Throughout history, people of Asian descent have played important roles in the creation of American life and culture, lending their talents to significant developments in the arts, business, politics, science, and much more. Despite their myriad contributions, the stories of Asian Americans are often left untold. With more than 21 million Americans today who can trace their ancestry back to various parts of Asia, Asians will eventually be the largest immigrant group in the United States. Representation matters, and it’s time for famous Asian American figures to receive their laurels. Learn about some noteworthy activists, artists, entrepreneurs, scientists, and more of Asian descent that you may not have learned about in U.S. history class.

Ellison Onizuka, Japanese American Astronaut

picture of Ellison Onizuka
Wikimedia Commons

Ellison Onizuka was the first Asian American and the first person of Japanese origin to go to space. Born in 1946 on the island of Hawaii, Onizuka graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a B.S. and an M.S. in aerospace engineering in the same year, and in 1970, he joined the U.S. Air Force. In 1974 he attended the Air Force Flight Test Pilot Schoo Edwards Air Force Base in California. In 1978 he was one of 35 people (out of 8,000) accepted into NASA's Space Shuttle Program.

In 1985, after years of hard work, Onizuka's dream came true, and he entered space aboard the space shuttle Discovery as a mission specialist. After this mission, Onizuka was selected for the Challenger Flight F1-L along with six other crew members. On January 28, 1986, tragically, the Challenger exploded 73 seconds after liftoff, killing all seven members on board. For his service to his country, he was posthumously awarded the Congressional Space Medal of Honor and there is a crater on the moon named in his honor. 

Ang Lee, Taiwanese American Filmmaker

Ang Lee is a famous Asian American filmmaker
Filmmaker Ang Lee at TechCrunch (2019) via Wikimedia Commons

Taiwanese American filmmaker Ang Lee has the unique distinction of being the first non-white director to win an Oscar for directing as well as producing and directing Academy Award-winning films performed in Chinese and English. Having been nominated for a total of nine Academy Awards, Lee has won three: Best Foreign Language Film for Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000) as well as Best Director for Brokeback Mountain (2005) and Life of Pi (2012). Born in Chaozhou, Taiwan, in 1954, Lee came to the U.S. to study film, and he received an MFA from New York University’s Tisch School, where he was a classmate of filmmaker Spike Lee. Ang Lee is considered by many to be among the most accomplished and influential filmmakers of his generation.

Anna May Wong, Taishanese American Actress

Anna May Wong was a famous Asian American actor
Anna May Wong in a publicity still from Toll of the Sea (1922) via Wikimedia Commons

Widely regarded as the first Chinese American actress of Taishanese descent to achieve superstardom in Hollywood, Wong was born in Los Angeles in 1905 and started acting at an early age. Her varied career spanned silent films, the first color films, television, and radio. Although many of her early roles played into ethnic stereotypes, Wong was a vocal advocate for greater representation of Asian Americans in film and television, and she gained both critical and popular acclaim for her international acting roles. Wong famously lost the leading role of the Chinese character O-Lan in the film adaptation of Pearl S. Buck’s The Good Earth to German actress Luise Rainer, who played the role in yellowface and went on to win the Academy Award for her portrayal.

Dr. Chien-Shiung Wu, Chinese American Nuclear Physicist

Dr. Chien-Shiung Wu (center left) with Columbia University colleagues and science talent search winners, in 1958, via Wikimedia Commons

Known as the “Chinese Marie Curie” and the “Queen of Nuclear Research,” Dr. Wu was born in Jiangsu Province, China, in 1912, and moved to the U.S. in 1939 to pursue her Ph.D. at the University of California, Berkeley. As an experimental physicist, Dr. Wu made significant contributions to the study of nuclear physics, and as a member of the research staff at Columbia University, she played a critical role in the Manhattan Project, the research and development consortium led by the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom that created the first nuclear weapons. Dr. Wu was the recipient of the inaugural Wolf Prize in Physics and was the first woman to serve as president of the American Physical Society.

Joyce Chen, Chinese American Chef, Restaurateur, and Author

Before there was Food Network, chef, restauranteur, and author Joyce Chen was credited with popularizing authentic, northern-style Chinese cuisine in the U.S. Previously, much of the Chinese food that most Americans consumed was a hybrid “chop suey” that was neither authentic nor Chinese in origin. Born in Beijing, China, in 1917, Chen and her family fled the country as communists were taking over. She settled in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where she opened the first Joyce Chen Restaurant in 1958, pioneering the all-you-can-eat Chinese buffet concept. In 2014, the U.S. Postal Service issued a stamp with Chen’s image in honor of her accomplishments and lasting influence on American cuisine.

Dalip Singh Saund, Indian American Congressman

Collection of the U.S. House of Representatives via Wikimedia Commons

Born in Punjab, India, in 1899, Saund emigrated to the U.S. via Ellis Island in his early 20s to further his education. He subsequently earned both master's and doctoral degrees in mathematics from the University of California, Berkeley. After becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1949, Saund ran for and won various positions in local government in Stockton, California. In 1955, he announced his campaign to run for the U.S. House of Representatives as a Democrat, a seat he would go on to win twice, which made him the first Sikh American, the first Asian American, and the first Indian American to be elected to the U.S. Congress.

Cecilia Chung, Hong Kong American Civil Rights Activist

Cecilia Chung is a famous Asian American
Grand Marshall Cecilia Chung at NYC Pride Parade (2016) via Wikimedia Commons

Cecilia Chung is an internationally recognized civil rights leader and social justice advocate. Born in Hong Kong in 1965, Chung immigrated to San Francisco in her late teens. She is a transgender woman living openly with HIV and currently serves as Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives and Evaluation of Transgender Law Center. Chung was the first transgender woman and first Asian to be elected to lead the Board of Directors of the San Francisco Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Celebration. Through her advocacy and philanthropic work, Chung has established herself as one of the country’s most important voices in anti-discrimination, transgender rights, and HIV/AIDS education and awareness.

Related: 25 Black Heroes Our Kids Should Know by Name

Dr. David Ho, Taiwanese American Research Physician and Virologist

David Ho is a famous Asian American scientist
David Ho in his laboratory within the Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center, New York, NY (2005) via Wikimedia Commons

Born in Taichung, Taiwan, in 1952, Dr. David Ho moved to Los Angeles at age 12 with his mother and younger brother to reunite with his father, who emigrated to the U.S. in 1957. After earning his bachelor of science in biology from the California Institute of Technology and his medical degree from Harvard University-Massachusetts Institute of Technology Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Dr. Ho performed his clinical training in internal medicine and infectious diseases. When he was a resident at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, he came into contact with some of the first reported cases of what was later identified as AIDS. Since then, Dr. Ho has been at the frontlines of AIDS research and more recently, coronavirus research.

George Takei, Japanese American Actor, and Civil Rights Activist

George Takei at the 2019 Phoenix Fan Fusion Convention via Wikimedia Commons

Best known for his iconic role as Lieutenant Hikaru Sulu in the original Star Trek series, George Takei is a groundbreaking actor and civil rights activist who blazed a trail for subsequent generations of Asian Americans in the performing arts. A self-proclaimed Anglophile, Takei was named after the United Kingdom’s King George VI, who was crowned earlier in the same year (1937) that the U.S.S. Enterprise helmsman was born in Los Angeles.

Like many people of Japanese descent at the time, and despite being American citizens, Takei and his family were forced to relocate to internment camps during World War II. Since coming out as gay in 2005, Takei has become a prominent LGBT rights advocate and political activist. He also has won awards and accolades for his work on human rights and Japan–U.S. relations, including his work with the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles.

Duke Kahanamoku, Native Hawaiian Olympic Gold Medalist, Surfer and Actor

Duke Kahanamoku (left) with his younger brother and fellow Olympian Sam Kanahamoku via Wikimedia Commons

Nicknamed “The Big Kahuna,” Duke Kahanamoku was a towering figure in the worlds of sports and entertainment. Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, in 1890, Kahanamoku was a five-time Olympic medalist in swimming, having competed in the 1912 Olympics in Stockholm, the 1920 Olympics in Antwerp, and the 1924 Olympics in Paris. Kahanamoku also was an alternate for the U.S. water polo team at the 1932 Olympics in Los Angeles. Following his trail-blazing athletic career, Kahanamoku worked as an actor, sheriff, and surfer, helping to popularize the Hawaiian sport of surfing to a new generation of surfers all over the world.

Grace Lee Boggs, Taishanese American Author, Philosopher, and Feminist

Grace Lee Boggs is a famous Asian American historical figure
Grace Lee Boggs autographing her latest book, The Next American Revolution: Sustainable Activism for the Twenty-First Century, at the Chinese Cultural Center (2012) via Wikimedia Commons

Born in Providence, Rhode Island, in 1915, to Chinese immigrant parents from Taishan, China, Grace Lee Boggs was a prominent Chinese American author, social activist, philosopher, and feminist. She was on the frontlines of social change in the 1940s and 1950s, and in the 1960s, she and her husband James Boggs—a Black writer and community organizer—were important figures in the fight for social justice for minority communities. Lee Boggs is best known for her book, The Next American Revolution: Sustainable Activism for the Twenty-First Century, and she is regarded as a key figure in the development of the Asian American movement and identity. She remained active in human rights advocacy until her death in 2015 at the age of 100.

Haing S. Ngor, Cambodian American Surgeon, Actor, and Author

Publicity still featuring Haing S. Ngor via Wikimedia Commonss

Although Haing Somnang Ngor trained as a surgeon and obstetrician in his native country of Cambodia, he is best known for winning the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in 1985 for his debut performance in the film, The Killing Fields, in which he portrayed Cambodian journalist and refugee Dith Pran. Ngor is the only actor of Asian descent to ever win an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, and only one of two non-professional actors to win an acting Oscar. Born in Takeo Province, Cambodia, in 1940, Ngor survived the horrors of prison camps under the Khmer Rouge. Ngor harrowing accounts of torture and losing his wife during childbirth in Pol Pot’s prison camps, as well as his subsequent journey to the U.S. as a refugee, are told in his autobiography, Haing Ngor: A Cambodian Odyssey.

I.M. Pei, Chinese American Architect

Born in Guangzhou, China, in 1917, Ieoh Ming Pei moved to the U.S. in 1935 to enroll in the University of Pennsylvania’s architecture school, but he quickly transferred to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Pei would go on to design some of the nation’s most iconic buildings, including the John F. Kennedy Memorial Library, the Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art, and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, among many others. Pei’s design of the glass and steel pyramid at the Musée du Louvre in Paris firmly established his reputation as a global visionary. Pei is among a select few architects whose work has defined city skylines around the world. In 1983, Pei won the Pritzker Prize, which is sometimes referred to as the Nobel Prize for architecture.

Jerry Yang, Taiwanese American Co-Founder of Yahoo! and Tech Investor

Jerry Yang at TechPulse Summit (2009) via Wikimedia Commons

In 1994, Jerry Yang and his classmate David Filo dropped out of the doctoral program at Stanford University to create an internet directory originally named “Jerry and David’s Guide to the World Wide Web,” which was later renamed Yahoo! As the creator of one of the first internet portals, Yang played a critical role in defining the role of technology in our lives. Born in Taipei, Taiwan, in 1968, Yang emigrated to San Jose, California, at age 10 with his mother and brother. In the years since leaving Yahoo!, famous Asian American Yang has become a mentor to numerous technology startups and an investor to more than 50 startups.

Related: 24 Books That Feature Asian-American Heroes & Leads

Kalpana Chawla, Indian American Astronaut and Engineer

Kalpana Chawla NASA Portrait (2002) via Wikimedia Commons

Kalpana Chawla was the first woman of Indian descent to go to space, having served as a mission specialist and primary robotic arm operator on the space shuttle Columbia. Sadly, Chawla was one of the seven crew members who died when the spacecraft disintegrated during its re-entry into the Earth’s atmosphere in 2003 following the space shuttle Columbia’s 28th mission. Chawla was posthumously awarded the Congressional Space Medal of Honor, and several streets, universities, and institutions have been named in her honor. She is regarded as a national hero in India, where she was born in East Punjab, in 1962.

Patsy Matsu Takemoto Mink, Japanese American Politician and Attorney

Patsy Mink was a famous Asian American politician
Congresswoman Patsy Mink with President Lyndon B. Johnson at Honolulu International Airport (1966) via Wikimedia Commons

Born on a sugar plantation camp in Paia, Hawaii, on the island of Maui, in 1927, Patsy Mink pursued a law degree at the University of Chicago after being rejected by all 12 medical schools to which she applied. As the then Territory of Hawaii debated statehood in 1956, Mink was elected to the Hawaiian Territorial Legislature representing the Fifth District in the Territorial House of Representatives, becoming the first woman with Japanese ancestry to serve in the territorial House. When Hawaii became the 50th state in 1959, Mink ran in the Democratic primary for the state's at-large U.S. congressional seat but was defeated by Territorial Senator Daniel Inouye.

In 1965, Mink won a post in the U.S. House of Representatives, becoming the first Hawaiian woman elected to U.S. Congress and the first woman of color elected to the House, where she served six consecutive terms. She served as Assistant Secretary of State under the Carter administration, then returned to the House, serving again from 1990 to 2002.

Philip Vera Cruz was an influential labor organizer, farmworker, and leader in the Asian American movement. As a co-founder of the Agricultural Workers Organizing Committee, which later merged with the National Farm Workers Association to become the United Farm Workers, Vera Cruz led the charge to improve the terrible working conditions for migrant workers, especially Filipino and Mexican farmworkers.

Philip Vera Cruz, Filipino American Labor Leader, and Civil Rights Activist

Born in Saoang, Ilocos Sur, Philippines, in 1904, Vera Cruz moved to the United States at age 22. Working a variety of menial labor and farm jobs, Vera Cruz witnessed firsthand the deplorable treatment that farmworkers experienced. Vera Cruz partnered with Mexican labor organizer Cesar Chavez to demand better treatment, and together with the United Farm Workers union, these labor leaders were finally able to impact change in working conditions for thousands of workers. Learn more about this hero by reading Philip Vera Cruz: A Personal History of Filipino Immigrants and the Farmworkers Movement.

Sammy Lee, Korean American Olympic Diver, Coach, and Physician

Sammy Lee is a famous Asian American olympian
Sammy Lee (center) with silver medalist Joaquín Capilla Pérez (left), and bronze medalist Günther Haase (right) via Wikimedia Commons

Sammy Lee has the rare distinction of being the first Asian American man to win an Olympic gold medal for the U.S. and the first man to win back-to-back gold medals in Olympic platform diving. Born to Korean immigrant parents in Fresno, California, in 1920, Lee first dreamt of becoming an Olympic athlete when he saw banners for the 1932 Olympic games in Los Angeles. Lee competed in the 1948 Olympics in London and the 1952 Olympics in Helsinki.

Following Lee's impressive diving career, he helped coach several U.S. Olympic divers, including Bob Webster, Greg Louganis, and Pat McCormick. In addition to coaching, Lee also practiced as an ear, nose, and throat doctor for 35 years before retiring in 1990.

Tammy Duckworth, Thai American Army Veteran, and U.S. Senator

Official portrait of U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-Illinois) via Wikimedia Commons

Born in 1968, in Bangkok, Thailand, to an American father and Thai mother, Tammy Duckworth is the first Thai American woman elected to the U.S. Congress, the first person born in Thailand to be elected to the U.S. Congress, the first woman with a disability elected to U.S. Congress, the first female double amputee in the Senate, and the first U.S. senator to give birth while in office.

A former U.S. Army lieutenant colonel and veteran of the Iraq War, Duckworth lost both of her legs and some mobility in her right arm after her helicopter was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade fired by Iraqi insurgents, causing severe combat wounds. Despite her injuries, she sought and obtained a medical waiver that allowed her to continue serving in the Illinois Army National Guard until she retired as a lieutenant colonel in 2014.

Yo-Yo Ma, Chinese American Classical Musician and Performer

via Wikimedia Commons

Born in Paris, France, in 1955, to classically trained musicians of Chinese descent, Yo-Yo Ma was raised and educated in New York City, where he was a musical prodigy who began performing at the age of four. A graduate of The Juilliard School and Harvard University, Ma has performed as a soloist with orchestras around the world, recorded more than 90 albums, and received 18 Grammy Awards. Ma has achieved both critical and commercial success and has been honored with numerous recognitions, including the Glenn Gould Prize, National Medal of Arts, Presidential Medal of Freedom, Polar Music Prize, and was once named “Sexiest Classical Musician” by People magazine.

Wong Kim Ark, Chinese American Cook

Wikimedia Commons

Wong Kim Ark is not a well-known Asian American in most American history books, but the 1898 landmark decision by the U.S. Supreme Court, known as United States v. Wong Kim Ark, 169 U.S. 649, established an important precedent for birthright citizenship. Wong was a restaurant cook born in San Francisco in 1873 to Chinese immigrant parents. The Naturalization Law of 1802 made Wong’s parents ineligible for U.S. citizenship through naturalization. When Wong visited China as a teen, upon his return to the U.S., he was readmitted without incident.

However, several years later, following another return from visiting China, Wong was denied entry because he was not considered a U.S. citizen, despite having been born here. Wong was confined for five months on steamships off the coast of San Francisco while his case was being tried. In a landmark 6-2 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court sided in favor of Wong’s claim of birthright citizenship, establishing an important precedent that continues to this day.

Yuji Ichioka, Japanese American Historian, and Civil Rights Activist

As a child, Yuji Ichioka and his family were relocated from their home in San Francisco to the Topaz internment camp in Millard County, Utah, for three years during World War II. This experience proved to be seminal for Ichioka, who is largely credited with coining the term “Asian American.” By helping to unify different Asian ethnic groups (e.g., Japanese Americans, Chinese Americans, Filipino Americans, etc.) under a single, self-defining term, Ichioka paved the way for greater prominence and understanding of people of Asian descent in the U.S. Born in San Francisco in 1936, Ichioka served three years in the military, then earned degrees from University of California campuses in Los Angeles and Berkeley.

He founded the Asian American Political Alliance in 1968 and helped to establish the Asian American studies program at UCLA. With his wife, Emma Gee, Ichioka established the Yuji Ichioka and Emma Gee Endowment for Social Justice and Immigration Studies at UCLA’s Asian American Studies Center.

Bhagat Singh Thind, Soldier, Activist, and Author

Wikimedia Commons

Bhagat Singh Thind, a practicing Sikh from Punjab, India, blazed a trail for immigrants hoping to become American citizens. In 1918, After serving in World War I, Thind was granted citizenship, only to have it revoked four days later because he failed to meet the definition of either a "white person" or a "person of African descent. He tried again in 1919 and was granted citizenship in 1920. The Beauru of Naturalization appealed the ruling, and his case went before the Supreme Court in 1923. Siding with the bureau, Thind was once again stripped of his citizenship. Finally, in 1935, he was awarded citizenship for a third and final time under the Nye-Lea Act, which stated that all veterans of World War I were eligible for citizenship, regardless of race. 

He was also the first United States soldier to wear a turban and eventually, while fighting for citizenship, obtained his Ph.D. in theology and English Literature from the University of California, Berkeley.  

 

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.

two boys laughing at jokes for kids
iStock

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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.

Minute to win it games for kids make for instant fun

If you’re looking for a great way to spend the evening at home with the family or you’ve got a big party to plan, there’s a good chance you’re searching for fun games for kids. That’s where minute to win it games come in. (You can also try out some of the best jokes for kids, DIY magic potions, ultimate trivia questions, and amazing movie night ideas.) These completely creative games will make all the difference during your next rainy weekend afternoon, family game night, or birthday party.

What’s a minute to win it game?

Simply put, it’s a 60-second game using items typically found around the house. Participants attempt to see who can finish a challenge first or who can complete a task the most times in under a minute. You can even add a theme, like Halloween minute to win it games or holiday minute to win it games!

How to play minute to win it games

These quick, exciting games are good for parties, of course, but you can also do them with just one or two players! There are three basic ways you can play Minute to Win It Games.

  • Player vs. timer: In this style, a player races against the clock. They still have just one minute to complete the game and if they do win, you can move on to another game. If they don’t, you can choose to let them try until they do beat the clock or move on to another player.
  • Player vs. Player: In this version, which works great for small groups, have two people compete against each other (for a minute), and whoever completes the challenge first, wins! This way, you can rotate through your crew at a reasonable pace.
  • Group Minute to Win It Play: Here’s where you’ll split your group into two teams. Each team decides who goes first, and then those players compete against each other to win! This is fun for teammates too because they’ll be cheering on competitors in each round.
minute to win it dice game
Paging Fun Mums

1. Dice Balance
The kids over at Paging Fun Mums try to see how many dice they can get on the stick in one minute (the most dice win!). It's a little tricky and super fun to watch!

2. Sticky Situation
This popular game requires players to bounce a ping pong ball just right, to land it on a piece of bread slathered in peanut butter. See the full instructions here.

3. Cup to Cup
Have your players sit outside in a single file line (have the last player sit back to back with the second to last player). Put one bucket at the front of the line and one bucket at the end of the line. From there, players must fill a small plastic cup from the first bucket and pass it over their heads to the last bucket. The first team to reach the designated mark on the bucket wins!

4. Sock the Block
Build several LEGO block towers and place them around the room. Players must use balled-up socks to knock over all five towers.

5. Nose Dive
The secret weapon in this game? Petroleum jelly dabbed on the nose. Using their noses (no hands allowed), players must move five cotton balls from one bowl to another, before the minute is up.

minute to win it games are fun activities for kids
iStock

6. Defying Gravity
Up and away! Using one hand, kids keep their balloons in the air for one minute. If this is too easy, for the half-pints you can add two balloons (or more!). Remember, no resting a balloon on a body part.

7. Wrap It Up
A two-player game that involves wrapping one player up with streamers, ribbon, or toilet paper.

8. Ball Drop
Have your player stand on a chair. Set a plastic cup on the ground in front of them and give them three ping pong balls. The object is to get all three balls in the cup without missing or having any bounce out.

9. Cereal Scramble
Cut the front of a cereal box into equal pieces. Stack the pieces into a flat tower and set a timer for one minute. Each child has a minute to piece the cereal box together.

10. Movin' On Up
Stack up 25 plastic cups of one color and add one cup of a different color at the bottom. Half-pints move the top cup to the bottom and see how far they can move the single-colored cup to the top in one minute.

girl playing the stacking cup minute to win it game
iStock

11. Stack Attack
This one might not be as tasty as cookie face, but it's still pretty popular. Give the kids one single stack of 36 plastic cups. Each child gets one minute to stack all of the cups into a pyramid and then unstack them, making a single column again.

12. Johnny Applestack
How about them apples? Another fun stacking game for kids using fruit from the kitchen—apples. Little ones have one minute to stack five apples (or three for younger kids) on top of each other and stay for three seconds.

13. Rubber Band Shooting Gallery
Get some rubber bands and aluminum cans and have players stand 10 feet away. Start the clock and see how many they can knock over in a minute!

14. Junk in the Trunk
Each player will need a tissue box, pantyhose and ten ping pong balls. Put the ping pong balls in each tissue box. Then, tie the boxes around each player. Kids have one minute to shake out (no hands) as many balls as they can.

15. Doughnut Chew
A piece of cake! Of all the minute to win it games, kids will eat this one up. First, tie a string around a doughnut, then hang it between two chairs. Littles need to eat the doughnut within a minute without it falling to the floor.

 

girl with balloon
iStock

16. This Blows
If you’re looking for a minute to win it game that your tween or teen will still get a kick out of, this is it. Each player has one minute to blow up a balloon and then use the air that’s inside of it to knock over as many plastic cups as they can. If they still have time on the clock, they can repeat the steps to blow down any leftover cups.

17. Chandelier
Light up the fun! You'll need 15 empty soda cans and four paper plates. Kids have one minute to stack cans with paper plates in between to see how high they can go.

18. Sponge Run
Place a kiddie pool or a bucket full of water on one side of the yard, and place an empty bucket on the other side. Players must soak up as much water in their sponge as possible and carry the sponge on top of their heads to the empty bucket. Once they arrive, players must squeeze as much water as possible into the empty bucket and head back to their teammates. The first team to fill their bucket to the line wins.

19. Noodling Around
Start this minute to win it game with one strand of uncooked spaghetti. The player puts the end of the dry noodle in their mouth; they have 60 seconds to pick up six uncooked pieces of penne pasta—with the spaghetti. Oh, and without using their hands!

20. Scoop It Up
Move six ping pong balls from one bowl to another, using only a spoon. Again, like some of the other minute to win it games, the kids can’t use their hands. Instead, each child will use a spoon—in their mouth.

Chica Circle

21. Card Ninja
Tweens and teens will get a giggle out of this minute to win it game. Slice a watermelon in half, securing it on a table or other flat surface. Give the kids cards to throw (kind of like throwing stars). Whoever gets the most cards into the melon in one-minute wins. Chica Circle has more details

22. Puddle Jumper
Set up a series of plastic cups. Fill them to the top with water and set a ping pong ball on the first in the row. The kids need to blow the ball from the first cup to the second. Keep going with more balls, racing to see who moves the most in one minute.

23. Penny Hose
Players have to retrieve two pennies from the bottom of a pair of pantyhose. It's hard than it looks!

24. Nut Stacker
It’s almost like the penny game, just slightly more difficult. Instead of stacking coins with one hand, each child has one minute to stack hex nuts onto a wooden stick or dowel.

25. Leaning Tower of LEGO
Fill two bins/buckets with LEGO (the number depends on the age of the players). Players must stack all the bricks in the container. If the tower breaks, continue to stack. The first person to stack all their bricks wins!

Sunflower Mom

26. Peep Face Game
Got extra peeps? We love this twist on the cookie minute to win it that's a fun game for kids at Easter. Sunflower Mom gives her little chicks one minute to stick as many peeps as they can to their face! Little bunnies think this game is funny.

27. Hot Chocolate Marshmallow Toss
Have players stand back from the table with mugs on it. Give players a designated number of marshmallows and see how many the team can throw into the mug in one minute.

28. Penny Tower
How many pennies can your child stack in one minute? If they just guessed a million, they’re not exactly right. The trick to this game is that the child can only use one hand. And believe us, that makes it oh-so-challenging.

29. Cookie Face
This is by far one of the favorites of kids just about everywhere. Not only do they get to play a super-silly game, but it’s all done with cookies. Cookies! Place a regular ol’ sandwich cookie on the child’s forehead. They’ll need to use their facial muscles to move it down their face and into their mouth—without using their hands.

30. Keep it Up
As light as a feather! Little players keep two feathers in the air for one minute (or as long as they can). The catch is they can just use their breath. To make it easier for younger kids, they can use a straw.

goldfish games are minute to win it games
Ginger Snap Crafts

31. Go Fish!
Whether it's crackers or mini marshmallows, this fun game for kids is easy! You'll need straws and two plates. Little gamers have one minute (to win it!) to see how many fish they can transfer from one plate to another with the suction from the straw and no hands. See more Goldfish Minute to Win It Games over at Gingersnap Crafts.

32. Ping Pong Toss
Players have one minute to try and toss ping pong balls in a container down the table. Three in a row wins, or, at the end of the minute, whoever has the most balls in their container.

33. Spin Doctor
As far as a minute to win it games go, tweens find this a ton of fun. A player spins a coin on the table. A second player stops the coin with one finger on its edge (upright!). Either player can spin the coin, and it's a win when you stop the coin for three seconds within a minute.

34. State of Fun
This minute to win it game uses brainpower! Get a sheet of paper and pencils for players, then have them write down as many state capitals as they can before the timer goes off. The player with the most correct state capitals wins the round.

35. Gummy Worm Search
This minute to win it game is messy, so save it for warm weather or a summer birthday party! Fill aluminum pie pans with gummy worms and cover them with whipped cream. Players have to find the gummy worms using their mouths, no hands! The player who finds the most gummy worms at the end of the round wins. 

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.

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

 

Your child says, “I’m hungry,” and you grab them a snack. They say “I’m bored,” and you find a way to entertain them. But when should the butler treatment end? When is it time to teach your child how to be self-sufficient and let them do things for themselves?

Believe it or not—now is as good a time as any! Your two-year-old can help you do the laundry; your 6-year-old can brush her teeth; and your 10-year-old can hang out alone at home while you walk the dog. And, no matter how desperately they cry, “Watch me!” young kids don’t always need you right there next to them (being just nearby is just fine).

“What you’re really trying to do is get the child to learn how to make decisions and take control over the things they can have control over,” said Dr. Michael Ungar, director of the Resilience Research Center and the author of We Generation: Raising Socially Responsible Kids. “What you really want is a child who can make a contribution to their family, who can navigate their community, who can problem solve.”

We created an age-by-age guide that ranges from letting your toddler help with household chores to giving your tween tech time to help you figure out the right time to give your kids that much-needed independence. Here’s what the experts say.

Things Kids Can Do: Ages 0 to 2

Don’t worry: You won’t need to start nudging your one-year-old out of the nest. According to Los Angeles child psychiatrist Patrick Kelly, it’s the opposite: the stronger the attachment between parents and their babies, the more comfortable those kids will be doing things independently as they grow. That said, there are a few “big kid” things your tiny tot can start learning at this age:

Feeding and Dressing Themselves – According to Los Angeles pediatrician Amin Davari, simple things like allowing older infants to feed themselves age-appropriate foods and letting young children dress themselves give kids “minor struggles and successes” that help them learn how to be self-sufficient and build skills and confidence.

Swim Lessons – The AAP recently changed its guidelines to say that kids should start swimming lessons at age one. Although swim lessons will never make a child “drown proof,” lessons between the ages of one to four years have been shown to reduce drowning risk, according to the AAP.

Sign Language – Just because your baby can’t talk doesn’t mean she’s not trying to tell you something. Advocates say teaching babies and toddlers basic signs (things like “eat,” “more” and “milk”) can increase confidence in both the kids and their caregivers, helping little ones who can’t yet speak get their needs met. Taking a class can mean a fun social outing for Mom or Dad—though you can also learn from home.

Things Kids Can Do: Ages 2 to 4

chores are a good way to teach toddlers how to be self-sufficient
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At this age, kids are ready—and willing!—to take on some responsibility around the house. You’ll know the time is right when you see them start pretending to do grown-up things, like playing “family” or play-driving the car when they’re in the push car. Take advantage of this need now by giving them:

Simple Household Chores – Give them a broom or a dustpan, and let them help you sweep the kitchen floor. You’d be surprised how willingly kids this age will want to help you clean. If you’re lucky, the habit will continue into their later years. Other simple household chores suitable for two-to three-year-olds, according to The Montessori Notebook are:

    • Help pack their backpack
    • Brushing/feeding the dog (just let it go when they make a mess!)
    • Helping make the bed (at four, kids should be able to at least pull up a duvet by themselves)
    • Placing clothing in the laundry and pushing the buttons you point to

Solo Playtime – As long as you’ve created a safe space to play, at this age most kids are generally past the swallowing-small-objects phase and can happily play by themselves for 30 to 45 minutes at a time. If your child is reluctant to play alone, just agree to be nearby, but set up toys with which they can play solo.

“Reading” Time – Your child doesn’t need to know how to read to get lost in a world of books. Give kids a stack of picture books and let them have at it. If they want to hear stories read out loud—but you still want them to be on their own—we love the Yoto player, a simple speaker designed for kids ages three and up that allows kids to insert small cards to read popular stories aloud.

Pick What they Wear – Something as simple as choosing their clothes can make a child feel incredibly independent, says Dr. Ungar. “Three-year-olds can’t negotiate their bedtimes, but they can decide to wear green pajamas or blue pajamas. The trick seems to be to find these ways that the child can make a genuine contribution.”

Use a Balance Bike – Kids may not be ready for a two-wheeler at age two… but a balance bike is an easy go-to! “Once a child can confidently walk around the house, they can start walking with a balance bike between their legs,” says Schwinn spokesperson Ryan Berkicht. “This could be as soon as 18 months old for some kids.”

Things Kids Can Do: Ages 4 to 6

Gross motor skills are advancing quickly at this age, too, so your kids should be ready for fun things like climbing on a play structure (without you constantly spotting), and using the “big kid swing” all by themselves. And while these may seem like ordinary childhood milestones, all of these accomplishments help them learn how to be self-sufficient and instill huge amounts of confidence. So cheer your kids on as they:

Brush Their Teeth: While most dentists advise that you keep assisting with their pearly whites until age 7, your kids should know how to brush their teeth all on their teeth by age 5 or 6—with you nearby to make sure there’s actual brushing going on (as opposed to just holding the electric toothbrush in their mouths while the motor revs). A good compromise is to let your kids do the morning brush and you can brush their teeth in the evening.

Use a Microwave with Supervision – Not only does using the microwave buttons help reinforce number recognition, but it also makes kids feel like real big kids. Teach your kids what can and can’t go in the microwave, and let them push the buttons and press “start” all on their own.

Ride a Two-Wheeler – Sure, some kids are ready for a two-wheeler at three years old—and some five-year-olds want nothing to do with a bike—but experts say age 5 or 6 is a good target age for getting a kid on her first two-wheeler. If they’ve been riding a balance bike or a bike with training wheels, they should be able to transition easily.

Have Drop-Off Play Dates – According to the AAP, kids around ages 5 and 6 are developmentally ready to be dropped off for play dates. Got a child who’s nervous about it? It might help to have the playdates at your house, where you can step away—but not out.

Day Camp – Since this is the age when kids start preschool or kindergarten, they’re also usually ready for day camp at this age, too. If your kids don’t seem uber-enthusiastic about camp, try to keep the camp schedule similar to their school schedule (if your child attends a half-day school, for instance, start with a half-day camp).

Things Kids Can Do: Ages 6 to 8

dad teaching son how to be self sufficient
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By this age, kids have started kindergarten and are usually happy to do anything that makes them feel grown-up and competent. So watch them closely for opportunities to teach them how to be self-sufficient—while also keeping them safe (for instance, let them ride a bike up and down your street, but make them wear a helmet). Here are some things kids are ready to do by this age:

Help You Prepare Dinner – According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, children ages 6 to 8 are ready to:

  • Use a peeler to peel raw potatoes, ginger, mangoes, and other washed fruits and vegetables
  • Break eggs into a bowl (and remember to wash hands afterward)
  • Scoop out avocados after being sliced in half by an adult
  • Snap green beans
  • Shuck corn and rinse before cooking
  • Rinse and cut parsley or green onions with clean, blunt kitchen scissors

Take a Bath By Themselves – According to this article in the National Library of Medicine, most children can take a bath by themselves (i.e., without you sitting by the tub) by age 6. We recommend parents still stay within earshot and keep baths short enough that kids don’t get tired or rowdy in the bathtub by themselves.

Tie Their Shoes (with you supervising) – By age 6 or 7, most kids have the fine motor skills to attempt this surprisingly complex set of movements, according to Carolina Therapy Connection. You’ll know your child is ready to tie their shoes when they’re able to easily cut paper with scissors, string beads, or button and unbutton buttons.

Use a Computer to Browse the Internet – Experts recommend supervising children’s internet use at this age: If you’re not able to be there watching, you can use a filtering device like the Circle, which lets you dictate what apps and websites kids can and can’t visit online (as well as setting up bedtimes and screen time limits); or try a web filtering program like Microsoft Edge Kids Mode, which keeps your kids from seeing anything inappropriate online and lets you customize their web experience (it also prevents them from exiting the kid-safe browser to explore other apps on the computer).

Things Kids Can Do: Ages 8 to 10

Older kids are ready for adventure! Now’s the time to loosen the reins and let them chart their course a little bit. By this age, your child might be ready to:

Have a Sleepover – Around this age, they may be ready—as long as they can sleep through the night, no problem. That said, before you send your kids to another person’s home for the night, they must understand body boundaries and inappropriate touching. “I do think it’s a great time to start teaching kids about appropriate touches and that we’re the boss of our bodies and we’re the boss of our private parts,” writes child abuse prevention expert Pattie Fitzgerald. She also urged parents to talk to the host parents so they’ll know exactly who will be supervising and whether there will be older kids (such as teenage-aged siblings) or extended family in the home. The answer to these questions may well alter your decision to say “yes,” as parents should have a strong baseline of trust with the hosts.

Note: Some experts believe children (and their parents!) aren’t ready for sleepovers until the age of 10 and up.

Go to Overnight Camp – As long as your child can shower, doesn’t wet the bed, and has shown no problems spending the night at friends’ or relatives’ homes, they’re probably ready for sleepaway camp. While many overnight camps offer programs for kids as young as six or seven, the American Camp Association gives age nine as the target age for kids to start the summer camp journey. Some camps offer one-week “starter” programs for reluctant or nervous campers.

Walk to School by Themselves (Under Certain Conditions) – The AAP says elementary school-aged kids can walk to school by themselves, provided the walk is short, the neighborhood is safe, and there are school crossing guards stationed at any intersections. If there are non-guarded streets or you live in a city, waiting until age 12 is better.

Things Kids Can Do: Ages 10 and Up

tween girl at home with smartphone
iStock

Tweens are all about breaking free and taking risks. Your job is to let them experiment with autonomy while still making sure they’ve got set limits to keep them safe. By age 10, kids can:

Be Left At Home for a Short Time – The laws vary on this, with some states like Oregon and Tennessee giving home-alone privileges to 10-year-olds and states like Colorado and Delaware saying 12 is a better age to start this. This Washington Post article gives state-by-state guidelines on the regulations, but it’s a good idea to check with your state’s Family or Child Services Department to be sure.

In any case, before you leave your kids home alone—even for a short time—it’s important that they know what to do in case of emergency and what your expectations are should unexpected things happen (like someone knocking on the door or a friend stopping by unannounced). The Department of Health and Human Services recommends that parents ask themselves these questions before leaving kids alone:

  • Is your child physically and mentally able to care for him or herself? ƒ
  • Does your child obey rules and make good decisions? ƒ
  • How does your child respond to unfamiliar or stressful situations? ƒ
  • Does your child feel comfortable or fearful about being home alone?

If you’re leaving for more than an hour, it’s best to wait to take your children. And experts say it’s not a good idea to let kids this age babysit younger children while no parents are home.

For more advice and tips, see this handout from the DHH.

Ride a Bike to School – It’s hard to find any specific laws about kids riding bikes to school, but the American Academy of Pediatrics says that by late elementary school, most kids can safely do this, provided the route is short and the roads safe. Before your child starts riding to school, make sure you practice the route with them (several times!) and go over what to do if unexpected things arise, such as a fall or a flat tire. If it makes you feel better, have your child wear a GPS watch or other tracking device to alert you when she gets to school safely.

Of course, you should always make sure your kids wear a good-fitting helmet and try to enlist a friend to ride along, to ensure both kids get there safely.

Related: 10 Tracking Devices Perfect for Families

Things Kids Can Do: Ages 12 and Up

This is it. The bridge to the young adult years. Kids in this final stretch to the teens are longing to break free, so the trick is to let them feel independent and learn how to be self-sufficient while encouraging them to make responsible choices. Here are some things they’re ready to do now:

Have Their Own Cell Phone – While many argue that cell phones should wait until high school, middle schoolers can have a phone, provided it is monitored and filtered by the parents. Before you give your child a phone, have them sign a technology agreement that lays out the rules—for instance, no cell phones should be allowed in your child’s room overnight, and your child should know that you will read and monitor her messages. To keep your kids off inappropriate or dangerous apps and sites, use apps and programs like Screentime (for iPhones), Circle, or Securly.

Babysit Younger Children – There are no real legal restrictions for babysitting (except in states that have laws on when kids can be left alone), but the Red Cross doesn’t allow kids to take its babysitting course until age 11. By 12, kids should be able to babysit with a grown-up present in the house (or for short times when a grown-up leaves the house); by 14, they can usually babysit younger children on their own. When it comes to an older sibling watching the younger kids in the house, parents need to ask themselves whether their oldest is mature enough and responsible enough to handle the task. If there are any doubts, skip it.

Be Dropped Off in a Public Place with Friends – As long as your child agrees to stay with the group and you’ve talked about uncomfortable situations (if a stranger talks to them or if other kids are experimenting with drugs or alcohol), most experts agree that by middle school—or around age 13—kids can be dropped off at public place (like a movie theater or mall) for a few hours as long as they are in a group and you are leaving them in a safe location. This depends, of course, on your child’s level of maturity, your city’s crime rate, and whether you trust them to make good decisions.

Note: Check with your state laws before letting your teen go to certain places solo: Some states, such as Minnesota and Delaware, do not permit children under 16 to be in certain malls without adult supervision, according to this article.  

 

You’ve made it through the dizzying first month (or so) with your baby. Congratulations are in order! Now you’re itching to get out and explore the city again. Only this time, you’ll be packing a stroller, a well-stocked diaper bag, and your proud new-parent badge. If you’re wondering what are the best things to do in Seattle with a baby, you’ve come to the right place.

From classes to experiences to all the great outdoor adventures you can find in the PNW, you’ll have plenty of activities to choose from in between nap times. Before your baby turns one (trust us, that happens much faster than you think) check these 25 things to do with a baby in Seattle off your baby bucket list.

get outdoors things to do in Seattle with a baby
iStock

1. Go Out to Dinner

Remember when the hardest part of going out to dinner was choosing the restaurant? Sure, it’s harder to eat out with your parenting partner now that baby has arrived, but we’re firm believers in going when baby is young (and can still sleep through at least one course of the meal). When baby’s older, try one of these family restaurants that cater to kids.

2. Find Stroller-Friendly Walking Trails & Hikes

There’s just something about taking a stroll around Green Lake or along Alki Beach on a sunny day that makes it nearly irresistible. Now that baby’s here, be sure to introduce them to your favorite walking trails for wheels and easy hikes while they’re still content to sit and take it all in. Just remember, even if you don’t have a special frame pack for baby, you can still find a trail and get outdoors.

Insider Tip: Groups like Hike it Baby have invaluable suggestions and parent meet-ups that make getting outside with baby easy.

Related: Seattle’s Best Stroller-Friendly Trails & Walks

3. Say “Yes” to Woodland Park Zoo

Even if baby isn’t “oohing” and “ahhing” at all the animals you’ll see at Woodland Park Zoo, spend a day there anyway. Sunshine, wide walking paths, and plenty of grassy areas where your cutie can crawl around make this a baby must-do. Don’t forget to head to Zoomazium for some indoor exploration, if it’s a rainy day or you need a change of scenery.

Related: Go Wild! Your Insider’s Guide to Woodland Park Zoo

4. Get to Know the City’s Kid-Friendliest Museums

While your little bundle may not be ready to take in local museum exhibits (no matter how fascinating they are), they are plenty of Seattle-area museums that are baby-friendly. Seattle Children’s Museum tops our list, and not just because it’s got a baby-friendly play area and the best bathrooms this side of the Cascades. Nearby PacSci, with its soft toddler playspace, is another option, as is Chihuly Garden & Glass. While you might not think a museum full of breakables screams baby-friendly, we beg to differ. Take them while they’re still stroller-bound and you’ll see why.

Related: What’s New, Hot & Cool at Seattle’s Best Family Museums

5. Watch the Mariners Win

Sure they can’t run the bases after the game yet, and as far as your baby is concerned, the 7th inning stretch should always be accompanied by a big yawn and a long nap. But bringing your little one to see the Mariners play is a guaranteed win during the first year. Snap pics, enjoy ballpark food, and definitely bring your sunscreen to make the trip successful.

Related: 10 Reasons T-Mobile Park Hits a Home Run for Families

6. Attend Baby Story Time

Drop in to hear stories for babies at your local King County Library branch, pretty much any day of the week. Not only is it a great way to spend time with your little one, it’s also a change to meet other parents who are in the same stage as you are. While you’re at it, sign baby up for a library card—after all, it’s never too early.

7. Ride the Ferry

Sometimes just getting to where you’re going with baby in the car can be tough. Bypass the drive-time headache by riding the ferry. Park the car and hit the deck where baby can explore, with or without a stroller. You’ll get where you need to be and baby will be happy. That’s what we call a win-win for you both.

8. Try a Swim Class

Spend time in the water with baby at a local parent/baby swim class. Not sure where to start? Get our suggestions on the best baby swim classes in Seattle before you dive in.

9. Attend a Nearby Play & Learn Program

Your baby totally digs toys but isn’t quite ready for the rough and tumble business of Seattle’s indoor play gyms. Sometimes something new is what it takes to keep baby entertained. Take your newest addition to a Kaleidoscope Play & Learn session to socialize and play with toys that aren’t already found in baby’s room. We love this free community program that’s taught in many languages.

10. Sit for a Tiny Tots Concert

Sure your kiddo wouldn’t make it through a Seattle Symphony concert, no matter how soothing those violins can be. That’s why there’s Tiny Tots, specific concerts geared toward families with kids under five. Stories, songs, and games that only take 30 minutes? That’s the sound of a great day with baby to us.

11. Make New Parent Friends

You’re all in this together, right? So why not connect with other parents in Seattle. Whether you’re giving them a like on Facebook or following them for inspiration and ideas on Instagram, these parents are totally your people.

Things to do with babies Seattle

12. Stretch Yourself at a Baby Yoga Class

When you have a baby, it’s easy to get focused on the little things. Little toes. Little fingers. Little smiles. That’s one of the things parents love about Limber Yoga’s baby and parent yoga class. It’s all about finding peace in the little things and taking a breather when you need one. Currently the class meets once a week on Tuesdays, and registration is required.

13. Grab a Drink with Friends

Ditch the sippy cup for a glass of wine or a nice lager at one of these spots where you can belly up with baby in tow. Watch your favorite teams play to win, or try a flight of reds you’ll remember at these wineries that welcome kids.

14. Join a Music Class

Meet other parents and introduce your little bundle to musical instruments at any number of local Seattle music classes for babies. Start with Sunshine Music Together classes, for kids ages 0-5, that offered all over the city, from Queen Anne to West Seattle to Redmond. WeBop Music classes at Seattle JazzED is another program that caters to kids (starting at 8 months). But if free and loose is more your speed, try  dropping in at Baby Jam, a long-running Seattle class that meets for two different sessions on Monday mornings.

15. Bike the Burke-Gilman Trail

The fact that you can bike for miles without having to cross the street is one of the Burke’s biggest perks. Put baby in the bike seat or trailer and get pedaling. If you need to feed or change baby during your ride, plan to make a pit stop at these fantastic spots along the trail.

Related: 15 Wheely Fun Bike Trails for Seattle Families

16. Have Coffee with a Friend

Get your adulting fix at one of the city’s many cafes and coffee shops. Bonus points if it has a place where parents can sit while baby plays, like Ballard Firehouse Coffee, C & P Coffee in West Seattle, or Serendipity or Psst! When baby is older, these spots offer a place for mom and dad to work while baby plays.

17. Explore Volunteer Park

Lots of stroller-friendly paths and a conservatory, too. These are just a few of the things that make Volunteer Park a great place to take baby. Plus, visiting the on-site Asian Art Museum is another easy activity to enjoy when you’ve got baby with you. Plenty to see, not touch, and spaces where you can sit quietly together to take it all in.

18. Go Wild at ZooTunes

It doesn’t get more family-friendly than BECU’s ZooTunes during the summer months. Grab a seat near the back, spread out a picnic blanket, bring headphones to cover baby’s ears, and enjoy the show. The best part? Concerts are over by 8:30 p.m., so everyone can get home to get plenty of rest.

19. Watch the Ships at Ballard Locks

The Ballard Locks is more than just fish ladders and boats. In fact, it’s a wonderful place to explore with little ones, whether you’re baby-wearing or pushing a stroller. Watch spawning fish, or boats making their way from freshwater lakes to the saltwater Sound and back again. Or check out the Carl S. Jr. Botanical Garden, one of the Locks’ hidden gems.

20. See Art at Olympic Sculpture Park

The Olympic Sculpture Park is another fantastic place to stroll with your cutie. Nine acres of green space and larger-than-life art along the waterfront make this a great day destination. Still feeling adventurous? Stroller down the street and take baby to the Seattle Aquarium to gawk at all the fish and adorable sea otters.

21. Wander Through a Garden

If a little peace and quiet is what you’re after (show us a new parent that isn’t), there’s no better place to find it than at one of Seattle’s beautiful gardens. If you ask us, the best part of each of these is that they’re pretty amazing to visit year-round. Spring brings out the bulbs and cherry blossoms, along with summer comes dazzling colors, and even fall has us hooked with rhoddies and the changing leaves.

Related: 13 Gorgeous Gardens to Explore Now

22. Attend Baby’s First Concert

Take your wee one to hear their first concert. From library concerts to outdoor summer fests headlined by some of Seattle’s best kindie rockers, there are plenty of baby-friendly concerts in the city. But may we suggest the Mount Baker Kindiependent Rock series to start.

23. Visit a Petting Farm

Start ’em young is our philosophy. Especially when it comes to kids and super cute farm animals. Spending a morning at Kelsey Creek Farm in Bellevue or at Farrell-McWhirter over in Redmond is always worth the bridge crossing. But if you want to stay close to home, visit the animals at the Woodland Park Zoo petting area starting in early May.

Related: 14 Wild & Fun Animal Farms & Petting Zoos to Visit Now

24. Explore the Seattle Waterfront

Fantastic views and lots to do and see is what makes this downtown trek worth it. Even babies will enjoy a ride on the Great Wheel or a chance to take a boat tour around Elliott Bay. The Pike Place Market isn’t too far uphill from the waterfront, and although it’s a bit crowded for strollers on a weekend, if you go on a weekday you can pick up fresh fish and produce to make a healthy meal when you get home.

Related: Explore Seattle’s Waterfront: 14 Things to Do Now

25. Find a Babysitter

If you haven’t already, get on the sitter search ASAP. Date night awaits!

Related: 16 Seattle Date Night Spots That Are Anything but Ordinary

Make sure to capture all your moments exploring the city—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.

You’ve finally arrived. You’re ready to give your home the attention it deserves, whether that be new toy storage in the kids’ room or giving your pantry a facelift. And the good news is, while your social feed may suggest otherwise, there’s no reason to rush out and blow your entire budget on stackable baskets and (perfect! cute!) containers for the kitchen. Instead, inspired by some of our favorite design-centric parents, these ideas are all about organizing with IKEA products and might be the answer to all of your makeover dilemmas. 

Why do people love organizing with IKEA products?

The Scandinavian design company has long been a place for folks to pick up affordable and functional furniture, but the products also tend to be fairly basic in design, so you can glam it up, and with a little creativity, use it in areas you might not normally think about. Plus, the storage options are endless, and anyone with kids knows how important that can be.

The Best Ideas for Organizing with IKEA Furniture

1. KALLAX Changing Table

IKEA’s KALLAX storage unit becomes a versatile piece in H.isforHome’s nursery as a changing table with plenty of storage ready at hand. The greatest part about this hack is that later when her son Grayson outgrows the changing table, there’s a seamless transition into simple storage and shelving pieces (click here to check it out).

2. IKEA Closet Organizer Idea

Creating an open toddler closet might be the most creative use of the HUTTON wine racks we’ve ever seen.

3. LURÖY Bed Slat Wall Hanger

Your bed slats are so much more than support for your bed. Use this awesome idea from Kristina of Ich Designer to make an amazing wall storage space for your family using the LURÖY Slatted Bed Base from IKEA. Hang baskets, magazines, notebooks, and more to get your everyday must-haves out of the way.

4. BILLY Bookshelf Mudroom Lockers

IKEA shoe organizer is a good IKEA organizing idea
Polkadot Chair

Whether you have a mudroom, or just have a bit of extra space in your entry, Melissa from Polkadot Chair has a hack that will revolutionize your storage life. Using the BILLY bookcase, you can create lockers for everyone’s coats, bags, shoes, and more.

5. IKEA Drawer Organizing Idea

Lifeflix

If you’re looking IKEA organizing ideas to help you keep the clothes in order, the KOMPLEMENT storage boxes are perfect. They require almost no assembly and can help you organize piles of laundry in a snap.

6. 2-in-1 Kitchen Island

If you’ve got a small kitchen but dream of having an island, this IKEA organization idea from Craftydust is right up your alley. Using KALLAX shelves and the KARLBY kitchen worktop, you can have an island that not only folds in half but can also be used as a bar cart.

7. Rolling Under Bed Storage

under the bed organizing with IKEA frames
Faith Towers

Under your bed doesn’t have to be wasted storage space. Transform it with a helping hand from Faith Towers at Curbly. Believe it or not, her amazing under-the-bed storage boxes are made of frames—specifically the IKEA RIBBA Frames and a set of casters from Amazon! Check out her tutorial to get started.

8. IKEA LEGO Table

We know this project seems like a lot of work, but the result is worth it. Nele Cole has a great tutorial on how to make a LEGO table using the TROFAST Storage System from IKEA that not only has room for all the kids but all the bricks too.

9. BEKVÄM Spice Rack Kids’ Book Storage Hack

When it comes to books, give the kids a place all their own. Using BEKVÄM spice rack shelves, simply attach them to the side of your bookshelf and rotate their favorites in and out.

10. A Gallery Wall for All the Things

You want to display their best artwork as well as some of the things you’ve collected along your life journey, but you don’t want it to feel too cluttered. Solution? Snag some IKEA RIBBA frames and get to work.

11. A Rolling Storage Container with Style

Using the TINGBY side table and the RÖDEBY bamboo armrest tray, you can create a storage container that works great in an office and looks amazing, too. You’ll need extra hardware for this one, so be sure to watch the video!

Related: Surprising IKEA Hacks to Transform Your Kid’s Room

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

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

All images courtesy of retailers and creators as noted.


There are plenty of things your kids wish they could ban. Broccoli for instance. Or bedtimes. But we’re guessing books wouldn’t make their list. Promote the power of “yes” by pulling these banned children’s books off the shelf and into your evening reading routine. You won’t be disappointed, and neither will the kids! Looking for other books for kids? Check out our collection of classic children’s books, our favorite bedtime stories, and books that feature diverse protagonists.


Hop on Pop is a children's banned books
Amazon

Hop on Pop

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When you read this book title as a directive, rather than as an innocent and undeniably catchy rhyme, it’s easy to see why a Toronto father’s rights advocate challenged the wildly popular Dr. Seuss book. But pulling it from library shelves because it “encouraged children to use violence against their fathers” was only the tip of the iceberg for his 2014 challenge. He also thought the library should fork over some cash to cover “damages resulting from the book.” Ages 3-7


Charlotte's Web has made the list of children's banned books at some point
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Charlotte's Web

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If you haven’t read this story about humble, radiant Wilbur (a.k.a. Some Pig) then you’re in for a treat. Although a group of concerned parents disagreed in 2006. They tried to have this book banned from classrooms because they found the book’s talking animals to be disrespectful to God. Ages: 8-12


Strega Nona was once a banned children's book
Amazon

Strega Nona

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Let’s be honest. This book is every parent’s fantasy. After all who doesn’t want a song-activated magic pot that cooks them dinner? The late Tomie dePaola’s classic tale of the Grandma Witch has been banned in several U.S. school libraries for promoting witchcraft. Ages: 4-8.


Amazon

Where's Waldo

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It seems a certain 1987 version of this book would have fared better in Europe than it did in the States, where it was banned in both Michigan and New York in the mid-1990s. Although the story behind finding the now-infamous “nude bather,” that caused the version to be pulled from the shelves, has since been lost, we’re guessing it had something to do with one reader’s relentless search for Waldo. Ages: 5-9


The Giver has made a children's banned book list.
Amazon

The Giver

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When it comes to dystopian novels, tweens, and teens just can't get enough of them. And Lois Lowry's Newbery Award-winning classic continues the trend. But parents in Blue Springs, Missouri grew concerned over "twisted" and "lewd" content in the book and tried to have it removed from an eighth-grade reading list in 2003. The good news is, the compelling story is continued on in three more books in the series. Ages: 12 & up


Amazon

Harriet the Spy

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Readers the world over love Harriet the Spy, because not only does she tells it like it is, she also rides a dumbwaiter, and who wouldn’t want to try that? Over the years, the book has been banned in school libraries because parents are concerned it teaches children to “lie, spy, talk back and curse.” Ages: 8-12


This Shel Silverstein books once was a banned children's book.
Amazon

Where the Sidewalk Ends

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Kids have loved the quirky drawings and odd poetry of Shel Silverstein for generations. But in 1986, the West Allis Milwaukee School District banned this particular poetry collection because of “drug reference, suicide, death and a disrespect for truth and authority.” Shortly after, a school district in Pennsylvania did the same. Ages: 6-8

Related: LeVar Burton Urges Kids to ‘Read Banned Books!’


The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe has been on lists of children's banned books a few times.
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The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

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Magical wardrobes, talking lions and evil queens: Narnia’s got dibs on some of the best fantasy elements ever written. But the first book in this popular series was first banned in 1990 because adults were concerned by its “graphic violence, mysticism and gore.” Then in 2005, a group focused on the separation of church and state tried banning the book from Florida’s public schools after then-Governor, Jeb Bush, promoted it in a statewide reading contest. Ages: 8 & up


I Am Jazz is a banned children's book
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I Am Jazz

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The 10th most challenged and banned book of 2017, I am Jazz is an autobiographical picture book chronicling the early years of transgender reality TV star, Jazz Jennings. It first appeared on the banned list when a group of Wisconsin parents objected to its reading at school. They were concerned about sex education, language and offensive viewpoints. Ages: 4-8


Amazon

Where the Wild Things Are

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You’ve read this one to your sidekick so many times, you’ve got it memorized. But when this classic hit the scene in 1963, it caused quite a stir. Banned in many southern states for depicting child abuse (the no-go supper for Max), it’s also been challenged for being “too dark” and showing supernatural elements. If you’re looking for more books to put on your nighttime reading list try one of these all-time faves. Ages: 4-8


Amazon

Hansel and Gretel

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The surprisingly dark tales spun by the Brothers Grimm have been challenged many times. But we bet the specifics behind this particularly gruesome classic will surprise you. Was it because of images of cannibalism? Or perhaps because it promoted unhealthy eating habits or tooth decay? Nope. In 1992 two witches challenged this book claiming it painted witches in a bad light. Ages: 5 & up


A Wrinkle in Time has made the banned children's book list many times.
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A Wrinkle in Time

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This Newbery Award winner’s been challenged a few times for undermining religious beliefs, and in 1985 it was challenged at a Florida elementary school for promoting witchcraft, crystal balls and demons. Ages: 10-14


Amazon

And Tango Makes Three

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First came Roy. Then came Silo. Then came a baby and made their family complete. Based on the true story of two male penguins at New York’s Central Park Zoo, this ALA Notable Children’s Book made its way onto the banned book list for featuring a same-sex relationship. Ages: 2-5


Amazon

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?

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More a case of mistaken identity than concern over content, Bill Martin’s classic children’s book was banned by the Texas State Board of Education in 2010. It turns out that the children’s author didn’t also pen Ethical Marxism: The Categorical Imperative of Liberation. Oops! Ages: 2-5


Amazon

Drama

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If you think your house is filled with drama, you haven’t been to middle school lately. Get a refresher with this tween graphic novel that follows theater geek Callie as she strives to build a Broadway-worthy set and figure out … well, boys. But the real drama for this book came when it hit the banned children's book list in one school district and two school libraries in Texas because it features LGBTQ characters. Ages: 10-14


Amazon

The Giving Tree

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We dare you not to shed a tear over this touching story of a selfless tree who loves a boy. But it was a cynical interpretation of the tree’s selfless giving as “sexist content” that landed this Shel Silverstein classic on a Colorado library’s banned book list in 1988. Ages: 1-8


Amazon

Harry Potter Series

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J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series has been translated into 68 different languages, distributed in over 200 different territories worldwide, and has sold over 450 million copies at last count. And the number of challenges and bans on this series, usually for depicting witchcraft and wizardry and promoting anti-family themes, is also impressive. By 2000, it had been challenged about 650 different times. Ages: 8 & up

Related: Brooklyn Public Library Offers Free Ecards to Teens Nationwide Facing Book Bans


Amazon

Bridge to Terabithia

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Another Newbery Award-winner, this story of friendship and loss is a definite tearjerker. But it wasn’t the tragic death of a friend that led the New Brighton Area School District in Pennsylvania to remove it from their 5th-grade classrooms. They were concerned about the disrespect, foul language and confusion that could be created when kids read about Terabithia, the fantasy world dreamed up by BFFs Jesse and Leslie. Ages: 9 & up


The Witches is a banned children's book.
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The Witches

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Roald Dahl is no stranger to the banned book list. James and the Giant Peach is on there. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is too. But it’s his classic tale of a boy-turned-mouse and his cigar-smoking grandmother who fight against witches that continues to find its way onto the list again and again and again. It was challenged at least ten times in the late 1980s and early 1990s for things like “being too sophisticated” and “not teaching moral values.” Ages: 8-12


The Family Book has made it on a banned children's book list.
Amazon

The Family Book

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Families coming in all shapes, sizes and colors is the theme of this popular Todd Parr book. But concerns over depicting families that have two moms or two dads kept this bold and colorful paperback off the shelves in the Erie School District in Illinois in 2012. Ages: 5-6


Amazon

The Fighting Ground

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One of Avi’s lesser-known works, it’s the story of 13-year-old Jonathan, who wants to fight beside his brother and cousin, against the British, during the Revolutionary War. This ALA-notable book was banned at the Bay District school library in 2008 over parent concerns around the use of profanity. Ages: 9 & up


Captain Underpants is a banned children's book.
Amazon

Captain Underpants series

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If your kid has read the book, watched the movie and bought the T-shirt, then you’re not alone. But you might be surprised to find that this popular Dave Pilkey series was at one time the most banned book in the country. In the early books, concerns were raised over content that wasn’t suited for the age group and encouraging disobedience. The release of the 12th book caused new concerns over references to Harold being gay. Ages: 7-10


Anne Frank has made several banned children's book lists.
Amazon

Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl

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The powerfully poignant diary of Anne Frank, who spent two years hiding from the Nazis, with her family in the cramped “Secret Annexe” of an office building, often shows up on the banned book list. Although concern over sexually explicit material is the reason usually cited, once in 1983 the Alabama State Textbook Committee tried to ban it because they thought the diary was “a real downer.” Ages: 10-13


Amazon

Sylvester and the Magic Pebble

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This story of a donkey who wishes himself into a rock set off alarm bells with the Illinois Police Association. In 1977 they challenged the book because the police are depicted as pigs in the story. In the aftermath, it was banned in many parts of the U.S. Ages: 3-7


Amazon

Junie B. Jones series

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If you cringe every time you read Junie B. Jones to your kids and she “runned speedy quick” or “did a shrug” or commits some other crime against grammar, you’re not alone. Most of the challenges to this series are about Junie’s speech patterns and the fact it might encourage young readers to follow suit. Ages: 6-9


Jacob's New Dress has made a list of banned children's books.
Amazon

Jacob's New Dress

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This book has been banned by a North Carolina school district claiming that the book taught children to be transgender. Jacob's New Dress is actually about acceptance and anti-bullying when Jacob wants to wear a dress to school. Ages: 4-7


Maus is a banned children's book
Amazon

Maus

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Maus has been banned in a Tennessee county for profanity, nudity, violence, and suicide, although it presents the argument of how to honestly portray the Holocaust without those things. Maus is a Pulitzer-prize-winning graphic novel that follows Spiegelman's parents' traumatic internment at Auschwitz. Ages: 11 & up


Amazon

New Kid

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'New Kid' was written by author Jerry Craft about his own life experiences, then a Texas school district banned it for "Critical Race Theory and Marxism." When Jordan Banks starts at a new private school, he was one of the only students of color, and he discovers this new struggle of fitting in when there is very little diversity. This banned children's book is the winner of the Newbery Medal, the Coretta Scott King Author Award, and the Kirkus Prize for Young Reader's Literature. Ages: 8-12


Sold is a children's book that has been banned in 2022 and 2023

Sold

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The story of 13-year-old Lakshmi, a Nepalese girl who is sold into sexual slavery is a powerful, but not easy, read. Banned in multiple states for depictions of violent sexual content, this book is not for the faint of heart. Still, it's an important topic about a very real subject that affects humans all over the world. Ages: 14+


The watsons go to birmingham is a banned childrens book

The Watsons Go to Birmingham

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Christopher Paul Curtis' iconic historical fiction book tells the tragic true story of the 1963 church bombing in Birmingham, AL, through the eyes of 10-year-old Kenny, on a trip to see his grandma. Although it is a Newbery and Coretta Scott King Medal winner, it was banned in Utah and challenged in other states for what was deemed "offensive language." Ages 10 & up.

 

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There are a handful of essential people kids learn about in school and during Black History Month: Martin Luther King Jr., Harriet Tubman, and George Washington Carver, just to name a few. But while these African American heroes in history have certainly made significant cultural contributions, there are many more that have fallen under the radar. To give your kids an ever-widening view of the world, learn about (and share!) these important Black history figures that have left a legacy for generations to come.  

Alvin Ailey Jr.

Alvin Ailey
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Alvin Ailey Jr. was a dancer, choreographer, and activist. Born in Texas during the Great Depression, he moved to Los Angeles in 1946 and saw his first dance performance, and in 1949 he took his first dance class at Lester Horton's Melrose Ave. studio. When he formed the Alvin Ailey Dance Theater in 1958, he wanted to honor Black culture through dance. The company's first performance included Ailey's masterpiece, Blues Suite, and his most critically acclaimed work, Revelations, premiered in 1960. The company fused theater with modern, jazz, and ballet, and brought a multi-racial cast of dancers to the stage. Due to rampant racism at the time, few of these dancers would have found opportunities to perform with other companies.

In addition to choreographing pieces for his own company, Ailey created ballets for the American Ballet Theater, the Joffrey Ballet, and the Royal Danish Ballet, among others. He received numerous awards and honors over the years, including a Guggenheim Fellowship for Creative Arts in 1968, the Spingarn Medal from the NAACP in 1977, Kennedy Center Honors in 1989, and in 2014, he was posthumously awarded the Presidental Medal of Freedom. 

John Lewis

John Lewis is an important Black history figure
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John Lewis was born as the son of sharecroppers in rural Alabama in 1940. He studied at the American Baptist Theological Society in Nashville and helped to organize sit-ins against segregated restaurants; during this period, he coined his iconic phrase, "Good Trouble," and was jailed on numerous occasions. One of the original 13 Freedom Riders, his most memorable contribution to the Civil Rights Movement was "Bloody Sunday," when in 1965, he led a group of 600 over the Edmund Putts Bridge in Selma, AL. Beaten and left unconscious, Lewis caught the eye of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who joined them on another march from Selma to Montgomery, AL. John Lewis was elected to the United States House of Representatives for Georgia's 5th congressional district in 1987 and was re-elected to the office until he died in 2020. Among many honors and accolades, one of the most prestigious was the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011. 

Daisy Bates

When the Supreme Court ruled that segregated schools were unconstitutional, Daisy Bates stepped up to help a group of Black students integrate into an all-white high school—that group is known as The Little Rock Nine. In the face of constant fear and intimidation, Bates worked tirelessly to escort those young men and women to school every day and protect them from violent crowds. Daisy Bates was a lifelong civil rights activist, and her work is still recognized today. In the state of Arkansas, every third Monday in February is observed as Daisy Gatson Bates Day, and in 1999 she was Posthumously awarded the Medal Of Freedom.

Ruby Bridges

Ruby Bridges is an important Black history figure
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Ruby Bridges was the first Black student to integrate into a white elementary school in 1960. At only six years old, Ruby walked by protesters screaming awful slurs and angry words at her every day. And yet, she never missed a day of school. Ruby became a lifelong civil rights activist, and in 1999, she established the Ruby Bridges Foundation to help fight racism and promote tolerance and change through education. 

Charles Drew

Charles R. Drew is an important Black history figure
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Charles Drew is considered a pioneer of blood plasma research and the modern blood bank. While in attendance at Columbia University, Charles Drew discovered the “shelf life” of blood could be extended by as much as seven days by separating and storing whole blood and plasma separately. Before that, blood could only be stored for up to two days. Charles Drew also wrote a dissertation Banked Blood: A Study in Blood Preservation, where he described the technique he developed and the logistics involved in the long-term preservation of blood plasma. Today Charles Drew is revered as the Father of Blood Banking. 

Bessie Coleman

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Look to the skies, and you'll be reminded about Bessie Coleman, the first Black and Native American woman pilot. Known for her amazing flying tricks, "Queen Bess" worked as a manicurist in Chicago when her brothers returned from World War I. When her brother John teased her that women in France were allowed to be pilots, Bessie took it as her mission to do just that. When no American flight school would take her, she learned French and moved to France to take flight lessons there. 

When Bessie returned to the United States, she gave speeches and eventually performed her aviation tricks in air shows around the country. She famously refused to perform at any show where there was segregation or discrimination against African Americans. Bessie Coleman died in an air accident at age 34, and she was eulogized by the famous activist Ida B. Wells-Barnett. 

Frederick Douglass

Frederick Douglas is an important Black history figure kids need to learn about
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Frederick Douglass was a freed slave who spent his life outside of bondage as an author, an orator, and a leader of the abolitionist movement. Even after the Emancipation Proclamation in 1862, Douglass continued to champion equality, human rights, and even women’s rights. Douglass authored dozens of speeches and five autobiographies, the most notable of which is Douglass’ 1845 autobiography, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave. Here are 19 other interesting facts about Frederick Douglass.

Claudette Colvin

Claudette Colvin was an early activist in the Civil Rights Movement
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Claudette Colvin was an early activist in the civil rights movement in Alabama. Nine months before Rosa Parks refused to give up her bus seat to a white woman, Claudette Colvin did the same. At the young age of 15, Colvin was later arrested; violating the city’s segregation laws was among the many charges leveled against her. Colvin later told Newsweek, “I felt like Sojourner Truth was pushing down on one shoulder, and Harriet Tubman was pushing down on the other—saying, 'Sit down girl!' I was glued to my seat.”

Wilma Rudolph

Wikimedia Commons

As a young child, Wilma Rudolph battled a series of debilitating illnesses including double pneumonia, scarlet fever, and polio. She was forced to wear a leg brace, and doctors even told her she would never walk again. But Rudolph overcame her disabilities, and she was intent on pursuing her dreams. Her determination and natural athleticism eventually brought her to the 1960 Olympics, where she became the first woman to win three Gold Medals in Track and Field in a single Olympics.

Henry Ossian Flipper

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A former slave, engineer, author, and American soldier, in 1877, Henry Ossian Flipper became the first African-American to graduate from West Point. Upon his completion, Flipper was also the first Black man to be commissioned in the Army (or any military branch, for that matter). After his commissioning, under the command of Captian Nicolas M. Nolan, he became the first Black man to lead buffalo soldiers of the 10th Calvery. 

Rosa Parks

Rosa Parks is one of the most important Black history figures kids need to know about
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On December 1, 1955, Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on the bus to a white woman. This act of defiance sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott and created an impetus for change. One year after Parks' trial, the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Alabama, Northern (Montgomery) Division, declared racial segregation laws (commonly known as "Jim Crow laws") unconstitutional. Considered to be one of the most important Black history figures, the United States Congress has called her "the first lady of civil rights" and "the mother of the freedom movement."

Daniel Hale Williams

Wikimedia Commons

In 1891, Daniel Hale Williams opened Provident Hospital in Chicago, IL. It was the first hospital with a racially integrated staff, a school for nurses, and also a training residency for doctors. In 1893, Williams was one of the first people to perform open-heart surgery, and he accomplished this feat outside of modern medicine and without the luxury of blood transfusions. He was also a co-founder of the National Medical Association, and in 1913 he was selected to be a charter member (and the only African American) of the College of Surgeons. 

Alice Allison Dunnigan

Alice Dunnigan was the first Black female White House correspondent, and she is an important Black history figure
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Alice Allison Dunnigan was the first Black female White House Correspondent. She was also chief of the Associated Negro Press, and in 1948 she became the first Black woman to follow a Presidential campaign (Harry Truman’s) on the road. Years later, Alice Allison Dunnigan served as an education consultant on JFK’s Committee on Equal Employment Opportunity.

Robert Smalls

Robert Smalls
Wikimedia Commons

In 1862, during the Civil War, Robert Smalls commandeered a Confederate transport boat freeing himself, his crew, and their families. He sailed the ship to the Union-controlled region of Hilton Head, where it then became a warship. He was instrumental in convincing President Lincoln to let free Blacks serve in the Union Army. During the Reconstruction Era, Smalls was elected to the South Carolina House of Representatives and the United States House of Representatives, where he authored legislation that would allow South Carolina to have the first free public school system in the United States. 

Jane Bolin

Jane Bolin was the first Black female to graduate from Yale Law School and she is an important Black history figure
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Jane Bolin was the first Black woman to graduate from Yale Law School, and in 1939, she became the first Black female judge. She was a huge advocate for children's rights: she served on the board of the Child's Welfare League, the National Urban League, and the NAACP, among others. Bolin also worked closely with then-First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt to establish the Wiltwyck School, a program to help eradicate juvenile crime among boys. Upon retirement, she volunteered as a reading instructor in New York public schools and served on the New York State Board of Regents. 

Arturo Schomburg

Arturo Alfonso Schomburg is an important Black history figure
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Arturo Schomburg was a writer, historian, and activist. As a leader of the Harlem Renaissance, Schomberg collected art literature and other artifacts belonging to people of African descent. In 1926 his collection was purchased by the New York Public Library, and today the Schomburg Center is a research division of the NY Public Library. With more than 11 million items in the collection, the Schomburg Center is devoted to the preservation and exhibition of Black history and the arts and culture of the African diaspora.

Matthew Henson

Matthew Henson was an arctic explorer and he is an important Black history figure
Wikimedia Commons

Matthew Henson is best known for his participation in a series of Arctic explorations between 1891 and 1909. But his claim to fame was the expedition that culminated in April 1909, where the team he was with finally reached the North Pole. Through these expeditions, Henson made significant contributions to the field of exploration. To honor those contributions, Matthew Henson was buried at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors.

Shirley Chisholm

Shirley Chisholm is an important Black history figure
Wikimedia Commons

A true pioneer in both race and gender, Shirley Chisholm was the first Black woman elected to Congress representing NY’s 12th District. In 1972, she was also the first woman to run for the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination. During her time in Congress, Chisholm fought for improved education, health and human services, and women's rights. Chisholm famously said, “If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.”

Fred Jones

Wikimedia Commons

In 1938, American inventor Fred Jones designed and patented a portable air-conditioning unit for trucks primarily used to transport perishable foods. Jones’ invention became invaluable during WWII when refrigeration units were used to preserve and transport food, blood, and medicine to hospitals and soldiers on the battlefield. In 1944, he became the first African American member of the American Society of Refrigeration Engineers. He was awarded 61 patents throughout his life, and in 1991, he was posthumously awarded the National Medal of Technology, the first African American to do so. 

Dr. Rebeccca Lee Crumpler

Rebecca Lee Crumpler was the first female African American doctor
Wikimedia Commons

Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler was the first female African-American physician. She also wrote the Book of Medical Discourses in Two Parts in 1883, which is considered one of the first medical texts written by an African American author. After the Civil War, Dr. Crumpler also worked for the Freedman’s Bureau for the State of Virginia, the federal agency that helped over 4,000,000 slaves make the transition from slavery to freedom. 

Gwendolyn Brooks

Gwendolyn Brooks was an American teacher, poet, and author. During her life, Brooks authored over 20 books of poetry and one novel. In 1950, Gwendolyn Brooks was the first African American to win the Pulitzer Prize. Among countless other honors and awards, in 1968, she was named poet laureate for the state of Illinois, in 1976, she became the first African American woman to be inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Letters, she was the U.S. Poet Laureate for the 1985-86 term, she was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame in 1988, and in 1995, she was awarded the National Medal of Arts. 

Katherine Johnson

Katherine Johnson is an important Black history figure
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In 1962, Katherine Johnson's brilliant math skills were called upon to help put John Glenn into orbit around the Earth. John Glenn requested that Katherine herself double-check the orbital trajectory of the Friendship 7 from liftoff to splashdown; only then would he carry on with the mission. Later in her career, Johnson also worked on the Apollo Moon Landing project as well as early plans for a mission to Mars. Katherine Johnson also co-authored 26 scientific papers, which can still be found in the NASA archives. 

Mae C. Jemison

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Mae C. Jemison is an American physician and astronaut. In 1987, Jamison was the first African American woman to be accepted into NASA’s astronaut training program. In 1992, Jemison was also the first African American woman in space, flying there aboard the spaceship Endeavor with six other astronauts.

Maya Angelou

Maya Angelou was an important writer and activist
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With more than 30 bestselling titles, Maya Angelou wrote 36 books, not the least of which was her first book I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings. Although she died in 2014, Maya Angelou is remembered as a brilliant writer, poet, and civil rights activist. Oprah Winfrey said of her friend, “Maya Angelou is not what she has done or written or spoken, it’s how she did it all. She moved through the world with unshakeable calm, confidence, and a fiery, fierce grace and abounding love.”

Ron Finley

As a young man growing up in South Central LA, Ron Finley was all too familiar with the lack of fresh produce. Determined to change that, Finley started a garden on a dirt patch on the sidewalk outside of his home. When the city cited Finley for gardening without a permit, he rallied other “green activists” and petitioned for the right to grow food in his neighborhood. Finley won, and today he is affectionately known as “The Gangsta Gardener.” Now a community leader, Finley is determined to help urban communities break out of their "food prisons." Finley has traveled extensively speaking publicly on the topic, and he has even done a TEDTalk that has been watched by over three million people. 

Alice Coachman

Alice Coachman is a famous black history figure
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Alice Coachman was the first Black woman to win an Olympic Gold medal from any country. Born on November 9, 1923, in Albany, Georgia, she was the fifth of 10 children born to Fred and Evelyn Coachman.

At the time, it was considered "unladylike" for women to be interested in sports. Her parents agreed with this thinking and often punished Coachman for participating in activities like running and baseball. While she never considered a career in sports, by the 7th grade, she was one of the best athletes in Albany, boy or girl. Since the South was still segregated at this time, Coachman often ran shoeless and created her jumping equipment, as she was unable to use public facilities reserved for white kids. 

She transferred to the Tuskegee Institute during her sophomore year of high school, and as a member of their track-and-field team, Coachman won four national championships in the high jump and sprinting categories. As one of the best track-and-field athletes in the country, she continuously won titles in the 50m, the 100m, and the 400m relay, although her favorite was the high jump. 

She tried out for the 1948 US Olympic team and broke the World Record for the high jump during the trials. In August of 1948, she became the first Black woman and the first American woman to win an Olympic gold medal.

Even though her Olympic career ended with an injury at 24, Coachman went on to finish college and become an elementary and high school teacher and a track coach. She was inducted into multiple Hall of Fames for her abilities and founded the Alice Coachman Track and Field Foundation to help athletes and former competitors in financial need. Coachman died in 2014 at the age of 90. 

Don’t let the cold weather keep you from making memories

Winter on the horizon doesn’t mean family fun needs to stop. In fact, the cold weather can be ideal for certain activities (don’t forget our list of 100 indoor activities for kids!) that’ll keep everyone from suffering any seasonal boredom. From going on a winter scavenger hunt to hosting an awesome hot cocoa bar, here are 32 winter activities for kids and families that’ll help you bond with your crew.

one of the most fun winter activities for kids is to bake with mom or dad
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1. Bake together. Whip up a batch of cookies, brownies, or cupcakes. Make a few extra batches, and bring them to your neighbors.

2. Take a hike. Whether you live in a cold or warm winter climate, get the family outside to explore the outdoors.

3. Go to the library and find a good book to read. Need some reading inspiration? Here are 22 classic children's books that belong on every bookshelf, and the best new books of 2023.

4. Volunteer as a family. Teach your kiddos some compassion by volunteering as a family. There are lots of community activities that welcome help, and not just around the holiday season.

5. Make paper snowflakes and decorate your house. Give your house some winter cheer with homemade decorations. Paper snowflakes are easy and unique, and make the house look like a winter wonderland.

family game night is a fun winter activity for kids
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6. Game on! Break out the board games and cards and have a fun family night of board games.

7. Have a movie night. Light a fire, grab blankets, pop the popcorn, and find a few movies the entire family will love. Go with a classic must-see movie.

8. Make New Year's resolutions. Gather everyone together and talk about goals for 2023. Here are a few ideas if your family needs help with writing its resolutions.

9. Go to a play or concert. Try experiencing a musical, play, or local concert that you haven't seen before. 

10. Make paper airplanes. Give the kids white paper and show them this guide on how to make the perfect airplane

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11. Break out the printables. Print out a few printable activities on a cold afternoon.

12. Write a holiday/year-end card or letter. Why should holiday cards be something only the parents do? Have the kiddos write their own year-end cards and mail them to friends and family.

13. Give them interesting trivia to learn. Whether they love animals, space, Harry Potter, Disney, or even general trivia, we've got all the answers

14. Play in the snow. There's nothing that says winter more than making snow angels and having snowball fights together. If snow doesn't fall in your city, check out these snowflake science experiments.

15. Have the kids take one photo a day during the months of January and February. Then use your phone’s movie feature to create a film with music, and don't forget to upload your memories into the Tinybeans app

a nature walk is a good winter activity for kids
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16. Go on a nature scavenger hunt. Have the kids pick up pinecones, and sticks and take photos of what you find on the trails.

17. Go to a museum. From children's museums to museums of natural history, there's bound to be something your family will love to visit. Be sure to check your local museum's hours and if there are specific restrictions in place (for example, many museums are open again but require timed reservations to keep crowds down). 

18. Set up a dance party. Find a playlist, crank up the music, and let them wiggle, shake, and move to their heart's content. 

19. Make a vision board. It's fun to visualize what the new year might bring! 

making slime is one of the most fun winter activities for kids
Melissa Heckscher

20. Make slime. We know, it's a parent's worst nightmare. But kids love it, and we have a great recipe. We also have all the ways to get slime out of hair, clothes, and the couch

21. Pick an indoor game to play. If you've got multiple kids at home, pick an indoor game for them to set up and play.

22. Have a video game night. If an arcade isn't in your near future, surprise your kids by telling them you're going to play video games with them! Get a brand new game or better yet, check your local library. Most public libraries have a variety of games available for systems including the Xbox and the Nintendo Switch, a great way to try a game without having to buy it. 

23. Try a new restaurant. Splurge on dinner out as a family or if you prefer, to-go, from a restaurant no one has tried before. 

24. Make friendship bracelets. Older kids can make fun accessories to give to their friends. 

25. Treat the family to a hot cocoa bar. Make fancy hot chocolate (like with milk on the stove) and set up whipped cream, marshmallows, sprinkles, cherries, and everything else to make for a fun night of indoor sipping.

26. Embrace the world of pretend play. If you set up one of these ideas, it'll keep younger kids will be busy for an afternoon.  

27. Brighten up a cold winter’s night by playing a glow-in-the-dark game. How about flashlight charades or sardines? 

28. Host a fancy appetizer party. You don’t need the holidays as an excuse to have a party with these awesome recipes. Another idea is to surprise the kids and serve a variety of appetizers for dinner. You can even dress up and have a polite conversation. 

29. Practice yoga together. Get your family's zen on with a kid-friendly yoga video and practice as a family.

indoor forts are a classic winter activity for kids
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30. Build an indoor fort. Need ideas? We’ve got 13 awesome fort ideas your kids will want to make their permanent home.

31. Gather pinecones and make a craft. Try hanging them from your door or make a bird feeder.

32. Make breakfast for dinner. Shake things up and turn the most important meal into nighttime fun. Here are 30 super easy and tasty recipes your family will love.

Make sure to capture all the chilly fun—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.