With Easter just around the corner, chances are you’ll soon have some extra egg cartons on your hands. Put them to good use with these simple egg carton crafts for kids of all ages that extend far beyond Easter. From flowers to colorful chicks, these crafts that use egg cartons are a must this spring.

Looking for more Easter fun for kids? Check out our Easter games, Easter jokes, Easter movies for kids, and Easter paper crafts.

Chicken “Egg” Cups

How cute is this egg carton craft from Red Ted Art? Not only are they easy to create, but they make great decorations for the kids’ Easter dinner table too.

Bunnies in the Burrow

This adorable idea from Jumbletree is so fresh and fun, and kids will love using it to play with their bunny pals. Making the burrow is simple, and making rabbits requires a few supplies you probably already have. Get the tutorial to make the rabbits here.

Candy-Filled Egg Carton Chick

chicken egg carton craft for Easter
One Little Project

This candy-filled chick from One Little Project is a project and a fun treat all in one! Fill it with your or your kiddo's favorite Easter sweets.

Egg Carton Jellyfish Puppets

jellyfish egg carton craft
The Art Kit

Create whimsical jellyfish puppets when you use this adorable design from The Art Kit. Egg cartons, paint, yarn, and googly eyes are pretty much all you need to create these under the sea creatures!

Egg Carton Pots

egg carton flower pots
Journey Into Creativity

This craft uses a different part of the egg carton—the pointy part that touches the lid. All you have to do is cut out that piece, fill it with soil, and then top it with an adorable and tiny succulent. Attach string and hang for your very own hanging planter. You can find all the details at Journey Into Creativity.

Egg Carton Flower Prints

flower prints are a fun egg carton craft
Meaningful Mama

Let your little Picasso get creative by making egg carton flower prints! This craft from Meaningful Mama is simply fun and perfect for some Spring crafting. Put these works of art in a frame, or get the kids to make some cards for grandparents—you can't go wrong!

Dancing Egg Carton Fish

These dancing fish are a cool egg carton craft
Brainy Beginnings Network

A perfect craft for big kids, these Dancing Fish from Brainy Beginnings Network involve painting and a little sewing. Once assembled, make these gorgeous fish dance or hang them up as a super cute decoration.

Egg Carton Craft: Ladybugs

One Little Project

Turn your old egg cartons into adorable ladybugs with this tutorial from One Little Project. Gather pipe cleaners, pom poms, and googly eyes, and get crafting.

Egg Carton Art on a Canvas

this flower bouquet is a cool egg carton craft.
Mod Podge Rocks

Crafty kids will love making this flower bouquet canvas from Mod Podge Rocks. With brightly colored paint, a little glue, and a layer of sparkly Mod Podge, it’ll come together in an afternoon.

Related: 14 Perfect Easter Paper Crafts for Kids

Spring Chicks Egg Carton Craft

these colorful chicks are a fun egg carton craft
Typically Simple

These cute chicks from Typically Simple can double as an Easter project—and they’re a super fun way to make use of egg cartons. They’re also easy to make with items you probably have on hand.

Egg Carton Toy Camera

Let's Do Something Crafty

Thanks to Let's Do Something Crafty, your kids can snap the perfect pretend photo. Though this egg carton craft may need a bit more grown-up involvement, the kids can help out with painting, braiding the camera strap, or arranging the different elements of the "camera."

Egg Carton Sea Life Craft

Fantastic Fun and Learning

Create an entire underwater world with just four supplies. You’ve got the egg cartons; find out what else you’ll need at Fantastic Fun and Learning. One down, three to go!

Egg Carton Building Blocks

The Pinterested Parent

Using egg cartons as building blocks? Pure genius. Once you’ve cut up your stash, have the kids paint it all in bright hues. After that, the possibilities are endless. Take a peek at the great tutorial for this craft that uses egg cartons at The Pinterested Parent.

Egg Carton Bugs

Pink Stripey Socks

These little guys are more cute than creepy and use up plenty of egg cartons. Parents, you'll probably have to handle the task of arranging the pipe cleaner legs just right. Get the how-to over at Pink Stripey Socks.

Related: 13 Easter Games for Kids

Egg Carton Flower Crown

Hello Wonderful

It’s a project that requires help, but your kiddo will be the queen or king of spring if you decide to tackle this cool flower crown. You can handle the glue gun, they can design their flowers. Find out how to make this egg carton craft over at Hello Wonderful.

Egg Carton Owl

owl egg carton craft
Art and Soul Preschool

Who-who-who's up for transforming an egg carton into a feathered friend? This clever craft from Art and Soul Preschool is super easy. If you have a decently stocked craft drawer you likely have the googly eyes, feathers and paint ready to go.

Egg Carton Masks

Teaching Every Day

This egg carton mask craft from Teaching Every Day is great fun for a masquerade dress-up bash. You only need a few supplies, and it's easy enough that younger crafters can handle most of the steps. Customize with the kids' favorite colors or add feathers for additional panache. 

Egg Carton Penguin

egg cart craft penguins
Green Owl Art

How cute are these penguins from Green Owl Art? They're just the right size for little hands and don't require a lot of materials or time. Couple the activity with a viewing of Happy Feet, and you've got one eggcellent afternoon.

Egg Carton Crocodile

My Kid Craft

Here's a smile, crocodile! This green grinner from My Kid Craft is a lot of toothy fun. Best part? It requires three egg cartons—ideal for using up a big supply.

Spring Robin Egg Carton Candy Box

spring robin candy box egg carton craft
Almost Unschoolers

These adorable little robins are made from recycled egg cartons, and as a bonus, they have a little treat inside! Not only are they filled with your favorite candy, but they're also super easy to make. Check out the step-by-step tutorial from Almost Unschoolers here.

Related: 33 Easter Egg Decorating Ideas That Don’t Use Dye

Egg Carton Ocean Craft

Let your kids learn their imagination is as deep as the ocean with this fun egg carton ocean craft. Use the container as a vignette, where little ones can paint with colors of the sea, then fill it with ocean creatures and plants. Get the details from The Imagination Tree.

—with additional reporting by Taylor Clifton and Karly Wood

 

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

Fun Facts for Kids About Space

fun facts for kids about space
NASA via Unsplash

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

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

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

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

5. One million Earths could fit inside the sun!

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

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

8. Neptune’s days are 16 hours long.

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

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

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

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

13. Sound does not carry in space. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Looking for more space facts? Check them out here

Facts for Kids About Food

find out about hot dogs with food trivia for kids
Unsplash

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Amazing Facts for Students About History

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

7. Frederick Douglass taught himself to read and write.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

15. The Olympics used to award gold medals for art

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

Fun Facts for Kids About the Weather

fun facts for kids about lightening
Sean McAuliffe via Unsplash

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

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

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

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

5. The fastest recorded raindrop was 18 mph! 

6. The US gets over 1200 tornadoes a year.

7. Lightning can strike twice.

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

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

10. Rain contains vitamin B12. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Animal Trivia for Kids

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

11. Shrimp's hearts are in their heads. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Get more fun facts about animals here.

Sports Trivia for Kids

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9. Baseballs last an average of seven pitches. 

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

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

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

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

Get more fun facts for kids about sports here.

Fun Facts for Kids About the Human Body

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

1. The nose can detect a trillion smells! 

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

3. Human teeth are as strong as shark teeth! 

4. Your blood is as salty as the ocean. 

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

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

7. Your nose and ears never stop growing. 

8. A human body contains almost 100 trillion cells. 

9. Fingernails can grow 4x faster than toenails. 

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

11. Humans are the only animals with chins. 

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

 

 

 

Got a little comedian in your household? These Valentine’s Day jokes for kids are sure to crack a smile sweeter than any chocolate. Let the kids memorize a few to share with friends, or write them on a note for V-Day lunches. Either way, you’re sure to get a laugh, a hug, and probably at least one eye roll. If your kiddo needs more joke material to work with, try out our other jokes for kids. If you’re looking for other Valentine’s Day fun for kids, check out these DIY gifts they can make for friends or loved ones, and Valentine’s Day-themed food and treats they’ll love.

Valentine's Day Jokes for Kids
iStock

1. What do you call the world's smallest Valentine’s Day card?
A valen-teeny.

2. What did the stamp say to the envelope on Valentine’s Day?
I’m stuck on you!

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

4. What did the cucumber say to the pickle?
You mean a great dill to me.

5. How did the phone propose to his GF?
He gave her a ring.

6. What did the one sheep say to the other?
I love ewe!

7. And how did the other sheep respond?
You’re not so baaaaaa-d yourself.

8. What did the farmer give his wife for Valentine’s Day?
Hogs and kisses.

cute kids with paper hearts smiling at Valentine's Day jokes for kids
iStock

9. And what did the tweenager give his mom? 
Ughs and kisses!

10. What did one light bulb say to the other light bulb on Valentine’s Day?
I wuv you watts and watts!

11. What do you say to an octopus on Valentine’s Day?
I want to hold your hand, hand, hand, hand, hand, hand, hand, hand!

12. What do you call a ghost’s true love?
Their ghoul-friend.

13. What do you write in a slug’s Valentine’s Day card?
Be my Valen-slime!

14. Knock Knock
Who's there?
Luke
Luke who?
Luke who got a Valentine!

15. Why is Valentine’s Day a good day for a party?
Because you can really party hearty!

16. What kind of flowers should you NOT give on Valentine’s Day?
Cauliflowers!

17. What do owls say to declare their love?
Owl be yours!

18. What did one bee say to the other? 
I love bee-ing with you, honey!

Valentine's Day Jokes for Kids
Obi Onyeador via Unsplash

19. Knock Knock
Who's there?
Olive
Olive who?
Olive you!

20. Why do skunks love Valentine’s Day?
They are very scent-imental creatures.

21. What’s the best part about Valentine’s Day?
The day after when all the candy is on sale.

22. What did the painter say to her sweetheart?
I love you with all my art.

23. What did Robin Hood say to his girlfriend?
Sherwood like to be your valentine.

24. Why did the sheriff lock up her boyfriend?
He stole her heart.

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

26. What shade of red is your heart?
Beat red! 

27. What did one cat say to the other cat on Valentine's Day?
Don't ever change, you're purrrfect.

28. Why would you want to marry a goalie?
Because he (or she) is a real keeper!

Valentine's Day Jokes for Kids
iStock

29. What type of shape is most popular on Valentine's Day?
Acute triangle. 

30. Have you got a date for Valentine's Day?
Yeah, it's February 14th. 

31. What did Frankenstein's monster say to his bride on Valentine's Day?
Be my Valenstein! 

32. What flowers get the most kisses on Valentine's Day?
Tulips (two-lips). 

33. Who always has a date on Valentine's Day?
A calendar. 

34. Knock knock! 
Who's there?
Atlas!
Atlas who?
Atlas, it's Valentine's Day! 

35. What kind of candy is never on time?
Choco-LATE.

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

—Joshua Y., age 9

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

—Joshua N. 

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

 

Valentine's Day Jokes for Kids
iStock

39. What did one squirrel say to the other squirrel on Valentine's Day? 
I'm nuts about you!

40. What did the raspberry say to his valentine? 
I love you berry much. 

41. What's the most romantic utensil? 
A fork because it has Valen-tines. 

42. What Valentine's message was on the honeycomb?
Bee mine.

43. What did one oar say to another? 
"Can I interest you in a little row-mance?" 

44. What are artichokes known for? 
Their hearts. 

45. On Valentine's Day, what did the calculator say to the pencil? 
"You can count on me."

46. What kind of candy is always late on Valentine's Day? 

Choco-LATE

47. What does a Jedi Master say on Valentine's Day?

Yoda one for me.

48. What did the magnet say to the paperclip?

I find you very attractive. 

49. What did the scientist say to their sweetheart?

"You must be made out of oxygen and neon because you are the ONe"

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

Ready for a mood elevator? These animal jokes for kids are the key to a good belly laugh, we guarantee it! Kids will love memorizing these jokes about dogs, cats, bees, bunnies, and even squirrels. Which one is your favorite? Need more giggles? Be sure to check out our silly spring jokes, dad jokes, and the ultimate list of jokes for kids.

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

2. What did the Dalmatian say after lunch?
That hit the spot!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

17. Why couldn’t the pony sing a lullaby?
She was a little horse.

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

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

Related: 25 Cheesy Jokes To Make Anyone Crack a Smile

dad and daughter with their dog, laughing at animal jokes
iStock

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

26. What kind of haircuts do bees get?
Buzzzzzcuts.

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

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

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

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

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

32. What’s an owl’s favorite subject?
Owlgebra.

Animal Jokes Submitted by Kids

33. What do you call an ant who fights crime?
A vigilanty!

—Joe L., age 10

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

—Milo H-R, age 8

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

—Jaxon G., 7 y.o.

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

37. What’s an owl’s second favorite subject?
Hoostery.

—Jokes 36 and 37 submitted by Baylee, age 9

Got a joke you’d like to add? Send it to kate.loweth@tinybeans.com and we’ll put it in the story! 

 

 

There’s a ton of new stuff to pick up on your next IKEA run

When it comes to creating a family home, you love the sleek designs and affordable prices of IKEA (even if you dread the instructions). We know it can be hard to resist their unique decor and furniture, especially when you’re looking to give your kids’ room a makeover, so we went on a treasure hunt and found new IKEA products that are not only fun but within your budget, too. 

SNÖDJUP LED Light

new IKEA products for kids

Say it with a speech bubble. LED statement lights are still all the rage in 2023, and this fun version changes color (to maybe change with your kiddo's mood?).

Buy it here, $30

BLÅVINGAD Duvet Cover and Pillowcase

Make waves in your kids' room with this cool ocean-inspired duvet and pillowcase. Made from a cotton-viscose blend, they're reversible, so you can change it up whenever the mood strikes. 

Buy it here, $25. 

RÄVUNGE Car Track

this race car track is a new IKEA product for kids

Put this 23-piece puzzle-like race track together for easy fun using their massive toy car collection. We love that it's a smaller set that can go from one place to another (like to the grandparents) without much fuss. 

Buy it here, $9

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

TIGERFINK Storage

IKEA products for 2023

Is it a toy? Is it a storage container? It's both! Kids can use this two-tiered mesh storage container as a "home" for all their stuffies, and when it's time to clean up, you can tuck it away in the corner or a closet. 

Buy it here, $18

UPPSTÅ Toddler Walker

toddler walker is a new IKEA product in 2023

Toddlers are busy folks, and this fun walker will help them (and their most treasured toys) get to where they need to go. The handle and the wheels can be adjusted depending on your kiddo's confidence and ability. 

Buy it here, $30

BLÅVINGAD Coral Cushion

this coral cushion is a new ikea product

Tweens love to lounge, and this turquoise cushion is as cool as it is comfy. This new IKEA product is one of our favorites for 2023. 

Buy it here, $15

BLÅVINGAD Submarine Toy

new submarine toy is a popular IKEA product for 2023

This adorable playset is like a 3-D submarine puzzle. With detailed illustrations and five characters, kids will have plenty of underwater adventures. 

Buy it here, $17

Related: 17 IKEA Organization Hacks You Can Easily Do Yourself

TROFAST Wall Storage

IKEA products - TROFAST wall storage

If you need another storage solution for your kids, but run out of ground space, consider installing some new TROFAST wall shelves. You can choose the basket color, the top acts like a display case, and you can hang them straight across or at a diagonal. 

Buy it here, $32

BLÅVINGAD Fishing Game

Kids can learn about respecting aquatic creatures and cleaning up the ocean with this fun new game. Magnetic fishing poles allow players to move things that don't belong in the water into compartments for waste and then move animals into the water.

Buy it here,$15

BRUMMIG Fox Towel

Your clean kiddo is ready to head into the woods in this fox bath towel. Made from 100% sustainably sourced cotton for extra comfort, that hood gives kids extra warmth when they get out of the water. 

Buy it here, $20

BLÅVINGAD Coloring Roll

Ikea products new in 2023

One IKEA product kids love is the iconic paper roll that's perfect for hours of artistic expression. This new ocean-themed roll is filled with marine life; kids can use markers and crayons to color the scenes. 

Buy it here, $8

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation.


All images courtesy IKEA

Wait until you see the McDonald’s french fry toddler Halloween costume!

There’s no doubt your little pumpkin will look adorable in any costume, but if you’re eager to flex your creative spirit this Halloween and pull out all the stops for that must-have photo op, you’ve come to the right place. From stunning and elaborate to creative and hilarious, we’ve narrowed our top picks for the cutest and most clever toddler Halloween costumes. We can almost hear the “oohhs” and “awwws” now!

Teal, Yellow and Pink Butterfly

If you’re looking for a unique, show-stopping costume, this butterfly flutters to the top of the pack. To make this exact costume you’ll need Martha Stewart paints, stencils, and plenty of cardboard. Head over to Tell Love and Party for all the details.

Cabbage Patch Doll

The beauty of this toddler Halloween costume is that you can order it! Now, will they keep the wig on long enough to hit the trick-or-treat circuit? That’s another question all together.

Circus Animal Cookie

This circus animal cookie costume hits all the right notes. It’s colorful, cozy, and completely original. Visit A Joyful Riot for all the details on how to re-create this sprinkled-covered costume. Although this tutorial was technically designed for a baby, you can easily adapt it for a toddler or big kid. Just buy bigger clothes and be prepared to cut out a few more circles—it’s that easy!

Related: Family Halloween Costumes That Are a Freakin’ Delight

BB-8 & Rey

Halloween costume inspo is bubbling over on Lauren Mancke’s Insta feed. The talented designer highlights a costume (or three) a day throughout October. Mom to twin girls and a son Fox, she motivates everyone to scratch that creative itch and go big this season! She also offers tons of great ideas on family costumes, like this deep sea Odessey your whole crew will love.

Pretty Peacock

It may not feel like it, but the amount of time you’ll get to dress your kids up for Halloween is finite. So why not go all out while you can? This Peacock costume is stunning and will make for the most beautiful photos. Use this image as inspiration or follow this step-by-step tutorial to create a similar look.

Carousel Horse Toddler Halloween Costume

Save those amazon boxes! This DIY costume uses the most versatile material around—cardboard. Find all the details on A Joyful Riot, including a template that will get you on your way to replicating this amazing Carousel horse for your sweet trick-or-treater.

McDonald’s French Fry Box

The cutest fast food order we’ve ever seen. Even better, the accessories you’ll need can be picked up with a quick trip through the drive-through!

 

Astronaut Jetpack Costume

Sure you can find an astronaut costume online, but if you want to shoot for the stars you can create your own. Check out Bravery Magazine for all the details on how to make this out-of-this-world costume.

Related: Deceptively Easy Baby Costumes Made with a Onesie

Treasure Chest

Ahoy, me hearties! Why not turn your biggest treasure into a pirate’s booty this Halloween? Use this costume by Wild Ink Press as inspiration to turn that cardboard box into a golden treasure chest. Even better, you can play along by dressing up as a pirate yourself. Family costume, complete!

Awesome Octopus

Sewing skills are required for this adorable octopus costume, which comes complete with soft, squishy tentacles for your little one to play with. If you’ve got the skills and some time, the final result is so worth it. Check out the project at Mermagblog.

Army Guy

Halloween only comes around once a year! So if you don’t mind going through lots of green spray paint, this costume will turn heads and make your little soldier the talk of the town. Check out the full tutorial here. 

Rainbow Wagon

Incorporating a wagon into your toddler’s costume is brilliant for so many reasons. So, when we saw this rainbow weather costume from Studio DIY, we instantly fell in love. Use the wagon as a base, toss your little cloud in, and you’re guaranteed a night of trick-or-treating that doesn’t need to end early! There are tons of options for turning it into a family weather costume, like the sun and rain you see here or even a snowflake or lightning bolt for siblings.

Baby Owl Toddler Halloween Costume

Toddler Halloween Costume
The Love Notes Blog

Whooo is the cutest child around? Yours, of course. This DIY costume takes a little time and patience, but it’s worth it to see your baby owl looking cuteand feeling comfortablein the final result. For step-by-step instructions, go to The Love Notes Blog.

Birthday Cake Costume

A birthday cake for Halloween! Yes, please. This sweeter-than-sugar costume is just what you need to flex your creative spirit and give your little one a costume they’ll never forget. A Subtle Revelry shares all the details on how to make this dreamy fit.

Tiny Toadstool

Wispy House

This teeny, tiny toadstool makes an excellent sidekick for a mini Mario Bros or a fairy princess. Wispy House has all the info on how to make this magic mushroom.

 

If you ask a kid who has the hardest job on the planet, they might say something like, “Fireman, Wonder Woman, and the president.” Touché. Being the president isn’t for the faint of heart; only those with superhero qualities need apply. The fun facts below prove that presiding over the Oval Office takes a special (and sometimes quirky) kind of person. Read on to check them out!

iStock

1. Barack Obama: I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for Ice Cream?
Who doesn't love a scoop of ice cream on a hot summer day? Our 44th president, that's who. He worked in a Baskin-Robbins ice cream shop as a teenager and now can't stand ice cream.

2. Bill Clinton: You've Got Mail
While sending and receiving email is now a run-of-the-mill thing in most households, Bill Clinton was the first person ever to send an email from the White House.

3. Gerald Ford: Paging Frank Underwood?
Seemingly out of a Hollywood (or NetFlix) script, Gerald Ford was the first person to be both vice president and president without ever being elected by the public. How? He was appointed vice president when Spiro Agnew resigned from his post, and then he succeeded to the presidency when Nixon resigned due to the Watergate scandal.

4. Martin Van Buren: Born in the USA  
While it is currently a law that you have to be born in the U.S. (or a US Territory) to become the President, Martin Van Buren was the first President who was actually a US Citizen. All previous presidents were born British subjects.

5. James Garfield: America's Got Talent  
Most people only speak or write one or two languages at a time. James Garfield could write Latin with one hand and Greek with the other hand simultaneously. #coolpartytrick

fun facts about George Washington, the person in this picture
unsplash

6. George Washington: Party of 1?
George Washington was the only president that wasn't affiliated with a political party? Washington was neither a Republican nor a Democrat.

7. Thomas Jefferson: Lights, Camera...
Today, the president is on television or making a speech almost daily, but did you know that Thomas Jefferson had such stage fright that he only gave two speeches during his entire presidency?

8. John Tyler: Big Poppa  
John Tyler was the father of 15 (!!!) kids, more than any other president.

9. Teddy Roosevelt: That's Going to Sting a Little in the Morning  
An excellent hunter and athlete, Roosevelt was notorious for having a tough guy image. Once, while giving a speech, he was shot in the chest during an assassination attempt. He continued AND FINISHED the speech with the bullet still lodged in his chest.

10. James Madison: Hey, Down Here!
For some reason, presidents are characteristically tall figures. James Madison was definitely an exception. He only stood 5 feet 4 inches and never weighed more than 100 pounds.

Ern M. via Yelp

11. Abraham Lincoln: Try, Try, and Try Again
Lincoln lost five separate elections before he became President of the U.S. (Never, ever, ever give up!)

12. Herbert Hoover: Hide and Seek Champion
Herbert Hoover gave all the White House servers strict instructions to hide from him whenever he passed by. Those who failed to do so were fired. Yikes.

13. Chester Arthur: Night Owl
We all know that being the president means you probably have a lot on your mind. Arthur always went for late-night walks and rarely was in the bed before 2 a.m.

14. Dwight D. Eisenhower: Pancakes, Dave?
One of the most important positions in the White House now is being the official White House chef. However, Eisenhower was a skilled chef himself and was known for cooking delicious vegetable soup, steaks and cornmeal pancakes.
 
15. Harry S. Truman: Is it Sean? Stillman?
Harry S. Truman's name is very distinguished. Mainly because of the 'S.' that is included with his name. Did you know Truman doesn't actually have a middle name? It's just the letter 'S'.

 

—Ayren Jackson-Cannady
RELATED STORIES

Mother Nature blessed NYC with some snow? Be prepared to hit the slopes with the kids and check out our list of the best sledding hills in New York City. We found slopes in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Staten Island, and hills for little kids and bigger daredevils. (P.S. you might as well read up on where to grab one of NYC’s top hot chocolates  for an apres-sledding treat!)

Manhattan

Shannon Mcgee via flickr

Pilgrim Hill
The unanimous city favorite seems to be Pilgrim Hill at 72nd Street and Fifth on the East Side in Central Park. It offers a perfect incline, very few rocks or sudden drops and a smooth, level glide that evens out at the bottom. Unfortunately, being deemed the best sledding spot in the city also means it gets very, very crowded.

Cedar Hill
For a more mellow round of sledding with smaller kids, head to Cedar Hill on the East Side, between 76th and 79th Streets.

The Great Hill
Another popular hill for sledding in Central Park, the Great Hill is further north, inside the park on the west side. Enter the park at between 103rd and Central Park West. 

Carl Schurz Park
Don't want to wait your turn? Head a few blocks north and east to Carl Schurz Park on 89th Street and East End, on the lawn north of Gracie Mansion. Bonus: there are two separate dog runs here as well.

Riverside Park
Over on the Upper West Side, some swear by Riverside Drive from roughly 90th Street to 103rd, with a particularly good hill near Hippo Playground on 91st Street. But, the Urban Rangers have been known to host snowball fights, snowman-building contests and pass out hot chocolate at the hill on 103rd Street, so take your pick. The area’s biggest drawback is that being practically atop the Hudson River leads to some frigid winds sweeping in across the water. Bundle up!

Kristine Paulus via Flickr 

96th Street/The Children’s Gate
Enter Central Park at 96th Street for another great Upper West Side spot that offers hills of various inclines, plus benches where you catch your breath. The biggest challenge here is to avoid those benches mid-flight — the ability to bail at the last possible moment is imperative.

Inwood Hill Park
Inwood Hill Park is a choice spot for sledding in NYC, especially kids with a need for speed. It's also less-crowded than spots in Central Park, and offers a nice view as well. Enter at Dykman Street or Payson Avenue. 

Inwood's Fort Tryon Park is another northern Manhattan spot for good sledding. Head to Billings Lawn, entering the park from its southern end on Margaret Corbin Circle where Cabrini Boulevard and Fort Washington Avenue meet.

More Upper West Side Sledding Options
Two other choices on the UWS are Morningside Park, from 110th to 123rd Street and Morningside Avenue, and St. Nicholas Park on 135th Street, the latter known for its gentle hills and being ideal for beginners.

Brooklyn

Allison Meier via Flickr

Prospect Park
Head for the hills near Prospect Park's Long Meadow near the entrance at Prospect Park West and 9th Street. Other favorites include the Long Meadow near Grand Army Plaza and behind the Picnic House at 3rd Street and Prospect Park West. However, if you have younger kids, you can find plenty of bunny hills throughout the park that are good for beginner sledders.

Fort Greene Park
You'll find four sled-worthy hills of varying height and intensity in Fort Greene Park between Myrtle and Dekalb Avenues.

Hillside Park
If you live in DUMBO or Brooklyn Heights, your closest spot is the tiny park that's technically in Columbia Heights. As its name suggests, Hillside Park is home to a respectable slope, and provides ample space to glide to a stop. (You'll likely see dogs romping in the snow as well, as the park is a very popular place to bring four-legged friends year-round.)

Darren Mehl via Pixabay

Sunset Park
Home to the highest point in Brooklyn, Sunset Park naturally provides some good sledding. The sweet spot is the interior of the park between 42nd and 43rd Streets.

Owl's Head Park
Further south in Bay Ridge, Owl's Head Park has nice rolling hills, with a good spot at Colonial Road and 68th Street. But dress warmly, as it is right on the water. Another southern Brooklyn sledding option is McKinley Park; head to Fort Hamilton Parkway and 75th Street for a good sledding spot.

Queens

Jason Eppink via Flickr

Astoria Park
Take your sleds to Astoria Park at 19th Street between Shore Boulevard off Ditmars Boulevard for a fun sledding spot in Queens.

Juniper Valley Park 
For another popular place to sled in Queens, head to Juniper Valley Park in Middle Village. Slopes can be found at Juniper Boulevard North & South near the Tennis Building at 75th Street.

Mary Whalen Playground
If you're thinking of going to Forest Park Golf Course's Suicide Hill, think again. It's dangerous and sledding there is prohibited by the Parks Department. (But yes, you will see families going there.) Instead, Mary Whalen Playground will offer a less nerve-racking — yet still fun — experience at Park Lane South and 79th Street.

Bronx

NYC Parks/Malcolm Pinckney

Crotona Park
The slope behind ballfield #3 at Fulton Avenue and the Cross Bronx Expressway in Crotona Park boasts an official, NYC Snow Day designation, which means you'll find organized recreational activities, snowman-building contests, snowball fights, complimentary hot chocolate, and even sleds you can borrow here. Call 311 to find out when the program is in effect.

St. Mary’s Park
The largest park in the South Bronx not only features hills much less crowded than the ones above, but also a recreation center. In non-covid times, this is a good place to warm up before a second run.

Staten Island

Nicki Dugan Pogue via Flickr

Clove Lakes Park
A local gem, this protected Forever Wild site isn’t exclusively about ecology. It is also a Snow Day site where the park employees put out bales of hay to soften people's landings.

Mission of the Immaculate Virgin at Mount Loretto
This South Shore hotspot for sledding in Pleasant Plains was founded as an orphanage by a priest. The orphanage is long gone, but parents may find comfort in the idea that some angels might still be hanging around looking out for daredevil kids.

For a complete list of city parks that allow sledding, visit: nycgovparks.org.

— Alina Adams & Julie Seguss

feature image: via unsplash.com

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Winter is a great time of year to plan outdoor activities around Boston with your family. Get your hat, gloves and warmest winter boots ready and find a new sledding hill, book a day on the ice or makes some s’mores by the fire. These are a slew of our favorite things to do in Boston in the winter. All you have to do is check off the activities one by one!

Editor’s note: As things continue to evolve due to the omicron variant, please remember to double check information for the most up-to-date changes before packing the kids in the car for an adventure.

See the Winterlights

iStock

It's not too late to catch the Winterlights at the Bradley Estate or at the Stevens-Coolidge House and Gardens. This weekend is the last chance you'll have until next year!

Head to Your Nearest Sledding Hill

sledding
iStock

Boston has tons of sledding hills to choose from. Whether you're after trills on long hills or easy slopes that are perfect for toddlers, you don't have to look to far to find them. So, grab your favorite sled and get ready for a day in the snow! 

Read Stories in the Red Barn

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Cows, crafts and a story are all part of this weekly time for toddlers at the Red Barn at Weir River Farm. Better get moo-ving!

Visit Chestnut Hill Farm

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Chestnut Hill Farm is a great destination for the winter months as there's so much to do there. You can go on a Reindeer Quest or enjoy fire pits on Saturday afternoons. It's a bring your own camp chair situation, but they'll provide everything you need to roast s'mores and find adventures between bites.

Take a Night Hike

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World's End is where you'll find the start of this guided night hike that happens when the moon in out. Hikes are scheduled in January, February and March of this year.

Go Ice Skating

ice skating
iStock

Get ready to practice your triple axel...or maybe just skate a few wobbly laps with your tot (we won't tell). However you skate, enjoy this activity with the kids at one of our favorite ice skating rinks. It doesn't get any better (or quintessentially Boston) than skating at the Frog Pond. Enjoy it while you can! The Kelly Outdoor ice rink in Jamaica Plain is another of our favorites, and you've got through March to enjoy it. Make your way to Winter Skate at Patriot Place for a great big ice rink and amenities too.

Make a New Farmyard Friend

Appleton Farms is where kids can make a barnyard animal friend this winter. They'll soon be calling Angora rabbits, Nubain goats and the resident flock of heritage chickens their buds.

Explore Outdoor Art

boston deCordova sculpture park outdoor activitiy
Christina R. via yelp

The sculptures at deCordova Sculpture Park are just as stunning when they're surrounded by snow or cold hard ground as they are in the heat of summer. Learn about each one during a docent-led tour this winter.

—Allison Sutcliffe & Kate Loweth

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What do you get when you combine Build-A-Bear and Harry Potter? Pure magic! Now the collaboration has expanded with new Hogwarts house hoodies, on-point accessories, plus a Hedwig and Buckbeak!

Your bear will have some serious swag with themed hoodies featuring the colors and crests of Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw or Hufflepuff. To up the cuteness factor, grab a matching house beanie! And to complete the look, you can buy the sword of Godric Gryffindor, a Slytherin locket or the famous Hufflepuff Cup.

We’re in love with the new plush Hedwig owl. She even carries a personalized Hogwarts acceptance letter in her beak! Or if you’re looking for something a bit more exotic, you can buy the Buckbeak, a magical beast that’s half eagle and half horse. Despite its fierce looks, it has soft plush claws and a fuzzy tail.

Prices vary and you can buy the new items online or in stores, some with limited quantities. Head to buildabear.com to get started! And in honor of today’s National Teddy Bear Day, you can enter online to win furry friends for a year. Grab a cup of Butterbeer and happy browsing!

— Sarah Shebek

Featured image courtesy of Build a Bear

 

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