Cruising is back in full swing with families enjoying the ease of getting to visit many ports without having to lug your luggage around with you. The good news is that 2024 promises to be an exciting year for sailing with the inaugural sailings of Royal Caribbean Icon of the Seas and Princess Cruises’ Sun Princess happening in early 2024. Whether you are wanting to check out the stunning beauty of Alaska or you have always wanted to spend the day at Coco Cay, we have the cruise for you. There are a few adventure cruises on this list for those looking for a more active cruise and plenty that will work well for that multi-generational trip. Bonus: You can even find some “Kids Sail Free” deals mixed in!
Royal Caribbean | 7-Day Eastern Caribbean & Perfect Day
Ready to welcome up to 7.600 guests, the Icon of the Seas is setting sail for the Eastern Caribbean in late January and families are already booking their next adventure. The stats on this massive ship are quite impressive: 20 decks, 7 pools, 9 whirlpools, and the most waterslides at sea. With stops in St. Kitts, the Bahamas, and St. Thomas, you'll get to enjoy the Caribbean culture when you head off the ship. Book by January 2, 2024 and take advantage of their Kids Sail Free promotion for sailings departing between January 5, 2024 – April 25, 2026.
Princess Cruises | Sun Princess 7-Day Mediterranean
Princess Cruises
Have you ever wanted to hang glide at sea? The brand-new Sun Princess is setting sail for the Caribbean and the Mediterranean next year and we can't wait to check it out. Kids will go crazy over the new activity zone named “Park19” that will feature simulated hang gliding, a two-story climbing structure, a splash zone, and even a hammock area for parents who need a little break from it all. Reimagined teen and tween zones will welcome these hard-to-please age groups with gaming areas, air hockey, foosball, and more.
We especially have our eye on their Mediterranean sailings that offer stops in Sicily, Montenegro, Barcelona, and Naples. You can often find their 3rd and 4th guests sail free promotion which makes this a very affordable option for families.
Windstar Cruises | 7-Day Costa Rica Cruises
Windstar Cruises
Windstar Cruises offer families a small ship experience that's full of adventure, education, and immersion in exciting new destinations. With only 148 to 342 guests on board each sailing, you'll get access to ports and areas of the world that other larger ships are unable to visit. There's ample downtime to relax while you are sailing and also access to the watersports platform where you can go swimming, snorkeling, or kayaking right off the back of the ship when anchored.
The Windstar Costa Rica itineraries offer ziplining and hikes to waterfalls, visits to natural parks with the possibility of glimpsing a sloth in the wild, and lots of opportunities to enjoy local cuisine. Families will enjoy the naturalist discussions onboard as well as the relaxed atmosphere.
Disney Cruise Line | Disney Wonder 7-Night Alaskan Cruise from Vancouver
Disney Cruise Line
Families who set sail with Disney Cruise Line know that the Disney magic follows you aboard from the friendly staff to the thoughtful kids programs and excursions. You can expect to enjoy Broadway-quality shows while onboard along with fireworks at sea, character experiences, movie screenings, and more. Disney cruises are particularly suited to multi-generational travel so be sure to invite the grandparents!
Disney's Alaskan cruises will have you spotting bald eagles and brown bears, cruising past majestic glaciers, hiking the mountains of Juneau, and visit the salmon capital of the world—Ketchikan. Excursions are the highlight of an Alaskan cruise and Disney has so many to choose from that you'll definitely find one that suits your family's interests.
Holland America Line | 7-Day Mexican Riviera
Make it easy on yourself and depart from San Diego aboard the Koningsdam for a seven-day Mexican Riviera cruise with stops in Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán, and Puerto Vallarta. Families will appreciate that this ship features family staterooms with beds for five (plus an extra bathroom) so you can easily keep an eye on your crew while sailing. Kids can participate in arts and crafts, sports, video game competitions, scavenger hunts, challenging team games, and themed parties while on board.
Optional excursions include bird watching expeditions, ziplining over the canopy, and a mini speedboat outing with private beach day.
Lindblad Expeditions | 7-Day Galapagos Cruise
Lindblad Expeditions
Meet the wildlife of the Galapagos Islands—from sea lions and blue-footed boobies to giant tortoises and Darwin’s finches. This kid-friendly cruise aboard the National Geographic Islander II will have you snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding and exploring the wildlife and local culture.
Kids will love participating in the onboard National Geographic Global Explorers program where they can choose among a host of cool activities—from recording wildlife sightings in their field notebook to collecting and observing plankton fresh from the ocean—all designed to help them develop what National Geographic Education defines as the attitudes, skills and knowledge of an explorer. They can collect points on their way to becoming a National Geographic Global Explorer—with the certification to prove it!
Hawaii—UnCruise Adventures
UnCruise
UnCruise offers a different type of cruise, and families will love it. Think smaller ship, more individualized attention and programming that kids and parents will both enjoy. You can visit four islands aboard UnCruise's : Molokai, Hawai’i, Maui, Lanai, and you have the opportunity to view loads of marine life. No need to dock and pick up another boat to go snorkeling or swimming, there's an option to do so right off the ship, along with paddleboarding.
UnCruise prices its adventures to include everything from room charges, meals, alcoholic beverages and even off-ship excursions, so you know upfront what your vacation will cost. There won't be any expectations to bring fancy clothing to dress up for dinner, as meals are much more streamlined on UnCruise. It really caters to families looking for bucket list experiences. Kids eight and up are always welcome, and special exceptions are made for those seven and under.
Avalon River Cruises | Paris to Normandy via the Seine
istock
If river cruising is more your family’s speed, Avalon Waterways has fantastic options for seeing Europe (or Asia or South America). You won’t find the clubs that keep the kids entertained during long stretches at sea, but you will find wraparound wonder with so much constantly in view right from the ship (your room included), making this a trip-of-a-lifetime for culture-seeking big kids (ages 8 and up).
Take a voyage down the epic Seine to visit landmarks made famous by the likes of Napoleon, Joan of Art, and Vincent Van Gogh. Plus, Paris! In addition to visits to the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower, the kids will love counting the 37 Parisian bridges—or challenge the family to keep a tally on the whole journey.
From the must-have Paw Patrol air carrier to cool book bundles, your busy kids will love these holiday gift ideas.
Parents of preschoolers know this stage is all about curiosity, exploration, and boundless energy. If you’re on the hunt for the just-right gifts that balance and encourage this playful combo—start with this list. From books that spark imagination to a scavenger hunt game that gets them outside, these innovative holiday gifts for 4-5-year-olds hit the mark. Need something for a different age? Check out our guides to the best gifts for 6-9 year-olds, tweens, and even stocking stuffers!
With a flash of light, these whimsical fairies come to life! Kids can control their movements with their hands and they can be released again and again.
Arrange and connect in just about any way, over anything! Can kids make the foam balls move from tube to tube? Can they use enough force to make them spin?
The ultimate holiday toy for a preschooler who loves to whip up a good meal. Whether they feel like making steak, pizza, corn, or veggie burgers, this pretend-play outdoor kitchen has what they need.
Tots with a need for speed will adore this speedy 4-in-1 Zig-Zag Raceway™ and electronic SmartPoint stunt car. They can rev up imaginative play and lessons around first words, fun tunes, phrases about feelings, and cool sound effects by cruising over three SmartPoint areas.
A must-have toy for preschoolers in 2023, they’ll love the dual vehicle launchers and Chase figure that comes with this aircraft carrier from Paw Patrol: The Might Movie.
Make screen time smarter with a kid-safe, ad-free app for ages 2-7. The Noggin Learning app is so easy, and it's the gift that keeps on giving. Build math, reading, wellness, social & emotional skills with 1000+ educational games, videos, and books starring your little one's favorite characters.
This dress is one that they'll want to wear over and over again. And, with JACADI's heirloom-quality pieces, they'll be able to. We also love the ultra-festive bold hues that are perfect for any holiday party.
An outdoor swing, but with a little sailing style thrown in for good measure. Perfect for two kiddos, it comes with adjustable, durable nylon ropes and O-rings for easy installation.
Your preschool kid might be a little too young for video games, but they’re never too young to love Super Mario Bros. With this board game, they get to enjoy the characters while having screen-free fun.
No preschool gift guide would be complete without Hot Wheels! This multi-level playset has dual racing tracks, a loop stunt, and pretend play opportunities on the first level of the ‘garage.’
The fire truck, police car, and rescue helicopter combine to create a 20"-long T.Rex ready to save the day! The police car makes sounds and has a driver, too.
They can keep a little magic close to their hearts while at school with this sweet gift perfect for preschoolers. It comes with eight ingredients, a booklet with five potions, and four different necklace styles.
hand2mindNumberblocks Super Secret Step Squad Headquarters
Fans of these mathematical superheroes will love this playset from the popular series. There’s a lookout, a ride-on elevator, and it comes with a Numberblock Three figurine. Get the rest of the Numberblock crew here.
The must-have for Bluey fans, this four-level playset has 45 sounds and phrases from the popular kids’ TV series, nine different play areas, and a real-working lift.
These cuties operate on USB charge, come in several color combos, and allow kids to communicate up to three miles apart. There’s even an option to listen to FM radio.
The perfect way to introduce a preschooler to all the wonderful ways the body works, this fun gift for ages four and up had a 3-D model, activity books, a magic “X-ray” machine, and much more.
With 36 wooden pieces and 60 pattern cards, preschoolers will have plenty of ways to practice their patterns. The bright colors and fun animals add to the fun.
A hot toy for holiday 2023, these magic mixie dolls are offered as a deer, a unicorn, or a mermaid, and all come in a sweet jeweled bottle. Just say the magic words and watch the mysterious potion reveal the treasure inside.
You’ll love reading these food-based stories about self-acceptance to your preschool kid. Choose between The Smart Cookie, The Sour Grape, The Couch Potato, and more!
Covered in the sweetest print, this activity book is perfect for on-the-go creativity. It comes with a set of ButterStix®, is erasable and washable, and is easy for little hands to handle.
Sparky is a special figment agent, and he delivers the FBI (Fantastic Bureau of Imagination)’s mail. One day, disaster strikes when the Cave of Untold Stories is too full, and Sparky must recruit more special agents. With lovely illustrations and fun prompts, this book is charmingly interactive.
Just because you know they’re last-minute Christmas gifts, doesn’t mean anyone else has to know
Oh, trust us. We get it. Yes, the holiday season is fun, full of cheer, friends, family, food. All the good stuff, really. But that doesn’t mean that it’s not incredibly busy. Like, incredibly busy. There’s barely time to make it from Place A to Place B, to decorate, coordinate, get dressed, and maybe sleep somewhere in there. Gift shopping is seriously tricky to squeeze in. Sure, it’s the 12 Days of Christmas starting today, but we’ve got last-minute Christmas gifts that’ll make it to your doorstep in 2(ish) days, thanks to Santa’s bff—Amazon Prime.
There are gifts for babies, kids, teens, tweens, him, her, all right here. They’re thoughtful, fun, and definitely look like they’re anything but last-minute Christmas gifts. From things that they want to things that they need, you’ll probably find yourself scooping up several goodies from our list and saving time. All you have to do is wrap them. Or, actually, Amazon will do that for you, too, so you can send presents directly to everyone on your list in no time flat. So you can focus on way more important things (like eating Christmas cookies. Or whatever.).
Baby & Kids Gifts
Educational Insights GeoSafari Jr. Talking Microscope
Amazon
This talking microscope features the voice of Bindi Irwin and lets kiddos get up close to high-quality images of animals and plants.
More than 15 experiments activities including dueling water tornadoes, building an erupting volcano, growing a crystal, two geologic dig kits, and more.
Made of high-quality, paraben-free, and non-toxic materials, this kids' makeup kit passes all US toy and cosmetics safety standards and is perfect for delicate skin. It's all easy to clean and water-washable.
Fisher-Price Imaginext 'Jurassic World' T. Rex & Owen
Amazon
Dinosaurs are having a very popular year, and this T. Rex with light-up eyes, chomping action, and a whole set of fun pieces is probably one of the reasons why.
MAGNA-TILES Builder 32-Piece Magnetic Construction Set
Amazon
Features everything they need to create the construction vehicles they love, including magnetic cranes. And, of course, it works with all other MAGNA-TILES sets for even more fun.
Inspired by the Cotton Candy Tree in the show, this playset features lights (batteries included) and a thumbwheel you can spin to activate the lights and reveal a secret room. A must for every Gabby's Dollhouse fan.
HP Sprocket Panorama Instant Portable Color Label & Photo Printer
Amazon
Use the free HP Sprocket Panorama app to customize photos right from your phone, then instantly roll out beautiful sticky-backed pictures of various sizes from 2"x9" photo strips to vibrant labels as small as 0.5”x2".
Exit: The Haunted Roller Coaster Card At-Home Escape Room
Amazon
For kiddos 10+ (and their families!), this card-based escape room game has up to 4 players working together to solve riddles and crack codes. No app required.
Initial necklaces are such sweet gifts and they look adorable as part of a necklace stack. Plus, personalized goodies definitely don't look like last-minute Christmas gifts.
These slippers are everywhere on social media, and we're thrilled that comfy-casual is being embraced because we were doing that, anyway. The little bit of platforms keep them ultra-trendy.
One of our favorite hair care brands, Moroccan Oil, also offers this super lightweight, rich, and deliciously-scented body oil. Perfect for year-round use.
Listen. This will be the last razor you ever use. Ever. We have never gotten a better shave (even our husbands agree, so also don't sleep on giving this to the guys in your life, either), it's easy, smooth, and hi. It's pretty. Available in 1-3 blade options and multiple colors.
The newly launched speaker is more than just a sound system. With its innovative AudibleWave Technology, the Mirai Speaker creates opportunities for increased TV viewing time with family and friends thanks to crystal-clear audio dialogue, without the need to increase the volume to excessive levels.
We can't explain to you exactly how incredible it smells, but we can tell you that our shopping editor got it for her partner years ago and he's never used anything else since.
Whether you go for the classic, or add ham, bacon, tomatoes, or whatever you want to stuff it with, this grilled cheese toaster has extra-wide slots for the perfect sandwich.
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.
If you are ready to fully immerse yourself in the holiday season, these towns offer the winter wonderland you are looking for
It’s time to pull out your sense of whimsy and all the warm clothes because it’s Winter Wonderland season! Our carefully curated list includes spots where you’ll hear the ring of sleigh bells, wander down lanes full of glistening snow, and see a few thousand sparkling Christmas lights. Whether you’re looking for a Santa extravaganza, a beachside holiday getaway, or slopes that boast the freshest powder around, you’re sure to find a new Christmas hot spot you and the kids won’t want to miss.
If your holiday wish list includes island time, Jekyll Island should be on your list. Its sunny beaches, warm weather, and historic charm fit the bill perfectly. The holiday packages at Jekyll Island Resort Club make finding the balance between hunkering down at a lush resort and exploring the town it’s in easy. All month long, families can take full advantage of the resort’s special events. How about breakfast with the Grinch? Or a holiday movie night? A must-do event is the Holly Jolly Light Tour. Whether you sign up for the resort’s outstanding holiday happenings or venture out to explore the historic island, you won’t be disappointed.
St. Augustine's annual Nights of Lights has been listed among the top ten holiday light displays in the world by National Geographic. It takes two months to prepare. St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights features millions of tiny white lights that create a magical atmosphere in the Nation’s Oldest City, and it's free of charge. The festival kicks off with Light-Up! Night on November 18 at 6 p.m. The City of St. Augustine is offering a Free Park & Ride Shuttle on select days during the Nights of Lights Season and you can even tour the lights by land or sea.
If your little ones are questioning the existence of Santa, it's time to get out the GPS. In Indiana, there's a town named after the magical gift-giving Christmas visitor, and as you'd imagine, the folks there take the town's namesake pretty seriously.
There's a Santa Claus Museum that tells the story of the town, and there's Santa’s Candy Castle for sweet treats and a chance to log on to the North Pole Network and chat with an elf. In December there are roasted chestnuts, a Santa parade, a light display, and even dinner with Santa! Check the schedule for details and don’t miss the Santa Claus Christmas Store, filled with holiday collectibles and a thrill-seeking ride at the year-round Holiday World Theme Park.
There's no shortage of seasonal entertainment at Silver Dollar City. The 1880s-style theme park offers a blend of old-time celebrations with dizzying light displays that will shine in your memory for decades. The place is decked out for the holidays with glittering lights in the shapes of angels, animated reindeer, moving train carriages, stars, snowflakes, and a giant tree.
There's Rudolf's Christmas Town, where kids can meet Rudolf, play games, and decorate cookies. There are seasonal musical productions and a living nativity as well as an interactive show for kids featuring a 12-foot singing Christmas tree. In Santa Claus Lane, kids meet the man himself. Hold onto your Santa hats!
During the holiday season, Pittsburgh lights up with magnificent holiday decorations and dazzling lights that add to the sparkle of the already beautiful skyline. You'll find numerous holiday markets, themed pop-up bars, and events that bring even more joy to the spirit of the season. From outdoor shopping and toasty refreshments to indoor exhibits and bites for the whole family, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the holidays in Pittsburgh. Also, be sure to make plans to glide across the glistening ice rink at PPG Place.
Holiday travelers will love exploring Virginia’s Blue Ridge during what locals have dubbed their “fifth season”when the Roanoke Valley transforms into a glittering wonderland for the holidays. In addition to world-class outdoor adventure, standout culinary offerings, and cozy accommodations, there are a myriad of family-friendly festivals and arts events to get the festive spirit going.
Some highlights:
Dickens of a Christmas (first three Fridays of Dec.) – tree lighting, dog shows, local vendors, live holiday performances and more in Downtown Roanoke.
Illuminights (Nov. 18-Dec. 29) – walk through a trail of more than 650,000 lights displays, just off the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway. Also features an Artisan Market, s’mores making, and more! Perfect for little ones.
Elmwood on Ice (Nov. 22-Jan. 28) – outdoor ice skating in the heart of Downtown Roanoke.
Christmas in Newport | Newport, RI
This seaside town goes all out for the season, stringing lights along the harbor and wharves, and trimming historic Victorian houses with wreaths and window candles. The real focus of this winter destination, though, is goodwill toward others. What started back in 1971 has turned into a whole-town extravaganza featuring holiday-themed events and activities every day of December. Each event fits into one of two criteria—being free to the public or benefiting a charity. The town raises thousands of dollars each year, and visitors get to enjoy everything from the tree lighting to walking tours, museum experiences, teas, and even musical programs, any day of the week. Kid-friendly highlights include the Reindeer Games and meeting Santa.
During the holidays, the Holy City transforms into a real-life Charles Dickens scene with garlands of greenery embellishing historic mansions, magnolia wreaths hung on wrought-iron gates, and twinkling lights wrapping around trunks of Palmetto trees. Enjoy magical events like James Island’s Annual Holiday Festival of Lights (Nov. 10 – Dec. 31) featuring over two million dazzling lights, the 2023 Drayton Hall Oyster Roast (Dec. 3), a longtime favorite of local families and visitors alike, and Charleston Jazz Orchestra’s Holiday Swing (Dec. 2), showcasing winter classics and holiday favorite hits.
The Holy City’s most awarded hotel, French Quarter Inn, invites travelers to experience the charm of the holidays in Charleston with the ultimate festive accommodations in its Sleigh Bell Suite. Available throughout the month of December, this decked out suite with garland and mistletoe will feature an in-room eggnog bar, a special ornament delivered at turndown, classic holiday movie screenings, and so much more.
North Pole Experience | Flagstaff, AZ
North Pole Experience
Take your little elf on a journey to the North Pole with the North Pole Experience in Flagstaff. Families board a trolly to travel through a magic portal into Santa's woodland workshop among towering pine trees. There's the mailroom, the sleigh hangar, a mission control center, radar systems, access to the factory floor, a trip to Elf University, a visit with Mrs. Claus, plus cookies and snowman soup in the bakery. Each child then gets to meet Santa himself and will score a digital photo and a teddy bear to take home.
The host hotel is Little America, but The North Pole Experience works with many area hotels to accommodate families. Come for the holiday cheer, but stay for the extra winter amenities Flagstaff has to offer, like skiing, and exploring the Grand Canyon.
Imagine historic houses paired with over a million twinkling lights as a backdrop to this winter destination that’s drawn locals and out-of-state visitors for over 70 years. If you visit, expect lots of holiday cheer, dazzling light displays, and run-ins with various Christmas-themed characters that’ll keep the kids busy and wide-eyed as you wander.
Favorite stops to grab a cup of cocoa or warm up after you’ve made the lake loop include Santa’s Post Office, the old fire station, and the old-fashioned toy Shoppe. Remember to snag a pic with Santa and Mrs. Claus while you’re there too. Bundle up to experience this inventive village on the lake!
Since 1927, this town has been celebrating Christmas in a major way. Over 300,000 lights and 100+ set pieces are on display every night at dusk. Every Saturday there is live music, kids' activities, fireworks, and more. Book a time for cookies with Santa. Make sure you're there on Dec. 2 for the 96th Annual Christmas Festival.
Located just outside the winter wonderland city Bend, Oregon, Brasada Ranch will be trimming the trees and putting their best Christmas foot forward to elevate their already amazing family game. In addition to their everyday perks like horseback riding, indoor sports, and babysitting services, December’s resort activities will include family favorites like decorating ornaments, stockings, and gingerbread houses; story time with one of Santa’s favorite elves; and heading out on a cozy carriage ride (just to name a few). It’s easy to handpick a winter weekend to make your family's wishes come true. Book soon to get the weekend you want at this Pacific Northwest favorite.
No holiday is complete without visiting Christmas Town, U.S.A. in December. The town of McAdenville, North Carolina goes all out during the holidays, starting with a spectacular tree lighting on Dec. 1. From there, it’s fully-lit houses (over 160 at last count) and the historic McAden Mills Bells Tower playing holiday classics for all to hear, as visitors wander through the neighborhoods to enjoy display after display. In the center of town, you’ll find over 250 evergreens wearing more than half a million lights to light the lovely walking path that goes around the lake.
Don't miss special events like the Yule Log Ceremony (Dec. 14) and the parade that follows. Psst … we hear Santa will be making a special appearance at the end of the route to greet his biggest (and smallest) fans.
People travel from all over the country to celebrate the holidays in Colonial Williamsburg. The living history museum is known for going all out in the winter in order to create memorable holiday moments from the past—in the present. There are costumes, merrymaking, and messages of hope as well as fireworks and historic events. Tour the city with a knowledgeable guide and experience the Christmastide season, listen to traditional tribal stories during Midwinter Story Time, or lace up your skates and take your little ones for a twirl at Liberty’s Ice Pavilion. The options are endless.
Tucked away in the Ozark Mountains is a luxe resort that pulls out all the stops during the holiday season. The cozy log cabins come with their very own Christmas tree and elf visits. Kid-friendly activities abound, there's the Sleigh Bell Scurry (a holiday-themed scavenger hunt), an ice skating rink, sing-a-longs, storytelling and cooking with Mrs. Claus, the Great Gingerbread Build-Off contest, and the 12 Days of Christmas: daily activities that countdown until the big day. Most impressive is the larger-than-life Gingerbread Village, with tiny houses, trees, and other details that mimic resort sites.
Merry Weihnachten, y’all! Mix an old-world German Christmas with warm Texas hospitality, and you get Christmastime in Fredericksburg. The light-filled Marktplatz has a hand-carved, festive, wooden centerpiece and there are events like the annual Tannenbaum Ball, along with vintage-style shops filled with one-of-a-kind treasures. The kids will love the outdoor ice rink, the Light and Nicht Christmas Parade, seasonal theater, and live music.
For the past 30+ years, this tiny hamlet by the sea has welcomed thousands of visitors on the second weekend in December for its Christmas by the Sea celebration. The event starts with the city tree lighting, complete with cookies and carolers, on Friday. Over the next couple of days, the celebration is filled with all sorts of fun: crafts for kids, a Christmas parade, hayrides, mulled cider and wine tasting, fireworks, beach bonfires, and for those who dare—a polar bear plunge!
Horse-drawn carriages? Check. Carolers caroling? Check. Plenty of candy canes and other holiday goodies? Check! No one does a Victorian Christmas Celebration like Nevada City, a small California town nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. During December, the downtown streets are blocked to through traffic and open to bustling holiday activities: jugglers, carolers, food vendors, and more. There’s a photo op with Santa at the end of Broad Street, the Nevada City Craft Fair for holiday shopping, and even chestnuts roasting over an open fire.
You don’t have to leave the country to pay a visit to the North Pole, in fact, you don’t even have to leave Southern California. Just outside of Lake Arrowhead you’ll find a winter wonderland where both Santa and fun in the snow await. If your idea of a snow day is not so much skiing and sledding, as it is simply playing, then this is the place for you. Besides the snow itself, your kids will be filled with winter wonder over the twinkling beauty of the village and, of course, the big man himself, Santa. If you need a break from stomping around in the snow, there is also ice skating, a train ride, and plenty of yuletide-themed festivities.
From a weighted basketball to infinite jewelry and games that will get them outside, these gifts for tweens will get a thumbs up from your hard-to-please older kid
Finding the perfect gift is tricky, especially for the tweens and teens on your list, because, let’s face it, they’re not easily impressed. Getting it right with this age group requires some serious legwork, but it’s so worth it! That’s why we’ve pulled together gifts for tweens that we know they’ll love—from the coolest decor for their rooms to games to keep them happily entertained; each one is a total vibe. Have younger kids at home? Check our gift guides for preschoolers and grade school kids, and don’t forget the stocking stuffers!
XBox Mobile Game Controller
Hook your iPhone up to this handheld controller for a better gaming experience on the go.
Dear Rebel: 125+ Women Share Their Best Advice for the Girls of Today
Through letters, poems, essays, self-portraits, and more, the authors tackle topics like overcoming obstacles, discovering your passion, and dreaming big.
Paris Hilton Mini Refrigerator and Personal Beauty Fridge
Walmart
Keep cosmetics and drinks cool, or keep towels and cosmetic wax warm with this adorable pink mini fridge. It also includes a mirrored door with light, so you have everything you need in one cute little package. "That's hot."
In this fun, instructional graphic novel, follow the creative journey of aspiring manga artist Lemon-chan to learn how to draw the fundamentals of the manga style.
'What Happened to Rachel Riley?' by Claire Swinarski
In this indie bestseller, an eighth grader uses social media posts, passed notes, and other clues to find out why a formerly popular girl is now the pariah of her new school.
While you might not think a water bottle is that exciting of a gift, teens and tweens are obsessed with this Hydroflask, especially when they can deck it out with loads of stickers.
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.
There are plenty of pre-made and themed Advent calendars for everyone. From Harry Potter collectibles and LEGO bricks to spa products and gourmet chocolate, we’ve rounded up the best countdown calendars of the season that will get kids (and parents!) in the spirit in no time.
Best Advent Calendars for LEGO-Lovers
LEGO City Advent Calendar
Santa with his sack of toys and Mrs. Claus on a snowboard are just two of the treasures you’ll find in this Advent calendar for little LEGO lovers.
This fun set includes minifigs of Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley, Draco Malfoy, Aberforth Dumbledore, and Madam Rosmerta, plus iconic items from the Harry Potter movies.
Count down to Christmas with your favorite Star Wars characters. This fun Advent calendar includes LEGO Emperor Palpatine, an Ewok and a Pit Droid in holiday outfits, a Gonk Droid dressed as a reindeer, Omega with a sled, a 212th Clone Trooper, B-1 Battle Droid, and Princess Leia.
Your little builders will love unwrapping this fun set that will let them engineer a winter wonderland complete with lights, a motorized sled hill, and an ice rink.
Calling all animal lovers! This unique set lets your kids make their Advent calendar with stickers, markers, and miniature exotic animals from around the world! The set contains 24 surprise items including wild animals from all the continents. Fill each box per the included instructions or get creative and decide for yourself what to put inside. Then, decorate the set with the included stickers and personalize it with your child’s name.
The fun never ends with this buildable train station calendar. Once opened, kids can put together wooden railway tracks, wooden trains, 3 figures (Station master, Passenger, Santa), a wooden snowman, a wooden Christmas tree, a wooden gift pack, 3 plastic traffic marks, a plastic bridge, a plastic connection, plastic bag, and 1 station master traffic sign. Then just unfold the box, which transforms into a Christmas scene.
This seasonal day-by-day craft kit lets your kids unbox and make 24 seasonal crafts they can use as ornaments to hang on the tree. From beaded candy canes to yarn pom-poms, and cardboard reindeer to no-sew stockings—makers ages nine and up will be able to do all of these projects on their own (and younger artists can do it all with parental supervision).
Each day in this set will bring a new character that you can build from Santa and the reindeer to Frosty and friends. When the holidays are over, take them apart and make new creations!
Car-crazed kids will want to tear through this Advent calendar containing 25 days’ worth of “Vroom Vroom” fun, including 14 Micro Machine mini vehicles and 11 accessories. There’s also a racetrack to put together, so little drivers will have a place to race. The 2″ Micro Machines figures include cars, a plane, trucks, and more.
Sugarfina’s candy is sweet enough for the kids but unique enough in its flavors that grown-ups will want to get a taste, too! The gourmet candy company’s Gingerbread House Advent Calendar offers a 24-day tasting of the candy company’s gourmet candy collection, with a fun array of offerings from holiday presents, Heavenly Sours, Christmas Trees, Snowman Gummies, Walk of Fame Stars, and many more.
If your kids love chocolate, this calendar has 24 days of pre-wrapped melt-in-your-mouth milk chocolate by the Italian confectionery company Ferrero. The only downside? There’s just one piece per day, so an extra calendar may just come in handy.
Mini Brands take all the things kids love—toys and snacks—and make them super-small for collecting and trading! They’ll be delighted to open up mini cans of Pringles and ramen every day during Advent.
You’ll get a number of Elf on the Shefl characters and Elf Pets in this fun set that’s sure to get you in the holiday spirit. There’s even a fun racetrack to get everyone zooming around town.
PLAYMOBIL Magic Bathtime Fun Mermaids Advent Calendar
Perfect for toddlers, this splashtastic Advent calendar makes bath time fun. Once all the doors have been opened, your kids will have tons of mermaids, marine animals, and more to create all sorts of water adventures.
Paw Patrol is on a roll with this adorable Advent calendar filled with collectible dogs from the beloved show. Kids will be able to unbox a different character and accessory each day, with all of their favorite pups represented—plus extras to help with the storytelling, including animal friends and accessories.
Truth: Kids who love Play-Doh can’t get enough of the squishy stuff. This Advent calendar offers a standalone tub plus fun accessories (like tools, cutters, and accessories) for each of the 24 days before Christmas. The box also has tear-off play mats with snowman and gingerbread scenes so kids can use their imaginations to create wintery stories or enhance the scenes.
It’s Happy Christmas with this Funko Pop! calendar. Coming with 24 characters maxing out at 1.87 inches tall, this Harry Potter-themed Advent comes with plenty of Pocket Pops to complete your collection.
National Geographic Rocks, Minerals & Fossils Advent Calendar
Help your kid be a bonafide rock star with this advent calendar that offers a different rock, mineral, or fossil every day. The polished specimens include geode; pyrite, blue and rose quartz; tiger’s eye; brachiopod, and more. The final day’s treasure is a stunning rose quartz specimen that kids will dig out of a brick. Dig tool, brush, magnifying glass, and collector’s bag included, plus an illustrated gallery that identifies and describes each specimen.
Make every night in December Game Night! This Advent calendar lets you unbox a different family game for each of the 24 days leading up to Christmas. The collection includes dice games such as Farkle and Yatzy; party games such as Truth or Dare, Balloon Volleyball, and Tag-in-the-Dark; nostalgic games such as Marbles and Pick-up Sticks; brain teasers such as “Find It” and Tangram; and classics such as Dominoes, Tic-Tac-Toe, and War.
This pocket Advent calendar will quickly become a family tradition. Crafty parents will love filling it with tiny treats, family activities, and holiday toys.
Your family can travel this holiday season with this fun kit that brings you to a new country each day. Kids will love meeting a buddy who lives in that country and learning about holiday traditions all over the world.
Williams-Sonoma 24 Days of Baking Cookies Advent Calendar
This Advent calendar is a fun way to get your family baking this holiday season as it’s full of all the tools you’ll need to craft cookies, cakes, and pies. From cookie cutters to spatulas, piping bags, gift bags, decorating tips, and more, the goodies are guaranteed to inspire.
This set of tiny spreads and honey has a cult following and we can see why. Who doesn’t love tiny jars of jams and jellies to start off your mornings during the holiday season?
Vinebox’s wine advent calendar is back! Choose from two collections or get both for 24 nights of wine. The Cozy Collection features 12 delicious reds curated for fireplace chats and wool blankets. The Chill Collection includes a delightful mix of rich whites, invigorating rosés, and even a few chillable reds.
This year the KORRES Advent calendar is inspired by Greek tradition and features designs from the collection of the Benaki Museum. You’ll get 24 products for your skin, body, and hair.
Choose between 12-day and 24-day Advent calendars and you’ll get a pot of tea to enjoy each day. It’s a great way to kick off the busy mornings. This cute Advent calendar is reusable for next year which we love!
This garden-themed Advent calendar comes with 24 exquisitely handcrafted chocolates, made from ripe succulent flavors from California’s bountiful orchards. They’re almost too pretty to eat!
What dad doesn’t need a nice new pair of funky socks? Papa will be keeping his tootsies toasty all month long with this colorful advent calendar that gifts him a new pair of Happy Socks every day for 24 days. The box comes with a mix of holiday socks, dotted socks, striped socks—and a slew of others that are supposed to be a surprise.
Welcome in the holidays with a warm cup of joe! Bean Box’s Advent calendar comes with 12 limited-edition 2023 Holiday Blends that brew four to six mugs each. Choose from whole bean or blended, and then enjoy specialty coffee the whole season.
If you’d like to have a full holiday season of reds, whites, rosés, and bubblies, the WSJ Wines of the World Advent Calendar is perfect for sharing. Plus, the sweet nostalgic design and beautiful bottles make this one extra-special.
Why should your dog have to watch while you and the kids have all the fun? This adorably-designed Advent calendar comes with 24 treats your pup will love. You’ll get 4 gourmet dog macarons, 12 bone treats, and 8 truffles—all Fido-friendly, of course.
Meow! Treat your fur baby with this fun calendar for the holidays. It comes with 16 3 oz. Fancy Feast Gourmet Wet Cat Food, four Savory Cravings Cat Treat boxes, two broths, and two savory purees.
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.
These toys and gift ideas for kids ages 6-9 include must-have items like the Bitzee Digital Pet and a Roblox gift card
It’s gift guide season, and today we’re tackling the elementary-age crowd (for younger kiddos, check out our preschoolers’ gift list and for the older crew our tween guide is a must-read). The 6-9 age group is so fun because they’re old enough to appreciate a thoughtful gift, yet still young enough to be wowed by the magic of it all. From the never-go-out-of-style gifts like LEGO sets to one of the hottest holiday toys of 2023, we’ve got a covetable selection of toys and gift ideas for kids ages 6-9 at a variety of budgets.
Air Hogs Zero Gravity Sprint
Zip, zoom, and drive this race car on any smooth surface, including the walls and ceiling.
The LeapFrog® Magic Adventures™ Telescope features up to 110x magnification and lets kids zoom in on the moon at night or nature during the day. Capture and save what you see, and explore out-of-this-world discoveries and more through 100+ NASA videos and images on the 2.4” screen.
If your grade school kiddo hasn’t been swept up in Minverse madness yet, here’s the perfect introduction. The kitchen comes with the UV-light oven needed to ‘make’ their treats, and two bonus recipes and oven mitts are also included.
The paper fortune cookie tellers of our youth are back and better than ever. This book is filled with tear-out pages to fill in and fold up (in gender-inclusive designs!).
Two toys for the price of one? We're there. This super durable set both light up and make sounds (but not overly annoying ones, we swear), plus they're collector's items. Hurry, though. They will sell out; they do every year.)
woom Bikes are designed specifically for kids and their needs. The woom OFF 4 Bike is a 20" bike that provides off-road capacity in a kid-friendly lightweight frame. Also available in black.
One of the coolest new toys we’ve seen in 2023, kids can pet, feed, and play with up to 15 3-D digital pets. The more they play, the faster they level up!
Create Like Frida Self-Portrait Mirror Painting Kit
Creative kids will be inspired by the world’s most famous self-portrait artist with their own art set that includes three pre-printed and one blank decal.
One of the hottest gift ideas for kids in 2023, little scientists can combine all the ingredients they need to create their very own beast. The sounds, lights, and mist actions give this kit an authentic lab vibe.
This brand-new game isn’t just fun for Barbie lovers! Design gurus will enjoy picking wallpaper and decor to create the ultimate home for the iconic doll and her friends.
Indiana Jones doesn’t have anything on your curious kid. There are six molds that look like iconic historical items like the pyramids, a Viking helmet, and the Great Wall of China. Using excavating tools, kids will dig for treasures in each one.
We love how Pair offers magnetic frames to customize your base frames, and we know kiddos will, too. Keep their sensitive eyes protected with a ton of color and lens options, so they can enjoy the sun in style.
Speedsters can create their own course with over nine feet of starter track, and you can incorporate materials you find around the house to create obstacles, tunnels, and more.
All of the fun of a pet without the cleanup! This interactive pup is ready for love and care and even comes with six games, like Fortune Teller and Ultimate Nose Boop.
Get your elementary school kids talking with three different sets of questions: Would You Rather? Family Edition, Would You Rather? Made You Think!, and Would You Rather? Christmas Edition.
In the latest installment of Dav Pilkey’s popular elementary school series, Piggy is back! Who will stop him from attempting to put his diabolical plan into action?
The ‘90s called, but we’re not giving these back! As fun as ever, kids can design their own line of clothing with this kit that now includes a set of cool stickers.
Disney’s timeshare program gets you loads of benefits for your Disney Parks visits
Are you what they’d call a “Disney family” armed with Mickey ears at any given moment? Or maybe you enjoy that annual visit to the “Happiest Place on Earth” with the grandparents in tow. There is a way to enjoy repeated Disney magic with extra perks—and it could even save you money in the long run. It’s called Disney Vacation Club and it’s been around for decades. But what is this fabled part of Disney fandom? Let’s peel back the curtain on the Mouse’s membership club.
In a pixie-dusted nut shell… Disney Vacation Club is Disney’s version of vacation ownership. Essentially, it’s like pre-paying for vacations for years to come—and savings can be found in the long run for both annual and frequent visitors.
Members purchase points to redeem annually at any of the 16 Disney Vacation Club resorts. And it’s not just the theme parks—there’s the oceanfront Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Hawaii, and even the picturesque Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort on the coast of South Carolina.
Maybe you prefer the sea over land or to explore faraway lands? This yearly allotment of points can also be used to travel with Disney Cruise Line, and other Disney vacations around the world, including Adventures By Disney, National Geographic Expeditions, and hotels at most international Disney Parks. You can also convert points and use them at non-Disney Vacation Club properties around the world.
By using a points-based system, DVC offers flexibility in both accommodation style and destination as a family’s vacation habits change over time.
Based on travel preferences, you decide how many points you’d like to purchase, and this will be the amount that you receive annually throughout the contract. Points needed per stay are based on destination, room style, and date of visit.
New contracts start at 100 points, but 150 is necessary to access ‘membership magic’—Disney speak for special perks (more on that later). You can also have multiple contracts at different resorts, and members can also add points to existing contracts as their vacation desires change. There’s also the ability to bank points and borrow from the following year—allowing members to use up to 3 years of points in one year for a larger vacation.
Looking to try it out? You can rent points from a qualified third party if you’re curious about room accommodations. Additionally, a limited stock of rooms at Disney Vacation Club resorts are available to the general public for cash stays.
Disney vacations are a pricy endeavor but membership adds a Dole Whip-level dose of sweetness to the deal—especially for families with young children. Unlike standard hotel rooms, Disney Vacation Club resorts offer the desirable comforts of home, like larger common spaces, dining tables, kitchens, and washer/dryer in-room units. Accommodation styles range from deluxe studios all the way up to 3-bedroom grand villas, ideal for the smaller family or a multi-gen trip.
For families with little ones, complimentary cribs and playpens are also available. Pining for a night out? At Walt Disney World, Kid’s Nite Out is the top trusted child care service available in-room—and even arrives fully loaded with games, books, and toys.
One of the biggest perks of being a DVC member is what is known as “membership magic.” This includes exclusive member benefits, the flexibility to travel the world with your family, and theme park perks that cultivate a sort of community pride and yes, there’s even Disney Vacation Club merchandise.
Is your little one overstimulated? There are lounges in the theme parks available exclusively for use by DVC members. Available at Epcot in Walt Disney World and Disneyland Park in Anaheim, these lounges offer a welcome retreat to cool off with ample seating and ports to recharge your devices.
Perhaps the crown jewel of perks, members can enjoy Moonlight Magic, a complimentary after-hours event offered several times a year. Disney Parks after-hours events, like Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, are a fan favorite but can set a family back hundreds or even thousands of dollars. This completely free party offers unlimited treats (hello, all-you-can-eat Mickey bars!), rare character appearances, and shorter wait times.
Discounts further add value, and include everything from savings on event tickets to dining and activities. There are even special member cruises on Disney Cruise Line.
Since you can use your points however you’d like, and switch it up year after year, there’s not one cookie-cutter qualifier for who can get the most out of Disney Vacation Club. With flexible accommodation types, comforts of home, and perks, it particularly appeals to families with children. The multi-gen traveling family can save up points and use them for an annual extended trip with its larger, multi-room accommodations, or the frequent visitors looking to do several smaller visits can spread out their points across the year.
Insider Pro Tip: Disney Vacation Club will offer the best savings for those who plan to vacation at least every other year and who prefer to stay in deluxe-level accommodations.
A look inside some favorite Disney Vacation Club properties:
Disney’s Old Key West, Walt Disney World
Disney’s Old Key West is the quintessential Disney Vacation Club resort and the one that started it all. Its colorful, charming Floridian-inspired grounds are expansive, with standout pools and dining, making this the type of resort guests want to hang around for a much-deserved break from the parks.
There’s not a theme park in sight at Aulani, a stunning oceanfront resort on the quieter western shores of Oahu. Here, Disney’s excellence in storytelling is matched with local flair and architecture for an elevated experience all its own. Its on-site spa and gourmet bites stand out while also featuring the comforts Disney fans are used to, like Dole whip and character sightings.
For a taste of the luxurious life at Walt Disney World, Disney’s Riviera Resort carries an upscale feel complete with posh accommodations. Inspired by Mediterranean resorts around the French and Italian Riviera, it feels far removed from the nearby theme park but with plenty of Disney touches throughout. The grounds are gorgeous and it’s home to some of the best dining at Walt Disney World.
The newest property, the Villas at Disneyland Hotel has that classic Disneyland nostalgia combined with contemporary designs and upscale amenities. A stone’s throw from the theme parks, rooms here are inspired by Disney’s beloved animated classics, like “Sleeping Beauty” and “The Princess and the Frog.”
From drawing lessons to DIY science experiments, the popular streaming platform is filled with amazing (and appropriate) content
Sometimes YouTube gets a bad rap. Sure, there are countless videos of kids unboxing toys and grown men narrating Minecraft—but there’s also tons of educational content to keep your kids entertained and learning. From step-by-step drawing lessons to DIY science experiments, YouTube is teeming with amazing content you’ll feel good about sharing with your littles. Here are our recommendations for the best YouTube channels for kids.*
*If you feel safer putting your kid on the more kid-filtered YouTube Kids, you can find select episodes of much of the below content via the YouTube Kids search bar.
Science & Nature YouTube Channels for Kids
Smithsonian - While the Smithsonian does have a paid portion of its channel, there is still a plethora of free videos to peruse on its Youtube Channel—everything from documentary-style videos with real, historic footage of big events throughout history to a series on orangutan conservation that will make your little a full-on expert on apes.
National Geographic - You'll find a sprawling library of Nat Geo videos, from Brain Games to Planet Earth. Parents will need to sleuth the channel to find the videos most appropriate for their kids' needs, but there are so many quality choices Mom and Dad may want to come back and browse for themselves.
Bill Nye The Science Guy - The quirky scientist has a myriad of easy-to-understand segments on a variety of complex scientific concepts including static electricity, chemical reactions, and evolution. Kids will love Nye's goofy demeanor; parents will love that he explains things just right for young scientists.
Cincinnati Zoo - This zoo recently made it its mission to offer "Home Safaris" for homeschooled kids. The 45-minute virtual field trips give viewers an inside look at the zoo's various residents with the help of a keeper, who teaches a full-on lesson (Psst: Our favorite is this one-on-one with the hippos.).
San Diego Zoo - Watch a giant tortoise munch down a watermelon; see a baby gorilla's tiny face up close; watch polar bears play in the snow. There's a reason the San Diego Zoo is known worldwide—and its Youtube channel gives viewers an inside peek into the action.
Sick Science - Steve Spangler hosts this fun channel that gives kids great ideas for DIY experiments. Kids can make a "sugar kaleidoscope," make geodes inside an eggshell, and make an instrument out of a straw.
Mystery Doug - Big concepts, small concepts—it's all here. Mystery Doug puts sciences into words and visuals that kids can understand. Each video is about five minutes long, and Doug (a former school teacher) makes it easy for kids to grasp questions like, "How do germs get inside our bodies?" or "Why do we get goosebumps?" To subscribe, go to his website (it's free!). Some videos also have easy-to-do activities or experiments that go with them.
Doctor Mad Science - This channel is full of easy-to-understand videos of simple-to-perform science experiments. Got milk, Q-tips, and soap? You've got one experiment covered! A grape and a microwave? You won't believe what happens (and make sure you supervise!). The channel is hosted by a young autistic boy, who narrates and does all the experiments himself.
Art For Kids Hub - We love watching artist Rob—and his adorable family—making art together. Rob gives easy, step-by-step instructions that will have even the smallest kiddos making art in just minutes. With popular kid subjects like Pokemon, Star Wars, Frozen, and Fortnite (as well as a slew of other things that are just plain cute), the videos make drawing super-easy and fun.
Disney Parks Drawing Tutorials - Learn how to draw your favorite Disney characters (Note: The link takes you to the Disney Parks channel, and you have to scroll to find the characters you want to draw.).
EasyPicturesToDraw - For more reluctant artists, these step-by-step tutorials make it super-easy to draw simple characters.
Red Ted Art - Easy-to-do art projects that are suitable even for young (3+) children. Kids and parents can create everything from cardboard roll projects to pop-up cards and bath bombs.
Babble Dabble Do - Part art, part science, this channel teaches kids how to make a variety of things, from paper lanterns and rubber eggs to wizard's brew, rubber eggs, and DIY toys (we love this super-easy instructional on how to make a "rubber" egg). Some of these are a bit complicated, so most require parental supervision to keep kids on track.
KidsActivitiesBlog - You'll find simple art projects using household items. There's a slew of toilet paper roll projects, as well as things like paper plate crowns, sidewalk chalk paint, and gak bubbles.
Inner Child Fun - Kids can learn how to make a duct tape wallet, a paper fortune teller, tissue paper flowers, a foolproof paper airplane, and more.
Muffalo Potato - Kids learn to draw using the shapes of numbers and letters.
Art with Mati & Dada - Animated shorts (each is around eight minutes long) that make it easy for kids to learn about specific artists, from Van Gogh and Leonardo da Vinci to Jackson Pollock and Kandinsky.
Smart Girls - Saturday Night Live's Amy Poehler co-founded Smart Girls to help young people "cultivate their authentic selves"—and its YouTube channel highlights a variety of topics, from "Making Math Fun" to profiles of famous women in history. It's best for tweens to teens.
TED-Ed - Short videos on interesting topics, from "A Day in the Life" videos about various people in history ("A day in the life of an ancient Egyptian doctor," for instance) to brainy riddles for kids to solve.
TinkerLab - An online maker space where kids can learn how to create a variety of things from basic and repurposed materials—from cloud dough and paperclip bracelets to chain reaction ideas and stop-motion animation instruction.
Soul Pancake - Older kids and tweens can explore the world—and learn how to change it—via these inspiring videos.
It's OK to Be Smart - Joe Hanson, Ph.D. helps answer fun questions like, "Humans are smart. Why are babies so unsmart?" and "How to drink coffee in space."
YouTube Channels Perfect for Kids Who Like to Cook
Nerdy Nummies Cooking - Kids will learn how to make a variety of cakes, cupcakes, and sandwiches—often shaped or themed on pop culture favorites (make Star Wars' blue milk or Harley Quinn's famous cheese sandwich.).
The Bow Girls - Two adorable sisters teach kids how to make fun things like ice cream cupcakes, blueberry muffins in a mug, and green eggs and ham.
Miniature Space - Want to see giant on-screen hands making a hamburger fit for a mouse? Kids aren't necessarily going to recreate these edible items at home, but watching these tiny foods being made is fascinating for all! Even the plates and frying pans are dollhouse-sized... and yet it all works and cooks like real (human-sized) things.
Cosmic Kids Yoga - A yoga and mindfulness program designed for kids 3 and up, yogi Jaime makes yoga poses fun for kids by turning them into stories and using some of the kids' favorite pop culture themes to grab their attention (there's a Minecraft yoga story, for instance, that asks kids to use various poses to "survive" the Minecraft world).
Go Noodle - Short videos (they're all under five minutes) to get kids moving, these videos make perfect "brain breaks" during the day. Kids can hop on and learn Fortnite dances, pop bubbles on screen, or hop and jump with Sonic the Hedgehog.
Just Dance Kids - You don't need a video game console to let your kids follow the Just Dance moves. Just type "Just Dance Kids" into the YouTube search menu, and you'll get a plethora of videos that'll make kids feel like they're playing the game (and younger kiddos don't even know the difference).
YouTube Channels for Toddlers/Preschoolers
The Snack Town All-Stars - Join in on the fun with Banana, Apple, Orange, and, Grape. These animated healthy snacks sing fun songs about eating good foods and there are even soothing lullabies for naptime.
Songs for Littles - Ms. Rachel is sacred to a toddler or preschool parent. If you haven't heard of her yet, we recommend you get on it.
Super Simple Songs - Toddlers will be mesmerized watching these colorful videos featuring simple songs like "Twinkle Twinkle" and "Five Little Ducks." Need a few minutes to decompress? Plop your tot in front of this for a bit, and you'll both be happy.
KidsTV123 - Toddlers and preschoolers can learn basics like letters, shapes, and colors with these short musical videos.
Sesame Street - Kids can dance, sing and learn with all their favorite Sesame Street friends.
Pinkfong - It's the YouTube channel that hatched the infamous Baby Shark—and tons of other cute song videos your toddler will love.
WordWorld - Full episodes of the popular PBS show that helps kids learn how to build and recognize letters and words.
OK GO - This LA-based rock band makes music videos that look more like YouTube stunts than songs. The band does all kinds of cool stunts set to their music, from singing and dancing in zero gravity to a dance routine done on treadmills. Kids will be too enthralled to dance, but that's OK—so will you.
Dude Perfect - What started as four friends recording trick shots in their backyard basketball court has become a multimillion operation—and one of the most popular sports channels on YouTube (they have 50 million subscribers!). The friends do all kinds of fun record-breaking stunts, including "the world's longest basketball shot made with your head," and "the world's highest basketball shot (which was thrown from the top of a skyscraper).
Storyline Online - Celebrities read aloud from their favorite storybooks, which are then given some simple animation to bring the stories to life.
It’s time to ask yourself the dreaded question “What will I do with my kids this summer?” Luckily, with a little research, we’ve found tons of cool summer programs for kids that keep costs very low or even free (and some are online). From the Ranger Rick photo contest to Camp Creatology, these affordable summer programs for kids are some of the best ways to stay busy when they’re not in school.
Planet Fitness Teen Summer Program
Shutterstock
This summer program for kids is perfect for your older children who claim to be too old for camps or need a reason to get out of the house. Starting on May 15th, kids ages 14-19 can work out for free all summer long at Planet Fitness. Pre-register here, download the Planet Fitness app and get a digital pass. As a bonus, the company is giving away $10,000 in scholarships to 10 kids. All they have to do is submit a video via TikTok to enter. Get more info here.
The Planet Possible Family Challenge is a great way to make sure there's minimal summer brain drain. This series of projects and crafts from National Geographic hopes to inspire families to get outside, explore the habitats that surround us, and empower kids to understand why it's so important to protect them. Each challenge has three steps:
MAKE IT! A step-by-step DIY for a tool or craft that will help kids explore the microhabitat
TRY IT! Prompts or activities to encourage kids to explore and learn about biodiversity, using the Make It! craft
SAVE IT! Kid-friendly tips on protecting the microhabitat
Cost: National Geographic Premium With Disney+ is $10.99 a month. You get access to Disney+ in addition to a digital subscription to National Geographic.
If you need an incentive to get the kids to go screen-free every once in a while, check out the Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program. Print out the Summer Reading Journal and have your kids write down which books they've read and why they liked them. Once they’ve read eight books, bring the completed journal to your local Barnes & Noble between July 1 and August 31 to get a free book.
Outschool offers dozens of classes and courses for ages ranging from toddler to tween. Do they want to learn another language? There's a class for that. How about beginning hip-hop or even wilderness skills? You can find that too. Check out our favorite classes for kids here.
Get your whole crew involved with Family Maker Camp—it’s a great way to flex your imagination and create something new. Join in on one of their live streams or pick something that sounds interesting out of their project library. Before you know it, you’ll have built a hovercraft or a musical instrument.
If you’re worried about getting your middle or high school kids up to speed in the new school year, Numerade has a fabulous (and free) solution. They’re offering free STEM summer camps covering SAT test prep, pre-calculus, physics, and more.
Research shows that kids connect when they're participating in an activity with you whether it's cooking, playing outside or being creative. The non-profit organization Marathon Kids, which works to ignite the joy of physical activity in kids, is launching a free summer program in hopes of making this easier for parents. Simply walk a mile and talk while doing it. Each day you'll receive a new prompt, there's a special mileage tracker, and by the end, you'll have walked the length of a marathon (26 miles) while getting to know your child better.
Microsoft normally offers free kids' camps at their stores during the summer, but they've moved online for now. Kids can sign up for free online workshops to tour the Smithsonian, plan a virtual road trip, put their Minecraft skills to the test, and more. Ages range from 6 to 14, and while the camps are free, advance registration is required.
Give your kids an exciting and engaging adventure this summer with one of Brain Chase's 2023 treasure hunt programs. How does it work? Kids choose between eight programs that include fun themes like The Pirate's Gold, The Lost World, The Globe of Magellan, and more. Once your kiddo has picked which one, they'll choose three electives out of 15 (depending on which package you select), including math, engineering, cooking, typing, and even yoga, to solve each weekly challenge. Once solved, an original webisode containing the next hidden clue will be unlocked. The first treasure hunter to solve the mystery will jet off to unearth the real buried treasure. The fun starts on Jun. 12. New this year is a series of weekly camps if you don't want to do the six-week treasure hunt.
Your avid reader can help underprivileged kids gain access to books by keeping track of their total minutes read this summer. Sign up on Scholastic's Home Base to get started. From May 4 - Sept. 7, 2023, as kids track their reading streaks, they’ll unlock fun videos, book excerpts, and other exclusive summer content. For every two days in a row kids track their reading streaks, Scholastic, with the help of other sponsors, will donate a book (totaling up to 100,000 books) to underserved kids across the country. You can register here, and check out the info for parents here.
If you’ve got a budding Ansel Adams at home, the Ranger Rick photo contest is a great way to keep her busy over the summer. First, head for the great outdoors (or your own backyard) and have her take nature photos. Then, select her favorite one and send it in with proper sizing (2 MB or smaller, JPG format, at least 600 pixels wide or 600 pixels tall). If your kid doesn’t have a digital camera, no worries! Phone images are also accepted. Recent winners (this is an ongoing contest) are entered into the running for Ranger Rick’s "Your Best Shots" Magazine Award and are selected three times a year. Each winner receives a certificate of achievement and copies of the magazine featuring the winning image!
It's never too early to instill the habit of giving to others. Have your little philanthropists sign up with Kids That Do Good this summer in order to spend time giving back to their local community. The online (kid-founded!) resource allows kids to get involved with a cause or charity of their choosing—or, if you’ve got real go-getters at home—create their own! Once you’ve created an account and found an organization, kids can track their service hours via social profiles and certificates.
Designed to help spark the imaginations of kiddos ages 8-12, this three-day workshop allows kids to explore and expand on their digital creativity. They’ll choose one of three tracks and spend 90 minutes of each day working on their project. Be sure to sign up here to get an email announcing open registration for the summer program for kids (it usually starts in June)—spots fill up quickly!
The Home Depot offers workshops that are perfect for mini-makers. Simply pre-register online, and then show up on the selected Saturday to build fun projects like a picket fence planter. At the end of the two-hour workshop, kids receive a certificate of achievement, a workshop apron, and a commemorative pin while supplies last.
Does your artist dream of paint, paper, glitter, and glue? If so, Michael’s Camp Creatolgy is the perfect way to beat the summer brain drain. Information for Summer 2023 will drop on May 15th, but camps usually run from mid-June to mid-July and are for ages 6 & up. If you don't want to sign up for the in-store classes, online programs are also available.
Cost: The classes are free, but the required materials cost $40 for the entire summer.
Budding bowlers can perfect their technique all summer long thanks to Kids Bowl Free, which allows them to play up to two games a day free of charge. All that's missing is a pair of those sweet bowling shoes. To find a participating bowling alley near you, click here.
Sometimes a dark and cool movie theater is the only way to beat the heat. Your kids can sign up for a punch card or show up at participating Megaplex, Cinemark, and Regal theaters to catch a fun, kid-friendly flick for just $1-$2. Even better, most movies show before noon, making it easy to catch a flick and head home for nap time.
Xanadu your heart out and head for the local roller rink this summer. Whether your kids like to skate or rollerblade, a few laps will get their blood pumping, and the cool, A/C-induced temps are a total bonus. The Kids Skate Free program allows families to take advantage of this offer once a week (during the summer months). Click here to find out if it’s happening at your local rink.
If you’ve got a National Park nearby, be sure to sign up your mini explorers for the NPS Junior Ranger Program. Each kiddo will be outfitted with a handy Junior Ranger guidebook that's filled with historical facts and cool tips about all the National Parks. Every adventurer also gets the chance to complete a series of activities, share answers with a park ranger, and receive an official Junior Ranger patch and certificate. Click here to learn more.
Insider Tip: Kids can earn badges at home by downloading activity books and information packets. Click here for more info.
If you are a Bank of America or a Merrill Lynch cardholder, you can snag free admission at more than 150 museums, science centers, and botanical gardens across the country on two days every month just by showing your card. Find out if your favorite museum is participating, and on what days, by clicking here.
From the popular hands-on outdoor learning program for kids comes a nine-lesson summer course you can do at home. Filled with all sorts of fun like a printable "trail map," reading summer list, songs and rituals for camp, plus articles and resources for parents, each week focuses on a different core Tinkergarten skill: persistence, empathy, creativity, focus, and more.
Keep the summer boredom away with this fun digital learning platform. Kids ages three to seven can learn STEAM concepts while watching videos and participating in interactive online activities. You can try it out with a seven-day free trial; after that, it’s $7.99 a month.
From the creative minds behind Angry Birds, Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Ice Age comes a free, interactive camp-style YouTube summer experience for kids. Every day is new, and activities include making food, doing science experiments, singing songs, and more. Counselors will be on hand to lead extra content and be on the lookout for special guest stars including Sparkles and Beaver and Scribbles the Cat.