A birthday party without guests? In the age of social distancing, we’ve got to make it work! Keep reading to discover the best ways to make your kid feel like royalty for the day. From indoor birthday party games to drive-by parades and virtual birthday parties for kids, these will be just as much fun as the real thing. Keep calm and party on.
A Birthday Parade
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If you’ve had to cancel a birthday party, here’s a fabulous way to make sure the day is still special. Have a group of friends gather in a nearby parking lot (staying in their cars, of course), then make their way to your house. As they drive by, they can honk and wave at the birthday boy or girl and show off homemade signs and balloons.
Take It Online
Gustavo Fring via Pexels
Get a Birthday in a Box from the YMCA! It includes (digital) themed invitations, supplies for up to 10 guests ($15 per extra guest) in the selected theme, one hour of active time with a Y party host, plus a 30-minute Zoom party room, where the guest of honor can open gifts and enjoy visiting with friends and family. There are seven themes, and if you don't see one you want to use, the YMCA will work with you to create exactly what they want.
Jam with Jamie has two fun options for a virtual musical party. The virtual party package for kids ages one to five includes favorite songs, a musical scavenger hunt, dancing and even a few rounds of freeze dance. The party package for kids ages six to eight includes dancing, songwriting, beatboxing and a recorded song after the party session!
SO Fun City has a virtual party package that can include up to 25 friends! Using everyday household items, they'll custom-create a fun activity and send out an invite for guests to click and enter the virtual "party room."
Have a virtual birthday party with the help of the family experience store CAMP. Every day at 5 p.m. Eastern time, they host a 30-minute virtual party that anyone can join with games, special performances and dance parties. Fill out this information form to sign up.
The Amazing Max is offering private, online lessons for either one to two kids or four kids. Each lesson is 30 minutes long, and kids will learn three fun magic tricks using items from around the house: paper clips, spoons and dollar bills. Best for kids ages six and up, this is a fun way to celebrate at home!
The IMAG History & Science Center is offering virtual party themes like “Wizard School,” “Mad Science,” “Jurassic Adventure,” “Space Cadet” and more. There are even to-go party kits available for purchase.
Ricky Roo & Friends, a San Francisco Bay Area puppet theater company will do an online puppet show that includes a personalized puppet story.
If you order a cake from Bake Me a Wish, you can set up a video chat with friends and family, get a birthday song, blow out the candles and make a wish.
Get creative with Art Fun Parties. You can organize a virtual and customized art experience with founder and professional artist Shanna Israel.
Let your little be a Doctor for a Day with a birthday party from Little Medical School! Your party fee includes a Future Veterinarian or Future Pediatrician Toy Set, a gift bag, a white coat and a 30-minute Zoom session with a Little Medical School instructor. You can even order sets for friends and have them sent to their home. Then, on the big day, everyone zooms in for the fun.
If your little one loves princesses, here are two of our favorite options. First is Prestige Princess on Facebook. They’re offering video messages (starting at $25) and video parties (starting at $65) with your tot's favorite characters, from Anna and Elsa to Maleficent and Sleeping Beauty. The party option includes a story time, singalong and a Q&A session. Get all the details on their Facebook page.
Second is a virtual birthday with some of the original cast of Broadway's Frozen. Patty Murin (Anna) has just started working with Broadway Plus, which is a unique service that can connect real Broadway actors with fans for meet-and-greets, and custom parties. If Anna isn’t your favorite Frozen character, you can also book a meeting or lesson with the show’s Elsa (Caroline Bowman) and Hans (Austin Colby)!
No birthday celebration is complete without cake! If you’re up for a baking project, we love this simple confetti cake from Smitten Kitchen. Or if you’re fresh out of eggs, support a local bakery by placing an order for pickup or delivery. Check out our other top healthy birthday cake recipes here.
Use Your Tech
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Put FaceTime to work for your little one’s special day. Ask friends and family to call throughout the day with birthday greetings. If your kid’s into gaming, even better—they can connect with their friends through online games like Fortnite and Minecraft.
Chalk It Up
Gabby Cullen
If you have friends who live close by, ask them to decorate their sidewalks and driveways with chalk in honor of the birthday boy or girl. On the big day, go for a walk or drive to see all of their creations. It's a win-win: your kid's friends will have something fun to do, and your little one will feel the birthday love.
Pull out your board games, and make a night of it with your whole crew. Need to switch it up? Check out our ultimate list of the best board games for every age and stage, or try out a few minute-to-win-it competitions.
Gifting Made Easy
Fort Boards
Thank goodness for online shopping: you can still find the perfect gift for your kiddo without having to leave the house. If you’re stumped, check out our list of toys available on Amazon that will keep them entertained for hours.
Go on a Virtual Vacation
We’re all dreaming of a vacation, but since that’s not in the cards right now, we’re willing to get creative. Littles can pretend they’re at a theme park with these cool virtual theme park rides. Space Mountain or Pirates of the Caribbean without the lines: sign us up!
Order Up
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On their special day, you’ve got to let the birthday kiddo pick the dinner menu! Go for your favorite mom-and-pop shop that’s still open for delivery or pickup, or click over to our list of restaurant chains that are offering free delivery right now. Just be sure to have everyone wash their hands after handling the food containers and before eating.
With art supplies and a little creativity, you can decorate the whole house. Place an order for balloons and streamers online and use what you already have to make signs, banners or even confetti for the occasion.
From shapes and basic counting to SAT prep and AP Calculus, there are tons of free online math resources that will keep your kids minds sharp. Keep scrolling to see some of the best free online math resources for preschoolers on up to high school seniors.
photo: iStock
ABCMouse: Digital math activities for kids two to eight years old
Adapted Mind: Free math worksheets for first though ninth grade
Beast Academy Online: Great for ages eight to 13 with comic-book style illustrations
CK-12: First grade through Pre-Calculus math activities
Dad’s Worksheets: Over 9,000 free worksheets that include addition, subtraction, fractions and more
edHelper: Free daily math workbooks for first through sixth grade
Eduten: Over 200,000 math tasks for first through ninth grade students
eMathStudio: Digital notebooks and tools, like math editor, calculator and graphing tools
Fiveable: Past and live stream courses on AP prep, Calculus and more
Moms know how to get things done, and that’s especially true for getting their kiddos to eat. When we can’t get our own picky eaters to finish their plate, we can rely on fab mom inventors who have crafted sneaky smoothie blends, gourmet baby food and plant-based kid-friendly foods. Keep scrolling to see some of our fave mom inventors who are ruling the kitchen.
Healthy Guts: Sour Lemon Beverage Co.
Mom to four kids, Callen was finding it hard to get her kids to reap the benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar. The traditional taste of the immune boosting drink just wasn't kid-friendly––yet. So in the Spring of 2018 she set out to make a tasty version that was free from artificial ingredients and sugar. After just a few weeks, she finally whipped up a pitcher of ACV lemonade that passed the test! Great for both kids and adults, Sour Lemon Beverage Co.'s ACV concentrates reduce cravings, enhance your body's natural detox process and improve gut health. Made with organic ingredients, there's a flavor for everyone, like Pink Lemonade and Cherry Limeade.
Longtime friends Zein Mangalji, Staci Belew, and Maryl Georgi each come from an entrepreneurial background. The idea for Clarified Living came to Zein one day as she realized she wanted to create as many moments as possible with family, and how her childhood was seasoned with memories that involved her mother's cooking with ghee. So together she set out with her mom, Farida Mangalji, to craft a version with higher quality, consistency and variety. The two found the perfect recipe and started production in Houston. Now the team is busy creating unique flavors that include Jalapeño, Garlic Ghee and Cinnamon/Vanilla Ghee and educating consumers about the health benefits of ghee.
Kabrita was founded by moms and is led by a small team, making this goat milk-based line one of our favorite go-tos! Goat milk is naturally easier to digest than cow's milk, has a mild taste, and is rich in crucial nutrients! Kabrita offers baby formula, snacks, and toddler nutrition formula. Curious if Kabrita is right for your family? Try a free sample!
Mẹ’s Way, authentic Huế-style chili sauces are small-batch, carefully crafted and 100% mom-invented. Founder Chau Tonnu, a first-generation Vietnamese America and mom to a 7-year-old daughter herself, created a product from a recipe that has been passed down in her family from three generations of mothers to daughters. Choose from regular or vegetarian.
When Emily Groden's daughter was born in 2018, she wanted to have easy and healthy food options. When she couldn't find a good option for mini waffles on the market, she set out to make her own clean version that contained no refined sugars or preservatives. The Harvard-educated lawyer soon found herself making a huge career change into the waffle business! Evergreen Waffles are made with 100 percent whole wheat and flavored with real fruits, vegetables, nuts and spices. Each Evergreen variety contains 12 ingredients or less and makes for a quick breakfast or snack, anytime during the day.
You know your baby’s developing new skills every moment of every day. Support her growth with nutritious food that is customized to her stage of brain development. Launched in Sept. 2019, Cerebelly does just that. Founded by Dr. Teresa Purzner, neurosurgeon and mom of three, think of Cerebelly as neuroscience meets nutritional science. As baby’s brain develops, it needs specific nutrients to grow and reach its full potential. Cerebelly’s formulas are customized to the baby’s stage of development, and they’re yummy to boot (it was the first food our Editorial Director’s baby actually gobbled down).
Simply tell Cerebelly about your kiddo’s age and what they’re up to, Cerebelly recommends products to fit her stage of development and they deliver the food straight to your door. The organic blends include combos like black bean/sweet potato, carrot/chickpea, sweet potato/mango and white bean/pumpkin/apple. We’re impressed with taste of the food and felt confident we were feeding our baby nutrients he actually needed to grow and thrive. Bonus: Cerebelly recently expanded to Target!
When mom Beth Porter and her seven-year-old daughter went vegan, they struggled to find meals that were packed with nutrients but still tasted good. After experimenting in her kitchen, Porter developed the perfect amount of organic fruits, nuts, and seeds that resulted in frozen ready-to-eat organic spoonable smoothies. Sweet Nothings was born! Now, the delicious cups are available for purchase online, in 1,500 grocery stores across 10 states and include flavors like Strawberry, Peanut Butter, Chocolate, Coffee and Blueberry Beet.
Ashi Jelinek was at the beach with her three-year-old when she realized that the only options for beverages were packed with sugar. After that day, she set out to create a healthy kids drink that had tons of nutrients and zero sugar. KidsLuv launched in 2017, and now the brand sells their vitamin enhanced beverages that are vegan and contain Vitamins A,B,C and more! Jelinek's products are now sold at over 2,000 locations and at Thrive Market and Amazon.
Australian mom, Antoinette Jackson grew up with a deep respect for sustainable living and respecting nature on her family's rural farm. After touring the world, she settled with her husband and children in Chiang Mai, a mountainous area of Thailand. To help find per place in the Thai culture and combat the feelings of depression from the loss of a few friends, Jackson founded SuperBee Wax Wraps in 2016. Gleaning the process from her paternal grandmother, the eco-friendly product replaces plastic wrap in the kitchen. It's naturally antibacterial and handmade in Thailand by women in the mountains, providing jobs in the community and a sense of empowerment.
As a child, Linda York didn't entertain an interest or love for veggies. It wasn't until she became an adult and mom that she finally started to enjoy them. When she became a grandmother, she saw her grandkids express a waning interest in all things green, and she knew that bribery wasn't the way to help them become adventurous eaters. That's where the idea for "eat-able" stickers came in: using a kids love for stickers as a way to make fruits and veggies exciting. York created StickyLickits, all natural, food-based edible stickers that contain no sugars or dyes. After years of testing, StickyLickits now has their own original characters and licensed Nickelodeon and Sesame Street options, too! Kids just lick, stick to fruits and veggies and eat StickyLickits: healthy eating accomplished!
In 2008, Registered Dietician Katie Thomson became a mom. After becoming fed up by what she found for baby food options, she set out to create a better solution for parents. She met her future business partner Kendall Glynn at their children's elementary school where they worked together in volunteer roles at the school over the next few years. They created Square Baby® as a solution to feeding kiddos. Their program offers handmade meals made with whole, organic foods and the Square Meal System,™ which is made up of balanced meals with organic veggies, fruits, whole or sprouted grains, and various protein sources. Parents can rest easy knowing that meals have half the sugar and twice the protein and healthy fats as most pouches. Square Baby is also the fresh baby food company that offers a comprehensive allergen introduction option for each of the Top 8 Allergens.
As a new mom, Betsy Fore's main goal was making sure her son ate healthier early in life. With a decade of experience as an inventor, product founder and CEO, she and cofounder Sofia Laurell decided that the world needed more healthy, flavorful and textured food options for little eaters and Tiny Organics was born! The company's products helps introduce babies and toddlers to their first 100 flavors that will build adventurous eaters, are all 100 percent organic, fresh-frozen, plant based and built on essential fruits and vegetables.
Ready-to-Eat Meals for the Entire Fam: Nurture Life
When her son started eating solids, Jennifer Chow started making all of his meals from scratch. When he started eating foods beyond the easy-to-make purees, she found she was spending hours making "mini adult meals," like many of her friends. Wanting to avoid fast and frozen foods and provide fresh, nutritious meals Chow and her co-founder Steve created Nurture Life. The company provides freshly made and ready-to-eat meals that are balanced and made from antibiotic-free meats, whole grains and organic produce. Parents can choose from baby, toddler, kid, teen and adult meal options which are then made from scratch, delivered to your door and ready to eat in two minutes or less.
Lynn Lasher grew up in a home of entrepreneurs so when she lost her job one year, she decided to take matters into her own hands. Founded on the premise that when something is "homemade," it tastes better, Lasher started Somebody's Mother, with her first product inspired by her mom's own chocolate sauce. Now, almost 15 years later, Somebody's Mother sells a variety of dessert sauces, with every lid sharing a quote about mothering or parenting. Lasher says of her business, "I started Somebody’s Mother’s in April 2005 to teach my 3 children how to start a business and, more importantly, how to take matters into their own hands and to assume responsibility for their own financial well being."
As a registered dietitian, Lisa Mastela was overwhelmed by amount of nutritional needs that need to be met while pregnant and how on earth she was going to fit them all in. While a smoothie lover, she found it even more challenging to get all the ingredients she needed safely into the blender (an ER-worthy carrot situation really set things back) while navigating the kitchen with a belly. She set out to "help other soon-to-be mamas meet their baby’s nutritional needs and nurture their pregnancy symptoms in an easy, fast, and delicious way.” Bumpin Blends offers total customization based on your taste preference, dietary restriction and food aversions. In addition, customers have access to a Nutritionist around the clock via text message! Smoothie cubes come in 22 blends that support 22 symptoms, including morning sickness, heartburn and fatigue.
In 2012, Alison Cayne founded Haven's Kitchen, a cooking school, cafe and event space all in one. Mom to five kids, Cayne set out to make cooking at home more fun––and delicious. In 2018, she launched Haven's Kitchen Sauces, globally-inspired sauces with all natural ingredients inspired by recipes from her student's favorite classes. Now the mompreneur's products are available at over 300 locations, including Whole Foods Market.
Plant-Based Meals That Actually Taste Great: Splendid Spoon
Splendid Spoon was founded by Nicole Centeno, a mom who realized how difficult it was to attain a healthy-minded lifestyle with a 9-5 job and demands of family life. With Splendid Spoon, she’s made it her mission to make vegan plant-based meals accessible, nutritious and a daily habit that’ll power your day (no need to reach for that protein bar to get you through the mid-morning hangries) through a food subscription box. All meals come ready-to-eat, which is ideal for families on-the-go or new moms who may not have the energy to even boil water for pasta. Bonus: as of Jan. 2020 all of Splendid Spoon’s packaging is 100% recyclable.
Chef Kathy Fang, new mom and two-time CHOPPED champion, just launched Bon Petit, an innovative, freeze-dried, gourmet baby food line designed to provide busy parents a solution to feeding their children healthful, nutritionally rich, balanced meals. If you have ever traveled with a baby, you know what it's like to have to lug around tons of tiny jars of baby food. Bon Petit solves this problem as the baby food comes in freeze-dried packs that are liquid free, shelf stable and TSA compliant. They include whole food-based ingredients with protein, complex carbs, fiber and more. With options like Under the Sardinian Sea which contains Wild Dover Sole, Italian butter bean, oregano, tomato, olive oil and basil, tiny palates will be awakened.
Eat Your Veggies for Dessert: Peekaboo Organic Ice Cream
With flavors like mint chocolate chunk, cotton candy and strawberry, you may think that a scoop of Peekaboo Organic Ice Cream is just another sweet treat. But like most moms, founder Jessica Levison had a few tricks up her sleeve when she developed this line of ice cream that features secret spinach, cauliflower, beets and carrots in every bite. As a mom of picky eaters, Jessica knew first-hand what a struggle it was to get kids to eat enough vegetables. She put her ice cream skills to good use as the owner of Miami's Serendipity Creamery and developed this line of ice cream with hidden veggies. Look for it at a grocery store near you!
Necessity Is the Mother of Invention: Real Food Blends
When Julie Bombacino, an Indiana mom of two, found out that her six-month-old baby boy would need a feeding tube, she didn’t just sit idle. She began researching and discovered quickly that nearly half a million people in the U.S. alone rely on feeding tubes. The tube formulas made her son very sick, and Bombacino knew there had to be a better way. She began to experiment with real foods, pureeing things like carrots, chicken and sweet potatoes, to put in his tube. It wasn’t long before AJ stopped vomiting and began to improve. That’s when Bombacino knew she could not only help her son, but thousands of people like him, and Real Food Blends was born. Designed for people with a feeding tube, Real Food Blends comes in six flavors and each one has just five to eight ingredients. There are no preservatives, corn syrup, dairy, soy or nuts. Not only is it made and manufactured in the U.S., but it is also covered by home health companies and insurance companies.
Eating the Best at Any Age: Harlow's Harvest and FarmBox Direct
Ashley Tyrner, founder of Farmbox Direct, and her 8-year old daughter Harlow, CEO of Harlow’s Harvest, are bringing families together through food. Farmbox Direct is a door-to-door service that brings the freshest vegetables and fruits directly from organic farms. Harlow, a self-proclaimed vegan since she was two years old, wanted to follow in her mother’s footsteps and pass on what she has learned to bring the same quality product as FarmBox Direct to other kids in the hopes of them taking better control of their nutrition. She founded Harlow’s Harvest with Ashley so that parents and kids can make cooking together fun, interactive and educational. Harlow’s Harvest is a monthly subscription box that comes with recipe cards, a science project, background on the dish your child would be making and an online game they can play that is connected to that month’s theme.
Bonafide Provisions was founded in 2011 by Sharon Brown, mom and clinical nutritionist who used bone broth to heal her son’s chronic illness. After her son suffered through years of sinus infections, ear infections and respiratory infections that resulted in numerous rounds of antibiotics, Sharon knew there had to be another way to heal him. That's where Bonafide Provisions was born. Sharon started making bone broth in her home and it is now available to purchase online. Bone broth is rich in minerals, collagen, gelatin, amino acids and other nutrients which detoxifies the body and heals the gut and joints.
If you want to feed your baby the best, but time isn't on your side (we hear ya, Mom!), turn to Once Upon a Farm. Their organic, cold-pressed blends are designed to enhance kiddo's nutrition and expand her palate without YOU having to shop, chop, blend and puree. The ingredient list is simple (never anything artificial or processed). In fact, many of the ingredients are sourced from farms the company knows and trusts. If Once Upon a Farm's mission sounds familiar, you might have heard of this beloved brand from Co-Founder and Chief Brand Office, Jennifer Garner. Garner, along with mom Cassandra Curtis, Co-Founder and Chief Innovation Officer, are bringing farm fresh baby and kid food to high chairs everywhere. These two moms are making it their mission to become a leader in the organic family food space, fighting for and supporting efforts to drive positive social change and food justice for families.
Lauren Jupiter and Jordan Gaspar started AccelFoods to help smaller innovative food startups make it to mainstream, with a specific mission—insure a healthier future of food. They raised the $40M venture fund in just four years and have helped over 30 brands like Kidfresh (all-natural kids meals with hidden veggies), Rethink Water (kid-friendly flavored boxed water), and Brami (plant-based protein snacks) grow their businesses. Not only are these moms inventors and entrepreneurs, but they’re also helping other moms find success as well.
In 1998, Gail Elvidge co-founded Vermont Nut Free Chocolates after her son was diagnosed with a life-threatening nut allergy. It was difficult for her to find nut-free baking products, chocolates, sweets, and products, so she and her husband Mark started the company to help families like theirs! What started as a small chocolate company in Vermont, has grown to nearly 40 employees, offering products like trail mix, gift baskets, fudge, truffles, baking essentials, hot cocoa, and much more. The company is proud to offer 100% peanut and tree nut free gourmet chocolates and products for those with or without allergies to enjoy.
When Dietician Dr. Michelle Davenport became a first-time mom she wanted to find (and make) easy, simple meals for her new eater that were big on nutrition and hadn’t sat on a shelf for months (or years). So, she co-founded Raised Real, a subscription-based meal service designed specifically for growing babes featuring organic baby food. The company uses superfoods and nutritional expertise to create each recipe—each one integrates fruits, veggies and micronutrients that are crucial for a child’s early development. They are delivered in pre-portioned, ready-to-steam packages that cost less than $5 per meal. You can opt to have meals delivered every two or four weeks, and you can skip or cancel at anytime.
Once you pop you can’t stop—not a Dunkin’ slogan but it’s just popping to mind. That’s because the company just announced Popping Bubbles, strawberry bursting bubbles that can be added to any cold drink. And there’s a fun contest in store, too!
Starting June 23, you can try this fun add-on to your frosty beverage of choice. It’s made with color sourced from plants and the strawberry flavor adds a fruity twist perfect for summertime. All beverages with the bubbles will come with a new pink and orange wide paper straw to fully enhance the popping experience.
The launch pairs with a new instant win online game that rolls out on July 2. Follow Dunkin’ on Instagram for the game link, which allows you to pop virtual bubbles to reveal if you’ve won one of thousands of gift cards or other rewards, like inflatable pool rafts or a cash grand prize. Make sure you’re on it, because you can only play during the month of July.
If you’re pondering which bev to add your bubbles to, Lemonade Refreshers launched this spring and would give you that color contrast for the ‘Gram. But you could also be bold and add it to a frozen matcha latte or a Dunkaccino. The options are endless!
Tablet-based edutainment apps are great for busy families on the go, but for kids who have access to a laptop or desktop computer, browser-based online games can provide a much-needed reprieve from tablet fatigue. There are plenty of kid-friendly, educational online game sites to choose from, and many offer a selection of content free of charge. Read on to see our picks of the best online games for kids of all ages.
MarcoPolo World School
MarcoPolo
This award-winning platform offers a dynamic, relatable STEAM curriculum featuring over 450+ lessons and over 3,000 activities, with new content added weekly, this is your go-to for kids from 3-7. With a diverse array of projects, including hands-on arts & crafts, stunning videos and more, your kiddo can travel the world learning about science, technology, engineering, art and math without ever leaving your house.
Featuring more than 850 lessons across 10 levels of learning, ABC Mouse is a one-stop-shop for pre-school and early elementary online education. The website’s online curriculum includes more than 9,000 individuals learning activities in reading, math, science and art. Young learners will be delighted by the website’s interactive games and activities, which are brought to life with colorful animations and fun music, but older kids may find some of the lessons a bit too easy. ABCmouse.com members also can download the mobile app to access many of the same lessons, compatible with most smartphones and tablets.
Preschool to third grade, subscription plans start at $9.95/monthly, abcmouse.com
ABCYa!
ABCYa! offers more than 300 online games for students ranging from preschool to fifth grade. While many of the website’s large collection of gamified math and reading lessons are available free of charge, an online subscription removes ads and gives access to additional content. Nifty video tutorials on the website show kids how to make a variety of crafty projects, like origami tulips and slime. Like an increasing number of formerly online-only gaming sites, ABCYa! is also available as a mobile app for Android, Kindle and iOS, which provides access to most of the website’s catalog of games and activities.
Preschool to fifth grade, subscription plans start at $6.99/monthly, abcya.com
BrainPOP Jr.
While BrainPOP Jr.’s website offers some free content, including select games and videos, the good stuff can be found behind a subscription paywall. Designed for students in kindergarten through third grade, BrainPOP Jr.’s curriculum is standards-aligned and features movies, quizzes, games, and activities that cover subjects ranging from science, reading and writing, math, health, social studies, and arts and technology. As learners graduate to more advanced learning, there’s BrainPop, for fourth graders and older, and GameUp, a companion educational gaming site.
Kindergarten to third grade, subscription plans start at $9.45/monthly, jr.brainpop.com
Fact Monster
Not so much an online educational gaming website, Fact Monster is a neatly organized, kid-friendly online resource for elementary school students to discover fun facts and get homework help on a wide variety of subjects. Curated by educational professionals, the detailed content is rich with information that’s easily accessible and comprehensible to young learners. Students can easily navigate through the website and select specific skills and concepts that they want to explore. Think of it as an interactive, virtual encyclopedia.
Kindergarten to fourth grade, free, ad-supported, factmonster.com
Fun Brain
Started more than 20 years ago, Fun Brain is a leader in free educational online games for kids, offering hundreds of games, books, comics, and videos that help students develop skills in math, reading, problem-solving, and literacy. Although there are plenty of banner ads on the website, the collection of fun, interactive games will engross students who may not even realize that they are learning while they play. As a bonus, site visitors also can read a variety of popular kids’ books and comics, including Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Amelia Writes Again, and Brewster Rocket.
Pre-k to eighth grade, free, ad-supported, funbrain.com
Mr. Nussbaum
Boasting more than 3,500 pages of content, including plenty of learning games on a variety of subjects, Mr. Nussbaum is free educational gaming website created by a school teacher named Greg Nussbaum. The look and feel of many of the games are decidedly old school, but unexpectedly addictive. Students can learn math skills, language arts and geography, among other subjects, through engaging interactive games and activities.
Pre-k to sixth grade, free, ad-supported, with paid ad-free memberships coming soon, mrnussbaum.com
Multiplication.com
Imagine playing Super Mario Bros. and in the middle of collecting coins, you have to answer a multiplication question in order to move on. That’s a little bit like the experience of playing the interactive multiplication games on Multiplication.com. Which is to say, the gameplay is super-fun—at least for students who like math and gaming. Although the website has a generic look and feel, the games are engaging and effective. Most games are free, and a paid subscription removes ads.
Second grade to sixth grade, subscription plans start at $9.45/monthly, multiplication.com
National Geographic Kids Games
National Geographic’s free gaming hub for kids is chock-full of more than 100 fun, interactive games and activities themed around science and geography. Gameplay range from quizzes to puzzles, as well as videos and beautifully photographed stories and essays. Parents and kids can register for a free subscription to monitor and save progress on the website, and a link to Nat Geo’s online store sells neat educational products like STEM toys and science- and geography-related books.
The appeal of PBS Kids online game hub is the free access to a huge number of browser-based gaming experiences based on popular character franchises like The Cat in the Hat, Curious George, Sesame Street, and more. Online games are organized by subjects that include math, healthy habits, science, reading, and teamwork.
Prongo.com is an educational website that offers fun, interactive, and educational games for kids. In addition to engaging interactive games and activities, the website also features free downloadable clip art, wallpaper, kids jokes, screensavers, and more. Online games are sorted by age groups, ranging from matching and memory games, mazes, puzzles, tic-tac-toe, and more. Brain Teasers are timed quizzes that cover topics such as dinosaurs, the human body, outer space, and inventors.
Preschool to fifth grade, free, ad-supported, prongo.com
Scholastic Games
Education publishing house Scholastic’s online hub offers a fun place for kids to spend time and learn while they play. With content organized by age and interest, the site features web-based games and quizzes as well as links to Scholastic’s growing catalog of mobile apps. Much of the content is geared toward parents and teachers, but there’s plenty of fun stuff for kids that’s interesting and engaging, including Scholastic book-themed games, like Captain Underpants, Goosebump, and The 39 Clues.
Kindergarten to fifth grade, free web games, with additional purchase options, scholastic.com/kids/games
Sheppard Software
This barebones educational gaming website features a collection of hundreds of interactive games aimed at young learners. From science to math to language arts and more, the Flash-based gameplay lets players click-and-drag through different activities that will engage young students with sounds and visual effects to make learning fun and more memorable.
Funded by the Starfall Education Foundation, a publicly supported nonprofit organization, the Starfall website was created in 2002 as a free, public service to help teach children to read wtih phonics. Using audiovisual interactivity, games on the website are suited for kids in preschool through second grade. An optional membership expands the free content to include additional music, math, and reading activities.
Preschool to second grade, free with additional membership options, starfall.com
From how we buy groceries to the way we teach our kids to the ways we bond as a family, technology is now a huge part of our day-to-day lives—and our kids’ lives. Navigating the digital playground can be confusing for parents anytime, but it’s been especially complicated over the past year. According to a study done by Google, 2 in 5 parents do not feel confident to have The Tech Talk with their kids discussing topics like online safety and wellbeing, screen time, discovering quality content and more.
The online world can be an intimidating place for parents, but it can also bring families closer together. The same study by Google also found that 42% of families discovered new passions and activities online and that 25% of families surveyed grew closer to family and friends through video calls. The keys to using tech as a positive tool in your family: building healthy habits and teaching your kids how to stay safe online. Here are some tips for improving your family’s digital wellbeing from our friends at Google.
Make the Conversation Engaging
Kids (and adults) are drawn to technology that keeps us engaged, whether that's entertaining us, teaching us something or helping us connect with others. Google Families has tons of tips to help parents have a family tech talk that'll resonate with their kids, including tips on talking to kids about their interests to find the best apps and games for them, teaching kids about healthy screentime by showing them the tools you can use to monitor their tech usage and much more. To help kids navigate online safety, Google also created a free online game that is both fun and informative. Interland lets your child control a character that explores the different lands that teach them how to Be Internet Awesome. As they explore places like Mindful Mountain, they'll learn about sharing with care and being kind online.
Make It Age-Appropriate
If your child is too young to have social media accounts, talking to them about being intentional in what they post may not resonate with them just yet. Start the conversation by asking your child how they feel about technology: What do they think of using computers for learning? What apps or websites do their friends talk about? Have they seen people post unkind things online, and what do they think about them? Asking open-ended questions will help you lead the conversation in a way that resonates with them and their current interests. Once you’ve figured out what to talk about, families.google has loads of resources to figure out how to talk about these topics.
Make It About Balance
Between school, work, connecting with others and entertainment, some tech time is inevitable. What’s important is to make sure we’re creating a healthy relationship with our technology and balancing online and offline activities. According to a survey done by Google, 3 in 5 parents allowed increased screen time for kids over the last year. Each family’s balance with technology will look different, and families.google has helpful tools to help you decide what works best for your family! To get started, check out Google's digital wellbeing guide or practice finding balance with the new Headspace Breathers series for families.
Are you looking for a way to get your kiddos away from the screen? If swiveling their desk chair is the most activity they’ve gotten this week, there’s an exciting new Roblox game that will do just that! Wondering how that is possible?
The popular online game has just teamed up with Hasbro for a new version of Monopoly that will launch in late summer of 2021. Available now for pre-order on Hasbro Pulse, Monopoly: Roblox 2022 Edition board game will begin shipping in August.
For 2-6 players, ages 8 and up, players buy, sell, and trade some of their favorite Roblox experiences including Adopt Me!, Welcome to Bloxburg, Royale High, and more! The entire board is inspired by the Roblox game.
And if that’s not enough coolness for your little Roblox fans, Hasbro and Roblox recently teamed up to bring gamers IRL adventure awesomeness—Roblox-inspired NERF blasters! With themes representing some of the most epic Roblox games. There will also be NERF-inspired online Roblox themes later this year.
Now, the Rebel Girls have teamed up with global learning platform Kahoot! for a very special series of online, educational games designed to teach and empower children everywhere. Read on to get the scoop.
Using digital games on the Kahoot! platform, Rebel Girls will shine a light on Women’s history like never before. Each gaming experience will be curated and released in honor of Black History Month and Women’s History Month. Games will be dedicated to learning more about phenomenal Black women, with quizzes like “Extraordinary Women Throughout Black History” and lessons like “Build a Business Like Madam CJ Walker,” allowing kids to learn in an immersive way.
“Too often, children’s books and education do not adequately recognize or celebrate women’s accomplishments,” said Rebel Girls Head of Digital Content, Lilly Workneh. “Rebel Girls is filling the gap and excited to partner with Kahoot! to bring these stories to life in delightful and fun ways through our new slate of online games.”
Other games will highlight Rebel Girls’ four key categories: leaders, champions, creators, and inventors. Kids can learn a diverse range of women and will be tested on history and the legends who shaped it.
“Empowering learners to reach their full potential is our purpose at Kahoot!, so teaming up with Rebel Girls to empower and inspire children is an amazing fit,” said Craig Narveson, Director of Strategic Partnerships at Kahoot!. “I’m a huge fan of Rebel Girls, and have seen the positive impact of their books with my own 7-year-old daughter. I couldn’t be more excited to join forces with Rebel Girls to bring stories of extraordinary women to life in a new and interactive way for children around the world.”
Hoping to find an online game a little more stimulating than Among Us or Roblox for the kids? Chess is having a bit of a moment thanks to Netflix’s hit The Queen’s Gambit, but of course chess classes for kids in NYC have always been a thing. The pandemic has moved chess classes and tournaments online, making the bar for entry lower than ever. We rounded up the best online chess classes for kids in NYC, and where to play in person when it’s safe.
Although physical classes have been discontinued at Chess NYC, the popular program has a variety of online offerings to choose from. Sign your children up to classes for beginners, intermediate or advanced players — Group lessons are currently only available in the summer (with no dates listed for 2021 at the time of this writing) — or select fully personalized one-on-one instruction.
Private personal instruction is $54 for one lesson, $225 for five, or $360 for 10. Or, you can "study with a buddy" in smaller groups (2-4) for a slight bump up in price to $72, $300 and $540, respectively.
Afterschool classes are also available 2:45 - 5:15 at various levels, starting from the very basics of the game, then advancing on to more involved knowledge, the foundations and tactics of the game, and how to actually apply this knowledge in games. Check out one class for $27, five for $105, and 10 for $180.
Once kids feel confident enough in their skills, Chess NYC offers them the chance to hone their skill in online matches every Sunday for a rolling fee starting at $18.
The Marshall Chess Club has moved its catalogue online with college-style courses. There are many courses to choose from for various skill levels, and classes usually meet once a week for five weeks. To learn more and enroll in the courses as spots open up, contact the club via email.
Weekly meets, games and lessons are also available for a fee of $15 and up ($10 for members), depending on the event.
If you're interested in private lessons, the club has a listing of their world-renowned instructors. To find out if they teach your age range, rates, and availability, contact them individually.
Want to give your kids an early start at chess? NYC Chess Kids accepts kids as young as 3.5-4 years old. Older beginners are also welcome, and classes are available for all skill levels and ages beyond that. Classes take an in-depth look at chess through puzzles, demo boards, analysis, and more to get kids involved in every aspect of the game.
Private online classes can be booked for $40 for 30 minutes, $60 for 45 minutes, or $75 for an hour. You can also enroll in after school programs, which typically meet for 45 minutes between 3 and 6 pm and include instruction for different levels of players as well as practice sessions. After school registration is $220 for 11 lessons or $200 for 10. A trial lesson is available for $20.
A celebrated in-school chess program that works with many schools throughout the city, ICN also holds virtual classes for kids not in their programs. (And players gather with coaches on the weekends for play as well, as shown above.)
Its Daily Virtual Training Club, with prices starting at $445 for one day a week per semester, incorporates a combination of live lectures, rated match play, social opportunities, contests and much more. Players, grouped according to skill level meet after school from 3:30-5:30 p.m.
This unique take on chess instruction teaches kids ages three and up using a story-based approach. The chess board and elements of the board are presented as characters and kids learn chess moves and strategies through interactive stories.
An instructor can meet with you on your virtual meet platform of choice, and will even help you sign up on Skype, Zoom or whichever program you'd prefer to use. Students will also be instructed on how to sign up with LiChess, a free online chess server used by many. Prices are available on request. Not sure if this program is for you? Try a free 30-minute trial lesson.
Developed by World Chess Champion Grandmaster Maxim Dlugy, classes at the Chess Max Academy are specially-crafted with students in mind. Although they avoid fantasy elements, these classes will enable students to grasp the fundamentals of chess with ease and excitement. Classes cost $320 for a 10-lesson session for beginners through intermediate (ages 5-12), and $500 for a 10-lesson session for more advanced students. (13+).
Private lessons are also available (inquire for price). If you're interested in a more self-guided learning process, Chess Max Academy also has a puzzle-based online "school." In this program, students will complete chess puzzles assigned by an instructor, and receive a monthly evaluation of their progress. Access to this online learning experience costs $19 per month or $180 per year.
The Brighton Kids Club offers three specially-designed programs for children to learn the basics of chess, learn to solve chess puzzles, and study the three parts of a chess game. The "Chess for Beginners" course has a free preview you can check out if you're not sure it's right for your kids, and each of the three available classes is a flat $29.99.
Although this isn't a teacher-led instruction, students can ask questions in the comments to begin a discussion and learn more. This can act as a first step to introduce children to the basics of the game before enrolling them in a class.
Don’t let chilly days (or busy schedules) get in the way of bodies moving this fall. You just need a little space in your living room, plus a few few props, and the whole family can get a head-to-toe workout. From freeze dancing to good ol’ fashioned push-ups, we’ve found some cool games, tips and resources like the Nike PLAYlist for getting fit with your kiddos at home. Scroll down for ideas.
Have a Freeze Dance Party
Melissa Heckscher
Dance parties? Awesome. Freeze dance parties? An even more awesome workout. See how long players can stay frozen, and suggest low-to-the-ground poses to work those thighs. If you need a playlist, snag some new faves from these brand-new kids albums that parents will love, too.
What to Wear: It's all about style when you're preparing for your family dance party, am I right? This Nike Air short-sleeve dress has the cutest color blocking with a hint of sporty thrown in. Add on some Nike Court Borough Low 2 shoes and you'll be ready to dance the night away.
Use a Deck of Cards to Get Moving
“Go fish” has nothing on this idea from Nike PLAYlist. Grab a deck of cards and use them to fuel your family workouts with this Shake Up. Check out the video below and get moving.
Create an Obstacle Course
Shannan Rouss
This is so much fun, it won’t even seem like exercise. You can use all kinds of materials or “equipment” including cones, couch pillows, tunnels and even tape! We've got loads of DIY obstacle course tips, from outdoor options to ways to teach kids their ABC's while doing the obstacle course.
What to Wear: You'll want to be comfy when you squeeze your way through tunnels and hop over hurdles on your obstacle course. That's why we recommend a hoodie like the Nike Sporstwear pullover hoodie for a super comfy option. Increase your speed with the Nike Air Zoom Arcadia SE kids' shoes that bring both comfort and style to your obstacle course.
Wrestle With the Kids
Adding silly rules like “no tickling when pinned” makes wrestling with the kiddos that much more enjoyable and funny. It’s a great way to get a strength training workout, too. Bonus: it's one of our favorite screen-free activities and you only need two people.
What to Wear: You don't want to give your opponent any advantages when wrestling so you'll want to choose something sleek for your wardrobe. These Nike Sportswear tech fleece pants are tapered at the ankle and have zippered pockets to keep your gear inside. This Nike Sportswear t-shirt is fitted and made of a soft cotton that will make wrestling easy.
Go Mountain Climbing…Indoors
If you can’t take a hike or make it outdoors, bring the climbing inside (and bonus: you don’t even need shoes!). Take a cue from this Nike PLAYlist episode, which is perfect for any kids who are literally climbing the walls.
Namaste. Turn your wild child into a calm collected yogi (if only!) with basic stretching moves. Introduce the star pose, the butterfly pose and even the mermaid pose—or check out these online resources, where you’ll find interactive stories filled with kid-friendly yoga poses that work for parents, too!
What to Wear: Show off your yogi style with these Nike graphic training tights that have a slim fit to enable you to move like you want to. The soft, flowy jersey material makes this tie-front Nike long-sleeve tee a fun option for girls.
The whole family can get their blood pumping on Get Movin’ Night. Flashcards filled with activities like jumping jacks, somersaults and crab walking are not only physical but exciting. Check out Allison McDonald’s homegrown version at No Time for Flashcards. For more ideas, snag a pack of FITDECK cards. We especially love the Superhero set, it includes moves like Red Rover and Flamingo.
What to Wear: Whether you go with black or gray or violet, these Nike Sportswear high-waisted leggings are just what a girl needs to get movin'. And with so many colors to choose from, these Nike Air Max 270 RT shoes are the perfect option for get movin' night.
Make It All a Game
Kick up the fun factor—and your heart rate—during your next family workout. All you need is some enthusiasm and energy. Get started with Nike PLAYlist‘s episode that’ll show you how to make a fitness game out of “Rock, Paper, Scissors.” Check it out below:
Drop and give us 10! Make like the middle school PE teacher you loved to fear and get everyone working on upper-body strength with push-ups. Do 'em in the hall, in between the beds, in the kitchen, as a team or even while you wait for the kids to find their shoes before school. Head over to Breaking Muscle for other fabulous upper body exercises, all without equipment.
What to Wear: Unless you've been in training for years, you're likely to sweat when it's push-up time. That's why a basic tee is the way to go. This Nike Sportswear "Just Do It" tee comes in a handful of colors and the messaging is on-point. Girls will also love the sleek style of this Nike Air cropped t-shirt.
Your kids have a blast making wild animals sounds and different parts of your body will get to move around when you play "Walk Like Animals." From core strengthening to upper-arm activities, these different walks are well suited to just about everyone. Try the crab walk, bear walk, inchworm walk and more. Take a look at each walk from Therapy Street for Kids here.
What to Wear: If your're going to be squirming on the ground like a snake and doing some donkey kicks, you'll want your wardrobe to be flexible. These Nike Sportswear Tech Fleece pants are comfy to wear and totally kid proof. Pair them with the Nike Heritage Sportwear full-zip hoodie and you can bring your animals outside to try out their moves.
It’s a Plant Challenge…with a Twist
This isn’t any old plank challenge. Nike PLAYlist dishes out this genius idea that makes planking into a game. Grab your family member, a straw and a cotton ball to participate in this fun workout. Get the details below:
Balloons make for interesting play in so many ways—even just one is enough to get legs jumping and moving. Keep the balloon in the air, try to get it as high as possible or just play catch. Psst . . . those gross motor skills get a workout, too! Mama Pauline of Lessons Learnt Journal has a simple tutorial.
What to Wear: Channel your inner Michael Jordan and jump for the sky in these Nike basketball pants with a patch that pay homage to the basketball star. Top it with a Nike Pro Warm graphic long-sleeve training top and you'll be on your way to balloon ball greatness.
Play Hot Potato
Nike PLAYlist takes the idea of hot potato to a whole new, fun level. All you need is a soccer ball (or equivalent) and a good attitude. We love this idea because it’s great for any age or skill level.
Whip out that jump rope and see how many times your kids can jump without messing up. Already conquered jumping rope? Try hopping on one foot or if you have at least three people and two ropes see if you can master double dutch. Jumping games are a great way to get the heart pumping fast.
If you have a PlayStation or XBox console, chances are you know about some of the awesome video games that also have a fitness components like Just Dance and Mario Tennis Aces. But even without a console, you can access free online games that get the kids moving like Sesame Street's Big Bird and Snuffy's Letter Dance Party that also teaches letters.
Whatever your new normal is, chances are you’re spending more time together as a family. We love the idea of using this extra time together to stay active. So does Nike. They’ve put together the Nike PLAYlist, which consist of sweet videos, interviews with pro athletes and sports lab games that’ll give families ideas on how to get moving together.
