons cross the road?

To get to the body shop!

—Also Mr. Joshua Y., age 9

217. What is more impressive than a talking parrot?
A spelling bee.

—submitted by...drumroll...Joshua Y., age 9!! 

218. What do you call babies in the army?
Infantry! 

—Joe L., age 9

219. What is a cat's favorite color?
Purrr-ple! 

—Olivia W., age 7 

220. Why did the dragon cross the road?
Because he was too chicken to fly!       

—Joshua Y. 

221. Who won the race of princesses?
Rapunzel, By a hair!

—Josh Y! 

222. What did the egg say when it was late for breakfast?
I have to scramble!

—our buddy, Joshua Y. 

223. How do you stop a bull from charging?
You take away it's credit card!

—Joshua Y. 

224. Where does the T-rex go shopping?
The dino store!

—Joshua Y., age 9 

225. Why was the rabbit happy?
Because somebunny loved him!

—Guess who? Joshua Y.! 

226. What did the pear say to the shoeless?
You need a pair of shoes. 

—reader submitted by Rose A. 

227. What do you call a bear with no ear?
A "B"

—Alexis R. 

228. What would happen if the dean lost his job?
He would lose his "ideanity." 

—Joshua Y. 

229. Why did the baby cross the road? 

To get to the whine shop!

—Matilda C., age 7

230. Why shouldn’t you trust stairs?
Because they are always up to something.

—Ryder, Age 3!!! 

Related: 20 Cheesy Jokes To Make Anyone Crack a Smile

231. Why did the scarecrow win an award?
Because he was out standing in his field.

—Suzanna R. 

232. What do you call a cat burrito?
A purrito

—Rosewyn age 8 and 3 quarters 

233. What kind of key opens a banana?
A monkey!

—Rosewyn age 8 and 3 quarters 

234. What do you call a pounding headache? 
A temple tantrum!

—hilarious reader, MJ Sims

235. How do you get a cat to code?

You Scratch it!

—Musegirl, 8

236. Why was the man mad at the clock?

He was ticked off!

—Nolan A. age 8

237. What is the strongest kind of shoe?

Under Armor!

—Liam A. age 9

238. Why did Rudolph have a bad report card?

Because he went down in History!

—Sreeja K., age 8 

239. Why don't scientists trust atoms?
Because they make up everything!

—Sreeja K., age 8 

240. Why can't you spell dark with a "c", so it says "darc"?
Because you can't c in dark!

—Shivani age 8

241. How do you clean a chicken?
An egg wash!

—MB, age 12 

242. Why did the cookie have to go to the doctor?
It was feeling crummy. 

243. What's Joanna Gaines' favorite snack food?
Chips

—H.P., aged 9

244. Why didn’t the skeleton cross the road?
Because there was noBody on the other side. 

—Grandpa Jo, 54

245. Why didn’t the skeleton cross the road?
He didn't have the guts. 

—Londynn, 9

246. What do you do when an astronaut’s wife is upset?
Give her some space.

—Jaden, 11

247. Why did the young astronaut cry on the moon?
Because he missed his mother earth. 

—A mother on earth

248. Two monkeys were fighting over a banana. What happened?
Banana split! 

—Saori K. 

249. What is a vampire's favorite fruit?
A blood orange!

—Rianna G., age 10

250. Why don't eggs like to gamble?
They always get a raw deal. 

251. When is a door not a door?
When it's ajar. 

252. Why did the scientist take out the bell?
He wanted to win the no-bell prize. 

—DT 

253. Why are strawberries natural musicians?
They love to jam. 

254. What is orange and sounds like a parrot?
A carrot! 

Related: 40+ Hilarious Knock Knock Jokes for Kids

little girl laughing on a swing
iStock

255. Did you hear about the kid who drank eight sodas?
He burped 7-Up. 

256. What be the pirate's favorite letter of the alphabet?
Arrrr! 
No, it be the C! (Sea).

—A hilarious 6-year-old reader. 

257. What is a tree's favorite beverage?
Root beer! 

258. Why do fish live in saltwater?
Pepper makes them sneeze! ACHOOOOOO!!!!!!

—Hasset A. 

259. Why are fish so smart?
Because they live in a school!

—Ronit P. 

The following four jokes were written by Kaleb, age 4, as told to his grandpa:

260. Why did the cow lie down in the grass? 
He was ground beef.

261. What did Mama cow say to Baby cow? 
It’s pasture bedtime.

262. Why did the phone walk in the water? 
He was wading for a phone call.

263. What is blue, but not heavy?
Light blue.

264. How do you find Will Smith in the snow?
You look for fresh prints. 

—Joshua N. 

265. Why don't you ever date a tennis player?
Because love means nothing to them.

—Joshua N. 

266. "Doctor, doctor I am afraid of squirrels!"
Doctor: You must be nuts.

—reader Jerry C. 

267. What happened to the frog whose car broke down?
He had to be toad! 

—Martin F. 

268. What is the best day to visit McDonalds?
Fry-Day!

—Gianni, age 6

269. What's a cow's favorite drink?
A s-moooo-thie.

—Young readers Jax (7) and Kora (5)

270. Knock knock!
Who’s there?
Cow
Cow who? 
Cows don’t say who, they say moooo!

—Adalyn, age 5

271. Why did the tomato stop?
Because he was out of juice. 

—Karma E. 

Related: 51 Totally Goofy Birthday Jokes for Kids

272. What are cats best at?
Cat-apulting!

—Macy (10)

273. Where do cats roam?
In the catacombs!

—Katie (34)

274. What kind of stick does a cat chase?
A cat-stick!

—Macy (10)

275. What kind of fruit does a dog eat?
A dog-berry!

—Macy (10) & Katie (34)

276. Why do hockey players make great bankers?
Because they are good at checking.

—Henrik, age 9 3/4

277. How do chickens dance?
Chick to chick.

278. Mr. Red and Ms. Red live in the red house; Mr. Purple and Ms. Purple live in the purple house. Who lives in the white house?
The president!

—submitted by young reader Gwen I.

279. Why did the chicken cross the road?
It was trying to get away from the KFC.

—Ben, age 8

280. Who sits at the bottom of the sea and twitches?
A nervous wreck.

—Alesha, age 11

281. Why was the snowman in the box?
Because he was picking his nose.

—Peter, age 8

 

happy kids laughing
iStock

These next five were sent in from Jax (7) and Kora (5):

282. What’s a dog's favorite toy?
A funny bone!

283. What’s a cow's favorite rock?
A mooo-n rock

284. What’s the scariest plant?
Bam-booo!

285. What’s a cow's favorite place to go?
The mooo-vies!

286. What’s the scariest injury?
A booo-booo!

(Jax & Kora!) 

287. Why was the snow yellow?
Because Elsa let it go! 

—Kaylee

289. Why did the girl smear peanut butter on the road?
To go with the traffic jam!

—Scarlett 

290. What do you call a dinosaur that is sleeping?
A dino-snore!

291. What do you get when you cross a vampire and a snowman?
Frost bite!

292. What did one plate say to the other plate?
Dinner is on me!

293. What do you call Chewbacca with cookies in its fur?
A chocolate-chip Wookie. 

—Jake

294. What is black and white and looks like a penguin?
A penguin. 

—Zhan, age 5 

295. What does a cow like to drink?
A smoothie. 

—Carolina, age 8

296. Why did the parent hit the cake with a hammer?
It was a pound cake. 

little girl and her mom laughing at jokes
iStock

297.  When is the best time to go to the dentist?
At tooth-hurty!!!

—Tyler R.

298. Why is "dark" spelled with a k and not a c? 
Because you can’t c in the dark!

—Garrett

299. A new pig came to the farm, he was a great painter. What do you think his name was?
Pigasso!

—Amara

A spin-off:

300. What is the name of the Dutch pig who was famous for painting sunflowers and cutting off his ear?
Vincent van Hog

—Gloria, age 8

301. What is a bat’s favorite game to play?
A com-bat

—Bianca, age 7

302. What did the salad say to the carrot after it lost the fight?
You've lettuce down.

—Joe, age 10

303. What did the salad say to the carrot when it asked for directions to a restaurant?
Beets me!

—Joe, age 10

304. Why don't eggs tell each other jokes?
They'd crack each other up!

—Raina, age 10

305. Which milkshake always comes with a straw?
A strawberry milkshake

—Gloria, age 8

306. What stories do crustaceans like best?
Lobster Tales

—Gloria, age 8

307. What did the basketball say to the hoop when it missed?
Oh shoot!

—Layla, age 9

308. Why did the lion cross the road?
To get to the other pride!

309. What is the best gift you could ever ask for?
Broken drum sticks. You just can't beat it. 

—Nate

310. Why did the nurse have a red crayon?
To draw blood.

—Charlotte

311. What mood best describes a sad librarian?
Under the books.

—Elliana

Related: You’ll Be Taco-ing about These Jokes All Day

312. What do you call a Buffalo that likes beef?
A Beef-alo

313. What does a camel say to a hunter?
Do you need some camel-flage

314. Why does the dinosaur like the bathroom?
Because it’s ex-stink-t

315. Why does the dentist use a computer?
Because it has Bluetooth.

—Jokes 312-315 by Gunner, age 8

316. What’s grey?
A melted penguin.

317. What goes black, white, black, white, black white?
A penguin rolling down a hill.
318. Can a match box?
No, but a tin can!
319. Why was the baby in Egypt?
It was looking for its mummy.
320. Why did the chewing gum cross the road?
It was stuck on the chicken’s foot.
321. What does a cow eat for breakfast?
Mooo-esli.
322. Doctor, doctor, I feel like a dog.
Then go and see a vet!

323. What do girl snakes write at the bottom of their letters?
With love and hisses.

324. Why did the bacteria cross the microscope?
To get to the other slide.
—Jokes 316-324 by Elijah, age 11
325. Knock, knock
Who’s there?
Lettuce.
Lettuce who?
Let us in, it’s cold out here!

326. What do you get when you cross a bridge with a car?
To the other side of the river.

327. What do you get when you cross an elephant with a cake?
Crumbs.

328. Doctor, doctor, I keep thinking I’m a dog.
Then sit on the couch and we’ll talk about it,
But I’m not allowed on the furniture!

329. Doctor, doctor I feel like a sheep.
That’s baa-aaa-aad.

330. What do you call a bee that buzzes quietly?
A mumble bee.

—Jokes 325-330 by Malachi, age 7 and a half

331. Where do you find a polar bear? 
The same place you left her.

—Thomas, age 7

332. What is fast, loud, and crunchy?
A rocket chip!

333. How does a vampire start a letter?
Tomb it may concern…

334. What has ears but cannot hear?
A field of corn…

335. Did you hear the one about the claustrophobic astronaut?

He just needed a little space.

Make sure to capture all the giggles—and share them with your family and friends near and far—with the Tinybeans app. The secure platform puts parents in total control of who sees and interacts with photos and videos of their kids.

There’s no doubt about it: kids are sponges when it comes to learning (and picking up on swear words, turns out). We’ve rounded up some fun facts for kids that will entertain and wow them (and you!). For those in search of trivia for teens, we’ve got you covered as well! Try to stump your kids at the dinner table or go all in for a family trivia night. In the mood for even more fun? Try out these hilarious jokes for kids, the best minute to win it games, and some selections from the 100+ movies every kid needs to see before they grow up.

Fun Facts for Kids About Space

fun facts for kids about space
NASA via Unsplash

1. The moon is very hot (224 degrees Fahrenheit, average) during the day but very cold (-243 degrees average) at night.

2. Venus spins clockwise. It’s the only planet that does!

3. One teaspoon of a neutron star would weigh six billion tons.

4. Sally Ride was the first American woman to fly in space, on June 18, 1983.

5. One million Earths could fit inside the sun!

6. Even in an airplane, a trip to Pluto would take about 800 years. 

7. Ham the Astrochimp was the first hominid in space, launched on Jan. 31, 1961. 

8. Neptune’s days are 16 hours long.

9. It takes eight minutes and 19 seconds for light to travel from the sun to Earth.

10. The footprints on the moon will be there for 100 million years. 

11. A neutron star can spin 600 times in one second. 

12. Jupiter is the fastest-spinning planet in the solar system (it only takes about 10 hours to complete a full rotation on its axis). 

13. Sound does not carry in space. 

14. The Earth's core is as hot as the surface of the sun. 

15. The very first animals in space were fruit flies...they were sent up in 1947 and recovered alive. 

16. In 2011, ten-year-old Kathryn Aurora Gray discovered a supernova (a star that has run out of energy, explodes and then collapses before it dies) that no one else had seen before. 

17. Europa, one of Jupiter's moons, has saltwater geysers that are 20x taller than Mt. Everest. 

18. Saturn's rings are made from trillions of chunks of orbiting ice. 

19. Alpha Centauri isn't a star, but a star system. It is 4.22 light years away. 

20. One day on Venus is almost 8 months on Earth. 

21. Jupiter's Great Red Spot is a storm that has been raging for over 200 years. 

22. There are more stars in the universe than grains of sand on Earth.  

Looking for more space facts? Check them out here

Facts for Kids About Food

find out about hot dogs with food trivia for kids
Unsplash

1. The world’s longest French fry is 34 inches long.  

2. Garlic bulbs are full of Vitamin C, iron, potassium, magnesium, zinc, and more. It also has 17 amino acids.

3. On the South Atlantic island of Tristan da Cunha, potatoes were once used as currency.

4. The strawberry is the only fruit that bears seeds on the outside.

5. According to Tori Avey, coffee became a popular drink in America after the Boston Tea Party of 1773: Making the switch from tea to coffee was considered a patriotic duty.

6. The double coconut palm produced the biggest seed in the world: 45 pounds.

7. Ice cream was once called “cream ice.”

8. Pound cake is so-called because the recipes once called for a pound of butter, a pound of sugar, a pound of eggs, and a pound of flour. 

9. Peanuts aren't nuts! (They're legumes.)

10. Carrots weren't always orange: they were once exclusively purple. 

11. Cherries are a member of the rose family (Rosaceae) as are quince, pears, plums, apples, peaches, and raspberries! 

12. Lima beans have an amazing ability to command wasps as a defense. If insects are eating the lima bean's leaves, the plant gives off a substance that acts as a signal to parasitic wasps to swoop in and destroy their enemy (i.e. the leaf-eating insects).

13. Apples float because they are one-quarter air! 

14. Ripe cranberries will bounce like a ball. (Go on, try it!). They also float. 

15. German chocolate cake is not from Germany. German is the last name of the man who invented a kind of baking chocolate (Sam German). 

16. Cilantro and coriander are considered to be the same. 

17. SPAM is a mash-up of the words "spice" and "ham."

Amazing Facts for Students About History

library where you can find fun facts for kids and trivia questions for kids
iStock

1. The Wright Brothers only flew together once (though both piloted the planes individually): on May 25, 1910, they took a six-minute flight piloted by Orville with Wilbur as his passenger.

2. Regardless of their size, naval tradition declares submarines to be called “boats” rather than “ships.”

3. Hedy Lamar was a famous Hollywood film actress who also invented what became modern-day Wi-Fi. 

4. Walt Disney started sketching regularly when he was just four years old.

5. Abraham Lincoln lost five separate elections before he became president of the U.S. (Never, ever, ever give up!)

6. Pablo Picasso entered art school around the age of 10. The Picasso Museum in Barcelona, Spain includes many “early works” from his childhood.

7. Frederick Douglass taught himself to read and write.

8. Before European contact (which caused populations to diminish rapidly ) California indigenous tribal groups spoke more than 200 unique dialects. 

9. Amelia Earhart first saw a plane at the age of 10 but didn't take an airplane ride until 1920 when she was 23 years old. 

10. Abe Lincoln was a professional wrestler long before he became the 16th President of the United States. 

11. After landing in Ireland after her first solo Atlantic flight, a farmer asked Amelia Earhart where she was from. When she said America, he almost didn't believe her! 

12. Frederick Douglass's birth name was Frederick Augustus Washington Bailey. When he married he chose the last name Douglass after the hero clan in Sir Walter Scott's famous poem, Lady of the Lake

13. Frida Kahlo created 143 paintings. Of these, 55 were self-portraits. 

14. Babe Ruth was the first baseball player to hit a home run in the All-Star game, at Chicago’s Comiskey Park in 1933.

15. The Olympics used to award gold medals for art

16. George Washington didn't chop down a cherry tree. 

Fun Facts for Kids About the Weather

fun facts for kids about lightening
Sean McAuliffe via Unsplash

1. Some tornadoes can be faster than Formula One race cars!

2. There are 2,000 thunderstorms on Earth every minute.

3. The wind is silent until it blows against something. 

4. There are ice caves in Iceland that have hot springs.

5. The fastest recorded raindrop was 18 mph! 

6. The US gets over 1200 tornadoes a year.

7. Lightning can strike twice.

8.  Clouds look white because they are reflecting sunlight from above them.

9. Yuma, Arizona gets over 4000 hours of sunshine a year, making it the sunniest place on Earth. The least sunny place is the South Pole, where the sun only shines on 182 days a year. (Which would you rather live in?) 

10. Rain contains vitamin B12. 

11. A bolt of lightning is five times hotter than the sun. 

12. A hurricane releases enough energy in one second to equal that of 10 atomic bombs. 

13. It can be too warm to snow, but never too cold. 

14. Tropical storms and hurricanes started getting "named" in 1953. 

15. You can tell the weather by counting a cricket's chirps! 

16. Worms wiggle up from the ground when a flood is coming. 

Animal Trivia for Kids

kids can learn about manatees with animal triva for kids.
NOAA via Unsplash

1. Many people believe that early mermaid sightings can be attributed to dehydration + manatees.

2. Sloths cannot shiver to stay warm, and so have difficulty maintaining their body temperature on rainy days.

3. In the wild, some reindeer travel more than 3000 miles in a single year.

4. Only half of the dolphin’s brain goes to sleep when asleep and the other half stays awake.

5. Other than humans, emperor penguins are the only warm-blooded animals to stay in Antarctica for the winter.

6. The biggest fossil of a spider was found in China. It is one inch long and 165 million years old.

7. The largest living animal is the blue whale, which can measure as much as 100 feet. 

8. Nearly 10% of all of a cat's bones are in its tail.

9. In the wintertime reindeer grow their facial hair long enough to cover their mouths, which protects their muzzles when grazing in the snow. Beard-os! 

10. Dolphins have been seen wrapping sea sponges around their long snouts to protect them from cuts while foraging for food.

11. Shrimp's hearts are in their heads. 

12. While pandas sometimes eat fish or small animals, 99% of their diet is bamboo. 

13. An ostrich's eye is bigger than its brain. 

14. A fox uses its tail to communicate with other foxes. 

15. Dogs have wet noses because they secrete a thin layer of mucus, which helps dogs smell! 

16. The female hummingbird builds the world's smallest bird's nest (approximately 1.5 inches in diameter, around the size of a walnut!). She weaves it from spiderwebs which allows it to expand as the chicks grow. 

17. The largest land animal in Antarctica is an insect: the columbola (which looks like an earwig). Penguins are considered marine animals. 

18. There are 222 owl species in the world. Most are nocturnal, but a few are active during the daytime, such as the Barred Owl.

19. Sloths are strong swimmers, especially good at the backstroke. 

20. Sharks do not hunt humans or consider humans food. Shark incidents occur when sharks are hunting for seals, dolphins, or other "human-sized" prey. It's a case of mistaken identity!  

21. A koala's fingerprints are so similar to human fingerprints that they could taint a crime scene. 

22. The loudest animal in the world is the Pistol Shrimp. It can collapse its jaws so fast that creates a bubble that collapses and creates a sonic blast.

Get more fun facts about animals here.

Sports Trivia for Kids

Sports trivia for kids includes fun facts for kids about Babe Ruth
Wikimedia Commons

1. In 1962, Wilt Chamberlain scored 100 points in a single NBA basketball game. No one has broken this record (not even Steph Curry!).

2. Babe Ruth began his career as a pitcher: Ruth was both a left-handed pitcher and a left-handed batter.

3. The record for the long jump is held by Mike Powell: 29 ft. + 4 inches. That’s like jumping the length of two minivans!

4. The most medals won for Olympic basketball (male or female) are both held by women: Teresa Edwards and Lisa Leslie with four gold medals each.

5. Wilma Rudolph (who set the world record in 1960 for 100, 200, and 4x100-meter relay) had polio, scarlet fever, and pneumonia as a child, leading doctors to believe she’d never walk again.

6. NFL Super Bowl referees also get Super Bowl rings. 

7. In 1919, Cleveland Indians pitcher Ray Caldwell was struck by lightning in the middle of the 9th inning. He kept playing! 

8. The 'G' on the Green Bay Packers helmet stands for "greatness" not Green Bay! 

9. Baseballs last an average of seven pitches. 

10. Manon Rheaume is the only woman to have played in an NHL game.

11. Golf is one of only two sports ever played on the moon. In 1971, Alan Shepard hit a ball with a six-iron while on the moon as part of the Apollo 14 mission. The other sport was a javelin toss, during the same visit. 

12. The shortest player in the National Hockey League (NHL) was goaltender Roy Waters who measured 5 ft. 3 in. tall.

13. The tallest player in the NHL is Zdeno Chara, who is 6 ft. 9 in. tall. 

Get more fun facts for kids about sports here.

Fun Facts for Kids About the Human Body

little girl in bookstore learning fun facts for kids and trivia for kids.
iStock

1. The nose can detect a trillion smells! 

2. One-quarter of your bones are in your feet. 

3. Human teeth are as strong as shark teeth! 

4. Your blood is as salty as the ocean. 

5. Not only does everyone have unique fingerprints, but humans also have unique tongue prints!

6. The average brain weighs about three pounds. A newborn brain weighs about 3/4 of a pound. 

7. Your nose and ears never stop growing. 

8. A human body contains almost 100 trillion cells. 

9. Fingernails can grow 4x faster than toenails. 

10. Eyelashes live for about 150 days before falling out. 

11. Humans are the only animals with chins. 

12. You can't breathe and swallow at the same time.  

 

 

 

These indoor party games will heat up your winter birthday party

June, July, and August babies will be rightly jealous when you break out exciting DIY games that take the chill out of the season. That’s right, we’ve got tons of winter birthday ideas for every age and stage to help make your indoor birthday party memorable.

Winter Birthday Ideas for Toddlers

Simplicity is best with this sweet set, which makes for easy-peasy prep. 

Yarn Ball Stories via Etsy

Mitten Match
A trip to the dollar store might be necessary to play this matching game if you don't have enough extra mittens. Once you’ve assembled enough wooly pairs to outfit party guests, hide one-half of each mitten pair in plain sight around the house. Pass the other half out to little hunters, then let them loose to find their match. The game is over once all the pairs have been reunited. Extra points if the guests keep the matched pair as part of their party loot. Get the details from Tales of a Ranting Ginger. 

Hot Snowball
This winter variation on Hot Potato starts with a trip to your local craft store. Dress up a Styrofoam ball or puffy white pom-pom with glitter to make a sparkly snowball, circle up the kids, turn on the tunes, and pass the ball around until the music stops. If you’re caught holding the snowball, it’s sideline time for you, baby. Last one left wins!

indoor party games like Bundle Up are great winter birthday ideas
iStock

Bundle Up, Baby
If this game had an inspiration, it would have to be poor Randy in A Christmas Story, bundled tightly in his winter digs. For this game, you’ll need plenty of blustery day clothes—hats, scarves, mittens, earmuffs, snow pants, heavy coats, etc.—if it keeps you warm, use it. Then, gather the tots together and have each one take turns putting on all the winter gear, as fast as they can, while you keep time (or not). Turn this into a big kid game by dividing the kids into two teams that race against each other, as they bundle up a willing teammate.

Ski Ball Jump
Turn an everyday play idea designed by Susie at busytoddler.com into a party-ready game for tots when you see just how many balls each party-goer can launch into the waiting basket below. All it takes is a little DIY know-how, a soft landing for the balls, and of course, toddlers ready to show off their counting prowess during this party game.

I Can Teach My Child

Snowy Search and Rescue
This classic sensory activity seamlessly transitions into a full-on toddler game as kids race to dig hidden objects out of the “snow.” Bury tiny objects like puzzle pieces, Duplo bricks, or seasonal doodads under layers of cotton balls or fake snow (a great idea thanks to I Can Teach My Child) in a baking dish or large container. Then have little seekers dig them out using hands, sand shovels, or even spoons. They’ll be delighted with their finds. You’ll be delighted at how easy this game is to run.

Related: What an Awesome 3-Year-Old Birthday Party Looks Like

Indoor Birthday Games for Preschoolers

Preschoolers are just coming into their own, which makes gaming with them all the more exciting. A little competition and a few wonderfully wintery twists, and you’ve got the makings for perfect preschool party games!

indoor party games like foot bean bag are great winter birthday party ideas
Allison Sutcliffe

Penguin Relay
Consider this relay game the winterized version of an egg spoon race. Divide kids into two teams and put half of each on the end of the playing field and the rest at the other. Kids place a beanbag on top of their feet, papa penguin style. When you say go, each team sends a member shuffling down to the other end, carefully balancing their “egg” on their feet until they reach a teammate on the other side. Transfer the egg to the next player to keep the relay going.

Candy Ball Game
It's a win-win when a game doubles as party favors. Hide birthday trinkets in a plastic wrap ball, pass the ball around the circle, and let guests unwind and find the hidden treasures. If you add the dice-rolling element for older kids, it's just as much fun to watch as it is to play.

Winter Guessing Jar
Keep the wiggles at bay by putting out a guessing jar. Fill it with snowflake buttons, blue and white LEGO, blue and white M&M’s, or any other snowy day combo you can think up. Then invite guests to guess at some point during the party. The coolest part? The jar and its contents can be given away as a prize. 

Snowman Relay
This no-snow snowman relay is perfect for an indoor bash. You’ll need two large felt snowmen and stylish felt accessories to match: a carrot nose, colorful buttons, coal-colored eyes, and even a scarf. Hang the snowmen on the wall, and line your guests in two lines next to the accessories. Each player takes a turn putting on an accessory, and the first snowman ready to lead the parade through the town wins! Construction paper is an alternative for felt for this game.

Related: 14 Creative (& Totally Free) Birthday Coloring Pages

Winter Birthday Ideas for Kindergartners

They’re big kids now, so they should play big-kid games. Check out these three games that will keep them laughing and give them a challenge or two.

girl playing the stacking cup minute to win it game
iStock

Ice Castle Construction
The race is on to build the highest ice castle on the block with this Bob the Builder meets Elsa cup stacking game. Little partiers can work in teams on this one, or individual players can go head-to-head. The goal? To stack a tower that outshines your opponent’s in the shortest amount of time. The building materials? Blue Solo cups, of course.

Winter-Themed Charades
Who doesn’t love a good game of charades? This no-prep party favorite can easily be tailored to fit a winter party theme. Write out snowy activities like skiing, sledding and snowball fights, then put them in the jar. Break party guests into groups, then have them act out the scenes for their team. Remember, if the guessers can’t quite figure it out, the other team has a chance to steal.

Snowball targets
Put a wintery twist on an old-school carnival game with target practice. All it takes is plastic water bottles, a few squirt guns and small Styrofoam craft balls. Balance the balls on top of the water bottles, and line them up in a row or use empty overturned boxes to make a few different levels to change up the difficulty. Then it’s as simple as ready, aim and firing the squirt guns at the precariously balanced balls to see how many each player can get down. 

Musical Snowflakes
Musical chairs get a winter makeover with this game. Instead of setting up chairs, use paper snowflakes on the ground in a circle for kiddos to stand on. Then, crank the tunes and have the kids walk the line. Whoever is left without a snowflake when the music stops takes a seat; the last kid left standing wins. Rock a twofer on this game by first having tiny guests decorate pre-cut paper snowflakes at a craft table to use in the game.

Snow Shooters
These adorable snow shooters from Growing a Jeweled Rose are the perfect inspiration for snowy party games. Arm each player with a snow shooter and mini marshmallows, and then have them aim one by one at a long-distance target. Closest ‘mallow wins the sharpshooter award of the day!

Related: 18 Healthy Birthday Cakes That Actually Taste Great

Indoor Birthday Games for Grade School Kids 

Give grade-schooler kids the chance to flex their muscles and their brains with these games that take speed, concentration, and maybe even a bit of skill.

Winter birthday idea like paper plate head drawing
Allison Sutcliffe

Silly Snowmen
We all know grade school kids love to show off their skills, and this game will take a lot of artistic inspiration and concentration to win. It may seem simple at first glance—the kids draw snowmen on the paper plates—but a simple, yet hilarious, twist makes this a party-worthy activity: the kids can’t see what they’re drawing (the plates are on their heads!). Have the kids add all the requisite snowman parts to their masterpiece—three-body balls, a hat, eyes, arms, buttons, and the iconic carrot nose, and then share their creations to choose who wins this creative competition.

Mitten Pictionary
You can find Pictionary at any old party, but this is your party, so it needs to be special. Crank up the laughter on a typical Pictionary game by having guests wear mittens (the thicker the better) while they draw their way to a win illustrating winter words like a snowman, polar bear, and penguins on the board. Want to make it more challenging? Have the little artists don ski goggles.

Snowball Stomp
This snowball stomp idea from Birthday Party Ideas 4 Kids takes a lot of hot air and a lot of space. Blow up white balloons and tie them around each player's ankle so there’s a distance between them and their snowball. Give the “go!” sign, and give them plenty of space to stomp on each other's snowballs. Super fast and super fun, this is sure to be a popular game.

Topsy Turvey Snowman Cups
Your party animals will work up a serious sweat when they divide into two groups and play this cup-turning game. Ahead of time, draw snowman faces on a slew of white solo cups. When they’re ready to play, spread the snowman cups out on the ground so half are upright and half are upside down. Team One’s goal is to make all snowmen upright. Team Two's goal is the opposite; it’s snowman side down for them. Yell Go! and watch the madness unfold. Play for about five minutes before you add up the scores and play again (and again and again!). 

Blizzard
This adorable game found on Coolest Holiday Parties is a flurry that plays like hockey without hard-hitting checking. Instead of a puck, players use a white balloon, and instead of sticks, they use air to propel the “puck” into the other team’s goal (no hands or feet, please!). Paper plate paddles work well for this game. When the buzzer sounds, the team with the most goals wins!

 

 

Your complete guide to the most spectacular events, decked-out neighborhoods, glowing gardens, and more must-see holiday light displays in San Francisco and the Bay Area

Twinkling lights sprouting up all over town are the hallmark of the holidays, and nothing beats grabbing one of the best hot chocolates in the Bay Area and walking around these world-class holiday light displays to get into the spirit. From strolling through your neighborhood to driving through a festive light display at your local park, holiday lights illuminate San Francisco. The best part? Most are free. You can save your money to purchase the perfect Christmas tree at a farm nearby

Where to See the Best Holiday Lights in San Francisco

Illuminate SF Festival of Lights

Nov. 9-Jan. 31: This urban lights festival will feature 50 dramatic, eco-friendly light art installations—including new iconic works in the Mission Bay and SoMa neighborhoods. See San Francisco shine as a gallery of light and learn about the artists that have brought these installations to life during the event.

Online: illuminatesf.com

Entwined in Golden Gate Park

Dec. 1-Mar. 12: The illuminating art installation "Entwined" will return to Golden Gate Park, transforming Peacock Meadow into an enchanted forest of otherworldly shapes and ever-changing light. Created by San Francisco artist Charles Gadeken, the display helps to commemorate Golden Gate Park’s 150th Anniversary. 

Online: sanfranciscoparksalliance.org

Festive Houses & Streets that Light Up for the Holidays in San Francisco

  • 68 Castro St.
  • Rainbow Christmas Tree: 18th & Castro in the Castro District
  • 1960 10th Ave.
  • 1929 7th Ave.
  • 363 Wawona St.
  • 515 Crestlake Dr.
  • 488 Gallert Dr.

 

Where to See the Best Holiday Lights in the East Bay

Garden of D'Lights

Nov. 24-Jan. 6 (select dates): Gardens of cacti, succulents, and trees will shine bright at the Ruth Bancroft Garden's annual Garden of D’Lights. Guests of all ages are in for a holiday treat as they stroll through the garden’s 2.5 acres of beautiful greenery transformed into magical and colorful botanical sculptures by thousands of lights. 

Online: ruthbancroftgarden.org

Oakland Temple Hill Days of Christmas

Nov. 24-Dec. 31: Enjoy a wonderful night of peace and Christmas enchantment at Temple Hill. The 2022 Days of Christmas festivities will include holiday lights, Nativity tours, and more. The Oakland Temple Christmas Lights will shine every evening from dusk to 9 p.m.

Online: templehill.org/christmas

Crippsmas Place 

Dec. 9-31: The 80+ homes of Crippsmas Place are on Cripps Place, Asquith Place, Nicolet Court, Wellington Place, Perkins St., and the stretch of Nicolet Ave. between Gibraltar Dr. and Perkins St. in Fremont. Enjoy the spectacle from 6-10 p.m. and either walk or drive through this year. Don’t forget to get your free candy cane!

Online: crippsmasplace.org

Glowfari at Oakland Zoo

Various dates Nov. 10-Jan 28: Walk through a mile-long journey to be dazzled by hundreds of larger-than-life animals lit up by lanterns in this unforgettable holiday lights display! Ride the gondola to the Land of Bugs, hop on the Express Train through Winter Wonderland, and finish the evening with a visit to Santa! 

Online: oaklandzoo.org

Christmas Tree Lane in Alameda

Dec. 2-31: Christmas spirit comes to life on this lively, lit-up block in Alameda that has the whole package: beautiful lights, friendly neighbors, and people strolling galore—and it's been going on since 1938! While Santa's visit isn't confirmed yet, Christmas Tree Lane will continue to bring holiday cheer for all.

Online: facebook.com

More Houses & Streets that Light Up for the Holidays in the East Bay

These houses are known for their amazing decorations so be sure to check them out!

  • Livermore:
    467 Knottingham Circle
  • Brentwood: 
    Tunnels of Joy: La Costa Dr. and nearby houses are expected to be illuminated this year. This display is also a fundraiser for a child with cancer. 
  • Newark: 
    6716 Fontaine Ave. 
  • Hercules: 
    145 Onxy Ct.
  • Concord: 
    219 Rock Oak Rd.
  • Union City:
    32247 Valiant Way
  • Fairfield: 
    This Disney-inspired musical house can be found at 2132 Calder Pl.

Where to See the Best Holiday Lights on the Peninsula & in the South Bay

best holiday displays in SF
Christina Lai

IlluminOdyssey Winter Light Experience

Nov. 10-Jan. 28: This dazzling exhibit with its lit-up floors, walls and ceilings will electrify little imaginations! Colorful lanterns will light the way as kids dance in a laser light show, wander under an illuminated canopy, and create refractive rainbows with a wand. Thurs.-Sun

Online: curiodyssey.org

Holidays at Filoli

Nov. 18-Jan. 7: Gather your friends and make a reservation to experience Woodside's Filoli Historic House and Gardens all lit up for the holiday season. Take a stroll and enjoy the beauty of the winter garden adorned with lights and colorful decor or cozy up to a fire pit under twinkling lights. 

Good to Know: In December, you can get tickets for Santa Saturdays and take a selfie with the big man himself. There also are special sensory days when they open early to those with sensory sensitivities. 

Online: filoli.org

Holiday Lights Drive-Through at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds

Nov. 24 through Dec. 25 (Friday-Sunday): Imagine being surrounded by lights on a 1/2 mile drive through the Santa Cruz Fairgrounds. Families can enjoy spectacular lighted holiday displays featuring giant Christmas trees twinkling with lights, Santa, reindeer, snowmen, lit tunnels, and more. 

Online: fairgrounds-foundation.org/holiday-lights

Drive Through Light Show at History Park

Nov. 29-Jan. 1: Twinkle, Twinkle! Get ready to check out all the holiday lights and decked-out trees at this fun drive-through event at History Park. This event supports the non-profit Christmas in the Park

Online: christmasinthepark.com

Fantasy of Lights Drive-Thru

Dec. 5-30 (except Dec. 25): Be sure to buy your ticket in advance (required) and enjoy your slow cruise through 1.5 miles of twinkling lights. Dinosaurs, pirate ships, and all sorts of animals join Santa and his crew in the many light displays.

Online: parks.sccgov.org

Emerald Hills Golfland in San Jose

best holiday light displays around SF
Kate Loweth

Nov.-Dec.: Looking for an activity to go with your holiday lights this year? No problem. Emerald Hills Golfland gets even more festive with Christmas lights and Christmas music. There are two courses but we like the course that's closer to Blossom Hill Rd. as you can hear the music better.

Online: golfland.com/sanjose

Dave's Christmas House Benefiting Make-a-Wish Foundation

Start Date TBA-Dec. 25: For many years this Willow Glen house has been decked out in thousands of lights, all in the name of helping children who are battling illness. Swing by to visit and leave a donation to support the Make-a-Wish Foundation. The San Jose neighborhood of Willow Glen is well known for its light displays and Christmas trees. 

Online: daveschristmashouse

Christmas Tree Lane in Palo Alto

Dec. 9-31: Christmas Tree Lane (or Fulton Street in the off-season) has been putting visitors in the Christmas spirit with its holiday lights display since the 1940s. This year it celebrates more than 80 years of bringing holiday cheer! For the two weeks leading up to Christmas, you can drive or walk through this display to see carolers, vintage lawn displays, and lights, lights, and more lights. Lights can be seen 5-11p.m. on Fulton St. between Embarcadero Ave. and Seale Rd. 

Online: christmastreelane.org

Lamore Dr. in San Jose

Start Date TBA: This light display is one for all ages and has such variety of colors and sparkles. The amount of lights is EPIC as they even extend over the street. There are also two different light shows that happen every 15 minutes. Stay on the lookout for the penguins playing hockey with candy canes! The address is 1419 Lamore Dr. in San Jose.

Online: californiachristmaslights.com

More Houses & Streets in the South Bay/Peninsula to Visit for Epic Holiday Light Displays

  • San Carlos: 
    1900 Eucalyptus Ave.
  • San Jose: 
    Santana Row
  • Santa Clara:
    Cathedral of Faith: They have a live show on weekends from 6-9 p.m. in Dec. except on Christmas.
  • Campbell:
    750 Harriet Ave.: Tune your car radio to 92.9 for the music to go along with the show.
  • Los Altos: 
    Estate Dr. at Grant Rd.

Where to See the Best Holiday Lights in Marin

Winterfest Sausalito

Dec. 9-10: Winterfest packs the fun for the holidays with the beauty of water as its backdrop. It's well known that the best time to visit Sausalito is during the holiday season, and this year is no different. Anchored by the famed Sausalito Lighted Boat Parade & Fireworks, Sausalito is also the perfect venue from which to view the Lighted City Skyline and the Bay Lights installation on the Bay Bridge, which is easier to see in the winter courtesy of earlier nightfall.

Online: winterfestsausalito.com

Rombeiro House

Dates for 2023 are TBD: Bringing new meaning to the phrase "deck the halls," this house has Christmas spirit on the inside AND outside. Bonus: Visitors can come inside to tour the different holiday-themed rooms. Christmas themes include trains, angels, candy canes, and more. Can you spot Santa? You may even get to see Santa and Mrs. Claus at the end of your tour!

34 Devonshire Dr.
Novato
Online: rombeirochristmashouse.com

Tam Valley MegaTree

Nov. 24 through end of Dec.: This tree performs a lovely musical show every night and is a great spot to visit this holiday season. A 30-foot tree of lights with more than 3,000 individually controlled LED lights is synchronized to your favorite holiday music via 96.1 FM on your radio. Operating daily after Thanksgiving from 5-10 p.m. through New Years Day. Check their Facebook page for additional updates.

340 Jean St.
Mill Valley
Online: facebook.com

 

This list includes some of the best movies for kids of all time. How many have you seen with your family?

Looking for the best movies for kids? With the endless array of TV and movie options out there (including free full-length options on YouTube), it’s hard to pick a flick that the whole family will love. Well, bicker no more. From The Karate Kid to The Incredibles, we’ve made the decision easy with a definitive list of must-see childhood movies for children under 12. So grab some fun snacks and get that family movie night started!

1. It's a Wonderful Life (1946)
There's a reason people still watch this holiday classic year after year: Parents to tweens will appreciate this timeless tale of a once-hopeless man realizing the value of his own life with the help of a guardian angel.

Not rated.

Recommended for ages 9 and up.

2. E.T. (1982)
Still one of the best science fiction movies ever, E.T. is all about friendship and childhood. From Reese’s Pieces to the classic phrase “E.T. phone home,” every moment of this movie will live with your extraterrestrial forever.

Rated PG

Recommended for ages 7 & up.

3. Spirited Away (2002)
This animated film is a magical adventure and is considered to be one of Hayao Miyazaki's masterpieces. It stars a strong female protagonist but parents of younger kids beware: there are scary creatures, the parents turn into pigs, and in one scene a river dragon lingers on the verge of death.

Rated PG

Recommended for ages 9 & up.

4. Coco (2017)
Based on the Mexican holiday, Dia de Los Muertos or Day of the Dead, Coco tells the tale of 12-year-old Miguel who finds himself in the Land of the Dead and with the help of his musician great-great-grandfather dives deep into his family history (and their generations-old ban on music!). There are strong family vibes in this blockbuster, and your kids will love the whimsically colorful, melodic story!

A note for parents—this movie deals with the concept of mortality and could be slightly upsetting for young kids.

Rated PG

Recommended for ages 7 & up.

5. Frozen (2013) and Frozen 2 (2019)
This Disney classic (and its sequel) is definitely one of the best movies for kids. The films about sisterhood, family, and love will surprisingly warm your hearts, fill your home with song, and should come with a disclaimer: For months afterward, your kids won’t sing anything but Let It Go, Into the Unknown, and Do You Want to Build a Snowman.

Rated PG.

Recommended for ages 5 & up.

6. Soul
This family movie from Pixar and Disney follows jazz musician and teacher Joe as he travels from life to the Great Before (instead of the Great Beyond). He's not ready for his life to be over, so he's determined to make it home. The first-rate cast including Jaime Foxx and Tina Fey, the amazing animation, and the wonderful music are just a few of the reasons to love this movie for kids.

Rated PG

Recommended for ages 8 & up.

7. Yes Day
Inspired by the beloved children's book by the same name, Allison and Carlos decide to give their three kids a "Yes Day," where there's no saying no to anything the kids ask for or to do (within reason). Chaos ensues, and it becomes clear that all yes all the time isn't always the best idea.

Rated PG

Recommended for ages 7 & up.

8. The Sword in the Stone (1963)
From rags to riches, it’s the story of King Arthur in true to Disney style. Your lil’ knight will be giggling, dancing and bopping to the wizarding whimsy of this animated musical.

Rated G.

Recommended for ages 5 & up.

9. Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (1989)
A shrink ray accidentally goes off and sets a group of kids on a journey back home (even though they never leave their backyard) while their parents search high and low for them.

Rated PG.

Recommended for ages 6 & up.

10. Cool Runnings (1993)
Everything seems stacked against these athletes who are completely unprepared for the cold, let alone bobsledding. Loosely based on a true story of the Jamaica national bobsled team, Cool Runnings is a real inspirational film for young dreamers.

Rated PG.

Recommended for ages 8 & up.

The Star Wars saga is one of the best movies for kids
Walt Disney Studios

11. Star Wars Series (1977-)
Now is as good a time as any to introduce this epic space opera. Your space lover will be on the edge of his or her seat during this story of lightsabers, telepathic powers, space-flight adventures, and the biggest plot twist in cinematic history. Our inner geek is giving this PSA: Please remember to start your Jedi with A New Hope and not The Phantom Menace.

Rated PG.

Recommended for ages 8 & up.

12. A League of Their Own (1992) 
If your kids ever ask you why girls don't play Major League Baseball, you can tell them, "They did"—and then show them this film, which tells the real-life story of the 1940s All-American Girls Professional Baseball League.  Tom Hanks shines as the grumpy coach. 

Rated PG

Recommended for ages 8 & older

13. Willow (1988)
For today's Harry Potter generation, a viewing of Willow will surely be of interest. The adventure is easy to follow and full of school-age humor, and two forest fairies provide comedy with their slapstick, strange voices, and snappy one-liners. Lucas' fantasy has interesting-looking characters and villages, gothic castles and, most of all, magic. Willow is an excellent choice to give young kids a taste of fantasy.

Rated PG

Recommended for ages 8 & older

14. Tangled (2010)
Get lost in Disney’s retelling of Rapunzel, which is a lot more exciting than the original story. Hint: She gets to leave the tower and goes on a thrilling journey of magic, song, and self-discovery.

Rated PG.

Recommended for ages 5 & up.

15. Finding Nemo (2003) 
Laugh until your tummy hurts as this timid clownfish dad searches the great ocean for his son. Every underwater creature has a catchphrase that’ll become your guppy’s new mantra. Just keep swimming … just keep swimming!

Rated G.

Recommended for ages 5 & up.

16. Princess Bride (1987)
Part comedy, part romance, part adventure, part fantasy and 100% perfect—Princess Bride is the ultimate family movie for storytime lovers, big, small, boy, or girl. And yes, there is some kissing.

Rated PG.

Recommended for ages 8 & up.

17. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (1977)
A perfect movie for the littlest film-goers, this endearing film follows A.A. Milne's classic bear as he bumbles about Hundred Acre Wood learning lessons on friendship. There's no offensive or scary content in the film, which makes it great for younger kids.

Rated G

Recommended for ages 3 & up.

18. Shrek (2001)
One unforeseeable plot twist on the classic fairytale? Coming right up! An ogre sets out to rescue a princess with a talking donkey—plus all the characters from your cupcake’s bedtime stories.

Rated PG.

Recommended for ages 6 & up.

19. The Muppet Movie (1979)
Way before Jason Segel starred in the 2011 Muppet movie, there was The Muppet Movie, which goes way, way back to before Kermit the Frog was in show business. Fans of those classic fuzzy puppets will love watching this origin story.

Rated G.

Recommended for ages 5 & up.

20. The Lion King (1994)
Grab a tissue for that one scene (you know which one we’re talking about), but after that, the rest of the movie is all song, dance, and excitement for your lil’ monkey.

Rated G.

Recommended for ages 6 & up.

Related: The Ultimate List of Dinosaur Movies for Kids

The Sandlot is one one of the best movies for kids
20th Century Fox

21. The Sandlot (1993)
Your short stuff will definitely relate to Scotty as he makes new friends on a ragtag baseball team and goes on grand adventures involving tree houses, rival groups, a legendary ball-eating dog, and all the things that childhood memories are made of.

Rated PG.

Recommended for ages 8 & up.

22. The Little Mermaid (1989) 
Ignore the original Hans Christian Andersen (that ending is unfortunately not very happily ever after), and opt for Disney’s The Little Mermaid for a family movie night with the kids. It’s got unforgettable songs, enchanting characters, and, best of all, a happy ending.

Rated G.

Recommended for ages 5 & up.

23. Home Alone (1990)
This perfect Christmas movie will give your tots a movie dose of bravery, when it comes to being by themselves, as they watch a smart-aleck eight-year-old defend his home from a pair of bumbling burglars. Note: There is some sibling squabbling that isn't all that nice.

Rated PG.

Recommended for ages 7 & up.

24. Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
No movie portrays the spirit of Christmas better than Miracle on 34th Street. Save this one for the holidays because it’ll definitely make your little helper feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

Rated PG.

Recommended for ages 6 & up.

25. Spider-Man (2002)
If you're looking for a good starter superhero movie, this 2002 origin story follows Peter Parker (Toby Maguire) as he gets bitten by a radioactive spider and becomes the witty hero we all know and love. Some explosions and tense Green Goblin moments may frighten sensitive viewers, but most tweens will love every bit of it.

Rated PG.

Recommended for ages 11 & up.

26. Toy Story 1, 2, 3, 4 (1995 - 2019) 
Every kid will love the iconic warm-hearted tale of the secret life of toys. From the very first film to the fourth, which hit theaters in 2019, follow the saga of Woody, Buzz, Jessie, and their fellow toys as they navigate the trials and tribulations of being Andy's toys. Each film is special in its own right.

Rated G.

Recommended for ages 5 & up.

 

Whale Rider is a wonderful movie for kids
South Pacific Productions

27. Whale Rider (2003)
Before Moana set out on the seas on a quest to save her village, a courageous girl named Pai did it first. The film is set in the Maori community of New Zealand, where modern culture threatens to quell ancient traditions. Twelve-year-old Pai sets out to prove that even though she is not the male heir her father wanted, she has the bravery, wisdom, and skill to lead. There are some adult themes (including a mother and child who die during childbirth, as well as some references to marijuana), but tweens and parents will appreciate the inspiring message.

Rated PG

Recommended for ages 11 & up.

28. The Sound of Music (1965)
How else is your musical tot going to learn the lyrics to Do-Re-Mi? The Sound of Music is completely captivating with equal parts song, romance, and family bonding.

Rated G.

Recommended for ages 6 & up.

29. Wadjda (2013)

The first movie to be directed by a Saudi Arabian woman, this story is of a spunky, independent 11-year-old girl who wants to ride a bike, wears Converse sneakers, and loves to compete against her (male) best friend. Beautifully done, the film explores topics such as religious traditions and laws, but it's also an incredible study of female empowerment. Follow along, and cheer for Wadjda as she fiercely makes a place for herself in the world.

Rated PG

Recommended for ages  8 & up.

30. Despicable Me, 2 & 3 (2010, 2013, 2017) 
Kids and adults alike will love this bad-guy-turns-good-guy fairy tale about a curmudgeonly villain who learns to love an orphaned trio of little girls. The sequels are just as much fun as the original.

Rated PG.

Recommended for ages 6 & up.

31. Free To Be You And Me (1974)
In a compilation of shorts that were edgy at the time of this film's release, Free To Be You And Me explores things like gender roles, working mothers, and racial stereotyping with the help of celebrities including Mel Brooks, Alan Alda, Marlo Thomas, and a young Michael Jackson.

Not rated.

Recommended for ages 5 & up.

32. Harry Potter & The Sorcerer's Stone (2001)
Your magical creatures won’t be able to get enough of the Harry Potter adventures. Everything from the food to the spells is a unique discovery. Start off with The Sorcerer's Stone, which introduces the wizarding world. The film series is completed, but the rest of the films skew for an older audience.

Rated PG.

Recommended for ages 8 & up.

33. Bedknobs & Broomsticks (1971)
Starring the legendary Angela Landsbury and Mary Poppins alum David Tomlinson, this classic Disney film focuses on three siblings who are evacuated from London during World War II and end up in the care of an apprentice witch. Chaos ensues, and there's a fun animated section where they all end up on the island of Naboombu. While the slow parts may bore young children, and the presence of Nazi invaders might bring up questions, all and all, this is a fun classic film for families.

Rated: G

Recommended for ages 8 & up.

34. Mary Poppins Returns (2018)
Julie Andrews fans can rest assured that this remake by Rob Marshall is an ode to the near-perfect original. Emily Blunt charms, Lin-Manuel Mirada shines, and the sequel plot means that viewers will see how Jane and Michael are faring some 20 years after Mary Poppins first came into their lives. Be on the lookout for a very special cameo from the one and only Dick Van Dyke!

Rated: PG

Recommended for ages 6 & up.

Related: Not-So-Spooky Halloween Movies for Kids

How to Train Your Dragon is a great movie for kids
Dreamworks Studio

35. How to Train Your Dragon (2010)
Follow the adventures of the reluctant dragon-slayer Hiccup, who, after capturing the rarest dragon of all—the Night Fury—befriends it instead of killing it. Raucous adventures follow as Hiccup shows his fellow Vikings that not all dragons are dangerous. Note: Sensitive kids may be troubled by the initial scenes of violent dragons attacking the village. 

Rated PG.

Recommended for ages 7 & up.

36. The Karate Kid (2010) 
This remake of the 1984 classic is geared toward a slightly younger audience with the help of the talented Jaden Smith, who stars as the new kid on the block who struggles to learn karate to fend off bullies and win the girl.

Rated PG.

Recommended for ages 9 & up.

37. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Tim Burton’s delightful holiday fantasy film redefines Christmas for all our lil’ lovers of spook. Get carried away into a new world that celebrates two holidays in one—candy and presents? Every tot’s dream.

Rated PG.

Recommended for ages 7 & up.

38. Moana (2016)
Girl power is at its best in this modern Disney classic that puts a strong-hearted young girl on a mission to return the "heart of the ocean" to its rightful owner. Besides the memorable songs and moving story, this film stands apart from most Disney flicks in that there are no princes (or romances of any kind) to be found during the whole 113 minutes.

Rated PG.

Recommended for ages 6 & up.

39. Beauty and the Beast (2017) 
The "tale as old as time" gets a modern retelling that stays true to its trademark Disney sweetness, with Emma Watson starring as a Belle every little girl will want to be. Note: Because it's live-action, some of the scenes (like the ones with the wolves chasing Belle) can be a little scary.

Rated PG.

Recommended for ages 6 & up.

40. Walking with Dinosaurs (1999)
Excellent BBC six-part series that takes viewers on a journey from the beginning of dinosaurs to their demise. Educational but fun, this is perfect for older dino lovers.

Rated: NR

Recommended for ages 9 & up.

41. Bend it Like Beckham
Featuring a diverse cast, this story of a British girl of Indian descent who hides her passion for the game of soccer from her parents is ultimately a wonderful show in strength and determination to go after your dreams.

Recommended for ages 10 & up.

An American Tail
Amazon

42. An American Tail (1986)
Long before Nemo and his dad were separated by oceans, a lanky immigrant mouse named Fievel journeyed to find his family "somewhere out there." One of the most classic family movies of the '80s, it's just as sweet today as you might remember.

Rated G.

Recommended for ages 5 & up.

43. Spellbound (2003)
Kids will be spelling out E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G after watching this fun documentary that follows a group of elementary school students across America as they prepare for the Scripps National Spelling Bee. The uplifting film shows the value of hard work and studying (your kids' teachers will approve!).

Rated G

Recommended for ages 8 and up.

44. Freaky Friday (1976)
Like mother, like daughter—the hilarity that ensues when this mom and daughter duo switch bodies also gets across the important lesson of family bonding.

Rated PG.

Recommended for ages 6 & up.

45. The Secret of Nimh (1982)
This movie has some scary parts, but kids ages eight and up will love the tale of extraordinary courage. The story centers around a group of super-intelligent rats who escape an animal laboratory and a family of field mice who enlist their help.

Warning: Sensitive children may find some scenes disturbing (including a sword fight that ends in the death of one rat).

Rated G.

Recommended for ages 8 & up.

46. Space Jam (1996)
Animation, live action, comedy, and sports—it’s time to introduce your sports fan to the legend that is Michael Jordan and his greatest achievement… Space Jam. 

Rated PG.

Recommended for ages 7 & up.

47. Free Willy (1993) 
Animal lovers will enjoy seeing this feel-good film about a boy becoming best friends with an orca. Your swimmers will be so engaged, that they might even shed a tear or two for Willy.

Rated PG.

Recommended for ages 6 & up.

48. Fern Gully (1992)
If you were a '90s kid, then you'll know (and probably love) this classic eco-toon. Featuring the voices of some of the most famous actors of the time (Samantha Mathis, Christian Slater, Robin Williams, Tim Curry), join fairy-queen-in-training Cyrsta as she resues surfer-dude Zak from falling trees, and himself. Featuring a strong environmental message, it's a wonderful way to help show kids the value of a strong ecosystem. And, the music rocks, too.

Note: There are a few scary parts, in particular when Hexxus is released from the tree. 

Rated G

Recommended for ages 7 & up.

Related: 16 Kids’ Movies That Parents Love Too

Carmen and Juni in Spy Kids
Buena Vista Pictures

49. Spy Kids
Adventure-loving kids will love this rollicking action movie about Carmen and Juni, the children of two infamous spies (who have gone undercover as boring parents). When their parents are kidnapped, the resourceful kids must summon their courage and jump into action.

Rated PG.

Recommended for ages 7 & up.

50. Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971)
Golden ticket. Chocolate factory. Everything candy. Your sugarplum will remember the zany world of Willy Wonka for the rest of their life, though sensitive kids may be frightened by some scary moments.

Rated PG.

Recommended for ages 8 & up.

51. Charlotte’s Web (1973)
This animated musical about Wilbur, the runt of the litter, and Charlotte, a friendly spider, is as touching as the novel by E.B. White. Prepare a package of tissues for the ending: It’s both sad and happy.

Note: We also love the 2006 remake, which features an adorable Dakota Fanning as Fern. 

Rated G.

Recommended for ages 5 & up.

52. Lassie (1994)
Loyal, brave, and affectionate… your youngest will want a Collie after seeing all the extraordinary feats Lassie can do, from saving his owner from a mountain lion to snuggling with him all night.

Rated PG.

Recommended for ages 8 & up.

53. Babe (1995)
Perseverance, friendship, and making your dreams come true—who knew a pig could teach us all that? Psst … at the start of the film, there is a bit of frightful honesty about animals being used for food, so keep an eye on your tiniest animal lovers.

Rated G.

Recommended for ages 6 & up.

54. Enchanted (2007) 
Fairytale characters are thrown into the modern world in this live-action musical that shows what happens when a young maiden from the fictional "Andalasia" falls in love with a jaded New York City lawyer. Julie Andrews narrates this infectiously-sweet story. Note: There is a scary part at the end featuring a fire-breathing dragon that may rattle sensitive tots.

Rated PG.

Recommended for ages 6 & up.

55. The NeverEnding Story (1984)
For enthusiastic readers with a wild imagination, The Neverending Story will take them for an exciting ride as a young boy tries to save the world of Fantasia.

Rated PG.

Recommended for ages 8 & up.

56. A Boy Named Charlie Brown (1969)
This was the first of the Peanuts movies, and it introduces Charlie Brown as the sweet and sensitive little boy who can't seem to get anything right. The film follows him as he works to compete in a national spelling bee with the help of his faithful buds, Linus and Snoopy.

Rated G.

Recommended for ages 4 & up.

57. ELF
Will Farrell is at his best in this classic holiday film about a boy raised as one of Santa's elves but sets out at age 30 to find his real father in New York City.

Rated PG.

Recommended for ages 8 & up.

 

Related: 10 Best ’90s Movies to Watch with Your Kids

Up is one of the best family movies of all time
Pixar Animation

58. Up (2008)
An upbeat boy and a grumpy old man make an unlikely team… inside a floating house. They go on a journey that has a little bit of danger, a lot of humor, and a grander story of love.

Rated PG.

Recommended for ages 6 & up.

59. Newsies (1992)
This Disney musical inspired by the real-life Newsboys Strike of 1899 follows a group of street-savvy kids who form a union and go on strike against the money-hungry newspaper typhoons of their time. The movie features catchy music and energetic dance numbers—and inspired the 2012-2014 Tony Award-winning Broadway show.

Rated PG.

Recommended for ages 9 & up.

60. Hook (1991)
For all the inspiration that Peter Pan gives a rambunctious child, Hook shows how grown-ups can still have fun. Your Lost Boy (or Girl) will be hugging you tight throughout this movie.

Rated PG.

Recommended for ages 8 & up.

61. BIG (1988)
For every kid who talks about growing up all the time, have them watch BIG because jumping from 12 years old to 30 years old is only a good idea in theory… and on film.

Rated PG.

Recommended for ages 10 & up.

62. Labyrinth (1986)
Set in a bizarre world that’ll delight the most imaginative kiddo, Labyrinth will captivate your imagination with Muppets, riddles, and a lighthearted sense of danger.

Rated PG.

Recommended for ages 8 & up.

63. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018) 
This animated Spidey film follows a teen who becomes a new Spider-Man and meets a slew of other Spider-people from parallel universes. It's a little less intense than the live-action Spider-Man iterations, making it a better choice for younger viewers. Still, there is a lot of violence, including weapons and two major characters are killed—so be wary if you don't want your kids to be exposed.

Rated PG.

Recommended for ages 8 & up.

64. Trolls (2016)
With an awesome pop-rock soundtrack that you'll want to download, like, asap, this light-hearted flick is about a duo of trolls (Justin Timberlake and Anna Kendrick) who partner up to rescue their friends from the troll-hungry bad guys.

Rated G.

Recommended for ages 6 & up.

My Neighbor Totoro is a good movie for kids
Studio Ghibli

65. My Neighbor Totoro (1988)
Another masterpiece from Hayao Miyazaki, this family movie is appropriate for all ages. Two girl protagonists move to the countryside in 1950s Japan and are befriended by the magical creature, Totoro, who helps them when they have a problem related to their mother, who is dealing with a long-term illness.

Rated G.

Recommended for ages 4 & up.

66. Alice in Wonderland (1951)
Everyone loves this classic tale of a little girl who falls asleep and gets whisked into a nonsense world where "Everyone is mad."  Alice grows bigger and smaller and encounters all sorts of wild characters—some of which are mildly inappropriate (like the hookah-smoking caterpillar and a head-chopping queen), but all in all this tale of silliness is fun and engaging.

Rated G.

Recommended for ages 4 & up

67. LEGO Movie (2014)
An ordinary LEGO minifig must save the universe from a tyrannical business lord. Forget Frozen, your LEGO maniac will be singing Everything is Awesome even before the movie ends.

Rated PG.

Recommended for ages 6 & up.

68. Mary Poppins (1964)
A magical nanny uses her unique brand of lifestyle to bring a family back together. If your munchkins loved Sound of Music, this one is a must-add to their movie list.

Rated G.

Recommended for ages 6 & up.

69. The Dark Crystal (1982)
Fantasy lovers will jump right into the dark world of The Dark Crystal. Think of it as a more family-friendly version of Lord of the Rings—it’s a hero’s story about an elf-like creature on a quest to restore balance to his world.

Rated PG.

Recommended for ages 7 & up.

Princess and the Frog is a classic movie for kids
Disney Studios

70. The Princess and the Frog (2009)
A twist on the classic tale: A beautiful girl kisses a frog (who is actually a prince) and instead of him getting turned back into a human, she gets turned into a frog! With a jazzy New Orleans vibe keeping things cool, this modern fairy tale is also the first Disney movie to feature an African-American heroine, Tiana. Also unlike Disney's long-ago damsels, Tiana is strong and hardworking and doesn't need a man to get by in the world (though she doesn't mind having one as a friend).

Rated G.

Recommended for ages 6 and up.

71. Ghostbusters (1984)
So your tiny Ghostbusters may not be old enough to appreciate Bill Murray, but that doesn’t mean they can’t start now! It’ll be hard to find a “scary” movie that’ll have you crying from laughter like this one.

Rated PG.

Recommended for ages 10 & up.

72. The Parent Trap (1961/1998) 
A pair of twins set out to reunite their separated parents. Cue the chaos, humor, and aww moments! We’ll leave it up to you to decide to show the classic 1961 or 1998 one—both are that good.

Rated PG.

Recommended for ages 6 & up.

73. Aladdin (1992)  
Disney's retelling of the classic Middle Eastern folktale, Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp, is filled with memorable music and a wise-cracking genie voiced perfectly by the late, great Robin Williams, who will entertain the grown-up viewers almost more than the kiddos.

Rated G.

Recommended for ages 6 & up.

74. Cinderella (1950) 
Bippity bobbity boo! A story of a love so simple that even the smallest slipper wearer can watch this Disney classic in one sitting.

Rated G.

Recommended for ages 5 & up.

75. The Wizard of Oz (1939)
Ruby red slippers, flying monkeys, catchy songs, and the breathtaking transition from a world of black-and-white to color, The Wizard of Oz is a timeless story that’ll inspire your kiddo for ages.

Rated G.

Recommended for ages 6 & up.

76. Big Hero 6 (2014) 
Disney's adaptation of the Marvel comic about a boy named Hiro and his robot creation, a "personal health companion" named Baymax, will delight little robot fans. But be forewarned: Much of the film deals with the idea of grief since the boy's older brother dies at the beginning of the film. Despite the sad beginnings, this family movie has lots of heart and a sweet ending.

Rated PG.

Recommended for ages 7 & up.

77. Raya and the Last Dragon (2021)
In a realm known as Kumandra comes the Oscar-nominated mythical tale of when dragons and humans fought together to fight the Druun. Fast forward hundreds of years, and one girl is determined to find the last dragon to join the fight again. The imagery and strong female protagonists, not to mention a funny water dragon, make this a great movie for kids of all ages.

Rated: PG

Recommended for ages 6 & up.

Related: Batter Up! 16 Movies About Baseball That Kids Will Love

Lionsgate

78. Akeela and the Bee (2006)
A little girl from a tough neighborhood in LA learns she's got a knack for spelling—and that she doesn't need to change herself to fit in. Lawrence Fishburn stars as the spelling tutor who coaches her to the Scripps National Spelling Bee while teaching her to believe in herself. Note: There is some mild profanity in the film, so parents who have a no-tolerance policy toward this may want to wait a few more years.

Rated PG.

Recommended for ages 8 & up.

79. Matilda (1998) 
Tiny magic lovers will be entranced by this film, based on the classic Roald Dahl book about a brilliant little girl who uses her special powers to right the wrongs in her school and at home.  

Rated PG.

Recommended for ages 9 and up. 

80. Fly Away Home (1998) 
Anna Paquin stars in this inspiring story of a motherless little girl who learns to fly an ultralight aircraft so she can fly her adopted flock of geese south for the winter. Note: The death of the girl's mother at the beginning of the film may be upsetting for kids.

Rated PG.

Recommended for kids 6 & up.

81. Inside Out (2015)
Kids may not understand the big concepts at the heart of the movie (that they're watching the personified emotions inside a little girl's brain), but they'll be entertained just the same. We think the real value is for Mom and Dad, who may actually learn a little something about what's going on in their kids' crazy little heads.

Rated PG.

Recommended for kids 7 & up.

82. Peter Pan (2003)
This live-action remake has magic galore and will be a hit with big kids who have graduated from cartoons.

Rated PG.

Recommended for ages 9 & up.

83. Wall-E. (2008)
While there is minimal dialogue throughout the whole movie (not a word is spoken in the first 22 minutes of the film), the lovable little robot who is stranded on a trash-filled future Earth will steal your family's heart and make you think twice about your recycling habits. Messages about environmentalism—as well as our reliance on technology—ring loud and clear, even without words.

Rated G.

Recommended for ages 5 & up.

 

The Incredibles
Pixar Animation

84. The Incredibles (2004)
Superhero family. Pixar. What more can we say? This spectacular animated film is simply made for a movie night with mom, dad, sis, brother, and babe.

Rated PG.

Recommended for ages 7 & up.

85. Ratatouille (2007)
Kids will love this cute story about a French rat who wants to be a gourmet chef; grown-ups will appreciate the jokes intended only for them. Overall, this tale about a little rodent defying the odds is fun and inspiring. And, if you're lucky, it'll teach your tot a thing or two about food.

Rated G

Recommended for ages 6 & up.

86. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968)
Sing-a-long adventures in a flying car! Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is a comical adventure with a dash of danger. Fun fact: The script was co-written by Roald Dahl.

Rated PG.

Recommended for ages 6 & up.

87. Chronicles of Narnia (2005)
If your reader is devouring the book series, the movies are pretty captivating too. Your Narnian won’t believe that Azlan is made up of special effects and not a real lion.

Rated PG.

Recommended for ages 10 & up.

88. Cinderella (2015)
Disney's remake of its 1950 classic is just as magical with dazzling special effects and a live-action spin. Younger princesses may still prefer the original (this one has no songs), but parents longing to revisit the Cinderella story with their kids will find it to be a faithful and gorgeous retelling.

Rated PG.

Recommended for ages 6 & up.

89. Monsters Inc. (2001) 
Middle-of-the-night monsters won't be so scary anymore after kids watch this film and learn that they're the ones who have all the power.

Rated G.

Recommended for ages 5 & up.

90. Vivo
A fun romp with fantastic music from Lin-Manuel Mirada, this story is about a monkey who travels from Cuba to Miami in the name of love, and "one last song" will have everyone singing from the start.

Rated PG

Recommended for ages 5 & up

91. Encanto
Another hit collab from Disney and Lin-Manuel Mirada, this movie tells the tale of the magical Madrigal family and their village hidden in the mountains of Columbia. When the magic is in danger, the only member of the family to not receive a magical gift, Mirabel, might be their last hope. 

Rated PG

Recommended for ages 5 & up.

Related: The Best Movies & TV for Kids That Shatter Gender Stereotypes

The black stallion is a classic movie
Amazon

92. The Black Stallion (1979) 
This Francis Ford Coppola-directed film about a boy stranded on a desert island with a wild stallion who saves his life is a must-see, whether or not you're into horses. The film morphs from a wilderness survival tale to a root-for-the-underdog horse race. Note: The beginning shipwreck scene may be disturbing, even for adults, so feel free to skip to the island and go from there.

Rated G.

Recommended for ages 8 & up.

93. Happy Feet (2006) 
This inspiring story about a penguin who can't find his song—but sure can dance—has a killer soundtrack and an uplifting message. Basically, you be you, penguin. There are also some not-so-subtle messages about environmental stewardship, as the penguins find themselves in a perilous race against a dwindling food source. 

Note: Some scenes with a particularly vicious sea lion might scare younger viewers. 

Rated PG.

Recommended for ages 6 & up. 

94. Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (1993) 
Three loyal pets escape and journey through the West Coast to find their beloved owners in San Francisco. Your sidekick is going to be asking for a furry family addition after this classic family movie.

Rated G.

Recommended for ages 6 & up.

95. Cars (2006)
Every kid who loves going "vroom vroom" with his toy cars will love this fast-paced film about a smooth-talking race car who learns the meaning of true friendship and the joy of the open road when he gets stuck in the small town of Radiator Springs.

Rated G.

Recommended for ages 5 & up.

96. The Absent-Minded Professor (1961)
A classic family-friendly film that features a befuddled professor who, at the expense of his own wedding, manages to create an amazing compound he calls flubber. You'll root for the Professor to outwit the greedy Alonzo Hawk, and the silly stunts (like basketball players that can jump to crazy heights) will make the whole family laugh.

97. The Mighty Ducks (1992)
If your budding athlete loves the sports-movie formula of losers becoming winners, then she'll love this movie that follows a ragtag hockey team as they shape up and learn the value of teamwork and friendship. 

Rated PG.

Recommended for ages 10 & up.

98. Zootopia (2016)
After an otter goes missing, it's up to bunny cop Judy Hopps and her fox-with-a-criminal-record sidekick Nick Wilde to solve the crime. Along the way, the duo meets some of the unique citizens that make up Zootopia and learn to appreciate (love, actually) each other's differences.

Rated PG

Recommended for ages 8 & up.

99. The Incredibles 2 (2018)
The nearly 20-year-long wait for the sequel to one of Pixar's most popular movies was worth the wait. Watch Mrs. Incredible (aka Elastagirl) go back to work and leave Bob (Mr. Incredible) at home with a moody tween, homework, and a baby with multiple powers. Look for the return of fan-favorite Edna, and fellow superhero Fro-Zone. Some violence might be scary for younger kids, but the all-around message of teamwork is a home run for families.

Rated PG

Recommended for ages 8 & up.

100. The Kid Who Would Be King (2019) 
This modern retelling of the legend of King Arthur has been described as a mixture of "Goonies" and "Lord of the Rings." The story follows a schoolboy who is chosen to save the world with the help of the mystical sword. There are some scary moments—including tense battle scenes and the destruction of a school—but older tweens will love it.

Rated PG

Recommended for ages 10 & up.

 

 

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

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

Ghost Costume

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

Gold Medal Last-Minute Halloween Costume

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

DIY Strawberry

Strawberry last minute halloween costume
Pretty Life Girls

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

Jane Fonda

Primary

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

Related: 17 Incredibly Clever Cardboard Box Costumes

Baby Shark

Hellow Wonderful

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

 

Last-Minute Mummy Costume

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

Ballet Dancer

Iiona Virgin via Unsplash

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

Bubble Gum

Jeff Mindell via Studio DIY

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

Related: Family Halloween Costumes That Are a Freakin’ Delight

Basic Monster

Amber Gutebier

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

 

Bath Time

Cheerful and Co Via Primary

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

Emoji

Hello Wonderful

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

 

Trolls

Doranda Woestman via Watch Out for the Woestmans

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

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

Paper Doll

Slapdash Mom

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

Stick Figure

All for the Boys

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

Star

Brit Co

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

Baby Doll

Hart Sew

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

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

Cat

last minute cat halloween costume
Paging Supermom

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

Morton Salt Girl

last minute Morton Salt girl Halloween costume
Brit Co

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

Jellyfish

A Casarella

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

Cowboy (or Girl)

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

Pirate

Pirate Treasure Hunt
iStock

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

Athlete

RODNAE Productions via Pexels

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

Wondering what to do in Fredericksburg, TX? Here’s a hint: The food alone is worth the trip

If you’re looking for a perfect Texas road trip for families, we’ve got a solution. Head to Hill Country, where you’ll find plenty of family-friendly fun. From hiking to local history and even a kid-friendly winery or two, this popular destination has activities to keep everyone busy almost all year long. Keep reading to get the scoop on what to do in Fredericksburg, TX with kids.

See the Hill Country

things to do with kids in Fredericksburg includes visiting Enchanted rock
Gabby Cullen

Hike Enchanted Rock
Enchanted Rock is the second-largest granite dome in the country, and one of the best things to do with kids in Fredericksburg, TX. There are over eight miles of trails to explore within the park; you can spend the day hiking around the base on the loop trail. If you have older kids, hike to the summit for 360 views of Hill Country. Look for the vernal pools that are home to fragile Fairy Shrimp, let the kids do some geocaching, or stay until the sun goes down and watch the stars. Enchanted Rock is designated as an International Dark Sky Park, and you can usually see the Milky Way on clear nights. If you are interested in rock climbing, we recommend booking something with Texas Climbing Adventures, as they offer family friendly expeditions.

Visit Pedernales Falls State Park
Down the road in Johnson City lies a popular state park that's known for the river that makes its way through huge slabs of limestone. Especially fun during the summer months, you can picnic, tube, and swim in the river or simply admire the waterfalls.

Visit Wildseed Farms
Texas is famous for its wildflowers, so it’s no surprise that one of the largest wildflower farms in the United States is in Fredericksburg. Open all year, Wildseed Farms is home to 200 acres of flowers. Head for the meadows, where you’ll find a stroller-accessible half-mile walking trail surrounding the trial and display gardens and the seasonal butterfly gardens. Be sure to stop by the Brewbonnet Biergarten, where you can sample locally-made jam, jelly, and salsa, grab a beer, and buy fresh peach ice cream for the kids. Admission is free. 

Walk the Live Oak Wilderness Trail
This easy one-mile loop, located inside Lady Bird Johnson Park, will give kids views of lakes, birds, and flowers local to the Texas Hill Country. The trail is also connected to the Vista Loop trail, which has a butterfly habitat and a geology and rock exhibit.

Go to Luckenbach
This world-famous Texas dance hall is always family-friendly, according to longtime property manager Virgil. “There are folks who come here now as adults that grew up sleeping under the picnic benches and playing underneath those oak trees,” he says. Indeed, the venue is welcoming, with a General Store that sells everything from souvenirs to toys, and the Feed Lot, which offers kid-friendly fare like funnel cakes, grilled cheese, cherry limeade, and more. There’s live music every day of the year, except Thanksgiving and Christmas, and whether it’s a free show or if you need a ticket, the experience is the same—totally unforgettable.

Watch the Bats
From mid-May to mid-Oct., head for Old Tunnel State Park, where millions of Mexican free-tail bats hang their hats for the season. Snag a seat in the upper deck for no charge or from Thurs.-Sun., reserve a seat in the lower viewing area for $5 per person, and wait for the bats to emerge at sunset in search of food and water.

Explore Fredericksburg

visiting the Peach Haus, one of the best things to do in Fredericksburg TX with kids
Gabby Cullen

Go to the Peach Haus
One of our favorite things to do in Fredericksburg, TX with kids is to visit the Peach Haus. The original location of Fischer & Wieser (you've probably tried their flagship Raspberry Chipotle Sauce), this spot a few blocks down from Main Street is very kid-friendly. Browse the store for the marinades, sauces, and preserves they are known for, and then wander to the back, where, on weekends, you can buy a bottle of wine (from their vineyard) and a charcuterie board before you settle down in an Adirondack chair that overlooks a pod. Watch the sun go down, let your kids play, and enjoy a slice of classic Fredricksburg at this hidden gem.

Walk Main Street
Fredericksburg is known for its shopping, and while many shops are probably best left for adult-only weekends, there are a few that are perfect for kids. Legendary Dooley’s 5 & 10 is filled with toys, trinkets, and other old-fashioned goodies that’ll keep little ones busy. There are also sweet shops like Lone Star Candy Bar, Big Pop’s Popcorn Co., and Clear River Ice Cream and Bakery, which serves up more than 40 flavors of ice cream and incredibly soft, chewy cookies.

Catch a live show at the Rockbox Theater
Live music is back, and there's no better spot than Rockbox Theater. Located right around the corner from Main Street, its unique design makes for incredible acoustics. If you'd like to bring the kids, there are often 4 p.m. shows for fun concerts like a Beatles tribute and dueling piano show. If you don't want to bring the kids, shoot for the 8 p.m. version of any of the fun live events!

Ride the Trolley
Do you want a guided tour of the city? Hop on the trolley for everything from a haunted history tour to a historic Fredericksburg tour. It’s the perfect way to get around: you can leave your car behind and not worry about parking! Prices range from $9 for kids to $20 for adults and up. 

Learn the Local History

visiting musuems should be at the top of you list of things to do with kids in Fredericksburg TX
Courtesy Steve Rawls

One of the most engaging things to do in Fredericksburg, TX with kids is to visit the local museums. 

The German Settlers
German settlers founded Fredericksburg in 1846, and a rich culture remains. Right in the middle of downtown, at the Pioneer Museum, kids can sit at desks in the one-room schoolhouse and watch living history demonstrations. Little Pioneers, a family-favorite monthly event includes activities like blacksmithing, making ice cream, making a miniature patchwork quilt, and more. During Spring Break, something is happening every day!  At the Sauer-Beckman Living History Farm, located at Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site, you can watch interpreters perform household chores, cook over an open hearth, farm, and even blacksmith, just like German settlers would have done in the 1800s.

World War II
Fredericksburg is the hometown of World War II Navy General Chester Nimitz. The National Museum of the Pacific War has over six acres of exhibits, including full-size planes, hands-on, interactive displays (currently closed due to COVID restrictions), and an impressive amount of curated war artifacts. Two blocks down the street from the museum is the Pacific Combat Zone, which has more planes and a boat, and a recently renovated area where live, reenacted battle scenes (recommended for kids ages 6 & up.) are performed on eight weekends throughout the year. 

Eat the Food

Gabby Cullen

One of the best things to do in Fredericksburg, TX with kids is to eat! There are plenty of family friendly spots to try. Our favorite is Tubby's Ice House. It's within walking distance of Main Street and offers locally-sourced food including homemade tortillas, Texas beef and locally-grown vegetables, plus there are vegan-friendly menu options. There's also an open patio and a play space perfect for families. If it's a pizza you want, try West End Pizza. It boasts an outdoor patio and a kids' game room with air hockey and arcade games

For breakfast, a local gem is Caliche Coffee Bar & Roastery. Family-owned and operated, there's an outdoor space for antsy kids, and their menu includes yummy items like avocado toast for the parents and whole wheat bagels with peanut butter and jelly for the littles. Another great spot is Emma + Ollie, where it's all about fresh ingredients, saying no to processed foods, and serving up classics like biscuits, banana bread and more.

You can have a sit-down dinner with kids in Fredericksburg, too! At the locally-owned and operated Burger Burger, you can enjoy ample outside seating. For an incredible wine pairing experience, go to Cabernet Grill, where the on-staff sommelier will pair your meal (made with local, Texas-inspired ingredients) with Texas wines, many of them grown and made locally. The atmosphere is casually elegant, so while families are welcome, this might a good choice for when you've got older kids in tow.

Lodging and Travel Details

Gabby Cullen

If you're looking for something within walking distance of downtown Fredericksburg, we recommend the family-owned Lodge Above Town Creek. They have plenty of suites to accommodate families, and they offer a fantastic picnic basket breakfast. There's a pool perfect for the summer months, and during the cooler months, you'll be drawn to the cozy covered pavilion with couches, complimentary coffee and tea and a roaring fire. 

We also recommend staying at Fredericksburg Inn & Suites. Located on five acres near Barons Creek, not only does the hotel have a pool (heated for year-round swimming) with a slide, but it also boasts an outdoor fireplace and TV area. Activities include outdoor movies, fresh cookies are made daily, and you can explore the creek and outdoor areas.

Fredericksburg is a five-hour drive from Dallas-Fort Worth, just over an hour and a half from Austin, and just over one hour away from San Antonio. 

All photos courtesy of Fredericksburg Convention & Visitor Bureau unless otherwise noted. 

Editor’s Note: This trip was paid for by the Fredericksburg Convention & Visitor Bureau, but all opinions belong to the writer. 

 

Need a good laugh to get through the spooky season? These Halloween jokes will do the trick

You’ve got your doorway tricked out with decorations, Halloween-themed books on the shelf, and Halloween candy in order. Now it’s time for some good old-fashioned fun that isn’t too frightening. Halloween doesn’t have to be all about the scare: it’s a great time to yuk it up with silly jokes for kids. We’ve rounded up a list of sweet and funny Halloween jokes for kids that are sure to bring on jack-o’-lantern grins. Get ready to start laughing (and groaning) and feel free to head over to this post for some printable Halloween jokes. In the mood for some more giggles? Check out some special toddler jokes and extra squeaky-clean ones.

Click here to save this list to your Halloween board on Pinterest.

Monster Jokes Perfect for Halloween

1. What monster plays tricks on Halloween?

Prank-enstein!

2. What kind of music do mummies love?

Wrap music.

3. What is a monster’s favorite dessert?

I scream!

(Thanks, Kaylen!)

4. What’s big, scary, and has three wheels?

A monster riding a tricycle!

5. Why does Frankenstein’s Monster always finish his dinner first?

Because he bolts it down.

6. What kind of car does a goblin take to go Trick or Treating? 

A monster truck.

7. Why did the zombie skip school?

He felt rotten.

8. What is a zombie’s favorite thing to eat?

Brain food.

Vampire Jokes Perfect for Kids

9. What kind of tests do vampires give their students?

Blood tests.

10. What happens when a vampire goes in the snow?

Frost bite!

11. What is a vampire’s favorite fruit?

A blood orange.

—Rianna G., age 10

12. Why don’t vampires have more friends?

Because they are a pain in the neck.

13. What do you give a vampire when he’s sick?

Coffin-drops.

14. What kind of dog does Dracula have?

A blood hound.

15. Where do vampires keep their money?

The blood bank.

16. How does a vampire start a letter?

Tomb it may concern…

17. What do you get when you cross a vampire and a snowman?

Frost bite!

18. How can you tell a vampire has a cold?

She starts coffin.

Ghost Jokes Perfect for Halloween

mom telling son in a ghost costume halloween jokes
iStock

 

19. How do ghosts wash their hair?

With shamboo.

20. What happens when a ghost gets lost in the fog?

He is mist.

21. What room does a ghost not need?

A living room.

22. What position does a ghost play in hockey?

Ghoulie.

23. What kinds of pants do ghosts wear?

Boo-jeans.

24. Where do baby ghosts go during the day?

Dayscare centers!

25. What is a ghost’s nose full of?

Boooooogers!

26. Why are ghosts bad liars?

Because you can see right through them.

27. What’s a ghost’s favorite fruit?

Boo-berries.

—Elijah, age 11

Jokes About Witches Kids Will Love

28. What’s a witch’s favorite subject in school?

Spelling.

29. What does a witch use to do her hair?

Scarespray!

30. What do you call two witches living together?

Broommates.

31. What do you call a witch who goes to the beach?

A sand-witch.

Related: 14 Halloween Minute to Win It Games for Kids

Skeleton Jokes for Kids

A skeleton and a pumpkin on a front stoop
iStock

 

32. What instrument does a skeleton play?

The trombone.

33. Why didn’t the skeleton go to school?

His heart wasn’t in it.

34. Why didn’t the skeleton go to the dance?

Because he had no “body” to dance with.

35. Have you heard how popular the local cemetery is?

People are just dying to get in.

36. Why do skeletons stay so calm?

Because nothing gets under their skin.

37. Why didn’t the skeleton cross the road?

Because there was no body on the other side.

—Grandpa Jo, 54
38. Why didn’t the skeleton cross the road?

He didn’t have the guts.

—Londynn, 9

39. Why did the skeleton avoid going to see a horror movie? 

They didn’t have the stomach for it.

Related: 20 Halloween Party Ideas That Are a Scary Good Time

Halloween Jokes for Kids

jack o lanterns
David Menidrey on Unsplash

 

40. What does a pumpkin like to read?

Pulp fiction.

41. What happens when you stay up all night on Halloween?

Something dawns on you.

42. Why was there thunder and lightning inside the laboratory?

Because Dr. Frankenstein and Igor were brain “storming.”

43. Why did the headless horseman start his own business? 

He wanted to get ahead in life.

44. What fruit do scarecrows love the most?

Straw-berries.

45. How do you fix a cracked pumpkin?

A pumpkin patch.

46. When is it bad luck to be followed by a black cat?

If you are a mouse.

47. What did the little boy say when she had to choose between a tricycle and candy?

Trike or Treat!

48. What candy do you eat on the playground? 

Recess pieces.

49. What do birds say on Halloween?

Trick or Tweet!

50. Are black cats bad luck?

Only if you’re a mouse.

51. Why was the broom late?

It over swept.

52. What does an evil hen lay?

Deviled eggs.

53. What time is it when the clock strikes 13?

Time to get a new clock.

 

 

Parents deserve a pint more than anyone, so bring the family to one of these kid-friendly breweries throughout San Diego

Parents deserve a little something for themselves, particularly amid a summer spent corralling kids. If you’re looking for something stronger than a leftover juice box, chill out this summer with a trip to one of these kid-friendly breweries that welcome families. Most offer food options and some even have dog-friendly patios. If you’re craving a pint, you can’t go wrong with the selections that top this list. After all, San Diego is the craft beer capital of California and breweries across the city invite you to enjoy a superb ale with your half-pints. Let’s toast to these family-friendly brew spots!

Pure Project

Pure Project Balboa Park is an upscale taproom located conveniently adjacent to the world-famous Balboa Park and San Diego Zoo in the bustling Bankers Hill neighborhood. Filled with smiling faces, cold beer, reclaimed Torrey Pine, plants at every turn, and unmistakable Pure Project vibes, this location ticks all the boxes. Not to mention the 1000 sq. ft. sun-drenched outdoor patio with cozy furniture, west-facing views, and a cool breeze coming up off San Diego Bay.

This taproom features 20 taps from 2 sides of the unique bar. This location also features a full selection of merchandise, beer to go (bottles/cans), and crowlers on demand.

Click here for info on each Pure Project location in San Diego, all of which have outdoor dining areas, are kid and family-friendly, and are located in Balboa Park, Carlsbad, and Miramar.

Online: purebrewing.org

Culture Brewing Company

Located in the arts district of Solana Beach this brewery is great for kids, dogs, and general people-watching. This is a local's favorite spot and there are seats on the back patio where food trucks rotate daily. Enjoy the IPAs, seltzers, or ales all crafted in-house.

111 S. Cedros
Solana Beach, CA
Online: culturebrewingcompany.com

Related: 23 Restaurants Where Kids Eat Free in San Diego

Bay City Brewing Co.

Bay City Brewing Company, one of the fastest-growing breweries in the U.S., is opening a new location this month in San Diego's East Village. Located in one of the city's oldest buildings, this brewery features a restaurant, taproom, outdoor patio, and rooftop event space. There's a spacious rooftop bar––a 4,735 square foot indoor-outdoor space with plenty of seating, fire pits, a video wall, games, and downtown views. You'll love the craft beers on tap––a seasonal selection of Bay City's finest ales, including favorites like 72 and Hoppy, Bay City IPA, Jucci Gang, and more. Order food from the delicious menu featuring specialty pizzas, wings, fresh salads, and breadsticks. The front patio is dog and kid-friendly.

627 Eighth Ave.
San Diego, CA
Online: baycitybrewingco.com

Duck Foot Brewing

You'll love the gluten-free beer, your kids will love the card and board games, and the cute little dog wandering around the brewery. Food is not served regularly but check their website for special events, including food trucks and live music.

8920 Kenamar Dr. Suite #210
San Diego, CA 
Online: duckfootbeer.com

Mission Brewery

The award-winning Mission Brewery prides itself on being a family-friendly environment that extends a warm welcome to kids. Located in the old Wonderbread factory in the East Village, this gem is located one block from Petco Park. The interior boasts high ceilings and a ton of open space with plenty of tables available for families. Mission Brewery is also dog-friendly, so you can bring your furry family member to enjoy the outing. They host fun events yearly, including their "bring your dog night." Mission Brewery also provides activities for kids, including board games, coloring kits, and arcade games. 

Insider Tip: Mission Brewery doesn't have a menu or kitchen for food in-house, but you're welcome to bring outside food to pair with your beer.

1441 L St.
San Diego, CA
Online: missionbrewery.com

My Yard Live

My Yard Live is an indoor/outdoor family-style restaurant that is part kids park, part upscale beer garden. The brewery features live entertainment, a treehouse for kiddos, a playground with stump jumpers and a log climb-through, lawn games, air hockey, an 80's combo arcade, and entertainment for the whole crew. Even Fido is welcome on the scene, reminiscent of a fantasy backyard oasis.

My Yard Live offers an array of beer styles via their 10 BBL brewery system, including West Coast IPAs, Amber, American Brown Ale, Dry Irish Stout, and a Belgian Dubbel. In addition, they offer a variety of light drinking beers ideal for enjoying music in SoCal weather, including Saisons, Pilsners, and Blondes.

288 Rancheros Dr.
San Marcos, CA
Online: myyardlive.com

Bagby Beer Company

Hit up this laid-back brewery with indoor-outdoor rooms that allow plenty of space for the tots, and little ones will even have their own cute green picnic tables. Food-wise, half-pints like the mac n' cheese, and grown-ups enjoy fish tacos, and there are also vegan food options. The beer flight is always an excellent way to taste the different brews. Beer-lovers and foodies alike will relish a visit to this Oceanside eatery, as their dishes are crafted in a nearly all-from-scratch kitchen with locally sourced ingredients. There are plenty of rotating craft beers to choose from, and each pairs perfectly with the suggested dishes on the menu.

601 S. Coast Hwy.
Oceanside, CA
Online: bagbybeer.com

619 Spirits Distillery & Tasting Room, North Park 

619 Spirits, founded by San Diego local Nick Apostolopoulos, is one of only a handful of distillers operating in the city of San Diego. The 4,200 square-foot distillery and tasting room has taken up residence in San Diego’s North Park neighborhood and features 619’s line-up of award-winning vodkas and a full food and cocktail menu. Housing a custom-made two-column 1,000L still along with a dog-friendly outdoor patio, the tasting room is for all ages and has board games along with Connect 4. 619 has a menu just for dogs and is currently working on a kids menu.

3015 Lincoln Ave.
San Diego, CA
Online: 619spirits.com

Belching Beaver Tavern & Grill

Pair unique craft beer choices with a relaxed outdoor patio that's family (and dog!) friendly and you have a date night with your whole pack. Half-pints can chow down on food like chicken strips and then run around playing hide and seek. Grown-ups have over 60 craft beer options and grub choices like giant pretzels, fish tacos, and veggie flatbread. Even more, you'll find cornhole and bocce ball.

302 E. Broadway
Vista, CA
Online: belchingbeaver.com

Viewpoint Brewing

Is this a dream? Nope, it's real. Brew with the crew on the San Dieguito Lagoon. First, there is a full-service menu with fabulous food items like beer-battered shrimp and truffle fries. Secondly, the view of the water is great, and you'll find an outdoor grass area with corn hole and cool swings to sit on. Even more, the beer choice is optimal with 20 taps. We recommend the "Raccoon in the Lagoon."

2201 San Dieguito Dr., Suite D
Del Mar, CA
Online: viewpointbrewing.com

Legacy Brewing Tap & Kitchen

You can bring your kiddos to this local brewery in Miramar and find a relaxing vibe and games to play. Try the beer flight or Guava beer with the delicious food. From the Philly cheesesteak sandwich and soft pretzels to the pork belly fries. 

7060 Miramar Rd.
San Diego, CA
Online: legacybrewingtapandkitchen.com

Mother Earth Brew Co.

We know the name is Mother Earth, but Dads also dig the flavored brews here. Known for their adventurous beers like vanilla cream and peanut butter and a laid-back atmosphere, we give two thumbs up to this local pub. There are large tables and open space for the littles. When it’s time to eat, patrons order from the pizza place or Mexican spot next door.

206 Main St.
Vista, CA 92084
Online: motherearthbrewco.com

Alesmith Brewery

A large open room with an industrial-modern vibe, beer barrel tables, and a play area with chalkboard, books, and crayons make this craft brewery full of fun. Dogs are allowed at the outside picnic tables too! Food trucks rotate to serve the whole crew. You'll find super service and a cool Tony Gwynn museum to check out.

Miramar
9990 AleSmith Ct.
San Diego, CA
Online: alesmith.com

Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens

Rock one of the two local Stone Brewery locations this summer. Head out to Escondido for a natural feel with large boulders, ponds, and plenty of greenery. Or reserve at the centrally located Liberty Station bistro with an urban feel, bocce ball courts, and a spacious patio. Either way, the whole crew is welcome.

Escondido
1999 Citracado Pkwy.
Escondido, CA

Liberty Station
2816 Historic Decatur Rd., #116‎
San Diego, CA

Online: stonebrew.com

Plan 9 Alehouse

If you like pub food with an expansive craft brew selection, then Plan 9 Alehouse is your brewery. You'll find great bar food from vegetarian chili to coffee-encrusted steak bites. The kiddo's corner has a chalkboard, table, chairs, and toys. They up the cool factor with beer cap inlaid wood tables, mood lighting, and an industrial vibe.

155 E. Grand Ave.
Escondido, CA
Online: plan9alehouse.com

Second Chance Beer Company

Second Chance Beer Company is a brewpub that supports local animal rescue organizations. Test your throwing arm playing corn hole or your stacking skills at the jumbo Jenga game. Then, quench that thirst with a craft brew from this pub's large selection. Here you'll find games, events, and rotating food trucks the whole clan will love. Keep in mind: No minors are allowed after 8 p.m.

Carmel Mountain Ranch
15378 Avenue of Science, #222
San Diego, CA
Online: secondchancebeer.com

Related: The Most Instagrammable Food in San Diego

Ballast Point Tasting Room & Kitchen

If you’re near Little Italy, this brewery and eatery is a perfect pit stop. Sit outside, and littles will get an up-close view of the belly of the planes coming in for a landing. Dads will love the large craft brew selection and the good-sized food portions, like blue cheese crispy duck nachos or a bar burger with truffle oil fries. Littles can dive into pretzel bites or a sizeable lemon-glazed sugar cookie. This family-friendly brewery has quick service (you order at the bar) to boot.

Good to know: Due to its prime location in Little Italy, this brewery is usually packed, so be prepared to wait for a table, which is seated on a first-come, first-served basis.

2215 India St.
San Diego, CA
Online: ballastpoint.com

Nate's Garden Grill

What better location than the City Farm Nursery? This brewery-grill is the perfect place for good eats and craft brew. Dads will love the beer choices from twenty-one featured taps and three nitro taps to bottles and home-brewed sodas. The crew will dig the local organic seasonal food, and (yes!) there’s a menu for the kiddos too. When done eating, there’s a small playground and animals next door.

3120 Euclid Ave.
San Diego, CA
Online: natesgardengrill.com

Pizza Port

If you are looking for a brewpub made with families in mind, this is your spot. It’s loud and fun with yummy pizza and craft beer. The atmosphere is laid-back, with surfboards hanging from the ceiling, picnic-style seating, and pinball machines for the kiddos to play. Your clan can sit inside or out. Hang out at the beach or park, then head to Pizza Port for growlers and grub.

135 N. Hwy 101
Solana Beach, CA
Online: pizzaport.com

Station Tavern

Want pub food with your craft brew? You can devour a burger full of toppings, garlic french fries, and craft beer. Local favorite labels like Station 'Pail' Ale and Swamis IPA make this a fave lunch spot, and outside picnic tables and cool kids' play area will make it a day to remember.

2204 Fern St.
San Diego, CA
Online: stationtavern.com

Additional reporting by Nikki Walsh & Beth Shea